LONG Weeks and Santa Fe Soup

Wow! I can't believe that a week has passed since my last blog. This past week has been a long one for me. Ryan left last Wednesday for the Christian Music Broadcasters convention in Orlando. He was there until Sunday. I must take a second to brag on my husband. He was up for the CMB Echo Award for Program Director of the Year. He is truly one of the hard working PD's in Christian radio. He didn't get the award this time but it sounds like he came very close to winning it. The loss was softened a little by knowing that the award went to a PD from Augusta Georgia. Gotta keep it in the home state :)

I'm so glad that Ryan is back home. I'm just not fit to be a single parent. It's hard work!!!!! My hinny was dragging by the time he came home. Not only was I doing my regular everyday things that I do but I was having to do Ryan's share of things around the house as well. I was up at the crack of dawn and in bed (if I was lucky) by midnight. My body just isn't used to that. AT ALL!!!!

On top of all of the madness with Ryan being gone, my daughter started telling me that she just didn't feel right. To make a long story short.....she battled a nasty sinus infection all weekend. She woke up this morning running a low grade fever, so I decided to keep her home from school today. She isn't a very fun kid when she's sick. Life can become unbearable with her when she's not feeling well.

So, with all of the madness going on, I decided yesterday to make a pot of Santa Fe Soup! So easy and so cheap to make. Plus, Morgan said it was just what she needed since she was sick. The good thing is, it makes alot of soup so we are heating it up again tonight for supper :) Yay me!!!! All I had to do was plug in the ol' crock pot and supper is ready! I'll put the recipe at the bottom of today's blog :)

Well, the sick one is calling for me so I must tend to her :) I am hoping to blog more than just once this week. We will just have to see how the week goes I guess!

Until next time!


SANTA FE SOUP
1 can black beans
1 can pinto beans
1 can dark red kidney beans
1 can corn
1 can Rotel tomatoes
1 (28 oz.) can of diced tomatoes
1 packet taco seasoning
1 packet ranch dressing seasoning
1 lb. ground beef, browned and drained
1 cup water

Mix all ingredients in a large crock pot. Heat for at least 3 hours on low.

Serve with fritos, sour cream and shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Enjoy! :)

Happy Tuesday!!!!

Well, I made it through the weekend! Saturday was a good day for the most part. Ryan and I celebrated our 17th wedding anniversary. It was quiet. We didn't go anywhere or do anything, but we did look back fondly on the day that we committed ourselves to each other. It was nice.......until 2:30pm!

WHAT HAPPENED???? You may be asking. I'll tell ya what happened.......my Georgia Bulldogs got creamed by Oklahoma State!!!! That's what happened. It got loud and it got ugly here at the Springer house. I'm really surprised that you couldn't hear me! I played a long and hard game. Actually, I probably could've done alot better myself if Coach Richt would've thrown me in the game. But NO! He wouldn't listen to me :(

Now, I must say all of that to tell you that my poor husband is a self proclaimed sports atheist! He was raised by a sports atheist! Bless his heart he really tries to understand me but he ends up shaking his head and going to another room to watch "This Old House" or something. Every year he tries to watch a game with me. He does pretty good until the second quarter. Then he starts asking questions that I know my 11 year old daughter can answer. I really try to be patient, but really? How many times do I have to explain that you get 4 chances to move the ball 10 yards? I give up! I love his non-sports loving heart anyway.

So things got pretty quiet again after the beating was over. Then the good part of the day happened. OU lost to BYU!!!!!!!! I can't tell you how happy that made me. Ahhhhhhh, just to know that all those people that gave me such a hard time about being a Georgia fan all week, were now feeling the same agony that I was in! Misery really does love company! LOL

Ok, enough about football, or at least until next Saturday! Labor Day was nice. We ended up making a trip to Kohl's to get a new suitcase for Ryan. He's headed to Orlando this week for a Christian Radio Conference. Morgan is WAY upset that he is going to be at Disney World and staying on the property. I think knowing that her daddy won't have time to rub elbows with the Main Mouse helps to ease the pain a little.

Well, I think I've got ya caught up on the happenings around here over the past few days. Thanks so much for all of the feed back on the laundry detergent. I've already had a few people try it and they LOVE IT!!!!!! If you're thinking about giving it a whirl, DO! I promise you won't regret it.

Until next time y'all!!!!!!!


P.S. The picture above is my sweet Jackson! He was letting us know what he thought about Georgia losing to Oklahoma State. You do know that he will be the next BIG thing for Georgia Football! LOL GO DAWGS!!!!!

Homemade Laundry Detergent

If you're like me, you're always trying to do what's best for your family. Sometimes it can be a struggle when you're on a tight budget. Recently I was at our local "Superstore" to buy laundry detergent. As I stopped to pick up a bottle of my favorite detergent I noticed that the price had gone up AGAIN! But, I had to have it so I just shook my head and put the bottle in the cart and then made my way down the aisle to where the fabric softner was located. Again, I picked up a bottle of my favorite fabric softner and the price had gone up on it as well.

Now, two years ago Ryan and I decided that we wanted to save a little money on our water and electric bill so we bought a high efficiency (HE) washer and dryer. Best move that we made. I LOVE my machines and we have really noticed a difference in our water and electric bills. Ok, with that said, I've been paying out the wazzou for laundry detergent because my machines only use HE or low sudsing detergent. Do you know how expensive these detergents are? We go through alot of laundry around here, so I was running to the store almost every week and a half to buy detergent and fabric softner at close to $10 -$15 for detergent and $5 -$7 for softner. Thats ALOT of money when you're on a budget!!!!!

So, about a month ago I was watching one of my favorite TV shows on TLC about a family that has 18 kids. Yeah, you know the one :) Anyway, I decided to check out their website. While I was looking at their site I noticed that they make their own laundry deterget! And they use HE machines!!!!! I was like, WHAT? BACK THAT TRUCK UP!!!! So then I decided to do a little research on my own about making your own laundry detergent. Now, Ryan at this point is shaking his head and was most likely thinking "Whatever".

I found out that it really is so simple to make your own detergent and it's very inexpensive. WAY CHEAPER!!!!!

So to make a long story short.....I made my first batch and I was pretty surprised to find that not only did it clean better than the high dollar brands but it also softened our clothes (I no longer use fabric softener) and made everything even smell fresher than the brand I had been using.

It has been requested by all members of my household that I only use this detergent from now on. We’ve been using it for about a month now and I’m totally won over. Of course, they love it for the smell and feel of our clothes, I love it for how great it works and the fact that it only costs me about eight cents per load of laundry now!

This is only my second batch that I’ve made up. It seemed to last forever so this last time I actually measured out how many loads were in each batch so I could give you an accurate figure. No wonder it lasted forever, I had made enough for 160 loads!

Before I forget, when I do feel the need to use fabric softner I've started using (are you ready for this?) plain ol' white vinegar. Yep! Not only does it soften my clothes (and no, you can't smell the vinegar in the clothes) but it keeps my machines smelling good and keeps the hoses clean and fresh!

Today I’m bringing you the recipe I use. This one is the hands down winner at my house!


You’ll need:

■Laundry Soap (Fels Naptha or Zote are the ones I have used. You can also use: Sunlight Bar Soap, Kirk’s Hardwater Castile, or even Ivory)
■Arm and Hammer Super Washing Soda (NOT baking soda)
■Borax

Note: You’re not likely to find all of these things in one store. I usually have to make trips to at least two different stores to get them. One store will have the Borax but put it beside a huge box of Baking Soda instead of washing soda and then another will have the soap. Just have fun shopping around for what you like but be sure you remember where you got everything! I am going to show you a recipe for detergent to make about eighty loads worth but I recommend you get four bars of soap and go ahead and make 160 loads worth because there is enough Borax and Washing Soda in one box to do that much. This will give you the absolute best savings!

The only real work involved is grating your soap. I use a cheese grater for this. I really want to use my food processor but I’m worried about hard soap damaging or dulling my blades so cheese grater it is! I get about three cups of soap shavings from each bar. Measurements will vary according to the size of your bar soap and how finely it is ground. We’re grating this kind of fine so it melts easier in the water. If you like, you can run the shavings through the food processor when you are done to make it finer but this works just fine for me.

Measure out your soap grounds in a large mixing bowl. This is where the recipe gets easy. However many cups of soap shavings you have, half that to know the number of cups of Washing Soda and Borax to put in. So for six cups of soap shavings, use three cups of borax and three cups of washing soda! Measure out the washing soda and borax then stir all of that up! You’ll have to stir a bit each time you scoop some out to get a good ratio of soap shavings to powder but that’s no big deal.


I store mine in a glass container with a lid and leave a 1/8th of a cup measuring cup in there to measure it out. Can you believe this only takes two tablespoons per load? Seriously! I put this to the test, too. I’ve figure out that two tablespoons is pretty close to 1/8th of a cup so that is the measurement I use now.

The main difference you will notice between this and store bought detergents is that this detergent doesn’t suds up as commercial ones do. Don’t let that deter you! Once you pull out your first load of clean, fresh smelling, naturally soft and fluffy laundry, that only cost YOU eight cents to clean, you’ll be hooked.

If you decide to try making your own detergent let me know how it works for ya. I know that you'll love it and love the savings! Happy washing :)

Homemade Laundry Detergent

■4 Bars Laundry Soap (to yield 12 cups of soap shavings)
■6 Cups Borax (this is roughly one box)

■6 Cups Washing powders (this is roughly one box)
Grate soap using cheese grater. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and stir well. Place in sealed container and measure out two tablespoons for each load.

Pumpkin Bread & Georgia Bulldog Football

We had a busy weekend here at the Springer house. Every year exactly one week before the first Georgia Bulldog football game of the season, we have our "Hanging of the Red" ceremony. Basicly we get out all of our festive gear, cover the mailbox, hang the garden flag, get out the UGA china. You know all of our "stuff". We always have a blast doing it and it really gets us (well, more me than anyone else)ready to cheer on the Bulldogs!!!!

It has been unseasonably cool here over the past few days and I'm enjoying every minute of it. It's been nice to turn off the AC and open the windows. Ahhhh.....just love the fresh air!!! Now of course this time next week we could be blazing hot again. I guess we are entering that wacky Summer/Fall strange weather pattern.

We decided after church on Sunday to run out to our local apple orchard for some lunch. While we were there we bought a half of a peck of just picked Jonathon red apples. Yep! Momma is gonna make an apple pie with those babies!!!!

Today, since we didn't even crack the 70's, I decided to make a couple of loaves of pumpkin bread. I tell ya, there just isn't anything like the smell of fresh pumpkin bread baking in the oven to make you want the fall to hurry up and get here already! It smells so good!

Ok, well, I believe that we are caught up with what's happening here at the Springers. I hope that you all have a wonderful week and hope that all of you are getting as excited as I am for the kick off of football season! GO DAWGS!!!!!

Until next time!


Pumpkin Bread

3 1/3 cups sifted all purpose flour
2 tsp. baking soda
1 1/2 tsp. salt
3 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
1 tsp. cinnamon
3 cups sugar
4 eggs
2/3 c. water
14 oz. can of pumpkin
1 c. vegetable oil

*Combine all dry ingredients.
* Add wet ingredients and mix well.
* Pour batter into 2 greased and floured bread pans.
* Bake in a 350 degree oven for 1 hour and 15 min. or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Enjoy!!!!

No More Excuses!

So this morning I was on Facebook and saw that a friend of mine has started blogging. She is a mother of 8.......yes, that's right a mother of 8 and if she can find time in her hectic schedule to blog, then so can I can! NO MORE EXCUSES!!!!

Well, since my last post Jackson has turned 1 and Morgan is now 11 years old. Morgan is now back in school and is officially a 6th grader and is in middle school! How time flies. Seems like yesterday I was dropping her off at pre-k. I'm just not ready for her to grow up. I'm holding on like crazy to Jackson. We tease all the time that he's never gonna grow up and he is gonna live at home with mommy for the rest of his life. :)

Ok. I've got tons to do today and I'm already way behind. We had a long night of severe weather. I wasn't able to get enough sleep so I slept a little longer this morning than I would've liked. I've got a mountain of laundry that isn't getting washed by itself and Jackson needs to be changed and put down for his morning nap.

So, I promise to get back on the ball and start blogging again! Until my next post....have a fabulous day!!!!!


P.S. Check out Shannon's (my friend on facebook) blog! www.myshannonigans.blogspot.com

I know, I know!!!!!

I know that it's been a while since I've posted to my blog. Life gets busy and time just flies!!!!! I promise to get back in the game......I just need a little push! I guess I just figure that there just isn't anyone out there who really want to hear about my really boring life. It's a busy life.......but it's boring.

Ok.....so I just want to let ya'll know that I am still alive and breathing!!! Now, I must go and chase down Jackson! He is into EVERYTHING now. Never a dull moment with a 10 month old! HA!

In Remembrance - April 19, 1995

14 years ago today, the world that I knew as secure and "safe" came to a screeching hault. No one in Oklahoma City that day ever thought that something so horrific, terrible and disturbing would or could ever happen in our own backyard. We all learned a lesson that day. It can happen to anyone, anywhere at anytime.

Today, I want to remember those who were lost that day and those that were left behind. The following are a few of the lives that have touched my life. Maybe not directly, but through the people that they left behind.

Scott D. Williams

"Scott Williams, 24, of Tuttle would have been a new father in about two months. His wife, Nikki Williams, is expecting their first child, a girl they already had decided to name Kylie."He was a wonderful person," said his aunt, Linda Lekawski. Williams, a salesman for William E. Davis and Sons Food Inc., was making a delivery to the child-care center at the federal building."

Miss Baylee Almon

Baylee Almon, who celebrated her first birthday the day before the terrorist bomb took her life, is described by family members as having a loving, heart-filled smile. An amateur photographer snapped her photo as a firefighter carried her away from the destroyed building. The photo appeared on the front pages of newspapers and magazines worldwide. Of all the thousands of photos taken at the site, the photo of Baylee captured the horror of the bombing and took it straight to the heart of a sorrowful nation.

Chase Dalton and Colton Wade Smith

"Brothers Colton Wade Smith and Chase Dalton Smith wanted to be together all the time, said their mother, Edye Smith. "They loved each other. They didn't want to go anywhere without the other," she said. The Oklahoma City boys died together in the bombing, shortly after Edye Smith dropped them off at the America's Kids day-care center at the federal building. The boys' father is Tony Smith. Edye Smith said the boys would be walking down the street and pass someone and Chase would quickly say, "Hi, mister. How're you doing?" Also, Barney was their favorite television show. "They were happy. They were real free-spirited," she said. "They were sweet." Chase, 3, and Colton, 2, were the only children of Edye Smith. "You can never hug and kiss your child too many times," she said."

A Sad Day......

Today my sister Jennifer had to do the unthinkable when it comes to the care of your beloved pet. She had to have her 7 1/2 year old Besenji - Kenya to sleep. I hated that Jenn had to do that but we all know that it was in Kenya's best interest. She had a stroke about a year ago and just hasn't been right ever since. Jenn found out over the weekend that most likey Kenya had a brain tumor. In recent days Kenya began to getting aggressive with Jenn and my nephew Aiden. This was not KiKi's temperment at all. Jenn knew it was time.

I think that I've cried a bucket of tears today myself. Just remembering that everytime I've stayed with Jenn and Scott, Kenya ALWAYS slept with me. She would always curl up next to me when I was sitting down and just wanted me to love on her. I'll miss you KiKi!!!!!!

I'm thinking about you today sis! Love you very much :)

We Survived and are Still Alive!!!!

Well, I know that it's been a few days since I last posted. I'm sure you're wondering how we all fared with all of the sickness that we've had as of late here at the Springer house. WE SURVIVED AND ARE STILL ALIVE!!!!

It all started with Miss Morgan almost 2 weeks ago. She came to me right before bed one night complaining of her throat hurting and feeling achey. Of course, I blew it off as, Um.....it's Sunday night and someone doesn't want to go to school tomorrow. That's what I get for jumping to conclusions cause before I could say anything she added that she didn't want to stay home from school because of a fun project that they were going to be working on and she didn't want to miss it. I knew then that she was serious and really wasn't feeling well.

A few days later, Ryan called me from work complaining that his sinuses all of a sudden were draining like a faucet and that his throat was beginning to get sore. By nights end, he too had fallen to the dreaded disease. I was doing all that I could to keep little Jackson and myself away from my disease ridden family. If I could've wrapped Jackson and myself in bubble wrap and put in a disease-free plastic bubble, I would've done it!!!!! By the time Friday rolled around, Ryan was taking the day off because he didn't have a voice and was just feeling really cruddy. Saturday morning he woke up early (which he NEVER does) and told me that he needed to see a doctor. I should've scooped up Jackson right then and ran for the hills.

Sunday afternoon, I noticed that Jackson (whom in his 8 short months of life has NEVER been sick) wasn't acting right and had a slight cough. Then the sneezing and the crying began, yep that was me! I too was becoming a casualty of the sickness monster. Of course, I don't have the luxury of sleeping it off or even just taking the day off to recoup! I'm mom and life as we know it would come to a screeching hault! So I say that to say that this stuff is hanging on with me. Jackson recovered quickly!

So here I am, alive and well! I think that I'm beginning to feel human again. Hence, another saga in the day (or shall I say weeks) of the Springer clan. May we all stay well for a very long time. I can't handle another few weeks of constant sickness! I'm so ready for the weather to warm up and stay warm. We all could use some springtime fresh air!

Hope you and your family are staying well!

A Nose In Need

OK! I have to admit that I have been defeated!!!!
I did however put up one heck of a fight. I didn't go down easily.....however, I am down for the count.
Yep.....sniffling, sneezing, stuffy head, aches, chills, coughing and my teeth hurt!!!!!! When you go to brush your hair and that hurts, you know that you are sick.
Now that I've updated you on my misery, I'm gonna go lay down while Jackson is taking his nap.
Hope everyone else out there is alive and well! I'll catch up with ya'll in a day or two! AAAAA CHOOOO! Excuse me! Cough Cough

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!!!

Well, yesterday Ryan woke up feeling worse than he has all week. He actually took Friday off (which he NEVER does) because he felt so bad and he had no voice. He decided that it was time to see a doctor! Wow! I knew he was seriously not feeling well because he avoids going to the doctor like one tries to avoid the plague.

The diagnosis: A really bad sinus infection! I could have told him that!!!!!! Sheesh, should've gone to med school!

After taking NyQuil every 6 hours and a few rounds of antibiotics, Ryan is feeling somewhat human today. At least that is what he is telling me. I'm so glad cause he is no fun when he isn't feeling well!

Morgan is feeling better. I'm glad cause she is not one that you want to be around when she is sick. So not like me at all. When I'm sick, I want my mommy. Morgan wants to seriously HURT you if you come near her.

Now, I say all of that to say this.........I woke up this morning with a sore throat and a stuffy nose!!!! I keep telling myself, "You're NOT getting sick, You're NOT getting sick, YOU'RE NOT GETTING SICK". You see, I just don't have time to get sick. Plus, there is a rule in the Springer House........Mom isn't allowed to get sick! I don't have the luxury of laying around and sleeping it off. I still have an 8 month old to care for (by the way, he is remarkably well!) but I still have my everyday stuff to deal with. If my world comes to a screeching halt and the whole world comes to an end, so to speak.

Well, I'm gonna go take some more Sudafed and suck it up! I'M NOT GETTING SICK!!!!!!!


**I almost forgot! I told you that I would let you know how the Jonas Brother Movie turned out......It was surprisingly good! We ended up going to the 4 PM showing, so there wasn't alot of screaming pre-adolecent girls! I highly recommend it if you have a pre-teen girl in your house. :)

When Will It End?????

OK! So at least the dog decided to cooperate last night! Jackson however was up again every two hours. I think that my body is beginning to get used to the fact that it just isn't going to get the sleep that it needs. I think that I'm on auto pilot!

Today, my husband is home from work. He has been battling sinuses for the past week. Ryan and sinuses aren't a good mix since he is in radio and has the afternoon drive show. To make a long story short.........he has no voice!

I've decided that since Ryan is at home today that I will surprise Miss Morgan this afternoon when she gets home from school and take her to see the new Jonas Bro. 3D movie. Yay me!!!! I look forward to spending an hour and a half with a bunch of screaming out of control school girls. I'll make sure to take plenty of Advil before I leave. :)

Ok! So now ya'll are caught up on what's going on in my world today! Just another ordinary day for Miss Jana. I'll give ya an update on the movie tomorrow.

Until then..........

A Very Long Night And A Long Day Ahead

Between Jackson and Maggie (my 80 lb. bassett hound) I was pretty much up all night last night. Seemed like as soon as I would just get to sleep, Jackson would start crying. I'd get back in my nice warm comfy bed and start to get back to sleep, Maggie would start to wimper. I'd get up let her outside to do her "buisness", get her back in her crate, and then try to get back to sleep. Only to have Jackson, once again start to cry. It was a very long night!

Yesterday was such a beautiful day! The sun was out and it was warm enough to go outside without a jacket. It was perfect!!!! Then I opened the blinds this morning after such a long night to find that it is so foggy outside, I could hardly see the neighbors house behind me. Then to find out that we are in for rain and thunderstorms all day today. Yippee!!!!! And to top it all off.....Jackson is still cranky! Oh what joy!

With all that said..........I WILL try to find the good in it all! I'll just say a little prayer and keep going!

Been Gone For A While!

Hey everyone! Sorry that I have been gone for awhile. I promise to pick things up again. Just need to get my thoughts in order. Hope everyone is well!

Jana

A Letter To Family & Friends

Dear Family & Friends,

On the day of inauguration, I wanted to reach out to all of my friends and ask that at some point today, you take a moment to pray for the future of our country - if not for our sake, for the sake of our children and their children. Despite your political views, the current state of our country demands prayer. Pray for our new President and his advisers. Pray for the state of affairs in the midst of an economic downfall. Pray for our children's education. Pray WITH your children for the future of our country. Pray for the job situation - I personally know several people who have recently lost their jobs. Pray for our military and their families.

I am thankful for the vast majority of Christians in this country, but ashamed at our silence in recent years. I challenge you to prayer and testimony, especially over the next 4 to 8 years. Stand up for what you truly believe in and prove that we have a freedom of speech and freedom of religion, which is part of the reason we live in the greatest country in the world.

I'll be praying and testifying - I am not ashamed. I was not ashamed to write this letter to all of you, regardless of what you believe. Delete if you want to or pass on to your friends and family - whatever you choose is fine with me. Personally, I've never felt more called to faith than at this point in my life and I intend to pray hard, daily, on my knees, with absolutely no shame. God is the only one in control of our future but we have to ask for His help and pray unceasingly. I know I'm right with God. Are you in?

~If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.~

Happy Birthday David Ryan Springer!!!!!!

Today is my husband, Ryan's 37th birthday! I hope that it has been a good one for him. I haven't seen him at all! I chatted with him just briefly.

I'm a terrible wife! I haven't had a chance to get a card or a gift this year! These frigid temperatures that we have been having has kept me indoors. I just haven't wanted to get Jackson out in this mess. By the time Ryan gets home from work, the temps are just unbearable.

We are planning on going out to eat tonight. I guess Eskimo style! I'm going to bundle up our two precious offspring like the kid from A Christmas Story! You know, the one that looks like a tick and can't put his arms down. I'm sure it will be quite a sight to see.

I will at some point this weekend, go and get him a gift. Not sure what to get the guy who pretty much already has everything! I was thinking a new pair of shoe, but he has more shoes than I have so , I think not! Maybe a new shirt? Nope, he takes up more space in the closet with his wardrobe than mine! Maybe a nice piece of electronics? I don't even dare to go there. I bought him a laptop computer two year ago for Christmas. Well, I don't even want to re-live that fiasco! I'll keep ya updated on what His Princeliness ends up with!

I love you Ryan Leigh! I hope you have had a super duper wonderful day!

~The picture above is a rare picture! Ryan doesn't like sports, so this is really hilarious! I can just see him in the outfield picking daisies and praying that the ball doesn't come to him!!!! LOL!

Jan. 13, 1976: The Day My Life Dramatically Changed Forever!

Tuesday January 13, 1976 started off like any other day for me. Except when I woke up that morning my Nannie and Paw Paw were at the house and my mom and dad were gone. Where had they gone, you ask? I had absolutely no idea, but I didn't really care because Nannie and Paw Paw were there and I knew it was going to be a gloriously fun day!

I ate my breakfast, played a game of hide and seek with my grandfather and I'm sure I watched Mr. Rogers Neighborhood, Sesame Street and The Electric Company. Ah....now this was the life. Who could ask for anything more? I'm sure I had a little nap that day after a really nice lunch. I woke up ready to play some more with my Paw Paw. Oh and play we did! I worked up quite the appetite, so my Nannie made me a nice little snack. I was eating that nice little snack when IT happened! At precisely 3:30pm my fun little world changed dramatically FOREVER!

The phone rang and my grandmother got all excited! She hugged my grandfather and was asking alot of questions. Of course, it really didn't bother me at the time because I new that once she got off the phone life would resume and the fun would begin once again. NOT SO MUCH! She picked up the phone and made call after call after call! She was so happy! Of course she was, I was the center of her universe! Or so I thought.

Next thing I know we were putting on our coats, hats and mittens. AWESOME! We were going to go on a little adventure. I loved going to fun places with my grandparents! They always took me to best places. Again, not so much on this day! We ended up at a hospital. A HOSPITAL! What the heck are we doing here, is what I'm sure my little four year old mind was thinking. We walked up to a window outside the hospital. Now my curiosity was getting the best of me. Why were we not going inside? It's cold out here for goodness sake! (I found out later that they would not allow children under the age of 10 to visit patients.) Then the curtains were pulled back and there stood my daddy. DADDY! Now where have you been all day? Work? And why are you at the hospital? Oh, and there is mommy! Why is she laying down in a bed? Cough due to a cold or something?

Then IT happened! My daddy held up this wad of blankets that seemed to be moving a bit. A puppy maybe? Oh cool! I wanted a puppy! Not so much! He turned the little bundle around and there IT was! This toe-headed, pale, and wrinkled baby doll? Then my grandmother said "THE WORDS"! The words that would forever be burned into my ears! Look Jana Leigh! It's your baby sister!

BABY SISTER? Whoa! I don't ever remember asking for or ordering one of those! Ya'll just need to send that back! But, they didn't send it back. In fact, they brought it home. Can you believe that? They actually brought that crying, scrawny and stinky thing home!

Now, 33 years later, I can say that I am glad that they brought that crying, scrawny, toe-headed, wrinkled and stinky thing home. Even though we didn't get along very well growing up and actually hated each other for awhile, she was probably one of the best things that ever happened to me. God knew what he was doing on January 13, 1976 at 3:30 pm. He gave me my best friend! He gave me my sister!

Happy 33rd Birthday Sasquatch! May the next 33 be just as good! Love you girl!

~The picture above is of Jennifer at age 3 or 4 years of age.

Remembering Where I Come From and Good Southern Manners

When I woke up this morning I realized that I had to make a mad dash to Wal-mart so that I could get what I needed for supper tonight. I also realized that it is going to be insanely cold the next few days, so I had better be prepared with another meal, just in case.

While at our lovely Champaign Wal-mart, I was reminded of how unmannerly people here are. A man, knowing that I was trying to get to a product that he was standing in front of, refused to budge from where he was standing. I stood there for a few seconds and then politely said, excuse me but may I reach in front of you to get that can of kidney beans? He looked at me as if I had grown horns from the top of my head, grunted and moved.

As I was checking out, the cashier didn't look at me one time nor did she try to acknowledge my presence. The only thing that was said was " $63.10". When I was finished paying I said to the cashier, " Thank you very much. Have a great day". You could tell that she wasn't expecting me to say that to her. She stumbled over her words as she tried to say thank you.

Ryan and I have been amazed at how rude the people here are. Now, not everyone in Champaign/Urbana are rude, but for the most part they are. I can't tell you how many times I have gone to open a door only to have a man walk in front of me and not hold the door open. Things like that just erk me! If someone does something nice, you say thank you. Not so much here.

Now, where I come from you would be considered uppity or uncivilized if one were to do the things that I just talked about. Very improper! So, I have compiled a list of simple southern manners that everyone should know. I am raising my kids to use these manners and I am trying to instill them in my husband as well.

If you're not from the U.S. South, you may wonder why we southerners behave the way we do toward one another in terms of manners. Having proper manners in our everyday actions is a way of life in the South. They stem from our famed southern hospitality. Manners matter in Dixie. Good manners make life more pleasant for everyone, and you can never take them too seriously in the South. Having bad manners will cause other southerners to question your upbringing. So, if you want to know more about southern culture, are planning a trip to or within the South, are planning to move to the South, or are from the South and need to brush up on your manners, then this article is here to help. Remember that good manners are not reserved for special occasions. They are something you do every place and every day, and our friendships and relationships are based on how we treat others on a daily basis.

MANNERS TO LIVE BY:

Above all, say "please" and "thank you". Always saw please whenever making any sort of request. You may further express thanks by saying something like "Thank you very much, I really appreciate it." If you don't get what you want, say something like "well, thank you anyway." You should also use "May I," "You’re Welcome," "Excuse Me," and "Pardon Me."

Also say "yes sir" or "no sir" and "yes ma'am" or "no ma'am" at all appropriate times. If you don't use these you may be viewed as arrogant or disrespectful, or uppity.

Several fundamental tenets of southern manners:

-Be humble - Always put others first and yourself last ("after you..."). This is rooted in Bible Belt theology. Acting uppity, selfish, or self-centered are certainly not good manners.

-Be courteous - This stems from the Golden Rule ("Do unto others as you would have them do unto you).

-Behave yourself - When in public, don't be rude, brash, loud, uncouth, coarse, or cause a commotion. If you do act that way people may think you weren't raised properly and don't know better.

-Be friendly - Act this way towards everyone whether you know them or not.

-Be modest - this is similar to being humble. In other words, don't brag on yourself.

~Here are some other tips (but this is not an exhaustive list of course):

-Always ask for something, but never demand it.

-Refer to females as "Ladies".

-Chivalry of all forms is well appreciated throughout the South.

-Hold doors open for others.

-If you're a male, walk on the street side of a sidewalk when accompanying a lady.

-Men stand when a lady enters the room.

-Remove your hat, if you're a male, when entering a building. A hat should also be removed (by men) during the national anthem, the raising of the flag, funeral processions, and prayer.

-When at fault, own up to it and say you're sorry.

-Say "pardon me" or "excuse me" when having to walk in front of someone or if you bump into someone.

-Err on the side of being too nice.

-Know proper table manners and always use them.

-Make eye contact with people and say "hi, how are you" or an appropriate greeting to them depending on the time of day ("good morning", "good afternoon", etc.).

-Conduct small talk with others whether you know them or not (particularly in stores and restaurants, etc.).

-Respect elders

-Be gracious and extend hospitality whenever possible. Offer guests in your home food and drink.

-Don't interrupt.

-Shake hands with a firm grip.

-Don't be in a rush and impatient all the time. Things move at a different pace in the South.

-Keep your word.

-Stand by your family.

-If someone has had surgery, a new baby or a death in the family, organize the neighbors to all take turns fixing dinner for the affected family.

-Welcome new neighbors.

The pictures above are of the town that my family is from: Madison, Ga.

Picture #1 is of The Morgan County Courthouse seated in Madison.

Picture #2 is of downtown Madison.

A National Championship and Severe Dry Eye Syndrome

The Florida Gators beat the Choklahoma Sooners last night for the National Championship title and trophy. The final score was Florida 24 - OU 12. WOO HOO! I actually rooted for Florida for the one and only time in my life. That was probably the hardest thing to do for this avid UGA fan. Trust me, when it was all said and done, I had to take a very long bath to scrub the nasty gator off of me. I felt so dirty after rooting for them. So wrong!!!!!! However, it sure is nice to keep the National Championship title and crown in the overall best college football conference, the SEC, for the third year running! So awesome!
I went back to the eye doctor for yet another agonizing visit today. I was diagnosed with severe dry eye syndrome back at the beginning of December. Man has is been a struggle. At the beginning of November I started having what I thought was really bad allergies or possibly pink eye. Both eyes were really red, my eye lids were red and swollen (looked like I was wearing bright red eye shadow) and it hurt so bad just to blink. Felt like I had sand in them all the time. And they watered like crazy!
After doing everything that I possibly knew to do I was at my breaking point and finally called the eye doctor. The very minute he saw me he said " you have severe dry eye syndrome". He looked at my eyes with his special machine and confirmed what he already had thought. My eyes looked like raisins. Oh, gross! So he put me on some over-the-counter meds to see if I could get some relief. It helped, but still was bothersome. I went back a week later and he then put me on a steroid eye drop. If I got relief from that then he would most likely put me on RX Restasis. I about had a heart attack when the pharmacist told me that the eye drop would cost me $50 and said that I was lucky that I had insurance. Had I not it would have been $150. NO WAY! It was worth the money because my eyes felt tons better.
I went back to Dr. Burgwald right before Christmas and he told me that I may need to consider Restasis. Only problem is that it would cost me $100 a month. I almost passed out! I asked him if I could continue on the steroid a little longer but only use it once a day and keep up my OTC regime. He said yes, and wanted to see me in two weeks to reassess.
Which brings me to today! I'm much better, sorta. I can't continue taking the steroid for much longer. Could cause major issues down the road for my eyes. So I have one of two options. 1. Go ahead and swallow really hard and pay the $100 a month for the Restasis or 2. Have tear duct plugs put into my eyes. Oh, I thought that I would pass out at that thought. See, I have a really hard time putting eye drops in my eyes. I can't stand to have anything near my eyes. It wasn't until two years ago that I started wearing sunglasses because it bothered me. Dr. Burgwald reassured me that I wouldn't feel a thing. He told me that this really is my best option. He told me that this is what he would do for himself and would have his wife or kids do if it were needed as in my case. He told me to go home and think about it and call him on Monday.
So, here I sit. Wondering what to do. I'm leaning toward having the tear duct plugs. Uggggg, decisions! If you or know of anyone else who has had this done, please let me know. I'm totally stressed over this whole thing. I've always prided myself on having really good eyesight and just perfect eyes in general. Oh, he did say that my vision is perfect.......BONUS! I'll keep ya posted on my agonizing decision.
Until then............

Freezing Cold Weather and Frosty's

So, I pick up Morgan from school this afternoon and as soon as she gets into the car she asks me, "Mom......can we stop by Culver's for some frozen custard"? I, of course, swung around and said "Girl, are you crazy it is freezing outside"! And I left it at that.
So what do I do? I pull into the Wendy's and order her a chocolate frosty and myself a vanilla frosty! I HAVE GOT TO BE OUT OF MY MIND! Sure was good though....... :)