Are you a ZERO??

[luv2stamp82]

Your girls night sounds like it was fantastic!!! I love lettuce wraps from PF Changs!

[idtwinmom]

Wendy - you always make me laugh! A 49 yr old having seisures!!!! :rofl: I am sure you don't look that bad or the teacher would not have given you a solo!!

Lookie, Lookie, Nicole - we hit 1000 posts here!

[renee s]

Wow- over 1000 posts-that's a milestone! We should have some sort of celebration!


Wendy - you always make me laugh! A 49 yr old having seisures!!!! :rofl: I am sure you don't look that bad or the teacher would not have given you a solo!!

Lookie, Lookie, Nicole - we hit 1000 posts here!

[carolat]

Wendy, we are at the Renaissance (the hotel has a computer) and my son's favorite thing here is - you guessed it - the belly dancers! Not the barbarians with swords and sheild, but the bellydancers - then he tells me "mom, they can MOVE!" I almost hit him over the head :) Better get back to the room - we are going to leave for dinner sonn. Just had to share that tidbit.

[wndyeliza]

:rofl::rofl:
Carola!!! Oh my heavens! Bless his heart, maybe he'll learn to drum when he gets older! I have this picture in my head of you looking shocked and, and, and:rofl:

I love this stuff! Thanks Carola, I needed that!

[idtwinmom]

Tooooo funny Carola! I guess that Boys will be Boys no matter what age! :rofl:

[luv2stamp82]

Thanks for the laugh Carola, that is too funny!

[wndyeliza]

Leaving in a few to go to rehearsal....I didn't get my choregraphy done. I could get things in my head in the car, but not out when I was home. I'm hoping that the instructor isn't too upset with me. sigh.....

How's everyone else?

[Nicole Young]

Ohhh you will be great Wendy!!! I expect to see a layout about this whole thing when you are done!!! ;)

Too funny Carola!!!!

Ok....off to watch Fringe online....is anyone else watching this show??? I just watched the first 4 episodes and am going to watch the 5th tonight. It is NOT Lost, but its still pretty entertaining!!!

[luv2stamp82]

I like Fringe, but you're right, it's not Lost! I watch too much tv in the fall!

[Beachcomber]

Wendy -- I am in the Bay Area.

Dorene...are you in Northern Cal? I worked a couple of seasons at Northern Faire in Novato when the Patterson's still owned it. The Pack meeting sounds like fun!

Lisa, I am sure your in bed by now. But I get the feeling that you new "addition" is in great hands.

To Nicole's DH - we are all so glad your feeling better! But I bet you now know why its best to have some "childhood" problems in childhood! (remember mumps?)

Off to work on my LO. Big hugs to you all!

[Beachcomber]

Hello Ladies.

Wendy -- how did your rehearsal go?

We had a great weekend at the Cub Scout Cub on camping trip. The weather was mild. I thought it might be cold since the camp is in the mountains. We arrived on Friday night and set up our tent. Saturday morning they had a geocaching activity. Quite a few people showed up for the geocaching so they split us into two groups. We had 3 caches we needed to find. That was fun but with all of the people finding the caches at once, some of the boys were calling out they found it before everyone had a chance to find it. Then after everyone found it the Boy Scout who led us opened it up. My son did the bb guns, pumpkin carving, rode in a kyak and went swimming. They had a pumpkin contest and the kids dressed up in their comstumes at the big give away. All of the kids who dressed up got a goodie bag. My son won a fishing pole in the big give away. They also had a scary haunted house that the Boy Scouts put together. My son didn't want to go into it. His friend told us it was pretty scary. Our camp site was a ways from things so we had to do a lot of walking up and down the hills. We were tired when we got home yesterday afternoon.

[wndyeliza]

Rehearsal went fine. The instructor told me to just put together the moves that I have been working on for the ad lib dance (tag team) It will give me more practice.
I saw the pic that my friends have been taking and there is going to be some good LO's!

Dorene! Sounds like a good time was had by all. But I would be sleeping for the next 2 days to catch up!

[Beachcomber]

Wendy -- Sounds like a fun ad lib dance routine. I can't wait to see your LO's with the pics your friends have been taking. :pumpkin2:

[idtwinmom]

Hi all! Well, my second day with my extra child went pretty well. Much better than last week except that he still doesn't nap well! Only 35 minutes, not enough! He ate better though, and I actually got a couple giggles, plus he only asked to go home a couple times.

Dorene, sounds like a really fun time! I look forward to seeing the LO's!

Wendy - I'm so looking forward to your LO's too!

[thendara]

Wendy i also want to see the LO that you're gonna create with the pictures, I'm curious...LOL
My weekend was great. Saturday afternoon i went to "The Abode of Chaos", a very interesting place, like a museum of contemporaneous art. But it's also a shock for the eyes. If you want to take a look, just search for The Abode of Chaos in internet. The guy had a crashed helicopter, airplane, tank, boat in his garden!
In the evening we went to a couple of friends for dinner. Lots of good french wine. Delicious.
Sunday we went to Cluny, To visit the Abbey of Clunny built in 1088, but we forgot the camera :cry: Well, I bought a post card...LOL
Yesterday i started my intensive course of French and well, i felt very good with it. No more fears...

[wndyeliza]

:tup: Yeah! Cris! Your gonna be fluent in 4 languages now! I am so glad that I hang out with intelligent people, I hope it rubs off!

Ya know it funny, we all have things about us that we don't like, thats normal. Last night I saw some of our pictures and there I was in all my glory, sorta. When I am REALLY smiling I have a very large mouth...think Mr. Ed...for those youngsters...a horse. Just LOVED that one..:doh:

[renee s]

Shoot! Missed another 2 crazy chicks chat! I remembered last night, but at 8:15 AM (my time) I'm hardly awake to remember. Wish it were later in the day.

[thendara]

Lol, Wendy, i love your humor!!!!!
It's the best pill for sadness...

[Nicole Young]

LOL Wendy!
Lisa---I am glad that you day with your extra little one went well!!! Hope it continues!!

[carolat]

Guess what guys? Alexander tried face painting! And liked it! Mr. I-don't-want-to-do-anything-out-of-the-ordinary, including DisneyWorld (boy, was that a fight!) actually wanted to get his face painted at the Renaissance Faire. And then on the second day he did it again! Six years of telling him to try things is starting to pay off :)

[idtwinmom]

WooHoo! Peyton took a 50 minute nap today! I have hope - LOL!

Cris, glad your French is going well! I'm with Wendy, I hope all that intelligence rubs off!

Wendy, really? We're supposed to not like ourselves in pictures? :lol:

[idtwinmom]

Oops!

Carola - Maybe Alexander's new found love of adventure will help add items to his diet? Would you believe, one of the boys actually asked for a hot dog yesterday! I had to say no, because we don't have any, but hope he'll eat his chicken tonight!

[carolat]

Lisa - he tried a churro - bread stick w/cinnamon and sugar - said he didn't like it, but at least he TRIED a good bite! I'm so excited!

[idtwinmom]

LOL! We do celebrate those little successes! Had another parent from the boys school give me this one: Make them eat the number of bites they are old of everything on their plate (5 years old=5 bites of each food of your choice). Haven't tried it yet, but.....

[wndyeliza]

Whats the matter Ms. Cris! Why are you sad?

And for those of you with the little ones who are blooming...a double woo-hoo!!!

[thendara]

Well Wendy, it's a long story. Sit and get the kleenex...
I divorced from my ex husband 2 years ago and i moved to Holland to work with AppleCare. My ex husband forbade me to take the kids with me. He told me that if i want to stay with my boys, I would have to stay in Spain. But i was so annoyed by him that i left the boys with him. I see them every time i can. I spend vacations with them, but i miss them every single day of my life. That makes me sad...
My plans now are, learn french, starting working and get the custody of my boys. My fiancé agrees with it. But it's a long way till there.
Just to explain, Diego, the youngest one was born when he was only 30 weeks. In Madrid he has all the doctors that he needs till he's 7 years old. Doctor reviews each 6 months. He's late at school, well not late, but slow and i didn't want to mess up with all his development bringing him to a foreign country. They are still small but they do understand the situation...

[wndyeliza]

:hug: Oh my dear Cris....

Your heart is broken and your lovely fiancee is trying to heal it. I think you two have a wonderful plan. What you did was for the best, although in your situation nothing looked really great I am sure. Your son is getting the help that he needs, being that he was 10 weeks early, thank heavens for that.
You are a brave and wonderful woman. :yes:

[thendara]

Thanks Wendy, thanks for understanding it and thanks for the compliments...

[idtwinmom]

Cris - my heart goes out to you! (Feel bad that I didn't read your post and catch your sadness too!) Having young children of my own, I can imagine what it must be like being apart from them. It would break my heart! I also understand the early birth. Although my boys have not suffered from it, they were born 8 weeks early. Choosing to leave him where he has good care was very brave and I'm sure for the best! Take heart, we are here to listen any time!

[Nicole Young]

Cris- big hug for you hon! You are going through quite a time I am sure!!! Sounds like you have a plan in place, just hang in there!!!

[Beachcomber]

Cris -- Big :hug:. Hang in there.

[luv2stamp82]

Oh Cris, big, big hugs!! I can't imagine being without my boys, your heart must break a little each day. I'm sure everything will work out for the best in the end!

Carola - I am so glad I'm not the only one with a boy who won't try anything, he's 3!! I'm glad to know it gets better eventually!

[carolat]

Cris - it will all work out - I can't imagine the strength that you posess to go through this! But, as I said, it will all work out in the end :)

Jen - Sam(DH) and I were just talking about how Alexander has been trying so many new things lately. This morning, he asked to wear Ians' fire helmet (a little plastic job) for a while before school. Sounds insignificant - but it all translates into textures, fine motor skills, and FOOD! it is so funny how my little boy has the ability to put me over the moon!

[thendara]

Thank you girls, i feel understood among all of you...
I try to be strong, i swear, just that sometimes i miss them so much that it hearts. Then i take the phone and call them to feel better...

Just passing by to say hello and say that i'm studying a lot, so not much time for internet. :(

Kisses for all

[luv2stamp82]

Good luck with the studying, I need to channel your language skills!

[idtwinmom]

Jen - at 5 my boys are just starting to show signs of trying new things a little better. It really does help when they get into school and have all those other kids around. (Probably the only time in their lives we will be happy about peer pressure, LOL!) I never in my life thought I would celebrate my child asking for a hot dog at meal time.

Cris - Know you will do well with the French lessons. Your language talents show!

Now - I'm singing a little song to myself because today is my birthday. DH has plans for a wonderful dinner and my favorite Lemon Pie for dessert! And my day-care child's Mom brought me a present: Gift cards for a manicure/pedicure and hair cut! Yep - it's apparent that I need a hair cut! LOL!

[wndyeliza]

Cris, you don't always have to try to be strong. Just be you, tears, smiles, laughs, groans, whines...EVERYTHING! You're just fine!

[newbienfr]

Cris - Big hugs for you. Sorry about your situation, but I am sure that it will get better. Also, since I'm still learning french I know what you are going through there. I have lived here 2 years and I still struggle with it, mainly because I don't get a chance to practice it that much. I'm at home all day with my DD and the last place I want to start a conversation in french is the grocery store. I'm sure the people there would just look at me funny and run away. I often practice what I'm going to say (sometimes have a mini-conversation with myself) before I have to go somewhere so that I'm ready for anything. However, the people I meet don't seem to have a copy of the "script" that I practiced with, so the conversation goes right down "la toilet." Keep practicing at I'm sure you'll be speaking well in no time.

[luv2stamp82]

Happy Birthday Lisa, what a wonderful gift!! (from hubby and daycare lady)

Is it just boys who do this? I swear it is, all the girls at this age seem so much more independent. The boys really are momma's boys!! lol

[wndyeliza]

Lisa that gift is going to be so sweet when you get to redeem it! A girly day! Woo-Hoo!

[idtwinmom]

Jen - My DD has picked it up from her big brothers. I don't know if she would have been so picky without them!

Hey, does anyone know the web site where you can "try on" new hairdos?

[Nicole Young]

Hey guys! Hope your weekend is going fabulously!!! I went out to lunch with Kathleen today and we had a blast as usual! Her DD is SOOOO cute!!!
OK...we are off to go watch a football (insert eyeroll here) tonight at my parents house. So I will "see" you all later!!!

[RoadMap4Us]

I don't get to pop in here as frequently as I'd like so I'll have to just catch up as this moves forward.

I did catch that there was a birthday girl in here recently. Happy belated birthday, Lisa. Sounds like you are gearing up for a girls-day out! What fun!

So someone is learning french in here, is that it? I recall going to a business conference in Montreal, Canda, some years ago. I had taken French in high school so I brushed up a bit before leaving, thinking I would try to converse a bit while there. Once I got there, I ventured a 'bonjour' here and there; but I didn't get the nerve up to strike up a real conversation. The 'real' French talk really fast -- too fast for me! LOL!

[Nicole Young]

Uggghhhhh I woke up with DH's cold...YUCK!!! So today I am curling up and reading Book 2 of the Twilight series (yes Tina convinced me that I HAD to read them and I am ADDICTED!!!!) So I will pop in tomorrow!!! Hope you are all having a fabulous day!!

[newbienfr]

I hope you feel better Nicole!

[wndyeliza]

Chicken soup! (good ole Jewish penecillin! It always does the trick!)

I have book one of the Twlight series but I have to finish The Boleyn Inheritance first. And yes, the Twlight series here convinced me to read it.

[Beachcomber]

I hope you feel better soon, Nicole. :hug:

I haven't read the Twilight series. My friends have been talking about it and asking me if I have read the books yet. All of the libraries around here have all of their books checked out. I haven't look again to see if any of the copies have come back yet.

[wndyeliza]

Dorene, I got my paperback version at Target for about $8.50

[idtwinmom]

Hi all! It's been a screaming fast weekend with lots going on! Took the kids to get flu shots and the boys got hair cuts. Did a really cute LO of DD after the stylist gave her pigtails (http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=286365&ppuser=90601). If you go take a look, CC's always welcomed! Then today, in between Sunday Chat and taking the boys to collect for the school 'penny drive', I spent a lot of time playing with new looks. Take a peak and cast your vote for the new me: Help me Choose (http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=286397&ppuser=90601).

Nicole - sorry your not feeling well again! Seems like the colds just keep coming back this year!

Deb - thanks for the belated wishes! Those are the best kind because they make the day last. LOL!

Dorene - sounds like the soccar team is having lots of fun!

At ya'll soon!

[wndyeliza]

Lisa, I posted my comments on your LO already! I love the looks! What site did you use? And more important....what style did you choose!?

[luv2stamp82]

I love the Twilight series! My SIL got me hooked and we actually went to New York for the Stephanie Meyers concert series, we got her autograph!! It was awesome! Anyone who hasn't taken the plunge into the Twilight world, go do it NOW!!! lol

[idtwinmom]

Wendy, I used dailymakeover.com, but just the free portion. I would have had more choices if I had paid for it. I was really trying to see what it would look like without coloring my hair. I will make my final decision later this week, wanted to give everybody a chance to put in their vote. LOL! So far #4 is winning hands down when you count the votes of DH and the friend who paid for the cut! I still like #2 but make it just a pinch longer as I would really like to be able to pull it back still. Don't know, 4 really does look like it would be easy!!!!! (BTW, I got the idea from DSP member quanita, she did the same thing a couple weeks back!)

Jen - I agree! I picked up the first one based on what I read here at DSP. Within days I had purchased the other 3 and proceeded to devour them. I have already talked to DH about my catching the matinee when the movie comes out in November!

And thanks to all who have voted so far! You probably have until Friday to cast if you haven't yet!

[wndyeliza]

Its been a rough day....(sighs deeply) Went to my financial guy today and saw the up to date figures on my retirement account. Needless to say, I started crying in the bank.
I had made the decision to look out on my future as though I was going to be single the rest of my life and work to be able to have a decent retirement for myself. (I was a stay at home Mom for most of my 20 year marriage.) I know things will turn around, they always do at some point.
Nicole, are you feeling better?
Lisa, your gonna look good no matter what!
Cris...where are you?
I know I'm forgetting a lot of Zeroette's here...I'm sorry...but how is everyone else doing? Anyone seen the LO Fairy? Send her my way. Since NKOTB ended, I'm kinda stuck!

[thendara]

I was studying hard and had a busy weekend too. That's why i didn't show up those last days.
Tomorrow i have no course, so I'm home, but i have to prepare our suitcase because we travel Thursday night and i have course and he works on Thursday. No chance to prepare the suitcase.
On Friday he'll play with his band and I'm excited to see it. I love to see him on stage :yahoo:

[wndyeliza]

What kind of music does your sweetheart play?! How exciting for the both of you. And you need the time away right now to recharge. Have a great time.

[idtwinmom]

Sounds like fun, Cris. I would like to know what your sweetie plays. I have dated a musician or two in my time. It can be a lot of fun watching. Watch the crowd too, it's fun to catch their reactions. And don't forget the camera, music LO's are lots of fun!

[thendara]

He plays hard rock, but same style as the 80's. He plays bass and I'm learning how to play it too. I love it!!!
Of course I'll take lots of pictures...
If you want to take a look, the website of his band is: http://www.revenge.com.fr/
He's the one on the poster on the left corner with long hair...

[idtwinmom]

I am soooooo lauging at myself right now! Of course, I immediately went and looked at the poster (very handsome sweetie there, Cris) and the first thing I did was critique it like a LO! Kept thinking the creator could use a few tips on flipping the photo so that it was a reflection, not just turned upside down! Aren't I silly!

Cris, it looks like they are real professionals. Is this the way he earns a living?

[thendara]

LOL, i said the same to my sweetie when i saw the poster. But they didn't make it, so....
They are professionals, but they don't earn for a living. Each one has a profession. My bb is an art director. Nowadays it's very difficult to earn money with music...unfortunately

[idtwinmom]

Glad it wasn't just me being picky!!!!! Did BB see the same problem?

I have a good friend (and old boyfriend from some 30 years ago) that is a bass player. He has been in so many bands trying to make a go. Of course, he was smart and never really planned on it being his only source of income.

[thendara]

Yes, he saw...LOL
It's strange to see my BB with half body of Christophe, the drummer.....hahahahah
My BB also plays in another band, not so professional, but that is his passion. He plays for passion, not for money.
Revenge is recording their 6th CD and they will give it for free on internet, same as the last one. Everybody can download it for free...

[Beachcomber]

Wendy -- thanks next time I am Target I will look for Twilight. I like your spooky avatar.

Lisa -- The boys are having a good time playing soccer. Happy Belated Birthday!

I'm really tired and have no energy today. I wish I could crawl back into bed and sleep. At least it is late afternoon here so it won't be long before its night time and I can go back to bed.

My son has soccer practice today. I've been wondering if the coach is going to start having soccer practice earlier because we are setting our clocks back this weekend. I guess he will tell us at practice today. Ugh I hate changing the clock back and then it starts getting dark earlier. :(

[wndyeliza]

Thanks Doreen! And thanks for reminding me about the time change! I work Sunday - Thursday..I woulda been late!

[wndyeliza]

My last BF was and still is a musician. He too has a passion for music. And I love being in the room when he plays.

(I made 7th place in NKOTB....)

[jemtred]

Hey - Congrats Wendy! What a thrill - hope you spend your prize well. I still haven't decided what to spend mine on yet. Everything I do is made with freebies and prizes and I have coupons for 3 page kits which expire in Dec and iIjust can't choose. Ridiculous isn't it? - I think I just need to be given a particular kit and told thats that!!
I used to share a house with a musician - even managed the band for a while and it was great fun but I never wanted to date him. He was married to his guitar!
Thankfully our clocks don't change here although my cell phone (i use as alarm clock) decided that i should be on GMT +1 rather than GMT +2 which I am so my alarm didn't go off this morning. Thankfully we have a built in alarm clock which sleeps in the next room so I made it to work on time.
I am also going to have a go at Twilight - one of my students is lending it to me and if i like it I will persuade the school library to buy it. We get our books in from England every 4-6 months or so.

[idtwinmom]

Congrats Wendy!!!!!!!

Jemma - you really do live in a unique part of the world (from my perspective any way)!

It can be very hard to choose! I always try to use kit coupons on challenge kits that will give me the most, Kit for coupon, then bonus for posting with that kit. It helps narrow the choices a little too!

[carolat]

Jemma - getting your books every 4 - 6 months reminds me so much of Nims Island!

As far as page coupons go, I agree with Lisa here - use it on a kit that has a good posting bonus. I still have one sitting around from July - I had better choose quick - I used the last two on Nicole's challenges - can't wait to see one of her Christmas Kits!

[luv2stamp82]

Congrats on NKOTB!!

I agree about the coupons, spread it as far as it can go!!

[carolat]

(I made 7th place in NKOTB....)

Congrats! I made 7th place, also. Of course, it was NKOTB7 :)

[Nicole Young]

Great ideas on checking out what you get to go along with your kits. I used to do that (pre-designer days!! :) )

Congrats on NKOTB Wndyeliza!!!!!

Ok....almost done with the entire Twilight series.....only 150 pages left!!!! EEEKKKKKK what will I do with myself when its all over??????

[idtwinmom]

LOL! Flounder like I did Nicole!!!!! Still haven't really gotten "into" a book since finishing.

[wndyeliza]

Nicole, thanks for the kits of yours that I used!

Well Ladies, the movie is coming out soon, so I guess there will have to be a "Zero" trip to the theater! Maybe after the movie is out we can agree on a day to go, and post after we get back. (brining home a slice of cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory for the after movie discussion is optional but completely encouraged!)

[luv2stamp82]

I can't wait for the movie!! My SIL and I are going to the midnight movie!!

Nicole, if you find some book to fill the emptiness, let us know, lol!!

[jemtred]

Well, I will join in the movie going but I may be a year or so behind!! And I will have to bake my own cheesecake. There is a movie theatre (cinema!) opening here any time but it is already 2 years late so no-one is holding their breath. But then again I will be in South Africa this Christmas (ready to lunch with any fellow scrappers....) so if its out by then i may be able to catch it.

[idtwinmom]

Wendy, you're on! I've already discussed with DH my taking in a matinee when it comes out! Now to find a Cheesecake Factory near the theatre.

[wndyeliza]

Jemma, just curious...what is the population of the town/city where you live? May the Zero's will have to put together an "I care" package for you of more up to date books, DVD's etc. for you! It would be much quicker than the deliveries from England!

[Nicole Young]

Well I am thinking about getting her other book Host to read. Don't know if it will be any good, and she also recommends a book called The Hunger Game by Suzanne Collins, don't know anything about that one either, but sounds interesting.
I did have a trilogy that I finished a while back called the Circle Series by Ted Dekker, VERY VERY entertaining and then there is a series of 4 books that goes along with it that I am thinking about reading, not sure what that series is called. The Lost Books or something like that. Anyway...if you want a crazy entertaining trilogy The Circle Series is awesome.

[luv2stamp82]

I read the Host. Once you get into it it's good, not as good as Twilight, but the beginning is a little confusing! I think I'll check out the Circle Series!

[carolat]

The movie thing sounds neat - I love cheesecake, but I just tried on my jeans from last year, I can definitely do without the extra pounds here!

I haven't had much time to post lately - spending most of my free time at the elementary school. I feel like I am enrolled there!

[DixieMama]

Jumping in here about books!! :D

I agree with luv....The Host took a few chapters to get into, but then it took off. I've read it a few times now. ;)

If you're into the whole fantasy/magic thing, I'd suggest 2 series....The Inheritance Series by Christopher Paolini (Eragon, Eldest, Brisingr) and the Sword of Truth Series by Terry Goodkind (too many books in this one to list :lol: ). I am currently on the second book of this series and it is totally kick-butt!!

Only 21 more days until Twilight is out!! :yahoo: I'm hoping our local cinema (just a twin) will carry it opening day!! If not, I'll be staying away from the computer until I do see it so I don't read any reviews on it! :lol:

[idtwinmom]

Carola - LOL! If I didn't have the 2 little ones here (mine & this adorable day-care child), I might be at the school a lot more!!!!! Wish I could do more, actually.

I may see if the local library has The Host. I just don't feel like spending nearly $20 and that's Walmart price.

[jemtred]

Thanks Wendy you are very sweet. I live in Blantyre City which has a population of about 1 million although most people live in high density shanty townships with little or no amenities. There are bookshops which do stock the latest (we had Harry Potter very close to release day) but they are astronomically expensive. Fortunately there are always people travelling back and forwards to UK etc where they buy the books and DVDs cheaper and share them around. The school orders a few times a year because its cheaper with the freight when you order lots at once (I think). My school is an international high school and it has fantastic facilities (but unfortunately only for those who can afford it) and an amazing standard of education (well, i would say that!!). The main differernce between teaching here and in the UK is the behaviour and attitude of the pupils (and the weather). Here they are keen to learn and respect the efforts of the teacher. I regularly get thanked for the lesson which never happened back home. I also like the lack of commercialisation - no MacDonalds etc. Most of the businesses are family concerns and there are very few chain stores. Although I am looking forward to a good shopping spree when I get to Cape Town! Its a bit of a back to basics place in that there are few convenince foods so we cook everything from scratch and that kind of thing. Sorry to go on so much - I got a bit carried away.

[luv2stamp82]

Wow Jemma, I have never been to a place like that. It must be a very interesting experience. How long are you there for?

I agree with Dixiemama about Terry Goodkind books, they are very good!

[DixieMama]

Carola - LOL! If I didn't have the 2 little ones here (mine & this adorable day-care child), I might be at the school a lot more!!!!! Wish I could do more, actually.

I may see if the local library has The Host. I just don't feel like spending nearly $20 and that's Walmart price.

:eek: I got mine at our Wal mart and only spent $8.88 for the Hardback!! Have you checked Amazon?

[wndyeliza]

Carola, just make sure that you wait your turn on the monkey bars. We have to share...
LOL!

[RoadMap4Us]

Jemma -- What a wonderful place to be able to teach. Back to basics is a good thing. You've probably already shared earlier -- but what do you teach?

Congrats, Wendy, on the high placement in NKOTB.

Well, the little neighborhood trick-or-treaters have come and gone for another year. We passed out candy to about 30 kids which is an increase from past years. I think the good weather had a lot to do with it.

I did notice that kids don't do the 'tricks' very much anymore. Tradition around here was that kids would tell a joke or riddle. Only a handful did it this year.

Is that a tradition elsewhere? And are you seeing it decline?

Hey, Nicole -- Got your new blinkie! It's nice!

[Kathleen]

Deb, we have also had our trick or treaters come and go for the night. Funny, in past years I always thought is so surprising that I didn't hear repeat jokes. This was different - the most popular:

Q: What is a tree's favorite drink?
A: Rootbeer

Delaney's joke:
Row, row, row your boat, gently down the stream, merrily, merrily, merrily, if you see a crocodile don't forget to scream!

Sorry I haven't been around much lately ... I do so like to read about what everyone has going on all over the world. Thanks for sharing!

[carolat]

No tricks here. I always wondered what that meant! Tonight there was a Halloween Party at a local Pump-it-Up, moon bounces, inflatable slides, obstacle course, etc. and tomorrow we are going to meet at a friends house so a whole group of us can go trick-or-treating with the kids.

Those are my traditions!

[Nicole Young]

Whew...just spent WAY too long playing with my blog!!! Check out the changes and let me know what you think!!!
http://nicoleyoungdesigns.blogspot.com/

[Nicole Young]

We took the kids trick or treating....
Tyler's trick....
"Twick Oh Tweeeeet" "Candy peeesssseeee!" (all while desperately reaching for the bowl)
Maddie's trick:
"Where did the cows go for their date?.....To the MOOOOvies" (she was a cowgirl! ;) )

[Kathleen]

I bet they were adorable, Nicole. Hope it was a great night for the family!

Love the look of the blog, I am so enamored with the dark, rich colors! Love the whimsy, too. But it wouldn't be you without the whimsy!

[Beachcomber]

Hello Zeroettes!!!

Congratulations, Wendy!

My son is so excited about halloween. He has been counting down the days. Tomorrow is a busy day. In the morning the school has a halloween parade. His class is having a party at the end of the day. His class will be reading their halloween stories that they wrote tonight for their homework. I am in the classroom so I will get to hear all of their halloween stories.

It was a blustery and gray day today. We were supposed to get some rain today. It hasn't started raining yet. It is cold though. It is supposed to rain tomorrow and maybe tomorrow night.

[idtwinmom]

:eek: I got mine at our Wal mart and only spent $8.88 for the Hardback!! Have you checked Amazon?

I wish! But I can tell you that just because it's Walmart doesn't mean the same price. If I drive 15-20 miles to the Walmart rather than walk to the one right here, I can buy milk for nearly 75 cents cheaper. Same stock, different price. Hmmmm.....maybe I should check their price on the book!

Jemma, I really think you're lucky to experience such wonderful things. And even more, that you are an exceptional person to choose to live in conditions that others just ignore.

Funny all of you talking about Trick-or-Treaters so early. I had never heard of the jokes like that! I'm just hoping that the 'tricks' we get around here don't include gang graffiti.

Nicole, will need to check your blog tomorrow! I'm already past my bedtime and still have a couple stops to make around here!

[luv2stamp82]

I never heard of telling jokes, I grew up in PA and now live in NC. Never heard it either place, that's cute! We are going trick or treating tonight! My boys are a cowboy and an indian.

Nicole, love the new blog look!!

[wndyeliza]

:witch1: I like the whole joke telling thing! It keeps the innocence and fun in this day!:pumpkin2: I used to decorate my house up spooky, lights, sound effects...EVERYTHING! and then come to the door as Magda the Witch...accent and all! (I made the costume too!) The children had to give the "magic word" to receive their candy...if not Magda would turn them into cats and mice to chase each other around forever. The parents got a kick out of this, and would have to remember to prompt their kids to say please and thank you...(where have manners gone...your sending your kids out begging? geesh). It drives me crazy to see parents crusing IN THE CAR while their little ones are on the sidewalk. :annoyed: But I would drop the accent with 2 and 3 year olds and crouch down and talk with them. I had way too much fun.
At the end of the night I would take everything down so that in the morning my home would look just like everyone else's. :D I even had some kids come up the next morning and ask if this was the "haunted house". :rolleyes: I'd just :D

[carolat]

BTW - Nicole, time spent redesinging your blog was well spent - it rocks!

I am taking two Power Rangers out tonight - the one in school is no problem, but the one here at home is asking about every 5 minutes - can we go yet? I think that this will get very old in a little while!

[wndyeliza]

And you know there is nothing that you can say to put them off! You can't say at such and such time (what time is it NOW?) or when it gets dark (Mom, its getting darker, can we go NOW?) or say when so and so gets home...(Mom she/he is home...LETS GO!)

At this point if there was a safe and mild sedative for chlildren, I would probably use it! LOL! Good luck Carola!

[idtwinmom]

Wendy, you just tickle my funny bone! I do sooooo agree about the manners thing! We work hard every day to teach our children how to use theirs. My sweet little day-care boy is sooooo cute when he says Thank you! And it's getting more frequent because of my 3, DD is the best at saying Please and Thank you! They are also required to use 'Excuse Me' for those bodily noises and when trying to get our attention!

Carola, guess you need to find many, many activities for that little one today! Since we don't do Halloween (never have with the kids), I don't have that problem. But the boys heard DH and I talking about going to Uncle Mark's for Thanksgiving - at least once a day they are trying to pack! Good luck with your sanity!

[Kathleen]

After our first Beggars' Night in Des Moines, I went searching for history of the traditions - both trick or treat on the 30th, and the jokes all the kids told. I found the following in The Des Moines Register a few years ago:

The credit for providing Des Moines children with the perfect outlet for their most groan-inducing jokes largely goes to one woman, Kathryn Krieg, director of recreation for the Des Moines Playground Commission (later the Parks and Recreation Department) for 43 years.

When Krieg assumed her post in 1931, kids on Beggars' Night were more likely to clamor "Soaps or Eats" than "Trick or Treat." Every year the newspaper ran a long list on Nov. 1 of youths arrested the previous evening for crimes ranging from soaping windows and sidelining streetcars to setting fires and throwing bricks through windows.

The flash point came on Halloween in 1938 when Des Moines police answered a record 550 calls concerning vandalism. Krieg, along with the Community Chest' group work council, began a campaign to encourage less violent forms of Halloween fun.

They set aside Oct. 30 as Beggars' Night and got the word out to the public that on that night - and only that night - children would be allowed to go from door to door and say the phrase "tricks for eats." The council urged that "eats should be given only if such a 'trick' as a song, a poem, a stunt or a musical number, either solo or in group participation, is presented."

The next year, the group work council again promoted the Beggars' Night concept, this time as a way to aid the war effort. An article published in The Des Moines Register on Oct. 29, 1942, carried the headline "Kids! -Don't Help the Axis on Halloween" and included this poem encouraging proper behavior:

"Soap and ticktacks are taboo,
Ringing doorbells? Not for you.
Thoughts of pranks, you must detour,
Lest you bet a saboteur."

The Beggars' Night program was so successful that by the mid-1940's, the number of Halloween police calls in Des Moines had been cut by more than half.

After the war, Krieg continued to issue annual bulletins in the Register laying still more Beggars' Night ground rules, including that children should stay in their own neighborhoods and that parents should turn on their porch lights for trick-or-treaters and accompany small children on their rounds.

Each year, she reiterated that children should not be given candy until they earned it "with a stunt, song, or riddle."

Now on Beggars' Night, a group of preteen girls will occasionally sing a song or a shy kindergartner opt for a cartwheel. For the most part, however, every trick-or-treater old enough to memorize one tells a joke.

Why did Dracula visit the blood bank?
He needed to make a withdrawal.

Krieg retired in 1974, a few years after the Register stopped running her yearly admonition to make children work for their candy. By then, the biggest Beggars' Night concern wasn't the danger trick-or-treaters might represent to the public but the danger some members of the public might represent to trick-or-treaters. Krieg died in March of 1999 at age 94.

The joke-telling ritual continues, as does its legacy: Reduced vandalism. Instead of tales of marauding youth, the only Halloween-related story to appear in the Register last year was about a gathering of local witches.

If April showers bring May flowers, what do May flowers bring?
Pilgrims.

[idtwinmom]

Great history lesson Kathleen! Love that you did all the work to find out!

[wndyeliza]

Kathleen! I love it! Thank you!!! I really love traditions behind holidays, and this one is just too sweet.

[DixieMama]

BTW - Nicole, time spent redesinging your blog was well spent - it rocks!

I am taking two Power Rangers out tonight - the one in school is no problem, but the one here at home is asking about every 5 minutes - can we go yet? I think that this will get very old in a little while!

I have one at home doing the same thing!! I'm half way tempted to let him dress in his costume, but he's a bit on the rough side, and would probably have it destroyed before the end of the day! :lol: :rolleyes:

[carolat]

Thanks for the reasearch, Kathleen - I like hearing about traditions. I like the joke thing - I think I'll use it here at home - the kids'll have to tell me a joke before they can eat their candy (and eat dinner first!)

Wendy - my husband and I are always joking about tranquilizer darts - whoever comes up with a safe version of that one will make a fortune!

[idtwinmom]

A friend of mine's Mom always joked about using the pilot light in the oven. She was a woman that never told jokes and the first time she said it no one knew if she was serious or not. Always makes me laugh! She really was a remarkable woman and was a twin mom well before the time when twins were common like they are now!

[Beachcomber]

Happy Halloween!!!

The kids got rained on this morning during their halloween parade. They only got to parade around once before the it started to rain and the upper grades didn't get a chance to come out. My son's teacher had the class write halloween stories for their homework last night. She had them read their stories in front of the class today. One of the boys had a flashlight so they turned off the lights and each child read their story by flashlight. They all wrote some great halloween stories. Nothing too scary though. This afternoon the class is having a halloween party so I am going back for that.

[luv2stamp82]

That is really interesting Kathleen.

Lisa, I totally agree about manners, my 3 year old is awesome!! He says Please, Thank You, and Excuse Me. I have grounded it into him since before he could talk so he should remember by now, lol!

We had so much fun trick or treating tonight. My 3 year old and one of his friends from school went together and they were so cute. He was a cowboy and she was Dorothy from Wizard of Oz. She held his hand and said he was protecting her from the scary stuff! It doesn't get much cuter than that!

[wndyeliza]

Carola, give em a 3 second head start running...it at least gives em a fighting chance! LOL!

Doreen, I'm sorry that your little one got rained out. I was watching the weather reports feeling a little jealous that you get rain. I personally think that water falling from the sky is a myth. (I live in the high desert)

For those os you who went T or T, I hope you all had a good time! Let the candy sorting commence!

[carolat]

Kids had a blast last night - after T/T, we went to Wendy's for dinner, then over to my moms, and then Grandma and Grandpa came over - all in all a wonderful evening (the kids enjoyed it, too!)

Now it's time to start those Halloween layouts - but I just don't have the energy - maybe later today. We are taking the boys to the fire station - a cub scout outing, so maybe I'll do a layout when we get home.

[luv2stamp82]

Had to share a photo from last night! We had a blast!

http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/data/500/thumbs/Halloween2008noname.jpg (http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=287169&ppuser=62163)
Halloween 2008 (http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=287169&ppuser=62163)

[Kathleen]

Very cute Cowboy and Indian!!

I think I need to bribe my daughter to put her costume on today and take a few more photos. I don't think I got one of her actually looking at the camera!

[RoadMap4Us]

Kathleen -- thanks for the history lesson on T or T! I especially like it since I'm sitting right here in Des Moines (with you and Nicole). I actually was one of those kids in the .... ummm .....(clears-throat).....well, a while back....that sang a three-part harmony song with friends for our Halloween trick! We definitely took that 'trick for a treat' seriously!

Wendy -- your haunted house sounds like fun!

Now, pull up your chairs and let me tell you a little story about kids and costumes!

When our daughter was little, her grandma made her a Dorothy dress when she was about 6. You know -- from the Wizard of Oz. As a good mama, I conjured something up that looked all-sparkly and red that would slip over her shoes and look like ruby slippers. DD had a little Pound Puppy that she used as Toto and I french-braided her very thick long dark hair so that she really did look like a young Judy Garland. Very cute.

After Halloween was over, our DD wanted to wear that little outfit just for fun. So she played in that outfit -- for months and months! She LOVED that outfit.

And, because her grandma was a wise woman, that outfit started out a bit too large for a 6-year-old -- so it was still just fine for a 7-year-old. So when DD asked to wear the outfit again for Halloween, no problem! 'Dorothy' went out for Halloween a 2nd year (probably with a refreshed 'trick'; I don't remember that part).

And DD continued to wear that outfit all year long to play in. Friends would come over and they would dress up in different play clothes while DD was always Dorothy.

Halloween rolled around and our now-8-year-old DD wanted to be Dorothy once again. Well, that outfit was getting a bit worn and a little tight; but with a few mends here and there, 'Dorothy' was once again ready to roll!

I really think the only reason DD didn't wear that 'Dorothy' outfit a fourth year is because those ruby slippers were misplaced somewhere along the way ;);););):D

And now you know the rest of the story! :rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl:

[idtwinmom]

LOL! I'm sure glad I now know who DD in your Dorothy story is. Nicole - where's you Wizard of Oz kit?

[idtwinmom]

Hey guys! Quick stop to say I've posted a LO that shows what everybody voted on for my new hairdo. After I read my class material I will work on the LO that shows how the look turned out! Thanks for all those who stopped by!

You Chose!
http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/data/500/thumbs/You-Chose.jpg (http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=287313&ppuser=90601)

[Nicole Young]

LISA LISA LISA....Just saw a post by you and noticed your SUPER cute hair!!!! OHHHH you look awesome girl!!!! I LOVE IT!!!!!

[Nicole Young]

Roadie....what DD could that possibly be????

[Nicole Young]

Ok seriously....just got done Christmas shopping...needed to beat the crowds!!! But its going to be a small Christmas this year, I want to try to teach the kids more about giving and make it less about getting! Anyway....got some really awesome deals!

[idtwinmom]

Thanks, Nicole! I'm finishing up the LO that shows just exactly what came off! Having a lot of fun with this one!!!!!

I tried to shop yesterday, what a zoo!!!! Not done with Christmas, but think it's going to be a lot smaller here too. There just isn't that much the kids really need and they really don't ask for much either! (OK, they ask, but it's not really stuff you can find in the stores. Like last year when the number one request was for a red, flying monster! LOL)

[RoadMap4Us]

Lisa -- your hair is awesome!!!!!!! You look great! Your stylist framed it around your face perfectly. Nice!

Nicole -- Oh, that cute adorable DD that pays close attention to whatever Mama says!

US-folks: Hope all of you adjusted to the end of daylight savings time easily.
What about others? Do you have a change in your time about now to accomodate the use of daylight?

[wndyeliza]

Lisa, you look WONDERFUL!

Christmas shopping...sigh.....you all are just too organized for me...at least for right now!

[carolat]

Lisa - love your hair! And the smile on your face is a look you need to keep :)

[idtwinmom]

Thanks all for the kind words on the new 'do! It feels so fantastic, and I didn't even have to brush it before going to breakfast this morning!!!! Here's the LO of
Before & After
http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/data/1362/thumbs/Before-and-After3.jpg (http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=287346&ppuser=90601).

As for the time change: It was a loooooong day! Why don't I ever remember to split that hour for the kids! In other words, keep them up a little (like 30 minutes) longer on Saturday so they don't get up at 5 AM on Sunday and then go too long between breakfast and lunch!!!!! They all went to sleep fast tonight that's for sure. I do know the the UK switched off Daylight Savings last weekend, 'cause it affected the Sunday Chat.

Well, it's been a busy weekend and a busier week is coming! At ya' later!!!!!

[Beachcomber]

Hi All. Did you all have a good weekend?

Lisa, cute haircut. Great layout, too. :)

Yesterday it was windy, rainy and dreary out. All the soccer games were cancelled.

My son had a birthday party to go to today. It was at a gymnastic place. We had trouble finding the place. The signs to the place are on the wrong side of the road so it is very easy to miss the place which we did twice. :( We weren't thing only ones.

Hubby and I are decluttering our spare bedroom. The room became the dumping ground for everything. We have a floor. We have two desks in there that are being dismanteled and are being taken out. My living room and dining it stuffed with the things we hauled out of the room. I have been sorting the things in the dining room and living room. Phew...I can't wait for it to be done. It is still overwhelming.

[wndyeliza]

This has not started out to be a good week but I am hoping for a turn around. :yes:
My daughter just up and left with the grandbabies. It turned out that she went to live with the paternal grandmother. Seems she was planning this for a month and didn't tell anyone.:annoyed: The paternal grandmother hasn't had anything to do with the grandkids for the last 3 years, so I am a little suspicious and hurt. :cry: I am going to fill out an inquiry from the IRS when I am done here. I am so thrilled...:doh:
So wish me luck, I'm going in!

[luv2stamp82]

Good luck Wendy, not so fun stuff to get done.

Lisa, love the new do!

[Beachcomber]

Good luck, Wendy.

It is windy, rainy and dreary here again today. We need the rain.

[RoadMap4Us]

Wendy -- so sorry about the grandkids & daughter. Hugs & prayers going out for you.

[wndyeliza]

I feel a little ashamed for posting that in retrospect. Thank you all for being understanding, and I am sorry for the whining. I just was feeling so alone and helpless at the time. I apologize.

[carolat]

Don't even feel a little bad for posting - we get to whine here! at home, that is a different story :)

[wndyeliza]

:(:o:rolleyes::):D:hug:

Thank you.

[idtwinmom]

I agree with Carola! Here is the one place we can whine without shame! Heck, I've done my share!!!!!! And what a difficult time for you! Hugs, girl!!!

[thendara]

Oh Wendy, so sorry about what happened. Hope you find a solution soon...

[carolat]

Well, guys, for personal reasons I am leaving DSP - I have ignored things for quite a while and can ignore no longer. My decision is based on nothing that has been said in this thread, in fact reading and posting with the zero's is one of the high points of my day. I hope everything works out ok in your personal lives and maybe I will see you around the web!

[Kathleen]

Well, guys, for personal reasons I am leaving DSP - I have ignored things for quite a while and can ignore no longer. My decision is based on nothing that has been said in this thread, in fact reading and posting with the zero's is one of the high points of my day. I hope everything works out ok in your personal lives and maybe I will see you around the web!

:(

[idtwinmom]

Well, guys, for personal reasons I am leaving DSP - I have ignored things for quite a while and can ignore no longer. My decision is based on nothing that has been said in this thread, in fact reading and posting with the zero's is one of the high points of my day. I hope everything works out ok in your personal lives and maybe I will see you around the web!

:cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry: :cry::cry:
I will truly miss your inspiration!!!!!!!

[Nicole Young]

Wow I have missed so much in the last few days!!! I will have to stop and catch up tomorrow, for now, I need to go get some PTO stuff done for my daughters school!

[RoadMap4Us]

Carola -- Say it isn't so!! Please come back anytime. We will miss your beautiful LOs and charming wit in the meantime.

[luv2stamp82]

Bye Carola, have fun wherever you go next! We'll miss you!

[thendara]

Bye Carola, Good lucky for you....We will miss you...

[wndyeliza]

Carola, I will miss you.
Thank you for your words of friendship and inspiration. You are a joy.
Be happy.

[Beachcomber]

Carola, sorry you have to leave. :( I will miss you. It was nice getting to know you. Take care and best wishes.

[idtwinmom]

Dorene, Love the new siggie! Where did you find that cute scarecrow?

[Beachcomber]

Thanks, Lisa. A friend made it for me.

What part of Oregon are you in? I have relatives in Grants Pass, Medford and Springfield.

[idtwinmom]

Just north of Salem and right off I-5. A bit farther north than your family, I'm afraid.

[Nicole Young]

Good morning guys! Whew, have I mentioned that my brain has been on overdrive and I feel like I am losing it??? On Tuesday, I missed 20 minutes of my chat and ran in late...then at 1:45, I realized that I was suppose to be up at my daughters school running a PTO meeting about Fun Night....then I showed up to my haircut appt to find out that it was actually on Thursday...then on Wednesday morning I took the dog in for his grooming appt and found out it was actually on Thursday also....sooooo needless to say...I need a few minutes of "veg" time. And I will probably do that today and this weekend. So if you dont see me around much, that would be why :) I DID actually get to my haircut last night (for my ACTUAL) appt and I feel much better now that my hair is not a mess! I got it cut in an angled bob, cuz I am trying to grow it out a bit, I will have to take a picture later and post it :) Ok...off to get some errands done today and work on my DDs CHristmas presents (I am knitting her a scarf and also sewing us matching aprons...cuz she loves to help me in teh kitchen) She is also getting some store bought stuff, but we are trying to cut down on the spending this year, so a few homemade things seemed like a good idea :)

[wndyeliza]

Nicole, you sound like your having one of my months! Breathe! Relax for a minute! Enjoy your morning!
I am a little jealous over the knitting thing. I'm knitting impaired, couldn't do it if I needed to! I can use a spinning wheel to make my own yarn, and I can crochet. But I don't like the bulkiness of crochet garments. oh well.
This is day 6 out of 6 for me, but its a 12 hour shift. I had a CT of my lower back yesterday and found out that I have 2 bulging discs and that my last vertebra and sacraum are nearly bone on bone.
Its always sumptum!

[Nicole Young]

Ohhh Wendy that sounds horribly painful!!! What can they do for that?

[debilou]

Well, I am surely a Big Fat ZERO! Because I don't even know half of what the heck you are talking about!

So, zero for me!!! ZERO, ZERO, Nada. I'm in the right game.

[luv2stamp82]

Welcome to the zeros!

Have you guys checked out the entries for the designer contest? They are all really good! I am one of them, you can see it here, let me know what you think! I'm anxiously awaiting round 2 to start!

http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/data/6455/thumbs/DBJ-Preview.jpg (http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=287695&ppuser=62163)
Shabby City - Round 1 (http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=287695&cat=500&ppuser=62163)

[idtwinmom]

Jen, great kit!

Wendy, take care dear! At least now you know what's wrong, maybe something can be done about it!

Nicole - take a breather and come back rested!

Personally - I could use a nap!

[idtwinmom]

Oops! Deb - glad you found the Zero's. Only one thing to remember here: We may be zeros (we don't win at the chat games), but we are all 10's!

[idtwinmom]

OMG! One of my twins (5 yrs old and in kindergarten) just read the title of the TV show to me! Yep, he read it all by himself!!!!!!!! Isn't that great!

[Nicole Young]

Debilou! Welcome!!!! I am so glad you found us!!! Jump right on in!!!

Jen-- Love the kit!!! I am so excited to see all the entries, I havent commented on any, but have checked them all out!!! Good luck in the contest!!!

Lisa---that is SO exciting!!!! You should be SO proud that is a great accomplishment!!!

Ok....I am probably off for the rest of the night, we have Bible study, then we are renting a movie...not sure which one...I want to see Get Smart, he wants to see the Hulk....we are at an impasse

[RoadMap4Us]

Jen -- Great kit. Love the clock!

Lisa -- Smart kid!!! Thumbs up!!! Isn't it fun when they reach milestones like that!

Wendy -- Ouch and ouch again! That doesn't sound good. Hopefully something can be done about that?

Welcome, Debilou! I saw you over at the Granny Thread. Glad you found this spot too! Very very nice people here!

[wndyeliza]

:wave: Hi DebiLou! Welcome to the Zero's! It really is a matter of just jumping in. I am pretty new here myself, and I have found that these fine folk here are a wonderful, caring, funny, and talented group of people. :tup:


Thank you for the support and sympathy. I am going to keep on what I am doing for the time being. I am going to dance, I am going to try to learn to scuba...if my back cannot take the weight of the tank, I'll stop. But at least I'm gonna try. I am going to start yoga to maintain flexability. I kinda look at this just like a woman with a broken hip. You have to rehab it and learn to live with it, or become sedentary and withdraw from life. I may never run a half marathon like some people we know...(Nicole), but thats alright with me. Besides, surgery scares me. :yikes:

[jemtred]

Future Designers - I am spending some time checking out the kits now. I had no idea there would be so many!
Americans - please help me with a little query. My husband bought a cookbook from the 60s in a recent car boot sale (he is the family chef - I taught him everything I know then quit!!). A lot of the recipes mention biscuits and there are a lot of recipes for biscuits. To us Europeans (and Africans) this is a sweet treat (cookie) but this seems to be a savoury item! I understand the ingredients but would apppreciate a description of a biscuit - is is hard? soft? thick? thin? etc. Thanks for your help. I am not sure who it was but there is a famous quote " I speak English and I understand American" but I think this one is getting a little lost in translation.

[idtwinmom]

An American biscuit is a bready concoction more than a sweet. It is usually (when well made) soft and flakey. It is best served warm and many like them with butter and/or a little jam.

[idtwinmom]

:wave: Hi DebiLou! Welcome to the Zero's! It really is a matter of just jumping in. I am pretty new here myself, and I have found that these fine folk here are a wonderful, caring, funny, and talented group of people. :tup:


Thank you for the support and sympathy. I am going to keep on what I am doing for the time being. I am going to dance, I am going to try to learn to scuba...if my back cannot take the weight of the tank, I'll stop. But at least I'm gonna try. I am going to start yoga to maintain flexability. I kinda look at this just like a woman with a broken hip. You have to rehab it and learn to live with it, or become sedentary and withdraw from life. I may never run a half marathon like some people we know...(Nicole), but thats alright with me. Besides, surgery scares me. :yikes:

My Mom had 2 back surgeries! When her discs went it was with a pop and lots of pain. I can still remember the day she went to get out of the car and just screamed. It took my Dad and older sister to get her in the house! That was over 30 years ago and after she got the 2nd disc fixed has never had another problem. Do take care of yourself - there are exercises you can do that may help, and be very careful how you turn.

Hugs!

[scamptx]

Future Designers - I am spending some time checking out the kits now. I had no idea there would be so many!
Americans - please help me with a little query. My husband bought a cookbook from the 60s in a recent car boot sale (he is the family chef - I taught him everything I know then quit!!). A lot of the recipes mention biscuits and there are a lot of recipes for biscuits. To us Europeans (and Africans) this is a sweet treat (cookie) but this seems to be a savoury item! I understand the ingredients but would apppreciate a description of a biscuit - is is hard? soft? thick? thin? etc. Thanks for your help. I am not sure who it was but there is a famous quote " I speak English and I understand American" but I think this one is getting a little lost in translation.

An American biscuit is a bready concoction more than a sweet. It is usually (when well made) soft and flakey. It is best served warm and many like them with butter and/or a little jam.

And if poorly made, can be hard, thick and awful!!! In the US, we can actually purchase them ready to bake in the refrigerated section of the grocery. They come in cardboard tubes, stacked -- pull them apart and put them on a cookie sheet and bake.

I don't cook, so this would be the only way I would have biscuits! :lol: :lol:

[idtwinmom]

An American biscuit is a bready concoction more than a sweet. It is usually (when well made) soft and flakey. It is best served warm and many like them with butter and/or a little jam.

And if poorly made, can be hard, thick and awful!!! In the US, we can actually purchase them ready to bake in the refrigerated section of the grocery. They come in cardboard tubes, stacked -- pull them apart and put them on a cookie sheet and bake.

I don't cook, so this would be the only way I would have biscuits! :lol: :lol:

:rofl::rofl:
Actually, biscuits are about like pie dough! Work them too much, you get bricks. Make sure you only stir long enough to mix the dough together. It will be very sticky and will require lots of flour if you plan on cutting them into circles (I usually do drop biscuits because I never quite get them right if I cut.)

[Beachcomber]

Wendy -- :hug: Take care of yourself. There are exercises that strengthen your back.

Sometimes biscuits can be like hockey pucks. :lol: Really hard and no flavor.

My son had a soccer game this afternoon and as soon as we got out of the car it started to rain. We were all soaked. Still trying to get warm. The rain did taper off toward the end of the game. The teams were all muddy. The poor guys kept slipping in the mud and the ball was very slippery. Of course, it is not raining now but it is gray and dark outside.

[wndyeliza]

Jemma...Lisa described it exactly! ( and now I am craving one of the little buggers...they are also good with gravy.) And you can cheat (when your here in the states) and get them in a tube, ready for baking.

Is a boot sale (I understand that a boot for you is a car trunk to Americans) anything like a garage sale. Selling your unwanted or un needed stuff that you have had stored?

[idtwinmom]

Now that you mention it, Wendy, all this talk about biscuits leaves me craving one!

[jemtred]

Yep - boot sale is just like garage sale except everyone goes to a site (field etc) and sells stuff from their car. Buyers wander around and buy what they like. This one was for a school so there was an entrance fee for both buyers and sellers to raise money. The buyers pay for their pitch.
Biscuits sound a bit like savoury scones. They also need a light touch - my mum makes fantastic scones but then we are Cornish which is the home of scones, jam and cream! I think I will look for a picture and then go and do some baking when I have finished work (not that I ever actually finish, I just stop doing it til tomorrow!)
Good luck with the back stuff Wendy.
Ah Dorene it is supposed to be raining at football!!!! Thats half the challenge!! (maybe its just a British thing...)
Talking of weather (another British thing) we are just starting out rainy season here and have had some amazing storms. Its quite predictable that there will be a huge storm around lunch time for an hour or so then it will be glorious sunshine til evening and the storm may come back. Of course I usually manage to leave mu umbrella somewhere else...

[wndyeliza]

Jemma, you still amaze me. You are quite a lady with lots of grace. (maybe its a British thing!)

[idtwinmom]

Biscuits sound a bit like savoury scones. They also need a light touch - my mum makes fantastic scones but then we are Cornish which is the home of scones, jam and cream! I think I will look for a picture and then go and do some baking when I have finished work (not that I ever actually finish, I just stop doing it til tomorrow!)


Scones are still a little sweeter than biscuits. Will have to ask my MIL to compare them, she was born and raised in Portsmouth.

Sounds like interesting weather!

[jemtred]

Well, I made the biscuits while the chicken carcass was boiling for soup. Normally hubby does the cooking but he was at work (one of his jobs is as a karaoke compere in a night club and Sunday is practise day!) They are just like savoury scones if i made them right - we often make them with cheese. I took photos so will scrap them for the zeroes one day!
Not sure about the grace, Wendy! But I like the sound of it so I will work on it.

[idtwinmom]

I haven't heard back from MIL, but as soon as I do I will post her comparison! (Of course, I do know she couldn't make a biscuit to save her life. She is actually the only cook I know that is worse than me!) LOL

[Beachcomber]

Hi Zeroettes!

How is everyone doing?

My son has the day off tomorrow because it is Veterans Day. He asked me if we could visit Grandpa's grave tomorrow since it is Veterans Day. If I can find a small flag, I will put that on his grave.

I love scones! I haven't tried making them though. I don't make biscuits from scratch much. I usually make the biscuits out of the can. :pumpkin2: Nothing like a nice flakey biscuit smothered in butter and jam! :lol:

[Nicole Young]

Ohhh the best scones I have ever had are the cranberry orange ones from Starbucks! They are AMAZING! My hubby hates them, says they are too dry, I love them!!!

[idtwinmom]

I'm afraid I agree with your Hubby, Nicole. I have never really cared for scones for the same reason. But my parents (or should say, my Dad) were nearly addicted.

[just-pjz]

Hello ladies!!
I've been away (and missing!) The Club for awhile..I know I've missed out on oodles of comments. I was having an issue with my right index finger (my mouse clicker!)---since July---because of a chronic condition I have (Raynaud's)---it lost circulation, developed an ulcer and the end of my finger "died". We tried medicine but in the end had surgery--a
digital sympathectomy. It worked! The ulcer cleared up, the dead tissue fell off (can't even tell), and most importantly, the impossible pain is gone...for now. The doctor said it will possibly come back/happen again. I couldn't use my hand for 2 weeks, got the stitches out just before Halloween, and it is finally starting to look "normal". I have a pretty little scar that zigzags from the middle of my index finger down to the bottom middle of my palm. Getting back to the computer (and mouse) has actually been good therapy, but I still have work to do---can't completely flatten my hand yet or make a complete fist. Anywhat....
I hope everyone is doing well!
I have never had a scone..not sure I even know what it is. I have also never made biscuits from scratch---I'm not much of a cook, just enough of one to get by. My grandmother made fantabbity biscuits, though. My mom's are great too, just not quite as good. I love them fresh from the oven---warm and buttery, or warm with gravy.
You can also by premade, individually frozen ones in bags in the freezer section at the grocer. (Pillsbury makes them I think) Different styles---buttermilk, southern, etc. Just take out how many you want and pop 'em in the oven.

Nice to be back!

[Nicole Young]

Ohhhhh that sounds terribly painful, but so glad that you are starting to feel better! Glad you are back!!!

[idtwinmom]

Just-pjz: So glad you are back and that the surgery was a success! As I recall the alternative wasn't very pleasant! The biscuits in a bag are my way of making them too! Although I have made them from scratch in the past.

[luv2stamp82]

Ow, just-pjz, glad things turned out well and I hope they continue to do so!

[wndyeliza]

Hi PJZ! Welcome back, I'm Wendy. Nice to know that your mouse finger is just fine now, I can't think how many LO's you have to catch up on! YIKES!

[just-pjz]

Hi Wendy!
Thanks ladies!
It is good to be back around, and yes Lisa this was much better than the alternative for me!
A funny thing about the surgery...it was outpatient and they gave me an arm block for anesthesia (they also gave me a sedative that didn't put me to sleep but I was close to it) that makes your entire arm numb...for like 20 hours. I mean, completely numb. kinda like when the dentist numbs your mouth but much more extreme. It was quite bizarre and funny. The nurse had to get me dressed and put it in a sling. We stopped by the pharmacy on the way home to get my medications. I got out of the car and started walking in, looked down and my darn numb arm was just dangling there! It had fallen out of the sling when I got out of the car and I didn't even know it!

[Nicole Young]

MY BABY IS THREE!!! YIKES!!!! Where did the time go??? I am working on some Thomas the Train birthday cakes....I am NOT artistically talented when it comes to cake decorating..so this ought to be interesting!! Hope you girls are having a good weekend!!

[MarsOlson]

http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg78/MarsOlson/SillyStuff/thomas-happybd.jpg

Have fun decorating the cake Nicole. :D

[idtwinmom]

http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg78/MarsOlson/SillyStuff/thomas-happybd.jpg

Gee, stealing from Mars works here too!

Happy Birthday, Tyler!!!!!!!

[just-pjz]

Toot-toot!
Happy Birthday Tyler!!

[wndyeliza]

:party: Happy Birthday Tyler! Happy Birthday Nicole! (you did some work there too Mom!):party:


http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=289033
I just got another LO done. The inspiration came from the lyrics my friend Diane wrote. She also provided the lower picture in the LO, she took it in Greece. I was able to scrap like a big girl and use several kits to get it done! :lol:

[luv2stamp82]

Happy Birthday!!! Doesn't it sound so old when they turn 3!! My son just turned 3 in September and I was amazed!

[Nicole Young]

Awwww thanks you guys!!! He loves the pics!!

And I have decided that there is a very good reason that bakeries exist and that this is the LAST year that I will decorate a cake!! ACKKKKK that took forever!!!

[wndyeliza]

Pic of the cake please!

[RoadMap4Us]

http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg78/MarsOlson/SillyStuff/thomas-happybd.jpg

From Grandma too! (Thanks, Mars, for doing the hard work here!). Tyler calls me 'Mo' most of the time -- not sure where that came from but it works for me!

Nicole -- I'm looking forward to seeing that Thomas The Train cake tomorrow! I'll make sure we get a pix in the gallery!

PJZ -- welcome back! Yikes -- that surgery sounds tough. Glad you are on the mend.

[Beachcomber]

Hello Ladies.

PJZ -- Welcome back. I'm glad your are on the mend.

[wndyeliza]

Thanks Deb for getting the pic up tomorrow! With all of that hard work from Nicole it will almost be a shame to cut into the cake...almost! Maybe the Zero's need to invest in a cake decorating class for Nicole. (And a book club membership for Jemma! LOL)

[Beachcomber]

Happy Birthday, Tyler!

[renee s]

Hi all! These last three weeks have been very busy with the find a designer contest going on. If I don't make it, I have at least learned so much just in these three rounds alone, that I'm going away from the contest with a little bit better designer skills than when I first stared. Here is my round three kit if you care to take a look. :) My first round kit is in my gallery.

Burlap and Blues Page Kit (http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=289474)

[idtwinmom]

Nicole - the only reason to decorate a cake myself would be if they just want a cupcake with a toy stuck on it! LOL Cake decorating is not in my list of things I can do!!!!! Looking forward to the pics.

BTW - loving the blog entries about the potty training!

[wndyeliza]

Just as an update, I have had some folks ask about the fires here in So. Cal. I am about 60 miles from the closest fire in Orange County. The winds have died down for a time and the firefighters from all over the State and out of the State are working their collective butts off for LA and Orange counties. There is never any logic to the fires or it seems to some peoples reactions (we have already had arrests for looting out here).
So keep good thoughts and prayers for those who may be in harms way and those who are fighting to keep things safe.

[idtwinmom]

Wendy, I have been following those fires as well. With dear friends that fight those kinds of fires I always say prayers for all those affected and their families. I can't imagine being one of the families that has watched everything go up in smoke. I'm sure we only here about the neighborhoods with the big fancy homes, but what about those that aren't so wealthy? I sure hope they aren't in harms way too! Keep us posted!

[luv2stamp82]

Stay safe Wendy, hopefully those fires stay far away from you!

[Nicole Young]

Wendy you guys in CA will be in my prayers! That is really scary! Stay safe!!!

[Beachcomber]

Hi Ladies.

Wendy -- stay safe.

Renee S -- nice job on your round 3 kit. Good luck!

It is unseasonably warm here. It is conferences week at my son's school. They also get out early this week. We have his conference tomorrow.

[wndyeliza]

Bless your hearts ladies. I will be safe! I just have compassion who lost everything without notice. (Me...I'm having allergy attacks...no biggie)

[just-pjz]

Nicole, I hope Tyler had a wonderful birthday and demolished those cakes!!

Yes, Wendy please be safe from the fires (and allergies!)

[wndyeliza]

Lisa posted on the T or F thread that she just take herself out to see Twilight this weekend...anyone else going to see it this weekend? I have decided I'm one of the 3 people on this site that hasn't read the book yet, although I am close to finishing the book I've been reading.

[ReneT]

Can I join you guys now that I'm a big Zero too? (Scored 0 in the chat this morning) :D

[luv2stamp82]

My SIL and I are going to the midnight show for Twilight, can't wait!!

[just-pjz]

Wendy..I haven't read the Twilight Books either...been thinking about it though.
The question is, should I read the book first or see the movie first??!?!

Did I miss the Crazy Chicks chat?!?!? I didn't see it on the calendar nor did I get my event reminder for it, but I just saw Nicole's chat freebie in the gallery!!

[idtwinmom]

Can I join you guys now that I'm a big Zero too? (Scored 0 in the chat this morning) :D

Every one is welcomed!

[idtwinmom]

Lisa posted on the T or F thread that she just take herself out to see Twilight this weekend...anyone else going to see it this weekend? I have decided I'm one of the 3 people on this site that hasn't read the book yet, although I am close to finishing the book I've been reading.

Wendy, I think it's a wonder you get any time to read at all with your schedule!

[idtwinmom]

Wendy..I haven't read the Twilight Books either...been thinking about it though.
The question is, should I read the book first or see the movie first??!?!

Did I miss the Crazy Chicks chat?!?!? I didn't see it on the calendar nor did I get my event reminder for it, but I just saw Nicole's chat freebie in the gallery!!

Well, if you can wait a few days, I can give you a review! I have read all 4 books and I'm thinking of taking a me day on Saturday. I still have the gift of the manicure/pedicure from my neighbor to spend and then I thought I would catch the matinee on Saturday. Of course, I still need to discuss this with DH as he has lots to get done this weekend to get ready for the Christmas tree! But I think he can do a bunch of it while watching the kids!

I always miss the chat! I'm too busy getting breakfast and getting the kids ready for school. :(

[ReneT]

Thanks Lisa. Today was my first chat and now joining this forum, I'm hoping to make some scrapping friends. None of my friends here in TX are at all interested in my favorite thing to do.

[just-pjz]

Hi ReneT!
Welcome to THE club! I'm in the same boat..none of my friends here are interested in digiscrapping, but you'll find lots of friendly friends here!

Good for you Lisa with the "me" day! Let us know what you think of the movie, of course without spoilers! Books are always better than the movies in my opinion, but I thought since I haven't read these yet, the movie would be a good surprise for me.

[ReneT]

Hi ReneT!
Welcome to THE club! I'm in the same boat..none of my friends here are interested in digiscrapping, but you'll find lots of friendly friends here!

Good for you Lisa with the "me" day! Let us know what you think of the movie, of course without spoilers! Books are always better than the movies in my opinion, but I thought since I haven't read these yet, the movie would be a good surprise for me.

Thanks!

I agree books are always better than the movie. Nicholas Sparks is one of my favorite authors. I've read all his books, so I recently went to see Nights in Rodanthe, and it was a disappointment after the book. I guess you just can't get as much detail in a movie as you can in a book.

[ReneT]

Can someone tell me how to add Event Reminders? I see the area in My Account but when I click on it, it just says You Have No Event Reminders.

[idtwinmom]

Can someone tell me how to add Event Reminders? I see the area in My Account but when I click on it, it just says You Have No Event Reminders.

You can go to the calendar, select the event and there is a place to ask for the reminder in the text of the message. Although I just noticed that you can't do it in Nicole's Chat.

Hey Nicole - why can't we ask for a reminder?

[renee s]

For the most part, books are usually better than the movie. I like Jane Austen books, but I liked the movie Sense and Sensability much better than the book. And my daughter read the Princess Diaries, and actually didn't like the book, but did like the movie. But probably 99 percent of the time the book is the best. Like the Spiderwick Chronicles. Loved those books-very well written. But the movie felt sooo rushed, and was a big disappointment to us. I was just glad we didn't see it in the theater. Would be curious to hear what others thought of the movie Spiderwick, who did not read the book as well.

[ReneT]

You can go to the calendar, select the event and there is a place to ask for the reminder in the text of the message. Although I just noticed that you can't do it in Nicole's Chat.

Hey Nicole - why can't we ask for a reminder?

Thanks so much for the help!!!

[Nicole Young]

I had a lot of requests for a tutorial on what I did to some of my photos in my recent layouts! I posted a tutorial on my blog for those that are interested!!! :)
http://nicoleyoungdesigns.blogspot.com/2008/11/photo-enhancement-tutorial-for-cs3.html

[Nicole Young]

UMMMMM probably because I broke the calendar!!! I have no idea!!! Let me go take a look at that and try to figure out what I did!!!! LOL

[tg13]

Hi I like to join you and think I´m really a big ZERO well at least this morning in the 2 CC chat ;) that was my first time there and my first time here.
Nicole I just tried your tutorial from post #1213 and it rocks it makes the photos so much better I cant believe this is so easy. Keep up the tutorial´s LOL LOL LOL I use CS2 and it works there just fine.

[tg13]

[QUOTE=idtwinmom;566389]You can go to the calendar, select the event and there is a place to ask for the reminder in the text of the message. Although I just noticed that you can't do it in Nicole's Chat.

Hey Nicole - why can't we ask for a reminder?[/QUOTE


I just put the reminder on in my cellphone so it beeps me :rofl: every other week, super:tup:

[ReneT]

Hi I like to join you and think I´m really a big ZERO well at least this morning in the 2 CC chat ;) that was my first time there and my first time here.
Nicole I just tried your tutorial from post #1213 and it rocks it makes the photos so much better I cant believe this is so easy. Keep up the tutorial´s LOL LOL LOL I use CS2 and it works there just fine.

Hi there. We're both newbies to the chat and forum today!

[luv2stamp82]

I keep forgetting about chat! If you can do event reminders I'll have to try that.

I am so nervous about this round of the designer contest, it's the first elimination round, yikes!! So, my heart is in my throat because I just posted my kit to the gallery. Go take a look if you want!!

http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/data/6457/thumbs/DBJ-Preview1.jpg (http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=289712)
Blue Jay Road Kit - Ro... (http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=289712)

[tg13]

I keep forgetting about chat! If you can do event reminders I'll have to try that.

I am so nervous about this round of the designer contest, it's the first elimination round, yikes!! So, my heart is in my throat because I just posted my kit to the gallery. Go take a look if you want!!

http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/data/6457/thumbs/DBJ-Preview1.jpg (http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=289712)
Blue Jay Road Kit - Ro... (http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=289712)


You kit is beautiful:yes: good luck

Good to be not the only one to be a newbieeeeeeeeee :rofl::rofl::rofl:

[idtwinmom]

Hi Tora! I've been watching about Iceland on TV this week. One of our big morning shows is doing articles about your glaciers and Geo-thermal energy sources! The beauty I saw made me want to come for a visit!

[idtwinmom]

Jen, gorgeous kit! Good luck!

[Beachcomber]

Welcome ReneT!

I haven't read the Twilight series either. My friends keep asking me if I am going with them to see the movie.

My son's parent/teacher conference went fine. He is doing good except his writing is sloppy so his teacher wants him to work on his neatness.

Boy what a big drop in temperature today. It was foggy and cold out today. Brrrr...

[ReneT]

Welcome ReneT!

I haven't read the Twilight series either. My friends keep asking me if I am going with them to see the movie.

My son's parent/teacher conference went fine. He is doing good except his writing is sloppy so his teacher wants him to work on his neatness.

Boy what a big drop in temperature today. It was foggy and cold out today. Brrrr...

Thanks Beachcomber!

How old is your son? Boys just aren't usually as neat in handwriting as girls. Where in CA do you live?

[Beachcomber]

My son is 8. His teacher wants his work to be more legible. I am in the Bay Area.

[ReneT]

My son is 8. His teacher wants his work to be more legible. I am in the Bay Area.

I have a sister in Bakersfield. I've only been to CA once, to visit her and go to Disneyland about 8 years ago.

[Nicole Young]

Welcome guys!!! I see a few new "names" around here!!! I am excited that you found the thread! Ohhh Dorene, you really should read the Twilight series! Its REALLY good!!!! I loved it! Read teh whole series in a week!!! And I am dragging poor husband to the movie, hopefully sometime this weekend!

[jemtred]

I have managed to beg, borrow or steal (I'm not admitting which!) the first two in the series and I thought they were great. I am going to get my hands on the other 2 soon (by fair means or foul) but will have to wait a while for the movie but I am not that bothered as I don't think the movie is ever as good as the book.

Forgot to say GRRRRRR at the start of my post to warn of incoming rant!! My internet connection is so slow today it has taken me ages to do anything - like 20 mins to log onto facebook etc. which is why everything is going into one post. I am trying to upload photos to sharing site for the folks back home but it is taking hours. Keep reminding myself I live in a 3rd world country and am lucky to have electricity at all let alone email access. Also have had a water cut every afternnon this week - for some mysterious reason this aleays happens in the rainy season. In the draught of the dry season (6 months without rain) it rarely happens. [mutters 3rd World....3rd world....3rd world]
Anyway can someone please tell me what black Friday is? It was mentioned in another forum (bootcamp I think but I forgot to ask there). No such thng here - i love Fridays!!
My computer is also having a crisis - i swear its male - and is unable to do 2 or more things at once! GRRRRRR. By the way is it possible to upload and download at the same time? Just curious as I have never tried it and wondered if the different bits hit each other on the way to and from your machine. Maybe if you are uploading photos and downloading a kit at the same time the LO will make itself....

[luv2stamp82]

Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving where all the stores have major sales. It is a crazy shopping day. I never go out, but my MIL and SIL make a day of it. They pick outlets or a really big mall to go to and get all their Christmas shopping done in a day, most of it anyway!

[idtwinmom]

By the way is it possible to upload and download at the same time? Just curious as I have never tried it and wondered if the different bits hit each other on the way to and from your machine. Maybe if you are uploading photos and downloading a kit at the same time the LO will make itself....

It is technically possible to do both! However, in the real world, it could cause real slow downs and other problems, especially with your connection issues. The more you try to shove through that pipe, the more likely the system will slow down or lose pieces (what is known as packets) in the process. This causes errors and will result in your having to start over. Bottom line, with the complaints you are having, I wouldn't even be surfing DSP while you are uploading or downloading. It just adds traffic that could cause more headaches - Sorry!

[Beachcomber]

Hello All.

Nicole -- I guess I will have to read the Twilight series. I tried to check out the book from the library but all of the books are out right now.

Jemma -- sorry you are having internet connection problems.

It was foggy and cold today. Brrr...

I can't believe next week is Thanksgiving. This month flew by. I was thinking I had a few weeks left. We are going to my mom's and we are bringing dessert so I guess I better start thinking about what I want to bring. :lol:

[luv2stamp82]

Nicole, I can't believe you are getting your husband to go with you, lol! My SIL is going to the midnight show with me tonight, can't wait!

[wndyeliza]

Jen I hope you and your SIL have a good time tonight! At least I get to start the book tonight! LOL!

[thendara]

Passing by to say that i am still alive....LOL

Hope everybody is doing well...

[wndyeliza]

Cris, where have you been?! What's up?!

[wndyeliza]

Jen...how was Twlight?

[idtwinmom]

Hey Jen! With no spoilers 'cause I don't get to go until tomorrow: How was the movie?

Nicole - did we solve the mystery about setting a reminder on your chat?

Weny - hope you have a couple days off work! Don't expect to do anything until you have the book read, it will keep you drawn in until it's finished, believe me!

[ReneT]

Hey Jen! With no spoilers 'cause I don't get to go until tomorrow: How was the movie?

Nicole - did we solve the mystery about setting a reminder on your chat?

Weny - hope you have a couple days off work! Don't expect to do anything until you have the book read, it will keep you drawn in until it's finished, believe me!

OK, after reading all week about you guys reading the book and planning to see the movie, now I am convinced I need to get the book! I love to read so I'm excited!

[luv2stamp82]

Ooh, it was really good!! We were prepared not to compare it to the book, but it really followed the book excellently!! They kept some great lines and we were so happy with it. We were a little worried about staying up til midnight to see it in case it wasn't any good, but it was worth it! I get to go see it again with my mom this weekend!

[idtwinmom]

Jen- that makes me so much more excited! I get to go tomorrow after spending all morning getting my manicure/pedicure birthday gift! What a marvelous "me" day!

[luv2stamp82]

What an awesome day!!!! Which I'm sure you deserve! I hope you like the movie, have fun!

One warning, one of the trailers I couldn't watch because it was too scary and I'm not a horror flick person.

[idtwinmom]

Thanks! I had read it from a couple of you that the trailer was pretty bad! I'll close my eyes if they play it at a matinee!

[Beachcomber]

Hi All.

Not much going on here. It was sunny and mild here today. Fickle weather--the last few days it has been foggy and cold. Go figure.

We had dinner at a local Chinese restaurant. I have been craving Chinese food. It was yummy. Both my son and I wanted Chinese yesterday.

[luv2stamp82]

I'm so excited I'm jumping out of my chair!!! I had to share that I am moving on to the next round of the designer contest, yippee!! I made it through the first elimination!

[renee s]

Me too, Jen- Woo Hoo! Pretty exciting! My heart started beating out of my chest when I saw my name! Congratulations to you! Now the real work begins!

[Beachcomber]

Hi All.

Woo Hoo. Congratulations Jen and Renee!!! :tup: :yahoo: :tup: You go ladies.

I have a new layout that needs a little love. http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=290173&ppuser=37607 Thanks!

[wndyeliza]

:applause::tup::yahoo:
Congratulations Jenn and Renee!!!! Now you can breathe and let your creative side loose!!! Go Girls! :yippee::love3::yes:

[idtwinmom]

Congrats Renee & Jen!

I had a great day! First, I went and had a manicure and pedicure. I think the pedicure could be addictive, especially sitting in the massage chair. Then, I went and saw Twilight! It was fabulous! I thoroughly enjoyed it. The photography was spectacular! And for those of you wondering if you should see it before reading the book, here is MHO:

Do you like to read a book more than once? If yes, when it is a good book, go see the movie now. The subtle changes made for the movie won't detract from either! If no, wait. The book is well worth the read and you might miss some things by just seeing the movie. But if you see the movie first, you will probably want to see it again once you have read the book too.

[luv2stamp82]

Glad you enjoyed your day Lisa!!

CONGRATS RENEE!!! It's so exciting, isn't it?

[Kathleen]

I can't believe next week is Thanksgiving. This month flew by. I was thinking I had a few weeks left. We are going to my mom's and we are bringing dessert so I guess I better start thinking about what I want to bring. :lol:

Hello, Ladies!

I don't post often here, but I do read! Congrats to those moving on in the designer finder contest ... I have been watching from the sidelines, and am amazed by the talent! And just like in the DET contest, it is so cool to see all the different things people do with the same "assignment."

Nicole, I can't wait to hear about your race yesterday ... I hear it was an awesome turn out, even with the snow!!

We are getting ready for Thanksgiving later this week. We will be traveling to Chicago to see family. It will be a busy week, but hopefully good! Dorene, you mentioned you are supposed to bring dessert ... I just have to share my two favorite fall recipes (I know I may be in the minority loving cake rather than pie, but both these recipes are DELICIOUS and so EASY):

http://cdn-1-service.phanfare.com/images/external/1466784_1419796_53578283_WebSmall_3/0_0_268ab64948d64e8121340e64e4282c10_1

Luscious Four-Layer Pumpkin Cake

1 pkg. (2-layer size) yellow cake mix
1 can (15 oz.) pumpkin, divided
1/2 cup milk
1/3 cup oil
4 large eggs
1-1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice, divided
1 pkg. (8 oz.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tub (8 oz.) COOL WHIP Whipped Topping, thawed
1/4 cup caramel ice cream topping
1/4 cup chopped PLANTERS Pecans

PREHEAT oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. Beat cake mix, 1 cup of the pumpkin, the milk, oil, eggs and 1 tsp. of the pumpkin pie spice in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended. Pour evenly into prepared pans.
BAKE 28 to 30 min. or until wooden toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean. Cool in pans 10 min. Remove from pans to wire racks; cool completely. Beat cream cheese in small bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until creamy. Add sugar, remaining pumpkin and remaining 1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice; mix well. Stir in the whipped topping.
CUT each cake layer horizontally in half with serrated knife. Stack layers on serving plate, spreading the cream cheese filling between layers. (Do not frost top of cake.) Drizzle cake with caramel topping just before serving; sprinkle with the pecans. Store leftover cake in refrigerator.

KRAFT KITCHENS TIPS

How to Slice and Stack Cake Layers
Place one of the cooled cake layers on a serving plate. Make a 2-inch horizontal cut around side of cake using a long serrated knife. Then, cut all of the way through the cake layer to make two layers. Remove the top layer by sliding it onto a 9-inch round cardboard circle. Frost the cake layer on the serving plate with one-third of the whipped topping mixture, then slide the top half of the split cake layer from the cardboard circle onto the frosted layer on plate. Place the remaining unsplit cake layer on a cutting board. Cut into two layers as done for the first layer. Repeat the process of transferring the cake layers to the stacked cake layers on plate using the cardboard circle.

Note about this filling: It is delicious! I have used the basic filling recipe for layer cake filling (just plain yellow or chocolate cake). Simply replace the pumpkin with mashed bananas. Adding sliced strawberries are also a nice addition.

Apple Spice Cake (from MarthaStewart.com (http://www.marthastewart.com/))

http://images.marthastewart.com/images/content/tv/martha_stewart_show/show_photos/season1_1151_1180/1166_recipe_applecake2_l.jpg
Serves 10.

Ingredients

* 1 1/3 cups vegetable oil
* 3 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 2 cups sugar
* 3 large eggs
* 3 to 4 Granny Smith apples, cored and cut into 1/2-inch pieces (3 cups)
* 1 cup chopped assorted nuts, such as pecans and walnuts (optional)
* 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
* Caramel Sauce
* Nonstick cooking spray with flour

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 12-cup Bundt pan with cooking spray; set aside.
2. Working over a large sheet of parchment paper, sift together flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt; gather sifted ingredients into center of sheet; set aside.
3. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine vegetable oil, sugar, and eggs; mix on high speed until lemon yellow.
4. Fold reserved parchment in half lengthwise; with mixer on medium speed, gradually shake in dry ingredients until just incorporated.
5. Add apples and, if desired, nuts, to batter; mix to combine. Add vanilla, mixing until incorporated.
6. Pour batter into prepared pan, and bake until a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean, 75 to 90 minutes.
7. Remove from oven, and cool slightly on a wire rack.
8. Invert cake onto rack; turn cake right-side up to cool completely on rack, and serve drizzled with caramel sauce

Caramel Sauce
Makes enough for 1 cake.

Ingredients

* 1 cup light-brown sugar
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
* 1/4 cup evaporated milk
* 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
* Pinch of salt

Directions

1. Combine ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring, until thickened to desired consistency.

[Beachcomber]

Hi All. Hope you all had a great weekend.

Kathleen -- Those look yummy. Thanks for sharing your recipes. My friend gave me a recipe for a Decadent Chocolate Pie I think I am going to make for Thanksgiving. I think I might try out one of your recipes though.