Wednesday night tidbits

Here I sit at the computer and I love that sound -- do you hear it? the sound of NOTHING! well actually the sound of the dishwasher running and Jimmy snoring but the quiet of the house is absolutely blissful! I love this time of night, when I can just chill and be alone. Of course, Jimmy would like for me to not be alone, you know what I am talking about here but he is asleep so I get to do my own thing--woohoo! ok, I am rambling, I know.

For those of you who post comments on my blog, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! however if you do not have a blogspot account, your comment appears as anonymous and so I have no idea who posted. so please from now on, in your comment, start it off with ,"hey this is Jane" or whoever you are. That way I won't have to wonder who is telling me what.

American Idol--did you watch it? some people are just plain freaky and too funny! but I do love when someone gets on there that truly does have talent--some have such powerful voices. My boys think that I should try out. So cute, their naiveness (not a word, I know). For they don't have a clue that their mama couldn't hold a candle in Hollywood. So nice to know that they think so though.

Well, that's about all for now. Sorry I don't have anything deeper to say. It's just that my toes and fingers are so damn cold that I can't think anymore. Gotta love this old house!

(no title needed)

Well, I kept putting off posting something new because I wanted to post pics and stories from Christmas but never made the time to do so. So let's just say that we had a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year so far. Now I can release that guilt and move on . . . . (I'm being facitious here, y'all!)

We have been busy here in the Abadie house. Jimmy is on the road mostly -- 11 hours today -- delivering hay to those horse lovers over in E La--gotta love those people who pay more attention to their horses than I do to my kids--they help put food on our table!

Noah has played 5 basketball games in the last two weeks. It is so interesting to watch him play. This is his 4th year and he has come along way--it is definitely not natural to him, however he gives it his all and is really learning a lot. He even made a few fouls last week--we always get excited when he makes a foul b/c that means he is playing hard!

We don't hear much from Andrew these days b/c he always has his head stuck in a book. He is required to have about 50 AR points for the entire year and he has like 150 so far. He reads 3 or Louis L'Amour books a week!!!!!!!!!! Never thought I would punish a child from reading but he wants to read in the tub, at the dinner table, in the car, etc. Gotta love his passion for it though.

Poor Asa, he has more homework than any of my boys have ever had. He comes home every night with a full page of typed instructions from his teacher. And everything has to be signed off by me. When did homework become the parent's responsibility? I don't ever remember my mom helping me nor signing off on anything. Even in the first grade. Don't get me started here for I would still by typing when the sun comes up tomorrow.

Luke got two new rabbits last week--Libby and Loppy! aren't those cute names? We don't have room for them with the other rabbits so they are in a pen sitting on top of the wheelbarrow. One day last week I was helping him feed and water them when all of a sudden my foot was wet. The darn rabbit had scooted his butt all the way in the corner where the cage was not over the wheelbarrow and well, you get the rest of the story. . . . ugh!!!!!!!!!!

I am enjoying my new business and the benefits it offers. Working only two or three days a week and getting a bit of a paycheck sure is wonderful. I sometimes can't believe that I like it--never thought I would do this sort of work. I am truly blessed.

You know I was watching Oprah last week--the day she had the special on about women in their 30's. I fit in that category so I watched it. There was an American black woman on there who is Muslim. I don't know much about that religion except that they do believe in the same God and they belive in Jesus but not as the son of God or Messiah but as a prophet--ok big difference! Anyway what struck me about her was her dedication to pray to God so many times a day at the exact time each day no matter what. If she is working, she stops and puts her mat down and kneels down and prays for a certain length of time; if she is on a plane, she does the same. If she is in a meeting, the same; doctor's office, the same. And it made me think of how little time I/we give to God. Think about it. I am not saying that I think we should have specific times everyday to do so but I know that I don't give God even 1/100 of my time. Maybe if I would start doing so and being still enough to listen, he might just have something to tell me.

Just my thoughts for tonight.

I'm back

Well, the holidays are over and I have so much to share but just sooooo busy . . . . I hope to post some of our Christmas pics and share some of our memories with you in the next day or so. I have been working to catch up since I took two weeks off, supper club is at my house tonight so I have a ton of cleaning and preparing to do, Noah plays two basketball games this Saturday, dinner at church on Sunday . . . etc, etc. etc. Be back on here later to tell you more . . .

"Joseph went with Wanda."

My sweet dear Lukee gave me the greatest gift last night--a laugh from something that he said, so sweet and innocent. I hope to never forget this one . . . .

We were sitting at the dinner table when out of nowhere he said, "Mama, Where did Joseph go with Wanda?" I had no idea what he was talking about so I told him to repeat himself. And he said again, "Where did Joseph go with Wanda?" I was even more confused so I asked him, "What are you talking about?" And in the sweetest, most precious way, only the innocence of a child could give, he said, "You know in that song you sing, Joseph went with Wanda." It was then that I realized what he was talking about and I couldn't contain my laughter--the lyrics to "Mary Did You Know" say, "Joseph wept with wonder." I guess he has heard me sing it so many times that he has memorized it--now if only I could sing more clearly, right?

Merry Christmas!

Yes, I know I am a slacker . . . . . . .

but it has been C-R-A-Z-Y!!!!!!! with a capital "C." I am sure that you are experiencing the same thing with your family right now. I am so psyched!!!! I finished up my work today and will not be going back til after Jan 8!!!! oh, the beauty of this "J-O-B!" I will be absent from my blog for quite a while, just enjoying the boys during the holidays. I hope that you have a VERY Merry Christmas and a healthy and Happy New Year!

Love,
Amy

It's been a crazy week . . . .

so I have neglected the blog a bit. Sadly, Jimmy's grandmother, Deanie, passed away peacefully Tuesday morning. She was 97 and lived a very full life. The funeral is tomorrow so we will be traveling to Lafayette today for that. Burial will be in Acona, MS on Tuesday. Jimmy will be driving his parents so the boys and I will not be going. Please remember his family in your prayers--especially this Christmas. She was always a very vibrant part of the family and will be missed terribly.

We went to a festive Christmas party last night at the Leake's in Liberty and had a wonderful time as always. Bubbles the clown entertained the kids, Santa stopped by and the fireworks knocked our socks off.

We are headed to Baton Rouge today for the parade that passes right in front of Mama and Daddy's. So much festivity, I can hardly stand it. I'll leave you with this . . .

Getting to know your friends at Christmas

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? both

2. Real tree or artificial? usually real, but artificial this year

3. When do you put up the tree? The day after Thanksgiving.

4. When do you take the tree down? the day or two after Christmas

5. Do you like eggnog? used to love it but now don't like it at all

6. Favorite gift received as a child? the doll clothes that my mother made right under my nose

7. Do you have a nativity scene? yes

8. Hardest person to buy for? my mother

9. Easiest person to buy for? my kids

10. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? not sure

11. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail definately!

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? Rudolph the red nosed reindeer

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? I usually have some before then, but mostly the day after Thanksgiving

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? yes

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? My mother-in-law's dressing, but don't tell my mother and all of the fudge and pralines--wish I could make divinity.

16. Clear lights or colored on the tree? usually colored for the kids, however the tree that I bought came with clear lights.

17. Favorite Christmas song? Mary Did You Know

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? this year dinner with my family at my house then always travel to New Iberia to Jimmy's family for a few days.

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeers? of course

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? used to be an angel til she "died". just bout a cool star last weekedn.

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? the kids get to open one present on Christmas Eve (a tradition that my mom started with us), then the rest of the gifts Christmas morning.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? The fact that it gets so crazy that you don't have time to enjoy parties, etc...that it is just too busy.


Answer these questions and post them here.

Trying to recover . . . .

from yesterday -- super-charged Christmas shopping!!!!!! I left my house at 5:30 am and got home at midnight. What a blast I had shopping with my supper club friends. All six of us fit very comfortably into Benita's suburban however after 14 hours of shopping, it wasn't so comfortable. I think I had SIX bags on my lap on the way home. I can't believe that I didn't take my camera b/c there were some shots to be taken, especially when Anita and I camped out on the leather recliner in Target -- and it was comfortable too. We laughed and cut up and had an awesome time--and I found lots of GREAT gifts. My find of the day, well I can't say b/c I bought it for two people on my list and they are going to be soooooooo lucky to get this gift!!!!! aren't you just dying to know? call me and I will tell you if you want to hear about a GREAT deal! Thanks to Debbie Smith who kept my boys for over 12 hours. What a dream babysitter she is. She fixed a full breakfast for them when they arrived at 8am--and had prepared enough for Jimmy too--then she took them to Sonic, made cookies with them, made homemade pizza with them for supper, roasted marshmallows in their fire pit, played ping-pong with the boys, bought them all remote-controlled cars, the movie CARS and then told me when I called, "I bet I am having more fun than you are!" Jimmy picked them up at 8pm and she had roast and rice and gravy ready for him. He told me that if anything should happen to me on the way home, that he would be moving in with her!!!!!! (Love you too, honey) Wonder what her dear hubby would think of that! Anyway, when we arrived at church today, I started to feel bad because I didn't see her car and thought that she was too worn out to get up and go, however she was there and told me that she so enjoyed the boys and to bring them anytime--Anytime, you say? hhhmmmm . . . . . She even offered to keep them for Jimmy and I to go away for the weekend. Ok, this sounds too good to be true, however lucky for me, it is not! You see there are still good people in this world and I am blessed enough to know one--thanks Debbie!

Back to wrapping gifts!

Night!

Signed, Sealed, Delivered. . . They're Postal!

I am soooooooooooooo super excited to say that my Christmas cards are done!!!! woohoo!!!!!!!!!!!!! It seems that the last few years, my Christmas cards have not gotten started til mid-December and have become a chore rather than a joy, hence my reasoning for doing them early this year. Pat, Pat on my back! Anyway, check your mailboxes because they are on their way.

Off to Hattiesburg at 5:30 am!!!!!!!!!!! tomorrow -- Christmas shopping with my supper club. Should be tons of fun!

Can you help a girl out?

Well, it seems that I have a blog stalker--that would be my dear hubby. You see, he goes to my blog everyday, so I am thinking, "Wow, he is really interested in what I am saying here." when in reality he tells me, "No, I am just amazed at how no one ever comments and you continue to put stuff on there." Duh!!!!!! doesn't he know that I have MANY people who are foaming at the mouth, just waiting for my next post!!!! haha! So, anyway, can you help me out? Please from now until next Sunday, when you check my blog, please post a comment so that he will see that I really do have friends. Thanks!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas at our house

Thanksgiving Day was nice with dinner at Mama and Daddy's and to the movies to see Santa Clause 3 (don't waste your money). Jimmy had to work and so did Daddy so it was just me and the boys, Mama, Traci and her family. We had a yummy dinner and enjoyed each other's company (no fights either!). Traci and I made our annual/traditional walk over to Walgreen's but didn't find too much. Usually we rake up on stocking stuffers but not this year.

And with Thanksgiving gone, we are on to our favorite holiday of all--Christmas!!!!!!! The boys and I decorated yesterday. I LOVE when my house is decorated for Christmas. We have an artificial tree this year and while it is not the greatest tree we have ever had, it is still nice. Not sure how many years we will use it but so be it.

Still working on my Christmas cards--looks like I just might make my "deadline!" so be watching your mailboxes.

GOOOOOOOOOOO Tigers!

This past Saturday was our long-awaited tailgate party at LSU. We had a blast! so nice visiting with family and friends--about 65 people came. We ate Jimmy's yummy jambalaya and cake for Andrew's birthday.



I ate waaaay too much but it was soooo good! The kids played football and got very muddy and Asa found a $20 bill in the mud. A few people went to the game while most of listened on the radio or watched it on TV. It wasn't LSU's best playing but a win is a win, right?






Home this week for the Thanksgiving holiday. I plan on enjoying some down time with my boys. Hoping to start on some Christmas gifts and maybe decorate my house this weekend. I LOVE decorating for Christmas! I usually go a bit overboard but the past two years I have not. I am planning on the same this year--simple but Christmas nonetheless.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

ok, maybe not quite, however I am getting pretty excited that the holidays are right around the corner. And "pat, pat" on my back--I just ordered my Christmas card pics on line--woohoo! I have never been this early before but I am determined to get my cards out December 1! You think I'll do it? I just might.

Note: as you can tell I did not figure out how to post a pic in a post however while playing around, I discovered all kinds of other cool things for my blog. Enjoy!

why oh why can't i post a pic--arrrrggghhhh!

Computer really *!*(** me off sometimes. Probably because I don't know what I am doing most of the time. I am trying to post pics from this weekend and my Picasa program won't work with the new version of blogspot. any help with any of you bloggers out there would be most appreciated.

I worked in Clinton today and it stormed. Jimmy picked up Luke for me and when I got home, he was making gumbo in his black pot outside. Gotta love a man who picks your kids up AND cooks! I think I'll keep him! got my shower curtain monogrammed today with a 12 inch "A" --looks cool! and bought a new very bling, bling purse. Makes me happy. will try to post pics if I ever figure it out!!!!!!

Ok, pics won't upload AGAIN!!!! how could it work one day and not the next--*@!*@!**

Been having LOADS of fun!

It's been a while so I have a lot to share. Weekend before last was my family reunion. It was soooo good to see cousins that I don't see but every few years. We have established this will be a yearly tradition for the McKey Family.

Then last week was so busy that I don't remember too much of it. On Tuesday, I checked the boys out from school to go on a much needed shopping trip for pants before going to the dentist for check-ups. Well, you would have thought I took them to the orchestra--they were bored out of their minds and very uncooperative with the whole shopping thing. I threatened that they would have to go naked if they didn't cooperate with me--do you think they cared? Walking around naked is pretty sacred to boys, right? Anyway, after having not much success in the pants department we went to the western store and everyone got a new pair of boots (not Noah--he has a good pair) and while there, the boys were filmed in a commerical for Cathy's Cowboy Corral. So if you live in Natchez, you just might catch the Abadie boys on TV.
This past weekend was beautiful! and we spent most of it with Darren, Jill and Cole--our dear friends from New Iberia. They came to go riding in the forest for Cole's birthday. Jill and I enjoyed some girl time at home (cooking supper!--what else?). Then on Sunday after church, we saddled the horses again and took turns riding. Boy, the weather was gorgeous and we had a very relaxing day. Here's to good friends! So good to be around them. Darren and Jimmy have been friends since 10th grade meeting in 4-H. Check out their piture. Do they look alike or what? The other pics: Asa on the horse, Luke on the horse and Noah working Two-Eyed. Andrew didn't want to ride so I didn't get his picture.

(sorry, I can't get the pics to post--will try again later)

OK, OK, OK, I know I am a slacker . . .

and I have neglected my blog. I promise to update today with the juicy details of my life from the last week. Stay tuned!

Good smell . . . .

UMMMMMMM it smells so good in my house. A sliced lemon, a piece of a sliced apple, cinnamon sticks, cinnamon powder, a few cloves and some water boiling in a pot on the stove. YUMMY! Instant harvest smell. One problem: I am the only one in my house who likes the smell. Oh well, my opinion is the only one that counts! Oh, and don't let it burn--that doesn't smell too good--so keep the water in it. After letting all the water boil out TWO times and scraping my nice new, very expensive pot, I opted for a $2.00 pot from Dollar General. It is officially my "harvest" pot.

My hands are freezing--it's that time again--when I wear more clothes inside than I do outside. Here's to an old house made of cinderblock and not much insulation. BRRRRR! Hence four children! just kidding!

Happy day to you!

These make me REEEEALLY happy!!

 

I just LOOOOVE when a new scrapbook magazine comes out. You may not understand it but I know the exact day that each one hits the newstands and I usually go and get it. It is my fix. Now if only it were storming outside, there was a fire in the fireplace, a candle lit and NO ONE home, then it would be PERFECT but since none of that is happening I guess I'll just get in bed and read anyway. Night! 

Happy Halloweeeeeeeeeen!

 
 
 
 

We are home from trick-or-treating and all of my little goblins are sleeping. I picked the boys up from school plus two extras and off we went to Chili's in Zachary for an early dinner. If you have never dined with six boys all under the age of 12, you must do so sometime. If only to appreciate dining alone!!!!!!!!! Really, they were well-behaved and we left the restaurant in one piece. Off to WalMart we went to get Andrew some camo pants to complete his hunter "costume." Asa wanted to get a shopping cart but I said, "I've got six of them right here." and we proceeded to get lunch stuff for the rest of the week with each of them holding a few things in their arms. Ok, I am sure at this point the two friends were thinking that I was nuts! We went to Missy's to change and then on to trick-or-treating. Luke was tired after about 30 minutes and he "suffered" for another 30 minutes. So one hour of t-o-t-ing and we have the bowl of candy you see here. Enough to rot an elephant's entire mouth of teeth! Noah was Clinton Anderson--THE horse trainer from Down Under--if you watch RFDTV then you know who I am talking about however I am sure that none of you do. He is Noah's idol right now. Andrew was a hunter, Asa was a red power ranger and LUke was Buzz Lightyear. Our two friends went as Walker Texas Ranger and a football player. I can't believe that I didn't get any individual pics but nevertheless here are the pics from tonight. I think Luke is hiding in the group pic and if you look closely you can see my sister, Missy peering through the glass from the inside. Good Times! 

Pecans For Sale

 

After 10 years, our tree has finally produced again. Don't know why but it did. So we have picked about 50 pounds of pecans and the boys are selling them. So if you want some, let me know. Sorry, local pick-up only. Now that narrows the field doesn't it? 

Reconnecting with an old friend. . . .

 
 
 
 

After way too long, we visited Saturday with Robyn and her children who have just returned to Louisiana after about 10 years living elsewhere. They are now in Mandeville which is only about 1 hour and 45 minutes away. Robyn and I met in my second year of college, we were in each others' weddings, and we are each godmothers to one of each of our children. She to Andrew and I to Mattie. Love that! I am so blessed to have such great friends and Robyn is one of those. It was so great to visit with her in her own home. In the last ten years, we have met at restaurants, she has come to my home in route to some other destination, etc but I have not been to her home since they lived in medical student housing/apartment in Jackson, MS about 10 years ago. They have lived in Georgia, Maryland, and most recently El Paso but are now home in Louisiana. Robyn, you look GREAT, your home is beautiful, and your children are precious. You have so much to be proud of. Looking forward to seeing you again soon. and to my sweet Mattie, I LOVE YOU!