Category Archives: Randomness

January 28, 2009 · 6:00 am

The initial thought of a snow day sounds nice.


Then, you have one.  And, you pray and pray that school is open the next day.  That’s today.  It’s not.  For the love.

I did my best to keep the little people entertained yesterday.  I even let them make edible playdough.

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That would be blue food coloring that when mixed with tan colored dough looks like something that just came out of Shrek’s nose.  Sorry.  It’s true.

And, yes.  I did taste it.  Once.

Of course, after hearing all morning how they just had to play outside, I gave in, despite the arctic-like temperature.  At least, arctic where I come from.

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It was co-oh-old.  So, I wished them well and headed back in like a good mother.  John Henry wasn’t too far behind me.  “It is fa-fa-freezing out there,” he commented as he came back inside.

“Johnry!!!”  That would be the littlest Takle still outside crying, because her brother was done with the cold.  She’s a brave one.  Much to her chagrin, she came back inside.

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And, ate the sleet off of her jeans.

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 At this point, I had to make a decision if it was more dangerous braving the icy road conditions or staying cooped up at home with two little people.

So, we loaded up….  Okay, Kris came home, and we went to CVS.  ‘Cause that’s how we roll. 

Kris promised the kids he would take them back outside, because he knew mom was D-O-N-E.  They made snow, pardon, sleet angels.

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Yes, Anna’s pants are on backwards.  And, so were her underwear, but that’s another story.  “I like them backwards!”  She claims. 

Today, we are getting out and going to the movies.  I don’t care how much those Jr. Mints will cost.   Must.Get.Out.

The sweet little fire and hot chocolate just aren’t cutting it any more.  I’m entering my own personal state of emergency that only the Goose can cure. 

You know I kid.  Sort of.

What do you do when you are cooped up in the house?

 

 

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January 23, 2009 · 6:00 am

You’ve Got Mail!


First, I’d like to give a big shout out to all you readers and commenters.  Y’all sure do know how to make a girl feel encouraged.  Your e-mails and comments after yesterday’s post put a spring in my step and a Cherry Diet Dr. Pepper from Sonic in my hand.  Okay, so you didn’t put the tasty beverage in my hand, but I know you would have.  That little thirst quencher with the perfected ice has become a recent must have.  But, this is not my post at all.  It’s so unlike my writing style to chase rabbits or talk about things that have no significance whatsoever. 

You may or may not know that President Obama is a self-confessed Blackberry addict.  I hardly meet a smartphone user who isn’t addicted to its massive communication abilities.  I will just confess right now that I find it difficult to ignore the little “ding” my iPhone makes when I’ve got mail.  Then, there is mobile Twitter, mobile Facebook, and other random applications that seem to capture my attention.

KT can say nothing.  He tends to fall into a Blackberry coma most days.

Since President Obama is….well, like the President, there were some security concerns with his e-mails on his Blackberry being hacked into or a GPS being used to track his whereabouts.  Because of the president’s reluctance to give up his Blackberry, the National Security Agency approved a $3,350 smartphone for his use, humorously called the “Barackberry.”  I know.  Kind of cute.

Apparently, President Bush and others before him were forced to give up using e-mail while in office.  Humph.  Things I didn’t know.  And, for that very reason, I could never be president.  Well, and because attending all of those inauguration balls would keep me up past my bedtime.

I do think that persistent mobile phone use when you are around friends is rude.  I’m as guilty as they come.  Which, apparently, means I’m rude.

What do you think?  Do people like me – the mobile addicted sorts – bother you?

Do you have a smartphone or do you just {gasp} utilize your mobile to make calls?

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January 20, 2009 · 6:00 am

Sometimes, all you need are chocolate and sleep.


Our kids spent the weekend with their Falon and Jenny (Falon’s mom.)  That meant two full days of KT and Dusty Takle time.

To commemorate our all adult weekend, we decided to do a little staycation at the Skirvin Hilton downtown.

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We arrived (sounds like we drove for hours, doesn’t it) at the Skirvin on Saturday afternoon….after a grueling 15 minute drive. 

We had planned to hit Bricktown, and Live.It.Up.  But the thought of even leaving the hotel to get dinner did not sound the least bit appealing.  So, we decided to eat at the little pub in the hotel. 

To top off our wild and crazy night, I stopped by the hotel shop and picked up a couple of sundries.

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It’s not Junior Mints or Sour Patch Kids, but they’ll do in a pinch. 

Sidebar:  I know those roots of mine are quite disturbing.  I apologize for the sudden gasp you just let out.  This serious matter will be rectified this week.  And, if you think that’s bad, you should see my toes.  I’m a total train wreck.  Perhaps, I need a full day at the spa.  Ahem, Kris Takle.

After I enjoyed a few bites of chocolate, it was time for you know what.

Ladies and gentlemen, this is where the magic happened.

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That’s right.  Ten hours of uninterrupted sleep.  TEN hours!  Told you it was magic.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have some personal items to attend to.

 

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January 16, 2009 · 6:00 am

It’s bad when you can’t yell at your kids.


I’ve been sick for the past couple of days, so I’ve really got nothin’.  And, due to tonsillitis, I was unable to speak yesterday.  An event my husband missed, much to his chagrin, I’m sure. 

On another note, I’d like to acknowledge the flight crew of US Airways flight 1549.  Uh-may-zing.

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After that masterful landing, that captain is now my second favorite pilot J

Have a great weekend, and y’all stay safe.

 

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January 9, 2009 · 6:00 am

What kind of hugger are you?


I will be the first to admit. 

I’m not a big hugger.  Sure, sure I will squeeze my kids tighter than a pair of size 2 jeans, but I’m less likely to go full frontal with any of you.

I’m more of a side sweeper.  Heck, even a high five is okay with me.

This bothers some.  And, relieves other side sweepers and high-fivers.

Now, my friend, Doug Wesley?  He is a full frontal hugger.  Andbygolly, he’ll call you on it if you even attempt the side sweep.  For real.

Does this mean I have some unresolved issue that I need counseling for?  Or, am I just a product of the Buren Goss {that’s my Pops} school of hugging?

Are you a side sweeper or full frontal hugger?

*Necessary Note:  “Full Frontal” in no way denotes nudity in this post.  Mkay?

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January 6, 2009 · 6:00 am

More On Bigmama & Aunt Kate


I don’t have a picture….Let me re-phrase.  I don’t have a DIGITAL picture of my Great Aunt Kate and Bigmama together.  But, just to show how much these two favor, I’m posting their photos side by side.  Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Exhibit A.

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Ya know.  The more I look at these two photos, the less resemblance I see than I used to.  All save their still beautifully dark hair with gray on the sides only, which they do not dye thankyousokindly.

Well, scratch Exhibit A, and I have no B.  But seriously.  Don’t these two look fabulous to be just a few years from reaching a CENTURY old?  Okay, Bigmama, I know  you’ve got another ten to go.  Simmer down.

Bigmama and Aunt Kate are the two remaining siblings out of NINE.  And, oh the stories they can tell.  They experienced everything from the Crash of ’29 to looking down wells on nights with a full moon to see the reflection of the man they were supposed to marry.  They believed those legends. 

Their dad died of a farm accident before Bigmama was even born.  And, their momma died of “the” typhoid fever a few years later.  I emphasize the “the”, because Bigmama prefaces all diseases and ailments with “the.”  As in, the SARS, the diabetes, the Cold.  And, let’s not forget that all stores end with an “s.”  As in, Walmarts and Krogers. 

Their two oldest siblings, Woodson and Mattie, raised the younger seven.  As a matter of fact, when social services showed up at their door, Woodson stepped out onto the porch with a shotgun and demanded they leave.

They did.

I spent the greater part of my childhood with these to ladies.  If I wasn’t crocheting at Bigmama’s, I was across the street at Aunt Kate’s dipping snuff.  Oh, it was just pretend.  Aunt Kate would help me stuff tissue {pronounced “tisha”} down my training bra and spit in a red Dixie cup while I snapped peas from the garden.  Good times.

Bigmama and Aunt Kate still have their sibling spats.  But, the last phone call they make before they go to sleep is with each other just to say “Goodnight.” 

I have wonderful memories with these gals. 

What are some of your special childhood memories?

 

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January 5, 2009 · 6:00 am

Monday Madness


I realize this post has no significance whatsoever, spiritual or otherwise.  But, I just felt like giving you a rundown of the Takle family weekend.  And, the title has nothing to do with this post.  I just thought your Monday might be as mad as mine will be today.  Goodbye holidays and vacation.

Here goes.

Friday
Wake up.  Read the Bible Twilight Saga.  {I’m aware of how long it’s taking me to finish this series.  Holidays.  Children.  No time.  You get the picture.} 

Bigmama INSISTS we take the kids to see Aunt Kate, her 93 year old sister.

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Aunt Kate and Bigmama look a lot alike, but they are quite different.  Bigmama wouldn’t be caught dead in a pair of pants while Aunt Kate wouldn’t be caught dead in a dress or without her snuff. 

Later in the day, Bigmama checks on Kris’ New Year’s resolution to cut back on the caloric inhalation.  She said they had agreed to do this thing together.  Oh, yes they did.  Called your accountability partner, Hun?

Finish book #2.  Finally.  Listen to a bunch of hoodlums cheer on a helpless Tide.  Go nighty night.

Saturday
Cram as much as I can into four suitcases.  See my flight departure time has changed.  Changed again.  Changed again.  Changed again.  Arrive at the Hartsfield-Jackson Airport.  Just in time to wait an extra two hours for a delayed flight.  Break down and buy book #3.  See poor little 7 year old girl named Rylee sobbing as she is flying by herself from ATL to OKC.  We welcome her into the Takle family for 2 hours.

Listen to my kids fight over who gets to sit by Rylee.  Listen to Anna keep calling her Ry-lea.  Land.  Yell at my children for running around the baggage conveyer thingy.  Yell again.  Yell again.

See the husband for the first time in four days.  Hug.  Hug.  Kiss.  That’s it.  I’m tired.  Pick up on that other New Year’s resolution tomorrow.  Choose wine instead.  Hubs understands. 

Hug this guy.  Especially after seeing Marley & Me.

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Get in my very own bed.

Sunday
Repent for not going to church.  Try to explain to my dad why I didn’t go to church.  Eat Mexican.  Car wash.  Read my “heathen” book, to quote my father.  {Between skipping church and reading about vampires, my dad is going to fly out to serve me communion really soon.  I’m sure of it.}

Make good on some resolutions.

Hear Anna call John Henry “b*%#ch”.  She uses the word incorrectly, so I’m sure she didn’t hear it from me.  Blame Kris.  Blame Pre-School.  Blame Aunt Kate.   

Take Kris for his first Crest grocery store experience.  He sees the light, too.

Kris shares random experience about riding a grocery cart in a Kmart parking lot once when the cart flew out from under him and he did a face plant.  Laughed.  Laughing about it now as I type.

Wonder if anyone else thinks it’s funny when people fall down.

Watch Horton Hears A Who.

Go to bed.

Wake up to a mad, mad Monday.

How was your weekend?
Your kid ever drop a “bad” one?  What did you do?
Do you laugh when someone falls down? 

 

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January 2, 2009 · 6:00 am

Lucy, you got some ‘splainin’ to do!


John Henry overheard me say, “When I was married to Bryan” to my mom.  The rest went something like this.

John Henry:  “You weren’t married to Daddy Bryan!  You’re married to Daddy Kris!”

Me:  “I was married to your Daddy Bryan.”

John Henry:  “No, you weren’t.”

Me:  “Yes, I was.  For five years!  That’s how you came along.”

John Henry:  (Laughing with disbelief) No you weren’t.

Me:  (Laughing, too) Okay.

Another day. 

Good times.

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January 1, 2009 · 6:00 am

Can you believe it?


Another year has come and gone.  Many of you may be sad to see it go, while others are shouting “Glo-ree” right now.  To be honest, I’ve never heard more people exclaim how ready they are for a new year.  I pray that this new year is everything God wants for you. 

And, He always wants good things.

This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!  2 Corinthians 5:17

I’m excited about a new year with all of YOU!  Thank y’all for reading and for all of your wonderful comments.

Just for funsies, here is a recent pic of my little gymnast.  Who knows what this year holds for my little Nadia Comaneci.  And, her momma.  Whatever it holds, I’m sure you’ll read about it.

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Happy New Year.

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December 31, 2008 · 6:00 am

Revelations and Resolutions.


Revelations.

– I can gain weight faster than I can lose it.

– Plans change, but God is still in control.

– I love being a momma.  Love it.

– Marriage can be tricky.  Time alone with my husband does wonders.

– Anna’s fashion skills are evolving.  Just not sure what they are evolving into.

– I use the word “ridiculous” a lot. 

– It’s ridiculous how windy Oklahoma is.

– There is no problem chips and queso can’t cure.  At least, for a moment.

– John Henry has a heart after God.

– American Idol is the best thing on television.

– His mercies are still new every morning.

– Sometimes, I’m a monster.  According to Anna.

– Bratz dolls are ugly.

– It’s the small stuff.  The small stuff.

– Always check John Henry’s pockets before going through airport security.  Check again.

– Anna’s bedtime prayers are some of my favorite moments.

– Taking cheap shots at your spouse is so uncool.

– I have days that I doubt.

– But, God still parts the Red Sea.

– It’s amazing how many turtles one can trap.

– I have precious friends.

– The Lord is my strength and my song; he has given me victory…. Exodus 15:2

 

Resolutions.

– Put more of my worries into the “God box.”

– Give more.  And more.  And more.  Until it hurts.

– Encourage John Henry more.

– Become more aware of God’s presence in my life.

– Anna’s spunk and creativity are God-given.  I want to embrace it more.

– Organize my family photos.  Finally.

– Spend less time on the computer.

– Read more.

– Have more sex.  There.  I said it.  You’re welcome, KT.

– Write more.

– Call people I normally don’t call.

– Have tea with Anna.

– Give each of my children one day where they choose every food and activity for the day.  Within reason.

– Look into Kris’ eyes an extra few seconds.

– Have more quiet time with God.

– Watch every episode of American Idol.

– Give John Henry more of me.

– Laugh harder.

– Surrender all of me to Him.

– Buy the 80G iPod. 

– Write a handwritten letter.

– Be more attentive to the whispers.

– Be more careful with my words.

– Listen to my friends.  Really listen.

– Love.

– Love.

– Love.

 

What are your revelations and/or resolutions?  Come on.  Share one.  Share them all!

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