My son...and all the lovely ladies! (Homecoming Dance 2011)

 Last year Evan took a date to Homecoming.

This year he wasn't even sure if he was going until the last minute.

I don't know...maybe it's a guy thing.

All I know, is being a girl...I counted the days until Homecoming!

It was a big deal to shop for a dress, get your accessories, hair and make-up just right, LOL!

It was a BIG deal!

 But I don't get these boys, LOL!

He did finally decide to go.

He went with a big group of friends.

But it just so happened NONE of his GUY friends ended up going!

 Well, that didn't stop my guy.

He went anyway.

Went for pictures, dinner, and the dance with these nine lovely ladies.

 I am glad that my kids have such a wide range of friends.

I look at kids today and I see so much of the same thing.

All the popular kids hang with the popular kids.

All the athletic kids hang with the athletic kids.

All the rich kids hang with the rich kids.

 Not my boys.

They've got friends from every background.

Friends from upper-middle class backgrounds, friends who struggle to make ends meet...friends who are girls, friends who are boys...friends who are athletes, friends who are not...friends who are popular, friends who are not.

It really makes me proud that my boys care more about what's on the INSIDE of a person rather than the outside.  They don't care about looks, money, athleticism, etc.

 I am proud of the choices they've made thus far.

They have such good groups of friends.

Respectful, kind, good kids.

Have I mentioned how proud I am of my boys?

Homecoming Game 2011

To say we won our Homecoming game would be an understatement!

We won't brag...except to say...
WE KILLED 'EM!

LOL!

Of course andone who knows me, knows that I don't really care anything about the actual "sport" of football.

I go to the high school games because:

1.  It's fun.

2. And MOST important...THE MARCHING BAND!!!

Yes, my son is in the marching band and I ADORE marching bands!

That is my PRIMARY reason for going to football games, LOL!

The kids did an amazing job on their halftime show this year.

They did a number called "GaGa For MJ".

It was a medley of Lady GaGa and Michael Jackson songs.

And although I'm not a big fan of either...I really did enjoy the show.

The kids did great!

Of course it included "Thriller" and a little moonwalking...and much much more.

I will try to post a link to the production soon.

 And of course, no game or picture taking is complete without a visit from our mascot...

The Zeeland Chix.

Personally, I think our Chix has a little secret he's not sharing with anyone.

If you ask me, he's looking a little more "buff" this year.

His chest if a little fuller and his booty is a little rounder, LOL!

But hey, with a mascot like a chicken, you gotta make him look as tough as possible.

What can we say?  LOL!

We had a great time.

Dance pictures to follow!

We are mourning...

I got this from my friend Diane...and it's so good...and it's SO true.
Enjoy and pass it on.

Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was, since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape. He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as:-Knowing when to come in out of the rain; - Why the early bird gets the worm;- Life isn't always fair; - And maybe it was my fault. Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies, don't spend more than you can earn and adults, not children, are in charge. His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a 6-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition. Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly children. It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer sun lotion or an aspirin to a student; but could not inform parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion. Common Sense lost the will to live as the churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than their victims. Common Sense took a beating when you couldn't defend yourself from a burglar in your own home and the burglar could sue you for assault. Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement. Common Sense was preceded in death, by his parents, Truth and Trust, by his wife Discretion, his daughter Responsibility, and his son, Reason. He is survived by his 4 stepbrothers; I Know My Rights,I Want It Now,Someone Else Is To Blame,I'm A Victim.Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone. If you still remember him, pass this on.

Fresh Apple Harvest Cake

I have been planning to make this cake ever since the weather turned cooler.

Then one of my baking buddies mentioned she was looking for an apple cake recipe today and that prompted me to dig this one out.

This is my ALL TIME FAVORITE apple cake recipe and I'd like to share it with you.

Fresh Apple Harvest Cake

6 c. peeled, cored, chooped apples
3 c. flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. cinnamon
3 eggs
2 c. sugar
1 1/2 c. veg. oil
1 tsp. vanilla
1 c. chopped pecans

Topping:
1 c. light brown sugar
1/3 c. butter
1/4 c. evaporated milk

Preheat oven to 350. Grease 9X13 pan. In med. bowl mix flour, baking soda, salt & cinnamon.. In lg. bowl beat eggs, add sugar & mix well. Stir in oil & vanilla. Add dry ingredients gradually, stirring well after each addition. Fold in apples & nuts. Spoon batter into pan. Bake 45 min. In small saucepan, combine light brown sugar, butter & evaporated milk. Cook over med. heat 5 min. Stir constantly. Pour glaze over hot cake.

I hope you enjoy it as much as I do

Home based businesses and self-employed folks...

This is one I've been chewing on for a long time.

And after chatting online with a friend today who also has an at-home business, I felt I could let no more time slip by.

Today I'm speaking about folks who are self-employed.

These are folks who provide services, goods, etc. to the public.

Many times you will see bakers, childcare providers, photographers, web designers, hair stylists and so many other professions, I can't even begin to name them all!

These folks have chosen to be self-employed, yes.

But these folks often work harder and longer than those who "go to" a place of employment.

These folks many times give up space in their home.

They use their own vehicle.

They almost ALWAYS give up A LOT of time from their family working way more than the forty hours that traditional jobs require.

This is their our choice.

Yes.

But...

Just because we have chosen to be self-employed, this IS our profession...our career...our job.

We will provide quality goods and services to you.

We will maintain licenses, certifications, training, education to ensure quality goods and services to you.

Many times we are approached by those we know for our goods or services.

We do enjoy working for friends, acquaintences, neighbors, and family.

However...

We MUST put in place boundaries.

These boundaries are not to be mean to you.

Sometimes...

Those we know, think or assume that because we know each other or are friends that we can provide goods and services for free.

That...we can not do.

Sometimes...some self-employed folks DO arrange bartering, and that is FINE...as long as everything is laid out in the beginning and BOTH parties pull through for each other.

But other than that...when someone has a home-based business, it is their job...their career.

Although we love our friends, neighbors, and family...we can not pay our mortgage with kindness and love.

Most self-employed folks have policies, contracts, and fees in place and are very up front in the beginning before they are ever hired.

Do not become offended by this.

Contracts and policies protect the self-employed.

If I were a betting woman, I would bet 100% off ALL self-employed folks have been burned AT LEAST once by someone.

We MUST have contracts and policies for this reason.

It is only for our protection.

Sometimes when you hire a self-employed person, you may think their price seems high.

Most of the time, the outsider is unaware of all that the person must put into their good or service.

Sometimes all one sees is the "finished product" but not all that went into it.

Many self-employed people must pay for licenses, certifications, training, education, inspections, safety measures, ingredients, supplies, packaging, maintenance/upkeep on equipment, cleaning, postage, paperwork, labor.

Let's not forget LABOR!

And the vast majority of self-employed folks are working beyond regular business hours after you receive your goods or service.

This is not a "complaint" or "let's feel sorry" for home-based businesses post.

Hopefully rather an eye-opening gaze into the life of a home-based business or self-employed person.

Being self-employed is a blessing and a curse!

LOL!

But I can tell you that when you hire a self-employed person with a home based business, the vast majority of people who are in these lines of work...have a passion for what they do.

These people have a drive and a passion to be the BEST in that line of work.

That is the whole reason most people become self-employed...because they're not happy with "what's out there."

What we can do...

Respect the policies set forth by a self-employed person that you hire.

Honor your contract.

Pay them on time.

And thank them for a job well done (assuming it was, LOL!).

I know that most of the time we've hired a self-employed person, we end up much  more pleased with the results of the service and quality.

So the next time we start to gripe or complain about a price or policy of someone who is self-employed, hopefully we can take moment to realize in the end we will be supporting someone local in the community who will (hopefully) be sharing their passion in a job well done!

That demon SpongeBob!

Squidward called someone a moron!

Oh my gosh!

What is this world coming to?

Seriously parents...if moron is the worst your kids hear, they'll be doing well.

What is all the hype about SpongeBob being so wicked and evil?

I mean seriously!

There is NOTHING wrong with children watching a little tv for PURE ENTERTAINMENT!

Everything doesn't have to be educational.

We teach them all day.

They are taught at school all day.

My kids are taught on Sundays and Wednesdays at church.

Our kids are ALWAYS learning!

Who really cares if they let their brain VEG for 30 minutes and watch a little SpongeBob!?!

Let's talk about all the "pure entertainment" parents watch on tv.

TV is FILLED with violence, vulgarity, adultry, drugs, alcoholism, sleeping around, profanity, etc.

Are YOU always watching EDUCATIONAL shows?

Of course not!

Now who's calling the kettle black!

I know I like to soak up a little reality tv every once in a while!

Does that bring anything to my brain?

Absolutely not.

It's plain old entertainment.

Why not let your kids have some?

Honestly SpongeBob has had a lot of good life lessons in my experience with the show.

Friendship, inclusion, telling the truth, etc.

I don't know about you...

I guess I feel I've just educated my children enough and have seen them make good choices based on all I've taught them, than to have to worry about them saying "moron" because Squidward told them to.

Have you never called that driver who cut you off a moron (or worse)?

I rest my case.

Give your kids a little credit.

Teach them right from wrong.

Let them MAKE the RIGHT choice.

It's not like Mr. Krabs is cursing.

IN FACT, they had an episode about NOT CURSING!

I'm telling you people...RELAX.

It's a cartoon.

It won't turn their brain to mush.

We all need to let our hair down once in a while.

As for me and my house...

We will watch SpongeBob!

Bikini Bottom Rules!

Heaven...9/11 Trubute...

Today I was at the gym, sweating up a storm...when this came on the radio.
I started bawling like a baby.
Thank goodness it was only me and the girl on staff (who was noticably upset too) who were there.
Hit the pause button on my regular playlist on the sidebar first so you can listen to this uninterrupted.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rNWqc3xN-W0&feature=player_embedded

9/11...Reflections from my past two years of blogging...

I don't know what more NEW can be said about 9/11...

Except that it saddens me all over again every year seeing the images of it on tv.

I tear up every time I see it.

So instead of thinking up new things to say this year...

I just want to share my previous two years of blogging about it...

And say that my prayers are with all those affected by this horrible tragedy.

God bless.

http://melodysmuse-melody.blogspot.com/2010/09/911-slideshow.html

T'was The Night Before School Started...

Twas the night before school started, when all through the town, the parents were cheering - a riotous sound!!

By nine, kids were all washed & tucked into bed where memories of homework filled them with dread!

New pencils, new folders, new notebooks too! New teachers, new friends - their anxiety… grew!

The PARENTS just giggled when they learned of this fright and shouted to all "GO TO BED!!!! IT'S A SCHOOL NIGHT!!!

Pass this on to all parents because "IT'S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR!!

Author Unknown

A week of pure Mackinac!

Mackinac is our magical place.

We love everything about it.

The history, the beauty, the laid-back lifestyle.

We've done all the "touristy stuff"...and although it's fun...

Nothing suits us better than just hiking, relaxing, biking, and just enjoying "down-time" on the island.

We go at least three to four times each year...but generally only for a long weekend or so.

This was the first time we'd stayed an entire week!

It was pure heaven, and we couldn't have asked for better weather!

We started our trip in Mackinaw City.  We enjoyed some time shopping, playing on the beach, and just walking around.

I saw this giant dragonfly in a store/window front and just had to snap a picture.

It was bigger than both of my hands put together!

We stayed at the Quality Inn.

They had several buildings.  And we were located in the building adjacent to the main hotel.  It was almost like a duplex or cabin.  It had two little porches.  It was almost like a two bedroom suite!  There were a total of three beds.  We had a frig and coffee pot too.  We didn't request all of this but it was a nice surprise!  It is an older hotel and needs some work.  But it was very clean and we had all we needed and were very happy.

The boys spent some time playing on the beach in Lake Huron.

They LOVE the beach.

Me...not so much.

This is mine and Jamie's favorite place to relax on the island.

We call it "the marble slab".  It's just a marble bench near the school right before you go up the hill to the Grand.  We love to get a pop and just sit and people watch and relax here.

We did some major hiking this trip!

The boys love to explore...as do we!

My babes!

We hiked this path and discovered if we went a little further...we could get a great view of them firing the cannon just across the way!

Picturesque!

One of our favorite trails...

The Winnebago Trail.

We hike it every time we're there.

I love how they just let the trees "fall as they may".

It just amazes me to think how old some of these trees are...

And to think back in history, who may have been standing in these woods.

We "play" (i.e. hike, walk, trek) so hard all day at Mackinac...

We nearly collapse into bed each night.

What?

Did you  hear that?

I heard a rustling.

Then I saw a flower stalk fall over...

What a stinker!

This little bunny was eating the flowers at Mission Point!

There are bunnies EVERYWHERE on Mackinac Island!

Nate and Jamie having some breakfast!

Evan finishing up his breakfast!

Ev and me just clowing around...it's what we do best.

Being silly with Natee!

Chillin' by the lake!

Love this tree by the Hotel Iroquois!

The boys always take their kites that we bought at Mackinac many years ago.

Mission Point has a great lawn for flying kites.

They always get theirs up so high!

This is Ev's.

And here's Nates!

We went over to Great Turtle Park one day.

Here's Nate being silly!

Even though he's eleven, Nate still enjoys playing on the playground.

And I love that he's not growing up too fast!

More hiking!

Humor mom for yet another picture!

A bike in a tree?

We came across this on one of our hikes.

I have no clue...

The boys had fun building rock sculptures on the lake.

Ev and his rocks!

Hiking and climbing...

Climing and hiking!

I thought this rock formation was cool.

There's so many neat rock formations and fallen trees, I could take pictures all day.

People are always spelling things in the water with rocks.

And you get a perfect view from Arch Rock.

There were several messages this time.

One said, "Jesus loves you".

And another said, "Amanda, will you marry me?  NO!"

LOL!

We couldn't totally make out what this said, "Happy" something.

But I thought the spiral was cool.

Ah yes...

A better view of "Amanda, will you marry me?  NO!"

The boys enjoying some ice cream at Lakeside Market Place.

I love this ground cover in the woods.

As I've always said...No matter how many times we go up to the island (twenty seven years for me)...you always discover something new.

I had never seen the placque on this chair in the Mission Point Theater before.

If you can't read it...it says..."From this seat Richard Collier received Elise McKenna's declaration of love"...Somewhere In Time.

I am a hopeless romantic...and totally addicted to that movie...which was filmed on the island.

We've had fog before when we've come up to the island...

But NEVER like this!

Two of the days we were there, it got sooooo foggy!

If you look closely, you can see a "ghost" freighter in this picture!

(j/k)

I love how spooky the fog looks in the woods.

On one of our hikes...

We headed off for Sugar Loaf.

We walked...

...and walked...

Until we finally came to it!

Sugar Loaf!

Me and my babes!

We climbed up and all the way around Sugar Loaf.

It's tricky!

Challenging!

And fun!

The fam...at Sugar Loaf!

Something we did for the first time...

Was got a self-driven horse carriage tour!

If you've never done it...

It is WELL worth the money!

I was kind of scared...we have NO experience with horses.

But they have you fill out a questionairre and I think that helps them select the best horse for you.

We got Jerry.  He was a wonderful, laid-back, old fella!  Once when we got turned around, we stopped to read our map, he tried to guide us in the right direction...I think he knew the route better than us!  He was kind of a road hog.  He wanted to drive right down the center of the lane.  Jamie had to really keep him over to the right, LOL!

 

It was a lot of fun!

If WE can do it, ANYONE can do it!

More spooky fog!

I love it!

As long as I don't have to drive in it, LOL!

Jam did so well driving our carriage!

We always play a round of golf at Mission Point.

And I have to add...I WON!

Which I never do.

Where did the Tower go?

Creepy fog!

The boys always like to play at the arcade.

Had to take a picture of Ev's score.

He got first place on Deer Hunter!

That's him!

EBJ

We stayed at the Harbour View Inn. 

We had a wonderful vacation and I'm going to have a hard time getting back into the swing of things.

I can't wait until our next visit to Mackinac!