My New Home

Timberlane from Cindy Hortman on Vimeo.

Hot Fun In The Summer Time

I have made a list of some fun and inexpensive activities for this summer

Duck Pond
Feed the ducks, fish & turtles (weenie on a stick)
(free)

Riverfront walk
Bring swimsuit for fountain play
(free)

Betty Virginia Park
(free)

Bike Ride
(free)

AC Steere Park
Bring swim suit
(free)

RW Norton
Museum and picnic
on the grounds
(free)

Barnwell Art Center
(free)

Arthur Ray Teague Parkway
Riverfront walk and picnic
(free)

Caddo Lake Draw bridge
Oldest in Louisiana
(free)

Air Force Museum
(free)

Elvis & James Burton Statue
(free)


Puzzle
(free)

Board game
(free)

Water Balloon fight


Bubble wand play
Make your own
Basic Bubbles
2 tblsp dish soap1 cup water
Bend wire hangers for wand, fly swatters, straws
(cheap)

C Bickham Dickson Park
(free)


Wash the car
(free)


Shreveport Water Works Museum142 N. Common St.Shreveport, LA 71101
Monday through Friday, noon to 4 p.m.;
Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
(Free)


J.Bennett Johnston Regional Visitor Center
700 Clyde Fant Parkway
(Free)

Meadows Museum of Art at Centenary College
2911 Centenary Boulevard
(Free)

artspace
710 Texas Street
(free)

Spring Street Historical Museum
(Free)


Louisiana State Exhibit Museum
(Free)

Walter B. Jacobs Memorial Nature Park
8012 Blanchard Furrh Road
(Free)



Little Shanty Art
7102 Line Ave.,
Shreveport LA
(free)


Shreveport Farmers Market
7:00 a.m. to noon on Saturdays
4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Tuesday
(Free)

Chimp Haven
Check dates
(Free)

Cross Lake Park
(free)


YMCA Pool
(Free with membership)


American Rose Center
(Call for pricing)

Shreve Town ghost walk
Adults$10.00
children under 12 $5.00.


Spirit of the Red Cruise
Fri, Sat, Sun 10, 12, 2, 4
Adults $10 Kids $4

Hidden Oaks Farm
1st and 3rd weekend
$6.50


Water Town USA
General admission $20.95


Movie Theater
Adult $7.75
Child $5.50
Adult Evening $7.75Adult Fri/Sat after 6pm (*Price a applies to Special Advance Showings) $8.00Child (1-11) /Senior (62+) $5.50Adult Matinee before 6pm $5.75inee Showtime Mon thru Fri $5.00


Cup cakes at Cushes
$5.00


Bowling
$8 frame
$4 frame Sunday
$3 shoe rental



Municipal Auditorim
$5 suggested for tour

Skating

Kiddie Mias
Arcade games
food

Party Central
Arcade
Outdoor games$7.75Adult Fri/Sat after 6pm (*Price also Adult Matinee before 6pm $5.75First Matinee Showtime Mon thru Fri $5.00
Robinson Film Center
$8.75 Adults
$7.75 Kids

Touchstone Wildlife Museum



Cypress Black Bayou Recreation Area
7AM to 7PM Sunday through Thursday7AM to 9PM Friday
$4.00 per vehicle

Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historic Site155 JeffersonNatchitoches, LA
$2 per person

Gators & Friends, LLC11441 Highway 80Greenwood, LA 71033
Adult $7.95Child $5.95Feed $2.00



Sci-Port
$12 & $8


Yogie and Friends Exotic Cat Sanctuary128 Fob LaneFrierson, LA 71027
Ages 13 - up $5.00Ages 4 - 12 $4.00

Ark-La-Tex Antique & Classic Vehicle Museum601 Spring Street
Adult $5 kids $4




Ark La Tex Mardi Gras Museum
2101 E. Texas Ave
$5 Adults$3 Senior Citizens$1 Children over 6 – 8


Bayou Pierre Alligator Park
380 Old Bayou Pierre Rd.Natchitoches, LA 71457
$5.50 children 3 to 12$7.50 for adults

Some Good Advice

Good Advice

Author Unknown

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first pay check.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion,today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give it time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood.
38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
42. The best is yet to come.
43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
44. Yield.
45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it is still a gift!

Menu Planning

Monday
Breakfast - Omelet
Dinner - Bowtie pasta and sauce

Tuesday
Breakfast- Cinammon toast
Dinner - Sloppy Joes

Wednesday
Breakfast- Cereal
Dinner - Red beans, sausage, rice & Cornbread

Thursday
Breakfast - Waffles
Dinner - Hot legs, celery, blue cheese dressing, fries

Friday
Breakfast - cinnamelt
Dinner - Pizza night

Saturday
Breakfast - Cereal
Lunch - Sandwiches
Dinner - Cheeseburger & Fries

Sunday
Breakfast- Muffins
Lunch - Picnic
Dinner - Meatloaf, Mashed potatoes, green beans, rolls

May 10 Menu Planning

Sunday – Happy Mothers Day
Banana Muffins & Juice
Picnic sandwiches, Capri sun & chips
Chicken & dumplings, cake

Monday – Meatless Monday
Cheese Omelet
Bow tie pasta and Marinara Sauce, garlic bread

Tuesday-
Cinnamon toast
mom out- Dinner out with office
Hannah – Cheeseburger Mac

Wednesday - church night
Waffles & Sausage
Chicken strips, tator tots

Thursday
Cereal & Milk
sloppy Joes, baked beans

Friday
cini-melt
pizza night
Birthday cake for Chrissy

Saturday- chore day
Sleep in - Anything goes
Cook out chicken & Veggies
Beauty night

Sunday - Worship and Relax day
Muffins & juice
Picnic at the park
Meat loaf, MP, green beans, rolls, tea & cup cakes

The Mother I Most Admire

Unfortunately I didn't have the mother that I wanted to become. I now understand the struggles of motherhood. I wanted to be a better mother to my daughter than I had. There are lots of books on parenting and children that I have studied. Knowing what should be done and doing so is sometimes challenging. I want to be the same nurturing mother everyday. I want Hannah to know that she has a soft place to wake up to in the morning and to come home to at the end of a long day. I want to be involved in her school work and activities. I want to give her the foundation that I missed out on.

I don't have to look far for the mother that inspires me the most. She is my big sister Colleen. She is the Mom to 5 unique children. Lance, Jessica, Maggie, Angel Melissa and Kelly. She is an Amazing Mamaw to 13 Grand babies. She is a precious aunt to my Hannah.

She is the definition of Mother, Family and Home. She is very dedicated to her family and letting them know how much they mean to her. Through tragedy and triumph she is a rock to so many. She is the foundation of her family. I admire how she sees the good in all and overlooks the negative.

She has made an impact on her community through her angel, Melissa. It's hard for me to imagine having the strength that she has of turning something so tragic into a way of helping others heal. She isn't bitter and angry. She is love, caring and compassion.

I have learned so many lessons from her on what matters the most. She is calm and loving. I am high strung but fun. She is an awesome cook and I just cook. We are sisters but could be twins in a lot of ways as well.

She has traveled a broken path that has led to the blessings of today. Her house is beautiful but not grand. What makes her house a home is her. It is full of love and kindness, hugs and kisses, cookies and milk. She isn't perfect and doesn't pretend or try to be. Her children aren't perfect but they are perfect for her.

I admire Colleen through her children. She is so supportive and encouraging. Jessica is a wonderful mother to her children. Maggie is an awesome aunt and I can hardly wait for her to become a mother.

Happy Mothers Day Colleen

I Love You!

Happy Mothers Day

May we realize the blessing and privilege that motherhood truly is. I have been thinking about how truly blessed I am to be Hannah's mother. Today instead of thinking about all of the things I do for her and the sacrafices I make, I am thinking about all of the things that she has brought into my life. Some of the qualities that I admire in Hannah are:

1. She is a child of God and a christian.

2. She has a love for the outdoors and nature.

3. She is full of adventure.

4. She is outgoing.

5. She is her own person.

6. She is resourceful.

7. She is Beautiful inside and out.

8. She is an animal magnet.

9. She is very bright.

10. She makes me a better person.

Not Me Monday

I did not spend a days living out my my dryer. I did wash Hannah's clothes, sheets and towels. They are all nicely folded and hung. As always, I wait until last to think about myself.

I did not tease the nurse that I work with because she missed a dose of her son's meds by a couple of hours. After she realized that she hadn't given her son a dose of ear drops, for an infection, she panicked and immediately called his pediatrician. She was worried that she had caused permanent damage. The funny part was that this is her 3rd child, she is a nurse and works in a doctors office.

I did not lose my debit card again! As I was at the checkout searching my purse for money, check, debit card ~ I realized I had done it again. I have a 2nd checking account and wasn't sure what my balance was. Thank goodness it was approved! After searching the world over, Hannah found it in a stack of scrubs worn the day before.

I didn't suffer a back injury as I brushed my teeth. I wasn't brushing vigorously or wildly! I bent toward the mirror to check my work and as I raised back up ( I guess too quickly or something) and felt intense pain. I felt like I had a crick in my back all day.

I do not have a house full of kittens again! I intended to get the indoor/outdoor cat fixed but soon realized I was too late. We now have 6 new kittens to find homes for.

Not again. Hannah is a "Cat Rescuer" and thinks that her main goal is to protect animals. She occasionally has "Loved them to death" or scared them away but no such luck lately. A few days ago a unique long haired cat came crying on our doorstep. Of course it ended up coming in for a meal. Hannah made posters and tried to find its home. I "encouraged" it to return to its home by leaving the door open. But low and behold, as I was cleaning Hannah's room ~it happened again. As I pushed her open pajama drawer closed, Amber poked her head out. Inside the drawer were 2 more kittens. I am so blessed :)

I was not up editing senior portraits last night until 3AM. That would be really sad for me to have to wake up at 6am to get myself and Hannah ready for work and school. What kind of idiot would do that? Not me!

I was not so fatigued today at work that I couldn't even hear the blood pressure reading on a patient. I watched the dial go down and noticed the bump. Unfortunately, I hadn't put my stethoscope ears on. I don't think she noticed but still...

This Weeks Menu April 20th

Monday - Spaghetti, garlic bread, salad

Tuesday - Chicken Stir Fry

Wednesday - grilled cheese

Thursday -Chicken & Rice

Friday - Pizza night

Saturday - soup & Sandwiches

Sunday - roast, mashed potatoes, corn,rolls, apple pie, tea

I Hope This Works

I was emailed this really interesting web site today. I am working on overcoming issues that are holding me back in life.

Attitudes of Graditude

1. Mind your manners. Say please, thank you and excuse me.
2. Smile when you see your family. Turn your frown upside down.
3. Pick up after yourself.
4. Notice when others do kind things for you, show gratitude by action or words.
5. Say I love you before going to bed.
6. Give hugs daily.
7. Don’t worry about tomorrow. Focus on what you are happy about today.
8. Create gratitude journals to keep track of daily blessings.
9. Show thankfulness for even the little things others do for you.
10. Leave love notes in unexpected places like lunch boxes and under pillows.
11. Encourage someone with a compliment.
12. Verbalize what you are grateful for when you feel like complaining about life.
13. Keep a basket of small slips of paper on the table. Write notes of thankfulness during the week and read them to each other during a family meal.
14. Remember to thank God for blessings each day.
15. Surprise your family (or friends) with little gifts or treats to show you thought of them.
16. No grumbling about minor annoyances around the house.
17. Do special things to cherish time with your family. You never know what tomorrow will bring. 18. Reflect on happy memories regularly. Make inspiration boards of special times.
19. Help someone out without them having to ask you. Watch for someone in need.
20. When you are doing household chores, be grateful you have a home to clean.
I found this list at one of my fav sites The Inspired Room. I am going to begin working on mine too. We all have so much to be thankful for.

Cardboard Testimonies

A Beautiful Life; Twelve Months of Goals

I have truly been inspired by Melissa at The Inspired Room. I am going to set twelve key word goals for living the kind of life I want in 2009. I want to be a positive influence for my daughter and those around me.

The first step will be setting 12 goals for living the life I want in 2009. Its been tough to decide what to focus on so I may just work with some of Melissa's here and there.

The second step will be looking at the 12 goals and seeing how many I can fit into day. This means planning and living with purpose.

The third step is following along and sharing the positive ways we are creating the life we want.

This is my list :

January: Building my faith

February: Taking my time to enjoy life, finding pleasure in simple

March: Ambience (finding beauty every day)

April: Solitude (regular quiet times)

May: Family

June: Healthy Living -growing older with grace

July: Financial Freedom

August: Contentment

September: Routines

October: Hospitality

November: Gratitude

December: Giving

Hopefully by the end of 2009 we will have formed some new habits and feel all twelve goals were a regular part of our life.