A Classic and Creative Conversation

You know that blog post I promised you that I was thinking about and in the process of writing.... yeah, this isn't it.....

I've been going through my "other room" at "my other home" lately (I hate trying to explain my life at interviews) and have found some very interesting stuff. I get a kick out of reading things that I wrote when I was younger... oh, say when I was only 21. (how young I was then!)

 No, but seriously, I've read some down right sassy homework projects (all done by my mother.... just kidding, mom ;)), some laughing-so-hard-I'm-crying ideas that I've read in my diary when I was 12, some really strange and weird memento's that I've kept for 14 years for some unremembered reason. But the best of all this was something I found between my sister and me.

You see, we tend to be a bit on the dramatic side and both of us adore talking to each other in accents- mostly British. This time- through e-mail or some kind of chat- we upped it to Old English Brit. I don't know who wrote what, but both were quite epic.

I leave you to enjoy this memory of mine.....

Sister 1: "Dost thou require an object with which to beguile thyself? Or happens it thus that thou hast many objects which might provide the needful entertainment, but thou peradventure hast chosen to forsake such menial pastimes to pursue the loftier enterprises at hand?"......

Sister 1 (a bit later): "What sayest thy defense, thou painted bean pole, thou infinitesimal flea of a creature? Dost thou not respond to my witty joust, or art thou afrighted by such affrontry? Speak, I say unto thee, for I am not convinced as yet, that thou has proved thyself worthy of such affluent attention."

Sister 2: "Thou are the painted bean pole, thou flea of dogs. Perchance I have pastimes but wish not to do them. As saying in my defense, peradventure these menial things may be such as to bore me even more. Thus I may require more tutoring in the event that loftier studies may elude my thus 'deprived and forsaken mind'... But no matter. I am determined to extend my pursuit to other such extensive boredom. How answerest thou, oh thou droppings of bird, to my 'joust' as thou hast so poorly and inadequately stated? Art thou laying upon the floor in uproarious joviality?"

Sister 1: "Thy rivalry is indeed very gratifying and I am adequately pleased with thy rebute. How speakest thou with such taste? Thy tutorage must have been of some effort. I do not speak of the labor of which I am sure thou hast learned from me. I speak only of thy great wealth of verbatim with which thy rebuttal hast taken me aback. My labors have not fallen unprevailed against, but I have assuredly taught thee all that thou knowest... at the very least."

Sister 2: "Thou art speechless, oh beguiling one? Glad I am that thou hast understood my meaning to the fullest. I am lounging upon the floor in great mirth. Thy labors were poor but well thought. Mayhaps we both have taken effort in the wealth of language we both seem to posses. You are indeed well accomplished in the quotation of such words as to perchance slightly baffle this one of great knowledge, upon my honor. As to the labor which I hast learnt from thee it was a menial amount and not of much consequence. Thou has only taught me the use of such technologies as to review such minute things as the spelling of words to aid the smoothness of reading that this one of generous nature writes to such ants as you, who would embarrass oneself in the nature of skating without proper equipment... and as is most likely the case, no accomplice with whom to sufficiently and properly do it. If only one of loving and adequate beauty were there to help in this superior pursuit."

 

I think this was when one of us was at college and the other was at home.... maybe. But at the very least, I hope you are "lounging upon the floor in great mirth."

In uproarious joviality,

Ti-Ti

Collegiate Connotations

My deepest apologies for neglecting you so long.... I could say that I've been super busy planning my bungee jump from the Storms River Bridge, or that I've been caught up in planning my tour of the world, or even that I was so booked with extra cello rehearsals for the piano guys, but the real truth is...... I don't really have a good excuse.

And so I'm going to give you a super easy recipe with minimal pictures that you don't even really need the recipe for to make up for it...... wait..... that doesn't really.... okay so....... that sounded more exciting in my head........ so ummm....... yeah.....

This recipe reminds me of school. Oh, the fond memories I have of eating 2 of these with a cup of very sugary cappuccino just chillaxing with some friends.
It's probably the only food that I really remember from school.... except the epic peanut butter milkshakes. Oh, and the amazing dairy days with the pastries. So apparently the only food memories I have are filled with sugar. What can I say- I was in college and had to do something to stay awake all day.... and night.

So here you go: Peanut Butter/ Frosted Flake Treat/ Bar-ish Things (catchy title, right?)

Start with 1 cup corn syrup

Add 1 cup white sugar

Put this on the stove to heat up

Measure out 5 cups of corn flakes (mine where frosted corn flakes- I just needed a bit more sugar, you know) Set aside

Add 2 cups smooth peanut butter (unless you are into that different texture that crunchy peanut butter will give you)

Stir into the boiling syrup and sugar mixture (so apparently I was all about my bracelet this day- all I have is pictures with the bracelet in focus. You have to admit- it is quite the nice bracelet. Wonder where I put it?)

Pour this over the corn flakes

Saabreen's reaction to my professional manner in which I juggle the camera, spoon, and pan.

I added a bit of chocolate for decoration on top

And there you have it. Simple. Easy. And ummm..... Short?

Collaborating a longer blog in my head for next time,

Ti-Ti

Cherising Conjugality: Mr. & Mrs. Saxon

Yes...... it's true. This is really happening. You aren't just dreaming. 6 months and 12 days later, you finally get to see pictures from Jenni and Lance's wedding.

See I had to give them to Jenni before I could post them to facebook or blog about them.... cause that's just rude if I don't let the "client" see them first....... it just took a while for me to get *all* of them to Jenni and Lance. Yes, all of them is the key in that sentence. She has seen a few of them trickling her way since the wedding. And for Valentine's Day she got the official CD.....

And that means......... y'all get to see them..... for real..........

 

I'll put some on Facebook later...... so keep watching .....


Promising to try and get photos out sooner,
Ti-Ti

Contending for Cordate Day

In which I climb atop my small, wobbling soap box and passionately defend my favorite holiday.

So I've kinda always loved Valentine's Day. See, my family didn't really give gifts on Christmas. We chose to use that time to focus on Who Christmas is really about. But when it came to Valentine's Day...... whoa Nelly.....that was our Christmas. These days we actually do more with Christmas than we used to, but Valentine's still one of my favorite holidays.

Now, it's not the presents that really get me going for Valentine's Day, just like it wasn't ever really presents that did it for Christmas. Now we all know what Christmas is all about (at least we know it with head knowledge). But do you know what Valentine's Day is about? Sure you could go the historical route. The death of Christian Martyrs. And perhaps even some go with the pagan holiday route. Maybe you think it's all about a improperly clothed child caring a deadly weapon. But isn't about something bigger? Isn't more about the people you love? Or perhaps the Person that loves you the most? Trust me- I'll dig into this deeper with my other rants. They're kinda entwined.

And now, the other rant of mine for Valentine's Day. This may be mostly aimed toward single girls out there but can apply to everyone. Here's the thing. Maybe I'm one of those non-conformist, who does the exact opposite when someone tells you to do something. I admit, sometimes that's not a good thing. But, seriously girls. Do not buy into the marketing of Valentine's day. It's not about romantic love, passion, or being in a "significant" relationship. That's just so they can sell their hallmark greeting cards. I've seen a few posts on facebook along the lines of wishing they had a guy for Valentine's Day and that they guess it will just be them and their dog again this year. Honestly I hope you love someone other than your dog. If you have no one else to that you love (i.e. parents, siblings, family, friends, etc.), then you need to get out more. I've never been in a relationship, so perhaps it *is* the best of times to be with a guy for Valentine's Day. But perhaps, even those married girls put too much stock in their guys coming "through" for them and delivering the most romantic day ever. (gag me now) But let me tell you girls, I'm always with a Guy every day of the week! And this Guy doesn't need a special day to remember to tell me that He loves me! He has shown the greatest love ever! We can't comprehend this love. So be strong! Resist the marketing ploy that you must be "in a relationship" for Valentine's Day. And singles: DON'T WEAR BLACK! (Perhaps no one does this any more, but there was a thing once that single girls were to wear black for "singles awareness day" on Valentine's Day. Honestly, if you are one of the girls that would wear black, I'm pretty sure we all are aware of your singleness just by your attitude.)You are loved by an eternal God that should have you wearing the brightest of pinks ever.

So this Valentine's Day remember the two greatest commandments (Luke 10:27): Love the Lord your God with all your heart and love thy neighbor as yourself. And We love Him because He first loved us (1 John 4:19). Use this as a time to draw closer to a God who showed the ultimate gift of love, and in turn, take time to show that love to those God has placed in your life for a reason. (which could be a great number of people- "whose is my neighbor?" (Luke 10:29))

And just so you know, I do love my dog and will most certainly be doing some cuddling with her on Valentine's day, as well as trying to steal kisses from an adorable 2 1/2 year old boy. :)

Proudly wearing pink on my soap box,

Ti-Ti

Consorting with a Canine

first time meeting Saabreen

A while ago I posted on Facebook what I've learned from Saabreen being in my life.

And it got me thinking how much more I could put on that.... and then next thing you know, I felt a blog post coming on (it's kinda similar to a cold coming on- sneezing, headache, scratchy throat..... you know....)

So I over the past few weeks I have compiled a list of 50 things I have either learned about life or things about Saabreen.

1- All food is her food- whether it's on the table, on the the dash of your car, or in the very reachable hands of a 2 year old.

2- Never yawn without covering your mouth.

3- Crayons must taste amazing.

4- If potty training a puppy is this hard- don't ask for my help training your child.

5- Don't try to exercise with your dog- not even running (unless... you like the feeling of an arm coming out of socket or a sit up full of slobber).

6- Gravity works harder with a cone of shame on.

7- There is nothing quite like cuddling with your puppy in front of a fire with a good book.

8- Saabreen cheats on staring contests.

9- Bree has perfected the look of innocence.

10- No matter how much you love someone- picking up their poop is never fun or easy.

11- Saabreen's hugs are almost as good as little kid hugs.

12- If at first you don't succeed- try again when mom isn't looking.

First night at her new home

13- Saabreen makes a good excuse to get out of most anything.

14- If it is pink (and squishy), it must, therefore, belong to Bree.

15- Praying is a great time to get a drink.

16- When mom gets her mean voice on........... run.

17- Saabreen is super easy to blame for something gone wrong or missing.

18- I call her my kangaroo bunny.

19- Saabreen never laughs at me no matter how horrible I look.

20- And I thought I was lazy when I was tired.

21- Bree is very confident in herself- she is convinced that everyone simply loves her and is dying to get hugs and kisses from her.

22- Spend enough time with someone (Bree) and you start to look like them... or vice versa.

23- Even if you do something in a corner- someone still finds out.

24- Chewing mom's shoes= the longest time out in history.

25- Scary/jump scenes in movies are even worse when your dog jumps.

Saabreen's first Christmas

26- You can tell when she's leaping in her sleep and when she's just running by the twitching of her paws.

27- Apparently I'm not the only one that *loves* Dove chocolate.

28- Saabreen has learned- very, very quickly- that mom is not a morning person.29- "Gentle" means kisses.

30- When mom has a cold- no one sleeps well.
31- She tends to need to ask my permission to obey someone else. (i.e. when Mike is helping train her to stay, she has to look to me for approval first)

32- I always know when I put too much perfume on when she sneezes three times.

33- It is possible to watch people at the top of  the stairs using the mirror at the bottom of the stairs.

34- Mom's pillows are warmer.

35- If mom starts talking really nice and in her "wittle cute lovermuffin" voice......... run.................. it probably means it's bath time or something equally as unpleasant.
36- Saabreen is the ultimate bossy butt..... even with dogs twice her size.

37- Why eat dog treats when you can get human food?

38- Saabreen is one of the few people that can make me smile in the morning.

39- The dog in the window likes to play and loves Bree kisses.

40- It is possible to run too fast down the stairs.
41- Saabreen will find the most annoying place to lick you when you are grumpy- such as your ear.
42- Never make eye contact when in trouble, then you can pretend that you don't hear them- even if they are one foot away.
43- Blowing your nose is pretty scary.
44- It's annoying when I do my devotions late at night- at least so Saabreen tells me -because I apparently talk out loud.

first official photo shoot

45- Tissues, paper towels, napkins, and an entire roll of toilet paper are way too much fun to tear up.

46- Bree is kinda like a bagpipe- the more you squeeze the more the noise comes out.

47- And I thought I slept weird.

48- Saabreen will actually whack you if you tickle her feet.

49- Simple math:  Just bathed clean white fur + chocolate milk + blue cotton candy ice cream + 2 freshly markered hands + lasagna + 1 cup of cherry pop + 1 sand box + 2 muddy days + brightly colored kid lip gloss + 1 Nathaniel + 2 sisters to help =  1 multicolored Bree + 1 longer bath time + 1 hand hitting a forehead

50- Bree blends in with the snow..... quite well.

My kind of New Years kiss...

And this was all learned in just 10 weeks....... wow- how time flies.

Loving my Sabreenser girl,

Ti-Ti

Completed Construction

Yes- it's here.

Finally.
My parents renovations.
Although those people most anxious to see it have most likely already seen it.....
So if you are the select few that haven't seen it...... What in the world are you thinking????? COME SEE US!!!!!! ;)
Until then, here's some pics. (If you want the total effect- here is the before/during post

http://trbrockmann.blogspot.com/2011/06/bonkers-current-state-of-affairs.html )

I think my third favorite thing added would be the kitchen sink.... super deep, trendy, has a hot water dispenser (yay for no more microwaved hot water), and has a super cool water sprayer that I have yet to have a water fight with..... April fools anyone??? (*insert evil laugh here*)Taking down the railing really opened up this whole area... even with a couch sitting there.Not much was done to this room but I shared it to be consistent... basically just painted and rearranged.Probably my favorite thing put in...turns on when Naomi or Nikki says "on". It's true. Now that's true magic..... (ssshhhhhhh) Sadly enough this is probably my second favorite thing... i don't know.... it's just kinda a nice relaxing place to do laundry and I love the big high shelf for folding (and it's on hinges for easy access to the back of the washer and dryer)My fourth favorite would be that sink and counter..... it's more modern than I would have thought my parents would go (hehe- watch me get in trouble for that one...) and I love it. The counter is sparkly. The sink is pretty deep with divots and let just face it- photogenic. And the counter height seems to be taller than what we had before.So there you have it. Now you know why the kitchen makes me feel like baking all the time. And yeah- the whole kitchen is probably the grand prize winner for my favorite item. It feels like there is so much space and room to move.
Hhhmmmm speaking of baking........ I think it's time to visit my mother..........

Feeling another baking post coming on,

Ti-Ti