Brownie Smile SWAPS

I am not terribly crafty. Lucky for me I can be taught. It helps to have a daughter who loves to draw and do anything resembling crafty. It's also helpful to have a daughter that is a Girl Scout cause they do lots of crafts. One of the biggies is SWAPS. SWAPS = Special Whatchamacallit Affectionately Pinned Somewhere.

Bridge is now a 1st year Brownie Girl Scout. Last summer she went to one Twilight Camp, one Day Camp, and 3 Summer Extreme Events. As a 2nd year Daisy at that time we hadn't had a bunch of experience in making or trading SWAPS. So it was like a crash course for us. For her Twilight Camp and Summer Extreme events she didn't need SWAPS. Hubs took her to Day Camp and was informed that she would need X amount of SWAPS by Friday. He was all like OK. When he told me, I was all  What The Heck do we make & how? BUT, we managed it. I went to Hobby Lobby to get some ideas or have inspiration strike. Budget was slim. Enter foam shapes. One idea led to another and we made foam shapes w/buttons on them. The buttons represented the Friendship Circle. VOILA! Our first SWAPS we made. They were not the bestest things ever but we had made them. I don't have a picture to share of em but maybe you can picture it, a bit.

This year, I actually thought ahead. I asked Bridge if she would like to make Brownie Smile SWAPS out of bottle caps for camp. Since she was a Brownie now and there's that cute Brownie Smile song. She got all kinds of giddy. 

Begin planning process. Thanks to a genius friend who told me you can buy bottles caps at a home brewers' shop. So I did. Twice. 

Since I am a beginner, or whatever might be before beginner, crafter I had no idea how to paint bottle caps. I was sure acrylic paint would work. Not so much. The paint chipped and scraped off when I stupidly put them back in the gallon ziplock after they were dry. We had already started and finish it we were going to. So, bought another batch of bottle caps and we started over. This time with tips on how to make the paint stick and seal it. 

We scratched the backs lightly with fine sandpaper. (I have since been told that a metal primer can be bought and used OR that online they can be purchased already colored) Painted them with acrylic paint in Earth Brown. Let them dry. I went back over them with Mod Podge to seal the paint. Turns out, the paint still chips if hit just so but oh well. We were going to glue flat pins on the backs anyways. 

For the inside of the caps we painted them with acrylic paint in either Sunshine Yellow or Tangerine. When that dried we used paint pens in Silver and Black to make eyes and big smiles. When that was dried, I used the Mod Podge again to seal it.

We then hot glued flat pins to the backs. I had a friend over helping me and it was nice little visit. We used low heat glue guns with glitter glue sticks. I am not comfortable with letting my kids use hot glue guns yet, so having my friend over was a big help since 159 bottle caps can be a lot to do yourself. She also helped write on the little baggies, too. 

I can't say this is probably the best way to paint bottle caps but I am not unpleased with how they turned out. They are pretty darn cute if I say so myself. Maybe some more experienced crafter will know a better technique.

EDIT: After camp Bridge told me that they had problems with the pins breaking off. Maybe it was the hot glitter glue? So maybe we should've used regular hot glue? Super glue? I don't know. Just an FYI, if you will.

Bridge painting our first set of bottle caps

Meggie painting our first set of bottle caps

The aftermath of our first painting session. After I had tidied up a bit.

The backs of our painted and sealed 2nd set of bottle caps drying

The painted insides drying

Our smiling bottle caps painted and sealed drying

Finished yellow one. 

Finished back

Meggie putting Brownie Smiles into baggies. Just love her face!

Bridge putting Brownie Smiles into baggies.

Brownie Smile SWAP ready to go

Chopped Veggie

Last week I totally meant to blog about Sean and his Cub Scout Rain Gutter Regatta. Instead, I blogged about my new truck. Meant for this post to be done by the next day so it could go live but time got away from me. Shame Shame. Days later I am finishing up this post. It's been a busy kind of week.

So let's talk about the call I got last Thursday morning about 11am. It was from Hubs telling me that he had taken Sean's Regatta Boat to work on while he was out of town. At that point in my head I was thinking, "YAY! I didn't lose it! Sean didn't lose it!" THEN Hubs told me HE lost it and could I please go buy another and help Sean with it since he would not be home in time to do so. I told him I would but that it was going to be a close call and I was not happy. I was visiting my BFF with mine and Nana's dog in tow to see the Vet. Turns out the Vet wasn't able to see the dogs but that's another story. BFF says she'd help if needed and I so could've kissed her. She was already working on sewing numerous patches to Bridge's Daisy Vest. 

I rushed to the Scout Shop to get the boat and paint. Then to the hardware store to get sandpaper. To save time, me and BFF sanded, painted, and marked the bottom where the rudder and keel would go. YAY US!! I made a call to Sean's Art Group Therapy teacher and told her that due to emergency Scout business Sean would not be at group. I felt horrible but what could I do? He gets out of group and home just in time to go to Scouts. We needed that time.

When I picked up the kids from school I told them what had been decided and what we needed to do. To curb the disappointment I told them we'd still go to QT and they could get whatever snack/drink they wanted. I'm awesome like that.

Got home and the girls, for the most part, did what I asked them to and stayed out of the garage and our way. I know it killed them to be inside watching cartoons and not out working on a boat with us. Meg may have popped her head into the garage 2 or 3 times but that was it.

Because I am not smart enough to take my laptop to the garage, or rather wanted it out of danger, we were using my cell phone to follow web directions on making an awesome Rain Gutter Regatta boat. I showed Sean how to sand the boat since it needed another sanding, why I have no idea. He did a bang up job. But some of the pretty blue paint came off. Oops. Sean wanted to paint it some more and I said ok. Instead of using the paint I bought that dried quickly I let Sean talk me into the white spray paint, the fact I left the paint brush at BFFs house might have helped that decision. Before we could paint it, I suggested we might go ahead and attach the rudder and keel. So I showed him the diagram and showed him how to use the tacky glue. Then, I showed him how to spray paint the sides white. He did pretty well and only had too much paint and bubbles on one side. While that dried I let him loose with sharpies to decorate the sail. He decided that since I said no to violence he'd draw a knife, an onion, and lettuce. We then had to think of a name. Some how we landed on Chopped Veggie.

While the boat still needed to dry I told him we should clean up our area and go get cleaned up and ready to go. By the time it was time to leave Hubs was home and showing me my new truck. Sean then proudly showed him his Regatta Boat. 

Get to Cub Scouts and find out we put the keel or the rudder, I don't remember which, on the wrong way. Like upside down or something. I have no idea how it happened except that we were looking at a diagram and I was doing my best not to take over. It is supposed to be mostly a Scout thing after all. Scout Leader told us it was ok and Sean could participate. YAY! Cause for half a min I was freaking out thinking, "OMG I failed my kid!!"

Commence the racing. Starting with the younger Scouts up to the older ones (Tigers, Wolves, Bears, Webelos 1 & 2, though I don't think we had Webelos 2). The girls are antsy thereby making me antsy and ready to just leave. But we stuck it out.

Finally, its Sean's Den is up. I watched all the heats. Hubs called out to him to not watch the guy he was racing but pay attention to his boat. I just kept watching Sean. I was so stinking proud of what I saw I wanted to shout it to the world. Sean was watching the racers ahead of him and taking note of their style. Getting an idea of what was working or not working and how best to approach this thing we have never done. (In CS Rain Gutter Regatta boys blow wind into the sail to make the boat go). He was also patiently waiting his turn and not whining or anything. He took suggestions from us and kept doing his thing. In his heats he only got 1 X, 2 Xs meant your day was done. By the end when it was coming down to who would place 3rd, 2nd, and 1st, Sean had some of his Den/Pack mates and other parents cheering him on. That, made my heart nearly burst right there. This is the kid that for 2 years was frustrated by his Pine Wood Derby experiences. He got 1st Place in his Den. That earned him the chance to race for Overall Regatta Winner.

He got a new card for racing. Commence the heats. When his turn during the heats came up he had us and other Pack mates and parents cheering for him. He was eliminated early on and didn't place in the Over All. He was bummed for a minute that he wouldn't get a trophy. We just kept telling him how AWESOME he did and how PROUD we were of how well he did and not just the winning 1st in his Den. THEN, others in the Pack started to pat him on the back and tell him how great he did. Man, it was an AWESOME evening for sure.

No one could believe that we had put that boat together in less than a day. Lucky me it didn't need special tools. I decided against too much shaping of the boat and thought simple was best. Good call, no?

That night as I was tucking Sean in he asked if I could help him next year with his Pinewood Derby Car. I laughed and said, "Remember when I said I know nothing about boats?" He nodded. I said, "Well, I know less than nothing about cars. We'll see, though. Maybe I can consult." 

Sean at dinner last night showing off his new Webelos 2 rank. So forgot to snap pictures last week.

Side view of Sean's Regatta Boat

Front view of Sean's Regatta Boat

His Den Medal

The Beast

So let's talk about the Beast. I guess it could be considered by most to be a Mini Beast but to me it's most definitely the Beast.

The Beast is a Trailblazer EXT. Beige (or whatever special color name they gave it). My new truck. Our new (to us) family vehicle. I don't even care if it's beige. It's beautiful. Bye Bye good 'ole Buick Regal. We've had a good run but we're definitely over.

Yesterday, Hubs got home from his 2 day business trip to Houston. YAY! I must say I really missed him, like I always do when he's gone. But this trip was a tad different. While he was in Houston he found a new truck for us. For me, really. A new family vehicle. He and his colleague spent a whole day looking for it. They were on a mission and apparently the vehicle gods were smiling down on them. Maybe even with a wink of humor? You see, I was completely sure I wanted a Chevrolet. Why? Call it ingrained from birth. Anyway, I told him that what would be best for us would be either an SUV like a Traverse or Suburban or an mini van. Any of those would definitely fit our family of 5 comfortable with room to spare.  They looked at 2 Explorers, 2 Trailblazers, and a Suburban. The Trailblazer won. For probably male reasons or maybe just cause it's what I said I wanted. Could be one of those reasons or a combo. 

Can I just say how amazing it is to once again have a vehicle with air conditioning. We live in Texas y'all, A/C is pretty much a necessity. We did have to go a little longer without A/C than we had planned. For sure he definitely found a new truck for us (me) sooner than I expected. Next to the A/C the pluses  are: all windows go down, room for us and a little more, remote lock/unlock w/alarm, and I now no longer feel like I am going to be road kill for other SUVs and such. My old Buick had no A/C and only 2 windows that went down. True, it's better than only one or no windows going down. It was hard enough for me to grin and bear it. Add 3 complaining kids, and well grinning and bearing it got a little tougher. I was never so happy to hear the news when he called. Since apparently he also posted it on FB first and I hadn't responded yet. After that I was pretty much in countdown mode. 

It's taken a bit for me to adjust to driving the Beast. Still adjusting as a matter of fact. It is quite a bit bigger than my old Buick. Yesterday evening, while driving to Sean's CS Rain Gutter Regatta I noticed a few small details that screamed he thought of me. He texted me saying he was having it cleaned and fluids changed. Pretty much standard when you buy a used car. I reached to change the radio station and realized I had hit a preset button. Just an autopilot thing. I didn't even consider I was in a new to me vehicle. Then I noticed there was a vent air freshener. I asked what scent it was. Hubs said it was cucumber melon. It hit me all at once, he had seen to every last detail he could think of. I could've cried right then. But I didn't. I was still processing. 

So this morning when we were driving to run errands I told him I noticed it. And that those two things meant the most to me, small as they were. It speaks volumes of the love he feels and how much he wanted this vehicle and me to easily mesh. 

Love that man of mine! Such a lucky gal. 

30 Topics ~ Almost 10 Influencers

~ The List ~ 

1. List 20 random facts about yourself.

2. Describe 3 legitimate fears you have and explain how they became fears.
3. Describe your relationship with your parents.
4. List 10 things you would tell your 16 year-old self, if you could.
5. What are the 5 things that make you most happy right now?
6. What is the hardest thing you have ever experienced?
7. What is your dream job, and why?
8. What are 5 passions you have?
9. List 10 people who have influenced you and describe how.
10. Describe your most embarrasing moment.
11. Describe 10 pet peeves you have.
12. Describe a typical day in your current life.
13. Describe 5 weaknesses you have.
14. Describe 5 strengths you have.
15. If you were an animal, what would you be and why?
16. What are your 5 greatest accomplishments?
17. What is the thing you most wish you were great at?
18. What has been the most difficult thing you have had to forgive?
19. If you could live anywhere, where would it be and why?
20. Describe 3 significant memories from your childhood.
21. If you could have one superpower, what would it be and what would you do with it first?
22. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years? 15 years?
23. List your top 5 hobbies and why you love them.
24. Describe your family dynamic of your childhood vs. your family dynamic now.
25. If you could have dinner with anyone in history, who would it be and what would you eat?
26. What popular notion do you think the world has most wrong?
27. What is your favorite part of your body and why?
28. What is your love language?
29. What do you think people misundertand most about you?
30. List 10 things you would hope to be remembered for. 

9. List 10 people who have influenced you and describe how.

It's been awhile since I have worked on this list of topics. I must admit this one stumped me. I wanted to skip it and come back to it but decided not to, obviously. So in no particular order, really.

1) My Dad ~ He is stronger than he may ever know. I can only imagine how difficult it was for him when my Mom died and he was left to raise a 5mo old baby girl by himself. So there were a few things we both could've done without but it made us stronger. 

2) My Husband ~ He is really a great man, husband, and father. He makes me want to be a better person. He is always working hard to make our lives better. I feel he doesn't always know how appreciated he is. And there are those who think he doesn't do enough. I am blessed that he helps with the kids a lot and lets me have me time almost anytime I need it.

3) My MIL ~ She is a strong lady. She took me in and treated me just as her own. It was one of the first things she said to me when I moved in with them years ago when Hubs and I were just dating, that she would treat me as her own, and she always has. She is strong in her faith and even though our religions are different and disagree on somethings, she helped to put me back on the path of embracing my faith.

4) My BFF ~ She's truly the most magnificent friend a gal could have. To say she's been there for me whenever, through thick and then, and then some, would probably be an understatement. If I need to talk or vent or whatever, you can bet she'll be there to listen. She'll tell me in no uncertain terms what she thinks. She'd probably say I do the same for her. I think the fact that neither of us can recall how we came best friends speaks volumes. I would drop anything to get to her and help if she needs me. She also had a hand in getting me back into church and rebuilding my shaky foundation.

5) My Kids ~ Just like my Hubs, they make me want to be a better person. I believe that not only do they grow everyday but so do I. They have taught me how to just be and it's okay to be completely silly just to be silly. They have taught me to be more patient and understanding. To look at things from a new perspective and find solutions and strategies that may not be the norm to some. 

6) My Family ~ So we are or have been dysfunctional at times. Maybe mine is more so than others. They've taught me it doesn't matter what the separation is, family is family and it's forever. You don't choose em. You can bet when one calls and is need someone will have the right words or can help. That you are always welcome. And hopefully something I can say soon, doesn't matter how long you've been a part it's like it never happened. 

7) Step Mom 2 ~ Not all influencers are good ones. She taught me that there can be true evil/meanness in people. She showed me who I do not want to be. Even though her goal was to tear me down and make me a shell of a person. Instead, she helped to strengthen me and show me what I am made of.

8) 

9)

10)

I can't seem to find 10. I am sure there are 3 more but I am drawing a blank. So I guess 7 will have to do. 

Smile and Pay Attention

You ever go out and about minding your own business and somebody smiles/waves at you and you nicely return the favor? Or maybe you're the type of person that wonders why the hell that crazy person is waving and smiling at you. I like to smile at people but will only wave to a) those I know or b) if I am waved at. Yes, I am that annoying person that will give you my dazzling smile when you are all sour face or worse.

The point of this? I need to pay better attention to those that wave at me. Yes I do.

Sunday at church in my small group class, I sat in a different spot that usual. I sat next to a nice couple G and W. Well, W turns to me and says, "I saw you at HEB and smiled and waved. You were so nice, you smiled and waved back. But I don't think you recognized me." Basically I smiled and told him I am sorry I didn't recognize him. I was just in my own little world and focused on getting the shopping done. He smiled and chuckled and said maybe next time.

You'd think that'd be the end of it. But no. In worship service another lady, J, came to where I was sitting. She said, "You got your hair done at Grand Salon, right?" I said, "Yes, I did." She says, "I saw you there but I don't think you recognized me." I literally laughed out loud and said, "You are the second person today to tell me that I didn't recognize you. I'm sorry I was just in my own little world." She smiled and said something about being out of the element, I think.

Anyways, I think this clearly means I need to snap out of my own little world zone and pay better attention. It probably doesn't help that I have a really hard time of putting names to faces out and about in public. Or something like that.

All I can say, is I am really glad none of these people saw me at Wal Mart with my kids. I swear that place makes me the crazy Mom no one wants to be. I have found that at Wal Mart I am more likely to scream at my kids than any other store.

Please tell me I am not alone in running into people that I should know/recognize that clearly know/recognize me and just wave and smile clueless to the fact we actually know each other.

Anticlimactic? Maybe.

Well now for the conclusion you've all been wondering about. Or maybe you haven't. Or maybe you have no clue what I am talking about. Here's a refresher for those who need it.

On Monday morning me and Hubs went to the school to talk with the principal about the incident that occurred on Fri. As it turns out, we ended up talking to the Asst Principal (Ms AP). She knew about what occurred on Fri.We sat and told her that we understood why Bridge calling any teacher by Ms Brown or Brownie could be hurtful. We reiterated that Bridge didn't mean it in an ugly way. That she was just wanted to give her a nick name. That if it had been an ongoing issue why were we not informed sooner? At this point Ms AP told us it had not been a long time ongoing problem just a couple days. That Bridge had been asked/reminded by the teacher several times that Ms Brown/Brownie was not her name and to please call her by her name. Ok, fair enough. Still, not a racist comment in my mind. But we moved on.

Hubs told Ms AP about the phone conversation and showed her his notes he made. She agreed that Ms Counselor was over the line. At least on the comment where she said my 7 yr old could be shot if she called the wrong person Ms Brown/Brownie. Hubs was kind of miffed that Ms AP didn't fully understand how he felt like he was being interrogated by Ms Counselor over the phone. Or maybe Ms AP did understand. But she kept saying how nice a lady Ms AP was. I told her I am sure she is but the whole phone conversation was unprofessional. Ms AP agreed.

I went on to voice my concern that my daughter was very upset over the incident and truly thought that the teachers were calling her mean. It's my belief that no matter how they tried to put it to her she couldn't understand what they were saying. Has no grasp on anything race related. Still probably doesn't. Why would she. She has no problems getting along with any one.

Ms AP said she would talk with Ms Counselor about how everything was handled, especially that phone call. She also said she would talk to Bridgette and reassure her that no one thinks she's mean.

That's pretty much it. I have to believe that the follow through will happen. I don't feel the need to talk to Bridge about it again. I played nice with all involved and we even apologized to the teacher for it. Actually, Hubs did. He saw her when he dropped the kids off Monday morning and wanted her to know we were sorry she was hurt. I dare say I may not play nice a second time.

Feeling like I could take on anything Hubs and I went to take care of some other business on Monday as well. Stuff that may or may not be keeping me from getting my job at the daycare center I applied with way back in January. I'll tell y'all like I told Hubs, I am tired of being taken advantage of and just sitting by while people don't give a fig for what we are going through or who I am. To them I am just a number and a problem for another day. But that is a story for later. I don't know if I am completely ready to go public with all that nonsense. And it is nonsense.

I'm Out

Why yes, yes I am out. I'm visiting at It's all her fault..... *wink*.

I'm guest posting & telling a story y'all may not know bout me and my bestie. See ya there.

All Weekend to Stew About It

So today we have some definite drama going on around here today. And we have all weekend to stew about it. All over what was likely an innocent child thing.

If you follow me on twitter you know what I am about to talk about.

Today Bridgette was pulled from her class and put in what is called Success. Success is mediation step before having to go to the principal. I have never had issues with this til today.

Today Hubs answered a call from the school counselor who was concerned about Bridgette continuing to call a black teacher Ms Brownie. The counselor said it had been an on going issue with Bridgette. Funny thing is, this was the first either of us had heard about it. The phone conversation continued and Hubs was informed that Bridgette was in Success for the rest of the day. Ms Counselor asked if Hubs agreed it was wrong for Bridgette to call the teacher Ms Brownie. Hubs did not answer this. Just told her we'd talk with Bridgette this evening. But that was not satisfactory enough for Ms Counselor. No, Ms Counselor felt the need to say that if Bridge was to say such a thing to the wrong person she could be shot.

WTF and HOLD THE PHONE?! Since I wasn't sure if I heard that part from Hubs aright I let it be. I mean we were in the middle of setting up at a coin show and it was definitely not the time to be discussing this.

When I got home I sent the counselor and email stating my concerns that if this was an ongoing issue, why had we not been informed sooner? That I would talk with Bridge about it and see what she had to say for herself. Also, that I was sure that it was not coming from a mean ugly place. To Bridge a brownie is a yummy treat or the GS Level she will be this next GS year. So, to her, it's a good thing not a bad thing.

Well, when Hubs got home we talked about it some more and the whole of it was aired out. And then I was like, WTH?! If I'd been clearer on it all I would just have gone straight to the school rather than send and email. Now we have to wait til Monday to address it.

On Monday, I expect to have definite answers. Who made an issue out of this? The teacher being called Ms Brownie or some other teacher or parent over hearing it and taking offense on the teacher's behalf? Why had no one bothered to notify us sooner. Lord knows every time Sean has an issue they can't get on the phone or send and email fast enough. And just what is Ms Counselor trying to say when she says Bridge could be shot if she said that to the wrong person? For crying out loud, we are talking about a 7 year old. A 7 year old who's grandmother is Hispanic.

It's enough to keep me steaming mad every time I think on it. Especially cause they made her cry and feel like she was the lowest person on Earth.

I talked to Bridge about it. Bridge told me that she didn't mean to call her Ms Brownie. That she forgot her name and just called her Ms Brown or Ms Brownie. Rather than just asking to be reminded of what her name is. She told Ms Counselor she didn't mean to be ugly and she wasn't being mean. But Ms Counselor told Bridge she was being mean and it was a mean thing to say. Bridge told me that she cried several times at school over it. She was crying when we sat and talked about it.

Right or not I did not punish Bridge. I just told her that the next time she couldn't remember anyone's name that she should ask nicely what their name is. And if it was supposed to be some cute/sweet nick name then she needed to make sure the person was okay with the name.

I'll let y'all know how the meeting on Monday turns out. In the mean time, what are your thoughts? Did the teachers over react? Are they really worried Bridge was making a racial slur or that we are really racists? What about that she could be shot comment? Are we over reacting to this?

The Goat Man - a night of mischief and mayhem

Well, I haven't participated much in Mama Kat's Workshop in a long while BUT when I saw Topic #4 for this week, I knew I had to.

I asked my BFF if she would like to post a story about me y'all may not know. I am pretty sure she cackled with glee. I kind of got worried cause well we've known each other forever and there are any number of stories that no one ever needs to know. It should definitely be entertaining. So sit back and enjoy.

With that, I proudly introduce my BFF, Everline. On Twitter she is @everline2002. She rarely blogs these days but when she does you can find her at http://everline2010.blogspot.com/.

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It has been forever since writing a blog, and when my bestest BEST friend gave me pretty much free reign for a blog topic that I am pretty sure she'll put more details about somewhere on here while making sure that I didn't put anything that has gone past the statue of limitation and is not able to be prosecuted in the post.  That said, it has been a hard time trying to figure out what NOT to write about.  We have well over 17ish (give or take a couple of years) as friends, so there are a ton of fond memories to pick from.  There was one about our first time making home made gravy.  That one is fun and entertaining, but not quite what was in mind.  There are several about when both of us were new moms and a few crazy things that happened then. However, there are always posts, blogs and other forms of media that deal with our children (which we call the brat pack when all 5 are together).  So, I thought I would "tiptoe through the tulips" of our earlier memories and tell y'all about a sleepover that ended with a very well earned grounding.

                                                                 

It was back when we were in high school.  Paulette was a junior and I was a sophomore both attending Burleson High.  My mom allowed this sleepover reluctantly (there had been some nasty results from my 16th birthday party the month before that Paulette luckily missed) and we decided to have as much fun as two teenage girls could have in a full night.

First, we started with telling ridiculous stories and legends that we were learning in school and reading on our own.  We can across a wonderful scary story called the Goat Man.  Here is the actual legend:


                                                        

The Goatman Legend


Of all fantasy-creatures who is said to live in lonely, often romantic places, is the appalling and dangerous Goatman, a creature you should avoid at all costs. He is one of the USA's most horrific monsters: half man, half goat. He appears on quiet roads, often in the state Maryland, with a shiny axe that he uses for chopping up teenagers.


The police have always had problems catching the Goatman because his strong legs and endless stamina always allow him to get away. No one knows exactly where he came from. Legend has it that he is the result of a top-secret experiment, approved by Washington, D.C. and conducted by the local authorities. Something went tragically wrong.According to rumors, a scientist was conducting experiments on animals to improve human's physical abilities.


 Unfortunately, an experiment with a goat went horribly wrong. A power failure took place and a strange mix occurred. When the smoke settled, the scientist had become a monster, some part man, some part goat. Insane with disappointment and fear of what would happen to him, he ran screaming out into the night. The Goatman was loose...Because of his grotesque look, the Goatman developed a special hatred for young, pretty teenagers and his life is now dedicated to killing them. 


Some of his victims survive because they are in cars when the attacks occur. It appears the monster likes to jump up on the cars and scare the heck out of them. When particularly blood thirsty, he chops the tires so they can't get away. The evil creature then drags them with him, deep into the forest, where he consumes them with great pleasure.Maybe he is just a story to scare away young couples from places where they can be alone and make out. Or, maybe not. My advice: if you have to stop, lock your car doors, and look around for anything strange. Do not stop the car in the middle of the woods under any circumstances.
Story Submitted by Pellika


This story by itself is harmless fun, but Paulette and I couldn't leave it that tame.  Not with my little brother standing at the door waiting for good gossip.  At the time he was maybe 12 years old, and at this age it was easy to prank him.  So we edited the story to change the location to make it local and added that if we wanted to have the goat man kill anybody that all you had to do was prick your finger, write the victims name in blood, then wad up the paper and toss it out the window.  Whoever had their name written on the paper would die within 24 hours.

By the time we finished telling each other the story and adding to it as we went, we announced that we would write my brothers name in blood and see if the legend was true.  So, that said we got a red permanent  marker and wrote his name on the paper, wadded it up and tossed it out the window.

While we were dying of laughter knowing that we had freaked him out big time, Mom came in the room and boy was she hacked off!  We got the lecture about how we were to treat him how we wanted to be treated and that if we did it again that she would call Paulette's Dad and we very much wanted to avoid that.  So, we went on to do girly things, and Mom kept my brother out of the way for the rest of the early night.

Around 5 in the morning, my brother woke us up wanting french toast.  I had just learned how to make it at school and figured since Paulette was the omelette master, I would make her the world's best french toast because I wanted to impress her.  So, I get out the eggs, butter, and bread and was warming up the frying pan.    

To get my little brother out of my hair, I made his four pieces first.  As I was getting to Paulette's, the pan was smoking really bad and the living room was filling up with black smoke.  I was trying very hard to make her french toast as pretty as my brothers, but it wasn't happening and I was lost as to the reason.  After I burned the 5th piece of toast, there was a LOUD banging on the window.  After telling the story of the Goat Man and since it was still before 6am and dark, we panicked over who it could be and went to open the front door.

Man was Mom beyond pissed off!  She apparently went to get doughnuts for us as a surprise, and before we started making the french toast I double locked the door for safety not noticing her absence from the house. She saw the black smoke filling up the house with the fact that she could not get into the house and well, long story somewhat shorter, Paulette had to go home a little earlier than expected.  Mom waited till around 7:30  and then went to talk to her Dad about our adventures for the night.

Honestly, I don't remember if Paulette got into much trouble beyond our 2 weeks no telephone grounding that nearly ended my life as I knew it back then.  Out of all the sleepovers and all the nights out, of which there were plenty that we drove both our parents bonkers with, this is the one that sticks in my memories with the greatest amount of detail and the most fun we had at that age.  I almost shudder to think of what our daughters will come up with when they hit those ages.....

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See there, told ya it'd be entreating. I actually cannot remember what my Daddy said to me after that fiasco. Pretty sure I got an earful about proper behavior and all. So, what are some antics you and your bestie got up to, or do we want to know? We for sure would love your feed back about this post. ;)

Writing Prompts:

1.) What did you want your name to be? (inspired by Mommy Boots)

2.) Share one of your favorite things. (inspired by Jenbshaw)

3.) Neighbors.

4.) Ask a sibling or close friend to guest post on your blog for a day. Have them share a story about you that we might not have heard before.

5.) Name a celebrity you would like to be your “in real life” friend. What makes him or her a perfect match for you?

Daddy Daughter Day & Ear Piercing

Yesterday was pretty freaking scary for me. We didn't get hit by any tornadoes here but it was close enough  that I definitely took cover.  By close enough, I mean Cleburne which is just a bare 10minutes away, if that. Then near the Burleson/Ft Worth line and close to where our old house was. But I kept watching since it was horribly bad. Hovering for the longest over Arlington and Dallas. Two of the people who live in this house work in Arlington. Thank God they both made it home safe. In fact, the massive storms that sparked something like 12 or more tornadoes and left all kinds of damage and injuries but NO FATALITIES! Thank God for small blessings.

That said, I am so happy to be able to share these pics with you. Last week Hubs took the girls to a local restaurant and to the mall for Daddy Daughters Day. Bridge wanted her ears re-pierced and of course Meg was all like me too!

They had a blast until Meg got her ears pierced. Can I just say I am soooo glad I was not the one taking her to do this? Cause, I was laughing like a loon when Hubs called me and told me of the drama. I was in the middle of Target and got several looks but I just kept laughing and maybe snorting.

Turns out Bridge didn't need her ears re-piereced. They just popped earrings right back in her ears that she chose. She is now proudly wearing her turtle earrings. Bridge had her ears pierced as a baby but for the life of us as she got to be a toddler we could not find any earrings that she couldn't manage to get out. I am frankly amazed she didn't need re-piercing.

Meg, well she was a brave, brave girl. Screamed the roof down and according to Hubs 4 people came to make sure she wasn't being abducted. But now she is so happy and proud of her earrings. Sadly I have yet to get a good pic of her and her new earrings. Which, by the way, one of the "diamonds" fell out. I hope when I get her back to Claire's they'll give her a new set.