tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-275608792011-11-27T17:34:43.006-06:00Mrs. Bicknoreply@blogger.comBlogger2191100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27560879.post-33232453407964005452011-03-23T08:57:00.000-05:002011-03-23T08:57:17.022-05:00

There are quite a few things rolling around in my head right now. I've been contemplating the end of the school year. Nine (9) weeks, for those of you who are interested. That will also be the end of having a child in Mother's Day Out. It also sends me seeking diversions for the summer. (If only we were flush with cash.) Fortunately, the parks and recreation department at the local

Mrs. Bicknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27560879.post-36244242145333403472011-02-28T09:32:00.000-06:002011-02-28T09:32:36.833-06:00

Sometimes I wonder what is under those "Sale" and "Special" tags.So now I tend to look a bit. And look what I found.   I meant to speak with the manager, but I got distracted, and didn't get around to it. Grrr. I hate when that happens.

Mrs. Bicknoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27560879.post-40568814484357308042011-02-24T16:53:00.000-06:002011-02-24T16:53:24.603-06:00

I've been busy shoving furniture around the past couple days. We are reinventing our "Quiet Room" into an office. (I know you are thinking, "What the heck is a quiet room?" Technically, on the builder's floor plan it would've been a formal dining room. We are never that formal, so it became a sitting/office/music room. I know, I know! Still doesn't tell you why it is the "quiet room".

Mrs. Bicknoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27560879.post-30045670923357070232011-02-19T20:40:00.001-06:002011-02-19T20:43:47.892-06:00

So laundry didn't go quite as planned.I washed Maddie's Disney Princesses comforter with her new "greenie" (Greenie is her most favorite blanket. Her first blanket. Which is now well loved, repaired, and quickly becoming threadbare.) Greenie's stand-in is "reddie". (She is so creative with names, don't you think?)I didn't take into account that this was "reddie's" first washing. And that

Mrs. Bicknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27560879.post-33167068991098193562011-02-17T16:49:00.003-06:002011-02-17T17:09:16.020-06:00

So much has happened, some interesting, other just run-of-the-mill stuff. I was reminded that this blog has been very silent for a long, long time. There are many reasons for that; too many to list here.I'll go with the shorthand version...I'm still doing the mom thing. We are nearly to the point of having all three kids in school. Come August, Sully will join the ranks of kindergarteners. I

Mrs. Bicknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27560879.post-3091857717141258362010-10-07T16:06:00.004-05:002010-10-07T17:02:38.378-05:00

I come from a Southern home, where hospitality was demonstrated not only by my mother, but by my grandmother, and the women who were my role models. I was one very lucky girl.Each of the women who were very big influences in my life, in so many ways, demonstrated hospitality in their own unique way. But in with each, the purpose was the same...to extend a gracious hand and make friends, family

Mrs. Bicknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27560879.post-61596662713803356432010-04-16T09:17:00.002-05:002010-04-16T10:04:35.850-05:00

A friend of mine put an all-call out about a family on her street the other day. Their house caught fire. They have lost everything more or less. This family is a family of 11. You heard that right. There are 2 parents and 9 children ranging in age from 2-19, with a majority of the kids being teens.Can you imagine?I can't.I know that financially Jason and I are really unable to help this

Mrs. Bicknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27560879.post-89327090073545450092010-04-02T12:33:00.008-05:002010-04-02T12:57:52.814-05:00

So, grocery shopping is a necessary evil. Some weeks are easier than others. This week was a very full shopping cart kind of week. Our cart was filled with all manner of things, which prompted the man in the checkout line ahead of me to inquire if we had teenagers. I chuckled when I realized he was taking stock of the 4 cases of sodas, multiple packages of hot dogs and lunch meats, and many

Mrs. Bicknoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27560879.post-53181418915263866302010-03-14T14:39:00.005-05:002010-03-14T14:52:56.235-05:00

I read a number of different kinds of blogs. Some are about "Living Green", others are for the crafter in me, some blogs are written by friends and I get to peek into their daily lives. Other blogs I have stumbled across and read because of the connection I make with them. Some of my blogs appeal to my frugal side. DeeDee always makes me laugh. I understand what it is like to be in the mommy

Mrs. Bicknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27560879.post-58176288571897696552010-03-10T10:51:00.004-06:002010-03-10T11:13:44.139-06:00

I have a friend who recently got a new van. Coincidentally, so did we. She parks her van in the garage. We do not. Until today. I prayed that it would fit. I also prayed that the lima bean sized hail coming down in the Thunderstorm deluge wouldn't grow and make our new van become dimpled like a golf ball. Here is to answered prayers. The van fit, if only just. (The door won't shut because

Mrs. Bicknoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27560879.post-10349412369780944992010-03-08T14:32:00.029-06:002010-03-09T22:41:13.559-06:00

HOORAY! The Season of Green Things is soon to be upon us. (And for a great many STILL dealing with new and lingering snow, the green season cannot come too quickly!) Very soon our eyes will behold the following little miracles: Many faiths believe that the earth was created by the Great Creator, called by many names, to be home and sanctuary to mankind. And in addition to that,

Mrs. Bicknoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27560879.post-29448059746650723722010-02-04T22:12:00.004-06:002010-02-04T22:44:36.550-06:00

I'm sure you all remember my recent post "Eat from the Pantry Challenge". I wanted to just update everyone on how we are doing.But promise not to laugh.So, the first week I did really well. I planned on spending $50 at the grocery store. I spent $51 and some change. Awesome!But the week after that was a bust. A big bust. There were many items in the sale flier that were good for stocking up

Mrs. Bicknoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27560879.post-46748943840024576222010-01-15T17:02:00.010-06:002010-01-15T17:34:37.979-06:00

I have a number of blogs that I really enjoy reading. Crafting blogs, humorous blogs, blogs of friends, blogs about being green or thrifty. One of the recent blogs that I read talked about how she planned to Save Money on Groceries by Eating from your Pantry, This Eat from the Pantry Challenge was issued by Rebecca at www.moneysavingmom.com It had me thinking. And doubting how effective we

Mrs. Bicknoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27560879.post-8151096655436411252009-12-14T08:00:00.003-06:002009-12-16T12:57:36.034-06:00

Christmas is one of my favorite times of year. Now, especially since the kids are really starting to understand about all the different facets, traditions, stories...Here is my home, and how we have decorated this year...Enjoy!You'll notice that there aren't any pictures of our stockings. They go up on the banister, but come down on St. Nicholas Day, December 6th. My previous post tells about

Mrs. Bicknoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27560879.post-81540787044330781122009-12-10T21:33:00.002-06:002009-12-10T21:49:09.339-06:00

Please take a minute to check out the wonderful Holiday Give-Away at Simple Mom.She asks: "What's your family's most creative holiday tradition?"I answered: "Well, we have a number of traditions, and we are trying to figure out more that are meaningful and memorable to work into our family life.One that is fun for us, that not too many people do around here in North Texas, is observe St. Nicholas

Mrs. Bicknoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27560879.post-37039929934785658342009-10-30T11:04:00.008-05:002009-10-30T12:01:59.187-05:00

This isn't going to be a very light, easygoing post. Can't be. I'm not in that place in my life today.In fact, I'm feeling like I've gotten the fuzzy end of the lolly pop. Again. I'm hormonal, moody, easy to weep, quick to yell, and just generally bent out of shape. If you give me ten minutes I'm sure you might just see all these things. It is that kind of day.I shouldn't complain. I

Mrs. Bicknoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27560879.post-32388267796203085332009-10-14T12:42:00.000-05:002009-10-14T12:42:31.725-05:00

Inspiration comes from all over. And I stumbled across this one in a blog. Funny thing... this girl is local! Go figure!Our First Home: Dining Room Wall Treatment

Mrs. Bicknoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27560879.post-42424363048001457452009-10-12T13:56:00.003-05:002009-10-12T14:05:16.654-05:00

Sometimes it is very reassuring to know that other people are facing the very same struggles you are, or have faced them and successfully navigated the landmines and snares to share their thoughts wisdom and tips and tricks.This post is one of those times. WE have a similar situation brewing here. And it is almost as if I have a crystal ball that can see the future of this little girl. You

Mrs. Bicknoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27560879.post-59652729230413241022009-09-24T22:55:00.006-05:002009-09-24T23:16:20.362-05:00

Sometimes brilliant ideas come along and prove to be a very quick fix for a situation.Our problem? Builder's grade lighting in our kitchen. Sufficient...most of the time, yet lackluster in design.Solution? Over cabinet lighting.Quick fix? Christmas lights. I happened to be watching DIY Network and this guy who was renovating his kitchen on a very tight budget decided to use Christmas lights

Mrs. Bicknoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27560879.post-60375124502698744132009-09-24T20:38:00.010-05:002009-09-24T21:48:06.457-05:00

For quite a while now we have been talking about upgrading our table. Not because the table wasn't functioning well. Not because the style didn't suit us. But because we were literally outgrowing it. Our dining room table, the only table we own for dining purposes, only sat six people. It is a round table that has two small leaves. We have had the leaves in for years. In recent days one of

Mrs. Bicknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27560879.post-39968964613641793232009-09-08T21:01:00.002-05:002009-09-08T21:04:01.936-05:00

Ever wonder if what you are doing actually is worth the time you spend on it? Do you wonder if it reaches the intended target? Do you consider the possibility of moving on, moving on to newer, more fulfilling things, more logical options? I do. All the time.As I approach my 200th post on this blog, I am left to consider my presence in this forum. I also am considering the possibility of

Mrs. Bicknoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27560879.post-19872632806946488712009-09-02T15:58:00.012-05:002009-09-02T16:32:36.946-05:00

This is the bulk of my current wardrobe. (Not pictured: 1 pair plaid shorts, 1 red knit t-shirt, my wedding dress, my wedding gown, a beaded evening gown.)Ever wonder how much space your clothes take up on the closet rod? I measured. Note the measuring tape sitting atop the rod.My clothes currently don't even take up 3 full feet of closet rod space.The remainder, and most used portion my my

Mrs. Bicknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27560879.post-9678530166309352032009-08-13T11:09:00.003-05:002009-08-13T12:47:54.058-05:00

Ever been in a place where there are choices, and none of them are easy? Beyond that there is no clearly defined best option out of the choices? We are at that crossroads here at Chez Bick.Here's the deal. At the end of last school year it occurred to me that Sullivan's language wasn't on par with his peers. That is an understatement, really. What really happened was this... I was picking

Mrs. Bicknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27560879.post-40942709630961080722009-07-29T13:07:00.012-05:002009-07-29T14:42:57.812-05:00

Well, here it is almost August, and I am just now getting to posting about something that happened mid-July. Meh. Better late than never, I suppose. (Kick back. This is a little lengthy.)Well, my friend Jenni is officially a MRS. now. She married her dreamboat, Geoff, July 11th. We attended the rehearsal dinner, and had a little time to meet quite a few members of the groom's family and

Mrs. Bicknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27560879.post-42750330500610893042009-07-01T20:40:00.013-05:002009-07-24T10:10:53.076-05:00

UPDATE: Since posting this a while back there have been some new developments. First of all, what they say is true... your children learn by example. Take the fact that Sullivan, at age 3 1/2 is aware of the fact that we recycle. More than that, he likes to help sort our recycling, and even put it in the recycling bins on site (since we actually have to go to the recycling centers around here)

Mrs. Bicknoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27560879.post-16203306236778512752009-05-25T14:53:00.005-05:002009-05-25T16:59:01.519-05:00

It has been a little eventful around here of late. And not just because it is May and school is soon to be out for the kids.I wanted to share some pictures of the most recent delicate surgery around here.Keep scrolling...Little More...Here you go... not for the faint of heart, I tell you...I know this isn't what you were expecting! (I don't have pictures of the other delicate surgery from this

Mrs. Bicknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27560879.post-48258070454364474922009-05-21T21:26:00.010-05:002009-05-21T22:57:17.719-05:00

There were lots of reasons we chose to move from our old house and neighborhood to this one. Everyone has their reasons when they make a choice like that. But tonight one of our reasons was reaffirmed.Duncan is allowed to be outside, within certain parameters, with minimal supervision. This includes riding his bike. And to his credit he does mind his limitations and parameters very well,

Mrs. Bicknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27560879.post-71248598974107169442009-05-12T20:48:00.002-05:002009-05-12T20:59:28.731-05:00

There are days when I loathe cooking. Today was one of those. I was completely prepared to dish out a delightful meal of sandwiches. Assorted varieties, of course. It is one of the few times I officially create meals based on the individual preferences of the kids. But I was spared that ordeal. Because as I was gathering the jelly for the requisite PB&J I noticed the leftover steak, roast beef

Mrs. Bicknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27560879.post-38305218774963188542009-05-11T22:17:00.004-05:002009-05-11T23:42:46.594-05:00

This is a crazy time of the year. It seems as if everything is on fast forward. It seems as if everyone's calendar is sporting more activities than usual.Our lives are no different. In fact, I think my heart skipped a beat when I realized that 2 of my children only have one more week beyond this one of their Tuesday/Thursday MDO. What?!?! The next week the other MDO is finished up. Officially on

Mrs. Bicknoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27560879.post-2627652110557500062009-05-05T12:33:00.017-05:002009-05-05T14:59:36.160-05:00

I read a good many blogs. Probably too many. There are the blogs that make me laugh, the ones that educate, the blogs of friends, family and colleagues. Today's post is a direct comment to my friend, Monkey Momma's latest and ongoing blog posts at her blog Disciple in Stewardship. In her own words the blogs is an experiment "to journal our experience in being more disciplined with all the myriads

Mrs. Bicknoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27560879.post-47489393583897228772009-04-22T13:02:00.001-05:002009-04-22T13:04:40.575-05:00

I've lost 20 pounds as of today!(Now if I could only find jeans that fit AND are flattering...)

Mrs. Bicknoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27560879.post-37121578977052618522009-04-20T16:55:00.016-05:002009-04-20T20:06:33.343-05:00

Some of you know that we have been on the search for a church. We loved our old church, but the drive was long and we were limited in how much we could realistically serve and be served. So we made the very difficult choice to leave that church and begin the difficult search for a new, closer church. Our latest church to visit was reasonably close and large enough to have a good sized assortment

Mrs. Bicknoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27560879.post-29355385960093080512009-04-10T08:01:00.004-05:002009-04-10T08:35:17.794-05:00

I love my son. LOVE. Love my son.I love him for many reasons. I find it fascinating that he has my dad's mannerisms, body shape, wry sense of humor. I love that he is my child all over on the inside. I love that he has Jason's coloring and features, and my brown eyes all in one rapidly growing package. (He weighs in at right at 60 pounds these days, is all muscle, and is getting taller every day.

Mrs. Bicknoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27560879.post-82441178132255320152009-03-27T09:19:00.006-05:002009-03-27T10:48:39.363-05:00

I have certain blogs, blog of people I don't actually know, but feel as if I know, that I read on a regular basis. (There are blogs of people I actually DO know, too, that I read with equal regularity...)We Are THAT Family is a new one to me. Introduced when Shannon at Rocks in My Dryer passed the torch of the weekly blog carnival "Works For Me Wednesday" earlier this year. This weeks WFMW

Mrs. Bicknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27560879.post-59660992729113124202009-03-21T08:01:00.003-05:002009-03-21T08:23:24.009-05:00

Just an update, since I have been remiss. The journey of weight loss I began in January has been going along pretty smoothly. I have been losing a healthy and safe amount over that time. And then there was the gain. That was completely disheartening. But overall I've done great. In fact I have felt less out of control most days, less like the out-of-control food addict I am. That isn't to say

Mrs. Bicknoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27560879.post-46459484742807636792009-02-17T11:07:00.004-06:002009-02-17T11:12:32.035-06:00

I read certain blog regularly. And laugh frequently when I do so. To the extent that Jason looks at me with raised eyebrow and asks WHICH ONE I am reading.Anyway, today I found a new place to waste vast amounts of time, thanks to Shannon over at Rocks in my Dryer.OMG this is hysterical. Take a little time and visit Rhett & Link. Here is a sample. Enjoy!

Mrs. Bicknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27560879.post-10348547880400624512009-02-13T15:22:00.001-06:002009-02-13T15:23:46.248-06:00

You can find me over here.

Mrs. Bicknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27560879.post-61335492551655455152009-02-11T17:02:00.002-06:002009-02-11T17:36:19.530-06:00

I've been thinking an awful lot lately about our circle of friends. And how is has been shrinking.There are a good many people who, for reasons known only to themselves, make a complete break with an entire circle of friends when they are in a relationship. Or get married. We have seen that with our friends. We have never subscribed to that kind of thinking. Friends are friends. Incorporate them

Mrs. Bicknoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27560879.post-91940251891221091572009-02-09T20:03:00.001-06:002009-02-09T20:03:14.395-06:00

Just a little something that Jason and I have been laughing over given the events of today (my own root canal)... enjoy!

Mrs. Bicknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27560879.post-76890702380998680382009-02-09T15:57:00.004-06:002009-02-09T20:02:17.605-06:00

You can find my menu for the week here.Just some updates.The past couple days have been anything but uneventful. The van died yesterday. We had started out to go to church (shopping, you know). We didn't get very far before I decided to turn around. I almost made it home. I got us to the edge of our community. Our community is broken down into villages, so technically I got us to the edge of our

Mrs. Bicknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27560879.post-21251197540527746512009-02-06T10:39:00.033-06:002009-02-06T17:16:59.855-06:00

Ok, so there is an aweful lot of stuff swirling in my head. Here goes...Yesterday Jason and I planned to have lunch together. It meant I had a substantial drive to meet him, and a little time to kill. So I headed to IKEA. I have been to IKEA before, but it was a lifetime ago, AND in another state. I haven't been to this local store before yesterday, and that was simply a matter of logistics.

Mrs. Bicknoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27560879.post-50888187989041111482009-02-04T17:12:00.002-06:002009-02-04T17:31:27.847-06:00

Well, the long, arduous journey I undertook to being less is in its fourth week. I started with Weight Watchers, and as of weigh in this morning I have lost 5.6 pounds! Every week has shown some progress, although not every week was equal. I just have 72.2 pound to go. ~sigh~ I can only take this journey in 5 pound steps. If I look at the total amount, it is too overwhelming, and makes me

Mrs. Bicknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27560879.post-42019004936596636322009-01-27T16:12:00.005-06:002009-01-27T20:38:52.875-06:00

I know I am not alone in my desire to have a longer day so that I may accomplish everything on my list. Sadly, I get dealt the very same 24 hours as everyone else. If I am really honest, I will admit that I don't budget my time very well. Yes, I get certain things done consistently. Meals, drop offs, pick ups, that kind of thing, but the other stuff... not so much.I know there are things that

Mrs. Bicknoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27560879.post-50911723348451116062009-01-18T18:26:00.006-06:002009-01-18T21:56:17.378-06:00

I love reading blogs. Especially those of people I actually know. It is just one additional way to stay connected to those people. But sometimes, just sometimes blogging becomes a way to share the wealth of your experience, or weigh in with your opinion, or reveal a facet of yourself that just might have been obscured by other things.Yesterday a friend was blogging about how her little Monkey is

Mrs. Bicknoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27560879.post-34058326256117140192009-01-16T12:44:00.002-06:002009-01-16T12:46:56.055-06:00

I stumble across a good many things when I blog hop, and this one I want to share.

Mrs. Bicknoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27560879.post-39761506647766412072009-01-09T08:43:00.006-06:002009-01-09T15:12:39.848-06:00

So, if you have ever met me in person, you know I have a battle raging with my weight. It is a lifelong battle. I don't ever remember not being "big boned" or "husky" or "well-fed". And pictures documenting my childhood prove this to be true. By the way, this list of euphemisms goes on and on, but the hardest word to stomach is no euphemism at all. There is a very real, visceral response to the

Mrs. Bicknoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27560879.post-54921373471508276242009-01-05T21:27:00.003-06:002009-01-05T21:39:39.518-06:00

Is it wrong that when Duncan (I almost said "the kids", but really it is Duncan) chooses a CD for a "dance party" here at home that his favorite is usually the Millennium Hip-Hop party CD? Now, this CD is from a boxed set, and to be fair, he did try to mix it up the other day and chose the Millennium Disco Party CD, which was case only. The CD is missing. Which is too bad. I digress, though.

Mrs. Bicknoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27560879.post-34495363191287213702008-12-27T14:01:00.006-06:002008-12-27T14:41:08.284-06:00

Today the family watched an amusing little film. I am sure many of you have seen it too. We are just a little late in getting to movies, more often than not. Anyway, There was a time, a little while ago, more recent than not... long after the release of the movie "Meet the Robinsons" when I actually paid attention, and something really caught my eye. Something familiar, something related to a

Mrs. Bicknoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27560879.post-28718292077252299962008-12-20T11:42:00.008-06:002008-12-20T13:32:33.216-06:00

I had a little talk with child #2 last night, aka daughter, aka Maddie. I simply mentioned that I had found a crayon in the dryer, and she said, "Yeah, that was mine. It was in the pocket of my purple pants. Sorry." Ah! The purple pants. I had forgotten that those had been in that batch of clothes. Since they are dark, the damage doesn't show. I had set them aside as salvageable. I am rethinking

Mrs. Bicknoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27560879.post-63911595290588395252008-12-19T17:42:00.003-06:002008-12-19T18:01:02.913-06:00

I know. Months and nothing. Today, 3 posts. Go figure. Last night our Sunday School class had its Christmas party. Potluck-style, of course. Jason and I signed up for a meat. Easy-peasy. There was a great sale on chuck roasts earlier in the week, so the price was right, and the work was going to be minimal. I love that about roast beef or pot roast!One of the other couples also signed up for

Mrs. Bicknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27560879.post-8468933916767142872008-12-19T12:42:00.002-06:002008-12-19T12:47:18.182-06:00

Well, would you believe that my Google search for trying to remove a melted crayon from my dryer drum is a pretty commonly Google search? I started typing "melted crayon in dryer" and by the time I finished typing crayon, there was a drop down box, and "melted crayon in dryer" was an actual search option. And to top that off, the very first thing to come up on the search dealt specifically with

Mrs. Bicknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27560879.post-10839987901865251502008-12-19T11:09:00.011-06:002008-12-19T11:53:44.027-06:00

Today is one of those days, it appears. To be a little lazy (or relatively so. Nothing too taxing on my calendar.) Pick up Duncan early on his last day of school before the holiday break. Catch up on chores, but mostly laundry. That is where it becomes "one of those days". Bad, bad...very bad!Take a peek at what I just found while taking freshly washed clothes out of the dryer.Now, if you can't

Mrs. Bicknoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27560879.post-18564944263955701992008-10-09T17:05:00.002-05:002008-10-09T17:22:19.193-05:00

I have just a minute to post this. I literally snuck away to the sanctity of my closet, where our computer lives. (I know, weird, but true!) Anyway, moving along.This has been a rough week. Maddie has had the ick. Fever, which of course comes down when medicated, then spikes again as it wears off. This seems to have gone this morning. The past two days she has had a cough, and today much

Mrs. Bicknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27560879.post-76003337795051037572008-10-02T20:58:00.002-05:002008-10-02T21:27:06.788-05:00

Can I just tell you how very much I loathe politics? All the spin, all the he said, she said, finger pointing, accusations...Governor Palin, after listening to you and Senator Biden go at it on KERA, let me just give you a clue that will make you sound ever so much smarter... the word you are looking for is NUCLEAR. It is said "new-klee-er". And not pronounced "new-que-ler". Who ever is coaching

Mrs. Bicknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27560879.post-34296009317483799872008-09-30T22:26:00.003-05:002008-09-30T22:29:12.181-05:00

Mrs. Bicknoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27560879.post-62808637617552274262008-09-30T22:13:00.002-05:002008-09-30T22:25:45.386-05:00

I have to say that in general, I am not too good in the area of keeping connected. Part of that goes to being a very big Introvert. But now that is certainly compounded by the swirling of small people constantly demanding my attention. I mean, really, a person could seriously lose their mind if standing too close to me with my children while talking. The interruptions could jolt you into

Mrs. Bicknoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27560879.post-87199027381883628602008-09-25T17:19:00.003-05:002008-09-25T17:47:40.913-05:00

Just to catch you up...1.) Duncan lost his 2 bottom teeth late this summer. Hardly unexpected, since he is almost 6 1/2. What we didn't expect was that both bottom teeth had to be helped out, and the permanant teeth were already coming in behind both. (Kinda made me think of shark teeth, how there are rows of teeth!) We also didn't expect there to be such a to-do with the Tooth Fairy.

Mrs. Bicknoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27560879.post-18011099544723305092008-09-08T22:52:00.002-05:002008-09-08T23:01:09.551-05:00

A while back Maddie was asked to demonstrate some very common emotions for the camera. Here is her shoot. See if you can tell what emotion she is displaying. (You can comment on the photo, or in the comments section.) Enjoy!

Mrs. Bicknoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27560879.post-16626832580198241102008-08-08T11:09:00.004-05:002008-08-08T11:45:51.227-05:00

So, it has been a while since a post. Lots of things happening around here. Some good, some not so good, but so goes life.Our nephew, Thomas, lost his battle with cancer this past Thursday, July 31, 2008. Even though we all knew that his short life was coming to an end, his actually passing came as a great heartbreak to us all. His memorial was this past Monday. In all this, Jason made the

Mrs. Bicknoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27560879.post-21250308499057381502008-07-15T16:10:00.002-05:002008-07-15T16:31:03.422-05:00

There will be some of you scratching your heads and not understanding. That is okay. I just feel convicted to write this, and maybe, just maybe then the impetus to say this to those who will understand.#1: I took on too much. And I did so at a time when I knew it would be too much. I didn't ask for help. I acted as if I could manage the role and situation. I failed you, and failed myself.

Mrs. Bicknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27560879.post-40311073345155968282008-07-06T15:08:00.002-05:002008-07-06T15:40:54.190-05:00

I wanted to take a little time, since the children are currently otherwise occupied, to do a quick post. I don't seem to get on the computer as much here lately. Mostly because of the layout of the new house... and where the computers are and such. I have been tending to check email more on my iPhone. Anyhoo.I am still loving the house. And the neighborhood. And we have settled in nicely, for the

Mrs. Bicknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27560879.post-24166917888261884882008-06-23T15:11:00.002-05:002008-06-23T16:18:25.805-05:00

Well, I am back after a little break. Hardly a vacation. Or a "stay-cation" for that matter. We are settling in after moving. Again.I am sure that there a good many family and friends that truly believe that we have large amounts of nomad blood coursing through our veins. And that could be true. My dad's dad was a bit of a nomad... had the wanderlust, I think. Maybe I get it from him. And could

Mrs. Bicknoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27560879.post-17442188345696887632008-06-01T10:26:00.000-05:002008-06-01T10:26:35.832-05:00

Raising Five

Mrs. Bicknoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27560879.post-53576430682150747462008-05-31T17:20:00.004-05:002008-05-31T17:28:34.814-05:00

You are a Generous Leader. You are a Leader Your solid grounding in the practicalities of life, along with your self-assuredness and your willingness to appreciate new things make you a LEADER. You're in touch with what is going on around you and adept at remaining down-to-earth and logical. Although you're detail-oriented, this doesn't mean that you lose the big picture. You tend to find

Mrs. Bicknoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27560879.post-4752811398412819842008-05-29T11:17:00.007-05:002008-05-29T13:27:12.048-05:00

and get some really funny emails at times... Here are the emails from today:C: Kelly just called to ask if I want to go see Engelbert Humperdinck tonight. Ummm... no. The only way I remember him is that Izzy Izzard makes fun of his name in a stand up routine that he does. Isn't he kind of like Wayne Newton?A: How on earth can someone with the name Izzy Izzard make fun of anyone else's name???C:

Mrs. Bicknoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27560879.post-49459381894613548312008-05-21T22:15:00.002-05:002008-05-21T22:17:49.594-05:00

Head on over for a very interesting little film... or is that a filmette... or mini-film. Filmlette? Teeny tiny filmy thing?Anyhoo, head over to The Story of Stuff.

Mrs. Bicknoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27560879.post-6477903050671073682008-05-12T15:38:00.005-05:002008-05-12T15:52:55.197-05:00

To any gentlemen readers, we are delving into girlie territory here, so read at your own risk.Crunchy is having a challenge... a Diva Cup Challenge, and if you have considered investing in a greener, more human-friendly, wallet-friendly menstrual care product, drop by, and get in on the challenge.I know this will likely veer into the area of TMI, but I can personally vouch for the Diva Cup. I

Mrs. Bicknoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27560879.post-67229936349884507432008-04-24T13:22:00.003-05:002008-04-24T13:32:52.233-05:00

Well, when I think I have seen or heard it all, I still manage to be amazed. Take today for example. I was walking out of the kitchen into the Living Room when I noticed someone walking in our front yard. Initially I didn't think too much of it... people have been walking in our yard for months now... gathering "for sale" house fliers. The odd thing I suddenly noticed with this particular woman

Mrs. Bicknoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27560879.post-71179720160819722682008-04-14T11:14:00.003-05:002008-04-16T16:57:42.521-05:00

Things around here are very... well, ordinary. Not dull. Don't confuse ordinary with dull, my friends. We have 3 children, which automatically means that things are NEVER dull. But we are in the land of ordinary. Routines in the morning, noon and night rarely stray. Our weekends have taken on a predictible unpredictability, if you can imagine that. With our house being on the market, we know

Mrs. Bicknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27560879.post-35452082991243235362008-03-27T10:19:00.003-05:002008-03-27T10:42:46.520-05:00

Spring Break is over, we are getting back to "normal" whatever that is.Our Easter Holiday was very low key. We colored eggs, we (Jason, really... I was having a dodgy tummy day...)cooked the requisite ham and sides, shared the abundance with a couple friends and the like.But the most exciting thing that happened over break? Duncan brought home a case of head lice! FUN! FUN! FUN! We have done

Mrs. Bicknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27560879.post-18108092691298959612008-03-06T09:01:00.007-06:002008-03-06T10:07:07.054-06:00

Just an update from The Looney Bin here.1. As another fellow blogger and good friend pointed out in her blog, it snowed here the other day. (And BTW, they, the weather people, are calling for some more of the white stuff tonight!) Here are a few shots of our morning in the snow.Here is Maddie, dressed for the adventure in the snow. Those AREN'T her pants. Those are Sully's pants... almost4 sizes

Mrs. Bicknoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27560879.post-76883560702701575602008-02-14T08:51:00.004-06:002008-02-14T08:59:07.980-06:00

I have to post this today. A friend, brilliant, romantic, eloquent and insightful wrote and sent this to me. I will give her credit, but I won't out her, since she has been resisting blogging. I will simply acknowledge her by her initials, C.T.B., and her title around here... "Aunt" and Godmother.I think I love Valentine's Day. There is something for everyone this day. The madly in love

Mrs. Bicknoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27560879.post-30522909765515375762008-02-11T20:52:00.000-06:002008-02-11T21:38:05.199-06:00

I wanted to catch people up one some stuff. Nothing too deep. Or terribly important. Just stuff hanging there.First, as some of you know, or have read here, I have a son who is part daredevil. At the ripe old age of two. 2. That would account for a majority of the gray hairs I am sporting. I'm sure of it. Well, daredevil has a new trick. He has mastered doorknobs. For the most part he

Mrs. Bicknoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27560879.post-30803280830101656082008-02-06T10:57:00.000-06:002008-02-06T11:48:25.713-06:00

Have you heard the latest? Having children can be detrimental to your checkbook. They are expensive. Their stuff is expensive.It all starts out innocently enough. Decorating the nursery. Sounds simple enough. Pick a crib set you like, and purchase it. Anymore, that could mean taking out a small loan. All for stuff that will get very little use, other than pure decoration. Which is fine,

Mrs. Bicknoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27560879.post-77415693384844120982008-01-21T09:07:00.000-06:002008-01-21T09:51:11.578-06:00

A while back, I mentioned there was a story related to some silver.I apologize for the clarity of some of the photos in the slide show. I took these pictures minutes ago in the kitchen with my iPhone camera. Good camera, lousy, shaky photographer! Hopefully you will see enough detail, though.Anyway, on with the story.A couple years ago I was toodling through a local "Antique Mall". (I use that

Mrs. Bicknoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27560879.post-32888909694080292762008-01-18T14:16:00.000-06:002008-01-18T15:30:13.024-06:00

1. The Christmas Tree is officially down. Finally. Mid January. Well past our normal length of "Christmas". But I am lazy, pre-menstrual, and we have a showing tomorrow. I bucked up, took 10 minutes and did it. Yay me! Now to get the box out to the garage. ~sigh~2. Our garage is a disaster. Really. Ginormous mess. My friend Jenny and I were talking, and when the topic of garages came up, I am

Mrs. Bicknoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27560879.post-29441994338993406052008-01-10T16:26:00.000-06:002008-01-10T16:46:55.215-06:00

There are days, when things happen, and you just hope and pray that people take you at your word... We had one of those this week. Look...Tuesday evening, right before bedtime, Maddie went into the office to get a book to be read to her. In the dark. Can you see the problem here? Next thing we know there is much wailing and large tears. (This is a well known and much used reaction to all manner

Mrs. Bicknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27560879.post-21488016317977403302008-01-04T17:25:00.000-06:002008-01-04T17:27:56.643-06:00

Want a good laugh? Check this out. Just a little New Year's present from my sweet hubby. Enjoy! Get Down and Funky!

Mrs. Bicknoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27560879.post-51145045675259506942008-01-04T14:22:00.000-06:002008-01-04T15:05:53.269-06:00

The holidays are over, officially, but the memories linger on. And so does the clutter that comes with the loads of goodies we have all gotten this year. ~sigh~ You would think I, of all people, would have a better grip on the clutter that threatens to take over our household at any given moment. I am a professional organizer, after all. But getting my own stuff together is not as easy as helping

Mrs. Bicknoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27560879.post-17386034127694531122007-12-20T13:43:00.000-06:002007-12-20T14:07:08.550-06:00

Sometimes I forget how very much I am effected and affected by my surroundings. Color is a large part of that. Tuesday and Wednesday we had some repairs made to Chez Bick... drywall repairs. I tell you, it is a dusty, dirty mess. Because of the colors we choose for our home's interior, I knew that there would be many repairs where a simple touch up of paint would be in order. NOt so with the

Mrs. Bicknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27560879.post-51326078282879025052007-12-17T16:45:00.000-06:002007-12-17T16:52:24.189-06:00

By checking out someone elses Christmas Tour, I learned a little something new. Thanks Annie!This is the very quick tour. For more details visit my previous post for the Christmas Tour of Homes. Enjoy!

Mrs. Bicknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27560879.post-91424371355379039922007-12-17T11:19:00.000-06:002007-12-17T16:15:54.429-06:00

Head over to BooMama's Christmas Tour of Homes. Much to see, many things to inspire, and if you aren't in the holiday spirit after that, then I just don't know. I wanted to give you all a Christmas Tour of our home. We are decorated, although simply and without much ado. Partly because we have a 2 year old who likes to "undecorate" and partly because our house is on the market. (Fingers

Mrs. Bicknoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27560879.post-14023363797412143342007-12-03T20:03:00.000-06:002007-12-03T20:10:01.700-06:00

Head over to Rocks in my Dryer to see one very funny comedian and impersonator, Frank Calliendo. We have known this mans work for a while, and he is always a guaranteed good, clean laugh.For a different kind of funny, look up Eddie Izzard. A totally different kind of funny, but still, really good stuff. Just beware, there is language to monitor with Eddie, not the most kid friendly stuff, but

Mrs. Bicknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27560879.post-82196166814209557472007-12-03T16:17:00.000-06:002007-12-03T17:19:57.065-06:00

I know others have ventured here before. Brave women, all. I have this post as reply in kind to a friend's musing about her purse... or more the internal state of things. Funky Monkey, you asked, so here we go!Purses, handbags or whatever you choose to call that accessory-come-luggage are an essential item for most women in the US, and I dare say, a great portion of the westernized world. It is a

Mrs. Bicknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27560879.post-65585545890585745962007-11-25T15:12:00.000-06:002007-11-25T15:26:09.276-06:00

Shannon's Sunday Posts over at Rocks in My Dryer have once again inspired me. But this time it was time to 'fess up, and I take the challenge issued over at "Oh My Stinkin' Heck".Can you believe I......have made my children learn to sniff their clothes in order to ascertain if they are too smelly to wear when the laundry is so far behind that there really are no other clothes left to wear....

Mrs. Bicknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27560879.post-8820491276121782472007-11-15T16:11:00.000-06:002007-11-15T16:22:28.374-06:00

Today is a very important day... Sullivan turned TWO today!It seems like only yesterday that I was walking into the hospital only to twist my ankle, scrap both hands and knock my face on the concrete! There are no pictures of my from this time. I looked a mess. But I got a beautiful little boy out of it! Sullivan was our third and smallest child. When Jason told me his length and weight, I

Mrs. Bicknoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27560879.post-77634779128768888572007-11-15T15:49:00.001-06:002007-11-15T16:11:26.377-06:00

I know, just what everyone wanted to know about me... again. Enjoy. 1. What is your occupation? teacher by education, SAHM by fortune, Professional Organizer by choice. 2. What color are your socks right now? Socks? None at the moment. 3. What are you listening to right now? Duncan humming or something along to a computer game, Maddie shaking ice in her cup, "Clifford the Big Red Dog" on TV,

Mrs. Bicknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27560879.post-40143675832097637162007-10-30T13:40:00.000-05:002007-10-30T13:46:53.327-05:00

Okay ya'll, I will just say two words... Pink Dyson. 'Nuf said! That, and enter NOW. You have the chance to enter to win today and tomorrow! Hurry!

Mrs. Bicknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27560879.post-9792641734338731032007-10-18T20:19:00.000-05:002007-10-18T21:56:50.937-05:00

I was greatly inspired by Shannon's post today over at Rocks in My Dryer. I have to say that creativity often comes out of necessity. I know that has been my case in a variety of occasions. Some of the most enduring and my favorite include creative use of paint.When I bought my first little house, 11 years ago, it had been renovated. I use that term lightly. It wasn't posh. Just basic and

Mrs. Bicknoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27560879.post-7717255291186095192007-10-10T15:27:00.000-05:002007-10-10T15:43:52.643-05:00

Here is a little bit of Inside information about my main man...1. Who is your man? Jason Trent2. How long have you been together? We have been together almost 7 years.3. How long did you date? We dated 2 1/2 weeks and had a 4 month engagement.4. How old is your man? 34.5. Who eats more? Him, but sometimes I think child #3 (Sully) could give him a run for his money!6. Who said "I love you" first?

Mrs. Bicknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27560879.post-2087596390856295862007-10-09T19:44:00.000-05:002007-10-09T20:24:09.014-05:00

Okay, so here is the scoop. Our life is ordinary. Busy, but tediously ordinary. Having said that, I will say that this time of year becomes even more busy than other times. Fall festivals, Halloween, costumes, pumpkin patches, PTA meetings, birthday after birthday after birthday, THE Holidays, Jason's teaching schedule, my Professional Organizing schedule... and the list continues.Item #1

Mrs. Bicknoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27560879.post-71053999036083638592007-09-27T11:48:00.000-05:002007-09-27T13:52:03.579-05:00

Jason and I had the opportunity to take a long weekend away. Jason had a conference in San Francisco this past Monday, so we lined up Meemaw R. to look after the children. I will have to say that our kids gave Meemaw a run for her money. All of them. In shifts. ~sigh~ And as a mom, it was frustrating to be so far away, and have so little control over the situation. But all in all everyone

Mrs. Bicknoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27560879.post-69114332790594091042007-09-12T13:04:00.000-05:002007-09-12T13:13:54.036-05:00

Totally cannot take credit for this. I stumbled across it while going through some of the posts over at Rocks in my Dryer. If you haven't been over there, Wednesday is a great day to visit. Lots and lots of tips, tricks, and things that work for other women in their daily struggles as woman, wife, parent, and saint.So I took a quick quiz. Seconds out of my day, really, and I learned a little

Mrs. Bicknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27560879.post-87716934237130815552007-09-07T22:14:00.000-05:002007-09-07T22:29:13.219-05:00

Have you ever been put in the middle of an awkward situation? One you would never choose of your own accord? Pretty much sucks I gotta say.I have one of those in my life right now. Fun. Fun. Fun. One that not only complicates my relationship with one person directly, but bleeds into relationships with others as well. This situation has impacted me. It has affected my relationship with my

Mrs. Bicknoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27560879.post-25461197871870108252007-09-05T15:15:00.000-05:002007-09-06T10:27:25.179-05:00

I had the opportunity to visit a friend in the hospital after giving birth to her first child. It is interesting to be able to sit on this side of the fence, from the point of experience, instead of being the green mommy new to the job. It was wonderful to see mommy, daddy, grandma and the little charmer formerly known as "Monkey Boy". You can read all about little Monkey's exploits at his

Mrs. Bicknoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27560879.post-26122002642389296422007-08-28T13:13:00.000-05:002007-08-28T14:02:01.598-05:00

This time of year is always fraught with high anticipation. The end of summer, the beginning of school, new season coming putting to rest the dog days of summer. (Although I argue that in Texas, the dog days don't pass until almost Christmas, it seems!)We have been fortunate to have our children in Mother's Day Out Programs for a couple years now. Never have I been anxious about their well being.

Mrs. Bicknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27560879.post-73235652073446018472007-08-23T09:30:00.000-05:002007-08-23T09:50:57.276-05:00

Ya'll, this is a riot. Nothing but fun. Take a minute, and Simpsonize. You won't regret it. Laughs will abound. I promise! Duncan can't wait for me to Simpsonize him. I will post it when we get it done. Promise. Because life is too short to not have a serious dose of "nothing important" and pure humor!

Mrs. Bicknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27560879.post-27120010240094580992007-08-21T14:34:00.000-05:002007-08-21T14:50:16.072-05:00

I am sure that many of you know that my nephew has cancer. Brain cancer. The kind that comes with the certainty of a too short life. But no matter his troubles, and the difficulties his parents must endure, there are things people can do. Anyone. You can be anywhere to help them out.You can shop online. Your purchases online through igive ensure that a percentage of the sales go to help

Mrs. Bicknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27560879.post-31036970283810040092007-08-21T14:32:00.000-05:002007-08-21T14:34:05.974-05:00

I don't know about anybody else, but this is soooooo true. May all of mankind read this and understand.Enjoy!

Mrs. Bicknoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27560879.post-86831038137933424442007-08-09T08:44:00.000-05:002007-08-09T09:06:49.312-05:00

When is enough enough? I was reading a post over at No Impact Man, a really thought provoking little blog, one that challenges my ideas on the status quo, and he posed the question... more or less. You read it, and see if you come to that conclusion as well.In this day and age, and in particular the part of the country my family has chosen to call home, enough never seems to be enough. Houses

Mrs. Bicknoreply@blogger.com0