Day 2 of RFYLH

Question #2

Tell about your Mother. Her personality, characteristics, stature, coloring, talents, temperament, family stories about her, her role in your home, ect.

Well in my life I have had a couple of moms but only one of those is the woman who gave birth to me. She and my father were married until I was 8 years old and then divorced. I lived with my father for a few years getting to see my mom on weekends and such. Then when I was about 10 or 11 I chose to go and live with her and my step-dad Patrick. I stayed with them until I was 15 then went to live with my paternal grandmother for a year and then back to my father at 17. Where I stayed until I met my husband and was married.

Her full name is Loria Christine Shields (Dorman)

she is a short woman by most means. But I like it cause I am taller than her so when I am feeling short I just have to say at least I'm taller than mom. Lol. If you look at me you are looking right at my mother. We are identical or at least that is what everyone keeps telling me. My youngest sister has the same face as us also. You can see a little bit of our fathers in our faces but mostly you see our mother. She is 1 of 6 children in her family. 3 girls and 3 boys. One of those boys is her twin brother. They land right in the middle of the pack. Her mother is still living and doing great while her father past away when I was very young. I really don't remember him at all.

I get my creativity from her side of the family. My mother and a couple of her brothers are all artists in one form or another. My mother is very talented and can do just about anything she puts her mind to. She has a temperament to meet most men's. Meaning she can hold her own. That probably comes from having grown up with such tough brothers all her life. While she is getting older in life I don't see her slowing down anytime soon. True that may be because she still has a couple of teenagers living at home but mostly I think it is in her genes. I don't know many stories about her mostly because I have not spent a lot of my adult life really talking to her and getting to know her. This is a something I plan to fix in the near future. Her role in my home currently is just to be a supporter. She is there when I need someone to talk to but living 8 hours away that's pretty much all she can do at this point. She is having to start her life over and be on her own for the first time in her life since the death of my step-dad a little over a year and a half ago. It has been a rough road to say the least but I think she is finally getting her grip on things. I have no doubt that if she really puts her mind to it she can do anything she wants. She has/is raising 9 children that she gave birth to. But I have a total of 14 siblings including myself. 5 of those are step brothers and sisters but growing up didn't make me think any less of them so I still say I am the oldest of 14. My mother may not have given birth to them but none the less they are my siblings. between the 14 of us my mother has a total of 12 grandchildren. Most of which are boys. Only four are girls. I love my mom with all my heart and I know that she is there for me if I need her emotionally. I hope to one day know more about her and be able to add to this post with great stories.

Well that's all I have on my mother at this time. I hope you enjoyed getting another small glimpse into my life.

Blog at you later.

Receipt For Your Life History

OK so anyone who really knows me knows that I belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints ( better know as the Mormons) and being a part of this church they encourage us to journal our life so that we not only remember it but future generations will know what we went through and how we dealt with it and how we were feeling during that point in our lives. Also as a way to really get to know me when I can't be there to tell them myself. Well I have NOT done a very good job of this lately so in an effort to not only do better but get my kids to do well also I have decided to participate in a fun thing my daughter brought home from her Activity Day Girls class tonight. It is called "Receipt for my Life History." Basically it is a jar filled with all kinds of questions and you write down your answers, every night picking a new question. At the end you will have a small book and be in the habit of writing everything down (well a habit I will again get into). So tonight will be question One and we will get through them all I hope without any forgotten days. Join along and see how much fun you remember by doing this. Well without further delays here we go.

Question #1

If You could be any animal what would it be and Why?

Well tonight's question is an easy one. If you know anything at all about me you know I'm going to pick the giraffe. I pick this animal not only because it is a true miracle that the thing can even move much less stay upright with its body type but because my mom (Kathleen) got me hooked on these beautiful animals when I was pregnant with my now 13 year old son. As a gift one day she gave me a beautiful metal set of Giraffes one being the mother with its head bent down toward the ground and the other being the child with its head reaching up toward the sky. When put together they almost kiss. It was the most beautiful gift I ever got. To this day I am still in love with these wonderful animals and I don't think time will ever change that.

Well there is my answer for tonight. I hope you learned a little something about me. Lets see what you come up with. If you choose to play along send me a comment and I will go and check out your answer. Have fun and enjoy the process.

Blog at you later.

catching up with HodgePodge #41-46

Ok so I have been really neglecting my blog lately and I need to get into the habit of writing again everyday so to play catch-up I am going to blog several HodgePodge episodes in one. I will only put question 8 in at the end since it really doesn't apply to all of them. Enjoy. I know it is Thursday but what the heck.

Hodge Podge 41

1. What is something that bothers you if it's not done perfectly?

Most of the time nothing just because I am always saying it doesn't have to be done perfectly but when it comes to my jewelry making that is the one thing I stress over when its not done to perfection.






2. Do you think a 6th sense exists? Explain.

Well I think that all depends on the person truthfully. I believe in ghosts but that is just me. My husband on the other hand thinks I'm nuts for it but I cant help what I see and hear. He thinks its all in my head but then again they say that children can see things that adults can not because their minds are pure and open to anything while adults are more shut off. So Yes I think a 6th sense exists.





3. Do you say your goodbyes slowly, quickly, or not at all?

Again depending on the person. Some are quick if I know I will see or talk to the person in a fairly short amount of time but if its someone I know I'm not going to see or talk to anytime soon then they tend to be very long goodbyes.





4. On a scale of 1-10, with ten being hot hot hot, what level of spice do you like in your food? What's your favorite 'spicy' dish?

I'm not a spicy person so I would say probably a 2 unless it is curry chicken made by my good friend Dawnette. She makes the best chicken in the world.





5. What is one of your all time favorite commercial jingles?

I can't say that I have one. I personally hate commercials so I tend to either mute the tv or change the Chanel until its over.





6. Plane, train, boat or auto...your preferred method of travel?

plane if I can afford it if not then auto all the way. I don't do trains or boats.





7. What is something you take for granted?

I use to take a lot of things for granted but just recently I have discovered just how sweet and short life really is and how lucky we are to have the things that we have. So now I try really really hard not to take anything for granted at all.

Hodge Podge 42

1. Do you think the world became a more dangerous place on September 11, 2001 or did we just become more aware of the danger? How has your own life changed as a result of that day?

I think we just became more aware of the danger on 9/11 because we had it thrown into our faces. I would have to say that I have become more knowledgeable of whats going on in and around our nation and the world since then. I have become more involved with whats happening also.





2. Did you think your parents were too strict when you were growing up? How about in hindsight?


when I was a teenager I would have said heck yes they were to strict but as an adult and parent now and knowing what I know about the world I would say no they were not strict at all.





3. Share one random but candid fact about yourself.


Wow. Something I know most women deal with but not a lot talk about is how self concise I really am about myself. Not a lot of people know that about me only because I try to hide it well.





4. Would your nearest and dearest describe you as simple or far too complicated?


I'm not sure maybe simple at least that's how I feel about myself.





5. What is your favorite stadium or carnival food?


Oh without a doubt it would be funnel cakes. I can get myself into some trouble with those things.





6. Tornado, hurricane, earthquake...how many of these natural disasters have you experienced? Which event do you think would be the scariest?


I have experienced all three of them. A tornado when I was younger and lived in Ok. with my parents and grandparents. That was pretty scary. Several Earthquakes living in California. The scariest part about those is you have no warning they just hit ya. And Several Hurricanes. The last one Hurricane Katrina is what brought me and my family up here to this beautiful Tennessee. Those not so scary unless you stay and ride one out then very scary.





7. Labor Day weekend is approaching so a work related question seems appropriate. Growing up, did your parents assign you regular chores? Were you paid for doing those chores? If you're a parent do you assign chores to your own children? Why or why not?

Well yes I was assigned chores but we were not payed because my dad believed that you did your part to keep the house running. I am a parent now and Yes I do assign chores to everyone in the house including myself and my husband and No we don't pay our kids not because of the same reasons I was not paid but because it just isn't in the budget at this time.

Hodge Podge 43

1. What is one piece of advice you would give a 'just turning' 21- year old adult?

You know that wasn't that long ago for me so I would have to say that my number one advice would be to follow your bliss and really figure out what you want to do with your life because before you know it you will be 30 and trying to figure out where it all went and what you have to show for it.





2. Besides cooler weather (or warmer weather, depending on your hemisphere) what is one thing you are looking forward to this fall?


Oh that's an easy one. It would have to be the beautiful colors of the trees as they change color here in Middle Tennessee.





3. What sound lulls you to sleep?


The sound of my fan. If it stops I wake up instantly.





4. September is National Preparedness Month...does your family have an emergency 'kit' and/or disaster plan in place?


Yes we do. You see we are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and we strongly believe in being prepared for anything that is coming.





5. How has your blog changed since you started blogging? Or has it?


Wow well I definitely don't blog as much as I did when I first started but I am hopping to change that soon.





6. What's something you've recently learned to do on the computer?


Oh Photo shop. Its my new favorite toy.





7. Is a picture worth a thousand words? Elaborate.

I think if it is taken right any picture can tell a story just by looking at it.

Hodge Podge 44

1. What do you do at the first sign of a cold? Will you get a flu shot this year?


Usually I try to talk myself out of it but if not then I take some meds and get some rest. I don't ever get the flu shot for myself but my kids have to have it in order to stay in school.





2. What advice can you give about how to conquer fear?


The only thing I can say is to just face it and get it over with. Its not good to hold on to fear. It only holds you back.





3. Share two good things about your life right now.


1. My sister has permanently moved in with us to better her life and ours.
2. I am on the road to starting my own business. I am so excited.




4. A hot fall fashion trend in 2011 is a return to sixties style...tunics with pants, shift dresses, pencil skirts, cinched waists, bold prints, high necklines and short lengths to name a few. How does this fashion trend fit with your wardrobe and personal sense of style?


I don't usually follow the fashion trends just because I love to be myself so it doesn't fit at all.





5. Were you involved in scouting as a kid? How about as an adult?


No because I am a girl and when I was a kid they only had Brownies for girls which was dumb to me so I was not involved but as an adult I am a little involved because I have a son who is in scouts.


6. Apple, pear, plum, pumpkin...your favorite fall flavor?


All the above as long as I don't have to eat pumpkin.





7. What characteristics do you think are essential in a good teacher?

They have to have an open mind and willing to deal with each child as an individual and not as a group. Every child is different and a teacher that can see that and respond to it to help each child learn at their best is a great teacher.

Hodge Podge 45

1. Do you like chili? Red or white? Beans or no beans? Spice or no spice? Toppings?


Yes, White is my new favorite, both beans and no beans, I'm not a spice person but a little is good, and as for toppings I'm usually good with sour cream and cheese. unless its a white chili then just the cheese.





2. Red~Orange~Gold...your favorite fall color?


All of the above.





3. Who did you idolize when you were growing up?


I don't remember really idolizing anyone growing up.





4. When was the last time you did something 'arts and crafty'? Share please.


Everyday. I am always crafting something.





5. What's a place that makes you really nervous?


I don't usually get nervous unless I have to speak in front of a crowd of people.



6. Horse back riding...yay or nay (neigh?)

Oh yes all the way I love to ride horses.






7. What is your favorite cliche?

I wouldn't say I have a favorite one I like them all

Hodge Podge 46

1. It is officially fall here in North America...I realize not everyone who participates in the Hodgepodge lives in North America but if you do, what's your favorite memory of Summer 2011? If you're not in North America, what's your favorite memory of the season just ending on your side of the world?


My favorite memory of 2011 summer is when my sister came to be a permanent part of my house hold.





2. Your favorite nut? You know I mean the edible kind, right?


Almonds are my favorite at the moment.





3. What activity puts your sense of balance to the test?


Hiking really tests my balance most of the time. Depending on the trail I am on.





4. How would you describe your sense of humor?


I think I'm pretty funny most of the time. I don't know about other people.





5. September 28th is National Ask a Stupid Question Day...what's your stupid question?


I believe the only stupid question is an unasked question. You can never learn if you don't ask.





6. Roller skates~hula hoop~jump rope...which activity would you most enjoy? Yes, you have to choose.


Well since I don't roller skate and I have not hula hooped in ages and Jumping rope is no longer and option thanks to my knees I would have to say Hula hoop at this moment.





7. What's your most sentimental possession?

That would be a mask that my late step father made before he died. Also the camera he left me. I cant use it because one I don't know how to use a film camera and two it is about 25 years old and they don't make them anymore so I cant get a battery for it.



8. Insert your own random thought here.

Wow I finally finished all of those questions. I hope I never have to do that again.

Just should have stayed in bed

So today was one of those days when I just should have stayed in bed. I don't know if I had a bad dream or what but I was not in a good mood all day. I tried to be in a good mood and really had no good reason not to be in a good mood but just couldn't shake it no matter what I tried. I snaped at the kids for no good reason and really just was not at all pleasant to be around. On top of everything else my car is acting funny and I don't know why. My macanic was suppose to look at it but he came down with the flu or something and so I have to wait a few days to figure out whats wrong. So I decided that I was not in a good place to go to church so we stayed home. Dj made spaghetti for dinner and the everyone went to bed. I am headed there now so lets hope for a better day tomorrow.

Blog at you later.

NPC assignment

Ok so Cheyenne and I have joined this club in Nashville called The Nashville Photography Club to improve our photos. As a result of joining we are able to take classes for free to help further our development. So we are taking a basic Photography class on Thursdays. Well our first assignment was due today and these are the pictures we used. Bellow are mine and then Cheyennes.

Quons NPC assignment

this shot was my group shot. It was of a group of boys that were playing on this old sign at Billy Dunlap park in Clarksville.

This shot was my landscape shot. The teacher loved everything about it except that I didn't get closer to the tree. I think its perfect the way I took the picture.


This was my action shot. If you click the photo you can see the water drop coming down as they splashed eachother.

This is my personal shot. We were asked to take a picture of something we love to shoot (with a camera).

This was my close up shot. He suggested that I zoom in on the knot of the tree instead of just the tree trunk itself.

Over all he loved all my photos. I passed.



Cheyennes NPC assignment

This was her personal shot. He didnt have much to say about it other than she should have gotton the duck looking at her. Yah like that would have been an easy shot. lol.

This was her Landscape shot. He did not consider it a landscape but I think finding a random set of stairs in the middle of the woods that lead to nothing is an interesting landscape shot.

This was her group shot. It was self taken as you can tell and he loved it. We tried to get him to give her extra point for it but he wasn't having it.

This was her action shot. He loved this one. The only thing he said was that she should have included the trampoline they were jumping on.

This was her close up shot. He had nothing but great things to say about it. she even included Depth of Field which he loved.

Over all he loved her photos. She passed 4 out of 5.

Well there you go. We had such a good time with this assignment. I am interested to see what our next project will be.

Blog at you later.

Wow about time: UPDATE

Ok i know it has been awhile since I last posted but that is only because my life is a roller coaster right now. I finally got chey into school but only on a temporary basis. If I don't have a power of attorney or a court date by next week they are going to take her out of school again. I really hope this gets my mother moving and on the ball asap. On top of everything else I have going on I need to finish my photography project that is either due this week or next I cant seem to remember. Anyway, I have a couple of pics I am going to use but still not sure about the others. Sometimes I wonder why I give myself so much to do when I know I don't have the time. Speaking of which I need to end this here because I need to go finish cleaning the house then head out to a couple of appointments followed by picking up the kids from school.

UPDATE: Mom finally sent in the notarized copy of the power of attorney yesterday so we are all good now. I only need her to send the completed original copy back to me now so that I can get chey some medical and anything else she needs. So as of now I have control over her well being.

Blog at you later

Wow what a slacker

Ok so my life has gone from busy to complicated in a very short time and what has taken back seat is my blog. You would think this would be the first thing I do at the end of the night but no. I totally forgot about it. Ha ha. Anyway lets catch up.

Lets see. My sister Cheyenne is now a permanent member of my house hold. She got into some trouble with drinking at the age of 14 and my mom could no longer handle her, so now I have her. She is on a very short leash at the moment but is doing everything she is suppose to be doing right. I think what she really needed was to be here with us and not with my mother and all that moving around. She needed stability which what she has here. I tried to enroll her in school and it has been one big hassle after another for two and a half weeks now. The schools finally decided that she belongs in high school but they still will not let me enroll her until my mom sends the power of attorney. They know it is on its way but yet they still will not let me enroll her on top of all that they are saying if she is not enrolled soon they are going to send her to truancy court. Well then LET me enroll her already. Sometimes I really wonder if these people even know what they are doing or talking about. They get mad because she ISN'T in school but they Wont let me enroll her. Now does that make any sense to you because it doesn't to me.

Dale is now finally assigned to his FTO (field training officer) and will start on the 25th. We are very excited for him. He has been working with the CI officers for the last couple of weeks and loves it but is ready to be out on the streets.

We have decided to go through the Dave Ramsey FPU (financial peace university) program again and do some major cutbacks around the house and to our budget. I hope it sticks this time. Ha ha. We know it will work but are glad that we now have tools here at home that we can use on a daily basis.

The kids are doing great with school. Dj had to pick up a few grades but all in all they are very smart kids. I have been keeping myself busy with scrapbooking club and Photography club these past few weeks and loving every minute of it.

Well I think that catches us up. Lets see if I can keep this up. Ha ha.

Blog at you later.