Today, on Moms of Faith :
http://momsoffaith.com/2011/10/trick-or-treat/
Monday, October 31, 2011
Monday, October 24, 2011
Fright Aid
Dear 
Rite Aid:
Please don't include this mom among the one in seven Americans purchasing Halloween merchandise at your establishment this season! Sure, I understand that marketing your $7 billion in items from gory costumes to sugary treats generates business; but "Excuse me, can I tell you something?" With me, "it's personal!" Here's what happened to this All American average family when we entered "Fright Aid" this year. Check it out!
http://momsoffaith.com/2011/10/fright-aid/
Sincerely,
Hott Mama
Rite Aid:Please don't include this mom among the one in seven Americans purchasing Halloween merchandise at your establishment this season! Sure, I understand that marketing your $7 billion in items from gory costumes to sugary treats generates business; but "Excuse me, can I tell you something?" With me, "it's personal!" Here's what happened to this All American average family when we entered "Fright Aid" this year. Check it out!
http://momsoffaith.com/2011/10/fright-aid/
Sincerely,
Hott Mama
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
The Last First
"The Last First" is a story that published today on my column, Hott Flashes, over on Moms of Faith.
My limited computer skills seem to get me in trouble. I can't seem to figure out how to rotate these pictures for you. Therefore, for those of you dear friends that occasionally check out my blog, I am including the actual photo of Levi's note to the tooth fairy! Check it out! Sorry it is sideways - but I do like the little white speck in the center. What you see is Levi's real tooth! That little sucker was loose for days!
Yes, there it is! This mommy's "last first" tooth episode! Please click the link above to see more (I promise you will enjoy it) and share with your friends. Tell me about your "Last First" -- we're all in this together!
Let your father and mother be glad; let her who bore you rejoice!
Proverbs 23:25
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Hott Flashes Goes Weekly!
http://momsoffaith.com/about/columnists/
Check.It.Out! Hott Flashes Goes Weekley starting THIS week! (Guess that's better than a nightly "hott flash", right?)
Moms of Faith offered me a weekly columnist postion on their writers staff! Can you believe it????? Until now, I have been submitting stories to the editor and they have been publishing them. Wellllll.... she sent me an email Sunday and said that they "adore" my column. A columnist position became available, and I was the first writer she thought of! Get this: Moms of Faith will pay me to write! I didn't even have to ask! Okay.... could someone please pinch me?
It's not like it will make us rich or anything; but it is a little bit of unexpected income. In fact, I have talked to Dan about donating it all to Parkinson's research. We have decided to contribute it to our church for local mission projects and youth programs that will directly benefit the youth of Berkeley Springs (that was Dan's idea! I like it!) After all, my column "Hott Flashes" as well as my blog "Excuse me, can I tell you something?" are an extension of God's blessings through some crazy life situations. God is providing our needs already; just like Dan's faith said He would when we got the crazy news that Dan had PD.
To see my new bio, click this link. I am directly under the editor. Cool, hugh!?
http://momsoffaith.com/about/columnists/
As for the nightly hott flash thing.... that's a long way off for me. I hope. No time for that. I've got writing to do!
Check.It.Out! Hott Flashes Goes Weekley starting THIS week! (Guess that's better than a nightly "hott flash", right?)
Moms of Faith offered me a weekly columnist postion on their writers staff! Can you believe it????? Until now, I have been submitting stories to the editor and they have been publishing them. Wellllll.... she sent me an email Sunday and said that they "adore" my column. A columnist position became available, and I was the first writer she thought of! Get this: Moms of Faith will pay me to write! I didn't even have to ask! Okay.... could someone please pinch me?
It's not like it will make us rich or anything; but it is a little bit of unexpected income. In fact, I have talked to Dan about donating it all to Parkinson's research. We have decided to contribute it to our church for local mission projects and youth programs that will directly benefit the youth of Berkeley Springs (that was Dan's idea! I like it!) After all, my column "Hott Flashes" as well as my blog "Excuse me, can I tell you something?" are an extension of God's blessings through some crazy life situations. God is providing our needs already; just like Dan's faith said He would when we got the crazy news that Dan had PD.
"Seek the Kingdomof God above all else, and live righteously,
and he will give you everything you need." Matthew 6:33
To see my new bio, click this link. I am directly under the editor. Cool, hugh!?
http://momsoffaith.com/about/columnists/
As for the nightly hott flash thing.... that's a long way off for me. I hope. No time for that. I've got writing to do!
Monday, October 10, 2011
Skittles!
http://momsoffaith.com/columns/hott-flashes/skittles-taste-the-rainbow/
http://momsoffaith.com/columns/hott-flashes/skittles-taste-the-rainbow/
Today's column published on Moms of Faith! Click the link above to read the story... Thanks for sharing!
http://momsoffaith.com/columns/hott-flashes/skittles-taste-the-rainbow/
Today's column published on Moms of Faith! Click the link above to read the story... Thanks for sharing!
Monday, October 3, 2011
Empty Bowls in Berkeley Springs!
Not for long! Thanks to a group of mission-minded youths, visual artist Lynn Lavin, and a generous donation from the Seely Foundation in collaboration with the Morgan Arts Council, First UMC, and the WV Commission on the Arts! "Empty" bowls will soon be "filled" with not only soup for the hungry but seasoned with a little thanksgiving and a lot of hope on the top!
Recently, I joined the Arts Council part time as the Art School Coordinator. My busy "mom schedule" finds me all over town, including the soccer field. It was here when soccer coach and Family Ministry Coordinator, Jenny Ellis, asked if Dan and I would be a part of her team to plan events that bring families together. Nothing brings a family together more than dinner time over a hot meal, right? So, from soccer balls to "Empty Bowls," students taking Hand Built Pottery this semester are learning the skills and craft of pottery creation while generating awareness of hunger issues both locally and worldwide as Ms. Ellis' includes "Empty Bowls" as part of a larger program to raise awareness across the globe!
As Thanksgiving season approaches, "Empty Bowls" will conclude with a final event scheduled in Berkeley Springs on November 18th. We have asked the congregation at First UMC to "bless the bowls" prior to the event. Pictured here is artist Lynn Lavin (of http://www.icehouseartistsco-op.com/lavin.htm) student Abby Wood:
With clay under finger nails and smiles on faces, students of "Empty Bowls" hope to warm the hearts -- and bellies -- of a fellow child in need. Serving over 160 children in the rural community of Berkeley Springs, the Youth Art After School program continues to provide classes in visual arts, art and technology, performing, and dance. Okay, so here's my plug: Help send a kid to an art class! Or, stop by and learn pottery - YOU can make a difference and make bowls too! Sponsors for students as well as entire programs are needed!
It's "art with a mission!" Here is my little girl Violet learning to make pinch pots, early instruction leading to bowls! For more information, leave me a comment or call me at the Morgan Arts Council at 304-258-2300!
"For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.'
Then these righteous ones will reply, 'Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? And the King will tell them, 'I assure you, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!'" --Matthew 25:31-40 NLT
While a substitute teacher in Morgan County, I came across a number of students locally that need our help. Did you know that several kids actually go home without a meal until they return to school the next day -- even over the weekend!!! MAC's Ice House School of the Arts offers a class in hand built pottery where students will create bowls to be a part of Starting Points "Empty Bowls" project, a fundraiser which helps to feed our community -- and your neighbors!
(See http://www.emptybowls.com/ for more information.)
(See http://www.emptybowls.com/ for more information.)
Recently, I joined the Arts Council part time as the Art School Coordinator. My busy "mom schedule" finds me all over town, including the soccer field. It was here when soccer coach and Family Ministry Coordinator, Jenny Ellis, asked if Dan and I would be a part of her team to plan events that bring families together. Nothing brings a family together more than dinner time over a hot meal, right? So, from soccer balls to "Empty Bowls," students taking Hand Built Pottery this semester are learning the skills and craft of pottery creation while generating awareness of hunger issues both locally and worldwide as Ms. Ellis' includes "Empty Bowls" as part of a larger program to raise awareness across the globe!
As Thanksgiving season approaches, "Empty Bowls" will conclude with a final event scheduled in Berkeley Springs on November 18th. We have asked the congregation at First UMC to "bless the bowls" prior to the event. Pictured here is artist Lynn Lavin (of http://www.icehouseartistsco-op.com/lavin.htm) student Abby Wood:
It's "art with a mission!" Here is my little girl Violet learning to make pinch pots, early instruction leading to bowls! For more information, leave me a comment or call me at the Morgan Arts Council at 304-258-2300!
"For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.'
Then these righteous ones will reply, 'Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? And the King will tell them, 'I assure you, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!'" --Matthew 25:31-40 NLT
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Cheese Sticks
New column on "Hott Flashes" today...
http://momsoffaith.com/columns/hott-flashes/cheese-sticks/
... hoping you enjoy and share with others!
http://momsoffaith.com/columns/hott-flashes/cheese-sticks/
... hoping you enjoy and share with others!
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Empty Nest
Sharing a new story called "Empty Nest" which was published this morning on Moms of Faith. Just click on the link above and it will open to the page for you. I am logging it to my blog so that I may include a picture of "moving day" to show you all! Can you believe it? A John Deere at the gas station! (I thought a tractor used some special tractor gas???)
I am really curious to hear if there are any other moms or dads with an "Empty Nest" today... or in the past. Although our "nest" is far from "empty", sometimes the heart feels otherwise. Whether it's that first day of preschool (right Ashley?); gymnastics classes; soccer games; or piano recitals, it just seems like a mom is always sending her children off on a one way journey away from home. What was it like for you? Any unusual "moving day" experiences? I would love to here all about it! And, I hope that you all find courage in "Empty Nests"!
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
For Good!
"Ring...."
Hummm... there's the phone. Let's see, everyone's home to answer it. It can wait.
"Ring, ring..."
Wait a second. No one got it? "Hey guys! The phone is ringing. Can someone get it?"
"Ring, ring, RING..."
Hold on! Where IS everyone! Gheeezh! Can't I have one second to go to the bathroom, for crying out loud?! Oh great! As I am passing the remaining FIVE Hott family members on my way.to.the.phone! Guess they were too busy watching Phineas and Ferb repeats to answer the phone. That's alright. "Rrrrring!"
"I got it!" (Again!)
"HELLO!" (a little too loud!)
"Hello. This is the Kennedy Center. We are calling for Angie Hott."
"Uhhhhh..Hello?" (a little less loud now) I answer, as always. "Who is calling, please? It sounded like you said the Kennedy Center."
"Well yes. This is the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC. Is Angie Hott available?"
"This...is...she." I think. Why would THE Kennedy Center be calling ME?
"Yes, well, thank you Mrs. Hott. We see here that you have reservations for tonight's performance of Wicked. And, well, we are wondering if you may be available to help us out?"
"Who, me? Yeah right... Wait! How did you know that we have reservations for this evening?" By now, I am wondering if the Kennedy Center saw my posts on Facebook or, even more startling, read my blog. This is just too weird, isn't it.
"Well, by your reservations, of course." was the reply.
I'm thinking, "oh... of course!" as the kind individual on the other end continues. "Mrs. Hott, we could really use your help. You see, we heard that you are quite familiar with the lyrics to Wicked." Oh my goodness, I am wondering how they KNOW that? It was like the time I called the fire hotline to tell them that Dan was about to burn brush and the operator on the other end knew we lived in a log house. I actually looked up, inside the house, and asked her if she could see me. (That's embarrassing, please don't tell anyone!)
How, exactly, would the Kennedy Center know that I know all the words to Wicked? Oh -my-gosh, maybe somehow, they could hear me?...... (Again, I look around the house.)
"According to your reservations, you will be arriving for the 7:30 performance tonight. We are calling you to ask if you could do us a favor."
"A 'favor'..." I reply, wondering what 'favor' I could possibly do for the Kennedy Center.
"Yes. There has been some extenuating circumstances this evening. The actress playing the part of Elphaba is suddenly unavailable. Since you are familiar with her role, we are wondering if you would consider filling in for Elphaba."
"Me?"
"If you would consider it, we see here that your reservations are in Row D, Seat 29, we will be happy to leave her costume under your seat."
"DAN! GET READY TO GO TO THE KENNEDY CENTER! I'M PLAYING ELPHABA TONIGHT!"
Oh.my.gosh! I was so excited. "So, well, sure! I guess I can do that. We're on the way." Hummm... I do know most of the lyrics; I'll just "wing" the rest!
And we were off! Dan dropped me off at the Kennedy Center door. After a quick kiss, I ran to my seat and found Elphaba's costume underneath as instructed. Next, I found the Stage Manager down front and the make up artist proceeded to paint me green. I can't believe this... I am really about to perform in a touring Broadway show; my all time favorite, none the less - Wicked! Back stage, I can see the audience arriving in the beautiful Opera House. There's Dan and Violet with Caity and Brian -- next to the only empty seat in the house, mine.
Sold out. A sold out performance. What have I gotten myself into? Ooooooh, here it comes, it's almost my turn; I'm ready for this, all green, when I hear the cue for my entrance: "Mommy... mommy..."
Wait a minute. I don't remember those lines! I.am.so.nervous! "MOMMY!"
"Can I sleep with you?" What? Levi? What are YOU doing backstage? You're supposed to be staying with Luke and Bridget. Hugh? "Mommeeeeeeee!"
OH! That's when.....
..... I woke up. Well, sorta-kinda! Hugh? What day is this? August 4, 2011. Sounds familiar? We're supposed to go somewhere today... Sure Levi. Come on up in bed with us. Wow... what was that? Me... Elphaba... Wicked!
It turned out, indeed, to be our adventure to the Kennedy Center! This year, we took Violet to her first professional performance; celebrated Caity and Brian's college graduation; and, for the second year, saw my favorite show, Wicked, on my birthday! (see post http://excusemecanitellyousomething.blogspot.com/2010/08/just-returning-from-emerald-city.html )
As it turns out, I was unavailable to perform Elphaba that night. They managed just fine without me, even though Dan told me I did have the nose to play the Wicked Witch. The usher only had to ask me twice to stop singing in the audience. Here we are!
You see, I was busy. I still have lines to learn and I am certainly never the star; but, I had already accepted a better role -- it's called "Mom" !
Hummm... there's the phone. Let's see, everyone's home to answer it. It can wait.
"Ring, ring..."
Wait a second. No one got it? "Hey guys! The phone is ringing. Can someone get it?"
"Ring, ring, RING..."
Hold on! Where IS everyone! Gheeezh! Can't I have one second to go to the bathroom, for crying out loud?! Oh great! As I am passing the remaining FIVE Hott family members on my way.to.the.phone! Guess they were too busy watching Phineas and Ferb repeats to answer the phone. That's alright. "Rrrrring!"
"I got it!" (Again!)
"HELLO!" (a little too loud!)
"Hello. This is the Kennedy Center. We are calling for Angie Hott."
"Uhhhhh..Hello?" (a little less loud now) I answer, as always. "Who is calling, please? It sounded like you said the Kennedy Center."
"Well yes. This is the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC. Is Angie Hott available?"
"This...is...she." I think. Why would THE Kennedy Center be calling ME?
"Yes, well, thank you Mrs. Hott. We see here that you have reservations for tonight's performance of Wicked. And, well, we are wondering if you may be available to help us out?"
"Who, me? Yeah right... Wait! How did you know that we have reservations for this evening?" By now, I am wondering if the Kennedy Center saw my posts on Facebook or, even more startling, read my blog. This is just too weird, isn't it.
"Well, by your reservations, of course." was the reply.
I'm thinking, "oh... of course!" as the kind individual on the other end continues. "Mrs. Hott, we could really use your help. You see, we heard that you are quite familiar with the lyrics to Wicked." Oh my goodness, I am wondering how they KNOW that? It was like the time I called the fire hotline to tell them that Dan was about to burn brush and the operator on the other end knew we lived in a log house. I actually looked up, inside the house, and asked her if she could see me. (That's embarrassing, please don't tell anyone!)
How, exactly, would the Kennedy Center know that I know all the words to Wicked? Oh -my-gosh, maybe somehow, they could hear me?...... (Again, I look around the house.)
"According to your reservations, you will be arriving for the 7:30 performance tonight. We are calling you to ask if you could do us a favor."
"A 'favor'..." I reply, wondering what 'favor' I could possibly do for the Kennedy Center.
"Yes. There has been some extenuating circumstances this evening. The actress playing the part of Elphaba is suddenly unavailable. Since you are familiar with her role, we are wondering if you would consider filling in for Elphaba."
"Me?"
"If you would consider it, we see here that your reservations are in Row D, Seat 29, we will be happy to leave her costume under your seat."
"DAN! GET READY TO GO TO THE KENNEDY CENTER! I'M PLAYING ELPHABA TONIGHT!"
Oh.my.gosh! I was so excited. "So, well, sure! I guess I can do that. We're on the way." Hummm... I do know most of the lyrics; I'll just "wing" the rest!
And we were off! Dan dropped me off at the Kennedy Center door. After a quick kiss, I ran to my seat and found Elphaba's costume underneath as instructed. Next, I found the Stage Manager down front and the make up artist proceeded to paint me green. I can't believe this... I am really about to perform in a touring Broadway show; my all time favorite, none the less - Wicked! Back stage, I can see the audience arriving in the beautiful Opera House. There's Dan and Violet with Caity and Brian -- next to the only empty seat in the house, mine.
Sold out. A sold out performance. What have I gotten myself into? Ooooooh, here it comes, it's almost my turn; I'm ready for this, all green, when I hear the cue for my entrance: "Mommy... mommy..."
Wait a minute. I don't remember those lines! I.am.so.nervous! "MOMMY!"
"Can I sleep with you?" What? Levi? What are YOU doing backstage? You're supposed to be staying with Luke and Bridget. Hugh? "Mommeeeeeeee!"
OH! That's when.....
..... I woke up. Well, sorta-kinda! Hugh? What day is this? August 4, 2011. Sounds familiar? We're supposed to go somewhere today... Sure Levi. Come on up in bed with us. Wow... what was that? Me... Elphaba... Wicked!
It turned out, indeed, to be our adventure to the Kennedy Center! This year, we took Violet to her first professional performance; celebrated Caity and Brian's college graduation; and, for the second year, saw my favorite show, Wicked, on my birthday! (see post http://excusemecanitellyousomething.blogspot.com/2010/08/just-returning-from-emerald-city.html )
As it turns out, I was unavailable to perform Elphaba that night. They managed just fine without me, even though Dan told me I did have the nose to play the Wicked Witch. The usher only had to ask me twice to stop singing in the audience. Here we are!
You see, I was busy. I still have lines to learn and I am certainly never the star; but, I had already accepted a better role -- it's called "Mom" !
Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her.
Proverbs 31:28
Friday, August 5, 2011
Busted!
http://momsoffaith.com/columns/hott-flashes/busted/
Click here (or above) to link to Moms of Faith:
http://momsoffaith.com/columns/hott-flashes/busted/
Please check out the story published yesterday on my column "Hott Flashes".
Ever need a little help in the "Tooth Fairy" department? I sure do! Enjoy and let me know what you think!.....Click here (or above) to link to Moms of Faith:
http://momsoffaith.com/columns/hott-flashes/busted/
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