I was just pondering the connections between us. Not counting the obvious - like we’re all Christians, we all like to read and write, and we all want to lose weight. I mean more like how Leann has met the most of us, it’s three right Leann?
Of course, mostly I know the stuff about people that have stuff in common with me.
Like how Angie and I have been in the same church together, and I conducted her son in choir… but we haven’t met. 
Or how about how Jana and I share a fanatical devotion to Rockapella.
And I think LeighAnn, LadyLaura, and I share a passion for P.G. Wodehouse. Right?
And three of us have sons on, or suspected to be on, the autistic spectrum, yes? Me, Tracy, and LeighAnn.
What else? What other connections do we have? Who do you live near? Who have you met - or think you can meet in the near future?
Well I’ve had lots of experience working with kids on the austic spectrum if that counts and lets me join that connection.
And I loved the British TV version of P.G.Wodehouse’s Jeeves and Wooster with Hugh Laurie and Steven Fry that was transmitted here in the early 90’s (I also consequently read lots of the books)!
I’m the same age as Tami, although she’s a husband and 2 kids ahead of me
Finally, I discovered yesterday that Kat and I both have skinny sisters
Comment by Debs — November 9, 2006 @ 2:29 pm
Oh, and Blest, the Rockapella link wasn’t working for me.
Comment by Debs — November 9, 2006 @ 2:30 pm
Link thing is being weird again. I hate it when that happens!
I have the Complete DVD set of Jeeves & Wooster! Fun fun fun!! I’m working on collecting all the books. It should keep family going for several Christmases to come!
Comment by blestwithsons — November 9, 2006 @ 2:36 pm
Debs, I am a total Britcom fan… I am faithful to watch whenever I can and rent lots of them from Netflix. My favorite is Good Neighbors but you probably know of it as The Good Life.
Blair and I have lots and I mean LOTS IN COMMON.
Blest and I share some things in common but we are quite different in many respects. We both love music and sing, too.
I share homeschooling with several of you and ministry with Stephanie and Maria (maybe someone else but not sure)
I have met Blest, Stephanie and Maria in real life. Would have tried to meet up with Blair had she not moved two weeks before I drove through Ft. Worth last time…
Carrie and I have several connections and have known each other for quite some time online.
I enjoy sewing and crocheting and know that Laura does, too.
Anyone else??? *shrugging*
Adding mommy to four… there are several of us that qualify on that one!!!
Comment by Leann — November 9, 2006 @ 2:49 pm
And, uh, what about Jane Austen? Do we not some of us have a liking for her in common? And perhaps a teensy-weensy crush on one Mr. Darcy as played by Colin Firth? Oh, yes, I think we do.
I know that Anita and Tami and I knit. And I sew and so does Angie. I like paper and Stephanie designs paper (or something like that
)
That’s all I got for now. But I may be back.
Comment by lady laura — November 9, 2006 @ 2:52 pm
Leann, The Good Life is really funny
Ooh, and I like sewing and knitting (I just don’t normally mention it cos I’m far outshined by my older sister, but I still enjoy it!)
And I love making paper, and I spent a couple of hours on Saturday (when I was meant to be planning my sunday school stuff) using my homemade paper to make cards and gift tags. What does Laura meant about saying Stephanie designs paper? Is it that sort of thing, or do I have the wrong end of the stick.
I love Jane Austen, and although I never really got the Colin Firth thing, the whole Elizabeth\Mr Darcy romance was enough for me to love it - I’m a real fan of romance like that
I haven’t met any of you, but I would happily meet any of you - That’s gotta count for something right?!?! And if any of you are ever in London…
Comment by Debs — November 9, 2006 @ 3:03 pm
Oh yeah baby! I just watched P&P again yesterday, the A&E one of course - accept NO substitutes! That moment when Elizabeth saves Georgiana at the piano and Darcy and Elizabeth lock eyes….ahhhhhhh.
Comment by blestwithsons — November 9, 2006 @ 3:03 pm
I’ve only met Leann. We live in the same city. But I am going to meet LeighAnn this December, I hope I hope. She lives about 45 minutes from my family so we’re s’posed to get together at the Mall.
And I was pondering tweaking our return route across the country to try and meet some more… Who’s available the first week in January? hee hee hee
We’re driving from NC to TX - so if you’re inbetween here and there….
Comment by blestwithsons — November 9, 2006 @ 3:07 pm
I think London’s probably a bit out of the way for that drive Blest, but hey! Any other time you’re passing
Much as I’m loving this comment thread I have to go off to bed now cos It’s after 10pm and I’m shattered. Night Night all
Comment by Debs — November 9, 2006 @ 3:10 pm
I have known Allie online since 1999 - we became IRL friends in 2001 when she came to visit me in TX (she lives in Iowa). We’ve seen each other several times since then with the most recent being when I went to visit my in-laws in Iowa a couple of weeks ago
We’re also the same age - I’m older by two weeks lol.
Yes - Leann and I have oodles in common…except her love of cooking lol. I’m sure you all know she’s a “pastor’s wife”…not that her blog name gives that away or anything…but I’m a pastor’s grandkid…yes, there’s a connection there too.
Several of us have four+ kids (here and in heaven)…Me, Allie, Angie, Blest, Carrie, Jana, Laura, Leann and Mandi….
several of us homeschool…or are considering it
Blest and I have “military” in common…she being the wife of a service man (USMC), me being the wife of a prior service man (USAF) - of course I’m prior service also (USAF).
I’ve been known to sew (quilting, some clothing, drapes, pillow covers…etc) and did some knitting this year for the first time….guess that links me with Anita, Tami, Angie, Laura & Debs.
I lived in Texas…so that links me with those of you who do. Although we’re temporarily in Kansas and probably moving again soon.
I’m sure there’s more…
Comment by Blair — November 9, 2006 @ 3:54 pm
I have 4 boys like Blest does. I have never met anyone but I live in Ohio so I’m not exactly close. I love to make cards and scrapbook. I also homeschool. This is my first year at it. I don’t have any idea who Wodehouse is. I grew up reading Danielle Steel. My mom used to read them and then she let me read them (in the 4th grade!!). Now I have no desire to read these types of books. I’m pretty much fully immersed in the pro-life world (cuz I work at a pregnancy center). I can give you stats about Planned Parenthood, abortions, stem-cell research, and the like. Most of what I read has to do with these subjects so I don’t get much time for literary classics. I love sports. I’m a huge Cavs, Ohio State, and Steelers fan. I vacationed once in Hilton Head, I was born in Cheyenne, WY on an airforce base, my husband is 7 years older than I am and was in the Navy while I was in 6th grade. He was stationed in Key West and basically was a meteorologist. I’ve had 4 c-sections and my first son was 11 lbs 3 oz (hence the c-section). My mother is bi-polar, manic depressive, borderline schizophrenic since I was in the 3rd grade so that pretty much shaped my very crazy (pun intended) childhood. Ohhh I also used to work for Diebold (the company that created the electronic voting machines) as a customer service rep so I’ve actually talked to our service technicians all over the US. I will say that the Texas techs were some of my favorite! They were a rowdy bunch but a ton of fun on the phone. Okay enough rambling. My center is having a banquet tonight and Lee Ezell is our speaker and I am excited to hear her speak again (if you don’t know her story check it out…AWESOME testimony!!)
Comment by Mandi — November 9, 2006 @ 3:55 pm
Mandi mentioned big babies - I’ve had an 11 pounder also (11lbs .4oz @ 37 weeks) and an almost 11 pounder (10lbs 12.5 oz @ 38 weeks) - both vaginal births…fun stuff. My other three weren’t small but seem that way compared to these two (8lbs 13oz, 8lbs 3oz @36wks, 8lbs 15oz @37wks) lol.
I believe Steph has bigguns too
Comment by Blair — November 9, 2006 @ 4:13 pm
Oh and Mandi - I was TDY @ WrightPat (Wright Patterson Air Force Base) back in 1994/95
Comment by Blair — November 9, 2006 @ 4:15 pm
Oh, oh! Got another one. I am a Navy brat, was born in Portsmouth Naval Hospital, have a brother who was Navy too, and two grandpa’s that served, one in Army Air Corp, and one in the Navy too. So there is a military connection too. I guess I should mention that my ex-husband is Army. And he lives in Texas. Cowboys live in Texas too, and I heart cowboys.
Comment by lady laura — November 9, 2006 @ 4:21 pm
My hubby is a “cowboy”!!! LOL He owns several pairs of boots and a black Stetson hat and lots and lots of plaid and flannel so he might be a lumberjack, too.
(but he doesn’t press wild flowers…) He looks AMAZING in all of it! He is a total western hound, too and I have watched them all with him. Dan’s father is a retired Naval Chaplain and Dan tells me LOTS of stories about growing up with that life.
Comment by Leann — November 9, 2006 @ 4:35 pm
I’ve had four c-sections too…though my biggest baby was only 7lbs 12ozs. I wish they coulda just put in a zipper!
Let’s see…I’ve lived in ID, NC, SC, NC, SC, VA, CA, SC, NC, and now TX…
Comment by blestwithsons — November 9, 2006 @ 4:39 pm
Skinny sisters, Jane Austen, beads (thanks Blest! my husband wants to meet the person who introduced me… RUN!!!!), I know someone stationed in England (that’s the only UK connection I have!), have family in TX, thought I had a big baby (10, 4) but realized an 11 is so much bigger. 2 children here on earth, 2 in heaven. Love music, my family prefers I NOT sing….,
Hmmmm y’all like cheese? That could be another one…. (I’m grasping for straws - hey - is that even a saying?!?!?!).
Comment by Kat — November 9, 2006 @ 5:37 pm
Let’s see, my husband was in the Navy (he’s a wee bit older than me (If you could see my smirk now). I love to knit, can crotched but don’t prefer it, love to sew, make cards, garden, live in TN like Steph, have 2 kiddos. As for British humor, I’m sorry but Monty Python is what I grew up on! I can spin…I didn’t see that on here. Anyone else do that? I just got 11# of alpaca wool in!! Used to have romney sheep and nubian goats. I have 1 dog and 1 cat. I used to want more property but I think I’m turning into a city girl. NOt big city but small town.
Comment by Tami — November 9, 2006 @ 6:17 pm
I forgot to mention that I love to sing. I miss the choirs. I want to sing on stage again. Not a famous singer or anything. Just on stage again. And Blest, I’m just west of Knoxville and Steph is just west of Me and then Lady Laura is west of us MO. Please, please, work your way this direction!
Comment by Tami — November 9, 2006 @ 6:31 pm
Wee bit! Huh! I’ve read your blog, missy.
Tami, I have t-shirts of “It’s Only A Flesh Wound!” with a pic of the Black Knight and “Killer Rabbit! Run Away! Run Away!” with the rabbit at the knight’s throat!
Say no more, Squire!
Comment by blestwithsons — November 9, 2006 @ 6:34 pm
Oh…my husband said “Hmmm. That would be the north route” - so your idea might be do-able!
Comment by blestwithsons — November 9, 2006 @ 6:34 pm
I haven’t read all the way through the comments but what I have picked up on …….\
I am an Army brat married to and Army brat ( but we didn’t meet that way and probably wouldn’t have I’m and officer’s brat and he’s an Enlisted brat )
I have homeschooled — though I don’t do it now, I want to go back to it.
Oh and Blest if you travel I-40 through TN and AR, Stephanie and I are both right right off of it.
Comment by Maria — November 9, 2006 @ 7:33 pm
Let’s see: four kids -three of which are boys - homeschooler. My last two births were c-sections, but my biggest baby was only 7 lb. 5 oz.
Love to read (that’s kind of an understatement) - discovered Wodehouse this year. Jeeves is great on audiobook!
Crochet - and I’m planning to teach myself to knit after I finish the Christmas shawl I’m doing for Natalie.
Sing and play the piano. Used to lead worship once a month and I miss it terribly. I’m singing at our community-wide annual memorial service next week and am really praying that this sinus infection goes away so “It Is Well With My Soul” doesn’t come out with “slight nasal overtones”!
My Dad was in the navy but was out before I was born. I’m a pastor’s daughter. But it’s not what you think - my mom is a pastor. It’s made for interesting discussions in our family, believe you me.
I guess that’s about it!
Comment by Carrie — November 9, 2006 @ 7:48 pm
Fun!
I have the complete Jeeves and Wooster DVD set too. We also love “keeping up appearances”-though Rose gets on our nerves, “yes, minister and prime minister”, “bean”-look, teddy, and “waiting for God” -though some of those are lame, there are a lot of zingers.
Love singing. One of the highlights of my life was being in the chorus of an opera–’Faust’. I would love to be in a musical. Singing led me to my Hubby. We met on a musical mission team that toured Eastern and Western Europe–lay over in London:-). He played trombone and was impressed that I could sing and be heard over the trombone (i’m not loud i just resonate well.)
I travel I-40 at least once a year to go meet family in Illinois. We go through Knoxville and Hubby’s family live in MO, west of St. Louis.
I am trying to learn to knit and sew.
I am married to a furiner. He is German, green card and all that.
Hummm. Can’t think of anything else right now.
Comment by LeighAnn — November 9, 2006 @ 8:36 pm
Cool, LeighAnn. I have German blood!
I used to sing in Honor’s Choir in high school and college. Still love to sing but would never, ever do a solo so being part of the church’s “chorus” does just fine for me.
And I have never seen a Monty Python movie.
Comment by lady laura — November 9, 2006 @ 9:21 pm
OK, I was beginning to worry that I was completely odd… I love Monty Python and The search for the holy grail!
I homeschool my THREE children.
I do sew, but still haven’t mastered the zipper.
I’m getting a divorce.
Comment by Kimberly — November 9, 2006 @ 9:30 pm
Hmmm. Let’s see:
I am similar in age to Debs and Tami, and like Debs, and also 2 kids and a husband behind Tami
I’m from TN (although I don’t live there now).
I like Hugh Laurie in “House”
I studied abroad in England
I don’t know Rockapella, but I love my undergrad college’s acapella groups
My grandfather was military
I like to knit/crochet (but have no free time right now) and also to read.
There’s so much more, but that’s what’s in common
Comment by anne — November 9, 2006 @ 9:53 pm
LOL… LeighAnn, I sing and my hubby is a trombone player!!! (band director) That is pretty cool!!!!!
Oh, and we NEVER miss Keeping Up Appearances on Saturday nights on our local PBS channel.
Comment by Leann — November 9, 2006 @ 11:49 pm
Oh my, switched on the computer to catch up quick this morning before I go to work, but too much information! Oh well, i’ll see you all later
Comment by Debs — November 10, 2006 @ 1:07 am
Alright Leigh Ann, Maybe we just might have to meet in Knoxville!!! I live about 60 miles west on I-40!!
Comment by Tami — November 10, 2006 @ 6:52 am
I love singing too. Monty python is great. So are all the other things Leigh-Ann mentioned watching. I loved watch House too. I don’t have any military connections, but my Grandad was a policeman…!
Comment by Debs — November 10, 2006 @ 11:25 am
I was president of the 100 voice student choir at our church when I was in high school…does that count for all of you musical gals. Sang second soprano and some alto…but I can’t say it’s a passion of mine. Some say I can sing…others say I can’t lol My mother and sisters and some aunts and such can sing beautifully…guess it’s hard to compare myself to their talent
Comment by Blair — November 10, 2006 @ 8:09 pm
Okay, I need to add my voice here.
I used to homeschool, but our kids are in public school now. so that should connect me with about everyone, right?
I crochet, knit, scrapbook, cross stitch.
I love to sing. I also play piano and have two children taking piano.
I live about 3 miles from I-20 in Louisiana if you’re heading this way, Blest.
I’ve visited Wright Patterson when my BIL was stationed there TDY.
Jane Austen is my favorite author - P&P is my fave of hers, and I have seen almost every version of P&P - I have the “modern” version of it now from the library, but haven’t been able to make myself watch it yet. My fave is A&E’s version of course, with Colin Firth as Darcy.
I love Monty Python and the Search for the Holy Grail. I’ve even watched it with real coconuts on hand
I also love LOTR trilogy. Both the books and the movies. My son is currently reading LOTR.
My husband came from Cuba, but he was already a U.S. citizen when I met him.
My biggest child was 7 lbs even at birth. The smallest was 4 lbs 14, but she was a bit early. I’ve had one c/section (the middle birth), and I’ve had a VBAC. I have 3 living children, and many more in heaven.
My extended family mostly lives in Illinois. We visit there twice a year.
Comment by Tracy — November 10, 2006 @ 10:31 pm
At the beginning of this conversation I was gonna try and make a diagram showing how everyone’s connected and put it up here, however it’s all got way too complicated. Maybe if I’m feeling at a loose end one day….
Comment by Debs — November 11, 2006 @ 12:47 pm
Ok Tracy, where in Louisiana if ya don’t mind my askin’??? My grandparents lived in Homer for years and years and my great grandmother lived in Sibley until her death and then my great aunt and some cousins lived there, too. I am VERY familiar with that area. My parents also live in Kilgore, Texas and I have a brother in Marshall, Texas. We will be there over part of the coming holidays and I wondered how close you might be.
Comment by Leann — November 11, 2006 @ 2:42 pm
I e-mailed you, Leann - my husband doesn’t want me to say more than North Louisiana on the Internet. Let me know if you don’t get the e-mail!
Comment by Tracy — November 11, 2006 @ 3:15 pm
Tracy, got it and sent one back…
Comment by Leann — November 11, 2006 @ 7:50 pm