Hmmmmmmm........

It's beginning to look a lot like winter break....

2009-12-22T12:01:00.003-04:00

We got about 18 inches of snow over the weekend and it sure does look like winter here! And I can tell it is almost time for winter break because my girls cannot.take.one.more.day.of.school.

There is much begging, whining, some crying, rebelling and pouting going on in our home. "Mom, come on we're not learning anything, can't we just stay home." "Mom, it's only a half day, what's the big deal." "Well, I'm not going. I'm just not going."

Sigh.....about half way through winter break they will be saying, "I'm so bored." "I don't have anything to do." "Can you take me to the mall." "There's nothing to eat in this house."

Oh the joys of winter break.

A little Christmas hilarity.....

2009-12-18T19:03:00.001-04:00

Best Friends.....

2009-12-17T16:05:00.004-04:00

It's great to have a best friend. I have written about my best friend in the past (Hi Ruth, I miss you!)

Over the years I have had a few very, very special friends. First there was Julie Fischer. I don't know if she was my first best friend, but she is the first friend I remember having when I was really young. Then there was Dawn. We were best friends all through middle and high school. I, to this day, I still call her mother, Mom #3. (She was Mom #2 but when I got married she had to move down to #3). In college there was my best friend Maria. My partner in crime! I was in her wedding when I was 6 months pregnant and although we live many hours apart we are actually spending New Years tonight with our families. My young adult years included Cheryl who very sadly passed away before the age of 40. And then I met Ruth right before Jeff and I started dating. Karen came into my life when my girls were very young as were her's and I love her very much!

That one very special friend has been a common practice for me. Although I would be considered "outgoing" I have always gravitated toward deeper relationships.

Erica seems to have followed suit. She is a very caring and friendly person. She is a confidante to many, yet she too has a few people in her life that she really shares completely with. When she was just born she met her first best friend, Becky. Even though Becky doesn't live near us anymore the girls have gotten to spend time together over three summers and they still consider each other to be best friends! She just told me the other day that they intend to be in each other's weddings.

When we moved here four years ago she met her "sister," best friend, Lindsey. They are inseparable (believe me, inseparable). Lindsey is a friend from church and so they share a love for the Lord. They laugh, they cry, they share their secrets, dreams, code names and inside stories.

I call Lindsey daughter #3. Maybe I'll be Mom #3 some day too :)

What a beggar......

2009-12-15T20:51:00.005-04:00

NO, JEFF ISN'T THE BEGGAR

Nemo is such a beggar. We have created this monster though. He is just too cute, how can you resist that little head tilt and whimper with this big brown eyes.

Today Jeff was preparing the chicken for our family get together on Saturday and I looked over from where I was working at the kitchen table and this is what I saw. Nemo just sitting there staring at Jeff, willing something to fall from the counter so that he could scoop it up.

It does get annoying sometimes. Especially the time I found him ON the kitchen table when he thought I had left the house. He was perfectly still, almost like he was thinking, "If I don't move maybe she won't notice me." Yeah, that wasn't good.

But he IS such a CUTE beggar, isn't he?!!

The Pickle

2009-12-14T19:17:00.004-04:00

So last night we went over to my mom and dad's for some cake after Megan's Christmas play. (I will share some pictures and such about the play later this week).

When I sat down after getting some snacks all the girls were milling around Mom and Dad's Christmas tree talking about pickles.

Pickles? Why are they talking about pickles, my girls don't even eat pickles. (Jeff and I happen to love pickles - useless information plug). The girls were looking for a PICKLE ON THE CHRISTMAS TREE.

Okay. I know my parents are getting old but wow, is senility really setting in? I know sometimes they forget where they put things and Mom lapses into her German accent whenever she says a word starting in "W" but now they're putting pickles on the tree as ornaments. This is not good.

Well actually, Mom explained to me (after I put the phone down calling the assisted living hotline LOL) that Aunt Ursula had given her a pickle ornament for the Christmas tree. (Oh great now I have to worry about Aunt Ursula's mental health?) It seems that this is a German tradition, although Mom had never heard of it.

According to German tradition, the pickle
brings good luck and was the last ornament
placed on the Christmas tree.

On Christmas morning the first child to find the
pickle was rewarded with an extra little gift left
by St. Nicholas.

This German tradition encouraged the children to
appreciate all the ornaments on the Christmas tree,
rather than hurrying to see what St. Nick had left for them.

I love being German. I love hearing my mother's stories. I love when I hear her talking in German. I love reading the book that my uncle wrote about their childhood in Germany and coming to America and now I LOVE PICKLES ON THE CHRISTMAS TREE! I gotta get me a pickle this week!

Did you know?

2009-12-09T13:36:00.002-04:00

Here's some good ole useless information.....

**Over a 12 day period your body generates a whole new set of taste buds. (This process continues until you are in your 70's.)

**The only food cockroaches won't eat are cucumbers.

**Two-thirds of the world's eggplant is grown in New Jersey.

**A cat has 32 muscles in each ear.

Interesting, huh?

Halloween

2009-12-07T19:08:00.004-04:00

I don't know how much longer the girls will dress up for Halloween. They did dress up this year and they looked so cute. Erica was a sailor and Megan was a hippie.

On Halloween Megan went with Emma to the church harvest party. Erica went as well and was helping with the games and crafts. The church was giving out so much candy, I mean by the fist full. Even our pastor was there handing out candy! They had lots of fun games for the kids to play.

Then later that evening we took Erica, Lindsey, Megan and Abbey to a town near by with a "downtown" so they could trick-or-treat. They had a great time and got lots of candy. It was so much fun because there were so many cute little ones walking by. It made me feel so "homey" and "small town". People who live in the town sit out on their porches and hand out candy and have friends over to see everyone dressed up then they have a parade right down the main street. So cute and so fun.

We told them they can keep going trick-or-treating as long as they're wearing a costume. I can't stand when kids go around trick-or-treating and they aren't even wearing a costume! Megan worse her costume to school this year but not Erica. I think that is a sign of the end of an era pretty soon with Erica.....although candy can be hard to turn down so we'll see if she dresses up next year.

Boob Squeeze

2009-12-03T12:51:00.004-04:00

Got your attention, huh?

I've been getting a yearly mammogram since I was 30. I have some breast cancer in my family history and so I really am happy to go each year for the mammo just to be proactive and keep on top of things.

I have to admit I went longer than a year between my last one and the one I got today. Just busy and putting it off, that's my excuse. Of course when my husband does that I give him grief and I certainly don't allow my children's appointments to be missed so why do I allow it for myself? It's important for us to take care of OURSELVES too, ladies. So if you've been putting off a doctor's appointment schedule it NOW!

Oh and by the way you are definitely better off NOT to get the boob squeeze when you are about to get your period or have your period. It is killer. Ask me how I know......... wink, wink.

Memories

2009-12-02T10:00:00.002-04:00

Yesterday I was looking at some other old pictures and this one caught my eye.

We had just moved down here and it was just the four of us. We didn't know anyone and we were in a brand new place. It was really a great time for me because there were no other distractions. The kids weren't caught up with their friends, I wasn't busy with church stuff and Jeff had just started a new job. We could and did focus on spending time together and exploring our new area.

This day we decided to try out one of the many walking trails that our county offers. This particular park had a couple of trails to choose from with lots of streams and a big pond. It was a crisp, sunny fall day and the four of us and Nemo set out on an adventure. The girls were enjoying looking at the "stuff" that could be found in the stream and I snapped this shot of them crossing over a bridge.

This picture is a reflection of what I hope will be the girls relationship for many years to come. Quietly content, comfortable with each other and enjoying the exploration of all the great things this life has for them!

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree

2009-12-01T14:34:00.007-04:00

Growing up we always had a fake Christmas tree. Jeff, I think, always had a real tree. So when we got married we started our tradition of getting a real tree. Once with had kids we started the tradition of going and cutting down our tree. I was thinking about it when we went this past Saturday how many years we've shared this tradition now. It's got to be at least ten years. So I went looking on my hard drive for any pictures of us cutting down our tree......

2005 - me and the girls checking out the trees.....

The big, strong dad cutting down the tree

Me and the girls dragging the tree out of the woods (that didn't last long - we were laughing too hard to move it)

2006 - Picking out a tree, so many to choose from......

Nemo came along for a romp on the farm

Here is another one overlooking the beautiful horse farm next to the tree farm.

These were the pictures from this Christmas. Last year we got our three from Home Depot (yeah, cheesy) and the year before we had a $50 FAKE tree because we were living in the "cottage" so this year we were back to our tradition and went back to the same farm as we did in the picture above.

And we had to do another shot like the one the first year we lived here. Wow, the girls have grown up.

I am so happy that they still like to participate in our family tradition of picking and cutting down our own tree. It makes this Mommy very, very happy.

Unbelievable

2009-11-20T09:20:00.000-04:00

And these kinds of things are why it will never get better and why I don't trust a single politician

Those Tweens....

2009-11-19T17:00:00.003-04:00

And if they're not taking pictures of themselves they're making videos. Here's a cute one....one of oh, I'd say atleast 50 on my memory card. The other girl is my "third daughter," Erica's best friend.

Tweens

2009-11-18T18:03:00.004-04:00

What is about 11, 12 year old girls? They become OBSESSED with taking their picture. And what is it with that sideways looking, cheek squeezing, lip puckering pose they do....oh and let's not forget about the peace sign.

From Blogger Pictures

Erica went through this when she was 12 but Megan is an "early bloomer" and has been stealing my camera and taking pictures at breakneck speed ever since she turned 11.

A sampling for you....

From Blogger Pictures

But I can't really complain because she is quite a beauty! My Meggie is growing up. She is very independent, yet hates when Mommy isn't home. She doesn't like to give hugs, but wants me to take the deer with the broken leg that we see by our house to the vet because she can't stand that it may be in pain. She's smart, beautiful, funny as anything, very private and very strong. I can't wait to see where this tween goes in life! It's gonna be great.

From Blogger Pictures

And when she gets there I'll have these pictures to remind her of where she came from!

A cousin bonanza

2009-11-17T17:33:00.004-04:00

Last week my sister, my parents and I traveled out to Pennsylvania for my aunt's memorial service. (I wrote about Aunt Bea in a previous post)

Well, let me just say my father's driving is atrocious.....yikes.....scaaaaary. Besides tailgating 18 wheelers and driving 40 miles an hour on dark country roads with hills the size of Mt. Kilamanjaro, he is not the most patient driver and likes to talk to the GPS. So anyway that was quite the experience, fun was had by all as long as we kept our eyes closed. (LOVE YOU DAD)

So we got to the memorial service on Thursday and were so happy to see so many of our cousins there. You see we are a BIG family. I don't know the total of how many cousins, second cousins and such...well let me add up the cousins right now. I have 29 first cousins (including me) on my mom's side so add an average of 2 kids per cousin and you have another about 60 or so second cousins. We are a close family even though we don't see each other as often as we would like because we are spread out. We are loud and emotional, prone to quick tears and we love the Lord! What a legacy our Oma and Opa left us.

I really love my family. As I get older I understand so much more how important family is and how blessed I am to be part of the Flemming Clan!

So You Think You Can Dance

2009-11-11T20:36:00.002-04:00

I worked major, major hours the last two days so today's post is going to be a fluff piece, okay? Cut me some slack. Anyway, I love So You Think You can Dance. Just Love that show!

This song is just so emotional and so strong. It really portrays the feeling of the song. I love music and dancing that portrays feelings.

Here is one of my all time favorite pieces:">

And here's one that I love because 1.) Legacy and Russell are my two favorites and 2.) The dancing is just plain awesome!

">

In memory of a very special lady

2009-11-10T15:14:00.003-04:00

My Aunt Bea passed away. She was in her later 70's. She lived out in Pennsylvania now and I hadn't seen her in a few years. She and Uncle Karl lived about 45 minutes away from us when we were young. Uncle Karl and me and my brother all share the same birthday. I can remember many times on that day going out to their house to celebrate out birthdays. They always made us feel so special and important to them.

Aunt Bea and Uncle Karl have one child, Lori. But you know what, they had lots of other kids like me and my siblings and my Uncle Ursula's kids and so many of my other cousins. You know why? Because of Aunt Bea. She was loud and crazy, funny and opinionated and boy did she love. She loved with all her heart and she made sure we knew it and she made sure we stayed on the narrow road. If she saw us going off the path she didn't hesitate to say something.

She called me and my brother Stevie and Susie. She gave us gifts at Christmas and our birthday. She made us laugh and she helped raise us into the people we are today.

A lot of my cousins have been commenting on Facebook about how much we are going to miss her. It's a testament to how much she meant to all of us.

In recent years Aunt Bea and Uncle Karl haven't been well. Like I said, I haven't seen them in a while. For a long time now I've been thinking I needed to send her a card and just tell her how much she always meant to me and that I loved her. Oh, I know I have told her I loved her before, but Aunt Bea was the type who liked to hear it more than once! You know, I never sent that card. And now I have such a big regret. I know that I will see her again in heaven some day. I don't doubt that one bit and when I get there I am going to hear that loud and distinct laugh of her's, but I wish I had had one more chance on this earth to tell her that I love her.

So be sure to tell those you love what you think, especially those that you may think, "Oh they know how I feel about them," because you know they may just need to be reminded sometimes.

Whoa...wow.....uh, where have I been?

2009-11-09T11:35:00.002-04:00

My mom keeps saying, "I still check your blog but you haven't written anything in so long." I then proceed to tell her that when my mind is actually clear and free enough to think of something fun, funny, useless or interesting to write I will write.

Well, this is going to be neither fun, funny, (maybe useless) or interesting. It's been many, many months since I have written in my blog because I have been working full time and more because Jeff lost his job back in June.

There is so much I could say about that but it's just too much of a burden to even write it and it's too overwhelming and sad. I have run the gamut of emotions, scared, sad, angry, disappointed, confident, and now I am pretty much numb.

These five months I have barely lived. I have gone through the motions, I have done what had to be done but I haven't lived, except for a few short hours here and there. It is my own fault. I have allowed this test to overtake my entire life. I sit at the computer ALL DAY. Not because I am working every minute but because I have let my life slip away. I waste time and "goof off" to try to get away from actually living. I keep saying, "Once Jeff gets a job, I'll....." fill in the blank because I have left most of my life blank since this happened.

I know that is not what God wants for me. But I do feel like, Okay God haven't we gone through enough yet? Legal stuff, losing our house, Jeff's hospitalizations and now Jeff losing his job. Come on, like really? Oh, I know it could be SO much worse. That's the scary part. I KNOW that in the scheme of life we are actually RICH compared to most of the world. And I know that we have our health and our children are happy and we all are living for God, so why can't I let that be enough. I have not learned to be content in whatever situation I find myself. I am not content - I am numb, I am blank.

No, before you start worrying I am not depressed (other than just feeling down today because DH didn't make the final cut for the only job that was sit on the possible horizon). This is about learning to live even when life isn't giving you rainbows of Skittles and pots of gold. Learning to be content, believing God for everything else.

God and I had a conversation a few days ago. I said, "Wow you really have done miracles to make sure all our bills have been paid, it truly is a miracle." But then I kind of said to myself (hoping God wouldn't hear wink, wink) "But when it is all going to dry up? When is it going to become too much financially?" And God said to me, "Hey Sue, haven't I provided for you in your life up till now?" "Yes, you have, Lord." "Do I own everything and have the power to do anything?" "Yes, you do, Lord." "Are my riches going to dry up?" "No, Lord." "What do you think I am like a health savings account, once you use up the funds saved in that account that's it, there's no more for you? No, my accounts never dry up." And then there was me, smiling at the Lord trying to be cute because I was embarrassed by my lack of trust.

I have to remember his mercies are NEW every morning. His ability to protect, provide and sustain us never dries up.

Enough rambling, but I had to get this out there because I have to take responsiblity for my actions and I have to start living again and I have to learn to be content in whatever situation I find myself in, because all situations we find ourselves in the Lord is in them with us!

Easter Funny.....

2009-04-09T12:06:00.002-03:00

In these uncertain times.....

2009-03-24T10:35:00.009-03:00

I am doing a special in church in April and I have a song but this song keeps coming back to me and I keep singing it over and over. It's not really in my key and I am thinking about having the worship team play for me because the words speak so clearly to me.

In these uncertain times, the financial chaos, the unrest in the world, the moral decay, concerns for children, family and friends I am so comforted to be reminded...."You were there, You were there in the midst of dangers snare, You were there, You were there ALWAYS."

And these lines remind me to put my complete trust ONLY in HIM...."So haven't I learned that my ways aren't as high as Yours are. And YOU ALONE keep the universe from crumbling into dust."

JESUS ALWAYS HAS AND ALWAYS WILL BE THERE. Thank you, thank you, thank you my Jesus.

I'm having trouble embedding the video today, but PLEASE clink the link and listen to the song. You WILL be encouraged, I'm sure of it.

You Were There, by Avalon

So proud of her....

2009-03-23T13:45:00.004-03:00

Yesterday Erica and her friend did a special at church for the first time. She is 12 - turning 13 in May. They did such a wonderful job. I remember the first time that I sang in church for the first time. I blew on my hair every two or three seconds and hid behind the music stand.

Erica has so much more poise than I did at that age and had wonderful harmonies. I couldn't hold back the tears! She and her friend will be performing at Fine Arts in April.

What a great kid.

It's snowing??!!!

2009-03-20T09:25:00.003-03:00

Today is March 20th, the FIRST.DAY.OF.SPRING......did the weather not get the memo? I'm laying in bed this morning and my daughter walks in and says, "Mom, it's snowing." "Yeah right, Erica." "No really, it's snowing." "Well that's just dumb, today's the first day of spring." I get out of bed put my glasses on, cause I'm basically blind without them and sure enough, it's snowing. Well that just does not make any sense, AT ALL.

I'm ready for spring, I'm ready for opening windows and hearing birds chirping, working outside in the yard, planting tomatoes and cucumbers. I'm hoping this is winters last little thumbing of its nose and farewell speech.

But I have to say the flakes are really very pretty - small ones and then real, real big ones.

Happy Spring everybody!

Okay, so this just cracked.me.up!

2009-03-18T13:33:00.001-03:00

Some scrapbook layouts

2009-03-16T11:21:00.002-03:00

Well last weekend I went to a scrapbook crop. I was there for all of Saturday until Sunday at 4pm. I had a great, great time - didn't get as many pages done as I would have liked though. Following are a few of my creations. (you can click the pictures to make them bigger)

A little useless but entertaining video....

2009-03-12T09:23:00.003-03:00

They're all amazing but the first guy.....wow!

">

Me time!

2009-03-06T11:27:00.004-04:00

In honor of my scrapbooking weekend I'm going to post a couple of layouts. When I get home from my "me time" I hope to have lots more to share. I am so looking forward to going, but I have to get my work done and plan my pages first.

Outside my window

2009-03-05T09:13:00.003-04:00

Since I sit at my desk all day and I love the sunshine I positioned myself up against a big window. It is on the side of our house and looks down a hill into our woods. Here is my newest fascination.....
Mr. Blue Jay - I have two of these guys that come and play outside my window.
Is he not the cuties thing ever?! This is a titmouse, my favorite bird. Look at his adorable little legs. So cute. A beautiful cardinal. The colors are so vibrant on these guys.

I also have a couple of woodpeckers (I got some pictures but they weren't great so I'm stalking them for better pictures). And the other day there must have been literally 10 robins in this big holly tree we have outside.

My husband is going to get me a bird feeder to put outside my window that I can have seeds for them to come and eat and then I can get even better pictures.

I love nature! It's the little things, you know?!

Signs of Spring....

2009-03-02T10:10:00.002-04:00

Well The Inspired Room had a post on her blog about what she was looking forward to with Spring. I thought that would be a good post, since it is SNOWING here and we have about 7 inches on the ground with probably a couple more still to come. It is March 2nd right?

Now, I know I live in New Jersey but you have to understand. We moved to Central Jersey almost 3 years ago. In those three years we didn't get anything more than a dusting until this year when a month or so ago we got like 2 or 3 inches. So in 3 years we had only gotten like 3 inches. When we lived in North Jersey we had winters of 3 or 4 snowstorms EACH totalling a foot of snow. So this is a big deal down here.

I was hoping and praying for snow all winter. I was feeling let down and sad that we didn't get much snow here. But come on now, it's March, March means springtime to me! So this snow, meh, not too happy. (But I did hear it's supposed to be in the 50's by Friday so I'm going to enjoy it today and hope it melts quickly).

But in honor of my faith that spring will be here shortly, here are the 20 things that I look forward to in Spring:

1. More SUNSHINE
2. The sound of chirping birds
3. Being able to open the windows and air out the stuffy winter
4. Short sleeves
5. Getting to work on the landscaping
6. Inhaling the crisp spring air
7. Getting the motivation to want to clean
8. Tulips, tulips, tulips (my favorite flower!)
9. Spring Break
10. Seeing the new baby foals at the horse farm near by
11. Bike rides with the family
12. Green grass
13. Trees budding and finally bursting
14. Putting away the winter coats
15. Not needing to find matching socks
16. Decorating Easter eggs
17. Staying light later at night
18. Pulling out the patio furniture
19. Daffodils and pansies
20. More SUNSHINE

Happy Spring everybody, it's on its way!

Do you wonder what I do for a job?

2009-02-27T15:30:00.000-04:00

I am a transcriptionist. Something like this.....

Well actually, not that fun or musical LOL. But it is a great job in that has given me the ability to be able to be home with my girls for the last 12 years. Everything is deadline driven which can be stressful but as I always say "a bad commute for me is stubbing my toe on the way to my computer."

I transcribe meetings, interviews, reality t.v. shows, conferences, depositions, hearings and trials. On topics such as heart disease, murder, sports, plastic surgery, prostitution, the circus, dinosaurs, affairs and lots more. I've transcribed many reality shows you've watched and I've transcribed interviews with many famous people. My favorite being my boyfriend.....George W. Bush.

It can be a very, very interesting job when the topics are interesting. And can be very tedious when the jobs are boring (ever listened to hours of PhDs talking about neurons and neuroscience......yeah poke my ears with a stick please).

But overall it has been a blessing to me and my family.

Now back to work!

My new fascination.......

2009-02-24T12:04:00.003-04:00

LOST!

Yeah, I know I'm late to the party. I remember when this show first came out. I watched an episode and thought, "Monsters on a tropical island, give me a break." I don't really watch any drama on t.v. so I thought I wouldn't like it and just never watched again.

Well when Lost came back on this year I happened to be watching t.v. that night and there was nothing else on so I thought, "Eh, I'll give it a shot."

And hello, I love this show! So I have now gone back to the beginning and have been watching Season 1 (I'm up to episode 13). I watch it on surfthechannel.com

Every day I try and watch an episode. Being that there is like five seasons I don't know if I'll get done before this year's season is over but I am so enjoying it.

I love that Sawyer makes up all these nicknames for everybody. I found this little tool on ABC. What would Sawyer call you if you were on the island with him? (Mine is Bobby - not very clever, but hey, if Sawyer called me anything I think I'd answer)

The Oscars

2009-02-22T17:53:00.009-04:00

Tonight's the Oscars. Yes, I'll probably put the t.v. on for a little while to see all the pretty gowns but I don't plan on watching the actual show. I haven't seen many movies this year, although I loved Slumdog Millionaire and hope that it wins.

In surfing the web I found out that my very favorite comedic actor was getting an Oscar, finally after more than 50 years in the business.

Jerry Lewis!

Tonight after some 50 movies as a star and 13 as a writer-director, Lewis, 82, is getting an Oscar, and, wouldn't you know, it's the wrong one. The Motion Picture Academy is giving him the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award — an honor recognizing charity work, and given more frequently to producers than to actors. Lewis's commitment as a spokesman for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, notably in the 19-hour MDA telethon he fronts each Labor Day, has certainly earned him a hearty Hollywood thank-you. But it's a minor token, almost an insult, to one of the wildest, most imaginative comic talents in any medium and, without question, the definitive showbiz ego of the mid-20th century. Time Magazine

One of my all time favorite movie scenes is this one from Cinderfella.

Couldn't resist, one more (especially last section)

Now that's real talent!

The Amazing Race....

2009-02-20T11:50:00.006-04:00

The Amazing Race is my absolute favorite show. One of my passions is traveling. I would love, love, love to be on this show. But if that's not possible every week I get to travel the world through this show.

Well this past weeks premiere was HY.STER.I.CAL! Oh my goodness I've watched it like five times and each time I cry I laugh so hard.

Enjoy!

Watch from 46 seconds in to 4:25 minutes (my favorite is the mom and son and the don't let a cheese hit me....)

">">

Some pictures of our home

2009-02-19T12:50:00.004-04:00

We've been in our new home now for about 7 months. I have taken my time with putting things on the walls because I have come to like less "stuff" around. And because in the packing, moving and unpacking of the last 3 years a lot of my stuff has gotten ruined unfortunately.

The other thing I realized was that all my pictures were outdated. Pictures of my kids and nieces and nephews from when they were in preschool. (Hello family, that means I need new pictures of all my nieces and nephews). So when Jeff and I decided to spend a morning putting up pictures I went in search of new shots to put into frames as well.

It took up all of a morning and part of the afternoon to basically do this one wall collage. But I absolutely love it.

To the left of the picture there is a beautiful wreath that my two best friends, Ruth and Karen, gave me as a housewarming/Christmas gift. Isn't it beautiful? I think it anchors the collage very nicely.

Then in the middle is me and Jeff's wedding picture. Man, I was nice looking! {wink, wink}

There is a picture of my parents and Jeff's parents, the girls most recent school picture and some other random shots.

This other shot is the wall across from the above wall. This one wall is painted a dramatic red (can't remember the name). It has a vaulted ceiling and I liked the drama that the color added. The color would have been too much for the entire room, but it works here. The wall to the left is a bank of windows. The half wall to the right is all mirrors (so 80's, that will come down eventually). Above the living room is the dining room (which we use as the piano, reading, computer area. That wall has a stripped treatment which I liked but now I think is too busy with the other red wall, so eventually that will go as well.

PS. The collage picture - bottom left (under the wedding picture) is a close up of Megan and Nemo. You can basically only see their eyes, but I thought it was a great shot and also spoke volumes about Megan (she is an animal fanatic!)

Ouch....

2009-02-18T11:50:00.000-04:00

In January our pastor challenged us to read a Proverb a day. I enjoyed reading them (most of them anyway). There is so much wisdom (duh) and meat in the Proverbs. I have continued reading one a day during my devotions.

Well as I said I enjoyed most of them, but quite a number hit very close to home. Especially the following....

Proverbs 21:9 - Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.

Then this one...Proverbs 21:19 - Better to live in a desert than with a quarrelsome and ill-tempered wife.

And my personal ouch...Proverbs 27:15 - A quarrelsome wife is like a constant dripping on a rainy day.

Yikes. In light of my last two blog posts I thought I should remind myself of these verses and ask the Lord to continue working ON me and IN me.

I love my husband.....

2009-02-17T11:37:00.005-04:00

Jeff has been out on disability for about a month now. He is doing really well and will be going back to work in a couple of weeks. But in the meantime he has been such a wonderful helper. Since he is on disability I've been trying to make up the slack by working more hours. So:

He gets up with the girls and gets them to the bus or drives them to school.
He makes dinner a few nights a week.
He does laundry.
He cleaned our bathroom and bedroom.
He cleans and puts away the dishes
And today he vacuumed the stairs. I hate vacuuming the stairs and lugging the vacuum up and down.

For the last few days I've been thinking, "Oh, I have to vacuum these stairs, they are horrible." And today I hear the beautiful whirling of the vacuum. What a great guy. I just love him more and more every day.

Then he gets his macho on and:

He cut down a tree and goes out and chops wood for the fireplace.
He changes light bulbs.
He paints.
He puts up pictures.

He truly can do a little bit of everything. I got a good one, and I'm keepin' him!

Fireproof your marriage

2009-02-16T10:47:00.006-04:00

Yesterday our church they showed the movie Fireproof.

I've been looking forward to seeing this movie as it was not in a theater near us. The same people who made this movie made Facing the Giants which really impacted Jeff and I at a very difficult time in our lives and I knew that this movie would also be very inspiring.

This clip was what spoke most to me I think. It seems that so many people in my age group or married about the same amount of time as us are getting separated, getting divorced. I can't judge anyone because I don't live in their shoes but I have seen what divorce does to people and to their children. And I know that it must be one of the most painful thing people go through. Jeff and I haven't had a bed of roses in our relationship. Circumstances, personalities, finances, children, jobs, it all makes for good and bad times. But one thing we know is that we are committed to each other for LIFE. Good and bad, health or sickness, richer or poorer.

If you haven't seen this movie, make a point of seeing it. Whether your marriage is awesome or on the rocks, we all need to be reminded of how precious our relationship is and that it takes work, hard work to keep it going. Sometimes we will even feel like a hypocrite just going through the motions, but love isn't a feeling, it's a commitment. Sometimes we'll get rebuffed or ignored for the kindness that we show, but love isn't self-serving. Sometimes we'll be questioned as to our motives, but love keeps no record of wrongs. And when we ask God to help us to love the way He loves that love will make a difference.

We all deserve and can have a wonderful marriage but we have to do our part each and every day.

In the movie Caleb's dad gives him a book called The Love Dare and asks him to hold off for 40 days before going through with a divorce and to read the book and do what it asks for those 40 days. I want to get this book. I want to make my marriage all that it can be.

Here is a link to the book - The Love Dare

I Dare Ya!

Guys crack me up....

2009-02-14T11:39:00.004-04:00

To make up for the prior painful shot....

2009-02-11T10:30:00.005-04:00

Erica comes down to my desk last night and asks if she can borrow my camera. Why? Because she has to take a picture of something. Well since she wasn't leaving the house with the camera I figured, okay let's see what she comes up with. This kid has an eye for photography. Yeah, yeah I know I'm braggin', tough luck it's my blog ;)

Anyway, to make up for my pitiful shot in my prior post I thought I would share a few of her pictures that she took last night. Where does she comes up with this stuff? I love it!

Now if only she could get a shot of me without that double chin! (Oh right, that would be magic, not photography)

Tag, I'm it....

2009-02-11T10:21:00.004-04:00

So I got tagged by Cali to post my 6th picture in my 6th album. I haven't even looked at it yet to see if it is interesting, incriminating, sweet or just downright embarrassing. So we'll see, here is it.....

Wow, that is not interesting, a bit incriminating, not sweet and pretty embarrassing. Talk about a double chin, what is that thing? I remember when I took a whole bunch of pictures of me when I first started my blog and Facebook. I wanted to have a "cool" shot of me and my hair looked good that day, so I started shooting. This one didn't make the cut, ie - double chin problem.

So Cali said I have to tag five people, now you're it. Sarah, Liz, Shirley, Lois, Amanda

So cute yet unexpected....

2009-02-08T17:11:00.001-04:00

I just thought this was adorable. These pictures just put a smile on my face so I thought I'd share. Yeah, I know, kind of random.

And the award goes to.....

2009-02-07T23:22:00.005-04:00

My Friend Lois gave me this award. I would like to pass it on to a few people whose blog I really enjoy.

“These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award.”

My friend Crystal in Alabama
Cousin Amanda
My Scrapbooking Friend Sherry
Vanessa
Nadya
Hysterical Mary

My little school teacher

2009-02-06T11:04:00.004-04:00

There is a small finished basement in our new home. I thought that was the perfect place for my office for work and for my scrapbooking. Well while we were busy getting the rest of the house set up Megan decided to confiscate half of the room for her school.
Megan loves to play teacher. So we set up a table for her desk, a whiteboard for her lessons, a bulletin board for her projects and her easel for more lessons. She does a word wall, has a globe, does lesson plans, gives homework and tests and grades the tests.
Many days she will spend an hour at a time teaching a lesson. She does the research and writes out her lessons and then teaches. Occasionally she has to discipline her students (???) and she is a very professional, articulate teacher.

I love that she is so creative. My kids were never big on toys but always used their imaginations in everything that they played. Megan still uses her imagination while playing teacher. She doesn't need a bunch of people to play with (although she does like it when her sister will come and play every so often). She gets so into her teaching, you can just hear the passion in her voice. It so adorable.

Even though I only have half of the room now I love when I am down there scrapbooking and she comes in and works in her "classroom". It's time that we can spend together both doing something that we love.

Her teacher told me she is a "natural" so who knows, we may have a teacher in our family some day.

Useless Information Tidbit #10

2009-02-01T21:25:00.002-04:00

We were watching Bruce Springsteen during the Super Bowl halftime. I told my husband that guy playing the guitar was Tony Soprano's sidekick in The Sopranos. Nobody believed me, but yes.....useless information Steve Van Zant, member of the E Street Band and Sil from The Sopranos.

I got to shout....hallelujah!

2009-01-31T13:07:00.004-04:00

Oh yes, I believe it!

Random things about me...

2009-01-30T14:35:00.004-04:00

So on Facebook lots of my friends have done this 25 Random Things about Me note. As I was just laying down trying to take a little nap I started things, "Do I have 25 random things that I could list about myself?" So I came up with a few and thought instead of sleeping I'd put them on my blog.

1. I've been in a Buddhist temple, a Hindu temple, a mosque and a church but I've never been in a synogogue.

2. My brother is 53 MINUTES older than me.

3. Sometimes I count the number of steps I take while I'm walking.

4. I was a cheerleader in college.

5. I was in a beauty pageant when I was 13.

6. I traveled with a Christian singing group for two weeks in the Midwest when I was 15. (Festival of Praise - anyone remember them?)

7. I got snuckered out of 100 dollars in New York City playing three card Monty - yeah I know that was dumb but I was only a teenager at the time.

8. My boyfriend took me clothes shopping down on Canal Street in NYC when I was 16 and someone stole all the stuff ($300 worth) out of his trunk. He then went and found the robber and bought all my stuff back!

9. I was in the car when a few of my guy friends were propositioned by a prostitute. (Can you tell I spent a lot of time in NYC when I was a teenager?)

10. I rode on the back of a scooter all over Bermuda when I was 5 months pregnant.

11. I love Brian Boitano. (Just ask Ruth and Glen)

12. I wish I could have taken dancing lessons when I was a kid but my parents thought (think) it is a sin to dance.

13. I love Bailey's Irish Creme and Fuzzy Navels. Oh, but the best drink is a Bailey's Colada.

14. My husband and I were on the "Not so Newlywed" show on a cruise with your friends. We were the talk of the boat after the discussion about "Woody the Woodpecker".

15. I've been on missions trips to Singapore, Malaysia, Holland, Curacao and Canary Islands.

16. I love paperwork. I hate to use the telephone.

17. I received a full scholarship including room and board to college.

18. I've worked as an office manager, a school tuition/office manager, a transcriptionist, a floral designer, a secretary, a choir director, young adult ministry leader and MOM.

19. I still haven't figured out what my passion is. I really want to know what God wants to do with my life going forward.

20. My two best friends live in Florida - about a mile away from each other. :(

21. I knew my husband's brother before I knew him. They have a "unique" last name. I used to say, "Oh I feel bad for the girl that get's that last name." And now I have it! (I don't believe in karma though -- hee, hee)

22. I love chicken and ice cream. Really if there was nothing else to eat forever I'd be totally okay with that.

23. I have stupid sleep apnea. I wear a "snorkel" when I sleep (a CPAP machine). So does Jeff, when the girls have friends sleep over we have to warn them ahead of time so they don't get scared if they see us sleeping with these ridiculous contraptions on our faces. (Yeah, romantic!)

24. I love, love, love to get massages and body treatments. I've had massage, hot stone massage, seaweed body wrap, sea salt glow, hydromassage, facial, couples massage. What I haven't done and want to do is reflexology and get a massage on the beach.

25. I can't stand jewelry. The only jewelry I wear is my wedding and engagement ring. Jeff doesn't have to worry about buying me diamonds and jewels, instead I'd rather take a trip or have a day at the spa!

Well I made it to 25. It took a while actually. Hope you find it interesting....or atleast funny!

Our trip to NYC

2009-01-28T17:02:00.001-04:00

This year one of my goals was to make it to New York City with the girls to see the tree and the window display at Saks Fifth Avenue and tour the sites. I love NYC and Erica shares that love with me. Megan likes it but she gets afraid of the homeless people and expects to find them on every street corner.

Well anyway we didn't make it before Christmas but we made it the Saturday after New Years. The weather was COLD but didn't slow us down.

We drove in through the Lincoln Tunnel and this is what I saw out the front window, as usual.....

We drove around for a while trying to find a parking space instead of using the parking garage and we got very, very lucky (or blessed) and found on the street parking with a parking kiosk and it only cost us $9 for the entire day! You know that doesn't happen often in NYC. We parked right around the corner from:

The first place we went was to Rockefeller Center to see the tree. The tree actually came from Hamilton New Jersey which is about 30 minutes from where I live. I was not overly impressed with the tree this year, it seemed very droopy. It had been up over a month by the time we saw it, so that could have been why. But here are a couple shots:

Next we went to St. Patrick's Cathedral. The girls were very mesmerized by how big it was. Of course they now both dream of having their weddings there. The problem with that scenario is not only that we're not Catholic, but we're not rich or famous. Erica got much better pictures with her camera phone then I actually got with my camera. Here are two:

After that we went to lunch. Being in New York City we had the choice of cuisine from dozens of countries, famous places, dives, any kind of food imaginable....but we went to:
I know......lame!

Now that we had been "cultured" by visiting St. Patrick's and fed by McDonald's we were ready to get walking. Our points of interest were dictated my preteen daughter!
Diamonds are a girl's best friend (even a preteen)
Juicy Couture is her new obsession.

During our visit we came across a very interesting piece of art. I walked up to the guy and he said that he was a living art exhibit and that he (the guy inside) was the artist. Oh you can see anything in New York City!

Our feet were getting pretty tired so we jumped in the car and Jeff took us around the city to show us the different jobs he is working on in the city. This is one of them.

And no trip to New York City is complete without a visit to Times Square.

It's not a great shot but here's the Naked Cowboy in Time Square. He definitely was earning his money that day, because like I said, it was COLD. And by the way.....I have a Naked Cowboy story to share with you, but I'll save that for another day.

This is the crux of the matter

2009-01-27T10:35:00.000-04:00

A brilliant article

I promise I'll be back soon, really I will. Sorry to be so political but this article hits the nail on head no matter which side of the aisle we are on.

How long will the Obama honeymoon last?

2009-01-20T10:31:00.000-04:00

President Obama

Thanks for missing me friends....

2009-01-12T20:33:00.003-04:00

For you.....

2009 Vision

2009-01-12T12:23:00.001-04:00

Vision Questions for 2009

1. What skill do you most want to learn this year?

I'd like to maybe learn knitting. My pastor's wife does it, and I thought I might like to give it a try. On the personal enhancement side I'd like to learn to not get irritated so quickly. It was in Proverbs 12:16 and it really convicted me today. "A fool shows his annoyance at once." That is me and I want to change that.

2. What is one skill you already have that you’d like to improve this year?

My singing and piano skills. The voice uses a muscle and my muscle is out of shape! I haven't sang much in the last 3 or 4 years and I'd like to change that this year.

3. Name three books you most definitely want to read in 2009.

More of the Bible, don't really know but I would like to read more.

4. In what specific area do you most want to encourage your spouse? What are some ways you can do this?

Praise him more in front of my children, allow him to be the leader of our household. Encourage his walk with the Lord and to give his work stress to the Lord - by praying for him and reminding him to keep giving it to God.

5. Think of one of your major life goals. What will you do this year to make you one step closer to reaching that goal?

Lose weight.

6. Name your kids’ biggest strengths. What are some ways you can specifically nourish those strengths?

Erica's kindness/musical abilities/desire to serve God - encourage her to TRY - don't be afraid to fail or mess up, but keep trying. Encourage her when opportunities come up to minister. Remind her that being "popular" means being kind to everyone and stepping up to back up the underdog.

Megan's leadership/love of horses - encourage her to not be afraid to get back on the horse (she got thrown last year), continue her riding lessons, hopefully get her a saddle this year. Help her to grow up this year, teach her some of the domestic things that Erica already knew at her age (don't baby her so much). Encourage her to take charge and help out at church and school.

7. Name your kids’ most prominent weakness. What are some ways you can encourage their ability to overcome it?

Erica can be a follower or people pleaser. Reminder her that God is the only one she really needs to please. Encourage her to stand up for herself even when it sometimes means that others may not be happy with her.

Megan has a very bad temper (like her mother) and holds her emotions in. Prayer, prayer, prayer that she will open up more and be comfortable sharing her feelings - don't push the emotions too much because that pushes her away. don't let her get away with the yelling and screaming, don't give in to it because that makes her think that is the RIGHT way to respond - punish when necessary.

8. What is one of your strengths? Think of some specific ways you can exercise it this year.

Musical ability - use it more in church by playing the piano, singing, worship, drama and kids choir.

9. What is one of your weaknesses? Brainstorm some ideas on how you can overcome this deficiency.

Procrastination or laziness. Make a schedule for the day and stick to it. Put in times for "goofing off" but get back on track quickly. Have my devotions every day - that makes such a difference! Plan things 15 minutes earlier than I need because I'm always late for everything!

10. Think of an important relationship aside from your spouse and children. How will you nurture that relationship this year?

My sister - call her every week just to say hi. That is important to her. Plan to get together. Send a note every so often. Pray for her.

11. Name a few ways your physical health could be improved.

Lose weight!!! More exercise. Get out of the chair from typing and get outside at least once a day.

12. Name a few ways your family’s financial health could be improved.

Follow a budget - every two weeks sit down with Jeff and plan out or budget from his and my paychecks. (We started this 2 weeks ago)

13. In what way do you want to draw closer to God?

Continue to have my devotions daily. I want to start memorizing some scriptures and then praying them back to God.

14. What is one area of home management that frustrates you? Think of some specific ways you could improve your attitude about it.

CLEANING - I hate to clean, I really do. I have been keeping up with the kitchen, making my bed and straightening up but the real cleaning is so hard for me. Maybe if I planned on focusing on one or two rooms a week (besides the kitchen, my bed and laundry). I think that is doable and not too overwhelming.

15. Have you ever created a family mission statement with your spouse? If so, why not do one for this year?

This is an interesting idea. A family mission statement. I always tell the girls that we are a team and that we each have our part in the team but I think this would be great because when you have a mission you have a goal and when you have a goal you have something to reach towards. Without a goal you never know if you're "making it". I will have to consider doing this with Jeff.

16. Name one specific thing you could do with your spouse this year that will deepen your intimacy.

Write him so love letters. I read an article recently about a couple who have written each other love letters every day for many, many years and it has really enriched their relationship.

17. What is something that is continually undone in your life? What will you do to fully complete it this year?

My weight. My weight just makes everything in my life less than it could and should be. I know it is a hindrance that the devil is using against me and it's got to stop.

18. In what ways will you be involved with your local community?

Hmmmmm, never really thought about this one. Don't really know but I need to do something about that. I am dong a scrapbook club with the after school program at a church.

19. What is one thing you’d like to accomplish by your birthday this year?

Lose 30 pounds.

20. Think of three words you’d like to describe your 2009.

Fulfilling, loving, expanded.

Thanks to http://simplemom.net/ for sharing this insightful list. At the end of 2009 I'll be interested to see what progress I've made.

I really like Sarah Palin

2009-01-09T09:17:00.000-04:00

Check out this interview

Useless Information Tidbit #9

2008-12-26T09:02:00.000-04:00

Did you know there was such a thing as a narwhal? It is a whale with a horn. Erica said last night she had her sister sleep with her because at school they watched Elf and she got scared about narwhals (she's 12). Okay, where we're going to get one of these crazy things (which I didn't think was real) from I have no idea. But when she told me about it I said, Erica that's not a real thing, it's made up to be funny." "No Mom, it is real" and she showed me a video on Youtube. Yuck, it is scary and creepy. And that horn is actually a tooth that can be like 6 or 7 feet long! Sheesh.

And for your further enjoyment:

Ho, Ho, Ho at our house....

2008-12-24T12:26:00.006-04:00

I thought I would share a little of our home at Christmas with you as well as some of my favorite oranments.

Here is our tree. We put it right in the middle of the bank of windows and I really like it here, you can see it from the family room, dining room and kitchen. These kids got a mess of presents this year!

Next is my nativity scene. I really didn't put out a lot of Christmas decorations this year because I still don't have most of my regular stuff on the walls. I figured I didn't want to make holes to put up Christmas stuff so I was very minimal this year. But no matter what the nativity goes up! I love all of my pieces. I put it on top of the entertainment center in the family room with some fresh pine branches.

Next are my favorite ornaments:

First is my moose ornament. I try to get an ornament from every place that we visit. Jeff and I love Maine. I especially love it in the fall heading into winter. I really, really adore Maine and so this ornament, made of bark, is special to me.

Next we have ornaments that 1.) My girls each made and 2.) Have a picture of them in it. Can't beat that! My sweet little babies, they were 3 and 4 in these pictures.

The next one was homemade as well, I believe by Beauty #1. I love the paint and the glitter and that it has the nativity in the middle. So simple but it really does make me joyful.

Next is a sample of all the ornaments that Jeff's cousin, Deneen, has made for us over the years. She would make one for Jeff and I and then when the girls came she made one for them for every year as well. It was always a wonderful tradition to see what ornaments we would get from Deneen. This is just one of the many.

And the last one is another tradition. Every year (although I didn't get to it this year) I get an oranment with the four of us on it. Some are hung on the tree, this one happens to be a stand-alone and it is my absolute favorite. I just think he is so cute. Hey wait a minute, I just realized, he's a moose, maybe that's why I like him so much?!

Merry Christmas everybody. I hope you have a great day with family, love, laughs and wonderful memories made. May 2009 be a year of great growth for you in all ways!

Much love,

Sue

No snow......

2008-12-22T10:05:00.003-04:00

I don't know why but I am feeling a little glum today. Yesterday too actually. I feel like I could just cry right now and I don't know why.

Christmas is only a few days away, I am pretty much ready for it - just have to wrap a few more gifts.

Maybe I feel glum because we did my side of the family Christmas on Saturday and so that part of the excitement is done. A lot of times after the holiday people get the blues, so maybe that it is.

Maybe it is because on Saturday I was getting ready for the family extravaganza and we got a phone call that my BIL (who had fallen at work the day before) had ruptured a disc in his neck and was now feel week on his right side. He ended up having surgery on Saturday - they removed 2 discs and now are waiting to see what damage was done to the spinal chord. His doctor said he expected that he would go back to work (3 - 6 months) so I am thinking that is a good thing and that he will get all his feeling back, since as a police officer if he wasn't physically able he wouldn't be going back to work. But it was such a shock and I don't know why but it really brought me down. But we have good news so why am I feeling so down?

Maybe it is because there were 2 big snowstorms this weekend and we didn't get a lick of snow.....rain, rain, rain! We've only lived in the Central part of our state for 2.5 years and I am used to getting lots of snow (which of course I wasn't happy about when we lived up north). I really wanted some snow, a few inches would have been fine but nothing.

Maybe I am letting the economic news and all the "bad" stuff in the news affect me more than I thought I was.

Maybe it's because I haven't been taking my medication as regularly as I should (shhhhhhhh, don't tell DH).

Maybe it's because it gets dark at stinkin' 5pm.

Maybe it's because of some other news I got from someone very important to me and I am hurting for them.

Maybe it's because I feel like I am not a very good friend and it shows because I don't have many friends. I don't have a "group of girlfriends". I see pictures of groups of girlfriends, I see my sister with her group of girlfriends and I think what is my problem. It is my own fault, I don't make the effort. My two best friends live far away and I haven't heard from them or them me in weeks now. I've been at my church for over 2 years and I have friends but no one that I feel completely comfortable and myself with, no one that I do stuff with, although I have tried to build those relationships.

Maybe it's because I have let my devotions slip by the wayside in recent months.

Maybe it's because I stopped working on my weight and haven't been to the gym in over 3 months and have gained back a good portion of the weight I lost.

Well all I know is that it's my job to turn those things around (except I can't do anything about the snow part). I have to work at my relationships with the Lord and with others, I need to work on my body, I need to remember to take my medicine, I need to trust the Lord and have peace no matter what the news brings and I need to be thankful for the sun, which I do love more than snow!

So now that I have spit all this yuck out I need to leave you with something to put a smile back on your face and mine. So here goes.....

I need some exercise....

2008-12-16T09:12:00.003-04:00

So you may or may not know that I am a transcriptionist. I transcribe stuff. I sit in a chair anywhere between 5 and 12 hours a day, and sometimes up to 7 days a week. I don't get up from my chair I sit and type.

Well you know how it is at the holidays, lots of yummy food and sweets. I've taken a 3 month freeze of my gym membership because we had to get a new car and I felt like it was a splurge that I needed to put on hold. So I've been thinking that man I need to get some exercise. Then I remembered this.....

Well that looks like the perfect thing for me to get. The Hawaii Chair - sit and exercise while I type. It doesn't look that hard, the lady in the infomercial has exceptional abs and it will remind me of beautiful Hawaii. Wow, I think this may just do the trick.

The only thing is this is probably how it would turn out for me......

What I've done Meme

2008-12-13T13:33:00.003-04:00

I thought this was an interesting list, and in fact don't even know how many I can bold, but here goes.

(Bold the ones that you've done)

The things I have done are in BOLD!

1. Started my own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band (a concert band)
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than I can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland/world
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis Yeah, it bit me! Who knew.
10. Sung a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched lightening at sea
14. Taught myself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown my own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitchhiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of my ancestors (Germany - love it, can't wait to again)
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught myself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had my portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp (I will some day, for sure, high on my list)
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job Well it depends, my dad said he fired me, I said I quit :/
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle (5 miles an hour is speeding other me)
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had my picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Rode an elephant

Only 35 out of 100, that's pathetic. I have to get crackin' on some more adventure in my life.

My latest LOL...

2008-12-12T09:57:00.000-04:00

more animals

To help set the Christmas mood (hee, hee).....

2008-12-11T23:47:00.002-04:00

Don't forget to turn off my playlist before playing

One of my all time favorite songs....

2008-12-11T18:02:00.005-04:00

Third day is one of my very favorite bands. This song ministers to me especially the line....."Call my name, say it loud. I WANT YOU TO NEVER DOUBT MY LOVE FOR YOU IS SO ALIVE>

What a blessed HOPE!

Useless Information Tidbit #8

2008-12-10T13:10:00.009-04:00

Just thought I'd share with you that I went to school with Lisa Edelstein

She plays Dr. Cudhy on House.
She beat me out for Indian Mascot my senior year in high school.
Her dad was one of the pediatricians at my kid's doctors office.

Here's another one where she talks about growing up in Wayne and that her dad was "everybody's pediatrician". She's right! (Check it out at 3:30)

Now back to spreading world peace and Christmas cheer!

A baby changes everything and putting things back into perspective....

2008-12-10T09:09:00.003-04:00

I've been feeling bad about how I let the commercialism of Christmas really get to me this year. I guess because of how the last two years were I wanted to feel like I "could" get the girls whatever I and they wanted. So I just started buying things and didn't really budget. Now I didn't go hog wild but I went further than I should have and am feeling very convicted about it. By trying to make my kids happy I forgot about what I should really be teaching them.....that "a baby changes everything."

Have you heard the new song by Faith Hill, A Baby Changes Everything." Every time I hear it I just cry, in fact as I sit here just typing those words it makes me cry because truly Jesus did change everything, Hallelujah! I want to get my focus back on what this season really means love, time, hope and share that with my girls and those who don't yet know or believe that a baby changed everything so long ago and He still today wants to change their lives.

So from my sister-in-law a very timely Christmas look at 1 Corinthians 13.

If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls, but do not show love to my family, I'm just another decorator.

If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime, but do not share the true meaning of Christmas, I'm just another cook.

If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home and give all that I have to charity, but do not demonstrate kindness to strangers, it profits me nothing.

If I attend a myriad of holiday parties and sing in the choir but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point.

Love stops the cooking to hug the child. Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the husband. Love is kind, though harried and tired.

Love doesn't envy another's home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.

Love doesn't yell at the kids to get out of the way, but is thankful they are there to be in the way.

Love doesn't give only to those who are able to give in return but rejoices in giving to those who can't.

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things. Love never fails.

Video games will break, pearl necklaces will be lost, golf clubs will rust, but giving the gift of love will endure.

-Author Unknown
"And now these three remain: faith, hope and love.
But the greatest of these is love." 1 Corinthians 13

For some reason this just made me happy today......

2008-12-09T13:42:00.002-04:00

I just love my man

2008-12-06T16:16:00.003-04:00

This song makes me cry everything because it reminds me that my DH truly is my EVERYTHING! I love you so much, Jeff.

(Turn off my playlist before clicking on the video)

I AM SECOND....

2008-12-04T19:37:00.000-04:00

Check it out

Midnight Madness......

2008-12-03T10:32:00.001-04:00

So I have this great idea (or should I say brain fart) that I am going to go shopping at the outlet on Black Friday. Well actually the outlet opened at MIDNIGHT. I thought to myself, "Self, you'll never get up at 5am to shop and no one will go with you so why don't you stay up and go at midnight."

Well we had a great Thanksgiving (which I WILL show pictures and write about soon) and came home to relax about 9pm. I sat in my nice cozy chair and watched something on t.v. and started falling asleep. I thought, "Ah, I'll just take a little snooze."

DH woke me up at about quarter to 12. I thought to myself, "Self, you don't want to be the FIRST one there, and it only takes you five minutes, not even, to get to the outlet so don't leave yet."

At midnight I got up from my cozy chair and catnap and headed to the outlet. I figured I didn't want to be the first one there and didn't know if it would be dangerous to be there so late at night with not that many people around, etcetera.

Well HELLO that certainly didn't turn out to be the case......it took me about 20 minutes JUST.TO.GET.INTO.THE.PARKING.LOT! Craziness I tell you. At one point I seriously thought of turning around and going home but I said, "Self you stayed up to shop, you're going shopping."

I finally got a spot and went to a certain store (can't say which just in case Beauty #1 and #2 read my blog and then know where I shopped -- yeah, I'm smart aren't I!) But they were having a 50% off EVERYTHING sale. The place was so packed they stopped letting people in and there were 3 lines zigzagging around the store. I hastily found what I wanted and got on line.

I then proceeded to poke my eyeballs out with my car keys while I waited. No, no I didn't do that I actually shaved my legs and wrote my thesis while I waited. No, no, no I waited patiently while singing "I'd like to give the world a Coke" and crocheted my mom a dress for Christmas.

I mean really, I waited on line for TWO HOURS to pay for my stuff. There was a guy behind me who had stuff from 3 kids and his wife. He must have been holding like 20 or 30 pounds worth of stuff.

There were some "cutters" and complainers and the cops showed up once. At first I had a good attitude about waiting but by like 2:45 am I was ready to "cut" someone, not just the line! Yeah....that trip was a brain fart if I ever had one. Won't be doing that again next year.

No pair of skinny jeans are worth losing so much sleep and, based on the story about the Walmart employee, possibly your life.

But really, it was kind of fun going out on Black Friday, but not fun enough that I want to do it in the future.Nope, I will go back to waiting for CyberMonday and will return to online shopping. Free shipping and just as good, if not better deals, all done from the comfort of my cozy chair!

This is just too funny

2008-12-01T21:09:00.002-04:00

Jeff actually snores louder than this....but won't wake up for Cheese Doodles
Too funny

Hey also I just found out, in my prior post that I won a prize, from this site Thanks MomTrends

I've been away....

2008-12-01T10:32:00.006-04:00

Hello all my wonderful peeps. (For some reason I've been loving that word the last few days). Anywho, just wanted to stop by and show my lovely face because I know I've been a bad, bad blogger and took a few days off. I have 3 or 4 posts in the works so check back tomorrow and I will have some juicy tidbits from my "exciting" life to share.

I'll be looking for you........

Favorite Thanksgiving recipe

2008-11-27T23:26:00.003-04:00

Besides my mom's stuffing this is my FA.VOR.ITE thing to have on Thanksgiving.

CROCKPOT SPINACH

3 blocks frozen spinach
2 cups cottage cheese
2 cups cheddar cheese
1 stick butter
1/4 c flour
1 tsp salt

Grease crockpot with butter
Thaw spinach on high in crockpot for one hour
Add in all the other ingredients
Set on high for 4 hours or low for six hours.

Yum, yum, double yum!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL....

2008-11-27T11:34:00.002-04:00

Good hair day message

2008-11-23T20:01:00.003-04:00

Picture Game

2008-11-23T19:41:00.003-04:00

My beautiful friend, Pink Lucy tagged me. My very first tag in my whole entire blog life. I feel so grown up now.

So here it is:
Go to your picture file, 4th folder, 4th photo and post it.

This is Beauty #1 on her birthday (yikes I want to say 10th birthday). She has the "birthday plate" and that is saved for only the birthday girl or boy on their birthday. I see we had some ice cream, it wouldn't be a party without ice cream at our house. I love this girl, she is growing up to be a beautiful young lady inside AND out!

Let's see who will I tag? How about Beth Lois Vanessa and Amanda

Gratitude14.....

2008-11-22T18:38:00.000-04:00

Today I am thank for SATURDAY. Actually Saturday's like to today. I got up at 8am, had my coffee mocha, sat in the chair and read my scrapbook magazine for a little bit. The sun was shining. Me and Beauty #2 took a trip to the rummage sale and then me and DH took her to her horsebackriding lesson. When we got home DH went outside and started working on the mountain of leaves to be picked up while me and Beauty #2 played a board game. Then she and made a cake, I made beef stew and prepared carrots for dinner tomorrow because my parents are coming over to it.

Oh, it was a perfect day. The only thing missing was Beauty #1 was at a youth work day and so she didn't get to join us. But I know she had fun with her friends and she's at the mall now with her friends, so actually it was perfect because it was what made her happy.

Now DH is starting a fire in the fireplace, we'll have some beef stew, I'll work a little and then maybe we'll sit down a watch a movie.

Days like this are just the best. Thank you Lord, I am grateful!

Useless Information Tidbit #7

2008-11-21T10:26:00.002-04:00

Ashlee Simpson and Pete Wentz named their new baby boy......
BRONX MOWGLI Wentz.

HUH???

The most wonderful love

2008-11-20T18:20:00.003-04:00

This song has really been ministering to me lately. Some of us are going through good times, some of us going through hard times. HE.IS.HERE. Oh how much God loves us. His love is limitless, unending and cannot be duplicated by anyone or anything. He is personal, He is intimately, intimately aware of us. HE is the ANSWER. Here is a hug from God.

Love these bags....

2008-11-19T09:43:00.003-04:00

So I bought a bunch of those $1 bags at the supermarket so that I can be a little more "green" and not use the plastic bags. I really love them and it just makes me feel good to know that I am doing a little something for the environment. I'm not a "tree hugger" per se, but I think if we all do our little part we can make a huge difference. Simple mom has some great green shopping bags and is doing a give away here Simple Mom Check 'em out and maybe win!

Gratitude13.....

2008-11-18T10:36:00.001-04:00

I am thankful for scrapbooking. It seems being a mom and wife alot of the tasks I do are never ending, you know....laundry, cooking, cleaning. You never REALLY scratch them off the list because once you finish you just start again. But scrapbooking is different. I can complete a project, I can start and it has an end. And when it is done I have something beautiful (atleast in my eyes)

Scrapbooking gives me a creative outlet, it has introduced me to new friends, it has connected me with other ladies when we get to scrap together, it will be a legacy to pass on to my girls who so enjoy looking through the books and talking about the stories behind the pictures.

Scrapbooking is a blessing to me in many ways.

Rats, I forgot my gratitude yesterday.....

2008-11-16T09:22:00.003-04:00

Well I didn't actually forget I had the post in mind that I was gong to do but with the busyness that was Saturday I didn't get to it. Beauty #2 had horseback riding lessons, we went to the flea market, antique shop and fireplace store, went to see a horse about a lease, visited a couple more shops, fixed the house up for our new youth pastor who is staying with us for a couple weeks, went to Linens N Things (who by the way don't have that great of deals even though they are going out of business) and then to Home Depot. So I had one very busy day!

But I know what I am thankful for, in fact I'm having it right now.
I am grateful for my hot cup of coffee in the morning

Smelling the aroma as the coffee is brewing. Adding in my half and half and sugar. That first sip that just warms my entire body. Watching the swirling heat off the top of the cup. Warming my hands on the sides of a big, big mug.

Ah, it just starts the day off right.

Gratitude12.....

2008-11-14T22:31:00.002-04:00

Hmmmmmmmmm, I'm so tired. So let me just say I am thankful for my jersey sheets. Oh, I love me some jersey and flannel sheets. They're cozy and warm but not stifling warm. I love a cold brisk nice when I get under those covers and warm up. So I am thankful tonight for my flannel sheets, which I hope to be cozying into very soon!

Gratitude11.....

2008-11-13T20:09:00.005-04:00

I am grateful for my blog reader.....I keep track of lots of blogs: scrapbooking ideas, photography, funny mom stuff, decorating stuff, giveaways and it's all in one tidy little place instead of me having to remember and click all over webdom. It is really awesome!

This isn't my RSS feed page (tried to do a screenshot and add it here but I couldn't figure it out), but it gives you an idea of how all the info is organized. This is where I spend most of my personal computer time, this and Facebook.

Gratitude10.....

2008-11-12T19:13:00.003-04:00

Today I'm thankful and grateful that God's Word is Alive and Active in me. This week in bible study we have been talking about blessing others with our words and prayers and using scripture to pray for our needs and the needs of others. No less than 3 times this week things have come up that coincided with praying scriptures. A blog that I read (thanks to my blog friend Sherry) is Bring the Rain This past week she gave examples of scriptures to pray for our kids. I have added her link to the sidebar if you want to check it out.

I am so inspired by the idea of using scripture to pray for our needs. Sometimes I get so tongue-tied and just stupid when I pray. I know God knows everything and sees our hearts, but I want to be intentional in my prayers and I want so many things for my kids. The Word of God is Alive and Active and I want to use that power of the Word to pray over my kids, family and needs.

It amazes me when God just confirms things over and over about something He is or wants to do in our lives. When Jeff and I were going through that horrible time it literally felt that our pastor was preaching RIGHT.TO.US, like he had written his sermon because of what we were going through. It was amazing and comforting. It reinforced to me that God hears me, He cares about me and He is working in my life.

I am so glad that He is working in my life and that He has given us His Word as a training manual. God is really awesome like that!

Gratitude9.....

2008-11-11T21:14:00.003-04:00

I'm starting to forget which gratitude number I'm on. I think it is #9.

Today I just want to say I'm thankful for my puppy dog, Nemo. Ok, I'm going to sound like a nutjob but this dog reminds me of Jesus. He loves unconditionally, always thinks of everyone else first and is always there for me.

I think that Jesus gave him to me to keep me company during the day while the rest of the family is at work and school. He follows me all around the house and then curls up in his little bed next to my desk while I work. He is a gem.

I am thankful for my buddy, Nemo.

I want some of these

2008-11-10T17:55:00.003-04:00

Method's new Potpourri Ornament ($10) is a tin ornament filled with compostable wooden beads. You can reuse the ornament for years to come after the beads have lost their scent. The ornament is available with a Spiced Pear or Winter Berry scent.

Today I took a towel out of the linen closet to take a shower. When I dried myself off I was looking forward to that first swipe where you get a big wiff of the fabric softener on your towel as you warm up by getting drying the water off your body. Instead I got a smoky smack in the face. The prior owner of our home was a very heavy smoker. We had our house primed and painted and overall don't have a smoke smell problem, but our painter cut a corner and didn't prime the linen closet. I need, must have something for my linen closet. Who wants a big sniff of stale smoke right after getting clean!

I also have been smelling up the rest of the house. It just makes the house feel cozier for some reason. I am not a big candle burning person, so these just might be the right fit! And I love the two scents! I am going to have to track these things down.

Gratitude8.....

2008-11-09T15:37:00.001-04:00

I am grateful for our new car.

Jeff's car that was given to us about 3 years ago blew up last week. We were hoping to get another year out of it so that my van would be paid off and then we'd get him a new car, but it wasn't to be. So yesterday we went out and purchased a 2007 Nissan Sentra. It's a nifty car, nice looking, reliable and good on gas mileage.

So I am thankful that my husband has a safer car that will get him up and down the Turnpike in a little bit more comfort as well.

Gratitude7.....

2008-11-08T09:45:00.004-04:00

Very simple today. I am grateful that my DH is home from a 4 day long business trip. I love him and I missed him.

Gratitude6......

2008-11-07T14:23:00.005-04:00

In honor of her birthday my gratitude for today is for my VERY BEST FRIEND RUTH

What can I say about Ruth. Oh so very many things can (and will be said) but really none of them scratch the surface of what she means to me. Really I have said for a very long time I don't know how I was blessed with such a good friend. I do.not.deserve.her. That is not an exaggeration.

No my friend Ruth isn't perfect. But when I say that she is an inspiration to me I can say that in all honesty. She inspires me to become more of a woman after God's heart. She inspires me to care more for others. She inspires me to do my best.

She is kind, compassionate, nonjudgmental, strong, determined, beautiful, dependable, fun and she laughs at my jokes. She just gets me. She likes me, she values me as a person. I know that I can be completely myself with her and she understands me.

She doesn't let me use any get out of jail free cards when I need to be encouraged to do the right thing or look at an area in my life that needs attention. She cares too much to let me be mediocre.

Although we live too far away from each other right now I know without a doubt that she thinks of me every day, as I do her. I sit here and cry right now because I miss her so much and yet it is like we're never apart, because our hearts are entwined together.

Ruth, I love you. I think that is the closest I can get to telling you how grateful I am for you. Happy Birthday.

Ruth and her family

Gratitude5......

2008-11-06T16:25:00.004-04:00

A great friend of mine, we've been friends for 20 years, sent this to me last week. It wasn't the syrupy sweet friend stuff, but kind of sarcastic and just the way I like friendship! Oh and it made me giggle quite a few times, especially #6.

I am grateful for giggles and friends.

1. When you are sad --I will jump on the person who made you sad like a spider monkey jacked up on Mountain Dew!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2. When you are blue -- I will try to dislodge whatever is choking you.
3. When you smile -- I will know you are plotting something that I must be involved in.
4. When you're scared -- we will high tail it out of here.
5. When you are worried -- I will tell you horrible stories about how much worse it could be until you quit whining, ya big baby!!!!
6. When you are confused -- I will use little words.
7. When you are sick --Stay away from me until you are well again. I don't want whatever you have.
8. When you fall -- I'll pick you up and dust you off--
After I laugh my butt off!!
9. This is my oath...I pledge it to the end. 'Why?' you may ask -- because you are my FRIEND!

Gratitude4.....

2008-11-05T13:48:00.005-04:00

I have to admit I'm having a harder time being grateful today. Maybe it's the overcast skies, the whole election thing, the fact that DH is out of town on a business trip, I have tons of deadline work, but I'm not feeling as grateful today as I was yesterday!

Well that's gotta change. Because circumstances may change, but my joy and outlook doesn't have to!

So I thought what is the thing I am MOST grateful for and it was a toss up between DH and....

So, because they bring such a big smile to my face today I want to show my gratitude towards MY TWO BEAUTIES.

I am grateful for my girls because:

*They are mine.
*They make me laugh.
*They teach me and challenge me.
*They force me to be more than mediocre.
*They will always be a part of my life. I'll never be alone in this world.
*They are my legacy.
*They love God.
*They love me.
*I like being with them.

No, not everyday is walking on clouds playing harps with them. But, I would never give them up or want to be without them in my life for one second. I am thankful for that achy feeling each moment they are away from me because it helps me not to be so self-centered. And I'm thankful for the life and energy they bring to our home.

Being a mom, but especially the mom of these two girls, is the best thing I've ever done and I have a feeling will always be the best thing I have ever done. Being a mom never ends.

“When you were small and just a touch away, I covered you with blankets against the cold night air. But now that you are tall and out of reach, I fold my hands and cover you with prayer.”
-Dona Maddux Cooper

But I will be at peace....

2008-11-05T09:02:00.005-04:00

because God is STILL and has ALWAYS BEEN in control. The Bible speaks of things to come and they will come to pass, but no matter what happens in our land and the rest of the world we can rest assured, when we know Christ, that He holds us in the palm of His hand.

So it's time to move on, make the best of the situation, pray and keep our eyes on Jesus. I am so thankful that I have more to trust than a man when it comes to my financial, physical and emotional needs here on this earth. And this life is just a blink of the eye.

I am not happy.....

2008-11-05T08:57:00.004-04:00

I am not happy about the outcome of the election. It's not because I'm a Republican and "my guy" didn't win. It's not because I hate Obama. It's because it really doesn't matter. Neither of these men have the power to change this country and get it back on track. Most politicians are not out for "the people" but out for who will make THEIR lives better. It's no longer about serving, but about ego. Until this country comes back to its moral foundation (which unfortunately it never will) we will continue to lose ground.

I heard the woman on a youtube video who said she was so excited about Obama because if he became president she wouldn't have to worry about filling her gas tank or paying her mortgage. What? Huh? Uh.....yeah right. People are looking to him to be some sort of a savior and it ain't gonna happen. It wouldn't have happened with McCain either.

I am just not happy because our country has turned its back on God and in doing so we face a difficult future.

Gratitude3......

2008-11-04T11:11:00.003-04:00

I am thankful for my job. For 12 years I have been able to stay home with my children and be there when they have days off or are sick. I've taken the stress off husband and myself of wondering "what we'll do with the kids" during summer vacation and holidays because I have to work. I am a transcriptionist. I type......all day some days....and sometimes all night. I set my own schedule, I "try" and work around my family life. It's a great job. I can go to work in my pajamas, a bad commute for me is stubbing my toe on the way to my desk, there's no office politics to worry about and at the end of the week I get paid and can help support my family while being a domestic goddess (cough, cough)as well.

God brought me this job when I was pregnant with Beauty #1 and I am still or even more grateful for it today!

Making the most of the last day....

2008-11-03T14:58:00.000-04:00

Gratitude2........

2008-11-03T11:25:00.002-04:00

I am grateful for the sun. Not just that it isn't dark, but the sun, the bright, hot, glorious sun. The sun makes me happy. I am especially thankful for the sun during those dark winter months because even though I don't see it as much then I know it will be back. The sun is like a warm hug and always helps me feel better about things.

I am thankful that God gave us the sun.

Eye Candy....

2008-11-03T11:15:00.002-04:00

I just love this woman's esthetic as well as the photography.

Here's some Eye Candy it won't ruin your figure like that Halloween candy can.

Gratitude.....

2008-11-02T09:40:00.004-04:00

So my friend Midnight Scrapper has challenged us to post a gratitude post everyday for the month of November. I am going to try my hardest to do it in honor of Thanksgiving and because I do believe when we count our blessings we live much more positive and powerful lives.

So my first gratitude post will be....

I am thankful for my salvation. I am so thankful that God knew me and loved me before I was born to send Jesus to die for my sins so that I could have eternal life. But not only eternal life, but so that I could have hope for an uncertain earthly future, peace even in the midst of trouble and joy that is always present even when happiness isn't.

I truly could not live a moment without Him. And even when I am a bratty, ungrateful, carnal daughter He still loves me unconditionally. He knows me intimately and is aware of everything that happens in my life.

I love him and am GRATEFUL that He loves me.

Almond Joy

2008-10-31T19:03:00.001-03:00

So some of my friends here said they enjoy the Almond Joy from their kids Halloween stash. I never liked Almond Joy - but I got the huge bag of candy fr Sam's Club and it happened to have Almond Joy in it. Most kids don't like it, right? So I thought, well I guess I'll try it and get rid of a few of the Almond Joy because the kids don't like it anyway. Hey.....she likes it....I like Almond Joy. Now that's a piece of useless information my waistline could have done without!

Tomorrows Halloween

2008-10-30T10:07:00.002-03:00

So I am just wondering, because I know we all do it....shhhh, I won't tell.

What are the three types of candy that you "share" from your kid's Halloween candy stash?

Mine are:

1. Reese Peanut Butter Cups
2. Butterfinger
3. 100 Grand

Well I've already eaten half a bag of the stuff I'm supposed to be giving out, but there's always room for another Reese!

Changed the look of my blog

2008-10-28T21:16:00.002-03:00

Well the blogdom has opened up for me and I realize there are a lot of things I can do with this here little ole blog, so I wasted, I mean invested, many hours today changing the look of my blog. I hope you like it. I do.

And something a little more serious....

2008-10-28T16:47:00.001-03:00

Obama has managed to cultivate the image of a political moderate in spite of his consistently liberal voting record. In 2006, he published a second memoir, "The Audacity of Hope," that leaves little doubt about his adherence to the left.

"The arguments of liberals are more often grounded in reason and fact," Obama wrote in "Audacity." "Much of what I absorbed from the sixties was filtered through my mother, who to the end of her life would proudly proclaim herself an unreconstructed liberal."

National Journal magazine ranked Obama as the most liberal member of the Senate. The publication is far from conservative, employing such journalists as Linda Douglass, who resigned in May to become Obama's traveling press secretary.

The entire article

Just for fun....hee, hee

2008-10-26T09:53:00.001-03:00

Alaska Rap

Useless Information Tidbit #6

2008-10-23T10:43:00.004-03:00

# A snail can sleep for 3 years. (That just cracks me up)

# American Airlines saved $40,000 in 1987 by eliminating one olive from each salad served in first-class. (What about if we eliminated one corrupt government official from each state, how much would that save?!)

# In England, the Speaker of the House is not allowed to speak. (Those crazy Englishmen)

# The first man to die during planning & construction of the Hoover Dam was the father of the last man to die during its construction. December 20, 1922 with J.G. Tierney a Bureau of Reclamation employee who was part of a geological survey and drowned when he fell from a barge. Exactly 13 years later, in 1935, his son Patrick W. Tierney, fell to his death from an intake tower. (That is weird and actually quite fascinating)

# Atilla the Hun died of a nosebleed on his wedding night in AD 453. (That's got to put a damper on the festivities)

# The plastic things on the end of shoelaces are called aglets. (Hey, I didn't even know they had a name)

Well with that last tidbit I am sure you can now go on with your day satisfied. I know I can.

I won something.....

2008-10-23T09:42:00.004-03:00

So I figured out this awesome thing (that has probably been around forever) RSS feed and now have a reader for all the blogs I like to watch. Well instead of keeping it simple I added a bunch of NEW blogs to read. So at any moment I have over 200 posts to keep me busy on different blogs. (Shhhh, don't tell hubby)

Anyway I joined this blog about giveaways. They send you all these neat sites that are doing giveaways so you can sign up. I have been checking out some of the giveaways and came across one that has shirts for girls with all different sports. They had a shirt that says, "Born to Ride" which was perfect for Beauty #2 so I signed up for the giveaway and......I WON! Here is the shirt:

Here is the etsy shop....such cute stuff. Chick 9 Clothing

Well unfortunately, I think, the shirt doesn't come in Beauty #2's size so I picked "I run like a girl.....try to keep up" instead. Isn't that a cute saying. I want my girls to know it's not all about the appearance of the face, but about challenging the body and being healthy. So I will hold on to it and give it to her for Christmas. Here it is:

Wow, oh wow, I can't believe I actually won something.

By the way in case you are wondering, the website for the giveaways is Prizey Check it out...and check out Chick 9 Clothing's etsy shop as well.