Clover's Commentary

School is in Session...

2009-09-09T10:56:00.011-04:00

Hello, everyone!! I'm going to attempt to come back to the blogging world. I've taken the last month and a half off as I recovered from my laminectomy, but I think I'm ready to blog weekly again. I will post more about my surgery and recovery in my next post. But today is completely reserved for my adorable kids.

Jacob turned eight this summer, and he started 3rd grade yesterday. I cannot believe my (not-so) little boy is getting so big!! Some days, he seems so grown up that I want to cry. His feet went from a size 3 to a size 5 this summer (Well his shoes did, anyways. I imagine his toes were hurting a little before we got him new tennis shoes.) He also doesn't fit in any jeans from last year, so we're going to have to make a trip to Target before it gets cool. I don't even want to think about his winter coat!!! (But of course I already have. :) I found one at Salvation Army, but it needs a whole zipper replacement, so I didn't get it. UGH!) Anyways....he's growing. Like a weed. I can't keep up with him, which is how he likes it. He's a wonderful boy, and I am so proud of him. He had to get glasses this summer and was also diagnosed with asthma (like his mommy), but he took it in stride and has such a good attitude about life. I feel very blessed to be his mommy.

Clarissa turned six last month, and she just started first grade. She's sassy as ever, despite my great attempts to get rid of that attitude. Don't get me wrong -- she's a fantastic kid, too...but only when she WANTS to be. She is stubborn and definitely gives me a run for my money!! This summer, she had her first ever sleepover -- and she went away for FIVE NIGHTS!!! We were worried she'd not make it the entire week, because she had never slept over anywhere before. But...she pleasantly surprised us and has already proclaimed that she's doing it again next year. She better hope my brother and sister in law want her back!! Clarissa is trying to find her "activity" which has been pretty challenging. Jacob always knew what he wanted to do, but Clarissa is still searching for her "thing." She liked dance, but she thought it was time for something else. She is getting ready to start volleyball again, so hopefully she'll enjoy it. She, too, is growing like crazy. Her shoes went from size 12½ to size 1, and none of her jeans fit her either. I tell ya -- these kids are so expensive. Who knew?! LOL.

See you on the Flip Side...

2009-07-16T07:31:00.001-04:00

O.K., so I'm not really on vacation -- I'm just at home recovering from surgery. I will, however, be under the influence of heavy drugs, so it could be LIKE a vacation. LOL! I won't be updating my blog for a while because I'm going to spend my time recovering (and surfing SS). I'll be back, though.

Have a wonderful summer!

Prayers as I face surgery...

2009-07-13T14:28:00.001-04:00

I've been feeling a little anxious about my upcoming surgery, and here are two things a friend sent me.

O God, the source of all health.
Fill my heart with faith.
Be near me in times of weakness and pain. Although I know You are in control, I am apprehensive about what faces me. You made me, loved me, and have provided my surgeon with needed skill to perform a miracle in my behalf. Sustain me by Your grace that my strength and courage may not fail; Heal me according to Your will.
Amen.

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Psalm 23

To See. Or Not to See.

2009-07-08T17:52:00.005-04:00

Three weeks ago, I took the kids to an eye doctor. Jacob thought it would be fun and couldn't wait to get there. Clarissa did NOT want to go...until we got there, and she saw the free water and cookies in the waiting room. Typically CJ!!

We were talking as we were waiting, and Jacob asked WHY they needed their eyes checked. I told him that I had a very strong feeling that he needed glasses. Wha?? That's pretty much how he looked at me. Then, he insisted that I was wrong and told me he'd prove me wrong.

Unfortunately for him, I was right. He needs glasses. He was SO disappointed, so I tried to focus on the positives -- like the fact that he would finally be able to SEE things clearly. We picked them up Monday, and when he put them on, he couldn't believe the difference they made. He can finally see all the things he didn't know that he couldn't see.

And all is just as it should be....

2009-07-03T22:01:00.004-04:00

JACOB IS HOME!!!!!! YAY!!!!

Jacob came home from camp tonight. He had a BLAST and did nothing but talk until he went to bed. And when he put his head on his pillow, he was OUT. They said the boys were up until at least 11pm every day. Hopefully Clarissa will let him sleep in tomorrow. He made friends right away and had an amazing time.

He said he was a little scared the first night because his bunk was right by the window, which they left open at night. But, after that, it was fine. It rained on them a lot, and they didn't get to go to Lake MI because of it. They did go to the Dunes, though. He danced with a little girl at the dance last night, and he said that was really fun. He wrote Clarissa a letter while he was gone (the only one he sent), and at the bottom he wrote CAMP ROCKS really big. I'm so glad he had a great time. He has already declared that he's going next summer.

But right now, he's asleep in his own bed...so all is just as it should be.

Getting Beautified

2009-07-02T21:27:00.005-04:00

Clarissa was feeling a little down that Jacob got to go away to camp and she didn't get to do anything like that. So.....I took her for a manicure and pedicure tonight. It was totally NOT in the budget, but I did it anyways. I had to be very creative with the meal planning these last two weeks to make it work, but I did it. It was worth every penny. She felt very special, and she was all smiles tonight. What fun for her.

2009-06-28T15:20:00.007-04:00

My eight year old boy is in a car on his way to church camp. This is the first time he's been away from home other than a local sleepover, and they will be gone for five nights. He was SO excited that he woke up at 6am this morning. He ran in and asked if we could start getting ready for church. When we told him it was too early, he actually giggled and said he was so excited about leaving for camp.

So, after church this morning, we went out into the parking lot and got his stuff loaded up into the trailer. All the kids going to camp were so excited -- they were HYPER as all get out. (Made me very grateful that I can't physically take eight hours in the car so that I didn't have to volunteer to pick them up! LOL!!) I admit, I will miss Jacob A LOT this week. But honestly, I'm not all weepy or sad or anything. I thought I'd cry when he left, but I am SO grateful that we could get him to camp. I hope he makes it all week (he IS a little young for this, after all.) But even if he doesn't make it and has to get picked up, I'm so proud of him for wanting to go and having the courage to try it. I hope he allows himself to have a WONDERFUL time, because I remember how fun camp always was.

Jacob and Clarissa while the kids were getting their bags loaded. She misses him already!

Pastor Cave came out and prayed for the youth and adults on the trip.

This is Jacob and his little buddy from Sunday school.

When the youth director came out and said it was time to leave, the kids posed for one more picture. Then...they were off to Lake Michigan.

Anticipation

2009-06-22T07:48:00.003-04:00

I have to admit, the anticipation of my upcoming surgery is killing me. While I've got the normal anxious feeling that always goes along with having surgery, I am SO excited for the date to get here. Not because I want them operating on my spine again or because I want to go through that horrid recovery again, but because I'm hopeful of the outcome. I'm starting to worry myself that I've become TOO optimistic about it. If something doesn't go as planned, I'm not sure I'll be ready to cope with it. But I feel so certain that things will go perfectly and a year from now I won't remember the pain I've been suffering for three long years.

You know what changed?? I gave it all to God. I realized that I made the leap to go to the Mayo Clinic, even when people were doubting my decision. I was criticized for spending so much money (that I don't really have), and I was told that I was being ridiculous, selfish and even that I was exaggerating my pain. I wish some of the people saying those awful things could have been in that room with me when the Mayo doctors validated my uneasy feelings about my doctors here, validating my pain and confirmed (and explained WHY) radiation made me worse, and insisted on surgery at their facility with their world-rated surgeons. Enough about the naysayers, though, and back to my point. I prayed A LOT before going to Mayo. I prayed for God to tell me if this was the right thing. And I KNEW before going that it was what I had to do. I resolved myself to the fact that the doctors there may have told me that my doctors here are doing everything right. But I was O.K. with that because I HAD to know. I trusted that God was leading me there, and I'm SO glad He did.

Then, once my surgery was scheduled, I started to become a doubting Thomas again -- wondering if I was doing the right thing. People around me were again asking if I was sure I was doing the right thing and asking if I should really take the risk of another spinal surgery. I let all those fears consume me, and I wasn't listening to God or my heart. Well, now I AM listening to God. I pray about this surgery, and I know it's the right thing to do. I believe whole-heartedly that it's my best chance for a pain-free future. And I do know deep down that it's possible that won't happen, but I also know God led me to Mayo for a reason. I am putting my faith and trust in God to get me through this, and I know I will be just fine thanks to His grace. I am ready for surgery and just wish it would get here.

Of course, God knows I'm not completely ready -- I DO still have to set-up care for my recovery. LOL! If only I could give THAT to God, I'd be stress free about the entire situation.

I'll send with the refrain from one of my favorites songs.

Our God is an awesome God
He reigns from heaven above
With wisdom pow'r and love
our God is an awesome God

EIGHT?! How did that happen?!

2009-06-15T08:05:00.006-04:00

Jacob turned eight years old yesterday. I seriously don't know HOW that happened. It seems like he was just born a few months ago. We had a party for him on Saturday, and he was SO excited that his "favorite" cousin was coming. The rain held off for us, and we had a great time. They party was a huge success. Happy birthday, Jacob!!

M. I. A.

2009-06-05T14:19:00.002-04:00

I will be MIA the next few days. I'm leaving for Minnesota tomorrow and will be computer-free until I return Wednesday night. DH and I are meeting at the airport and spending the weekend kid-free, so we're pretty excited about that. We haven't been away together overnight since 2004!!!!

Monday is my appointment at the Mayo Clinic. Please pray that all goes well. Some of you know how anxious I've been about this, so I appreciate any prayers you can send my way. I'm hoping to leave with a much better picture of my future treatment plan, and I HOPE they can give me a better prognosis than "we'll try to manage your pain." I'm trying not to get my hopes up, but at the same time, I'm really excited as to what they may be able to do for me. The Mayo Clinic is one of the world leaders in spinal cord tumors. I am VERY thankful for this opportunity.

Have a wonderful weekend, ladies. I'll "see" you on the flip side.

Photo Shoot

2009-06-01T06:22:00.002-04:00

I decided to take a few pictures of the kids yesterday in an effort to get something I could use for a Father's Day project. I don't really have a project in mind, but hey, I can always use good photos. LOL!

So, we went outside in the backyard first and then took a couple inside. I'm embarrassed to say that we really don't have that many great places to take pictures (with a nice background), so we used the fence. Pretty boring, I know, but better than nothing.

Here are some of the shots I got. Let me know what you think of them.

Baseball Season is Underway

2009-05-30T21:07:00.005-04:00

Jacob started baseball practices a few weeks ago, and he had his first baseball game this morning. Their team is pretty awful, but he played great. He seemed nervous for some reason, but he had a great time. He really did play fantastic, so I was very proud of him!

Dance is Finally Over!!!!

2009-05-29T22:28:00.007-04:00

Anyone who knows me knows that I HATE sitting through dance every week. I'd never tell Clarissa that because she loves it so much, and I take her because it's what she chooses to do. BUT...she has proclaimed that she wants to play soccer in the fall, so I'm done with dance for a while. Woooooooohoooooooooooooooo!!!!

Here are just a couple pictures from tonight. I didn't get many, because I had a bad migraine all day. I did the best I could, but all the flashes, including my own, made my head throb more.

May 27?!

2009-05-27T08:14:00.004-04:00

Holy cow. It's May 27 already. Where has the time gone?! I can't believe that it's almost June. How could this be happening? Why does time pass so quickly?

It's been almost two weeks since my last blog post. I've been crazy busy, which I suppose is better than having nothing to do. Keeping my schedule full usually makes me more productive. Kind of backwards, I know, but the busier I am, the better it is for me.

I just returned from a whirlwind trip to Pennsylvania to visit my grandparents. They aren't doing well, and I wanted to see them again before it was too late. Most likely I won't be able to go back for their funerals, and I wanted to spend some time with them while I could. It was sad to see my grandmother in such a state, but I am SO grateful for the opportunity to visit with her. And I thought my grandfather looked great for just getting out of the hospital, but he's obviously suffering. I took him to church Sunday morning, and it was the first time he'd been there since late March. Everyone was so happy to see him, and he was thrilled to be there. I LOVE his church and was so happy to go with him. I hadn't been in there since my grandma's funeral, and it was just as beautiful as I remember it.

Clarissa's dance recital is Friday night. She can't wait, though most of that anticipation is being able to see Mamaw again. She just loves my mom, and she has missed her tremendously this month. She's going to be spoiled these next few weeks, seeing her three weekends in a row!! I think my mom is as excited as she is. Fun, fun, fun!! Jacob has his first baseball game Saturday, too. We were going to miss it to go to the church camp for a weekend, but now I'm not so sure. He may be there after all.

I'm heading out of state in a week and a half to see some specialists regarding my tumor. I would really appreciate any prayers you could say, both for my trip and for the appointments. I am trying not to get my hopes up, but I am really hoping they can help me beyond what my neurosurgeon and oncologist are doing here. But honestly, even if they tell me that my doctors are doing everything right, I will be happy with my visit. I need to know I'm on the right path. I'm a bit anxious about the whole trip, but I want to get there and get this addressed with them. No matter the prognosis, I am grateful for the opportunity to see the world leaders in spinal cord tumors. It's an opportunity of a lifetime.

Down Time = Bliss

2009-05-14T08:14:00.002-04:00

Last night was our bye-week for soccer, so we had no game scheduled. We probably wouldn't have played anyways, because the amount of rain we had left the fields A MESS, which can cause injuries as well as ruin the field. Add so that the fact that Clarissa's dance was moved from Thursday to Tuesday this week, and we had a light schedule this week. LIFE IS GOOD.

Last night after I picked the kids up, we went home to eat dinner. They both wanted cereal for dinner, so that's what we had. (Don't you dare judge me. I USUALLY give them a protein and a veggie. LOL!) Dinner was an easy clean-up, so I soaked our bowls and left them for later. I vacuumed the house while Jacob did his homework. When he was done, we played a few games. The kids ended the evening with checkers, and it was hysterical to watch (and listen). They crack me up....when they aren't bickering, that is. During the evening, in between games, I was able to complete three loads of laundry (it's all folded in our baskets, but I'll put it away tonight), and I made cookies. YUM.

The kids went to bed at 8:30pm, and then I cleaned the kitchen. I scrubbed the counters and floors and started the dishwasher. It was such a relaxing evening, yet I got SO much done!!! I absolutely love watching my kids do their sports, but I sure LOVED this down time. And to think...I have another two days of. We have nothing planned for tonight or tomorrow. YAY ME. :)

Happy Mother's Day!!

2009-05-11T08:50:00.002-04:00

A huge Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there. I hope your day was filled with love and joy.

I had a fantastic weekend!! I kicked it off with a mani/pedi Friday night. Woohoooo!! Saturday, I left the house at 8:45am and didn't get back until 3:00am!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I never stay out late, and I've been dragging ever since. BUT...it was so worth it!! I met a great friend at the Mega Meet at 10am, and we were there until 4:30pm. We saw some cool demos and of course bought a few things. Hee hee. Then, we went to two scrapbook stores, and out for dinner -- where we proceeded to talk in the booth until 11:30pm. We drove back to her car and sat in my van talking until 2:15am , though neither of us realized how late it was until Ron called me wondering if I was O.K. When I got home, the house was perfectly clean and ALL the laundry in the house was done. What a man!!!

Yesterday, Ron let me sleep in, and I missed church. I hate missing church, but it was nice to get some extra sleep. I jumped in the shower and got ready to go eat lunch, but the kids wanted to do presents first. They each got me a Willow Tree statue and then they got me a picture frame with the Proverbs 31:28 on it with a picture of them in it. Then, at DH's insistence, we went out to eat (we had agreed to eat at home because of my mani/pedi), and we had a great meal. The company, I mean, was great. The food was alright, but it didn't compare to the family time. Unfortunately, DH had to leave after that, but the kids and I played outside for a while. We ran to the grocery store and then went home and had a small dinner. (Really a snack since we ate a big meal at 1:30pm). It started to rain, so we watched a movie (and I napped a little ) and then it was bedtime already. All in all, a great day.

Here is what DH got me. LOL!!! For those of you that don't know, it's a t-shirt that promotes the Christian movie Fireproof.

God is Good

2009-05-08T07:48:00.003-04:00

I've been having a lot of struggles of late, and I've not been doing a very good job at leaving my problems with the Lord. I've been allowing doubt and fear get into my heart and weigh it down. I am happy to say that I have snapped out of that. I know it's selfish -- it took some good news to make me realize what I had been doing -- but I've prayed nonetheless and thanked God for my miracle this week. He is good ALL THE TIME.

1 Thessalonians 5:18
18give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

And here is one of my favorite Psalms. When I was confirmed at church, I had to choose a psalm (as well as a Bible verse) to read that either meant something to me, inspired me, etc. This is the Psalm I chose.

Psalm 100
1 Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.

2 Worship the LORD with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.

3 Know that the LORD is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his [a] ;
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.

5 For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Where is the emergency stop button?

2009-04-30T08:40:00.001-04:00

So, I've been on this crazy roller coaster ride called life for the last 2½ years, and I'm SICK TO DEATH. I desperately need the emergency stop button. I want off this ride. I want a refund, and I never want to get on this ride again.

Life Altering

2009-04-23T08:17:00.006-04:00

I'm sure you've received some of those e-mails asking all kinds of silly questions, right? If not, I want YOUR e-mail, because I get them ALL.THE.TIME. LOL! I often delete the e-mails with Fwd: Fwd: Fwd: in the subject line, but I do read some of them. And boy am I ever glad that I do because sometimes I get a really big laugh!!

I was going to do something like Letterman's top ten, but I couldn't narrow it down that far. Here are some of the funniest questions/statements I've read over the years. Enjoy.

1. Do bald men wash their heads with shampoo or soap?
2. How can someone be dirt poor and another be filthy rich?
3. When you put THE and IRS together, it forms "THEIRS"
4. What happens to an 18 hour bra after 18 hours?
5. When sign makers go on strike, is there anything written on their signs?
6. If your plan is to have no plan, do you have a plan?
7. If people from Poland are called Poles, why aren't people from Holland called Holes?
8. Why do people say something is out of whack? What's a whack?
9. Do infants enjoy infancy as much as adults enjoy adultery?
10. If a pig loses his voice, he is disgruntled.
11. If love is blind, why is lingerie so popular?
12. Why is the man that invests your money called a broker?
13. Why are a wise man and a wise guy opposites?
14. "I am" is reportedly the shortest sentence in the English language. Is that because "I do" is the longest sentence?
15. Do Lipton Tea employees take coffee breaks?
16. What hair color do they put on the drivers license of a bald man?
17. How come nobody ever says "It's only a game" when they are winning?
18. If we quit voting, will they all go away?
19. A bus station is where a bus stops. A train station is where a train stops. On my desk, I have a work station........
20. If quitters never win and winners never quit, what fool came up with "Quit while you're ahead?"
21. What are boxing rings square?
22. If electricity comes from electrons, does morality come from morons?
23. Whose cruel idea was it for the word "lisp" to have an "s" in it?
24. If Barbie is so popular, why do you have to buy her friends?
25. If quizzes are quizzical, what are tests?
26. Do illiterate people get the full effect of Alphabet soup?
27. Why do doctors call what they do "practice?"
28. How come abbreviated is such a long word?
29. Why does Goofy stand erect while Pluto remains on all fours if they are both dogs?
30. Why do people point to their wrist when asking for the time, but don't point to their crotch when they ask where the bathroom is?

Wordless Wednesday

2009-04-22T08:00:00.001-04:00

Mindless Questionaire

2009-04-21T09:29:00.003-04:00

1. Pierce your nose or tongue? Neither!!
2. Be serious or be funny? I like to laugh, so I'd say funny. *I'm* not really that funny, but I think I have a good sense of humor and like to be with funny people.
3. Boxers or briefs? Why are those the only two choices? What if it's neither?! I wear these bikini cut things, so I guess that'd be more like a brief.
4. Whole or skim milk? Skim, please. My husband says that's like colored water, but I love it.
5. Single or taken? Taken.
6. Simple or complicated? I'm complicated, thanks to my tumor. Three years ago, I would have said that I'm simple. At heart -- I am. I hate drama, and I'm so easy going. But my tumor makes everything complicated.
7. Law or anarchy? Law. I am a rule follower.
8. Flowers or angels? Both.
9. Grey or gray? Grey -- like Grey's Anatomy.
10. Read or write? Write. I LOVE to write. But I don't like to read much for pleasure.
11. Color or black-and-white photos? Color mostly, but I do love some photos in black and white.
12. Sunrise or sunset? Sunset. I don't like to wake up early!!
13. M&M's or Skittles? M&Ms. And I prefer peanuts.
14. Go to bed late or wake up late? Go to bed late. I HATE mornings.
16. TV or Radio? Depends on my mood.
17. Is it POP or SODA? Pop
18. X or O in Tic-Tac-Toe? I'm always O because the kids always go first, and they are always X.
19. Leather purse or knit purse? Knit.
20. Eat an apple or an orange? Apple. I don't do citrus.
21. What came first the chicken or the egg? Chicken.
22. Hot or Cold? I prefer cold weather, so I'll say cold.
23. Light or dark nail polish? Clear for my fingers and bright for my toes.
24. Tall members of the opposite sex or short? Tall.
25. Sun or moon? Moon
26. Emerald or ruby? Ruby
27. Mt. Dew or Surge? Mt. Dew
28. Left or right? Right.
29. 10 acquaintances or 1 best friend? 1 Best Friend
30. Vanilla ice cream or chocolate ice cream? Vanilla (Unless the chocolate has peanut butter in it!)
31. High or Drunk? I don't like feeling drunk, and I've never been high.
32. Green beans or carrots? I like both. Yummmmmm.
33. Low fat or fat free? Depends on what it is, though I don't buy much fat free stuff
34. What is your biggest fear in the world? Dying before my kids are grown
35. Silver jewelry or gold jewelry? Gold
36. Kids or no kids? Kids -- just my own or close friends'
37. Cat or dog? I am a dog person. A BIG dog person at that!
38. Half empty or half full? Half full
39. Mustard or ketchup? Depends on what I'm eating. I like both.
40. Hard cover books or soft cover books? Hard cover
41. Newspaper or magazine? Magazine
42. Sandals or sneakers? Sandals if I have to wear shoes
44. Red car or white car? Red
45. Happy and poor or sad and rich? Happy and poor...which is what I am, so I speak from experience.
46. Singing or dancing? I can't sing worth a damn, but my spirit gets lifted so quickly when I turn the music up and sing.
47. Hugging or Kissing? Hugging
49. Happy or sad? Happy
50. Purple or green? Green

He Gives Strength

2009-04-16T09:41:00.003-04:00

I've been having a pretty tough time lately. I'm 32 years old, but I feel like I'm 72! My tumor is growing, my medical records say that it's cancer, and it's affecting my daily life more than I ever imagined it would. My children are constantly disappointed that I can't do things with them, like ride my bike, run and play or pick them up. They don't understand what a tumor is and just know that Mommy has a bad back. I feel like I'm cheating them, and it's so disappointing.

I hate living like this, and I've pretty much been wallowing in self-pity. A wonderful friend sent me an e-mail with just this passage. No note, no personal message. Just this. I think I need to start reading my bible more.

Isaiah 40:28-31

28 Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.

29 He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.

30 Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;

31 but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.

Wordless Wednesday: Game On

2009-04-15T13:57:00.001-04:00

Happy Easter!!!

2009-04-13T08:41:00.006-04:00

I know this is late, but I didn't have time to get on the computer yesterday. I was enjoying the day with my kids, and then I went to bed early since I had such a bad migraine last night.

So, even though it's late, I hope everyone had a GREAT Easter. My kids really enjoyed the day, and they are enjoying Spring Break this week. I hope the rain holds off so they can play outside with the sitter!!

100 things to do in a lifetime

2009-04-08T14:00:00.002-04:00

I got this off my friend Beth's blog. I've done the things in BOLD print.

1. Started your own blog- Duh

2. Slept under the stars

3. Played in a band

4. Visited Hawaii

5. Watched a meteor shower

6. Given more than you could to a charity - I've given a lot, but never more than I could.

7. Been to Disneyland

8. Climbed a mountain

9. Held a praying mantis

10. Sang a solo

12. Visited Paris

13. Watched a lightning storm at sea

14. Taught yourself an art from scratch

15. Adopted a child

16. Had food poisoning

17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty

18. Grown your own vegetables

19. Seen the Mona Lisa

20. Traveled by 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 (solar)

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 your ancestors

35. Seen an Amish community

36. Taught yourself 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 the beach in the moonlight

46. Been transported in an ambulance

47. Had your 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

(WHERE IS #54?)

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

(NUMBERS 64 & 65 are missing, too...)

66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp

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

76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London

77. Broken a bone

78. Been on a speeding motorcycle

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 your picture in the newspaper

85. Read the entire Bible

86. Visited the White House

87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating

88. Had chicken pox

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 lawsuit

98. Owned a cell phone

99. Been stung by a bee

100. Read an entire book in a day

Amazing Progress

2009-04-07T09:19:00.006-04:00

Background: Clarissa is 5yo now, but last year when she was 4yo, she failed miserably in swim lessons. For some reason, she developed an intense FEAR of the water, and we have no idea why. She doesn't know why either -- she just cried any time she had to sit in water -- including the tub. (Thank goodness for showers). She would try to hit, kick and even bite her swim instructor. :o We pulled her out of the pool one day and never took her back. In some ways it felt like we were rewarding her and giving her what she wanted, but we couldn't put her teacher or the other kids at risk. And she was being MEAN. :o

We talked with the director of swimming, and she very politely told us that Clarissa could no longer take group lessons. She scared the other kids and of course, the instructor didn't like her either. :p

Fast forward to this winter. We used all the money DH's mom gave us for Christmas to put her in private swim lessons at the same place. We told this instructor that she has a huge fear of the water, so all we expected from the class was for her to feel comfortable enough to get IN the water without screaming and thrashing around. Imagine our surprise when Clarissa was doing THIS:

And these were taken last month when my parents came up for a visit. They took the kids to the hotel, and Clarissa was brave enough to jump to her brother!!!!!!!!!!

What Was I Thinking?!

2009-04-05T16:29:00.009-04:00

Here is our weekly schedule.

Sunday - Swimming for both at 6:10pm
Monday - Soccer at 6:00
Tuesday - Baseball at 6:00
Wednesday - Soccer at 6:00
Thursday - Dance at 5:30 and Baseball at 6:00pm

Now, if Ron was here to help me, this wouldn't be a big deal. But I work full-time, have to do all the cooking, cleaning and taking care of the house, and we have two dogs to exercise and take care of. What in the world was I thinking when I signed up for soccer AND baseball?!

2009-04-05T16:29:00.007-04:00

2009-04-05T16:29:00.005-04:00

2009-04-05T16:29:00.003-04:00

2009-04-05T16:29:00.001-04:00

Spring in Michigan

2009-03-29T20:05:00.002-04:00

When Jacob and I left for church this morning, it was sunny and 45 degrees.

When we came out of church, it was cloudy raining.

Right now, it's snowing.

Yep -- it's Spring in Michigan!

A "Free" Saturday

2009-03-27T08:04:00.002-04:00

We haven't had a weekend without SOMETHING planned for quite a while. It's been a crazy, busy life...which I like, so I'm not complaining. But because of all the chaos, combined with the fact that Ron works in KY, we've not had a date since last year. Sad, I know. A big portion of that is that we just can't afford to go out. And that's O.K. with us -- we make do the best we can. We normally have dates at home. After the kids go to bed, we plan something, from a night of You Don't Know Jack to a movie. It's not as nice as going out, but it's the best we can do, so we make it work.

Well, tomorrow is going to be different. We are going on a date tomorrow -- and I can't wait!!!!!!!!!!!! When I first told him that we were going out, he immediately responded that we couldn't afford it. I told him not to worry. I have it all figured out. And here's how.

The morning is starting out with a pedicure -- something I haven't had since last year. I purchased four pedicures last year, so my fifth one was free. I scheduled it for this Saturday. Woohhooo!

I contacted my neighbor and inquired about using a coupon for 4 hours of FREE babysitting that she gave me. I told her that we'd like her from 3:30pm - 7:30m, so it was win-win for both of us. Ron and I can go out and have four kid-free hours...and she can go out at night. She IS 22, afterall, and SHE has a life. LOL!

Ron and I are going to the movies with a gift certificate we got at Christmas. We're going to see a 4:00 show and then go eat dinner with a gift certificate I won at a school raffle.

The only thing the entire day will cost me is the tip for my pedicure, and I still have birthday money left for that. I always try to be thrifty, but this is one of the best "free" days I'll have ever planned. LOL!!

I hope you have a great Saturday, too!

PSA: Cream Pies are NOT Meringue pies

2009-03-24T13:47:00.002-04:00

Someone promised me "the best lemon meringue pie on earth" for my birthday. Sadly, I was SO excited about that because I LOVE lemon meringue pie and never get any. So, yesterday was the day. I got a box with a pie in it. But when I opened it up, I saw cool whip. I just looked at it for a minute, and then she pulled it from me and took it out of the box. She said "Are you ready for lemon meringue pie?"

Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!

The smart ass (and disappointed) side of me wanted to say "Yes. And where is it, because cool whip is NOT meringue." But I obviously would NEVER, EVER say that because it's incredibly rude. I smiled, thanked her for the pie and ate a small piece. And after she left, I looked at the box sadly - wishing that it was indeed lemon meringue pie.

Maybe next year.

Friday Fill-Ins

2009-03-20T13:23:00.003-04:00

1. Why do we have to pay taxes if politicians and corporate America doesn't?

2. Checking all foods and products Clare uses for red dye and putting medicine in my dog's ears are now habits.

3. I have a very blessed life.

4. I had never heard the phrase "I love school" from Clarissa's mouth until after conferences this week and it was really nice to hear.

5. I'm scheming to find scrapbook time this weekend the way I always do. Unfortunately, there probably won't be any time...like usual.

6. How was I to know Clare wasn't done with her cake since she left it on the table for an hour? If she wanted it, she should have eaten it.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to going to bed early, tomorrow my plans include having dinner with Tiffany and Sunday, I want to go for a walk with the dogs while the kids ride their bikes.!

When Life Gives you Lemons...

2009-03-17T14:57:00.003-04:00

Today I was nominated for a "When Life Gives You Lemons" award by the most wonderful woman that I don't know (hee hee). I don't feel very deserving of any award right now, but I appreciate that Beth thought of me. She always knows how to make me smile -- just when I need it.

Today is my birthday. And while I LOVE my birthday and usually whoop it up, this year is kind of different. Ron is in Kentucky, so we had to do gifts on Sunday. We were supposed to go out for lunch after church, but poor Jacob was sick, so we decided to postpone it until this weekend. A wonderful family from church invited us over for dinner tonight so that I didn't have to cook on my birthday (how sweet!!) But, I had to call and cancel today because Jacob is still really sick.

So, last night, I decided that I'd make do with what we had. I decided to make chicken for dinner in the crocpot. It's pretty bland so that Jacob can eat some if he's up for it, but it will still be yummy. I'll make some rice for Clarissa and some lima beans for me, and we'll still have a decent little dinner at home. At the urging of the kids, I made a cake yesterday, and the kids had our neighbor write on it, so it now says "Happy Birthday, Mom." Even though it's nothing like we planned, it is still a good birthday. It would be GREAT if my little man felt better. I don't like it when my kids are sick. :(

And now I'm supposed to:

Post the logo on my blog.

Nominate blogs that show great attitude or gratitude.

I nominate my friend Brynn, who inspires me through her loving posts that always show the affection she has for her faith, her family and her friends. I also nominate Sherry, who shows love of God, love of famil and love of life like no other I've seen. And she's pretty darn creative, too!

Link to the nominees within my blog post. Check.

Notify the recipients of the award by commenting on their blog. Check

Share the love and link back to the person from whom you received your award. That's Beth, and I linked to her above, so I think I'm done!

We ARE Sports Maniacs...

2009-03-16T09:28:00.003-04:00

Since Ron won't be here tomorrow, we decided to celebrate my birthday yesterday after church. Our plans got a little derailed because Jacob was sick, so the boys didn't go to church. We intended on going out to lunch after church, but since the boys stayed home, Clarissa and I went back to the house after church. We decided to open my presents and then go to a family diner for a quick lunch.

So......what did I get for my birthday????

SPORTS MANIA for my Cricut. YAY!!!!

I have SO many things I can already use this cartridge for -- Jacob plays basketball, soccer and baseball already, so I've got plenty pages to accent using this cartridge. I'm so pleased that Ron listens to my rambling. LOL!!

Happy Birthday, Patch!!

2009-03-10T22:16:00.003-04:00

My dog turned two today. I can't believe we've had her this long already. With all the heartache she's caused me, you'd think I would have thought she was turning ten! LOL.

The kids were thrilled to celebrate. They love birthday celebrations and insist on doing something for the dogs every year. As soon as Clarissa woke up this morning, she called Patch. When she ran in her room, Clarissa sang Happy Birthday to her. It was pretty precious.

After dinner, we presented Patch with her gifts and then gave her (and Buster) a kong filled with peanut butter. Both dogs were in heaven. And then the kids were, too, when I cut the cake I baked. Hee. Hee.

2009-03-06T09:43:00.002-05:00

1. Delivering some homemade food to a neighbor who broke their arm was my last random act of kindness.

2. Another place I'd love to visit is New Zealand.

3. Use your head in matters of the heart.

4. Coffee, tea or water -- but NO coffee.

5. Ron and I are no longer on separate paths.

6. Our dog reminds me that there is daylight every morning.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to taking a bath, tomorrow my plans include watching Jacob play basketball and visiting with my parents and Sunday, I want to sleep in a little before church!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-03-04T08:54:00.001-05:00

Give me something GOOD to think about.

2009-03-02T09:04:00.003-05:00

It's Monday.

It's Snowing.

It's the first of the month (well, today is March 2. I mean it's the BEGINNING of them month.)

It's time to pay bills.

UGH!

Friday Fill-Ins

2009-02-27T14:06:00.002-05:00

1. I'm alive, I'm awake, I want to go home from work.

2. Why do I have wrinkles and not nice skin.

3. How does this webcam work, anyway?

4. Every morning, I put clothes on my body.

5. I consider myself lucky because I am alive and can enjoy my healthy, happy children.

6. One day we’ll see retirement.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to relaxing with some wine, tomorrow my plans include watching Jacob play basketball and visiting with my MIL and Sunday, I want to get to Costco!

" I'm All In"

2009-02-24T23:07:00.002-05:00

Well, President Obama. I didn't vote for you. But I've said from the day after the election that I would remain hopeful about what you can and will do in office.

And now, after your Presidential Address, I just want to say that our future is in your hands. Literally. I feel like I'm playing poker, so I guess the correct phrase is "I'm all in." Everything I have is at stake. We're dealing with hikes in health care, paycuts that are hitting us HARD, commuting from two states to try to find work and pay our bills, etc. My children have been cheated out of TWO YEARS with their Dad...and there is no end in sight. :( The only thing we envision is doing this all for nothing -- losing one or both of our jobs, our house and the rest of our savings (which isn't much!)

After today's updated news about Ron's paycut, we've determined that our short vacation up North is not going to happen this summer. The kids are going to be CRUSHED, but we can't spend money we don't have. And now that Ron's paycut is definite, is determined and is in effect in one week...we have to cancel our reservations.

I'm trying to keep this all in perspective. I mean I know SO many people that have already lost jobs, homes, cars, etc. I know we're lucky to have our jobs and health care, even with the paycuts and cut in care and rise in cost of benefits. I DO get that. But it's so hard to accept that after sacrificing SO much these last two years, we are probably going to end up right where we were trying to avoid.

It makes me want to give up now and let them take my house. But I can't. Remember...I'm all in.

50 Questions

2009-02-24T09:48:00.002-05:00

I've done so many of these in the past, but I find that answers/tastes change over the years, so here I am doing another one. I received this in an e-mail and decided to post my answers here.

1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? Not my first name, but I have the same middle name as my mom.

2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? Saturday.

3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? Not particularly, but I'm learning to live with it.

4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? Some days it's ham and some days it's turkey.

5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? Yes, I have two kids.

6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? Of course! lol.

7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT? Sometimes. It really depends on the situation, the crowd, etc.

8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Nope.

9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? I did it when I was in high school, but I won't ever do it again. Not because it wasn't fun -- but because the tumor on my spine probably wouldn't like that jolt.

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Cheerios or Raisin Bran

11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? Yes. I hate it when the backs get pushed down from kicking them off with your other foot.

12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? Two years ago I would have said no. But now, yes. I think I'm emotionally strong. Physically -- no. lol!

13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? Butter pecan

14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? Eyes and mouth are usually the first two things I notice.

15. RED OR PINK? Either

16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? My weight.

17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? My husband!

18. WHAT IS THE PAUL MCKENNA TECHNIQUE THAT YOU NEED TO WORK ON THE MOST? Control my emotions without food.

19. WHAT COLOR SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? Black

20. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE? Do I have to answer?! I had a poptart

21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? Make a Memory by Bon Jovi. (That's what's on now -- my computer is randomly going through my music library.)

22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Green

23. FAVORITE SMELLS? Laundry coming out of the dryer, clean babies

24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? Ron

25. MOUNTAIN HIDEAWAY OR BEACH HOUSE? Mountains

26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH? Hockey, Football, college basketball, baseball

27. HAIR COLOR? Brown

28. EYE COLOR? Green

29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? Nope - haven't been able to wear them since pregnancy.

30. FAVORITE FOOD? Steak and potatoes

31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? Happy ending. I HATE scary movies!

32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? Bolt -- it was awful!

33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? My shirt is black and white and my sweater is grey

34. SUMMER OR WINTER? Winter

35. HUGS OR KISSES? Hugs

36. FAVORITE DESSERT? Lemon Meringue Pie

37. STRENGTH TRAINING OR CARDIO? Cardio

38. COMPUTER OR TELEVISION? Computer

39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW? None.

40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? my mouse

42. FAVORITE SOUND? Silence. Does that count as a sound? lol! If not, I'd say a thunderstorm. Ironic, huh? I love complete quiet. But I also LOVE thunderstorms.

43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? Who? lol! Neither.

44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME? 4,000 miles or so.

45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? Nothing I can think of

46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? central Ohio

47. WHERE ARE YOU LIVING NOW? Motown, baby!

48. WHAT COLOR IS YOUR HOUSE? Red brick with white trim

49. WHAT COLOR IS YOUR CAR? Light blue

50. DO YOU LIKE ANSWERING 50 QUESTIONS? Sadly...yes.

Hives, hives, GO AWAY....

2009-02-23T15:14:00.002-05:00

and DON'T come back another day!

AACK! I've had hives since Friday. Every time I stop taking Benadryl, they come right back. It is seriously starting to irk me! I can't continue to take Benadryl all the time. It makes me tired, and I'm sure it will eventually stop working. But without it, I'm a miserable mess.

The ONLY thing I can think of is that I tried a new wine last week. I tried it Thursday night and had hives on Friday. But I haven't had any since Thursday since I was already taking Benadryl when I got home from work Friday -- and didn't think it would be smart to drink wine with THAT in my system.

Aside from wine, I can't think of a single thing that would have given me hives. No change in detergents, shampoos, soaps, etc. The only other thing i can think of is if I have a problem with my washer rinsing out the detergent, but then I'd think Clare would have the issue since her skin is so sensitive. Other than that, I'm at a loss.

But I certainly hope it wasn't the wine. LOL!!!

Friday Fill-Ins

2009-02-20T13:21:00.002-05:00

1. Give me grief and I'll attitude.

2. Whenever I have free time, I want to sleep.

3. I wish I didn't have to worry about money.

4. A hot fudge sundae was the last thing I ate that was utterly delicious.

5. To live in this world it is necessary to read and write.

6. Other than this one, Brynn's is the last blog I commented on.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to Family movie night, tomorrow my plans include playing in the snow and Sunday, I want to have a successful fundraiser at church!

Help is On the Way.

2009-02-19T08:05:00.002-05:00

I'm having some issues at home and have a few things that are in desperate need of repair. Ron isn't really that handy when he can walk on both legs, but being on crutches makes it nearly impossible to get these things done. So yesterday I received a call -- my brother is driving up tonight. :)

He can only stay one night because his girls have activities Saturday morning, but he's going to work on my "to do" list Friday morning and into the afternoon to see how much he can get done. I am SO grateful!!! I was going to pay someone to come look at the toilet. That's why he called, actually -- my Dad mentioned to him that I was calling a plumber in. He doesn't want me to waste my money on a service call unless he knows I need a plumber, so he wants to take a look first. The gas money I will hide in his car will be less than what it would cost for a plumber to come in the house, much less do any work.

This brother and I have always gotten along extremely well, and I LOVE how willing he is to help anyone out. And I'm not just saying that because he's coming here. He is always the first one to volunteer to help my parents, my other brothers, his in-laws, his friends. He'd give you the shirt off your own back if you needed it. He has a very willing spirit and an open heart. Thank goodness he's MY brother!! :)

Thank you, God, for my blessings

2009-02-17T20:52:00.002-05:00

This weekend, my church is having its second fundraiser for a member of our congregation who is battling breast cancer. She lost her job (and her health insurance) and has been paying for insurance out of her pocket. She's obviously strapped financially, but she's also tired, exhausted and sick from fighting cancer. She's a mom who is struggling to balance her family, her health and her life.

If this has taught me nothing else, it's taught me to be thankful for all my blessings. I am so thankful for my health. I know I whine about my tumor sometimes, and it has definitely changed my quality of life. But I am so grateful that I can wake up every morning and enjoy my family. I can go to work, provide the best I can for my kids and have medical insurance. These are not guarantees in life, and I am so thankful that I have these things.

So if you are the praying kind, please pray for Diane and her family. She could really use the prayers for healing and comfort, and I'm sure her family could use some, too. Please also pray that the fundraiser goes well. We need to raise $2,000 for the Lutheran group that matches funds to donate money. Our congregation is pretty small, so that is a pretty big task. I'm praying that we come through. Diane and her family need as much help as they can get.

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

2009-02-14T12:03:00.003-05:00

Here are the flowers the kids "bought" me yesterday. We were at Costco, and they begged me to buy them. So, of course I gave in. When we got home, they handed them to me and said they were from them for Valentine's Day. Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww. We don't really celebrate Valentine's Day, aside from trying to do and say really nice things for each other all day.

I hope you have a wonderful day, however you celebrate!!

Tagged: 6th Photo in 6th Album

2009-02-12T10:20:00.002-05:00

Cali thought of me for this fun blog game, but I don't know how to link a blog.

The rules of the game find the sixth picture in the sixth album on my computer.

The 6th album is titled January2009. The picture is of Jacob's basketball game. He's the one in the middle playing defense. He stole the ball when the other team tried to pass right after I took this picture. YAY! :)

The rules say that I need to tag 5 more people. So I have tag Benita, Beth, Tracy, Melissa, Debbie.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-02-11T07:57:00.002-05:00

I Need a Money Tree

2009-02-10T09:29:00.002-05:00

February is turning out to be a very expensive month for us. Dance sign ups were last week. Jacob has been begging us to attend church camp this summer (for a WEEK - my 7yo wants to leave us for a week!), and that money was due Sunday morning. Soccer sign ups are tonight. Baseball sign ups are next week. And my birthday is next month, so I had to mail my car and license registrations in. Those are all WAY more than my normal budget. Why do all these things have to hit at once???? Especially baseball. Why on earth do I have to register him for baseball NOW since it doesn't start until June?! I desperately need a money tree.

My kids are on winter break from school Thursday, Friday and Monday. Initially, we were going to go to Kentucky to visit Ron. But, Jacob already missed one week of basketball when he had strep throat, so Ron didn't want him to miss anymore. Besides that, we really can't afford the gas to drive down there and certainly can't afford to do anything, so there is no point in trying to go. Now we're staying home. Of course, both kids want to do SO many things. But the money just isn't there. I know they are blessed and will be FINE. But I hate having to say no to so many things because we just can't afford it. I want to give them so much...but I can't. Now I know how my parents felt when we were kids.

It's depressing, and I'm just wallowing in my own self pity. Please ignore me, but I just had to get this off my chest. Ron and I have jobs, we have health care, we have food and shelter -- so we're already doing better than so many others. I am grateful for all those things. I just wish we could go back to the times of 2006 -- before Ron lost his job, before we had two households and lived apart and before we had so much debt from trying to make this bi-state thing work. We were never "well off" but we paid our bills with ease. I mean, we lived check to check then, too...but I never had to worry about paying a single bill. I wish I could say that now.

But I do want to end this big ole fat whine on a positive note. I have healthy, happy children that are growing like weeds. I am proud of them, and I love them very much. I am doing the best I can for them, and I hope they can appreciate that as adults, as I appreciate what my parents did for us.

Friday Fill-Ins

2009-02-06T09:46:00.002-05:00

1. Please don't tell me the ending to anything I've not seen.

2. Can you get showered and out the door in twenty minutes in the morning?

3. The color green makes me want to party!

4. I have a craving for Texas Roadhouse -- my word Clarissa has rubbed off on me.

5. If my life had a pause button, I'd pause it while my kids were smiling.

6. Eyes are the entry to the soul.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to watching Greys and Private Practice on DVR, tomorrow my plans include watching Jacob play basketball, cleaning and scrapping and Sunday, I want to go out to eat if I can tweak the budget a little!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-02-04T08:28:00.001-05:00

Martin Luther King Said it best...

2009-02-03T08:26:00.003-05:00

Everybody can be great... because anybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.

Lately I've been reflecting on my life, and I've been trying to determine what positive changes I can make in my life to make it better. Don't get me wrong -- I have a great life. Sure, I have some medical issues and a husband living in a different state, but all in all, my life is good. I have clothes, food, shelter and above all, healthy and happy children. I try to keep my problems in perspective, though it's sometimes hard to do. I am very blessed and I thank God for all that I have.

Despite "having it all" I have just felt that something is missing, and I've been soul searching to see what it is. I think it all started when I wasn't able to adopt a family for Christmas this past year. It broke my heart, and I missed that giving opportunity. But I didn't realize how much it affected me until last night. When I got home from work, I could smell natural gas -- and it was strong. I had Ron call the gas company, and they were there in less than fifteen minutes. DTE used their machines and determined that the smell was coming from our neighbors' house. Apparently, their furnace broke over the weekend, and they were using their stove to heat their home. The gas smell was unbelievable outside -- I can't imagine how horrible it was in that house!!!

I called the company I use for furnace repairs, and they sent someone out to check the furnace. The people that live there told him they can't afford the service fee, much less to fix the furnace, so they were going to send him away. He told them that he was instructed to check out the furnace and that the fee was taken care of. My neighbors assumed it was because of DTE, so they let him in. Truth is, I had told them when I called that I would pay for them to come out and take a look. Unfortunately, the furnace is shot. It's 26 years old and needs replaced. That I can't help them with. Despite getting bad news, it felt great to help them out. I sincerely wish it would've had a different outcome, but I did the best I could. And the important thing is now they know not to try to run the furnace at all (which is what they were doing while having the stove on.) The furnace repairman detected a lot of carbon monoxide in the house, and they don't have a detector.

It felt great to be able to help my neighbors out, though I don't have the funds to service this way continually. I need to find ways to serve others that can use my time or talents. That is my personal challenge -- to find more opportunities to serve others. I want to show my gratitude to the Lord for all the wonderful things he's given me. And since money is tight, I need to be creative and find other ways to help people. I've helped at soup kitchens and that in the past, but I need to do more. I WANT to do more.

Down in their hearts, wise men know this truth: the only way to help yourself is to help others. -- Elbert Hubbard

You have not lived a perfect day, unless you have done something for someone who will never be able to repay you. -- Ruth Smeltzer

Everyone Needs a Laugh...

2009-01-31T09:30:00.001-05:00

As a senior citizen was driving down the freeway, his car phone rang. Answering, he heard his wife's voice urgently warning him, "Herman, I just heard on the news that there's a car going the wrong way on 280. Please be careful!"

"Heck," said Herman, "It's not just one car. It's hundreds of them!"

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A blind guy on a bar stool shouts to the bartender, "Wanna hear a blonde joke?"

In a hushed voice, the guy next to him says, "Before you tell that joke, you should know something."

Our bartender IS blonde, the bouncer is blonde. I'm a 6' tall, 200 lb black belt. The guy sitting next to me is 6'2", weighs 225, and he's a rugby player. The fella to your right is 6'5" pushing 300 and he's a wrestler. Each one of US is blonde. Think about it, Mister. Do you still wanna tell that joke?"

The blind guy says, "Nah, not if I'm gonna have to explain it five times."

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Linda Burnett, 23, a resident of San Diego, was visiting her inlaws, and while there, she went to a nearby supermarket to pick up some groceries.

Several people noticed her sitting in her car with the windows rolled up and with her eyes closed, with both hands behind the back of her head. One customer who had been at the store for a while became concerned and walked over to the car.

He noticed that Linda's eyes were now open, and she looked very strange. He asked her if she was okay, and Linda replied that she'd been shot in the back of the head, and had been holding her brains in for over an hour.

The man called the paramedics, who broke into the car because the doors were locked and Linda refused to remove her hands from her head. When they finally got in, they found that Linda had a wad of bread dough on the back of her head.

A Pillsbury biscuit canister had exploded from the heat, making a loud noise that sounded like a gunshot, and the wad of dough hit her in the back of her head. When she reached back to find out what it was, she felt the dough and thought it was her brains. She initially passed out, but quickly recovered and tried to hold her brains in for over an hour until someone noticed and came to her aid.

And, yes, Linda is a blonde.
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BUMPER STICKERS
Few women admit their age. Few men act theirs

All men are idiots....I married their king

Be nice to your kids...They will pick out your nursing home.

Stop repeat offenders. Don't re-elect them!

Jack Kevorkian for White House Physician (This is an OLD one before someone accuses me of being racist, making threats, etc. I saw this when W was in office)

A Mother's Dictionary

2009-01-30T09:30:00.000-05:00

Bottle feeding: An opportunity for Daddy to get up at 2 am too.

Defense: What you'd better have around de yard if you're going to let the children play outside.

Drooling: How teething babies wash their chins.

Dumbwaiter: One who asks if the kids would care to order dessert.

Family planning: The art of spacing your children the proper distance apart to keep you on the edge of financial disaster

Feedback: The inevitable result when the baby doesn't appreciate the strained carrots.

Full name: What you call your child when you're mad at him.

Grandparents: The people who think your children are wonderful even though they're sure you're not raising them right.

Hearsay: What toddlers do when anyone mutters a dirty word.

Impregnable: A woman whose memory of labor is still vivid.

Independent: How we want our children to be as long as they do everything we say.

Look out: What it's too late for your child to do by the time you scream it.

Prenatal: When your life was still somewhat your own.

Preprared childbirth: A contradiction in terms.

Puddle: A small body of water that draws other small bodies wearing dry shoes into it.

Show off: A child who is more talented than yours.

Sterilize: What you do to your first baby's pacifier by boiling it and to your last baby's pacifier by blowing on it.

Storeroom: The distance required between the supermarket aisles so that children in shopping carts can't quite reach anything.

Temper tantrums: What you should keep to a minimum so as to not upset the children.

Top bunk: Where you should never put a child wearing Superman jammies.

Two-minute warning: When the baby's face turns red and she begins to make those familiar grunting noises.

Verbal: Able to whine in words

Whodunit: None of the kids that live in your house.

Whoops: An exclamation that translates roughly into "get a sponge."

A kid's view on marriage

2009-01-29T09:28:00.002-05:00

What Exactly Is Marriage?
"Marriage is when you get to keep your girl and don't have to give her back to her parents" -Eric, six years old

"When somebody's been dating for a while, the boy might propose to the girl. He says to her, 'I'll take you for a whole life, or at least until we have kids and get divorced, but you got to do one particular thing for me.' Then she says yes, but she's wondering what the thing is and whether it's naughty or not. She can't wait to find out." -Anita, nine years old

How Does a Person Decide Whom to marry?
"You flip a nickel, and heads means you stay with him and tails means you try the next one." -Kelly, nine years old

"My mother says to look for a man who is kind....That's what I'll do....I'll find somebody who's kinda tall and handsome." -Carolyn, eight years old

Concerning the Proper Age to Get Married
"Once I'm done with kindergarten, I'm going to find me a wife" -Bert, five years old

How Did Your Mom and Dad Meet?
"They were at a dance party at a friend's house. Then they went for a drive, but their car broke down...It was a good thing, because it gave them a chance to find out about their values." -Lottie, nine years old

"My father was doing some strange chores for my mother. They won't tell me what kind." -Jeremy, eight years old

What Do Most People Do on a Date?
"On the first date, they just tell each other lies, and that usually gets them interested enough to go for a second date." -Martin, ten years old

"Many daters just eat pork chops and french fries and talk about love." -Craig, nine years old

When Is It Okay to Kiss Someone?
"You should never kiss a girl unless you have enough bucks to buy her a ring and her own VCR, 'cause she'll want to have videos of the wedding." -Allan, ten years old

"Never kiss in front of other people. It's a big embarrassing thing if anybody sees you....If nobody sees you, I might be willing to try it with a handsome boy, but just for a few hours." -Kally, nine years old

The Great Debate: Is It Better to Be Single or Married?
"You should ask the people who read Cosmopolitan" -Kirsten, ten years old

"It's better for girls to be single but not for boys. Boys need somebody to clean up after them" -Anita, nine years old

"It gives me a headache to think about that stuff. I'm just a kid. I don't need that kind of trouble." -Will, seven years old

Send him to camp...or not???

2009-01-28T15:17:00.001-05:00

Jacob wants to go to church camp this summer, but I'm having some trouble with it. First of all, I have a hard time making a financial commitment NOW for something happening in June. Secondly, I am a little worried that he won't be able to handle it. You're supposed to have completed third grade to go, but the youth director invited him because he's so mature. Plus, the boy in third grade in his Sunday School class will only go if Jacob goes.

He will only know one boy there his age, and then the youth director from our church and a few older kids would be there the same week. It's FIVE NIGHTS. He says he can handle it, won't miss us or be too scared, won't want to come home early, etc.

Ron thinks I'm wavering about it because I don't want him to be away for that long. I'm sure there is part of my brain that thinks that, but I just don't know if he's ready for five nights away. That's a long time. He's done fine staying the night at friends' houses, but that just ONE night.

What do you think? Do you think a seven year old can handle that? (He'll turn 8 two weeks before they go.) I have to decide in the next week, and I'm really torn. I just don't know if he can do it or not.

TWENTY-FOUR

2009-01-27T14:19:00.002-05:00

Yeah, baby!!! That's my page count total from this past weekend. I got eleven double page spreads done and a front and back single page for Jacob's book. YAY!!!!!!!! He's now caught up through March 2008.

I can't believe it. I started scrapbooking in 2005 and really didn't get that serious about it until I found Scrapshare in 2007. I've managed to get his books done June 2001 - March 2008. Clarissa is done August 2003 - September 2007. I also made a couple family books. I think I made one in 2005, 2006 and 2007. I still need to make 2008, and I plan to start with January and keep 2009 current. I am THRILLED with this progress.

My MIL is visiting Saturday, so I may get more time down there, too!!!!! She basically wants to see the kids, so after I make and serve lunch, I can slip downstairs. :)

I just wanted to share my joy. I knew I did a lot, but I didn't realize I did that many pages!! Woooohooooooooooooooo.

Weekend Plans

2009-01-23T07:25:00.000-05:00

I'm so excited that the weekend starts at 4pm today. I SO need this weekend. It's been a long, crazy week, and I need some FREE time. Some ME time. Some free me time.

Tonight Jacob has basketball practice and tomorrow he has a game in the morning. Then, the day is mine. I've got a little cleaning and laundry to do, but I am determined to spend some time scrapping this weekend. I need to unpack my stuff from SSMI3, and I'd like to cut titles for the TWELVE pages I did there, as well as work on some other layouts. It will be the nice break I need from all the craziness we've had this week.

Sunday is church at 11am and then we're home for family time all day. We'll probably play the Wii a little, and we'll definitely play some UNO and other board games. Maybe we'll even watch a movie. Whatever we do, it will be nice and relaxing because we'll be together.

So, what do YOU have planned for this weekend?

Wordless Wednesday

2009-01-21T08:17:00.001-05:00

Lucy Loves Me Afterall...

2009-01-20T08:59:00.002-05:00

I can't even tell you how AMAZING my kids are. I stopped at the grocery store on the way home from work last night, so I got home a little late. I was trying to rush at the store since I knew DH couldn't make them dinner on his crutches. I fully expected to walk into a house of cranky family members wanting dinner and complaining that I was so late.

Instead, I walked into a house that smelled WONDERFUL. I could smell the kitchen cleaner as soon as I opened the side door. Jacob was still mopping the kitchen floor, and he just looked up and smiled. My kitchen was completely clean, and it smelled SO good!!! They loaded the dishwasher, and it was running. Their rooms were cleaned (including dusted!) They picked up the house and ran the vacuum. They cleaned up the kitchen counter and took all the laundry downstairs for me.

I was in shock -- the great kind, of course. I thanked them profusely (I even cried at their gesture), and we hung out all night. We played a few games, I baked them cookies and we watched a little Planet Earth. What a fantastic night--much better than what I had planned! They did a great job for their age, and I have no complaints. Tomorrow I do need to clean the kitchen sink and counters a little when I come home from lunch, but I don't want them to see me re-doing them, so I'll wait until then.

The most amazing part of all of this is that Ron said it was Clare's idea. She said they should help me out since I've been doing so much for Daddy lately on top of taking care of them. (Can she really be MY daughter?!) Jacob agreed to help, and they got A LOT done for me. I was expecting a long night of cleaning, and instead, I got to spend quality time with the kids. What a night!

Recital Time...

2009-01-16T23:26:00.004-05:00

Clarissa was so excited to perform at her dance recital tonight. She did great, not that we expected anything less from her. We didn't even get to the car when she asked me if I signed her up for the next session!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Question of the Day...

2009-01-15T14:09:00.001-05:00

If you had the choice, would you choose to be a big fish in a little pond or a little fish in a big pond...and WHY?

Wordless Wednesday

2009-01-14T09:01:00.002-05:00

One Word

2009-01-11T22:16:00.002-05:00

I'm planning my Book of Me, and I want to do the One Word layout that Stacy and Benita did. In order to do that, I need people to give me "One Word" that describes me. If you're so inclined, please post a comment or send me an e-mail with one word that you think describes me.

Praying for a Friend

2009-01-10T10:43:00.002-05:00

The first thought I had when I woke up this morning was that Ron needed more medicine. But then my very next thought was that someone I chat with on the internet is having a memorial service for her son today. I've been sad all morning, and I can't focus on anything I'm doing because all I can think of is Kristin and her family. I can't imagine the pain they are feeling, and I'm so very sorry for their loss. Today, I continue to pray for their healing. My thoughts and prayers are with them more today than they have been in the last week.

Ron's Home

2009-01-09T16:52:00.003-05:00

We got home from the hospital today, and Ron is doing well. The surgeon said
there was more damage than the MRI showed, so the repair means his recovery
will be longer than expected. He repaired the tear in his knee, but there
was also what he calls a "pot hole" on the bone, so he drilled holes in it
in hopes that scar tissues would grow into it and help protect it from
rubbing. Had he not done that, he anticipated that Ron would have arthritis
in it pretty badly pretty soon.

This changes our whole plan. Ron will have to be on crutches (or "crunches" according to Clarissa) for four weeks now, instead of one week, and it's non-weight bearing until he sees his doctor in two weeks. He's going to try to go back to work after that (in two weeks), with the understanding that he has to use his crutches, but it will depend on what the doctor thinks when he sees him. The dr. is open to
him going back to work if he can trust Ron to follow directions. Therein lies the problem.

We've ordered a CPM machine, which will hopefully be delivered tomorrow.
The idea is that using this so soon after surgery will prevent scar tissue
from developing, and the problem of stiffness would not be a concern. He is also getting this brace that pushes super cold water through it to ice his leg. It better work, because it is costing me A LOT!!!!!

He's pretty loopy right now, and I plan to keep him drugged for the first
two days. He said on the way home that he wasn't going to take pain
medication if he felt good later, but I told him that wasn't an option. Dr.
said to stay ahead of it for 48 hours, then as needed, so that's what we're
doing. Plus, he's grumpy when he's in pain!

So, that's about it. He's doing well, but he's just bummed about the longer
recovery.

One Word

2009-01-06T15:20:00.000-05:00

I snatched this from Lindsay's Blog. I've done it in the past, but it's been a while. You have to answer each question with just one word. Sounds easy enough. Truth is, it's harder than you think!

1. Where is your cell phone? purse
2. Significant other? Ron
3. Your hair? short
4. Your mother? strong
5. Your father? supportive
6. Your favorite thing? sleep
7. Your dream last night? vivid
8. Your favorite drink? Water
9. Your dream/goal? Move
10. The room you're in? Bedroom
11. Your hobby? scrapbooking
12. Your fear? Claustrophobia
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Kentucky
14. Where were you last night? Home
15. What you're not? thin
16. Muffins? YUM
17. One of your wish list items? Flash
18. Where you grew up? Ohio
19. The last thing you did? Eat
20. What are you wearing? Sweats
21. Your TV? Off
22. Your pets? Dogs
23. Your computer? Work
24. Your life? Weird
25. Your mood? Hmph
26. Missing someone? yes
27. Your car? Chrysler
28. Something you're not wearing? bra
29. Favorite store? Target
30. Your summer? distant
31. Like someone? definitely
32. Your favorite color? green
33. When is the last time you laughed? today
34. Last time you cried? today

Tumor Update

2009-01-05T15:04:00.001-05:00

I had my follow-up appt. with my oncologist today, and my tumor hasn't grown. YAY! That's obviously a big praise.

I am asking for more prayers for my health, though. Even though my tumor has not grown, it also has not started to regress yet. And, the area around the tumor and my nerve sheath is showing a change, but they can't say what it is or why it's changing.

The dr. was very disappointed about not seeing any regression and really wants to do more radiation. I am trying to put that off because I'm not physically, emotionally or mentally prepared for that again (or financially, to be totally honest.)

He also told me to stop ALL exercise. He went on explain why -- something about the nerve and muscles around the tumor not receiving enough blood, so he's worried that if I increase blood flow by exercising, I'll have permanent damage in that area. But honestly, for someone who needs and WANTS to lose weight, I was so disappointed. He already had me doing nothing but walking on the treadmill, but now I'm only permitted to do the walking required for a normal day. (I'm wondering if I can count the Wii Fit as "normal" activity.)

Enjoying Presents...

2008-12-30T12:02:00.002-05:00

Well, Christmas is over, and we're trying to get the house back in order. Today will be a big cleaning day, as the house is still destroyed. And it's driving me NUTS. We did get the tv moved so that we have more room to play the Wii. And while I HATE the new layout, we had a blast playing last night. And yes...I'm VERY sore. LOL!

Clarissa LOVES the hair stuff her cousins got her, and she's asked for hair dye and extenstions every day. She really likes this look and was thrilled last night at the mall when people were commenting on her "punk rocker" hair.

Jacob has been bouncing from Legos to board games to Legos to his remote control car back to Legos. The Legos are by far is favorite gift. But since they are all currently in his bedroom and no girls are allowed in there (hee hee), I haven't taken a picture of that mess yet. Here he is doing his car. Don't mind the mess -- we're still trying to clean!

Christmas is officially over here.

2008-12-27T21:52:00.002-05:00

Our Christmas celebrations started on the 20th of this month with Christmas in Ohio at my parents' house. Great fun was had by all, watching the nine grandkids run around and play.

Then, we had Christmas here at home on Christmas Day. After lunch, my parents came up with more presents and we had a big dinner. Following dinner, we went to their hotel to go swimming, and the kids had a blast. After swimming and showers, we came back to the house for Jesus' birthday celebration. It was a hit.

Yesterday, we had Christmas in Toledo with Ron's family. Of course, the kids got more presents, and they had a lot of fun playing with their "Kentucky cousins." We only see them about once a year, so they always have fun running around in the basement while the adults talk upstairs. It was a lot of fun, and we got home LATE last night.

So this morning when we woke up, the kids realized that Christmas is now over. I must say, I was delighted to find out that they weren't *only* interested in the presents. Of course they liked the presents, but they both said that they were sad they won't see their cousins for a while again. It was heart warming to know that they enjoyed the family time, and they both really got into the spirit of giving this year. We didn't have a lot of money to give this year, but we did our best. And the kids really enjoyed it.

Christmas was a success. But it's over. :( Until next year...

Christmas was a Success!!

2008-12-25T12:08:00.005-05:00

Santa really came through for Jacob this morning. He was THRILLED when he opened his Lego set. He never thought he'd get it because we kept telling him it was just too expensive. It's ALL he wanted, and he kept looking at it with a smile while he opened his presents from us. Thank goodness for Santa!!!

Clarissa liked her doll bed from Santa, but she REALLY liked the play computer Jacob got her. She's been asking for it for sometime, but it was too expensive, too. Ron found it at Kohls on Black Friday for $15, so we got it for her. She was thrilled with it and has been playing with it since!! She was also shocked with her Camp Rock DVD and game. I'm sure we'll play the game later today...and even watch the movie!

Christmas Eve

2008-12-24T21:28:00.004-05:00

We've had a wonderful time getting ready for Santa today. The kids helped me bake a cake for Jesus' birthday tomorrow, they made cutout cookies with Daddy to leave for Santa and they got all ready for church tonight. They have been very excited all day, and they are just getting around for bed right now.

I thought I'd share some photos of us before church tonight. I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas tomorrow!!!!!!!

Christmas in Ohio

2008-12-22T18:38:00.005-05:00

Well, I made the decision Thursday afternoon to pack up and hit the road to Ohio. When I picked the kids up from school and told them we were leaving for Mamaw and Grandpa's house, they were pretty confused. Both of them were concerned about possibly missing school Friday, and CJ was DEVASTATED about missing dance. But, when I explained that we may not be able to go if we didn't go that evening, they both jumped at the chance to get on the road.

Well, we got over 10 inches of snow early Friday morning and into the afternoon, so school everywhere around here was canceled. Thank goodness I made the right decision!! I would NOT have wanted to be snowed in here with two kids that were missing Christmas with their cousins, nor would I have wanted to screw up my mom's family pictures!

On the way there, CJ got sick. Unfortunately, it wasn't just car sickness -- it was the flu!! :( By midnight, she had a raging fever and was shivering like crazy. That poor kid was miserable until later Friday afternoon. Luckily, it passed quickly, so she was able to enjoy the time with her cousins Saturday.

Here she is after she opened one of her gifts. She was THRILLED to get hair dye and a hair extensions kit. She LOVES that sort of thing!

Jacob also loved his gifts. He is infatuated with Legos right now, so he smiled ear to ear when he opened this. He also got an authentic Detroit Tiger jersey, which immediately went on over his shirt.

To go...or not to go. That is the Question.

2008-12-18T13:36:00.002-05:00

The kids and I are supposed to leave for our family Christmas in Ohio as soon as they get out of school tomorrow. I have the day off and was going to plan on picking them up at 4:00 and getting straight on the expressway.

Unfortunately, Mother Nature may change those plans. :( :( We are now expecting to get anywhere from 6 - 15" of snow, as well as some freezing rain overnight. They first estimated that it would start around 4:00am, and now they're saying as early as midnight. I honestly think they don't have a clue and are just throwing darts!

I got to thinking that maybe I should just take them tonight. If we really get that much snow in such a short amount of time, school will be canceled. But I have reservations about risking them missing a day of school in the event it's NOT canceled. I know it's only elementary school, but I don't pull my kids out of school for things like this. What if we go and the storm is weaker than they expect or even misses us?! They will have missed school for NOTHING.

On the flip side, if we stay and it comes, we may not be able to get to Ohio tomorrow. As much as I love snow, I wish the timing was a little different on this. I'm not sure what to do. I'll have to check the weather radars later this afternoon and make a decision.

Wordless Wednesday

2008-12-17T08:39:00.000-05:00

Monday Mania

2008-12-15T12:19:00.002-05:00

It's the start of ANOTHER week -- where does the time keep going?! I have a lot to do this week, so I'm a little stressed out. (Maybe THAT'S what gave me a migraine last night!) We have Christmas with my side of the family this weekend. I already wrapped all the presents, but I need to find something to make for dinner. It's hard because my brothers live close, so they make their stuff at their house and bring it. I have to make something in the crockpot or get something to serve cold, because I stay at mom's -- and she cooks the ham in one oven and the turkey in the other. She has a roaster...but she won't use it!!!

I'm also a little stressed because we're going to attempt a family photo this year - with all 18 of us. This ought to be really interesting!!!! There are 9 kids, with the oldest being my 7yo son. Normally, we just get a picture with the grandparents and the 9 kids, but this year, they would like it with all of the adults, too. My dad always gets upset when they just take one or two -- they are planning on taking A BUNCH, so we'll be there for a while. After we leave the studio, I'm hoping my brother will take a few pictures of my family of four. We normally have one done at Sears every year, but that's not in the budget this year. If he can take a nice one, I can print it at Costco.

The kids have a Christmas concert for school this week, and Jacob is VERY excited. Clarissa, however, is not and says she is not singing in front of all those people. Seeing as how she got up with her Sunday School class yesterday at church and just stood there, I think she's telling the truth. I'm not sure what started this stage freight stage -- she never used to be this way. Oh, well. We'll see what kind of memories she gives us on Tuesday! LOL!

Love them and leave them...

2008-12-14T12:31:00.002-05:00

Yesterday, I got to go out and spend some time with Tiffany and her family, including meeting new baby Ashlyn. They are all doing great - Tiffany looks amazing, Morgan is the best big sister there is, and Ashlyn is just a doll. Here is a picture I took of Morgan and Ashlyn during our visit.

When I came home, the neighborhood Christmas party was just ending. The neighbors were outside talking, and they were all giving me crap about missing the party. One of our neighbors said I must me longing for another baby. Just the opposite, I explained. I love to hold babies, and I love the baby smell. I'll even feed them and change them when necessary. But I am a "love them and leave them" kind of gal. I will spend hours loving them, but have no problems leaving them! LOL.

What a Lovely Surprise

2008-12-12T11:16:00.002-05:00

Yesterday when we got home, I asked Jacob to get the mail out of the box for me since my hands were full. He opened it up and shouted "there's a box. I hope it's for me!"

He pulled it out, and it was a small white box. I couldn't figure out what we'd be getting in that size box. By this time, he said "Aw, man, it's for mom." Hmmmmmm. What on earth did I order?!?!

NOTHING. I didn't order anything. I got a lovely box from Brynn -- full of hair clips for Clarissa. That was so nice of her!! I took the Christmas one out and gave it to her immediately (she thought that was all that was in there), and I hid the rest. I intend to put them in the purse I had made for her for Christmas. She loves the Christmas one and wants to wear it to the kids' Christmas program at church this weekend, so I'm sure she'll love getting the rest on Christmas.

Thanks, Brynn!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hectic couple of days ahead...

2008-12-11T15:25:00.002-05:00

Tonight will be a little crazy. DD has dance, I have to make cookies for the kids to take to the church Christmas party tomorrow, I REALLY need to vacuum, I need to do a load (or two) of laundry, and I really need to put clothes away. I'm not sure I can get all the chores done since we have to go to dance, but I'm going to try.

Tomorrow the kids have their Christmas party at church, so I'll have about an hour to myself (unless they need me to stay and help). If I can drop them off, I plan to go home and power clean for a good 40 minutes or so. The house is picked up (except the hanging clothes and laundry baskets in the basement), but I need to dust, wash windows, scrub the counters and do the floors. I can do it fast if the kids aren't around. If they need my help at church, I'll do my chores early Saturday morning before we head out.

Sat AM both kids have dentist appts. I'm getting a much-needed haircut and we have our neighborhood get together Sat afternoon. We also need to get to Home Depot to get parts to fix an electrical problem we're having, so hopefully our neighbor will have time to go with us -- we have NO idea what we need! I just pray our neighbor can fix it like he thinks he can--and that it's done right!

Sunday is the kids' Christmas program at church. I can't wait to see it - the kids do the entire service Sunday, including the message. It's really fun, and they always do a great job. Clarissa is singing like she did last year, but Jacob gets to help with the service. YAY! He's very excited, and so are we. After church, we'll clean up the house and have the day to spend playing games (or outside) until DH leaves for KY. The kids and I will probably watch a movie before bed since swimming doesn't start until January. Ever since swimming ended last month, we've been watching a movie most Sunday evenings. I like the new tradition. :)

I hope you have a wonderful weekend!!!

Diva...

2008-12-09T08:00:00.002-05:00

Need I say more?

It's Christmas Time...

2008-12-06T18:06:00.013-05:00

and that means pictures in front of the tree! We got in front of the tree today to take a few pictures. Clarissa and Buster didn't want to cooperate, so we didn't get many good ones this year. Here is what we came up with.

Here is Jacob. He's SO ready for Christmas. He's also so tall now!

And I had to post this one, too. He was being so darn cute!

This is about the only picture I could get of Clarissa this year. She was being quite the little stinker today.

The kids...

Here are the kids with the dogs.

And the family shot. I look AWFUL, but I feel that way, too, so I figured I mine as well post it. UGH! Oh, and you can see what I meant about Clarissa being a stinker...

TGIF!!!

2008-12-05T09:35:00.002-05:00

I think my title says it all. LOL!

I am VERY happy that it's Friday and this week is almost over. I have been waiting for this day since Sunday night. And I know how bad it is to wish time away, but it's been AWFUL at work and I knew Sunday that I didn't want Monday to roll around.

Ron's birthday is next Wednesday and since he won't be here, we're celebrating tomorrow. We have a giftcard to Texas Roadhouse (and two of those chips for free kids' meals), so we're going there for dinner tomorrow. We'll come home, sing to him and have brownies. Then he'll open his presents, which is very pathetically a package of socks and a $5 movie! The kids love birthday celebrations, so they are really excited.

I have let the entire house know that I'm sleeping in tomorrow, and they better let me! LOL!!!!! I just need to get my dog to understand that, as she normally starts nudging me by 6:30am if I haven't gotten up yet. (She's used to going out at 6:00am.) Hopefully she got, and understood, the memo.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!!

One Proud Mama!!!

2008-12-03T20:40:00.002-05:00

Tonight were parent-teacher conferences at school tonight, and I got the kids' report cards. I was so impressed with both of them -- they are doing really well! .

Jacob is having the normal attention issues from his ADD, but the teacher said he's making an effort and trying to stay on task, so we're still working on that. Academically, he's doing phenomenal. She said he excels in his classwork and is always willing (and able) to help others. She told me no less than five times that he's a very smart boy (which I already knew, but it was so nice to hear.)

Clarissa's teacher was the big shock for me. I expected to hear that she's fully capable but not working to her ability and that she's got behavior issues. I was right about not applying herself -- her teacher thinks she's doing just enough to get buy, but she rushes her work so that she can talk. (The talking was NOT a surprise, BTW. LOL) BUT -- her teacher told me that she is GREAT in class. She has minimal issues, and is one of the best behaved children in there. UM, HELLO. WHY DO I GET LUCIFER AT HOME THEN??????????????? I guess I'd rather her be bad at home than at school, though. Her teacher also told me that she's very smart, and she's the only one in her kindergarten class that can identify all the numbers through 100 when they're out of order. YAY for her.

I am SO proud of both of them. They are also proud of themselves. :) :) :)

Receiving Graciously

2008-12-02T08:14:00.003-05:00

Some time ago, my friend Stacy blog about being a gracious receiver. I'd link her blog if I just knew how, but I don't know how to do that. LOL!

In her post, she asked if each of us was a gracious receiver. I immediately answered NO in my head. While I LOVE to give, I have never been very good at receiving -- ESPECIALLY when it's something that is helping me out and not just your standard birthday gift. Oh, don't get me wrong. I get embarrassed when people give me birthday and Christmas gifts, too, and I often find myself telling people that it's too much. It's just that the feeling intensifies when people give me something "just because" or with the intent of helping me out. While I appreciate every act of giving, I just have a hard time receiving gifts. I can't believe I'm going to say this, but I feel as though I'm not worthy of their gift. I'm not even sure WHY I feel that way...but I do.

Some time ago, someone offered to pay for me to attend a retreat. I declined, telling the organizer that I'd back out before letting someone do that. I am a firm believer in not buying things you can't pay for. At the time of the retreat deposit, I had a firm plan on paying for it. That fell through with some very unexpected and costly car and furnace repairs. I reluctantly agreed to borrow money from family so that I didn't have to back out, but I could never ever accept the gift of a retreat. Again, it isn't because I don't appreciate the thought. It's because I don't feel that someone should spend their hard-earned money for me to attend a retreat. While they are FUN, FUN, FUN...they are not a necessity.

You're probably wondering why I'm rambling on about this. What made me think about Stacy's post? Yesterday, someone offered to do something EXTREMELY generous for me. As usual, my response was basically thank you for the offer, but I can't accept it. The offer was unbelievable, and I'm still smiling from the selfless thought of this angel. I can't fathom why someone would want to help me in this way, but I will never, ever forget it. My heart has been touched by this wonderful person, and that will live on with me.

And to be honest, this couldn't have come at a better time for me. My heart has been very heavy with guilt and sorrow about this holiday season. Finances are so tight that we can't afford to adopt a family for Christmas as we have every other year since we got married in 1997. I've been having such a hard time coping with the fact that when MORE people need help, I had to decline my normal giving when I should be increasing it. And if I could afford it, I would -- I'd adopt more families this year. But with our current dual-state living arrangement and our jobs on the line, we just couldn't swing it this year. Paying for two households has not been easy, and I'm having a tough time paying for my own family this year. But even the logic and the numbers behind my decision don't make it any easier. It was extremely difficult for me not to help a family in need this year. That's just my "thing" every year. I love to shop for others, and I love to see the joy and relief on the faces of parents that know their children will have presents and food for Christmas.

Thank you to my own personal angel. Even if the intention doesn't work out due to the logistical problems you faced yesterday, I appreciate your offer more than ANYTHING, and you've put a smile on my face during a difficult holiday season.

December -- already?!

2008-12-01T11:01:00.003-05:00

Man, I feel like I just wrote my post about wondering how we got to November and here we are in December already. What in the world is going on?! HOW CAN I SLOW TIME DOWN A BIT????

The kids and I put all the Christmas decorations up Saturday, and they decorated the tree in record time this year. They are VERY excited for Christmas, and we've been spending a lot of time talking about Advent and the Christmas season. Jacob is doing a reading on Sunday and lighting the second Advent candle during church. I am SO excited for him!! When the youth director asked him if he'd like to do it, he was so enthusiastic when he shouted "YES!" I asked her to give him a small reading since he's only seven, and her jaw dropped. She said she forgot he was only in second grade because he's so big for his age. Normally the 3rd - 5th graders do them. She gave him reading 2, which was easy enough for him to read the first time, so now he'll be practicing that all week. YAY for him! He's not nervous at all.

I have two gifts to buy for my kids and then my nieces and nephew to buy for. After that, I'm officially done Christmas shopping. Oh, crud. Except for the candy for our stockings. But then I'm done. Hopefully I can find something for my kids very soon so that I can have some peace of mind about it. AACK! It's driving me nuts not being done. My nieces' and nephew's stuff will cost less combined than the things I need to buy my kids, so that won't be too bad. And if their mom doesn't send me ideas soon, they are all getting giftcards!

I hope you all have a wonderful December leading up to Christmas!! I will feel much better when I'm done shopping and can plan our Christmas day meal.

Today I am Thankful for...

2008-11-25T09:41:00.004-05:00

great teachers!!!

Jacob has ADD, but you wouldn't necessarily know it to meet him or have him in class. We work REALLY hard on behavioral modification techniques, and he takes NO medication. It's been very difficult, but SO worth it. We could not have made it this far medicine-free without great teachers.

I am very grateful that we had a PHENOMENAL kindergarten teacher who was so willing to work with us. When I first approached her about not medicating him, she was receptive. And despite telling me how difficult it was going to be, she never once made me feel as though I was wrong for doing it or that I was inconveniencing her. She informed the 1st grade teacher of methods she used that work, and we were able to continue working together with the school to keep him focused and learning. His current teacher is also great with keeping him occupied and focused, and he's doing GREAT in school.

I'll admit--some nights I feel like pulling my hair out. But when I see him learning and loving school, I'm so glad we chose this route. His teachers are very open about any issues we've had along the way, but I'm happy to say that he does NOT disrupt class and is reading way above the rest of his class, despite our choice not to medicate. I'm so proud of him and so thankful to his teachers and school for the help they've given us so far.

Here is Jacob on the first day of school this year. He LOVES his teacher this year.

This is Jacob and his teacher from last year (1st grade).

I wish I had a picture of his kindergarten teacher to post, but I don't have one on this computer. She was the BEST teacher ever, and we will be forever grateful to her!!

Today I am Thankful for...

2008-11-24T08:29:00.002-05:00

the cleaning bug I caught this weekend. I'm sure that sounds very silly, but I was inspired by Susan's cleaning spree last week and got SO much done at my house this weekend. I initially thought I'd follow her lead and clean my basement, but I started upstairs and never even made it down there. I'll have to start that next week.

But for now, I am so grateful for my clean and organized house. It was so great to go to bed last night knowing that everything was in its place. And I could still smell the pinesol and see the vacuum lines! MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM....what a great feeling. Thanks for passing me the bug, Susan!

Getting to Know Me: Christmas Edition

2008-11-21T13:36:00.000-05:00

I stole this from Beth's blog.

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Wrapping paper all the way!!! One of the things I love about Christmas morning is watching the paper fly.

2. Real tree or Artificial? Artificial. I'm allergic to pine, so we can't have a real tree in the house. Ron was devastated when he found out and jokes that he never would have asked me to marry him if he knew that.

3. When do you put up the tree? It used to be the Saturday after December 10, because Ron didn't want it up before his birthday. But, we put it up after Thanksgiving last year since Ron isn't around to help much and because we had a long weekend to do it. It was nice and relaxing to have three days to pull it all out and get everything set up, so we're doing that this year too.

4. When do you take the tree down? Sometime the week between Christmas and New Years--it just depends on how busy we are that week.

5. Do you like eggnog? Blech. No.

6. Favorite gift received as a child? Cabbage Patch Doll

7. Hardest person to buy for? Our parents -- all three of them!

8. Easiest person to buy for? CJ

9. Do you have a nativity scene? We have a Little People one that the kids love. Someday, I'd like to have a nice set, but we need more room first.

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? I'm SO embarrassed to say that I'm e-mailing my letter with a picture attached to as many people as I can this year. I know it's bad form, and it's humiliating. But I don't have the funds to buy cards for our normal list, so I'm only mailing a few this year. :(

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? A thermometer/barometer thing I got a couple years ago.

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? Santa Claus with Tim Allen

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? I normally shop throughout the year. Not to harp on financials, but it's been a rough year, so not much has been purchased. It will be a VERY small Christmas this year. I just need to make sure Santa makes a visit!!!!

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Not that I recall.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Mom's cinnamon candy

16. Lights on the tree? Lots of them! And they have to be white. I HATE colored lights - especially the BIG colored bulbs.

17. Favorite Christmas song? Let it Snow

18. Travel at Christmas or stay at home? Stay at Home!!!

19. Can you name all of Santa’s reindeers? Nope

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? When we got married, I wanted an Angel and DH wanted a star. We compromised and bought a beautiful lighted cross. When it broke two years ago (sniff, sniff), I bought a star. It's what we'll use this year, but I want to get another cross some day.

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Christmas morning

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? Greed. While I love Christmas, I see a lot of people who complain about what they got, didn't get, etc. And I'm not talking about your random bad gift. I mean people complaining that they didn't get ENOUGH. I don't like greed.

23. What theme or color are you using? I don't have a theme, per say, though most of my decorations are juvenile since my kids are so young.

24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? We normally have ham, cheesy potatoes, corn, lima beans and rolls for dinner.

25. What do you want for Christmas this year? I want my children to get a visit from Santa and to be thrilled on Christmas morning.

Today I am Thankful for...

2008-11-21T08:31:00.001-05:00

my mother. She is a wonderful mom, and an even better grandmother. It's fun for me to spend time with her, and my kids LOVE to spend time with her, too. She's generous and kind, funny and spunky. I am very grateful for her in my life.

And I'm not just saying that because she's babysitting tonight!

Today I am Thankful for...

2008-11-20T10:19:00.002-05:00

my faith. I won't bore you with the details. Those of you that read my blog know that I've been struggling A LOT the last year -- physically, emotionally, financially, etc. I am thankful that during this time, I've had my faith to lean on. At times, my desperation caused me to question that faith -- and I think that only made it stronger. I am thankful for God, the faith He gives me, my church and all that I am because of these things.

Microsoft Vs. Auto Industry

2008-11-18T19:05:00.002-05:00

I saw this on SS and shamelessly stole it for my blog. This is FUNNY!!!

At a recent computer expo (COMDEX), Bill Gates reportedly compared the computer industry with the auto industry and stated,

'If GM had kept up with technology like the computer industry has, we would all be driving $25.00 cars that got 1,000 miles to the gallon.'

In response to Bill's comments, General Motors issued a press release stating:

If GM had developed technology like Microsoft, we would all be driving cars with the following characteristics (and I just love this part):

1. For no reason whatsoever, your car would crash........
Twice a day.

2. Every time they repainted the lines in the road, you would have to buy a new car.

3. Occasionally your car would die on the freeway for no reason. You would have to pull to the side of the road, close all of the windows, shut off the car, restart it, and reopen the windows before you could continue. For some reason you would simply accept this.

4. Occasionally, executing a maneuver such as a left turn would cause your car to shut down and refuse to restart, in which case you would have to reinstall the engine.

5. Macintosh would make a car that was powered by the sun, was reliable, five times as fast and twice as easy to drive - but would run on only five percent of the roads.

6. The oil, water temperature, and alternator warning lights would all be replaced by a single 'This Car Has Performed An Illegal Operation' warning light.

7. The airbag system would ask 'Are you sure?' before deploying.

8. Occasionally, for no reason whatsoever, your car would lock you out and refuse to let you in until you simultaneously lifted the door handle, turned the key and grabbed hold of the radio antenna.

9. Every time a new car was introduced car buyers would have to learn how to drive all over again because none of the controls would operate in the same manner as the old car.

10. You 'd have to press the 'Start' button to turn the engine off.

Today I am Thankful for...

2008-11-18T08:37:00.002-05:00

my house. Even though it has some flaws, it provides us with warm shelter from the frigid temperatures.

On our way to school yesterday morning, there was an accident with A LOT of emergency personnel. The kids saw the smashed vehicles and an injured man being put in the ambulance while his family looked on. It turns out that a homeless family was crossing the street, and the father was hit by a truck, who hit a car when he was swerving to miss the man. I feel just awful for that family, not just because of the father's accident, but because they don't have anywhere to go. No place to call home.

Today I am Thankful for...

2008-11-17T07:43:00.001-05:00

my family's health. We've had a long few days of a stomach bug at our house, and if I never have to clean vomit up again, it will be too soon. BLECH! I am very thankful that the bug has passed and we're all healthy now. I just hope it stays that way.

Random things about me...

2008-11-11T19:30:00.005-05:00

A friend sent this to me via e-mail, so I said I'd do it. It's long, and it seems repetitive, but what the heck...

Hi my name is:
Brandi

When I'm nervous:
I laugh a lot

By this time next year:
I hope to be out of Michigan

PART 1: YOU

Were you a planned baby?
Yes

Were you the first?
Nope - I was the last

Are your parents still married?
Yes - 41 years

PART 2: YOUR PERSONALITY

Do you have low self esteem?
No

Do you get depressed about things easily?
Lately yes - but normally no.

Are you happy right now?
I try to be, but I miss living with my husband. I'm very happy that I have healthy and happy kids, a home to live in, food to eat, etc.

PART 3: APPEARANCE

Are you comfortable with the way you look?
No. I hate being fat. Ironically, I must not hate it enough to stay on the wagon.

Describe your hair:
Short, spikey, highlighted

Where do you buy most of your clothes?
Kohls

PART 4: RANDOM

Ever been kicked out of a bar?
Sadly yes--but only because of someone I was with.

Ever drunk dialed an ex?
Nope.

Can you tie a cherry stem using your tongue?
Nope

PART 5: THE OUTDOORS

Do you prefer indoors or outdoors?
Outdoor

Do you like walking in the rain?
Yes. Some people feel the rain, others just get wet. :)

Do you like thunderstorms?
LOVE them!!!

PART 6: FOOD

Are you a vegetarian?
No - I could NEVER give up meat!

Anything you absolutely could eat forever?
Mashed potatoes and gravy

What is your favorite dessert?
Lemon Meringue pie

PART 7: RELATIONSHIPS AND LOVE

Do you want to get married?
I already am married.

Have you ever been in love?
Yes

Are you in a relationship now?
Yes

Are you happy with where you are?
I'm happy to be married and to be a mom, but I wish I lived in the same state as my husband!

When you meet the right person, do you fall fast?
Well, I met my husband in August, was engaged in November and married in July. I'd say yes.

Have you ever had your heart broken?
Sure, hasn't everyone?

Would you ever take someone back if they cheated on you?
I don't know. I say once a cheater, always a cheater, but after seeing a friend go through this, I really can't say. I don't think I could, but I just can't say no definitively.

Do you want kids?
I have two healthy and beautiful children.

How many?
Two and through.

Would you consider adoption?
We did consider it, but then we were blessed with our own.

Do you believe love at first sight exists?
attraction...yes, love...no

Do you believe in celebrating anniversaries?
Yep!

Do you believe that you can change someone?
No

Do you have feelings for someone right now?
of course, my hubby

Do you still have feelings for an ex?
No

How old do you want to be when you get married?
I got married when I was 20

What do you do when your mad?
I like to be alone when I'm mad.

What are the color of your eyes?
Green

Last night you felt?
Happy that the furnace guy came and fixed our heat!

Were you happy when you woke up today?
Yes - I had heat!! :)

What are you listening to right now?
The dogs playing

If you could pack up and leave your life now to move away, would you?
Leave my life here in MI? Yes. Leave my family? NO WAY!

How's your room looking?
Messy, as usual.

What are you doing tomorrow?
Working

What were you most looking forward to today?
Bedtime. I'm almost there!

How is your hair?
It's O.K. I'm trying to adjust to the highlights.

Do you like your first name?
It's O.K., but everyone either sings to me or tells me that it doesn't fit.

Do you like to cuddle?
Yes

Baseball or football?
I prefer to play baseball but watch football.

Married?
Yep - 11 years

What's your biggest fear(s)?
Being stuck in Michigan forever!!

Name something great that happened today:
I found out that I can save big on my prescriptions through a new mail program at work.

Who was that last person you had a phone call with longer than 7 minutes?
My mom

How often do you hold back from saying what you are thinking?
Every week day

Last hug?
Five minutes ago. CJ gives the best hugs!!

Is something bothering you?
Yes - I want to live with my husband.

Has anyone ever told you that you have pretty eyes?
Not that I recall.

What woke you up this morning?
The alarm and then my dog.

Will you be in a relationship in four months?
I hope so.

When was the last time you had butterflies?
Yesterday

What are you excited for?
the weekend

Who was your last missed call?
Ron

At the moment are you more warm or cold?
WARM!!

What was the last thing you spent your money on?
Gasoline - and hey...it was pretty cheap!

Who do you trust the most in your life?
My immediate family

Is there one song that reminds you of the whole summer?
Nope

Would you change who you are?
Nope. I like myself.

Do you have a great friend of opposite sex?
yes, my husband

Are you in a relationship?
yes

Are you happy about that?
yes

What were you doing an hour ago?
watching TV

Do you have a best friend?
Not really :(

What kind of pets do you have?
2 dogs

Are you a happy person?
for the most part

Do you hold a grudge?
no, not really

Do you have aim?
Yes, but I am rarely on there.

Favorite color?
green

Do you get along with your parents?
Yes most certainly

Last person at your house?
The furnace guy.

Do you like your food touching on your plate?
I dont care with most things

Do you sleep with one leg out from under the covers?
I sleep with BOTH legs out of the covers!!

Do you like to hold or be held?
Be held

Is there something thats bothering you?
Yes - that Ron lives in another state.

Is there something you want to tell someone but cant?
I dont think so

When was the last time you cried?
Yesterday

Today I am Thankful for...

2008-11-11T08:10:00.002-05:00

HEAT!!!! The furnace company came out around 6:00pm last night and was able to fix the furnace with no issues. He was gone by 7:00pm, and the heat was blowing like crazy. It probably ran all night to recover the temperature since it was off for a couple days, but it was nice and cozy this morning when I woke up. Well, as cozy as it can be at 68 degrees. LOL! But it was nice to wake up to the normal temperature rather than having it in the 50s!!!

Today I am thankful for...

2008-11-10T13:54:00.000-05:00

my house. I'm glad I have a roof over our heads - even though there is no heat in there right now!

Today I am thankful for...

2008-11-08T11:41:00.002-05:00

my family.

I'm in Ohio visiting my parents, and I'm very grateful to have parents within driving distance. They both have minor health ailments, but nothing that prevents them for living pretty normal lives, so the kids LOVE to visit here and play with them.

It's so fun to see the joy on their faces -- the kids' AND the grandparents'!!!!