Thursday, December 20, 2007

Behind...

How I feel at this time of the year, behind. So many things I wish I could do and just not quite enough time to do them all. Hoping for the time to:
. update my blog, it really helps me to gather my random thoughts and vent
. bake cookies with my kids and package them like Martha Stewart instead of Larry the Cable Guy
. get to bed before midnight
. finish shopping before they are trying to close down their cash register
. mail packages so they actually arrive before Christmas

Thursday, December 13, 2007

Monday, December 3, 2007

A fish spine???

Trent has a fish spine in his pinky, it has been there since APRIL! November rolls around and he decides maybe he should go to the Dr. because it hurts like crazy whenever he touches it or it gets bumped (which is pretty much all day long). This thing is buried in his finger, you can't even tell there is anything there anymore. When he first did it there was a little bump but instead of working its way out it has gone farther in. So he asks my brother in law the dentist if he thinks he maybe could take it out. Scott says no way, too many nerves and such in the hand...So he goes to his M.D. he laughs and tells him, you are going to have to see a hand specialist, I'm not touching that, too many nerves, yada yada. So he goes for in-office surgery to the hand specialist... Sorry you are going to have to schedule for outpatient surgery I can't get it out here. So this Wed afternoon my husband has to go under general anesthesia for a fishing injury. He really isn't that nervous about it, it creeps me out a little but it will be for the best in the long run. Please pray that it will be a quick in and out and he will have normal use of his hand. He has already asked the Dr. if he can keep the spine so you may just get to see it. Thanks, I'll keep you updated:)

I'm ONE...


My nephew Kristian, just turned one. There is something so exciting about introducing a baby to the joy of chocolate cake! He wasnt' quite sure what to do with it but he had fun shoving it in and waving it around. Lanie got caught in the crossfire and thought that was pretty fun!

Thursday, November 29, 2007

RERUNS...

Are you addicted to TV? If you answer yes to any of the following questions, I am guessing you are...

1. Did you look at your shows this week, find they were all in reruns and scream AARGH, in your head or out loud?
2. Did you immediately go to the internet only to be disappointed the writers strike is still going strong?
3. Do you have an equal ratio of family members to tv's in your home?
4. Do you own TIVO/DVR or is it on your Christmas list?
5. Do you watch shows online or download to itunes?

Don't feel bad, me too:) Here's the latest

Monday, November 26, 2007

Black Friday

So Trent and I were completed with our shopping adventure by 9:30 a.m. I guess when you start at 5:00, it's easy to be done before the mall normally even opens. The most out of control thing I saw? The line at Toys R Us. It wrapped all around the store all the way to the entrance. Did I wait in this line, yes, well sorda...Ok, so as a die hard black Friday, deal finder I really did feel bad about my "cutting" in front of about 100 shoppers who were out for the bargain just like me! What did I do? Well Brook was in line when I got there so I put a couple things in her cart because they were too heavy for me to carry (there were no carts) and then it got to be her turn in line and I just happened to be done shopping. She said just get up here with me, I hemmed and hawed for a couple seconds thinking no way, I can't do it and then I glanced at the line of people and just jumped right up there and checked out. Really, I did feel bad and I am sorry for the extra 2 minutes or so I put people behind schedule but I LOVE my friend for the suggestion. Next year I will let someone cut in front of me in a really long line to make up for it, I promise!
By the way, no one even noticed me, cause if they did you probably would have seen me getting beat up on the news:)

2007 Tree Colors


Every year I change the color of our Christmas tree. This year - pink, green, blue, purple and silver.
The FAQ's
1. Do you buy new ornaments every year? Yes I do, but in moderation, I am also crafty and make some of them. However, I didn't buy any new this year, not even one!
2. Do you ever reuse? Yes I do, sometimes I mix and match colors of years past
3. Does the paper really match the tree? Yes it does...Why? I like it to match, everyone has their thing, mine just happens to be the tree.

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Thankful...

I realized that I began this post but never actually posted it. I am thankful for so much but here is a quick rundown...

My God and our freedom to worship
My kids and husband, I am so blessed to have them
My friends and family
My job
My small group and their ability to challenge me
My church and a pastor that inspires me
My freedom and the people that put their lives on the line to protect it
Silly things: the internet, reality tv, my cel phone, chocolate, Starbucks

Monday, November 19, 2007

Day, I'm not exactly sure...

So I have officially given up Diet Coke, it has been probably about 2 weeks. It actually wasn't as difficult as I thought it would be. The first couple days were a little sketchy but after some serious headaches I think I am over the hump. I have replaced my daily caffeine fix with green tea, which I brew then put over ice. My next hurdle will be caffeine and then all junk food, which I'm guessing isn't going to be quite so easy...

Sunday, November 18, 2007

Random Thoughts...

~Not a fan of the cold weather but I am sooo looking forward to the Christmas season. We have so much already planned and I am getting pumped to put up our tree on Friday...
~Is it really almost dark at 5:30 each year around this time? As I type I am pretty much sitting in the dark, and it is 5:27, I think I need to turn some lights on...
~For how much longer will the girls think it is funny when they "toot"? It usually brings on genuine laughter and fun...
~Right now Ally is playing the piano and singing her heart out, maybe someday this will allow me to retire:)
~Lanie is grounded from Gracie for chasing her around the house, the poor dog has to hide under the couch to escape her sometimes...
~Ally is standing over my shoulder asking me "I see my name, are you typing about me again? What are you saying about me, tell me tell me tell me"...

Talented

My friend Sara is a very talented photographer and card designer. She has started selling her cards, take a look through the link in free advertising for my friends - Sara's Custom Design. She also took the beautiful new picture of the girls!

Thursday, November 15, 2007

If a 4 year old did my hair...

Kill my PC

Yep, this is how I feel!

Dell

So we got a new computer last year, it was exciting; we thought we were doing good upgrading. HOWEVER, my computer is so loud I can barely hear my tv at times! It starts out really quiet like a normal computer and then the longer it is on and the more it has to think the louder it gets. What does Dell have to say? A whole lot of nothing! We have had our fan replaced twice and a new motherboard sent to us, which we had to install ourselves, or our friend Bryan installed for us I should say.
And since our warranty is expired depending on the customer service rep we speak with there is nothing they can do for us, though the problem started while the computer was under warranty. What do we do? I would like to smash my computer, post it on youtube and hope someone from Dell would hear my cry but since it has been done I doubt I will get far with that plan. My buddy Chris at XPS support told me the computer case is too small for the system inside and the loud fan is a known problem with some XPS systems... Wouldn't you think that would warrant a replacement since the things they have tried have gotten us nowhere?
If anyone out there has any suggestions besides me asking for an Apple gift certificate for Christmas let me know!

Kids Say the Funniest Things...

Ally: "No, mom it is called a da'sembly" (every Wed she has an assembly)
Lanie: "Sometimes me do, sometimes me don't" (what we hear when she has changed her mind about liking something)
Ally: "I know what the black part of your eye is called, a pimple" (pupil)
Ally: "Milk is really good for you it has lots of calories" (calcium)
Lanie: "My eye bulb is blue, yours is brown"

Teary Eyed...

For those of you who know me, you know that I cry ALL the time, I am the sap that tears up at commercials, I think I have cried on every episode of Grey's Anatomy and sometimes just the smiles on my kids faces brings tears to my eyes. What can I say I'm emotional...Well tonight the kids and I are eating at Marino's and a guy with a VETERAN hat comes in, later I notice across the restaurant there is a young man dressed in his US Army Camo. When the Vet has the opportunity to ask "did you just arrive home?" He says "Yes Sir" The Vet gives him a strong handshake then throws his arms around him and says "Thank You". For a few seconds they both just stand there and then he continues to tell him how we stand behind our troops and he appreciates all they have done. The young man replies "thank you sir for what you have done also" As I am sitting there trying not to stare, I realize that my eyes are teary and I have a huge lump in my throat. It was an awesome moment to witness. I wish I could have found the courage to say thank you to both of them.

My Name Is....

I always thought my name was unique. Not that it is that different just uncommon. Growing up and still today people assume my heritage to be of Spanish descent. People usually laugh when I tell them nope, Scotch/Irish - German/Welsh - Korean/Thai, that usually confuses the heck out of people but hey, I am a mutt! So today as I was looking over a report I noted some names that some would consider a little different or uncommon:
Cortavious, Alesdair, Briggan, Alnisa, Rynisha, Shalaha, Arno, Doria, Deja, Towanna, Shasta, Doxie, Danisha, Savada, Easley, Akiba, Delshaun, Airi, Shatari, Agosta, Tamiya, Carlettus, Chablis, LaTreshea, Demarco, Chiquita, Orran, Jessemy and Kelica.

Tuesday, November 6, 2007

Aspartame

My dad has been on my about ditching Diet Coke and any other product that contains Aspartame because of the negative side effects, I have been trying to make the switch to a little healthier one mini step at a time. I am slowly weaning myself off Diet Coke, which is HARD! I have been drinking a ton of green tea which I enjoy I just sometimes want Diet Coke, maybe I'll go back to regular Coke after reading this article the empty calories seem more healthy!

Friday, November 2, 2007

I LOVE friendly people!

My telephone conversation with a local establishment.

Me: Hi, Could I get a menu faxed over?
Person on the Phone: What do you mean?
Me: Could I get a menu so we could order lunch to be picked up?
Person on the Phone: You mean like of our sandwiches and stuff
Me: Yes that would be great! (I held back yep, I believe that is what we call a menu these days)

Inside of my head - Was I speaking Japanese? Did those 2 years at college mysteriously pop out at the exact moment I was trying to order lunch? Was a menu request from a restaurant that big of a request? Note to self, next time get pizza...

Thursday, October 18, 2007

Can I help you?

Have you ever been to the Heavenly Ham on West Ave? Well if you have you will probably understand where I am coming from. I can tell you one thing for sure, I don't go there for the customer service or the cheery disposition of the workers.

When I used to work in Jackson we would go there for lunch and the workers were always cranky. Last night when I got a craving for a toffee cookie it was the same experience I have always had, same cranky workers different day. You would think if they were that unhappy with their jobs they would find something different but after a couple years they are all still there.

Is it really that hard to smile when you ask can I help you? And to me that question is just stupid, yes you can help me or why would I be standing here???So I order our food and we sit down to eat it was about 5:40 and they closed at 6:00 but really how long does it take to eat a sandwich and some chips. I hear a voice from beyond, you know we close at 6:00 right? when you are done just put your boxes over there (pointing to the counter). I just say ok, thanks and watch as the people pour in and the faces get crankier and crankier. Hey if you want to be closed at 5:45 then change your hours, people are thinking it's ok to come in since your open sign is shining bright and the hours on the door say open to 6:00!

So I salute you cranky Heavenly Ham worker ladies maybe if it's not too much trouble you could try, just try to crack a smile today:)

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

A hundred years....

So yesterday at ballet the front desk lady and I get talking about how my daughter can do the splits almost all the way each way you can possibly do the splits. Her daughter is standing there, who is a junior in high school and a cheerleader at Northwest, my alma mater - Go Mounties - Anyway...she says to me do you know Kris? (her coach), I say yes, I cheered with her daughters but she was not my coach I think she was at the junior high then. She says Seriously? she has been at the high school for like 100 years... I said all you heed to do now is call me ma'am and I will officially feel like an old lady! Of course this made me laugh, but feel a little sad also. I am usually the smart mouth talking about people that are like 100...

What happened? How am I all of a sudden older? Last year at WMU Homecoming Brook tried to tell some guy she was a junior and he chuckled, do we really look that old? I have come to the realization that I am no longer a 20 something but a 30 something and apparently to a high school student a 100 something!

**By the way to tie the splits thing in, it was how we actually got on the subject of cheerleading and gymnastics that ballet is a good foundation to both!

Thursday, October 11, 2007

3 Things I Love About...

Have you seen the new campaign around town - Name 3 things you love about your husband or wife?

I wanted Trent to know my top 3...

I love you because you love me for me
You are the best dad
I can't imagine my life without you in it

Thursday, October 4, 2007

Thursday TV

I am so excited to get home tonight and watch TV. Thursday is always a struggle because we usually get home late, I have about 500 different things I should be doing and I have to get the kids in bed before 8:00 to make Ugly Betty. But, I so look forward to Thursday night TV, my biggest struggle is that Grey's and the Office are on at the same time. Last year I bought The Office episodes on itunes, this year I guess NBC is putting them online for free, works out good for me. Luckily, I haven't allowed myself to get into any new shows, I just don't have the time.

I guess you know you are hooked when you think that the characters are part of your life and you get confused about the TV world vs the real world. Last week I woke up thinking the world was going to be under siege by a group of wrongly accused military members then I remembered it was just from an episode of the UNIT (Trent's favorite show). I have found myself so wrapped up in The Hills you would think Lauren, Audrina, Spencer and Heidi were actual people in my extended circle of friends.

I know that I watch too much TV sometimes and get a little too wrapped up in stupid shows but is it ok every once in a while?? Deep down I know the answer and I could find many more productive things to do with my time but I guess that is something I will just have to work on. We could probably have a good comment section if you want to list some of the embarrassing shows you watch, I will admit I got wrapped up in Gene Simmons, Family Jewels the other day and found it fascinating!

My kids Are Only...

My kids are only 4 and 6, who knew how much we would have to juggle for them already. We have Ally in the Western School District because we feel that is where we want the kids to go to school. Since Lanie is only in preschool she is at Sharp Park Academy through Jackson Public Schools (our actual district), hopefully next year they will both be at one school with Western. But anyway here is our shuffle today
5:45 - I get up, for those of you that know me you know how much I am loving that
6:15 - Get Ally up
6:50 - Leave the house, our friend Micki takes Ally to school
12:30 - Trent takes Lanie to School, then heads to work
3:30 - Our friend Renee picks Lanie up from school
3:30 - Ally rides 2 different buses to get to my cousin Brandi's
4:30 - Brook picks up Lanie to take her to Brandi
5:30 - I pick up both kids from Brandi to take them to a birthday party

So today alone my kids have been with 4 different friends that have helped to get the kids where they need to be. And this is just today my mother in law and my friend Kim are involved in this whole shuffle on Monday's. We also work around ballet, Wed night church, soccer, art class and bible study. Are we too busy, most of the times I think yes and life would be much simpler and more difficult at the same time if I didn't work but right now this is where we are.

Thank you to all my friends without you I don't know what we would do but we couldn't have our kids where they are with out you. When I hit the lottery next week you won't be forgotten!

Friday, September 28, 2007

A tough job....

Today I worked in Ally's class. Mr Archer had me do a project so I just got to sit on the sidelines and watch the kids interact. I found myself laughing, smiling and feeling a bit anxious as I watched these 1st graders.

Some of my observations:
The gambling table...One of the groups of 4 boys were playing a game with math cards. They were betting on who would win. When they caught me watching they so proudly told me whoever won the game got Skyler's quarter for popcorn. As I said really, Mr Archer got wind of what was going on and shut down the operation. Skyler put his quarter back in his pocket and they continued playing.

The looks of wonder...You are Ally's mom??? Most of the kids couldn't quite put us together they just looked at me inquisitively and said ok...

The bickering...Maybe it was because it was Friday but there was one group of 4 girls that couldn't quite go for more than a minute or so without picking at each other "She's making faces at me" "She's talking too loud" She's not doing what she's supposed to Mr. Archer" "Can you tell her to stop it" "I don't want to play with you I'm playing with her" - On more than one occasion Mr. Archer would have to interrupt the group of kids he was working with to squash the issue. A threat to stay inside at recess and talk about getting along seemed to slow the girls down.

Anyway all you teachers out there you do have a tough job and I for one appreciate your efforts, keep up the good work...

Monday, September 24, 2007

Did you know...

Today is National Family Day, did you know last week was talk like a Pirate Day,Aye Matey and apparently September 9th we all should have called our grandparents and wished them a "Happy Grandparents Day". All these "holidays" got me thinking what other days am I missing??

A quick Google search revealed a great website http://www.brownielocks.com/

Seriously, check it out, if you have a hard time keeping up with the real holidays wait till you get a look at all you have been missing!

Sunday, September 16, 2007

The Emmy's

So did I miss the world wide memo that all your hair on one side of your head was in style????

Thursday, September 13, 2007

Life without the internet

Can you imagine what life was like before you could turn on your computer and find images such as these at the touch of a button....

In case you wondered as I did, it is apparently a sphynx cat, gotta love yahoo pictures!

Wednesday, September 12, 2007

Back in business


I had to breakdown and buy a new camera. It wasn't really planned right now but how could I not have a camera? I wanted to post a picture just cause I am so excited!

Monday, September 10, 2007

All by myself...

Tonight as the kids and I are doing a rundown of their days I had this conversation with my new 1st grader....

Me: "How was the bus ride home?"
Ally: "I was a little nervous but I took a deep breath and I was ok, I cried a little on the inside but just a little"
Me: "I am so glad you did ok, did you sit by anyone?"
Ally: "No, no one wanted to sit by me, I asked Kyle but he sat by Corbin so I just sat by myself."
As she is telling me this it is very matter of fact and she isn't that upset about it. I, however, have to look away and choke back the tears. I am devastated that she is so brave about riding the bus and she is all alone. I know this is a part of life, school, yada yada but this is my baby, my little girl, I wasn't prepared for this in 1st grade. This is one of the first times I have felt absolutely helpless as a parent. I remember those moments when everyone is laughing and having a good time and you are wishing you could be part. I moved to a new high school when I was a sophomore I spent a good 2 weeks hanging out in the bathroom at lunch because I didn't have any one to sit with. I had to stop reliving my high school nightmare and be brave. I told her that soon she will make some new bus friends, she just said "yeah, I know", continued eating and went right in to something else.
I feel my choices at this point are to
1. Hunt down this Kyle kid and tell him he is missing out and the next time my daughter asks him to sit by her he better think twice before answering
2. Get on the bus with her and help her make a friend
3. Back to hunting down Kyle
Ok, so I know kids make friends really easy and I know she will be fine. After all she wasn't even that concerned about it so I am going to try to chill out and hold it together. I am glad she didn't pick up on my emotion I will have to stay strong when I ask about the bus ride tomorrow. If you ask me about this in person it is a true bet that I will cry so let's communicate this one by email for now!

Sunday, September 9, 2007

You're a Winner!


And the Grand Prize winner is Scott Manchester....These are the words my friends heard tonight and this adorable car is what the grand prize consisted of! I am so excited for them and find it funny that another friend of mine parents won a car in a raffle when we were in high school.

Moral of the story, purchase those raffle tickets they usually are for a good cause and people do actually win!

Wife, Mother, Worker - Can we have it all?

I have been struggling lately with my position of wife and mother. On our way back from Lake Michigan a couple months ago Trent and I happened to land on Family Life Radio. They were discussing a woman's role when married and with children. The bible is pretty clear on a how a woman should treat her husband and care for him and their children. I can't help but wonder, am I missing too much working? How could we ever afford for me not to? I sometimes wonder if we are following God's path for our lives or if we have just gotten caught up with following the motions of where we are. I am trying to be open to whatever plan has been set forth for me and I feel there is more but will I have to sacrifice my duties as a wife or mom to get there? Or is it because I am sacrificing some of my duties as wife and mother that we haven't gotten there? My desire is to follow God's path for our lives I pray that will become clearer to me...

Thursday, September 6, 2007

Cool Night

My AWESOME uncle was reading my blog and noticed my air conditioner complaint. He came over last night and in the matter of an hour or so I was closing the windows to allow our a/c to cool our smokin' hot house. His comment to me "why didn't you call me sooner?" My uncle Danny has saved me on more than one occasion whether it be my car, my house or anything else I need. I am so thankful I can count on family members for assistance, what a blessing! Thank you Uncle Danny...

Wednesday, September 5, 2007

So many things, so little time....

I have had so many things lately that I wanted to blog about but now that I have a minute to sit in front of my computer I can't remember any of them. I had a 4 day weekend for Labor day and that was such a special treat! We spent most of those days poolside and hanging with friends. I didn't even turn my computer on once during those 4 days. At times I thought I should go to my computer but besides checking my email and blogging I didn't have any reason to do so, so I didn't, it was actually kind of nice.

Ally has started 1st grade at Parma, she has Mr. Archer this year and had a great first day. She rides the bus home today after school for the first time, I pray that goes well! We still aren't sure what we will do with Lanie but we have a week or so before pre-school starts so I guess we'll get it worked out sooner than later.

Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Whose kids are these?

Me: Ok, girls we need to eat in Spring Arbor tonight, because of Ally's open house, I guess we should go to McDonald's
Ally and Lanie: No, we don't want that
Me: I guess there is Subway (however, I have a secret desire for McDonald's)
Ally and Lanie: Yeah, Subway sounds good
Both girls want turkey, no cheese, no bread, no sauce.
Me: Do you want a cookie, rasins or apples
Lanie: Apples, me love those! Yum, yum - she pats her belly
What I'm thinking? I wish they had fries here.

Snooze Much?


http://www.nandahome.com/
Cristi was telling me about this product that would be perfect for me, she was sooooo right. When I was in college my roomates would have probably chipped in and bought it for me! I am just annoyed I didn't think of this myself.

The alarm clock that runs away and hides when you don't wake up. Clocky gives you one chance to get up. But if you snooze, Clocky will jump off of your nightstand and wheel around your room looking for a place to hide. Clocky is kind of like a misbehaving pet, only he will get up at the right time.

Sunday, August 26, 2007

Good Save

I just got stopped on the Teen Choice Awards. I was flipping the channels deciding there wasn't even anything on worth watching and happened to catch the clips for best TV actress. One of the choices was Eva Longoria, so they show a clip from Desperate Housewives. I personally am a fan of the show but I am 33, NOT a teen, whom I can only assume is the target age of the Teen Choice Awards. I watched in disbelief as they show a clip of Bree telling Gabby (Eva) how she has not yet had sex as she is waiting for marriage. Gabby after laughing hysterically says "Oh, you're serious???"
Maybe just me, though I doubt it, a clip talking about sex? when the audience is teens? SERIOUSLY, I would like to know who the braniac was that thought that was a good idea. The winner of this award thankfully went to an actual teen, Miley Cyrus for Hannah Montanna. Her acceptance was full of joy and enthusiasm as she thanked God for everything including her family and her fans. All I could think was good save Miley, I hope your excitement is what the viewers remember and not the poor choice made by TV execs. The worst part of it all was thinking how most of those kids remembered that episode and thought Eva Longoria deserved to win...

Saturday, August 25, 2007

Free Day

Friday Trent kept the kids for me all day so I could have some time to just have nothing to do. It was a needed day after a busy week of organizing and cleaning, in my smokin' hot broken a/c house, and the busiest summer on record. I started the day with a nice relaxing eye brow wax, always a treat first thing in the morning but a necessary evil in my world. Then I went to Panera for coffee and a little staring into space. I did do a little work while I was there but I think the highlight of my time was drinking my coffee in peace. I went to lunch with some friends and met up with Trent and the kids later in the evening. Every once in a while it is a treat to have quiet time without the pressure of life. I look forward to doing it again soon...

"Why did you move your stove"

"Aunt Maria, why did you move your stove?" This was the comment from my almost 4 year old neice, Cecily, about my portable dishwasher. I love the curiosity of kids, she was trying to get through the kitchen and she couldn't quite figure why I all of a sudden had a huge appliance in the middle of the room. Hopefully someday I will have a dishwasher that doesn't have to roll to its water source. Until then I will just be thankful that I don't have to wash every dish by hand...

Thursday, August 23, 2007

New Life Begins


My nephew, Roarke Wilson Watterson, was born today. He weighed in at 6 lb 14 oz, and was 20 1/2 in long. We can't wait to meet him, my kids have been counting down the days till his arrival and have come up with a plethora of names including: Spider Man, Ashton, Bryce, Tristan and Kaylee. Ally came up with those on her own and when I told her Kaylee was more of a girls name, she didn't care she liked it for her new baby cousin. Lanie has pretty much been stuck on Spider Man and any time we talked about it she would yell "Spider Man" like it was really in the running. My digital camera is not working so hopefully I will be able to post a pic soon!

Wednesday, August 22, 2007

Smokin Hot

Seriously what is up with the weather??? The day before yesterday I was so cold I wore a long sleeve t-shirt under my scrubs and a scrub jacket all day. Tonight, still organizing and it is miserable in our house. 2 weeks ago our air conditioner decided to stop working, and let me tell you what a special treat that is at this moment. I guess I should be thankful that at least I have air in my car! This is the first summer in like 4 years I have actually had air in my vehicle. The jeep, may it rest in peace, didn't have air and no one could figure out why. Anyway only in Michigan are you wearing a sweatshirt and jeans one day and tank top and shorts the next. Who knows what tomorrow will bring...

Clay Aiken

On my way to work this morning the car in front of me had a thing around their license plate that said CLAY AIKEN CONCERT. All I can think to myself is hmmm....For one Clay Aiken? and for two that person had to take their license plate off, put this wrapper thing on and screw their license plate back on. It seemed like a lot of effort to me but hey, who am I to judge maybe it was him in front of me this morning....

Organizing....

Last night I decided to tackle the mountain of paperwork that wouldn't allow Ally's closet door to completely close. I decided at the beginning of Kindegarten that I would keep everything and go through it at the end of the year. Well, I finally got around to it last night thinking I needed to start fresh for 1st grade. I looked through all the paper and projects that she did her first year of school. I am a self professed pack-rat trying to change but I couldn't bear to throw much of it away. Everything seemed so precious how could I throw away her first attempts at writing? I sorted it all, wrapped it with a pretty ribbon and put it in a box. When she gets old enough to move out of the house we'll go through it and she can decide what she wants to keep, but like mother like daughter she'll probably want it all!

Tuesday, August 21, 2007

Have a blessed day

Two people today have told me to have a blessed day. I googled blessed day and found these 10 things we can do to have one!
** 10 Steps to a Blessed Day **

1. TODAY I WILL NOT STRIKE BACK If someone is rude; If someone is impatient; If someone is unkind ... I will not respond in like manner.

Love is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. (1 Corinthians 13:5)

2. TODAY I WILL ASK GOD TO BLESS MY "ENEMY": If I come across someone who treats me harshly or unfairly, I will quietly ask God to bless that individual. I understand the "enemy" could be a family member, neighbour, co-worker or stranger.
Luckily I wasn't being harsh or unfair except for giving them the total of their bill:)...

For God so loved the world He gave His one and only son so that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)

3. TODAY I WILL BE CAREFUL ABOUT WHAT I SAY: I will carefully choose and guard my words, being certain that I do not spread gossip, slander or malign anyone in any way.

Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres (1 Corinthians 13:7)

4. TODAY I WILL GO THE EXTRA MILE: I will find ways to help share the burden of another person. I will find ways to make life more pleasant.

Greater love has no one than this that he lay down his life for his friends (John 15:13)

5. TODAY I WILL FORGIVE: I will forgive any hurt or injuries that come my way. (I will also work to forgive injuries that have been inflicted upon me in the past)

God is love. (1 John 4:8)

6. TODAY I WILL DO SOMETHING NICE FOR SOMEONE, BUT I WILL DO IT SECRETLY: I will reach out anonymously and bless the life of another person.

We always thank God for you, mentioning you in our prayers. We continually remember before our God and Parent your work produced by faith, your labour prompted by love,and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Thessalonians 1:1-2)

7. TODAY I WILL TREAT OTHERS AS I WISH TO BE TREATED: I will practice the Golden Rule -

"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you"- with everyone I encounter.

8. TODAY I WILL RAISE THE SPIRITS OF SOMEONE WHO IS DISCOURAGED: My smile, my words, my expression or support, can make the difference to someone who is wrestling with life.

If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. (John 7:37)

9. TODAY I WILL NURTURE MY BODY: I will eat less I will eat only healthy foods I will thank God for my body - I guess I'll start this tomorrow:)

10. TODAY I WILL GROW SPIRITUALLY I will spend a little more time in prayer today I will begin reading something spiritual or inspirational today; I will find a quiet place (at some point during this day) and listen to God's voice.

http://jmm.aaa.net.au/articles/15338.htm

Monday, August 20, 2007

Logistics

School is starting in 2 weeks, seriously - 2 weeks, where did the summer go. Are there still really 24 hours in a day or do they really get shorter as you get older? have kids? try to pack too much in? I don't know but this entire year is just flying by.
This year Ally will be moving to Parma for 1st grade, we loved Warner but don't have much of an option staying there since we are school of choice. Parma is just that much farther to drive. So we have to figure out how to get her to school and home.
Mondays I will be able to take her since I don't start work until 9:00, and she will ride the bus home to my cousin Brandi's house everyday, she actually lives in Parma but put a bid on a house in Northwest, if they get that house I will have a whole other can of worms to deal with but we'll cross that bridge when we get there.
Trent could take her to school everyday but it seems a bit silly since I drive that way. I am supposed to be at work at 8:00 but maybe I can adjust my schedule for Tues, Wed, Thurs? I also have a friend that said she could get on the bus there and Brandi has made that same offer. So alot to figure out with that and then there is Lanie.
She is scheduled to go to preschool at Sharp Park Academy, a magnet for JPS. I hear it is a great preschool but they are full in the morning so she would go from 12:30-3:42, Trent works at 3:00 so she would have to ride the bus home to another friends house everyday BUT the bus would be kids from preschool to 5th grade and I am not sure how I feel about that, well actually I am sure, I don't like it. So we are on the waiting list for the morning session in which Trent could take her and pick her up OR I called the preschool she went to last year, but they are also full in the morning. Did I mention the JPS preschool is free? Yep I feel a pull toward free.
So that's just school - we also have dance, soccer, Wed night church and 2 parents that work. You wonder why families are stressed.

Thursday, August 16, 2007

Worry

Reading through the Bible last night I came across seven reasons not to worry from Matthew. I appreciate that the Lord let me to this reading, I need to be reminded from time to time that our Lord commands us not to worry.

6-25...The same God who created life in you can be trusted with the details of your life.
6:26...Worrying about the future hampers your efforts for today.
6:27...Worrying is more harmful than helpful.
6:28-30...God does not ignore those who depend on him.
6:31, 32...Worrying shows a lack of faith in and understanding of God.
6:33...Worrying keeps us from real challenges God wants us to pursue.
6:34...Living one day at a time keeps us from being consumed with worry.

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

The Lost Shoe

My sweet Lanie has somehow managed for the second time this summer to lose a shoe while shopping...The first time at Target, and most recently at Meijer. I can kind of see how she lost her flip flop at Target she was in the cart and her little legs were dangling down and it fell off. The other day at Meijer the kids wanted the ginormous cart that is nearly impossible to steer with a bench seat. When Lanie asked "Mom, my shoe??" and was looking down, I thought - not again...How could she lose a shoe sitting in that huge bench seat cart. So we spent an extra 20 minutes and backtracked through the store, no shoe! So for the second time we left the store with one shoe and for a second time we received a call from customer service that they found the lone shoe. I was probably a little hard on her, only because I was frustrated we couldn't find it and I was ready to get home. Lanie I am sorry if I was hard on you, looking back it seems so insignificant, it was just a shoe.

Monday, August 13, 2007

Any Given Day

Isn't it funny on any given day it is just a normal day for you but for someone out there it is the best or worst day of their lives. I remember when my dad gave me the news he had cancer. I remember thinking the entire world was crashing down. I couldn't think straight, everything looked gray and when I tried to speak all that would come were tears. I remember driving to family bible study and looking around at the world. People were driving by me smiling, laughing - didn't they realize what had happened. Actually, they didn't - they were just having a day, nothing great nothing bad, this is how we spend most of them. So today try to enjoy every second of the day you have been given....

I have now seen it all!

Honestly I think I have seen everything. One Sunday I am flipping through the channels and what do I come across on ESPN? Rock, Scissors, Paper competition. I don't get it, I have enough trouble grasping NASCAR as a sport but RPS, as they were calling it, Seriously....

A visit from my dad....

My dad will be here this weekend from Texas. Many of you know what that means but for for those of you who don't, it's NASCAR weekend! I come from a long line of NASCAR fanatics and racers. I haven't quite jumped on the bandwagon and my one uncle was almost offended when he learned I hadn't ever been to a race. And don't you worry my normally very clean cut businessman dad isn't afraid to get out his Kevin Harvack t-shirt and jean shorts for the weekend. Maybe someday I'll understand its appeal but until then I will just enjoy the fact that I know my dad will be heading our way!

Sidebar, he does visit at other times too!

OFFICIAL - What Time Is It? Video (HQ!)

So is anyone else as excited as I am for High School Musical 2? Sure they are marketing to tweens but hey have you seen High School Musical? It is just a good movie...More after the premiere August 17th 8:00

Thursday, August 9, 2007

Anxiety Attack

So I am sure you can all relate to a visit to the Dr.'s office with your appointment scheduled at a certain time and that time comes and goes and you are still sitting, waiting, wishing (yep I love Jack Johnson, if you don't know who he is search him out on itunes) Personally I hate this but even worse today I am living it over and over again. We have been behind ALL day, but this poor kid has been waiting 2 hours for a filling. People expect 10-15 minutes but 2 HOURS! So today I would like to publicly apologize for all the times you wait at at dr's office, remember to try not to take it out on the front desk girl, the nurse or the assistant she is probably just as frustrated! Love and Smiles all around:)

Snooze

I woke up this morning like usual hitting snooze for about an hour on my clock that is set an hour or so the wrong time. Why do I do this???? So I can confuse myself in the morning as to what time it really is. Does anyone else do this? yes, but most people set their clocks like 10, 15 min. I think the hour started with daylight savings a long time ago and has continued from there. Anyway why? NO CLUE, my husband doesn't get it and most of the time no one around me does either and quite frankly I don't quite get it myself. My fear of actually setting the clock to the correct time is that I would confuse myself into thinking it was an hour ahead and then I would be behind. Confusing, yes but somehow in my college days I came up with this system that would help me get up on time for class. I only had one 8:00 class in my 4 years and that wasn't even 8:00 it was 8:30 and Brook and I had it together. My roomate Shane would always come in and so sweetly tell me it was time to get up, everyday I made crap up about thinking about my day, I'm awake, Aren't classes cancelled because of the weather? You name it I can make it up when I am supposed to be getting started for the day. You would think that with all the brain power I require to think about how to get more sleep it would probably just be easier to get up. I do try, I tell myself the night before, OK tomorrow no snooze, just wake up. Maybe one of these days I will be successful! The worst part, school is starting and I am going to have to get myself and Ally ready for the day. She has also learned to sleep through the buzzing. I know, I have scarred her with my irresponsible use of alarm and hopefully she will be able to overcome it and actually hear the annoying buzzing as she gets older.

Wednesday, August 8, 2007

Motivated

So I have been ever so motivated by my friend Sara's blog. I feel like I have discovered a new world. I can put down all my crazy thoughts and things I sometimes want to say but don't. The world of computers is so amazing and I hope I don't ever hit a point where I stop learning or let technology scare me. My grandpa whom I loved and respected so much, had his own computer and used it before he passed away. I love the fact that he wasn't scared to try. He emailed, went to the web when he was looking for something and even paid his bills online, pretty impressive for an 81 year old. I hope this will be a fun new adventure, I have already had a great time reading the thoughts of other people.