MIL

Does anyone know why we decide to spring clean when our Mother-in law is coming to visit?? I've been trying to figure this one out for years, but ultimately give in of course. My MIL is really nice and I doubt she cares if the windows are clean or the hamper is empty. I don't love her son any less if the kitchen floor isn't shiny or the bathtub isn't spotless. Men just really don't understand this one. They don't care if they come to the front door in their boxers to greet their MIL- trust me! So anyways, I've cooked alot today and filled the fridge and cabinets with groceries I think she will like, or at least to keep from starving. I've cleaned the house real good and even gave the puppies a bath. Did I mention I have a sinus infection too? But, all is well and it's almost time for bed.

Company is coming tomorrow and I'm all set, I think. Actually I need to still help my hubby to shampoo the carpet tonight. Sadly, I'm not kidding :)

booba.....what??

I now introduce you to the boobaloo! You can't tell in the picture but this little joy ride is at least 2 feet wide and 4 feet long- it's a monster! It's the cadillac of mall strollers. It is worth a million dollars in my book. Every time we visit this big mall we have to rent this little baby. On this particular day there was a line to rent one of these and fortunately we got the last one! It really is a life saver if you are Christmas shopping with a toddler, packages, bananas, new toys, old toys, drinks, etc. But as we made our way to the Outback we quickly realized we would have to take the stroller outside the mall to go to dinner. Hmmmmmmmmm......boobaloo or Outback? We chose both. As we left the mall we were waiting for the alarms to sound and the renta cops to arrive. Nothing happened so we headed down the sidewalk for our yummy dinner. Of course the wait was like 30 minutes and there were people everywhere on this sunny Saturday in December. Adam carefully drove our little car around the people and across a few toes. We giggled, said excuse me and kept on strolling. The next problem was finding a parking space in the crowded, busy restaurant. We endured several mean stares and glances. By this time, Lacey was hungry and becoming whiney. All the while, a young college kid stared as we read his stupid t-shirt that said "Make Love, NOT Babies" We (sorta) carefully, placed the buggy by our table so no one would steal our little jewel. Yeah, we looked stupid but who cared? Actually, I did, and that's why Adam was forced to push it and handle it. Plus it was his idea. So Lacey decides to fall asleep on Adam's shoulder after dinner and that only leaves one option- I would need to take this stupid stroller back out of the restaurant among all the people. I think we must have looked like the Beverly Hillbillies as they were packed to go. I really can't tell you how many ankles I scraped and how many toes were crushed that day. And for some reason, we just kept laughing, it was uncontrollable. Embarrassing and uncontrollable. We giggled all the way back to the mall. In all seriousness, I almost peed my pants. But we were safe and sound and our shopping buggy was ours for the rest of the night. Of course, we are probably banned from that Outback now, but maybe it was worth it!?

The Boobaloo Rocks!

little moments

A beautiful, little perfume bottle of Intimately Beckham is a wonderful, sweet gift from my hubby. But, the most special gifts of the season are not material things. Here's a few of my favorite little moments;

Laughing as Adam braves the coldness to grill our traditional ribeyes on Christmas Eve.

Adam saying the blessing as we sit down to have Christmas Eve dinner together.

Just the three of us making a funny, messy Gingerbread house on my bed.

The excitement in Lacey's eyes as we put up the Christmas tree together.

Helping the little kids get dressed for the church Christmas play and watching with joy and pride.

Standing together with our church family as we sing Christmas carols.

Watching all the twinkling house lights as I drive home from a long day at work.

A good friend sitting on the couch with Lacey on Christmas night, reading her new toddler Bible to her so sweetly.

The small soft voice of my baby girl saying "Merry Christmas Mommy" as we head to bed on Christmas night.

I could go on and on.

It really is the little things in life that matter the most.

'tis the season

And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Luke 2:7

its a small world

Just like the song says...... it's a small world after all. This song plays in my car now quite alot for my little girl. It's funny when you talk to someone and realize you have things in common or know the same people. Usually its unexpected and brings a smile or a laugh. We also live in a small town and you can be assured that you will see someone you know at Lowes, Walmart, or Sheetz or even the restroom somewhere in town! Unfortunately, sometimes you see people together that are wishing not to be seen probably.

Or you go shopping 3 hours from home and look pretty tired and rough and see people from your workplace. And, I was 2 hrs from home awhile back and ran into more people from my work. And sometimes when we go to this same mall about 2 hrs away, we will run into some guys (customers) that will say Hi to my husband and talk about his job and parts for their cars. Of course, we just laugh and he tells me they are "regulars" at his store.

It really is a small world and even a smaller town.

p.s Only 3 more days until Christmas :)

the answers......

1- Santa Claus
2- Medicine
3- NY

4- Tim Allen
5- Deck the Halls
6- Zero

7- Angel
8- A Hula Hoop :)
9- 5 cents

last 3 trivia questions........

7. What is the most popular tree topper?

8. My favorite- What does Alvin want for Christmas?

9. In a Charlie Brown Christmas, how many cents does Lucy charge for her psychiatric services?

too sweet

A Bedtime Prayer from a 2-yr Old:

(quietly and slowly) "Now I lay me down to sleep,

(loud) I pway the Lord soul to keep,

(giggle, giggle)

if I die before wake, (giggle, giggle)

I pway the Lord soul to keep.

(shouting) AMEN!"


and then she smiles and quietly says "I make Jesus happy"

I quickly agree.

4- In the movie Santa Clause, who starred as a substitute Santa Claus?

5- What carol contains the word "FA-LA-LA-LA-LA-LA-LA-LA-LA"?

6- How many times is the name Santa Claus used in "The night before Christmas"?

Christmas Trivia

How many can you guess?

1- In Frosty the Snowman, who brought Frosty back to life?

2- In the song "Grandma got ran over by a reindeer",
What did Grandma go to get?

3- In what city did Miracle on 34th street take place?

The mountain??

Who knew that Gander Mountain could be a fun place to shop? We recently stopped at the one in Charleston for the first time. I was surprised to find so many christmas gifts as well as stuff for ourselves. I got a great new grill skillet/pan to cook chicken and steaks on the stove. We found lots of cool things and stayed for probably an hour or two. Thank goodness this was our last stop on the way home because we were broke as we walked out the door.

A good friend said he was surprised to hear of my new shopping adventure at this store. He laughed as I talked about all the things we found. And maybe now, I won't secretly laugh at his gander mountain camo hat since he is going to get a matching gander mountain wallet for christmas :)

Next stop? Maybe Cabellas.

oops.......

DISCLAIMER: The slideshow contains cute and nice photos. There also appears to be a few inappropriate images that are not my selections. It appears they sorta sneak those ones in there amongst the other nice ones.

WARNING: Half naked Hasselhoff appears. I sincerely apologize if you are eating breakfast, lunch or dinner at this time.

Merry Christmas!

11 days to go.........

hmmmmm.......

I don't normally like to use quotes, especially quotes I receive in work emails. But I thought this one was worth printing and sharing.


I cannot give you the formula for success, but I can give you the formula for failure- try to please everybody.

Herbert Bayard Swope

Welcome Darlene to the wacky world of bloggin'.

Have fun on your new site.

SUCKER!!!

PAMPERED CHEF, MARY KAY, LONGABERGER

I love them all :)
I think my debit card has seen them all within the past few weeks.
A neighbor friend was taking orders for pampered chef so I found a few things to order. And then, a friend called the next week and invited me to her party and so I placed another order. Yep, 2 in 2 weeks, gotta love it! There's always something new and fun in the catalogs. Then there is the wonderful, cute little Longaberger items. I'm pretty far from being cheap or "frugal" but really can't bring myself to pay $100 for a basket that I can buy at AC Moore for 5 bucks! But I will gladly order a new little tote bag like the Christmas one sitting here on my desk beside me.

And of course, there is Mary Kay. Satin hands, moisturizer, face cloths, new lip gloss..... I love it all! The last order I gave a friend at work was to benefit breast cancer research so it was for a good cause. That was just icing on the cake!

So now you know, I am a sucker for these home parties/ catalogs. And when we move to a bigger house, I'll be planning party after party to make up for lost time!

home sweet home

Well, its been a fun day at home again. I'm thankful the medicine is working fast and my little one is feeling better today. As I'm typing this, she just ran over and hugged me and said "I love you Mommy". The name of "mommy" is only one name that she has used lately. Sometimes I need to respond to "sheetheart" or maybe "honey" or even cuter is "punkin".

There's no place I'd rather be than home. A great hubby, ornery puppies and a little toddler. What could be better?

60 min or less

In one hour or less; Where can you go to fill prescriptions? shop for new bras? pick up christmas gifts? talk to your brother for awhile? see good friends as you walk in the door? see other friends in the meat aisle? talk to church family, in the bathroom? buy a mickey mouse magazine? give money to the needy? find cool socks and pick up milk?


Only at Walmart, of course!

Dec 9th

Well, it's been a great weekend and I could write a blog that is 50 pages but I'll just share one little story tonight.

We have officially introduced Lacey to our family tradition of exchanging presents whenever we want in the month of December! As adults, we can make the child- like decision to open presents when the urge strikes :) And tonight, it happened! Adam decided to give me some pretty new pink pajamas that he had ordered and now I'm nice and cozy enjoying this special gift! Of course, he expected a gift in return and I quickly obliged. He is the proud new owner of a gecko grip level, that I'm guessing you'll only understand if you are a man.

Lacey loved my new pj's and daddy's new toy but we felt bad as she sat empty handed. So I watched with excitement as she opened a pretty new little Disney Princess keyboard that had just came off the store shelf a few hours earlier. Our house has been filled with beautiful music ever since.

We forced ourselves to stop before we got carried away. See, we can be adults, sometimes. Besides, there's always tomorrow night :)

Play with Me

There's a magic moment sent down from the sky.
Descending so stealthily; it almost passes me by.
It may be in the morning or the late afternoon,
Or sometime after midnight, when the cow jumps over the moon.

Come, play with me.
Your presence is requested at a banquet for a bear.
The giraffe and the tiger insist you be there.
Please, hurry daddy, the tea is getting cold.
And you are getting old.
Come stay with me, play with me, daddy, please . . .

She brightens me with sunshine twinkling from her eyes.
She captures me with silence and playful long good-byes.
Its see you later alligator, after while crocodile.
Watch my special cartwheel; let’s be buddies for a while.

And come, play with me.
Your presence is requested at a banquet for a bear.
The giraffe and the tiger insist you be there.
Please, hurry daddy, the tea is getting cold.
And you are getting old.
Come stay with me, play with me, daddy, please . . .

off my chest

Recently someone attacked my husband's ethics, knowledge and abilities. Fortunately, he is mature enough to let this ignorance roll off his back and let it go. It hurt me that a "friend" would say untrue things about him. When someone spreads gossip and tells lies, it almost always comes back to the person you are intending to hurt. It's rarely kept quiet.

Adam was a store manager for several years. He had complete responsibility for all daily operations and financial matters at his store. His list of qualifications is a mile long on his resume.

Boy, the ole devil just never gives up. But, he will never win. The Lord provides us with grace and mercy each day to overcome these things.

God is good :)

from Charles Swindoll

There is a practical reason Thanksgiving always precedes Christmas. It sets in motion the ideal mental attitude to carry us through the weeks in between. In other words, a sustained spirit of gratitude makes the weeks before Christmas a celebration rather than a marathon.

Thank you Lord: for your sovereign control over our circumstances, for your Word that gives us direction, for your love that holds us close, for your understanding when we are confused, and for your Spirit that enlightens our eyes.

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Colossians 3:15

who invited HIM??

Old man winter has decided to visit today. I don't really remember inviting him. As I drudged out the door this morning into the snow, I really wished I could stay in my nice warm bed for a few more hours. The roads were yucky and I only had about 30 more miles to get to the nice interstate. I usually stay pretty calm on bad roads until I start seeing accidents and then my grip gets a little bit tighter on the steering wheel. That was the case today. I came upon 2 wrecks and numerous cars driving like 30 mph. By the time I made it to work, I was late for overtime. But is that really possible though- to be late for overtime??

So tonight I dashed home on the nice clean safe roads and enjoyed the ride. It's the calm before the storm- literally. Old man winter is headed back again in the morning. I wish I was in Florida with the Extreme Home Makeover family :)

Stay tuned.........

dirty dishes

So, my 2 yr old has discovered this past week how much fun it is to do dishes with mommy or daddy! She carefully drags her little step stool up to the sink and reaches for the glass brush. She is so happy to play in the bubbles and "help" :) Who cares that it takes an hour now to do dishes? So this morning as we made spaghetti and salad and baked cookies, she became so excited to see all the dirty dishes pile up. She can hardly wait until we tackle this task again this evening. She gets to help mamaw today make pepperoni rolls and maybe some iced tea so she's just lovin' life!

It's the simple things in life.........

MUSICAL BEDS

Sounds like a soap opera, doesn't it? Actually its a typical night at our house. The picture is a little blurry but I think you can get the "picture!"

Who knows where we will end up sleeping?? Maybe with our head resting on Lacey's bed as we fall asleep reading to her? Maybe waking in the middle of the night with a sore back from sleeping on her hard bedroom floor, which is better than half on her bed? Maybe the love seat? Maybe the other couch? Maybe by some big chance, nice and cozy in our own bed- together :) But at least the night terrors and nightmares have stopped. Too bad we didn't miss that stage. A couple months is a long, long time. But she still sneaks into our bed sometimes, as you can see above.

Somehow the puppies always make out best. Snuggled nice and warm in our bed, with no cares in the world- at least while Lacey is sleeping.

The soap opera continues. These are the Days of our Lives. Or should I say nights?

HEY BUS DRIVER........

MOVE.......THAT.............BUS!!!!!

Yep, Extreme Home Makeover is in town! It's been the buzz everywhere today.
Check it out: www.wvextremehomes.com

I'm sorry Ty that you are in such a bad neighborhood but I've heard the security is pretty good for you and your team. The family will be forever grateful. I've sent in my volunteer registration so please....pick me, pick me, pick me!

I'll see you at Sears at 9am. A little birdie told me you would be there. I'm a pretty good shopper and I'm sure I could help out :) Just let me know, okay?

We could talk about anything and everything. Nothing was off limits really.
I wish I could turn back time about 3 years and make time stand still.
Everything would be much better and everyone would be happy again.
Everything would be normal.
No more broken hearts and tears. Just happiness and love.
"Life goes On" but sometimes it really sucks when the pain is still here.

It's awful when you miss someone so much and know that things will never be the same.

bittersweet

His name is Junior. I know very little about this man but I want to make him happy. He will be alone this Christmas in the nursing home, no visitors and no gifts. The only thing he really wants is a nice cologne set. I heard that he likes to hug the other residents and for them to notice how nice his cologne smells. My vivid imagination makes me think that he is a well groomed man that pays attention to detail, with carefully combed hair and neat clothes. He likes to make people happy and bring smiles to all the ladies. I think Junior is quite the ladies man in the home!

Such simple pleasures really should make us humble. We have so much to be thankful for at this holiday season. I hope he has a Merry Christmas. A little time shopping and a little money will hopefully bring him some joy, from my house to his home this year.

Please remember the children and lonely elderly during this Christmas season. Theres also many people that will have to share this special time alone and could use someone to brighten their holiday.

de-ja-vu

Well the new, fun blog is wearing off- again.
I'm slowly dwindling away- again.

It was fun while it lasted.

But I do like it when someone emails and talks about something on my blog or talks about it to me in person or on the phone. So maybe there is still hope??

Nov 19th

Well today should be a state holiday, its the first day of gun season! You would think its a national holiday or something around here. The roads were lined with trucks this morning as the hunters were out doing their manly thing. As I raced to work, Bambi raced to avoid the front bumper of my Honda. I mumbled under my breath and then sympathy won. Poor Bambi was running for her life from these awful men in orange and camoflauge. The deer all laugh as they try to figure out all the camo from head to toe but yet they wear this great big orange thing on their chest and belly. At least they laugh until they hear the crack of the deadly weapons. I think the deer should be armed as well, and make it an even fight. They should have lots of gun gadgets and tricky toys to hunt too. Maybe some human pee also.

As I pull into the deserted parking lot at work, it looks like a federal holiday. Which always means a good space for me anyways. I noticed that all the deer were quite happy at my work place on this Monday morning. They smirked as they enjoyed their nice, huge, safe complex. I could hear them laughing all day long.

What's wrong with chicken anyways?

It's Here

We had our Thanksgiving dinner at church today, so it officially feels like the holidays are here! I love it! We have family coming to visit this week and we're so excited to see them again. And its vacation time from work! 2 more long work days and then the fun begins :)

We have so much to be thankful for.

thumbs up

Robin Williams is too funny!
Check out the movie "License to Wed"

Thank goodness for pay per view when you are
15 minutes from the video store :)

Wish List

Dear Santa,

I've updated my wish list on line this year to make things easier for you. You can find the changes on my profile page. I've been a good girl this year, well..........almost. The apple iphone would still be nice too.

I will leave you milk and cookies and you can let me know when the ML320 will be in the driveway.

p.s I love you.

Ocean City Maryland

I'm never out of bed at 6:30am, especially on vacation, but this was the exception! And it was so worth it!

I was surprised to see the number of people out on the boardwalk watching this beautiful sight!

If you've never seen a sunrise over the ocean, you don't know what you are missing. This is one of my favorite photos and memories from this vacation.

nothing sweeter

I remember the first time Lacey tried to sing. She was sitting in the baby bath tub and was making these cute little sounds. I told Adam- "I think she's trying to sing!" And sure enough, she was trying to sing like Mommy. And now she can sing parts of songs or a couple verses and keeps us smiling and maybe a few tears sometimes. She will play quietly with her doll house and I will hear the little voice singing "Jesus loves me, this I know....." Or she will decide that Sugar and Spice would like to hear her version of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and she will get about an inch from their face and sing her heart out to them!

She may not be the next American Idol superstar but there is nothing sweeter than her little voice singing a song.

My Anniversary

November 12, 1995
My first day at my job. I was so nervous, proud and excited.

12 years have flown by! It's funny how the days may drag on and even the week may seem long, but boy the years fly by!

Only 8 years to go, right honey?

faith

Sometimes we are faced with a challenge. Not a trial or problem, but a challenge. And it usually comes when we least expect it. I think God smiles when he surprises us like this :)

Is the timing right? Can we really do this? Sadly, do we want to do this? But then we think about the kids that need someone to teach them and love them and how could you say No? I think about Jesus and how he suffered so much and died for us. He paid the ultimate price for us and we should forever be grateful and willing to serve Him. We should jump at opportunities that He gives us and be willing to carry out his plan for us.

So as we prepare and start making plans, I pray for patience and knowledge to do His will. Adam and I make a pretty good team and I know we can do this, together. I've thought about this alot the past couple weeks and know that we can make it work. God promises He will never give us more than we can handle. I'm sure we will learn alot too.

48 days to go

I LOVE CHRISTMAS SHOPPING!!!!!

birds

So this morning I was birthday shopping at the pet store before work. I found a great parakeet starter set with the cage, food, bowls, book, all the stuff for the bird to live happily ever after. I checked out the cute little yellow and green birds and decided this is the perfect gift for one special, lucky lady. I can't wait to see her suprised face on Saturday. The nice clerk helped me to find everything and even showed me her favorite bird. It was a beautiful, beautiful huge white bird, like as big as my dogs! I don't remember the birds' name or anything about her except the price tag- $1600.00!

I really don't know anything about this kind of animal, but I do know that you shouldn't have to finance a pet bird :)

Just like Mastercard

Some things in life are just priceless.......

~~photos and memories
~~a hubby that cleans house and buys groceries
~~my little girl that tells daddy her bear is sad because he misses mommy today
~~a good healthy recipe that includes spinach, but you can't taste the spinach
~~a nice email from a friend amongst all the junk email
~~a handwritten card and letter in the mail box with the bills
~~planning a weekend getaway for the very near future and finding a great new hotel
~~new levi's and warm sweaters
~~a baby (or toddler) that sleeps all night (right Jonna?)
~~lacey bowing her little head to say prayers in church
~~private jokes
~~and of course make-up, deodorant, tampons and dental floss :)

doctors

Pediatricians and Vets

I found out this weekend that they both gave me the same advice, within hours, to just "hang in there." They both are great with their respective patients but are completely different. But again, their advice is the same.

I just wish my vet would accept my health insurance. My checkbook would be much happier tonight. I guess there is pet insurance but maybe that is going too far.

So now I'm thinking of some of the Seinfield episodes where they really ramble about nothing at all but somehow its still funny and great- unlike this blog :) By the way, the new Bee movie (Seinfield again) is cute. There's alot of adult jokes though but my 2 yr old laughed just like she understood when everyone else laughed. Wouldn't buy it but it was cute to see.

Again, rambling.........

simple math

something to think about..........

(high) Expectations + Reality = disappointment

For Sale

Well it always stinks to take a sick day because, well....you are sick. But at least I have the time today to check out my new Neiman Marcus Christmas catalog. It really was worth buying the subscription just for the fun of it. I seen a preview on the Today show last week and decided to order it and play make believe :) Here's a few gift ideas for those on your Christmas shopping list:

~~tote bag from nancy somebody, made of crocodile, python trim $3,600.
~~hello kitty white diamond necklace $1,950.
~~brass elephant cake plate with crystals only $500. & 4 matching dessert plates for $375.
~~ 100 foot long dragon topiary for your front yard, starts at $35,000
~~private holiday concert for you and 499 of your closest friends, hosted by Regis Philbin, world famous orchestra, grand piano, get ready----$1,590,000. that's one million, 5 hundred ninety thousand dollars
~~2008 lexus sedan, special edition, only 50 sold, price is so secret, must call for information
~~black steel watch with black diamond detailing, perfect for Adam, $10,000
~~and my favorite...... 7.2 carats, white and pink diamond cell phone, works in 150 countries, set in 18 karat rose gold, matching pink leather case. i'm guessing you might just get a little free service included in the low, low price of $73,000. i think i need to go change my wish list on this site. heck with the apple iphone, i'll take this one instead :)

October is....

Disability Awareness Month- We seen an interesting demonstration at work with service dogs for the blind. Still trying to talk Adam into letting me be a "puppy raiser" for this organization!

Pastor Appreciation Month- The Pastor is always there for everyone. We all should remember to love, pray and appreciate our Pastor and his wife. Maybe a card of encouragement, nice dinner, special gift or just a word of appreciation.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month- been there, done that. Ultrasound, 2 mammograms, no desire to do this again for quite awhile. I guess the word Awareness is the key.

Boss's Day, Sweetest Day- hopefully not celebrated together :)

Thanksgiving in Canada- We were in Niagara one year and celebrated Thanksgiving in October up there. It was really cool with all the decorations and signs. I remember the hotel restaurant served turkey, stuffing, pumpkin pie and all the trimmings.

National Dessert Day

October 14th- BE BALD AND FREE DAY ??!!
This is a real designated day in October. A big shout out to Papa Bob. Just checking. I'm sure I'll pay for that one!

One Year Ago

goodbye

One day I had to say goodbye to someone and it broke my heart. I never expected to be in that situation and I hated it. I really didn't want to go, but I knew that I would regret it. I just wanted to cry and wish everything was better. This was one of the hardest things I had to do for a very long time. This person didn't die, but it sure felt like it. And still does.

Ready or Not

We are ready for Halloween! We have 3 costumes and all the accessories to go with them. Yep, I said 3 costumes. We (or I) thought it would be fun if we dressed up with Lacey. Our costumes are surprises but I'll tell you that Lacey is going to be a little angel. I think next year I should be a doctor or nurse and Adam can be my patient, wearing the hospital gown with the fake tushy sticking out the back :) It's so funny just hanging on the cardboard so I'm sure it would bring many laughs!

Who said that trick or treat is just for little kids??

WORK

SUCKS!

Sometimes it feels good to just say that. I don't normally talk about my job much. I am very grateful for my job and the benefits for more family but there are some days, or months, that are really awful. My whole unit has been fighting for a month or so now, actual screaming matches, yeah, real nice. My supervisor has left the unit and probably will never return. So for now we will get a new supervisor every 90 days. There is so much conflict all the time. I've decided that our unit is like one big long bad episode of Big Brother, with all the scheming and plotting against each other. I'm sorta like the bird that just buries my head in the sand and waits for the storm to pass again.

deadlines, desk audits, inspections, policy changes, major law changes, system builds, blah blah blah............when does it end???

But now I smile because my weekend officially began about 3 hours ago and I'm going to enjoy every minute of it :)

OT

Overtime is........

a big ugly monster and yet a blessing in disguise.

overtime is 1-2 hours each day, monday through thursday

1-2 hours makes for a long day on top of 10 1/2 hrs :(

overtime makes a good paycheck look great!

is here for just a little while and then gone for a year.

overtime makes great shopping for Christmas presents!

overtime is a quiet peaceful time at work, reserved only for the hard-working "dedicated" few

overtime ROCKS!!!! when you need 8 new winter tires!!

Patience

We learned today that God has answered one of our prayers!
We have prayed for a long time, maybe a year or two and God has been faithful!!

She was Beautiful

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHAANA

I remember standing with your Dad as your Mom quietly endured the pain.
I remember crying quietly and wishing I could help her more.
I remember the excitement and joy as I watched you come into this world, beautiful and perfect.

And today, a "couple" years later, you are becoming a beautiful young lady.
Happy Birthday!

Red, Orange and Yellow

Today has been the best of both worlds- summer and fall. It was like 80 degrees outside and yet the trees are really changing colors and are beautiful in some places. I was just as anxious as Lacey to "play" outside all afternoon and evening. It was so nice to be outdoors and just have fun and relax. We decorated for fall/Halloween while wearing flip flops and capris! We got big hay bales, 2 huge pumpkins and some pretty mums. We dug out our scarecrow and some fake leaves and made a cute little scene by the parking space. Adam skipped all the girly stuff and stained some new closet doors and a new bedroom door for us. We even had a cookout this evening, October 21st.

We had a great morning at church. It's always great to be with our church family and spend time together. Today was one of those days again that I really felt blessed when I left. It's one of those great feelings that is hard to describe. I think the Lord is doing great things in our church and for the people of our church. We are so blessed.

RARE

2 blogs in one day- RARE.

I was thinking tonite about a friend of mine. Her husband's birthday is tomorrow so I'm sure we all will be talking for awhile sometime. I think the reason we are such good friends is because she is so laid back and easy going. We sorta have a weird relationship but it's good. We really don't have alot of expectations of each other, no high hopes or neediness I guess. We can go for a month or so without talking and then just pick right back up where we left off. We'll talk about our hubbies, kids, money, work, dreams, etc. Of course we talk about the more important stuff too like the coyote ugly series, playdoh and big girl panties versus diapers. We don't need to see each other constantly and we give each other space to be ourselves and live our life. We are always here for each other and can talk when we need each other. We can make plans once in awhile, usually the night before, and have a good time. I'm thankful for this friend. I think we both learn from each other and respect each other. So tomorrow I'm glad we'll catch up again and talk awhile. I think we both need it.

Two Men

So I am going to try this blog thing one more time. Who knows how long it will last? My other one is still out there somewhere in cyberspace and I can't seem to find it. I actually liked the style better but again, I can't find it. I guess it was pretty important to me huh? Anyways, if you are looking for the meaning of life or anything else really deep or of any great importance, you can be assured that you won't find it here.

Right now for my first blog, again, I am thinking about 2 men- Harry and David. I just made a big pot of chicken noodle soup that I picked up while we were shopping at the beach. Actually we were leaving the beach and stopped at the outlet stores to spend the little remaining cash we had left from vacation. After we left Pfaltzgraff there wasn't much left in our wallet but we ventured into Harry and David. There's just something fun and special about gourmet soups, chocolates, coffee and all that kind of stuff. We got a little bag of chicken soup mix, wonderful smelling maple cream coffee and some maple apple butter. It is all delicious but I don't think I'll try the soup again. I doubt Adam will eat it tonight and my little one quickly spit it out for dinner this evening and insisted on eating spaghetti (AGAIN!). I'm sure she likes the 50 cent red labeled chicken noodle soup better!

So the morale of this story is.......... Harry and David have delicious food, but so does BEN and JERRY :)