Quick Update

My goodness...what a whirlwind the last few days has been. I'm very tired, so I thought I would just highlight my days since Thursday...

~Friday I worked late and then got the house in order to leave for the weekend, packed us all up and finally hit the hay at about 1am.

~Sat. we headed down to Rockford for the tournament. The boys played amazingly well. We knew this tournament was going to be tough and some awesome competition. I think it helped to show our strengths and our weak areas. We checked into the hotel and had a fun few hours in between games.

~Sat. evening the boys had a blast. I got some great photos of them in the pool and will get them downloaded and post in the next day or so. Seeing them all bond was as much fun as watching the games. It was also nice to spend some time with the parents.

~Sun. Marlon and I led a small church service. It was very well recieved and I was so glad we decided to do it. We prayed beforehand and just asked God to use us in any way he saw fit===whether for one or one hundred. Afterwards a woman came up to me and thanked us and said she always hates missing church on tournament weekends and hopes that others at other tournaments catch on to this idea and offer some kind of service for those interested.

~The game was so intense. Half of us couldn't even watch at the end. The boys played their hearts out and kept up with the other team until the very end when they lost 6-4 in the last couple of minutes of the game. The other coach gave our team a great compliment-saying that we were some of the best competition his team has approached in a while.

~Since we were home early I was able to spend some time at my cousin's baby shower and then head over to Niecy's house for her birthday dinner. Our friends, Eda and Albo, came over as well and just had a great time.

~I've been doing pretty well on the lemonade cleanse. I broke down Sat. and had a few Pringles and I decided to eat yesterday. I didn't get sick which was promising, however, I was careful yesterday what I ate. Today I got back on track and plan to stick with this until at least Thursday. I weighed myself yesterday and I've lost 6 pounds. The best part is I feel so much better. I really think that I need to just stay away from caffeine and soda all together.

Well--of course there's more, but this is the easiest way to sum it all up. I'm really going to bed now and going to try and sleep.

Peace out.

Thursday Thirteen, Lemonade Cleanse

Well, today is the day to do my 13 favorite things that begin with the letter "B" (in no particular order)

1. Bible (it certainly has changed my life!)
2. Beth (my sweet buddy)
3. Backrubs
4. Bubble baths
5. Berries (all kinds--I LOVE them)
6. Bread
7. Boys (hubba hubba...lol)
8. Balloons
9. Birthdays
10.Butterflies
11.Burritos
12.Booty dancing...lol (I know, I know...I'm too old, but it's still fun!)
13.Bananas

So let me tell you about this lemonade cleanse I am doing. My aunt's friend was telling me about it a couple of weeks ago and after reading up on it online, I decided to try it. I started Monday. Well, Monday I really just fasted because I hadn't bought the things I needed to for the cleanse. It's this lemon drink concoction and no food for 10 days. I may do it longer, now that I am actually starting to feel good. Tuesday night was the worst! Oh my goodness, I know I was detoxing off of caffeine...but I was literally physically ill all evening. By Wed. am, I felt a million times better. Then on Wed. I did eat lunch because leadership at Elmbrook took all of the AAs out to lunch and I really didn't want to miss it. That's why I might add a day or two on. This cleanse is going to detoxify my system and I may lose weight in the process-so that's just an added bonus. I've always wanted to do something like this, but never knew of a way or how to without doing damage. I'll keep you all posted on how it's going.

Tonight was my Body Shoppe party. It was fun and only $100 needed in sales and I get a TON more free...I still have a few friends from work that want to order so I might hit that goal. It was just fun to sit and chat with friends and try on all of the different lotions and products. Now I have to be through with parties and such for awhile because we are going to have very few moments of free time until August or Sept. That is crazy to think about.

Another tournament this weekend. We'll be in Rockford and it should be a great challenge for the boys. I am looking forward to hanging out with everyone and watching our boys play and just mess around together as well. I really hope the bulk of this team stays together because I think we've got great coaches, a great team and great parents as well.

Well, I need to check my e-mails and actually do a little work before bed so I am outta here...

You Are an Ice Cream Cake

Surprising, unique, and high maintenance. You're one of a kind, and you don't want anyone to forget it. You're fun in small doses, but it's easy for people to overdose on you!

What Kind of Cake Are You?

The last few days...

Okay--so this is how I feel today. Full of possibilities. Revived (and that is truly from God because after the crazy weekend I had there is no reason to feel revived...lol) Like I can do anything, with His help, that I set my mind to...so I had to post this picture.

Now the weekend...

Friday was the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. Went well, except that the accompanist didn't come so we couldn't run through the song at all. I had practised for weeks with an MP3 copy of him playing the song so I wasn't really worried, but I know that Jess (my new cousin in law) was a little nervous. Cory did well and it was cool because the church still had it's bright neon orange carpeting from the 70s. Now Cory is 100% blind, but against bright--he can make out shadows and shapes...SO since the carpet was so crazy orange...he could make out where the pews were and was able to walk all by himself from across the church to get his bride. Amazing. Little gifts. Always little gifts.

We got home Friday about 8:30. Marlon and Isaiah went right to sleep because they had to get up to head to Madison by 6:45. I stayed up a little to get some stuff done since I knew the rest of the weekend would be hectic. Sat. a.m. they left bright and early for the soccer tournament. I ran some errands, ironed, got everyone's clothes ready and put myself together so we could head out by 11:30. Marlon was able to stay for the first game (which we won--woohoo!) and then jetted back so he could get to the church by 12:45ish. Isaiah stayed with the team for the 2nd game. I must tell you---the ceremony was lovely. Now for me...being raised in a warped Catholic church (and I know they all aren't--the one I went to was---so please don't send hate comments) I don't particularly have a good taste in my mouth for Catholic priests and I am always skeptical---although I know that is not from God and work through it---I have to be honest that I normally initially react that way. But there was something good there...and the priest gave a lovely homily. All of the ritualistic traditions and the autopilot responses and prayers reminded me what we need to be weary of in our beliefs...but overall it was great. And to see Cory....I must share that there was a time of worry at the thought of his being alone, finding someone that would really love him for him, that would understand his limitations and not see him as a burden. Jess is that woman. Is she perfect---who of us is? She makes him happy and she cares about his well-being. Although he's been an adult for a longgggggg time now (he's 29) until he and Jess got serious...I have to be honest I kind of forgot he was a grown up. I mean that it's hard to admit, but I think partly because of his limitations I still thought of him as my "little" cousin. To see him stand before us all with his wife on his arm...there's no denying he is a full fledged adult and has a wonderful future before him as a husband and hopefully someday, a father. I am so happy for them and was honored to be a part of the day.

After the ceremony, Marlon ran to get Isaiah from Beth (thanks again Beth for giving him a ride and keeping an eye on him!!) and I took the other car home. Izzy went with Marlon and Jordyn/Elijah stayed with my parents. I had a few moments to myself which was nice. I did a couple of things around the house and went to my Grandma's to visit for a bit. Then after Isaiah got home, freshened up and changed, we headed to the reception. What a wonderful dinner! A very yummy buffet of fried chicken, beef, ham, a ton of sides and salads...the kids were in heaven...lol. We were able to stay for the bridal march and first dance but then we headed home because Sun. brought an early morning again with soccer. Jordyn got to stay with my parents, as she couldn't miss teaching Sunday school and they took her in the am.

By 5:45 we were on the road to Madison. I tell you, getting there at 7--we really got a good parking spot...lol. The boys did great and made it to the championship which meant we hung out all day (the 'ship was at 1:30) I really enjoy spending time with our team. I think it's neat that people with different lives, different beliefs and different ways of parenting can all come together for a common bond and learn from each other and enjoy being together. This is our first experience with select soccer and after the start we had last fall---well really it was others making problems, but it definately affected our team---but it had me a little worried about what we had gotten ourselves into. What I've found with our group is that there is respect for each other...even if we have different ideas about how to do things. The boys did amazing and took first place. We stopped for dinner on the way home as a treat. Was I exhausted!! Even with my lovely nap on the way home---I was quite tuckered out.

I had no intention of doing anything but lounging on the couch all evening, but my aunt was at my Grandmas house and she had just gotten back from a mission trip to Mississippi...so I went over to chat with her for awhile about it. Sounds like she had a really touching time and wants to go back. It makes me so excited for our trip...what we'll see there, how the kids will react, what God has in store for us...

Anyway---now that I'm somewhat caught up---I am going to go. Peace-out-people!!

It's Thursday already???? My Alphabet 13s!!

Oh my goodness...this week has flown by. With the usual scheduling mishaps and incredibly crazy week...I definately need some quiet time. I might try to dodge out of work a little early tomorrow. Now that they got me this laptop I can work from home---so I may save some stuff to work on Sunday night in exchange for heading out early tomorrow. We have to be at the rehearsal at 5:15.

Thursday Thirteen

My 13 Favorite Things that Begin with "A"

1. Amelia (my Grandma!!)

2. Alvin Ailey choreography

3. Apples

4. Angels

5. Autumn

6. Affection

7. Art

8. Acting

9. Anecdotes...especially when teaching--it spells everything out so well.

10. Appetizers

11. Akeelah and the Bee

12. Animal Crackers

13. Amy Anderson

Next week I'll go with "B"

Before I head off to bed.......I wanted to share this picture from Kids Kamp 2 years ago. I love this picture of Elijah and Israel. On those days when they are irritable with each other, purposely pushing each other's buttons, getting in little jabs and kicks...I love to look at this picture. It reminds me of the brotherly love they have for each other and the joy they take in life!

I probably won't get a post in before Sunday...but hopefully I can give a play by play on Sunday evening.

Nite!

A lot going on...

So starts our busy days (does it seem there are many more busy days than not?)

Soccer is back in full swing and the next two weekends are tournament weekends. Isaiah is still loving it and really coming into his own. He continues to grow and develop and that's exciting to watch. As I said the outdoor game was last weekend and they won...but was even better was the way they've grown just since last fall.

This weekend is also my cousin Cory's wedding. He is so amazing. Cory went blind when he was 13 or 14. I remember that he went blind in one eye and then a little later lost vision in the other. His retinas detached. That kid has never let anything hold him back. He completed school, went on to college, works a good job coordinating volunteers with the blind and now is going to marry a really great woman-Jess. It's been so sweet to see them together. I pray that each day they find out more about each other and grow as one. They've asked Marlon to do a reading at the wedding and I am going to sing so Friday is the rehearsal dinner.

Jordyn got her temps and started driving last week. She's been out with Marlon, her Aunt Kathy and her dad. So far so good. I am a little afraid to take her out. She is a little afraid I think as well...lol. I'm actually not afraid that I'll yell at her...I'm more afraid that I'll wig out and scare the pants off of her!! She has her first behind the wheel session next week. I didn't think she'd be so nervous---but she really has been. After coming home today with Marlon though, she seemed a little bit calmer. She's even ventured out of the parking lot now!!

Marlon is going to speak at the 20-Something ministry on Wed. It's an exciting opportunity to share his thoughts on division in the church and also share some of his testimony regarding prison ministry. I enjoy listening to him speak...but that's a teen MOPS night and the leaders are going to be sharing our stories with the girls as well. Jordyn also has youth group on Wed.

As I was sitting down tonight to write out support letter for our Biloxi trip...I was struck by how much of an impact this trip is going to have on our family. It's funny because I knew--logically, intellectually--that it would. But today I really felt it in my heart. I remember when Jordyn came back from her mission trip to Mexico the summer after 6th grade. Her outlook on life changed. The devastation that we will see, the impact of hope we can help bring, the encouragement and love we will be able to lavish on the people there...I am so thankful that we've been given this opportunity. As I wrote I could see it in my head. I've seen pictures and video so I have some idea...but I could see the warm sun...the boys playing games with the kids there, Jordyn teaching crafts to the littler kids, Marlon and I connecting with the teens and young adults and Collin learning from the whole situation. What a blessing and honor to have been asked to be a part of this team. The time is going to fly by and the end of June will be here before we know it!

Anyway...much love to each of you reading this...remember to comment when something strikes your fancy or if you just want to say hi (hint, hint: Mom, Sarah, Jeri...lol) Now I'm off to wake my hubby up from the couch and go to bed! Nite.

Sunday Seven

This is another fun weekly meme that I might start doing. You can visit this site to get the questions each week.

Anyway this week the question is:
Name seven of the very first things you notice about a person -- male or female -- when you meet them for the first time.

1. Smile
2. Body Language (helps me gage how close to stand, whether to shake hands/hug, etc.)
3. Eyes
4. Sound of voice
5. Hairstyle
6. Any body markings-tattoos, piercings
7. Shoes (I'm a shoe girl--what can I say!!..lol)

Forecasts....phooey!

Harrummmph. No sun.


Still, not too cold--not too hot.


No complaining.


Okay. I feel better now.

Musings...

So as I mentioned yesterday, my head has been swimming with thoughts, ideas and feelings. In no particular order--

Missing the City
Brookfield...well, actually suburban southeastern WI...lacks flavor. It is very nice and there are a lot of friendly people there. I don't want to be misquoted as saying that I do not enjoy the people I know from there or that I do not like the area. But...it lacks urban flavor. Houses...clothing...hairstyles...experiences...for the most part they are cookie cutter. Sweeping generalization I know. Forgive me, it's where my head is at right now. Leaving my car unlocked in the parking lot? No worry of being jumped on the way to my car? Not stepping over drug addicts waiting for their methodone on my way into the office? It seems odd. Boy do I miss the city. Even more than the city...I miss ethnic diversity. I miss black people. I miss latin people. I miss the city.

Where to Start
People have needs. Other people have the desire to help and the money, resources, things to help with. How to connect them? What got me on this is a call that came into church the day before yesterday. A pastor on call phone call. A man called because his fridge had died and he was not sure what to do with his stuff. He didn't have any money and someone had said that since Elmbrook was a big church maybe we could help him. Since I was covering reception at the time I couldn't ask questions, couldn't find out the details and had to pass it on to the pastor on call. One of my bosses was the pastor on call that day and I must say he handled it the best he could. He offered advice, some places to contact and gave the guy his name and direct line. Then he called back today. Who bridges the gap? What kills me is that with the size of our church, I know there are probably several fridges sitting in garages or basements that people would love to donate to someone who could use it. Pray for me as I continue to try and figure out how to bridge that gap and the role I play in it.

Friends
Love your friends. Warts and all. But know that there are levels of friendship and that's okay. We've all recieved the e-mails about friends for a reason, friends for a season and friends for life...sometimes those anecdotal stories/poems are corny, but that is one that is really true. The reason friends are necessary. Often times we have a need that they fill. Or we may fill a need in them. I've been in those lost places where a friend came into my life who just had the gift of encouragement and a discerning spirit---and they helped me get back on track. I've been that listener for someone else when they've needed it. When I was in my young 20s and first started working professionally---I had some great older female co-workers who befriended me and I learned so much from. Most time when the need has been met--when the reason for the friendship is gone--the friendship is as well. There is nothing wrong with this.
The season friends are so fun to be with. You might have a lot in common and just enjoy each other's company. As your life changes and shifts those friends do to, but that doesn't mean that the impact they had on your life is any less. These are often your sharing friends, friends that you tell your secrets, friends that you spend a lot of time with...the seasons can be short or long.
Lifetime friends are there for the long haul and you are there for them the same. There is a connection beyond reason or season and you learn so much from them-as they do from you. There are strong emotional and foundation truths that bind you. This friendship does not end because of arguments. This friendship does not end because of hurt. What's painful is when you thought someone was this kind of a friend and they aren't. I've had that happen. What I've had to do when that has happened is really soul search. After doing so, I find that the person was probably a reason or season friend and I tried to fit them into the lifetime friend spot. Lifetime friends usually share your morals, dreams, idealogies---they don't have to---but those are things that often times link you for life.
Sometimes people go through stages of their lives where they don't make good friends. They might be having marital problems, addiction issues, mental health struggles, or maybe they are just selfish and unable to look past themselves. They might lie to protect themselves. Forgive them. They might lash out in anger because they don't want to face the truth. Forgive them. Be a friend to them if you can. But know that they might be a reason or season friend and it is okay for the friendship to be over. Nobody ever said that once you become friends with someone you have to stay that way for life. That's pressure we put on ourselves...I'm still working on this myself, so I am certainly not coming from a place of authority. But my head has been swimming with these thoughts and I had to get them down.

Tomorrow is the first outdoor game for soccer. I'm glad that sun is supposed to be out and shining. Certainly better than the strange weird snow we had this week...lol. Off to fold a load of towels, let the dog out and get some sleep.

Much love!

Friday's Feast

Appetizer

When you were a child, which crayon color was your favorite?

This is still my favorite crayon...cornflower!!

Soup

On a scale of 1 to 10 (with 10 being highest)

How likely would you be to change jobs if it required you to move?

Wow. Well, I would really need to feel that it was a call from God before I would move either to a new job or a new place. There are already stirrings in my heart that my position will switch and move back to social ministry. Now how and when I have no idea. As for moving to a new place--I can't imagine leaving my extended family, my home, how would we take Jordyn away from her dad...so much to think about...all I can say is that it would be likely only if I had to in order to be obedient.

Salad

Take all the numbers in your birthday and your phone number and add them up, one by one. What’s the total?

48

Main Course

Have you ever “re-gifted” anything? If so, what was it and who did you pass it on to?

I've only re-gifted at White Elephant parties. Not so much that I think it's a "bad" thing...I've just had wonderful gifts that I've always really wanted or could use or needed!

Dessert

Name something you need from the store.

We need toilet paper. What else is new?

Need of Prayer

These are my good missionary friends, the Ryders. (who Marlon stayed with for a week last Oct.) They currently live in Nairobi, Kenya and are the most amazing ministry couple I know. I am asking for prayer for Jan. She has been battling some strange stomach, digestive problems for a couple of weeks and they can't find out what is wrong with her. They have done many different tests, X-rays, etc. and have been unsuccessful in finding anything. While it is good news that no cancer or lumps were found...it is also a little unnerving to be unable to effectively accomplish ministry tasks, run programs and handle her job as a Children's Director. She has maintained such positive spirits about it all and continues to keep on trucking. Please pray that she is able to fully recover. That through being able to tolerate solid foods again she will regain her strength and return to her normal activities. Pray that there are other ministry folks to come alongside her and complete her tasks and help alleviate her worries. Pray that the ministry does not suffer in anyway because of her illness and that Satan would not gain any stronghold.

Thanks!

Lunch with the Girls

What fun lunch dates Amy and Beth are! We went to Blue Sombrero's today and had a blast. Thanks girls for such great conversation and laughs! I think all of us would attest that we don't take enough time to just hang out with the girls (especially other than soccer stuff or home parties...lol) I had to thank God for bringing such great women into my life. I laughed because I remember a time when Marlon used to have to try and FORCE me to have friends...and now I have great women I know I could call upon for help, to vent, to cry, to share a story, to lend an ear, to listen...

On my way back to work I thought about Jesus and how he made it a point to befriend, love, hang out with people that "society" didn't think he should or could. I like that. How wonderful to never worry about whether or not someone look or acted right before you sat down to be their friend. While I may try to do this....and be somewhat successful....I must also acknowledge that there are many times where I do hesitate. Where I think...hmmm...what's this person's story...they look shady...and I have to consciously put those thoughts away and extend my hand to them.

I have a ton more thoughts about this. And I've had all of these feelings today because I am missing the city....missing ethnic diversity...but there isn't time right now to properly address them, so I'll have to come back and blog later. I also have to do the Thirteen. Can't forget that!!

Some Easter Photos

My cousin dressed up as the Easter Bunny poses with a few of the kids after the egg hunt.

Only Rafe would take his acting to the level of needing to eat grass...lol!

After leading the kids across the street in the bunny hop, they turn on Bugs and teach him who's boss!!! :)

Just a few pics from my Grandma's house on Sunday. I am busy, busy here at work...but couldn't resist getting these posted because they just make me laugh out loud. Hope you're all having a good day!

I love Easter...

I love Easter...

I love the fact that Jesus laid down His life for me. He knew what sins I would commit, He knew that I would forever be cut off from God---if He didn't, I wouldn't be able to spend the rest of eternity in Heaven. Amazing.

I love that while Good Friday is somber---when we think of the torture and pain He went through....it is also wonderful and joyous because we know the rest of the story. We know that He rose Easter morning!! Hallelujah!!

I love doing the resurrection eggs with my kids. Making sure that amongst the candy and eggs they understand and appreciate the real meaning of Easter. Even if they can' t grasp the magnitude at their ages, they can certainly comprehend that Jesus Christ came to Earth and fulfilled God's plan of absolving us of our sins by dying on a cross and rising again---that full belief in that will allow them to never die. We will die a physical death yes, but our spirit will live on for eternity in Heaven.

Lastly, I love going to my Grandma's house for the egg hunt for the kids. Every year she and my Aunt have a huge platter of candy, dozens of dyed hard-boiled eggs, and one plastic egg for each child with a dollar in it for them. It's so exciting to see the kids get so excited to run out with their plastic bag and search for the eggs. The older, older kids (teenagers) get to hide them and the older kids (like my boys and niece) always have to get the strict talking to---"make sure the little kids get some"---"don't knock anyone over trying to get an egg"---"there's plenty for everyone" lol . It's a rite of passage as they pass from toddler to preschooler and can search on their own without hanging on to mommy's hand. Last year my cousin Tony was able to borrow a bunny costume from this job and wore it over. All of the kids were laughing...actually there were a few tears as well! That probably won't happen this year.

What I do hope happens though---is that we relish in each moment knowing that it will be the last at that house. Who knows what size house my Aunt will purchase and if our traditions like this will continue? There are 69 of us after all (plus one on the way!) not the easiest number for someone to just fit everyone in! :) So while I know that memories and traditions aren't necessarily tied to the house...in some ways they are because without that house...it makes me sad. Circumstance cannot dictate my attitude. Circumstance cannot dictate or change the truth. The truth is that we are a large, kooky, loving family that will persevere because Grandma wouldn't have it any other way.

I love Easter!

Thursdays Thirteen...

Okay, Amy posted her thirteen as thirteen warm and sunny places that she has been. Since I have not been to 13 warm and sunny places that won't do. So...I am going to post my thirteen favorite memories from childhood...

1. Our family trip to Texas when I was in 8th grade. The four of us drove down to San Antonio with my Aunt and Uncle and their 3 kids, along with my Grandma. We stayed with our Aunt Stella and just had a BLAST...

2. My dad reading the Night Before Christmas every Christmas Eve. This actually continued until Jordyn was born and we were still living there. We'd get in our jammies and sit on his lap and he'd read it to us after we came home from Grandma Calderon's house.

3. Pouring water on each other when we were taking showers. Now this sounds crazy...but it's true. If the door was locked then we would use a driver's license or credit card to open it and then pour cold water over the person that was in the shower.

4. Camping trips. I suppose if I broke this down it could be all thirteen...because we had SUCH fun each time we went. From our pop-up camper to the RV we got when I was older...we went camping numerous times each summer and had such a great time. Campfire songs...swimming...mini-golf...inside jokes with our friends and relatives...those times are irreplacable.

5. Nick's Thing. My Grandma and Grandpa Nickel's bar in Merton. lol...such a funny thing, a bar, to hold such good memories...but it really did. We'd stay overnight and Connie and thought we ran that place. Becoming good friends with the regulars...picking what music was on the jukebox (I still remember how they all freaked out when I had Billie Jean and Thriller put on it...lol), sitting behind the bar and getting all of the candy bars we wanted, dancing on the stage...

6. My 7th grade birthday party. Growing up I had a lot of super birthdays...but for my 7th grade party we went into Milwaukee--ate at Shakey's and saw Breakin' at Capitol Court. I thought it was so exciting to be in the "big" city

7. Mrs. Cooke--my 3rd grade teacher. Wow--this woman was wonderful. She made us all feel like we were her children and just loved us so much. We even went to her wedding and just felt so special.

8. Playing barbies with my sister. Oh my goodness we would just have elaborate fantasies about our barbies lives. Sometimes even naughty stuff...lol!! We'd set up all of the album covers (remember albums!) as the walls to their house and play for hours!!

9. Christmas Eve at Grandma Calderon's house. Who knew last Christmas would be our last one there. Anyway---Christmas always meant yummy, homemade Mexican food, watching Grandma open her presents and then each getting something ourselves...always some kind of big debate/argument in the dining room...picking on my cousin Jr...kids EVERYWHERE. A lot of times the cousins would all be in Grandma's bedroom and Shawn would DJ and then all of us who were brave enough would dance. I remember performing the Micheal Jackson commercial with Alfonso Rivera a time or two as well.

10. My friend Jenny Zastrow. We were inseparable. Every day of the summer, riding our bikes to each other's houses, going on walks, hanging out at the big hill, terrorizing our little sisters, playing cops and robbers, crank calling people and then telling our parents--um, duh! I don't think, no, I know grade school would not have been the same without her.

11. Our family trip to Florida when I was in 4th grade. The four of us really had a good time together. My parents always made sure that Connie and I had and experienced things they had not as children. Flying was so exciting...staying in a fancy (well, fancy to us) hotel, seeing Disney World...spending the day at Wet n Wild and Busch Gardens.

12. Dance class. I started taking dance when I was 5 at the Park and Rec. It became such a big part of my life and where I truly felt comfortable. This of course was before high school and my poor self image as a dancer issues. But as a young girl, dressing up in the costumes, getting to be on stage and dance...what fun!

13. Wow...so many memories are running through my head as I try to pick the last one...which one really stands out...probably every Halloween staying up late to watch horror movies on Select TV. We'd all have popcorn (remember air poppers?) and blankets and we'd just stay up as late as we could last as they played back to back scary movies. It wasn't even so much the movies (although I do like being scared) as it was the whole afternoon and evening sitting together on the couch screaming, covering our eyes, and grabbing onto each other!

Reading these back...it makes me hope that Marlon and I are creating special memories for our kids as well. That they'll remember trips and vacations, but also just the fun family time at home--telling stories, jokes, sharing time together. Each day matters.

A Cute Meme

Found this on another blog. Finish the sentence with the FIRST thing that pops in your mind.


I AM: really enjoying this day off. It's 1:15 and I'm still in my jammies. Ah---lovely!

I WANT: to take a nap before the kids get home. After this, I'm gonna try to make that happen.

I WISH: that I understood why people lie and gossip so much. It sucks.

I HATE: still having this darn cold. Sinus issues and I don't mix.

I HEAR: the kids from the Lutheran School across the street out on recess. Wow-they are loud..lol.

I WONDER: what my family is going to do for Thanksgiving and Easter with my Grandma's house being gone by then?

I REGRET: the times that I missed out on helping someone because I was too busy with my own issues or agenda to notice.

I AM NOT: going to freak out about gross things I may eat in the Phillippines

I DANCE: for fun with the kids when we are cleaning.

I SING: all of the time!

I CRY: at TV, movies, commercials, stories, songs, life...I love to cry.

I AM NOT ALWAYS: chipper. I get crabby too darn it all!!

I MAKE WITH MY HANDS: not much other than dinner and scrapbooks.

I WRITE: as a release.

I CONFUSE: the make and model of a car. I never know which is which...lol

I NEED: to get more sleep at night.

I SHOULD: make sure that I spend time with God everyday...not just in prayer and bible study...but just setting time aside out of my day to hear Him.

I START: a lot of projects.

I FINISH: about half of what I start!

Thought it was a fun one...haven't seen that one yet. Now off to that nap....

Relaxing Sunday night...

So it's been a busy few days...

Thursday ended well and then I had worship rehearsal at church. Friday Marlon and I stuck to our word and did the office. It felt so good to get all of that junk out, put the new bookcase in and organize everything. We also got the dining room back in order and I got my dining room table back!! (It had been hiding under all of the books and things there wasn't room for in the office) Then I showered and headed to my mom's for the purse party. It was a fun time and I love the cute pink purse that I picked out. I had to get my Grandma from work at 11:30 and then headed to bed.

Sat. we had an Easter Treasure Hunt at church. It was our first one and it went over very well. The families seemed to enjoy this opportunity and we plan to make it an annual event. Complete with fun activities (coloring contest, basket weaving, shrinky dinks, etc), an easter egg hunt, treats, and the story of Easter...it was a fun morning. Izzy's friend Jalen had stayed overnight so he came along. After dropping him off we went home and I got a little nap in before having to head back to church at 3:30 for worship. After church we all watched Happy Feet...what a good movie! Jordyn spent the day shopping with friends and then went to a birthday party so I had to pick her up from that at 11pm. (can you say tired...I think I dozed on the couch 2 or 3 times before going to get her) Then it was right to bed because I had to get up this morning and be at church.

Today is Marlon's long day away. He's up north at two prisons and 4 services...so he doesn't get home until about 11. Poor baby. I didn't sing 1st service so that the kids didn't need to be at church for all 3 services...so the rest of us all got to church at about 9:15. After singing both services we came home, went to my parents for a little bit and then came back home again. Already took a short nap, vaccuumed, dusted, had dinner, got in my jammies and folded a load of laundry and it's only 6:30. Now there is nothing but laundry and The Amazing Race left for the night...so that is how I got to the Relaxing Sunday Night...lol. As most of you know by now from other posts...I enjoy doing laundry so that won't be a problem. I may put the boys to bed early just to have a quiet house to enjoy. :)

Enjoy your night.