The AAU boys....

Well, a Waukesha tournament always means the team hanging out at our house. This time we only had three with us...however, this weekend Marlon also coached the 8th gr. team so in between games this afternooon we had an additional 7 boys with us. I got up early to make them a big breakfast and then they spent the morning on the trampoline, playing WII, listening to music and on the playstation. Then we spent the afternoon swimming at my parent's house and having lunch. I must admit---it was a ton of fun---and only a little trying. They are good kids and just loved hangin' out. After the games (and me working) we got them some pizza and are now slowly trying to get them to settle down and start thinking about bed. Let's see if we can get them down by 11:00!

Teacher Appreciation Dinner

Just a few pics of our amazing volunteers in Praise Pond, Celebration Station, Kid Zone and Clubhouse Kids. It is an honor to serve with such a faithful leadership team. Our dinner was yummy cook-out food prepared by Feed My Sheep. A couple of parents shared how the ministry has impacted their families and we gave out a devotion book to the volunteer who'd been serving the longest and least time. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. Now tomorrow is the last Sunday school until fall, then it'll be time for a break. :)

Clubhouse Kids Luau

It was such a fun nite! So many parents came and that really helped make it a great evening. I am beyond thankful for such great kids who are so eager to learn and love the Lord. I pray that they each remember with affection their time in Clubhouse Kids and what they learned there.

Long day....

Today is going to be a fun day, but a long one. I am asking if you either visit my page on the regular or just happen upon it today---that you say a prayer for me. It's our last Clubhouse Kids for the year and we are having a "luau" style party. Parents are invited and the format is going to be much different so all in all it'll take a lot of prep work, set up and I still have to get out and do some shopping for it. I am very excited though...just praying that going to bed early last night will pay off in my energy and endurance...lol! :)

My schedule for the next week or so has been swimming in my mind. I hate when I do that because my mind can start to race and spin and then it's like I can't get focused or slow down even if I wanted to. So I am going to write down all of the "stuff" that I have coming up and then release it.

Tonight: Clubhouse Kids Celebration
Wed: Three meetings, Teen MOPS
Thurs: Two meetings, Israel's baseball game
Fri: Teaching at Crossroads Academy school at the Rescue Mission
Sat: Teacher appreciation dinner
Sun: Last Sunday school, Keyona's birthday
Mon: Izzy's baseball practise
Tues: Isaiah's birthday (prep for last Teen MOPS)
Wed: Teen MOPS celebration
Thurs: Two meetings, Izzy's baseball game
Fri: field trip for Elijah
Sat: baseball tournament in Sheboygan
Sun: John Burke prison

Then....yes then....I will be taking off a few days!!! Aside of a few meetings and a staff day at a Brewer's game...I am not working the last week of May. Writing it down actually felt good. Just putting it out there and then letting it go so that I can focus. While most of the things need to be worked on daily (like prepping for the end of year parties), many of the things on the list (like meetings) don't need to twirl around in my brain until the actual day of the event. So. That being said---I will share about these things as they occur....but in the next two weeks if I blog about stress, worry, concern in relationship to any of these things you can beat me with a wet noodle!!!

Here's a verse I'm sharing with you today, because I need it to!!

Psalm 28:7
The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped.
My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.

Njoy ur day!

Oh yes...and the fun ensued...

Me ready for a nite on the town.

My friend Sarah and I. I love this girl.

Of course sweet Amy and I had to get a picture together.

Me, Connie and Mahleah. Yay for cousins!! (we finally got a picture where Connie's eyes were open..lol)

DeeDee and I. My forever freaky dance partner....lol.

Friday was such a fun nite. Actually this has been a really good weekend all around. Marlon and the boys ended up having to leave for the tournament on Friday. It was a crazy relay of occurrences that led to that decision, but he was able to get a hold of all of the parents, the hotel and put it all into action. One thing is for sure---when that man sets his mind to get something done---not a THING is going to stand in his way. Jordyn had to work and then since nobody else was going to be home, I offered for her to stay at my parent's house. I didn't want her to be alone until 1am ish when I got home.

So Sarah, Amy and I met at a park and ride and then I drove us to Chile's. We met up with Connie, Katie, Angie, and Camellie. It was a riot. We laughed so hard and talked about EVERYTHING under the sun. And we learned about all the different kinds of swings.

After dinner it was only 9, and not recalling if clubs were even OPEN that early, we decided to hang out at Katie's house for a lil bit. After some silly pictures on rocky horses, a lil salsa dancin, several laugh attacks that led to emergency bathroom breaks and disturbing reminiscing convo we headed to the club. My cousin Mahleah and sister in law DeeDee came and met us. We hung out in the lounge area until 11:30 when the club opened. By now I KNEW we were gonna make it out past 12:00 (which had been a goal of this group) because I have to get at least a good hour of dancing in...lol. They'd played a good mix of music. A little too much rock for me, but it was so immersed in the hip hop and old stuff that it wasn't so bad. The crowd was obviously younger than the majority of us (to be fair Sarah and DeeDee aren't even 30 yet) but what club isn't gonna be younger than us...lol?? We danced non stop from 11:30 to 1:30am. If I wouldn't have had to drive home---I was starting to get tired---then I definately could have stayed longer.

It was so much fun. I love dancing so much. In my younger, wilder days dancing always seemed connected to gettin' a guy, turning someone on, playing games...so when those things became obsolete in my life...I thought that going dancing had to be too. I never really had a group of girl friends who wanted to just go out and have fun and not have it revolve around rubbin up on someone-getting wasted-goin' home with someone. Friday was nothing like that. A friend saw my picture and asked if the guys were all after me. That made me laugh because I don't even think of myself like that anymore. Did I feel attractive on Friday--definately. Did I enjoy the fact that I looked just like sassy Mindy and not Mom Mindy, Wife Mindy, Give Give Give Mindy--definately. But I had to tell her it's not about that. I couldn't tell you if a single person even gave me a second look because it was all about my girls, the music and dancin' like a diva...lol. Plus I've always had a system for nights when I wanted to be left alone.

1. Do not make eye contact.

2. If you happen to make eye contact inadvertantly, scowl, roll your eyes and look away. 99% of the time, he's going to think ur a ---- and leave you alone. Or he'll be so intimidated that he won't have the guts to approach you. If he is part of the 1% that will still approach you...you just ask him what made him think you wanted him to come and dance with you?

At 1:30 we finally headed home. It was such a great night---total bonding for all of us I think. We'll definately have to make this a regular occurrence I think. We may need to even make a road trip of it. Sarah had mentioned Vegas. Not sure if I can swing that one---but maybe Madison or Chicago....Love all you ladies!!

Oh--for the challenge this week. I lost 5.6 lbs!!! That's 20 lbs. total :) My goal is another 15 by the end of the challenge on 6/28. I know that the dancing HAD to have helped.

Well, the Survivor finale is on---so I'll get more out to you later about my good weekend.

Peace.

Random Pics

Jordyn and I at Spamalot. Why am I leaning so far forward...lol??

My friend Erica's son, Marcus. He is suchhhh a cutie!

This morning at Muffins & Moms with my niece, sister and mommy. I even drew my mommy a picture :)

Me and my lil Nia. This is one of the sweetest kids you'll ever meet!

Steppin' Out.....

with my baby....

Ok. Well, not with my baby...but still steppin' out!

Tomorrow night (I guess tonight since it's after midnight already) is the night. The girls and I are hitting the town and heading out dancing. I seriously can't remember the last time I went out dancing. It's ending up being quite a group of us...me, Amy, Connie, Katie, Sarah, DeeDee and maybe my cousin Mahleah.

So we decided on Decibel, but I suppose if it's not what we're expecting we can always head over to Cush. We went there for Connie's bachelorette party. Um. Okay, that was 5 years ago. I seriously think that other than watching my cousin's band here in Waukesha, or heading out for my brother-in-law's b-day parties, I have not been out since 2003...lol. Of course, I was a little wild still then and it's probably been good that I haven't been out!!

I chopped all my hair off today and dyed it black again. Marlon loves it that way and quite honestly I do too. One, I seriously HATE styling my hair. It's such a process and chore to me...lol. Anytime my hair is past my ear it takes so long to do. Two, it's really just more my personality to have a sassy hairdo...lol. I was starting to look a little too suburban soccer mom. Don't get me wrong--after all I WAS a surburban soccer mom--but I am not one to like looking mainstream. Three, I'm much too much of a sweaty girl to have long hair anyway...lol.

So I'm gonna be a total dork and take pictures of us tomorrow night so I'll get some posted for you all to laugh at and enjoy! I am sure it will be a night to remember and hopefully the start of a new tradition. I know that there were a couple of ladies who aren't able to come this go 'round and want to make sure we plan another one of these sometime soon.

My toes are finally dry so I guess I'll get my sleepin' hubby off the couch and go to bed. Early morning tomorrow as my niece invited me to her Mom n Muffin morning at school. Have to be in Milwaukee at 8am!! Blech :P But Nia is sooooooo worth it!!

Peace out friends!!

TMI Tuesday

Ok...anyone who reads my blog on the regular (that means u too Minnesota, Kenosha and Chicago...lol---start leavin' some comments!!!) knows that I love these little memes. So here's one I found for Tuesdays. Yay or based on some of these questions....should I say Yikes!!

1. Early bird or night owl? definately a night owl

2. Where was the first place you ever had sex? someone's bedroom

3. On a scale of 1-10, how happy are you? (1 is lowest, 10 is highest) Right now? I would say an 8

4. Are you more submissive or dominant? dominant

5. Do you believe in love at first sight? no, but lust at first sight--yes

6.Pancakes or waffles? With or without toppings? neither

7. They say, "Way to a man's heart is through his stomach." What is the way to your heart? affection

8. Have you ever gone to a topless/clothing optional beach? If yes, did you participate? ew-no

9. What song reminds you of a previous relationship (for good or bad)? Anything from the Silk CD--good and Here and Now--bad!!

10. When, where and with who was your best kiss ever? wow. I love kissing so it's hard to say. Probably the first kiss Marlon and I had after we had decided to work our marriage out.

11. Does anyone not currently in a relationship with you have pictures or you or your body part(s) that you would prefer that other people not see? um. unfortunately yes. I am hoping they are destroyed by now...lol!!!

Okay. So I am tagging Amy, Jess, Josie and just on a whim in case she stops in Michelle!

Have a wonderful day. The sun is out and it's time to bring out the fun warm weather clothes!!

Ok....finally gonna catch up....

Alright.

It's Sunday afternoon, I am finally sitting down to get updated on this blog. (Lost another pound and a half....up to 14 lbs. now...yay!!)

So here's what's been up in our house.

1st---continued stressful issue at work with this same person. I am left feeling like the only way to cope is to stay prayered up and protect myself by dealing with this person as little as possible. I have requested that we have a sit down conversation with our Pastor because I think there are a few areas where we need to clear the air and it's probably safe to have a third party present. Our pastors are on a retreat Monday and Tuesday so it's going to have to wait until Wednesday, but honestly, I don't know how much good it's going to do, so I really don't know if it matters all that much. I'm fine with agreeing to disagree (since we do on most fronts) but the disrespectful tone and attitude has to stop or I think I might go mad.

2nd---Marlon was in an accident on Wednesday. No injuries, but our van is undriveable. The problem is that as of midnight the evening before---our insurance lapsed. :( This is a total reflection of poor communication/administration between Marlon and I. We both played a part in not catching that this was occurring and Tuesday was the last day to get it straightened out. What this means of course is that we are going to be responsible for covering all of the expenses. At this point it seems the other driver is going to go through his insurance and we'll just have to pay the deductible. While I admit this situation seems dismal....we see God's hand all over it and praise His name for His blessings!!

• Marlon ALWAYS takes the car to work on Wednesdays. That morning he planned to take the car. As he was walking out he asked if I needed the van because if not, he was just going to take the van. (he uses the van later in the day for basketball)
• I actually needed the van on this particular Wednesday for Teen MOPS, but FORGOT! So when he asked, my mind totally blanked and I told him no.
• He was not wearing his seatbelt and was on the highway driving 65-70 mph. He rear ended a pick up truck. Because he was in the van, which was higher than the truck, the impact was low on the van and he wasn't hurt. Had he been in the car....I don't even like to think about it. God is good. All of the time.

It's amazing to me how God works. I will never understand. I know that His ways are not my ways. Thanks heavens for THAT!

3rd---Teen MOPS is at a crossroads of what to do with our "graduate" program. Wednesday night we had a meeting with some of the young women that attend the bible study and I have to say, when asked what they'd like to see in a bible study....what they really described was real Women's bible study. They'd like it to be held in a home, they'd like to really dig into the bible and study how it applies to their life, they'd like to be challenged to grow spiritually, they'd like snacks, they'd like opportunities throughout the year to do things with or famlies or as friends, they don't want to take the summers off. Now the praying and prepping comes. The woman who leads the bible study, our 2 coordinators and I need to sit down and really talk about what this all means. Can we exert the time and energy to give them this (when it already exists at different churches?) when there is so much that needs to be done for the teen girls themselves? This will not be an easy answer.

4th---Marlon had opportunity to speak at a church this morning, New Beginnings. I was also able to be a part of the worship team. It was a great morning. He did a nice job and his sermon seemed to be well-recieved. Sometimes it's a fresh change of pace to visit at a church that is small and just starting. No expectations, no rushing...

5th---While I am feeling very content in my spiritual life right now....I am reading the bible, praying and being obedient in a rejuvenated way....I am still feeling like something is missing and it's driving me crazy. Sometimes I am so restless and fidgety. Sometimes I feel like I just want to come out of my skin. I know that with my past issues these are indicators that I need to slow down. Have patience with myself. Let myself work through the anxiety-even if I just wander about for a bit. Exercise more. Get in my bible whenever I feel like I am not sure what to do. Surround myself with safe friends who have my best interest in mind.

6th---that being said...a few of us have decided to have a girl's night out. A few of my friends from church and Amy, are going to do dinner and go dancing!! We are like a bunch of giggly, little girls trying to figure out where we're going to eat, what we're going to wear and where we can go that isn't raunchy nor a cesspool for underage kiddies (we'd rather not feel like the chaperones at the club...lol) It's so funny to me because for a lot of years of our marriage, Marlon always wanted me to have friends. I never seemed to really meet women that I had a lot in common with, who loved to be goofy and have fun like I did, but who also loved the Lord. In the past couple of years I have met those women and it's so fun to have girlfriends to share stuff with. My sister and mom are amazing---so I'm not trying to diss them here...lol---but to have a girlfriend to talk to, to share stories with, to pray for each other, and now to have "girls night out" with...Marlon was right. It's a necessary part of my Christian walk.

Alright, time to get off for the day. I have to run to the grocery story, call Amy and watch George Lopez, "Why You Crying" Hope you enjoyed the warm sunshine today!!

Love.

Thursday Thirteen

Could it be? A Thursday Thirteen? I can't even remember the last time I've done one of these. There's big major things to blog about, but I just got home 30 minutes ago from Spamalot (Jordyn and I went) so my brain is not quite in a place to blog about anything too major. :)

So instead I offer you this Thursday Thirteen and should hopefully be back tomorrow with some words...especially since it's my day off.

Thirteen Favorite Memories of My 20's
1. Well, so I won't take up 4 spots with them...the birth's of all four of my kids. Each was special in a different way because my life was so different each time.

2. Marrying Marlon. It was one of the most mature, responsible decisions I had made in my life up to that point.

3. Becoming a Christian. October 2007. My life will never be the same again.

4. Graduating college. Even as a single mom of one and then two kids==it was a goal that I was NOT giving up.

5. There were several relationships in my 20s that I learned so much from. I'm not talking about my "hoochie" phase, but real relationships...lol. Some were positive and I will hold dear to my heart always and some were HORRIBLE but they are still good memories because I learned a lot about what I didn't want and what was not healthy.

6. Working at Bethesda Lutheran Homes. I had such a fun group of residents. Okay-I did have my nose broken a couple of times and the crap scratched out of me weekly...lol...but I LOVED working there!

7. Dancing with my girls. Oh, I loved to go clubbin'!! The best was when Alisa and I were in our heyday. I bet I easily lost a goood 5 lbs. every weekend just from all of the sweatin' and shakin' :) Nitro's, Rooters, Lucci's, Legends, Fudds, Victor's, Roxbury, Van Dome's (my definate favorite), Amen's, Sneakers

8. When Kyle and I rode tripped it up to Minnesota to see Missy. This was my first real grown up road trip. We had a blast and it was soooo much fun to dance all night at Prince's club, Glam Slam.

9. When I went to Boston for Jenni's graduation. It was a great weekend and the first time after Jordyn was born that I was able to go and do something fun and silly and party for a weekend.

10. My parents marriage working out and staying strong.

11. Moving into my apartment in Whitewater. It was a feeling of accomplishment and transition. I wasn't with my parents anymore and I enjoyed the grown up feeling of freedom.

12. Moving into management at MAXIMUS. It was such a privelege and honor for me.

13. Overcoming my bulimia. In my mid 20s I was finally released from this horrible stronghold.

Whew! Memory lane is fun, but it's also a great reminder of where I've come from and where I don't want to go back to.