Today I wanted to take a moment and say some of the things I am most thankful for as the year 2010 comes to an end.
1. Hubby’s job and the hard work he does to provide for our family
2. Two beautiful healthy children
3. Great family – mine and my Inlaws
4. Heat because it is COLD outside!
5. Friends… and you know who you are!
Thanks ultimately goes to God for without Him none of it would matter. Thanks God for a wonderful 2010 and I’m praying for an even better 2011!!!
1. Is there a word which you initially mispronounced? Were the circumstances in which you made the faux pas embarrassing? By the way, that’s not “foax pass.” (I know you know that. Just jokin’ with ya.)
Well, the one that comes to mind is Del Taco. Many moons ago, I called it Tel Daco on accident… and it has just stuck (at least between hubby and myself… others might not *get it* though).
2. How do you feel about the use of texting shortcuts and trends? (ex: “I’ve got ur notes. Get them 2 u 2morow.”)
Personally? Stupid. There is no logical reason for the use of shortcuts. Even as I say this, I realize I do it as well. Not as much, but it does happen. Sadly, many kids today cannot spell well at all. I have some cousins/friends that are young on my facebook and man, it must be embarrassing to not know how to spell words properly. Then I think to myself “Am I snobbish for feeling that way?” Truthfully, I might be. I was taught to write, not to use shortcuts.
3. Tell me about your high school senior picture. Please feel free to post.
Um, yeah. I might get back with you on that. I just looked and there are no photos of my senior year on this computer. Hmmm.
But since it is already Wednesday morning and the chance of me finding a photo is slim. Just pretend I’m some gorgeous knock out.
Ha ha. Okay. Seriously. My senior photos were the norm. I smiled my cheesy smile. No glasses at the time. Long curly hair. I don’t think I’ve changed all that much really. Except I wear glasses ALL. THE. TIME.
5. Share a high school or college homecoming memory.
I lived through it, doesn’t that count? I try not to rethink about high school. It’s such a terrible place to spend one’s time.
6. Linda at Mocha with Linda wants to know: “Do you prefer sunrises or sunsets?”
It is rare for me to see a sunrise. Mornings are not my thing. So I would have to go with sunsets!
7. Lea at Cici’s Corner asks, “What is something you have not done that you desire to do?”
Oh there are lots. I’m just not sure there is enough medication in the world to get me to do them. I mean, I want to do them. On paper. But the actual DOING of them? Scary. Things like:
ride in a hot air balloon
jump out of an airplane
travel the world
8. Carol at Wanderings of an Elusive Mind ponders, “If you could come back [in another life] as an animal, which would it be?”
Hmmm… since this is only hypothetical b/c I know stuff like this isn’t possible… I would say perhaps a Bald Eagle. It’s not my favorite animal BUT they see so much from above. It would be wonderful to fly.
9. Joyce from The Other Side of the Pond is curious: “Where were you 10 years ago?” Please feel free to elaborate more than just your physical location.
Ten years ago today… so that would be October 13th, 2000…
I was living in Pomona, California. I had been living there for 364 days. I was newly married (July 16th) and four months pregnant with our first child. My husband worked at Telpro, a telecommunications business and did quite well as a level 4 Supervisor.
I was 2500 miles away from my family, my past, my life before John. I was lonely. All of my friends were friends of John first. I felt like a tag-a-long. In fact, most of his friends were male and still single. Talk about making it difficult for me!
We were in a church but it was a large church and we were not connected.
It really was a rough patch of time for me.
10. When you are proven to be correct in any contentious discussion, do you gloat?
Oh how the truth hurts. *Ahem* Yes, sometimes I gloat. Sometimes I don’t. In my mind, I tell myself not to, but sometimes it just seems to fly outta my mouth without my permission.
11. What is your favorite food which includes the ingredient “caramel?”
Caramel popcorn, made at home. Yum.
12. From my 17 year-old daughter to you: “If you could be part of any fictional family, which family would you choose and why?” (She’s so cute. And clever.)
This one is harder than it seems. The idea of it sounds awesome. So then I started thinking of my favorite books and stuff. Pride & Prejudice (Bennett family). But really, do I want to live in the time frame? No.
So then I thought The Ingalls family from Little House but again, I would not have handled that very well.
Continuing on… I have chosen…
The Weasley Family
Yes, that would be in the Harry Potter books. Why? Well for one. They are wizards. HELLO?! Since this is just fictional anyways, I might as well pick a family where talent and magic abound. And they all have red hair. I love red hair. I’d be happy to dye mine!
And they are down to earth and quite humorous. Love the Weasley family. It’s like coming home.
Yippee… it is FALL people! September 22nd… yeehaw! (I love me some Autumn!) Here is the newest RD.
1. Have you, or has someone close to you, ever won an award for anything?
Yes many in school. Nothing major. Just simple goofy awards. I couldn’t even tell you what they were but they are probably shoved into a box ’round here somewhere! And my hubby… He is an Eagle Scout so he has quite a few awards through Scouting too. I’m very proud of him!
2. Who is the nearest relative to you who has served in the US Military?
My Father…a Marine
3. Share something that stirs the patriotic spirit in you.
Singing patriotic songs can do it. So can watching events of 9-11. But 0ne thing that gets me every. single. stinking. time… videos of our heroes coming home and seeing their families. Children crying as their parent cradles them, all decked out in their attire. Military men stepping into a room and their wives running into their arms. Breaks my heart every time!
4. Where are you in the birth order in your family? Do you think your “placement” made a difference in your personality?
I am the baby of the family… out of two kids. My brother is eight years old than me. Yes, I think God places us where He does for a reason. It definitely made a difference. I’m the baby and I *always* get my way (cough, cough, sputter)
5. Name one trait you hope you carry that was evidenced in your parents or grandparents.
Gosh, this is hard. I see lots of traits about them that I’d like to have. Their faithfulness to God. Their loyalty to their country. Their desire to work hard.
6. If female, do you prefer wearing skirt or pants?
I love how long flowing skirts feel … and if I had a huge variety of them, I’d probably wear them more often. But I don’t. And I do not often buy them. So I stick to pants, primarily jeans. Jeans are comfy. I like comfy.
7. Approximately how many times do you wake during the night? What do you do to go back to sleep?
I don’t really know. Many times I go all night without waking… unless I don’t feel good and then well… you know. It could be many times!
I just lay back down. Sleep eventually comes, right?
8. Share a favorite movie quote.
A favorite… as in ONE favorite? As in ONE single favorite quote from ONE single favorite movie? What the heck? Not even possible. Get ready…
Lord of the Rings – Fellowship
Pippin: What’s that?
Merry: This my friend is a pint.
Pippin: It comes in pints?
Pippin: I’m getting one.
Aragorn: Gentlemen, we do not stop till nightfall.
Pippin: What about breakfast?
Aragorn: You’ve already had it.
Pippin: We’ve had one, yes. What about second breakfast?
Merry: I don’t think he knows about second breakfast, Pip.
Pippin: What about elevenses? Luncheon? Afternoon tea? Dinner? Supper? He knows about them, doesn’t he?
Merry: I wouldn’t count on it.
Lord of the Rings – Two Towers
Merry: You’re taller.
Pippin: Who?
Merry: You!
Pippin: Then what?
Merry: Than me!
Pippin: I’ve always been taller than you.
Merry: Pippin, everyone knows I’m the taller one. You’re the short one.
Pippin: Please Merry. You’re what, three foot six? At the most? Whereas I’m pushing three seven, three eight.
Merry: Three foot eight? You did something.
Lord of the Rings – Return
Eomer: You should not encourage him.
Eowyn: You should not doubt him.
Eomer: I do not doubt his heart, only the reach of his arm
*
Dirty Dancing
Me? I’m scared of everything. I’m scared of what I saw, I’m scared of what I did, of who I am, and most of all I’m scared of walking out of this room and never feeling the rest of my whole life the way I feel when I’m with you.
*
Pirates
Jack: But why is the rum gone?
*
Lion King
Rafiki: Oh yes, the past can hurt. But you can either run from it or learn from it.
*
Hope Floats
Beginnings are usually scary and endings are usually sad but it’s everything in between that makes it all worth living.
*
Star Wars
Yoda: Do or do not. There is no try.
*
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Willy Wonka: You’re really weird.
Willy Wonka: Uh you really shouldn’t mumble because I can’t understand a word you’re saying.
*
Up
SQUIRREL!!!
9. What is your favorite Fall candle scent?
Um, all of it (?) Nah… but okay. I love getting Yankee Candles. My faves are their Apple Cider, Maple Pancakes, Autumn Leaves, Harvest, Pumpkin Pie, Spiced Pumpkin, and Vanilla Pumpkin
10. What is one Fall activity you are looking forward to?
I love Autumn. It’s the most glorious season of all. I look forward to everything… decorating for it (done!)
Drinking hot apple cider with cinnamon donuts, wearing sweaters, watching the leaves fall…going on nature walks with the kids and picking a selection of leaves… pumpkin picking. Making pumpkin bread. Fresh. Oh yummy.
Oh and of course… the best Autumn holiday………no, silly. Not Thanksgiving. It happens on November 17th each year. It’s MA-BIRFDAY!!! 
11. Tell us about a pleasant surprise that happened to you recently.
A pleasant surprise eh? Like what? Um… hmmm. I’ve had lots of things happen lately… just no woohoo surprises, ya know what I’m saying? I haven’t won anything, no one has popped in for a surprise visit… I’ve not been anywhere (altho I am going somewhere soon)…oh you know what? Hubs did the dishes the other day. No asking. No nothing. He just got right to it and did it and that was great because I didn’t have to do it. And that was a very pleasant surprise!
12. What was it like when you first met your in-laws-to-be?
When I first met them, eh? Well, the day I met them was October 17th, 1999. I’d been in California for three days. Had already experienced an earthquake. Oh that earthquake ranked about 7.1 on the the Richter scale. Yup. I felt it. So that Sunday the 17th, we drove from Pomona, CA… out to Hesperia, CA. Met his Gramma Buhl (Father’s Mom) and his parents for the first time. They were nice people from the get-go (and I thought from the very first time I met him that my FIL looked like the white version of Papa Smurf). It was about 100 degrees out there in the desert. They played Rummikub and chatted the day away. Dinner was this bean and slaw dish. It was the absolute nastiest thing ever. I can still taste it and the vinegar and feel like washing my mouth out with chocolate! I remember calling my Mom afterward and saying it will never work because the food was horrible. LOL Well, it did work out, he he. We’ve been together ever since!
Well, this isn’t the first time EVER that I’ve done this but it’s been so long and my goal is to do it on a more frequent basis so starting over with #1. he he
I love this song. This is by our former Worship Pastor at our church. He wrote it for our fellow friends that were, at the time, in prison over in Haiti. Such a beautiful song. He’s very gifted!
I chose it this week because I’m trying to learn more about leaning on God, letting Him be my all in all. It’s not easy, but my spirit has been thirsting and I want it to thirst for Him. God is so faithful, always there, always waiting. Never abandons us and loves us even when we are at our worst. I don’t deserve Him and I don’t know how to love Him enough.
Faithful God
Jesse Shuster
Yesterday, today and forever
You are mindful of me
Just when I think I’ve been forgotten
You come through and save the day
I will praise You even when it hurts
When my spirit thirsts, my God
You are faithful God
I will trust You
Your light will lead the way
You’ll do just what You say, my God
You are faithful God
You are faithful God
Everywhere, through any danger
You have pledged Your love for me
I have a hope
I have a future
Lord, take my hand and lead the way
I will praise You even when it hurts
When my spirit thirsts, my God
You are faithful God
I will trust You
Your light will lead the way
You’ll do just what You say, my God
You are faithful God
You are faithful God
Your power unfailing
Your promises never changing
(x 2)
This post is on behalf of Benjamin
***
Did you know you can help me earn my own way in Scouting? Just click here and place an order on my behalf. Trail’s End has made a lot of improvements this year. All microwave products are made with canola oil and all caramel products are naturally sweetened, so there are plenty of healthy, flavorful snacks to choose from.
70% of your purchase will be returned to my council, my unit and my Scout rewards. Online purchases help us fund fun educational activities and help more kids experience all the things that make Scouting great.
Thank you for your support!
Benjamin
Found this song the other day on a precious facebook friend’s page. I had never heard this song before! If you have a moment, turn off your own music and take a listen to this. It’s beautiful. Just absolutely beautiful.
1. What insect are you most afraid of? Feel free to post a picture.
Earwigs. I’m sorry, I don’t have the guts to post such an ugly photo on my blog. You can google it. Here, I googled it for you. Just click the link earwig. Do you see how gross and icky they are? One thing that I hate about them is how they like to play dead. You think it’s dead… but it’s alive and waiting for you to walk away. And it can move quickly. They come out in the summer and early autumn… they like damp areas. Their favorite spots are bathrooms (on our towels they can be found), in the laundry room, and the kitchen. Don’t leave wet towels outside when you get wet… they will cover it quickly. Gross, gross, gross. I’d like to know why God made those things. They are creepy.
2. What is the greenest/most organic thing about you or that you do?
Greenest thing? Hmm… I am not sure. We don’t recycle (yes, I hear the gasps). I’m not sure why we don’t. Keep meaning to phone the garbage people and ask them for some bins but never seem to get around to it.
I am trying to get more natural and not rely on products in the stores. Like for my face… I moisturize with honey. I make goot for the winter time (it uses coconut oil and garlic and is great for coughs, colds, etc). Can find the recipe if anyone wants it.
3. Tell me about a recurring dream that haunts you.
I don’t have anything recurring. For me, if I dream something three times in a row, it comes true. Seriously. That doesn’t happen often and hasn’t happened in years and years. Now one dream that I get sometimes … it doesn’t haunt me … more like frustrates me is me getting pregnant and having twins. Noah and Zoe are their names. The boy’s name sometimes changes but the girl never does. I have dreamed it on and off for almost five years now.
4. Have you ever missed a flight? What were the circumstances?
Are we talking like airplanes? Um, that would be a NO. I have flown one time commercially and one time privately… and I am quite okay never doing that again. Thanks.
5. What do you consider your best feature?
My best feature… we talking physical, eh? Wow… hmmm… let me inspect. For me, I have always hated my thick curly hair but so many others like it. (they don’t have to deal with it though and it has a mind of its own). I think I personally feel it would be, um… well… geesh. I don’t know. I don’t have any best feature. My eyes are okay. My lips are full (and usually chapped). My butt is big (but cushiony). My thighs… ha, so not going there. So I guess I’ll stick with eyes. Yup.
6. What was the last concert you went to?
Uh, Third Day and David Crowder Band.
7. Describe the most embarrassing church moment you ever experienced.
Most embarrassing… I don’t think I have one. OR if I do, it was horrible enough to block out of my mind forever. I’m a shy type, very reserved. Don’t speak unless spoken to type of person (in public, boy… I bet my husband wishes I was that way at home, he he). Anyways… so it would be easy for me to get embarrassed by the small things. Not that I can remember any.
8. Are you a whistler, hummer or singer?
Yup. They all sound good. I can’t whistle a tune but I often try. I do hum a lot. I love love love to sing but no one around me cares to hear it. That’s okay too. God enjoys it. Maybe. Well, maybe not. But He gave me the desire to sing and the inability to hold a tune so it must not bother Him when I sing badly. 
9. George Washington Carver said, “I love to think of nature as an unlimited broadcasting station, through which God speaks to us every hour, if we will only tune in.” What is God saying to you through nature today, or this very minute?
Oh that’s a good quote. I like it. I was outside a little while ago with my puppy. The mornings are cool and crisp already. The ground was wet (from sprinklers). It about froze my bare toes! Neighbor kids were gearing up for day three of school. And I feel that God was just smiling. Autumn is coming and it’s my favorite time of the year. I think God likes this time too. Why? Because in order for new life to come, we have to shed ourselves of the world, of the dead, of the old life. I see that in Autumn. How the leaves change and then fall. To me, that is similar to how Christians grow and change. We must let the old die, we have to give up things… I’m in that process in my life right now. God is at work. Ultimately, I love it… even though it often hurts.
10. On September, 1, 1752, the Liberty Bell arrived in Philadelphia. What memorable event will take place in your life on September 1, 2010?
Memorable? Not a whole lot. I want to get my Autumn decor put out this week. I’d REALLY like to get that accomplished today. We have schooling to do, chores, more laundry (we camped last week and the laundry beast has grown and multiplied!). I think the kids and I may do a nature walk and then have some hot cocoa tonight. It won’t be the first of the season because we had some while camping but it will be the first here at the house
11. Taco Bell or the Liberty Bell? (You must choose.)
Liberty Bell. I would LOVE to see this in person. We often eat Taco Bell but it doesn’t like me. I eat it and then regret it every single stinkin’ time. And no, I don’t learn lessons well. Thinking TB for lunch sounds good right about now.
12. Do you believe men and women can have purely platonic friendships?
Yes I do. However… being married, I feel that my husband needs to be friends with the guy first. Boundaries should be and stay in place. Satan can use friendships to rip apart marriages all too easily. I prefer my female friends. They are my confidants. The men I know are all friends of John’s and that’s the way it should be (to me). Also, I feel that if the two have ever dated, then it’s probably best they are not friends. It is possible, but not without a lot of prayer.
I’ve been a long time reader of her site and decided to join in this week. I have a thing for questions, quizzes, and the like. Not sure why. Maybe it’s the fact that it is numbered? I do like lists you know!
1. Favorite childhood book?
Hmmm… from my childhood it would probably be the Anne of Green Gables set. Loved those books!
2. What are you reading right now?
Bible, Created To Be His Help Meet, and The Landry News
3. What books do you have on request at the library?
Sadly, nothing
4. Bad book habit?
Having too many going at one time.
5. What do you currently have checked out at the library?
Again, sadly… nothing
6. Do you have an e-reader?
Nope, but I wish I did. By the way, my birthday is in November *wink*
7. Do you prefer to read one book at a time, or several at once?
Um, several… many. A huge assortment of books all with bookmarks in them. Yup, that’s me.
8. Have your reading habits changed since starting a blog?
Yes. I read less but I start more. I read other people’s blogs with info on a book… so I get the book… start the book…bookmark the book… read another blog… REPEAT.
9. Least favorite book you read this year (so far?)
I don’t read books I’m not going to like. I’m a bit of a book snob in that way.
10. Favorite book you’ve read this year?
Can you believe I don’t have a clue ?! Not sure what that says about my reading material lately.
11. How often do you read out of your comfort zone?
Not very. I like certain genres and I tend to stick to those.
12. What is your reading comfort zone?
Christian fiction, Christian non fiction, biographies, political, teen (certain ones), period pieces (like Austen, the genre of it totally escapes me now), drama.
13. Can you read on the bus?
Yes, how would that be difficult? Not that I actually ever am on a bus.
14. Favorite place to read?
On a blanket, under a weeping willow tree… in the summertime… but alas, I seldom get that. Bathtub suits me fine. So does just hiding out in the classroom with my feet up.
15. What is your policy on book lending?
Seldom do. Only a few people are privy to my personal collection. I don’t like dog eared corners, torn book leafs, badly bent bindings… etc.
16. Do you ever dog-ear books?
Um. That would be a definite NO
17. Do you ever write in the margins of your books?
Not fiction books… other books I may
18. Not even with text books?
Uh, text books. Why would I use a text book? Altho I do in the teacher’s books I have
19. What is your favorite language to read in?
English is my preferred. Other versions would require too much effort!
20. What makes you love a book?
Suspense, intrigue, passion, escape… different world / time frame
21. What will inspire you to recommend a book?
Good writing, good plot, good ending
22. Favorite genre?
Didn’t we do this one already? Christian fiction, Christian non fiction, biographies, political, teen (certain ones), period pieces (like Austen, the genre of it totally escapes me now), drama.
23. Genre you rarely read (but wish you did?)
There is none I wish to read but those with which I already read!
Favorite biography?
Gosh… um, hmmm. I can’t recall the titles of the books but there was one about George W. Bush and one about Ronald Reagan that I really really enjoyed.
25. Have you ever read a self-help book?
Yes, I need all the help I can get. *snort*
26. Favorite cookbook?
I have several downstairs in the pantry but I refer to them about once or twice a year. Normally, if I want a recipe… I go to the i.n.t.e.r.n.e.t.
27. Most inspirational book you’ve read this year (fiction or non-fiction)?
I re-read Having A Mary Heart in A Martha World again recently and I have so many things highlighted in that book. Phenomenal book for me.
28. Favorite reading snack?
Reading and food don’t often go together in my opinion. On the rare occasions I do munch while I read, it might be fresh fruit or pretzels.
29. Name a case in which hype ruined your reading experience.
Hype does nothing for me. If it sounds good, I’ll read it. If it doesn’t, I won’t. Simple.
30. How often do you agree with critics about a book?
Depends on the critic.
31. How do you feel about giving bad/negative reviews?
I am honest about it. If I like it, I like it… if I don’t, I’m sure not going to lie about it.
32. If you could read in a foreign language, which language would you chose?
Elvish. Or German.
33. Most intimidating book you’ve ever read?
War & Peace
34. Most intimidating book you’re too nervous to begin?
Paradise Lost … actually I do believe I did start it once. It was weird. I set it down and forever left it.
35. Favorite Poet?
Edgar Allen Poe, Emily Dickinson, Walt Whitman, and so many more
36. How many books do you usually have checked out of the library at any given time?
Well, when we go… I often get anywhere from 10 – 40 books each time
37. How often have you returned book to the library unread?
Several times
38. Favorite fictional character?
Mr. Darcy. I have a thing for Mr. Darcy.
39. Favorite fictional villain?
Voldemort
40. Books I’m most likely to bring on vacation?
Bible and anything I am currently reading. Okay, not ALL of them… but a few. However many I can cram into one or two tote bags… or three bags… just depends. How long is the trip?
41. The longest I’ve gone without reading.
If you include the internet, not even an hour… unless you count sleep time. I’m a reader. By nature.
42. Name a book that you could/would not finish.
Paradise Lost
43. What distracts you easily when you’re reading?
Family life
44. Favorite film adaptation of a novel?
The Harry Potter series has done well. They left out a lot, but it was necessary due to book size. The movies have kept well to the books.
45. Most disappointing film adaptation?
Twilight Saga… although her writing was really rather horrible. The plot kept me going at a time when I desired that sort of stuff.
46. The most money I’ve ever spent in the bookstore at one time?
oh at one time… well, BK (before kids) upwards of a couple hundred dollars. Yup.
47. How often do you skim a book before reading it?
Always. I read the covers then I read the contents… then I often skim through the book.
48. What would cause you to stop reading a book half-way through?
Foul language, super boring, extremely poor writing
49. Do you like to keep your books organized?
Oh yes, I would love to keep them organized. Sadly, I don’t understand that word. So my shelves are over flowing!
50. Do you prefer to keep books or give them away once you’ve read them?
Depends. I used to keep everything. My shelves and house and husband will not allow that anymore. Okay, so hubs might give me looks but he doesn’t complain about it. I donate all Christian to my church and others to the local library. Unless they are super good, self help (and I liked it), certain authors, etc. If I had an endless storage space, I’d keep them ALL though!
51. Are there any books you’ve been avoiding?
A Call To Die
52. Name a book that made you angry.
The Shack. While a fiction book, it reeked of stupidity. My God is not some old fat black woman.. Jesus is not some hippie… and the Holy Spirit is not some crazed Asian woman. I realize the *point* the author was trying to make… I just think he failed. BIG TIME.
53. A book you didn’t expect to like but did?
Not really sure about this one.
54. A book that you expected to like but didn’t?
Hmmm… ya got me
55. Favorite guilt-free, pleasure reading?
Isn’t reading suppose to be for pleasure to begin with? I don’t read because I have to, I read because I want to.
***
Wow, that was long. A few answers I just was not sure about. I enjoyed doing it though Thanks for reading!
Time for another random dozen ! Yay! I love these things. Maybe this time I’ll get it linked in time since I’m actually doing it ON TIME. *geesh*
1. What is your favorite fair/carnival food?
Elephant Ears sound super yummy right about now. Oh and those deep fried snickers. Oh yummy
2. Are you holding onto something you need to let go of?
Yes, I’m sure I am.
3. What is your favorite gift to receive?
I like money. Money is a good gift.
4. When was the last time you tried something new?
Hmmm. I’m thinking, I’m thinking…I’m thinking… um, well… yeah I got nothing.
5. What is your favorite and least favorite book genre?
Memoir, Mystery, Political Intrigue, Romance, Humor, Historical Fiction, Historical nonfiction, Chick Lit, Self-Help, Other
Favorite – Christian fiction and Christian nonfiction
Least Favorite – those despicable trashy romance novels and horror. I’m not that fond of mystery either unless there are good elements to the story. A mystery book has to be more intriguing than well, just another mystery where I know the ending by reading the back of the book!
6.Silver or Gold?
Silver !
7. What makes you sigh?
Well, there are two types of sighs. The kind of sigh that is heard from women everywhere as we tend to our houses, our families, our lives. Sighs such as : laundry *sigh* again… who spilled juice and left it on the floor for the ants to come parading through *sigh* … where did the money go *sigh*… I just stepped in dog poo, where is the clean up committee *sigh*…
And then there are those happy sighs. Sighs such as: oh that food was delicious *sigh* and I don’t have to clean anything up *sigh* oh and I’d love a nice massage *sigh* and a foot rub? *sigh* most definitely *sighs again* this is paradise *sigh*
Of course, I sigh more of the first kind… but the second way is my preferred sighs. he he
8. If you didn’t know how old you are, how old would you claim you are?
I’ll still stick with 30. I look too old to go back into the twenties… but I am NOT aging one bit more than I have to.
9. Would you break a law to save a loved one? To protect a loved one?
That’s a hard one. Prayer, lots of prayer would be needed first. Breaking a law is against God’s commands unless the law is wrong to begin with. Would I WANT to break a law to protect someone? I’m sure, but that doesn’t mean I would.
10. If you had to teach something, what would it be?
Stampin’ Up! … how to make beautiful, quick and easy cards for any holiday. How to make gift bags, teacher gifts, gifts, gifts, gifts galore. And um, seriously… I do teach this. *hint, hint*
11. You’re having lunch with 3 people whom you respect and admire. They begin to criticize a close friend of yours, not knowing she is your friend. What do you do?
My mouth would be open and I’d be defending her. And I’d probably let them know I hate to listen to gossip to begin with. I’m not one to sit and gab about other people. It’s annoying and it’s a sin.
12. Which of the 5 Love Languages is your prominent means of experiencing love?
Quality Time
Physical Touch
Acts of Service
Gifts
Words of Affirmation
Well, I took the quiz. It says Physical Touch got 9 and then Quality Time and Words of Affirmation each got 8. So that is pretty close. I fit each of those three pretty equally too. I got nothing on gifts and only a couple on acts of service.
And there you have… another random dozen…
It’s been a long time time I’ve done this… thought I’d give it a try again.
FOR TODAY
Outside my window…It’s a beautiful warm day. upper 80s, sunny, few clouds sprinkling the sky. No kids outside playing which seems a bit odd!
I am thinking…about our upcoming camping trip next week and all the stuff I need to work on in order to be ready to go.
I am thankful for…an air conditioned house
From the learning rooms…working on geography this afternoon
From the kitchen…not much going on here today. Hubby works late most of this week so dinners will be just the three of us.
I am wearing…brown gauchos and a tan tshirt and my new balance shoes.
I am creating…a blog for my nine year old daughter
I am going…no where today. I love staying home. It’s the best place !
I am reading…many things… my Bible, Created To Be His Help Meet, The Landry News (with the kids), ummmm… and I know there are more
I am hoping…to be finished with school soon.
I am hearing…music, softly playing
Around the house…not a whole lot going on this week. We are busy with school stuff and again prepping for camping next week. No plans to do anything major though.
One of my favorite things…vanilla ice cream with a squirt of chocolate syrup. Yum. *licks the chocolate from her chin*
A few plans for the rest of the week: Uh, I sound so boring this week! Okay, okay… this Friday/Saturday the kids and I are going to a Maxwell convention. I am sooo looking forward to hearing Teri Maxwell speak!
Here is picture for thought I am sharing…
Purse I am working on. Not finished still.
Thanks for letting me join in Linda!
1. When was the last time you laughed until you cried?
I think it’s been too long because I cannot recall. I laugh a lot but rarely to this point anymore.
2. If you found $10 today, what would you do with it?
Pocket it and use it the next time we were out. Food, groceries, a quick stop for something forgotten… one never knows!
3. Do you volunteer anywhere?
Well, my first thought was no, but that’s not true. I am the Committee Secretary for our Cub Scouts. That’s all volunteer and I’m volunteering to be the web designer for the pack. I have also volunteered to work on other sites for businesses without pay so I think that qualifies (?). That’s about it though, for now.
4. What is your favorite summertime veggie or fruit, and how do you eat it?
What veggie and fruit is not loved. I am a fruit fanatic. One of my fave fruits that is a seasonal one would be strawberries. I love to cut them into quarters, wash ‘em, put ‘em in a bowl and then make homemade whipped topping. That’s the best way to devour ‘em! As for veggies, I love zucchini and summer squashes… best when washed, sliced, and then rubbed in oil and garlic salt and cooked on the bbq. Yum yum!
5. Is your social sphere (circle of friends) small, medium or large?
My sphere is pretty small. Sure I have quite a few on facebook and different online social networks, but I wouldn’t call them my closest friends.
6. When was the last time you attended a family or school reunion? How did that go?
Um… never. I know my 10 yr reunion happened um, a few years ago… but I live 2000 miles away. And the last family reunion that I can recall … well, I still live 2000 miles away from them all. So I guess this means I don’t get out much!
7. When you’re feeling blue, what is the best way someone can cheer you up?
Hanging out together… chocolate helps too
8. Have you taken a vacation this summer?
Not yet. Crazy eh? It’s mid August for crying out loud. BUT we are going camping in less than 2 weeks with dear friends of ours and I’m actually excited about it.
9. What is the most unnecessary item you carry with you all the time?
material items… nothing. I looked through my small purse but everything in there is used daily so I would consider them all necessary. The only unnecessary item I have with me all the time is the extra weight I’m still carrying. I keep trying to let it go but it’s stuck on me pretty good. I’ll win the battle though. One day.
10. What is the best summer flick you have seen so far?
Well, even though this movie came out in March I believe… and we saw it in April… we went and saw it again with our friends in July… How To Train Your Dragon. It’s just such a fantastic movie. I love love love it. The only other movie we’ve seen this summer was Shrek Forever After and I was slightly disappointed. Numbers 2 & 3 were the best… Skrek 4 was just average.
11. Describe a perfect summer day.
A perfect summer day would be sunny with nice puffy clouds in the sky. 80s for the high… light breeze blowing. Laying outside and watching the clouds float by while I make up stories about the clouds (I’ve done that for years!). Kids playing. Lots of laughter. Our flag flying high in the front yard. The smell of freshly mown grass nearby and the scent of a bbq with ribs slathered in hubby’s homemade sauce cooking. A margarita in my hand… chit chat with good friends… watching the kids play in the water. Eating. Enjoying the day, the food, the friends. Corn on the cob smothered in butter and pepper, the butter dripping down my chin. Baked beans, potato salad. All yummy foods. Watermelon slices to munch on. And cheesecake for dessert… with berries covering the top. A very quick burst of summer rain in the evening after our meal. The smell of the rain even after it has left permeating my nose. A beautiful rainbow above my head. Kisses from my husband… sticky kisses n hugs from my kiddos. Bath time with them acting goofy. Storytime after. Then tucking them in and kissing their foreheads so very thankful for the abundant blessings God has given to me. Snuggling with hubby outside at night watching the stars. And then sleep. Precious sleep.
12. Please a share a favorite photo from the summer so far!
That’s Merlin… our new puppy. Well, new at the start of summer. Kids have wanted a puppy for years and here he is. Our little buddy… soon to be a big dog!
