End of 2008

2008 was a great year. We didn't have to move, everyone is healthy, and most days we are all happy. I find it so interesting that something happens between December 31st and January 1st that causes us to evaluate our lives, our year, and our goals. I am looking forward to a new year.... (it also brings closer the job of figuring taxes and the thought of knowing that big number of our money that the government gets...... makes me want to vomit) but that is besides the point........I'm not really sure what my goals are exactly..... I have a few in mind but usually keep them to myself. I am just thankful for this past year and am glad we are about to begin a new one. I am blessed beyond what I deserve and thank God for all He has done for me and my family. 2009 is going to be a great and very interesting year!

Christmas Morning

Here is a pic of the girls right before we started opening presents. There is nothing like watching a child on Christmas morning. What a joy.

*Christmas is over.... kind of sad... kind of glad......
*We had a great relaxing Christmas, but missed being around family.
*We are heading out to hopefully get Joel a new car. Dependable and good in snow... hopefully we can take some advantage of the weak economy and get a good deal!
*I am going to see family in January.. can't wait!
* my kids have been eating tons of sugar and have been watching way too much tv. (tis the season!)
*I am jealous of all the snow my family is getting... and wish we could be sledding too.
*I do not like the 70 degree day we are having..... messes up my wardrobe.
*I need to get back into the news... took a break after the election... time to start educating myself again... lots going on around us in the world today)
*that's all for now!

Christmastime is Here

Yesterday the girls and I made sugar cookies... (using the recipe of my Grandma Betty's). I used to make them when I was their age and I felt really old telling them... "your mommy made these cookies when I was your age and maybe someday you can make them with your kids..." touching moment for me but made me feel old :)
Jesslyn got a little carried away with the sprinkles..... no shocker there..... and Nevaeh is at the age now of really enjoying taking her time to decorate each one nicely with some detail.
It is Christmas Eve..... hard to believe....... seems like summer was just here. Joel will be home early this evening and we are planning on watching a movie together before putting the kids to bed. My family back home in Washington will be attempting to make it up to "the farm'.... my uncle Bob's house. (the two feet of snow might cause some problems...... ) I miss my family a lot today..... looking forward to seeing my sister and her family in January!! Merry Christmas everyone!!! Enjoy your families and don't forget to take some time to praise the birth of our Jesus!

White Christmas

This is a pic of my dad sledding at my Grandma's house.. my parents are getting insane amounts of snow which is not likely or normal for them at all. They are having fun sledding and I am jealous! I wish I was there for the fun... sad to be missing out for sure. My sister said my dad was a "maniac" out in the snow and I am pretty sure it has been many years since he has been sledding. My sisters kids are really loving it after being in hot Africa for three years. They are for sure getting a white Christmas! Love you guys, wish I was there, and take lots more pics!!!

Too old to stay up late!

Joel and I had some friends over last night for lasagna and to watch the movie Elf. It was great and we had a ton of fun but we stayed up later then normal. I think we went to bed around 1:30 and now we are realizing today how we just might be too old to stay up that late. Joel is on his third cup of coffee (at noon) and I am ready for a nap already. Pretty pathetic!!

This is a picture of the gift I received from my mother in law... my first pair of Uggs. I decided to go out on a limb and pick the bright, wild ones. Why not, right? She suggested to me that I get fun ones so I took her advice and went for it. I love them. They are comfy, soft, no need for socks... truly amazing.... like walking on clouds. I am begging Joel for another pair that I can wear with more things!! I wear them as slippers even..... they might not be the prettiest things in the world but they are comfortable and I like them!

My little angel....

Jesslyn was also in the play at church. She was an angel and basically played nervously with her hair the entire time while STARING at Joel and I... it was cute. I am not sure why she wanted to continue to stare us down... but it melted my heart.

Her first solo

Our church had their Christmas play yesterday and my Nevaeh Paige actually sang a solo! For those of you who know Nevaeh, you realize just how big of a deal this is. She has been quite shy in her seven years of life and is usually not able to handle much attention on her. The room was full and she walked right up to that microphone and sang her little heart out. After she was done, Joel and I began breathing again! It was amazing and we are so proud of her!

Gingerbread House

The girls and I made a gingerbread house yesterday... well, I made the house, they decorated. Not the easiest task in the world, but I think they had fun. I am just glad it is still standing!

I am taking the kids to see Rudolph today at the Cincinnati Children's Theatre. The girls have been singing the song all morning and can't wait..... although they are changing the words of the song to all the goofy words. It's getting a little annoying. Why do kids think that if you put the word "underwear" in a song, it makes it funny. I'm over it.
I am also trying to finalize my Christmas cards and get them out in the mail. Why is it that there are always a few straggling addresses that I don't seem to have. That is also annoying.
I watched The Nativity Story with the girls last night. Nevaeh totally got into it but Jesslyn was more into her Polly Pockets. I figured since I had a good collection of all the classic Christmas movies, I should actually own the one that is really about the purpose of Christmas. I did find it hard to completely explain Mary's role in the story without having to explain the word virgin to my seven year old. I guess I succeeded because I did not have to go there..... at least not yet.
I am also very excited that my sister and her family are heading back from Botswana. They have been there three years and will be on furlough for this upcoming year. They are making a stop in Paris to see all the sights. (wish I could join them). I am not sure when exactly I will be over to Washington to see my sister but I am excited to know that they will be closer and in the states. I need to start planning a trip to see them!

I am proud to say that I am completely done with Christmas shopping and most of my cards are addressed and ready to go out. This is the first year that I have been this ahead of the game! It feels good. I am just hoping I am not tempted to just keep buying more.........
and Nevaeh has her first solo in our kids Christmas play at church this coming up Sunday... pray she doesn't freak out, throw the mic down and run off the stage........

The TRIP to dinner

So, last night Joel and I had a dinner date with some friends from Cincinnati. We were early to meet them so we decided to walk around the quaint little town before arriving to the restaurant. We finally saw our friends enter the restaurant from across the street. We started to make our way to meet them.... of course looking both ways before crossing the street. We were about half way across when I suddenly tripped.... and soon realized that my trip turned into a complete, full body, fall. That's right, completely to the ground. It happened so fast yet felt like slow motion. Joel asked me if I was alright (while chuckling some) and helped me up and over to the curb. I looked down to make sure there were no holes in my pants or blood on my shirt because I hit that pavement hard! We realize I am okay, and then the laughing began. I was laughing so hard that tears were streaming down my face and not to mention, I think my body was in a little shock at that point. I was totally embarrassed and not quite sure how many people saw me... the girl who bit it in the middle of the road. Joel said I held my purse up high as if I was trying with everything in me to save it from its death! He also replayed it for me and from his view, I guess I looked somewhat like Superman... arms out and up and feet out and up behind me. I did scrape up my pinky finger and have a bruise on my knee....... Joel and I have not laughed that hard in a long time. I am sure there were others who went home that night laughing at the girl who bit it in the middle of the road, on a busy Friday night!

Black Friday

Thanksgiving was good.... Joel deep fried a turkey and we were all relieved that the house didn't burn down in the process. It tasted great too... although we did a regular turkey in the oven, just in case. For the first time in many years, my mother in law and sister in law decided to get up and head out the door at 6 for Black Friday. We went to Starbucks first for a coffee, then headed to Kohl's which was what I like to call hell on earth. The lines were weaving around the entire store... people everywhere! We all three decided we would pay the extra few dollars to not have to stand in that 3 hour line. I will never do that again. Then we headed to the mall which was actually not bad at all. Then we headed to Target..... lots o people, about a five minute wait for the next shopping cart, and some empty shelves from the previous shoppers. I got some good deals and didn't have to wait in line at all! Best of all, I am proud to say that it is December 3rd, and I am done with my Christmas shopping. Only one more box to send in the mail!! Now I can spend my days relaxing and watching all my favorite Christmas movies!

busy...

I have been trying to get my house together for a few weeks now. Repainting, new carpet, scrubbing, scraping, bleaching... you name it. I also put up my two Christmas trees. I am now done and am exhausted. I LOVE my new carpet and love that it is dog hair free!! I will post some pics soon. Now it is time for Joel's family to come in and time for a yummy meal to be prepared. I don't think I will get much time to relax in the next few days. :)

I have just downloaded a teaching series on the Song of Solomon. Many of my friends have been through the study and their lives have been changed. So, I decided to go through it. I started out by reading Hinds Feet in High Places and am expecting to be blown away by how much God really does love me.
I also had new carpet installed yesterday and I gotta tell ya, it is FABULOUS!. So soft and free of dog hair! The girls and I were making carpet angels in it yesterday!! I am also proud to say that the carpet guys left at 12 and by 6, I had all three beds put back together, sheets washed and put on each bed (one of those was a bunk bed with 8,000 screws). I was extremely exhausted last night after church but am glad it is all done! Now Joel has the day off and we are going to try and figure out how to deep fry a turkey..... got any tips?

snow, museum and carpet!

The winter weather is here.... we have had two days of snow flurries... nothing really to shout about ... although Joel is shouting how much he hates the cold. The girls on the other hand, love it! I took the girls to the Creation Museum yesterday and it was amazing. I was so impressed at the building and all the displays and the message. We went into the planetarium first, where we reclined in big seats and watched a production above our heads about the massive stars and planets. Then we went through the museum which began in the Garden of Eden and then walked us through how sin has effected life for all of us. It showed how destructive the flood was and what it did to effect the earth today. I really enjoyed it. If you are ever in Kentucky, you will have to check it out!
The best news of all..... we are getting new carpet in the morning!!! Words cannot say how bad we need it! WOOHOO...... can't wait!

random

This post is random... just some things I have been up to....
1. I currently have about three books I am reading.... and one of those is about Ahmadinejad. He is a creepy man.
2. I have new bedding.... flannel sheets are the best for winter!
3. Joel is getting a cold... I hope he does not pass it around.
4. I am totally in the Christmas spirit and even listened to some music today.
5. I have heard the word "mommy" 657,899 times today.
6. Although I am sad about Jaxon, I am happy to say that the amount of dog hair I am finding is dwindling away!
7. I painted my bathroom.... and had my 7 year old help pick the color out... and it turned out perfect.
8. I just warmed up a cup of coffee..... with Gingerbread creamer... gotta go!

Jaxon

As some of you may already know, our dog has been getting more aggressive lately and even bit Jesslyn..... we believe that he bit her because she had been rolling all over him and he had just been fed up. She rolls on him all the time but this time she might have just pinched him or hurt him somehow. We took him to the vet and they said that he will probably continue to get more aggressive as he reaches two. This is not good. So, we had a lady who was interested in maybe taking him home where she has no small children, come over and take a look at him today. He did fine until she started to try and pet him and he lunged and tried to bite her arm...... needless to say, she loved the dog but could not take him home if he was going to be that aggressive. So, we decided it would be best to put him to sleep. Joel told the girls this afternoon and we all shed a few tears........ he will be missed in our house. But is it terrible that I am already counting down the hours to thoroughly clean and scrub the dog hair out of my house......??? I am just not an animal person.

Micah 6:8

I have been thinking of this verse a lot lately. "He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."

The day is finally here!

I woke up this morning to by daughter saying, "mommy, there are a lot of signs in your yard." I immediately knew what had happened. We have been talking election quite a bit with friends from church and I knew what had happened. So, I go out to the window and sure enough... Obama signs everywhere! It was hilarious and I was glad to get them out of the yard before people actually thought I was serious!! I think the idea was brilliant and I do know who did it so you better watch out!!
On a serious note, today is the big day.... Lord please have mercy on us!

lazy day

Today is November first which is unbelievable to me..... last night we ended up ditching the dinner and a movie idea and went over to a friends house for dinner and cards. We played a fun game that got pretty loud and at times almost violent! It was nice to just relax, laugh, and have a good time. I woke up this morning with every intention of getting a lot accomplished but instead have found myself completely wasting the day away. I guess that is okay to do every now and then, right? I guess I'l go take a nap now.

Halloween

Today is the day and there will be no trick or treating for us. We have tried it in the past but for some reason, here in Kentucky, they like to make their yards into graveyards with dead bodies hanging in trees, people chasing you down the road with chain saws, and others jumping out at you as you pass the garage... it is the creepiest thing and not to mention, it has turned our girls off to the whole idea. So, we have decided to make this night just a family night. We are probably going to dinner and then maybe a movie which sounds so much more pleasant than a night of walking in the cold... looking at bodies hanging from trees and coming out of the ground.......Can you imagine turning your yard into a graveyard? That just seems wrong to me....maybe it is just what rednecks in Kentucky do on Halloween!

taxes

I think I am going to try something.... I am going to tally up all the taxes we pay..... income, house, on purchases...etc..... and see just how much we pay for a year. I actually think it might be almost impossible to keep up with it all.... there are probably things we get taxed on that we aren't even aware of...... but don't you think it would be interesting to see the final number. Every time you go to Target, Walmart, gas, house, clothes, phone bills (which have insane amounts of taxes tacked on to them) etc etc etc etc.... wow! I think we would be disgusted to see what the numbers actually might be. Is tracking it even possible?

what in the world?

I feel like marriages around me are being attacked from every which way.... it is sad. Affairs are so common. Nothing shocks me anymore. Why is this happening? I remember finding out about my friends parents affair in seventh grade and I could hardly believe it. Now, I seriously feel that it is more shocking to hear of people staying together. I once heard somebody say "the minute you think it can't happen to you is the minute it will." I pray that I am able to protect my marriage at least to the best of my ability..... the devil is wanting to destroy us all and take away good families. Now is the time to protect and to put up a fight!!!

rainy day

I am enjoying the rainy day but all I want to do is read a book and drink some tea. I am trying to believe that November is right around the corner.... and then Christmas will be here. It is really hard to grasp how fast the time goes. The next few weeks are going to be interesting. This election, no matter who wins, is going to bring about lots of change and emotions from everyone. It will be interesting to see how it all happens.... how voter fraud takes a role, how people get angry when their man does not win, and how much our country might change in the next few years. That might just be the scariest part of it all. I even hear Nevaeh talking politics with some of her friends.... that is quite interesting. I have been wanting this election to just be over since it seems to have been going on FOREVER but now that it is here.... I am not sure I am ready for it to be over!

Pumpkin Patch

Our homeschooling group went to the pumpkin patch this morning. We walked through the barn, took a hayride, ate lunch, and then went inside the corn maze.... which was extremely hard to get out of and most of us didn't make it out the correct exit! Then the trip ended with each kid getting to pick out a pumpkin. I love the pumpkin patch.......

a nice morning

The weather is getting cooler as we woke up to start the day. I put pumpkin muffins in the oven and the girls started some school work at the kitchen table.... in their robes. :) After some math and science, they started coloring some pictures while drinking hot chocolate. Tomorrow we are heading to the pumpkin patch with our homeschool group and next week to the children's theatre for Mulan! I know this sounds so silly but what a perfect day. I am a dorky mom who only needs the smell of muffins in the oven to brighten my day. Oh dear!


On a different note, the election is just two weeks away. Oh my!!!! God help us. Go out and vote.... For MCCAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I think Joe Biden gets botox injections.......

Rude or Polite?

Okay, I have to ask this question... first of all, I have come down with some major sinus problems. Stuffed nose, sinus pressure, runny nose, sneezing........I feel okay but just have some extra snot I guess. So, last night at church, it was time to shake hands with people and say hello to those around you. I had just put some hand sanitizer on seconds before we were asked to greet those around us. I politely said to the man in front of me, " I just put some stuff on my hands and I think you would rather me not shake your hand..." He said he understood but it was also his first time to our church so I felt like maybe he would think I was a freak or think that I thought he was a freak. I just felt incredibly horrible to refuse to shake his hand but also would have felt equally as horrible to have touched his hand with my germ filled hands. What is the better thing to do? Shake and share germs or politely decline? What do you think?

Random

I am glad it is the fall.. although we still have 80 degree weather.

I think I am getting a cold. YUCK!

Joel did not win the men's chili contest last night at church. It was good though!

I really want to take a trip to the Pumpkin Patch.

I would like new bedding.

I am really getting excited for Thanksgiving and Christmas to come. I asked Joel if we could put up the Christmas tree... He said "NO WAY!" Bummer.

Joel wants me to learn to play golf with him..... I think I would end up being better than him and would beat him all the time. That would be funny.

I am SO tired of this election.

I wonder how long I will live in Kentucky?

Detroit

Joel and I had our annual Trader Joe's party in Detroit this last Friday night. Since we do no live by family, we were trying to figure out what to do with the girls. I decided to ask a good friend of mine and she so kindly said "yes"! Her and her husband do not have kids yet so I wasn't sure what they would think of taking mine for the night. The kids had a ton of fun and got to go to a fun festival where there were huge pumpkins and lots to look at. Jesslyn also decided to crawl in bed with them at 3 in the morning!... Joel and I had a pretty good time. Our party is usually in Chicago, which is one of my favorite cities so I was bummed that we had to go to Detroit..... it is not too much to shout about for sure! ...... but getting away for the night was fun. The hotel was nice, the dinner was good, and it is always fun to catch up with the Trader Joe's crowd. Above is a picture of the kids with my friend Katie at the festival. She survived a night with my kids!!

October

It is finally here. I love this month. I love the cooler mornings and evenings, the pretty leaves..... and knowing that Thanksgiving and Christmas are right around the corner. Yesterday marked a year since my Grandma Betty passed away. I can't believe that it has been that long. I will never forget my last few moments with her and am so glad to have those memories. While I was in Washington, I went to her house a couple times and was determined to just enjoy it rather than cry. It seems like she should have been there just sitting in her chair, writing in her journal. When we got back home to Kentucky, Jesslyn was singing her own song about how Grandma Betty was up in heaven with Jesus. It was very sweet and I am sure that Grandma has had a grand time this past year...... she can taste, hear, and run and dance without any back pain! Miss you Grandma Betty.

Hope

The next thirty something days are going to be interesting...... with all that is going on in our world, it is hard to not get scared or worried. I find politics interesting, irritating, and frustrating.... but I refuse to be freaked out by what this new election year brings. I receive David Wilkerson newsletters in the mail and always enjoy what he has to say. This last letter was about remaining unshaken during these times of uncertainty in our world. Things around us will be shaken.... the economy, etc.... but those who fear the Lord do not have to hold on to a message of gloom but of gladness. We can walk in joy. We must be making a joyful noise, praising Him, and hold on to the great fact that no matter what bad news this world brings, His Word remains true and will not be shaken.

Two posts in a day

So, this is my second post today..... I just needed to ask you all something that has been on my mind. What do you think of when you hear the word revival? Do you get excited or cynical? I think it is interesting. The revivals of our time.... Toronto, Brownsville, Florida....... what do you think? I'll keep my thoughts to myself for now.

We had a lot going on this last week. The homeschooling group from our church met at 7 Wednesday morning for See Ya At The Pole. We had about 8 kids come and pray around the flag pole. After the kids were done praying, the parents went inside the church and had a time of prayer for close to an hour. It really reminded me of how thankful we should always be to be able to live in a country that allows us to make these kind of decisions about how to educate our kids. I love that I have a choice.
We also had a field trip on Friday. We went to the Dinsmore Homestead. The kids were able to tour the old house, graveyard, use a washboard, play games from the old days, and grind coffee beans with a hand grinder.
Then came the annual Missionettes sleep over.... which Nevaeh looks forward to every year. Pizza, talent show, and very little sleep..... which we pay for the next day.
I am so glad that the fall weather is approaching. We are still have 80 degree days but the mornings are cooler.... I love it! Joel hates it!!

what would you choose?

If you could go out and purchase any new car and money was NOT an issue, what kind would you choose? If you could go out and purchase a new car and money WAS an issue, what would you choose?.....................

politics.....

I know I should not go there..... but I really am wanting this presidential race to be over. I was reading a book about the Constitution to Nevaeh this morning, and it reminded me of how the founding fathers wanting the government to be about the people... for the people, we the people!!! With this whole banking crisis, it just makes me question and realize that there is a whole lot of corruption going on. Did you know that Obama has been in the senate for three years, but has managed to be the top third recipient of money from Fannie Mae...... What is up with that? all these politicians are getting money from these companies and in exchange for what? What has Obama done for them? Allowed them to do shady deals, bad loans??? I feel like we do not know what is really going on and now we are left to bail them out.... I think that if we started referring to the government as "we the people" we would really get irritated at what is being done with OUR money. We are taxed at every angle.....city, county, federal, housing, cars, gas, and the list goes on........ and what is happening? Where is our money going? I am confident that Obama is a liar and has done lots of shady deal in his life yet attacks McCain for these same things. This election is going to be interesting and I really think that our country is going to see some changes..... I am hoping that these changes don't result in socialism.... but I am afraid that is where we are headed. I really need to find another hobby or something else to listen to on the radio. All this is doing is making me crazy and turning me into my father!!! (not that that is a bad thing.)

On another note, Joel and I went to a wedding yesterday for a Trader Joes employee and it was beautiful. It was outside on a farm in Ohio. The reception was under a huge white tent..... The bride had just lost her mother in the previous year and many references were made to her mother during the wedding and reception. It was very sad but very touching to see her and her father react in such a loving way to one another and to acknowledge their love for the mom. I was glad to be wearing sunglasses since I found myself fighting tears..... very sweet to witness.

Lastly, I am finally feeling like I am back on this time zone! It took a week but we are now back on Kentucky time...... oh and it is officially the first day of Fall!!!!!!!!!!!

Pics from our trip

Here are some pics from camping, the boat, the farm, and the beach. All trips were fun...... in their own way :) and the beach was amazing. It was such great weather and so much fun. I am so thankful for such amazing parents and family. My girls will keep these memories forever! Next time the Manns will have to join!

back from Washington

We are finally back after a two week trip to see my mom and dad. The girls had a ton of fun and it was great to see everyone. We went camping, to the beach, and were able to see all our favorite family and friends. (except the ones who moved to Canada! ) I will post some pics soon. Lots has been going on in those last two weeks....

* McCain picked his VP... great choice...... but the media is driving me crazy....
* Nevaeh is really starting to enjoy reading!
* Joel took a trip to San Diego for work... and was given an Ipod from Trader Joes..... that's cool.
* I have started drinking...... apple cider vinegar, that is.
* I realized that camping in the rain is not so fun.
* I was able to go through some of my Grandma's journals. She wrote in her journal every day as long as she was alive. It was fun to read way back to ten years ago.

For some reason, after getting back from my trip, I feel a new sense of organization or the need to start "new". Maybe it is the new school year that we are starting and fall just around the corner. I am not sure... but I feel ready to begin loving the small things in life, not worrying and wasting all my time on laundry and mopping, and trying to make every moment count. I also have been reading like a crazy woman. I just started The Shack this afternoon.

two weeks away

I leave on Friday to go to Washington to visit my parents..... the girls are super excited. We will be adventurous this time... camping, the beach and maybe even the zoo. Joel will stay behind. He has meetings in California for part of the time and then will be busy at work the rest of it. Of course I am sure he will try to sneak in some golfing while we are gone. I won't be writing while I am gone but hope to have some great pictures and fun stories when I get back.. pray it doesn't rain the whole time we are there!!!

Questions from a 3 year old

Jesslyn says to me, "mommy, how do you make dollies, fire, and mulch?" I am not quite sure how the combination of items ended up in the same sentence? ... and I am sure my answer left her more confused than she was before asking!

Summer

This post is for Emily....... :) okay, I love summer but I think that there are huge similarities between summer and pregnancy. Both are exciting and new at first..... but then as the days continue, and it gets hotter you get more uncomfortable. Just like pregnancy. You get hotter and more uncomfortable. And just like with pregnancy, your wardrobe gets old and boring. By the end of summer, I am so ready for the fall with cooler weather and different clothes. In about one week I will feel like I have had enough and will be ready for the fall to just get here.... just like when I was pregnant. I get to where I have had enough and I just want it to be over. My husband would totally and completely disagree with me about wanting summer to end. He loves every minute of if and the more hot and humid it is, the more he enjoys it. Actually, I am sure many people would disagree but I am sticking to my theory. Summer and pregnancy are a lot alike.... thank goodness neither of them last forever!

A trip to Japan

Joel and I had a date night last night. We decided to try a Japanese restaurant that we had never been to before. The moment we walked in was the beginning of me feeling like I was so out of place. The food was great... although I ordered what I thought was going to be vegetables but little did I know they were deep fried vegetables. Anyways, the waitress first brings out two hot towels. Not quite sure what to do with that..... then she brought me my salad and I soon realized that my only option was chopsticks. Not quite a pro at those! By this time, the place is starting to fill up. After trying to eat with chopsticks and then realizing I was not too good at it, Joel asked for a fork for me. Yep, I was the only one in there using a fork! The food was actually great although I prefer my vegetables without batter. Joel spent his first few years of life in Hawaii and is used to this way of eating and the food..... I came from a family who ate meatloaf. He spent most of the dinner laughing at me and I spent most of the dinner wishing I had taken a course on eating with chopsticks!
Then we went to a few different stores to shop around. We went to TJ Maxx.. which I love... and they have an entire section for perfume and cologne. The best part is that the cologne they had was popular 10 years ago. Eternity, United Colors of Benetton, Sunflower, Liz Claiborne, and the list goes on. Joel sprayed the Eternity so much that we had to drive with the windows down the rest of the night!

Two plays of a Reds game

The other day, Joel called me from work and said that he had some free tickets for the Reds game that afternoon. The girls were up for it so we grabbed the tickets and took an adventure into the city. It makes me laugh to think about the girls and I heading into Cincinnati.... it took a few circles around some blocks for me to decide where I should park. I ended up finding a parking garage... only $1 for the first two hours! So, we parked two levels underneath the main floor and then had to walk through a dark staircase to get out to the streets. Not a typical thing I do with my kids! Anyways, we finally made it to the stadium. We made it inside and were pleased to find $1 hot dogs! Our lucky day. We grabbed a hot dog and some cotton candy and then started the hike to our seats....... section 515 row K seats 16, 17, 18. Seriously 7 rows from the very top! We sat and ate and then the game started. After about two plays, Jesslyn had reached her limit and we started our hike back to the car. The girls had fun though... only because they saw cheerleaders and ate cotton candy. I think we might wait a few years before going back.

Not yet a biker chick...

My husband is now a proud motorcycle owner. I really lived in denial for about two weeks but now am okay with it. Joel has been riding it to work... 25 miles away..... and is saving at least a hundred bucks in gas each week. He says it is so nice to leave work and just ride. My father in law has a Harley, and apparently for bikers, it is all about "the ride". Not the destination, but the ride to the destination. Joel says it clears his mind so I guess it is his therapy..... of course I thought golf was his therapy. ?? Anyways, I have not been brave enough to get on the back.... it might take me awhile to get the courage to do that.... or maybe I will need an arm full of tattoos first. Haha!

today

I woke up to rain... and my husband coughing his head off....... poor thing. He has had a bad cough for about a week now and unfortunately it hits him the hardest while he is trying to sleep. I have to say that I was happy to wake up to a rainy day. I am okay with summer but the fall is my absolute favorite time of the year. The leaves, pumpkins, cooler days, and school supplies! Yes, I said school supplies. I love them.... crayons, glue, scissors, markers, you name it ... I love it! I guess it is just a quirk of a homeschooling mom. I especially love it when the crayons are 22 cents or the glue is a dime! I guess it is the simple things in life that make me happy. I am a dork.

one more pic.....

I had to put up this pic of Angel holding up some pretty panties.... that is all I have to say!

Reunited

These are my good friends from Central Bible College. We were able to all meet in Indianapolis for a night away from husbands and kids! We had a great time catching up and talking about the old days on campus at CBC. We brought our old pictures and scrapbooks and laughed hard at our hair, makeup and clothes! It was fun to be together especially now that we are all married. We had fun even though the Spaghetti Factory was 110 degrees and even though the Stir Crazy menu was deceitful! Girls, thanks for a fun time and for being such great women.

People

People are so interesting. Joel and I took the girls out for pizza last night and right down the street there was a live band playing. We decided to grab a coffee and check it out. We both agreed that watching the surrounding people was way more entertaining then the band. In fact, I really believe that watching people is Joel's top hobby. He loves to just sit and stare. There was a lot to look at last night. People are truly amazing and interesting and also odd and sometimes just plain unbelievable.... and then when you throw a live band in the mix..... that really gives you something to look at!

Washington

My parents live in Washington and were telling me the other day that it is now illegal for them to talk on a cell phone and drive at the same time. I think it is crazy to enforce that. First of all, if that is the law, then what about driving and... smoking, eating, reading, putting on makeup, and all the other things people do while they are driving. I am sure most of us never have both hands on the wheel. I actually find that catching up on my phone calls is perfect for a car ride. The kids are usually quiet and buckled in and I can get the calls made without them interrupting me. (usually). I think that it is crazy for us to be told we can't decide whether we are capable of doing two things at once. Maybe it is safer to not talk on the phone and drive at the same time, but this is just the beginning of a long list of laws that are going to take away more of our rights...... pretty soon it will be illegal to drink some nice refreshing water while driving down the road.... and maybe we will no longer be aloud to turn the radio station, or sing with the cd player..... because that can be very distracting!.....
Speaking of Washington, I did find some great tickets to come visit the end of August. The girls and I will be flying roundtrip out of Cincinnati for $400 total! Looking forward to it. I will let you know if I get pulled over for talking on my phone while driving...

Polling...

I always hear all of these new "polls" that come out daily about politics, gas prices, the economy and everything else under the sun. Just wondering, have any of you been asked or polled? I sure have not... so that makes me wonder who gets asked these polling questions. Maybe I am just out of the loop on how this works but I do not know one person who is ever asked these polling questions. So who are the lucky people who get asked these questions? I am sure I just don't fully grasp how polls work but in my small mind I found it a little funny and a bit intriguing. I guess it doesn't take much to intrigue me....

Parenting....

I have to say that I think we are entering a new phase with our oldest daughter. She just turned 7 the other day and I feel like our problems of a messy bedroom and spilled lemonade have quickly turned into more serious and complicated issues. I am now feeling the constant urge to have to teach her things about life like how to be a good friend, the consequences of not telling the truth, and how to respect others around her. I now am seeing just a glimpse of what other parents have told me about.... as they get older the problems and lessons become bigger. I am trying to stay consistent. It is hard. I want her to grow up to be kind, caring, respectful and most of all devoted to the Lord. I think I am going to need a lot of prayer.................

words from a 3 year old

Last night while Joel and I were sitting outside eating dinner, Jesslyn started pulling her pajama top really hard and was stretching it out. I told her not to do that because it would ruin her pajamas and she said to me, "But Jesus loves me and wants me to do it." Joel and I just looked at each other and couldn't help but laugh. She said it so sweet and innocent while staring at us with her big blue eyes. The things kids say......

My Dad (or as Joel likes to call him.. my daddy)

Father's day... I am sure it has so many emotions for so many people. I am so blessed to say that my father is amazing. He is hardworking, funny, easy going, wise and Godly. I really have only seen him mad a few times in my 31 years of life. (only when he broke his watch, was lost on the endless road in California, and when the power went out on Hazel Dell... oh and when I puked on the porch.) Other than that, he is my Saturday morning phone call to discuss weather, politics and the new things going on in Longview. He can quote every episode from Seinfeld and can fall asleep in his chair at the drop of a hat. He can be a little quirky, like when he puts chocolate syrup on his raisin bran mixed with cheerios....... but that is what makes him unique. I am so fortunate to have such great parents. Happy Father's Day dad! You are the best! The first picture I posted was of my dad trying to figure out how my phone was taking a picture ( it still makes me laugh out loud..) and the second one was him hard at work at my Grandma's house.

Cous Cous Anyone?

Yesterday afternoon I let the girls watch a few cartoons while I was on the phone with a good friend from North Carolina. After I got off the phone, I headed to the kitchen to start making dinner and found little yellow things all over my floor. I couldn't figure out what it was until I found the Cous Cous box open and sitting on the shelf. My sweet little Jesslyn wanted a snack and decided that eating raw Cous Cous out of the box was a great idea. I guess it was a bit hard to get out of the box because Cous Cous was all over my floor.... so when I walked through the kitchen it would stick all over my feet. It was awful and took awhile to get it all swept up. What an interesting snack.

Love

Do you ever have moments in your life when you become completely overwhelmed by love for your children? I have many moments as a mother of frustration and irritation and quite frankly, a bit of anger. Those times when the kids are fighting, throwing fits, or being just plain mean can almost push me on the edge...... but then, even seconds later, I can think about them or look at them and be so completely filled with love for them. That is so amazing to me.

High Heels, Tie Dye, and Plaid?

My girls are constantly getting into my closet and putting on my shoes. They love wearing my high heels on our wood floor because of the clanking sounds. As I was sitting at the computer this afternoon, Jesslyn walked into the room with my very pointy high heel boots on.... and with the tie dye shirt and plaid pants, I couldn't resist snapping a shot with the camera. She was as proud as could be marching on the wood floors with my shoes. She really could hardly walk in them but was giving it her best shot. What an outfit!

Nevaeh Paige

My oldest daughter, Nevaeh, is going to be turning 7 on the 27th of this month. I can hardly believe she is going to be that old. I was thinking about it this morning.... as she is constantly reminding me about the party we need to start planning...... and I realized how much she has matured and become comfortable in her own skin. For many who know Nevaeh, she has had some struggles with self confidence... or as many would label it, she tends to be shy. I really hate that term but don't know what else to call it. She would never enter in to playing with others because of her lack of confidence in herself. She occasionally has those moments from time to time but for the most part, she is right in there with the rest of the kids. She has many friends and has started taking more risks in life than I ever imagined she would. I know it might not sound like that big of a deal but trust me, I have shed many tears over the past years. Watching your child sit out of things even though you know they want to be a part is hard to watch. I am so proud of her growth and am excited about the girl she is becoming.

On My Deck...

As I poured myself a cup of coffee this morning, I decided to join the girls on the deck. I love sitting out there in the morning. It seems so peaceful and the weather was already nice and warm. As I sat there, the warm weather was reminding me of all the vacations we took as a family to Sunriver. We started going when I was a baby and ended up going every summer at least once, sometimes twice. Sunriver is a a resort in Bend, OR. It is filled with condos, pools, bike trails, golf courses, and a river for rafting and canoeing. It is also a ski resort in the winter. I have not been the last two summers and I am missing it. It is such an amazing place to relax. Every morning starts out with a bike ride to the bakery, then a longer bike ride back to the condo. Then we head out to the pool for the majority of the day until it is time for a nap or dinner. Then dinner is followed by a bike ride to the ice cream shop. Then we play games at night and start the day over again. Now that is what I call a vacation. My sister and her family will be home from Africa in time for us to all take our summer vacation there together. I think I might already start the countdown! Do you have any vacation spot that you enjoyed a lot growing up or a place you would go regularly?

Sounds

Do you ever feel like you are extra sensitive to sounds.... today has been one of those days for me. I feel like every little sound is about to send me over the edge. My daughter was crunching on some chips and I thought I was going to scream. Is that weird?

My Perfect World

Now I know that this blog is going to be about completely vain and unimportant things... because there are many other things I could think of to make the world more perfect but these are my things in life that get on my nerves and bog me down.
In my perfect world there would be:
1. no dirty dishes.
2. a chef to come and cook us a healthy yet yummy dinner.
3. laundry would never pile up.
4. nothing spilled on the floor after just sweeping it.
5. no kids shouting no at me.. only yes mam.
6. no such thing as having to shop for swimming suits.
7. no bills to pay.
8. no arguing kids.
9. weekly date nights with my husband.
10. no dust and dog hair in my house.


AAAHHH. sounds great doesn't it?

my own fun with photobooth

I had a friend over today and we soon realized that there is no age limit on photobooth. It is funny if you are young or old. We were taking tons of goofy pics and totally cracking up. It is so funny. My friend needed to leave around 3:30 and so she decided to take all the kids with her until church tonight. That meant that I had 3 hours to myself. It was so great. I headed to the library so I could actually look at my section with the girl trying to play chase through the bookshelves. I love my kids dearly but it is amazing what I can do without them!

the mini mart

The other day, I was standing by some friends and said, " I have to run to the mini mart to get some ice." They both looked at me and said.... "what is a mini mart?" I started to laugh and said, "you know, the gas station down the street?" They had no idea what I was talking about. It made me laugh and I realized that what is said in the Northwest differs from the Midwest.... for instance, we call it a barbecue..... you know, when you cook hamburgers and hot dogs outside. People here call it grilling out. It is funny to think of the differences.. can you think of any more?

Thinking about the past

The other night, Joel and I were discussing how we were approaching our 9th year of marriage. We started way back in the beginning and tried to remember every place we have lived, the cars we drove, and what friends we had. I was shocked at how I had forgotten about most of it but was able to bring it all back to my memory very quickly. We both came to the realization that we are very different people today then we were back then.... and thank God, for the better. We were young and mostly dumb..... but God has brought us through a lot and has challenged us to become better people. It was fun to think back to the past. Our first apartment, our first car breaking down and our pretty newlywed furniture. We laughed a lot about it and both agree that although some of it has been rough, our marriage gets stronger and better as the years go by. I can't believe it will be 9 years!

This one is better!

I guess the girls actually took more like 200 pictures. I thought this one was the funniest. Goldfish in the mouth and all!

Photo Booth

I was in my room the other day and heard the girls laughing like crazy out by the computer... they spent about an hour in front of photobooth and took about 100 pictures of themselves. I am not sure that I have ever heard them laugh so hard and so loud. They had a ton of fun so I thought I would share one goofy pic!

Here are some pictures of the new addition to our house. My parents came for a week and my dad helped us build a deck. I am super excited about it and feel like I have a new room that has been added to my house! My girls have been loving it and go out there first thing in the morning to swing. I love it! Thanks to my dad!

The View

I don't ever watch the View but tonight I was looking through youtube videos and decided to check some out from the View. I just have to say that the show has the dumbest, most ignorant, one-sided, clueless group of women ever. I can't stand any part of the show. I really can't believe that people watch it and take what those idiots say as truth. Barbara Walters bugs me the most....... just had to vent. Please don't tell me if you think the show is great and newsworthy.

An unexpected reaction

Now that my parents are in town, and are not freaking out.... I can finally blog about my new nose piercing! Yes, believe it or not, it is true. I went to get it done with a friend of mine named Katie. She had been talking about doing it and I told her I would go with her.... just to watch. After weeks of talking about it, I found myself kind of wanting one but was actually worried my parents would think I had issues....... I am 31.... but still scared about freaking out my parents. Katie felt the same way. We tried to convince ourselves that since we never rebelled growing up.... that maybe that would be our great excuse to convince our parents that doing this was okay. So last thursday, we headed to the tattoo shop (had never been in one before and I am sure we stuck out in the crowd.) We were both about to pass out from nerves but it ended up not even hurting. It is so small that some people have had complete conversations with me without even noticing. My parents arrived last night and my mom said she thought it was cool. My dad just seems to laugh. That works for me! I know it is so out of my box and I promise I am not heading down the path of more piercings or tattoos. Just a simple little gem on my nose.

A visit.

My parents are flying in today to stay for a week. I am looking forward to it. My girls have so much fun with them and they are so good to my girls. Not much planned yet.. maybe a Red's game. This is random but as I have been cleaning my house for them, I bought a new shower curtain and I have to say... putting the shower curtain on the rings is the worst task ever. I do not enjoy it at all.

just some random thoughts and questions.......

1. I feel like life has been crazy lately... is it just lately or is that just life?
2. Why is it 80 degrees one day in Kentucky and then 45 degrees the next?
3. Why does my daughter change her clothes 500 times a day?
4. Should I get my nose pierced? (I know my dad's answer to that one.)
5. My husband almost fell through our church ceiling the other day. His foot actually went through.
6. Why is golfing so expensive?.... and time consuming?... and so dumb.
7. Why are churches filled with crazy people?
8. Why is my husband wanting me to cook him dinner at 11:00 at night?
9. I love my girls.
10. Music can change my mood.
11. I am afraid to vote this year..... things are going to get crazy.
12. My parents are coming to visit soon.... I am excited.
13. Why does $3.00 gas now seem so cheap?
14. Why did I ever want to grow up?
15. Why am I not in bed?

My little girl is growing up!

I took Nevaeh to get her ears pierced yesterday. We have been talking about doing it but she has always been too scared. She woke up yesterday and said, "I am ready to get them pierced." So we headed to the mall and did it. She did not even flinch or shed a tear. I was so proud of her. They instructed her to clean them two times a day but she insists on four. I always thought she would need to be a little older to be able to take care of them but I now realize that she is completely capable and responsible to do it herself. By the way, inflation slapped me in the face during this adventure. I think getting my ears pierced was around $10 or so...... a big whopping $38!!!! Oh my... I didn't think it would be that much! I guess it has been awhile since I had been to Claire's!

A Missions Experience...

My husband signed my family up for participating in the missions night at the Kentucky District Council for the Assemblies of God.... (I think that is what it is called) Anyways, we, and many others from our church took a trip to Louisville last night to participate in the nights "mission experience". We dressed as Muslim men and women and simulated a marketplace full of food, incense, snakes, goat heads, rotting fish and the list goes on. My job was to put hats and scarfs on the men and women who were coming through. I had to tell them to cover their heads and if they did not, I had to say, "have you no shame?" There were a few older women who had spent much time on their hair and they made it perfectly clear to me that they did not want this on their head! I had been instructed to stay in character and keep pushing them to cover themselves. Joel's job was to sell our children.... he held Jesslyn and tried to sell her for the going rate which is $90. Then, after everyone had come through the market, we all went up on stage and did the Muslim call to prayer. It was very creepy and hard to do. Then, we had to simulate a Death to America rally which was even more hard to do. It was really an eye opener for me. The reason we did this was to remind people that God loves these Muslim nations and the Muslim people and that there are few missionaries reaching these areas of the world. For me, it is hard to remember that God does love them, even the radicals. I really enjoyed getting to be a part of this experience but I am also thanking God that I live here in the greatest country ever. ( and that God has called me to live here and not anywhere else!) I am also glad my kids were able to participate. I know we will be answering questions for many days about it but I think it is good for them to know that there are a lot of different kinds of people and lots of different kinds of ways that people live.... and God loves us all.

Excited over a vacuum?

It is so sad to admit but oh so true.... I bought a new vacuum today and I couldn't be happier! It is amazing and works so well.....I have been needing a good vacuum for quite some time and especially now that we have a dog. I have never really had that good of a vacuum..... I think I have already got my moneys worth! I am getting old.

Joel's trip

Joel is back from his golfing trip to Arizona with his father and brother in law. He had a great time.... and we are glad to have him home. If you look close enough, you will see that he has a new vacation hairdo... blonde and a mohawk! Funny....

Organizing........

I have been cleaning out some closets this week... and organizing everything. I bought filing cabinets and folders and everything! I hope I can really stay on top of it and stay organized. We shall see. No matter how often I try to organize the girls' closet it still quickly goes back to the mound of toys and shoes it was a day before. That makes me wonder how many minutes of my life are devoted to looking for "that other shoe". I always seem to find one but have to search to the bottom of the pit to find its match. Very annoying! Anybody else have that problem?

Organic products and broken remotes!

The dog looks so kind and nice while relaxing next to Jesslyn but the remote tells the truth. He is still in puppy mode and we all know how crabby we can get when the remote is lost or broken! He destroyed it! Lord help me!




Here is a new product at Trader Joes. Organic suckers.... the concept completely makes me laugh..... they are very tasty though! I wonder if they are working on an organic doughnut?

Green Eggs and Ham

The girls and I dyed Easter eggs on Friday...... Jesslyn was a little rough with the eggs and would just violently drop them in the cup. Two rolled onto the floor... and a few were already cracked before they were even dyed! This morning, Nevaeh and I made green eggs and ham. Nevaeh has been reading Dr. Seuss books and so this was our fun way of celebrating the books. She usually loves eggs but I think she was a little thrown off by trying to eat them while they were green. !!!!

Easter Morning...

Due to a sick child, I am home from church this Easter morning. Of all the Sundays to be sick!!! I am glad that I chose to go to church last night since I am home this morning. I went to our alternative service, Church 922, and the service was great. Most of the people there are newly saved and are genuinely excited about Jesus. The lights are dimmed, the music is loud, and people are there to worship. It is amazing to me that in a room with almost three hundred people, all worshipping in their own way, I experienced such an intimate time of worship. No distractions at all. There is something so fresh about people new to the Lord and their excitement and enthusiasm. People were not there to fulfill their Easter service obligation. They were excited about the victory and His conquering the grave. ........"The enemy has been defeated, death couldn't hold you down!"
I do miss my Grandma Betty an awful lot today. Easter was a big thing for her. She always died Easter eggs with onion skins wrapped around them (which makes a very pretty design) and then she would paint crosses and flowers all over them and then she would make sure every grandchild had one with their name written on it. I would love for her to be giving us all our Easter eggs this year but I am sure that her Easter celebration is going to be like none other she has had before. Miss you Grandma Betty!

Here I go again...

I don't mean to keep talking about this but I just can't begin to tell you how much I am enjoying listening to the Mark Levin Show. I love most conservative talk radio but this guy just always hits the "homeruns". It gets pretty predictable what some of these hosts will say but he just brings a new light to it all. He is entertaining, extremely smart, gutsy, and funny. I listen to his podcasts because his show comes on too late for me. So last night I listened to it while laying in bed and found myself laughing out loud and thoroughly enjoying his words. My husband thinks I am losing my mind... and doesn't want to hear another word like Obama or idiot or pastor. I am realizing even more how much I am like my father. While Joel is sick of hearing about it from me, my mom has had enough of the subject with my father too. That makes me laugh. I guess there are worse things I could be doing..... his podcasts are free... I could have a designer shoe obsession instead!

Jesslyn's party went well..... lots of pizza and cake and fun girly presents. I am glad that our busy week is over and I am enjoying just staying at home today. My goal is to not have to leave the house. We will see if that happens!

Three years ago.

My baby turned three today. I can't believe that it has been three years already. It seems as though she was only a baby for about a month and has been walking and talking ever since. I would love to say that with turning three, her fits will magically stop, she won't ever pee her pants, she will always speak kind words, and she will stop picking her nose and will stop trying to wipe it on me.... who am I kidding! I know that all of these things will still happen from time to time but I am trying to just treasure all the moments I have because I know soon she will be really grown up and I will miss her three year old days. We are having a little party tonight for her.... so pictures will follow in the next few days.

Snow Storm

In the lovely midwest, you just never know what you are going to get for weather. We are approaching Easter weekend and have just had the worst snow storm of the season. It snowed about 5 inches yesterday and has been snowing all day. We are now well past a foot and more is coming. Joel is at work... waiting on the approval to shut the place down for the day. Apparently, we are in a level 3 snow emergency which means that only emergency vehicles should be on the road. I don't mind being snowed in, in fact I love the idea of not having to go anywhere... I just wish Joel could enjoy the day with us! Hopefully he will be home soon! This picture was taken from our back deck...... amazing!

Grandparents

This picture of my parents with my girls was taken in January when they came to visit us. I have been thinking lately about how thankful I am for great family and great parents. I have been blessed with a mom and dad who are always there for us and who really have been a great Godly example to me and my family. I have also been blessed with great in-laws. I look at others around me and realize just how great of a family I have. My girls are healthy, my husband loves me and life is good.