I think every post of mine seems to be random thoughts

I hate that I worry.. and I really hate that I worry about stupid things. Things that I cannot control. Things that are not even worth worrying about. I need to work on this.

I read this verse the other day..... and have never noticed it before. I always read a Proverb a day but for some reason this verse has never stuck out to me like it did the other day.

Evil men do not understand justice,
but those who seek the LORD understand it fully.

I love justice (to a fault) ... and I am trying to work on not getting so angry when things don't seem to go in the way I believe that it should. I know it is not good for me to hold onto anger about these things.. some of the things probably shouldn't even get me as angry as they do.... I really am trying to work on this. All that to say, I love this verse.... not sure why. I just do.

Jesslyn got her ears pierced yesterday. She did not flinch, move, cry, or even make a peep. She is thrilled with them... they are pink little flowers... and the first thing she did this morning was clean them. She is one happy little girl.

Here is Nevaeh telling Mr Craig how to draw a daisy!



And so it begins.......



Starting the color on the daisy.



The end..... well, with a little redness and swelling.

SO- I did it. I am officially inked. I have been thinking about this for over a year and after two cancelled appointments, I finally did it. I am really happy with it... I am not planning on any more.. seriously..... once I got my nose pierced my dad said, "oh great! Now you will have a back full of tattoos!" I see his logic but promise that won't happen, even if for the simple reason that there is too much backfat back there anyways!! :)
So, I am 33 and happily married and love being a mom... but still hated having to tell my parents. They are not fans. In fact, my mom said, "well, I hate tattoos and always will, but I love you and always will". I know they do not like them and I honestly found it hard to do this when I knew they would not like it, but I also know that they will still love me and that it will all be okay! My parents are the greatest! They are thankful this was not a result of a drunken Friday night.. but a decision I made as a mature adult.

And yes, my kids went with me! Some may find this odd, but if you knew the shop and the tattoo artist, you would bring your kids too. He loves my kids, and they had so much fun there. They were little angels and Nevaeh kept telling me not to run away cause she knew I was nervous and anxious. We called it our homeschool field trip to the tattoo shop.

In case you can't see, it says "Laugh at the days to come" This came from Proverbs 31:25 which says She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.

Joel and I just recently signed up for Netflix... Nine bucks a month, one disc at a time, but tons of movies and shows we can watch straight from our computer at any time... and soon we will be able to get all the movies from using our Wii. I know this has been around for years- and why we never signed up sooner- I will never know. This is going to save us a ton of money and is so great! I watched Julie and Julia last night... which I loved. The kids can also watch all kinds of things. No more buying movies from our cable at six bucks a shot! Yay for great movies and yay for saving money!

Ya know, I just have to say, I am so sick and tired of politics. Here's the deal- know what you believe and why. Don't just hate everything George W did and hate whatever Hannity says... don't just listen to Olbermann and hate what he says or love everything Nancy Pelosi does... no what you believe and be educated. I am tired of people just jumping on a side- sticking to it cause they don't know what else to do... then those people judge the other side for the same things they do, just in support of the opposite side. It is so incredibly stupid. I have no idea if that made sense but it made sense to me and this is my blog so whatever.

On another note, my little Jesslyn is wearing my out. I can hardly put into words how challenging parenting has been with her lately. She wants her way.. all the time... and acts like she is two if she does not get it... and then I have to do the whole "life is not fair and over my dead body will you grow up to be a selfish adult who doesn't think of others and throws a fit when you do not get your way".. believe it or not I know many adults that way. Sad. I will not give up though. I will win this fight. I am determined to win. I know she can be sweet deep inside.... just got to get through all the ugliness first. You would think she would have learned this by now. Nope.

Well, it is a rainy day here in Kentucky... hoping to get lots of school work done with the kiddos. Perfect day for lots of math and reading.. although I am sure my girls would argue against that.

If you like lots of movies and want to save money.... go with Netflix!!!!!!!

This is JIllian MIchaels.... I have mentioned her before... I have been doing her workouts. She is a killer. KILLER. She says things like....

"you wanna be skinny? Shut up and do your mountain climbers!!"

"I want to you to feel like you are going to die... I want you gargling your heart, you are working so hard."

"you don't get to do a 20 minute workout and expect a break."

"pick up your weights!"

hahahaha.. she yells it and I LOVE IT!

Be a Rebel!

“You wanna be counter-culture? You wanna be a total rebel? Get a job! You wanna be counter-culture, totally alternative, radical? Be a virgin until you get married…to a person of the opposite gender. And then stay married and pump out some kids and pay your taxes and read the Bible, you freak. You’ll be just totally a rebel.”


Of course this quote is from Mark Driscoll. I love this!! It is so true.

I am finding that those who don't like "judging" others- usually judge others the most.

There are just some things that send me over the edge.

Once again, I am so glad I have people in my life that are honest with me, tell me the truth, and don't let me act like an idiot and destroy those around me.

I am so glad I have the right in this country to homeschool.

I am so glad that my girls are not into boys. There are boys Nevaeh's age who are already on their third and fourth girlfriend. Ugh.

I am not into NBA at all... HATE IT.

Tennis!!

I played tennis this afternoon with a friend of mine from church. The girls played at the playground while we played. It was a blast. I have not played in years but used to love the sport. I am not that great but honestly surprised myself at how "not" bad I really was. I even nailed a few backhands! I just need to get a little quicker on my feet. I used to be obsessed with Andre Agassi. I had his posters and even had a shirt with his face on it. NICE. Anyways, we are playing again tomorrow morning! If nothing else, I am getting a nice workout while running after that yellow ball!

Today is my parents anniversary.... I am so glad they love each other and have stayed together. I am certain I am a better person because they chose to stick it out... and to remain true to their vows. Thanks mom and dad.

The weather is gorgeous today.

I am going to attempt to play tennis tomorrow with a friend. I have not played in forever.. this should be interesting. Fun though.

We took the girls to the golf course last night to hit some balls and do some putting. Nevaeh is actually really good. She can hit better than I can. She looked so cute out there with her Nike hat and little outfit and golf bag. She seemed to like it too... Jesslyn on the other hand, was looking for bugs and saying how hungry she was.

Debbie Downer!!

I miss my family today. The weather is nice, the girls are fighting, and there is nothing to do. I am actually bored. I would love to sit on my deck and read in the sun but the bees have taken over and I am out of bee killer. I wish my dad was around to help take the girls to the park.... and to grill some burgers. The weather here is beautiful today.... but my kids are yelling at one another, slamming doors, and just plain being mean. Oh the glamorous life I live. I would love to be having a family picnic or even better- would love to be out on my dad's boat. Oh how great that would be.

On a more positive note- I took the girls up north of Cincinnati last night to see my cousin Johnny and his family. The kids swam with his kids... and had a blast. It was great getting to talk to my cousin. We talked about lots of things... it is good to see family every once in awhile. :)

Enough of this stupid post. I am already fearing I will end up an old bitter women and am afraid I am already on that path. Enough is enough. Time to get out of this house and live life.... or at least take a trip to the store to get more bee killer :(

wah wah.

Reds...

Joel and I took the girls to a Reds game the other night. It was free Snuggie night! First ten thousand fans were given Cincinnati Reds Snuggies. Fun. The game was good. We had cotton candy, hot dogs, and quite possibly the worst pretzel I have ever sunk my teeth into. (I always thought ballpark food was the best)- not at this place. After hiking up to our seats (one row from the top)... we sat there until the fourth inning and then decided to go walk around. The kids had a blast. Joel was getting them all hyped up to yell "Go Reds!" and every time they did, everyone would turn around and stare at us. I think we were in the old fuddy duddy area. LAME. Anyways, we walked around, got some snow cones and let the girls each pick out a stuffed animal. On a side note- as we were hiking up to our seats, I was reminded how deathly afraid of heights I am. I am unreal about this fear. I hate hate hate heights. Hate looking over railings- hate when my kids look over railings. It makes me so nervous. So strange. Just one more way I am like my dad.

Another night out with friends..... celebrating a birthday. Tons of fun. Lots of laughs. Rockband to end the night.... fun.

My girls and I played this game last night. Pretty easy and lots of fun. Jesslyn was my partner because it is a bit old for her. Nevaeh beat me every time! I love that Nevaeh and Jesslyn love to play games. It gets even better as they get older and can actually follow the rules and have some fun.

On another note- we had some cool thunderstorms last night. Actually, we were under a tornado watch. It's that season!

Monday Monday...........................

This morning started out awful. Jesslyn puked twice in the night and then pooped her pants this morning. She is five so this was purely because of an upset tummy. ( I really think too much Easter candy- Mother of the Year right here, thank you very much!)
Anyways, she is doing much better. Eating and playing... and not pooping (at least in her pants.) Ugh. Makes me gag just thinking of it.
ANYWAYS- we have accomplished lots of school work this morning, which I am stoked about. I am also glad Nevaeh is natural at math. Lots easier on me!

I am cooking dinner as I type this... wow. What a glamorous life I live.

On another note- Joel asked me this morning what I thought of Tiger coming back to play at the Master's this weekend. First off, if you look at it as his job, then he needs to get back making money. Second, I just don't want to have to keep hearing all about him. Third, I will not be rooting for him. I hope he gets crushed. He won't though. The bad guys always come out smelling like roses. I will never understand that but have learned as I get older that this is usually always true. I just hope he has realized that being a man of integrity and of truth is far more important than playing golf. Even when your name is Tiger Woods.

just one more

One more song- even more fitting for today.

Oh Lord You've searched me
You know my ways
Even when I fail You
I know You love me

Your holy presence
Surrounding me
In every season
I know You love me
I know You love me


At the cross I bow my knee
Where Your blood was shed for me
There's no greater love than this
You have overcome the grave
Your Glory fills the highest place
What can separate me now?

You go before me
You shield my way
Your hand upholds me
I know You love me

At the cross I bow my knee
Where Your blood was shed for me
There's no greater love than this
You have overcome the grave
Your Glory fills the highest place
What can separate me now

You tore the veil
You made a way
When You said that it is done

And when the earth fades
falls from my eyes
You stand before me
I know You love me
I know You love me

At the cross I bow my knee
Where Your blood was shed for me
There's no greater love than this
You have overcome the grave
Glory fills the highest place
What can separate me now


You tore the veil
You made a way
When You said that it is done

Today is Easter. Joel worked so the girls and I headed to early service. Good service- always very emotional for me. This is the entire reason Christianity exists... because of HIs death and resurrection. Without that, I would have no faith, it would be pointless and just like other religions. I turned 33 this year. I am the same age He was at His death. I try and imagine what it must have been like- but know there is no possible way my mind can even fathom.

Philippians 3:7-12 (English Standard Version)

7 But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 9and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— 10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. 12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.

Part of trusting in God is knowing Him and part of knowing Him is knowing the power of His resurrection.

I am thankful.... so thankful He loved me this much. It is mind-bending. Unbelievable.
We sang this in church this morning and it has been in my mind all day-

i won’t be satisfied
i won’t be found all right
till i find who You are

i climb every mountain
i travel the deepest valley
to find who You are

You, You cause the lame to walk
You open lips to talk
You’re everything
and that is who You are

You, You calm the storms at night
You turn the dark to light
You’re everything
and that is who You are

i won’t be satisfied
i won’t be found all right
till i find who You are

You, You cause the lame to walk
You open lips to talk
You’re everything
and that is who You are

You, You calm the storms at night
You turn the dark to light
You’re everything
and that is who You are


that is who You are
my Savior, my Healer, Redeemer
that is who You are
Creator, my Maker, my Father
that is who You are

I came to a realization today.... first off, this might sound like a pity party. It is not. It's just reality.

I now realize that fall and winter are my favorite months.... I love warm weather... today was almost 80. The kids played outside, road bikes, came in covered in dirt..... but this time of year is tough for me. I usually tend to miss my family a lot. Spring and Summer always seem like the perfect time for families to be together... cooking on the grill, swimming, playing ball, etc. I miss those family cookouts and going out on the boat. I also become a golf widow during these months. Enough said.

On a bright note, I was very productive today.... got a lot done and even had a friend watch my kids a bit for me so I could do some things on my own. Pretty nice. I also bought the girls some balls and gloves today- it is time they know how to play catch!

Just a random thought- a mom's things are never her own. (my kids drink from my cup, take from my purse, eat my gum, and even try to put on my makeup).