Tracy Said What?

Lessons from "Don't Stop Thinking About Tomorrow"

2012-01-23T21:24:00.002-06:00

Its true. I'm a dreamer. I have an idea of what life should be and perceive that as "THE" life. I have often be criticized for this little personality trait. Mostly that came from people without a vision for their life or future. From people who just see life as "what it is". I tried to be that way, but it always seems I'm dreaming of a little more.

Well, it has occurred to me that perhaps I'm there. :-)

I am content. I am happy. Sure, I have goals that I'd like to reach as far as finances, career, weight loss, etc... but I am happy working toward those goals. Content.

What has made me think this way? Just a good day.

Today:

-was early to work after making several stops

-one stop included an awesome sweet tea

-classes were stellar, just great

-connected with a few people at work, really NICE people, genuine

-made some connection at a workshop that may lead me to getting to play with an iPad or two this spring. That makes my techie heart pump faster.

-got to see my brothers tonight and they got to see the baby. It was fun to chat with them

-hubby and I had a few alone minutes that we both needed

-Joey is happy

-Sophia is beautiful

-God has met our needs for the week

-I have deer sausage in the fridge.

:-) See? All good.

Don't stop thinkin' about tomorrow.

Lessons in New Year's Eve and TMI

2012-01-01T20:59:00.004-06:00

Yeah. So I share a little bit too much. Sometimes. I mean...really...I'm just an open person. No, wait. That's not really true. But I do tend to overshare. Last night (NYE) was a perfect example! I made some resolutions for the new year. On our way to a get-together with college friends I read them to the husband. Here they are:

Resolution #1: I will be the change I want to see in my home, my church, my relationships and in the world.

Resolution #2: I will pray more and cuss less.

Resolution #3: I will stop referring to my breasts as though they were voting entities in the republic of Tracy.

Resolution #4: I will take more pictures. Taking pictures makes me happy. And who knows, when some of you people are famous they may be worth something.

Resolution #5: I will guilt my family into more get-togethers. Family time is fun!

Resolution #6: I will have a real face to face meal with one of the Facebook friends I only know online.

Resolution #7: I will stop lying about LOLing. Cause really, does anyone actually LOL as much as they type LOL?

Resolution #8: I will stop laughing at my own jokes.

As soon as I stop cracking myself up!

Resolution #9: I will use my safe word.

Resolution #10: I will stop referring to my mother as “the crazy grandma”.

Resolution #11: I will pursue opportunities to serve others and drag my son along in the spirit of character education.

Resolution #12: I will unpack. Completely.

Resolution #13: I will use more of my leisure time to make music. No, not that kind. Gross.

Resolution #14: I will stop referring my former co-workers to the Hookers for Jesus website for intervention. It’s still funny, but I think they just may be enjoying it.

Resolution #15: I will rhyme more. I will rhyme galore! Rhyming makes me happy and makes my phone calls snappy! I will rhyme more.

Resolution #16: I will occasionally turn off auto-correct just to test my awesome spelling skills.

Resolution #17: I will stop referring to the children as zombie snacks.

Resolution #18: I will stop reading status updates and adding the words "in bed" to them. It consumes too much of my day and makes my fortune cookies seem less special.

Resolution #19: I will spend more time with my favorite college friend. *wink wink*

Resolution #20: I will not brag about my amazing sex life lest it disappear.

Resolution #21: I will wear pants that fit.

Resolution #22: I will use the word “aight” more in everyday conversation. I’m sure my coolness rating will like double or something. I think I’ll also work on bringing “daddy-o” back into mainstream slang. “Aight daddy-o?” ßSee? That’s phat!

Resolution #23: I will mop. No, seriously.

Resolution #24: I will continue to clear out the people clutter in my life by embracing the good and dismissing the false. I have little time for traitors, liars and people that just suck the awesomeness out of my typically awesome days.

Resolution #25: I will stop making new year’s resolutions. Nobody remembers them anyway.

Classic, right? Husband is like "Uhm...did you post them for everyone to read?" Me: "Only everyone on Facebook." Husband: *deep sigh*

It is obvious that he doesn't approve. I've never said that I was any good at this whole preacher's wife thing...especially the whole "modest" part. I tend to be a bit more honest. I'm a real person. I do real people things. I love Jesus and YES-he loves me! That's just how I choose to live my life. And perhaps I talk about my boobs too much. Anyway...I was disappointed that he didn't find them amusing. That was mostly the point.

What made him forget this beautiful piece of literary wonder? Later at the New Year's Eve party there was this little story about a near electrocution, a dildo and one crazy girls night. :-) Its much more innocent than it sounds, but I'm just gonna leave you with that.

Happy New Year!

Lessons from My Boobies

2011-12-29T13:55:00.003-06:00

Its all about the boobies around here. My sweet little girl is growing and changing everyday and I'm learning more and more about being the breast mommy ever. It seems that there's an entire CULTURE of breastfeeding moms. Its not just about feeding the baby its about the RIGHT to feed the baby anyway you want and the POWER of the breastfeeding mama to whip it out whenever she wants and...*sigh* Its really quite exhausting.

Yesterday there was some kind of "feed-in" going on at Targets around the states because some poor woman was harrassed at a Target in Texas. So, breastfeeding mamas went to Target, whipped out their boobs and fed their kids. Uhm. Okay. And that proves what? I don't get why some breastfeeding moms want to FORCE their choice or what they believe the awesomeness of their choice is on everyone.

I'm not saying don't feed your kid in public. Not at all. If your kid is hungry, by all means feed it. However you feed. Its natural. Its what cute little kittles and baby sheep do. Its fine. Bottle OR breast. My problem comes from the breastfeeding Nazi's that don't care to be discreet (almost like they are going for shock value) and then want to lecture bottle feeding moms as though they are practically killing their babies. Are you kidding me?

Breastfeeding is going fine for us right now. Some times it feels like she is ALWAYS on the boob, but we are making it. It wasn't always this way. Until about 2 and a half months it was full of trials and tribulations. I threatened to quit lots. I would probably still be pumping for her, but that actual ART of breastfeeding was difficult. She got off to a slow start being in NICU and so we struggled to make the connection. Would I be Satan incarnate if I had given up and chosen the slightly less-stressed way to nourish my baby? In some circles-YES! Crazy women!

So around here I whip out the boob as needed. Joey and Jason are immune. I do try to protect other family members when I am at their homes by nursing in the bedroom or something. This is so they don't feel uncomfortable. I'm fine. I am not going to force them to enjoy the magic of motherhood. Its how she eats. That's all. It shouldn't be political or something that women do to intentionally shock or offend others.

I am now stepping off my soapbox.

Lessons in October Thankfulness

2011-10-29T14:47:00.002-05:00

Things I'm Thankful for Today

1. My beautiful family

2. A chilly nip in the air

3. Resolution

4. Cheese

5. melty cheese in steaming bowls of chili

6. music

7. Hello Dollies

8. nursing bras

9. a Cardinals' win last night

10. Joey commentating his video game

11. hot groping in the kitchen when the kids aren't looking

12. snuggling during naptime with Sophie

13. crazy cats that do laps around the house

14. promises kept

15. babysitting grandmas

16. sunshine

17. diet orange soda

18. soap that smells like hugs

19. backup hard drives

20. blogging

Sleep Deprived Lessons

2011-10-23T20:41:00.003-05:00

It's true. I'm not getting lots of sleep. My little princess needs to eat and Mommy provides that. Fortunately, my hubby is great and gets up when I need him. :-)

Last night I was reflecting. Again. I am every so thankful for the life purge that took place earlier this year. Although I still struggle with moments of anger and disappointment about some evil traitors in my life, Jason and I both agree that our life is BETTER without that in it. :-)

Last night I also noted a LOT of drunk Facebooking. *giggle* Its always the same people and its always around the same times. I wonder if they ever go back and look at some of them. I would hope they would delete them *giggle* but no!

Its quiet in the middle of the night. Peaceful. Soothing. I usually miss this part of my day. Now, don't get me wrong. I would probably rather be sleeping. But this calm, quiet time with my precious daughter in my arms is pretty great too.

The cats are INSANE in the middle of the night. Running, frolicking, leaping, knocking things off the table to play with. *giggle*

Its nice to check on Joey in the middle of the night. He looks so sweet. His cat is almost always curled up with him. Often she crawls up UNDER his covers and peeks her head out. Too cute!

Okay...I know this was just weird rambling, but hey...it happens sometimes. Come back next week for funny stuff about newborns, Halloween and my boobs. :-) You're welcome.

Lessons from a Facebook Pregnancy

2011-10-03T14:35:00.002-05:00

So, I posted often during my pregnancy on Facebook. I tried to keep track of them but *sigh* math makes my head hurt! :-) Enjoy the journey through my pregnancy via my status updates.

Was told twice that it was impossible and after 16 years almost believed it. NEVER doubt what is possible with God. Never underestimate his timing or that he has a perfect plan for you. WE ARE PREGNANT!!! March 16 at 6:19pm

Pregnancy Post #2: Today we get to try the strength of the raging hormones pulsing through my body against the idiocy of an all day PD day 2 hours away. Wagers anyone? March 17 at 6:14am

Pregnancy Post #3: My boobs are AWESOME. :-D March 29 at 9:14pm

Pregnancy Post #4: Everything seems to be getting bigger except my bladder. April 6 at 9:32am

Pregnancy Post: The cat is almost dead, traumatized the boy this morning during an intimate moment with the husband, used hairspray as deodorant and am eating egg rolls for breakfast. Even I don't know what to say... April 7 at 6:35am

Pregnancy Post: It's a girl! :-) April 11 at 1:44pm

Inappropriate Pregnancy Post #5: My appetite for everything has increased. *wink wink* Who would have thought that was even possible? :-D April 12 at 6:06pm

Inappropriate Pregnancy Post #6: Like a cranky old man or a ruthless teenaged boy, my flatulence knows no limits. April 17 at 8:07am

Pregnancy Post #7: Today I FEEL pregnant. And not in the nausea-laden, boob throbbing, I can't ever sleep enough kind of way. :-D Okay... I AM pretty tired, but all that other stuff. April 19 at 6:50pm

Pregnancy Post #8: Today I bought my first baby thing-a Wonder Woman onesie. :-D April 22 at 7:00pm

Pregnancy Post #9: This week 3 people have commented that I'm "showing". Sorry folks, I'm a big girl. I'm not showing. Probably not for a month or more. But thanks? I think. April 23 at 12:45pm

Inappropriate Pregnancy Post #10: I had THE strangest dream about my high school principal last night. I have no idea why I pulled up his image from that many years ago. Pass the brain bleach. I'm afraid to fall asleep tonight... April 26 at 7:44pm

Pregnancy Post #11: It doesn't really matter why I take off work anymore. Everyone just assumes it has something to do with the baby. Anyone want to join me for a long weekend? Compliments of the fetus. :-D April 27 at 12:15pm

Inappropriate Pregnancy Post #12: I have peed 8 times today. May 6 at 3:19pm

Pregnancy Post #13: I'm half way pregnant this week!!! ...err...well...half way there. You know what I mean. *giggle* May 10 at 7:02am

Pregnancy Post 14: ßis taking her boys to the ultrasound appointment today! :-D Hurray! :-D May 17 at 7:42pm

Pregnancy Post 15: Jason claims to have sympathy gas. May 19 at 6:00pm

Pregnancy Post #16: I tried on a pair of maternity shorts today. I refused to buy them because they were SOOOOOO comfortable that I'm sure I would never wear another kind of pants for the rest of my life. :-( May 19 at 6:01pm

Pregnancy Post #16: I will never get tired of this feeling. :-D May 22 at 6:42pm

Inappropriate Pregnancy Post #17: Uhm...these used to be a different color! YIKES! May 25 at 1:21pm

Pregnancy Post #18: Can one pump and drive? May 25 at 9:01pm

Pregnancy Post #19: I.did.not.cry. :-D Graduation came and went and I didn't cry. May 26 at 9:11pm

Pregnancy Post #20: I'm pretty sure she's going to be a martial artist of sorts. :-D I'm secretly hoping for "ninja". June 1 at 7:09pm

Pregnancy Post #21: Keep waking up in the middle of the night covered in sweat. blech. Dr. Internet says its "hormone surges". Dr. Tracy says "it sucks". June 5 at 8:28am

Pregnancy Post #22: Pregnasaurus. That's my charming name of endearment? I wonder how "Alimonius Rex" works for him. And shut up. I'm not crabby. June 6 at 10:04pm

Slightly Inappropriate Pregnancy Post #23: A kick so hard my belly shook. Not like a bowl full of jelly. Kind of like a garbage bag full of cellulite. June 6 at 10:08pm

Pregnancy Post #24: My mommy bought me maternity shorts. I told her that I was nervous about wearing them because they are so comfy I may never stop wearing then. Her reply? "Its okay. I wore the white pair last week. They ARE super comfy." *giggle* God help me. June 7 at 8:00pm

Pregnancy Post #25: Hurray! Ultrasound day! *keeping our fingers crossed that we get one of the cool 3-D rooms today* June 8 at 6:57am

Pregnancy Post #26: She is perfect! :-) June 8 at 2:58pm

Inappropriate Pregnancy Post #27: Earlier this week at the ultrasound they used a gallon of goop and the strength of 10 grinches plus 2 during the ultrasound. The result? An OLD scar from a surgery seems to be...uhm...leaking. I sure hope the baby doesn't regard this as some kind of sun roof. :-P June 10 at 7:29 pm

Inappropriate Pregnancy Post #28: Concerned that my nips may be the largest in the world, I did a little research today. Not even close. According to the ever reliable website *not going to type it because its soft core porn* the largest ones are 4 cm long (that's an inch and a half for you Americans that never learned metric). I'm am both intrigued and disturbed. And now you are too. June 11 5:52 pm

Pregnancy Post #29: Have I mentioned how deliriously happy this little uterus ninja makes me? I've just spent half an hour looking at baby girly accessories. :-D June 12 6:46pm

Pregnancy Post #30: I'm the crazy woman that refers to herself in the plural. :-D Note to Self: Do this less in public. June 13 at 11:00am

Pregnancy Post #31: This morning while snuggling in bed half-asleep, Jason's hand is on my belly.

Jason: Whoa! Was that you?
Me: Uhm, no. *giggling* That was her.
Jason: That was amazing!
Me: Yes. Amazing. :-) June 16 at 10:10am

Pregnancy Post #32: I can seeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee her moving!:-D Now, it looks kinda like a rabid squirrel is awkwardly breakdancing in the depths of my belly fat, but it is AMAZING! :-D June 17 at 6:53pm

Pregnancy Post #33: Today I feel fat. And hungry. And I need bigger underwear. June 20 at 11:46am

Pregnancy Post #34: I am now referring to her as my Uterine Overlord. For example “My Uterine Overlord has declared it is snack time.” Or “My Uterine Overlord is tired of listening to your nonsense. You may now leave our presence or shield yourself from an eminent boot to the head.” June 22 at 8:25pm.

Pregnancy Post #35: You know what’s great about being awake at 4:00am? Yeah, me either. June 24 at 4:28 pm.

Pregnancy Post #36: Heading into the 3rd trimester with day 6 of feeling like crap in the morning. Sometime around mid-afternoon food is good and I’m not nauseous. Is this pregnancy blah or am I fighting off the plague? June 26 at 8:17am.

Pregnancy Post #37: Been reading up on labor and delivery because obviously I’m a complete masochist. 10 hours of labor? 22? 36? Holy crap. I don’t even want to do something that feels GOOD for that amount of time! June 27 at 10:35pm.

Pregnancy Post #38: I am a big fat whale with big fat fingers and big fat toes. I ate an entire pack of sweet rolls yesterday. Don’t roll your eyes. It was the family pack size. THE FAMILY PACK. It makes me sad because I really want some now and they are all gone. July 3 at 5:29pm.

Pregnancy Post #39: Baby Dr. Day tomorrow! Had a dream that I told him that I felt like a big fat whale and he nodded and said that I looked like one. LOL. Here’s hopin’ that doesn’t happen. My guess is that Jason would fall out of his chair laughing if it did! :-D July 5 9:04pm.

Pregnancy Post #40: My sweet baby is 3 pounds 3 ounces and gave us a big thumbs up during the ultrasound. :-) July 6 at 2:26 pm

Pregnancy Post #41: Today I got a breastfeeding book in the mail. It may be a bad sign for the baby and my breasts that I giggled out loud 4 or 5 times in the first 10 pages. July 9 at 9:01pm

Pregnancy Post #42: The spawn of Jason growing inside of me has me taking enough insulin to kill a horse. Well…probably not a diabetic horse. July 12 at 10:33pm

Pregnancy Post #43: Wow! Pregnant Tracy is quite the multi-tasker! Today I can sneeze and pee at the same time!!! :-D July 14 at 12:02pm.

Pregnancy Post #44: There are moments, just occasionally, when a blinding white-hot panic seizes me as I ponder the reality of my amazing life. July 16 at 7:38pm

Pregnancy Post #45: “and uh 1 and uh 2 and uh 3 uuuuuuuugh!” ßMe rolling over in bed. And getting off the couch. And deciding how many sandwiches I’ll eat. July 17 at 9:44pm

Pregnancy Post #46: I’ve ordered the crib set. :-D July 19 at 7:44pm.

Pregnancy Post #47: Doctors say funny things. Funny things like "Let's deliver the baby around 37 weeks." Silly guy. Doesn't he realize HOW SOON THAT IS? July 20 at 10:03pm

Pregnancy Post #48: Fact #1: I'm a walking talking incubator. Fact #2: Doctor says I'm being attacked by hormones at night. That's why I'm so hot that I can't sleep regardless of the frost on the windows. Fact #3: Heat index hit 108 today. Fact #4: I'm sleeping in the refrigerator tonight. July 21 at 10:13pm

Pregnancy Post #49: I've had lots of swelling in my hands and feet lately and wake up every morning with intense pain in my left wrist. I didn't connect the wrist pain to anything other than my crappy new bed. Dr. Internet says this is "normal" for pregnant women. Normal? July 24 at 3:04pm

Pregnancy Post #50: Sophia Elizabeth King

Now quit asking. :-D July 25 at 9:20am

Pregnancy Post #51: Flashlight+Fetus=FUN! :-D July 26 at 10:34pm

Pregnancy Post #52: I saw pictures of my pleasantly plump pregnant self this weekend, so when I got home I stepped on the scale. It said “to be continued”. :-D July 31 at 8:47pm

Pregnancy Post #53: She has hair! Lots and lots of hair! :-) I think this latest ultrasound means I need to go shopping for ribbons and bows and cute little headbands! Hurray!!! August 1 at 3:28pm

Pregnancy Post #54: This evening’s snacks: blackberries, cheese balls and pickled okra. :-) August 2 at 9:52pm

Pregnancy Post #55: I am ROCKIN' the cankles tonight. Watch out boys! ;-) August 3 at 11:02 pm.

Pregnancy Post #56: So, from now until delivery I go in twice a week for monitoring. Awesome. I get to sit in a comfy chair for half an hour while the baby kicks and plays (she's an overachiever already) and then get a short little ultrasound. :-D I get to see her AND hear her twice a week until I can hold her in my arms. :-) August 4 at 6:02pm

Pregnancy Post #57: The crib is up and made, pink bags fill the bedroom; blankets are in the wash…31 days. :-) August 8 at 12:13pm.

Pregnancy Post #58: The baby is moving and kicking and frolicking so much that I can hardly sit still! August 10 at 5:17pm

Pregnancy Post #59: There are little pink clothes in the dresser, diapers lined up on the changing table, blankets folded, and tiny little shoes lined up. J My feet are swollen and look like a can of exploded biscuits, my boobs are awesome and Sophie is rockin her bedtime dance by doing what feels like the boot scootin’ boogie on my cervix. The boys are resting, the cats are playing and summer is slipping away. Just thought the world might need an update. August 14 at 10:44 pm

Pregnancy Post #60: Its too bad it isn’t something to do with nudity or flatulence. I’m okay with both of those. Instead…instead…I must collect my urine for an entire day in this gallon container that looks a little like one of those plastic gas cans. Can one buy a purse or satchel or something to discreetly carry that puppy in? And then….the best part…refrigerate it. Hello first day of school?!? Even I can’t make this kind of stuff up! LOL. August 15 at 8:51

Pregnancy Post #61:

♪♫♪All my bags are packed, I’m ready to go.

I’m standin’ here outside the door

I hate to be awake and so I sigh *sigh*

But the dawn is breakin’ its early morn

My feet are fat, maternity pants are worn

Already I’m so tired I could diiiiiiiiie! ♪♫♪

♪♫♪ So kiss me and smile for me,

Tell me how darn cute she’ll be,

Hold me cause my balance will sometimes go…♪♫♪

Everybody………!

August 19 at 6:54am

Pregnancy Post #62: Today the nurse drawing my blood whistled when he saw my feet and legs. Not in a “I wish you would wrap them around me kind of way” but in a “holy crap I haven’t seen anything that disturbing since I dissected a cat in med school kind of way.” And how was YOUR Friday? :-) August 19 at 9:08pm.

Pregnancy Post #63:

♪♫♪Are you in there little fetus?

In two weeks will you come greet us?

I will buy you some Adidas...♪♫♪♪♫

August 23 at 3:25am

Pregnancy Post #64: Things that have made me cry this week: A Baby Story on TLC, “Thank You” by Ray Boltz, no chocolate pudding after sending someone specifically for chocolate pudding, kitty stepping on my poor swollen feet and a very fuzzy ultrasound showing my sweet little baby frolicking in utero. J August 26 at 7:47am.

Pregnancy Post #65: Twelve. 12. Doce. Douze. Zwölf. Dodici. TWELVE MORE DAYS!!! Oh…and look who learned to use Google translator in the middle of the night. J August 28 at 8:29am.

Pregnancy Post #67: Home! Finally! Everything seemed to take forever today with doctor appointment, ultrasound and monitoring. Good news is that baby is doing very well and all my gauges and fluids are stable *giggle*. She is one big girl though! We are still on for September 9th unless she decides to make her debut early. Is it bad that I’m kinda hopin’ she does? August 29 at 8:55pm

Pregnancy Post #68: We’ve stopped saying “the baby is kicking”. We are now referring to her movements as to what they can be measured at on the Richter scale. August 30 at 8:51pm

Pregnancy Post #69: It seems that I may miss having this little miracle inside me. :-( Is that weird? August 31 at 8:33pm

Pregnancy Post #70: There’s no parade, but my outfit for church this morning has me looking like a float for the labor day parade! LOL. WoOoOoOot! September 4 at 9:11am

Pregnancy Post #71: It’s LABOR Day. My fingers are crossed, my mind is ready, my uterus is full. Ya’ll know how I love a theme. Today would be a great day to have a baby! Now…if I can just convince HER of that! LOL September 5 at 6:45am

Pregnancy Post #72: I have realized this week that my hair is thicker and fuller. Its good to know its not just my feet and midsection that have reacted this way. :-) September 5 at 12:02pm

Pregnancy Post #73: My Least Favorite Things to Do: (1) Bending Over (2) Getting Up September 5 at 12:43pm

Pregnancy Post #74: Watching breastfeeding videos. It’s not as titillating as you might expect. Pun intended. ;-P September 5 at 7:33 pm

Pregnancy Post #75: Almost no sleep at all last night. Woke up sore and thirsty. No, not a night of partying. Well...unless you are an occupant of my uterus, then apparently it was one hard core, rockin' party. *sigh* September 6 at 10:08am.

Pregnancy Post #76: Going to what may be the last pre-delivery doctor’s appointment today. I’m taking my hospital bag and what I can scrape up of my optimism. I’m also taking along bribes to make sure this baby gets out today. I have also considered weapons. Not really. Well, maybe. September 6 at 11:04am

Pregnancy Post #77: The car seat and stroller have been put together. WooOoOT! :-) September 7th at 6:38pm

Pregnancy Post #78: This morning we test to see if Sophie is ready to make her debut tomorrow. I'm looking at it as an audition. Does that make me a stage mom already? September 8 at 7:15am

Pregnancy Post #79: Tests came back good. Baby tomorrow! HURRAY! :-) September 8 at 3:55pm

Pregnancy Post #80: Not sure I will be able to sleep the few hours that are set aside for that tonight. It’s like that excitement that you get before Christmas morning. Well...except I'll get a beautiful present AND narcotics. That might be even better. :-) September 8 at 7:44pm

Pregnancy Post #81: Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! Psalms 127:3-5 September 9 at 3:58am

Pregnancy Post #81: Me to Guy at Labor and Delivery Desk: Good morning! I'd like to have a baby now.

Guy: Wait. Do we do that here? September 9 at 5:59am

Pregnancy Post #83: I have no real idea what number post I'm on. September 9 at 6:09am

Pregnancy Post #84: Emptying uterus, filling quiver at St. John’s Mercy Medical Center September 9 at 6:29am

Final Pregnancy Post: We have been part of a miracle. To say that we are happy and blessed is an understatement. Sophie has arrived. She is a beautiful 8 pounds 14 ounces. Family of four. God is good!!! September 9 at 10:49am

Miracles DO Still Happen: A Lesson in Believing

2011-09-28T19:13:00.003-05:00

Birth Story

It was 3:00 am in the morning on September 9^th. We had tried to sleep, but really how can you sleep before welcoming your daughter into the world? We left for St. Louis with bags in the car and camera charged. The roads were practically empty and we even saw a street sweeper in Fredericktown!

Arriving at the hospital we made our way to labor and delivery. “Good morning!” I said to the guy at the desk. “I would like to have a baby now.”

“Wait!” said the guy at the desk. “Do we do that here?”

After being escorted to a room I changed into a lovely hospital gown and waited patiently as a couple of nurses tried to start an IV line. Finally, it was in. The epidural was inserted (Which felt weird. Very weird.) Baby monitors kept close watch on Sophie and Jason was dressed in a silly yellow gown-including cap!

Although we were scheduled for 7:30, an emergency C-section took priority and we were bumped to 8:00. The epidural began to take effect and slowly I lost feeling in every thing below my chest. (Which felt weird. Very weird.)

Like clock work at 8:00 we were taken down to the delivery/operating room. I was so impressed with how everything and every one moved so efficiently-like a machine. Dr. Morris came in and a blue curtain went up in front of my face. Although I couldn’t feel anything I could feel them jostling me around a bit. Finally Jason was able to come in and the fun began.

The anesthesiologist said “You may feel some weird sensations, but you shouldn’t feel any pain.” I didn’t really feel any weird sensations just moving a bit. I was having a brief conversation with the anesthesiologist when Jason said “Hey…there’s something happening down there.”

I could here some liquid being suctioned up and then “Those are her feet. She’s breech!” Jason repeated that to me and then said “She’s out!”

Nurses said “Happy birthday!”

Dr. Morris asked for the time. She was born at exactly 8:30am.

Immediately she was take to the little baby bed thing a few feet away from my head. She was red and gray and cheesy looking. She wasn’t crying.

The nurses began rubbing her and jostling her and saying “Come on sweetie.” Still she didn’t cry.

I realized that I was holding my breath. Jason stepped over to grab a couple of pictures and came back to me. She still wasn’t crying. In my head I could only think “Oh my god. Why isn’t she crying?” I could see her moving her arms and her feet and saw the nurses clear her mouth and nose and talk to her as they kept rubbing.

Finally she took a big breath and let out a wail. Tears rolled down my face and a nurse dabbed them for me as I watched them give her a bit of oxygen and smile as she flopped around.

“I don’t like the way she sounds.” Said the NICU nurse. “I think she’ll need to go with me.” I wasn’t panicked then. We knew her lungs were kind of border line. Jason cut the cord and snapped a picture as they weighed her. He stroked my hair and smiled down at me.

Holy crap. We had made a baby.

In just minutes, the baby had a hat on and was swaddled warmly. They brought her to me and I kissed her forehead. She was so soft and warm. Jason went with her and I stayed. Not like I had a choice! They were still stitching me up.

In recovery Jason brought pictures of our little princess to me. Joey, the grandmas and Tim popped in to visit in between visiting Sophia. What seemed like an eternity passed and finally they pushed me and my bed into see her. She was beautiful!

Attached already to tubes and monitors she was doing okay and was getting lots of attention. Joey was smitten and played the role of proud big brother fabulously.

I was eventually moved to a room and sent Jason back to NICU repeatedly to check on her. Although I could be wheeled down I couldn’t hold her. My heart was both thankful she was doing well and heavy at the same time. I NEEDED to hold her. After the nurse’s shift change we went back again and I did get to hold her. J

So tiny. So beautiful. We were part of a miracle. This amazing bundle of life I was holding in my arms was covered with the fingerprints of God. Humbled by His mercy and extraordinary grace a few more tears fell as we looked at our daughter.

Happy birthday Sophia Elizabeth! You are loved.

Lessons in Thankful

2011-09-08T19:37:00.003-05:00

For most of my grown-up life I waited to become a mom. On July 29, 1999 my dream came true. Although I still wanted more children, it seemed that God had other plans. After years of struggling with my feelings of deficiency and infertility I began praying for a peace and an understanding. I began praying to be satisfied and enjoy the incredible life God had given me. Not long after that a miracle happened-I was pregnant!

Tomorrow morning we will welcome our daughter into the world. We've had a crazy healthy pregnancy, our lives have been transformed in many ways in the last 7 months and God has shown us more mercy and grace than we can ever EVER understand. Sweeping away the trash in our lives has opened us up to a multitude of blessings. Humbled. We are humbled by the events of the last year and eager to embrace what our future holds.

Our lives are so much better now than they were this time last year. In nearly every way, in nearly every aspect of our lives we can see God's hand, His protection, His plan.

And we are thankful.

Week in the Life-Thursday

2011-09-02T15:55:00.004-05:00

Why are we always at Wal-Mart?

Bednight.

A peek in the fridge.

Tisha, Bradley and Emily

Dave came over and built me a step so I don't have to waddle myself up the big foot tall step on the front porch now.

Mexican for lunch. It sounded like such a good idea, but I wasn't able to eat much. I think with my growing baby there isn't just much room in there!

Joey finds Taffy in one of her favorite places.

Week in the Life-Wednesday

2011-09-02T15:46:00.005-05:00

Dinner in front of the TV

Hello snake! I think it lives under our sidewalk. Yikes!

Joey had a fever and although he seemed fine for the rest of the day, it was his get out of school free pass.

ATMs....what would we do without them?

We have a bit of traveling to do tomorrow so this is what it took to fuel up.

Love Sonic's Limeades, but today just had sweet tea and a chicken toaster club. Mmmm lunch.

Joey and Katara at the computer.

Taffy. Taking it easy.

Supper is on the stove.

I worked at unpacking the craft room. Its a slow process, but I'm seeing progress.

Jason in the man cave.

Joey-taking it easy.

Week in the Life-Tuesday

2011-08-31T10:30:00.005-05:00

A Day of Rest? Well...I don't know about that!!! But, sleeping and resting did appear in many photos today.

Today I am thankful for the medicine that regulates my body and keeps the baby healthy.

It was kind of a restless night for the whole family. At one point around 2 am we were all lounging in the living room.

Call it a smoothie. Call it a shake. Joey loves them! Ice cream, milk, chocolate syrup and chocolate pudding.

Joey and Taffy camping out in the middle of the night.

I just love listening to Joey laugh so hard as he and Taffy play. In this picture I think that Taffy may be about to get the best of him!

Speaking of playing...maybe Taffy wears the pants in the family? LOL

Katara seeks a little attention from crazy cat man.

Its not exactly a Dairy Queen, but its as close as we've got in our little hometown. Notice the hand written menus posted on the window.

Mail! I had several thank-you cards to send out as well as NetFlix and Gamefly stuff too. I save my expired coupons and mail to a cousin that sorts them and sends them on to military families that can used them after they have expired!

Ahhhh....lately 9am means "morning naptime". Its nice to cuddle with Jas and feel the baby kick and move. Oh...and the nap is good too!

White knocked some clothes in the floor to create a comfy bed for herself. Silly cat.

A calmer Taffy enjoys napping on Joey's blanket even when he's at school.

Speaking of school....another day! "I love you! Learn something!"

Week in the Life-Monday

2011-08-30T09:09:00.003-05:00

I can't get these silly pictures to stay in order so this is kind of a random look at my day. :-)

Monitoring session at the Perinatal Center. Sophie did beautifully! Perfect screening! Although we waited FOREVER! *ugh* Ultrasound shows a big baby girl!

Gosh. Lately we seem to drive a lot. Trips to the city two and three times a week. I love my doctor and the nurses that take care of me, but *whew* so much driving!

Pasta House for dinner. Unfortunately, nothing tasted good. I brought home most of it. Must have been too tired or something.

Love it! Parking for us poor old pregnant folk with big fat swollen feet! :-)

Jas has been doing most of the driving lately as I'm so uncomfortable. Its so sweet to watch him prepare for the baby. His nervousness lets me know how important we are to him. :-)

Joey heading off to school. He was pretty happy this morning since he got up in time to play some games and chase the cat around.

Waffles and Mt. Dew for breakfast. It truly is the breakfast of champions, right?

A slow wake-up means a happy morning!

Mom came over to do laundry and wait for Joey to get home from school. I had to walk her through using the remote over the phone. :-)

Jason partaking of breakfast. It was a long day and this was the jump start he needed.

Week in the Life-Sunday

2011-08-28T19:37:00.006-05:00

We'll see if I can keep this up alllll week, but I'm going to try. Okay...unless the doc says that they baby is coming tomorrow or something. :-) I have always enjoyed playing along with Ali Edward's Week in the Life Project. I LOVE documenting the ordinary and this project speaks to me. So, I hope to share my pictures and add just a few words with each one to keep everything fresh until I can create an album for this week. My craft room is being unpacked s l o w l y and I can't really create until its done. So...here's day 1 of a week in our life.

Katara and Taffy have become quite friendly. They "cuddled" in a chair in Joey's room most of the afternoon.

During Sunday School, the sanctuary is empty. I like looking at row after row of shiny wooden pews. :-) I also like that calm silence when no one else is there.

Before worship, Jason and I talk about this and that.

Joey has been enjoying a video game called "MindCraft". Its a creative game where you build and craft the world you run around in.

Jason's Mom hung out with us this afternoon and watched Unstoppable (which made her soooo nervous because of how suspenseful it is) and ate WalMart pizza.

Why does it seem that I am ALWAYS at Wal-Mart? lol. We just picked up a few things today and still spent a hundred dollars. ugh.

Coupons. Coupons. Coupons! This was so much easier before the show Extreme Couponing came on. Now manufacturers have shortened how long the coupons are good for, stores are limiting quantities and newspapers are gone by noon on Sunday. I hope those people are USING the stuff they are buying and not just stockpiling to get on a tv show.

Early this morning as sun peeked through the curtains, I typed the church bulletin. Our worship service started with "Shine Jesus Shine". Love that song!

Today I am thankful for pedicured toes. Friends took me out for this treat Thursday and then we had sweets and opened gifts for the baby. So nice! It makes me smile every time I look down and see them.

Lessons in What NOT to Say to a Pregnant Woman

2011-08-27T19:01:00.004-05:00

I'm at least 14 months pregnant now. LOL...okay...just entering week 36, but I'm gaining water weight at an alarming rate and feel a bit icky with my legs and feet swollen and hurting alllll the time. So, perhaps I'm a little crabby. Perhaps. Anyway...here's a little reminder to those of you who MEAN well, but should think before you talk. :-)

Things NOT to Say to a Pregnant Woman

1. How are you feeling?

Unless you REALLY want to know or just want to hear me grit "FINE!" through my teeth, don't ask. I have a human tap dancing on my cervix, my feet look like an exploded can of biscuits my legs are red and swollen and I'm so tired I could sleep on the street. And these are the details that have NOTHING to do with my boobs, vaginal secretions or twice weekly marathon dr. appointments.

2. WOW! You're really getting big.

Uhm...what woman at ANY time in her life wants to hear this kind of crap? Seriously. I'd lost 150 pounds before getting pregnant and sometimes is a little difficult to see the scale leap up. Now, don't get me wrong it i s WELL worth the price to carry this little miracle inside me, but sometimes....well...I don't need to hear that crap.

3. Do you know if its a boy or a girl?

In this day and age, very few people DON'T know what they are going to have. True, mistakes can be made, but I've had an ultrasound every month since February. My little princess refuses to show us her face, but proudly displays her junk for us every single time we scan. LOL. So, of course we know what it is. If YOU want to know perhaps there's another way to ask? *rolling eyes*

And I've already heard the stories about the people who KNEW they were going to have a girl but came home with a boy and so on. At this point in my pregnancy the crib is set up, decor is pink and purple and I have a large collection of frilly, ruffley goodness waiting for my princess. I don't need your stories of pink exchanges for blue. Thank you.

4. Enjoy *whatever* now, because that will be gone once they baby is here.

Uh huh. Although this is my first pregnancy, this isn't my first child. I lost sleep, but my lifestyle was not compromised by adding a little blessing to it. I will still watch tv. I will still drink soda and tea. I will still have sex. I will still go to the mall, movie theater and anywhere else I want. The cool thing about babies is that they are portable. And me? I'm fearless.

5. Have you picked a name yet?

LOL! This may be my favorite, because it SOUNDS innocent enough but it never is. Whatever name you say they will know someone with that name or have had a pet with a STD with that name or just read an article about a crack whore with that name or something. The other reaction is a super fake eyebrow raise and big goofy smile accompanied by "That's lovely!" Uh huh. Maybe I should stop making up weird names to tell people and I may get different answers? LOL. Nah!

6. So, you took fertility drugs?

*snickering* No. We screwed like depraved little bunnies all the time and for once it seemed that my reproductive organs were working at the same time. SHAZAM!

Okay...I haven't said that yet, but I swear...if I hear that question one more time...

Just Checking In...lessons in patience dear readers!

2011-08-18T19:45:00.003-05:00

School has started. I LOVE MY JOB! Great room, great district, great staff, great schedule, great perks. Just frickin' great!

Home feels like home and we are all settling in nicely. Joey's first day of school went well and he really liked WALKING to school. I was a little surprised, but happy that he's being so responsible. My baby is really growing up!

I am still carting my uterine overlord around. She's caused a great deal of discomfort this week. My feet look like cans of exploded biscuits and I am missing lots of my first weeks at school. Its such a small price to pay for this little miracle growing inside of me! I can't wait to meet her! :-D

Lessons in White Hot Panic

2011-07-16T20:32:00.002-05:00

I'm 7 months pregnant.

My address is new.

Soon I will start a new job in a new place.

My routine is new.

My surroundings are new.

My coping skills are being tried with new issues with my amazing son.

My husband, although not new, is turning over a new leaf.

My phone number is new.

My kitchen curtains are new.

My horribly uncomfortable bed is new.

My perspective is new. Well...er...changing.

There are moments during the day when I am absolutely seized by white hot panic that leaves me shaky and dumbfounded at my current reality.

Pondering Lessons in Familiarity and Contempt

2011-07-08T18:23:00.003-05:00

Does familiarity breed contempt?

I wonder because it seems that with some people it does. Completely.

With others the more I know them, the more I love them.

So I'm pondering this idea with relationships. Everyone knows a couple or two that has been married for a million years. I know lots. Here are two for comparison:

Couple #1 Nan and George

This couple has been married for over 40 years. Although not the first marriage for Nan, her children all belong to George. This couple enjoys spending time together working in the garden and in the yard, playing cards, going out to dinner and attending church together. They express their love for each other openly. She makes him his favorite desserts every week and makes sure that he makes time to go fishing often. He opens doors for her and once a week washes and dries her hair. Isn't that sweeeet? They swear they will never divorce.

Couple #2 Mary and John

This couple has been married for more than 50 years ( Could be closer to 60...I just don't know). They spend most of their days in the same apartment but sleep in separate bedrooms and spend several hours a day watching "their shows" on separate tvs in separate rooms. They go to church together and enjoy having their kids over for Sunday dinner. Most of their conversations are sharp and biting and they tend to argue over every little thing. They swear they will never divorce.

So...it would seem that in some cases the more you know someone, the more annoying they become. How do you model your marriages or relationships along the lines of couple #1? What do they do everyday to keep their relationship in a happy place? Is it a selflessness that isn't present with Mary and John? How did Mary and John last this long? Are they just together because it is easier than divorcing? Afraid of being alone? Satisfied with whatever they have?

I wonder about this because I've noticed that a few couples around my age seem to be going on one of these paths or the other. I wonder how they choose that path. I mean, I know that they hardly make a conscious effort to choose the negative, but their actions would say otherwise. What do you think?

Movin' On Up: A Lesson in Things to Check at the New House

2011-07-01T18:38:00.003-05:00

So, all of our stuff is HERE! Hurray! The house is coming together and things are looking quite homey and delightful. Don't get me wrong there are still TONS of boxes to unpack, but the living room and kitchen are pretty close to "normal". Its been quite an adventure this week.

The AC didn't work. It blew out air, but not cold air. So two of the moving in trips were HOT. bleh. Next time: Check earlier.

WASPS! Holy crap. They like this little house and swarm it making buzzing little sounds to show their displeasure at our residing here now! Next time: Bug spray or exterminator right away!

Brrrrrrr. Although the heat index hit over 100 today, NO hot water still bites! And by bites I mean...well...bites. *giggle* It stings the skin like thousands of little lightning bolts hitting my tender bits all at once. Next time: Check the water BEFORE spending the first night! Now its a holiday weekend and my tender bits are just flinching at the very thought of tomorrow's torturous weekend.

But besides all that...its going great! :-D New is good!

Learning from My Life in Boxes

2011-06-26T22:08:00.005-05:00

We are moving. This is a good thing. It is also a little sad. What have I learned as we approach the half-way mark of this move?

1. You will always, always need more boxes than you think. Always.

2. Kittens LOVE packing day! Its like a playground of excitement for them.

3. Nausea brought about by my uterine overlord slows down our progress tremendously.

4. My mother-in-law may be the best one on the planet. Seriously.

5. My son has no worth ethic whatsoever. *sigh*

6. Remember that saying "A place for everything and everything in its place."? Yeah. Bullshit.

7. Sometimes cleaning and purging makes me feel like I'm on a treasure hunt for things I didn't know I had lost! I'm hoping that my son's THIRD cell phone shows up. If not, I'm selling him on Ebay to make up for the cost of replacing yet another one.

8. There is not a good way to transport sex toys. I mean...how do you do that? *sigh*

WTH Lessons from Scary Pregnancy Photos

2011-06-13T10:13:00.004-05:00

Okay...I've recently lost days of my life to the StumbleUpon website. Its awesome! You pick your interests and then just click through a lovely, random collection of websites that others have stumbled upon and found interesting. LOVE THIS. Not too long ago I added the interest "pregnancy". Duh. Some sites were interesting, others funny and then...well...the pregnancy pictures? LOL. Scary! Here's some of what I stumbled upon.

Yes, here's my knocked up woman and tonight's dinner. *rolling eyes* I can't imagine WHY on earth she let this picture get out!

"You are WHEELy pretty when you're preggers honey." I don't get it? Are they naming the kid "Michelin"?

I'm not sure if I'm more disturbed by the crazy, accentuated stretch marks or the fact that her partner wants to shoot me because I'm looking at them.

Uhm...I'm pretty sure that horseback riding is discouraged during pregnancy. Especially when you are about to pop.

Flippin' the bird. Yeah, is that a sign of good luck or something?

Even I'm speechless on this one.

Well, hydration IS important, but uhm...*shudders* really?

Enough clowning around already! You're gonna have a baby!

ROTFLMBO! I can just hear him yelling "I win! I win! I've STILL got the biggest belly! Booyah!"

Poor guy. You can almost see the humiliation in his eyes! :-(

I've been thinking about pregnancy photos. Not professional probably, but just a shot or two. I have a couple of problems though. First of all, I do not have a pretty belly. Due to multiple surgeries I have large, dark scars and no belly button. I am lopsided and...uhm...lumpy. I also have an abdominal hernia the size of a volley ball. These things do not make for lovely mommy-to-be shots. In addition, I got pregnant around 200 pounds. To most people I'm not even showing, just chubbier! LOL. I've just started my 6th month so I'm sure it will become more obvious eventually, but still as far as photos go...I just don't know.

I'm creating a pregnancy scrapbook with pics of the little one's ultrasounds and other pics from the last month. Still pondering the preggo pictures of me! And after the findings above? *shaking head* I just don't know!!!

Pink Lessons

2011-06-09T15:58:00.004-05:00

Today I went to the city to pick up my shirts for the Race for Cure. This annual run/walk in St. Louis raises money for breast cancer research and treatment. Last year I walked for my dad. Although he did not have breast cancer, he died of pancreatic cancer. A cure for one kind of cancer could lead to a cure for ALL cancer.

This year I'm walking for the little princess growing inside of me. It is my hope that breast cancer will be a curable disease in her lifetime and that her children may never know the devastation that cancer brings.

Learn more, donate or join the fun here.

Lessons from the Heart

2011-06-07T17:16:00.003-05:00

It has been interesting these last couple of weeks. Lots of lessons from the heart. Why? Well...my husband's gave out on him last week. At age 38, he had his first heart attack. He has a condition called IHSS which is the same cardiac disease that those athletes that just collapse on the field and die have. Yeah. Crazy. About 14 years ago he had surgery to kill part of the heart that was beating against the rest of his heart and causing problems. The surgery was wildly successful and was the first of its kind performed at Missouri Baptist Medical Center. His heart condition is monitored with yearly visits, but due to lots of stressors...well...its now quite weakened.

I'd love to say that this was a total surprise, but its not. He doesn't take care of himself or his body in any way. Sometimes "forgetting" to take his meds and stuffing himself with chips and other crap on a daily basis. So, after a week of drama we are home. Although I was worried, I wasn't that crazy kind of worried that you might expect. I am confident that God has not brought us through all of the crap of the last few months only to kill him off. That brought me a great deal of peace through the entire process. It was also nice to have 4-5 days of just the two of us to talk, plan and simply connect.

What does this mean for our future? Right now that all seems to be up in the air. Our plans to move this summer have been stalled, which depresses me more than I have the courage to describe right now. He may or may not have a job at the marketing company he works for. They aren't exactly, uhm, people friendly. In fact, in the letter they sent saying that his leave of absence had been approved they made sure to point out that this in NO WAY guaranteed a position for him when he was ready to return. :-( *ugh* Our grand new plans for a "new start" seem to also have been thwarted. Not that new things aren't headed this way, but *alas* not the original plan. This saddens me. I neeeeeeeed different.

Another bummer? I'm in a super-horny pregnancy induced frenzy and I'm afraid that if we do anything too intense that it will kill him. :-( That's something that might scar a girl!

He is recovering and that is good. We were introduced to an awesome new hospital (think hotel with nurses) with FREE WIFI. Joey handled the situation like a pro. God is merciful and continues to bless us.

Lessons from Inside Me

2011-05-22T18:43:00.004-05:00

May 17th-Felt this little one move inside of me for the first time.

Tonight she is reeeeeally moving! :-D It makes me so happy to feel this little miracle growing. I told Joey that she was really kicking tonight. His response?

"I wish I could kick you too, but I would probably lose games."

*rolling eyes*

39 Reasons I Love Being 39

2011-05-20T22:15:00.003-05:00

Today I turned 39! :-D It has been a difficult and trying year, but also one of great surprise and change.

Reasons I Love Being 39

1. Against all odds and in complete amazement, there is a little life growing inside me.

2. My son's beautiful smile.

3. Realization that adversity brings about positive change.

4. I have discovered who my TRUE friends are. I should have known this all along.

5. Cheesecake.

6. An old dog CAN learn new tricks. It still makes them a dog, but they can learn.

7. Multiple orgasms.

8. I am employable in a variety of places, ways and circumstances.

9. Truth does not always set people free, but its important enough to wear the shackles of consequences too.

10. My bulletin board business has been a blessing and a wonderful creative outlet for me.

11. Embracing geekiness is fun.

12. Zia's Italian restaurant on the Hill.

13. Purple.

14. Heartfelt relationships with students that improve both our lives.

15. I am 150 pounds LIGHTER than I was several years ago.

16. HD TV rocks my world.

17. Facebook has opened up several relationships that I treasure greatly.

18. My future is written by me.

19. My lesbian cats amuse and comfort me.

20. I am not afraid to tell people how old I am or need to lie about it. I am thrilled to have made it this long! :-D

21. There have been LOTS of snow days this year. I like that too.

22. Scrapbooking.

23. My boobs are bigger. That's awesome too.

24. There's this homemade fruit salad that's just fresh pineapple, strawberries and grapes that I've been making. It's awesome.

25. I know what I like.

26. Conversations with my son can often find more depth than before.

27. Being independent means CHOOSING to be dependant on another.

28. I learned to make homemade pizza. It doesn't suck.

29. For some reason, people read my blog. *giggle*

30. I am not a coward. I continue to prove that. :-D

31. I am pretty darn healthy.

32. The funniest part about watching America's Funniest Home Videos with Joey is watching Joey watch America's Funniest Home Videos.

33. Getting flowers at work.

34. I've swept a great deal of trash out of my life recently. Its a beautiful thing.

35. Money has been less of a concern than before.

36. Spending time with my sweet grandma makes me happy. I think it makes her happy too.

37. I've started doing a couple of things that are crazy good for me, my family and my relationships that I haven't done before.

38. Turning 40 looks to be as wonderful as turning 39.

39. God is faithful, merciful and loves me more than I will ever understand.

Lessons in Beauty

2011-05-19T20:24:00.000-05:00

“Think of all the beauty still left around you and be happy.” - Anne Frank

My charming kitty sitting next to my lovely bouquet of birthday flowers. :-D
My son's smile at as silly show on TV.
Preschoolers shyly smiling and wishing me a Happy Birthday!
Hugs and a homemade card from a 4th grade girl.
The beautiful little girl growing inside of me.
Chocolate cheesecake.
Raindrops splashing into sunny puddles.
My husband gazing earnestly into my eyes, looking deep and quietly saying that his love for me will never end.

Learning to Let it Go

2011-05-16T17:49:00.003-05:00

Its true. I'm not a good forgiver. I'm not a good forgetter...well about things that I'm not a good forgiver about. Other things I seem to forget all the time. I'm learning to let it go. This whole "letting go" is a process. For example, today I resigned from my teaching position. I am content with this decision for multiple reasons. This is relatively easy to let go of. Although there will be a few people I miss, they are the kind that will keep in touch and genuinely be interested in my life.

Other things not so easy to let go of? A "friend" here has wronged me in an intimate and personal way. She has had multiple opportunities to apologize (which seriously would be all that I need) and refuses, believing she has done nothing wrong. It's laughable really...that I called her friend. Against my intuition, against my better judgement, against what I saw and heard and knew. Am I letting go of this? Not so much. I have a few little jabs left in this area before I walk away. Yes, I understand quite clearly what the Bible says about forgiveness. If you are looking for some awesome testimony about how I forgave and the lights of heaven shone down and angels sang...well...its not gonna happen.

I should be content now. I should exercise forgiveness now. I should feel sorry for her. Her life is a sad and pathetic one filled with children that have gone astray, a lonely house, more bills than money and a host of superficial relationships that she feeds in hope of eventually finding satisfaction. As my husband would say "its hard to be mad at a dog for acting like a dog" and yet I have lived with the notion that all humans have some sort of moral compass. EXPECTED her to know standard measurements of right and wrong. Moral compass? She does not it seems. Still I have no pity for her when I weigh that with what she has done and what she had placed at risk. Letting go? Nah! But some day in my tell all book, this chapter will be a must read!

Mother's Day-A few Super Lessons

2011-05-08T15:03:00.004-05:00

Today I got a card from my 11-year old son. To say it was minimalist in design may be an understatement. LOL. But its the thought that counts, right? In addition I got a card from the little sweetie growing inside me. :-D My husband thought that would be a sweet idea. He was right! :-D

If someone had told me about 11 years ago that I would be celebrating a future Mother's Day by taking my son to see a superhero movie I might have laughed. Over the years, I have developed an appreciation for superhero things. I have even created a few superheroes of my own and played in leagues online. I know, just call me Mrs. Geek. Here are some superpowers I wish I had:

Flight-It would seriously make my 50 minute+ communte to work much more fun!

Invincibility-As a mom, how nice would that be? Never tired, no achy back...I could totally deal with this one.

Shape Shifting-This could provide hours of endless entertainment! And just think of the sticky situations you could create! *evil laugh* I could be the boss for a few hours, confess my sins as the slutty math teacher, confront the evil parent as the timid first year teacher and gosh...that's just at work!

Super Speed-I'm thinking that as much as Wal-Mart sucks, it would nicer if I could just zip through it and be done. Bring on the super speed!!

The one where you explode people with your mind-I've already got a list started. :-D

Anyway...I think I've developed quite an appreciation for superheroes thanks to my geeky husband and son. So today, I'm celebrating motherhood with Thor. :-D

Lessons From Birth Mother's Day

2011-05-07T13:41:00.003-05:00

Today is the Saturday before Mother's Day and is the day recognized as Birth Mother's Day. I am forever grateful for the young woman that chose to share the life she created with me. One of the greatest moments of my life was holding my newborn son in my arms. Let us be thankful for those who choose adoption for the baby in their womb and for the famililies that raise them as their very own.

Lessons from Osama and Obama

2011-05-02T12:11:00.002-05:00

I'm not terribly political. I tend to keep up just enough to annoy my conservative friends. ;-D It has been interesting to hear what my students have to say about the death of Osama Bin Laden. Most of them do not remember the events of 9-11 as the oldest ones are in 8th grade. They've read about it, watched a video or seen this or that in class, but they didn't EXPERIENCE it.

So, what I've heard today is an interesting combination of what they are thinking and what they've heard their parents or others say. Some kind hearted students are almost vicious in their response to the event and other more outgoing, aggressive students are concerned that this will mean retaliation by terrorists. Its a lesson to me to make sure that I'm not passing my prejudice and my ignorance onto my children.

A Dirty Mind in Church-No lesson, just confession!

2011-05-01T13:18:00.002-05:00

So, I go to church a lot. Okay...maybe not a lot, but regularly and its been so long since I've skipped a Sunday I can't even remember. So, I go to church a lot.

Being the preacher's wife is a unique position in the congregation. Its true, the young ones look to me for inspiration or guidance (God help us) and the older ones look down on me because I wear pants sometimes. *giggle* But we can talk about the politics another day.

Sometimes when I am sitting in church I forget that the guy in the pulpit is my spiritual leader for the next hour or so. And...well...my mind wanders. ;-D Today it was all about the hot sloppy sex we had yesterday. Its quite distracting as you can imagine.

He didn't do anything or say anything or use any secret code or gesture. He was just there. Talking. Walking back and forth. Looking into the crowd. Earnestly delivering a message we needed to hear.

And me? Was I praying or contemplating the scriptures or meditating or anything? Uh, no. I was sitting there lusting after my hot hubby in the pulpit. Don't judge! Its okay for me to think lusty thoughts about my husband. God said so. Its true, that perhaps I should devote myself to worship a bit more sincerely, but can I pass this off on the raging hormones flowing through my pregnant body? :-D I'm going to!

Lessons from the Waiting Zone

2011-04-25T16:04:00.003-05:00

Ever been in that waiting zone? You know. That place where the decisions are just all laid out and you only need to decide which way you want to go? That's where I am right now.

The possibilities for my life are endless right now. I have cultivated multiple opportunities for change and just have to decide which path I want to take. A new home. A new job. A new baby. A new direction. One path is more profitable. Another more holy. Another easier.

So what do I want? What would God have me to do? What direction is my family being led? I don't really know. Decisions will have to be made in the next two weeks, without a doubt, but until then? Just waiting.

It's a good place to be. :-D

Lessons from the Domestic Goddess

2011-04-23T22:00:00.003-05:00

Things I've Done Today That Seem Much More Like Martha Stewart Than Me

1. I made a cake that looks like a burger. :-D

2. I decorated the church dining hall for Easter Breakfast.

3. I made 24 cupcakes and decorated them with coconut grass and cute little chick Peeps that are perched near jelly bean "eggs".

4. Did 4 loads of laundry and put most of it away.

5. Picked out and prepped everyone's outfit for tomorrow. We Three Kings (plus one) are wearing blue. :-D

6. Made Goody Goody Pie (its a layered pudding dessert-don't know its real name)

7. Picked out a dozen lovely roses to use as centerpieces tomorrow.

8. Charged the camera and took pictures of food.

9. Shaved most parts of me that needed shaved. ;-)

10. Waited up for my dreamy husband.

Lessons in Being Yourself

2011-04-09T20:52:00.002-05:00

How do you help someone BE who they are? A close friend of mine struggles with being himself around people from church in fear that they won't like him, that they will reject him. I think its best to be honest and say "I like science fiction." "I have played Dungeons and Dragons". or "Sometimes I watch The Simpsons". I do. But I have problems with honesty it seems. Sometimes I tell it when people don't want to hear it. *giggle* Sometimes I take great delight in it. I'm working up to this great conversation with one delusional person very soon in which I explain a few details in VIVID detail. She's quite the coward though, so I may have to do it by email. That will be disappointing. *shrugging* Back to more interesting things.... The problem is that he's a great guy, the real guy. The guy he portrays is pretty great too but it feels like an act for him. :-( We do have some crazy judgemental people at church, but he's young and I think that most people haven't built enough of a relationship with him to accept or reject him. I'm not sure if that exactly makes sense. LOL. So, how do I encourage the REAL him to come out? Is that even important in this setting? Will this matter in a couple of weeks? *shrugging* All questions I don't have an answer to.

Lessons in Winning!

2011-04-05T18:58:00.002-05:00

No, I haven't won the lottery, but things are going well. The trash that was stinkin' up my life has been swept away and although I want to kick the old bag when I see it...I've only done that once. :-D Soon, I won't have to see it and that will be even better. My concert is over. It went quite well. Classes are easier now. In less than a week I get to see the baby again! :-D WINNING!

Lessons from a Good Weekend-finally! :-D

2011-03-27T14:08:00.002-05:00

What a great weekend it has been! Although it started off a bit unexpectedly with me nearly killing myself in a car accident....the rest was pretty great. Actually...even that part wasn't so bad! I braked for a brave kitty crossing the road and spun my car around so that it was hanging off of a rock embankment. I'm fine and the car will live. :-D But it was an opportunity for my dear husband to show me some love and reinforce his reliability and dedication. :-D Always nice. We ended up going out to eat on the way home and spending some family time together. With his work schedule that seems a bit impossible some weeks so that was great! When we got home we watched an amazing kung-fu movie and My Sister's Keeper (his choice!). On Saturday, he took the day off for me! *smiling sweetly* It was nice to have more time together to make plans for the future. Plans that I may be able to share soon! :-D We visited with some friends and got to spend the night ALONE! I must say that I'm probably more exhausted than if we hadn't been alone *wink wink* but that's why I'll nap today. :-D Church today went really well. Awesome sermon on prayer. We made some Easter plans with some of the "go-getters" at the church. Its always exciting to see what God is doing in our church and community. Great things are happening here. Great things. So, as the weekend comes to a close I'm looking forward to concert week. My program is Thursday and then after that it is really just all downhill until summer. Hoops to jump through, projects to finish, evil deceptive whores to annoy and then...*sigh* summer! This summer will be even better than most as we plan for the baby's arrival!

Boobie Lessons

2011-03-26T19:45:00.002-05:00

This post is probably one of the most inappropriate ones I've ever written. Consider yourself warned. I can't wait to see what the search engine results for this post end up reading like. LOL. Once upon a time I posted about my cats liking to lick my husband's armpits and there were TONS of searches for "licking armpits" LOL. People are weird. Anyway...on to the boobie stories.

This whole pregnancy thing has done AMAZING things for my boobs! They are heavier than before (already). They seem to have a mind and agenda of their own. The nipples are hard all the time or at just randomly inappropriate times. Why? *shrugging* No idea. Mind. of . their. own.

And...they seem to work like a magic sex button. Jason just has to barely touch them and I'm ready. Like in every way. Why? No idea. Agenda. of. their. own.

And ...and...their sensitivity? Crazy-through-the-roof-oh-my-God kind of sensitivity. Like the wind blows and shwing! The alarm clock goes off....schwing! It's Tuesday...schwing! Macaroni and cheese for dinner...schwing! Anything. Oh...and did I mention that they are like some kind of magic sex button?

And...and...and... my husband finds this more than amusing. :-D

Lessons from the Most Amazing Day Ever

2011-03-19T23:10:00.003-05:00

Its amazing how things can turn around in a week. The Wednesday before things were bad bad bad. This Wednesday? Good good good!

We went in for the 12 week nuchal translucent scan. It was a delight 30-40 minutes looking at our little one! It was touching to see how Jason was moved by the whole experience. The baby measured perfectly in size...to the week and day actually! She was very active too. We watched as she kicked and moved her arms, threw her hand against her forehead and even sucked her thumb!!! Its amazing how already she is doing regular baby things. The measurements that test for Downs Syndrome had an awesome number (that of a 25 year old!). So, things could not have looked better.

It was such a great time for Jason and I to have together. A strengthening and bonding time that we hadn't experienced before. We left with a CD full of pictures and videos. I loved hearing him describe the experience to others.

We are so thankful for the blessings in our lives.

The trash has been swept clean and the future looks bright.

God is good.

Lessons from the Anti-Yesterday Day of Today

2011-03-15T18:59:00.002-05:00

So as much as yesterday was awesome, today sucked. Evil whore that was pursuing my husband is now becoming professionally vindictive. Yeah. So its not just emotional crap to sort through, but now additional job stress. Did I mention that her best friend is my boss? Yeah. So I conveniently got a "bad letter" from her today regarding an issue of pure insignificance. LOL. Saving it, and my response (which I think was charming and heartfelt *nodding*) and hopefully awaiting the day when I can discuss it candidly with HER bosses. :-D

So, sometimes teaching in an elementary school is like working the comedy club circuit but with less smoking and drinking. Today however was just a little bizarre. I watched as a kindergarten girl LICKED the bottom of her shoe three times. She looked up and saw me watching her. I said "Stop that!" She licked the bottom of her shoe once more before setting her leg back down. Her shoe was wet. *shaking head*

So, today sucked. I mean...err...licked...or whatever.

But tomorrow? Tomorrow is going to be awesome! Going for ultrasound and later this week will let the world know of the miracle of our pregnancy. Can't wait!

Lessons from an Unexpected Snow Day

2011-03-14T18:03:00.003-05:00

HURRAY! In the middle of March, just when I needed it most...a snow day! Weird, I know, but awesome.

Things I Did on My Awesome Unexpected Snow Day
1. Lovely Morning Sex
2. Let the boy sleep in and then drove him to school
3. Did some shopping at Wal-Mart for things we couldn't wait until payday to get
4. Created amazing homemade burgers with hubby and ate them while watching a movie
5. Awesome Afternoon Sex
6. Nap
7. Facebooking
8. More Afternoon Sex
9. Watched "Celebrity Apprentice" on Hulu
10. Served the boy cereal and bacon for supper (don't ask)
11. Seriously considering a nap before bed

Lessons from a Difficult Sunday

2011-03-13T17:15:00.004-05:00

Ever get to a point where worship feels like work? I was there around Christmas time. It was just burdensome and I didn't enjoy it. Then one day in January, driving home from work I FELT like I needed to worship and sing right there. So, I did! It was reminescent of a time in my life when I felt CONNECTED to God. At that time I had a great desire to not just be the "song leader" at church, but to be the worship leader.

A calling?

For a great deal of my adult life in the church, I have accepted Jason's call to where we should go and what we should do as my own. I don't think this is a bad thing. It is what I felt God leading us to do. This, however, was different. This was personal.

That Sunday things changed. Okay, the music didn't change dramatically, but my heart did.

There's been a bit of drama (and by bit I mean an absolute gigantic ton) this week. Although I had felt God moving in crazy big ways for months, I doubted what was going on. What was the purpose? Why bring such great joy in my life only to have it mocked and tarnished by those I thought were close to me?

I get it now.

Its a purification fire. Sometimes in order to make great change in our lives there has to be a point when you kick out all the crap that is holding you back, the crap that brings you down and frustrates you and the crap that had no place being that important in the first place. The lighting of the fire is painful.

But what the removal of the impurities (or life crap) is doing is creating an amazing future for me and my family. Better than I could have imagined. More than I would have hoped for.

Lessons from an Old Friend

2011-03-12T12:36:00.003-06:00

So, dealing with some crap lately and got to talk to such a good friend last night. She listened and said all the right things at all the right times (even if I didn't want to hear it). My favorite pearl of wisdom: "So you'll go to bed tonight and get up in the morning. Do what you have to do then go to bed and get up again. Do what you have to do then go to bed and get up again."

:-D

Lessons from the Best and Worth Month ever

2011-03-11T20:49:00.005-06:00

So...with a dramatic title like that you are totally pulled in, right? L0L! YAY!

So the last 5 or 6 weeks have been a roller coaster ride of emotions. As some of you long time Tracy Said What fans (all one of you!) may remember. I have struggled with accepting my infertilty for a long time. We adopted an AMAZING baby 11 years ago and had always consider our family complete. Not that I didn't whine about how much I wanted to adopt AGAIN, but... it just didn't seem to be in the cards.

So not too long ago I hit my 150 pounds lost mark. Totally freaking awesome! I feel good. Stronger. Healthier. I had begun to realize that being a healthy 38 year old with an 11 year old son and a virile and brilliant husband were reason enough to move on with the foolish "I need another baby" mode. This really started happening in October or November. Now I realize that it was God working in my heart. Finally it seemed after 14 or so years that I had found a tiny portion of peace with it and was thankful for the family He had given me.

Can you see where I'm going?

On February 1st in the middle of a snow storm I discovered that a miracle had taken place. I AM PREGNANT!!!

I remember the morning so clearly. I had been feeling awful. My back hurt for days and I felt like I was going to start any day, but that any day never came! LOL. I decided that I would take the last test that I had from years ago so that when I went to the doctor later that week I could say that I knew this wasn't the problem with 100% accuracy.

So, I peed. I waited. I picked up the stick and it said "PREGNANT". I shook it a few times to see if the "Not" part of it would appear like usual. Sitting on the toilet with bed head hair and morning breath I broke down crying. All I could say were words of praise and thanks to God. Surreal.

After a super fast shower to calm myself (which totally didn't work) I went downstairs to find my hubby and tell him the news. Then I went out in the middle of a blizzard to buy another pack of tests just to make sure. :-D Everyone said the same thing: "PREGNANT!" "PREGNANT!" "PREGNANT!"

So excited!

Unfortunately in this time I had to deal with an unfortunate issue of betrayal by a close friend. Yes, after she found out that I was pregnant she began a much more intense pursual of MY HUSBAND. Note I said "more intense" because it had been going on before too. *sigh* It was messy and the details aren't worth repeating, but I think we have finally swept the trash from our lives. My hope is that she will find Jesus and then find her own man. I'm also wishing that she be covered in cold sores and hives for a few weeks...but these feelings usually fade.

So in the midst of this intense joy was this big pain in the ass. I'm torn between feelings of intense anger (because the lying, coniving whore deserves it) and genuine compassion (it must suck to be helplessly in love with a man you can't have ) as she is atheist and obviously morally compromised on multiple levels. I know---it sounds judgemental. It is. I think I deserve a crabby night or so about this. So judge me if you must. :-D Or just quit reading my blog!

The pregnancy seems to be progressing right on track. I am diabetic and have a couple of other issues (that I am sure I will eventually explain in far too much detail) that make the pregnancy high risk, but the first ultrasound showed a strong, fast heartbeat and an appropriately sized baby. Oh, and did I mention that I will be 39 when the baby comes? LOL. I didn't think my dusty uterus even WORKED! And now I'm gonna be a new old mom! *smiling*

So, what's in store? More life changes than one lucky girl should get to have in a few months' time. But I think I'm going to save these for another post! I have a feeling there's going to be lots to blog about this year!

Oh...and if you know me in real life, can you keep this a secret for about another week? :-D Okay thanks! We want to wait until after our next ultrasound to spread the good news. Which is soon, soon, soon!

Lessons from the Scale

2010-12-30T09:15:00.000-06:00

Can you see that??? Do you see what it says? That's right! :-D My goal for the year was to be UNDER 200 pounds. This my friends is what victory looks like! :-D I have officially lost151 pounds! :-D Woooot! Wooot!

Daily December Pics from This Week

2010-12-16T14:31:00.000-06:00

Day 6-Stressful Lessons!

2010-12-12T15:58:00.003-06:00

Some of the embellishment are on the page and some are on the page protector. I like the dimension it gives to the book and you turn through the pages.

I talked about list making in my journaling today. I am a compulsive list maker and today I had lists of lists to make! LOL!

Today was a busy and stressful day! Lots to do before the upcoming concert, getting home late, freeeeeezing cold weather for the parade with Joey. Brrrr!

Day 5 Lessons-Journaling My Christmas

2010-12-12T15:54:00.003-06:00

Oh how I love this little man! Here he poses in front of our home. The smile is a little fake, but still adorable!

Today was church day. Our church is decorated for the season and makes for pretty pictures!

Lesson 4 Daily December Journaling My Christmas

2010-12-04T15:48:00.000-06:00

Today's lesson? Ho Ho Ho! There goes my dough!

Yes, my receipt from Wal-Mart. It was a big one too! 71 items=$195! Ouch! The picture of Joey and I happened when I snapped a picture of his gorgeous smile while he was sitting in the back seat of the car. :-D

Lesson 3 from Daily December Journaling Christmas

2010-12-03T15:33:00.000-06:00

Day 3-Our Christmas Card

I love love love getting Christmas cards! I love sending them and writing our Christmas letter. This year our "letter" is a poem instead! :-D

I'm kind of a newbie with transparencies, but LOVE my first attempt! On the left is the journaling that I attached to the back of our Christmas card. I added an address label and a couple of sparkly stickers.Day 3's photos include my two precious men sleeping on the way home from shopping and a quick snapshot of the day's mail and UPS sticker.

Lesson 2 Daily December

2010-12-02T15:29:00.002-06:00

Day 2-Baby it's COLD inside!
We keep our house pretty cool by most standards. Today I discussed that a bit. We like to sit on the couch with a cozy blanket and watch tv or play games.

This shows the page opposite day two. You can see our Christmas card and a glimpse of the day 3 page.

Lesson 1 from Daily December Journaling My Christmas

2010-12-02T14:23:00.001-06:00

Okay...for the last couple of years I've done the daily December thing with Ali Edwards. I love this idea and LOVE document all the special days in December. This year, intrigued by things I have read about Shimelle's Journal Your Christmas Class, I signed up. So...I'm integrating them both to create a daily log of pictures, thoughts and feelings about my December.

Title Page

Day 1-Joey's Concert

This was such a great way to begin the holiday season!!!

Lessons from December 1st

2010-12-01T20:47:00.002-06:00

So, for the last two years I've done a daily December album as inspired by Ali Edwards. LOVE recording this time in my life! :-D This year I've also signed up for Shimelle's Journal Your Christmas Class. I don't usually do well with online classes. I just don't make the time for them. :-( I'm hoping that this one is different.

Today's goal? Write a manifesto for my December album. What's a manifesto? A public declaration of intentions. (Shut up. I looked it up!) So, here's mine:

Wait...I don't have one yet! LOL. OKay... tomorrow!

Lessons from the Last Little Bit

2010-10-24T19:16:00.003-05:00

I know. You were totally convinced that I had fallen out of the blogosphere. :-D Well! Not so! Just busy on some other projects that tend to absorb my evening computer time.

Let me show you! This is my teacher website that has been a hobby for the last few years. I'm trying to turn a buck or so with it by sharing some of my creations. Think of it as an "Esty" like display for digital doodads. Its going okay right now I guess. :-D

Work is work. I love teaching. Dislike my boss. A great deal. I really think this is my last year there and am praying that God provides another job or an immense amount of strength to make it through another! :-D Anybody need a music teacher?

Church has been a struggle with several pay cuts for my awesome hubby and thus the need for him to get a second job. He likes his second job as a customer service rep for Sprint. It has been tough dealing with his training schedule. Days go by with just a few waking minutes together. That will change in the next couple of weeks. That's good!

Joey has joined honors choir and band which makes his momma proud! He seems to like both and I'm sure the screeeeeeetching clarinet will soon make smooth, beautiful music. *crossing fingers* His grades are awesome and it seems that he's finding his groove at school. :-D

My grandma just celebrated 77 years!!! Wooooo! It was nice to get together with my family. Since granny moved to the nursing home we just don't do it anymore. How do you keep those family connections strong? Perhaps I have to move to a gigantic house and hold all the family events? LOL...I'll put that on my list! My goal for the next year is to make more opportunities for everyone to get together. I want Joey to know that rich family experience that I grew up with.

My purple car went to be with Jesus. It was a 15 year old escort that had a bajillion miles on it, but it was a TOTALLY not good time. Fortunately, we found a reliable car with low mileage, a payment we could afford and comfortable for us to travel and travel and travel. Everything worked out so well, it was evident that God's hand was in it. So now I'm driving a Ford Focus. Joey has never been in a car with automatic anything so he is forever playing with locks. LOL. He loves that he can lock himself in and bad guys out with one click. :-D

My weight loss has been slow. VERY slow, but in about two pounds I will reach ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY POUNDS lost! :-D At this rate, I'll hit it by Valentine's day! *giggle*

Okay...all caught up!

Lessons from the End of Summer

2010-08-12T19:22:00.002-05:00

It happens every year. Its a week or two before school starts and all of my free time at home starts being absorbed with school stuff. Planning, creating, reading, etc... This year its still happening, but with a little bit of sadness. I really don't want to go back to that place. Its hard to summon the enthusiasm to be there. *sigh*

I've started working on school stuff. I've made some bulletin boards, other classroom decor and soon I'll start thinking about lesson plans.

I hate how this takes up my last days of "freedom", but I like working in a pretty place.

Back to school nightmares have already started. lol. Am I the only teacher that has those? Sometimes its about not controlling a class, getting lost (in my tiny school? lol), weird new people, strange things in my desk. Sometimes the dreams are just weird and have nothing to do with work, but keep me from deeeeeeep sleeeeeeeep. Is it wrong to take something to help me sleep next week?

Happy school year!

Lessons from my Baby's Birthday

2010-07-29T07:41:00.000-05:00

Eleven years ago I became a Mom. My life has never been the same. :-D

Lessons from a few Busy Days

2010-07-28T12:25:00.003-05:00

It has been a busy week! Lots of errands (car license, shopping, birthday prep for Joey, work at school, doctor's appointment in the city, ...) and fun times (dinner with friends, shopping with a pal, swimming...).

I think that I may use some of my scrapbooking time that I've set aside today for getting some things ready for my classroom. I know that back to school time is still a few weeks away, but its on my mind right now and perhaps if it is finished I'll be more relaxed. *rolling eyes* or whatever! :-D

I was talking to a teacher in water aerobics today and she said that she knew back to school time was getting near because she already had back to school dreams...nightmares about not controlling her classes. Another friend mentioned this just last week. Is this one of those universal things? I had a back to school nightmare last week but it had more to do with showing up with the same hair and glasses as a really uptight teacher. *giggle* But it was a little nightmarish. :-D

Updated Lessons from the Numbers

2010-07-26T19:01:00.001-05:00

UPDATED! WOOT! In 2005 I started at 350 pounds. In July of 2008 I joined Weight Watchers. After losing nearly thirty pounds there I decided to track my goals here. :-D

240 manicure or pedicure (we'll see which one I want more then!) Made it! Jan. 17, 2009
239 Dinner at 12 West (cause I love those frickin' crab cakes!) This is my
10% goal for Weight Watchers. Made it! Jan. 17, 2009
232 Something slutty. *wink wink* MADE IT! June 6, 2009!
225 Dinner and a show at the Fox MADE IT! October 2009
218 A fabulous purse and something to put in it. May 2010 DID IT!
212 20% body weight gone! Celebrate with Red Lobster and new clothes! MADE IT! JULY 2010!!!!
200 150 pounds down from top weight ever! Reward? Pretty new shoes.
195 A class just for me! (scrapping, dancing or whatever)
187 New kitchen stuff.
180 Jewelry.
175 a very girly pair of zip up jeans (I hate zip up jeans now!)
170 Dinner a a show at the Fox.
166 100 pounds lost with Weight Watchers (assuming I'm still with them! lol) Bra fitting and at least one perfect bra!
160 Lingerie.
155 Resize wedding rings.
150 GOAL WEIGHT!!! *insert some fabulous reward here*

Scrappy Lessons All About Me!

2010-07-26T18:53:00.002-05:00

While working on another project I was browsing through some scrapping pages about myself. At first when I started scrapbooking ALL of my pages were about Joey. Really, he was he reason I started. I wanted to capture his amazing life. Eventually I decided that I wanted to capture other aspects of my amazing life too. :-D Call it narcissistic or whatever. I'm okay with that. :-D

Sweaty Lessons with Old Friends

2010-07-03T18:36:00.000-05:00

I'm not sure if he's teaching his kid out to create natural air conditioning or just showing him how to attract women. *giggle*

Look at us! All sweaty from our fun little trek! I wasn't even tired, but don't tell them. I don't think they cared. It was hot and I took them on a "short cut". *giggle*

I know. I'm totally hot, right? *giggle* Control yourselves! ;-D

Lessons from Before

2010-06-26T18:42:00.000-05:00

So, I've lost about 140 pounds. Here's a bit of proof. :-D

And here's me with new hair. :-D

Lessons from My First 5K

2010-06-16T15:06:00.001-05:00

Well, I did it. I participated in my first 5K. I was a part of the largest breast cancer walk in the country, the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, in St. Louis. I'm pretty sure that my next 5K will be easier. It has to be it was INCREDIBLY HOT and HUMID for this one! The distance wasn't really a big deal for me. I often walk 2-2 1/2 miles just for the health of it, but the heat.....it was icky! Anyway...enough of the whining, other than the heat it was awesome. The walking route was like a party along the way with bands, volunteers handing out water, radio stations doing live broadcasts...awesome.

This is my SIL and I posing with the enegizer bunny. Mr. Bunny had mean handlers so we were lucky to get this photo! lol. There were lots of vendors there and we got free bunny ears, yogurt, stickers, necklaces and more.

My brother Dave walked too. Well..I don't know if you can call what he did "walking". He walked like he was going to a fire or something. This fat girl didn't like playing catch up! :-D I'm glad that he went, eventhough he went begrudgingly the day of, and I think he had a good time.

One of the views of over 70,ooo participants. This. Is. Awesome.

Lessons in Sleep Overs and Growing Up

2010-06-01T18:49:00.000-05:00

My baby is going to his first non-family sleep over. Wow. It's hard to believe how fast he's growing up!

I'm having major baby aches lately. I want another child. A baby. It seems that this isn't in the cards for us right now. Jason is very opposed. It makes me sad really.

For now, I'm living in a world of video games, zombies and light sabers. I love Joey immensely and I'm so happy to be his mom. :-D Now...how to slow time down??? Anyone???

Lessons in Blessings

2010-05-18T21:20:00.002-05:00

In two days I will be 38. Here's a list of 38 things I'm thankful for right now in my life.

1. Jesus.
2. Jason, my hot nerdy husband who is going to spend tomorrow with his mother planting flowers for ME!
3. Joey, my charming son who really likes choir, but doesn't want me to know. -D
4. a comfortable home
5. healthy food in the house
6. friends (both real world and digital world)
7. my family, as crazy as they are
8. hot showers
9. extra cheese with no extra cost
10. cats that keep my feet warm
11. that moment of pride that I see in my students eyes when they know that they've got it and that "it" is good.
12. Diet Mt. Dew
13. Movies that make me laugh
14. Songs that make me cry
15. words that rhyme
16. fine arts advocates
17. iPhones, iPods and laptop computers
18. summer is just a few days away....
19. chlorine laden days of relaxation
20. smart people
21. chick flicks
22. strawberries
23. great deals and free stuff
24. fuzzy blankets
25. church folk
26. really reallly reallllly cold water
27. spontaneous hugs from Joey
28. spontaneous sex with Jason
29. cartoons
30. my health
31. opportunites to be extraordinary
32. taking pictures
33. massages
34. clean laundry
35. wisdom
36. good advice
37. sunny afternoons
38. 38 years

Lessons from the Music Teacher

2010-05-11T19:44:00.003-05:00

My boss sucks. Seriously. I could go on and on and on and on and on, but I won't. Just trust me. She sucks.

My schedule next year looks awful. I am being set up to be eliminated or cut to part time. I have NO doubt about this whatsoever. Band classes have been cut to include two of the four grades that now receive instrumental instruction and choir has been completely eliminated. I haven't told the kids yet.

I'm hoping the @$&&@* will take one of my suggestions about altering the schedule to include a vocal performance opportunity. It is apparent by her actions both during the school year and with the HIDEOUS schedule that she has no regards for arts instruction. Its not a surprise really, she was quite the bitch when she was in the classroom. My husband (who worked in her room for a while) called her "Queen of the Worksheets". Yeah, that's a great teacher. *rolling eyes*

So, I'm worried about the kids' reaction and about the future of a program I have built from nothing. At least I have a job next year. I'm thankful for that even if it is just the long kiss goodbye.

My husband thinks I should get certified to teacher regular classroom. *shrugging* Maybe. I like what I do. I often think that regular classroom teaching may be easier than the way I do music and computers now. The thing is, I don't really want to do that.

Perhaps I'll finally get to be a stay at home mom? Living naked in the woods eating blackberries...but at last a stay at home mom! :-D

Lessons from the Numbers Baby

2010-05-11T19:42:00.001-05:00

Hurray! I have finally hit another weight loss goal!!! 51 Pounds! Woot!

In 2005 I started at 350 pounds. In July of 2008 I joined Weight Watchers. After losing nearly thirty pounds there I decided to track my goals here. :-D

240 manicure or pedicure (we'll see which one I want more then!) Made it! Jan. 17, 2009
239 Dinner at 12 West (cause I love those frickin' crab cakes!) This is my
10% goal for Weight Watchers. Made it! Jan. 17, 2009
232 Something slutty. *wink wink* MADE IT! June 6, 2009!
225 Dinner and a show at the Fox MADE IT! October 2009
218 A fabulous purse and something to put in it. May 2010 DID IT!
212 20% body weight gone! Celebrate with Red Lobster and new clothes!
200 150 pounds down from top weight ever! Reward? Pretty new shoes.
195 A class just for me! (scrapping, dancing or whatever)
187 New kitchen stuff.
180 Jewelry.
175 a very girly pair of zip up jeans (I hate zip up jeans now!)
170 Dinner a a show at the Fox.
166 100 pounds lost with Weight Watchers (assuming I'm still with them! lol) Bra fitting and at least one perfect bra!
160 Lingerie.
155 Resize wedding rings.
150 GOAL WEIGHT!!! *insert some fabulous reward here*

Before and During Pics

2010-05-09T20:42:00.001-05:00

Because progress, even slowly achieved, is progress.

Lessons from Mother's Day

2010-05-09T20:35:00.002-05:00

I had a nice day. Not tons of bells and whistles, but really nice. :-) Joey got me a flower and a great card. He was so proud because he picked it out all by himself AND it was funny! :-D

I was a bit melancholic for most of the day. You see, I miss my mom. She isn't dead and she doesn't live far away. It seems that we have just grown farther apart in the last ten years. Sometimes, I think she doesn't like me...well...or doesn't like spending time with me.

Things have changed since my youngest brother came along. He was adopted about 12 years ago after the rest of the "kids" were grown and married. Since Dad's passing a couple of years ago, things are just weird. Different. What once was a little bit of drama or over exageration has really turned into compulsive lying. She writes bad checks all the time and sometimes says things that make us think she's trying to get the kids to fight with each other. It's frustrating.

And really? Really its just sad. I miss MY mom, not whoever this is now. I miss the mom that would write little notes and leave them for me to find even in college. I miss the mom who would call and check on me just because. I miss the mom that valued our time together. I wish that she would notice what it does to me and how sad it makes me that things are different.

I've tried. On countless occasions I've tried, but she seems a bit oblivious. So, today although I was cloaked in happiness at being a mom myself, I miss my mom. A lot.

Lessons from My Week in the Life Album

2010-05-03T09:25:00.004-05:00

Loved this project! Here's how my album turned out:

Lessons in UnBlogging

2010-05-02T21:05:00.002-05:00

*sigh* I really enjoy blogging. I do! I like putting my sometimes random thoughts out there for others to muse over. I like having a place to say whatever it is that I want to say. Recently its come to my attention that my blog isn't exactly annonymous. *shrugging* I don't really care. So, if you are someone who actually knows me in real life you should know that you do not have my permission to be upset about anything you read here. Bothered? Click on. Otherwise, welcome! LOL

So, why the hell haven't I been blogging? Yeah...I don't know. Work has been taxing. So many things are screwed up there it isn't funny. BUT we are all pretending how awesome a "team" we are and how excited we are to get things going next year and blah blah blah. Truth is? My music students are going to get screwed out of class time because class room teachers aren't doing their job.

Start throwing tomatoes now. I said it. Comm Arts and Math teachers have higher accountability than other teachers at this stage in the education game. So, step up or step down. Why sacrifice fine arts education to remediate students that you should be reaching during math and comm arts time? That's right. I went there.

I'm sick of hearing about fine arts being sacrificed because of this nonsense. We need to teach CHILDREN. Not teach tests. How sad that we have reached this point.

So, yeah. Work is fun.

Church is going well, actually. I am frustrated by a few things going on there, but am praying through them and trying to address them with service and consideration rather than the more aggressive in your face tell it like it is kind of thing I think would bring about faster change. LOL. Some people think that doesn't work well. *shrugging*

Home Life: Joey is doing well in school but has decided that since its fourth quarter that he can quit. He's even said "I don't have to do anything. It's fourth quarter and I've already passed." *sigh* I was such a pencil head it would NEVER have been something I would have considered! lol.

Jason hasn't been feeling well lately. So, although I have a great sex life, I don't have someone to share it with very often. *giggle* He's been pretty amazing keeping things around the house functioning and taking care of Joey before and after school as I have lots of after school stuff going on this time of year. I am blessed.

I have only done a little bit of scrapbooking lately. This makes me sad! But summer will be here soon and then I can really devote some time to it. I got my Week in the Life book almost finished. I need a title page to intro the book and then I'm done! I really enjoyed it! I think I may do one in the fall too. The contrast in activities would be interesting I think.

Okay...you are alllll caught up! :-D

Lessons from a Week in My Life

2010-04-26T06:19:00.004-05:00

Been participating in the Week in a Life Project inspired by Ali Edwards. I documented last week in words and pictures. It was fun! I'm glad its over because it was started to get cumbersome. Fun, but *whew!*. Anyway...Here are the pics that I've used as 8 x 10 openers for each day. I used one of these then two baseball card pages filled with smaller photos, journalling and pretty pattern paper then another 8 1/2 x 11 sheet with a couple of 4 x 6 photos on it. I'll try to get pictures of the finished pages up sometime.

2010-02-24T17:13:00.000-06:00

Sometimes, the hopelessness I feel is overwhelming.

Lessons from the Spammers

2010-02-09T10:20:00.001-06:00

Dear Spammers:

You suck. You make me sad when I think REAL people have commented on my blog and its just you. You probably are just working for the man, trying to make a buck. You still suck. I have now turned on comment moderation because you have infected my blog with your craziness.

Soupy Lessons

2010-01-21T20:48:00.000-06:00

I know, right? Who wants to eat at my house? :-) This is my take on cabbage soup. Here's what's in it. Well...or close. I don't really measure with these "throw it all in the pot" soups.

half a head of cabbage
1 box of chicken broth (or a couple of cans)
1 zucchini chopped in half medallions (is that even a cooking term?)
one onion chopped and sweated out before you add the other stuff
a couple of hand fulls of baby carrots sliced in halfish
two cans of stewed tomatoes pureed
a big heaping spoonful of minced garlic
seven or eight button mushrooms clicked in thick chunks
lots of pepper and basil
a little bit of salt
several shakes of Splenda

My Life List

2010-01-19T20:26:00.001-06:00

My Life List
1. Be debt free.
2. Go on a road trip with a friend to an unplanned city.
3. Have conversations late in the night with fascinating people.
4. Meet someone famous.
5. Be a sassy red hat lady.
6. Learn to tango.
7. Ride in a helicopter. *****DID IT! JULY2007******
8. Visit Canada, Mexico, England and Japan.
9. Read "In His Steps".
10. Hang out with Ellen Degeneres.
11. Sew a quilt.
12. Really learn to drive a stick shift.
13. Take a picture of Mt. Rushmore.
14. Learn sign language.
15. Fly first class.
16. Eat pizza from Giordano’s in Chicago. *DID IT*
17. Find a laser pointer. ****DID IT!!! JUNE 2007***
18. Have a secret worth leaving in Vegas.
19. Scrapbook in my own purple scrapbook room.
20. Learn to hula hoop.
21. Own a purse worth more than $50. *Barely, but did it!!!*
22. Race four-wheelers with my son and win.
23. Visit a nude beach.
24. Create an entire scrapbook about my hubby.
25. Go to the Magic House. *DID IT**
26. Paint a portrait that looks like something not so abstract.
27. Learn to play guitar.
28. Get a mystic tan.
29. Write a book or help Jason write one.
30. Take a photography class.
31. Take my son to a drive in movie.
32. Take a trip on a train.
33. Get a secret tattoo.
34. Buy a house.
35. Practice Yoga.
36. Join a community choir.
37. Become a Wikipedia contributor.
38. Own a totally cool drum set.
39. Throw a surprise party.
40. Complete and bind Joey's "baby book" into a more readable form.
41. Learn to make sushi.
42. Take pictures of everything on this list. (well, almost everything)
43. Be happy.

Another 100 Lessons About Me

2010-01-17T23:00:00.003-06:00

So, last year about this time I wrote a 101 things about me list. So, sitting up watching recorded episodes of TV shows I love and trying to make myself sleepy...I thought I'd make another list!

1. I love my life.
2. I am married to a sexy nerd.
3. I am grateful every day for my son.
4. I really like macaroni and cheese. Even the crappy kind.
5. I watch a lot of television for someone who is as busy as I am.
6. I teach music.
7. I teach computers.
8. I have friends that I have never met.
9. Last year I had my very first mani-pedi!
10. I miss my dad. A lot.
11. Changing tires is a skill that I bring to this marriage.
12. At my house, I’m the bug squisher.
13. In addition to my wicked awesome facebook skills, I also maintain Bulletin Boards for the Music Classroom, a music teacher website.
14. I love sleeping under my grandma’s quilts.
15. I have the hiccups right now. They suck.
16. I have lost 130 pounds over the last four years. That’s a whole Jonas brother.
17. Parking garages freak me out. Seriously.
18. I make a seriously amazing vegetable soup.
19. I have lived in the same place for over ten years.
20. I’m a preacher’s wife.
21. I don’t have a bellybutton.
22. Old men hit on me at Wal-Mart.
23. Large women hit on me too.
24. I have three or four passwords that I use for every single online account.
25. I have bad grammar and I have to write some words down to see if the “feel” right. Neither one of them bothers me.
26. I play video games.
27. I’m a bit of a masochist.
28. I prefer to sing alto rather than lead. Always.
29. I can recite all fifty states in alphabetical order.
30. I have big, fat, boy fingers.
31. Scrapbooking is one of my favorite things to do.
32. I love children’s art.
33. I would like to learn to belly dance.
34. I still probably have sex more than you.
35. My favorite color is purple.
36. I have never wanted to be on American Idol.
37. Dirty Dancing is my favorite movie. Ever.
38. I have never been a bridesmaid. If I am anything, it is always the musician. 
39. I know the muffin man. Yes, the one on Drury lane.
40. Once when I was growing up I watched a puppy (that was sick) take its last breath. I will never forget it.
41. Learning is fun. Not water slide fun, but fun.
42. I like hot tea. Really sweet hot tea.
43. The Simpsons still make me laugh.
44. Someday I’m going to run a mile. With my own legs! :-D
45. In college my car had a lot of bumper stickers. One of them declared that I was conducting a dust experiment or something and that was why I hadn’t washed my car. I don’t remember why I thought that was funny.
46. My wedding dress burned in a house fire. I wasn’t upset at all.
47. I grew up on a gravel road surrounded by people who love me and crickets and whippoorwills and a garden in the back.
48. I once believed that if you put your finger in your bellybutton that your legs would fall off. Thank you Uncle Jr.
49. I took a water aerobics class last summer. I was the youngest person there.
50. Like my son, I think that people falling down is pretty funny. Unless that person is me. And then it probably is funny, just only to my son.
51. I call my Saturday morning shower my “shave everything” shower in the winter. I know. I am seriously furry on Fridays. All winter.
52. I can’t afford health insurance for my family.
53. I wish I hung out with my high school friends more.
54. I like things that rhyme.
55. I have feet like Fred Flintstone. I know, hot. Right?
56. I sing every day. Dancing is optional.
57. Filling ice trays is something I hate doing. My mom used to say that if you hummed while you did it you wouldn’t spill. I don’t think that works.
58. I have been to New Zealand.
59. I have a purple bicycle. Riding it makes my butt hurt.
60. My butt is disproportionately small compared to the rest of my body. My friend calls this “Noassatall Syndrome”. She’s funny!
61. I would like another baby. Most days.
62. I like little notebooks. I never have enough. I use them all the time.
63. I have a passionate relationship with my iPhone.
64. I drive 100 miles every work day.
65. I like to take pictures. This year I hope to take more pictures that I did last year.
66. I have had mistletoe hanging up by my front door for over a year.
67. Raisins are horrible, but cherry flavored craisins are okay.
68. I have a throw-up bone. If you touch it, I want to throw up. Gagging and all. You can see this bone most times you see me.
69. I’ve been offered a few jobs that I did not accept.
70. I don’t know how to cook scallops. I eat them anyway.
71. I stalk MANY blogs. They are varied and amusing. I don’t have time to list them now.
72. I’m not good with plants. I have even inadvertently melted a plastic one.
73. I love magazines. I do not, however, read many books.
74. I have three jump drives or flash drives or whatever you want to call them.
75. Sometimes when I am cooking I talk like I am on a cooking show in my head.
76. I laugh a lot.
77. I love cheese. Really.
78. I do not feel called to be a worship leader.
79. I tend to keep a great deal of paper clutter at home.
80. I have a Magic Bullet. I use it all the time. When the infomercials come on for it. I watch them every time.
81. I have secrets that you wouldn’t believe. They would make you go “Hmmm.” And then *gasp* and then you would roll your eyes and nod.
82. I am petrified that I will get Alzheimer’s and forget everyone I love.
83. I have trouble telling left from right. I remember it most often by low hand=left and high hand=right from playing the piano.
84. I would rather be cold than hot.
85. I’m totally surprised that I’ve made it this far into the list.
86. I am diabetic.
87. People that spread messages of hate under the guise of their Christianity make me want to staple them to a billboard and throw flaming arrows filled with spiders at them until they come to their senses. Flaming arrows filled with spiders and lasers that explode on impact!
88. I have learned that the best way to deal with an uncooperative boss is to manipulate them with extreme inappropriate kindness. I feel no shame for this manipulation.
89. Sometimes I think that I would like to latch hook again. The problem is, where does one buy that stuff and what would I do with it when its finished? I don’t want to hang it up. Just latch it and hook it.
90. Island of the Blue Dolphins by by Scott O’Dell and The Long Winter by Laura Ingalls Wilder were two of my favorite books while growing up.
91. I am a compulsive list maker. Sometimes I make lists of lists to make. Some people think that’s weird, but it totally makes my world manageable and happier.
92. I have an online business that I practically ignore. I make $50-100 a month from it anyway.
93. Sometimes I still cry when I think about my Dad.
94. I can create an awesome webpage with just notepad and my html coding awesomeness.
95. I used to, and still say that I believe that the stars that make up the belt of Orion were stars that God put in the sky just for me. I thought this in junior high and it made me feel special to think that God did that. Now, I just think its quirky and bugs my husband, but it does still remind me of God’s love. Weird, huh?
96. Not too long ago I realized that the chairman from Iron Chef America was the same guy that played The Crow. *shrugging* What a weird set of gigs to get.
97. When I’m in the hospital and they do a saline flush to my IV, I can taste it every single time.
98. I am a jealous person.
99. I am a grateful person.
100. I am blessed.

Lessons in Beautiful Music

2010-01-08T21:55:00.003-06:00

What's the most beautiful song that you have ever heard?

Hmmm. As a music teacher I've heard my share of beautiful songs. Really amazing, tear jerking, heart melting songs. So as I sat here tonight thinking what is the most beautiful song that I've ever heard. Here are some contenders:

"Sweet By and By"- Okay this hymn doesn't exactly speak to me on a musical level, but it always reminds me of sitting next to my Grandma in church and listening to her sing alto on this song. :-) Such a great time. For a while I wondered why she was singing the wrong notes, until I realized she was making harmony! lol.

"Jenny My Lovely One" I don't know who composed this or completely remember the story, but it was a song we did in college. Written by a man for Jenny (who I think was his daughter?). Beautiful! Harmonies were lush and beautiful.

"Moonlight Sonata"-Love this. Always have. Its sad when I'm sad, melancholic when I am, beautiful and haunting....Love this.

"Jesus in Your Eyes" This reminds me of my hot husband and how much I love him.

"Remember When"-One of the few country songs that makes me cry all the stinkin' time. It reminds me of the love that my parents shared and that I see in Jason and I. I love the guitar part and the whimsical voice.

So these are just a few of the songs that I thought about. There are dozens more. I won't list them here, because that would take forever!

But, the most beautiful song that I've ever heard may very well be this one. It's Joey singing "Tomorrow" from Annie. Such a sweet young boy singing his heart out. Innocent, playful. beautiful. :-D

COLD Lessons

2010-01-03T20:01:00.002-06:00

It's cold here. Burrrrr!

I have been cold all weekend! I am usually a pretty warm person. We tend to live like polar bears around here. This weekend? COLD!

It seems like the cold gloom of winter has set in and I have to go back to work. Can't really find my mojo for it. I did lesson plans half-heartedly and keep hoping I'll get a phone call saying it is tooooo cold to go to work. *giggle*

It could happen!

Lessons Just Like Everybody Else

2010-01-02T18:14:00.003-06:00

Its that time of year again. Everyone is resolving to lose weight and get healthier. The thing is...I've been resolving to do that forever. Last year I continued my weight loss journey. Although its coming off MUCH slower than I want, it is coming off.

My WW meeting today was about setting goals. It was with one of my favorite leaders and I really enjoyed it. I didn't have much to say in this meeting, but I had a lot to think about. I set a couple of goals last year that I didn't meet. I wanted to be under 200 pounds by this time and I wanted to run a mile. Well, I can run half a mile and am still a little ways away from 200. The thing is...I'm not terribly upset about it. Really. Is it bad that I can set goals and then just watch them roll by unachieved?

I suppose it is actually a good thing because I'm pretty happy with the PROGRESS eventhough I didn't quite hit the mark. :-D

One of the best things I did this year was to put a before and now picture on my phone. Its the picture at the top of this entry. The left was taken in late 2005 or early 06. The one of the right was taken this October.

For a while I just had a "before" picture. It was awful. Very unflattering and at my heaviest weight. I hated it. I thought it would be inspiration. It was. Sort of. But not the kind of inspiration I needed. When I looked at that picture I remembered how much I hurt, how depressed I was and just how awul I felt in general. Sometimes when I looked at that picture, I was that girl all over again. I couldn't see how far I had come or what I was now. I didn't remember that I was happier and healthier. I was just that woman alllll over again. It didn't inspire me to lose weight. It made me want to eat!!!

So, this picture that shows the before and the now is MUCH more inspirational! It makes me smile!

New Year's Resolutions: Lessons I'll Learn this year?

2010-01-01T17:35:00.001-06:00

Resolution #1: I will run a mile. Without taking breaks and rolling on the ground breathing heavily and grasping my chest and making jokes about the paramedics and embarrassing my son.
Resolution #2: I will stop referring to my mother as “the crazy grandma”.
Resolution #3: I will not brag about my amazing sex life, lest it disappear.
Resolution #4: I will take more pictures. Taking pictures makes me happy. And who knows, I may need them for evidence some day.
Resolution #5: I will live a secret life online via my blog. I hope this makes me blog more because that’s really what this resolution is all about. Or is it?
Resolution #6: I will consistently wear clothes in sizes that do NOT start with “X”. This will not include socks.
Resolution #7: I will write more poetry. Random lines like potpourri. *giggle* I crack me up. I can’t shut up. I like to rhyme. All the time.
Resolution #8: I will really learn to play HALO instead of just pretending that I do when talking to the fourth grade boys at lunch.
Resolution #9: I make more lunch dates with friends. I will always hope that they will buy. I will go even if they don’t.
Resolution #10: I will not have sinful thoughts about cheese.
Resolution #11: I will stop signing up on online BDSM sites using my college nemesis’ name. I think she may be benefitting from it.
Resolution #12: I will not be nervous if my career takes new directions. I’m good enough. I’m smart enough and darn it…people like me. And I’m sure they’ve seen grown ups throw up from sheer stress and nervousness, so it’s okay.
Resolution #13: I will sometimes post clever status messages on Facebook that are totally fictional to gauge my family and “friends’” response to tattling on me to my mother.
Resolution #14: I will use a safeword.
Resolution #15: I will take bicycle rides with Joey and teach him how to pop a wheelie. Of course I can pop a wheelie. I taught my brothers! Oooo…I wonder if I could get a “Wheelie Woman” t-shirt….or or or or…a bicycle club called the Wheelie Women….or maybe….*sigh* already tired of bike riding.
Resolution #16: I will stop using nicknames for the people at work. Mrs, Homely is suspicious, Chief Big Sits-a-lot thinks her name is stupid and I don’t even want to have to deal with BottomFeeder if she finds I out I know about her “secret” online profile.
Resolution #17: I will send more thank you notes. Some of them will be hand made.
Resolution #18: I will spend more time with my favorite cousin. *wink wink*
Resolution #19: I will not be sad that I am not supermom, but will continue my search for underwear that say so.
Resolution #20: I will try to figure out why I REALLY need seven e-mail addresses.
Resolution #21: I will start keeping all the lists I make for my next best-selling novel. I’m sure people are interested in my obsessive compulsive way to organize my incredible life.
Resolution #22: I will not refer to my iPhone as “mother, nurturer, secret lover” any more.
Resolution #23: I will give more compliments.
Resolution #24: I will start peeing on the toilet seat for purely educational purposes.
Resolution #25: I will stop pretending that I care about politics, zombies and the rising cost of milk and eggs. Its exhausting.
Resolution #26: I will scrapbook more.
Resolution #27: I will stop obsessing that I don’t have the high score on Scramble. It’s just a game. It’s just a game. It’s just a game.
Resolution #28: I will use more of my leisure time to make music. No, not that kind. Dork.
Resolution #29: I will stop making new year’s resolutions. Nobody remembers them anyway.

2009-12-26T21:08:00.002-06:00

Sitting: at the desktop computer feeling really full and wishing i had more willpower.
Waiting: For this icky feeling to pass and hopefully to wake up tomorrow feeling refreshed and happy.
Glad: that everything went well this week
Needing: some affirmation that all people are liars. omission is still lying.
Reading: a variety of blogs
Enjoyed: watching The Hangover, The Ugly Truth and Alvin and Chipmunks.
Preparing: For bed. I'm bummed and sleepy.
Remembering: That I've come a long way regardless of how I feel right now.
Listening: Reality television. I wish I had the remote.
Drinking: Diet Orange soda
Snacking: I've eaten all day. No thanks.
Trying: To find purpose and joy.
Ending: because this is the end

Lessons in Never

2009-12-16T18:38:00.002-06:00

I have never been a bridesmaid. Ever.
I have never eaten a live bug.
I've never been skinny. No, really.
I've never cheated on anyone.
I've never understood why God would love a worthless weasle like me.
I have never finished graduate school.
I've never been to Canada.
I've never smoked a cigar.
I have never been good at delaying self-gratification.
I have never owned a home.
I have never doubted that God wants me to teach.
I have never sniffed a stink bug.
I have never posted naked pictures of myself on the internet. Yet. *wink wink*
I have never doubted that I am loved.
I have never made Joey watch The Nutcracker.
I've never been more upset about my body than the day I lost my belly button.
I have never been skiing.
I never thought that I would feel so close to virtual strangers.
I have never had to put an animal to sleep.
I've never been on a cruise.
I have never been as sad as when I saw my Dad in a casket.
I have never used anything from my Teaching Elementary Music class in college.
I've never not loved memory keeping.
I've never been to Vegas.
I've never learned to play more than two chords on the guitar and now I don't even remember those.
I never will forget the day I held Joey for the first time.
I've never let anyone pierce anything of mine at home since my first piercing with Aunt Linda.
I will never forget my adventures in New Zealand.
I've never understood what Jason sees in me.
I will never care about punctuation.
I've never recycled plastic.
I have never NOT loved making lists.

Lazy Saturday Lessons

2009-11-14T21:53:00.002-06:00

Sitting: Because standing is over rated.
Waiting: For the other shoe to drop.
Glad: To spend a lazy Saturday night with the boys and my groovy new tv.
Needing: To THINK before I speak, or text, or post.
Reading: Only school work stuff. I'm tempted to re-read "The Road" before going to watch it in a week or so.
Enjoyed: Seeing the scale show a 1.8 pound drop since last week!
Preparing: For the winter concert. Holy crap there is a lot to do!
Remembering: That it is okay if things aren't perfect. God first, family next.
Listening: Reality television. I wish I had the remote.
Drinking: Diet Orange soda
Snacking: Just finished some left over beef stew. YUM!
Trying: To get a few school things done tonight so that I can focus on concert things tomorrow.
Ending: So I can get back to that school stuff! :-D

Lessons in Finding my MoJo

2009-11-08T20:53:00.002-06:00

I haven't really felt much like "me" lately. Some things that I love, I haven't been keeping up with. I'm putting other things in front of my family and I hate that. Sometimes I'm putting nothing before my family...I mean literally....like hanging out on Facebook. How dumb is that?

I think that I'm getting my "me" mojo back. I scrapbooked for a while this weekend, spent some time bonding with Joey, had hot, noisy sex with the husband and began worrying endlessly about my upcoming performances. Much more "me" than what I have been doing.

I also am trying to embrace exercising a bit more. *sigh* I hate exercising. I like how I feel after, but I don't like it enough to focus on that when I'm trying to get motivated to START. lol. Is that odd? I'd like that to be a part of "me". lol. We'll see.

Sitting: On my somewhat numb butt.
Waiting: With a sense of doom for my weekend to slip away while I sleep.
Glad: That I got to spend some time with people I love this weekend.
Needing: To gain a sense of focus.
Reading: Psalm 34.
Enjoyed: A greasy cheeseburger today.
Preparing: For a Veteran's Day Assembly, Grandparent's Day program and winter concert. *ugh*
Remembering: That I need to call and make Joey a doctor's appointment.
Listening: To Joey make fun of the chairman on "Iron Chef America"
Drinking: Diet Orange sodaSnacking: On nothing.
Trying: To talk myself into going to bed.
Ending: With thanksgiving for an awesome and forgiving Savior.

Friday Lessons

2009-11-06T21:27:00.002-06:00

Sitting: in the big chair watching Project Runway.
Waiting: For one more call to say that they have seen Grandma in her room and all is well. She came through quadruple bypass well.
Glad: That I got to spend the day with my husband.
Needing: To lose three pounds by tomorrow morning. LOL
Reading: About all the killings this week is disheartening.
Enjoyed: Afternoon lovin' earlier today.
Preparing: To have yet another conversation with my hubby about his health.
Remembering: That I can do anything for fifteen minutes.
Listening: For an answer to some unanswered questions.
Drinking: almost cold water.
Snacking: On nothing.
Trying: To mentally organize some concert stuff. I feel behind.
Ending: With hopes for a relaxing and enjoyable weekend.

Lessons in Blogging

2009-11-02T17:42:00.003-06:00

I suck. I know it. I have lost the blogging bug! *giggle* Gonna try easing myself back in this week. I miss you guys!

Sitting: On the couch listening to Joey play an alien game and chatting off and on with Jason.
Waiting: To see if Joey wants to go play basketball while I take a walk.
Glad: That I have a well stocked music room.
Needing: To get some things uploaded to the school website.
Reading: scripture a little more often now that I have a Bible app installed on my iPhone.
Enjoyed: Playing pretend with Kindergarten in music today and seeing one of those rowdy, immature kids show brilliant insight into Beethoven's "Moonlight Sonata".
Preparing: For an uncomfortable conversation I need to have with a co-worker tomorrow.
Remembering: My dad a lot lately. I miss him. Its been years and yet it seems like yesterday.
Listening: To the gentle sound of gunfire.
Drinking: Diet Orange Sunkist
Snacking: Just finished eating supper. I had pizzas, but instead of crusts I used portabella mushrooms. Holy freakin' dynamite Batman. They were yummy!
Trying: To get excited about the annual winter concert.
Ending: With a little bit of laziness as I'm pretty sure I am NOT going to go exercise. :-D

Lessons in Pink

2009-10-11T20:47:00.003-05:00

Okay, I am not a huge football fan. I'm just not. I watch the Superbowl, because...well...who doesn't? The teams that deserve my geographical alligiance kind of suck this year...the Rams and the Chiefs...so that isn't fun. I like football food, but I'm trying to watch that kind of thing. I think that if perhaps Jason could make football a sexy thing that I would like it.

For example, every down I get a kiss! Every touchdown, we take off a piece of clothing. Every time they say the word tight end...well...you get the idea.

Anyway, I wanted to talk about football and just needed to preface it with the info about not liking it. For October many of the teams are wearing pink arm bands, stickers, shoelaces, patches and pink helmet embellishments. It makes me giggle. I know it is for an AWESOME cause and appreciate their efforts to make more people aware. It still makes me giggle.

Lessons in Losing

2009-10-10T12:34:00.003-05:00

Hurray! I have finally hit another weight loss goal!!!

Now, if you know me, I absolutely forbid you to ever mention these numbers EVER! I don't care if you weigh more or less or if you are shocked because I weigh this much or this little...really...this is for me. So don't talk about it. *smiling* Okay...here we go:

In 2005 I started at 350 pounds. In July of 2008 I joined Weight Watchers. After losing nearly thirty pounds there I decided to track my goals here. :-D

240 manicure or pedicure (we'll see which one I want more then!) Made it! Jan. 17, 2009
239 Dinner at 12 West (cause I love those frickin' crab cakes!) This is my
10% goal for Weight Watchers. Made it! Jan. 17, 2009
232 Something slutty. *wink wink* MADE IT! June 6, 2009!
225 Dinner and a show at the Fox MADE IT! October 2009
218 A fabulous purse and something to put in it.
212 20% body weight gone! Celebrate with Red Lobster and new clothes!
200 150 pounds down from top weight ever! Reward? Pretty new shoes.
195 A class just for me! (scrapping, dancing or whatever)
187 New kitchen stuff.
180 Jewelry.
175 a very girly pair of zip up jeans (I hate zip up jeans now!)
170 Dinner a a show at the Fox.
166 100 pounds lost with Weight Watchers (assuming I'm still with them! lol) Bra fitting and at least one perfect bra!
160 Lingerie.
155 Resize wedding rings.
150 GOAL WEIGHT!!! *insert some fabulous reward here*

Lessons from My Commute

2009-09-09T09:56:00.004-05:00

There seems to be some kind of magic 3 minute window each morning as I spend 50 minutes driving to work through the woods. See, if I hit this window just right I see no one. At all. I'm alone. It's great.

Other times I get behind all sorts of things: pickup trucks full of furniture, horses galloping down the road (w/o riders), tanker trucks, trash trucks, a battery truck, grandma out for her early morning drive, 4 wheelers, trucks pulling trucks, cars with their blinkers always on, etc... This is a problem because there are 3 places to pass other vehicles for about 35 minutes of my drive. They slow me down.

I have also been stopped for road construction, a tipped over truck in a ditch, car fires, live stock in the road, road kill in the road, trains across the tracks (I only have one to cross. You'd be surprised how often that happens!), flooding, etc...

This morning all I need to see was 1. Snow, 2. a funeral procession and 3. circus midgets to complete the wide spectrum of having EVERYTHING on the road in front of me! lol. Good thing I left early. i just got here on time! :-D

Happy hump day folks!

Lessons from the End of Summer

2009-09-07T21:49:00.002-05:00

I know. It has been a while. I still think about blogging, just haven't prioritized to make it happen. Here are some random things going on:

1. Joey is in FIFTH grade. Holy cow! He has lost some weight and is growing taller and...wow. He is such a young man! He's been having some anger management issues in the morning. I hope we can resolve that soon.

2. I'm back to work. My schedule is crappier than last year, but I'm making it. We have tech guys now. Although they are incredibly smart, I am not impressed with the way I am totally locked out of all of my files and couldn't teach from them on Friday. Really? Come on nerds! Do better!!!

3. Jason is concerned that his salary will be cut even more. A couple of families have moved out of the church due to economic reasons (had to move in with THEIR parents with kids of their own....ouchie). I think he'll start looking for another job soon. I'm not sure how I feel about that.

4. We have a bonus cat right now. Hopefully he will be going to his new home soon. He is YOUNG and annoying. Okay...and a little cute!

5. Obama is giving a speech to school kids tomorrow. I hope Joey gets to see it. There seems to be a bit of controversy around it from block-headed conservatives who are NOT teaching their children to respect authority. I mean, really. He's the PRESIDENT. If you sit on your couch and bad mouth him (like you do your pastor, their teachers, the mayor, etc...) you are teaching them to disrespect those in authority. You don't have to approve of everything they do, but spreading messages of hate? Grow up.

6. I am a pound an half away from the forty pound mark. Man, this is taking forever! lol.

7. My grandma is very sick. My mom is crazy. My brothers are mad at somebody all the time. My husband is hot.

8. In Joey's binder there's a book on Ancient Rome and on World War 2. lol. He is his father's son. :-D

Lessons About Funeral Sex

2009-07-19T21:26:00.003-05:00

The first time it happened I didn't realize it had happened. Well, until much later. I was one of those people. You know. Not many people even talk about it. I had funeral sex. Now, its something to bank on. Well, almost.

Okay, if you don't know what that is, don't freak out. Its not necrophilia. *shudders* Funerals sex is the sex that happens AFTER the funeral. Apparently its a pretty wide spread phenonmenon. Its a time when you are looking for something or someone to cling to. Looking to FEEL alive. Needing to connect. So why not your partner?

I suppose I find it a little...well...weird. I know. Hypocrite! lol. Just thought I would post a little something inappropriate for those of you who have missed that. :-D

Lessons in Doing Something About It

2009-07-14T19:07:00.003-05:00

Usually I just blog and whine. Today I'm blogging and doing something about it. Nina passed away last night.

Today, I've created a team for Memory Walk. This walk raises funds and awareness for Alzheimer's research. CLICK HERE to donate, walk with me or just to learn a little more.

Alzheimer's Lessons

2009-07-13T18:50:00.002-05:00

This disease sucks. I saw a movie a long time ago about a woman who had Alzheimer's and slowly began to forget those she loved. I was so sad then thinking about the possibility of something like that. As an adult I watched an aunt fall to it...s l o w l y. It was so sad. There were points when she was still coming in and out of remembering when she would be so scared.

She knew in those lucid moments that she was forgetting and she was terribly afraid. She couldn't remember why she was living with my parents, how she got into the clothes she was wearing and eventually she couldn't "remember' how to chew and swallow. Due to some other medical issues she was in pain as well. The pain medicine helped, but it didn't take it away completely. So she laid and babbled. Sometimes she would talk to us like we were her parents, friends that had passed away years ago or people she saw on television.

This disease SUCKS. Why is there so little known? Why isn't there better screening? We need a cure.

Why am I ranting about this. Well there are two reasons. The first: Forgetting is one of my greatest fears. Alzheimers is one of those things I read about often and wonder if I'll be one of those that slowly slips away. I hate that. The other reason? One of the sweetest couples in our church has been dealing with it for a long time.

Her name is Nina and she's married to a kindly man named Al. I have never seen them NOT together. When Nina started getting to the point where she babbled about anything she heard they stopped attending services except an occasional Sunday or Wednesday night when there were fewer people and a more casual atmosphere. A few weeks ago they had to stay home completely. Home health and hospice were called in and things looked even more grim.

Last week Al was completely unable to take care of her at home anymore and decided that the best thing to do was to admit her to a nursing home. He has spent 12 hours a day with her there every day. This Sunday Jason popped into visit them. He said that she just sat in a chair and stared vacantly, that she could remember no one anymore, not even Al. As he prayed with them he saw Al cry for the love of his life, the faded woman in the chair next to him that couldn't remember that he loved her. My heart breaks for him and for her.

Tonight Jason is with them. Nina is in the last stages of this disease. She has lost the ability to speak and is losing the ability to control her muscles and movement. The doctors say that she doesn't have much time left.

Alzheimers sucks. :-(

A Lesson in Colors

2009-07-11T19:11:00.000-05:00

So, at my Weight Watchers meeting this morning we were challenged to eat three different colors of fruits and veggies EVERY day this week! So, I went shopping to make sure that I could do it! lol. So, I have a gigantic bag of broccoli, portabello mushrooms, button mushrooms, carrots, grapes, potatoes, sweet potatoes, cabbage, zucchini, bell peppers in red, yellow and orange, tomatoes, corn, apples, vidalia onions, a big flat of peaches, strawberries, what's left of a whole watermelon (i've been eating on it all weekend!), spinach (already in the fridge) and some frozen veggie mixes and cauliflower. :-D

I have the supplies, now to just fix them nutritiously and actually consume them. LOL. It shouldn't really be that much of a problem as I'm always trying new ways to add more fruits and veggies into my day. I mix spinach with scrambled eggs, eat lots of veggie omelets, put everything but the kitchen sink (veggie wise) into my salads, try fancy cutting when tossing veggies in my stir fry and grinding up veggies and chickpeas to make burgers. I also bake crunchy zucchini fries and snack on tomatoes like they were apples. So, I'm trying. The weight loss seems to be at a stall, but I'm still consuming the healthy stuff. Lifestyle change. This is a lifestyle change. *repeats to herself over and over*

So on the menu this week:
Stuffed peppers (gonna use tofu crumbles, rice, peppers, onions and tomatoes inside)
black bean soup with zucchini and tomatoes
chicken lo mein (with cabbage, zucchini, onions, peppers and mushrooms tossed with a yummy teriyaki sauce)
apple and carrot salad (cut into matchsticky shapes and toss with poppy seed dressing)
stuffed zucchini ("stuffed" with onions, peppers, garlic, tomatoes and feta)
portabello burgers (never made these myself exactly, but it shouldn't be toooo difficult *crosses fingers*
Shrimp skewers and corn on the cob hot off the grill

Any other yummy veggie laden recipes to try?

A Lesson in Peeing like a Man

2009-07-09T21:17:00.002-05:00

You know, the only thing I keep thinking over and over about this project is that I will be able to write my name in the snow. LOL.

Go-Girl

A Lesson in Micromanagement

2009-07-08T09:17:00.003-05:00

So, the start of school is still a month away and already that sinking, icky feeling in my stomach appeared just briefly this morning. For the last two years we have had a Superintendent (who is clinically mentally ill) and a principal (who used to be the 6th grade Comm Arts teacher that I did not like...she was promoted by the mentally disturbed superintendent). This year the board decided not to renew the contract of the superintendent and decided to just let Mrs. Principal do EVERYTHING with the help of her blonde trio of secretarial and bookkeeping power. Now, although I did not like the idea of the Superintendent being there another year, this power hungry, vindictive administrator working ALONE is not my idea of a great plan either.

Don't get me wrong. She's not Satan. Not yet. She just has no regard for the arts or for professional development of said teachers. She targets teachers she does not like (although I am at least three or four teachers away from that nonsense...*giggle*). She is BIG on micromanagement. She wants to rearrange every detail of lots of projects, procedures, etc. I'm not completely sure why. Perhaps it is improvement, but often it seems that she just wants to alter things enough to take credit for them. *shrugging* I guess that's what you get to do as an administrator. Anyway, she annoys me.

This year we have a big state review coming up. This means shift her annoyingness into high. It started today. Just a little thing. A thing brought to my attention indirectly. Annoying.

So, how do I plan to get through this year? Duck and cover. Blog and bitch. lol.

Lessons from the Half-Way Point

2009-07-07T10:59:00.003-05:00

Well, my summer break is about half over. *sad sigh* But I'm trying NOT to focus on that! Okay...I so am! Anyway, it's been a pretty full week or so and I'm enjoying our mini-adventures. With Jason's paycut we can't really afford any kind of vacation (It's not like we ever have anyway...I just thought that THIS might be the year! lol)

Fun Things We've Done in the Last Week-ish
1. Saw "Annie" at the Muny. PERFECT weather!
2. Great doctor's visit. I had lost about ten pounds since he last saw me and things are going well. He is still resistant to schedule surgery to repair my hernia, but I think I'm really OK with that as I'm feeling healthier and still losing weight.
3. Saw "Transformers 2" and "The Proposal"
4. Grilled and shot fireworks at a friend's house. That was fun. And yummy!
5. Drove a million miles to an awesome little pizza joint and to see John Travolta as a sexy bad guy in "Taking of Pellam 123".
6. Church! Always a good thing. Okay...not always...you know there's always church drama for the preacher's wife! But this Sunday was pretty good. :-)
7. Created a Summer Bingo game for Joey. It's sort of like a behavior modification plan that I TOTALLY love! It has activities like reading, math, exercise but also fun things like "play a board game", "read a book in a blanket fort" and so on. This is so genius. I may use it every summer.
8. Created some awesome stir fry that will hopefully help me stay on the wagon this week. The last two weeks I've been eating like a baby elephant. lol.

This week will be one that we mostly spend at home because we are broke and also because it is going to be pretty hot. Hopefully we'll get to use our waterpark passes and get in some pool time. I have got to get my tan on honey! I am still pretty pale! *giggle*

I've also been scrapbooking a bit more which makes me really happy! I'll post some layouts later.

K. Consider yourself alllll caught up!

Lessons from Independence Day

2009-07-04T12:42:00.003-05:00

Today is an odd holiday. See, I usually have standing plans with my family to go to my Grandma Poe's and try to set each other on fire. We sit on the carport and chat, eat BBQ and I take tons of pictures. Grandma isn't feeling well lately, my mom made plans with her church (which has an "i hate fags" mentality...i know...stupid and a post for another day...needless to say I'm not going to go there), and well....usually Grandma's on the 4th is awesome. But this didn't work out.

So, my back up plans were to eat and hang out with college friends. We get to do this so rarely it is something that I crave. Those plans fell through about Wednesday. Jason then decided that he just didn't want to travel anymore. He's been running most days this week to St.Louis and/or Cape-each an hour or hour and twenty minutes. I was disappointed. :-( Another college pal decided to host a little get-together, but Jason seemed less than enthused. He loves them, but again...tired of running. He sucks.

So, our plans are to go and eat a nice meal with a friend of ours and her grandkids. Joey will be able to shoot fireworks in her yard (we can't do that in town) and we'll have a pleasant time hanging out and playing with the babies. We'll leave early enough to be back in Farmington in time to watch the fireworks here. It's actually a pretty good plan and we'll have fun and eat yummy yummy food.

I'm just bummed that my family is falling apart on so many levels. :-( AND it's raining. lol. It hasn't rained for weeks and now on the day we don't want the rain....lol.

Anyway...all this rambling was just to wish you a happy Independence Day! Now...I must shower and put on something festive!

Lessons from this Moment

2009-06-29T19:56:00.003-05:00

June 29, 2009

Outside my window... The sun is casting shadows on my lovely birthday flowers.

I am thinking... working on some school stuff and putting in a chick flick.

I am thankful for... my wonderful husband and amazing son.

From the kitchen... I just finished a bowl of black bean soup with tzatziki sauce. Earlier I had a yummy seafood pasta with squid, octopus, shrimp and surimi.

I am wearing... capris and a polka dotted shirt.

I am creating... some paperbag scrapbooks for church on Wednesday. We are calling it our "Down Under Scrapbooking Social"

I am going... skip the gym tonight because I love my husband. (Don't ask.)

I am reading... some books by Jim Butcher. I know. You thought I didn't read, huh?

I am hoping... that the stall in my weight loss is lifted.

I am hearing... Joey playing a beta version of a game he really wants and Star Trek on the tv.

Around the house... the laundry is purring in the other room, the cats are wrestling in the floor and the fan is humming above my head.

One of my favorite things... is considering the amazing sacrifice that Jesus made for me.

A few plans for the rest of the week... include going to the Muny tomorrow night, Down Under Scrapbooking Social on Wednesday, church planning with Jason, waterpark with Joey and eventually making it back to the gym.

Romulan Love Advice

2009-06-20T14:04:00.002-05:00

Lessons from Commander Tracy

2009-06-20T13:57:00.000-05:00

Some Scraptastic Photos

2009-06-19T16:33:00.000-05:00