Things I am digging right now

I am really enjoying the following things:

1. Keurig coffee machine. My husband purchased one for our family. It is wonderful. It brews one cup of coffee (or tea, mocha, chai, hot chocolate, etc) at a time. It has 5 drink sizes to choose from. It brews a delightful cup of joe in less than 90 seconds.

2. Stratego. Santa gave this classic game to Jack and we've been playing it all the time.

3. Smoothies. We have been on a smoothie kick for a good month now. We use a mix of mango, pineapple, strawberries and peaches with a splash of orange juice and ice cubes. We also throw in a little banana from time to time.

4. Fleece active wear. It's cold and fleece keeps me warm- enough said.

5. Thurs. night television. The office and 30 rock are two of the funniest shows on t.v. right now. Brilliant!

6. Sent bug. Bath and Body have come out with this little fan type thing that holds a disc which you apply their wonderful oil scents on. push the button and your house smells great. Bonus is that unlike a candle you can't burn the house down with it.

7. YMCA feel good basketball league. My boy child is currently playing and it's so much fun to watch those little 2nd graders play. Great entertainment.

8. Colorful scarves. When it's grey and bleak outside a bright little coat with a sassy scarf brightens my day.

9. My kids playing piano. They have been more active in practicing which is really wonderful. Better yet, I think they may be enjoying it.

10. The hope of Spring. With every day that passes we are one day closer to Spring. One day closer!

The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

I decided that I would write a little about myself. I think that I am misread quite often. So here goes and this is going to be random off the top of my head stuff but it's truthful. Some of this is crap my family knows. Word

One of my favorite words is crap. I once spent the night in jail. I stole candy from my grandpa's store when I was 8 years old and had to return it and apologize- I was so ashamed. I am afraid of snakes. I refer to of my dearest friends as "The Hand" - these people have been very important in my walk with the Lord and I love them as if they were my family. I hate confrontation. I am very tenderhearted. I read books to my kids while in the womb. My grandpa was my best friend when I was a kid. I wanted to elope because I don't like being the center of attention and I don't like all the fussiness of weddings. I didn't elope and was sick for the 6 mo. leading up to my wedding. When I was 40 I wrote a letter to my dad cutting all ties with him and his family. I was on Night Line back in 1990- I was outside of the White House protesting the Gulf War. I am not a suck up and I don't parlay my way into friendships by kissing butts. If I give out a complement it is honest and heartfelt. I hate to see people hurting. I have had 2 miscarriages, I married my best friend, I had the most unconventional childhood known to man. I was a nanny out east for several years. I like to have a cocktail from time to time but I will never get blitzed because I don't want to subject my children to that kind of stupidity. I was a teenage alcoholic. I miss my grandpa. My siblings and I raised ourselves. I don't handle chaos well. I love to entertain and serve my loved ones. I love to sing but can't carry a tune. I love to roller skate. I want to meet Bono and his wife. I am extremely critical and judgemental- something I am really trying to work on. I love being at home. I love to sleep. My favorite article of clothing is my pj's. I am afraid of electronics. I wish I could buy the house next to mine and move my mom and g-ma into it so I could care for them as they age. I didn't understand salvation until I was 32 and it was the most wonderful mind blowing thing that has ever happened to me. I can't wait to meet Jesus. I really love the small town I live in. I respect people who have more than 2 kids- I honestly don't know how they get everything done. I love old black and white movies. My favorite movie is, "It's a Wonderful Life." I love glitter and sparkles. I view food as an art medium. I like quiet. I'm afraid of rejection. I do not partake in the "one up" game. I am a germ freak. I'm not competitive but I love to play games. I wish I could play the piano. If I could have surgery to fix a part of my body it would be laser eye surgery or a nose job- if someone else was paying for it I'd get the nose job. I was a crappy friend when I was younger and extremely selfish. I was a cheerleader in high school for 3 years but was unable to try out my Senior year because they made all try out candidates take a sports test (football and basketball terminology) I totally failed the test but was voted outstanding pep club member my senior year. I once let a complete stranger off the street parallel park my car in downtown Washington D.C. I didn't care about my grades in high school. I took art classes at the Corcoran School of Art in D.C. I love candy and sweets. I love my kids enjoy them so much. I think my husband is a lot like my grandpa and g-pa was a great man of character. I am tired.

That's me. Full of flaws. I have a lot of growing to do. Who doesn't? This is my road to travel and I am enjoying the ride.
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12 months- 12 ideas

Okay, so I am not a fan of the whole resolution thing however, I do like the thought of making improvements and changes in my life. So, here is a list of things I'd like to work on, try, incorporate into my life.

1. Limit my computer use to 1/2 hr. daily. I do not need more time than that.

2. Perform random acts of kindness - I think it is important to give love in simple but thoughtful ways. I'd like to be able to make someones day without them knowing who's behind the action.

3. Prepare fresh and healthy meals for my family on a regular basis.

4. Show appreciation to others.

5. Get or make some lovely stationery and write letters instead of texting or sending emails.

6. Make a point to have date night with my husband on a more regular basis.

7. Make a thoughtful gift for someone I love and do something thoughtful for someone I don't know.

8. Write letters to my children telling them what I adore about each of them.

9. Have board game night weekly.

10. Create a month of meals and shopping list to go with it.

11. Get in the Word more and get more involved in my church.

12. Shine for Jesus and live to serve him.

If Jesus is my focus than I think the other things will just fall into place.

A New Year- A New Start

Well here it is 2010. I haven't blogged in nearly 1/2 a year. Time gets away from us.

I've been thinking about time, quality of time, how to spend time, whom to spend time with and the fact that we don't know how much time we have in this life time.

Beyond this life I'm promised and infinity of time- perfect time with Jesus. I can't wait for that. But, right now I am thinking of my earthly time. What does God want me to do with this time? How do I spend it and am I honoring Him?

I tend to think how much of it I have wasted. Thousands of hours of mistakes. It's a continuous battle on some levels. I have spent hours wondering why this or that person dislikes me, or why I have to do something. I've let anger, jealousy, and judgment take up my time.

If I let go of the crap that wastes my time I'd have a lot of free time on my hands- time that could be used positively. How to keep accountable? Pray God will give me the right attitude and strength to stay away from the dark side. To use my power for good not evil. So in this new year I have a renewed hope.

I am not a resolution person. I think it's the best way to set ones self up for failure. This year I will continue to have my "Happy New Day" attitude but my hope is that I will refer to this:

Let your light shine.
Be a source of strength
and courage.
Share your wisdom.
Radiate love.
Wilferd Peterson

I cannot control the actions of others but I can control my actions.
I can't make people like me but I can show love.
I can't assume to know what the future will bring but I can live my life so as to not have regrets or worries.
I can trust that God will guide me and that this journey I take will not be alone or in vain.

So there you have it. That's how I'm rolling this year. My next post may have a list. Perhaps a list of things I'd like to do to make others lives a little bit nicer. Who knows.

Make 2010 count.

The cast is gone but for how long???

After what seemed like forever, Jack finally got his cast off last week. He had a great Dr. and thought the tool he used to saw off the cast was cool. He is to take it easy for the next couple of weeks. What does that mean? No skate boarding, No diving off the board or going down the water slide, No wrestling, No horse play of any kind and No More Climbing Up Door Frames!! We'll see how this all goes down.

On this day Jack wore a very appropriate shirt. The front said, "I bust mine" and the back said, "So I can kick yours!" The nurse thought it was funny. Jack said, "I pretty much just stick to what the front of it says- I'm not the fighting type."

I hope this is the last time our boy breaks a body part. Wishful thinking!

Hope and Turning 70

No one knows how much time they have on this earth. We are not guaranteed tomorrow but I think it's very easy to take tomorrow for granted. Yesterday, we celebrated my father-in-law's 70th birthday. He didn't want to celebrate and has been in a mood most foul lately. His health has been questionable the last year or so. His father and one of his brothers didn't make it to the age of 70. His other brother died at the age of 76. He sees the end in site. This is frightening to him. Why?











































I think that he is missing out on HOPE. What I mean is this. He has not accepted Christ as his savior. He doesn't have the "guarantee" that he is going to heaven when this life is over. This hurts my heart!

You can go jumping through the hoops your whole life: I am a good neighbor, I go to church, I've been baptized, I've been confirmed, I am kind, I give to the needed, I've been a "good" person my whole life... this is not what gets you to heaven. Salvation is quite simple really- we just make it harder than it has to be. When Jesus was dying on the cross and one of the thieves who was up there on a cross with him said, "Surely you are the Son of God." Jesus said to him, "Today you will be with me in paradise." That thief accepted Jesus as his Savior and when he died he was with Jesus. That thief had never been baptized, attended church, been confirmed etc., and he went to heaven. Salvation is just an acceptance away. Accepting Christ as your Savior is the only way to Heaven.

My hope is that my father-in-law will see this and ask Jesus in his heart. I want to know that I will see him again one day in the most perfect of conditions. I want my children to know that we will be reunited with all our loved ones in heaven one day.

My daughter once asked my mom if she was going to Heaven and my mom replied, "Well, I don't know, I hope so." Mia said, "Grandma, if you don't know for sure than I'm afraid for you." My mom then started in on me, "You put her up to this, didn't you?" "No" I replied, "She asked me if you were going to Heaven and I told her to ask you- I don't know what your standing with Jesus is." My mom is under the impression that she has done too many bad things and that God won't want her. The thing is WE all fall short- Meaning we are all sinners. No one is better than anyone else. And yet we have a God who loved us enough that he sent his perfect, sinless Son to this world full of sin to take OUR sin to the cross in our place.

Wow!! How amazing is that . I am a flawed, yucky thing and HE still loves me. HE wants and loves ALL of us. The perfect gift.

So I guess what I am saying is this. Every day on earth is a gift. We have a greater gift waiting for us when we leave this earth.

"I have been young, and now am old; yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken. Ps 37:25

Happy 70th birthday, Larry. See the beauty and joy that each day brings and know that you are loved. Know that there is something grand waiting on the other side of this life and God wants you to be a part of it.

Women who Rock!

Hello people

Today, we took my brother and his children to 10 Minute (our favorite Chinese restaurant) for a lovely family meal. When it came time to open our fortune cookies we all took turns reading aloud what our fortunes said. Mine read, " you will always be surrounded by good friends." My daughter immediate replied, " Wow, mom, that is so true. You've got some of the best friends around." My brother than said, "You must be talking about the ladies I met at your house the other day."

I am so fortunate to have the network of friends that I do. These women are wonderful. The best part is that they are so uniquely different and each has a beauty that is all their own. We have been there for each other through times of trial and times of joy. We can be REAL with one another. We don't compete against each other. Our friendship isn't dependant on what we have to gain by having each other in our lives. Through thick or thin we are there for each other and when one's going through a bump in the road the others will carry her through.

Although we are all different there is one key thing that ties us together. That is our love for Jesus. When Christ is the center of anything it can't be anything but good. I am truly humbled by the people He has placed in my life. Each one of these ladies is such a blessing to me and everyday I thank God for them.

Blogs I dig!!

Here are some of the blogs I follow on a regular basis.

http://hereandnow06.blogspot.com/

http://www.princesslasertron.com/

http://lalalovelythings.blogspot.com/

http://hotdiggityldr.blogspot.com/

http://pleasesirblog.blogspot.com/

I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

Kickin' it old school

Last night I had the pleasure of going to a concert with some of my favorite people. This was no ordinary concert either. This was old school talent- nothing computer generated and certainly not lip syncing.

The band of which I speak is Heart. And let me tell you they did not disappoint. I've been listening to their music for decades and they sound as good if not better than they did when they started out in the 70's. No rust on the singing pipes here. And Nancy was rockin' the guitar like no other. Their live performance ranks right up there with U2- and that coming from me says a lot.

I've always thought they were so cool. I was just a little kid the first time I heard them. I can still remember my mom playing their albums and me thinking, "Those ladies are rockin' out like the boys- COOL!"

Last night was great. And I learned a few things during the show.

1) People who drink excessively do really stupid things.

2) Eddie Money needs to retire.

3) I have really good friends.

4) You don't need botox to age gracefully- Ann and Nancy are proof of that.

5) Never, ever take a kid to an outdoor concert where alcohol runs freely- We saw a boy get a full frontal flash from an intoxicated 40-50 year old woman who thought she was hot business. Do you think the kid is going to remember the music when he looks back on this memory?

6) Don't hop the fence if you don't have a pass- you're just asking for trouble and you look like a fool.

7) There are nice people everywhere.

8) You are only as old as you feel.

9) It pays to be responsible.

10) My friends offer the best entertainment around.

Last night was great and I will be going to see Heart again this fall. But until then, I'm headed down to the basement to play a little guitar hero- I don't think I'll be able to rock to Barracuda quite like Nancy does though.

Happy Father's Day X 2

I am married to a great guy. For Mother's day and Father's day we generally gather our little family together for a movie and dinner in the city. And we did just that- this past weekend!

For whatever reason I had it in my head that F-Day was Sunday the 14Th. I had my kids make their cards and notes to their dad and I had written my sentiments on my card. We hid them away so he wouldn't see them before Sunday.

So, Sunday the 14Th arrives. Happy Father's Day, Tim!! He enjoyed opening his cards and then it was off to church. During greeting time I was sharing the F-Day wish with our male friends at church but thought it odd that these fabulous father's didn't really know how to reply- they just gave me a really confused look. "Off day", I thought.

On the way to Omaha we were discussing our dining options and I said, " we should probably go to the movie and have a late lunch/ early supper to avoid the long wait." However, the restaurants didn't appear to be busy -" it's the economy" I thought to myself.

We had a wonderful "Father's day. Until my dear friend Sandy called and informed me that it wasn't Father's day yesterday. Do you know how many people I talked to about father's day? Now I know why my dialect was met with a blank stare- Idiot! I actually had other people thinking yesterday was the big day as well.

I had to quick call my husband to stop him from giving his dad his F-day gift today. I thought we were late which is often the case. Who knew I'd be way ahead of schedule for once.

The best part is we will get to celebrate Tim again next Sunday. If anybody deserves a second Father's day it's this guy- he's married to a real airhead.

Things to do when it's rainy or too cold to go to the pool.

Hello. Well summer is coming up fast unfortunately it doesn't feel like it in my neck of the woods. So in order to keep a swing in my step and not hibernate until the warm weather hits I have a list of freaking fantastic things to do to keep me and the peeps busy.

1. clean and organize. NO it's not fun but once it's done it's so refreshing. My kids found some great treasures while cleaning up. My daughter had forgotten about the sewing machine she got for Christmas until she rediscovered it in a pile- SWEET!!

2. Organize photos and work on albums. My kids love to see old pictures of me and their dad. Do you remember all those bad fashions of the 80's? These little bits of humiliation create hours of enjoyment for the peeps.

3. Read a good book. I make my kids read a chapter a day. It's the law. They may read more if they wish and sometimes they do. It keeps their nogs busy and the house quite.

4. Sew something. Now that we've found Mia's machine we are going to try to sew up some aprons and other fun things.

5. Movie marathon. The Lord of the Rings Trilogy makes for one long marathon. If that's not your thing change it up.

6. Adventures in baking. I love to bake but I tend to get into a rut and make the same things over and over. I think I'm going to try making some sort of recipe for cupcakes- from scratch of coarse.

7. Plan a party. I think I may have a Rock Band party for my friends. Nothing better than watching a bunch of middle aged chicks trying to perfect tunes by Blue Oyster Cult- Cow bell optional.

8. Game night. We are gamers in this house. Once my mom and I got into a fierce scrabble-off and played for about 15 hours straight. That will pass the time.

9. Write a letter. This is becoming a lost art. I love to get a written letter or note. Even better, create a card to send.

10. Make indoor s'mores. Take your graham crackers and place them on a cookie sheet. Put a marshmallow on top and pop them under the broiler for a few. When the mallows are toasted pop a mini peanut butter cup on top and finish it off with a graham cracker topper. Voila!!

So there you go- a few indoor activities to keep you busy. Have a great summer.

Good things and not so good things

Music on my ipod- good. Listening to Celine Dion in the dentist office- Bad.

Coffee press coffee- Good. Church coffee- bad. (don't be offended. It's just that I like mine black as night and church coffee is really weak.)

Weekends- good. Mondays- Bad. (only if they are rainy day Mondays- Ask Karen Carpenter.)

Sense of humor- good. Crabby crusty people-bad. Lighten up, Man!!

Comfortable denim- good. High waisted jeans- really bad. If you want your bum to looked even bigger than it is high waisted denim is the way to go.

A good nights sleep- good. 7 hr. nap- bad.

Field trips with youngsters- good. Field trips to circus to see scary clowns- bad

My brother, Michael- good. Brett Michaels- Bad and don't even get me started on that dude.

My friends, Good. Grudge carriers- bad. It's all about forgiveness, baby.

My sister, Cate- good. Hardly ever getting to see her- bad.

My retro cruiser- good. Flat tire- bad.

Shorts weather- good. My jiggly legs- bad

Hershey almond kisses- good. Consuming a whole entire bag at once- bad. It's all about portion control- yeah, tell it to the hormones .

Being able to hang with my bro again- good. the last 10 years of missing him- bad.

Moving on- good. Hate- very, very bad.

Heart break and new hope

Hello Friends

I haven't been able to blog in quite some time. The last month has been a real bummer for my family. Let me explain.

My brother and his wife are getting a divorce. They have been married for almost 17 years. They have two boys, 13 and 9 (On Sunday). This has been a difficult thing to deal with because I have seen a big change in my sister-in-law in the last 10 years and it hasn't be a good change. I feel as though I have let my brother down. I saw what she was doing and instead of saying, "Hey I have a feeling that your life is in the crapper and I am there for you, Mike." I did nothing. Why? Because I am the biggest Chicken. I was afraid of Kathy. I didn't want Mike to have more misery. But by my cowardice I think he probably felt alone- for a long time.

I am heartsick right now. I feel like he had no one to go to. No one to talk to. He is hurting. He loved this woman. We all did. He had to make this decision not knowing if he had the backing of his family. The guilt I feel at this point just cuts me to the quick. To know he has been suffering for so long and I sat by and did nothing is the most horrible feeling ever. I let my little brother down- BIG TIME!!

I can't expect you to understand this. You see, we come from a family of divorce. My dad left us in the dust when I was 3 and Mike was and infant. He showed up to a few years later with promises of getting back with my mom only to leave after my sister was born. My mom was very young and clueless. She went to college full time to get her nursing degree. She wasn't around much so we pretty much raised each other. We were ridiculed in the town that we lived in. We went to a parochial school (remember this is in the 70's) where were were shamed continually because our parents poor choices. We were the scum of the earth and only had each other- But that was enough. ( I will say only by God's grace and guidance did we make it out of that mess alive and He gave us what we needed. Looking back I can see His constant protection and activity in our lives and I am humbled by it.)

My brother was a great husband and a wonderful father. He got his kids to school, picked them up afterward, got them home, did homework with them fed them and got them off to bed- by himself. He is a very hands on parent. His boys love him dearly.

The thing I am learning is that his estranged (how weird is that word) wife was a big part of my life for the last 20 years. We were very close. I was her maid of honor and she was my matron of honor. We talked all the time. She was at all our family get-togethers. She was present at the births of my two children. She is a big part of our history. I was looking back at old photos and I just lost it because she in so many of them. She WAS my sister. And even though she walked away from this family years ago, this is a loss that hurts. At on point she was a lovely, delightful person but she became a person who seeks worldly things to keep her happy.

Stuff does not bring you happiness- It forms you into a greedy, self-serving, selfish, hurtful, hateful being. You will never be able to fill the void caused by wanting things because there is always more to want, get, need and one up on. This cost her her marriage. My heart breaks for her as well even though I am sooo angry with her for the way she has hurt her husband and children.

I ask that you pray for my brother Mike and his family. Pray that God would reveal himself to them. Pray for mental strength and healing. Thanks.

My hope is that my brother and his boys will grow even closer during this trial. And that God would show them how He can take something hurtful and turn it in to something good.

The picture above is of my bro-in-law Jack, nephews, Noah and Joe and my boy, Jack

What I learned this weekend

I learned something very important this weekend. Marshmallows do not look good in bathing suits. Now I must go and take care of my "Stay Puffed" self. Dog gone candy and sweets!! Wish me well on this uphill battle.

To those about to wed, I salute you!!

I enjoy a good wedding. I have been to some great weddings and to some that were a bit wack-a-doo!!! I think the key to a great wedding is simple- Use Your Noggin!

When I got engaged back in 1994, I was thrilled. Tim proposed to me while we were watching my favorite movie, It's A Wonderful Life"- He had the ring in between the cushions of the couch. He had a decoy box nicely wrapped and under the tree- I saw it right away but played it cool and didn't say a word- he asked me if I wanted to open one of my Christmas gifts early- I said, "No that's okay, I can wait."- "Well, I really think you should open that little box under the tree."- Well, maybe later."- "Please, just open it now."-" Well, if it's that important to you I'll open it." So, I unwrap this sweet little box and open it up only to find my confirmation ring- what the........? As I am looking at this all too familiar ring Tim pulls out the hidden ring box and says, "Perhaps this is what you were looking for!" I remembering jumping up and down calling my brother and sister and thinking Vegas her we come!!

I did not intend on having a big blissful bash- it's not how I roll. I wanted something very small and very classy- Perhaps somewhere down in the Old Market with a reception at the French Cafe. I could have easily eloped and been happy with that as well. It could have been that way had we not told THE PARENTS!

The week after the engagement was announced Tim's mom was planning how it was all going to go down. She had gone to some hobby shop and hit the prom decor section. She had big ballooning, rootykazooty mylar and zippity-do-da ideas. "Can we please elope? " Came out of my mouth all the time.

We navigated ourselves through the next 8 months without any lengthy hospital stays. I will say that during this time I had chronic bladder infections, a Miniere's Disease diagnosis, An allergic reaction to Miniere's meds that landed me in the er, and various other health problems. Yes, I was stressed!!

The stress got to me. We had over 500 people invited to our wedding and I didn't know any of them. My mom stepped in knowing I was going to blow. She took care of the food, and did all of the decorating- She is a Martha Stewart freak so I was good.

I did nothing to prepare for this wedding except bleach my teeth. I went shopping for my wedding gown the same day I had 3 wisdom teeth pulled. I was pretty well medicated during the shopping experience. I tried on only 3 dresses and got the dress mom and Gma thought I looked the best in. It fit, I didn't need to have it altered- which is unheard of when you're short like a hobbit. I got the bridesmaid dresses off the rack at Younkers. They were short deep pink knee length with an umpire waist line- flattering on anyone and they could be worn again.

We won our DJ at a wedding open house. He was worth what we paid. He played Kenny G after I asked him not to. He didn't like the fact that we were not doing the garter toss and he was a little bit hacked off that I didn't want a dollar dance. We did do the Chicken Dance though. He also pulled off a dollar dance as well. Our delightful best man charged my sweet grandpa all he had on him to dance with me. What a guy. Best Man took the dollar dance $$$ to Boomers strip club. Nice!!

I could go on and on about my wedding- 14 years seems like yesterday. If I could do it again I would totally do a destination wedding on a beach with my kids and my favorite people. Maybe for our 20Th anniversary? HMMMMMMMMM

The best part of the wedding was marrying Tim. He is a great guy. He is very much like my sweet little grandpa. Grandpa told me that God had blessed me with a wonderful young man- He may not be so young anymore but he is every bit if not more Wonderful.

If you're planning a wedding here's a list of dos

1 Make sure you love the person and are on the same page in regards to kids, religion, goals etc. don't go in thinkin' you are change him or her.

2 Decide what kind of wedding you want before announcing the engagement. That way when in-law to be interrogates you -you can fire back quickly- have a plan in action

3 Do not spend more than you can afford. Debt is a great way to cut the honeymoon phase short.

4 Remember a wedding is one day- A marriage is forever.

5 Don't sweat the small stuff- and there will be "stuff"- just gotta let it roll.

6 Communicate what you want and how you feel- But be kind in doing so.

7 Be honest

8 Write your own vows-- I think this keeps the whole marriage thing real- and it keeps your wedding priorities straight.

9 Get premarital counseling or take marriage classes at your church. One of the best things we ever did.

10 Remember you are marrying this person because you love them- Not to have a sweet party and rake in the gifts.

delightful!!

Hello friends,

I decided to write about delightful things since tomorrow is Valentine's Day and my last post came off as kind of crusty.

1. Hot coffee- in moderation. I made a mistake of coming home from work one day and brewing up a pot that I then sucked down in record time. I still haven't been able to sleep and don't even get me started on the gut issues that followed.

2. Soft fluffy blankets. I live in an old drafty house so cuddly things are essential. I drape it around myself like a cape and feel rather regal.

3. Glitter. Like I tell the preschoolers- every thing is better with glitter on it and you can never have to much of it -unless it's in lip gloss. Too much glitter in lip gloss could have you looking like David Bowie during his Ziggy Stardust phase.

4. The Lord of the Rings trilogy. If you are snowed in pop that in the DVD player and you're set for the next 16 hours.

5. Board games- especially scrabble. My mother and I once played until 4:30 a.m. Is wray a word?

6. Soup. I think I could live on minestrone- seriously.

7. Clearance racks- I love a bargain. Rest in peace World Market. I will think of you every time I use my delightful 12 cup coffee press I got really cheap at your going out of business sale.

8. Energy. It would be delightful if I had enough energy to dedicate time each day for exercise.

9. Good friends. I don't think I had really solid friendships until I was in my 30's. A good friend loves you matter what you wear, drive or where you live. A good friend will tell you things you may not want to hear but need to hear. A good friend encourages you to do your best and when you struggle they are there to help you through. A good friend reminds you not to sweat the small stuff. A good friend shares their Rita cookies with you. A good friend tells you when you are wearing something that really isn't working for you. A good friend makes you laugh. A good friend doesn't betray your trust. A good friend tells you when you have food in you teeth or your breath smells. A good friend forgives and holds no grudges. A good friend prays for you. A good friend keeps you accountable and helps keep you right with God.

10. Family. God has blessed me with a most delightful husband and 2 sweet kids. Sometimes I am completely overwhelmed with thankfulness because I never thought it would be a reality for me. At one time I really did not want to get married- when your parents have had more marriages between them than you have siblings it kind of sours you on it. God lead me to the perfect guy. And we are blessed with two sweet children that we love deeper than the ocean.

11. Hope for the future. Because of Jesus I have a promising future- eternity. I look forward to that day- to be in his presence- Delightful!!

12. Love is delightful. Have a splendid Valentine's Day. Make sure you tell those close to you that you love them- they will think it's delightful.

Crap- It's everywhere!!!!

I am finding that quality has gone right out the window and been replaced with nothing but crap. So here is my list of crappy things out there.

1. Rock of love. Celeb-reality star Bret Michael's looks for love- in all the wrong places with the worlds raunchiest women. Crap television

2. Bret Michael needs to get rid of the fake hair and embrace his baldness- you know those shiny blond locks hanging from the cowboy hats and dew rags are fake and crap.

3. Over priced cups of coffee. Get yourself a coffee press and you'll never want to go to Starbucks again.

4. Prom dresses. Many look like they could be worn by the rock of love women. No coverage.

5. Teenagers who drive nicer vehicles than their parents- Total crap. If you want a car get a job.

7. Children with cell phones. My daughter would totally argue with me over this. I said she could have one if she could pay for it and pay the monthly bill. That will never happen.

8. One-uppers. These people always need to be heard and if you tell a story chances are they've done the same thing also and have done it better.

9. Triple ply story tellers. These are people who are not old or forgetful who tell you the same story over and over again- just to hear themselves talk.

10. Mean people. Crap is caused by hateful, miserable people. Is it so hard to be nice and get along with each other?

11. Society hopefuls. Don't act like your better than anyone else. No one is exempt from freak show family members and embarrassing life moments. I cannot stand when people act and think that they are better or above the average population. Or try to cover up their crude upbringing by acting all snotty- give me a break and get some much needed therapy. No one has or will have a perfect life here on earth. Sin is messy and we are ALL guilty of it. Everyone has crap of some sort.

12. Doom and gloomers. Don't rain on the parade- be a part of it. Joy is hard to find when it's covered in crap.

Well, there you have it. My crap list. Take it for what it's worth.

Have a happy day- not a crappy one.

what I learned this weekend

Hello

So I went to do the whole spray tan nail business thing with my sister (in the picture above. the dude is my husband, Tim, who gave us the gift certificates to do this fancy business) and I learned a couple of things.

Not all spray tans are private matters. When I went in for my appointment, I was introduced to this lady- I can't remember her name so I will call her Lola. Lola gingerly shook my hand and guided me to the tanning room. She said, "you'll need to get undressed and I will be back in a few minutes to spray you." I must have had a look of shear terror on my face because she quickly added, " You undress to what you feel comfortable in." Well I didn't pack my big, fluffy robe so I'm in a bit of a pickle. Crap!! That was all I could think of. So I venture in to the tanning room.

Of coarse there was a full sized wall mirror which just added to my torment. I undressed down to my undergarments, looked in the mirror, stuck my tongue out and whispered, "fool!" to myself. Lola reappeared and asked me how dark I wanted to be. I said, "I just don't want to look like I'm dead- no need to over do anything." She chuckled and started spraying. You have to stand with your arms straight out on each side. I was feeling very embarrassed. That changed the minute Lola started spraying. It felt like she was spraying ice water on my body- yikes! Lola sees that I am tense and asks how I doing, "Lovely." I reply. "Good, because I am going to apply the second coat now." "Oh no you didn't. " I thought to myself. And then it was over. She gave me a blow dryer to dry myself off with. I threw my clothes back on and turned around to have a look at my tan self. "Wow, I look alive. I think I could get use to this." And now a new addiction begins.....

Chronic hand washers shouldn't do the whole manicure thing. I have polish peel already and it's only Tuesday.

My new favorite store is anthropology. They have the sweetest dresses. Kind of vintage and very cute. IF I had a million dollars..........

Best part of Superbowl- dessert and friends- not necessarily in that order.

I am finding I say "Crap" way too much.

Have a good one.

What have I gotten myself in to?

Tomorrow in the a.m. I am going in for a spray tan, manicure and express pedicure. I am not sure what to expect. I don't like people messing with me. I fear I will leave this place looking like a carrot. YIKES!! It will be worth it just to spend time with my sister and do a little shopping without the youngsters around. I'm freaking out. I wish I had a big super hero cape, I'd feel better about the whole thing.

Another movie I do not like is "Breakfast Club" Give me a break. Oh, and here's a good one. I am going to a Super Bowl party and I don't even know who is playing. How bad is that?

Not everyone can have sport knowledge. I am a cheerleader at heart. Go Team!!

Does a person really need a theme song?

Today at work I was talking with my good friend Tawnya and somehow or another, we got on the topic of my theme song. I never thought about it. Now I must find the perfect theme song that embraces the essence of who I am and what I am about. Great- I am totally befuddled now. I can tell you it won't be any of the songs off the "Footloose" sound track.

I detest Footloose. One of the lows of 1984 if you ask me. I mean really, do any of us know a boy who after getting blown off by a girl, would go to an abandoned factory only to let go of his angst and frustration through dance- Come on, Man! And the girl was nasty. And to think they are remaking this gem- give me a break!!

My dear friend Sandy, knowing how much i loath footloose, sent me a little present this morning-- My very own DVD of FOOTLOOSE. Yes, happy Friday to Robin. And my coworkers wanted to watch it. My saving grace- my trusty ipod.

Back to this theme song thing. Maybe shiny, happy people by the B-52's or I'll be you by the Replacements. Maybe Beautiful Day by u2. Realistically, I think it would have to be, I Am, by Nicole Nordeman. It is one of my most favorite songs and every time I hear it I cry. She also has a song called Legacy which is also a favorite. I cry when I hear this one as well. These songs kind of just remind me of why I am here and as a child of God what my roll is and how I am supposed to live this life. Screwing up is something I do really well. At least I know through this life God's grace and love is unending.

Hit itunes and take a listen to I Am and Legacy. You'll be glad you did. Have tissues handy.

Have a most delightful weekend!!

Go O-C Wrestling, Boys and Girls Basketball, Speech team----------We love the Knights!!