Still Crazy after all these years...........

Hello!!
This week Tim and I will celebrate our 13th year of marriage. It seems like just yesterday we were just saying "I do". Time flies when you're having fun so they say.

A lot has happened in the last 13 years. We have gone through ups and downs- joys and sorrows. Every year is better than the last. I really have a most wonderful husband.

As I reflect back on the last 13 years ( and yes, here comes yet another list) I have been thinking about what has our marriage a happy and healthy one.

1. We have never gone a day without saying, "I love you".
I do mean it every time I say it. It is important for you spouse to hear you say that. If you can say, "put the lid down would ya!" and mean it, you can also say " I love you" and mean it.

2. Going to bed angry is not an option.
If you carry your anger over to the next day, it's way to easy to keep hanging on to it. Let it go. Let it go.

3. You don't always need to be right.
I had a big problem with this when we first got married. I have since settled myself down and realized I am not perfect.

4. Don't put your children before your marriage.
It took me some time to get this one as well. When we had our first child I poured everything I had in to being the perfect mom. In doing that, I totally blew off my role as wife to Tim. Your heart grows and always has enough love to share.

5. Don't get bent out of shape over trivial things.
Is the toilet seat really worth blowing up over?

6. There is nothing wrong with having time to yourself.
We all need time to reflect, think, pray, chill etc.

7. Compromise.
You need to be willing to bend a little and sometimes a lot. Team work is the way to go.

8. Humor.
I have a billion stories to back this one.

9. Communication
It's like air water and sunshine.

10. Faith.
I would say that this is the most important. Tim and I are able to start and end each day knowing God is at the head of our family. With this comes contentment, grace, joy, compassion, discipline, work, hope, endurance, and peace.

Happy anniversary, Tim. I love you!!

music to my ears......

Happy Thursday!!

Well, today I will talk about music. There is good music, and bad music. Good performers and bad ones. I will be giving my opinion of all that's bad in music. Remember, it's a free country and I am entitled to my opinion just as you are yours.

Performers I am allergic to:
1. Celine Dion- I literally feel like I am hearing nails on a chalk board- really.
2. Reba McEntire- Twangy twang twang. And the fake accent drives me insane.
3. Boy George- Do you really want to hurt me with your so called music?
4. Kenny Rogers- the best thing he's ever done is chicken.
5. Cher- It's not her voice people enjoy it's the costumes
6. Victoria Principle- Remember the duet with Andy Gibb? If not, consider yourself lucky.
7. Henry Rollins- He is extremely intellegent and his lyrics are proof. However, his music is so angry and full of aggression it scares me.
8. Bjork- This is the chick who wore the swan dress to the academy awards. She sings as well as she dresses.
9. Kathy Lee Gifford- I can't get passed the fact that she was the La La girl on Name That Tune back in the 70's. She was also the voice of Carnival Cruise Lines for years.
10. Boy bands, cheesy girl singers who leave little to the imagination and the like- This is a broad one and quite frankly I don't even want to go there.
11. Air Supply

Songs that I will not tolerate listening to:
1. Anything from the soundtracks Grease or Footloose. Listening to that rubbish would not be almost paradise.
2. American Pie by Don McClain. I remember being in 1st or 2nd grade and Elizabeth Backus singing it on the playground. I fell off the trapeze and landed on my head that day.
3. Everything I do (theme song from Robin Hood). This song was song at my brother Mike's wedding and the singer did not fare well. I shiver just thinking about it.
4. If I could turn back time- by Cher. Whoaaaa ,I can't handle that one
5. Leader of the Pack- I don't know who sings it but I dislike it immensely
6. Convoy- C.W. McCall- the 70's at it's worst.
7. Memories by Barbra Streisand- I actually like some of her stuff with Maurice Gibb.
8. Island In The Stream. A duet by Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton. 1983 at it's worse
9. Breakfast at Tiffany's - Again, I don't know who sings it but I loath it. If you want Breakfast at Tiffany's read the book.
10.Memories from the Broadway musical, CATS--- Put me out of my misery, PLEASE!!
11. Morning Train by Sheena Easton. AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

Well, there you have it. If I have offended you please don't take it personally. We all have different tastes in music and that's a good thing.

Speaking of good things. Here are a couple of songs I have recently downloaded to my ipod. Check them at at itunes.

Whatever You're Doing- By Sanctus Real- If you love Jesus you'll like this song.
Voices Carry- Til Tuesday- Punk- Rock- Broken- Hearted- Love- Song
I'll Be You- The Replacements- Post- punk tune from '88'! Great to walk to.

Have a great day and Rock On my friend.

Yes, it's another list

I know I haven't blogged in a while but I have been busy. My little family went on a summer vacation and it was delightful. We went on a cruise to the Caribbean. We have never cruised before but we hope to again. Here are some things I have learned about taking a cruise:

1. Totally plan your flight through the cruise company. That way if you have flight delays ( which we did) the cruise co. will make every effort to make sure you board the ship- even if it means departing from the port a half hour later.

2. If you are going for the food remember that the chefs are preparing food for a multitude of people. Our chefs prepared over 22,000 meals a day on our cruise. What does this mean? Well don't look to have 5star meals. The meals were fine and we enjoyed them but I would call it upper class cafeteria cuisine.

3. You don't need to pack a ton of clothing. I would suggest packing the following
a. 2 swim suits
b. Swim suit cover-up
c. One moderately dressy out fit- 2 if you are going on a 7- day cruise.
d. 2 pr. undies per day on ship- if you're a chick don't forget bras.
e. 1pr. jammies
f. comfortable light weight outfits for each port stop
g. 1 pr. dress shoes, 1pr. flip-flops for casual wear. 1. pr. rugged shoes/ water shoes for port stops. ( you could add more if you are a shoe maven or fill the need to match your shoes to your outfits.)
h. 4 pr. casual shorts and 4 casual tops for hanging out on the ship during the day.
i. 2 sun dresses if you're a chick and 2 pr. slacks/ 2polos if you a dude- if you plan on doing dinner in the dinning room. I saw a lot of people in shorts and shirts but I wouldn't wear cut-offs and t shirts- tacky.
j. Hair dryer
k. hair conditioner, toothbrush and tooth paste. Also hair products and tools (they supply you with shampoo, and shower gel and razors)
L. Sun screen- you'll fry yourself if you're not careful.
m. Dramamine- non-drowsy-- Even if you don't think you'll need it- trust me on this one.
n. Camera and if you are doing water excursions you'll want a disposable waterproof one as well.
4. If you plan port of call excursions research them thoroughly. We Went to the Mayan Ruins of Tulum and most of our time was spent traveling to get there. In the end we only had two hours at the actual site. You can go it on your own if you are confident with your knowledge of the area.
5. Purchase the drink card. It's totally worth it. $20 for kids, $25 for adults.
6. Order food that you normally wouldn't- it's part of the adventure- takes photos of it too.
7. Watch out for the ship paparazzi- they will hunt you down and take picture after picture of you and charge you your life savings to purchase them.
8. Be careful with your purchases with your sign and sail card. It is easy to just keep charging to it.
9. Have a car service take you to and from the airport or boarding site. We were fortunate to have a very good friend take us to the airport and pick us up. It was so nice not to have to worry about leaving a vehicle and we were tuckered out when we arrived back home so it was nice to not have to do the driving back to our home. THANK YOU, SANDY!!
10. Have a great time and don't sweat the small stuff- it's your vacation after all.

It takes a village!!

A couple of years ago a certain former First Lady wrote a book entitled, "It takes a Village". I have always thought it to be a bit silly. Anyway, I often make reference to the title. If I am helping a friend or a friend is helping me with various parenting issues I usually make the remark, "It takes a village" doesn't it?

Well, let me tell you about my village. It is filled with loving,caring and wise people. They offer encouragement, a shoulder to cry on, and when counting to 10 or saying the alphabet does cool the jets a listening ear. They don't cast judgment but offer advice. The common bond in this village is our love for Jesus.

Having a village is important and I am thankful for mine.

My little buddy, Mason is doing well. The village went to see him this afternoon. He is a trooper!! I would be in a mood most foul if I were two and in a hospital bed. Anyway, I know he is on the mend because he did "jazz hands" for me. I love to teach him dance moves from time to time and he was all about the "jazz hands" today. He was a smiley, happy bumble- I call him a bumble because when he runs it's more of a bounce and his hair bounces too. His parents are doing well and I am so glad to see that weight of worry gone from them. He may be able to come home tomorrow night!! Raise the roof!!

Our friends from AZ are here. It's funny how when you haven't seen someone for a long time and then when you finallysee them, it's like you just saw them the day before. I am trying to come up with a way to keep them here- for good! They are an important part of our lives and are like part of our family. I wouldn't be part of the village if it weren't for the Petersen's. They are truly a blessing .

Have a most wonderful evening.

A new day

Hello and good Tuesday to you.

Today, I am feeling very thankful. Why you ask? Well, let me tell you.

Our little friend, Mason, had heart surgery yesterday. It was a long day of waiting- I can't begin to imagine what his mom and dad must have been going through. Surgery went well and I suspect that my little friend will be up and bumbling around in no time. God is good!!

Also, our good friends from AZ are coming for a visit. We haven't seen them in over 4 years.

My kids are helping each other and being kind to one another. This makes me smile

I am thankful for so much more let me tell you- I am overflowing with thankfulness. Take time to think about what you're thankful for-- It will make you smile !!

Free to be ME

Happy 4th of July!!

Today is the holiday all about freedom. As I was thinking about all that I am free to do as an American- something often take for granted- I began to think of all the freedom I have as a Christian- something I really take for granted. I have the freedom to talk to God and to listen to him every single minute of every single day. I have the freedom to love. The freedom to forgive. The freedom to help others. The freedom to encourage. The freedom to stand up for what I believe in. The freedom to be forgiven. Because I know Christ is my Savior, I have the freedom to walk away from sin and spend eternity with Him. How awesome is that?

Thank you, God!!

Have a nice 4th!

Enjoy your freedom!!

Free to be ME