It's All Fun And Games....

Until somebody loses an eye... Or gets hit in the head... Or something like that!

Dish Pan Hands

Eight years ago, when we moved into our first apartment with a dishwasher, we vowed that we wouldn't use the dishwasher because it would save electricity. We'd done dishes by hand for three years before that, it wouldn't hurt us to keep doing them by hand, right? Then I had a bridal shower and we had a wedding... We got fifteen place settings of everyday dishes with four pieces in each set and sixteen new glasses and sixteen place settings of silverware and a new Tupperware set and new pans and....

You get the point.... It all had to be washed and put away and I wasn't about to do it by hand when I had a perfectly good dishwasher sitting there. That was the end of THAT idea! We started using our dishwasher and honestly, I don't recall that it made a huge difference in our electric bill.

A year and a half later we moved to our current home, which also came equipped with a dishwasher. We didn't even pretend we weren't going to use THIS dishwasher! We use it all the time, washing only larger items like pans and fragile items like wine glasses by hand. We're SO spoiled!

And then it happened... I opened the dishwasher Sunday afternoon and there, in the bottom of the dishwasher, was three inches of standing water and all of my dishes were covered with bubbles. My parents came over for dinner that evening, and even my handy dad couldn't fix it. BOO! So dad and I washed all of the dinner dishes by hand and then washed all of the once-washed-but-never-rinsed dishes from the dishwasher by hand. GOOD TIMES!

While washing dishes by hand is somewhat relaxing, and one could argue that soaking one's hand in warm water while washing is a tad bit like having a manicure, the aftermath is excruciatingly painful for someone who was recently 'diagnosed' with eczema caused by too much water on my hands!

UGH! Dish pan hands SUCK! Oh... And no more manicures for me!

Nicknames

I just hollered into the living room, "All right, Monkey Nugs! It's almost bedtime!" That made me think... Where did Monkey Nugs come from? Where does any nickname come from? My mom calls me Linda Susan... I know, right? Linda Susan? Not even CLOSE to my name! It doesn't bother me one bit, but where did it come from?

Sometimes I know where the nicknames I use come from, and sometimes I don't. For over 8 years, I've called B, "B." It all stemmed from his work name tag which read, "B. _____." I'm not sure he likes it, but he puts up with is.

Both kids have a whole gamut of nicknames ranging from shortened versions of their real names to things like Buddy and Princess to crazy things like Monkey Nugs. The grandparents have nicknames for them, too, and it doesn't bother us (or the kids) at all. They respond just the same as they would if you called them by their real name.

I know there are people out there who are very particular about their names. You can't shorten them, you can't change them, you can't call them by names other than the name given to them at birth, and that's fine. Then there are the ones who are completely the opposite, the name they go by has absolutely NOTHING to do with their given name. I once met a woman named Star Cloud. (No, that wasn't her birth name.) Her birth name was something very 'common' but she went by Star Cloud. Then there are names like Margaret which is shortened to Peggy and Henry which is shortened to Hank... Not seemingly related names and not shortened version of the originals, yet everyone knows them. Who sat around and decided this? Clearly it was someone with WAY too much time on their hands if they could come back and report that Margaret would become Peggy!

What's YOUR nickname, and where did it come from?

Memories...

Have you ever seen these seed pods? I've always called them helicopters. Turns out that if you Google "Helicopter Seed Pods" you'll find them. In fact, without researching, I can't find out what they're really called. Every website I looked at called them helicopter seed pods.

Anyhow... That's neither here nor there and has really nothing to do with my story other than the fact that I wanted to find a picture of them to share with you. The other day I got out of the van and found one of these seed pods on the ground. I was quite excited as these always bring back a single, specific memory of my great grandfather on my biological father's side.

One day, when I was about three years old, my great-grandfather and I were walking along the shore of the lake where we lived. He found a cluster of these seed pods and showed me how they twirl down like a helicopter when tossed into the air. We played on the beach for quite some time, tossing the seed pods into the air and watching them flutter down.

I've shared this story with my kids and have shown them how to make helicopters out of the seed pods. Big A is to the point where he, too, enjoys finding them. He came in the other day and told me that the back yard is full of them. I went out today to sweep up, and sure enough, there were probably 25 of them scattered about. However, they were tiny ones and of all the ones we found, only two were large enough to play with.

I don't know why that has always stuck in my mind, but it's something I will never forget. Thanks for listening, and have fun playing helicopter!

Truisms...

These were sent to me by a friend... Pretty true, I must say, and FUNNY, TOO!

1. I think part of a best friend's job should be to immediately clear your computer history if you die.

2. Nothing is worse than that moment during an argument when you realize you're wrong.

3. I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.

4. There is great need for a sarcasm font.

5. How the heck are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?

6. Was learning cursive really necessary?

7. Map Quest really needs to start their directions on #5. I'm pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.

8. Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you HOW the person died.

9. I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least kind of tired.

10. Bad decisions make good stories.

11. You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you know that you just aren't going to do anything productive for the rest of the day.

12. Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after Blue Ray? I don't want to have to restart my collection... Again.

13. I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten-page research paper that I swear I did not make any changes to.

14. "Do not machine wash or tumble dry" means I will never wash this... EVER!

15. I hate when I just miss a call on the last ring but when I immediately call back, it rings nine times and goes to voice mail. What did you do after I didn't answer? Drop the phone and run away?

16. I keep some people's phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call.

17. I think the freezer deserves a light as well.

18. I disagree with Kay Jewellers. I would bet on any given Friday or Saturday night more kisses begin with Miller Lite than Kay.

19. I wish the GPS had an "Avoid Ghetto" routing option.

20. I would rather try to carry 10 plastic grocery bags in each hand than take 2 trips to bring my groceries in.

21. The only time I look forward to a red light is when I'm trying to finish a text.

22. I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and hunger.

23. I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars team up to prevent one jerk from cutting in at the front. Stay strong, brothers and sisters!

24. Shirts get dirty. Underwear gets dirty. Pants? Pants never get dirty, and you can wear them forever.

25. There's no worse feeling than that millisecond you're sure you are going to fall on your butt after leaning your chair back a little too far.

What Did You Say???

Today the kids and I ventured downtown to our favorite children's haircut place in an effort for me to find their faces again. Okay, their hair wasn't really THAT long, but I know if I have to comb Big A's hair in the morning, it's too long!

Grandma had given each kid $0.25 to ride Champion and on the way downtown we had discussed the possible options for the ride... Do they each get one ride? Do they ride together so they each get to ride twice? Do they ride Champion and THEN get their haircut? Do they get their haircut and THEN ride Champion? Decisions, decisions! Finally it was decided that they would ride together so that they'd each get two rides and that they'd ride once before their haircuts and once after (Smart cookies, those two are! Maximizing their options!)

Anyhow... We got downtown and ended up having to drive around the block twice before finding a parking spot. The first time we drove past Champion another boy was climbing into the saddle. As I was talking half to myself and half to anyone who would listen about whether or not the man in the BMW was going to back out of the parking space he occupied, I heard from the backseat, "Aw! That boy is going to ride Champion! DAMN!"

Of course THAT caught my attentions. "Big A, what did you say?"

He replied, "I said damn." Bad mommy moment I know, but I couldn't help but to laugh! So he said, "What are you laughing at?"

I didn't miss a beat! "Oh, I'm laughing at that man because he won't get out of that parking place. He's just sitting there. Big A, we don't say that word, okay?"

"Okay."

And that was the end of the discussion, only I couldn't stop laughing... DAMN! That was close!

Confessions Of A Slacker Mom - Cereal

I'm not feeling well still but I went back to work today. My voice is still quite raspy, I'm still coughing, I'm tired and I just generally ache. But I'm also almost out of sick time... See my dilemma?

Anyhow, yesterday I took spaghetti sauce out of the freezer fully intending to make spaghetti tonight but it just didn't sound appetizing and I was too tired and lazy! Hmmm... Plan B... AH! Cereal! We don't have cereal for dinner often, maybe once a month. I have friends whose families eat it WAY more often than that so it's okay, right? Yes, I'm rationalizing my decision based on what my friends do.

So I say to the kids, "Want oatmeal for dinner?" (See! I'm even making a hot meal!) Of course the kids are THRILLED! They love cereal nights.

And then Big A says, "I guess today is just a cereal day."

Me - "What does that mean?"

Big A - "Well, we're having cereal for all three meals."

Me - "What?"

Big A - "We had cereal for breakfast, we had... Well, I had cereal for lunch. Little A had a sandwich. And we're having cereal for dinner."

Me - "Daddy gave you cereal for lunch?" (You know, like it's okay for me to do it but not him... At least not on a day that I'm planning on giving them cereal for dinner.)

Big A - "Yep."

For a split second I consider going back to the original plan or finding a Plan C.... And then I cook oatmeal and toast and give them a drinking yogurt. Well balanced and healthy! I'm proud of myself. Or maybe I'm a little ashamed. But whatever... The kids are fed and headed to bed and I'm RIGHT behind them.

Thanks Goodness For B!

Remember the other day in this Date Night post when I mentioned how difficult our work schedules can be sometimes? Well those same schedules that make some things so difficult, are GREAT in other ways!

Take today for example... I've had a cold since last week, no voice since Saturday and a HECK of a cough building up so B and I decided it would be best for me to stay home and rest. I was able to stay in bed until mid afternoon when he left for work at which time I put Little A down for a nap and and continued to rest in my bed while Big A lay next to me and watched Ax Men. It was wonderful!

Although B is home every morning to get kids ready, take them to school, etc., today he also ran to Starbucks to get me a coffee, brought me breakfast in bed, ran to Target to get medicine, fluids, Zout and toilet paper, and brought me lunch in bed. The only thing I had to get out of bed for was to go to the bathroom and to readjust pillows (CONSTANTLY).

It was great to rest, catch up on DVR'ed shows, and try to recuperate. I'm not feeling great and I'm coughing like crazy, but I'm playing mom so I pulled myself together and got out of bed. I also have a meeting tonight that I must attend, but then I'll be right back in my bed... THANKS, HONEY!

And as a little side note... This morning B brought me some cough drops. He handed them to me and Little A said, "What are those?" I told her they were cough drops and she said, "Do you put them in your ears?" HA! Can you tell she's had much ado about ears???

Little Aisms...

The other night I went in to tuck the kids in one last time before I went to bed as I do EVERY NIGHT. Little A, who very much dislikes the confines of her covers, was laying on top of them as usual. Of course I have to try to cover her up anyhow because I mean... If I'm cold, she MUST be cold, right? As I tucked her legs under the covers she said, "Mmmm... No! Can you get them out for me?"

Me (In my head thinking she's talking about her legs and the covers... "Dang! I was caught! I thought she was asleep...") - (Out loud now...) "What, Princess?"

Little A - "Can you get them out for me?"

Me - "Get what out?"

Little A - "All of the chickens."

Me - "OH! You want me to get all of the chickens out, honey?"

Little A - "Yes."

Me - "Okay. Mommy will get them."

Little A - *SNORE*

____________________________

Friday night while driving to Grandma and Grandpa's, we were listening to the kids' favorite Contemporary Christian Worship CD. Little A said, "Look at me! I'm folding my hands for Jesus."

Me - "Oh! That's great! I see that!"

Little A (wrapping her arms around her body) - "And see me now? Guess what I'm doing now! I'm giving Jesus a BIG hug!"

____________________________

Whenever we're headed upstairs, Big A (who is always in the lead) either shouts, "The last one up is a rotten egg," or, "First one up wins!"

This morning Little A and I were in the bathroom and were headed into the kids' room. Little A left ahead of me and hollered back, "Whoever's a rotten egg wins!"

Date Night

Last night B and I had a date night... Really we needed time to talk about some things and to catch up with one another. Every couple needs to make special one on one time for one another, but it's especially difficult for us because of our work schedules. I'm not by any means complaining about our lives or our schedules or implying that we have it worse off than anyone else, our schedule just makes it difficult to find any time to spend talking like adults and easier for things that we do to get on each other's nerves.

The kids had a sleepover at Grandma and Grandpa's and we went out to dinner and did some shopping. We ended up at Outback because B wanted steak. We hadn't been there in over a year and it was tasty! I really liked the (new?) wedge salad but was EXTREMELY disappointed that they changed the chocolate sauce on their desserts. The old chocolate sauce was AWESOME! The one they use now is mediocre at best. BOO!

After dinner we went to Walmart. I've got a cold and was starting to feel pretty awful by that point but we just needed a few things. We hadn't brought our shopping list with us but the one thing I KNEW we needed was hand soap. We checked out the kids' clothes (because I can't go to a store without checking out the kids' clothes) and then started looking for the soap. We searched, and searched, and searched but we could not find hand soap anywhere! I said to B, "We should have gone to Target!" And guess what? B, who very much dislikes Target, ACTUALLY AGREED! Come on!

We ended up buying a fan for the kids' room, some chalk for the chalk rake, and some shaving stuff for B. BORING! But we had a nice talk at dinner and a nice evening spending time together and THAT is the important thing!

Oh... And if anyone knows where the hand soap is at Walmart, can you please let me know?

Mexico Mission Trip

As you may or may not know, B spent the week after Easter in Mexico on a mission trip. He and fourteen others from our church left early the Monday after Easter, spent 3 full days building a house and returned home on Saturday. The house consists of a foundation, five walls (four exterior and one interior), two windows and a door. They then put up stucco and that's the house... Not even CLOSE to what we would consider a house, but probably a mansion compared to the other homes in the 'neighborhood'.

The house they built this year was for a family of four who had lost their home to a fire three months earlier. The mother and two kids had walked the older child to school one morning. When she was returning home with the youngest, she saw smoke. As she neared the smoke she realized that it was THEIR home that was burning. Unlike here where you can pick up the phone and dial 9-1-1, all she could do was watch as their home and all of their possessions burnt to the ground.

Here is the video that B put together to share with our congregation. It's just a sampling of what they see while they're gone, but enough to open your eyes just a bit.

What an eye opening and life changing experience! It's a difficult trip, but B is already looking forward to next year.

Book Winner(s) and Bartering With Grandpa

First of all... You've all been waiting for this I'm sure.... I've decided, that since there were only two people who commented (on time) to win This Little Prayer of Mine, I would give BOTH entrants a copy of the book. So... Congratulations to Bek at ABCZ and Janette! I'll get those books to you right away! Don't worry, there will be another chance to win soon!

______________________________________________

Yesterday Big A and Grandpa went to the dump. At the dump there is a store where people ‘recycle’ unwanted, kind of broken, may be useful to someone like my five year old son, JUNK. Grandpa and Big A visit this store every time they go to the dump and inevitably come back with some type of 'treasure'. Yesterday was no exception!

After paying the dump fees, the gate attendant gave Grandpa $6 change, a one dollar bill and a five dollar bill. Grandpa gave the $1 to Big A and told him he could use it at the recycling store.

They drove up and dumped the load of trash then drove over to recycling store to start their treasure hunt. They saw a little dump truck with a tow truck in it, a four wheeler, some bikes, a wagon and then they found it... The treasure of the day (Can you hear the angels singing here???)... A red three wheel scooter with a broken handle bar!

Grandpa asked the employee how much they wanted for the scooter and the guy told him it was $3 (Yeah, expensive treasures!). Well... Big A had left his $1 in the truck, and rather than return to the truck to get the $1, Grandpa told Big A that he'd give him $3 and when they got to the truck Big A could give him back $1 (Stay with me here, this gets a little confusing...).

Big A took the $3, paid the employee, and left with his scooter in hand (Or maybe it was under foot... I can't rightly say...). They returned to the truck and Grandpa asked Big A for the $1. Big A just stared at him and asked, "What $1?"

Grandpa explained again that he'd given Big A $1 in the store and that Big A said he'd give Grandpa $1 back when they got in the truck. Again Big A made no move to give Grandpa the $1 and told Grandpa, "But you gave me that $1."

Again Grandpa explained that he'd give Big A the $1 at the gate so he could spend it in the store, that he'd given Big A $1 in the store because he'd left HIS $1 in the truck and that Big A was supposed to give Grandpa $1 back, etc. And again Big A explained that Grandpa had given him $1.

Guess who won THAT conversation???

Yep! Big A is now $1 richer! That's my boy!

Just A Mom

For all of you MOMS out there...

A woman, renewing her driver's license at the County Clerk's office, was asked by the woman recorder to state her occupation. She hesitated, uncertain how to classify herself. "What I mean is," explained the recorder, "do you have a job or are you just a....?"

"Of course I have a job," snapped the woman. "I'm a Mom."

"We don't list 'Mom' as an occupation, 'Housewife' covers it,” said the recorder emphatically.

I forgot all about her story until one day I found myself in the same situation, this time at our own Town Hall. The Clerk was obviously a career woman, poised, efficient, and possessing a high sounding title like, "Official Interrogator" or "Town Registrar."

"What is your occupation?" she probed.

What made me say it, I do not know. The words simply popped out. "I'm a Research Associate in the field of Child Development and Human Relations."

The clerk paused, ball-point pen frozen in midair and looked up as though she had not heard right. I repeated the title slowly emphasizing the most significant words, then I stared with wonder as my pronouncement was written in bold, black ink on the official questionnaire.

"Might I ask," said the clerk with new interest, "just what you do in your field?"

Coolly, without any trace of fluster in my voice, I heard myself reply, "I have a continuing program of research (what mother doesn't) in the laboratory and in the field (normally I would have said indoors and out). I'm working for my Masters (first the Lord and then the whole family) and already have four credits (all daughters). Of course, the job is one of the most demanding in the humanities (Any mother care to disagree?) and I often work 14 hours a day (24 is more like it). But the job is more challenging than most run-of-the-mill careers and the rewards are more about the satisfaction rather than just money."

There was an increasing note of respect in the Clerk's voice as she completed the form, stood up, and personally ushered me to the door. As I drove into our driveway, buoyed up by my glamorous new career, I was greeted by my lab assistants, ages 13, 7, and 3. Upstairs I could hear our new experimental model (a 6 month old baby) in the child development program, testing out a new vocal pattern.

I felt I had scored a beat on bureaucracy! And I had gone on the official records as someone more distinguished and indispensable to mankind than "just another Mom."

Motherhood! What a glorious career! Especially when there's a title on the door.

WELL PUT! There are many 'jobs' in the world that I've tried or would like to try. I have a teaching credential, I'm currently work in accounting, I'd love to work in the medical field, etc., but NOTHING is more rewarding than my favorite job of all... Being a MOM.

Same Old Stuff, Bright New Look

For quite some time now I've been looking at blog patterns and thinking about making some changes. The problem isn't finding something I like, but rather finding the time to find something I like. I've got a list of possible backgrounds that I add to whenever I have a chance to sit down and work on the 'extras' and last night I finally picked what I wanted.

Then came the hard part... Making a banner. I had the pattern and I knew which pictures I wanted, but for the life of me I could not remember how I created the banner last time so I turned to Google. I found this video on Shabby Blogs dot com and it was MOST helpful. Thanks, Shabby Blogs!

I think the main thing I'm looking for when I pick a new background, is color... CHECK! Then it has to be somewhat cute... CHECK! And finally, I have to be able to find a matching banner... Semi-Check! I like the whole thing and I like the banner but it's not a PERFECT match. What do YOU think??? Oh... And the other thing I liked a lot about this background is that I only had to change ONE font color to match! Go ahead... Call me lazy!

Book Giveaway

Good morning! Don't forget to go here and leave me a comment to be entered in the drawing for a free copy of This Little Prayer of Mine by Anthony DeStefano! All comments left by 11:59 PST on Monday, April 12, will be entered into the drawing.

Good Fun With Good Friends

This weekend was AWESOME! We were able to spend time with two sets of friends who moved this past year. The adults enjoyed catching up and the kids were SO EXCITED to be reunited. We all miss each other SO much!

The fun started Friday night with dinner and frozen yogurt (I think you'll see a theme here before the time is up...). Saturday both sets of friends had other plans which worked perfectly for us because we were able to spend a low key day continuing to rest and recuperate after Little A's surgery (she's doing GREAT!).

Saturday night a few families met for dinner at a local pizza parlor. There ended up being six families represented and it was fun to hang out, catch up, and let the kids run. After dinner a few of us headed back to our house for red plastic cups on the kitchen floor (Don't ask, long story, but yes... It means exactly what you think it means!).

This morning we met for one final breakfast before everyone had to return to their NEW hometowns, but it was a great visit! The kids are already crying that we won't see our friends for a long time. We always have SO much fun together... Want to see???

The kids had SO much fun together!

Little A got a fake mustache from one of the gumball machines... She wasn't so sure about it (she ripped it off right after this picture) but the adults had fun with it!


The next American Idol? Or perhaps these fools three will be the winners of the next America's Got Talent!

Let the fun begin!

I love you guys and I miss you SO much! It was so great to see you!! We can't wait until the next visit....

Conversations From The Other Room

This morning while I was debating on whether or not I wanted to drag myself out of bed (I know, I know... I didn't really have a choice, but it was nice to THINK that I did) the following conversation ensued in the bathroom:

Big A - "Little A, go standing up!"

Little A - "No, I can't! I'm a girl!"

Big A - "Oh yeah... Your penis is called a magena." (Don't ask, I don't know!)

Little A - "Yeah. I don't have a dad."

Big A - "Yes you do have a dad. Maybe you just don't remember because he's in Mexico."

Little A - "Oh."

And that was the end of the conversation... Makes you wonder what goes through their heads sometimes, huh? They keep me on my toes, that's for sure!

Two New Ear Tubes And Two Less Adenoids

Yesterday was round two of surgery for Little A. After months of suffering through clogged ear tubes, she was finally able to get new ones and to get her adenoids removed. Since B was in Mexico and the kids and I were staying at Grandma and Grandpa's, Grandma and I got early and headed to the hospital with Little A while Grandpa and Big A did 'boy stuff' (fishing, hiking and box delivering).

Little A was in a great mood from the minute she woke up, to the minute they wheeled her into surgery. She talked to us, played with us, played with Elmo, watched TV, played with the new bear that the hospital gave her, and talked some more.

Little A and Grandma practicing what would happen AFTER surgery

I LOVE this picture! She just looks SO happy!

Little A and Elmo chillin' and watching some TV

Practicing breathing with the mask

Giving Valentino (the new bear) some practice breaths

The surgery lasted about 30 minutes. *DON'T READ THIS PART IF YOU DON'T LIKE DETAILS* The doctor came out and told us that she had done great and that the surgery was well warranted since her ears were filled with thick fluid and her adenoids were full of pus. He believes that she'll be feeling great when she's fully recovered, so THAT was good news!

We waited a few more minutes and I was beginning to be bothered by the fact that I'd not been taken back to see Little A yet when FINALLY the nurse came to get me. Little A was JUST starting to wake up, and was wanting to scratch at her nose and eyes. I rubbed her arms, rubbed her face, rubbed her hair and just talked to her until they let me pick her up. It was only a few minutes (an hour, MAYBE???) but it felt so good to have my little girl in my arms again!

I held her...

And held her...

And was just starting to climb into a bed with her so we could stretch out...

When she started throwing up. The after effects of the anesthesia were not so easy on my little princess. I called for a nurse who came in and cleaned her up and removed her wires and tubes and told us we could take her home. That was that!

She crashed in the car on the way home and slept while we ran errands (picking up prescriptions and soft foods) waking only long enough to get sick a few more times.

By the time we got home (about three hours after we'd been released from the hospital) she was wanting to try eating something. She ate a tiny bit of soup and a little bit of pudding and she was raring to go! There was no keeping her down (except when she'd crash every 1/2 hour or so for a few minutes)!

We've had ups and downs throughout the last couple of days, mostly ups, and once in awhile she has some pain around her neck and throat area, but for the most part, we're good to go! Let's hope this is the last time!

This Little Prayer of Mine Book Review (With A Givaway!)

I was planning on posting about Little A's surgery (and I will when I'm finished with this post) but I thought it would be appropriate to make my 200th post be my first giveaway! I also think that my giveaway book is VERY appropriate in light of the fact that I've asked everyone for quite a few prayers lately (And they've worked, I might add!). Thanks again!

Today's book is This Little Prayer of Mine written by Anthony DeStefano and illustrated by Mark Elliott. This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

This Little Prayer of Mine is a wonderfully easy read that makes a great bedtime book. My kids love the rhyming and trying to figure our what word comes next. I love the fact that the book highlights many aspects of prayer spoken through the heart of a child; Asking God for things we need, asking for God's help to be like Him, thanking God for His blessings, and the faith and trust in God that we can become anything we desire. This book makes it clear that God is always only a simple prayer away.

I particularly like this book for my five year old, who tends to repeat the same prayer every night unless he's forced to give it some thought. This book will be a great guide in giving him ideas about what other children pray about and in opening doors for him to build his relationship with God through prayer.

Would you like a copy of this book for your family? I have one copy to give away! Leave me a comment (be sure to leave your email address!) on this post. The winner will be chosen Monday evening, so be sure to get those comments in! You can purchase this book from Random House by clicking here.

Happy reading!

Getting To Know You - 2010 Edition

Really? Because I don't see ANY DIFFERENCE between the "2010 Edition" and the 2009 and earlier editions. But... Since I received this email TWICE today, and in case there is anyone out there who feels like they don't know as many mundane details about my life as they'd like to (I'm sure it's VERY important to you to know if I like cherries or blueberries!!), I will do this ONE time.

Here we go....

1. What color are your socks right now? White

2. What are you listening to right now? A co-worker's phone call about tires (work related tires, not for his personal car)

3. What was the last thing you ate? Hershey Kisses

4. Can you drive a stick? Yep

5. Last person you spoke to on the phone? A woman who wanted to 'cancel her service'

6. Do you like the person who sent this to you? I got it from two people and I like them both!

7. How old are you today? 34 years, 7 months, 4 days

8. What is your favorite sport to watch on TV? Baseball... DODGERS, BABY!

9. What is your favorite drink? Water, but I also like Riesling and Caffe Vanilla Frappuccinos

10. Have you ever dyed your hair? Yep

11. Favorite food? Pizza, ice cream, cold cereal… Yeah, I like food a little too much!

12. What is the last movie you watched? Princess and the Frog

13. Favorite day of the year? The kids' birthdays

14. How do you vent anger? Yell, cuss, give the silent treatment (isn't that better than yelling and cussing?)

15. What was your favorite toy as a child? Cabbage Patch Kids

16. What is your favorite season? Autumn

17. Cherries or Blueberries? Definitely cherries

18. Do you want your friends to e-mail you back? That's not really relevant because I'm not sending this via email. But feel free to copy, paste and email, or leave me comment.

19. Who is the most likely to respond? Again... Irrelevant

20. Who is least likely to respond? See my answers to 18 and 19

21. Living situation? In a condo with B and the kids

22. When was the last time you cried? I've gotten choked up thinking about B being gone and about Little A's surgery tomorrow, but I don't know when I actually cried. Check back tomorrow!

23. What is on the floor of your closet right now? Rolling cart, shelves, suitcase, shoe rack, dust… YOU NAME IT!

24. Who is the friend you have had the longest that you are sending to? I'm not really 'sending' it, but I guess that would all depend on who reads this blog, huh? My mom has known me the longest, so we'll go with her!

25. What did you do last night? Watched Big A build his LEGO fire boat and hung out with my parents and my kids

26. What are you afraid of most? Frogs, and something that I won't even put out there to the cosmos...

27. Plain, cheese, or spicy hamburgers? Cheese, please! With bacon or green chilies would be even better!

28. Favorite dog breed? I am SO not a dog person! Bad experiences when I was a kid = Not loving them as an adult.

29. Favorite day of the week? That's a tough one… I don't know!

30. How many states have you lived in? Does the state of confusion count as a state?

31. Diamonds or pearls? Diamonds

32. What is your favorite flower? Gerbera Daisies (and my birthday roses!)


Yep, that's me in a nut shell! Anything else you want to know? Leave me a comment!