This weekend the following conversation occurred between Molly and I... But before I go into any great detail -- Please note that the majority of my "NOTABLE" conversations with the children occur AFTER John leaves the room for some strange reason??...
You can probably guess what happens next...
EXIT JOHN STAGE LEFT...
ENTER MOLLY STAGE RIGHT...
Molly: When you have a baby, I’m kicking Mack out of our room and I’m going to share my room with the baby.
E: (hands in soapy dish water) Mol, what are you talking about? There IS NO baby, thus, there will be no kicking Mack out of his room?
Molly: (hands on hips) Eeeeeeeeeeeeee, you saidddddddddddddddd when you were 30 you would have a baby~~~!!!!!!!!!!
E: Molly! That ISN'T what I said. I told you that when I was INNN my 30’s Daddy and I would maybe TALK ABOUT IT!
Molly: (hands in smart aleck questioning position) WELL. WHAT. ARE. YOU. WAITIN’. FOR???… GET. TO. TALKIN’. You aren’t gettin’ any YOUNGER!!
E: Deer In HEADLIGHTS… (wondering if this is what an out of body experience is really like and thinking to self - Hello??? Is this conversation really happening??? Did my 9 YEAR OLD just SAY THAT I'm NOT GETTING ANY YOUNGERRRRRRRR???? This is yet anotherrrr situation of "new territory in parenting" - HOW THE HECK DO I HANDLE THIS ONE????)
And with that final thought, I look at her with the love of ANYYYY aging mother of wisdom and say, "Molly, why don't you go and talk to your FATHER about this! I'm sure he'll be able to talk about it with you!!" Hee hee... HA HA HAAAAAA!!!!
What happened to the days when people didn’t discuss MY UTERUS???
Lately I feel like thats all anyone wants to talk about?
I'm catchin' it from all sides -- even from. my 9. Year. Old. KID.!!!!!!!!!
Good. Grief. People.
Can SOMEONE PLEASEEEEEEEEEEEEE send this kid a baby doll??!!!
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
The Greatest Commandment...
I’ve been reminded A LOT lately that the greatest commandment is to LOVE OTHERS!
From the scriptures that I’ve been reading in my quiet times to the sermon that our rockin’ pastor, Jonathan Bow, preached on Sunday – this life is all about loving others! Friends, that’s the GREATEST commandment of ALL!
It's so easy to love people we like… the people that we “choose” to have in our lives: friends, family and coworkers! But man, ohhhh man, is it hard some times to love (BIBLICALLY LOVE!) the “unlovelys”…
From the scriptures that I’ve been reading in my quiet times to the sermon that our rockin’ pastor, Jonathan Bow, preached on Sunday – this life is all about loving others! Friends, that’s the GREATEST commandment of ALL!
It's so easy to love people we like… the people that we “choose” to have in our lives: friends, family and coworkers! But man, ohhhh man, is it hard some times to love (BIBLICALLY LOVE!) the “unlovelys”…
Lately, God has steadily reminded me that loving others regardless of “like” or “dislike” is imparative to staying in His will for my life.
On my drive to work every day I’ve been asking God that I’ll be a blessing to someone - even in just a small way. Some times I know when I’ve been a blessing and other times I don’t – but I've been praying about it intentionally b/c I want to be in the Will of God – every day! And being in His will brings peace and this PEACE gig is realllllly nice! I’m hopeful that I’ll stay in this place of PEACE for a longggg time – but this requires action on my part!!
Being a blessing is a choice and it doesn’t take something BIG to be considered a “blessing”! It takes answering the phone with a smile, it means saying Thank you, leaving a bigger tip (even if the service wasn’t that great!), sending a note to a grandparent that you haven’t talked to in a while (thats my Poppa Stanley above - he will be 87 in April!), or just “pre-setting the coffee pot” for the husband that usually does it for you!! Being a blessing even means going the extra few steps and putting the shopping cart IN the designated “RETURN SHOPPING CART HERE” station! Notes of encouragement, an unsolicited hug, complimenting a stranger, or simply bringing your neighbors trash can up from the street… Each are considered a blessing…
I’m learning that when we are a blessing to others – we are showing the world that there is something different about us. Christian friends, we aren’t of this world. We are strangers in this foreign land – we are only here, on Earth, for a brief moment! By being a blessing we are showing others that Greater is He that is IN me, than he that is in this world!
I challenge you to start asking God to show you how you too can be a blessing to someone – everyday!! And get creative – do something that will really bless the socks off of someone!
It’s easy, rewarding, and makes God smile!
On my drive to work every day I’ve been asking God that I’ll be a blessing to someone - even in just a small way. Some times I know when I’ve been a blessing and other times I don’t – but I've been praying about it intentionally b/c I want to be in the Will of God – every day! And being in His will brings peace and this PEACE gig is realllllly nice! I’m hopeful that I’ll stay in this place of PEACE for a longggg time – but this requires action on my part!!
Being a blessing is a choice and it doesn’t take something BIG to be considered a “blessing”! It takes answering the phone with a smile, it means saying Thank you, leaving a bigger tip (even if the service wasn’t that great!), sending a note to a grandparent that you haven’t talked to in a while (thats my Poppa Stanley above - he will be 87 in April!), or just “pre-setting the coffee pot” for the husband that usually does it for you!! Being a blessing even means going the extra few steps and putting the shopping cart IN the designated “RETURN SHOPPING CART HERE” station! Notes of encouragement, an unsolicited hug, complimenting a stranger, or simply bringing your neighbors trash can up from the street… Each are considered a blessing…
I’m learning that when we are a blessing to others – we are showing the world that there is something different about us. Christian friends, we aren’t of this world. We are strangers in this foreign land – we are only here, on Earth, for a brief moment! By being a blessing we are showing others that Greater is He that is IN me, than he that is in this world!
I challenge you to start asking God to show you how you too can be a blessing to someone – everyday!! And get creative – do something that will really bless the socks off of someone!
It’s easy, rewarding, and makes God smile!
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Recent favorites...
These are a few of my most recent “favorite” things…
- When the laundry basket is COMPLETELY empty!
- My Ann Taylor Loft slippers – I HAVE to have them on when I’m inside my house.
- A handwritten, snail mailed, unexpected note of encouragement from a friend
- My electric blanket – my grandmother used to make me take it off of my bed during the summer, as an adult its ALWAYS on my bed!!
- Snuggling with sweet Zayleigh in the weeeee hours of the morning
- My rainbow striped knee socks
- When JB sets up the coffee pot the night before!
- Fat free French vanilla creamer for said "pre-set up" coffee...
- Being creative with photography
- Laughing so hard that you can’t hear it – you just shake!
- The heater under my desk at work!
Fasting … Daniel Style!
I don’t regularly talk about fasting with the people in my life. I think I don’t talk about it b/c many people see it as “foreign” and “out dated” which means I then have to "convince" someone of the benefits.
I haven’t even talked about fasting much with my own husband, but he knows that there are days when I don’t “join him for dinner” – which he usually just rolls with anyway! I’ve been fasting off and on since I was 21 years old (which, by the way, wasn’t yesterday!).
When I returned from Africa in October, I came back with more questions than answers – which, at times, has been very frustrating. During my quiet times with Him, I felt called to do a longer fast than “normal”. In the past, I have done all kinds of fasts – one day, 2 – 3 days, 7 days, no food, only liquids, only eating at dinner time, etc. Basically, God has impressed upon my heart what kind of fast I am to do…
After MUCH prayer and an exceptional amount of reading, I began a Daniel fast on January 1, 2009. Let me say that when I woke up on January 1st to the smell of coffee brewing downstairs - courtesy of my husband, I tried to talk myself into the fact that maybe, JUSSTTTT maybe, I’d misinterpreted God’s call over the past SEVERAL Months!… Maybe he only meant 1 or 2 days – NOT 21! No. Such. Luck.!
For the 1st 3 days of my fast, I only drank water – no food. Let me tell you that on Day 2, I thought that my head was going to explode! I have NEVER and I mean, N.E.V.E.R. had a headache like I did on Jan. 2nd, 2009! For the next 17 days, I ate only fruits and veggies and drank LOTS o’ water. On day 21, I again, didn’t eat – only had water to end my experience.
During a fast, you are basically sacrificing the “pleasantries” of life to be in constant communion with God – and rarely do you talk about it with others while its going on. This fast was probably one of the hardest things I’ve ever done regarding my faith walk…
The only reason I’m sharing this is because several amazing things happened to me during that time….
First, John and I had a lot of conversation around fasting. And actually on Jan 2nd (the day of the worst headache known to man) John joined me in fasting for 7 days! I can’t tell you what that has done for our marriage and our faith!! I'm so proud that he felt led to do a fast WITH me! I've said it before and I'll say it again - JB is one of the BEST decisions I've ever made in my life!
Secondly, my heart was really hard and ugly regarding certain situations and persons in my life. Without going into great detail, my heart has changed -- Freedom and Peace have prevailed!!! Trust me people, that is something that ONLY GOD can get credit for~!!!! My heart was like a stone statue that had been spray painted w/ graffiti – and not the cool, artsy graffiti either – it was U.G.L.Y. You. Aint. Got. No. Alibi. UGLYYYYY GRAFFITI!
And Thirdly, I’ve had a bum knee for about 10 months. Been to several Dr’s, taken more anti-inflammatories than I care to admit, and just flat out stopped exercising b/c it hurt so badly (and that’s saying something considering my degree is in Fitness and Exercise Science)! On Day 3 and 4 of my fast, I began to pray for healing. My knee has hurt to the TOUCH for several months but on day 5 there was absolutely NO pain. None! Today, on Jan. 27th, I have absolutely nooooo pain in my knee. I am healed!
I’m trusting God for big things this year… and by giving Him our first days of 2009, I know that He is going to honor us!
Don’t keep God in a little box friends! He’s soooo much bigger than you can EVEN imagine!
What big things are you asking God for this year???
I haven’t even talked about fasting much with my own husband, but he knows that there are days when I don’t “join him for dinner” – which he usually just rolls with anyway! I’ve been fasting off and on since I was 21 years old (which, by the way, wasn’t yesterday!).
When I returned from Africa in October, I came back with more questions than answers – which, at times, has been very frustrating. During my quiet times with Him, I felt called to do a longer fast than “normal”. In the past, I have done all kinds of fasts – one day, 2 – 3 days, 7 days, no food, only liquids, only eating at dinner time, etc. Basically, God has impressed upon my heart what kind of fast I am to do…
After MUCH prayer and an exceptional amount of reading, I began a Daniel fast on January 1, 2009. Let me say that when I woke up on January 1st to the smell of coffee brewing downstairs - courtesy of my husband, I tried to talk myself into the fact that maybe, JUSSTTTT maybe, I’d misinterpreted God’s call over the past SEVERAL Months!… Maybe he only meant 1 or 2 days – NOT 21! No. Such. Luck.!
For the 1st 3 days of my fast, I only drank water – no food. Let me tell you that on Day 2, I thought that my head was going to explode! I have NEVER and I mean, N.E.V.E.R. had a headache like I did on Jan. 2nd, 2009! For the next 17 days, I ate only fruits and veggies and drank LOTS o’ water. On day 21, I again, didn’t eat – only had water to end my experience.
During a fast, you are basically sacrificing the “pleasantries” of life to be in constant communion with God – and rarely do you talk about it with others while its going on. This fast was probably one of the hardest things I’ve ever done regarding my faith walk…
The only reason I’m sharing this is because several amazing things happened to me during that time….
First, John and I had a lot of conversation around fasting. And actually on Jan 2nd (the day of the worst headache known to man) John joined me in fasting for 7 days! I can’t tell you what that has done for our marriage and our faith!! I'm so proud that he felt led to do a fast WITH me! I've said it before and I'll say it again - JB is one of the BEST decisions I've ever made in my life!
Secondly, my heart was really hard and ugly regarding certain situations and persons in my life. Without going into great detail, my heart has changed -- Freedom and Peace have prevailed!!! Trust me people, that is something that ONLY GOD can get credit for~!!!! My heart was like a stone statue that had been spray painted w/ graffiti – and not the cool, artsy graffiti either – it was U.G.L.Y. You. Aint. Got. No. Alibi. UGLYYYYY GRAFFITI!
And Thirdly, I’ve had a bum knee for about 10 months. Been to several Dr’s, taken more anti-inflammatories than I care to admit, and just flat out stopped exercising b/c it hurt so badly (and that’s saying something considering my degree is in Fitness and Exercise Science)! On Day 3 and 4 of my fast, I began to pray for healing. My knee has hurt to the TOUCH for several months but on day 5 there was absolutely NO pain. None! Today, on Jan. 27th, I have absolutely nooooo pain in my knee. I am healed!
I’m trusting God for big things this year… and by giving Him our first days of 2009, I know that He is going to honor us!
Don’t keep God in a little box friends! He’s soooo much bigger than you can EVEN imagine!
What big things are you asking God for this year???
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Hot Totties - Part II...
And we aren't too bad on the eyes either!
...Thus, the name!
(wink, wink!) :-)
Hot Totties...
Going on four years ago, one of my best friends, Rachel called me.
The conversation went something like this:
R: Hey! I’m thinking about starting an investment club and I want you to be the Vice President!
E* - What???? Ummmm, I don’t know?
R: I promise it will be fun! “FUN” is going to be part of the FIRST BY LAW!
E* - By laws? What are you talking about?
R: Basically, I want to start up a club for professional women who want to learn more about the stock market. And since, I don’t know anythingggg about the stock market and because you have your Series 7, you have to be my Vice President.
E* - I don’t know that I want to be in an investment club, Rach. I’m trying to get out of this business – I’m not really enjoying it.
R: I know, but the difference would be that we would have FUN with our girlfriends, drink wine, and learn a “little bit” about the stock market! Totally different from work!!! Did I mention the part about wine?
E* - Hummm, I’ll give it some thought??? ( Wondering what in the world I was about to get myself involved in??)
4 years later and maxed out at 22 members, I’m so glad that Rachel talked me into being the VP of this club!!!! I have so many friendships that I otherwise wouldn’t have because of her decision to start an INVESTMENT CLUB of all things??
These women are AMAZING!!!
These are some of the occupations of the women in our group and in no particular order:
Professional Writer for O Magazine, Self, Simple Magazine, etc.
(1) Branch Manager & (1) Sales Manager of a local bank
CPA / Auditor for the AICPA
Attorney
Partner/ Pilates Instructor of a local Pilates Business
Partner/ Director of Business Development of local Accounting Buisness
3 – physicians (YES THREE!! – this is not a typo)
Meterologist
Weight Loss Consultant for Jenny Craig
Interior Designer & Sales Executive of local Office Environments Business
Real Estate Agent
Engineer
Mortgage Lender
Researcher for the North Carolina State Legislature & Graduate Student for Business Administration
Computer Programmer for IBM
These girls are not only smart - they are thoughtful, caring, FUNNY and such a blessing to be around! Only God himself could have orchestrated this group! We'd do anything for one another - its like an extended family.
I’ve heard that you are supposed to surround yourself with people smarter than you – and let me tell ya, it’s a true GIFT to be among these girls!
I can’t wait to be around the Hot Totties tonight to kick off 2009!
Let’s hope that the market picks back up b/c before the market completely tanked, we’d done relatively well in our investing!
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
History in the making...
Yesterday, central North Carolina got snowed in! At our house, we got somewhere between 5-6 inches of snow. And when we get just 1 inch here the schools are usually closed THE DAY BEFORE!! :-)
When I was a kid, I LOVED snow days. But yesterday I realized that I love them EVEN MORE as an adult!! Being able to wear PJ’s all day with my hubby, take pictures of the snow, and just enjoy a relaxing “non-work” day is just what the Dr. ordered before our tax season hours begin in 1.5 weeks!
And the added bonus was being able to watch the whole inaguration! Regardless of who you voted for on Nov. 11th, you have to admit that seeing Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream come true before your very eyes was and IS pretty amazing. Gender, race, & political parties aside, being able to see that history unfold yesterday was a true gift and a day I’ll never forget.
Even if you didn’t vote for President Barack Obama, we are called on by God to pray for our leaders – its biblical people! Take the time to pray for wisdom, discernment, and peace for this 44th President of the United States of America. He has a veryyy rough and long road ahead of him, and WE, as a nation, need his guidance to be directed and led with God’s infinite wisdom!
When I was a kid, I LOVED snow days. But yesterday I realized that I love them EVEN MORE as an adult!! Being able to wear PJ’s all day with my hubby, take pictures of the snow, and just enjoy a relaxing “non-work” day is just what the Dr. ordered before our tax season hours begin in 1.5 weeks!
And the added bonus was being able to watch the whole inaguration! Regardless of who you voted for on Nov. 11th, you have to admit that seeing Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream come true before your very eyes was and IS pretty amazing. Gender, race, & political parties aside, being able to see that history unfold yesterday was a true gift and a day I’ll never forget.
Even if you didn’t vote for President Barack Obama, we are called on by God to pray for our leaders – its biblical people! Take the time to pray for wisdom, discernment, and peace for this 44th President of the United States of America. He has a veryyy rough and long road ahead of him, and WE, as a nation, need his guidance to be directed and led with God’s infinite wisdom!
Monday, January 19, 2009
I'd like to give a shout out to.... PEACE!
Peace.
It’s a WONDERFUL thing!
I’m trying really hard to learn more about it and partake of its presence more often. Lately, I’ve been left feeling anxious, stressed, and mostly overwhelmed. There isn’t one reason, but several – and none of which I want to discuss today.
What I do want to emphasize today is God’s PEACE. I’ve been praying for it, expectingly waiting for it, and over the last few days… I’ve been experiencing it.
It’s the most amazing feeling -- To be calm, present, AND content! I feel like a new person.
I’ve found that when I’m feeling anxious, stressed and overwhelmed my mind is in constant turmoil – its running a mile a minute! I’m constantly thinking about how my “inbox” is so full and that my “to do list” barely has 2 things scratched off, and that really, those 2 things that I just scratched off don’t’ really matter now b/c I just thought of 3 MORE THINGS that need to be added to the list!!! It’s a vicious cycle. Its exhausting and physically and emotionally draining.
Since January 1st, I’ve been praying for God’s peace… And I’ve reached out to my life group about joining me in prayer about it… and last week, I had a MAJOR breakthrough!
I have PEACE, people! PEACE I SAY!!!
Oh, how beautiful it is to feel like everything IS going to work out in the end! It is working out, it will continue to work out... all in God’s timing! And while I’ve never been a real patient person, I’m trying to really focus on this gift of peace today – b/c I know that if I take my eyes off of Him for even a second, those feelings of anxiety, stress, and never ending overwhelming-“ness” will creep right back in…
So today, I'm giving a shout out to my dear friend, PEACE!
Give Peace A Chance… its TOTALLY worth it! :-)
It’s a WONDERFUL thing!
I’m trying really hard to learn more about it and partake of its presence more often. Lately, I’ve been left feeling anxious, stressed, and mostly overwhelmed. There isn’t one reason, but several – and none of which I want to discuss today.
What I do want to emphasize today is God’s PEACE. I’ve been praying for it, expectingly waiting for it, and over the last few days… I’ve been experiencing it.
It’s the most amazing feeling -- To be calm, present, AND content! I feel like a new person.
I’ve found that when I’m feeling anxious, stressed and overwhelmed my mind is in constant turmoil – its running a mile a minute! I’m constantly thinking about how my “inbox” is so full and that my “to do list” barely has 2 things scratched off, and that really, those 2 things that I just scratched off don’t’ really matter now b/c I just thought of 3 MORE THINGS that need to be added to the list!!! It’s a vicious cycle. Its exhausting and physically and emotionally draining.
Since January 1st, I’ve been praying for God’s peace… And I’ve reached out to my life group about joining me in prayer about it… and last week, I had a MAJOR breakthrough!
I have PEACE, people! PEACE I SAY!!!
Oh, how beautiful it is to feel like everything IS going to work out in the end! It is working out, it will continue to work out... all in God’s timing! And while I’ve never been a real patient person, I’m trying to really focus on this gift of peace today – b/c I know that if I take my eyes off of Him for even a second, those feelings of anxiety, stress, and never ending overwhelming-“ness” will creep right back in…
So today, I'm giving a shout out to my dear friend, PEACE!
Give Peace A Chance… its TOTALLY worth it! :-)
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Teachings from the "unlovely" kind...
I believe that God places “unlovely” people in our lives to teach us about our own hearts. By “unlovely”, I mean those people who cause us the feelings of injustice, abuse, strife, impatience, & at times, jealously. Now I know that’s a very HUGE blanket statement, but read on for what I’m trying to say…
I’ve run across a few “unlovely” people in my life and I’ve noticed that there is a pattern with my "handling" of them. One of my resolutions this year is to recognize my own patterns…
And…
Well…
Today, God revealed one of them to me: There is a certain “kind” of person that drives me crazy….
By Crazy, I mean, like "INSANELY MAD", crazy… which leads to “Angry C.R.A.Z.Y.” (and that AIN’T purrrdy friends… it. just. ainttttt. Purdy!)
These “unlovely” people are generally consumed with jealously, woe-is-me-syndrome, &/0r a sense of entitlement – (usually all wrapped together with an ugly barf-green bow! YUCK!)
The pattern I was talking about is this: Every few years, this kind of person “finds” me. The more I’ve prayed about it, the more I’ve realized that it has tons to do with my very own heart – and not targeted at “the” person “causing” the ugly C.R.A.Z.Y. E* to rear her un-sweetly blonde head…
The PATTERN: Bottomline... I give that kind of person way to much power in my life. I let their behavior and attitudes consume me. I find myself thinking about the person over and over and OVER again… This morning driving to work I realized that their was a war going on in my mind about this one person? It was THEN that God revealed to me this nasty pattern.
Abruptly and immediately I started praying for “the” person. Thus, leading me to focus on my own heart. I’m a sinner, people. A. SIN. NERRRR.
Yet, I know that ultimately, God has a wonderful plan for my life!! And by letting certain strong personalities and “unlovelys” cause me anger, frustration, or dispair, I’m finding that it keeps ME (not THEM) from accomplishing the will of God in my own life….
So, for what its worth, that’s my very round about way of saying….
All you strong willed and “unlovely” personalities out there – BEWARE! There’s a new sheriff in town and she’s going to PRAY WITHOUT CEASING about any injustice, abuse, strife, impatience or jealousy you might TRY to throw this way! BRACE YOURSELVES!
…Stepping off soap box.
I’ve run across a few “unlovely” people in my life and I’ve noticed that there is a pattern with my "handling" of them. One of my resolutions this year is to recognize my own patterns…
And…
Well…
Today, God revealed one of them to me: There is a certain “kind” of person that drives me crazy….
By Crazy, I mean, like "INSANELY MAD", crazy… which leads to “Angry C.R.A.Z.Y.” (and that AIN’T purrrdy friends… it. just. ainttttt. Purdy!)
These “unlovely” people are generally consumed with jealously, woe-is-me-syndrome, &/0r a sense of entitlement – (usually all wrapped together with an ugly barf-green bow! YUCK!)
The pattern I was talking about is this: Every few years, this kind of person “finds” me. The more I’ve prayed about it, the more I’ve realized that it has tons to do with my very own heart – and not targeted at “the” person “causing” the ugly C.R.A.Z.Y. E* to rear her un-sweetly blonde head…
The PATTERN: Bottomline... I give that kind of person way to much power in my life. I let their behavior and attitudes consume me. I find myself thinking about the person over and over and OVER again… This morning driving to work I realized that their was a war going on in my mind about this one person? It was THEN that God revealed to me this nasty pattern.
Abruptly and immediately I started praying for “the” person. Thus, leading me to focus on my own heart. I’m a sinner, people. A. SIN. NERRRR.
Yet, I know that ultimately, God has a wonderful plan for my life!! And by letting certain strong personalities and “unlovelys” cause me anger, frustration, or dispair, I’m finding that it keeps ME (not THEM) from accomplishing the will of God in my own life….
So, for what its worth, that’s my very round about way of saying….
All you strong willed and “unlovely” personalities out there – BEWARE! There’s a new sheriff in town and she’s going to PRAY WITHOUT CEASING about any injustice, abuse, strife, impatience or jealousy you might TRY to throw this way! BRACE YOURSELVES!
…Stepping off soap box.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Was that... a... A COMPLIMENT???...
Tonight after successfully cleaning his plate, Mack asked for a milkshake for his dessert.
I was cleaning up the dishes so John offered to make it. Which I really appreciated...
Almost to the bottom of the glass & sucking with all of his might on the straw, I asked him:
Me: Mack, how was it?
Mack: Well, it was good, but I have to admit - (looking over at John) - No offense, but its not as good as yours!
Me: What??? What did you say???
Mack: I SAID NO OFFENSE BUT ITS NOT AS GOOD AS THE ONES YOU MAKE!!!
John: THAT AIN'T RIGHTTTTTT!
I was in TOTAL shock? I really couldn't believe what he said!
Ladies and Gentlemen, I just ONE UP'D THIS KIDS FATHER!! Which NEVER happens...
I consider this a TOTAL SUCCESS that was COMPLETELYYYY UNSOLICITED!!
Of everything that I actually am good at, the kid thinks that my milkshakes are BETTER than his fathers - apparently I scoop out the ice cream better or something???!
Regardless, its MONUMENTAL... and I'll TAKE IT! I might even make an iron on shirt and wear it with PRIDE that clearly states:
BEST MILKSHAKE MAKER!
I was cleaning up the dishes so John offered to make it. Which I really appreciated...
Almost to the bottom of the glass & sucking with all of his might on the straw, I asked him:
Me: Mack, how was it?
Mack: Well, it was good, but I have to admit - (looking over at John) - No offense, but its not as good as yours!
Me: What??? What did you say???
Mack: I SAID NO OFFENSE BUT ITS NOT AS GOOD AS THE ONES YOU MAKE!!!
John: THAT AIN'T RIGHTTTTTT!
I was in TOTAL shock? I really couldn't believe what he said!
Ladies and Gentlemen, I just ONE UP'D THIS KIDS FATHER!! Which NEVER happens...
I consider this a TOTAL SUCCESS that was COMPLETELYYYY UNSOLICITED!!
Of everything that I actually am good at, the kid thinks that my milkshakes are BETTER than his fathers - apparently I scoop out the ice cream better or something???!
Regardless, its MONUMENTAL... and I'll TAKE IT! I might even make an iron on shirt and wear it with PRIDE that clearly states:
BEST MILKSHAKE MAKER!
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Was it a SECRET CODE????
In December, we took the kids to visit with my family in Virginia.
My sister, Michelle did a lot of research and planning for our visit. She made a reservation for us to have breakfast with Santa on Sat. morning and she organized a lunch for everyone from my Dad's family. It was a lot of work and much appreciated...
On Saturday morning, the kids woke up wondering about what the day would bring. Breakfast with Santa at 9:30am was just what the Dr. ordered - we were starving!
Let me lay out the scene for ya...
This diner in Mathews holds about 50 people MAX. As we walk in the door, everyone & their brother speaks to me, wants to know how I've been, what I'm up to, and who these people are with me... This is all preceded by the up and down "look" that happens EVERY TIME - to all FOUR of us??? Weird?
Picture the old sitcom Cheers but without the beer or the bar... instead its a diner and everyone DOES INDEED KNOW YOUR NAME, and your parents, and your grandparents, and the good / bad things you've done in your life. Its loud, its colorful, its country, and its... Home.
When John goes to Mathews he always feels overwhelmed! Poor guy can't keep up with all the names and the stories and the so and so's cousins brother scenarios?! But, I'll give it to him, he always nods his head and pretends that whatever so and so's cousins' brother is saying is the most wonderful thing he's ever heard...
Anyway, back to the breakfast.
So after the BIG entry into the diner. We sit down and in comes Santa. Molly leans in and pulls my arm to come closer to her and she whispers the following into my ear:
Molly: E, do I HAVE to sit on his lap?
Me: You don't have to sit on his lap, but I really would like for you to stand by his shoulder while Mack sits on his lap so I can get a good picture of the two of you.
Molly: Ok, GOOD! I'll stand next to him but I'm not sitting on his lap. I mean reallyyy, sitting on a strangers lap is really creepy!
Me: Well, I guess your right in a way!?? (I'm looking at her in amazement, AND honestly, in agreement... I mean THINK ABOUT IT people? Santa can be a little creepy???)
Molly: (again, pulling me down so she can whisper in my ear) I mean COME ONNNNN, I'm old enough to know how this thing WORKS ANYWAY????
Me: (Deer in headlights!)
She dropped it, I dropped it and honestly I have no idea if that was the "CODE" or not... but I didn't bring it up the rest of Christmas and neither did she. So, I guess we'll just have to ride it out and see how next year goes?
My sister, Michelle did a lot of research and planning for our visit. She made a reservation for us to have breakfast with Santa on Sat. morning and she organized a lunch for everyone from my Dad's family. It was a lot of work and much appreciated...
On Saturday morning, the kids woke up wondering about what the day would bring. Breakfast with Santa at 9:30am was just what the Dr. ordered - we were starving!
Let me lay out the scene for ya...
This diner in Mathews holds about 50 people MAX. As we walk in the door, everyone & their brother speaks to me, wants to know how I've been, what I'm up to, and who these people are with me... This is all preceded by the up and down "look" that happens EVERY TIME - to all FOUR of us??? Weird?
Picture the old sitcom Cheers but without the beer or the bar... instead its a diner and everyone DOES INDEED KNOW YOUR NAME, and your parents, and your grandparents, and the good / bad things you've done in your life. Its loud, its colorful, its country, and its... Home.
When John goes to Mathews he always feels overwhelmed! Poor guy can't keep up with all the names and the stories and the so and so's cousins brother scenarios?! But, I'll give it to him, he always nods his head and pretends that whatever so and so's cousins' brother is saying is the most wonderful thing he's ever heard...
Anyway, back to the breakfast.
So after the BIG entry into the diner. We sit down and in comes Santa. Molly leans in and pulls my arm to come closer to her and she whispers the following into my ear:
Molly: E, do I HAVE to sit on his lap?
Me: You don't have to sit on his lap, but I really would like for you to stand by his shoulder while Mack sits on his lap so I can get a good picture of the two of you.
Molly: Ok, GOOD! I'll stand next to him but I'm not sitting on his lap. I mean reallyyy, sitting on a strangers lap is really creepy!
Me: Well, I guess your right in a way!?? (I'm looking at her in amazement, AND honestly, in agreement... I mean THINK ABOUT IT people? Santa can be a little creepy???)
Molly: (again, pulling me down so she can whisper in my ear) I mean COME ONNNNN, I'm old enough to know how this thing WORKS ANYWAY????
Me: (Deer in headlights!)
She dropped it, I dropped it and honestly I have no idea if that was the "CODE" or not... but I didn't bring it up the rest of Christmas and neither did she. So, I guess we'll just have to ride it out and see how next year goes?
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Funny Kid Conversation...
Molly and Mack are getting to an age where they are at the same school, play at recess together, and generally get along and take up for one another (when they are at school of coarse, NEVER at home!).
This week, when John was riding in the car with the kids he listened to the following conversation:
Molly (9 yrs): Mack, I know that you have a crush on Gabby.
Mack (6 yrs): So?
Molly: Well, I HAPPEN to know that she has a crush on YOU too!
Mack: REALLY????
Molly: Yep!
Mack: Well, I know someone who has a crush on you.
Molly: REALLYYY, WHOOOO?
Mack: Ummmm, I don’t feel like talking about it.
Molly: WHAT??? Comeeee onnnnn!
John said he was laughing HARD to himself in the front seat – b/c Mack was trying to make Molly feel good, insisting that he KNEW someone who had a crush on her, but couldn’t think of anyone at the moment. It totally cracked John up.
When he got home and we talked about it, we both sat in the floor laughing about the inevitable teenage years!
Oh, DEAR LORD, PLEASEEEE help us! Its going to be an INTERESTING and ENTERTAINING time!
Friday, January 9, 2009
PJ's at 6pm???
This time of year is exceptionally fast paced at work and things are gearing up for our very hectic "busy" season. From the first week of February to April 15th, we see more of our co-workers than we do our own families... its the nature of our business.
My job in particular is exceptionally busy in January. I'm responsible for getting all projects rolled over and prepared for log in when a client brings in their tax information. While working on that big venture, I also manage a database for our engagement letters and track all year end payroll and reports.
All that to say, the evenings at the Bahr casa are usually pretty quiet because exhaustion generally sets in on the ride home.
So last night after a typical January day at work, I was feeling pretty spent. By 6pm I had taken Zayleigh for a quick walk and gave serious thought to my cozy pj's! I thought better of it while talking on the phone with my dear friend, Lindsay and put on my yoga pants. 'Cozy enough' I thought, while blabbing away on my cell!
Once we hung up, I looked in the mirror and made the decision --
I'm tired, It's my house, I'm not going anywhere... ITS PJ TIME! (it was 6:10pm)
I promptly removed the black yoga pants, washed my face and put on my new favorite pair of PJ pants that my sister, Michelle gave me for Christmas - (flannel, blue and brown with a cute COFFEE design) put on my long sleeve brown top and WALAAAAAAAAAA...
COZY, SNUGGLY, and READY FOR BED!
I ate dinner and was waiting for John to come home when the inevitable happened...
Yep...
The doorbell rang! I almost didn't get up to get it b/c it was dark outside, I had no make-up on and well... I was in my PAJAMAS!~
Guess who? A guy that John does karate/ju jitsu with! What??
So I open the door, rather uncomfortably...
Him: "Ummm, hey... Is John home?"
Me: "No, come on in... Let me call him"
Him: "Are we fighting tonight?"
Me: With a polite smile, trying to keep his attention from my flannel JAMS and my non-made up FACEEEE... "I'm not sure?"... (thinking to myself, I'm going to KILL MY HUSBAND FOR NOT TELLING ME TO NOTTTTTTTTTTTTT PUT MY PJ'S ON at 6PM???)
Sure enough, here he comes driving up the driveway.
But it doesn't stop there....
OHhhh nooooo... Then another guy comes to the door! And I have to explain AGAIN, 'Its been a BIG day, thus, the PJ's at 6:25pm!'
But does it stop THERE????
NEVAAAAHHHHH.....
At about 7:30pm, the doorbell rings AGAIN - the guys are in the garage duking it out and I have to TREK to the front door still on display for the world to see IN MY PAJAMAS!
Low and behold, its one of the guys' wives! Yep, the ONE I HAVEN'T HAD THE CHANCE TO MEETTTTTTTTT YETTTTTTTTTTT!!!!
Good LORD!
STORY. OF. MY. LIFE!
And over the next several months, there will be a LOT of opportunities of me being "caught" in my JAMS by 6pm! COME ONE, COME ALL!!!!!!!! -- at this point, I. AIN'T. SCAURRRD!
My job in particular is exceptionally busy in January. I'm responsible for getting all projects rolled over and prepared for log in when a client brings in their tax information. While working on that big venture, I also manage a database for our engagement letters and track all year end payroll and reports.
All that to say, the evenings at the Bahr casa are usually pretty quiet because exhaustion generally sets in on the ride home.
So last night after a typical January day at work, I was feeling pretty spent. By 6pm I had taken Zayleigh for a quick walk and gave serious thought to my cozy pj's! I thought better of it while talking on the phone with my dear friend, Lindsay and put on my yoga pants. 'Cozy enough' I thought, while blabbing away on my cell!
Once we hung up, I looked in the mirror and made the decision --
I'm tired, It's my house, I'm not going anywhere... ITS PJ TIME! (it was 6:10pm)
I promptly removed the black yoga pants, washed my face and put on my new favorite pair of PJ pants that my sister, Michelle gave me for Christmas - (flannel, blue and brown with a cute COFFEE design) put on my long sleeve brown top and WALAAAAAAAAAA...
COZY, SNUGGLY, and READY FOR BED!
I ate dinner and was waiting for John to come home when the inevitable happened...
Yep...
The doorbell rang! I almost didn't get up to get it b/c it was dark outside, I had no make-up on and well... I was in my PAJAMAS!~
Guess who? A guy that John does karate/ju jitsu with! What??
So I open the door, rather uncomfortably...
Him: "Ummm, hey... Is John home?"
Me: "No, come on in... Let me call him"
Him: "Are we fighting tonight?"
Me: With a polite smile, trying to keep his attention from my flannel JAMS and my non-made up FACEEEE... "I'm not sure?"... (thinking to myself, I'm going to KILL MY HUSBAND FOR NOT TELLING ME TO NOTTTTTTTTTTTTT PUT MY PJ'S ON at 6PM???)
Sure enough, here he comes driving up the driveway.
But it doesn't stop there....
OHhhh nooooo... Then another guy comes to the door! And I have to explain AGAIN, 'Its been a BIG day, thus, the PJ's at 6:25pm!'
But does it stop THERE????
NEVAAAAHHHHH.....
At about 7:30pm, the doorbell rings AGAIN - the guys are in the garage duking it out and I have to TREK to the front door still on display for the world to see IN MY PAJAMAS!
Low and behold, its one of the guys' wives! Yep, the ONE I HAVEN'T HAD THE CHANCE TO MEETTTTTTTTT YETTTTTTTTTTT!!!!
Good LORD!
STORY. OF. MY. LIFE!
And over the next several months, there will be a LOT of opportunities of me being "caught" in my JAMS by 6pm! COME ONE, COME ALL!!!!!!!! -- at this point, I. AIN'T. SCAURRRD!
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
The Facebook Phenomenon...
I think that if I ever try crack, it will be a lot like Facebook!
I'm serious...
I LOVE IT!!!! I love to check peoples' status', their updates, new pictures! I guess it goes along with being a blog-alker (blog stalker - I've mentioned this before!)... I love to read and hear about whats going on with people that I know.
I would say that it COULD be considered a bad thing, but... I think its good, in a way? (Or maybe that's just me rationalizing my stalker tendencies?...)
Hummm, I digress...
Honestly, I just LOVE people! I love to get together over coffee, I love to email, I love to catch up, hang out, and just overall love ON people and whats going on in their lives! I LOVE to see and hear how their lives have turned out in ways that they didn't consider - and if all of us were honest with ourselves, I don't think that anyone could say that they had their lives "ALL" figured out... I find that I'm always learning something about myself from being relational with others. And if I'm learning, growing, and stretching into a better, more open-minded, happy person - I find my obsession with Facebook and fellow bloggers a "good thing"...
So, for what its worth - I HEART FACEBOOK because its gotten me in touch with people that I haven't seen or talked to in upwards of... wellllll, let's just say - too many years and I find it an ego boost to have someone "REQUESTING TO BE MY FRIEND!"
What about you? Are you sold out to the Facebook Phenomenon???
I'm serious...
I LOVE IT!!!! I love to check peoples' status', their updates, new pictures! I guess it goes along with being a blog-alker (blog stalker - I've mentioned this before!)... I love to read and hear about whats going on with people that I know.
I would say that it COULD be considered a bad thing, but... I think its good, in a way? (Or maybe that's just me rationalizing my stalker tendencies?...)
Hummm, I digress...
Honestly, I just LOVE people! I love to get together over coffee, I love to email, I love to catch up, hang out, and just overall love ON people and whats going on in their lives! I LOVE to see and hear how their lives have turned out in ways that they didn't consider - and if all of us were honest with ourselves, I don't think that anyone could say that they had their lives "ALL" figured out... I find that I'm always learning something about myself from being relational with others. And if I'm learning, growing, and stretching into a better, more open-minded, happy person - I find my obsession with Facebook and fellow bloggers a "good thing"...
So, for what its worth - I HEART FACEBOOK because its gotten me in touch with people that I haven't seen or talked to in upwards of... wellllll, let's just say - too many years and I find it an ego boost to have someone "REQUESTING TO BE MY FRIEND!"
What about you? Are you sold out to the Facebook Phenomenon???
Sunday, January 4, 2009
25 things about ME*...
A friend of mine sent me an email recently that had 25 things about her... I thought it was pretty cool b/c I didn't know about several of the things on her list. Soooo, you are the lucky recipients of MY...
25 THINGS ABOUT ME* LIST....
(insert drum roll here and pretend David Letterman is reading it!)
25 THINGS ABOUT ME* LIST....
(insert drum roll here and pretend David Letterman is reading it!)
- I love to hear people laughing – especially when its my family.
- I’m a natural blonde, shocking, yet true! ...HHHHeyyyy WATCH IT!
- Purple is my favorite color.
- I HEART confetti... just ask anyone who has gotten a card from me!
- Cotton candy and snow cones were served at our wedding b/c John and I love them.
- I’m the oldest of 4 siblings... 2 sisters, Michelle and Lisa and baby brother, Brian.
- I want to do more with my photography hobby.
- I’m a beach girl… love the sun, the sand, and the sound of the ocean!
- I used to hate wine, then I found white, and now I love RED!
- ... but because of my roots, I'll always enjoy a cold BudLight!
- I love to look at the stars and name the constalations.
- I was "Little Miss Snowflake" when I was 5-6 years old and got to ride on the sleigh with Santa in the parade.
I taught my cousin, Deanna how to rollerskate by tying one of my Grandma’s pillows to her bottom.
My favorite food is PIZZA… From Bocci or Papa Johns (depends on the mood)!
- I really love to watch UFC (Ultimate Fighting)… its one of my favorite things to do with my hubby!
- I try to go to the circus EVERY YEAR – b/c it makes me feel like a kid... and they have $25 cotton candy!!
- Music makes my soul feel free.
- I love to “play in the dirt” (as my Grandma used to call it!)… garden!
- Accessorizing is one of my passions.
- I’m a stepmom to 2 fabulous kids.
- Once a cheerleader, ALWAYS a cheerleader!!! GOOOOOO M-H-S!
- I have OCD when it comes to my hair… I cut it OFTEN, on my own, and without guidance!! Poor John never knows what to expect!
- Grande Extra Hot Caramel Latte – 'nuff said
- Easter and Halloween are my favorite “official” holidays… However, Festivus (my bday) is my favorite “UNofficial” holiday! :-)
- I hope that at my funeral, someone will say that I was a good wife and stepmom and a loyal friend!
.
New Years Resolutions...
Every year John and I get together and "discuss" our resolutions. He writes mine down and I write down his... its a great way to hold each other accountable. Listening to him tell me all 20(!) of his resolutions and after picking up my chin from the table, the only thing I could say was, "Easyyyyy CAPTAIN PLANET???"
Good GRIEF -- 20 resolutions! (that I actually DO hope he fulfills - there were some good ones on his list!)
I have a whopping grand total of 10... and of coarse, he made me read mine first so I couldn't "add lib" anything at the end! (Typical!) Now, understand that these resolutions aren't about weight (generally!), or climbing Mt. Everest, or exercising more... They are more like little goals for ourselves...
I'll give you a few of mine:
John has already started knocking several of his out too... I'm hopeful that we wont lose momentum... I'll have to keep you posted....
Until then, I'm looking for a Captain Planet cape for Christmas of '09 for a "special someone" in my life!!!!
Good GRIEF -- 20 resolutions! (that I actually DO hope he fulfills - there were some good ones on his list!)
I have a whopping grand total of 10... and of coarse, he made me read mine first so I couldn't "add lib" anything at the end! (Typical!) Now, understand that these resolutions aren't about weight (generally!), or climbing Mt. Everest, or exercising more... They are more like little goals for ourselves...
I'll give you a few of mine:
- Get all birthday cards/gifts in the mail PRIOR to persons birthday! (not everyone celebrates the WHOLE MONTH of their birth like me, I need to stop using that as an excuse!)
- Recognize my patterns.
- Travel after April 15th to somewhere I've never been before (friends from far away that would like a visitor for 4+ days CALL ME!) :-)
- Choose not to take things personally.
- Work on my photography - take more classes, books, find mentor, etc.
John has already started knocking several of his out too... I'm hopeful that we wont lose momentum... I'll have to keep you posted....
Until then, I'm looking for a Captain Planet cape for Christmas of '09 for a "special someone" in my life!!!!
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