Grilling Goodness

1. What is your favorite thing about Springtime? I love the new life that you can see all around you. I love that the gray sky of winter turns to a brighter blue sky. I love that the brown grass turns green. I love hearing the birds chirp, the kids playing outside again, and the rain that will make the flowers grow.

2. Do you prepare special, maybe even fun, meals for your kids? Example, please. I try to for holidays. For example, for Valentine's day we had red crambled eggs, heart-shaped toast and a love potion. The love potion I had planned was a fruit smoothie, but it wound up being strawberry kool-aid with grape kool-aid ice cubes shaped like hearts.

3. What are you looking forward to this weekend? My hubby coming home from China!!

4. Within driving distance, where do you like to go for a little getaway? I like to go to Chicago mostly. We can also go to St. Louis, but we haven't done that since our college days. Other places within driving distance are Indianapolis, IN, Lake Geneva, WI, Galena, IL, Madison, WI...basically anything in southern Wisconsin, Illinois, western Indiana, eastern Iowa, eastern Missouri or southern Michigan.

5. Laundry detergent: liquid or powder? Liquid! I have never gotten into the powdered stuff.

6. What does your spouse do around the house that you appreciate the most? This is not a good question for me right now!!! I love my husband dearly, but he doesn't do much of anything around our home...ever! He is a workaholic, and he puts all of his focus there. What he does do around this house has generally needed to be done for a very long time and I have had to beg and plead forever to get it done. Did I mention that I love him? I truly do! I promise!

7. Do you converse with the grocery checker or pay and bolt? It really depends on what kind of day I am having, as well as what the checker is like.

8. Have you ever had an MRI? (If you feel comfortable sharing why, please do.) I have not had an MRI, but I would love to have one to see what is going on in my lower back. My lower lumbar area is killing me, and I know something needs to be done. The past two times at my dr. he has asked if I have ever had an MRI, but I, of course, tell him no. Next time I am just going to suggest he have me get one.

Saturday Special Meme

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~One Word To Start A Sentence Or Statement~
~Fill In The Blanks~

1. Here I am doing another meme.

2. There goes a few more minutes of my life that I can never get back.

3. Everywhere I look I see things that need done.

4. Fear creeps in because I know there aren't enough hours in the day to get it all done.

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That is my life. So much to do, so little time, and what time I do have is spent on things it probably shouldn't be. :-)

Food 4 Thought Friday

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Breakfast~Who was your childhood hero? I know this will probably sound really cheesy, but that would have to be my mom. I looked up to her then, and I still look up to her now.

Lunch~In your opinion what is the world's greatest invention so far? Pepsi! No seriously, I would have to say the internet. While it can be used maliciously, it can also help keep people connected to others, informed, and free of boredom.

Dinner~What time do you typically get up in the morning and what time do you usually go to bed? I get up on school days by 7:00 am, so that I can get the kids ready, fed, and off to school. On weekends, I try real hard to sleep until 8:00 am. I generally go to bed around 10:30 pm. That is about the time I force myself to put my book down.

Midnight Snack~What was your last thought? I really need to go get Meghan down from the table. She keeps yelling that she is all done with lunch. Be right back!

Recipe for the Week (Instead of your recipe for life, what is it just for this week?)~ My recipe for this week was to simply survive. The kids and I were sick and Jeff is in China. Not a normal week around here.

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Friday Fill-Ins

1. I'm fat, I'm sassy, I need to change at least one of those things. Changing the sassy part sounds like the easiest choice!

2. Why do I have lots of things I want to do and not the energy to make those things happen? I want my energy level back!

3. How does this darn thing work, anyway? I just don't know! (I would say that to anything that is mechanical.) ;-)

4. Every morning, I put my hand on my alarm clock, and I beat the darn thing until it stops!!

5. I consider myself lucky because I have a wonderful husband that provides very well for us, and we have three beautiful, healthy, smart children.

6. One day we’ll see Jesus face to face. Won't that be awesome?!?!?!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to sitting home (probably watching a movie or taking a very hot bath and reading the fabulous Nora Roberts book I am currently reading) trying to get over this darn sickness, tomorrow my plans include going to the bank and the grocery store, as well as hopefully feeling good enough to clean and Sunday, I want to go to church and wait for my hubby to get home from China!

Heads Or Tails

THIS week's theme/prompt is:

HEADS - "Case"
*OR*
TAILS - Anything that "Rhymes With Case"

Ali helped me rhyme words with case, and we came up with the word chase. Here is a picture of my nephew, Gavin, chasing my son, Josh, at Ali's 5th birthday party. Aren't they both handsome little fellas?
:-)

Our Menu for 2/23/09 to 3/01/09

You will probably notice that my menu is very kid friendly this week. Jeff will be in China all week, and I don't feel like fighting with the kids over meal times. I will need as little stress as possible, so I am planning to make meal times less fight and more joy.

Monday~Pizza
Tuesday~Nachos
Wednesday~Pancakes and Bacon
Thursday~Butter Noodles with Parmesan Cheese
Friday~Cheese Quesadillas
Saturday~Pig in a Blankets with Macaroni & Cheese
Sunday~Tacos

~~~Food Holidays~~~

This week:

February 23rd~Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day
February 24th~National Tortilla Chip Day
February 25th~National Clam Chowder Day & National Chocolate-Covered Nuts Day
February 26th~National Pistachio Day
February 27th~National Strawberry Day & National Kahlua Day
February 28th~National Chocolate Souffle Day
March 1st~National Peanut Butter Lover's Day & National Fruit Compote Day

Next Week:

March 2nd~National Banana Cream Pie
March 3rd~National Cold Cuts Day, National Mulled Wine Day
March 4th~National Pound Cake Day
March 5th~National Cheese Doodle Day
March 6th~National Frozen Food Day, National White Chocolate Cheesecake Day
March 7th~National Crown Roast of Pork Day, National Cereal Day
March 8th~National Peanut Cluster Day

Saturday Photo Hunt

This weeks theme is warm.

This is my son hugging his daddy after a fun guy's night out at Monster Jam.

If this picture doesn't warm your heart, you need to see a doctor.

;-)

The Saturday Special

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~Words Ending in OTH ~ I Say You Answer~

1. His First Tooth...hasn't fallen out yet, but my son is anxiously awaiting the day it does. He wants to be visited by the Tooth Fairy.

2. It's Both...tiring and rewarding to be a stay-at-home mom!

3. The Terrycloth...robe we had for our first child was so sweet. It was yellow, and it had a hood that looked like a duck's head. We bought it before we even knew what we were having.

4. A Smooth...baby's bottom is just so stinkin' cute! C'mon, you can't deny it!

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Grilling Goodness

1. What is your favorite family activity? Lately, I have really been enjoying playing the Wii with the kids. It provides lots of fun and laughter for all.

2. Do you know how to play poker? Nope!

3. Have you ever been to a chiropractor? Regularly? I went regularly for a time after the car accident that I mentioned in this post. My back has been hurting a lot lately, so I have been tossing around the idea of going again.

4. Have you ever slopped pigs or milked cows? Nope, I can't say that I ever have.

5. How are you doing with the goals you made for the New Year? Well, this year I am simply expecting myself to be the best me that I can be, and I think I am doing a pretty good job so far. :-)

6. Is there something you dread doing every day? Sure! I dread actually getting out of bed, I dread cleaning, and I dread having to fight with the kids over things. I am getting better lately though, and the only thing I have truly been dreading is getting out of bed. It always seems so darn early!

7. What room in your home would you most like to buy new furniture for? Well, I would love to buy a new couch for our living room, but I would also love, love, love to buy a whole new bedroom set.

8. If I had a dollar for every time I heard a kid whine, I'd be able to build my dream home!!

Food 4 Thought Friday

Breakfast~What do you usually eat for breakfast and what time do you usually eat it? Generally, I eat a bowl of cereal, pop tart, or some other high sugar food. I am not a super healthy breakfast eater. I typically eat around 9.

Lunch~Have you ever totaled a car? Well, I have been a passenger when a car was totaled, but I have never actually totaled a car myself. Jeff was driving me home one night, because I was extremely intoxicated and highly obnoxious. That was the night that I drank 12 beers in under 2 hours, and then I drove over to Jeff's apartment. Yikes! At the time of the accident, I wasn't even buckled, which is so unlike me. Anyway, a car pulled out in front of us, Jeff couldn't stop in time, and we T'd the car and totaled Jeff's truck. I was so drunk that I actually asked Jeff in front of the other car's passengers how much he had been drinking. Thankfully he was within the legal limit. I am surprised he continued to date me after that, but I am very grateful. I am also grateful to God for bringing me safely out of those ridiculously reckless days.

Dinner~What are you currently looking forward to right now? I am looking forward to the school carnival tonight. Jeff is going with us, which will be nice because we haven't seen him much lately. He has been working like crazy. Plus, he leaves tomorrow morning for China, and he will be gone for eight nights. So, it will be nice to have some quality time with him. Also, my sister-in-law and her family will be meeting us there. They are moving, and her kids will soon attend this school. So, it will be a chance for them to get a feel for the building.

Midnight Snack~How many pillows do you sleep with at night? Just one. It is a memory foam pillow, and I LOVE it!!!

Recipe for the week~Instead of your recipe for life, what is it just for this week? This week has been all about 'Loving Well' for me. Thank you Beth Moore!!

Friday Fill-Ins

1. Give me a Pepsi and I'll be your best friend. ;-)

2. Whenever my kids whine, I want to pull my hair out. I seriously can't handle that sound at all.

3. I wish I could build my dream home. I have been thinking about this for awhile, which is so odd, because I said I never, ever want to move again. Only time will tell what happens!

4. General Tao's Chicken was the last thing I ate that was utterly delicious.

5. To live in this world is necessary to get to heaven.

6. Other than this one, Grace Alone, which hosts Thankful Thursday, is the last blog I commented on.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to going to the school carnival with my kids, as well as my sister-in-law and her family, tomorrow my plans include spending the day with the Brownies, first at Pizza Hut then at a volunteer's home watching HSM3, & then on Saturday night I am having friends over to keep my mind off of Jeff flying to China and Sunday, I want to go to church and have my daughter, Ali, help me make dinner!

Thankful Thursday

• I am thankful that God listens to me and loves me. I am thankful that His love for me never waivers. I pray that He will help me love others with that same kind of love.
• I am thankful that I have a husband that I do love tremendously. I pray that his relationship with Christ will blossom.
• I am thankful for my Women's Bible Study group. We just got done doing 'Loving Well' by Beth Moore, and I learned so much during that study. I healed in areas that I needed, and I couldn't have done that without God or the wonderful ladies in my group.
• I am thankful for my mom, and I am thankful for the fact that she helps me out so much. I am blessed!
• I am thankful that my children seem to be adjusting well to the "new me." I am disciplining in a whole new way.

There is so much more to be thankful for! Praise God for that!!!
:-)

Heads or Tails

If you read my blog often, you know that I am notorious for posting memes late. Heads or Tails in a Tuesday meme, but what fun would it be to actually post on Tuesday? How organized would one have to be to actually post on Tuesday? Apparently way more organized than I am, so I give to you Heads or Tails on Wednesday. :-)

This week the theme is Legends. Dictionary.com gives the following definitions, but I am going to focus on the bold ones.

leg⋅end -noun

1.	a nonhistorical or unverifiable story handed down by tradition from earlier times and popularly accepted as historical.

2.	the body of stories of this kind, esp. as they relate to a particular people, group, or clan: the winning of the West in American legend.

3.	an inscription, esp. on a coat of arms, on a monument, under a picture, or the like.

4.	a table on a map, chart, or the like, listing and explaining the symbols used. Compare key 1 (def. 8).

5.	Numismatics. inscription (def. 8).

6.	a collection of stories about an admirable person.

7.	a person who is the center of such stories: She became a legend in her own lifetime.

8.	Archaic. a story of the life of a saint, esp. one stressing the miraculous or unrecorded deeds of the saint.

9.	Obsolete. a collection of such stories or stories like them.

---

The Bible is a collection of stories centered around a very admirable person. It is centered around the creator of life, the giver of abundant forgiveness, and the only role model of true, unconditional love...God. Therefore, God is a legend.

Dictionary.com also explains that a legend is something on a map to help you follow the map better (#4 above). Well, God is the only legend I want to follow. With Him I can do all things. I can be forgiven for all of my past & present sins...they are to numerous to list. I can also learn to love others the way God loves me...wholeheartedly, without reserve or judgement, and with much grace. Who doesn't want to be loved that way?

I am so blessed to have a personal relationship with such a wonderful legend? Do you have a relationship with Him too? If not, you can. He is knocking on your door, and all you have to do is open it up. I do hope you will! :-)

Mondy Morning Meme

1. What did you do over the weekend? On Friday, I brought Ali home from school, and the kids and I went with my mom to take her lawn mower in to be serviced. Then we went to Toys 'R Us so the kids could spend the Valentine's Day money my mom gave them on 2 Wii games (Mario Kart & Hotel for Dogs), and then we went to the teacher store to buy a chalkboard for Ali's bedroom. When we got home, we ate heart-shaped pizza in honor of the upcoming holiday.

Saturday was a crazy day, and not at all like I had planned. I wanted to make heart-shaped suckers and a hear-shaped chocolate chip cookie. I wanted to spend tons of time with my kids. Instead, I cleaned out and organized the tops of Ali & Meghan's closets. Then I cleaned out my pantry, and I wiped off all the shelves in there. That was a huge job, because there is so much crammed in that space. That night for dinner, my mom whipped together the red scrambled eggs and heart-shaped toast, while I helped Ali with the card she was making for her dad. Since I was so busy, I forgot to make the fruit smoothie that I was going to use as a love potion, so I resorted to strawberry kool-aid with heart-shaped grape kool-aid ice cubes. The kids didn't know what I had planned to make, so they weren't disappointed at all. They loved the love potion! While the kids ate dinner, I quickly made my hubby a homemade Valentine's Day card. He brought home chinese food, and after he put the kids in bed (while I bathed), we ate our dinner and watched The Heartbreak Kid with Ben Stiller.

On Sunday, Jeff went squirrel hunting and to work while my mom, the kids, and I went to church. After church, we went to eat at Steak 'N Shake. Then we went to Target and Sam's, which is where I bought the new book I am excited about (Have a New Kid by Friday by Dr. Kevin Leman). Then we took the kids home, and my mom stayed with them while I ran to Wal-Mart to do my grocery shopping. When Jeff got home he hung the chalkboard I got on Friday, as well as the lovely deer head that he got last year. Oh, and today he sprung on me that he is leaving for China this Friday or Saturday. Ugh!!

2. What was your first impression of your spouse or current partner? Now tell us about your first date with this person. I met him at my friend Rob's house, and I remember thinking "Who was that diry guy sitting in Rob's chair?" Turns out he was dirty because he worked at the local lumber yard. LOL! I don't really remember our first "official" date. From the day we met at Rob's until we started dating was about a year and a half. We were friends all that time. We used to hang out and go out drinking together. Those were the college days! I remember the first night that we told each other we liked each other as more than just friends, and I even have a picture of us from that night that I used to have framed in my office. I took it down because I didn't think the beer bottles and goofy (drunken) expressions were a good thing for our young, impressionable kids to see. My how life has changed!

3. How many lurkers do you think you have that read your blog, but never comment? Have you ever been successful at getting them to say hello? Do you mind the lurking? Are you a lurker? Or do you try and comment every time you visit? I don't really know. I would love for people to comment, because that is the only way you can get to know them. However, I don't always comment when I visit blogs either. If I find that I am lurking on a particular blog often, I will start to comment, because I think that is the right thing to do.

4. The sunrise (and sunset) is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy. He gives us each day, and he starts and ends each day with beauty. :-)

Our Menu For 2/16/09 to 2/22/09

Monday~Sour Cream Chicken and Chicken Rice
Tuesday~Keilbasa, Fried Potatoes and Corn
Wednesday~Stuffed Pork Chops and Green Beans
Thursday~Mustgoes
Friday~Dinner at the School Carnival
Saturday~Pigs in a Blanket with Macaroni & Cheese (This was requested by Ali & her friend that is staying the night.)
Sunday~Porcupine Balls, Mashed Potatoes and Sugar Snap Peas

~~~Food Holidays~~~

This week:

February 16th~National Almond Day
February 17th~National Indian Pudding Day
February 18th~Crab-Stuffed Flounder Day & Drink Wine Day
February 19th~National Chocolate Mint Day
February 20th~National Margarita Day
February 21st~National Sticky Bun Day
February 22nd~National Cherry Pie Day

Next Week:

February 23rd~Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day
February 24th~National Tortilla Chip Day
February 25th~National Clam Chowder Day & National Chocolate-Covered Nuts Day
February 26th~National Pistachio Day
February 27th~National Strawberry Day & National Kahlua Day
February 28th~National Chocolate Souffle Day
March 1st~National Peanut Butter Lover's Day & National Fruit Compote Day

Saturday Special...on Sunday :-)

I always seem to be a day late and a dollar short lately! ;-) I keep operating under the theory of 'Better late than never.' I don't know what to say about that whole dollar short thing though. I just love to shop! Anyway, without further ado....Saturday Special.

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~One Word To Start A Sentence Or Statement~
~Fill In The Blanks~

1. Could my husband quit going to China? (He will leave again this coming weekend.)

2. This travel thing just really makes me nervous.

3. Work is important, I realize that, but I don't like when he is that far away from home.

4. Out of all of his hard work will come great things. I don't doubt that at all because I have faith in Jeff, and I need to have more faith that God will take away my silly fears. I know that fear is not from God!

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You can find more Saturday Special here.

Footprints~A New Version

I received this in an email, and I just had to share. I hope you enjoy! :-)

FOOTPRINTS...A New Version

Imagine you and the Lord Jesus are walking down the road together. For much of the way, the Lord's footprints go along steadily, consistently, rarely varying the pace.
But your footprints are a disorganized stream of zigzags, starts, stops, turnarounds, circles, departures, and returns.
For much of the way, it seems to go like this, but gradually your footprints come more in line with the Lord's, soon paralleling, His consistently.
You and Jesus are walking as true friends!
This seems perfect, but then an interesting thing happens: Your footprints that once etched the sand next to Jesus' are now walking precisely in His steps.

Inside His larger footprints are your smaller ones, you and Jesus are becoming one.
This goes on for many miles, but gradually you notice another change. The footprints inside the large footprints seem to grow larger.
Eventually they disappear altogether. There is only one set of footprints. They have become one.
This goes on for a long time, but suddenly the second set of footprints is back. This time it seems even worse! Zigzags all over the place. Stops. Starts. Gashes in the sand. A variable mess of prints.
You are amazed and shocked.
Your dream ends.. Now you pray:
'Lord, I understand the first scene, with zigzags and fits. I was a new Christian;
I was just learning. But You walked on through the storm and helped me learn to walk with You.'
'That is correct.'
'And when the smaller footprints were inside of Yours, I was actually learning
to walk in Your steps, following You very closely.'
'Very good.. You have understood everything so far.'
When the smaller footprints grew and filled in Yours, I suppose that I was becoming like You in every way.'
'Precisely.'
'So, Lord, was there a regression or something? The footprints separated, and this time it was worse than at first.'
There is a pause as the Lord answers, with a smile in His voice.
'You didn't know? It was then that we danced!'


To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven: A time to weep, a time to laugh, a time to mourn, and a time to dance.
Ecclesiastes 3:1,4.

Grilling Goodness

1. How long has your longest friendship been? My friend Rita and I have been friends for almost 30 years. Oh. My. Gosh. We are old!!! ;-) We met when we were 5, and we have been friends ever since. We don't live near each other, but I think about her often. She is like family to me.

2. What made you happy this week? Finding out that all seems okay with Ali's heart (She has been having pains.), being at Ali's class Valentine's Day party, reading books with Meghan, getting kisses from Josh, Jeff bringing home Chinese food on Valentine's Day, and laughing with my mom while we cleaned out my pantry. It was a pretty happy week.

3. Are you planning any kind of event right now? Not really. Well, do Brownie meetings count? I am in charge of planning the next couple of meetings. We are going to start working in the Write Away Try-It, which I think sounds like a lot of fun. In two months, I will have to start planning Ali's 7th birthday party.

4. Do you wear your wedding ring? What is it made of? Most people wear two rings, right? One being their engagement ring and one being their wedding ring. Not me. I only wear my engagement ring, which I think of as my wedding ring. Does that make sense?? Anyway, it is made of 18 kt. gold and platinum. It has 1 oval diamond in the center, and it has a round one on each side of the oval one.

5. Do you shave your legs in the winter? I sure do, but I don't shave nearly as often as I do in the summer time. I slack a bit. I know I shouldn't, but with three kids who has time to shave? I'm consider myself lucky when I can find the time to have a quick shower!

6. What time do your kids go to bed? 7:30 I used to put Meg to bed at 7:30, and then I would put Ali & Josh to bed at 8:00, but I felt the older kids needed a bit more sleep. This time seems to work out well for us on weekdays, but on weekends I am a bit more laid back.

7. Right this minute, is your laundry caught up? It sure is, thanks to my mom. God bless her!

8. Do you want flowers for Valentine's Day? Well, I am filling this out late, so I can tell you that I didn't get flowers for Valentine's Day. I didn't want any though. I love when Jeff sends me flowers, or simply brings them home, but I don't feel like I have to have them for this holiday. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't complain if he did get them for me. My problem is that I don't think it is right that the florists jack up the price for this day. You are better off waiting a week and sending them to me then. ;-)

Happy Valentine's Day

This day is all about love, and each and every one of us has someone in our lives to love. I know when I was single I would get so upset that I didn't have somebody to love, but I was so wrong! We can use today to show our love to our husband/boyfriend, children, parents, friends, Jesus, or all of the above. It could be many other people too. People who serve you and show you kindness. Don't get caught up in the idea that Valentine's Day is all about romantic love, but instead, use this day to share your love with all of the people that mean the most to you.

I hope you all have a very Happy Valentine's Day! All of my readers mean a lot to me, and I want you to know that I love you all! :-)

Friday Fill-Ins

1. It seems like the days go by too darn quickly. I can't keep up! Wasn't yesterday Christmas? How can tomorrow be Valentine's Day??

2. Put the toilet seat down when you're done, please? I am trying so hard to train my little boy, but actually his problem is he doesn't lift the seat, and then he gets pee on the seat. I guess I actually need to train him to wipe the seat when he is done.

3. If I thought you didn't like me I'd probably cry! ;-)

4. Joy is what I think of most when I think of you. I am doing Beth Moore's Loving Well study, and I have learned that my bloggy friends are my Joys. Don't irritate me though, or I will have to move you over to the Testy category. LOL!

5. To me, Valentine's Day means you should show all your family and friends just how much they are loved. Of course, you can definitely do this any day of the year, but Valentine's Day is a nice designated day for love.

6. Jesus gives me strength. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"~Philippians 4:13

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to hanging with my kids and eating heart-shaped pizza, tomorrow my plans include celebrating Valentine's Day with my kids by making a heart-shaped chocolate chip cookie and decorating it with icing, as well as having a little celebration with hubby too and Sunday, I want to go to church and hang out at home!

Monster Jam

Jeff and Josh got to enjoy a "guy's night" this past Saturday. They went to Monster Jam, and they both had a fabulous time. The tickets were actually a birthday present to Josh last month, so he had a whole month to get all excited. He took a nice long bath on Saturday, and he insisted that he needed to put on Jeff's deodorant and cologne. I bet he was the best smelling 5-year-old at the show. :-)

Jeff ordered Josh a slice of pizza to eat during the show, but he said he doesn't think he took a bite until intermission. He was too busy in awe of the trucks and motorcycles. He also got some cotton candy, which he apparently ate in record time. While he was eating his cotton candy though, one of the monster truck drivers came over and told Josh to look up. While Josh, and Jeff too, looked up, the driver snagged a piece of his cotton candy. Too funny! I can believe Josh fell for that old trick, but I am so surprised Jeff fell for it too. Especially since Jeff plays that trick a ton around our house. LOL!

At the show, they shot t-shirts out into the crowd. Jeff caught one for Josh. Apparently some kids tried to snag it, but Jeff fought for it. I know a grown man shouldn't fight a couple of kids for a t-shirt, but it was all in the name of fun. I promise! Josh was pretty darn pleased with his daddy, and he was also pretty darn pleased with his t-shirt. Check out some of the pictures I took when they got home that night.

Here is Josh showing off his t-shirt for the camera.

This was not a staged photo. I actually had to grab my camera quick to take this one. Isn't it just precious? You can see in Jeff's face that he had a great time with his son that night.

Our Menu For 2/9/09 to 2/15/09

Monday~Cheeseburgers, French Fries & Apples w/Caramel...This is the meal Ali requested last week. I am such a bad mommy! ;-)
Tuesday~Pot Roast, Mashed Potatoes, & Veggies
Wednesday~Scalloped Potatoes w/Ham and Salad
Thursday~Mustgoes
Friday~Heart Shaped Pizza
Saturday~Red Scrambled Egg Whites, Heart Shaped Toast, and a Love Potion...a kid friendly Valentine's Day meal. We are also going to make a heart shaped chocolate chip cookie, and we are going to decorate with icing. Yum!
Sunday~Sour Cream Chicken with Chicken Rice

~~~Food Holidays~~~

This week:

February 9th~National Bagels & Lox Day, Pizza Pie Day
February 10th~Cream Cheese Brownie Day
February 11th~Peppermint Patty Day, Don't Cry Over Spilled Milk Day
February 12th~National Plum Pudding Day
February 13th~National Tortellini Day
February 14th~National Creme-Filled Chocolates Day
February 15th~National Gumdrop Day

Next Week:

February 16th~National Almond Day...I'm seeing Chicken Broccoli Braid in our future!! Yum!!
February 17th~National Indian Pudding Day
February 18th~Crab-Stuffed Flounder Day & Drink Wine Day
February 19th~National Chocolate Mint Day
February 20th~National Margarita Day
February 21st~National Sticky Bun Day
February 22nd~National Cherry Pie Day

Monday Morning Meme

1. How many coats do you own? Do have a good coat? Casual coat? Summer jacket? etc. Do you wear coats very often? Or do you have a tendency to leave your coat at home whenever you go out? What is your favorite coat? Why is this one your favorite? Care to model it for us? I think I own five coats. I own a light gray wool pea coat, a long black dress coat, a black and gray Columbia winter jacket, a light blue Columbia winter jacket, and a jean jacket.

I am known for not wearing a coat when I absolutely should. It could be 10 degrees outside, and I probably won't have a coat with me. I'm not kidding. I am a real dork!

My favorite coat is probably my light blue Columbia one that my parents got me for Christmas one year. I need to lose a few more pounds in order to feel comfy in it again. :-( I am working on that though.

2. You’ve learned a thing or two about this thing we call blogging. Tell us one thing you don’t recommend to other bloggers. Tell us one thing you do recommend to other bloggers. I would tell others not to worry about blogging for other people. You just need to blog for yourself. Blog what you know, and blog what you want. That is all that matters.

I do recommend getting to know other bloggers out there. You can really develop some wonderful friendships.

3. Is cursive writing a lost art? Should good penmanship be taught? Tell us about your handwriting - good / bad? Do you think your children have good handwriting (given their appropriate age, of course). I don't know that I necessarily think cursive writing is a lost art, but I do think some are better writers than others. I think good penmanship should definitely be taught, but by good I mean legible. I don't think that perfect penmanship is a necessity. Here is a sample of my writing...

I don't think it is too shabby! Ali's handwriting isn't too bad for her age either, but she does need to continue to practice.

4. Have you ever struggled with infertility? If you haven’t, or if it wasn’t the hardest thing you’ve ever had to go through — what was? I can't say that I ever struggled with infertility. We got pregnant with Ali without even trying, we got pregnant with Josh the first time we tried, and I think it may have taken us two months with Meghan. The hardest thing I had to go through, in terms of pregnancy and childbirth, was the fact that I had to have c-sections all three times. The first time was a complete surprise. The other two times were planned, and I really struggled with fear over the surgery.

Friday Fill-Ins

1. Please don't tell anyone that I am filling this out on Sunday and not Friday. How can I be such a slacker?

2. Can you jump out of bed fully awake in the morning? I sure can't!

3. The color blue makes me want to relax!

4. I have a craving for Chinese food.

5. If my life had a pause button, I'd pause it everyday so that I could rest a bit. I am just so tired lately! Could it be because I have three kids ages six, five and two? I think so!

6. Eyes are the window to a person's soul. Okay, I don't really know about all that, but I do know that the eyes can tell a lot, if you just pay attention. They can tell you when a person is happy, sad, or even mad. Pay attention!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight (let's pretend it is Friday!) I'm looking forward to getting Ali ready for her Me & My Guy dance, as well as hanging out with a couple of friends, tomorrow my plans include relaxing around my house, and getting Josh ready to go to the Monster Jam with his daddy and Sunday, I want to spend some time with my hubby and kiddos!

Contest Alert!

My friend Jodi is having a giveaway, because she has just celebrated her 1st Blogoversary. Exciting!! Her giveaway will make 4 lucky people the winner of some really fun Purple stuff, so get on over there and enter. While you are there, check Jodi out, if you haven't already. She is fun, kind, and a wonderful inspiration to me. I just know you will love her too!

Food 4 Thought Friday

Welcome to Food 4 Thought Friday...on Sunday. I'm a bit behind this week! ;-)

Breakfast~What helps to pull you out of a bad mood?~~I know I shouldn't admit this, but shopping makes me happier. I can shop my way out of just about any mood. I can also eat my way out of any mood, but I am trying to not do that as much.

Lunch~Who were your favorite teachers growing up and why?~~I loved my kindergarten teacher, my high school College English teacher, and my 2nd grade teacher. However, my 5th grade teacher, Mrs. Kronholm, was absolutely awesome. Each and every one of these teachers inspired me to go on and get my degree in Elementary Education. They were all kind, knowledgeable, and inspiring. Mrs. Kronholm had lots of different animals in her room, she traveled to Africa, applied to go on the Challenger Space Shuttle, and had our class do some fun hands on activities.

Dinner~What, in your opinion, is the worst song ever?~~I can think of lots of really bad songs, but I can't think of one that qualifies as "worst song ever." Achy, Breaky Heart by Billy Ray Cyrus was absolutely horrible. I have a new found appreciation for Billy Ray, since I have seen him as a dad, but I just can't stand that song. Oh, and how about that one Thong song? Should anybody be singing about a thong? I think not!

Midnight Snack~What personal activity, when performed in public, bothers you most?~~I guess I will have to go with kissing. A little kiss doesn't bother me really, but I don't want to see people full-blown making out. They can save that for the privacy of their own home.

Recipe for the week~Instead of your recipe for life, what is it just for this week?~~This week my recipe has been to simply get by. It's just that kind of week. ;-)

My Little Hoover

This is why we call Meghan 'Little Hoover.' Josh spilled his snack on the floor, and before I could get the vacuum cleaner, Meghan was going to town.

She cracks me up! She truly is our 'Little Hoover.'

Me & My Guy Dance

Ali & Daddy had a special date last night. They attended the Me & My Guy Dance that the Girl Scouts put on, and the theme was a 50's night. Jeff didn't dress up in 50's gear, but my lovely Ali sure did.

Here she is showing off her whole ensemble. I ordered her skirt from Glor's Store on Ebay, as well as her socks and scarf. A big thanks goes out to Grandma though, because she took the skirt in 3 inches. I must have given poor Glor some bad measurements. Oops!

Ali was excited to get to wear a little make-up, and you should have heard her thank me when I told her she could wear an extra spray of her perfume. She was just thrilled!

Doesn't she just look precious? I am sure she was the cutest little thing at the dance!

Her bobbie socks and saddle shoes helped complete her look.

My poor hubby has worked at least 75 hours during this week, he rushed home, got ready, and then he took Ali to the dance. After the dance they went to Steak-N-Shake for a little hot fudge sundae action. He made sure that Ali had a very special night, but I know he was exhausted. This picture is proof. He looks beat. He had to be at work today too, and then tonight he is taking Josh to the Monster Jam (monster truck show), and most likely Jeff will have to work on Sunday for a bit. How does he do that??? I don't know, but I sure am glad that he takes time to make our kids feel extra special.

:-)

Mice

So, we have a little mice situation going on here at our home. Not unheard of considering it is freezing outside, and we live near woods. Those poor mice need to find a warm place to hang out. I only wish they would hang out in my garage or crawl space. The other day I opened my pantry door and saw one running away. I screamed like you wouldn't believe. Then my mom started screaming. Of course, Meghan witnessed this all, so here is a video of what she learned from the whole situation. Isn't she just too cute??

Our Menu For 2/2/09 to 2/8/09

Monday~Poppy Seed Chicken, Green Beans, & French Bread
Tuesday~Reuben Hot Dish, Bread with Butter, & Fruit Cocktail
Wednesday~Split Pea Soup and Grilled Cheese
Thursday~Tacos...at Josh's request
Friday~Mustgoes
Saturday~Cheeseburgers & Apples with Caramel...at Ali's request~Can you tell she eats Happy Meals too often? LOL!
Sunday~Pot Roast, Mashed Potatoes & Veggies

~~~Food Holidays~~~

This week:

February 2nd~Heavenly Hash Day & Crepes Day
February 3rd~National Carrot Cake Day (Yum!)
February 4th~Homemade Soup Day, National Stuffed Mushroom Day
February 5th~National Chocolate Fondue Day
February 6th~Food Checkout Day & Nutella Day
February 7th~National Fettucini Alfredo Day
February 8th~Molasses Bar Day (I do need to find a way to use all that molasses I have.)

Next Week:

February 9th~National Bagels & Lox Day, Pizza Pie Day
February 10th~Cream Cheese Brownie Day
February 11th~Peppermint Patty Day, Don't Cry Over Spilled Milk Day
February 12th~National Plum Pudding Day
February 13th~National Tortellini Day
February 14th~National Creme-Filled Chocolates Day
February 15th~National Gumdrop Day

Monday Morning Meme

1. When was the last time you vacuumed out your car? How often do you wash your car? Do you wash it, or do you run it through a car wash service? How much money do you generally spend to wash your car? I can't remember the last time I vacuumed my car. Maybe that was back in September or October. It's too darn cold right now! Usually when I wash my car, I just run it through a car wash, or I stop at one of those places where you get out and do it with the brush that shoots out foam. I did run my car through the car wash last week, and it cost about $10. I would say that is pretty normal.

2. What kind of car do you drive? What color is it? Do you like your car? How long have you had it? Is it reliable? Would you recommend it to a friend? If money were no object, what car would you buy for your family? Now, which car would you buy for yourself? Do you have an opinion about people who drive expensive cars? (Jealous? Disgusted? Curious?) I drive a 2006 Kia Sedona, and it is a Velvet Blue, which is a dark blue color. I like my car. I am the kind of person that buys a car and drives it until it dies, so a car is really just a practical thing I must have. We bought our car just a month after our third child was born. It was clear that we weren't going to fit into the Ford Taurus any longer. We actually had to keep borrowing my mom's Lincoln, because I couldn't really get all three car seats in the Taurus. Craziness!

If money were no object, I probably wouldn't buy anything different for my family right now. The car we have is what scored the best on safety at the time. Back then I really wanted the Honda Odyssey, but the Kia Sedona was the safer bet. It's all about safety when you have a family. Now, if I could buy any car for myself, I would buy a sporty little convertible. I kind of miss driving a car that only fits two. Especially one where I can feel the wind blow through my hair.

I don't mind people driving expensive cars as long as they can afford them. I feel people are entitled to any kind of luxury they can afford, but once they start breaking the bank to have those things, I think it is truly rediculous.

3. What’s the biggest thing on your mind right this moment? Why is this issue so important to you at this time? The biggest thing on my mind is the fact that my husband is working a bazillion hours because of the company he is trying to get off the ground. I keep praying that Hunter's View will be successful, and I also keep praying that Jeff won't always have to work these crazy hours. I suppose this is a big issue because it is not only our livlihood, but it is also a desire of Jeff's. I want him to succeed at all he desires to do. This is sometimes tough for me, because he desires to do so much. He currently owns three companies and a 100-acre farm. I don't know how he keeps it all straight! I love him though, and I love that he is a hardworking man that provides well for all of us.

4. Have you ever cried when hearing about the death of a celebrity? If so, who? And if so, why? Who was the last celebrity you remember feeling sorry for? Why? Pick one celebrity you would miss if he/she were to die. Why this person? I can't really remember if I have ever cried over a celebrity. I remember being shocked by Princess Di's death, but I can't remember actually crying.

I often feel sorry for celebrities because they don't have much privacy. I know many people think that is their fault because they chose that life, and while I kind of agree with that, I also think that maybe we should enjoy the job they do and leave their private lives to themselves.

I would definitely miss Reese Witherspoon if she were to die or simply quit making films. I love her southern, girl-next-door personality. I don't like every movie she is in, but that is quite alright. Not everything I do is awesome either, so I can't really expect perfection out of her all the time. ;-)