My Matt Damon

So a long time ago, I promised a side-by-side of my hubs and Matt Damon, because I think that's the hub's celebrity look alike. And I got a really sweet comment on my SITS day to convince me to do it:

panamamama said...

Your hubs really does look like Matt Damon! Great taste! :)

9/22/2010 2:15 PM 

So, I guess I better get on it. Without further ado:

 

Do you see the similarity? I think it's the smile and the eyes. Now, let's be clear: Just because the hubs reminds me of Matt Damon, doesn't mean I'd kick Matt Damon outta bed. Just sayin'. 

The List Revised

Last year, I did a post about my list. I had such a great response from it (cause let's be honest, who doesn't look drooling over yummy celebrities?) that I wanted to check back in with my revised list.

My list has changed. I knew it would, it usually does. However, check back to my other list because those guys are still in the running for sure. Here's some updated list worthy celebs:

1. Gerard Butler

source

I am utterly embarrassed that I forgot to mention him on my last list, because Gerard has quickly become my #1 over the last year. I don't know what it is: The sexy accent? The 5 o'clock shadow (which I love on almost any man)? The abs? Okay, so maybe I do know! The verdict is still out on whether or not I think he'd be a good guy in real life, but if I ever met him in real life, that probably wouldn't be my concern while I was chasing him down the street! YUM.

2. Brian McKnight

source

Call me crazy, but this crush goes back to middle school. I have always had a thing for Brian McKnight. Do I think he's sexy? Absolutely. I have been known to stare at this album cover for hours undisclosed amounts of time. But it's his voice that I'm really in love with. If he sang one note in my presence, I'm pretty sure I would melt to the floor on the spot. Anybody with me?

3. Hugh Jackman

source

I've always thought Hugh Jackman was cute. But what really jolted him into a list worthy position was when I recently watched X-Men Origins: Wolverine. LOVED that movie, and loved him in it even more. Love his talent. And the fact that he's been nominated for sexiest man alive helps too. It means I'm not crazy. And there is nothing sexier in the world than a man who loves his family.

4. Justin Timberlake

source

Gotta give a shout out to my boy band favorite since day 1- Justin Timberlake. Thankfully, he's not like most teeny bopper crushes, when you look back and think, "Why on earth did I have such a thing for that guy?" Not Justin, he gets better with age. Another man that could make me melt with his voice (and I have separate list for voices alone), he has a great sense of style and an even better sense of humor. And have you seen him dance? I can't stop looking once he starts. Definitely a keeper.

5. Chris Evans

source

This is my wild card selection. He's new, he's young, he's got all the right stuff. I actually fell in love with him after catching him in 'The Nanny Diaries' one late night when nothing else was on. And given my love for action films, I definitely loved him in 'The Fantastic Four'. My favorite line from one of the celebrity lists I found him on: "If he's hot enough to play the Human Torch, he's hot enough for us." I concur!

Well, I think that sums it up for now. Am I missing anyone? I'd like to know who you think should be on the list - I haven't laminated it yet!

The Shaky Face

Happy Labor Day everyone!

I slept terribly last night and woke up with a very sore throat. I hate waking up like that on a day off. Especially when it's one of my few of the summer, and the last before school starts. SO....I thought I'd cheer myself (and hopefully everyone else) up by telling you about 'The Shaky Face'

Maybe you've done this before, but it was recently brought to my attention while traveling with friends. Now, every time we travel we try to take Shaky Face pictures!

Here's how it works:

Have your subject shake their head as quickly as possible from side to side while you take a picture. The results are HILARIOUS - it makes their face look distorted or deformed, and will have you laughing for hours.

I will leave you with some of my favorite Shaky Face results:

I love how they all look like they got punched in the face! Next time you have a camera and a friend, take some shaky pictures to share - I'd love to see how they turn out!

In other news, looking forward to finding out if we have a sweet or salty peanut on THURSDAY! =]

Top 10 Reasons I love being a GIRL

You probably don't want to know where the inspiration for this post came from. But, I will tell you anyway (it's MY blog, remember?) - My period this month was horrendous. I always think it's lame when women call into work because of cramps, but I seriously considered it this time. They've gotten progressively worse over the last few months (I'm blaming it on stress). You may be thinking, TMI, but stay with me....I promise I'm going somewhere.

I was curled up in a ball, whining and asking the hubs if he would kindly shoot me in the ovaries, when I realized that even through all that, I would never trade being a girl for anything. Ever.

I love being a girl. Here are a few reasons why being a girl rocks:

10. Periods - Okay, this might seem counterproductive after when I just wrote above, but think about it. We have the ability to use this sacred time of the month to our advantage (doesn't mean we should, just that we can). I get more massages from the hubs, he's more sensitive, and I have a perfectly valid excuse to be a b*#$% and consume as much chocolate as I see fit. Plus, we get out of doing a lot because of cramps.

Source

9. Make-Up - If you're a guy, and you're ugly - sorry about your luck. You're screwed. But us girls have the ability to mask our flaws with make-up. I refuse to leave the house without putting my face on first (you can all thank me later for that), and I feel very blessed to be able to do so. Plus, I loooove lip gloss!

Source

8. High Heels - I wouldn't classify myself as a 'shoe girl' - I don't own a lot of shoes, and most days my shoes are pretty run-of-the-mill practical. But I LOVE a great high heel. They have the ability to make me feel sexier, skinnier, taller, and more confident. That's a pretty talented shoe right there!

Source

7. Purses - I also wouldn't say I'm a 'bag girl' either. I've had the same purse for years. But, we have an excuse to carry all our crap with us wherever we go, and always be prepared. If guys did this, well....they wouldn't get away with it.

Source

6. Dresses - No better way to instantly and easily feel feminine than to slip on a dress. I love flowing summer dresses. My favorite.

Source

5. Emotions - We women can wear our emotions on our sleeves and not get made fun of. We can cry through a sappy movie without turning in our 'man card' and no man could cry his way out of a speeding ticket!

Source

4. Girl Talk - You know, that blubbering jibberish that takes places, saying nothing at all, but knowing exactly what we mean. It's essential to every woman.

Source

3. Wearing men's clothes - We can wear our guys' stuff and be called sexy (and it's so comfy!). It doesn't go the other way around.

Source

2. Double Standards - Okay, I might agree that it's not fair, but since it goes in my favor, I won't put up a fight! Many more women have gotten promotions, free stuff, sugar daddy's, compliments, and hand-outs simply for being women. I'm not ashamed to admit I've used this card in my favor a time or two. Or three. =]

Source

(I know this is an opposing double standard, but I thought it was too funny!)

1. Life span - Face the facts: Us fabulous women live longer. Perhaps because we are so fabulous:

Source

There are other reasons I love being a girl, but I'll stop there. I wanna hear what you come up with!

Toddler Translator

One of my favorite things about having toddlers & teaching toddlers is listening to them form sentences, ideas, and words. It cracks me up how they pronounce things sometimes. When my kids mispronounce something, I try not to correct it...it usually fixes itself in time anyway and it's just too cute!! Here's are the translations for some of the funny things that my kids say:

“Tit-tar” : Guitar

“Niffles” : Nipples

“Some-be-body” : Somebody

“Honquered” : Conquered

“Fayf” : Faith

“Caybub” : Caleb

“Boodies” : Boobies

“Prylates” : Privates

“Booger” : Burger

“Blight” : The sound a magic wand makes…???

I know there are a ton more, but I can't remember them all...maybe I'll do another installment at a later time.

What are some funny ways your kids or kids you know have pronounced things?

Q&A: Part 2

1. What is your religion and what is it that holds you so strong to your faith?
I've been a member of the Church of Christ since the Joy Bus picked me up when I was 2 years old. Because they did, my parents started attending church, and were baptized. I've been deeply involved with it ever since. I traveled in an Acappella chorus in middle school/high school that was namely Church of Christ founded and funded. I went to a college established by the same denomination. I love that they are strictly bible based, and I feel very blessed to attend a church that challenges scripture on a regular basis to find Truth and relevance.


I'm also very lucky to have a strong faith that has been embedded in me at a young age. By "strong faith", I do not mean that I am overly spiritual or religious, only that I've never doubted God's presence in my life. I battle God on a regular basis and His purpose for me on this earth, but even in my darkest hours, I knew there WAS a God. It has always baffled me that people can live in this world and not believe in God. Even worse, birth a child and not believe in the miracle of Life. I've never been more sure of God's presence as when I had children. But, I guess I'm just wired that way....and eternally grateful for that.


2. what is your best day ever?
My best day ever is a Sunday. A Sunday where our family gets up, eats breakfast together, gets ready for church together while we listen to worship music (there is nothing sweeter than hearing a toddler sing along to worship music), and go to church to be spiritually fed. After church would involve a gigantic lunch with our friends - my favorite Sunday tradition - followed by a blissful nap. After nap would be some wrestling with the kids, invitations to have friends over in the evening, board games and Rock Band til we can't see straight. I love that day.


But, if I could choose to put together a day just for myself, see Q&A: Part 1


3. Do you like to drive? What was your first vehicle?
Sometimes I like to drive. I tend to fall asleep a lot when I'm driving in the middle of the day, and I hate that. And if we're all together as a family, I hate driving - I prefer the hubs to do it. But driving is when I do my best thinking, and my most personal and vulnerable conversations with God. It's where I sing the loudest, laugh the hardest, and get one-on-one dialog with the hubs and kids. Sometimes it is very therapeutic.


My first vehicle was a 1998 Burgundy Buick Century. Til I ran it into a tree (perhaps a great story for another day)


4. Do you sit down OR stand up while you eat? 
The only time I stand to eat is when there is nowhere to sit. Or during snack time @ Preschool. Otherwise, I always sit when I eat. Are there really people who prefer to eat standing???....I don't know why, but that seems bizarre to me.


5. What person has been or is the greatest influence in your life? 
I have a few. My husband is at the top of the list, without question. That man has challenged my strengths, weaknesses, fears, patience, faith, and personality - and I'm so thankful. I can't not fathom the person I would be right now if he hadn't saved my life.


The other would be my mom. Sure, we disagree and we're not as close as we used to be, but I have learned so much from her. Her zest for life is truly contagious...she never stews over things for long (something I have to work on now and again - and again), and she's quick to love. NEVER shy (to the point of embarrassment), the life of the party, this woman has more energy than I know what to do with. I never got home-sick as a kid. I got mom-sick.


The last person would have to be my chorus director of 5 years, Tim Meixner. What an incredible man of God! He became like a second dad to me, driving me to and from concerts every Sunday for 5 years. He is the reason I am able to stand on stage and sing (I have some nasty stage fright that used to be pretty severe). He's always positive, the most patient man I've ever met, and so loving. I don't know anyone else better qualified to handle 120+ teenagers every week!


6. If you could design a life, what would it be like?
This question makes me think in the direction of career. Right now, I think it would be my dream to travel and lead worship (with the hubs), like my trip to Gulf Coast. I LOVE to sing. Even more, I love singing for God and bringing people closer to Him through worship is so humbling. I've been blessed to have many opportunities to do this, especially in the last year, and many more opportunities in the near future, but I would make a career out of it if I could.


Outside of 'career', I would design of life where we were living in our dream home (but I don't know where it would be - just not here!) surrounded by family and friends, with my kids growing happy and healthy. Can anyone really ask for anything more than that?


Oh - and I would have plenty of time for blogging and scrapbooking!


7. What is your most favorite thing about being a Mom? 
My favorite thing about being a Mom is the little rewarding moments where all your hard work pays off. Or watching your child learn something new or really 'get' something. Like hearing my daughter quote scripture. Or feeling my son snuggle up to me, put his arm around me, and randomly say "I love you Momma." Or listening to my children's prayers at night. Or hearing their uncontrollable laugh. Or hearing my daughter stand up against a child who is misbehaving and saying "My momma said I have to stay here." (This doesn't happen often, BTW)


My other favorite thing about being a mother, is watching my husband be a daddy. =]


8. What is your favorite thing about your husband? 
My favorite thing about my husband is something that I had to learn to love. The best thing about the hubs is that what you see is what you get. I'm a people pleaser, so I get tense when I think someone is mad at me, or I construct my words in a thoughtful manner as not to offend anyone. But my husband? Nope. He tells it like it is. He doesn't sugar coat things. Sometimes he's a little harsh, but always honest. Always real. I appreciate that about him so much now, and I think he compliments me well in that. Now....don't be fooled. Sometimes, he really is sweeter and softer than he'd like people to think, especially when it comes to the women in his life.


9. How long have you been married?
July 19, 2010 will mark 7 years.

[SIDE NOTE - I feel like this portion of the Q&A has been very deep, thoughtful, and spiritually weighted. I'm happy to end on a lighter note]

10. Burger King or McDonalds? McDonalds. I can't say no to their french fries!


11. Timmy's or Dunkin' Donuts? Timmy's. That's my husband's Canadian influence, I fear.

12. Wheel of Fortune or Jeopardy? Wheel of Fortune.

13. Heals or flats? There is a time for both, but heals win. I LOVE a great heal!

14. Matt Damon or Zac Efron? hehe, this question makes me laugh because of who wrote it....but I'll be honest (and save myself the embarrassment) and say Matt Damon (Although I still have a totally inappropriate crush on Zac Efron!). First loves always stick, don't they?

15. Night hawk or morning person? Night hawk for sure. But maybe if I wasn't such a night hawk, I wouldn't mind the mornings so much....just a thought.

Thanks to everyone who participated! I had so much fun! I'd be happy to do more if you think of any other questions for me! =]

Q&A: Part 1

Thanks everyone for participating in my Questions and Answers! I had so many great questions! I was gonna be all organized and categorize the questions into themes, but let's be honest - I'm far too lazy for that. To save some time (and my sanity!) I'm just answering them in order. I apologize in advance if some of my answers are long-winded.


1. How did you and hubs meet? 
The hubs and I met @ Rochester College in 2001. We were both there in June for callbacks of our auditions for the Acappella group we had tried out for. My first impression of him is very vivid: They split us all up into groups, gave us a song, and gave us an hour to learn it and perform it. I remember sitting in the music room with some sheet music of some old hymn, and the hubs was the only one in our group who knew the song well....so he had to teach it to us all. I remember thinking he was super cute and thought it was adorable how nervous he was to sing for us all. I totally would have approached him later, but I couldn't remember his name! Someone got to him first (and I dated someone else) and it took us another year before we dated....but we became really good friends during that time.


2.What was your reaction when you first found out you were pregnant with baby #1
Ecstatic does not even begin to describe it. We were trying, and I was so anxious the DAY my period was supposed to start. We had an absolute crazy day, and I ended up driving home from my mom's around 3am and picked up a pregnancy test, cause I wouldn't have been able to sleep. The hubs read the test for me - positive. I had waited my entire life to be a mom. But my sister-in-law was staying with us at the time and we didn't want to tell her just yet, so I just sat in my room at 3'oclock in the morning, giddy as a school girl, quietly squealing like a pig, and jumping up and down on the bed. It was surreal and one of my favorite moments. Ever.


3. What is your favorite childhood memory? 
The one that comes to mind is when my parents took us to Disney World for the first time. I remember my mom and dad telling us they were taking us somewhere special, but they wouldn't say where. Keep in mind, we drove there - from Michigan - so TWO DAYS later, we were really getting anxious to know what the stinkin' surprise was already! About a mile from the entrance, my mom handed me a piece of paper (maybe a pamphlet or something) that said 'Disney World'....and I was just really learning how to read. Once I figured out what it said, we were all jumping for joy!!! =] Very cool moment.


4. Did you like high school? Why or why not? Would you go back?
I didn't hate high school, but I didn't love it. I made some of the best friends a girl could ask for in high school, and they are all still very dear to my heart. But I really didn't come out of my shell and into my own until college. I had senioritis really bad my last year of high school. I don't think I would ever go back. Plus, I didn't think there were many date-worthy guys at our high school!


5. Who was your first boyfriend? 
My first real boyfriend wasn't until my senior of high school. A great guy named Joshua, who was one of my best friends. We didn't go to school together, but we traveled in a chorus together...had a great summer with him and he took me to the prom. We both went our separate ways when we went to college, but I still get updates about his missionary life in Poland from time to time.


6. Have you ever been toilet papering? 
I actually have not. I've never really been a big prank player, but I definitely would have done it if the opportunity presented itself.


7. Describe your most embarrassing moment.
I have two. One was in second grade when some tattled on me for writing 'I love Shawn Hamilton' on the bleachers outside on the playground. I had to go into the school, tell the principal what I did, get soap and water, and clean it up in front of the entire class (and other classes) on the playground. I was mortified.


My second happened last year when I was bartending. I came into work one day with my fly open gaping open. I had a pair of jeans on with a button flap so it snapped in two places, and was completely tucked into itself. My shirt was covering it for awhile, so I didn't notice.....until one of my regulars told me how much he liked my pink underwear! After that, my face and my underwear were the same shade!


8. If you had $50 cash to spend on anything you wanted and an entire day to yourself, where would you go and what would you spend it on?
Let me start by saying if I had an entire day to myself and could do anything I wanted, it would cost WAY more than $50! (It would probably include a shopping spree, spa, mani and pedi, and dinner and a movie with some besties). But right now, $50 would be spent some new clothes, and I haven't been clothes shopping in forever, trying to wait out this weight loss thing!


9. What got you started in blogging? What do you like most about it? 
I actually started blogging when I first got married with a Xanga account. It was just a way to vent, talk about my fears and frustration, and really just cure boredom in married housing at school when the hubs was away and friends didn't want to hang out. Then, my blogging turned into a pregnancy log to help remember those memories and share them with others. Now, it's a way for me to connect with other people, write down my favorite life moments to keep forever, and get some great feedback and advice from other people, which is my favorite thing about it!


10. How much time do you spend blogging? What are your favorite types of blogs?
I don't spend a whole lot of time blogging, but I spend A LOT of time on other people's blogs. I usually wait til I know what I want to talk about before I write a post, then it comes in a few minutes (probably why I don't post every day). I love mommy blogs, decorating blogs, and before and after blogs.


11.What kind of music do you listen to and what is your favorite band/singer? 
I honestly like a little bit of (almost) everything. Top 40, R&B, country, pop, gospel. I'm not really into heavy rock or metal. I also love musicals, so I listen to a lot of soundtracks (I am in LOVE with the Glee soundtracks!) Since I've had kids, I've tried to sensor what I listen to on the radio (I knew I had to make a change when my 3 yr old was singing 'Womanizer') - so in the car, we're usually listening to High School Musical soundtrack or our Praise and Worship CD.


My favorite band is probably Rascal Flatts. I am much more of a single artist lover vs. bands, but I LOVE Rascal Flatts! Some of my favorite singers include: Brian McKnight, Usher, Michael Buble, Carrie Underwood, Leona Lewis, Jordin Sparks, Kari Jobe and Christina Aguilera.






That's all for now. Part 2 to follow. If you have any more questions for me, feel free to add them!!! =]

You've got questions. I've got answers.

First of all, just wanted to say that I'm so thankful March is here!!!! Spring is just around the corner, praise God! I'm SO over winter.

So, I've been wanting to do a Question & Answer series for awhile. I love these, and I think it's a great way for people to get to know each other. I've hesitated for fear that no one would actually ask me anything, but I've recently befriended a lot of new amazing bloggers lately, so I figured I'd give it a shot!

This week in particular, I've been able to spend some time with a few different circles of people, and I feel like I've been dishing out a lot of answers to people lately, so I'm on a roll!!!

For all of you that are just starting to follow me and get to know me, what don't you know that you'd like to? For those that have known me for awhile, what don't you know that you'd like to? Silly and serious questions are welcome - what do you want to know about me? About my family? About my past?  I loved the response that came about regarding me being slimed on Nickelodeon! And hopefully, through the process, I'll also get to know a little about you!

This should be fun! Looking forward to the questions to come up with. =]

Sunday's Getting to Know You

I want to participate in a fun game from a brand new blogger friend! 

To play..Grab the questions..copy them onto your blog..answer them..come back here..put your link in and let the Sunday Fun begin!

Let's get this party started!!

The questions..

1. Do you iron your sheets?

Excuse me, I have a life. No I do NOT iron my sheets...who has time to do that?!?

2. Your dream car is....?

When I was young, it was a Yellow Ford Mustang Convertible. And I don't know why. I actually love the newer mustang models, but I think I'd love a nice SUV to tote around the fam. I'm practical like that.

3. Do you have an innie or an outie belly button?

Innie =]

4. What meal do you look forward to the most..breakfast, lunch, or dinner?

Depends on the day. Most days it's dinner, cause we try to do that as a family. But I LOVE doing Sunday lunch with friends after church.

5. Favorite mascara?

I don't even know the name...it's the pink and green one. I've used it since day 1 (of me wearing make up, that is)

6. What would you say your decorating style is..traditional, modern, eclectic, country, french country, shabby chic, etc..?

I would say I have an eclectic mix, but I'm definitely a Pottery Barn lover, with a little shabby chic thrown in. Is that traditional?

7. Have you ever been skinny dipping?

Yes. In 8th grade. With two girls. We thought we were getting away with murder, lol

8. I hate the smell of...?

Ketchup (especially when mixed with mac and cheese), Love Spell by Victoria Secret, and Dog Food Factories.

A Decade in Review

First of all, thank you for all the encouragement from my last post. I am definitely inspired and already feel God's peace about the whole thing. And I loved reading all your ideas on how to save money!

Well, I thought I'd take a break from the heavy posts for a bit and just do something silly/fun. So, stealing an idea from Lucy, here are the highlight of the last 10 years of my life:

2000

-Rang in the new year with my parents and BFF Sarah @ the Elk's club - what a night!
-Finishing out my junior year, starting my senior year of high school.
-My dear friends threw me a surprise 17th birthday party.
-I don't remember much else about this year, not a whole lot going on.

2001

-Graduated from Hartland High School
-Started dating my first serious boyfriend
-Broke up from my first serious relationship (guess it wasn't that serious!)
-Auditioned for Acappella group 'Autumn' from Rochester College and made it!
-Met my future hubby for the first time, thought he was adorable.
-Started school @ Rochester College
-Started dating second serious boyfriend (not my future hubby, unfortunately)
-Hubby started dating someone else, too.

2002

-Best/worst year of my life
-Had a great summer traveling with an Acappella/Drama group
-Broke up with serious boyfriend after 11 months, things got a little crazy.
-Great friendship with my future hubby started turning into something more.
-Started my sophomore year with an awesome roomie!
-Continued another year with an all girl's Acappella group
-Drama, drama, and more drama
-Ending the year convinced I found the man of my dreams.

2003

-Got engaged to the man of my dreams.
-Married the man of my dreams (yes, it happened this quickly!)
-Honeymooned in Florida
-Moved into married housing on campus
-Took a step back from choir/groups to focus on first year of marriage
-Ended up taking a billion credits/working my tail off instead.
-Started a waitressing job

2004

-Started to feel really cramped in married housing (aka dorm room)
-The hubs got a potential lead for a job as youth minister
-Finally move out of married housing into a townhouse
-Hubby graduates from college Dec. 18th (don't know why I remember that date of all things)

2005

-The hubs get hired as youth minister
-I am still working/going to school full time.
-Take a field placement trip to Oklahoma, where the hubs tells me over the phone he wants to start a family with me! (Longest week of my life, BTW)
-Find out I'm pregnant two months later (July 9)
-Start my student teaching early so I can graduate before baby

2006

-Graduate from college with a degree in Elementary Education/Language Arts
-Two weeks later, deliver our precious daughter (March 12)
-Lovin' life as a stay-at-home mom
-Lose my wedding ring while boating over 4th of July weekend @ Houghton Lake. worst. thing. ever.
-The hubs surprises me with a new wedding band! (Oct 1)
-I surprise the hubs (and myself) with a positive pregnancy test! (Oct 1)

2007

-The hubs took a mutual step back from youth ministry, working part time
-I went back to work waitressing while pregnancy with baby #2
-The hubs gets a new job @ Gander Mountain
-We part ways with our congregation, go back to our college church
-My beautiful son was born (June 5)
-End of year, offered a position as bartender in the same restaurant

2008

-The hubs got a new job working for our Alma Mater, Rochester College
-Lovin' my job as bartender (and the money)
-Figuring out life as mom of two
-Started the tradition of 'Girls Day Out' with my daughter
-Participated in the Imagine Christmas program at our church, had a blast

2009

-Started a membership at Lifetime Fitness
-Had a flood in our kitchen, which led to a complete kitchen overhaul
-Finished my Scrapbook room
-My baby girl turned 3!!
-We placed membership (finally) at our church!
-Wrote my first song
-The hubs got pretty sick, spent some time in the hospital
-Got a new job teaching preschool!
-Started a weight loss journey


Wow, I surprised at how little I remembered! But that's the last decade for me summed up pretty much. What was the last decade like for you?