I finally did it...

...I finally updated my blog.

For the last almost 3 months (actually, 88 days, if anyone else is counting), I've been staring at the side bars on my blog page reading and re-reading the little snippets of my family. Especially the snippet about Jeremy. I knew I would eventually have to change it, but the thought of it made me ill - I wasn't ready to admit that my love was really gone and that my perfect little family had fallen apart. And changing things made me feel like I was moving on.

Let's be clear, I'm not ready to move on.

But what I did come to realize is that over the last 88 days, I've gained almost 300 new followers. And I know so many people come to this space to find out what happened and offer their support. When I started seeking out other 'widow blogs,' the very first thing I looked for was information about the widow and her family, how her husband died, and their story. So, I thought it only fair that since most people are here because of my story, I'd make it easy for people to find out. Click on the tabs above to read my story and meet my family.

On top of that, people have been supporting me with the help of some friend's blogs, who were donating their ad revenues to my family from the month of January. (to see how much money was raised from Pennies on a Platter, click here - and thank you from the bottom of my heart).

Now, you can continue to support me and my family by visiting MY blog, which is now making a very small profit from ad revenues (every little bit counts, right?) Jeremy always told me I should look into making money from my blog, but I never seriously considered it because it was just a silly little blog about our family - who would read that? But he's making it happen, because they approached me...so I thought it was time to give it a new feel and a new focus: Learning to live without him.

It was hard to finally change everything, but it was needed. And knowing Jer is still front and center in our family and now in the overtones of my blog, it feels good to see his presence here. It goes along with the theme of my life right now and feels a little more relevant.

Thank you for following this journey of mine. Right now the road is very dark and bumpy, but it's good to know I have a place to write it all out, and that I'm not walking it alone.

Unexpected Emotion

As you all know, I am frantically running around this week trying to work on my Spring Break TO DO list! I'm happy to announce that I've put a pretty big dent in the list - it feels so good to be getting organized! I've also done a few things that were not on the list!

However, something happened that I didn't expect when I was sorting through all my kids clothes for a Mom2Mom Sale...

I used to be pretty good about going through the kids clothes on a regular basis, and sorting them. Well, they each have their own bin of clothes I wanted to keep (ya know, in case I have another one!) Except, I opened the bins and thought 'Why do I really need to keep all this? It's just taking up space and is going to just sit here...might as well let someone else enjoy it.' So first I went through my son's bin and kept a few items and sorted the rest to sell.

What I didn't expect was the emotion of going through my daughter's bin. Most of my son's clothes were passed down, so it didn't have much sentimental value. But my daughters: I remember when and where I bought outfits while I was pregnant or who got it for us as a gift...re-living the emotions of a first time pregnancy. I felt the tinge with some of my son's stuff, but it really hit me with Faith's stuff. And realizing that I probably am done having kids made it a little harder. I decided to let Faith keep her little premie outfits for her dolls, and I set aside all their firsts: first church outfit, the first day home outfit, first christmas, etc. I'm not one to keep things, and I'm not a pack rat by any means, but I couldn't part with these things. Her little hospital hats especially choked me up, cause they were so tiny and we kept them on her for awhile from her bruising after they tried to suction her. And Caleb's first baby shoes - I can't believe he was EVER tiny!

There I was, in the middle of my basement, surrounded by baby clothes, sobbing like a fool. I'll never have little babies like that again.

What about some of you? Please tell me I'm not the only who gets emotional about their kids growing up. Have you ever had an unexpected emotion from discovering something from your child's infanthood?

The MOTHER of To-Do Lists!

The last 48 hours of my life has been crazy - and totally consumed with Preschool work. The craft I chose for our Easter party took a little longer than I anticipated to prep, so I was up til 4am cutting out paper and putting things together! Not to mention I am getting sick, so NOT a good combination! 

Well, my mind has been mush and even though our party today was awesome, and I know tomorrow's will be too, I'm SOOOO looking forward to Spring Break!!!

I can't believe I'm even thinking about taking so much on right now, but I have a lot of projects I'd like to complete while on break. Likely enough to keep me busy EVERY DAY, but it would be so worth it to get it all accomplished! Even just getting a few things done would be great. I sat down to write out some things I wanted to do, and couldn't believe what came out. In no particular order:

1. Lock myself in my room and plan the rest of my preschool year
2. Clean out the laundry room
3. Clean/organize Scrapbook room
4. Put up shelves in back room
5. Re-organize basement shelves
6. Sort baby clothes & toys for Mom2Mom Sale
7. Schedule a Mom2Mom Sale
8. Clean room. Really clean.
9. Catch up on laundry
10. Build Caleb's bed
11. Re-finish table and chairs
12. Clean up stuff for Craig's List
13. Clean up front and back yard
14. Get some sleep

My list keeps getting bigger and bigger each day....and this is on top of a girl's night, and lunch with old friends, Saturday @ my parents for Easter, spending time doing the stage for Easter Sunday, and traveling next weekend to Indiana!!!

Okay, someone tell me - I think I can! I think I can! I think I can!

Catch Up

After my princess turned 4 last week, we had a CRAZY week!!! It's still going crazy, but I just wanted to take a quick second to update you on what's been going on:

1. This week the weather has been beautiful here in Michigan! Faith got a lot of use out of her new bike, because we went to the park a few times after school to enjoy the sunshine....she went from hesitant rider to pro in no time!

2. This weekend was the annual youth rally our church puts on called Illuminate. I had the privilege of helping set up the stage and leading worship on Friday night. Had a great time, but it consumed A LOT of my time this week!

3. For those of you that remember my ranting post about my brother from awhile back, it's time for an update. Shortly after that post, my brother went to jail for breaking probation and was there until Friday (roughly 5 months). The good news is, I think prayers have been answered and my brother, the one I remember and love, is home. It's the longest he's been sober since high school, and he looks great! He came to see me sing on Friday night, and it was really really good to see him. I pray this is the time away he needed to get back on the right track and use that as an opportunity for a second chance!

4. I'm juggling a lot right now: financially, emotionally, and schedule-wise, which is why I haven't been able to keep up with the blogging. But hopefully I will get a breather sometime soon! Thanks for stickin' with me anyway, you guys rock!

Phat Tuesday

Can someone please explain to me what the big deal about 'Fat Tuesday' is?!?

Only once have I ever tried a Paczki  (in college) and I didn't get it. Tasted worse than a donut and worse for your body. I'd take a sour cream glazed donut from Tim Hortons ANY day of the week.

So, today I'm celebrating 'PHAT' Tuesday instead. With the help of my friend, Jillian Micheals:

That's right. I did it. I ordered '30 Day Shred.' Since I had to cancel my membership at the gym, I needed to find something I could do at home that would motivate me....who better than Jillian? I figure if she can change the life of one of my friends enough that he named a child after her, surely she could get my butt in gear! I actually got a great deal on Amazon for three of her DVD's (costing me 1/4 the amount of one month at the gym!!!):

I'm going to start with The Shred. I read a ton of reviews about it, and thanks to a fellow blogger, I was convinced to finally give it a try.

Well, let me tell you....I started Sunday morning, and I was surprised that I actually really loved the workout. It was simple movements, yet really intense. She switched it up enough that it goes by quickly, and it's totally doable. 3 minutes of strength, 2 minutes of cardio, 1 minute of abs.....times 3.  

I finished feeling refreshed after not having worked out in a few weeks. And the kicker was how unbelievable sore I was the next day. Like, WHOA. I got up early Monday morning and decided between my inability to move, and this funky thing I've got going on with my eye (it's been swollen shut the last three mornings, and leaking at night...WEIRD), and developing strep throat to where I can't swallow anything without severe pain, and the intense migraines I've been getting for a few days - I thought I deserved a break. But, I WILL be using this regularly. I WILL try this for 30 days. I'm totally pumped about it. And Jillian will be my new best friend if she can get me through this plateau and I could lose 20 pounds in 30 days....I'd be so close to my goal weight! =]

I just need to get healthy/feel better first.

Have any of you tried The Shred? There were mixed reviews about it, but I'm pretty sure if it's something you stick to, Jillian really knows her stuff! I'm interested to hear what you think!

A series of unfortunate events

One step forward, two steps back.

That's how it goes, right?

Well, yesterday was my two steps back. My day just started out rough. I was awaken by a little dude who was ON FIRE with a temperature of 106!!! After going up and down with fevers for the last few days, I woke up the hubs to tell him he needed to get the little guy to the doctor. I wasn't able to go with him, because I was having my preschool Valentine's day party. After running late for work (of course) and getting the kids together, the hubs had to drop me off at work. Realizing that it had snowed overnight and the hubs should have been up bright and early to plow at the college, he ended up taking both kids next door to plow snow while I was at school.

So, I'm scrambled. I'm worried about my chum. My assistant and I were frantically getting things ready. She had a rough start to her day with a leak in her house. We were both not wanting to be there.

Then, one of my students came in with his grandmother. We welcomed him in and knowing that his mom was due any second with her third child, we assumed she must have been in labor since she was not bringing her son to school. After asking him 'Hey buddy, did you mom have the baby yet?' we were met with cautious eyes by the grandmother, who put her hand up to stop us. She leaned forward to tell us,

"The baby died. She delivered yesterday morning."

How gut wrenching. Tears welled up in my eyes. I had just seen her, in her pregnancy glory a few days prior, everything was fine. Emailed back and forth about the baby that week, sending her well wishes. Apparently, she noticed mid afternoon that the baby wasn't making any movement. The chord has wrapped around her neck and had knotted. They went to the hospital only to discover that baby had died, then had to deliver it naturally. She has two boys, and this was her third and final child...a girl.

She has been flashing through my mind constantly since. I can't even begin to imagine what she must be going through. This morning, I sent the grandfather with a lasagna and a card....but it felt so pitiful and insignificant. What can you do for someone who has just lost a child?

Needless to say, it was tough to get through the day. Then we had to take the dude to urgent care after school, only to get antibiotics (he's still been very sick today).

Pray for this family, that God will provide healing and peace that passes understanding for this horrific situation.

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.

Calm before the storm

Bullet point #4 that I am suppose to cover, as promised here, is the hardest to write. Mostly, cause I don't know where to start or even how to talk about it without talking about everything at the same time.

Basically it's along these lines: God has been workin' on my heart a lot lately.

These last few months, I've just had a lot going on. I mean, I always have a lot going on, but I've been convicted to find joy in the midst. Ironically, trying to find it was causing discontent and frustration in my life. I'm ready to move on. I'm struggling through financial hardship right now, but I'm confident that God will provide, as He always does. I'm frustrated with the plateau I've hit in my weight loss, but I know that it's about balance and taking care of myself to live my best life. I get down on myself that I'm not always being the best parent I can be, but then I realize I'm raising some pretty fantastic kids.

This is the lesson I'm learning: I am blessed. Yes, I knew this already, but I didn't really know it. Ya know? My weekend at Gulf Coast Getaway was the first time in a long time that I sat back and listened to God and what He had to say. I never stop long enough to listen. Being away from my kids for 5 days was the hardest thing, but I have been a better parent since. I've been cherishing every moment with them, and keeping my cool when little meltdowns don't matter.

This is the other lesson I'm in the middle of learning: I don't know what's ahead. It's scary, unsettling, frustrating, and down right aggravating, but the only thing I can count on is change. There are a lot of possibilities in my future, and I have no idea the path that God will lead us through. I just know I'm ready. I literally feel like I'm sitting in the calm before the storm.

Something big's a comin' - are you ready?

Where do I begin?

Well, I took a little break from the blog world. It was not my intent, but I've had a lot going on since Christmas and have been doing quite a bit of traveling. There are so many things I want to tell you about:

-I want to update you on my weight loss journey, talk about what's going on there.

-I want to tell you how our Dave Ramsey class is going, and what the hubs and I are doing to save money and worked toward getting debt free.

-I want to tell you about my AMAZING trip to Panama City Florida this past weekend to lead worship at an event of about 2,000 college students. (Includes lot of pictures)

-I want to update you on some little projects I would like to accomplish around the house

-I want to share a few pieces of my heart that are slowly molding into something different.

-I also have some funny and touching stories to share about my babies, who are growing up WAY too fast.

So many things going on, just not enough time to write about it all. But, this is a good place to start. Next blog, I will actually start filling you in on some of these things!

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?

The Random Dozen

I was going to start this post off by saying I really have nothing exciting to talk about, but I love The Random Dozen series and have yet to participate! In actuality, I have a lot going on, some of it I can't talk about, and the rest you probably don't want to hear about. Either way - here it is. Random things you don't care to know about me, but are going to find out anyway:


1. Which physical trait do you now accept--maybe not love, but accept--and no longer feel extremely self-conscious about?

My hands. I have extremely masculine hands that I used to go to great lengths to hide. I never wear polish to draw attention to them, used to cover them up whenever possible. Now, I'm over it.

2. This week Meredith Baxter Birney, best known as the mom on the favorite 80s sitcom "Family Ties" came out of the closet, which led me to formulate this question: Who do you think is/was the best TV mom?

I love Debra Jo Rupp, or 'Kitty' from That 70's show. I fell in love with her when she played Alice on Friends, and she is hilarious in both roles. I love that she's sweet, is always cooking, but tries so hard to be a cool mom!

3. Do you speak any foreign languages? Are there any you'd like to learn?

I can speak Spanglish. That used to be Spanish when I took it in High School, but has evolved to Spanglish as my memory has gone...

4. Who is your personal hero?

Right now, I would have to say my husband. He has taken on an incredible amount of responsibility lately, has been working SO hard, and still manages to be a great dad, a wonderful husband, and a loyal friend. I can't say that about many people.

5. What is one holiday food that you find extremely difficult to resist over- indulging in?

Um, anything that is made by Grandma King. If she makes it, I wanna eat it. But sweets are particularly hard for me to resist, especially when they're in the form of chocolate chip cookies.

6. Tell me about a Christmas decoration that has special meaning or sentimental value.

All the ornaments on my tree from past students, I will treasure them forever.

7. How do you feel about snow?

I have a love/hate relationship with snow. I actually despise it about 90% of the time. I love the beauty of it, and I love playing in it with my kids (and sledding is a favorite), but I wish it would just come around when I want it to - which is hardly ever.

8. On average, how many hours of sleep do you get each night? Not that I'm jealous of any number over three or anything.

Probably about 5. This is why I nap so much. I can't function on 5 hours of sleep.

9. Tell me about your first crush.

Oh man. The first one I remember was Shawn Hamilton....and whenever I think of him, I think of how I got in BIG trouble for writing on the bleachers in black marker at recess 'I love Shawn Hamilton' and had to wash it out with soap and water....while the entire class watched. (Also one of my most embarrassing moments).

10. You're stuck in a room for 2 hours with only a chalkboard and chalk. What will you write/draw?

First, I would doodle. (I'm a doodle-er). Then, let's be honest....I'd probably make TO-DO lists. How lame am I?

11. Do you dress for the current temp or for the day's forecast?

Usually forecast. I am starting to smarten up and bring a sweater with me. I'm always cold.

12. Favorite Christmas movie is?

While You Were Sleeping (that counts right?). There is a great debate in our household about which is the better classic: Christmas Vacation or The Christmas Story....The hubs grew up watching Chevy Chase, and I grew up quoting lines about a red rider bb gun. We've yet to settle it.

The List

No, I don't mean the Christmas list (although, I could add a few of these to my Christmas list).

You know, "The List":

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUOe0JBy8n8


Now, since the hubs and I have met, our lists change constantly, but we both accept our lists (I approved his actually - it's just for fun, but he's got good taste!) I am very picky about my list, for whatever reason, so I have a hard time even choosing people for it. But let's be honest, there are a lot of yummy celebrities out there. You already know a few of my guilty pleasures from this post, but I'll add the rest to "The List."

1. Ryan Reynolds

My love for him was affirmed in 'The Proposal'. Sure, he's not the greatest actor in the world, but who cares when you have abs like that! I mean seriously, people. Sexy smile. Ridiculous body. Funny. Yes, please! =]

2. Daniel Craig

When I first found out they were replacing my beloved Pierce Brosnan as James Bond, I was appalled. I heart James Bond, and Pierce Brosnan was my favorite. But 'Casino Royale' very quickly changed my mind and instantly became one of my favorite movies of all time! This guy has some piercing blue eyes and a rockin' body for his age. And you know me and salt n pepper men!

3. John Krasinski

If you're an Office fan, you know that it's impossible not to love Jim. I developed a major crush on him the first season, and it stuck. I love his quirky look, his sense of humor, and believe it or not, I totally dig guys with big ears (I went through a whole Will Smith phase for that very reason). Oh, to be Pam for a day...

4. Matthew Morrison

Upon my recent obsession with Glee, I've discovered a teacher crush for Matthew Morrison. And I'm a sucker for a guy that can sing and dance. Wish he had been my teacher...

5. Matt Damon

Matt Damon is my classic choice. He's been a consistent on my list for years. I love his sexy smile. And the Bourne series is one of my favorites. But I think truly, it comes from the fact that Matt Damon reminds me a little of my hubs. (Especially in this picture). I need to do a side by side of them sometime...they could be brothers. Do I have good taste of what?!

6. Josh Duhamel

I remember watching 'Win a date with Tad Hamilton' and thinking "Who IS this guy?!?" Gorgeous. I can even look past his bad taste in women (Fergie, really? Is anything left on her face originally hers?!) All I can say is, I'd love to win a date with Josh Duhamel (cue cheesy music...)

There ya have it, my 'List'. For now anyway. I'll check back in 6 months and see if it's changed at all...

What about you? Who's on your list?!?

Guilty pleasures

Everyone has em...

You know, those silly indulgences that you would never admit to anyone. You'd be mortified if anyone knew how much you loved it - either because you're way too old to love it, too young, or it's completely ridiculous:

I call them guilty pleasures.

Well, welcome to my dirty laundry. I'm airing it out. I've decided that I am secure enough as a woman that I can be at a place to admit these secrets loves of my life.

CAUTION: READ AT YOUR OWN RISK

(Reading the following may force you to think less of me)

Guilty pleasure # 1:

Cheesy movies

Okay, I realize I am not alone on this one. Most woman would admit to liking the sappy romantic comedies/dramas. My favorite genre is action/suspense, but I will totally admit to loving girly movies. But I love the really cheesy ones. I tend to watch them by myself so I don't have to answer to anyone why I would possibly watch it: Like watching The Ice Princess. And loving it. And downloading the Ali & AJ song from it. Or 'A Cinderella Story' - Apparently, any Disney teenie-bopper movie, I'm all over it. Shhh....don't tell anyone.

Guilty pleasure # 2:

Zac Efron

Again, with the disney teenie-boppers! I admit it: I have a cougar crush on Zac Efron. It all started with my daughter's obsession with High School Musical. This kid is seriously a force of ridiculous talent. Adorable: CHECK. Actor: CHECK. Sings & Dances: DOUBLE CHECK. My daughter has good taste!

Guilty pleasure # 3:

Salt & Pepper

Hopefully, this will redeem myself from my previous guilty pleasure (or at least, balance it out)...but I love older guys who can rock salt & pepper hair. I totally think it's sexy. Like Pierce Brosnan.

Or George Clooney.

Something about an older man who knows who is, has a sense of maturity (even if we know it's a myth), and can get sexier every year.

And no, I do NOT mean Taylor Hicks, thankyouverymuch.

Guilty pleasure # 4:

Slurpees

Anyone who has read my blog knows I love Slurpees. But my love borders on obsession. I've cut way back recently in honor or reaching my goal of a healthier me, but there is a slurpee shaped hole in my stomach. And it aches. I could drink them non-stop. ALL DAY. It's a disease, really. I should seek help.

Guilty pleasure # 5:

Jordin Sparks, 'Battlefield'

I actually love all things Jordin Sparks. I think she is an incredible singer, a great role model, and has the most unbelievably beautiful skin. But, I've recently become addicted to her song 'Battlefield.' It's constantly stuck in my head. I crank it anytime I hear it on the radio. My kids know most of the words. I love the drive. I love the range. I love Jordin Sparks, and I don't care who knows it!

There you have it: my guilty pleasures. I warned you that you might think less of me...

What are your guilty pleasures?!?!? I'm dying to know!

My life according to Rascal Flatts

Just thought this was fun...

Using only song names from ONE ARTIST, cleverly answer these questions. Pass it on to other people you like and include me. Try not to use the band I used, and try not to repeat a song title. (It's a lot harder than you think!) Repost as "My life according to..."


Pick your artist: Rascal Flatts


Are you a male or female?: Help Me Remember


Describe yourself: Long Slow Beautiful Dance


How do you feel?: Backwards


Describe where you currently live: Oklahoma Texas Line


If you could go anywhere, where would you go?: Where You Are


Your favorite form of transportation: Fast Cars and Freedom


Your best friend is: Like I Am


Your favorite color is: Red, White, and Blue


What's the weather like?: Cool Thing


Favorite time of day: Prayin' For Daylight


If your life was a TV show, what would it be called?: Too Good is True


What is life to you?: The Glory of Life


Your relationship(s): This Everyday Love


Your fear: What Hurst the Most


What is the best advice you have to give?: Things that Matter


If you could change your name, you would change it to: You


Thought for the day: Love Who You Love


How you would like to die: Fallin' Upside Down


Your soul's present condition: Still Feels Good


Your motto: God Bless the Broken Road

Ready to Roll

This is the conversation I just overheard my (almost) 2 yr. old & my 3 yr. old having that almost brought me to tears, cause they're so grown up!

Faith: "Caleb, are we ready to roll?"

Caleb: "Umm...Gym."

Faith: "Well, we have to go to the store first, then we can go to the gym."

Caleb: "PARK!"

Faith: "You wanna go to the park?"

Caleb: "Umm....yep."

Faith: "Ok, first we need seat belts so we can be safe. We're ready to roll! Let's go to the park!"

Caleb: "YAY! PARK!"

LOL, I love their day-t0-day conversations. Precious. And so safety conscious. Faith is such a mother.

And in other news, Faith just came to me and said, "Mommy, Caleb is trying to eat my lipstip (lipstick). Can you beat him up for me?" - HA. We always say that to each other when we're play wrestling...I guess we need to come up with a new phrase!

A true Michigander?

This past weekend, we got to take a break from choatic life to visit Jer's sister-in-law and family while Jeremy went on his annual fishing trip. (Which was great - I wished we lived closer to his family!) The trip there is basically a straight shot up 1-75 to Sault Ste. Marie. On our way there, we pass some of the most famous Michigan tourist attractions in the state, and it made me realize that in my 26 years of living in Michigan, I've never been to most of these places.

Is it strange to anyone else that I've lived in Michigan my entire life but I've never been to Frankenmuth? I've never shopped at Bronners? Never stopped at Sea Shell City in Cheboygan even though I've passed in more times than I can count? I've never been to Michigan

Adventures or even Mackinac Island! Maybe it's just me, but I'm pretty sure I'm the worst Michigander ever.

On a lighter note, thought I'd share this fun 'You know you're from Michigan when..." Apparently, according to this, I AM a Michigander! (I only copied the ones that actually applied to me, and I didn't leave out many!)

• You show people where you're from
  by pointing to a spot on the back
  of your left hand. (Especially useful
  if you're from the Thumb or the
  Little Finger.)
  

• The only place in the world can you
  experience all four seasons in one day.
  

• You know what a 'party store' is.
  

• You've never met any celebrities.
  

• "Vacation" means going to Cedar Point.
  

• At least one member of your family disowns you the week of the 
  Michigan / Michigan State game.
  

• Your idea of a traffic jam is 40 cars waiting to pass an orange barrel.
  

• Half the change in your pocket is Canadian....eh?
  

• You drive 86 mph on the highway and pass on the right.
  

• You know how to play (and pronounce) Euchre.
  

• It's easy to get Vernor's ginger ale, Better Made chips, Sanders hot fudge sauce, and Faygo pop.
  

• You know how to pronounce "Mackinac."
  

• You've had to switch on the heat and the air conditioning in the same day.
  

• You bake with SODA and drink POP.

• The word "thumb" has geographical rather than anatomical significance.

• You measure distance in minutes.
  

• When giving directions, you refer to "A Michigan Left."
  

• You know that Kalamazoo not only exists, but is only 100 miles fom Hell.
  

• Your year has two seasons: Winter and Construction.
  

• Home Depot on any Saturday is busier than toy stores at Christmas.
  

• You know when it has rained because of the smell of worms.

• You can see a car running in a parking lot with no one in it, no matter what time of the year.
  

• You end your sentences with a preposition; example: "Where's my coat at?"

• You carry jumper cables and snow chains in your trunk.
  

• You design your kids' Halloween costume to fit over a snowsuit.
  

• Driving in the winter is better because the pot-holes are filled with snow.
  

• Your favorite holidays are Christmas,Thanksgiving, and the opening of Deer Season, which  you consider a National Holiday.
  

• You have 10 favorite recipes for venison.

• Shoveling the driveway constitutes a great upper body workout. 

• The "Big Three" means either Ford, Chrysler and GM, or Little Caesar's,Domino's, or Hungry Howie's.

• You have experienced frostbite and sunburn in the same week.

For Grown-ups

I have nothing profound to enlighten you with today...but, I'm bored. Just waiting on Kirk, April, and the boys to get here for the weekend!!!! =]

Are you tired of all those surveys made up by high school kids where half the questions have no bearing on your life? Here are questions for people who are a little older.

1. What bill do you hate paying the most?
Probably the mortgage, it's hurts my bank account the most.

2. Do you miss being a child?
Not really. I miss the simplicity of being a child, and the carefree spirit, but I love living my own life.

3. Chore you hate the most?
Dishes! By a mile

4. Where was the last place you had a romantic dinner?
B-Dubs. We're really fancy...

5. If you could go back and change one thing what would it be?
I would have made better decisions with  my money.

6. Name of your first grade teacher?
Ms. Wedel

7. What do you really want to be doing?

Visiting with April and the boys, I wish they were here already!

8. What did you want to be when you grew up?
A famous singer. Or a teacher.

9. How many “colleges” did you attend?
1

10. Why did you choose the shirt that you have on right now?
I love it, but it's a Saint Patty's shirt (with a Detroit D on it), so I never get to wear it. I was just lounging around the house today, cleaning, so I thought..."Why not?"

11. What are your thoughts on gas prices?
Better than they were.

12. First thought when the alarm went off this morning?
NOO!!

13. Last thought before going to sleep last night?
What do I need to get done tomorrow?

14. What famous person would you like to have dinner with?
Christina Aguilera. I know, I know.

15. Have you ever crashed your vehicle
Yes.

16. If you didn't have to work, would you volunteer?
I would love to say yes. I need to do more volunteering now, cause I love it.

17. Get up early or sleep in?
Sleep in

18. What is your favorite cartoon character?
This is a survey for grown-ups? Umm...I dunno...Ariel

20. When did you first start feeling old?
I don't feel old. I feel better every year.

21. Favorite lunch meat?
Turkey

22. What do you get every time you go into Wal-Mart?
Sweet tea.

23. Do you think marriage is an outdated ritual?
Absolutely not.

24. Favorite movie you wouldn't want anyone to find out about?
I actually thought 'The Ice Princess' was adorable. And, I loved the soundtrack. 

25. What's your favorite drink?
Sweet tea

26. Who[m] from high school would you like to run into?
Elizabeth Martin. I think about her all the time. Miss that girl, wonder how she's doing.

27. What radio station is your car radio tuned to right now?
Either 95.5 or 106.5

28. sopranos or desperate housewives? 

I don't watch either, but I'd watch Desperate Housewives

29. Worst relationship mistake that you wish you could take back?
Not listening to friends' advice

30. Do you like the person that sits directly across from you at work?
I don't sit at work. Ever.

31. Have you ever had to use a fire extinguisher for its intended purposes?
No.

32. Last book you finished reading?
Click Clack Moo Cows that Type (with Faith)

33. Do you have a teddy bear?
Yes. His name is Bamalama.

34. Do you go to church?
Yes.

35. How old are you?
26