10 Things I Love

Courtney over at Chaos Is Us, invited us to join in her 10 Things I Love Meme. After leaving a comment, she would respond to us with a letter. I received the letter L. So now I am to share with you all 10 of my favorite things beginning with the letter L.

If you would like to play along as well, leave me a comment, and I will send a letter your way.

1. Laughter - I LOVE laughter, especially my kids' laughter. There is nothing better than their hearty belly laughs. I also love how I feel after a huge, energetic laugh.

2. Lasagna - My grandmother came to the United States from Italy, so as you can imagine, I grew up eating delicious Italian meals. One of my favorite dishes is lasagna. It is such a comfort food for me. I surprisingly don't mind Olive Garden's lasagna with some of their peach iced tea. YUM!

3. Long Island, New York - I had an Aunt that lived in Long Island for awhile. I remember visiting her about 8 years ago and falling in love with Long Island. It is so green and gorgeous. The houses are beautiful and the city is just a train ride away. If I ever come into lots and lots of money, you will find me there. :)

4. My Limited Jeans - A friend of mine treated me to a new outfit a few months ago. I received a brand new pair of jeans from The Limited, and I LOVE THEM. They fit me soooo well and they are very flattering. I have realized if I stay away from Juniors sizes and wear clothes intended for women, things fit much better.

5. Lindt Chocolates - Although they aren't my absolute favorite candy, they are up there on the list. I LOVE all things chocolate. And although my friend, Andrea, loves the peanut butter ones the best, my favorite are the red ones.

6. Lavender Roses - They are one of my absolute favorite flowers. Well, actually they are called sterling roses. They made up my wedding bouquet and are given to me by my hubby when he really wants to surprise me. The prettiest ones I have come across are at AJ's.

7. Lyrics - I absolutely love song lyrics. My favorite songs are ones with meaningful and beautiful lyrics. I am constantly googling various songs to read the lyrics.

8. Lazy Days - I don't get these often. They are very rare. So if I ever get to enjoy a LAZY DAY, I milk it for all it's worth.

9. Love - It's a given. Who doesn't love LOVE???

10. Lavishing gifts onto others - When I can afford it, I really do love giving gifts to others. I enjoy thinking of what things they would love the most. It is so much fun to give.

The Real Me (Repost)

I was looking through some of my posts from last year. I came across a meme that I had done, and you know, I really like it, because I think it really exemplifies who I am.
I have some different readers now, so I am going to post it again. And I think you, yes, YOU, should do it too. And if you do, then leave a comment so that I can come visit your post and learn all about you!

The Real Me

***<<<*WHAT?*>>>***

What is your biggest dream?
Honestly, my biggest dream, was to be a mother. And I have that. I have been blessed so much!

What is your biggest success thus far?
Being a mom.

What is your ideal job?
My ideal job would be something that would bring happiness to others, spread the love of Christ and allow me to do something I love. So, I would LOVE to be a Christian recording artist. But there are so many other things I could also do, that would allow me to do the three things I listed.

What was the most important thing you learned from your parents?
To work hard.

What do you look for most in a friend?
I like them to have my same beliefs and values....be someone that I can talk to....someone who I can relate to...someone who will accept me.

What is your philosophy of life?
Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.
Mother Teresa

What's your biggest fear?
It's always been being attacked, killed, harmed by an intruder. And that fear has grown beyond me and to those same type of people hurting my children.

What's your biggest joy?
Jesus!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh, how great is His love, His peace!!!!!

***<<<*HOW?*>>>***

How would YOU describe yourself in three words?
Empathetic, Generous, Loving

How would someone else describe you?
I would hope in the same way.

How do you measure beauty?
Beauty is from within....it is in the genuine smile...in the loving heart....in the warmth of a caring hug. It radiates from within and it also spreads. A person's true beauty can be seen by the beauty it brings to others.

How important is family to you?
Family is very, very important.

***<<<*DO YOU?*>>>***

Do you believe in regrets?
I believe that regrets exist. I believe that it is easy to get hung up on them. I also believe that they can be damaging. The past shouldn't be focused on. All you should do is learn from the past, grow from it...and see where all those choices we regret, brought us.

Do you believe in second chances? why or why not?
I believe that you can't truly forgive without giving a second chance.

Do you believe in love at first sight?
I believe in an attraction at first sight. But love is so much deeper than a glance.

Do you believe that true love lasts forever and conquers all?
I do think that love conquers all. Look at Jesus' love. I think that the love we have in our lives can conquer all, but it does take work.

***<<<*ARE YOU?*>>>***

Are you trustworthy? trusting? How do you show it?
I am very trusting, always have been. And I do think I am trustworthy, although I have struggled with gossip in the past...I am outgrowing that thankfully.

Are you independent? Or still dependent on someone?
I feel that I have always been independent. And sometimes I think I can be too independent in that I don't even let God have control. It's a real struggle for me.

Are you willing to change for someone else?
I am willing to work on things if I know that I am doing something that is hurting someone else. For example, if I react in a stressed out manner in a situation and someone who that effects asks me to work on it, then yes, I will change that. But I will not change my beliefs and things like that for someone else. I will not change the values and beliefs that are a part of who I am.

***<<<*IF?*>>>***

If you could leave one life lesson behind to the younger generations, what would it be?
To realize how much you have...and how little so many others have and to keep that in mind always and strive to make a difference in the world. Share the love of Christ. Show His love to all. And help the oppressed.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be and why?
How controlling I can be....or I try to be...mainly with my hubby. I seem to back down around friends and what not...try to make everyone happy and accommodate them. But with my hubby, it's like I feel it's my way or no way. It's not nice.

If you could have anything in this world, what would it be? why?
The opportunity to go to Northern Uganda and help out. But I may still get to do that....my life isn't over yet.

If you could change one thing about your family, what would it be?
I don't have a very strong relationship with anyone in my family from my parents down to my Aunts and Uncles. So, I would change that. I wish I knew them.....meaning knew who they are as people...what their life experiences have been..things like that.

If you had everything you've always wanted, would you be happy?
No..because sometimes the things we want...or think we want, don't bring happiness, but bring just the opposite. It's hard to remember that at times...especially when in the moment, we focus so much on what we want and how much better it will make our lives...or how much better we think it will make us. And oh how wrong we are. So, I say, I hope that I am able to have all the things God has for me to have, because He has my happiness in mind. He knows the desires of my heart. But he also knows my lustful desires as well. And I am better off without those lustful ones. So, I say God...give me the true desires of my heart....and I will be soooo happy.

My Life Story

Well, Miss Sara tagged me for the life story meme. I am to come up with my life story in only 6 words.
I actually found this to be quite easy.
And my 6 words are.....
Drum roll please..............

"I want to leave a legacy"

Meaning, that in my life, I want to touch lives. I want to instill values in my kids. I want to show Christ's love in my words and actions.
I want my life story to be seen in the legacy that I leave.

My six words are taken from the song, "Legacy", by Nichole Nordeman.

"I want to leave a legacy
How will they remember me?
Did I choose to love? Did I point to You enough
To make a mark on things?
I want to leave an offering
A child of mercy and grace who
blessed your name unapologetically
And leave that kind of legacy"

Picture Me

So, I found this fun meme at Diary of a Shoe Addict and thought I'd do it as well.

I added a couple to it though...

Basically the rules are...you type your answer into google images and use your favorite image.

1. My Age at my next birthday, which is soon:


2. Place of Birth:
Hartford, Connecticut


3. Places I want to visit:
Okay, first there's the Hagia Sophia in Turkey


Then, it's off to Ireland to see the castles


And then, once back in the states, it's off to have a frozen hot chocolate at Serendipity 3



4. My Nickname:
Well, I don't really have one. So I looked up, I don't have one, and here's the image that came up...


5. My Favorite Places:
New York City


In Worship


On stage performing


6. My Favorite Things:




7. My Favorite Food:



8. My Favorite Colors:



9. My Favorite Flowers:
Sterling Roses and Tulips



So I tag all of you, if you are up for it.

Hi Ho Hi Ho, it's off to work we go

So, I was tagged a while back, by Jen for the Work Meme
I am supposed to tell you about my past work experience. So here are the not so entertaining details.
In High School, I held only a couple of jobs, besides babysitting. I worked at a nearby Spaghetti restaurant. We are talking a very tiny place in a little shopping center. It wasn't too busy.
I also worked at a day care center after school and then during the summer.
After graduating from High School, I wanted to move out of my parent's house and I began working full time. I worked as a receptionist for a Real Estate Company. Well, actually there were about 5 of us, who had the same job. So, we'd take turns working at the front desk, while the rest of us worked in the back, answering phones and paging the Real Estate agents with their messages. I didn't work there for very long. For some reason, a couple of the girls who worked with me hated me, and they made my life a little horrid, while I was employed there.
So, I then became a receptionist for a nearby Title Insurance Company, Grand Canyon Title. I really enjoyed the job and the people I worked with. But I was then asked to work at another Title Company, ATI Title. My boyfriend at the time, who is now my hubby :o), his mom was a co-manager at ATI Title, and I was hired as their receptionist. Unfortunately, I wasn't there for too too long, because our office walked out. I just went with the flow, I didn't know what was going on. We, as a branch, also split up. I followed the other manager and several employees to another Title Company, Equity Title.
Are you confused yet? SO, I stayed with Equity Title for awhile, and moved up to an assistant. I had my own office and everything, it was pretty nice.
Unfortunately, the industry got slow, and being young, and without a family, I was chosen to be laid off. It was sad. I also had life changes going on at this time too. I had broken up with my boyfriend, my high school sweetheart, and a couple months later, started dating another guy. I also looked around for another job. I gave the food/service industry another chance and worked at a really nice restaurant inside a nearby Hyatt. It was an Italian place where the servers sang. It was tough work. There was a lot of verbiage to learn, and I struggled with carrying the huge trays and presenting the wine properly as I opened it. I also seemed to stay in training for a long time. SO, I wasn't making a whole lot, so I quit.
A little while longer, I began working at another Title Company, Title Guaranty Agency, as a receptionist/assistant. It was a very small office. There was just the manager, one escrow officer and myself. We weren't very busy, and I found myself very bored.
I don't remember how long I was there, but I then found out that Equity Title was hiring again, at another branch, pretty close by. So I was hired there as an assistant, and again had my own office. I really loved the staff there, it was fun.
But, I soon decided to go away to school, so I had to leave the company, since I was moving out of state.
So, I went off to school for a year, but during that time, I got back together with my ex-boyfriend from High School, who is now my hubby. We became engaged to be married pretty soon after that and I became employed at another Title Company, First American Title. I was a Junior Escrow Officer, but when I left the company, to move to my current place of residence, I was at that time a branch support/floater. I loved doing that. I would go to our different offices, and take over an Escrow Officer's desk, while they were on vacation, or help out an overly busy office. It was fun to help out in a branch where they really needed help. They were always so appreciative.
When I moved out here, where we currently live, I decided I wanted to be able to stay at home. I worked nights at a hotel for awhile, as I worked on becoming licensed to do day care out of my home. Once I received my license, I stopped working at the hotel, and I started up my day care. I did have fun with it for awhile, but then I had another child, got a full day care load, and became pregnant again. The day care became very stressful and very draining. So, I recently stopped my day care business, and I am now working nights again at the hotel I started working at when we first moved out here.

So there you have it.

And now, I tag Sara
Ha!

The Music Of My Life

It's Meme Time

So, we all have them, meaningful songs that take us back in time, to different parts of our lives. Let's share some of those songs, shall we.

1. Name a song or songs that remind you of your young childhood...up until age 7:

I have many that fit into this category, so this may take awhile. Most songs that come back to me and bring me back to this time in my life are, all the songs on the Anne Murray children's album, mainly Inchworm and her version of You Are My Sunshine. The album was released onto cd after the miss was born and I bought it for her.

Don Mclean's, American Pie, was also a favorite during this time. My dad and I would belt it out as we drove around in the car.

The Flashdance soundtrack also was a big thing during that time. My mom listened to it a lot, and we'd put on our leg warmers and dance and sing.

I also remember some song that went..."and you and me are free to be you and me." I think it was from a movie or tv special.

2. Okay, what songs bring you back to Junior High?

In Junior High, I was introduced to Amy Grant. So, I'd have to say her song, Baby, Baby reminds me most of Junior High. Not to mention my friend, Amy, has a video of me doing a music video to the song and I also sang it in one of those studios at some carnival where they record it for you. So, that was THE song for me then.

Oh, and I can't forget the famous, Rhythm of Life song, that we sang in the Phoenix Girl's Chorus.

Oh and in the 8th grade musical production I sang a duet with Chris Wo to A Whole New World.

3. Break down all 4 years of high school with songs.

Freshman Year -

The Turkey Song from Saturday Night Live was a biggie.

At the end of the year, my song was, Remember Me This Way, from the movie Casper. It was one of Kate and I's songs from when she was moving away.

I also remember loving Expose's..I'll Never Get Over You.

Oh, Oh, and Mmmmm Mmmmm Mmmmmmm by Crash Test Dummies and Loser by Beck, always put me in the cafeteria with Kate and Travis, each time I hear them.

Sophomore Year

Lisa Loeb's, Stay, was a big hit that year. I loooooved that song!

Everybody Hurts by REM also comes to mind, because it was played over and over again from the jukebox in our cafeteria after 4 students died in a car crash during that year.

Junior Year

I hear any song from Jagged Little Pill, and I think of Kress in his volkswagon bug. Excpet maybe that was Sophomore year, now I am confused.

I was also introduced to Garth Brooks my Junior year thanks to a boy I dated from North Carolina. Really, before then, I hadn't heard much of his stuff. I became an instant fan. So, his songs take me back to that year.

Senior Year

I have a ton of songs that remind me of Senior Year. The first is, The Macarena. And only because in Danceline, we were stuck doing the dang Macarena over and over and over again.

Rockin' Me Baby also brings me back to dancing with the band.

Then of course, Steve and I have a ton of songs that bring me back to our first 6 months of dating during the end of my Senior Year. Basically all of the Reel Big Fish songs from the Turn the Radio Off cd. Then of course, there's Letters To Cleo, Wholesale Meats and Fish, I would walk 500 miles., The song from Jerry maguire, Secret Garden. Oh and I Love You Always Forever, Donna Lewis.

Also, No Doubt songs and Jewel's songs bring me back to 1997.

4. Songs from College

Well, I didn't attend college traditionally. In fact, I am still in school, but I did go away to Huntington from 2001-2002. And I'd have to say, anything from the Moulin Rouge soundtrack, places me back laying on blankets on the grass outside of our residence hall with Charity and Dave, listening to the Moulin Rouge soundtrack.

Oh and I was introduced to Sara Groves that year, and I love her. So her Conversations cd places me back in the HUB watching her concert. It ws great!

5. Your Wedding Songs

Come What May, from Moulin Rouge, was our first dance.

Of course, Canon in D and Jesu Joy were part of the Ceremony.

I Will be Here by Steven Curtis Chapman

and From This Moment on is what I sang to Steve.

6. Songs From Holidays

I love Candlelight Carol. I was first introduced to it in the Phoenix Girl's Chorus, but then I found it on a Neil Diamond Christmas album. I love it.

Every Christmas, when I attended Hillside, I sang Breath of Heaven. So, everytime I hear that song, I am brought back to the church and to all of my friends in the pews. I loved singing that song.

And basically Christmas carols remind me of the little Victorian choir I was in and we'd go around caroling throught the holiday season. It was fun.

Okay I tag whoever would like to do this as well as Tiffany, because she loves these things.
Oh, and I made this meme up. :o)

The Junk in My Purse

Okay, my wonderful friend,Tiff, tagged me to do the purse meme. In this meme, I am to show you the contents of my purse.

Cue the excitement.

Well, here goes.

I recently switched over to this dirty and out of season purse, because I can fit more mommy things in it, like diapers and such and have more compartments for organizing...or for at least trying out organization.



Okay here is inside the first front pocket.

I don't usually have cash floating around like that. It is part of a payment a mom gave me a few weeks ago. I have been meaning to deposit it. But then when I left for New Mexico, I thought I'd just keep it handy. And there is also my pretty pink ipod, which needs to be charged. Keeping it in my purse, keeps it out of the miss' hands and it is also accesible at the grocery store. Sometimes it's nice to listen to it while shopping...well..when I go without the kids.
And of course, there's my debit card. Yep, no wallet, just the few cards I need..right there in my purse pockets. I know it isn't safe..they could get lost easily..but for now, that's how it works.

Here's pocket 2

Yep, a huge stack of receipts. I have to save all of them, whenever I buy something to use for the day care too. And I am behind on organizing them for the past two months. So, that's my stash. Oh, and wow..don't look at the total. That was one expensive shopping trip. A bulk amount of diapers, formula and some clothes will add so much to a grocery total. That's why it's best to stay away from Wal-Mart. Let's see what else is there? Oh, there's the other 3 cards I use...my Military ID, license and library card. Oh, and the miss' sword from our stop at Denny's on the way home from New Mexico.

Okay, inside the purse now....

Sunscreen....if only I can remember to use it all of the time. Oh, and a ton of new stamps that I bought from the ATM the last time I was at the bank. And a Blockbuster movie that I plan on returning at the nearby Blockbuster to rent a new one. That's been in there for 2 weeks now. I should get on that....or stick it in the mail.

And I have one more comparment inside my purse.

My Bible and book I write notes in, isn't always in my purse, but last night I went to Bible Study and stuffed them in my purse, because my hands were full. I also keep a diaper and some wipes with me at all times. There's another pen and my checkbook..oh and look, a penny, it's my lucky day. Actually the Safeway by my house, has a horse for the kids to ride on and it only costs a penny. I love it when there is one stashed in my purse....so that the miss can ride on the horse. And lastly, the magic fish is still hiding out in my purse. I bought him at the aquarium we visited in New Mexico. It is one that you put in water and then it grows. I should do that with the day care kids today.

So, there you go.....my purse. Boy has it changed. Before kids, my purse had makeup, a brush, maybe even a trial size of deoderant, hey I lived in AZ, mints, gum, contacts case, snacks....

Now, it's mainly stuff for kids.

Procrastination Station

I do these a lot on my Myspace blog...and thought...why not post one here...
Here goes:

1] describe your last kiss?
I kissed the mister all over his face...and he laughed.

2] whose car were you in last
My own.

3] what was the highlight of your weekend?
My hubby let me sleep in on Saturday and I didn't get up until 11:30...it was WONDERFUL.

4] what color shirt are you wearing?
Pink

5] how long is your hair?
Shoulder length

6] how long have you been friends with your best friends?
14 years

7] who's on your mind right now?
Nobody at the moment

8] last show you watched?
Idol and the Suns game at the same time

9] last thing you ate?
A Pria Chocolate peanut butter bar

10] last thing you drank?
Lemonade Vitamin water

11] where did you sleep last night?
In my bed. And it took me forever to fall asleep...because my hubby is gone for the week..and whenever he is gone, it usually takes me a few days before I can sleep.

13] when was the last time you smiled?
Just a little bit ago

14] what did you say last?
"Miss, you need to be a nice friend."

15] where is your phone?
I am not sure

17] what color are your eyes?
Brown

18] what shoes are you wearing?
bare foot

19] What time did you wake up this morning?
6:00 A.M.

20] name the last three things you have bought in the past 24 hours?
Wooden trays, scrapbook paper and mod-podge..the day care kiddos are decorating breakfast trays for their mom's for mother's day.

21] who/what do you hate currently?
nobody

22] what are you listening to?
Kids screaming..it's such a delightful sound.

25] who makes you the happiest right now?
Right now..at this very moment? Whichever child is the quietest.

26] does someone have a crush on you?
I hope not.

26] do you have a crush on someone?
Am I in Jr. High?

27] are you addicted to myspace?
I like to keep in touch with friends

28] what was the first thing you said when you woke up?
Out of the kitchen please. Mommy needs to clean up and mop.

29] are you left-handed?
No.

30] what are you avoiding by filling out this survey?
Reading chapter one in my html, xhtml, css book.

31] how is your life rated on a scale of 1-10?
10

32] what does the 3rd text in your inbox say?
No cell

33] what did you do last night?
Went to Hobby Lobby, made a practice tray for the day care kid's craft, watched Idol and the Suns, Did some homework, cleaned up a tad...put the kids to bed, tried to fall asleep.

34] are you critical or gullible?
Both

35] describe in 2 words
best friend: Missed Dearly
one: Singular Sensation
two: By Two
parents: Need Sleep.

36] what time is it right now:
12:24 P.M.

37] what are your plans for tomorrow?
Day Care and then take blazer to Wal-Mart to make sure all looks good before I head out to NM on Fri. Then while they are checking that out, I will buy stuff for the drive and what not.

38] anything you're looking forward to?
Seeing some old Connecticut friends this weekend that I've been in touch with here on myspace...that I haven't seen since I was 11 when Ivisited them in CT.
They live in NM. I am going to their place with the kiddo's

39] are you tired?
Yes, I couldn't fall asleep last night. I was up until almost 2 and up at 6 this morning. I should sleep well tonight.

40] what do you wish you could have right now?
A steak and garlic mashed potatoes and a freaking huge fountain Pepsi. Oh and some of Outback's bread smothered in butter and a huge, hot brownie covered in vanilla ice cream.

Birthday Meme

So, My miss Tiffany wants to make sure I don't forget to blog and she tagged me with a little birthday meme. Here are the rules:

1. Go to Wikipedia and type in your Birthday Month and day only.
2. List 3 Events that occurred that day.
3. List 2 important Birth days.
4. List 1 Death.
5. List a Holiday or Observance. (if any)
6. Tag 5 other bloggers.


My birthday is December 21 -

Three events that occured on my birthday (Pretty cool ones if I do say so myself)

1620 - Plymouth Colony: William Bradford and the Mayflower Pilgrims land on what is now known as Plymouth Rock in Plymouth, Massachusetts.

1937 - The film Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is premiered at the Carthay Circle Theater in Los Angeles.

1968 - Project Apollo: Apollo 8, the first manned mission to the moon, is launched from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. At 2h:50m:37s Mission elapsed time (MES), the crew performs the first ever manned Trans Lunar Injection and become the first humans to leave the Earth's gravity field.

2 Birthdays

1966 - Kiefer Sutherland, British-born Canadian actor
1948 - Samuel L. Jackson, American actor

1 Death
1940 - F. Scott Fitzgerald, American writer (b. 1896)

Holiday or Observance
In the Northern Hemisphere, the winter solstice, sometimes known as Yule, occurs on or very close to this date. In the Northern Hemisphere, it marks the first official day of Winter.


Now to tag you.... I tag my last five commenters with blogs...

1. Jen
2. Laurel Wreath
3. Janean
4. Barbara H
5. Rebekah

Have fun~

Why I blog

So, Iris tagged me with a meme to list off 5 reasons why I blog. So, here goes:

1. I originally started somewhat blogging three years ago. My hubby was sent to Korea for a year and I added a blog to my daughter's website. It was mainly used to show daddy pictures of how his little girl was growing.
When my hubby came back from Korea, we moved away from our family and closest friends, so I continued using the paid tripod site to post pictures of the little miss and write updates for all those we moved away from.
But then a friend of mine began to use blogger, so I jumped on the bandwagon. My blog was still used primarily for family, but I soon discovered blog rings, like Christian Women Online.
I began visiting other blogs out there and realized that I could do more with my blog than just journal day to day activities and post pictures. Although, this is still a primary goal of my blog, since it is used to keep family and far away friends caught up on my life. I reliazed that I could also blog about my walk with God. And maybe inspire others the way I was being inspired by so many blogs I visited.

2. The second main reason I blog, is because I express myself through writing. I do like to talk, but when it comes to really sharing myself, I do that best non-verbally. I am not a phone person, I am an emailer. And I open up best through the written word. So, a blog is wonderful for me.

3. As I touched upon in number 1, I like how blogging gives me an opportunity to talk about my faith, especially to those readers I have who I know aren't saved. I also am awed when someone tells me a post touched them. I think that's great! I know I am touched daily by many blogs that I visit.

4. I stay home all day long with the kiddos and run a day care out of my home, so this little blogdom gives me a link to the outside world. Plus, I learn so much from other SAHM, WAHM blogs that I read. Some of you are INCREDIBLE women.

5. Finally, I blog because it's fun. I look forward to posting and I must admit, I am quite addicted to it.

So, there you go. Now, I am supposed to tag you all..So.....I tag Dana, Janean, Jen, Barbara H and Yolanda

The Homemaking Meme

Aprons – Y/N? If Y, what does your favorite look like?
I actually do not own an apron, but I should. When I bake, I am messy and I get stuff all over myself.

Baking – Favorite thing to bake
I looooove baking. Right now, brownies are my favorite thing to bake. But cakes are fun too.

Clothesline – Y/N?
No, No, No.

Donuts – Have you ever made them?
LOL...nope....but sounds like a fun challenge.

Every day – One homemaking thing you do every day
Just one? Clean my kitchen....a few times a day actually.

Freezer – Do you have a separate deep freeze?
Nope

Garbage Disposal – Y/N?
If I didn't have a disposal, I wouldn't have a dishwasher. I would miss both desperately.

Handbook – What is your favorite homemaking resource?
Flylady has been helpful

Ironing – Love it or hate it? Or hate it but love the results?
Ironing? Hmmm . . . It's very time consuming, but sometimes it can be relaxing. And there is something satisfying about taking something all wrinkled and finishing with something pretty and smooth.

Junk drawer – Y/N? Where is it?
My closet....LOL. I used to have a junk shelf in one of my kitchen cabinets, but it is cleaned out and organized now.

Kitchen – Color and decorating scheme
I have cute Americana stuff in the kitchen...and it goes well with my blue Kitchenaid Mixer. :o)

Love – What is your favorite part of homemaking?
The end result....feeling like you really did accomplish something....and how having a clean home just makes it easier to relax.

Mop – Y/N?
Yep, 5 kids in a house all day long = Must Mop.


Nylons – Wash by hand or in the washing machine?
I washed them in the machine even though it said not to. Usually they held up okay.
I put it on the handwash cycle.

Oven – Do you use the window or open the oven to check?
Oh, I open the oven to check. I love being overwhelmed with the sweet aroma of whatever is baking. And I have to get close up and stick the toothpick in...all of that.

Pizza – What do you put on yours?
Just cheese for me.

Quiet – What do you do during the day when you get a quiet moment?
What is a quiet moment like???? Just teasing....usually I am on the internet, reading a book or doing devotions.

Recipe card box – Y/N? What does it look like?
I have one, but it is too small. So I made myself a recipe binder. It is divided into sections...appetizers, side dishes, main dishes, desserts...and so forth. And then when I rip out recipes in magazines and such...they fit in the binder under their appropriate section.

Style of house – What style is your house?
I have a litte tri-level house...with a finished basement. It's cute...I like it. BUT, about 20 minutes away, is a GORGEOUS, HUGE Victorian style house and it's AMAZING! I want it!!!!! I will take a picture of it someday and show you all.
I love those Colonial style Victorian type houses. LOVE THEM!

Tablecloths and napkins – Y/N?
EH...not usually

Under the kitchen sink – Organized or toxic wasteland?
Toxic wasteland...well actually just lots of empty things that need to be thrown away. I should clean that out today actually. Thanks for the suggestion.

Vacuum – How many times per week?
Not enough.

Wash – How many loads of laundry do you do per week?
A week, maybe 4

X’s – Do you keep a daily list of things to do that you cross off?
My daily list is in my head.

Yard – Y/N? Who does what?
I leave the yard to the hubby. He mows, weeds, shovels. Maybe this spring I'll attempt some gardening. We'll see. I am not sure what color my thumb is though. Guess I'll find out.

Zzz’s – What is your last homemaking task for the day before going to bed?
Cleaning up the kitchen.

Blast From the not so distant past

I was tagged a few days ago by Laurel Wreath to do this fun little blog meme. So here goes......


This is a NEW meme to help get to know your bloggin' buds!!!
Here is how it works....
Here is a list of categories add the titles and links to previous posts that you feel fit these descriptions... and tell why if yah wanna!

FUNNY
I have two posts for this category.....

1. No Habla Espanol
So, tonight I went out to Safeway to get some travel items for DH to take with him on his trip. I then thought I'd be a sweetie and get him some magazines to read on the plane. Read More

2. Little List of Thankfulness
So, the day care kiddos are going to make a Thanksgiving garland tomorrow and on it will be the things that they are thankful for. So, yesterday afternoon I explained to them what Thanksgiving is and also what things we have in our lives we could be thankful for. After the miss listened to E (my 4 yr. old day care kiddo) list off what he was thankful for, I asked her what she was thankful for. She smiled and said, "Mommy." Continue On

SERIOUS

My Mother's Day Gift
Many of you already know about this, but I wanted to share bits and pieces from my weekend, because it has to do with my Mother's Day gift.
Anyway, this weekend was definitely a scary one that was very emotionally draining. On Saturday evening, the miss took quite a fall. She fell about 4 feet and landed face down, on her head on the sidewalk. Her forehead took the entire force of the fall. We went to the emergency room and she began vomiting, so they took her back to be checked out right away. More

THE UGLY
Okay, this is the best I could do....

Jekyll And Hyde
I admit it, this morning I have been Jekyll and Hyde. Can I blame my fits and mood swings on pregnancy? I call it lack of sleep. The rest of the story

ALL ABOUT ME


Soul Satisfying Survey


1) What is your life verse:

I honestly think that this is going to change soon. I mean all the time I am finding new verses that speak to me and where I am in my life right now. When I went away to a Christian College, I was asked by many what my life verse was. At that time, I didn't have one, nor did I really understand how to know which verse could classify as my life verse. I started going through verses that I had underlined in my Bible and I came to.....Want to read more?


And in meme fashion, I need to make some of you it.....

So, I tag Kim and Smurf

A Soul Satisfying Survey

Okay, I stole this from another blog a couple of weeks ago with plans of getting to it. I saved it, but didn't save the link to who posted it. So, I can't credit them, but the gal I got it from, did say in her rambling that it originated from
Heather So thank you to Heather.

1) What is your life verse:

I honestly think that this is going to change soon. I mean all the time I am finding new verses that speak to me and where I am in my life right now. When I went away to a Christian College, I was asked by many what my life verse was. At that time, I didn't have one, nor did I really understand how to know which verse could classify as my life verse. I started going through verses that I had underlined in my Bible and I came to Psalm 139:9-10. It says that "If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast." I loved it. I still do. I think it is so poetic and beautiful. At that time in my life, I had just gotten over some rough patches in my life. And I felt God's hand in my life so strongly that spring and summer before heading off to school. I knew that no matter what I was facing and no matter where I found myself, God would always be there. I will always love this verse so much, but sometimes I see other verses and think, wow...that's such an awesome piece of Bible right there. I just think that as we experience new things in our lives, different verses speak to us that may not have before. But for now, Psalm 139:9-10 is my verse.

2) Give a bit of your testimony:

Well, let's see. I grew up in a not so religious family. My dad wasn't really into church, but when we lived in Connecticut, he loved the community of the small town church and knew my mom loved it, so he tried to get involved with it as best he could. My mom came from a very strict Catholic background. I think she had some bad experiences in her Catholic school, because she had such a weird perception of God. I know that at her age, they were disciplined with the ruler on their wrist for many things. With my mom, I grew up hearing things like, "Oh, you stubbed your toe, that's because God is punishing you." Anyway, when we moved to Arizona, my family tried out a bunch of churches, but never really found a church home. So, we stopped attending church. On Christmas and Easter, we would attend the nearby Catholic church. But that was the only time we really went. In Junior High, I became friends with an awesome Christian gal, Gina Lamb. I don't remember going to church with her, but she would invite me every now and then to attend Christian concerts with her. So, at 13, I attended a White Cross concert with her and her mom. I had never heard of the group before, but I liked them. They did an altar call near the end of the concert and I felt it, that stirring, that desire and I accepted Christ in my life as my Savior right then and there. I remember being so nervous about having to go to some room after the concert to talk to a bunch of people. But of course, everyone was nice and rejoicing for me and I was given a Bible.

In High School, I became involved in a church through a high school friend. They had a pretty active youth group that would hang out on Wednesday nights and do church camps and things. I remember my dad telling me that he thought that I was in a cult. It was hard trying to grow in my faith at that age without my parents really being Christian. I remember being so confused by things I'd read in the Bible. But I never questioned my salvation during those years, because I remember after the day I asked Christ into my life, I had a peace within me that I hadn't felt before. And that peace helped me through a lot of difficult times growing up. Anyway, like all sheep, I began going astray after high school. When I went away to a Christian College when I was 21, I remember beginning to cry during one of the chapel services I was attending. Right then and there, I had a quiet conversation with God. I apologized for the turns I had taken in my life, for the things that I had done that were against His word. It was then that I re-dedicated my life to Him.

3) Do you have a favorite preacher?
Hmmm....not really a favorite, no. I really really like my Pastor at my church, I think that he is awesome!


4) What's the best Bible Study you've ever done?
Right now, I am doing a Beth Moore Bible study called Living Beyond Yourself and I love it. It is my first time doing a Beth Moore Bible study and I have grown quite fond of her. I love watching her videos. They make you think, they tug at your heart, they teach you, they make you cry and they make you laugh. I love it.

5) What do you feel God's calling is on your life?
Wow, I wish I knew that answer. Right now, I think He is working on me for a bit and changing my heart in places. I can just tell that He has something exciting for me, but He is preparing me right now for it. I have two things that I am passionate about. One is working with and helping hurting kids and another is singing. I would be so happy to be used by God in one of those areas. However, I also would love to go on missions trips, to help out orphans, to work in other countries with their unsaved children. I also think it would be fun to work with youth in a church as well...like the jr. high or high schoolers. So, we'll see. Whatever God's calling is, I sure do hope I take the time to listen and follow His path. It can be so easy at times to go in our own direction, isn't it?