Meme Time!

Third time's a charm. I've been tagged for this meme by Heather, Kimmy, and Jennifer. I'm finally getting around to it. I've been trying to think of some things to write about. I've done this meme once before early on in my blogging career ;-) And I posted 100 random things when I hit my 100th post. I'm not sure there is anything else of interest to share. But I'll give it a whirl. If I was brave I could let Kimmy share 8 random things she remembers about me from our growing up years, but I'm not.

So, here goes...

1) When I was stressed out in college I would sometimes talk in my sleep. One time my roommate said I sat straight up in bed and said "ALL THE CHICKEN YOU CAN EAT!". Remember that Dee Dee?

2) As a child when I would get into trouble with my sisters I would open the window and scream (at the top of my lungs, I might add) "HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!".

3) I have a very short attention span when it comes to creative projects. You know those sewing patterns that say "1 hour". They actually take MORE than one hour. Don't those McCalls people know that liars go to Hell (Revelation 21:8)?

4) I think I've mentioned this before, but I think it bears repeating because the folks at Wendy's don't seem to get it. Medium Cokes or smaller taste BETTER than large ones. I don't know if it is the syrup to bubble ratio or what, but that is my story and I'm stickin' to it!

5) I realize this could be a controversial subject, but I heart MAC's. I was disillusioned by them in high school, but they have CHANGED, you guys. I converted a couple of years ago and I WILL NEVER GO BACK TO A PC...EVER!!!!!! Those MAC commercials are the God's honest truth. And I can say that knowing full well the scripture Revelation 21:8.

6) My house was completely straightened at one point today...you should see it now. Funny thing is, that happens to me every day and I still straighten it. Why?

7) I was baptized twice. Not because the first one didn't take, but because the church wanted a picture for the photo directory. True story.

8) I'm very sensitive. I worry a lot if I feel that I have offended someone or if I think they might be upset with me for any reason. However, I have learned through some difficult situations in my life that there is often nothing you can do to convince someone that your heart is true. Sometimes the old CD-Rom (of past experiences) playing in his/her head tells them otherwise and nothing you say will change that. In those times, I find comfort in the fact that God knows my heart and ultimately He is the only one who counts.

Well, that was a bit of downer at the end, huh? Sorry about that.

And with that I will close. Oh, wait. I'm supposed to tag 8 people, but I think many of you have already done this before. If you have not done it before and you are needing some blog fodder...consider yourself tagged ;-)

Link it up!

Read THIS!!!

It is HILARIOUS! A little scary (because I have two boys), but FUNNY. It was posted by one of my childhood friends, Kimmy. It is so fun to be back in touch with you, my friend!

Finally...The Photo Session From Hades (pardon my greek)

What's the saying? A day late and a dollar short? I guess that makes me about nine bucks in the hole. I really have an issue with the whole blogging follow through. It is one of my many issues. What can I say? I am a work in progress.

In my defense there has been a lot going on around here in the last couple of weeks including a weeklong visit from Rich's Mom, Dad, Brother, and Sister in Law. We had such a fun time. The boys absolutely adore their time with these loved ones. What is not to love about constant attention from the people who love you most? There was lots of book reading, sculpture building, Atari playing, movie watching, game playing, present opening, dog chasing (cousin Rueger the dog came, too) fun!

But on to the real purpose of this post. I last left you with this photo...


Really, what more is there to say? I know you guys can relate. I mean, surely you have had one of those moments when your children were quite LITERALLY...

BOUNCING OFF THE WALLS?

You know...one of those moments when you cannot explain away their obscenely ill behavior? Or find yourself saying "I promise we didn't give them an IV of Sugar syrup before we came here."? Or when you don't feel any better even when the photographer says that she nearly had a mental breakdown the last time she tried to take a family photo with her children? Or when you are dreaming up (behind the fake smile) ways to make them PAY for the insanity? Or when you can't believe that even after 107 camera clicks there is not ONE SINGLE picture of the whole family looking at the camera in any semblance of a good photo?

Yeah...GOOD TIMES. My only consolation? My husband is a graphic designer and a genius at Photoshop. And don't think I won't take full advantage his services before our Christmas card goes out this year. But for now, I'll leave you with a few of my favorite "bloopers" from the picture taking debacle of 2007.

Enjoy!

Co-conspirators

Richie, let's make a break for it!

Seriously, Will. Just look at the camera!

The Choke Hold - Does Richie look a little blue to you?

And my personal favorite...

She Truly IS Outrageous

Does this take anyone else back to 10 yrs old in an INSTANT? I can remember standing in front of the television (console, of course) rockin' out and wanting to BE her.

Contagious Generosity

My pastor this week started a sermon series called Contagious Generosity. He referenced this verse in his sermon.

One man gives freely, yet gains even more;
another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.

A generous man will prosper;
he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.

Proverbs 11:24-25

He didn't realize that the very next day our church would be given a profound opportunity to live this out when a sweet family in our church lost their home to a fire.

I asked prayer for this family in my last post and was so encouraged by your prayers and well wishes for this friend of mine.

Sharon (the Mom) and I are on the worship team together and have recently become accountability partners. I have been so blessed by her faith and friendship. They are doing well for their current circumstances, but of course are still processing all that has happened and working through the logistics of starting over. Your continued prayers are welcomed. Also, some of you have asked if there is any way you can help. If you would like to bless them in this way, please email me and I can give you some ideas of how to do that.

Also, while I am at it, I'd like to ask prayer for another dear friend of mine, Sunnie, who also happens to be the Children's Minister at our church. She just found out that her Mother has a brain aneurysm that is located in a very dangerous place. She and her family are praying about what treatment options they might pursue.

Lots of things are heavy on our hearts this Thanksgiving, but God is good and your prayers are such an encouragement.

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Prayer Needed

Please pray for my good friend Sharon, her husband, and three girls who lost their home to a fire yesterday afternoon. Everyone is safe, but their home is in very bad shape. Very little of their belongings will be salvaged.

Thank you, friends!

He Speaks the Truth

So, today Richie was lying on the bed under my blankie and I tackled him.

He squealed, "Mommy!" And I said, "How did you know it was me?".

His reply? "Because you smell good and Daddy doesn't smell that good.".

Uh-huh.

Oh, and obviously soon is relative in regards to my last post.

Sorry.

Abigail, I hope you're still breathing.

Coming Soon...

...The Photo Session from Hades.

(pardon my Greek)

Just Followin' the Rules

It seems that I have broken an unwritten rule by not blogging about Janelle's birthday party. Shelley, knew she get me to do this by making me feel like I was not following the rules. Now we're not only dealing with trash talk, but mind games as well!

I may not be competitive, but I do follow the rules.

So, here we go....

Let's see, what angle should I go with?

Hmmm...

Could I be the first to blog about it? Nope.

Maybe I could do a thorough overview? Nope.

Discuss the frighteningly competitive nature of some of my friends? Nope.

How about publicly apologize for any overzealous trash talk? Nope.

Oooh! Oooh! Oooh! I know. I could talk about Carissa's Drawer-O-Cards. Nope.

I guess that just leaves...

Happy Birthday, Janelle! There are no words to express the love and respect I have for you. I thank God for you and count myself blessed to call you friend!

I HEART Blankie

BEHOLD, I bring you good news of great JOY that will be for all the people!

I found more blankies!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Can I hear an AMEN?

Seriously, friends...

RUN.

DO. NOT. WALK.

To your nearest TJ MAXX store to purchase your very own piece of heaven.

I do not exaggerate! My 6 year old has been going to bed each night, glancing back forlornly at THE blankie and saying things like, "I wish that was MY blankie" with sad, puppy dog eyes. It's sad, really. Not so sad, that I would give it to him, but sad...very sad.

Ahem.

As, I was saying, go now while supplies last! Especially those of you who live in b-town because I bought three more today...one for each of my boys (because I'm not completely hard hearted)...and it was all I could do not to buy the whole stock to save for future generations.

I'm not kidding.

So, you are looking for the Liz Claiborne So Soft Oversized Throw (ONLY $12.99!!!!).

What are you doing still sitting there?

GO!

CAN HE DO IT? YES, HE CAN!

How sad is it when your six year old can...

Seriously.

LEGITIMATELY.

KICK.YOUR.TAIL.

in Memory?

Take a Hike

I may have still been on a high from my crunchy leaf expedition when I suggested on Sunday afternoon that we take a family hike.

Yes, you read that right. Don't feel bad if it shocks you, I can hardly believe it myself.

I'm not exactly the outdoorsy type, as much as I'd like to be. I'm sort of allergic to the outdoors. I want to enjoy it, but it usually just makes me sneeze and have a runny nose. Plus, it is often hot, cold, and/or contains a lot of bugs.

And we all know how I feel about certain types of bugs.

But you see, Sunday, was a crisp, cool, beautiful day and the crunchy leaves were calling my name. It REALLY could have backfired. We could have ended up out in the middle of NOWHERE with two children who wanted to be carried back to SOMEWHERE.

SCARY THOUGHT.

Thankfully, God had mercy on our ambitious nature (no pun intended) and blessed us with a beautiful hike. I didn't need a Kleenex once, and the boys LOVED it.

Best of all, we stumbled upon this...

"I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds. Your ways, O God, are holy. What god is so great as our God?"

Psalm 77:12&13

The Lie

"Satan's ultimate lie is that you are capable of being the god of your own life, and his ultimate bondage is getting you to live as though his lie is truth."

Neil Anderson, The Bondage Breaker
(found in Beth Moore's book - Praying God's Word)

CRUNCH

You guys are going to think I'm crazy, but I had to record a little moment of happiness I had today. One thing that gives me great joy in life is "crunching" leaves. It is a pastime I discovered in college.

It is both passion and obsession. I love to do it and I HAVE to do it. If a crunchy leaf crosses my path, I will not be rest until it has been satisfactorily crunched!

I know, I know...a little C-R-A-Z-Y.

But fun.

Oh, AND I rinse ice.

The Thankful Month

Leah at South Breeze Farm came up with a lovely idea.

I'm joining the ranks of the thankful! Check out my list in the sidebar. I plan to add something new to the list every day in November.

I like the idea of putting things into perspective before the Christmas season starts.

Join us if you'd like!

Thanks Xandra!

A very belated thank you to Xandra for awarding me this...



If you have not checked out Xandra's blog called A Heart of Service, you are missing out. She is one sweet lady and woman after God's own heart!

Oh, and she is actually doing the new Esther study live and IN PERSON with Beth Moore. How cool is that?

Thank you very much, Xandra. I am honored!