Eleven-11-{eleven}

the lovely alita, from alita jewels treasures, tagged me on this, and I thought it might be fun to play along.

The Rules:
1. Post these rules.
2. Post a photo of yourself and 11 random facts about you.
3. Answer the questions given to you in the tagger’s post.
4. Create 11 new questions and tag new people to answer them.
5. Go to their blog/twitter and let them know they have been tagged.

 1. love when i can start my day with a cup of hot tea and hugs... minus an alarm clock.
 2. being a homeschool mom is one of the best decisions ever made for our family.  no regrets.  even on rough days. {repeat last line to self} ;)
 3. as a kid, i once lived in a trailer.  down a dirt road. 
 4. hubs says i seem more relaxed since leaving the institutional church.  i have to agree with him.
 5. did you know that i am a former pastor's wife {with my current husband}? *giggle*
 6. i had trouble finding a picture of myself without my lil' chickadees.  this pic was taken at the rodeo - a year ago.
 7. i miss running. the elliptical is the life for me now. crazy joints.  need to get back to the gym.  note 2 self: exercising in one's head does not count.
 8. juicing veggies is my new healthy passion.
 9. clutter and rude people drain my energy.
10. italian food is my favorite.  my hips can't handle the carbs though. *sigh*
11. love yummy smells, especially in the form of essential oils.

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alita's questions:

1. At what time in your life did you find yourself on an emotional roller coaster?

definitely after we resigned from institutional church ministry.   our entire lives were tied up in church.  activities, friends, job titles, hobbies.  everything.  it took a few years to recover.

2. When was the last time you tried something new?

with motherhood, i'm finding a new challenge almost daily.  day-lee.  other than motherhood, it has to be our adventures in alaska.  i'll always hold those close to my heart.

3.  What does your joy look like today?

constant. always there. no matter what. happiness is another subject altogether. i'm choosing to have that today. ;) 

4.  Do you see to believe or believe to see? Give an explanation, too. 

good question.  would i be avoiding the question altogether if i simply said, yes?? ;)  see to believe... i suppose life has left enough tire marks on me that sometimes i believe you need to see actions in a person before you can believe their words.  believe to see... in god.  but then again, we see his workmanship all around us, too. ;)

5. What is the single most religious experience or moment of pure faith, you have ever had?

pure faith?  after struggling with infertility, taking 4 pregnancy tests still took a good dose of faith. 

6. What is the difference (in your opinion) between being in love and falling in love?

call me an old, married lady... but, i believe falling in love can best be described as "puppy love" or infatuation.  hollywood movies have done a great job of blurring the lines of what real love is.  being in love is choosing to love someone... even on bad hair days.

7. When you close your eyes what do you see?

a cool day at the beach, enjoying the sounds of the ocean. <-mommy's happy place.  it's always much better in my head.  you know... my kitchen produces gourmet meals, the house looks like a magazine kind of picture. a girl can dream, right?

8. What is your earliest childhood memory? Which one stands out as a teen? and now?

childhood: walking to school and being offered a ride. <-scary.

teen: sweet 16 surprise party my mom planned at home.

now: snuggling with my girls.  running my fingers through their hair. <-moments to bottle up.

9. What are your top five favorite things to do with other people?

just chill at home. conversation over hot tea... we could go white water rafting?  just saying... anything but shopping.  that i like to do on my own. ;) 

10. What do you owe yourself?

a relaxing vacay?  or simply a lil' non-mama time.  it's been a rough motherhood week.  

11. If your life had a soundtrack which songs would be included? 

i'm sorry.  i can't hear anything except the sound of music playing in the background. our current obsession. 

*************************************************

my questions:

 1:: what was the biggest surprise in becoming a mother that you've experienced, so far?

 2:: how are your navigational skills? ever gotten completely lost?

 3:: what's your favorite quick meal to prepare?

 4:: do you organize the paperwork in your home efficiently or do you feel as if it's taking over?

 5:: has your perspective of god changed over the years? if so, what was the defining moment?

 6:: do you get energized from being around people or from alone time?

 7:: if you had an entire day to yourself, what would you do with it?

 8:: have you ever cried because you were so happy?

 9:: are you a reader?  if so, what's your favorite book?

10:: what top 5 attributes would you consider high on the must-have list in a friendship?

11:: what's your favorite thing about yourself?

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i tag: lisa @ the army chap's wife 

       jessica @ teachable moments 

       karen @ homeschool girls 

       theresa @ red oak lane 

       brenda @ the family revised

       rach @ in his hands  

if i didn't get to your site to tag you, please feel free to play along!  let me know if you do - i'd love to read your answers.

Partied Out {Random12}

{sorry for the re-publish.  blogger likes to toy with my spacing...
and my mild OCD will not let it go. ha!}

I have a free moment before I'm off to play mom-taxi again.

I can't seem to collect my thoughts to blog the events that unfolded yesterday,

{that's a post for another day}

so I thought I'd join in with Linda's Random 12.

Always fun...

1. Gingerbread: For or against? Discuss.
I have nothing against gingerbread.  It's not my favorite investment in calories if I'm gonna splurge, but it's okay.

2. Is it important to you to always stay (live) close to family?
I really don't know what it's like to be married and live close to family.  We married, honeymooned and moved all within the same week!  Sometimes I think it would be really nice... especially for our girls, but our family refuses to move to God's country {where we are, of course}.  ;)

3. Which holiday pretend character do you wish really existed?
I have no idea.  Let's see... How about Mrs. Clause?? She could be the grandma I never had.

4. Which holiday movie best represents how you feel about Christmas or life?
How about Buddy in Elf... To eat from his 4 food groups: candy, candy cane, candy corn, and syrup... Okay, so those aren't my fave, but I would like the ability to eat like that and stay thin {and healthy}!!   This isn't really answering the question, is it?   I distract you with food because I have no answer. ;)

5. Is there a particular Christmas song that you're enjoying now? Any that you're tired of?
Tire of traditional Christmas tunes?  Not. possible. I'm such a fan.  We start playing it right after Halloween.  

6. What is your favorite way to remember those less fortunate at Christmastime?
We try to pick a project with the girls each year.  This year, we made Christmas Shoe boxes.

7. Does it upset you to see "Xmas" instead of Christmas? How about "Happy Holidays" etc., instead of "Merry Christmas?"  
There are so many 'holidays' back-to-back toward the end of the year that I think most people use "Happy Holidays" as a way of covering all the bases.  I learned years ago that "X" is derived from "Christ".  So, it's all good. ;)

8. How many Christmas programs are you attending this month?
None that I know of... unless we decide to pay for a local play when DK takes his vacation days.  {Can't wait!}

9. Are you dreaming of a white Christmas? Any chance of that dream becoming a reality?
Nator, especially, has been hoping and praying for a white Christmas all year.   We would love it!  However, the chances may be slim... We've already had one snow day.  A rarity in our area.

10. Tell me about a Christmas present you received as a child. Pics are always nice.
I remember sleeping next to the tree one year and waking up to a bicycle and a strawberry shortcake watch.  At some point, I also had the bedding to match.  One year, I received white roller skates with peach pom-poms attached.  Skating every Friday night at our local rink was my life.  I was smooth... These days?  Well, maybe we shouldn't test those waters.  Ha!

11. How many Christmas parties are you attending this month?
Just the family stuff.  Three stops to make.  Years ago, we served as associate/youth pastors.  We were required requested to attend 13 parties... not including the all-church Christmas banquet and the youth party we hosted {my fave}.  C-r-a-z-y, huh?  Wait!  What am I saying?  My girls have parties that I am shuttling them to this week... 4 to be exact.  That's the same, right? ;)  After all these years, Mama is partied out.

12. How do you keep yourself centered on the significance of Christmas?
It's the little things... Like giving to others {especially those who are truly in need}, talking about the true meaning of Christmas when setting up the nativity scene or hanging ornaments that hold sentimental meaning {a precious moments nativity scene or the happy birthday cake}.  We also make a birthday cake and sing Happy Birthday to Jesus every year, complete with blowing out candles.

Thanks, Linda!
Feel free to join in the fun!

Vacationing is a Sport {The Dozen #12}

1. If you could master one sport, what would it be?
Vacationing.  Wait.  What?!  It's not a sport? ;)  The fact that you usually end up exhausted at the end should count for something, right?

I'm not great at any sport.  {Any}  I enjoy watching a good baseball game {good, wholesome, all-American}, but it's not as feminine as ice skating, right?  I used to think ice-skating until I saw the footage of a competitor's head kissing the ice.  Not. Pretty.  Tennis?  Volleyball?  Golf?  I'm not sure.  I don't have that 'hand-eye' coordination.  Oh... and have I mentioned before that I'm not competitive?  This sort of thing breeds it, yes?

2. When you make a major purchase, do you go with your gut instinct, or do you do research to make an informed decision?
As I get older, I do more research... but my gut helps. {Hey, I just realized that it's good for something!  Other than a pillow for my girls.} ;)

3. There is an old kids' game that says you can find out what your movie star name would be by using your middle name as your first name and the name of the street you grew up on as your last. What is your movie star name?
"Lynn Summers"

4. Would you rather give up your favorite music or your favorite food?
Seriously?  As my girls would say, "That's a toughy!"  I think I already did that this year when I gave up my latte.  I would drink it as a meal sometimes, so I think that qualifies.  Please say yes.

{Oh, and thanks for keeping me accountable...
even if you didn't know it.}  ;)

5. There are two types of banana preferences. One is pristine yellow, almost to the point of being green; the other is spotty and more ripe. Which is your preference?
I'm a pristine girl all. the. way.

6. Your favorite tree is?
A decorated Christmas tree. 

{Well, obviously Mr. Blogger doesn't like my trees or he would let me upload them.  Maybe he's just testing my 'tech-saviness'.  I'll try again later.}
*Edit:  After many failed attempts, Mr. Blogger has changed his mind and is now granting me permission to post pictures. ;)

 

7. On a scale of 1-10, how tech savvy are you?
Did you read #6?  And did you mean as in the year 2009?  I've not really kept up with everything like I should.  I usually say that if it were not for my hubs, I would still be living in the days of hieroglyphics.  However, I'll give myself the benefit of the doubt and say a solid 5. ;)   {Hubs is a 15.}

8. Has H1N1 touched your family?
No.  {praying, crossing fingers, taking vit D, knocking on wood, spitting... do people really do that?}

9. Are you an analytical person, or do you just accept things the way they are without questioning or scrutinizing?
In times past, I was mostly analytical.  I think... No, wait.  Let me think about that.  Kidding.
I'm learning to accept things the way they are.  Sometimes, it's just life.  It is what it is. ;)

10. Is your personality more like that of a dog, cat, or Koala?
What's the personality of a Koala?   Ummm... Not sure.  Maybe a cat?  Ours likes to snuggle, but needs her personal space too.  However, I have been known to run to the door with the girls when daddy gets home. ;)

11. Do you keep in touch with friends you made years ago?
Sadly, not on a regular basis.  We seem to pick up where we left off when we do connect though.

12. You are checking out at a grocery store. In the express lane, there are more people than the regular lanes, but of course, their load is less than those in the regular lanes. Which lane do you choose (assuming you qualify for the express lane) and why?
{Judging by this question... and wanting to know the 'why', I would guess you're an analytical person, Linda.  Ha!}  I always pick the wrong lane in cases like this, so... I normally go to the 'self-check' lane.  ;)

Thanks Linda!

That's how we {Roll}

 

Did you notice anything different about this recipe book?

Sadly, it's proof that the electric stove and I had a poor relationship.

Tip:  Plastic melts on a hot stove-top.

I'm joining Linda for the last week of Fall Into Flavor.

So.... I thought I'd share one of my absolute favorite

thunder thigh recipes that can compliment any recipe!

Don't let the above picture spook you.

I really can cook when I follow a recipe set my mind to it.

Of course, I can only eat these once a year.

{Mostly due to my inability to stop at just one.}

Otherwise... Well, Bob and Jillian would make me workout

until I was a human slushy.

This bread recipe {a staple at many meals for years} was one that my mother-in-law first shared with me.

She baked this bread for us to take during communion at our wedding.

Electric bread-maker sham-maker!

It's soooo easy to make and the yummiest bread EVER.

Seriously.

Easy Delicious Rolls

1/2 c. oil

1/2 c. sugar

1/4. c. non-fat dry milk

2 eggs

1 tsp. salt

1 c. lukewarm water with 1 pkg. yeast

About 4 c. flour

 There's no need to knead!  ;)

Simply mix oil, sugar, dry milk, eggs, and salt together.  Add water mixed with yeast.  Add about 4 cups flour {when it is the right consistency}.   Let it stand overnight.  Roll out on floured board till about 1/4 in. thick.  Cut {like a pizza} and roll up like crescent rolls.  Let rise 4 hours.  Bake at 350 for 12-15 minutes. 

If you try them,

let me know whatcha think.

Christmas music is being played {non-stop} in our house these days.

Do you know why?

We are putting up the decorations.

More on that soon...

Kitchen Fairy

I often joke about wishing the 'kitchen fairy' would clean up the kitchen mess after a meal.
Turns out... I have one.  {kind-of}

It's more like having a personal chef in the house.
Of course, you have to help a lil' bit by chopping a few things from time to time, but still...  after that, the rest is up to the chef {aka the crockpot}.

This week, I'm participating in Linda's Fall Into Flavor meme.
I know everyone probably has a favorite chili recipe, but I think it is the
'no meat' and cilantro that I love about this.


Black Bean Chipotle {Vegan} Chili

{Don't be afraid.  My meat and potatoes man really liked it.  Besides, you could always add meat if you wanted.  I'm flexible.}

2 cans diced tomatoes {with green peppers and onions- undrained}
1 cup salsa {I used a pineapple blend}
2 -15 oz cans black beans - rinsed and drained
1/2 cup chopped {red} onion
1 tsp. minced garlic
1 tbsp. chili powder
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
1/2 tsp. chipotle pepper powder or sauce

Add  vegetable broth if you like your chile with more liquid
Salt to taste
Garnish with {fresh} cilantro

Combine all ingredients {except cilantro} in slow cooker.

Turn on low and cook for 6-8 hours.
If using cilantro, stir in just before serving.

We toasted corn tortillas to go along with it.
I top mine with avocado too.

As my girls say,
"Easy peezy-lemon squeezy!"
Little to clean up!  Yay!
So easy, I feel like I'm cheating in this meme a lil' bit. ;)
It's all about efficiency, right? 

If you wanted it to be healthier, you could cook your own beans and prepare the tomatoes as well.  It's crossed my mind.  I don't like using a lot of cans.  I know.  Just another one of my quirks.

You could also top it off with some of your faves... feta, cheddar, sour cream, etc. AND yummy homemade cornbread.

I can't.  Well, I could but let's just say that I might as well order it like this...

Maybe next week I'll contribute a thunder-thigh recipe.

Just keepin' it real.

Me and my big mouth {Random 12 #10}

I'm joining Linda again for another great meme.

Join in the fun and link up...

I'm sure she'd love to have you stop by, kick up your feet...

and have a second cup of coffee. ;)

1. It's early morning, about 2:00AM, and you're driving home. You come to a red light and sit there. There is no one in sight for miles around. Do you wait it out or run the light?
I would first try to wait it out, but if it's a ridiculously long red light.  Well, yep.  I've been there.  Done that.  The light was taking for-e-ver and I wasn't a danger to anyone... because there wasn't a soul in sight.  So, there you have it.  Lemme adjust my halo a bit.

2. If you had the chance to re-do the last 24 hours, would you change anything?
Yes, while tucking the girls into bed.
Gracie mumbles, "Goodnight Nator."  {only she uses her real name}
I tell Nator, "What she means to say is that you're her favorite sister in the whole wide world and she loves you very much."
Without saying a word, Gracie hops into my bed {since DK is out of town}.
From her bed, Nator asks, "Gracie, is that what you really mean to say?"
I think... Why, oh WHY did I open my big mouth?
Trying to shut the door, I tell Nator goodnight.  She is persistant and wants to know if Gracie really means to say those words.
I tell her, "Well, it's kinda like in the movie, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, when the dad wears a speaker that interprets all of his heartfelt thoughts.  Gracie feels those words, but doesn't always express them."
I look at Gracie and she giggles, confirming what I just said.
I look back at Nator and she is crying.
Why, you ask?
Well, after taking the girls to see that movie weeks ago, Nator didn't sleep well for 3 nights. Don't ask.  It didn't seem too scary to me.  You would have to know Nator.  She's a sensitive soul.
I, of course, had to open my big mouth by saying the title of the movie, causing a water-works display.
"C'mon, you can sleep with mama, too."
So, here I am typing this to the tune of 2 little girls snoring {just a little} in my bed.  That part I don't mind.
Mental note:  Never {ever} bring that movie up again.

3. When you reply to someone's comment on your blog, do you reply in your comments or go to her blog and comment? (Or email her)
There's a lot in blogdom I don't quite get.  Replying to comments is one.  I suppose I do a mixture of all 3.  Another issue is in becoming bloggy friends/followers.  There seems to be an unwritten etiquette I'm not quite familiar with.  Oh, I have other questions too... maybe for another post.

4. Your favorite Disney movie is:
That's hard to narrow down.  The Parent Trap, Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, Enchanted, Cars... With 2 little girls, this is the season of my life.  Love. it.

5. Do you recycle?
I do my best, but my community is not making it easy.  We don't have curbside pick-up, so I deliver my paper and plastics to bins.  They've recently moved the bins... and they haven't come back.  I've found more paper bins, but no plastic ones yet.  Grrrr...



6. Games of strategy or games of chance?
Mostly chance, but a little strategy never hurt anyone. ;)  Too much strategy may feel competitive.  In that case, I'm out.

7. Do you have any recurring dreams?
Nope.

8. What did you learn from your first real job?
Answering phones at Domino's Pizza,  I learned...
It's okay to have fun.  {Dough fights in the parking lot.}
Giving blesses you.  {I would show up at my youth pastor's house with lots of pizza.  I mean, why should I be the only one 'gaining' from the overflow? hehe...}
The sun can hurt you.  {Holding pizza signs during the middle of the day can cause heat stroke.}
Some men are strange.  {Of course, I already knew this one.  I will spare you from comments that were made as men rode by us, holding our signs.  You're welcome.}
Being popular is not as glamorous as it seems. {Two popular cheerleaders from high-school started working with me.  They had reputations and the baggage to go along with it.  I was their shoulder.}

9. Do you buy or borrow most books?
I do both, but I love to own a good book... so that I can make notes, underline, dog-ear, etc...

10. What fashion trend of the past did you say you'd never wear again but did?
Surely you're not suggesting that I'm old enough to have lived long enough to have a trend revisit?  Ha!
I honestly can't think of any that I've revisited.  Of course, seeing oneself in old pix will encourage oneself to Just. Say. No.

11. When do you start Christmas shopping?
A little before Thanksgiving... but mostly after.

12. Have you ever been so happy that you literally jumped up and down for a few seconds? If so, what was the occasion?
It may have been something silly with my girls, but generally speaking, I'm the type of person that jumps up and down on the INSIDE. ;)

I'm thinking I may have to join Linda in this meme too...

Be afraid.

Be very afraid.

{hehe}

I'm a ton o' fun {Random 12, #9}

It's that time again!

Thanks, Linda, for another thought provoking meme.

Feel free to join in the fun and link up...

1. Tell me something about your favorite teacher.
My high school music teacher.  He was such a professional who orchestrated music for churches and schools all at the same time... Yet, he still had time to practice and travel with us at various competitions.   {Oh... and he's the one who had me on stage singing the Star Spangled Banner a cappella.  *shivers*}

2. Tell me about one pivotal moment in your life. 
Hmmm... I would have to say that the biggest most {recent} pivotal moment was resigning our church in 2006.  Stepping down from {institutional} church ministry altogether.  There are many layers to that onion ladies and gentleman.  It's all good.  ;)

3. About favorite colors--a lot of people will ask you what it is, but I want to know why it is. What feeling or memory does it evoke?
I can't pick just one... love them all {well, with the exception of bright orange. I'm not sure why.}.
I love earth tones with splashes of cranberry red for my home {it's a work in progress}.  It relaxes me. 
Red, green, brown, turquoise and black to wear.  After years of trial and error, these colors bring me the most compliments when worn.
Brown was a color my mom decorated with {crazy striped sofa} and drove {VW}, so I never thought I would still have so much brown in my life.  Oh... and just for the record, my car is not brown and my sofa is a solid shade of brown... Thank you very much.  ;)
Pink because... Well, it makes me feel girlie, I suppose.

4. What's a sure sign that you're getting older?
When you can do origami with your skin {especially if one has had big pregnancies in their lifetime} or it takes several hours for the pillow marks to leave your face.  Not that I would know anything about that.  Ahem... {Tip:  A satin pillow case will help with that.  It's great for the hair too!}

5. Please don't sermonize, but Halloween--is it a yes or no for you?
Sure.  I guess with everything, it's mostly how you choose to interpret it, right?  {Birthday cakes/candles have an interesting history, but that doesn't slow us down either.}  :)    We don't participate in the spooky-ooky stuff on Halloween.  We take the girls out to collect $$ for UNICEF, then head over to a popular kids' place for family fun and a costume contest.

6. What's your favorite musical?
Personally, I've been to very few... but hubs and I went to The Lion King a few years ago and loved it.   We also went to a musical in NY last year as well, but let's not talk about that one. {Tip: Never take the advice of one waiter without doing more research.}

7. Are you more of a city mouse or country mouse?
I'm stuck in the middle wanting the best of both worlds.  A country feel with the convenience of the big city nearby {and having the grocery store within a few miles from home}.

8. Did you know that it is possible, for a small fee, to name a real star after someone? (It's true! Google it!) If someone were to name a star for you, would you appreciate it for its whimsy and romance, or would you say, "Are you kidding me? For $19.95 we could have gone to the movie and actually bought popcorn."
Years ago, maybe.  I'm probably too practical for something like that now.  I've recently discovered thrift store shopping {and wonder why I haven't done this before??}.  Do you know how many outfits I could buy for my girls for $19.95?  Especially on their 1/2 off days!  I'm talkin' good stuff too!  Gap, Children's Place, Limited Too, etc..

This question comes from Paula at His Ways Are Not Our Ways.
9. What's the craziest thing you've ever been doing and texted during it? I only thought of this b/c I was about to try to text during my walking video but I didn't.  Paula, you do know that this blog is rated G, right?
Hmmm... Conveniently, I cannot think of anything out of the ordinary at the moment.  ;)

10. "It's not a party unless _______."
"...there's food and music."   Hello?  It's a given, right? Ha!

11. When you're stuck in traffic or a waiting room, what do you do to pass the time?  PS: There are no magazines available.
Am I with the kids or without?  With: Probably I-Spy or something really silly like this.  Without: Catch up on text messages, listen to music, sit quietly with my thoughts, read and/or make to-do lists.  I know.  I'm the life of the party.

12. If you weren't yourself, would you be friends with you?
Of course.  To steal my hubby's quote, "To know me is to love me."  Ha!  No, seriously... I'm a pretty reserved person, so it may take a little time, but yes {if I do say so myself}.  ;) 

And in other news...

I awoke with some news that put a damper on my day.
I needed a lil' boost of encouragement.
I know...
Let's go to Starbucks, girls!

I won a gift certificate from Jamie @ Six Bricks High
and put it to good use.
{Thanks again, Jamie!}
A mug to be a constant reminder of a sweet bloggy friend.
It was on sale.  Love. it.
And...
I was {kind of} good.
I skipped the chai tea... but splurged on some {low-fat} coffee cake with the girls.

For all those who were worried that Gracie wouldn't get to indulge in her sweet tooth from yesterday's post, you may now breathe a sigh of relief.  She actually ate dessert before her "berokley" and rice for dinner.  Gasp!  That never happens in our house, but sometimes I gotta bend the rules a little.  

Yeah, I'm a cool mom.

Just in time for the Random Dozen {#8}

I'm back from the bayou, my friends...

just in time for this special occasion!

Linda's random dozen!

I promise I'll catch up with everyone soon...

1. Candy corn: Your thoughts?
Blech!!  If I'm going to spend calories, I can think of tastier ways.  No offense to those who like it. Just my personal {taste-bud} opinion. ;)

2. Briefly, what was the first conversation you ever had with your spouse? (or best friend, if you're not married.) (Or someone significant, like your librarian.)
I believe it went something like this.  "Hi.  Nice to meet you."  And then I didn't see him again until he began attending youth meetings at my church two months later.  {You were stalking me.  Huh, bay? HA}

3. Could you ever become a vegetarian?
I've thought about it for years {especially every time I handled a whole chicken}.  I'm attempting to do that now...  So far, so good.  So many new grocery items have made it a lil' easier.   {Of course, I do have a few kitchen quirks.  Go easy on me.}  ;)

4. Have you ever dressed up your pet in a costume?
Okay... before you think I'm one of 'those' crazy pet owners and went shopping specifically for a dog outfit, I didn't. As a last-minute idea, I grabbed an old costume one of the girls once wore.  Jasmine {our ladybug} was the hit of the night as we trick-or-treated for UNICEF.  As you can see, she looks thrilled. ;)

 
5. Name something about childhood that you miss (like Clark Bars, Teaberry Gum, Malibu Barbie, cracking fake eggs on people's heads with your fist and "It's the Great Pumpkin" airing only once a year).
Hmmm... other than not worrying about financial responsibilities, I would have to say...  riding my bike.  I would be gone for hours... Something that I would never let my own children do. ;)

6. Have you ever won a trophy? If not, what do you deserve a trophy for?
Then?  Singing competitions in school.  Now?  I should at least get an applause for surviving most mommy days when I wonder if it was possible to squeeze just one. more. thing. into my day.

7. When do you think is the appropriate time to begin playing Christmas music each year?
Seriously.  In our house, we start the day after Halloween... and decorations are soon to follow.  The sooner the better, but I promise you... It seems like we just put last years decorations in the attic! 

8. What's your favorite board game?
We love Apples to Apples, but it's not really a board game.  Hmmm... Sorry has been a big hit in our house.  That's just the season of life we are in.  At least Chutes and Ladders is nearly phased out... and mama always says no to Monopoly.  We save that one for Granny when she visits.  {Love you, Granny!}  ;)

9. How do you feel about surprises (receiving, not giving)?
That depends.  Good surprises, yes.  Bad, scary, hubbys jumping out and scaring you surprises, definitely no.

10. Is it easy for you to say, "I'm sorry?"
Oh but that would imply that I did something wrong in the first place, right?  {wink-wink}
Seriously, most times I'm okay with it.  Sometimes... Well... it's hard to admit your mistakes.

11. What is your favorite candle scent?
Any scent that reminds me of fall, Christmas or creme brulee.  Mmmm...

12. October is traditionally "open house" time in public schools. If you had a literal open house in your home (like a reception) what light snacks would you serve visitors and what would you show them (as in art projects, graded papers) that would uniquely represent you?
When serving as pastors, we had one each December for several hours on a Saturday.  We served chocolate dipped strawberries, homemade caramel corn, gingerbread men, cheesecake, cheese-balls and crackers, pumpkin rolls, various homemade cookies as well as nutter butters decorated like Santa for the kiddos...  Well it's not what you do once a year that kills you, but what you do ALL year, right?!  That's my story and I'm stickin' to it!

What would I show?  Oh, I'm sure we would just-so-happen to have our scrapbooks out for all to see. ;)  It's nothin' fancy, but it's the story of us... if you want to read all about it. {Just don't ask about the many pages that are missing... I will get to those one day!}

{I'll be around to read yours soon!}

 

Question turned Novel {Random 12 # 7}

1. I've always wondered why we were taught both printing and cursive. Do you prefer to print or write cursive? (Keyboard is not a choice.)
I guess you could say that I do {a version of} cursive... but only because it's quicker.  It usually ends up looking like a combo of the two.

I signed my name to a receipt recently and 'Nator' asked me, "Mommy, what language did you write?"  Signatures are supposed to look crazy, right?

So, see? I'd really be better off with keyboard. ;) 

2. Are you a dreamer or a realist?
I think DK and I take turns on this one... we balance each other out that way.  ;)

3. Billy Joel or Elton John?
I'm not a fan of either.

4. What is the scariest movie you've ever seen? Not limited to horror flicks but also includes ones where the tension or suspense is killer, for example, Flightplan (2005): A bereaved woman and her daughter are flying home from Berlin to America. At 30,000 feet the child vanishes and nobody admits she was ever on that plan.
Hands down, The Exorcist.  Why anyone allowed me to watch that movie as a kid, I'll never know.  For months I thought... when I open my bedroom door, I will see this girl sitting on my bed with her head spinning.   Years before that, I was at a friend's house {maybe 7 yrs old} and they played Children of the Corn.  Seriously.  I certainly don't watch horror flicks today. 

Anything involving kids {like Flightplan or Taken} is especially nail-biting AND if there's anything too suspenseful, I skip a lil' or turn the volume down.  Watching CSI with the hubby is nearly too over the top for me at times.


5. Now what is the scariest real-life moment you've had?
I'll keep my stories 'light'...  Nothing too heavy, k?  ;)

When I was young, I rode in a boat with my mom, step-dad and brother.  A huge boat passed, creating big waves.  Step-dad accelerates, hoping to fly over them.  He did, pounding my little body up and down till the bounces of the boat threw me onto the floor, knocking the wind out of me... preventing me from breathing.  It felt like an eternity.  Scary.   FYI:  Grabbing someone's inhalers will do no good when air is not passing through.  Just sayin'.  Thankfully, I started breathing before I passed out.

Honeymoon.  This is a direct quote from something DK wrote...
"...memories... The one that comes to mind right now is the jungle tour {snorkeling} on our honeymoon.  Both of us on the wave runner that had serious problems.  I was trying to keep up with the pack and you were screaming, "We're going to die!!" and I screamed in response, "SHUTUP!" Such great times.  I'm glad you stayed with me through all these years. I love you!"

Seriously.  Big waves {caused by a large passing boat... again!}.  When the guide boat you are following comes out of a wave with it's nose facing the sky... Well, you can see why I  thought we might die.  Gotta love hubby's sentimental response.  {And you thought we were always mushy-gushy from all of my recent anniversary posts.}  Ha!  Oh, and did I mention... the only thing I had to hold onto was one handle on my right and DK's clothes on my left {it was a side-by-side model}?!  There was no floor to bounce onto... I would have landed straight in the water.  Have I mentioned my paranoia with being in water that houses living critters?

Fast forward a bit.... I'm home alone, vacuuming.  DK comes home early... only I didn't hear him come in.  He unplugs the vacuum from our bedroom {where the garage was attached}, while I'm in the living room {It was a small house}.  About the time I figured out that I didn't accidentally unplug the vacuum cleaner and someone must be in the house, DK jumps out in front of me screaming, "RROAR!"  After I nearly swallowed my tongue, I gave him a well-deserved pounding. ;)  This event alone aged me about 5 years.  {One would think that all those years of growing up with a little brother, I would have been more prepared for such an event.}

Then there was a time recently when a seemingly young ruffian was pounding on my front door... wearing a latex glove on one hand!  I called DK to give a description, but only felt better after he stopped staring at my house from his car... and drove away!

This question turned into a novel!  I'll spare you the heavier stuff.  You're welcome. ;)

6. What word do you misspell without fail?
I'm not sure.  Spell-check has made that hard to blunder. 

7. Name something you like to do but are not really talented or good at.
As in... something I KNOW I'm not good at, but continue to do it?  I'm not sure I put myself out there like that. Ha!  I always enjoyed singing {on a worship team in various churches for nearly 20 yrs}, but always wished I was a lil' better... stronger in my upper range.  Well, at least my experiences were NOT quite like this...  Just sayin'.

OUCH!

8. Do you get your emotional/mental batteries recharged by being around people or by having alone time?
I really wish I could say the former, but I need my alone time to recharge.

9. Have you ever been on TV?
Why, yes!  When DK and I went to NY last year, we attended the LIVE with Regis and Kelly show.  I was the only audience member who stood up when the show started filming.  I had a red scarf on... did you see me in all of my 4 seconds of fame?  {We also sat in as audience members for a future recording... so technically, I was on TV twice.}  Autograph anyone? ;) 

10. Apple or pumpkin pie? (Don't be greedy.)
Oh, but you are bringing out my inner greed. ;)
So, if calories/health were not an issue, I'd go with hot, homemade apple pie, sprinkled with cinnamon-sugar and a scoup of vanilla ice-cream.  Great.  Now I'm hungry.  Goin' to eat my grapefruit.  *sigh*

11. How many magazine subscriptions do you have?
Zip. Zada. Zero.  I can't even remember the last time I subscribed to anything.  I tend to read everything online these days.

12. What lesson do you have to keep re-learning?
Enjoy the 'moment'... it's fleeting.  *sigh*
"People are people and as long as there are people, they are going to be people." {a quote from a pastor we once worked with}
Oh, and then there's ....  "Taste makes waist." {It's actually more like, "devouring" makes waist... not that I would know.}
"Moment on the lips= lifetime on the hips."
Shall I continue? ;) 

Thanks again, Linda!

Oh, I need to extend some thanksgiving to some sweet bloggy friends!!

To Katie @ The Baby Factory for giving me this sweet bloggy award.

And to Jen @ Scrapingirl for granting me this generous blogyy award.

Thank you so much, ladies!!

{sorry, blogger is not letting me upload pics of the awards right now. argh.  must be my punishment for the delayed posting?}

Go check them out... They're good people. ;)

Am I really a snob? {Random 12, #4}

I'm joining Linda again for another thought provoking questionnaire!   Please feel free to join in the fun!

1. On an average, how often do you splurge and buy something for yourself?
That usually only happens when DK notices that I have a reoccurring switch from not having any 'me' time.  He tells me to go shop for a few hours, but even then I find myself browsing through the kid's section.  So how often do I get this twitch?  I think I feel one coming on now... Honey?

2. Are you more like Hall or Oates? Just kidding. Real question: What is the last creative project you began/finished? Feel free to post a pic of it.
Neither, but I remember roller skating to their songs when I was a lil' girl. ;)   Okay, real question...  Hmmm... Well I've been working on putting my bedroom together.  {Can you say pro-cra-stin-a-tion?}  This is the last 'creative' thing I put in the room.  I made 2 canvases to look like scrapbook pages near my scrapbook table {of our NY trip together from '08}.   It's nothing fancy, but I finally have some pix displayed from that trip.  Here's one...

3. OK, Goldie Locks, do you consider your house too big, too little or juuuust right?
Just right.  I would change the square footage around a lil' bit though.  I need a little more in the master bath... especially since all 4 of us {and pets on occasion} seem to gather there.  I especially love our loft area.  We use it for crafts, schoolwork {technically, that can be done anywhere in the house}, and a second living room for the girls.

4. What is your favorite outdoor chore?
Are you seriously putting 'favorite' and 'chore' in the same question?  Ha!  I enjoy the 'product' of our efforts... when it's over.  How's that for an answer?  In the south, you could hurt yourself working outdoors in this kind of heat.  This was taken yesterday...

{It's supposed to be FALL!}

5. If you knew that cigarette smoking was not bad for your health but would be a weight loss tool, would you use it? Why or why not?
Nah...  The smell alone would still repel me.  {I'm curious, Linda.  Did you come up with this question in a dream after eating pizza?  I love how unpredictable you are. Ha!}

6. On a road trip, would you rather drive or ride?
DK usually starts out the trip, then I take over {with the handy GPS}.  If it's at night... definitely me.  I'm better at keeping myself awake.

7. What do you consider a trivial pursuit?
Are you smarter than a 5th grader?  Ha!  Seriously, computers and their many quirks, bugs and mood swings.  Thank God for DK and his computer skillz.

8. This weekend, we downloaded the movie "Duplicity" with Julia Roberts and Clive Owen. Within 5 minutes, I was bored and annoyed, but I kept watching 5-10 minutes at a time hoping it would get better between small chores. I finally gave up and Jorge watched it alone, and then regretted wasting that time because he disliked it intensely, too. So ... how long do you watch a movie or read a book before giving up on it?
I'm more apt to close a book than end a movie.  Maybe it's because a book is more of a time commitment.  With movies, I usually have to see things to the end and then wish I could have that hour and a half back.

9. Is there a song that you really love but are embarrassed to admit because it's not cool or it's racy or because it's by Hall and Oates?
Great question. ;)  I'm probably more embarrassed to admit that I don't listen to much music these days.  Music used to be such a big part of my life. So, I'll just answer country music.  I have friends who REALLY don't like it.  Oh well.  I'll admit it... I like {some} of it. 

Now, if we're talking about some of the songs I've listened to while working out at the gym on my hubby's ipod, well... that's a different story.  I could give you a lil' list.  Hahaha... Love it though. ;)

10. On a scale of 1-10 (10 = extremely) how spontaneous are you?
 It really depends on which day you catch me.  Some days, I would love to be interrupted and whisked away, escaping my routine; however, I have days when I really want to knock out the to-do list.  That must put me somewhere in the middle.

11. Are you a food and/or beverage snob?
Does anyone really admit to being a snob?  ;)  {I'm not! I promise you, I'm not!!}  I'm sure my friends and family would say I'm {a lil'} snobbish where unhealthy foods and beverages are concerned.  ;)  {I suppose that's why my family would want pix to prove that I indeed ate cake at a wedding?} These days I'm a lil' snobbish about meat in general, too.  I try.

12. Who/What are you trying to control in your life?
 My waistline.  It's the thorn in my side.  Ha!  Get it?  Didja get it? ;)

Now it's your turn!

Thanks, Linda!

Random 12, #4

1. Tell me the absolute best way to watch a movie.
The family all snuggled together on our big sofa with blankets, kettle corn and surround sound cranked up  OR snuggled with DK after the girls are tucked in bed {and a hot raspberry tea for mama}.

 2. Do you ever think about your own funeral? If so, do you have specific ideas about how you would like it to be?
Wow, Linda, you're getting deep with these questions. ;)   I'm good with just having a simple graveside service.  I have better ideas about how I hope to be remembered by my friends and family.

3. Are you more of a giver or a taker?
If you're handing out gift certificates for a body massage or facial, I'm your girl!  But... considering I haven't had a massage in at least 4 yrs, I'd say I tend to be more of a giver?  This season of life demands it. ;)

4. Vacations: planned activities and schedules, or play it by ear?
What is this word 'vacation' you speak of? Ha!  We've done all of the above.  I guess I'll take it in any form, but we tend to schedule some things while playing the rest by ear.

5. What is one often overlooked item in your home that needs to be cleaned regularly?
Our 3 yr old carpet {which I want to be rid of}.  It needs a good steam cleanin'!

6. Name a cause that means a lot to you.
This is quite a list, but the first one that comes to mind is UNICEF.  My girls collect money for UNICEF each Halloween.  It was their idea to start doing that a couple years ago {they refuse the candy... also their idea}.  So proud of those two!

7. Do you eat a regular old peanut butter jelly sandwich, or do you customize it? And by the way, jelly or no jelly?
I cannot even tell you when I ate one last??  {A-Nator makes only a pb sandwich and Gracie mixes pb and j on a plate and dips her Cheerios in it.}

8. If we were having a conversation in person, how would I know if you were nervous?
Hmmm... It might be hard to tell.  I'm a pretty reserved person.

9. Do you have an elaborate bedtime routine, or just the basics of toothbrushing and jammies?
Mostly the basics.  I do have to wash any and all makeup off.  Also, I have to stay up a lil' late sometimes to wax.  Yes, it hurts... but it's sooo worth it to me.  Nothin' like freshly waxed legs!

10. Have you ever regretted something you wrote on your blog?
I've just started blogging, but I'm sure there's something there.  Probably something under motherhood.  Keepin' it real.

11. Has anyone ever told you that you look like a famous person or celebrity? Did you agree?
Not a famous person, but I get, "You look familiar.  I know, you look like {insert person's name that they know}."  One gentleman even brought a picture of his wife who'd passed to show me how much I looked like her.  Of course I told him how beautiful she was.  ;)

12. If you were going to dedicate a song to a loved one or friend, what would the song be and to whom would it be dedicated? 
Before DK and I married, we had a girl's/guy's night out with a group of friends.  It just so happened that the girls ended up at the same restaurant as the guys.  The hostess at the restaurant let my friend and I use the intercom.  I sang {accompanied by my friend singing harmony} "You are my Sunshine" and dedicated it to him.  {I'm still not sure why she let us do that?}  Romantic, yes? ;)

Random 12, #3

1. Please share one middle school memory. It can be good, bad, ugly, funny. Pictures or words, I don't care, just share.
I went to a private school for a bit during my middle school years.  One year, we were required to memorize a number of scripture verses each week.  Myself, and one other girl always said our verses early.  Little did my teacher know, I only did this to get it over with!  Speaking in front of the entire classroom was something I dreaded each week.

Our teacher asked the two of us to take turns reciting a number of scriptures during our Christmas program.  We agreed. People pleaser?  Nah... In exchange, we were exempt from reciting our weekly verses for several weeks.  I thought it was a good thing at the time...

The big night came. The auditorium was packed and I was introduced to... Mr. Stage-fright!  Completely. froze. Mind. blank.

Thankfully, a Bible was set in front of us.  I read the entire passage, so it probably appeared as though I had not prepared.

If only I had known...




2. What's your favorite Beatles song?
Um... I was barely forming eyelids then {haha}, but I will have to say that the one that I've heard the most is probably, "Let It Be"... simply because my hubs has sung the tune quite often, but with different lyrics.  Let's just say that something happens when you drink 6 cups of ice tea.

3. If I asked you to describe your most comfortable outfit, what would it be?
Without question, {other than jammies} my gym outfit!

4. Would you rather host a party or be a guest?
It depends... I used to host a big open house every Christmas {among other things}.  That was so much fun!  Lately, I find myself helping as a guest.  That has its perks, too. ;)

5. Do you think we will move completely from traditional books to digital ones, and if we do, are you OK with that?
I hope not.  I love the feel {and smell} of a new book in my hand.  Dog eared pages. Writing in the margins.  Underlining my favorite text.

6. Do you learn best by reading, listening or experiencing?
Perfect example... Would you be able to configure this mess behind your T.V. just by hearing the instructions?  If so, I bow... really.  I think hubs could tell me a million times, but I wouldn't get it unless I did it myself {which I have not done}.

Notice the paint job on the wall.  I was not about to take this apart to paint an area of the wall most people will never see!  {Except for the tens of people who may read my blog, of course.}

7. If you are (or when you were) single, what is the kiss of death for you concerning the opposite sex? (That is, what is one trait or behavior or habit or anything at all that immediately turns you off from considering that person a potential match for you?)
If we're only allowed to pick one, Maturity... or should I say, the lack thereof.

8. Snacks. Salty or sweet?
Yes. ;)  The combo would be perfect, but if I have to chose... sweet!  Can you say... chocolate?

9. Look around you in a four foot radius. What object is around you that you didn't realize was there or forgot was there? How long has it been there?
Ant poison... unopened.  {We were having a terrible problem with ants.  I even posted about it here.  I was on the verge of losin' it... especially when we came home from an out of town trip at midnight to find hundreds in our bed.  They went to vacuum heaven.  Within the last few weeks, they have packed their bags and left the building.  Thank God!}  It's been sitting there for 2-3 weeks. 

10. What is your favorite Tom Cruise movie?

 

My first favorite was, "Top Gun"... he was my teenage crush. ;)

11. You buy a bottle of shampoo and discover that you don't like what it does to your hair at all. What do you do with that full bottle?
Hmmm... that would depend on how bad of a reaction we're talkin' here.  If it's a mild case, I would probably use it anyway.  Wild case, try to exchange it... my shampoo costs too much.

12. Your favorite Fall comfort food? (Last week it was beverage.)

We love us some rice and gumbo!

Random 12

What is something that you have changed your mind about either recently or over a number of years?
The institution of church/religion. Oh, and decorating my kitchen in country rabbits! What was that all about anyway? My current self could really have a good chat with my 20 yr old self about a number of things, for sure!

Choose either subject, but does your a) church b) job feel more like a dental chair experience or an easy chair (recliner) experience?
Well, let me just say that my job is homeschooling my girls. Although I do need a break at times (hear that honey? ;), I genuinely enjoy the time I have with them. So... mostly an easy chair. ;)

Kisses or hugs? I actually typed "huts," which might have been a more interesting question.
It depends… but mostly hugs.

What do you think is the biggest threat to families today?
This is really a deep question since I’m filling this out after 1 a.m… Crazy. I know! Maybe sleep deprivation?? Wait. Am I supposed to be serious here? Okay. I will say schedule. Families with multiple children involved in multiple activities never spending quality time with each other.

A day after you grocery shop, you open a perishable item that is horribly spoiled. Do you take your receipt back to the store to be reimbursed or just throw it away and forget about it?
I’m pretty sure this has happened to me before. Unless I’m planning to drive by that exact location, probably just throw it out. Very frugal. I know.

What personality trait (feel free to address good or bad or both) do you notice yourself adopting from your parents?
Next… ;)

How many slices of bread do you leave in the bottom of the bag when you throw it away? Two? Three? Just the heel? None? (I really want to know if you eat the heel.)
It depends on what kind of mood I’m in and how fresh the heel is. Sometimes the heels are the best part… extra crunchy in the toaster. ;)


What mispronunciation or usage error really irritates you?
I’m not perfect by a long shot, but this one gets me… “a lot”.  Two words.


In honor of the uniqueness of today's date, what does the numeral 9 mean to you? (Any special life moments attached to the 9th? Are you the 9th kid in your family? Can you count by 9s really fast? etc.)
I think I posted something about this here.

Does the general color palette in your closet match the colors you chose to decorate your home with?
That's what they say, right? Maybe so…

When you're hanging out with friends in the kitchen, do you automatically ask to help, or do you sit there and chat until the host asks if you'd like to help? I'm not implying that the 2nd choice stems from rudeness or laziness, just not a first-response like it is for some people.
I don’t mind helping at all, but I need direction. “What do you need me to help you with?”

Let's end on a pleasant note: What do you enjoy about September the most?
Knowing that my favorite holidays are around the corner! With 2 small kiddos, they make it fun.

Thanks, Linda!