Ten on Tuesday.

1. Best Christmas Ever. I had such a great Christmas season. It seemed less stressful than it has in the past. I know that a huge part of that was the control I was able to have over my finances during the time. Also, my brothers, sisters and I decided to not buy each other gifts and adopt two kids in the North Webster area. This seemed like the right thing to do but we were so blessed to find out that the one little girl we bought for was 11 years old and had never gotten Christmas presents before!! WHAT!! I can't even imagine... I got some awesome presents. I have gotten amazing presents every year. When I woke up Christmas morning, I said a little prayer for this precious girl who was opening presents for the first time. I hope she knows that Christmas present or not, she can still receive the gift of Christ's love.

2. We are working hard at United Way to raise money in our community to better the lives of all who live here. I can't tell you the good news yet but I can tell you that's it's gonna be REALLY good!

3. In the last month I have had Addie over twice for a flumber party. A while back I was telling her what a slumber party is and we decided that we needed to start having them. Both have been so fun. For the second one I took her to the movie theatre for the first time. I wish I would have had my camera there to capture her sweet little face when she saw the size of the screen! Priceless! On the first one, we stayed at home and made home made pizza and watched movies in bed. Here are some pictures from our first flumber party. I am sure there will be many more!

4. I have had 6 days off in the last two weeks and I am loving it. It's nice to get some R&R! I plan on sleeping in tomorrow, probably losing most of the day, but sleeping is one of my favorite things! :)

5. I have been thinking a lot about a New Years' Resolution. There are a lot of things I need to make my NYR; lose weight, be kinder, read my Bible more. I don't want to make one if I am not committed to sticking to it all year. I have been trying to get better at these things and I am not sure I want the cliche of calling them a resolution. Are you having a resolution this year? If so, what is it? If not, why?

6. Drew is helping to coach the Boys' Varsity Basketball team for Manchester High School. I have gone to a few games. And I love it! I am proud of my brother and the committment he has to these young boys even though they are struggling through the season. Go Squires!

7. I have been working my budget in Financial Peace University and I love it! If you have never read Dave Ramsey...you should. It's so gratifying to have been doing this for almost a year. There are still a lot of things I have to get better at and achieve but so far, so good. Looking forward to life with financial freedom.

8. Because of the working budget from about I have turned into a Total-Grocery-Shopping-Nerd. I now take about two (ish) hours, usually on Sundays to get groceries for Mike and I (and the girls) for two weeks. I have become a seasoned Aldi/Wal-Mart/Lance's combination shopper. I am getting good at knowing which place has the better prices. And, as disgusting as it sounds, I actually get excited about saving money and finding a good deal. Nerd, I know!

9. We took the girls to the Colts' game on Sunday for Christmas, it was a blast. I was mad at first that they lost but I am looking forward to the SUPERBOWL. Here are some pics:

10. I am in Ashley and Matt's wedding this weekend and I am pretty pumped. I have lots to do to get ready for it but it should be a good time.

ANSWER...

The answer to last week's trivia question was Cleveland.

Angie, I appreciate the honesty and that will be the string that holds our friendship together. Of course I will still be your friend, so much so, that I will gladly let you borrow my copy of the best Christmas movie ever!

Wacky Wednesday Trivia

In the movie A Christmas Story, what street is the Parker's house on?

This question is in honor of the greatest Christmas movie of all time! And to tomorrow...may the sight and sound of an Official Red Ryder Carbine-Action Two-Hundred-Shot Range Model Air Rifle be ever present in your life. I know it will be in mine!

BEWARE: This post may contain some mushy stuff.

Here is a version of a 10 on Tuesday, I used to write these every Tuesday when I wasn't MIA in cyberland.

Today is Mike and I's 1 1/2 year mark. This is something to be celebrated for sure and here is 10 reasons why.

1. Sometimes I get in these moods, lately it seems that the moods are more frequent than normal Monica. The reasons, I believe, are a completely different post. Even when I am in "a mood" Mike smiles and bears it. Sometimes, amidst all my moodiness, I can see it on his face...."I sorta want to shut you up, with force, but instead I am gonna stand here with this smile and try to figure out a way to love you in this." I am not easy to get along with, but he always finds ways to love me anyway. I am so blessed.

2. We don't get each other Christmas gifts, or any gifts, really. We have occasionally surprised each other with different presents but they are mostly for no reason at all. I was starting to get a little bummed about this last week. And then two of the last three nights we have spent having dinner together and curling up on the couch watching movies. We may not spend lots of money on each other but I sure do love when he makes time just for me! I am so blessed.

3. He is truly a Godly man. He works hard to lead our relationship in a way that would be pleasing to God. I am so thankful to have a person in this life who wants that for himself, me and us. I am so blessed.

4. Sometimes, we just laugh. Despite the previously mentioned "moods" we can still just laugh with each other. Mostly just me laughing, sometimes him quietly laughing to himself about me. But either way, we are laughing...and I love to laugh. I am so blessed.

5. He likes me. I know it seems obvious, but there are many people who are in relationships and I am not completely convinced that they like each other. And for some unknown reason, he likes me. I am so blessed.

6. Over the past year I have gone through one of the most difficult storms of my life. There were lots of ups and downs, mostly downs at first! And he was always there, always praying, always ready to catch me when I crumbled. He is a great listener, gives excellent advice, and is willing to completely overanalyze things with me. Ok, you're right, sometimes its me overanalyzing and him listening, but he stays in the same room, doesn't that count? I am so blessed.

7. He's cute. Here's proof!

My little drummer boy. I'm so blessed!

8. He cooks! Enough said. I am so blessed.

9. He calls me every morning to wake me up. I know it's pathetic, but alarm clocks just don't work for the coma I slip into every night. Ol' girl sleeps pretty deeply, so every night he asks when I need up and every morning he calls to be sure I get up on time. Then usually he has to call back again because he knows I totally woke up, answered the phone, told him I was up and then went back to sleep. I am sure it's annoying, but he does it everyday! I am so blessed.

10. I love him and I am so blessed!

My apologies

Sorry I haven't gotten to this blog lately....here is a blog you should check out, I actually wrote on it today!

www.glowministry.blogspot.com

Prayer Update

Sorry I haven't updated you all in a while about Pat's sister, Linda. Thanks Ang for being a good friend and prayer warrior and asking.

Pat's sister was moved a week or so ago to a Traumatic Brain Injury rehab center, of course this was GREAT NEWS. She was well enough to get out of the hospital and start working on getting better. Since then...sit down, you will not believe this...God has done a great work in her body: she is talking, starting to connect people to stories and memories, walking...yes, walking...not a lot but some with the help of a walker, she has started to eat some food on her own.

It's incredible, she has certainly defied many medical truth. However, I am sure that our prayers were a part of that defiance, she still has a long way to go...and the family is being very reasonable about that, but the fact that she is alive and talking and walking is nothing short of a miracle.

Thank God that He is still in the business of healing. All praises to Him!

The miracle of Christ

I have been addicted to some Jesus tunes lately, my iTunes is probably wondering if Casting Crowns and DCB is all that is left in its playlist. I have needed it, I have needed Him. I want to be surrounded by Christ in every minute of everyday. I want the world to wonder what is up with me...I want to be a light to the darkness. I search tonight for the Light of the World. That He might have enough mercy to take me back again and create it me a pure heart.

Isn't that the miracle of Christ?

I am so NOT WORTHY. Yet He is seeking me? Things have been on the up and up for me lately. I have been joyful about attending church, I have been feeling good about have right, pure, and true Christ centered relationships. I suppose maybe its the season for Thanksgiving but I have been so grateful for who God is and especially for who He says I am. I am praising God tonight by cranking some praise tunage, singing at the top of my lungs - the world might not wonder about me, but surely this will make my room mates question!

When I am weak you make me strong

When I am blind you shine the light on me

Cause I will never get by living on my own ability

Ten on(it's happening let's not worry about the day)

1. So I have been surrounded by some pretty sad news lately it seems. My boss Pat's sister is still not doing well after her accident last week. It is heartbreaking to see someone go through something like this. I am still praying for a miracle, but really asking that God's will be done and the painful road one that Pat can get down.

2. Tonight is book club. An incredible three people are gonna be there, and only one person has read the book. And that one person isn't me. So I am just going to enjoy a little girl time!

3. The babysitting schedule is filling up and I am feeling so blessed. I am trying hard to plan as many as possible and still have some time for Mike and myself.

4. This past weekend my mom's family met at her parent's house to try to clean out their garage and attic. My Pap Jack is a little bit of a pack rat, you could say. So there was a lot of stuff to be cleaned out. I went on Sunday to help and really didn't do a whole lot except find some really cool old stuff to bring home. Just what I needed more stuff!

5. Michelle had to decorate a pumpkin for work and I helped...here are the pictures of what we created. She works at a bank so I thought that this was a super cute idea. And it was really fun to be creative with my roomie!

Isn't she so cute?!?!?

6. Work is super duper busy right now. Lots of early mornings and long days. I really enjoy it, other than the leaving the house at 5 AM thing. I am so lucky to have a job that I like. My co-workers are fun and I love feeling like I am making a difference. Are you supporting your local United Way??? You should!


7. We are going dress shopping this weekend for Lex's wedding. She has already found "the one" for her but we need to find the bridesmaids dresses. So off to Indy mom and I will go on Sunday. So surreal! I have already started praying for their day and their union. What an important choice my baby sister has made, I should add that I think it was the right one! I want their marriage to be blessed by God in the good times and bad, so a prayer warrior I have become.


8. Did I also mention that Lex is graduating in Decemeber? Well needless to say I am hoping that with her degree she will get a job with the Pacers or Colts so I can score some free tickets soon! :)


9. I have made some tough financial choices in the past few weeks but I have to say that I am feeling so blessed by making money decisions that bring glory to God. I am trying to learn what it means to be a good steward with the money that God has blessed me with. It's not always the fun choices that I get to make but He is rewarding me greatly. I am so lucky to have close friends (Mike, especially) to support me in those decisions.

We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials,

for we know that they are good for us -

they help us learn to endure.

Romans 5:3 (NLT)

10. A few years ago a friend of mine moved to Texas and when she left she gave me the best present ever...a mattress pad warmer! It is the best thing ever! I love to crank it up on those cold fall nights and crawl into an already warm bed. I truly believe that if there are cold seasons in Heaven...there will be matress pad warmers too!

Scripture Says

The Spirit himself testifies with our Spirit that we are God's children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs - heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share ini his sufferings in order that we may also share in His Glory. Romans 8:16-17

I am an heir to the Most High. I pray that I live like it today.

Thankful Thursday

1., 2., and 3. are all included in this picture. I just love that little Ava so much! And in case you were thinking that you had the best parents in the world, well I hate to be the one to break it to you but you are wrong....cause, well, I do. My parents are so supportive and encouraging, I have needed that lately. I am so thankful today for many reasons, but especially for these three!

Perspective...

I am foregoing the usual programming of this blog to post something that hit me like a ton of bricks today.

I have been struggling with some financial/relational decisions lately, and because of the budget I am committed to have had to make some really tough choices about travelling to attend special wedding events for close friends. I have been on a roller coaster of emotions because my baby sister gets to be married before me.

Well this morning at work that all got put to a huge HALT! My boss came into work on her phone...this is actually pretty typical. However shortly after I heard crying from her office and went to see what was wrong. It didn't take long to see that something terrible had happened. And it had. Her sister was in a bad car accident this morning. To see updates and get on board praying for Pat's sister, Linda...please go here www.glowministry.blogspot.com

After trying to calm her down and get her on the road to her sister's side, I sat at my desk calling her appointments to cancel, I kept repeating "Family Emergency". It was hard not to let some tears roll down as I considered how petty I have been over very trivial things.

My sister is getting married before me...however she is healthy and happy and I get to watch her marry a great guy. When I go to see her it because we will be celebrating her marriage! Love you Lex and can't wait to see that ring in person and love on you.

And maybe my finances don't allow me to do EVERYTHING I want but I get to do a lot and I have food on the table, a roof over my head and EVERYTHING I NEED! I am healthy and happy and I get to enjoy this blessed life that God has created for me.

So my perspective on life was challenged a little today. I am so grateful that today I have been reminded that my life is so good. I am praising God for a healthy family and loved ones and asking that He be with Pat and her family as they walk this scary road. I know that He is there and I pray that His presence would be known.

Scripture Says

As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did no choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit - fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. This is my command: Love each other. John 15:9-17

I will need this scripture today. I will rely on the scripture truths about love, and I will do my best to lean on Him when my love isn't good enough.

God, would you continue to pour your perfect love into my imperfect heart?

I know you will.

Ten on (please pretend it's) Tuesday

1. Lex is getting MARRIED! Saturday afternoon I got a call that Andy had popped the question. They are looking at a May 2010 date. Very exciting! My baby sister will no longer be a Wilson, luckily as you can tell in the picture, Andy fits right in with our goofy family!

2. So the last two days I have had to be at work at 5:45 AM. Which is bad enough but when the meetings are in Warsaw and Claypool (which are at least a 30-45 minute drive) it's even worse. I am exhausted. But not complaining because I have a job that I love!

3. I am working on getting some relationships right in God's eyes and things have been a little stressful for me. Yesterday I got the sweetest email from Shannon. She reminded me of a few things but mostly that I have really good friends, who love me! And I love them almost too much I think! :)

4. So I just finished Jodi Picoult's new book, Handle With Care. I should have just made this 4 on Tuesday because you should stop reading this lame blog post immediately and get your hands on a copy. I mean I knew it would be good, it's Jodi for crying out loud but seriously...you need to read it!

5. I got some new brown glasses...for $38....from Wal-Mart. That's all!

6. I do still sell Mary Kay. Although sell is kind of the operative word. Aside from a few orders I did when I first started, I haven't done jack. So......if you want/need some Mary Kay let me know.

7. So I didn't know what else to post about so I started looking around and noticed my beautiful office plants. Now maybe this seems like a cop-out for a post but seriously it's amazing that these things are still alive. I got them pretty much right when I started working here (last January) and THEY ARE STILL ALIVE! I am pretty proud of my plants. Here is a glimpse into my office area.

I am pretty sure there is a little bird that waters them for me on the weeks I forget. And that little bird looks like this....

Trinia! My BFF at work! We have a blast together! She is so cool, and whatever you think she totally did not tell me to type that.

8. It's cold outside, and I don't like it!

9. "Peace is not the absence of trouble. Peace is the presence of God." Good one, huh?!

10. Is it seriously October. Um, could we have summer back please?

My apologies...

I didn't mean to tease you all by blogging last week. I'm just too busy with work to do it this week. Maybe next week! I promise at some point I will get back to it!

Have a great week!

ANSWER...

WOW! I was amazed at the answers that you gals gave...pretty interesting! The answer to the question when I found it online was donut...however I think Kristi should win because her answer cannot be denied. Angie....really? I loved it!

Wacky Wednesday Trivia

What has no beginning, end or middle?

Ten on Tuesday...

1. Holy Country Concert Weekend happened last weekend. It was awesome. A while ago Lex, Andy, Mike and I got tickets for Kenny Chesney, SUGARLAND, The Zac Brown Band, Montgomery Gentry, and Miranda Lambert for Saturday night at Lucas Oil Stadium. And then last week....I won tickets to Rascal Flatts and Darius Rucker in Fort Wayne. Lex came up here Friday and we went down there Saturday and together the shows made up Holy Country Concert Weekend.

The Zac Brown Band

Sugarland...loved it!

Rascal Flatts

Darius Rucker

2. SO this should probably be included in number 1 but because of the magnitude of this story it gets its own! After the concert on Friday night Lex and I were leaving the parking lot when we saw a huge group of people standing around by a Rascal Flatts bus. We were paying very close attention to the crowd when we discovered Darius Rucker walking from the building!!!!!!!!! I whipped the car into the parking lot and we grabbed our CDs and ran to meet him. We got our CDs signed and many thanks to Energizer (which actually did not keep going) for my camera being dead...but who cares it was awesome!

3. I rearranged my room last night. I got an old desk from my Grandma Wilson and it's the newest addition. After setting it all up and plugging the computer in I discovered that I can get wireless internet in there...when the computer is shoved close to the open window....but hey, it's internet! :)

4. Someone had a birthday last week. Well, actually, I am sure lots of people had a birthday last week but one stands out for me...our little Ava turned 1!

Ava with her Grandparents when she was just a little peanut!

Ava, how old are you? 1, that's right...so smart!

And she is already reading too! :)

This is what she got from her Wilson Aunts and Uncle. A beanbag with her name on it!

5. Mike and I went to the Michigan International Speedway for my first Nascar Race. Neither of our drivers won but Johnson ran out of gas after leading almost the entire race. I still don't always remember who we do and don't like...but I am learning.

It was hot!

6. Mike and I took three of my favorite little girls to the zoo. It was for Addie's birthday and man did we have fun. On the way there they were cracking us up...talking like teenagers. At one point they were discussing all of their different kind of underwear...some things never change for girls! SO FUN!

Here is my favorite picture of the day! The three amigas!

Mike and the girls checking something out...How precious!

The girls and I!

7. Last Christmas the Wilson Kids gave our parents a gift certificate to have some family pictures done. We wanted to wait till it was nice outside and Ava was a little bigger...here are a few for you to check out! If you want your family photos done for a great price check out http://www.darcyholsopple.blogspot.com/

The kids in their college gear. BOILER UP!

My man and me!

The crew!

8. The summer of course brings lots of time at the lake. We spent time playing cards, playing in the water and sandbox and of course eating.

Grandma and Grandpa Wilson with all the Great-Grandkids!

9. If you are a woman and haven't checked out the GLOW ministry blog lately....you should do it now. Forget #10 on my silly blog and go there. The ladies that are writing this blog with me are incredible and it's a great place to seek God and see His works.

10. Lastly, a mushy one! Today Mike and I have been together for 15 months...he is out of town (which I hate) but it's nice to celebrate our friendship and relationship. God has blessed us with an awesome first year+...can't wait to see what he has in store for us in the future. :)

Life Happened!

So I was doing really well at blogging all the time and then Life Happened. I got distracted and stopped blogging....BUT I am back! Have no fear this week should bring a SUPER exciting 10 on Tuesday, some Wacky Wednesday Trivia, and a little Thankful Thursday action! Until tomorrow, here is a family picture taken a few weeks ago!

What a good lookin' crew!

Thankful Thursday

1. For Mike! This month we celebrated our one year! This weekend he and the girls will be hanging out with the whole Wilson family. This will be the first time we have taken the girls with us. I can't wait for them all to meet! I thank God for him everyday but today I am making that a little more public.

2. For Trinia at work! She is great! We have such a good time talking, laughing oh yeah and working!

3. For Holidays weekends! Today is pretty much Friday in my world :) YIPPEE!

ANSWER...

You are such a great student Angie...yes, you are right the answer is Eye.

Wacky Wednesday Trivia

If you suffer from amblyopia, what part of your body is lazy?

Ten on Tuesday...

1. Sorry I have been MIA on here in the last week or so. I was busy at work, busy at home, just generally busy...I am trying to remember what exactly I was doing so I can tell you all about it in this post...hmmm

2. A week or so ago, I spent a few evenings driving the boat for Camp at Epworth Forest. It was all foster kids that had been abused or neglected and were now a part of the system. It's sad to see those kids and know that in most cases they have had such a difficult life. I didn't get to spend much time with them, but I did try to ask every group how many of them had been on a boat before. It amazed me that only a few had. I was so fortunate as a kid to not only have great loving parents, but ones that allowed me to experience so many different positive things. I was blessed to be able to help out and share that time with those precious kids.

3. I am doing a summer bible study right now with my mom and some friends. It is all about identifying the idols that we have in our lives. We allow ourselves to think of idols as little statues or figures....but really, an idol is anything that takes your attention from Christ. Geez, as I have gone through this I have realized that at any given moment I am usually focusing on an idol. I am trying to train my spirit to focus solely on Christ...always!

4. Fourth of July weekend is almost here! For the first time maybe ever I have some time off surrounding this Holiday! I can't wait for: Friday night - Fireworks and Wilson Family Karaoke Night! Saturday - Das Essenhaus with the entire Wilson crew and I would guess some more karaoke! Sunday - special Birthday plans for my Grandpa Wilson, who turns 80! I love him!

5. I signed up last weekend to sell Mary Kay. Lex started a few weeks ago, and has talked me into it. I am excited to see what I can do with this business. I am hoping to generate some additional income to start really attacking the debt that I have. If you are interested in looking at a book or throwing a fun make-over party, let me know!

6. So a month or so ago, Yarger and I went out to eat after Book Club. She ordered some dessert and it had a cherry on top. Now if you know me, you understand that I do not like chocolate...she offered me some and I was not interested, except the dessert happened to have a cherry on top (I go love cherries!)! AND SHE LET ME HAVE IT! And the best part? The story doesn't end there, a week or so later I went out to my car after work and there was a whole jar of cherries on the Jeep!!!!! It was awesome!

7. So I have read two books this week that you must read! The first is called Still Alice. It is the story of a Harvard Professor diagnosed with Early Onset Alzheimer's Disease. It takes you through her struggles with her own mind and with the relationships that she has with her family and co-workers. A sad book, but a must read!
The other was recommended to me by my cousin, Jen and it's titled Covenant Child. It's a book that portrays the love and grace that Christ has for each one of us. It's the story of twin girls who are born to a wealthy family, but raised by there maternal not-so-wealthy grandparents. It has many twists but in the end shows that Christ has made us a promise and He will never forsake that promise. Another tear-jerker but soooo good!

8. Speaking of books that I love the movie of My Sister's Keeper came out this past weekend. I went with mom and Lex on Sunday and have plans to go with some girlfriends tonight. If you are female, you should go check it out....and you should probably stop at Wally World on the way and pick up an entire box of kleenex.

9.

My baby Ava! Haven't you missed seeing her?

10. Quote of the Week:

When things go wrong as they sometimes will.

When the road you're trudging seems all uphill.

When you're feeling low and the stress is high.

And you want to smile but you have to sigh.

When worries are getting you down a bit.

Be all means pray - and don't you quit.

Success is failure turned inside out.

God's hidden gift in the clouds of doubt.

You never can tell how close you are -

It may be near when it seems so far.

So Trust in Lord when you're hardest hit...

It's when things go wrong that you must not quit!

ANSWER...

Airports

Wacky Wednesday Trivia

According to nationmaster.com more than a third of these in the world are in the U.S.?

Thankful Thursday

1. The blessings of God...in the last week I have seen: friends bring a new baby home, held that little baby a lot, seen a balanced budget in my life, got to spend time with my sister, told people how proud I am of them, and taken time to spend with people that need them some Jesus! He is so GOOD!

2. My Jeep. It was about three years ago that I bought it and I still love her! I know it's a little materialistic, ok a lot materialistic BUT I am proud!

3. Country Music...I love it!

ANSWER...

DANCE!

Mike is totally a statistic on this one...I have been forewarned that I will only get one dance in our relationship! And I think I know which one that will be! :)

Wacky Wednesday Trivia

22% of men absolutely refuse to do this

Ten on Tuesday...

1. This weekend was the Keith Urban and Taylor Swift concert. Lex and I bought tickets a while ago and then a few days before the concert, I happened to be listening to the radio when they happened to be giving away two tickets...I am telling you, I simply dialed the phone and just happened to win two more. Lex invited a few friends from school and we had a blast!

Me and Lex livin the dream!

Taylor - she was the cutest!

Keith - ok, maybe he's the cutest (well, after my Mike of course!)

And this would be right before he walked right next to me. And also right before Lex grabbed his butt.

2. Mike and I went to visit Graham Allen Harkenrider. He is the newest addition for our friend's Matt & Leanne! This is their third boy...

He's so tiny and peaceful!

I couldn't pass up this picture. His feet are so little!

3. Last Friday, Mike and I did the Relay for Life. It was super fun! I only got one picture and it was hideous so it's not going to be posted here. Use your imagination, we walked around a big circle track in matching t-shirts. Ok, actually the more I think about it now that picture didn't have a prayer!

4. There is a new catering business next door at work. I am not looking forward to the many days of a growling stomach because they are cooking delicious food next door....although, maybe they will give us samples! I could work part time as a taste-tester!

5. I am starting a new bible study tomorrow. I am really excited but it's at 6:30 AM. I am not excited about that. Could make for some super long Wednesdays but it will be worth it I am sure!

6. At this point if you haven't read the women's ministry blog, you should. www.glowministry.blogspot.com

7. I am planning a trip to the zoo with some of my little girlfriends, and I am so excited! Nothing like a girls morning out with 4 little ones! :)

8. Every once in a while, I get this urge to go back to school for a Masters program. Not really sure how I feel about this, but I am in one of those times right now, actually it just started today...to be continued

9. So I started this post about 4 hours ago and I am already over the back to school thing. Maybe that means it's coming just not quite time yet.

10. I intended to finish this last night (it's Wednesday, now) but it was a busy evening. So here ya go, I guess technically it's 9 on Tuesday and 1 on Wednesday! :)

You shut your mouth...

Is this not the cutest picture ever? I just found it on facebook and couldn't wait one more minute to post it! I think Ava-bear has a new hair style. And if you can move past the wild woman hair - check the arms! I love how chunky some babies are! And Ava, when you are 13 and this blog still exists...you can thank me for posting this. I love you little one!

***Update: This little one belongs to my older brother RJ and his wife Sara.

Thankful Thursday

1. My grandparents! I am so lucky to still have all four of my grandparents! Today I had lunch with 1 set and I was reminded when I left that I am on lucky little girl!

2. For this little one, and all the neices, nephews, and kids of my own that are to come!

3. Good people. Most people that I have run into over the course of my life are good. Sometimes I am blown away by the number of people who put others before themselves.

ANSWER...

The only two that guessed were a little high!

50 hot dogs...I will go ahead and state the obvious, that's a lot of hot dogs!

Wacky Wednesday Trivia

How many hotdogs did Takeru Kobayashi eat in 12 minutes in 2002 to set a new world record?

My Best Friend

Last night I had a rough one...it was again confirmed that other than Jesus, this guy is my best friend!

Ten on Tuesday...

1. This weekend is Relay for Life! I am excited to walk a little for a cure with Mike. I don't think I was the number one walker on my team (which was my goal) but I did raise $485 for the American Cancer Society. Can't complain about that!

2. An update from last week: I went to the preschool graduation and cried most of the time! The kids were so cute and I was blessed to see some of the fruits of my labor. I am so proud of the Ark Christian Preschool. And they even gave me flowers...I was blessed!

3. Tonight is Ladies night out! I am so pumped! I am looking forward to "being crafty". I say it like that because really I am terrible at this kind of thing! I will still have fun I am sure!

4. This morning the radio personality asked a trivia question: What item has an average temperature is 105 degrees? And a guy called in and answered: The Sun. I was cracking up for a good ten minutes. I don't know the exact temperature of the sun but I am guessing it's warmer than that!

5. I am dogsitting for a friend right now. The new addition to the Wilson Petting Zoo is Zac. He will probably with me for another week or so. Usually in the evenings when I go over to Mike's house I take Tucker so he isn't home all day by himself. So the last week I have been taking Zac too.
Mike and I have some friends who are going to have their third little one on Friday and we offered to keep their dog, Daisy for a bit. So if I end up taking the dogs over to Mike's to hang out....that's right there will be 4 dogs. I used to think more dogs would be fun but now I think very differently. One is good, two is perfect, three is not-fun and 4 will I am sure be down right obnoxious!

6. This Sunday night = Lex and I going to the Taylor Swift and Keith Urban concert! I can't wait!

7. If you are a female and reading this right now, you should get your hands on a copy of Captivating and read it immediately. If you are a male and reading this right now, you should get the book Captivating for a woman in your life. It is a great book explaining the heart of a Godly woman. SO GOOD!

8. Tomorrow night is book club, I am looking forward to hearing what the other ladies have to say about Captivating. I finished a couple days ago and I am so glad that being in Book Club forced me to read it.

That's all I got, sorry!

ANSWER...

The question actually ended up being a semi-trick question for me. I did a little research and the answer I had ready to go today was wrong. The question would have more accurately been "Who promoted Billy Beer?" While Angie was really close with her "answer"...the proper response would have been Billy Carter - Jimmy Carter's brother. I love a Presidential family that loves a good brew!

All blogs in one!

So because it's a short work week it seems like time slips faster...I haven't had a chance to get on here and blog...SO, I am combining a Ten on Tuesday, Wacky Wednesday Trivia, and Thankful Thursday post all into one! Aren't you excited?...

This last weekend the whole family was in town and before I headed out we had a little Memorial Day Cookout at my house. Here are some pictures from the event! It was so fun to spend time with my parents, brothers and sisters....and of course my little AVA!

Grandpa and Ava, playing in the yard! I think they like each other!

She likes to feel the grass!

Maybe the happiest/cutest baby ever!


Couldn't pass up this picture!

This past weekend was Mike's surprise weekend...I guess some of you still don't know what we did. On the way to Indianapolis, I told Mike that we were going hiking in Brown County the next day and then to the NCAA Hall of Champions...THEN, at dinner on Saturday night I snuck off to the "bathroom" to give our waitress our tickets to the INDIANAPOLIS 500 (that other stuff was all a lie!) Mike claims that he believed my original fake surprises, which made me soooo happy. So we spend Saturday at the race and had a blast!

At my previous job, I helped to start a preschool that is just finishing its first year in session...I poured my heart and soul into that project and it's probably one of my proudest God-centered accomplishments. When I left that job, one of the hardest parts was walking away from the little ones and the preschool. A few weeks ago, I was invited to their graduation ceremony which is tonight. At first I was so excited, feeling proud of the teachers for completing their first year, and so proud of the students for successfully preparing for kindergarten...I was pumped that they thought of me and that I was going. Yesterday, I started to get a really anxious feeling about it and not sure I wanted to go. I haven't been back to the church for a while and I am not sure I will be able to keep it together. It's hard when you have worked with kids because you have to put on a front that you are happy when you are breaking up inside...it's one of the reasons I couldn't continue to attend there, I felt like a fake. But at the same time I would never dump my emotions on the little ones. I am nervous because at this point I will be going alone -- I just decided about twenty minutes ago, that my attitude at this event (and in my whole life, really) is my choice. I am going to choose to feel the first emotions I felt about this evening. Proud, Excited, and in love with what God has done with my hard and heart-felt work. He is Good! Congratulations little ones for graduating! :)

Wacky (not so much) Wednesday Trivia: Who made Billy Beer?

Thankful Thursday

1. Trees. I realized on my way to work this morning that most of them have their leaves now, I drive through some really pretty spots on my way to work.

2. The weather! It's gorgeous out and is supposed to be throughout the holiday weekend. The secret trip should be a blast!

3. My roomie, Michelle! She is such a sweet person and is always accomodating me and my pets! We are a rowdy bunch sometimes! Love ya, M!

ANSWER...

Duck Billed Platypus is right. And had I known that RJ would comment I never would have asked this question. Also note Kristi with the most correct answer, busting the spiny anteater out of nowhere! Good job everyone!

Wacky Wednesday Trivia

What mammal lays eggs?

Ten on Tuesday...

1. I went to Detroit last week for a conference. Hence the no blogging thing. I do really love to learn new things about my job, especially since I am so new. But I am SOO glad to be back!


2. I would love to put more pics on my blog but right now the camera and cords are not near the computer...maybe next week, I will get better at it!

3. Last Saturday night was Cinco de Matto, an annual birthday party for my friend - you guessed it Matt. My best friend from college, Lindsey, met Matt and Belinda when she was teaching in Fort Wayne. This was the third annual Cinco de Matto -- and it was a blast! So good to hang out with Poop (Linds' long time nickname).

4. You are still trying to figure out why a pretty princess has such a dirty nickname aren't you? Well I will explain, one night after hours of studying (seriously, we were nerds) Linds and I were talking about how boys have weird nicknames for each other which are typically degrading and gross...she expressed her desire to have such a nickname...so, Poop it is! She tried to call me Pee for a while but it was just weird. Most people in my life know her as no other name...I love my Poop (you know that I mean Lindsey right?)!

5. My least favorite subject in school = Math. What I am doing all day at work lately = Math. BOO!

6. On June 2nd the Women's Ministry group that I am on is hosting a Ladies Night Out. Join us at Creative Fish to have some fellowship, paint a little pottery, and probably snack a little. Let me know if you want more details!

“Yet, O LORD, you are our Father
We are the clay, you are the potter;
We are all the work of your hand.”
Isaiah 64:8

7. At work I am producing our campaign video...today I saw the first cuts and they look great. Well they do to me, hopefully they do to the boss too!

8. My sister is pretty!

9. At the conference last week I got to meet Chris Gardner and Dolly Parton. Chris Gardner lived the movie Pursuit of Happyness. If you haven't read the book or seen the movie yet, get up out of your chair and go now. Seriously it is a great movie and what an inspiring man! He said that in reality his son was only 14 months old when they were homeless....can you imagine? I can't! Did you know 30% of homeless people have a full time job that they go to everyday?

Dolly Parton was a slightly different story. She is exactly what you would imagine her to be, AND she described herself as "trailer trash" I though that was pretty hilarious!

10. It's been a long week and weekend but I am getting excited for Mike's suprise this weekend! :)

ANSWER...

Yes, Angie, you are correct! That would be me who got completely and totally messed up all week with the days. I do know that today is Friday..WOOHOO!

Thankful Thursday

1. Surprises! I am so excited to be planning a surprise for Mike. :) I am really not a good surprise-setter-upper or a gift-giver. Usually I cave shortly before the delivery and just tell the person what it is. I am hoping for some accountability on NOT telling him before May 23! Only 15 days!

2. Oprah. Did you get that email yesterday that you could print off coupons for free KFC? I guess Oprah was offering free lunch to anyone who printed off these coupons, I wasn't sure if I believed it at first. But, well Mike did print it off...and we definitely had it for dinner last night for free. It was good, but the fact that we went through the drive thru and the total on the screen was $0.00 made it DELICIOUS. So, yes, I am thankful for Oprah.

3. Her.

Wacky Wednesday Trivia

Who went all day yesterday and thought it was Monday or Tuesday?

Hint: This may or may not be the reason you are seeing the Wednesday post on...well not Wednesday!

Ten on Tuesday...

1. It's starting to be consistently nice outside. This I love! What I don't love about it is that Tucker thinks it's really fun to play outside ALL the time. Now don't get me wrong, I like that too but when it's 6:30 in the morning and I need to get ready for work, I really would prefer a quick outing...

2. This Saturday is Kosciusko County's Annual Stamp Out Hunger Event. United Way teams up with the US Postal Service and area food pantries to collect food to stock the shleves. IF you would like to participate and you live in Kosciusko County hang a bag of food on your mailbox before the letter carrier comes! I have worked on this project and will be on the radio later this week to promote the event. Last year this event raised over 12,000 pounds of food!

3. Katie moved in this weekend and it's so nice! I love that we have all seemed to just fit right in together. And it's especially fantastic to save on rent each month!

4. It's Cinco de Mayo. Not that it means a whole lot to me...BUT, Mike and I are going over to the Marucci's for some fajitas and maybe some cervezas! So Celebrate I will! Feliz Cinco de Mayo!

5. I have a little quote book that I look at most days and today is no coincidence that God spoke these words to me... "God has mercies to give, and He intends to give them to us, those mercies are not broken pieces or someone else’s leftovers…God has bags that were never untied, never opened up, but set aside through a thousand generations for those who hope in His mercy." John Bunyan

I have needed to hear those words for a while now. It's amazing to me that I didn't even know what would satisfy my aching heart, but the lover of my soul knew. And today I am open and receptive to all the mercies and blessings He has planned for me!

6. You just said you were wondering who the cutest baby ever was?

Ava says "It's me!" And I couldn't agree more!

7. Seriously, the radio game problem. I won an Arby's gift card just about 3 minutes ago...it's starting to get a little embarassing! And then I think oh wait who is gonna A. not have to pack their lunch and B. eat Arby's for free. I have my diet stricken fingers crossed that I have no choice but to get a Beef and Cheddar with curly fries. :)

8. I ordered my next Book Club book on Amazon and I am anxiously awaiting its arrival. Captivating by John somebody. Honestly I can't even remember really what it's about. I just can't wait to tear it apart like we did the first book. I love to over-analyze just about everything but especially books!

9. I am planning a surprise for Mike over Memorial Day weekend. I know for a fact that he reads this so no details will be given. It's gonna be SUPER FUN! We could both use a little time out and this is gonna be just that! You will get to hear all the details in just a few weeks! I just love to have surprises - I am actually terrible at keeping them and I can't believe I haven't told him the plan yet.

10. You should look up the new Lady Antebellum song on itunes, I Run to You....it's soo soo soo good. My new favorite song! :)

Thankful Thursday

1. Roomies! That's right it's plural. Michelle and I had talked about getting a third roomie, and it has kind of just happened for us. Katie will be moving in this weekend, which will save me some green! YAY! And we all hung out a little last night and got along really well....it's gonna be super fun!

2. Work. Since I will be saving some money with another roomie, and still working at Bart's -- I am hoping that I will be able to cut down my hours at Bart's. It will be so nice to not HAVE to have a second job. Money is such a burden in so many ways to so many people. I am beyond blessed right now!

3. Book Club! We had our first meeting last night and it was SOOOOOOOO much fun. I really enjoyed hearing everyone's different angles on things that happened in the book. Next we are reading Captivating.

ANSWER...

In their car. Now I can honestly say that I have never found my remote in my car? Have you?

Wacky Wednesday Trivia

Where is the most common place that people say they find their remotes?

(This one blew my mind!)

Ten on Tuesday...(minus four)

1. I miss working with kids. That's about all I can say right now. My mom and I went to dinner last night and got to talking about my transition from the church, it's been hard. I know that God is good and He isn't finished yet but it's been hard. I thought I had moved on from it but last night I was reminded.


2. Some girlfriends and I have started a blog. It's a greaty daily look at women at various places in their lives and what God is working on inside and through them. Check it out! http://www.glowministry.blogspot.com/


3. I will openly admit that I am a radio game junkie. I like to win stuff! Yesterday I got an email that I had won a CD Prize pack from Willie1035.com. My new free CD collection includes: Martina McBride, LeeAnn Womack, Blake Shelton, and Jimmy Wayne. :)


4. I am super tired. The last two nights I have stayed up too late. Ready to get a good, early night's rest tonight.


5. Does anybody know how to link to a post within your blog? I want to use this on the GLOW ministry blog but don't know how to do it. We just wrote a "Meet the Bloggers" post and I want people to be able to access it without having to scroll through all posts. Maybe I don't even know how to ask my question....but HELP!


6. It's poopy outside. I don't like crappy rainy weather, it makes me feel real tired. And really it's just misting - is this what produce at the store feels like?

I seriously can't come up with four more. It's a busy week so sorry six on Tuesday it is!

Thankful Thursday

1. Warm Weather. I actually talked about getting outside and doing some yard work this weekend and I am looking forward to it. A little time outside with Tucker and the sunshine!

2. My family and friends that are supporting me in Relay for Life. I have already raised over $150 ... what's that? you want to donate too? AWESOME! I have conveniently placed the link below:

http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RFLFY09National?px=10813621&pg=personal&fr_id=14306

3. My job, I work alongside a lot of people who are working directly with folks being hurt by the current economy. Each day I am reminded that it could have very easily been me just a few short months ago. But Praise God! it wasn't. Not only did I get a job when I desperately needed one...I got one I really like!

Nope, Nope, and Nope...

No one got it this week. In all fairness this was a VERY open ended question, I was thinking about giving a hint but really that would have totally given it away. The answer was: Math Class. I would have totally been a statistic!

Wacky Wednesday Trivia

60% of college students are afraid of this...

Ten on Tuesday...

1. Wilson Way Back Weekend was so awesome! We had a blast, and got lots of work done too! Grandma and Grandpa will be amazed. We not only built the pier but the girls weeded, raked, yanked up ivy (that we are not 100% Grandma wanted gone - but it's too late now!), and laughed. Man did we laugh, we enjoyed ourselves, and at the end it was clear, through my dad that it meant a lot to the older generations.

2. Brett and Mike were the team that ordered the needed materials. This is Friday night, Brett and company wanted to make sure they were organized and all set up to work on Saturday.


3. Here is Drew...it's weird cause he looks like he knows what he's doing. The guys worked on the pier pieces for most of the day on Saturday...in all seriousness they got it down to a pretty cool science.
4. Speaking of working with a purpose, the girls jumped on board with my plan, I dubbed it - the No Leaf Left Behind Project. We made sure that all the landscaping was cleaned up. It was hard work but made a huge difference! 5. Here is RJ testing out the new pier pieces!

Installation and RJ still testing. Doesn't it look great!?

6. Just an Ava update - yes, she is still the cutest baby ever!

7. Here's is the Wilson cousins, on the finished product...

8. Mike and I went to see Hank Jr. this weekend. It was awesome, we went to the Horseshoe Casino in Hammond, IN for the show. Since it was Wilson Way Back Weekend, I wanted to make sure I left in time to go home and get ready for the concert. I left in time to get to Mike's at about 4 pm. We had gone through the whole time change discussion and decided 4 was the latest we could leave for a 7.30 (their time) concert start. We thought we were running just a little late, so we rushed to leave. Then as we were driving into Western IN we looked at Mike's cell phone only to realize that it was still 4.30 (because the time had changed) and we were a little more than an hour away. It is really hard to explain this story and I feel like it's not nearly as hilarious as we thought it was in the moment. We laughed at ourselves for not being able to figure out the time change....but also proud of ourselves because it was as if we had actually planned to eat dinner. WE WERE STARVING! 9. So....we get to the casino (figured it was just easier to get there and eat so we knew where we were going) and walk around - it's beautiful! - checking out all the restaraunts. We were both so hungry. The first place we saw was a buffet and it had a super long line. So we decided to go see the others choices. We walked around and saw an expensive steak places, little italian places, and a sandwich joint. The sandwiches didn't look very filling and seemed like a lot of money. So we decided, let's just go to the buffet, it may be a little more but at least we can eat ourselves silly. SO...we walk back to the buffet and get in the super long line. As we wait we were talking to some people in front of us who vacation to the lakes, where we live (we are so lucky!) and he said he overheard someone say that this buffet was $35 a person!

WHAT...$35 a person...for one meal...and I thought Golden Corral was bad.

When Mike first heard this he devised a plan, where I went in and ate, then snuck food out to him. Finally, we decided (well I decided, Mike still isn't sure about this choice) if we got out of line it would be too late to get something else. So we sucked it up and ate at the most ridiculously priced buffet ever. Did you know if you pay $35 dollars in a buffet, your diet magically disappears and you get to eat anything you want, well it's true. I wasn't about to pay that much for a salad...no we had crab legs, sushi, sweet and sour chicken, shrimp...oh, just thinking about it makes me so hungry! Oh and Bocephus was incredible in concert, something else incredible??? The number of mullets I saw that night :) Mike and I had so much fun laughing at: ourselves not being able to make simple time changes, $35 buffets, mullets, the different ages of people we saw at the concert (I am pretty sure there was a 75ish year old woman there, with a neck brace...oh yeah and three daughters with mullets...seriously).

10. So this weekend I got sunburnt outside...and this morning I saw snow on my windshield. It is April in Indiana after all!