Ten on Tuesday...

1. Last night was Ashley's (Mike's youngest daughter) first JV Softball game. She pitched a great game and even got a few hits. Ash did so well!! I know that Mike enjoys seeing both of his girls active and supports them no matter what but you could tell that he was nervous for her and so proud at a job very well done -- he was so cute!

2. I want to sell my guitar. I should probably be careful calling it mine, since I have had it out of the bag about three times since I bought it over two years ago. I would love to play the guitar, I just don't think it's gonna happen. So let me know if you are interested, otherwise Ebay here I come!

3. Mike has fixed my old laptop. I thought it was totally and forever broken and so I bought another one. Now he has the old one working almost better than the one I just got.

4. It's almost April. I say that not necessarily for any other reason except that it means I get to pull March off my desk top calendar (not like computer desk top, like the ginorm calendars that go literally on your desk). I love this because then for a few days the newly exposed April sheet is so clean! Yes I am OCD even about my big calendar; I don't like how the edges get ripped and how things get spilled and stain it. So tomorrow I will be enjoying the freshness of a new calendar page! I'm weird, I get that!

5. I am so behind on Brothers and Sisters. I think I might spend some time today and tomorrow catching up. I am anxious to see what's going on with the Walker Clan! If you don't watch it, I will put it as simply as possible - You Should Start now - go to abc.com and select full episodes!

6. So I have mentioned that some girls and I are starting a book club...well our first book was by Diane Chamberlin, called The Secret Life of CeeCee Wilkes...uh, yeah I read it in one day and absolutely loved it. I am going to borrow some of the rest of Diane's books from Shannon Y starting today! I can't wait to see if the rest are that good.

7. So Sara said that sometimes when Ava is at school (which is cute that it's called that when she is just over 6 months) they put her "hair" in a pony tail. You gotta see this!

Yep, still the cutest!

8. I am working on an awesome project at work right now. One particular local business has had to lay off more than 150 people since December. They are putting together a team of people to present on area resources available to people affected from unemployment. I will represent United Way at this presentation. I am so pumped to have the chance to help people going through unfortunate times.

9. It amazes me at the level of complaining and self pity that some people manage to display. I'm going to try to be better at serving all of those around me first and taking care of my needs second. I do this a lot of times but not with the right motives. I observe people who live their life in a way that makes me think all they want are words of affirmation and pity...I don't not long to be that kind of person. May my attempts, whether it be success or not, bring glory to the God that gives me all the affirmation I need and then so much more!

10. "A winner is someone who recognizes his God-given talents, works his tail off to develop them into skills and uses these skills to accomplish goals." -Larry Bird

ANSWER...

Shannon Y. got it right yesterday...the answer was Big Macs. Kind of grosses me out... I will try to post later.

Wacky Wednesday Trivia

US Consumers buy & eat over 550 million of these every year

Good Luck! Leave a comment with your answer.

Ten on Tuesday...

1. I took a half day at work yesterday because Sunday night Dad, Mike, Lex, Andy and I went to The Eagles Concert at Conseco Fieldhouse....it was amazing. That's the second time I have seen them live and as before, they were amazing. It was great to spend time with people close to me. And of course there were some entertaining people around us.

2. I just bought tickets to....Kentucky beating Notre Dame at the Joyce Center tomorrow night. Mike is so excited that we are going "even though it is the not in tournament tournament". I know we will have a lot of fun!

3. I have my long awaited dentist appointment today. At 2 I will be praying like mad that they can actually complete the work this time. I am anxious because I remember how painful it was a few weeks ago - but if I have a new smile, it's so worth it!

4. We tried to paint at Mike's yesterday but the paint color was so close to what was already on the wall, we stopped. You almost can't tell where we painted....we are getting a darker color and will try again!

5. Both Men's and Women's Purdue basketball teams are in the sweet 16. :)

6. Spook (Mike's dog) got a haircut last weekend and looks hilarious. I will try to get a picture of her new look.

7. In case you were wondering....yes, Ava is still really cute!

8. I am almost finished with the Jon & Kate plus 8 book and will be moving on to the book club book...something about CeeCee Wilkes...I don't exactly remember. However, I am super excited!

9. My mom is at Henderson Settlement right now. I am jealous! This is a place in southern Kentucky where we have gone on mission trips for years. A few years ago on a ladies only trip Kathy White had the idea of running a salon for ladies in the area. So mom, Kathy and Kelly Shock went down for a few days to open Frakes' Frills (what we names the salon). I have done manicures every time and LOVE IT! Most of these women have never had their nails painted, let alone a manicure. Now I have painted my share of nails but I am no professional -- however, they are all convinced that I do nails as my "real job". That would be funny!

10. I am so happy in life right now. Things seem to be falling into place and I am seeing more and more everyday - I am blessed!

Results are in...

Thanks for your prayers. Lex is back from the doctor and it's nothing too serious. She will spend a few days relaxing and taking care of herself. Then hopefully she will be all better! Praise God for the healing He has done and I believe that He will continue to do in Lex!

Here is Lex and Ava! SOO, cute!

Answer...

The answer to Wednesday's trivia question is...bottles of perfume! I told Kayla I would give her a high five for being the only one that played.

On a completely different subject please pray for my sister Alexis today. She went to the doctor yesterday and they asked her to come back today for some more tests. I will keep you posted if I find anything out. Just pray that the doctors would be able to find what's wrong and it would be something that is easily taken care of...and for peace and comfort for my Lexi!

Thankful Thursday

1. My home - I am so blessed to have a place that keeps me safe, warm, and protects my pets and prized belongings!

2. My job - I was so lucky to get this job and everyday I am learning more and more that this is exactly what I am supposed to be doing! LIVE UNITED Give. Advocate. Volunteer

3. My education - I am at a conference today and learning that my higher level of education is something that I should better respect, be proud and be grateful!

Have I proven to you yet that I am blessed!

Wacky Wednesday Trivia

I have recieved a few questions on how I won the Hank Jr. tickets....so we will play a little game! Each morning the Willie 103.5 plays "Tough Trivia". They ask a question, you call and answer that question and win...on this particular day if you were right - you won two concert tickets.

Here's the question I answered correctly. Post your answer as a comment and if there is a winner I will give you a....high five!

Something women have a lot of but only use a few.

Keep in mind I am trying to keep this a family friendly blog. I think this might start a Wacky Wednesday Trivia tradition! Enjoy!

Ten on Tuesday...

1. I want a new pair of "holy" jeans. My favorite pair are no longer in commision and they are a staple in my fall and spring wardrobe.

2. It's supposed to be 73 degrees today! :) Can't wait to get home and take Tucker for a walk!

3. Drummers are hot! Especially this one!

4. Lex is gonna intern for the Pacers this summer...I think she should get Mike & I season tickets :) and maybe an autograph or ten...

5. I want to try geocaching - I don't really get it but it involves a hand-held GPS and finding treasure. It's a bucket listish item for this spring/summer!

6. I won tickets to a Hank Jr. concert, it's one month away! I love free stuff and concerts, it was a great combination!

7. I miss Purdue...ok I don't really long to be in class again but I truly miss a few of my friends...like Poop! I know it's a weird nickname for such a pretty girl but that's what she got!

8. I am starting to notice that I have an addiction with exclamation points! I do believe that they are my punctuation mark of choice! Except now that I am looking critically at it I also heart the ... move.

9. In case you hadn't heard, PURDUE = BIG TEN CHAMPS!

10. I think I should take the counter off my blog because I would guess that a hundred or so of the counts are from me getting on here anxiously to see if anyone left comments...it doesn't happen very often but I like to check...

Seriously?

So Drew called me out on no blogs for three days. His exact words were "You haven't blogged in three days I feel like I don't even know u anymore." But, in my defense I don't have internet at home so I can't update unless I am at work. So I asked him what he wanted to know...and his response was beyond bizarre, I accepted the challenge = so I figured it would be like a blog prompt. If you don't know my brother, I hope that this picture will help you understand the kind of people we are and the relationship that we have. Oh, and Drew, this one is for you!

There once was a boy named Andrew

He loved his big sister, it's true

He sent a weird text

That I blog about next

It started with a no fun math class

and asked if 4 days would quickly pass

He will then be on spring break

Which he is eager to take

It then spoke of warmer days

And that we hope this weather stays

True fact: Chilli Cheese dogs are yummy

But can cause your bottom to feel crummy

Sandwiches made of chicken

and what style of pants he should be pickin'

He wonders if pleated slacks are ok

and I have to admit I vote "Nay"

I was never really a poet but it just came to me. I wish you could see the list of things that he sent me to blog about. I guess you are thinking, well if you told me what they were then I could see the list. I just don't believe that all of the "words or phrases" are appropriate. So use your imagination - first to imagine that this poem is the least bit entertaining and second to try and recreate his text. I love you, Drew!

Loving Well

The retreat is here! I am excited to spend some time in God's word. I love Beth Moore and I think that the Loving Well retreat is going to be awesome! I got myself off the pain pills so I should be able to stay awake too! :) I am leaving work at Noon to help set up for the weekend so I don't have much time to blog today...I am looking forward to a great weekend! What are you doing this weekend?

Thankful Thursday

I am thankful for:

1. Great family...Mom, Dad, RJ, Sara, Drew, Lex and of course Ava. Oh you wanted to see another picture of Ava...here's a great one of her and her Grandpa Wilson!

2. Mike - he means so much to me and has been great at making sure that I take my meds and have everything I need. He was made just for me and I am glad that he is around! :)

3. DVR seriously best invention ever, I no longer have to watch commercials and I love it!

What a Week...

Well after another hour or so at the dentist last night, I still haven't gotten anywhere. Now I will be on antibiotics for a week and hopefully after that they will be able to finish the crown. I plan to sleep a lot tonight...I blame it partly on hydrocodine and partly on the constant rain but I am really sleepy. Should be able to be in pajamas by about 5.30 and I plan to do just that. My mouth definitely doesn't hurt like it did Monday night but it's still very uncomfortable. I would be happy to go through this if I had a permanent tooth...I guess I just know what I have to look forward to in a few weeks. I have noticed today that I am being really whiny about the whole situation but it's been three years that I have been waiting for this. I am just trying to make myself continue to think that it will be SO worth it when it's all done. For now back to a little work, a lunch meeting, a little more work and then HOME!

I am using this picture to try and cheer myself up...makes ya smile doesn't it.
Me, Drew and Lex - living the dream! :)

Ten on Tuesday...

I am stealing this idea from a few of the blogs that I follow...ten random things about me.

1. On rainy days like this, I especially wish that Tucker would be litter box trained.

2. Some of my best friends are under the age of 12

My mom hosted a surprise party for me when I left the church. These are some of the people I will miss the most at NWUMC.

3. I am getting really excited for the Beth Moore retreat this weekend!

4. I believe this quote to be true - "I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights." Maya

5. Last night I needed mashed potatoes, yes needed, to take my pain meds and Mike stopped at the grocery store brought them to my house, made them for me, and let my dog out, so I didn't have to get out of my chair....I love him!

6. I don't like chocolate.

7. There are times I am relieved and overjoyed that I am to the point in my life that my parents are two of my best friends. I respect them so much for their strong faith, successful marriage, great careers, and love for their families. I am happy for them that they are to a point in their lives where they are no longer defined by their kids schedules, lifestyles and choices. My mom and dad are getting to explore and become their own individuals again. I am proud of who they are in Christ and what they challenge me to be! Sorry got a little preachy and gooshy on you there.

8. I cry during every Extreme Makeover Home Edition. It never fails, I am just so happy that this individual or family was feeling blessed, happy and joyful. Some peoples' lives are such struggles! On the same note: I also cry when watching game shows and someone wins big...I think I can thank my mom mostly for that trait.

9. Coming up with ten things for this post was a lot harder than I thought it would be.

10. I want to start an electronic version of netflix for books. When I was presenting the idea to Mike, I said what should I call it and he simply stated, "Bookflix." That's all we came up with...we are so creative!

Wish I Were There...

You know kind of like the postcards you always see in Florida....but this has my own little twist. My beautiful, witty, smart, tall, skinny, rich sister is in FL for SB09 and if you can't tell I am a little bit jealous. While she spends her first day on the beach...I spent 2 1/2 hours in a dentist chair this morning and left with nothing but pain, well and a little more metal in my mouth. I thought I was going to finish a process that has been ongoing for three years now, but that would have been too easy and convenient. Instead I have to wait and see if it can be finished tomorrow...BOO! Oh well when it's all said and done I will have a great smile!

I really liked WCBC yesterday! I saw quite a few people there that I knew. The pastor can preach! I really appreciated that since I have felt a total disconnect lately. Pastor Bill is a great story-teller, he gets your attention and keeps it, is relevant, and most importantly his words are based on the Scriptures. I could definitely see and hear the Holy Spirit through him. It was so refreshing to be in a worship setting that was all about time spent with my Savior. I will totally be returning next week! YAY!! :)

Busy week this week, maybe that means it will go fast!

Crop for a Cure

I am on a Relay for Life Team and we are hosting a Scrapbook and Stamping Day...

Crop for a Cure

April 18, 2009

1p.m - 6 p.m.

$10.00

Trinity United Methodist Church

Warsaw IN

There will be a Creative Memories Demonstration, snacks available, and great prizes! Also a Breast Cancer Survivor story! What a great opportunity to give back and enjoy the day scrapping & stamping!

Registration is due Monday, April 13

Let me know if you would like to sign up or if you have any questions.

It's Finally Friday...

That title doesn't really fit because it may lead you to believe that it's been a long week - actually the opposite. For some reason the weeks seem to fly by. Which I must admit is nice, unfortunately the weekends do the same thing, and this one will be no different. Well this weekend continues the work, work, work theme that has become my adult life. I can't complain too much though because I have the income I need to pay for everything and I have so many nice things. I am blessed! :) The weekend plans:

Tonight I am babysitting for Alex and Anna Shock. By the time I am done with that (around 9) I am sure I will be about ready for bed.
Tomorrow is join the gym at 7 am. Then Bart's from 9-6. And then more babysitting, but this time with Mike! :) We are watching his friend's 2 little boys - it should be fun!
Sunday doesn't hold a lot of plans; although I am gonna try a new church this week. I love my Methodist church and it will always be my church home, but I need a little break from it. There are a lot of difficult feelings I am still dealing with and you shouldn't dread going to worship the Lord of All Creation....so I am gonna do something I haven't done in a really long time - attend a different church. I am trying Wawasee Community Bible Church this week...we will see how it goes. I am anxious and nervous but mostly feel like this is a really good thing! I am looking forward to seeing God and hearing Him in new and different people and ways! :)

Well as I mentioned yesterday I have Chihuahua, Tucker -- in November little Tucker got himself a girlfriend and well as they say the rest is history. Here is the product of Tucker's love affair with Tiny! :)

Uh, yeah aren't they cute. I just found this picture on my computer and thought I would share it! They are totally for sale if you are interested, let me know. :)

I guess that's all for today...hope I didn't bore you to death.

Here I go again...

So a few years ago I tried starting the blog thing and well it didn't work. So the other night I was giving Shannon a hard time about not updating hers and realized that's a little hypocritical since I don't have one. I just felt like I didn't have much to blog about...I was quickly corrected by Kelsey --- I think an exact quote would have been, "Yeah, like you never have anything to say, HA!" I guess more than not having anything to say, I felt as if there wouldn't be anyone who cared to read my thoughts, but we will try it and see what happens, so -- here I go again.

A quick update would be in order...

- I live in Syracuse

- I have a cat, Phoebe - a chihuahua, Tucker - and I am keeping my sister's cat right now, Izzy

- I have an amazing boyfriend, Mike - we have been together for a little more than 8 months right now and I am the happiest I have ever been! :)

- Mike has two daughters that I love to hang out with! Katie is 16 and can get her license this weekend, how exciting...Ashley is 15 and has the most ridiculous laugh ever! Also they have a dog, Spook

Katie, Mike, Ashley, Tucker and Spook

- I started at United Way in January (which I love!), after leaving my dream job that I had for 2+ years (my heart is still broken but that's a completely different blog...I am sure it will come up!)
- My favorite show is Brothers & Sisters but Extreme Home Makeover and Jon and Kate Plus 8 come close, I also don't admit it often but I really enjoy a good episode of My Big Fat Redneck Wedding
- I love to read, just started a book club with some girlfriends we are going to read The Secret Life of CeeCee Wilkes by Diane Chamberlain
- I have a budget, I hate it but Mike says it has to happen
- I write a menu out for what Mike, the girls, and I will eat each day, I also don't love this but it helps keep to the budget while at the grocery store
- I just started a new "lifestyle" (I am tricking myself by using that word, it's really a diet!) I hate this more than the above mentioned dislikes but hopefully I will see results soon and I am sure that will change my tune!
- I have a niece, Ava - who is by far the cutest baby ever, and I can prove it!

See what I mean!

I know there are lots of things that I left out but that's a good start...