2008 Review

~ What did you do in 2008 that you'd never done before? Experienced Times Square and New York City.
~ Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year? Umm... I started out ok... and will probably make the same resolution that I've done for the last 5 years. ;)
~ Did anyone close to you give birth? Meghan and Val -- both had little girlies!
~ Did anyone close to you die? My grandma
~ What countries did you spend time in this year? Just the US
~ What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008? The faceless man of my dreams
~ What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? My grandma dying; the many events I've done thanks to volunteering for K-Love.
~ What was your biggest achievement of the year? I'm still alive and kickin... that's always a good achievement.
~ What was your biggest failure? Not losing the weight I need to.
~ Did you suffer any serious injury or illness? Nope
~ What was the best thing you bought? Plane tickets to all of my adventures! :)
~ Whose behavior merited celebration? My 28th birthday
~ Whose behavior made you appalled and/or depressed? Ugh.
~ Where did most of your money go? Bills
~ What did you get really, really, really excited about? My birthday was super!
~ Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? little sadder
b) thinner or fatter? fatter
c) richer or poorer? hmm... richer
~ What do you wish you'd done more of? Give
~ What do you wish you'd done less of? Worry
~How did you spend Christmas? in Nebraska visiting both sides of the fam.
~ Did you fall in love in 2008? Don't I wish :)
~ What are the main websites you used? gmail, facebook, myspace
~ What was your favorite TV program? One Tree Hill, Jon & Kate Plus 8, Little People Big World.
~ Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year? Nope
~ What was the best book you read? Ugh. Who has time!?
~ What did you want and not get? hmmm
~ What was your favorite film of this year? PS I love you
~ What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? I turned 28... we went to Cheeseburger in Paradise for dinner and then bowling.
~ What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? well...
~ How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008? my fashion what?
~ What kept you sane? My friends
~ What political issue stirred you the most? Ugh. Obama.
~ Who did you miss? My grandma.
~ Who was the best new person you met? I've met a lot of people this year!
~ Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008: To never be anxious, taking my requests to God, always giving thanks.
~ What sums up this year? (a word, a quote...?) God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called.

On the road again...

This month I've gone to Nebraska three times. This goes out to my "road buddies"; the people I can call when I'm driving, and count on them to keep me awake. I don't think I've talked to my friend Ronda so much as I talked to her this weekend. Loved the convos though! :) As I'm driving south on I-29, barely to St. Joe, I start scrolling through the contact list.... realizing there's not many people that I would call when I'm on the road at 9 pm (or 9 am for that matter). I called a couple people and had to live voicemails. I texted a couple people, but texting at night scares me, so I quickly turned to the contact list again. LOL

Family time was good; unsolicited advice and constant nagging were not. I think I'm good until Christmas. ;) I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. Who's ready to go to Silver Dollar City?! :)

Holidays of firsts..

A few of my cousins and I have been mentioning this week how these holidays that are fast approaching, are quite frankly, going to suck.

My birthday has came went... and it's been hard for me to comprehend that there won't be a card in my mailbox telling me where Thanksgiving is this year and that she hopes to see me "on the 23rd at the Town Hall." After living 'away' for quite awhile, I'm going to miss these cards. In another month I won't get a Christmas card telling me where that family celebration will be held either.

There are always those who move on through life as if nothing has changed. Then there's who ponder (like me) and sometimes make more of a mess in your brain. For those of you who will also be having holidays of 'firsts'... I'll be praying for you.

This week's Memory Monday

"He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me. Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life."

Memory Monday

Meg found this on a blog site, so we're each going to do this.

Each Monday our goal is to pick a verse or passage to memorize for the upcoming week. And the next Monday, we will type it out BY MEMORY and choose another one. We are both picking different ones to memorize. Who wants to join us?

Birthday Reflection

Yesterday Meg did a birthday reflection for herself. It got me thinking about my own birthday and things that I would like to reflect on.

The "late 20s" are upon me. It's kind of sad, but pushing 30 is mildly depressing. I've realized that after all these years of complaining of a curfew of midnight -- I'm still the good girl who's home by midnight. LOL

Things I'm thankful for:

Family: I complain about you, but I can't imagine my family being anyone else. I love each and every one of you in your own unique way. I like to think my family has instilled in me the morals that make me who I am, even if they don't know it.

Friends: You're so much like my family - each different, yet connect to me in a different way. I'm so grateful that God has placed each one of you in my life; whether it be for a season or a lifetime, I love you. I'm thankful to those who teach me lessons and attempt to encourage me daily. :)

Faith: My faith has brought me so far and continues to test me. I've overcome a lot, but there's a lot yet to come. To get something you never had, you have to do something you never did. When God takes something from your grasp, He's not punishing you, but merely opening your hands to receive something better. I'm a firm believer in everything happens for a reason. God is teaching me that it's not ok to be content... if you're content, you don't grow.

Rainbows: My kids at church have taught me so much in the last 2 years. When they come to my classroom, I don't know their home life, I don't know their stories, but hanging out with them for an hour and a half every week has been amazing.

Soldiers: Past, present, and future... Including my Aunt Peggy, you're the bravest people I know. Thank you so much for serving our Country and putting your life on the line for MY freedom.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In all fairness, my life is pretty great. I have food, shelter, clothing... a lot of things that a lot of people don't have. I know God will continue to test me and shake me... and I pray the next year is the best yet! I love you guys!

Crazy Eights

8 Favorite TV Shows (in no specific order)
1. 90210
2. One Tree Hill
3. Jon & Katie Plus 8
4. Friends
5. Little People Big World
6. Two and a half men
7. Ugly Betty
8. 17 Kids and Counting


8 Favorite Restaurants
1. Cheesecake Factory
2. La Paz - Lincoln
3. Yia Yia's - Lincoln
4. Chipotle
5. Dairy Chef - Syracuse
6. Red Robin
7. El Toro - Lincoln
8. Olive Garden


8 Things that happened yesterday
1. I went to church
2. I went bowling!
3. I ate way too much!
4. I listened to a Christmas program
5. I texted
7. I worked
8. I downloaded pictures


8 Things I'm looking forward to
1. The Holidays
2. My birthday
3. My aunt Peggy coming home
4. Winter Wonderslam next weekend
5. Going to Nebraska in two weeks
6. Work Christmas party
7. Upcoming Christmas concerts
8. a day off! :)


8 Things I love about Fall
1. Tree colors
2. hoodie weather!
3. hot chocolate
4. sitting in front of the fire
5. Being with family
6. Holiday parties
7. Christmas plays
8. Christmas music!

8 Things on my wish list
1. Bring the troops home
2. People to treat others how they want to be treated
3. Not be so judgmental
4. My car to be fixed
5. Everyone in the world to have food and shelter
6. For everyone to be healthy
7. more sleep ;)
8. no more debt

Sunrise to Sunset: weekend recap

So, this weekend I took a little trip to Nebraska. It was nice. Very few people knew I was there; which made it all the better. No stresses about who to hang out with!!

Saturday I took off at 4:45 (yes, a.m.), muddled through the fog, and arrived in S-town at 8:30. I went with my brother and mom to the funeral of two kids that were killed last week in a car accident. I was so glad that I got to spend time with Dylan and be there for him.

Saturday night I went to dinner with Shawn and Sadie... love those two! We had a blast hanging out - and wearing the Speed Racer helmet! haha! Sunday morning I skipped church and went to grandpa's for waffles with Shawn. Nothing beats waffles and talking about hunting... or maybe just the waffles. :) Then I went to hang out with mom and we (ok, she) ended up making monkey bread and homemade runzas. YUM!!

All-in-all was good and relaxing; however, I hate daylight savings time! Who's ready for a nap?!

The difference

Tonight as I was attempting to console two teenagers, I quickly realized how different girls and boys react to different things. Not like I never knew, but I've never had to console my brother and sister about the same thing.

The reader's digest version of the story: tonight I got home and Dylan had sent me a message with a link to a news story (which for him is odd in itself). The story was about 3 teenagers who died in a car accident. I immediately called him to see if he was ok - no answer. After a few minutes he came online and we talked about it (as much as I could muster out of him). My goal was to basically reassure him that I'm there if he ever needs to talk about stuff.

My sister on the other hand, was a different story. She was very angry, voiced a few angers at God for taking them so young. This question is always hard to answer, no matter how old you are.

I can't imagine dealing with these feelings at 15/16 years old. At the same time, talking to these two made my heart ache. I hate seeing them sad; I can't think how I would feel if they were my kids. You can't change what's already done, but I hope this is a chance for God to grasp the future.

On a shelf

I've recently done something that I now regret. I always say there are no regrets - just lessons learned; which is a true statement. However, in this case - I'm pretty sure I regret it. I've initiated a conversation with someone and now wish I hadn't. He's a great guy, but he has an issue of being friends with the opposite sex. He's in it all or nothing basically. So now, I think that since I started the conversation, he thinks I mean more than I really do.

I was asking people for thoughts on the subject. CJ who has been trough this with me the first time with this guy - said "sometimes you just have to leave them on the shelf." And ya know, I think she's right. Why is it that we constantly have to bring up stuff from the past, no matter how painful it was? I mostly do this with relationships I've had. Is it because I miss them... or the idea? I think it's the idea... and I hate that. I want to be content in my singleness for the season that God has placed me here. Why can't I just leave them on the shelf? So... my messenger is getting a little fall cleaning... people who send me back 10 paces are out. Those who encourage and support are in.

Pondering a season of change... again.

Before I'm 30

Things I'd like to accomplish or do before I'm 30; in no particular order.

1. Lose weight - more specifically; ALL the weight I need to reach my ideal weight.
2. Go on a missions trip
3. Go on a cruise
4. Take care of my debt
5. Swim with dolphins
6. Go to Boston
7. See the Red Sox play at Fenway.
8. Meet the currently faceless man of my dreams.
9. Learn to play the piano.
10. Grow in my relationship with God.
11. Improve the relationship with my parents.
12. Become a better communicator.
13. Stop sweating the petty stuff.
14. Broaden my culture horizons
15. Read the entire Bible.


Yes, Meg... I'd better get crackin! :)

I'm getting old... lol

Today my baby brother turns 18. How did this happen??? LOL... I'm so excited for him to begin a new journey. He's such a great kid (not so much anymore...) and deserves the best. Someone buy me stock in tissues when May comes. :-)

In one month I'll turn 28. How did THAT happen? I've cherished the journey that God has brought me through and can't wait for the next curve in the road. Next year's birthday trip: BOSTON BABY!!!!!!!!!!!! Who's up for a trip to Fenway? :)

Random things

10 things I wish I could say to 10 different people
1. You truly are 'the best man'...
2. I've always looked up to you
3. I'm forever grateful for your wisdom.
4. For once I wish you'd say you're proud...
5. I wish you weren't so hypocritical
6. Thank you for always being there.
7. I love you like a sister!
8. I miss you.
9. I am happy for you... truly.
10. I can't wait to see you walk down the aisle. :)


9 things about myself
1. I worry too much
2. I love "hoodie weather"
3. My family & friends are my life
4. I rarely believe in myself
5. I love Mexican food!
6. I love weddings
7. I hate that I use sarcasm as a defense mechanism.
8. I hate Times Square
9. I love kids


8 ways to win my heart
1. Love my friends and family
2. tell me I look beautiful
3. Love kids
4. Have a relationship with God
5. Don't lie
6. random acts of love
7. sing to me (even if you can't sing well!)
8. Love me for me.


7 awesome movies
1. Field of Dreams
2. Definitely, Maybe
3. The Bucket List
4. Fever Pitch
5. Hitch
6. Freaky Friday
7. Ray


6 things you do before you sleep
1. watch the news
2. set my alarm
3. talk to God
4. think - sometimes too much!
5. brush my teeth
6. lotion up! :)

5 people who mean a lot
1. God
2. Parents & siblings
3. My girls
4. my church kids
5. Those who encourage and support me


4 things you're wearing right now
1. fat pants
2. tank
3. glasses
4. lotion

3 songs that you listen to often (currently)
1. The Journey - Caleb Rowden Band
2. Time of My Life - David Cook
3. I will not be moved - Natalie Grant

2 things you want to do before you die
1. Have a family
2. travel the world - included all major league baseball parks :)

1 confession
1. Sometimes I like being a girly girl.

Hair

Let me know what you think! I'm looking to change the color... going darker I think with blonde highlights. Not sure about the shortness...

Under the Same Moon

So this weekend, CJ and I tried something new... down time. Saturday night we rented a movie called "Under the Same Moon." So good! It's about a young boy in Mexico who travels to the U.S. to find his mother after his grandma passes away. I highly recommend this movie! It's kind of predictable, but so good... you'll laugh, you'll cry, and everything in between.

I'm so refreshed (yay for that)! This weekend we did so very little. Spent time visiting with our company, ate some wonderful food at Cheesecake factory, and took many naps. I watched a bit of the Olypmics, which is always a good time.

My aunt is currently on her way back to Kansas from Iraq for her 18 days leave. She'll be here some time this week and then I'll see her next weekend when I'm in Nebraska. So excited about that. I'm ready to get working out again and my schedule to return to normal (whatever that means)... oh, and my feet are down to normal size. :-) I'm getting my hair done on Wednesday... experimenting with something different. Be prepared to make comments on a future blog with some hair styles/colors.

Have a wonderful week everyone! :-)

There's no crying in baseball!

Last week I stated that it was so exhausting for me. Well, it's gonna get worse before it gets better. I'm pretty sure THIS week has been one of the worst ever. Last weekend my family (stepdad and two brothers) were in KC. We went to two baseball games and they went to Worlds of Fun. I loved having them here and wish I could have spent more time with them. I opted out of WOF because I dislike that sorta thing... anyway, we had fun (see my pictures for the good times).

VBS is this week and it's a good thing it's over tomorrow night. Not that I don't love my kids, because those of you that know me, know better than that. My first night (Tuesday) I made two kids cry. Yup. Actually, it was the fact that they're a little less than disciplined at home. So when Miss Leslie says "no" it's all over.

There's a new boy in my class. I really want him to come to Rainbows. He's absolutely adorable. Kenney is 4 and currently has a broken arm. Which makes it so hard for him to do some of the stuff. I've stuck with him and helped him quite a bit. Sometimes if I catch him not playing a game, or not singing, I'll ask what's wrong. He'll just respond with, "I need a break." Yeah... me too, buddy, me too. Kids know how to say it. I wish I could deal with them 24/7 instead of adults. Adults are just dumb - it's not just boys anymore.

Throughout the week, at least 4 of my kids have cried. (It's not my fault I swear)! All for different reasons... a couple have been rowdy and fallen and then there's those who don't like that 'no' word. So... tonight, it was my turn. The last two weeks have cracked me... I honestly had a breakdown. Not to be a whiney butt... but I'm tired, I'm cranky, my ankle hurts, my blood pressure has been like a rollercoaster, my feet are so swollen I need to invest stock in water pills, and I'm pretty sure my blood sugar is low as I sit here at midnight.

So of course when things are snowballing, I start thinking about my life, and how is this really where I pictured myself at 27? Sheesh. I punish myself way too much for not doing more... in any aspect of life. Things I wish I could change, but somehow don't have control over. The things I do have control over are so out of hand, it's hard to grasp them.

Things to come: We're having company this weekend, next weekend I'll be in Nebraska, the weekend after that we're having girls weekend (bridal shower for Pamela), and then it's 5 fabulous days in Chicago and NYC. In the midst of all that, Rainbows are starting up again, Children's Church, and I think Halloween is coming....

I think it's time for bed... but I'm not sure I'm tired.

Battle wounds of the week

This has been kind of a tough week for me... physically speaking. As CJ and I prepare for Vacation Bible School next week, we've been at church every night, not getting home before 10 pm.

One day as I'm leaving work, I totally biffed it in our office. I think I hit my head on the way down... ouch! I get home and on the way to the door, almost fall AGAIN on the driveway. Are you kiddin me??? I think my equilibrium is off. :) We're at church that night and I made a comment about how I kept falling to my knees. CJ said "maybe God is trying to tell you something."

This got me to thinking... I absolutely love spending time with my church kids. I wouldn't trade them for anything in the world. However, I miss church. I miss fun music that I can clap my hands and sing at the top of my lungs to. I miss Pastor Bob's sermons... I NEED TO BE FED!

As I said VBS is next week... we're doing SonWorld Adventure Park. Last night me and another gal were ironing on transfers to the shirts for the kids. In the midst of this, I'm taking a transfer off a shirt and my arm catches the iron. YIKES! Now, I have a nice little battle scar there.

I think I need an off day. :) Hope everyone is having a fabulous weekend!

Let's talk about s-e-x

The recurring theme this week is teenagers and sex. Seriously! Everywhere I go - this topic seems to come up. I'm amazed at what teenagers know and do. I'm 27 years old and these teenagers (barely...13, 14, etc) have done more than me. This week I've constantly been flabbergasted at the conversations I've heard from teenagers.

With all this talk... tonight I'm at sonic getting a blast and a soda. Two cars down I hear this man order a "Route 44 orgasm." WHAT?????? Oh my gosh! Not kidding, almost lost IT!

What is this world coming to?

I'm sure I could drag this out, but I'm tired.. :) Tomorrow's Friday - who's excited?

Man's work

Thursday night, I'm on my way home from work. I go to turn the corner... turn my blinker on and get that annoying "clink clink clink" that means that one of my bulbs is out. I text my brother and ask him if he wants to come down and change it. He brought out the middle name and told me I could do it because it wasn't that hard.

I already had a bulb because I'd bought a pack the last time a bulb went out. So... I open the trunk... and get down to business. It took me awhile, but I finally got the bulb changed. It was then that I realized that I needed a man around to do these things. :-)

It was also then that I realized that I need a Christian version of my brother. My little brother takes pretty good care of me when it comes to my car. He's changed bulbs, helped fix windows, given me advise when something's wrong... Hmmm... I wonder where I can find a man like him (other than the bar)...

Yay for having working blinkers! :-)

Cannot imagine

So, one of my little church kids came up to me yesterday, with a ball in her hand and a sad look on her face. She asked "Can you play catch with me?" I gladly said sure!

Knowing this girl's story and what her home life is like, I began to ponder. Her mom is a stay at home mom, her dad works all day. I cannot IMAGINE having the option to stay at home with my kids all day long and not want to spend time with them; puzzles, games, whatever. Not many women have that option anymore and to be with a man whose ambition is to provide for his family would be phenominal. To see the hurt in this little girl's eyes because her mom never plays with her, claiming to not have the time... Just gut wrenching.

When the girl's little brother says that when he asks for help and his mom says no... Makes me want to eat them up!

Here's to spending time with kids. Love them to pieces!