Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Monday, April 28, 2008

Oh, the blogs you'll read...or To blog or not to blog?...



I remember a time when I didn't even know what a blog was. I heard of people that referred to themselves as bloggers, or I'd read that someone found this or that idea on a blog, but what in the world was it?? The great thing about a blog is that it can be anything you want it to be! For me, it is an outlet. I need to write. I need to think. I am one of those people that have always kept a journal of some sort. Those of you that know me, know I like to scrapbook. To me, this is like an online scrapbook. I like to jot down great ideas, encouraging quotes, a good recipe, etc. A blog is also a way for me to share with and update my family and friends. I update several times a week and really would like to update daily.

I also like reading others' blogs. I have several saved on a sidebar on my page if you are interested in seeing where I go. I also visit blogs that are on the blogroll from a site that I frequent. Sometimes, I will save a blog to the sidebar if I stumbled upon it, but don't have time to read it.

Now, do I agree with everything that is on these blogs that I read? Of course not. But, I am not one of those people that is so close minded that I can't learn from someone else.

One of my favorite blogs to read is Christine's. She is a pastor's wife, but not your average, run of the mill pastor's wives. She is very vocal about world issues, going green, homeschooling, adoption, politics and more. I don't always see eye to eye with her, yet I can read her blog every day and learn something from it. I love her honesty and humor.

Another blog I read daily is called Work In Progress. I have it listed as Cool Ideas. You can order kits from this site for scrapbooking, card making, etc., but more importantly you can get tons of ideas from the ladies there. From home decor, to baking the perfect cupcake, to making homemade baby shower things; she's got it all!

Other blogs I frequent are Pioneer Woman and Adventures in Bento making. Both are filled with great recipes, food ideas, great photography, and life in general. Makes for very interesting reading. Oh, yeah. You probably need to enjoy reading unless you find a photo only blog. They have those too. =] If you do stop by, make sure to leave me a comment. It's not hard. Just click on the word comments at the bottom of each post. All you need is a google account or blogger account (free and easy to sign up for).

Check back frequently...you may be the topic of the day. =D

Saturday, April 26, 2008

Blog Challenge #13 - "Act Your Age"

This was the one I forgot to do. It's a hard one for me, so I put it to the side to think about it. Then I got busy...you know the rest! Nevertheless, my OCD will not let me skip it. It even bothers me that it is out of order - but it's here!
From Jenner:
If you could go back to any age again, how old would you want to be and why? What age would you least like to be and why?

If I could go back to my Jr. High days in Germany, I would. Not because they were great, but because I got into way too much trouble. I would really like to go back and change things. I made a lot of choices that I am not proud of. I put my parents through hell, really. Most people would say that it was normal teenage stuff, but still - I would go back to change it all. I also would not mind going back to the time I lived with my grandparents. Of course you know why if you've read the previous post!
I can't think of an age I wouldn't go back to because I really feel like everything I went through was what has made me who I am now. Like I said earlier though...I would definitely change some things if I could. =]

Blog Challenge #14 "There's No Place Like Home"


This week's challenge is from bonnuit (Judy). I am barely making the deadline! LOL I think I skipped one somewhere...oh yes, lucky #13. I will have to go back and do it...until then - here is this one!


This week tell us about the places you've called home. Have you lived in one place all your life? Tell us about it and why you've chosen to stay there. Have you lived in many places? Where have you lived and what have you done to make each place feel like home? What has been your favorite place to live and why?


Wow. This one is going to be hard. I have lived in so many places. I'd list all of them, but my dh already thinks I put way too much information out in the internet world. LOL Let's just say that I was an Army Brat. We've moved so many times. Then I got married and we've moved just as much as someone in the military! I guess working in the ministry can sometimes feel like being in the military.


I feel like singing Johnny Cash's "I've Been Everywhere". I will pick one place that really is a special memory for me.

One place that I feel was a privilege to call home, was when I lived with my grandparents for a year. When I was 9 (3rd grade), my dad got an assignment to go to Korea. After much discussion, my parents decided that it would be better for me to live with my grandparents while they were in Korea. They did not want to interrupt my schooling. Anyway, this was such a special experience for me. They lived in Johnstown, Pennsylvania.


I remember going for a walk every Saturday with my grandfather. We would walk downtown to meet my grandmother who had gone out early that morning to get her hair done for church. As we walked, he would talk to me about everything under the sun. I would listen intently. He told me stories of his childhood, his time in the Air Force during WWII, he'd explain things that we saw and how they worked, and I listened to it all! I loved listening to him and I loved how he would answer all of my questions as if every single one of them were so important. Our first stop was the newspaper stand. He'd buy the local paper and 3 other big ones like the New York Times. I would be allowed to pick one thing. I usually chose to get an Archie comic book. Our trip would continue on to a little place called Johnny's. This is where my grandmother would wait. We'd get a Coke. I always asked for a Shirley Temple so that I could get a Marashino cherry in it.


Then the three of us would go to the library. This is probably one of my favorite memories of my childhood. To this day, I believe that my grandparents helped to instill in me my love for books. I was allowed to check out as many as I wanted. I remember choosing 3 or 4 chapter books a week and I would read them all. I read all of the Boxcar Children, all of the Ramona books, Nancy Drew, The Little People, Secret Garden, Black Beauty...the list goes on.


Then we'd head out and run any errands that needed to be done that day and the trip would end at a restaraunt for a late lunch.

I had so many great memories that I could go on and on. I just loved the fact that they never made me feel like a burden to them. They always made me feel like it was my home. I learned how to cook and bake there, learned how to sled, play rummy =], ... Yes, this was home for me for one whole year and I will never forget it!

Friday, April 25, 2008

Love this girl!


I have the same routine every morning (as long as it's a "regular" day). I get up, brush my teeth, make my bed (if no kiddos are in it), make a cup of coffee, have my quiet time, and then head over to my laptop to read my emails, SS, blogs, check facebook, etc.

Naomi is usually up before the other girls. She ALWAYS comes out to where I am and in the sweetest voice (eyes barely open yet) says, "Good morning, mommy." Oh.my.word. Talk about melting me and starting my day out right! I started getting used to it and then just today thought I'd share it with all of my friends. Oh, and it's always followed with the best hug and snuggles.

Just love her to pieces. Seriously. God is so good to me. I really have the best family.

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Wordless Wednesday: Splash!


Last of the updates...


Sunday was spent at church really. Erin, Melissa and I sang together at church, Erin and Melissa sang a duet, and of course Erin sang several more songs. Marco had advertised a concert - basically. LOL It was great. A great portion of our ramblings this weekend was about our faith. We each may have grown in our own way spiritually, but one thing had not changed and that was our love for Christ. It had grown, actually. The three of us were more free now as adults, mothers, wives, and Christians to worship as we felt was best for us.

We had a great lunch (with my family) at the Soup Plantation. Erin and Melissa loved it. Amazing salad bar, homemade bread and pasta bar...all fresh! Yum. Erin spoke to my ladies group in the evening. That was really cool. I was glad that they could hear someone else that loved Christ and was totally down to earth - and normal. The ladies really enjoyed it.

They both had to leave early the next day. It was bitter-sweet and seemed too short. How was it possible that we felt like there was still so much to talk about? We vowed that we would have to begin planning our next get together. We have another friend that we were missing the whole time. We want to definitely include her - this get together just happened so spontaneously. For those of you that read through the whole thing, I commend you. I wasn't very witty or funny. Just wanted to record it somehow. Just as I thought, I found that I could not find words to describe the great feeling that we three friends had. Sure I recorded it, but I wanted you to know, to feel what we had. Oh well, I guess you'll just have to call up some of your friends and try it for yourself!

Day 3........Lazy River, baby!!


We had the greatest space at the resort. It was like a full apartment. Like kids, we were so looking forward to going to the pool the next morning. LOL We had already decided that we were not going to make excuses about what we look like in our suits, why I wasn't as tan as I'd like to be and so on. We were there to relax and have fun. They had this thing called Lazy River. We decided we were going to get there during the adult swim time. We each rented an inner-tube and set sail. I could not get myself situated on the tube without dunking myself under the water - twice! Of course, leave it to me for comic relief! It really was very lovely and relaxing. We just kind of meandered our way around and around. Talking, floating, feeling weightless...yeah, that was the best. At the minute ( I think more like second) the clock clicked over to All-swim, we were bombarded by noodles, screaming children, and splashes of water. Uh, yeah. Time to get out.

We spent the rest of the day shoppping and guess what? Talking. More talking. Laughing. We stopped for lunch at Panera and had dinner at In and Out. Perfect. Price was right too! =]

That steak cost how much??


Okay, so we enjoyed a morning of Yoga. We then had a great lunch at a little place called Jammin' Bread. Oh man. It was so good. Really great bread and salad selections. Kind of like a Panera, but smaller. We sat outside at the little cafe style tables. More talking and laughing followed.

We headed back to the house with excitement. We were going to stay at a resort that night and couldn't wait...or so we thought. We ended up stopping to shop and what not on the way and didn't get there until very late. No problem. Part of the get together was to make sure that we could relax. No rushing around a schedule, chasing children, getting frustrated...just go with the flow. Nice. However, because we took our sweet time, we didn't get to the resort until very late. The place looked perfect. We were starving though, and headed out for something nice. We were in the Palm desert and had to drive into Palm Springs/La Quinta to even find anything. We got to a place called LG's Prime Steakhouse . Apparently, it is a nationally known place...but we didn't know that! LOL We sat down and opened the menu to steaks that were between $35 - $45 a piece. That's not counting any sides! Those were separate! We couldn't look like we were cheap and walk out. Besides, it was late - where else would we go, right? I will not divulge what the total bill came to, but let's just say we were filled with nervous laughter. We couldn't believe it. We kept saying, "We deserve this. When do we ever get to do anything like this?...." It was really good though and hey, we did deserve it!

Day 2 of the best weekend ever... =]


Erin is being certified as a Holy Yoga instructor. I have been interested in yoga for a long time. You know how it is. You see these people that are lean and flexible, very quiet spirited and think I want to be like that. So we decide it would be a fun experience to go to a Yoga class together. Well, Erin and I decided it would be fun - Melissa was a good sport and went along with it. We got to the yoga center and the first thing we saw was the shoes waiting outside the door. Oh, okay. So we take off our shoes. We go in to meet the instructor. She was very bubbly, cute, and small. We all looked at each other thinking the same thing - Yes. We too can look like this. LOL We enter the class. It is Melissa's and my first time attending a yoga class. We don't do too bad. It was not as hard as I thought it would be, but there were some times that I wanted to cry "mama". You really work up a sweat - or at least I did. Another problem was that I wanted to laugh so many times. It was so quiet and peaceful, yet I am thinking of all sorts of hilarious scenarios. I made it through the class without embarrasing myself or my friends. It came close though at one point when she "dinged" the little cymbals or whatever. First thing that came to my mind when I heard it was, "oh, the hot pockets must be ready!"...sorry, but you would've thought it sounded like a microwave too! More of our day in the next post...

What a weekend!


So, my friends have come and gone. I couldn't wait to get back to my blog to tell you all about it, yet now that I am sitting here in front of the computer, I can't seem to find the words that would do justice to a get together like this! LOL I guess I will just write and see what comes to "paper".

I will break the it up into several posts, because I know what a turn off one long post can be. So, I will try to hit the hilites.


I picked the girls up at LAX on Thursday. We headed out to The Grove in Los Angeles. We had a great time browsing in stores like Anthropologie and laughed at ourselves describing our self-image. We walked through the Farmer's Market and then settled in at La Piazza for a great Italian dinner. I was surprised that we could even eat with all the chatter going on! LOL You know how it is when you have so much catching up to do with a friend. We started a million different conversations and kept coming back to each one sporatically. That's the best! We headed home (a little over an hour away) and then talked some more when we got there.

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Well, today is the day...


that I have been anticipating! My two friends will be flying into LAX today. We talked about how we will not apologize for how we look, or how we need to be on a diet, or any other thing that girls happen to doubt about themselves. We are just going to have some good 'ole catching up and bonding time. I keep thinking about how the best part of this whole get together was that it was spontaneous! So not like me. Then again, I am only hosting it. LOL I am not the one that had to buy a last minute ticket and make arrangements for my children (well, a little), etc.


So watch out So. Cal. We are going to take you by storm! It might be a slow, steady one - but hey, we will do what we can and have fun doing it! =]

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Sunday, April 13, 2008

12 on 12 for April....

Here are my 12 photos to record my day on the 12th of this month.

I was up super late on Friday night doing paper work for school. I looked up at the clock and realised that it was already 12 on 12 day! Ugh. I am supposed to be Midnite Scrapper, not Midnite School Teacher.
Some of my paper work....

My two favorite guys in the world having breakfast.

Hannah having a bowl of sugar for breakfast. I caved and let them have some "very bad for them" Coco Puffs because they were super cheap that day. LOL


Little Miss Giggles having some whole wheat toast, natural PB, and strawberry jam. =]
Our neighbor, Dale, has the best lemons growing on this little tree in his front yard. So sweet! He leaves them out front in a box with some bags for the taking.
Here's Boo with the art sets that Dale gave her. His children are grown and they have been "sitting around", he said.
Yikes!
I stopped here for gift cards and I didn't even buy anything for myself. Sad, I know, but I am trying to be really good!
Here is my next stop. I love this place. I could spend lots of money here.
Isn't this beautiful? This is just a little of what I got at TJ's. Heirloom tomatoes and artichokes. Yum.
After dinner was cleared and everyone was asleep, I got to settle down with this. I was too tired to actually scrap, so I just read about it!
Over-all, it was a great day!

Saturday, April 12, 2008

ABC's of My Favorite Things....


A- Avacados - To think that I used to throw these away! We had a tree where we rented when we first got married. I didn't know what they were - they looked nasty - I threw them away. The landlord (very nice lady) flipped. She showed me how to eat them and I've been hooked ever since!

B- Books - I love books. All kinds. I could spend a lot of money on books. I know you can find most things on line now-a-days, but I just love having a good book in hand.

C- Chocolate - not just any old chocolate, but the good stuff. Mmmm...especially truffles or caramel.

D- Daddy - I am still a "Daddy's Girl" He is such a hard-working, loving father. I could not ever ask for better.

E- Etsy - It is my newest obsession. I'd like to get up the nerve to start selling on there....hmmm?

F- Faith, Family and Friends - honestly...where would I be without these?

G- Gerber daisies - love them fresh, love them for decor, love them in print----love 'em.

H- Happy people - it's contagious, right? So, I want to surround myself with people that are genuinely happy. Now, we all have our rough times, but you know what I mean. Nobody likes a Debbie Downer!

I- Ice cream - Any flavor will do, but during the holiday season it's Dreyer's Peppermint (add a little bit of hot fudge) Wow.

J- Java - coffee------hot, cold, blended, on ice, as a flavor. Whatever. Bring it on.

K- Kits - I have started buying scrap and card stuff by the kit. I like that everything coordinates. No thinking necessary. Save your brains for the reading!

L- Laughter - the throw your head back, let out a snort, coughing on your spit, gasping for air kind.

M- Marco - he is the love of my life. The best daddy, husband, and friend in the world

N- Nachos - have I mentioned food too many times? All the toppings...wait. hold the onions!

O- Ocean - the view, the sounds, the smell, the action, the calm, the wonder

P- Pumpkins - I would have them out all year long if I could. I really do like all things fall. The colors and smell. The chill in the air.

Q- Quilts - I have a few homemade quilts that I've received as gifts. I find this kind of craftsmanship incredible. I love the colors and patterns, and it brings me joy when I look at them or use them.

R- Reading - see the above post under letter "B". If I am not reading a book (currently reading a couple), then I am flipping through a magazine, or reading a blog on-line. Readers are leaders!

S- Scrapbooking - I know this is a shocker. I feel like I have a little of my mojo back since Desiree came over. I needed a kick start back into it.

T- Travel - I love to travel. By plane, train, or automobile. I have so many places on my list of "must visit".

U- USA - Land of the Free. Home of the Brave. My country. 'Nuff said.

V- Visits - I love to have company over and I really enjoy getting a chance to visit with friends and family when I can.

W- Writing - Not only do I like to write in my Blog, but I also like to write. Period. I like my handwriting, I like to doodle, I like to make lists....which is why I also love great Writing Instruments!

X- X-er-sizing - Okay, so I cheated a little with that one! LOL But, I can honestly say that I enjoy exercising now. Really.

Y- Yummy food - food again. Sorry, but I am passionate about my food. I love to cook and I love to eat. I am learning that my matabolism is not the same as it used to be, so I now have to make better choices. I still enjoy finding tasteful and quality foods.

z- Zoo - I am always amazed by God's creativity any time I go to the zoo or aquarium. Amazing.

Friday, April 11, 2008

Friday Find - If I ever win the lottery...

Okay, I guess I would first have to play the lottery in order to win, so let's just say if all of a sudden I was just crazy rich - this is what I'd want. A Scrappin' Shed. Yup, that's right. Not a scrap room, scrap space, scrap basement, closet, whatever.... A Scrappin' Shed. *sigh* Here's a picture of the outside, but you must enter the gallery and keep clicking next to take a look around. Wow.

Oh, by the way, if I ever do get a Scrappin' Shed - you're all invited to come and play! Promise!

Enter gallery HERE.

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

Tuesday, April 8, 2008

Brussel Sprouts Anyone?


I have always been curious about brussel sprouts. I think because I love miniature things and they look like miniature heads of cabbage. However, I have only admired them for their looks. I had never eaten them. Then the other day I read Lee's blog and she mentioned her slight dislike for brussel sprouts. I had to find out.

So, today I bought some. Not the fresh ones or the plain frozen ones...I wasn't that brave. I bought the Green Giant frozen box. It already had butter and cheese - so why not? I cooked them in the microwave (another thing I rarely use), I got a fork and dug in.

The verdict? They were o.k. That's it. The small ones were better than the large, they all had a little bit of bitterness. The thing that I did NOT like at all were that the larger ones seemed to expand as I chewed. I felt like I had a big mouth full of leaves. LOL. Anyway, pretty uneventful, but now I can say that I HAVE tried brussel sprouts. =]

Sunday, April 6, 2008

SS Bog Challenge #12 - Getting To Know You...


This week's challenge is brought to you by ... ME! =]


Blog Challenge #12 - Getting To Know You

Copy and paste the following section into your blog and answer as best as you can.

You can elaborate (I hope you do), you can post pictures, you can be deep, you can be funny. Whatever you choose -just be honest.

Second part of the challenge - post a picture (from this week) of you at your computer. Don't worry about cleaning up - just post and have fun.

1) Right now I want: Right now I want to eat some of the carrot cake that my daughter made for DH. I have not eaten sugar or any carbs for 2 weeks and I can smell the cream cheese frosting from here. *sigh* Be strong...be strong.


2) I wish I knew how to: I wish I knew how to digital scrapbook. I made a weak attempt, but I am a visual learner. I wish someone could just sit down with me and show me step by step. Ugh. My plan would be to finish scrapping all my photos already printed and digi scrap all the ones waiting in my computer.


3) When I want to indulge myself, I: I usually scrapbook or read. I don't get much uninterupted time around here - so that is a luxury!


4) You’ll never see me: sitting around with nothing to do. I don't understand women that are "bored". Of course, I have met women that are "boring", but that's another story. I always have something to do. Always.


5) A childhood memory that I love: A childhood memory that I especially love is of a Christmas in Colorado. We had just moved there and our things had not arrived from Alabama yet. We did not have any of our Christmas decorations. My dad took us to go find pinecones. All sizes. We painted them and sprinkled glitter all over them. Then he took Coke cans, cut them into strips and twisted them around pencils so that they were in a spiral. We hung those on the tree too. We even strung popcorn and cranberries. My brother and I got an Atari game system. This was the first time they had ever come out with this type of thing. Wow. We were amazed. We knew Mom and Dad didn't really have the money for it, yet "Santa" was able to help them out.


6) 2 things I do every single day: Pray for my family and go online (see my priorities?) LOL


7) Happiest moment of 2008, so far: The happiest moment of 2008 so far started out to be not so happy. We made the decision to move closer to our church. We didn't really have the money or energy to do this, but it had to be done. We found a place, but then found out that we had 1 week to move. In the end, it was the best thing we could've done. God is good. We are way closer to work, school things, friends, and our house is perfect for us!


8) Describe yourself in 3 words: funny, encouraging, energetic (I asked DH to help...I know, that's cheating...) His answers were: loving, energetic, smart =]


9) 2 scrap related goals for this year: Learn to Digi Scrap. Go to an SS scrap retreat.


10) You have $40 that you MUST spend on yourself – what do you do with it?

I would probably go to the spa and get a mini massage or facial or maybe spend time with a Starbucks browsing Barnes and Nobles and purchasing the books I like instead of putting them back on the shelf.
Now, the second part of the challenge: Here's a picture of me blogging. See all my scrap stuff out from Menjiness' visit? I am still scrapping!
__________________

Friday, April 4, 2008

Anticipation...


Two of my dearest friends in the world are coming to see me soon. I am beside myself with anticipation. Really. I communicate with both of them all the time. Mostly on FB, email, or by phone - but I have had the pleasure of getting together with Erin a few times here and there. It's always way too short of a visit though. Melissa....well, I haven't seen her since I don't know when. She was still single and now she is married and has a whole slew of children. (okay, not a slew) We all have 4 children. We went to college together. We sing together, laugh, cry, pray together.

The best part? We are getting together just because. Isn't that cool? I can't believe that we aren't needing to attend a wedding, conference, camp, whatever. Just us. Just because.
Serious sisterhood bonding coming soon! Yes, of course you will be subjected to photos and updates!

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

SS Blog Challenge #11 April Fool's Day


This one is from Weezie.
In honour of April Fools' Day (or All Fools' Day as it is also known), I'd love to hear your favourite April Fools' Day stories!...do you 'celebrate' April Fools' Day? Why or why not?...what is the best/worst prank you have pulled?...what is the best/worst prank you have heard of others pulling?...what pranks have been pulled on you?...what have your children or other family members done?...do you have any traditions that you carry on from year to year?...have you ever had a prank backfire (been caught in the act, tables turned and the joke ended up being on you instead, etc)?...do you know the history of April Fools' Day?...are there any regional differences or traditons that are unique to your area/country? (I didn't know if there really would be...I mean, a joke is a joke is a joke...but you never know!) ...what is your earliest April Fools' Day memory?...anything else related to April Fools' Day that you can think of, I'd love to hear it!
Well to be honest, I don't think I've ever gone "all out" for April Fool's Day. I can think of small pranks and things that I've said, followed by the old "April Fool's" in my best sing songy voice - but nothing spectacular.
I remember my 4th grade teacher turning all of our desks backwards after recess and the confusion when we all reached into our desks for our spelling books, but instead jammed our fingers into the wrong side of the desk. As a 4th grader, I thought that was briliant! LOL
Today I posted a fake status under my update on Facebook. It said "Sherry is glad that her nose piercing is healing nicely. She can't wait to try out the new diamond stud she bought!" I thought that would raise a few eye brows for some of my conservative, holy roller friends. Instead, the first person to comment was my far away friend from SS, Lee. She told me that I was brave and to be sure and post a picture. I felt bad that she believed it. I had to let her in on the secret. I'm way to chicken to try anything like that!
I think it's all in good fun to an extent. I know people that have taken it way too far and let it get out of hand. I would never want to do something that would scare someone or hurt them just for the sake of a laugh. I love to make people laugh, I prefer that we are both laughing! =D