The violin sounds much better now though. :)
TGIF!!
Friday, January 30, 2009
FYI
Putting new strings on an electric violin is no walk in the park. It's time consuming and finger pinching.
The violin sounds much better now though. :)
TGIF!!
The violin sounds much better now though. :)
TGIF!!
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Tellin' Ya Tuesday
So this is just a random thing I came up with. I MAY have to not do anymore Friday Fess Ups. I think the lady who started it all (except she calls hers Not Me Mondays) got frustrated with the fact that I am doing it a bit differently and not participating the way she had planned for people to do. That being said, I think I'll use Tuesdays to share just ONE random fact about me. Sound good?
Random Fact:
I love guacamole--so much so that I'm sitting here eating an entire bowl of it by myself.
And there you have it.
Random Fact:
I love guacamole--so much so that I'm sitting here eating an entire bowl of it by myself.
And there you have it.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Whole Lotta Shreddin' Goin' On
Since it's snowing outside--YEAH!--I decided to make use out of staying indoors. John bought us a paper shredder yesterday, and I've been going crazy with it.
It's so alarming to think that people can go through your dumpster and find receipts/bank statements/misc. papers and use that to steal your identity. John not only bought the shredder, but he also put us on a plan through his job that's similar to Lifelock (view their website HERE.)They keep track of your credit cards, do a credit report, and contact you if anything suspicious comes up.
A side note: My dad joined Lifelock after Mom had her credit cards stolen in Europe, and he said it was totally worth it. In fact, a few weeks ago, Lifelock contacted him and let him know that there was suspicious activity on one of his accounts--it saved him time and money. Basically, if you can afford to do it (it's NOT that expensive), please join!
Ok, back to the task at hand:
I have boxes of old papers/receipts/statements of every kind that we've saved from every year (that's 10 years worth of stuff!), and I decided that I was tired of storing it and moving it. After all, as long as I keep the important stuff that pertains to tax records and such, I think I'm good.
Sooooooo, needless to say, there's been a whole lotta shreddin' goin' on here today! I think I counted 7 boxes of papers. I'm only on box #2 at this point, and I've filled up 3 large trash sacks with shreddings. I plan on recycling it all--where would I do that? If you know, please comment and tell me. I shred until the shredder either stops from being overworked, or a child tries to come "help." Oh---and don't be fooled in to thinking that the 2 smaller C's haven't dumped a ton of the shreddings out on the floor by now.
Sheesh, that's a PAIN to clean up!
Yes---for all of you who read this and are wondering---I don't shred when the kids are around, and the shredder has safety features that would not allow them to work it on their own or get their little fingers caught in it. Yes, we try as much as possible to keep it safe around here. :)
Anywho, hopefully I can at least make a dent in all of these boxes. It's already looking cleaner in the top of my closet where I stored them.
Hope you all enjoy the snow and have a great week!
It's so alarming to think that people can go through your dumpster and find receipts/bank statements/misc. papers and use that to steal your identity. John not only bought the shredder, but he also put us on a plan through his job that's similar to Lifelock (view their website HERE.)They keep track of your credit cards, do a credit report, and contact you if anything suspicious comes up.
A side note: My dad joined Lifelock after Mom had her credit cards stolen in Europe, and he said it was totally worth it. In fact, a few weeks ago, Lifelock contacted him and let him know that there was suspicious activity on one of his accounts--it saved him time and money. Basically, if you can afford to do it (it's NOT that expensive), please join!
Ok, back to the task at hand:
I have boxes of old papers/receipts/statements of every kind that we've saved from every year (that's 10 years worth of stuff!), and I decided that I was tired of storing it and moving it. After all, as long as I keep the important stuff that pertains to tax records and such, I think I'm good.
Sooooooo, needless to say, there's been a whole lotta shreddin' goin' on here today! I think I counted 7 boxes of papers. I'm only on box #2 at this point, and I've filled up 3 large trash sacks with shreddings. I plan on recycling it all--where would I do that? If you know, please comment and tell me. I shred until the shredder either stops from being overworked, or a child tries to come "help." Oh---and don't be fooled in to thinking that the 2 smaller C's haven't dumped a ton of the shreddings out on the floor by now.
Sheesh, that's a PAIN to clean up!
Yes---for all of you who read this and are wondering---I don't shred when the kids are around, and the shredder has safety features that would not allow them to work it on their own or get their little fingers caught in it. Yes, we try as much as possible to keep it safe around here. :)
Anywho, hopefully I can at least make a dent in all of these boxes. It's already looking cleaner in the top of my closet where I stored them.
Hope you all enjoy the snow and have a great week!
Saturday, January 24, 2009
The Phone
So I got a new cell phone today---I've been waiting for what feels like forever to get it. So exciting! I actually bought it used, but it's in perfect condition (thanks to Ebay of course--where else?). It came with all kinds of extras--so many that I'm still weeding through them. Also, it's a bit more complicated of a phone than what I'm used to, but it's too cool.
It's a Palm Treo 650, and I highly recommend it already! Easy to use, fun to work, and has just the right amount of buttons, applications, etc. Who knew what all these phones could do besides make calls? Seriously, the cell phone world has gotten quite interesting. I foresee that eventually people won't even need desktop or laptop computers. It's all available in a handheld device.
Jeez.
For now, though, I'll stick to just making calls and use the laptop for everything else. Too much technology for me to wrap my brain around!
The Waiting Room
I really hope my sweet friend Tina doesn't mind me sharing her analogy on MY blog, but it went deeper than I think even she could have imagined. Tina, please forgive me if I jumble this up and it isn't word for word.
Let me jump right in, ok?
I called Tina to get just a piece of womanly advice about the house situation. I'm not discouraged, but it was a time when I was asking myself some hard questions like, "Should we try to sell this thing on our own or go with a realtor?" I just really needed her to be my sounding board, and she is so great at that! After I spilled my guts to her about the pros and cons of each situation, she said this:
"So you are in the waiting room, huh?"
Clearly I had no clue about what she had just said.
She then went on to explain it.
"This waiting room you are in---it has that music. You know what music I mean *insert her humming the tune to me, which instantly jogged my memory---too bad you can't hear me humming it for you now*. And it's hot and stuffy in there. They just called #941, and you realize you are #2,345,000. So you sit and wait. You want out, but there's really no where to go at this point. You are stuck in the waiting room, my friend."
This waiting room she is referring to is that place where you feel like you'll never have your answers to the important questions---at least not on your timeline. You must sit and wait...and wait...and wait for your number to be called, and then all will be revealed.
After hanging up--and honestly for the next day or so--I pondered the idea of this waiting room. Does God really have one like that?
Yes, I felt like that was EXACTLY where I was and there would be no quick response to the questions I had for Him. I was so bothered by the thought of being stuck in this waiting room that I brought it up to John. I simply explained the concept of the room to him and asked this:
"John, are we going to forever be stuck here waiting? Is He ever going to answer?"
My heart heavy and waiting for his response, I leaned in to hear it. He just sat for a few minutes before saying, "Melissa, we aren't in the waiting room. We've already been called out, and we are now sitting in Daddy's lap."
I was stunned.
What could I possibly say in response to that?
Nothing, that's what.
I was neither moved nor mad about what John had said--just numb.
This whole time I've been concentrating on the fact that I didn't think I had an answer, when I've been perched in the perfect place for one and just haven't really asked. I've been waiting on everyone else to give me a good answer to life's concerns that should be laid at His feet.
That brings me to today. I've pondered it all up one wall and back down another. I've mulled it over until my brain hurts, yet it's totally simple.
My wait is up.
I'm now asking, and I know He is listening.
Let me jump right in, ok?
I called Tina to get just a piece of womanly advice about the house situation. I'm not discouraged, but it was a time when I was asking myself some hard questions like, "Should we try to sell this thing on our own or go with a realtor?" I just really needed her to be my sounding board, and she is so great at that! After I spilled my guts to her about the pros and cons of each situation, she said this:
"So you are in the waiting room, huh?"
Clearly I had no clue about what she had just said.
She then went on to explain it.
"This waiting room you are in---it has that music. You know what music I mean *insert her humming the tune to me, which instantly jogged my memory---too bad you can't hear me humming it for you now*. And it's hot and stuffy in there. They just called #941, and you realize you are #2,345,000. So you sit and wait. You want out, but there's really no where to go at this point. You are stuck in the waiting room, my friend."
This waiting room she is referring to is that place where you feel like you'll never have your answers to the important questions---at least not on your timeline. You must sit and wait...and wait...and wait for your number to be called, and then all will be revealed.
After hanging up--and honestly for the next day or so--I pondered the idea of this waiting room. Does God really have one like that?
Yes, I felt like that was EXACTLY where I was and there would be no quick response to the questions I had for Him. I was so bothered by the thought of being stuck in this waiting room that I brought it up to John. I simply explained the concept of the room to him and asked this:
"John, are we going to forever be stuck here waiting? Is He ever going to answer?"
My heart heavy and waiting for his response, I leaned in to hear it. He just sat for a few minutes before saying, "Melissa, we aren't in the waiting room. We've already been called out, and we are now sitting in Daddy's lap."
I was stunned.
What could I possibly say in response to that?
Nothing, that's what.
I was neither moved nor mad about what John had said--just numb.
This whole time I've been concentrating on the fact that I didn't think I had an answer, when I've been perched in the perfect place for one and just haven't really asked. I've been waiting on everyone else to give me a good answer to life's concerns that should be laid at His feet.
That brings me to today. I've pondered it all up one wall and back down another. I've mulled it over until my brain hurts, yet it's totally simple.
My wait is up.
I'm now asking, and I know He is listening.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
The New Look
Thanks to all who voted on the new main color for the blog--PURPLE won by 1 vote! I found this kit while browsing the digital scrapbooking sites and instantly fell in love. I have a thing for vintage owls, and this hit the nail on the head when I saw that one of the background papers was purple. Hope you like it, and thanks for the input!
Monday, January 19, 2009
Baby Books
I've never been in to scrapbooking (except the online stuff used to make blog designs--but that's a whole different beast).
I never, in a million years, thought that I would be a blogger either--that I would be able to use cyber space to document our lives.
I am, however, a faithful keeper of baby books.
Caitlin's baby book was a gift before she was born. I was a little unsure as to how well I would keep up with it--after all, it was an Anne Geddes 5 year book. To me, that was A LOT of work! Much to my amazement, I have every page filled. I have a great amount of pictures, lots of documentation, and even birthday/Valentine's Day/Christmas cards in there. I even kept up with her height, weight, and vaccination charts.
Christian's baby book was given to me by Mimi and Pappaw while I was on bedrest. It was meant to keep me busy, and it did just that. His is a Humble Bumbles 3 Year Baby Journal, and just like Caitlin's, it's full from front to back.
Caroline's baby book was one that I purchased off of Ebay before she was born. It's an Anne Geddes My First Years Girl book--it's meant to document 2 years worth. I was sad that I could no longer find the nice 5 year books like what Caitlin has, but at least there's something. Her's is really packed full since there isn't as much space as the others.
I can't believe that I finished my last baby's book today. I got all of Caroline's 2 year birthday pictures printed out, put in, and tucked away. It made me sad---but at the same time I'm excited that all 3 of my babies will have something to share about their young lives with their children someday.
There are days where I like to just pull one from the shelf and take a trip down memory lane. How sweet they were when they got their 1st baths.
How cool it is that each child weighed/measured almost exactly the same (within 1 lb and 1/2 inch).
How touching to see pictures of them with other little kids their age--2 and under.
How amazing it is that they are growing up so fast! :)
I certainly can't claim that I've done the best job (by any stretch of the imagination) of keeping up with important items, papers, etc.
I am just glad I have those special books to constantly remind me of what precious babies I had---and STILL have.
I never, in a million years, thought that I would be a blogger either--that I would be able to use cyber space to document our lives.
I am, however, a faithful keeper of baby books.
Caitlin's baby book was a gift before she was born. I was a little unsure as to how well I would keep up with it--after all, it was an Anne Geddes 5 year book. To me, that was A LOT of work! Much to my amazement, I have every page filled. I have a great amount of pictures, lots of documentation, and even birthday/Valentine's Day/Christmas cards in there. I even kept up with her height, weight, and vaccination charts.
Christian's baby book was given to me by Mimi and Pappaw while I was on bedrest. It was meant to keep me busy, and it did just that. His is a Humble Bumbles 3 Year Baby Journal, and just like Caitlin's, it's full from front to back.
Caroline's baby book was one that I purchased off of Ebay before she was born. It's an Anne Geddes My First Years Girl book--it's meant to document 2 years worth. I was sad that I could no longer find the nice 5 year books like what Caitlin has, but at least there's something. Her's is really packed full since there isn't as much space as the others.
I can't believe that I finished my last baby's book today. I got all of Caroline's 2 year birthday pictures printed out, put in, and tucked away. It made me sad---but at the same time I'm excited that all 3 of my babies will have something to share about their young lives with their children someday.
There are days where I like to just pull one from the shelf and take a trip down memory lane. How sweet they were when they got their 1st baths.
How cool it is that each child weighed/measured almost exactly the same (within 1 lb and 1/2 inch).
How touching to see pictures of them with other little kids their age--2 and under.
How amazing it is that they are growing up so fast! :)
I certainly can't claim that I've done the best job (by any stretch of the imagination) of keeping up with important items, papers, etc.
I am just glad I have those special books to constantly remind me of what precious babies I had---and STILL have.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Something New
I am reeeeeally wanting to revamp my blog and put some new color schemes on here. The only problem is, I can't decide what colors!
This is where you guys come in. I am taking a vote that will last the next few days (maybe longer) and I want your honest opinion as to what colors you think would look good on the Rascals' page.
Also, I'm waiting on some new pics of the kiddos to re-design the header.
Oh yeah---and for those of you sweet readers that are waiting on me to finish a design for you:
Never fear. I am working on it--life has just been getting in the way! :)
If you have any extra input for the design (like a certain kit you found online that you think I'd like), then leave me a comment and let me know.
THANKS IN ADVANCE!!
This is where you guys come in. I am taking a vote that will last the next few days (maybe longer) and I want your honest opinion as to what colors you think would look good on the Rascals' page.
Also, I'm waiting on some new pics of the kiddos to re-design the header.
Oh yeah---and for those of you sweet readers that are waiting on me to finish a design for you:
Never fear. I am working on it--life has just been getting in the way! :)
If you have any extra input for the design (like a certain kit you found online that you think I'd like), then leave me a comment and let me know.
THANKS IN ADVANCE!!
Cheezits/Jesus
My family has a "tradition" if you will of eating dinner together at least one night a week. Usually it's at my parents' house, and tonight was one of those nights. We had yummy pork chops, baked potatoes, wheat rolls, salad...you get the picture, right?
Well, Caroline was in a picky-eater mood, so she started throwing back at me everything I would set out on her tray. Feeling frustrated, I wiped the tray clean and made her just sit there. My dad, being the sweet Pappaw that he is, couldn't stand for his littlest granchild to be unhappy, so he went to the pantry and pulled out a box of Cheezits for her to munch on.
Did I mention Caroline has a HUGE thing for Cheezits?? She could eat a whole box by herself in one sitting if I'd allow it.
So, I gave the box to her and said, "Look, Caroline. Pappaw got you some Cheezits!"
(Let me insert here that I usually refer to all snack items as either crackers or cookies, not by their real names)
She looked up at me and started singing Jesus Loves Me.
"Jesus wuvs me dis I know, for da Bible tells me so..."
Yes, I was a tad confused too until it struck me. She thought I had said Jesus when I said Cheezits!
Clearly that's an easy mistake for any 2 year old to make, right?
So, now every time I hear Caroline sing Jesus Loves Me, I will think about Cheezits.
I know, very sad---but totally blog worthy! :)
Well, Caroline was in a picky-eater mood, so she started throwing back at me everything I would set out on her tray. Feeling frustrated, I wiped the tray clean and made her just sit there. My dad, being the sweet Pappaw that he is, couldn't stand for his littlest granchild to be unhappy, so he went to the pantry and pulled out a box of Cheezits for her to munch on.
Did I mention Caroline has a HUGE thing for Cheezits?? She could eat a whole box by herself in one sitting if I'd allow it.
So, I gave the box to her and said, "Look, Caroline. Pappaw got you some Cheezits!"
(Let me insert here that I usually refer to all snack items as either crackers or cookies, not by their real names)
She looked up at me and started singing Jesus Loves Me.
"Jesus wuvs me dis I know, for da Bible tells me so..."
Yes, I was a tad confused too until it struck me. She thought I had said Jesus when I said Cheezits!
Clearly that's an easy mistake for any 2 year old to make, right?
So, now every time I hear Caroline sing Jesus Loves Me, I will think about Cheezits.
I know, very sad---but totally blog worthy! :)
Friday, January 16, 2009
Oooooohhhh That Mouth!
I have discovered by trial and error that Christian and Caroline can actually play together sweetly----that is, until Momma gets on the phone. Something happens to them when that little device rings.
They become little whining, groaning, hungry, fighting, irritating, bratty, ornery, unbelievably rude children. Oy! It really makes me want to pull my hair out a times.
Or lock myself in the garage, which has been known to happen.
Even when it's 20 degrees in there.
Anywho, I was attempting to carry on a phone conversation with my mom (Mimi) the other morning, and Christian and Caroline were in fine form from the get-go. One would whine and pull on my leg while the other ran around in circles throwing clean laundry all over the kitchen (I think a pair of Caitlin's panties landed in the dog water-yuck). I apologized profusely to Mimi and told her that if the two of them didn't settle down in about .5 seconds, I was gonna have to spank their little bums.
Mind you, I was talking to her but using the "I'm going to bust your bottom" look as a threat to the 2 small C's.
Christian matter-of-factly says, "Don't you spank me woman!"
Seriously?
Like that's gonna help the situation?
Let's just say he hasn't said it again. And he better not ever.
They become little whining, groaning, hungry, fighting, irritating, bratty, ornery, unbelievably rude children. Oy! It really makes me want to pull my hair out a times.
Or lock myself in the garage, which has been known to happen.
Even when it's 20 degrees in there.
Anywho, I was attempting to carry on a phone conversation with my mom (Mimi) the other morning, and Christian and Caroline were in fine form from the get-go. One would whine and pull on my leg while the other ran around in circles throwing clean laundry all over the kitchen (I think a pair of Caitlin's panties landed in the dog water-yuck). I apologized profusely to Mimi and told her that if the two of them didn't settle down in about .5 seconds, I was gonna have to spank their little bums.
Mind you, I was talking to her but using the "I'm going to bust your bottom" look as a threat to the 2 small C's.
Christian matter-of-factly says, "Don't you spank me woman!"
Seriously?
Like that's gonna help the situation?
Let's just say he hasn't said it again. And he better not ever.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
4th Time
This morning, I fell down the stairs for the 4th time since living in this house. Mind you, it's not a small staircase. I think I counted 15 stairs--and they go straight up...or straight down, depending on how you look at them (thanks alot to the builder of the house).
I never really thought I was a clutz, but I'm starting to really question it...
In case you are all wondering, it has never seriously hurt me. I can always catch myself (thank goodness for the rail), but for the next few days I ache all over. Only once has a fall produced a bruise on my backside.
Fall #1: I was 8 weeks pregnant with Caroline and somehow lost my footing. I fell straight down and hit my bottom on roughly 5 stairs before sprawling out far enough to get a foot on one wall, a hand on another, and wedging myself in a weird position to stop the fall.
Fall #2: I was rubbing the sleep out of my eyes on a Saturday morning, wasn't really looking, and missed a stair--at the top. I fell about half way down before I performed the same wedging action mentioned in Fall #1.
Fall #3: It was dark---maybe 10pm---my pajama pants were too long and a bit too stretchy---my foot caught on them. I started a head first fall, but was able to grab the rail with both hands and minimize the damage.
Fall #4: I was going downstairs with Christian this morning at 6am. My heel somehow slipped on the VERY FIRST STAIR and I went down. Amazingly I was able to grab the rail and the safety gate at the top of the stairs simultaneously which kept me from going down the entire 15 stairs on my back/head/bottom. Christian freaked out--I think I wrenched my back. Shoulders are a bit sore too.
Sheesh. I tell ya---as much as I love having a 2 story house, I'm ready to move somewhere where the only stairs I go down are off the front porch. I'm sure that's not a guarantee that I won't stumble, but at least I won't see my life flashing before my eyes each time I trip, like I do on these stairs.
Did I mention John has actually fallen on these stairs too?!? Seriously, hearing a large man go crashing down at 5am is NOT what I want to wake up to--he laughed, I freaked.
You get the picture.
I never really thought I was a clutz, but I'm starting to really question it...
In case you are all wondering, it has never seriously hurt me. I can always catch myself (thank goodness for the rail), but for the next few days I ache all over. Only once has a fall produced a bruise on my backside.
Fall #1: I was 8 weeks pregnant with Caroline and somehow lost my footing. I fell straight down and hit my bottom on roughly 5 stairs before sprawling out far enough to get a foot on one wall, a hand on another, and wedging myself in a weird position to stop the fall.
Fall #2: I was rubbing the sleep out of my eyes on a Saturday morning, wasn't really looking, and missed a stair--at the top. I fell about half way down before I performed the same wedging action mentioned in Fall #1.
Fall #3: It was dark---maybe 10pm---my pajama pants were too long and a bit too stretchy---my foot caught on them. I started a head first fall, but was able to grab the rail with both hands and minimize the damage.
Fall #4: I was going downstairs with Christian this morning at 6am. My heel somehow slipped on the VERY FIRST STAIR and I went down. Amazingly I was able to grab the rail and the safety gate at the top of the stairs simultaneously which kept me from going down the entire 15 stairs on my back/head/bottom. Christian freaked out--I think I wrenched my back. Shoulders are a bit sore too.
Sheesh. I tell ya---as much as I love having a 2 story house, I'm ready to move somewhere where the only stairs I go down are off the front porch. I'm sure that's not a guarantee that I won't stumble, but at least I won't see my life flashing before my eyes each time I trip, like I do on these stairs.
Did I mention John has actually fallen on these stairs too?!? Seriously, hearing a large man go crashing down at 5am is NOT what I want to wake up to--he laughed, I freaked.
You get the picture.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
The Best of 2008
Most people I know start the year off with New Year's Resolutions. In January of 2008, I was having such a hard time with mine that I finally decided to just name off a few things that really made 2007 wonderful for me and my family (see that post by clicking HERE).
In that tradition, here it goes for 2008:
1. Getting the nerve to cut my hair off--and loving it afterward
2. Receiving an electric violin as a gift that has allowed me to just break free and love every minute of worship time at church (actually, not 1 electric violin, but 2...but that's another post)
3. Finally bench pressing 150lbs. This was a goal from 2006 that was realized in early summer.
4. Running in 2 5K's
5. Visiting 2 theme parks (Disneyland and Six Flags) in a span of 2 weeks
6. Going throught the ups and downs of selling the house--learning from disappointment and growing stronger in my faith
7. Having Christian's tonsils taken out--long overdue :)
8. Celebrating our 10th anniversary and getting a nosering and our wedding bands tattooed on (you know what? in 2007, a new tattoo was a highlight as well. what does that say about me?!?)
9. Meeting new friends
10. Going to Women of Faith and a Beth Moore conference
Again, I'm sure there are many more highlights, but those were the 1st 10 that popped into my brain. I know that, even though 2008 was not the greatest year of my life, I still had tons of victories and grand moments. I have found as I have grown older that you MUST take the good with the bad, but in the end it's all worth it. I feel stronger and happier just from what 2008 brought to the table.
I can tell you right now that 2009 will be different, but none the less a challenge. There is a lot in store for the Haskell Rascals this year, so keep checking in on us for all of the details.
No, I'm not being secretive---just wait and see. :)
May you all have a blessed 2009!!
In that tradition, here it goes for 2008:
1. Getting the nerve to cut my hair off--and loving it afterward
2. Receiving an electric violin as a gift that has allowed me to just break free and love every minute of worship time at church (actually, not 1 electric violin, but 2...but that's another post)
3. Finally bench pressing 150lbs. This was a goal from 2006 that was realized in early summer.
4. Running in 2 5K's
5. Visiting 2 theme parks (Disneyland and Six Flags) in a span of 2 weeks
6. Going throught the ups and downs of selling the house--learning from disappointment and growing stronger in my faith
7. Having Christian's tonsils taken out--long overdue :)
8. Celebrating our 10th anniversary and getting a nosering and our wedding bands tattooed on (you know what? in 2007, a new tattoo was a highlight as well. what does that say about me?!?)
9. Meeting new friends
10. Going to Women of Faith and a Beth Moore conference
Again, I'm sure there are many more highlights, but those were the 1st 10 that popped into my brain. I know that, even though 2008 was not the greatest year of my life, I still had tons of victories and grand moments. I have found as I have grown older that you MUST take the good with the bad, but in the end it's all worth it. I feel stronger and happier just from what 2008 brought to the table.
I can tell you right now that 2009 will be different, but none the less a challenge. There is a lot in store for the Haskell Rascals this year, so keep checking in on us for all of the details.
No, I'm not being secretive---just wait and see. :)
May you all have a blessed 2009!!
Saturday, January 10, 2009
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Happy Birthday to my sweetheart, John, who turned the big 3-0!!
Love you and hope you had an awesome day!
Also, Happy 2nd Birthday to Miss Phoenix---you and Caroline need to get together soon and have a playdate. Hope it was a great day for you as well!
Love you and hope you had an awesome day!
Also, Happy 2nd Birthday to Miss Phoenix---you and Caroline need to get together soon and have a playdate. Hope it was a great day for you as well!
Friday, January 9, 2009
Friday Fess Ups
Welcome one and all to the little game I like to play called Friday Fess Ups. Thanks goes out again to MckMama who started the whole thing (only she calls hers Not Me Mondays-I changed the day of the week because Fridays work better for me). Having a way to confess the things I "didn't do" during the week has become cheap therapy...ok, FREE therapy.
Let's get going, shall we?
1. I most certainly did not allow my 4 year old son to pee in a water bottle while sitting in front of Caitlin's school waiting for her to get out. I didn't panic and give him the bottle when he said he had to go potty and I saw that Caroline was sleeping too soundly in her seat to disturb her--plus Caitlin was due out of the building any minute. After all, we have a lot more class than to pee in bottles--in the car--in front of an elementary school.
2. My sweet friend Kate did not wipe the raquetball court with me this week. My body doesn't ache a bit from trying to keep up with her. Nope.
3. Another wonderful friend of mine, Kara C., made me SUPER yummy cookies with tons of colored icing "just because." I, however, did not eat about 12 of them in one day. I didn't eat them once while driving home from church (I was alone due to the fact that I played with the worship team), again while I was going back to church to practice that evening, and certainly not on my way home from the practice 2hrs later.
I really don't remember how it all happened, but I'm sure that I didn't down all but 2 cookies in less than 12 hours. Hmmm.....
What have you not done this week? :)
Let's get going, shall we?
1. I most certainly did not allow my 4 year old son to pee in a water bottle while sitting in front of Caitlin's school waiting for her to get out. I didn't panic and give him the bottle when he said he had to go potty and I saw that Caroline was sleeping too soundly in her seat to disturb her--plus Caitlin was due out of the building any minute. After all, we have a lot more class than to pee in bottles--in the car--in front of an elementary school.
2. My sweet friend Kate did not wipe the raquetball court with me this week. My body doesn't ache a bit from trying to keep up with her. Nope.
3. Another wonderful friend of mine, Kara C., made me SUPER yummy cookies with tons of colored icing "just because." I, however, did not eat about 12 of them in one day. I didn't eat them once while driving home from church (I was alone due to the fact that I played with the worship team), again while I was going back to church to practice that evening, and certainly not on my way home from the practice 2hrs later.
I really don't remember how it all happened, but I'm sure that I didn't down all but 2 cookies in less than 12 hours. Hmmm.....
What have you not done this week? :)
Thursday, January 8, 2009
A Whole New Level Of Fitness
While at Sheridan's house over the new year week, I saw an ad for a very "strange" fitness program. It's called Flirty Girl Fitness (http://www.FlirtyGirlfit.com/) and is a home workout program with multiple DVD's available for purchase, as well as a...drumroll please...fitness pole that resembles a fire station pole.
Are you seeing where this is going?
Not only do you get the pole (which must be properly installed to the ceiling joists of your home), you get these DVD's which teach you how to do chair dances and many other interesting moves.
Ok, NOW do you see where this is going?
It's crazy that the newest fitness craze is nothing more than a class on how to be a good stripper.
I'm all about doing whatever works, but really?? Pole dancing? Chair dancing?
Holy cow, what has the fitness world come to?
As I sat there and watched the commercial, I found myself so totally freaked out by it that I couldn't possibly concentrate on the actual show I was trying to watch.
Sure, I'll joke about getting something like that. After all, I'm sure everyone would be impressed when I come in flashing tight abs, a tiny waist/bottom, and awesome legs and when asked how I attained them I simply say, "I did enough chair and pole dancing to work it all off."
Oy!
Anyway, I'm totally not judging those who purchase it. I'm sure it's an awesome calorie burner. However, if I were to be in the middle of a "workout session" and one of my darling kids walked in on me....oh the horror and the humiliation!
I think I'll stick to the boring old treadmill, stairclimber, and weightlifting...
Are you seeing where this is going?
Not only do you get the pole (which must be properly installed to the ceiling joists of your home), you get these DVD's which teach you how to do chair dances and many other interesting moves.
Ok, NOW do you see where this is going?
It's crazy that the newest fitness craze is nothing more than a class on how to be a good stripper.
I'm all about doing whatever works, but really?? Pole dancing? Chair dancing?
Holy cow, what has the fitness world come to?
As I sat there and watched the commercial, I found myself so totally freaked out by it that I couldn't possibly concentrate on the actual show I was trying to watch.
Sure, I'll joke about getting something like that. After all, I'm sure everyone would be impressed when I come in flashing tight abs, a tiny waist/bottom, and awesome legs and when asked how I attained them I simply say, "I did enough chair and pole dancing to work it all off."
Oy!
Anyway, I'm totally not judging those who purchase it. I'm sure it's an awesome calorie burner. However, if I were to be in the middle of a "workout session" and one of my darling kids walked in on me....oh the horror and the humiliation!
I think I'll stick to the boring old treadmill, stairclimber, and weightlifting...
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Time To Redo
I love the beginning of a new year! It inspires me to get those projects finished that have been on the back burner for--oh, I don't know--9+ months? :)
John, on the other hand, isn't so enthusiastic. For some reason, he breaks out in a sweat when I start talking about redoing things around the house. He mumbles something about needing to hide my debit/credit cards and then walks off.
Hmmmm.....
Anyway, I decided that even though we are trying to sell this house, I might as well do some things to it while I still can--and while I still have to live here and look at each day. Ha!
Caitlin had been asking for new bedding for a month or so, so I took her to get some with her Christmas money. She left behind the adorable jungle/leopard print theme and is now on to much more plain things--like navy blue. Her room will stay the same color it is now, just because it's neutral---and I am NOT repainting that thing. It was a bear the 1st time around!
Christian, my sweet boy, hasn't asked for anything. In return, he's getting nothing.
Just kidding!
I do plan on buying him a piece or two of bedroom furniture sometime in the near future.
Caroline's room is getting the biggest makeover. I took down all of her precious pink toile/sage green decorations and bedding (yes--sniff sniff--I took down the pregnant belly cast too) and I replaced them with a very unique but definitely girly girl-looking bedding set that I ordered off of Etsy.com. I will be repainting her room, simply because I need something a little less "loud" and neutral. My thinking here is that it will help appeal to more buyers that way too.
Our room is staying the same except for the fact that John let me purchase a new bedding set for my Christmas present. It's great---very retro!
The main thing I am working on downstairs is the doors.
Random, I know.
The front and back doors were painted a hideous pinky/red color, and the person who painted them didn't even go for the 2nd coat.
Clearly it has been an eyesore for the entire 3 years we've lived here. I picked a nice dark charcoal color and it's amazing how much better they look.
Oh...the small things...
As for the screen door on the back, it's been needing to be replaced for a long time too. It doesn't close anymore, and the wind is not helping to warm my kitchen in the least. We bought a nice new door and John plans to install it this weekend.
Hear that honey? I just committed you....LOL
I've moved other decor around, changed some accent pieces, and it looks great to me. I just love being able to start a new year with a new flare. I was in such a funk there for a while that ANY change is welcome around here. It's the small things that count, really.
We will probably be concentrating on working harder to sell the house now that all of "our minor hangups" are being fixed (I try to see myself as a potential buyer and then go from there).
Did I mention that the lovely wind uprooted our For Sale By Owner sign and information tube and they completely disappeared?!? Seriously, folks...that's some stout wind right there. :)
John, on the other hand, isn't so enthusiastic. For some reason, he breaks out in a sweat when I start talking about redoing things around the house. He mumbles something about needing to hide my debit/credit cards and then walks off.
Hmmmm.....
Anyway, I decided that even though we are trying to sell this house, I might as well do some things to it while I still can--and while I still have to live here and look at each day. Ha!
Caitlin had been asking for new bedding for a month or so, so I took her to get some with her Christmas money. She left behind the adorable jungle/leopard print theme and is now on to much more plain things--like navy blue. Her room will stay the same color it is now, just because it's neutral---and I am NOT repainting that thing. It was a bear the 1st time around!
Christian, my sweet boy, hasn't asked for anything. In return, he's getting nothing.
Just kidding!
I do plan on buying him a piece or two of bedroom furniture sometime in the near future.
Caroline's room is getting the biggest makeover. I took down all of her precious pink toile/sage green decorations and bedding (yes--sniff sniff--I took down the pregnant belly cast too) and I replaced them with a very unique but definitely girly girl-looking bedding set that I ordered off of Etsy.com. I will be repainting her room, simply because I need something a little less "loud" and neutral. My thinking here is that it will help appeal to more buyers that way too.
Our room is staying the same except for the fact that John let me purchase a new bedding set for my Christmas present. It's great---very retro!
The main thing I am working on downstairs is the doors.
Random, I know.
The front and back doors were painted a hideous pinky/red color, and the person who painted them didn't even go for the 2nd coat.
Clearly it has been an eyesore for the entire 3 years we've lived here. I picked a nice dark charcoal color and it's amazing how much better they look.
Oh...the small things...
As for the screen door on the back, it's been needing to be replaced for a long time too. It doesn't close anymore, and the wind is not helping to warm my kitchen in the least. We bought a nice new door and John plans to install it this weekend.
Hear that honey? I just committed you....LOL
I've moved other decor around, changed some accent pieces, and it looks great to me. I just love being able to start a new year with a new flare. I was in such a funk there for a while that ANY change is welcome around here. It's the small things that count, really.
We will probably be concentrating on working harder to sell the house now that all of "our minor hangups" are being fixed (I try to see myself as a potential buyer and then go from there).
Did I mention that the lovely wind uprooted our For Sale By Owner sign and information tube and they completely disappeared?!? Seriously, folks...that's some stout wind right there. :)
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Is it Josh---or Ricky Martin?
Is it my little bro Josh--or is it the famous Ricky Martin?
You be the judge. :)
My mom got a karaoke setup for Christmas, and me and the kids tried it out for the first time tonight. I can't carry a tune in a bucket, but my brother is HILARIOUS when he does it. When I found the song "She Bangs" by Ricky Martin on one of the cd's, I just had to hear him sing it.
Of course my 3 C's had to get in on the action....
Enjoy!
You be the judge. :)
My mom got a karaoke setup for Christmas, and me and the kids tried it out for the first time tonight. I can't carry a tune in a bucket, but my brother is HILARIOUS when he does it. When I found the song "She Bangs" by Ricky Martin on one of the cd's, I just had to hear him sing it.
Of course my 3 C's had to get in on the action....
Enjoy!
Friday, January 2, 2009
Vacation #2
I am now blogging from home--something I haven't done in about a week.
We've been on the road since Christmas Day. We came home Sunday the 28th from the California trip, and I just had enough time to clean the house and do some laundry before we left again.
Vacation #2 began on Tuesday the 30th. We left as soon as John got off of work and drove the wonderful 6 hours to DFW. We went to visit Sheridan's family, and we had a blast! Sheridan and Doug--and of course their kiddos, Lydia, Melody, and Taylor--were wonderful hosts. They allowed us to stay with them in their massively beautiful home (THANKS AGAIN!!), took us to Six Flags (did I mention it was all free?!?), and let us eat all of their food, drink their sodas, take lots of showers, sleep in their beds, etc. Mainly we just hung out at their house, but it was JUST what we needed. We were relaxed and pampered, and I couldn't have asked for a better way to ring in the new year.
It's crazy to think that Sheridan and I have been friends for over 8 years. For those of you who don't know, she and I met when I was the office manager at a dental office in the DFW area. She and Doug had just married, and she came in to see the dentist. Literally from day one, we hit it off. We've been such good friends ever since that we see each other at least every 6 months. Usually we go to see her in the summer and she and her family come here in the winter. However, this year it worked out that we were able to go there both in the summer and the winter--but I really wish it was more often than it is. I miss them already!
The one cruddy thing about moving away from DFW was leaving Sheridan. I tell you what---she's the kind of chic you want in your life 24/7. Sheri---thanks for being such a wonderful woman in my life. You rock!! :)
The kids had an amazing time just playing the Wii, hanging out, and then getting spoiled rotten at Six Flags. Sheri's kids took them around and rode any and all rides they wanted, fed them, and were just awesome the whole day. That gave John, me, Sheri, and Doug time to ride rides by ourselves and visit with each other.
YES, I did ride some things, but I was being a huge baby and wouldn't do the big ones that John begged me to join him on--you know, things like the Titan and the Superman.
NOT HAPPENING folks.
The whole motion sick thing just doesn't work well with out-of-this-world amusement parks rides. :)
I did, however, get my picture taken with The Flash (a superhero). I'm a dork, I know!
I have to say that this holiday season has been the best ever. We are so blessed to be able to travel and be with family/friends....I couldn't ask for more.
We've been on the road since Christmas Day. We came home Sunday the 28th from the California trip, and I just had enough time to clean the house and do some laundry before we left again.
Vacation #2 began on Tuesday the 30th. We left as soon as John got off of work and drove the wonderful 6 hours to DFW. We went to visit Sheridan's family, and we had a blast! Sheridan and Doug--and of course their kiddos, Lydia, Melody, and Taylor--were wonderful hosts. They allowed us to stay with them in their massively beautiful home (THANKS AGAIN!!), took us to Six Flags (did I mention it was all free?!?), and let us eat all of their food, drink their sodas, take lots of showers, sleep in their beds, etc. Mainly we just hung out at their house, but it was JUST what we needed. We were relaxed and pampered, and I couldn't have asked for a better way to ring in the new year.
It's crazy to think that Sheridan and I have been friends for over 8 years. For those of you who don't know, she and I met when I was the office manager at a dental office in the DFW area. She and Doug had just married, and she came in to see the dentist. Literally from day one, we hit it off. We've been such good friends ever since that we see each other at least every 6 months. Usually we go to see her in the summer and she and her family come here in the winter. However, this year it worked out that we were able to go there both in the summer and the winter--but I really wish it was more often than it is. I miss them already!
The one cruddy thing about moving away from DFW was leaving Sheridan. I tell you what---she's the kind of chic you want in your life 24/7. Sheri---thanks for being such a wonderful woman in my life. You rock!! :)
The kids had an amazing time just playing the Wii, hanging out, and then getting spoiled rotten at Six Flags. Sheri's kids took them around and rode any and all rides they wanted, fed them, and were just awesome the whole day. That gave John, me, Sheri, and Doug time to ride rides by ourselves and visit with each other.
YES, I did ride some things, but I was being a huge baby and wouldn't do the big ones that John begged me to join him on--you know, things like the Titan and the Superman.
NOT HAPPENING folks.
The whole motion sick thing just doesn't work well with out-of-this-world amusement parks rides. :)
I did, however, get my picture taken with The Flash (a superhero). I'm a dork, I know!
I have to say that this holiday season has been the best ever. We are so blessed to be able to travel and be with family/friends....I couldn't ask for more.We will definitely be resting and getting back into our routine this week. Who knows--maybe the Christmas decor (as little as there is) will be put away by Monday. Here's hoping!
Thursday, January 1, 2009
The Best/Worst Part Of Vacation
The best part:
Having a special, amazing, relaxing time with family and wonderful friends
The worst part:
Feeling like you've gained 100 lbs. from eating so much stuff
I just tell it like it is, folks. :)
Hope you all had a memorable New Year's Eve! We are looking forward to 2009 and to all of the changes that I'm sure will come. Although all of the vacationing has been spectacular, I'm ready to be home and have some semblance or normality.
Oh---and then there's the piles of laundry calling my name. Totally looking forward to tackling that (NOT). Haha
Thank you to all who have made 2008 insanely fun and exciting for the Haskell Rascals!
YEAH FOR 2009!!!
Having a special, amazing, relaxing time with family and wonderful friends
The worst part:
Feeling like you've gained 100 lbs. from eating so much stuff
I just tell it like it is, folks. :)
Hope you all had a memorable New Year's Eve! We are looking forward to 2009 and to all of the changes that I'm sure will come. Although all of the vacationing has been spectacular, I'm ready to be home and have some semblance or normality.
Oh---and then there's the piles of laundry calling my name. Totally looking forward to tackling that (NOT). Haha
Thank you to all who have made 2008 insanely fun and exciting for the Haskell Rascals!
YEAH FOR 2009!!!
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