Tonight at Bible Study we will be celebrating MY birthday. WooHoo! Too bad I started dieting on Tuesday. I totally plan on skipping dinner so I can indulge in a little of the tasty treats that will be there.

Thank you to everyone who put a pin in my map. I think I got seven responses to my plea. Muah!

Yesterday Olaf was gone from 5:45 am to after 6:00 pm. Yuck! I would really hate it if he had to work that long every night. Who knows? If Delta goes under he may have to. But right now I don't like it. I guess I am just spoiled. I am selfish beyond belief. This "die to self" part of being a Christian is not pleasant and I am certain that it will never be. I know there are people who have attained the ideal of "it's a ministry to my family and therefore a blessing to me" but I'm still at the "this sucks" stage. I mean, I have my good days too. And I really do try to keep a Godly perspective at all times (isn't that what this is all about anyway?), but I do have my pity party days and yesterday was one of them. It's when I start comparing my life to "others" that I get into trouble. We choose to homeschool our children. That means my children are with me 24 hours per day, 7 days a week. There is no "break time" for Mama. People who choose to send their children to government schools have at least 6 hours of time away from their children where they can grocery shop, clean the house, whatever... Even children as young as three are going to pre-school. On the other hand, I get up in the morning, make breakfast, and then start teaching my fourth grader how to find the greatest common factor and the least common denominator. We read history together and learn all about commas and direct quotations in Language Arts. I try to clean the house with my children...to train them for the day that they will run their own households. Yes, that makes for slow going at times. By the time lunch is finished, well it's time to start supper. My man likes to have supper ready when he comes home. We eat supper between 4:30-5:00 pm every night. In order to do that I need to start thinking about it by 2:00. Thankfully baseball is over for both children and the only extra thing going on is horseback riding. If I had to run around on top of everything else, I think I'd drop. I love my family desperately. I am SO blessed by the wonderful man I married and the children that God has so graciously given me. I need to focus on THAT and put my big girl panties on deal with it. So forgive the rant. I'll shut up now.

It's early

Caleb is on the bus and everyone else is asleep. Olaf is driving 3.5 hours this morning to a Marine base for some type of training/tour. He was happy to get away from the office for a day. Yes, he has to pay for his own gas down there, but he's still happy.

The Amazing Race wasn't on last night. I did watch The Biggest Loser. Those people look FANTASTIC! They have been at that ranch for three months. Can you imagine being away from your family for three months? Not me. Anyway, because The Amazing Race wasn't on we watched what came on after The Biggest Loser. Something like "My Name is Earl" and "The Office." We laughed hysterically at The Office. Oh my. We will watch it if it is still on after The Amazing Race. If I had Tivo, I'd record it.

Oh my! It is now 1:00 pm and I really should just post this!:) We just got back from Kohls and WalMart. Spent too much money but I was able to buy Olaf a Christmas present at WalMart with the grocery money. I bought presents for my mom, Gracie, and Josiah at Kohls too. Now I need to go eat some lunch.

OK you lurkers!

Please, please, please go put a pin in my map. All you have to do is put in your zip code and a little message like, "Hi from Washington." and that is ALL. I see on my stat counter that I have vistors from Belgium, (coughellocough), Singapore, The UK (coughZoecough), Everett, WA, Marietta, GA, Sheridan, OR, Cherry Hill, NJ, Mableton, GA, Denver, CO, Hampton, VA (coughLisacough), New York, NY, Chicago, Milwakee, Brownsville (coughChericough)...C'mon man! Put a pin in my map and make me HAPPY!

DIEt

Well, today I went back on the diet. The first three letters just about say it all. I MUST get off the sugar. It's a vicious cycle. Eat more, want more...eat more, want more. I went to TOPS last night. TOPS stands for Take Off Pounds Sensibly. It is way cheaper than Weight Watchers although I will still be following the WW plan. I just need that scale accountability. TOPS is kind of corny, but I think it will be good for me. It is only $6 per month. They have fun things like paying a quarter for every pound (or portion thereof) that you gain and at the end of the month, the biggest loser takes the kitty home. If you are the biggest loser for the night you take home a small wrapped present etc. Just fun little things to try to keep you motivated. They read a portion of Dr. Phil's Weight Loss book last night and let me borrow the Dr. Phil food guide. At the beginning of each meeting you have to say the TOPS pledge. (I told you it was corny)

I am an intelligent person.
I will control my emotions, not let my emotions control me.
Every time I am tempted to use food to satisfy my frustrated desires,
build up my injured ego, or dull my senses,
I will remember, even though I overeat in private-
My excess poundage is there for all the word to see.
I WILL TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY.

The last line used to be: HOW FOOLISH I HAVE BEEN, but they changed it:) I guess too many people complained about it. I guess I need to start that Weight Loss Blog again.

Camille did Math, Spelling, Language Arts, and History today. We are learning about the New England Colonies right now. I love reading it to her because I learn so much. I didn't know that Rhode Island was the first colony settled for the sole purpose of having complete religious freedom. Massachusetts was settled by the Puritans and kicked anyone out that didn't believe in their religion. So, a guy named Roger Williams (a Baptist) started Rhode Island and called that first place he settled Providence. Y'all probably knew that, but I didn't. Their charter ensured that anyone would have complete religious freedom and not be penalized in any way if they believed (or didn't believe) differently. Mr. Williams knew that no one can force a person to believe in Christ. I think I would have liked him.

The Delta pilots are threatening a murder/suicide if they don't get their way. They don't want to take the pay cut that Delta wants them to take and say they will strike and put the airline under for good. Gotta love greed. I know that taking a 23% pay cut is HUGE, but Olaf has taken 19% this year and he doesn't make 1/3 of what the pilots make. The average Delta pilot makes over $160,ooo per year. And 23% of $160K is a lot of jack! It's $36,800 to be exact...ouch! But, they would still make $123,200 which is better than.... let's say.... nothing! So, pray for Delta my friends. It doesn't look good. Our pay cut started November 1st, so today is our first pay check with the 9% loss. (We took 10% January 1, 2005) Pretty soon we will be able to qualify for WIC. I'd laugh if it weren't true. One more baby or one more pay cut and we'll be there. BUT, the LORD is good and we still have more than we need. I have nothing to complain about. Nothing at all.

I am off to clean toilets. And tubs. Where are those maidens in Proverbs 31?

Monday

Monday. Back to the old grindstone. Camille is finishing up school, the littles are watching "The Little Bear Movie" and I am washing sheets. My Monday chore. I love doing laundry though. It is my favorite chore to do. We have flannel sheets on our bed all year round because I love the way they feel. Since we only have one pair of flannel sheets, I wash them every Monday!:) They are holding up nicely though. I think they are from LL Bean or Lands End Overstocks. I also like those knit/T-Shirt type sheets but I don't have any for our Queen bed. The girls have them for their bunk beds though. I need to do a lot of cleaning today (always have to on Mondays because we trash the house over the weekend) but I'd like to exercise too. I want to do the FIRM but the TV is currently in use with Little Bear, so I may go out and walk/jog a bit. More walking than jogging mind you.

The cat never came back. I didn't think he would. Actually, I didn't think he could.

My right tonsil is better. I may cancel my appointment with the ENT doctor. I took echinacea and vitamin c for a few days and it seems to have helped. I really, really, really, do not want a tonsilectomy. I am a huge wimp.

Chantell's wedding is this Saturday. I have NO idea what to do with my hair. I am the one doing the toast. So, here it is: May the strength of three be in your journey. What do you think? I found it online somewhere. Short and simple. I do not know the groom at all. I have only met him on one or two occasions, so I cannot wax eloquent about him. So I will raise my glass, look at the married couple, say "Kerry and Chantell. May the strength of three be in your journey." The non-Christians will be confused.

We borrowed Napoleon Dynamite from a friend. We have to watch it again. I like your sleeves.

It's a beautiful autumn day

Olaf is outside cleaning up the yard. I think he will clean the gutters too. The children were outside playing for a long time and now they are watching an episode of Little House on the Prairie. It's a nice sunny and brisk day.

On a not so nice note, our 17 year old cat is missing and presumed dead. My husband somehow forgot to deadbolt the basement door where the cat lives and he escaped. He has never been outside a day in his life and here he is deaf, blind, and senile. I am hoping he died the first night out. We have coyotes in the woods behind us so I am hoping it was quick. The thought of him wandering out there is too much to bare. It has been 2 full days now and I am quite certain he won't make it home. What a demise!! Poor cat. Well, now that he's gone we can clean up that basement. There was hair all over it. I would love to finish the basement, but we just don't have the money to do it. I'd love a playroom down there for the children.

Napoleon Dynamite is a funny movie. But, you have to watch it more than once! Olaf and I are quoting it all the time now. GOSH!

Have a great weekend. Enjoy your family.

Got this today from Dayspring!

Giving Thanks for God’s Overwhelming Generosity

By Roy Lessin, co-founder DaySpring Cards

Everything in your life that flows out of love has come to you from God. Everything in your life that is good has been initiated by God. God has done everything for you, He is everything to you, and He is enriching other lives through you. His generosity is overwhelming, His blessings are limitless, His love is endless.

No one has favored you more than God. He has removed every stain of your sin, He has cleansed all the defilement of your iniquity, and He has silenced every voice of condemnation that hung over your head. He has saved you, redeemed you, and justified you.

All of God’s grace abounds toward you, all of Christ’s riches are made available to you, and all spiritual blessings are provided for you. In Christ, you have received the treasures that can never be taken away, the hope that can never fade away, and the life that will never pass away.

As you walk with Jesus day by day, you will find that your thankfulness to Him is an ever-increasing symphony of praise, building into a lifelong crescendo of gratitude that flows from your heart to His. You, who have so little, have received so much, because He has been so generous.

There are so many riches that He has given to you; so many answers to prayer that He has granted to you; so many kindnesses that He has manifested to you; so many joys that He has provided for you; so many mercies that He has extended to you; so many benefits that He has showered upon you. Everything you have has come from Him, and that is the reason why your heart can be so grateful.

Thank Him today because—
He formed you and made you.
He has given you the breath of life.
He has given you this day.
He is working in you to become all that He has intended you to be.
He is working everything in your life together for the good.
He is using your difficulties and trials to conform you to His image.

Thank Him today for—
The forgiveness of your sins.
The peace that passes all understanding.
The smiles that have come to your face because His joy is in your heart.
The comfort of His presence that has quieted your heart and calmed your fears.
The hope that is in you because He has promised to always be with you.
The place in heaven that He has reserved and has prepared for you.

Thank Him today with—
Words of exaltation.
Songs of celebration.
A heart of strong devotion.
Thoughts of deep reflection.
Acts of admiration.
Claps of loud ovation.

By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.
Hebrews 13:15 (KJV)

Time for cake

Yes, I really am tired. I look tired. That massage really messed me up...in a good way!

Oh, it's not over yet!

TRAPP Candles, Willow Tree, and Yankee Candles too! They lurve me!:)

Back from my massage

and now I need a nap! I guess that means it was a great massage, eh? Thanks for all the birthday wishes. I have the most awesome friends (and brother) in the world!
Now...tah da da....the cake!

Birthday Update...

I leave for my spa massage in half an hour. My family got me this! And this. Stephanie from wah sent me the cutest little notepad with my name on every page and some yummy chocolate velvet flavored coffee. (Check out her website. She does that for a living!) I received two e-cards today. One from Becky and one from Monika. And the best part, the day is not even half over! Check back for more birthday updates. ::giggles::

Yes, it is my birthday

Today I am 38 years old! Honestly, I never thought I'd live to be 38. I also never thought I'd have a husband who is crazy about me and four wonderful children to boot. I am so blessed.

The computer is not working correctly. I think I need to reboot. Have a great day.

Tomorrow is my birthday

And Mary sent me a card. Thank you Mary. You look the same and your grandson is adorable. Grace saw the picture and said, "this little boy looks like Josiah."

I think I have gotten all my presents early. I'm real bad about that. If something comes in the mail, well I just want it NOW! Olaf got me some of the greatest perfume ever made. Did I write about that on my blog already? I probably did. Anyway, you can see it here! I also got this. Yes, yes, I know....
He also bought me this but it hasn't shown up yet. He's not real happy with the company he bought it from. (Which isn't where I linked to btw) So, I've already been spoiled and my birthday isn't until tomorrow. Oh, my mom sent me a cool pair of earrings too. I can't wear them though. As soon as I put them in my ears, they got real red and itchy. I think I need sterling silver. I cannot do gold. Oh, and Tammy Pitts (before she left) gave me a Yankee Candle for my birthday. Pumpkin Pie!

Caleb is now on the bus and I am going to try to go back to bed. I will probably update again later on.

My blessings and me

Mothers Day 1995

Dear Lord,
I don't know why you are withholding the blessing of children in my life. I long desperately to be a mother. We have prayed for years for a child and yet, in your sovereignty, you have closed my womb. Lord, direct our path. We have our adoption application in Lord. Bring to us the child that is meant for our family. We are trusting in Your perfect timing, but it's difficult at times. Help me to focus on You Father.

After praying this prayer, Olaf and I drove up to Helen, GA so I could pout. I couldn't go to church on Mothers Day. It was too painful. It was a reminder of what I didn't have. What I so deperately wanted. So we played hookie from church and drove up to the mountains of GA. We went to Anna Ruby Falls. It was raining that day. The day matched my mood. Dreary, pitiful, sad. Olaf took my picture. I forced a smile.

Fast Forward....

Oct 16, 2005

Dear Lord,
Thank you God for the blessing of not one, not two, not three, but FOUR children. You have certainly blessed me indeed! I pray for more blessings Lord. Open my womb again for Your glory. Thank you and praise Your Holy Name!

We went to Anna Ruby Falls again. This time I took my picture with my blessings.

We love Callaway Gardens

The day started out overcast as you can see from the picture above, but it turned into a gorgeous day. We went to Callaway to do some bike riding. It was the very first time that Grace has taken her own bike!



Her little legs were going a mile a minute, but she kept up! She was adorable.



My Josiah boy!



At the Butterfly Center - Camille's favorite! LOL! Camille is deathly afraid of butterflies. She always has been. She absolutely hates going into the butterfly center.



A cool looking spider we saw there. I need to look it up online.



Isn't this GORGEOUS? It is what we see when we drive home from Callaway every Autumn. God is so good to gift us with beauty like this.



My view in the car. My windshield is really dirty, but you get the idea.

It's back!

Can you believe it? My right tonsil seems to be infected again. Do you know what that means, my friends? A tonsillectomy. I have heard they are very painful as an adult. I have an appointment to see Dr. H. the day before Thanksgiving. Please leave me a comment if you have had a tonsillectomy as an adult. I want to know just how bad it really is. Caleb had his taken out last year and it was 10 days of pure h-e-double toothpicks.

Caleb had his party for his Challenger League Baseball Team today. We went to a pizza place and Olaf handed out trophies. It was very crowded with about 10 other teams of varying sports there. Crazy.

I just need to share something kind of gross right now. If you are queasy about flatulence then skip this paragraph. My dear husband passed gas about half hour ago while sitting on this computer chair. Now every time I sit down on it, the smell gets pushed out of the cushion and wafts into my nostrils. I really don't understand how it can linger this long. And how can it get trapped in the chair?? My husband is very proud right now.

I need a...

home based business. One that I can actually do at home. I am not interested in going anywhere to do a "party" or joining Amway or Melaleuca. I have a ton of stuff that I can sell on Ebay. Maybe I should just start there. Any suggestions? Olaf took another pay cut and we need to make some adjustments in our budget. We are actually thinking of getting rid of the internet and cable tv. That would save us about $50 per month. Of course, I could no longer blog unless I went to the library. Caleb's school lunch is $27 per month. I could cut that out. Our phone can have all the bells and whistles turned off. I'm not sure how much that would save. We could get rid of the cell phones. That would save about $60 per month. So far I have saved $150 per month! Not bad, not bad. Camille's riding lessons are $40 per month. Oh I just wish Olaf could find another job and not have to worry about Delta. Please pray for him and our family. Now to come full circle, what can I do from home to help out the finances?

I got an early birthday gift!

Look at my new beautiful banner. It's from Cheri. Isn't is lovely? Cheri picked out the picture and verse and then Becky made it for her to give to me. Thank you my friend. It was such an incredibly toughtful thing to do.

Pictures

Off to get the children's pictures taken. Here is what they look like right now. Notice Josiah's scratch on his face from his collision with the trampoline!



Precious, precious children!

Today I am going to try not to eat any sugar. There is candy galore in this house, but I need to get off the sugar. For breakfast I had this cereal.

It's pretty good. Three points for the ceral by itself. It has a lot of fiber in it which helps bring the points down a bit.

Olaf told me yesterday that the foreman and their wives all get together for a Christmas dinner at some fancy schmancy place. I don't see us going. It's not that I don't want to go, it's just that we don't "do" babysitters. Especially at bedtime. We'll see.

Chantell's wedding is coming up. I am supposed to do the toast. I think a man should do it though. Anyway, I need to figure out something short, sweet, and simple. Any suggestions? I bet I can find something online. I'll Google it.

Off to our appointment!!

You have the Renoir girl look. Youd have enchanted
the French Impressionists, who painted lively
girls at work and play. Their models were
ballet dancers, girls of Paris enjoying
themselves at open air dances or in music halls
and cafes, delighting in the sunshine or the
bright lights of French nightlife. The Renoir
girl loved to experiment with make-up and were
fun loving, sexy yet elegant. The following
painters would have loved to paint you; Dietz
Edzard, Edourad Manet, Edgar Degas and Auguste
Renoir.


'Pretty As A Picture' - Which Artist Would Paint You?
brought to you by Quizilla

Biggest Loser

Wish it were me! Are you sick of me complaining about my weight yet? OK, I'll shut up.

Stampin' Up! put their catalog ONLINE. WooHoo. That may make it easier for me to stay active. Although, I have gained 2 really good customers from that little soiree I did last month.

I just sent the girls back to bed. It's 6:45 am and they are trying to get up! No way Jose.

Yesterday, while I was grocery shopping, the children were outside playing with Caleb's wheelchair. They were giving rides to each other up and down the driveway. (You moms know what's coming, don't ya?) Well, Camille decided to let Grace (4 years old) push Josiah (2 years old). We have a steep hill at the end of our driveway that goes into the backyard. At the end of that steep hill is either: a. a fence or b. the trampoline. You guessed it. Grace pushed Joisah down the hill and he ran into b. He has a goose egg on his head and a scratch down the side of his face. And guess what? Our homeschool pictures are scheduled for tomorrow. Figures.

Alicia posted on her blog that her child, who is the same age as Josiah, has started to tell knock knock jokes. I thought that was funny because Josiah has started the same thing.

Josiah - Knock Knock
Me - Who's there?
Josiah - Banana
Me - Banana who?
Josiah - Banana from a store.

Laughs hysertically!

I need to dust today. That will be my goal. You see, I hate to dust. Yes, I let the children help me because they LOVE to spray the Pledge. But they can't get the picture frames and the high spots and the cobwebs. Or vacuum the ceiling fan or the air intake for the duct work. My celing fans are gross. I really have to keep on top of them or they are one dusty mess.

I never made it to Kohls yesterday. If I went I knew I'd spend money that we don't have. I'll take Olaf with me and then he can spend the money we don't have. He loves to shop. Yes, that's right. My husband loves to shop. If we go to Kohls he is the one putting stuff in the cart. That makes me happy:)

Oh, I almost cried last night when that family with the cute children were eliminated from the Amazing Race. Those little children were precious. And the parents were so sweet and kind to each other and to the children. Watching that little girl hold back her tears was so hard to watch as a parent. They did terrific though. It was that darn coffee bean that killed them. And that New York family is still there. Oh, I wish they would get knocked off! They drive me NUTS. They complain all the time.

My blog is worth $3,387.24.
How much is your blog worth?

coffee crisis

There is no Toasted Almond Creamer for my coffee this morning. So, I improvised. I took Nestle Quick Vanilla and put it in my coffee. It isn't nearly as good, but it will do for the one cup that I drink. I think my dependence on my one cup of coffee is purely psychological and not caffeine addiction. If I drink more than a cup or two it tears my tummy up. I don't know how people can drink it all day long. My dad used to drink coffee ALL THE TIME. Of course, he died at 54. I'm not saying the coffee killed him. It was the bologna and mayonnaise everyday and the 2 pack a day habit that got him. I think it was heart attack number six that killed him. The first five warnings didn't make him change his lifestyle. He was either stubborn, dumb, or a tad of both. Well, he had to be both to live with my mom!:) For those of you who don't know my childhood, it is way too deep to explain. Maybe someday I will bare all. It may be therapeutic for me. And completely enthralling for you I'm sure. (said very facetiously)

From coffee to my dad. My thoughts are freely flowing! LOL!

Today Kohls is having a 50% off sale. I think I might load the children up and GO! Not that we have any money. We don't. But sometimes a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do. Yesterday I loaded up the children and we went and had lunch with Olaf. Then we went through an interrogation to get into his work! Security is tight for Delta Employees families! I finally got to see where my husband works. I wish I would have had more time there. I only met a few of the guys, but it was fun anyway. I was amazed at my husband's demeanor though. I kind of expected him to smile and be relaxed, but he seemed a bit tense and almost protective. It was weird. Anyway, I did my usual 'I'm not shy and I will show you' to everyone I met. They probably all think I am a loon. A fat loon.

Cami is up! Need to run.

Goodbye Mrs. Pitts

Last night we went to a "going away" party for some dear friends. We have known Tammy and Terry Pitts since we were in the Air Force. Terry got a new job, left Delta Airlines (who could blame him) and they are moving about 2 hours south of where we now live. It was sad to see them go. There were a lot of people at the church and of course, a ton of food. Karen was working like a mad woman in the kitchen! Can you believe that? Stage 4 cancer and you'd never know it. She is even going to sew a pair of pants for Caleb. The woman is amazing and I praise the LORD for it all!

It's quiet right now. Everyone is still sleeping. I have my cup of java and I am happy. The girls will be up any minute though. I hear the door opening now as a matter of fact.

My birthday is in ten days! Cards and presents always welcome:0)

Heavenbound

Jodi, a friend from Women at Home, died Thursday night in a freak accident. Somehow, which hasn't been fully explained, her van ran her over. She was conscience until they took her in for surgery for internal bleeding. It seems the doctor's knew from the start she couldn't be saved. Please pray for her family. Click on the her memorial in the sidebar for more information about her family.

That should probably end my post for today. It would seem trivial to talk about my life when a young woman just lost hers. I'll post tomorrow. Until then, hug your husband and your children.

Not even an honorable mention

The pumpkins that won were really cool though. I forgot to take pictures but the first place prize went to a pumpkin carriage from Cinderella. They painted the pumpkin pink and had toy horses drawing the carriage. It was cute. Camille did get $5 just for entering though.

Today I need to pick Caleb up at school and then take him up to Olaf's work. Olaf will take him to the neurologist from there and probably be home somewhere around 6:30. It all depends on that lovely Atlanta traffic. Caleb sees the neurologist twice a year for his seizure medicine refills. This January will make two years without a Grand Mal seizure (PTL!), so they will probably do another EEG the next time we take him up. His med dose is fairly high. When he was on lower doses of the same drug he still had seizures. It was within therapeutic range, but just not high enough for Caleb.

My friend Cheryl has a thought provoking post up about "gentle parenting." (That is the no spank philosophy for those of you wondering) I thought the article was very well written and everyone should go read it. That said, I don't agree with all of it;) But what we both agree on is the goal of parenting should be to shepherd our children's hearts. Whatever the method is that works for your family, your main goal of child rearing should be to raise them for the glory of the LORD. We've all seen the people in WalMart beating their kids. That is NOT training their hearts. We've all seen children running the household and being absolute brats. That is NOT training their hearts. As a parent we guide, instruct, love, and admonish just like a shepherd does with sheep. Unlike sheep, our children have the capacity to understand, feel, and think. We can get all the "outward" appearance of good, but if there is no passion from within themselves to KNOW good, then it is all useless. That child WILL rebel. Oh parenting is not easy my friends. Everyday I screw something up and am so sure that my children are forever marred. I pray every night that the LORD would undo all the crap that I did. That He would protect their little hearts and not hate me when they get older. Then I claim the verse "His mercies are new every morning. Great is His faithfulness!" I fall asleep knowing that my Father has given me a new opportunity to be a better mother tomorrow. A better mother, a better wife, a better friend.

I'm steadily gaining my weight back. Someone please help me get motivated. I don't want to be fat, but I don't want to stop eating! LOL!

Humor me

Will EVERYONE who reads this post do me a big huge favor? Will you go here to put a pin in my map?? It's really easy. Puh-Leeze!

Yesterday we did something new. For the first time since the children have been born, we carved a pumpkin. We do not celebrate Halloween so we have never carved a jack-o-lantern before. Well, there is a pumpkin decorating contest on the court square this afternoon and Camille really wanted to enter it, so we caved. This is our entry.



It looks beautiful with the candle glowing inside. When Olaf was cleaning the pumpkin out he talked about all the gook in our lives but when we ask Jesus to be our Savior that he cleans all that gook out, just like Olaf was cleaning out the pumpkin gook. And when he put the candle in he said that was the Holy Spirit living inside of us shining His light out through us. Pretty cool. I seriously doubt we will win though. What do you think?

OK, I need (and I mean NEED) to clean the bathrooms right now.

Baking Cookies!

I tried to upload photos of the children baking cookies today, but Blogger is being contrary. You can see them here though.

I get so sidetracked

OK, I am writing this with a dirty diaper beside me (wet, not poo). Why you may ask yourself? Well, I just made the bed and grabbed the pee pee diaper that I had just changed off the nightstand. As I was going to the garbage can in the kitchen I had to pass the computer. I stopped to see if I had any e-mail (ah, the blessing of cable modems) and then clicked on my blogline feeds. I then decided that it had been too long since my last entry and my fans (HA HA) would definitely want to know about dirty diapers, so I logged into blog. My day is usually like that. I wander from task to task not knowing exactly how I got there. However, "school" is done and the children are outside playing in the nice COLD weather. LOVE IT! Grace is doing well with phonics. She read the sentence "Sam met Tom" today. Pretty good for four years old. Granted she still cannot sing her ABC's correctly, but the letters she does know, she knows the sounds for. I think she'll be reading pretty good by Kindergarten. I skipped the "Learn How to Write a Report" section of Language Arts today for Camille. I am so not in the mood for report writing. We are delving into grammar instead. Writing a report means I have to take all three children to the library so I can teach her how to use an encyclopedia and all that jazz. I know, I know, I could do it online. But there is something about doing "real" research at the library that just cannot be dismissed. We'll pick it up next quarter. Maybe we'll do a report on Walt Disney closer to May when we will actually be going there. She'll love that.

I did my grocery shopping yesterday. Of course, I used my coupons and did pretty good. I think my total coupon savings was about $60. I love having food in the house. Praise God that we have more than enough. "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus."

My sister-in-law is now 21 weeks pregnant. Fun! I'm trying not to be jealous. I'd love another baby. Alas, my 38th birthday is approaching and I am not sure of the Lord will bless us again. I mean, I know that 38 isn't OLD or anything, but conception has never been easy for us:)

Off to put this diaper in the garbage. I'll probably stop again before I get there though.

Uncle Bob

We went to Uncle Bob's Farm today. It was SO hot. We were there about 2.5 hours. Click on the Flickr badge in the sidebar to see the photos.

Lookie, lookie, lookie

FUN, FUN, FUN! We had so much fun tonight. We closed down Gandolfo's. Cheri and Holly were just like I imagined them. I guess wah posts do a pretty good job of telling who we really are. Thank you ladies for a great night out!!



Cheri, Me and Holly!




Charity, Cheri and Me!




Cheri and Holly

Applebees and a good friend!

I just got back from eating dinner with Misty. We went to Applebees. I ate a Weight Watchers Chicken Fajita type thing. And yes, I SO ate the yummy Blondie with the ice cream and maple syrup on top for dessert! I brought babyback ribs home for my husband to eat. His meal cost more than my meal, drink, and dessert cost! It is kind of weird for me to have a friend named Misty. But Misty is awesome. She lets me go on and on about myself. LOL! What a trooper. If you drop by her blog leave a comment. She is a baby blogger and needs to know who is reading her. They are in the process of building a house. A nice house I might add. All brick and four bedrooms. I am not jealous at all.

Oh, when I got home tonight there was a dozen fresh Krispy Kreme donuts waiting for me courtesy of my good friend Krista. We were talking on the phone today about Krispy Kreme's pumpkin spice donut that they put out this time of year. Lo and behold her husband and daughter show up on our doorstep with a dozen donuts. She is awesome! They even bought 2 of Olaf's favorite donuts. I cannot believe she is so attentive that when I mentioned Olaf's favorite donut, she remembered.

OK, off to help my husband eat his ribs! Not that I need to help him eat his ribs or anything!

Well, my brother told me that my audioblog sucked. The rest of you thought it was pretty darn cool! It's a free service if you have blogger. I mean, you have to call a long distance number to post so it's not entirely free. I will do it again someday. I thought it was fun and I know I'd like to actually hear some of your voices.

Tomorrow night is the big wah night out! Yippee! We are meeting at Gandolfo's for dinner. Cheri, Charity, Holly and myself. Then I think we'll go crazy and head over to the Dollar Tree. My husband just cannot understand what is so exciting about the Dollar Tree, but I love it!

I am resigning as a Longaberger Consultant as of November 30, 2005. If you want a Christmas Basket you need to let me know asap. It is such a relief to actually be resigning. They are awful about getting information out to their consultants. Maybe it wouldn't bother me if I weren't so "type A" but I can't handle it! When Olaf heard that I have to pay THEM $35 every year for the privledge of selling their baskets, he asked me to resign.

Time to start school with Camille. Need to run... And I'm off!

GRACE (4 years old): Mom, why are you getting out the *old* vacuum cleaner?

ME: I want to vacuum the dining room floor instead of sweeping it.

GRACE: Because you want Papa to be wary (very)happy when he comes home?

ME: (giggle) Yeah.

GRACE: Because he is your best friend?

ME: Yeah.

GRACE: Because he doesn't like it when it's dirty?

ME: (more giggles) Yeah.

GRACE: I'm going outside now!

ME: OK. Have fun!

Object lesson: Priceless!

Nothing exciting

I have absolutely nothing to blog about. Camille is working on math, Grace is working on writing some letters, and Josiah is watching Thomas the Tank Engine. Friday night is Chantell's shower. That should be fun. Other than that, nothing out of the ordinary...PRAISE GOD! So, thanks for dropping by and sorry to disappoint you.

Busy Saturday

Usually we do NOTHING on the weekends. I mean nothing productive. We always spend time together as a family, but rarely do we "work." Because of our philosophy our house is a disorganized wreck!:) Well, this morning as I was getting Caleb dressed, I realized just how BAD Caleb's bed was. He was sleeping on TWO boxsprings and one mattress with no frame. Can you say trailer park? (No offense to trailer park people) The bed had a nice dip in the middle and the entire thing was sagging like a sway back horse. Funny thing is, we have a fairly new queen size mattress AND headboard/frame in the basement. After much cleaning and clearing we brought up the new bed for Caleb. We are going to see if Josiah will sleep with him. I'm a bit worried about Caleb rolling on him though. Caleb weighs about 155 lbs and Josiah weighs in at 34 pounds. No fair match up there. I also cleaned the bird cage out which is always fun. Olaf has visions of a bird aviary which he has bought ALL the supplies for. He has even started it I think. But building things and Olaf shouldn't be used in the same sentence unless someone is helping him. (Remember the porch?) Now it is 7:00 pm and the children will be in bed in an hour.

Do you know I am going to meet Cheri next week? I am beside myself with excitement. And just FYI, it's not Sherry, it's Shu-ree. I know I am going to call her Sherry. I am hoping that Cheri, Charity and I can all go out for lunch. Maybe Holly can make it too. I'd link her blog, but I don't know it. I always lose the password to get in so I stopped reading it. Speaking of passwords, I need to go read Rebekah. (Don't mind me. I'm just typing out loud here.)

I am feeling better today. I am grateful the upset tummy has mostly passed. No more running to the toilet. That's a good thing.

Sick

We went out to eat at Golden Corral on Monday for lunch. At about midnight I woke up with severe nausea and diarrhea. I spent about three hours on the toilet. Tuesday I was fine. I ate normally and slept that night just fine. Wednesday about 1:00 pm it hit me again with a vengeance. I had to go to bed I was so nauseous! Thursday I was better. I didn't eat much, but I didn't have any diarrhea. Today is Friday and guess what? I am nauseous again. What kind of virus comes in waves every OTHER day?? Do you think it's something bacterial from Golden Corral? I am perplexed. Of course, if you know me at all, you know I'm a hypochondriac. I am now convinced it is stomach cancer.

My blisters have almost healed. I am walking normally. PTL!

Can anyone believe it's October already. Good golly. I haven't even thought about Christmas and it is sneaking up on me. No money though, so that makes things MUCH easier. Josiah's birthday is the day after Christmas so we have to make that day special. All the chlidren get spoiled on their birthday's. He is still into Thomas the Tank Engine, so if anyone is so inclined to send a gift... We rented a Thomas DVD from our local Blockbuster that he loves. However, it isn't for sale ANYWHERE! I searched high and low via the internet and came up with NOTHING. I am thinking about renting it again and then keeping it and paying for it. It's a new one too. It had stories laced with songs and it was called "Great Expectations."

Josiah just came out and asked me to play trains. I need to go!:)

You are Romans.

Which book of the Bible are you?
brought to you by

17 blisters....

unable to walk upright....
totally skipped out on day two....
kicked butt on day three....
BUT SO WORTH IT!

Karen came to closing ceremonies!

Ready or not...

I am doing a Stampin' Up Workshop tonight. First one in 4 1/2 YEARS!

The 3-Day starts in three days.

I'm not packed.

Olaf's birthday is Thursday (the day I leave for the 3-Day).

Caleb has been home for two days because our Governer cancelled school to save fuel.

He is always asking me if he can eat.

He weighs 155 pounds.

That is my goal weight!:)

I went to Weight Watchers last night.

I hope to lose weight this week because I am walking 60 miles.

You never know though...

It's lunch time.

Adam Laroche

First baseman for the Atlanta Braves and my son Caleb! Adam threw the first pitch for his Challenger League game and Caleb was the catcher!

The first pitch!

How cute is this!?!?

The Sound of Silence

Olaf took all four children with him to get Chinese food! Something about that bewitching hour of 5:00 pm. My nerves get unsettled, the children seem exceptionally loud, the dog pukes on the floor, the dryer buzzes...you get the idea. Here I sit in complete silence and it is refreshing:)

Tomorrow is my last training walk! We are only supposed to do 9 miles which is cake. I am SO happy that this walk is almost over with. I have been training and training and spending more money than I should. It's amazing all the "stuff" you need to buy to just DO this walk! Karen is going to try to make it to closing ceremonies, so that will be a huge blessing for me to see her at the finish line. I am so happy to say the she is doing fantastic! She is feeling really good and the Lord is really doing something miraculous in her life.

I went to Bible Study last night. We are reading Home-Making by J.R. Miller. It was written 130 years ago. I love old books! I love the vernacular that is used in that time period. Anyway, the book is really good so far. I am looking forward to it. We just started it and already it has been a blessing. I missed Suzanne last night though. She wasn't able to make it and I miss her when she's gone. Charity is there to keep me in line. Girlfriend doesn't cut me no slack! Robin too... She loves to poke fun at me.

Have I ever told you that my sister in law looks a lot like Amy Fisher? She is absolutely beautiful but since they are both from New York, and they both have that accent, I cannot help but think of of Amy whenever I see Frances. I wish I had a picture of Frances to post, but I don't have a scanner.

Anyway, my supper has arrived. Have a great weekend!

Blessed

I asked my nine year old daughter for a Christmas list. Things will be tight this year at Christmas, so I wanted to know what she really wanted. Here is her list (spelling errors hers):

Saraphina cat toy (if anyone still has it!)
Brietta the flying horse (in the new Barbie movie.)
Maybe the new Barbie from the new movie too.
That cute dress from Lands End that Mama already got me.
Some kind of mystery books.
A hard computer game! (for ages 10 or older)
A new 2006 calender.

That's it! She doesn't even know what an X Box is or Nintendo or Game Boy. Oh, thank you God! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Olaf is home

and all is well with the world again. The children were so excited to see him drive up in the car. (Yes, we were waiting outside!) I have gorged on German chocolate and really don't want to weigh in on Monday. Tonight I shall have a German ale of some sort and perhaps watch a movie with my man. I have a coupon for a free movie at Blockbuster. Right now Olaf and Josiah are napping in the bedroom and I am making the other three be extremely quiet which is just torture for them. I tried to take a nap with them, but the other three were being so loud and obnoxious. I got up to keep them quiet so my men could sleep.

Misty and I walked today. We only walked for 3.5 hours, so that is probably 11-12 miles. I tried to put moleskin on two of my toes. Bad idea. The toe next to the wrapped ones have huge blisters on them. No more moleskin, OR I'll wrap all of them next time. Did you know I raised over $3,600 in the fight against breast cancer? Whoopee for me.

I need to work on my Stampin' Up demonstration that I have agreed to do. Sue Protzman (a gal in my downline) sent me some samples, a stamp set to use, and some other goodies. I am so grateful for that. This Tuesday I am having a Southern Living at Home Party here. If you're local, you're invited!:) Be here at 6:00 pm. I'll have food for you to eat. I cannot afford to buy anything, so I hope it's not a total flop for the consultant. Maybe I can buy a Christmas present for Olaf's brother and his wife though. We'll see...

Oh, here is a photo of Olaf and his cousins in Hamburg. The little girl hanging on him is his cousin's daughter. She is eleven and has fallen madly in love with Olaf! This was taken in the Italian restaurant.


Have a great weekend!

Oh, I just had to come back on here and add this. Olaf brought these home from Germany. Imagine the texture of a puffed cheeto that tastes like peanut butter. Weird in a good sort of way!:)

Survivor

OK, OK...ya'll know I'm a loser and watch Survivor every season. Well, Guatemala looks like it's going to be tough. Stephanie is back and so is Bobby Jon. That was a surprise. I really like Stephanie. I hope she wins this time. She won't though.

Olaf is coming home tomorrow. That is exciting news. Well, he's coming home provided Delta is STILL flying that route tomorrow. LOL! I laugh because I don't want to cry. I don't think the bankruptcy will affect us too much right now, but who knows what the future holds. I am certain that we will have another pay cut and more layoffs. I just hope that Olaf's seniority date is good enough to keep a job. It's hard on guys like Olaf. They are trained to work on aircraft. I mean, there isn't a lot he can do besides that. Now that he's a foreman, that looks great on a resume...but no one is going to hire a middle manager without a college degree! I am not worrying though. The LORD is in control and as long as my family is together, then we can weather any financial storm that we may have to go through. Besides I have a rich friend in Oregon who sells real estate. Maybe she can bail us out!;)

Oh, we actually used ALL of our cell minutes up this month and dipped into our rollover minutes. That was a surprise. Have said how much I love Cingular? Well, I do! That is by far the BEST cellular company out there. It is the only company that gets a signal in my house. FOUR bars! Can you hear me now Verizon? No bar Verizon!! Well, I do have to admit...the newer Verizon phones do get a signal in my house now, but not at the same strength as Cingular.

I am looking forward to the German chocolate but not weighing in on Monday at Weight Watchers. I think I have gained back the 3 pounds I lost. Where is my motivation? Has anyone seen it? I know it left me for another. I think Cheri stole it. I really do! She steals everything.

OK y'all, I am going to bed! This girl is plum tuckered and there ain't no sleeping in for me this weekend either. I must walk, walk, walk...

I thought I'd fall apart

but actually I am doing quite well without Olaf. Caleb and Camille miss him the most. The littles two are fine. Josiah hasn't asked for him once. Grace just says she misses him after Camille says it:) Caleb has only asked a handful of times, so that is a blessing! I thought this would be much worse and I am so grateful things have gone smoothley.

Olaf spent some time with his cousins tonight in Hamburg. They took him out to eat at an Italian restaurant! Go figure! He wants GERMAN food when he's in GERMANY! Anyway, when I called the hotel at 9:45 pm (German time) he still wasn't in. Did you know there is NO air conditioning in the hotel room where he is staying? It is a Courtyard by Marriott and NO AIR! I am SO sorry, but this chick is NOT leaving the USA. Call me spoiled, called me arrogant, call me what you will, but I will not pay $150 per night for a hotel with NO AIR! No way! On top of that, it's a SMOKING room. Blech! I KNOW he is so happy I am not there with him. I would be so miserable and crying to go home. A smokey, hot, stuffy, by-the-airport-so-you-hear the-planes, hotel. Shoot me now.

I was watching a local TV show last night (you know, on the local cable channel) and I won 2 of his T-shirts! He asked a trivia question and I got it right. The question, what was Forrest Gump doing in all the still photo shots during the movie? You can google it and get the answer!:)

I'll update again sometime on Saturday. I am walking Saturday morning with Misty. We need to get in at least 15 miles. 17 would be better. I haven't walked at all the past two weeks... The weather has been so pretty the last few weeks. I sure hope it will be like this for the walk.

Why do I feel like I have been busy?

All week it just seems like I have been running around and getting nothing accomplished. Olaf had Monday off because of Labor Day. He spent the entire day painting our bathroom. No it isn't that big, but painting for Olaf is a lot more than just painting. We took the van in for maintenance on Tuesday because the check engine light was on. Picked it up on Wednesday to the tune of $300. Thursday my dishwasher decides to stop working. Olaf is installing a new one as I write this. He stopped by Sears today and got this for $300 on clearance. So, in two days we spent $600! Olaf leaves on Monday for Germany. He will be back Friday afternoon. I think I am going to have a tough time with Caleb. Caleb simply adores Olaf and I am not sure if he is going to understand why Papa isn't home. Please pray for us next week. I also agreed to do a Stampin' Up workshop for my next door neighbor. I haven't done a workshop for 4.5 years. The only reason I am doing it is to maybe find some new customers that will place minimum orders to help me stay active. I already told the hostess I do NOT want to book any workshops or do anymore workshops for her. I will gladly give their business to another local demonstrator. Maybe I should just back out altogether. Right now it is scheduled for Tuesday the 27th.

I think I may be starting to get something bronchial. It's weird. My voice is a bit raspy and my chest is a tad tight, but that's it. No sore throat, no major cough (just one here and there to clear my vocal chords), no congestion. I am taking this to try and boost my immune system. It's tasty. Raspberry is my favorite by far. My zinc is expired but I may take that as well. Did I mention I am tired? I am reading (because Charity made me) the book "The Maker's Diet" by Jordan Rubin. Today I read this:

Sleep may very well be the single most important ingredient for digestive health. And it is important to get enough sleep at the right time. Some researchers believe that every minute you sleep before midnight is the equivalent of four minutes of sleep after midnight.

If that is true, I am in trouble. We are never asleep prior to 11:30 pm. Olaf is up at 5:00 am and I follow at 6:00 am. Maybe we just need to get more sleep!:) Actually, the book is quite interesting thus far. I am currently in chapter three which is all about the importance of the GI Tract. Since I have GI issues, I have really loved reading all this science behind our bodies. I did not know that our gut produces serotonin just like our brains do. I also didn't realize that our gut is actually like a second brain. It's called the enteric nervous system. It can act independently from our other brain. It literally learns from experiences, remembers past actions and events, and produces an entire range of "gut feelings" that can influence your actions. You know, like "butterflies" in your stomach. I know whenever I have a worried thought, I immediately have to poop. If I'm nervous about something...poop. I would totally suck as an Emergency Room doctor.

You have to go look at my friend Cheri's baby girl, Anna Elizabeth. Isn't that picture precious? Cheri is such a fashion freak that child will have a Vera Bradley pocketbook when she's two!

OK, off to read my book. Thank you Charity for always bringing it up. I am enjoying it more than I thought I would.

The year was 1985

I am going to put in bold the songs I especially liked!

1. Careless Whisper, Wham! (George Michael was still in the closet)
2. Like A Virgin, Madonna (Madonna was never in the closet!)
3. Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go, Wham!
4. I Want To Know What Love Is, Foreigner
5. I Feel For You, Chaka Khan (I think I love you!)
6. Out Of Touch, Daryl Hall and John Oates
7. Everybody Wants To Rule The World, Tears For Fears
8. Money For Nothing, Dire Straits (This video got too much air time!)
9. Crazy For You, Madonna
10. Take On Me, A-Ha (This video was too cool for the time)
11. Everytime You Go Away, Paul Young
12. Easy Lover, Phil Collins and Philip Bailey
13. Can't Fight This Feeling, REO Speedwagon (I still love REO songs)
14. We Built This City, Starship
15. The Power Of Love, Huey Lewis and The News
16. Don't You (Forget About Me), Simple Minds
17. Cherish, Kool and The Gang
18. St. Elmo's Fire (Man In Motion), John Parr
19. The Heat Is On, Glenn Frey
20. We Are The World, U.S.A. For Africa (Michael Jackson misquotes scripture in this song. He sings "As God has shown us by turning stones to bread..." Sorry Michael, that is what satan told Jesus to do in the tempation!)
21. Shout, Tears For Fears (let it all out)
22. Part-Time Lover, Stevie Wonder
23. Saving All My Love For You, Whitney Houston
24. Heaven, Bryan Adams (I saw him in concert in 1985 in Seattle)
25. Everything She Wants, Wham!
26. Cool It Now, New Edition (Bobby Brown was in this group! Whitney is four songs up...whodda thunk??)
27. Miami Vice Theme, Jan Hammer
28. Lover Boy, Billy Ocean (Saw him at the Oregon state fair 1986)
29. Lover Girl, Teena Marie
30. You Belong To The City, Glenn Frey
31. Oh Sheila, Ready For The World
32. Rhythm Of The Night, Debarge
33. One More Night, Phil Collins
34. Sea Of Love, Honeydrippers
35. A View To A Kill, Duran Duran
36. The Wild Boys, Duran Duran
37. You're The Inspiration, Chicago
38. Neutron Dance, Pointer Sisters
39. We Belong, Pat Benatar
40. Nightshift, Commodores
41. Things Can Only Get Better, Howard Jones (Wow wow wow oh, wow wow wow oh oh oh oh)
42. All I Need, Jack Wagner (All you need is to go back to soap operas!)
43. Freeway Of Love, Aretha Franklin
44. Never Surrender, Corey Hart (Because he's wearing his sunglasses at night!)
45. Sussudio, Phil Collins
46. Strut, Sheena Easton
47. You Give Good Love, Whitney Houston
48. The Search Is Over, Survivor
49. Missing You, Diana Ross
50. Separate Lives, Phil Collins and Marilyn Martin
51. Raspberry Beret, Prince and The Revolution
52. Suddenly, Billy Ocean
53. The Boys Of Summer, Don Henley
54. One Night In Bangkok, Murray Head
55. If You Love Somebody Set Them Free, Sting
56. Obsession, Animotion
57. We Don't Need Another Hero, Tina Turner
58. Material Girl, Madonna
59. Better Be Good To Me, Tina Turner
60. Head Over Heels, Tears For Fears
61. Axel F, Harold Faltermeyer
62. Smooth Operator, Sade
63. In My House, Mary Jane Girls
64. Don't Lose My Number, Phil Collins
65. All Through The Night, Cyndi Lauper
66. Run To You, Bryan Adams
67. Glory Days, Bruce Springsteen
68. Voices Carry, 'Til Tuesday (Hush hush, keep it down down)
69. Misled, Kool and The Gang
70. Would I Lie To You?, Eurythmics (Funky hair!)
71. Be Near Me, ABC
72. No More Lonely Nights, Paul McCartney (He is SO much better solo than with the Beatles)
73. I Can't Hold Back, Survivor
74. Summer Of '69, Bryan Adams
75. Walking On Sunshine, Katrina and The Waves
76. Freedom, Wham!
77. Too Late For Goodbyes, Julian Lennon
78. Valotte, Julian Lennon
79. Some Like It Hot, Power Station
80. Solid, Ashford and Simpson
81. Angel, Madonna
82. I'm On Fire, Bruce Springsteen
83. Method Of Modern Love, Daryl Hall and John Oates
84. Lay Your Hands On Me, Thompson Twins
85. Who's Holding Donna Now, Debarge
86. Lonely Ol' Night, John Cougar Mellencamp
87. What About Love, Heart
88. California Girls, David Lee Roth
89. Fresh, Kool and The Gang
90. Do What You Do, Jermaine Jackson
91. Jungle Love, The Time (oh we oh we oh)
92. Born In The USA, Bruce Springsteen
93. Private Dancer, Tina Turner
94. Who's Zoomin' Who, Aretha Franklin
95. Fortress Around Your Heart, Sting
96. Penny Lover, Lionel Richie
97. All She Wants To Do Is Dance, Don Henley
98. Dress You Up, Madonna
99. Sentimental Street, Night Ranger
100. Sugar Walls, Sheena Easton

However, I love the year 1980 even better!

1. Call Me, Blondie
2. Another Brick In The Wall, Pink Floyd
3. Magic, Olivia Newton-John
4. Rock With You, Michael Jackson (This is when Michael was still kind of black!)
5. Do That To Me One More Time, Captain and Tennille (Don't you LOVE them?)
6. Crazy Little Thing Called Love, Queen (Yes, he was a queen!)
7. Coming Up, Paul McCartney
8. Funkytown, Lipps, Inc. (Won't you take me to...)
9. It's Still Rock And Roll To Me, Billy Joel
10. The Rose, Bette Midler
11. Escape (The Pina Colada Song), Rupert Holmes (Oh, who didn't like this song?)
12. Cars, Gary Numan
13. Cruisin', Smokey Robinson (And who doesn't like Smokey???)
14. Working My Way Back To You/Forgive Me Girl, Spinners
15. Lost In Love, Air Supply (LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Air Supply!)
16. Little Jeannie, Elton John
17. Ride Like The Wind, Cristopher Cross (And another melodic voice!)
18. Upside Down, Diana Ross
19. Please Don't Go, K.C. and The Sunshine Band
20. Babe, Styx (Styx is another all time favorite band!)
21. With You I'm Born Again, Billy Preston and Syreeta
22. Shining Star, Manhattans (Darlin' you are my shining star, don't you go away!)
23. Still, Commodores (Ahhh, lovely!)
24. Yes, I'm Ready, Teri De Sario With K.C. (to fall in love with you oo ooo)
25. Sexy Eyes, Dr. Hook
26. Steal Away, Robbie Dupree (Why don't we steal away)
27. Biggest Part Of Me, Ambrosia (Ambrosia is another all time fave of mine!)
28. This Is It, Kenny Loggins (Oh and Kenny is SO good.)
29. Cupid-I've Loved You For A Long Time, Spinners
30. Let's Get Serious, Jermaine Jackson
31. Don't Fall In Love With A Dreamer, Kenny Rogers and Kim Carnes
32. Sailing, Christopher Cross
33. Longer, Dan Fogelberg (Saw him in concert in 1990-ish)
34. Coward Of The County, Kenny Rogers
35. Ladies Night, Kool and The Gang
36. Take Your Time, S.O.S. Band
37. No More Tears (Enough Is Enough), Barbra Streisand and Donna Summer
38. Too Hot, Kool and The Gang
39. More Love, Kim Carnes
40. Pop Muzik, M (New York, London, Paris, Munich)
41. Brass In Pocket, Pretenders (Why did she have brass in pocket?)
42. Special Lady, Ray, Goodman and Brown
43. Send One Your Love, Stevie Wonder
44. The Second Time Around, Shalamar
45. We Don't Talk Anymore, Cliff Richard
47. Heartache Tonight , Eagles
48. Stomp, Brothers Johnson
49. Tired Of Toein' The Line, Rocky Burnette
50. Better Love Next Time, Dr. Hook
51. Him, Rupert Holmes
52. Against The Wind, Bob Seger and The Silver Bullet Band
53. On The Radio, Donna Summer
54. Emotional Rescue, Rolling Stones
55. Rise, Herb Alpert
56. All Out Of Love, Air Supply (I want an Air Supply Greatest Hits CD)
57. Cool Change, Little River Band
58. You're Only Lonely, J.D. Souther
59. Desire, Andy Gibb
60. Let My Love Open The Door, Pete Townshend
61. Daydream Believer, Anne Murray
62. I Can't Tell You Why, Eagles
63. Don't Let Go, Isaac Hayes
64. Don't Do Me Like That, Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers
65. She's Out Of My Life, Michael Jackson
66. Fame, Irene Cara
67. Fire Lake, Bob Seger and The Silver Bullet Band
68. How Do I Make You, Linda Ronstadt
69. Into The Night, Benny Mardones
70. Let Me Love You Tonight, Pure Prairie League
71. Misunderstanding, Genesis
72. An American Dream, Dirt Band
73. One Fine Day, Carole King
74. Dim All The Lights, Donna Summer
75. You May Be Right, Billy Joel
76. Hurt So Bad, Linda Ronstadt
77. Should've Never Let You Go, Neil Sedaka and Dara Sedaka
78. Pilot Of The Airwaves, Charlie Dore
79. Off The Wall, Michael Jackson
80. I Pledge My Love, Peaches and Herb
81. The Long Run, Eagles
82. Stand By Me, Mickey Gilley
83. Heartbreaker, Pat Benatar
84. Deja Vu, Dionne Warwick
85. Drivin' My Life Away, Eddie Rabbitt
86. Take The Long Way Home, Supertramp
87. Sara, Fleetwood Mac
88. Wait For Me, Daryl Hall and John Oates
89. Jo Jo, Boz Scaggs
90. September Morn, Neil Diamond
91. Give Me The Night, George Benson
92. Broken Hearted Me, Anne Murray
93. You Decorated My Life, Kenny Rogers
94. Tusk, Fleetwood Mac
95. I Wanna Be Your Lover, Prince
96. In America, Charlie Daniels Band
97. Breakdown Dead Ahead, Boz Scaggs
98. Ships, Barry Manilow
99. All Night Long, Joe Walsh
100. Refugee, Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers

Charity's Birthday

This is Charity and her Superwoman socks! I just had to buy them for her. She has a Wonder Woman shirt already, so she *needed* those socks! We celebrated her birthday last night at Bible Study. It was fun. Ms. Mike blessed me with this bracelet and this charm for walking in honor of Karen in the 3-Day! I have never had a piece of James Avery jewelry before, and I probably won't ever again! I was so humbled by her very kind gesture. It is just lovely!

I am walking tomorrow at 6:30 am which means I need to get my keester to bed. Olaf is doing the Narnia stuff at the Christian Bookstore tomorrow from 12-2. I want to go down with the children and take a few pics. I'll post them tomorrow. We did get some full size Narnia posters btw. They are folded, not rolled. I will be sending them out to those of you who requested them before. I think it was Cheri, Dawn, Mari and I forget! Anyway, we also have door hangers and mini posters of anyone wants some. We have more Narnia passports and buckslips(just a pieve of paper with something about the movie) as well. He got 10 T-Shirts all size medium, but he *has* to give those away! They are going on the "prize wheel" that the radio station will have there. Olaf took this picture tonight.
Look at Josiah's little fist all balled up at her! He is fighting off the evil Witch of Narnia!

In case you haven't been to my weight loss blog, I lost 3.6 pounds last week. WooHoo! I'm not sure how it happened, but I am ever so thankful.

Today is Charity's birthday. We are celebrating at Bible Study on Thursday night. I really need to be good this week with my eating so I can celebrate with the gals on Thursday. Chocolate cake with chocolate frosting...yum!

Olaf has the girls at Camille's baseball practice. I have the boys at home. I guess that is backwards from what it "should" be. The girls should be home with me and the boys should be at baseball practice. This is Camille's first attempt at any team sport. She loves her riding lessons, but she really wanted to try a team sport. She is playing for a church baseball league that is split up by age groups.

I overate tonight. I got too hungry and had three slices of Pizza Hut Veggie Lovers Pizza. I think they are 7 points each. WOWZA! That sucks.

Need to run and take care of my boys. Josiah is drawing on the wall with a pen and Caleb is trying to self medicate with his seizure meds.

I walked 14.3 miles yesterday with Misty. I weighed myself this morning and I have actually GAINED weight since starting Weight Watchers last Monday. How depressing! Anyway, I have two blisters from walking. One of which I will not be able to do anything about on the 3-Day. It is in a spot that you cannot cover with moleskin nor bandage up. It's in the crevice between the bottom of my toes and the start of the ball of my foot. Maybe a different pair of socks would make it better?? I plan on walking a bit today, so I'll see how it feels.

We were going to go to Callaway Gardens today but there is about a 50% chance for rain. Olaf will do the bathroom floor instead. (Hopefully!) Right now he is playing with the children and the house is obnoxiously loud! In a good way though... They love their Papa. I think Olaf is just a big kid sometimes. He enjoys playing as much as they do.

I am looking forward to the beginning of the Fall Season of TV. Just for two shows. I love The Amazing Race and Survivor. This time on The Amazing Race they have family teams of four. I'm not sure if I will like that as well, but we'll see. And Survivor should be interseting living among the ancient ruins of the Mayans. I hope an old person wins!

Time to go eat something low in points. Maybe some whole wheat toast with Amish butter. Hmmm...I wonder why I gained weight this week??

My name is Luka

I live on the second floor. I live upstairs from you. Yes, I think you've seen me before.

That song is stuck in my head. Sorry.

Tomorrow I am walking 5-6 hours. I am supposed to walk 18 miles, but my friend Misty has an eye appointment at 1:00 and I'm not walking alone:) I would walk alone if I had an ipod. I didn't know I even needed an ipod until I saw the pink one! I'm still not sure what an ipod does or how you get your music for it. I feel like an 80 year old woman and technology is passing me by.

Charity came by today. She went to a store in Carrollton and brought me back some milk and butter from this dairy. The butter comes in this two pound roll and boy howdy is it tasty. Charity made loaf of whole wheat bread for me(she grinds her own wheat and the whole nine yards) and I have eaten several pieces of toast today with yummy butter. My husband loves the milk from that dairy. The cream actually rises to the top on the whole milk. You have to shake it to get it to blend!

Have a great weekend!

25 or 6 to four

Just wanted to get song lyrics stuck in your head. If you don't know that song I'll add a little more...

Starin' blindly into space
Getting up to splash my face
Wanting just to stay awake
Wonderin' how much I can take
Should I try to do some more
Twenty five or six to four

and why did Chicago sing about time? Does anybody really know what time it is? Does anybody really care about time? If so, I can't imagine why. We've all got time enough to cry.

If you are like me, you will be singing those songs the rest of tonight and most of tomorrow. If Dana reads this she is going to hate me.

Day two of weight watchers. I must say, I'm not used to NOT eating. It's an adjustment, however I'm doing pretty good. I think I'll lose about two pounds this week if I keep it up. It sure is a lot easier to gain this weight than it is to lose it. I'd love a bag of Cheddar Chex Mix and a Samuel Adams, but that ain't happening!:) Which reminds me, I need to update my weight loss blog.

My 20th high school reunion was last weekend. I wonder how it went. I was thinking of going, but a trip to Oregon is just out of the question right now. Do you know I have not seen my mother for FIVE years. Last time I saw her she was 62 years old. Now she is 67. She will not come out and visit us (she is afraid to fly and will not leave her dogs.) She has never seen my last two children (because the dogs are more important) and Caleb and Camille were 4 years old the last time we went to Oregon. How incredibly sad. She is missing out on so much, but she is such a bitter woman that I have to pity her.

Nothing else special to write about today. So, I'll just sign out with my new title!

-The Godfather

So the next time someone says

"Who do you think you are? Mother Teresa?" I can say "Yeah!"

What Famous Leader Are You?
personality tests by similarminds.com

But it didn't last too long. I took another quiz and came up with this:

What Classic Movie Are You?
personality tests by similarminds.com

Who knew I could be Al Pacino and Mother Teresa at the same time???

Weight Watchers tomorrow

Yippee Ki Oh Ki Ay! My friend Misty has agreed to start Weight Watchers tomorrow with me. I got a coupon for free registration, so off we go. I wonder what the "official" weight gain will be? I hope to be more diligent about my weight loss blog as well. I plan on stopping at Karla's site a lot and starting the FIRM again.

The 3-Day is rapidly approaching and I pray it cools down before that. This weekend has been so hot and humid. If it is like this on the 3-Day I will not be able to make it. You can hardly breathe outside let alone walk 20-24 miles a day. Misty and I walked very early yesterday morning and after only 2 hours, we gave up. It was hot and Arbor Springs is very hilly! Next week I think we'll stick to Lake Redwine!

Olaf is going into work very early tomorrow. He wants to meet the guys in his shop that work the midnight shift. They get off at 4:00 am, so he is going in sometime prior to that. I think he wants to be there by 3:00. We went to BJ's today and bought cinnamon rolls, rugala, and brownie bites for him to take in as a peace offering! LOL! I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow for some blood work. I have never had my cholesterol, trigylcerides, or routine blood work ever performed that I am aware of. So, I am going in just for that. I have to fast after midnight and my appointment is scheduled for 9:30 am. I'll only miss my coffee.

Can you believe it's almost September? Wow! Caleb's birthday is the 11th and Olaf's is the 29th. I walk the 30th. Before you know it, Christmas will be here! Then DISNEY! WooHoo!

I found it!

I found a birthday present for Olaf. E-mail me if you want to see the link! He reads my blog ya know...

OK, OK...this Monday for sure

I really will start my diet on Monday. Really! I promise. But right now, this soft, frosted sugar cookie is so delicious. SO worth it. My visitor should arrive in the next few days and I am really NEEDING this cookie. Monday for sure:)

Tomorrow Camille will be gone a good portion of the day for Molly's birthday. They are going swimming and out to lunch. I will miss her. She isn't away very often and my heart is sad when she is gone. So, it will just be me and the littles tomorrow until Caleb gets home from school. That will be nice though. I can spend some fun time just playing with them and not worrying about getting school done. And speaking of my dear sweet daughter, can you please comment at her blog. She is getting discouraged that no one comments. Heh-I know that feeling too. (Am I guilting anyone to comment?) I lurve Heather because she leaves comments for me. (Personally I think she is just waiting for a Narnia poster, but that is between you and me.)

No one has any great ideas for my husband's birthday?? C'mon ladies. I need a little help.

I got my An Encouraging Word magazine today. I really like that magazine. I only read two magazines because I just don't have the time for others. I read An Encouraging Word and Homeschool Digest. They are both put out by the same publisher and both so convicting. I cannot recommend them enough. If you buy a subscription you can give a subscription to a friend for free. $18.00 for two subs is well worth every penny.

Did you know that Janet Paschal has cancer? I recently found out about that. And did you know about Wes King having lymphoma? All these young people getting cancer... Maybe it has always been this way, we just notice it more now. I am just so grateful for each day the LORD allows me to live and see my children grow up. What a blessing. However, better is one day in Your courts than thousands elsewhere. (Some of you are singing right now!)

More dress talk

I ordered a dress for the wedding. Well, actually I ordered two. They are the same, just different colors and sizes. Here it is. I ordered one in cantaloupe and one in watermelon. You can't beat the price!:) The bride is wearing this, so we want to see what color will look best with it. The bride is beautiful and very thin. She looks a lot like the model in the photo actually. She wears a size 6 at most and is probably 5'6". I, on the other hand, ordered the "W" size! All I can think of when I see 16W is 16 WIDE!

Olaf is all psyched about a Narnia event he is doing Labor Day Weekend. Our local Christian bookstore (Parable) is having a Grand Re-Opening Sale due to a change in ownership. They are having J93.3 come out an broadcast live for three hours. They want to include him being there on their radio commercials for it. Now we just hope that the people he volunteers for can get him the needed supplies. They aren't too "with it" if you know what I mean. On the other hand, the secular group that Olaf volunteers for is awesome! They are so on top of things. However, since this is a Christian event, he has to go through the Christian media outlet. We'll see...

The 3-Day is rapidly approaching. I still need a new pair of shoes. If you haven't sponsored me and would like to, please click the link in my sidebar. Time is running out. I have until September 15th for online donations. So go, go, go, and sponsor, sponsor, sponsor. Karen is doing well by the way. Her husband rarely updates, so that is GREAT news. He is having too much fun just being with her. Thank you Lord for extending her life beyond what the doctor's thought was possible. Karen has been taking this and really believes it is helping her. She started taking these before she even started her chemo pills. She progressively got stronger and stronger. I say praise God!

Not much else to report! If you have read this far, then you must be really bored!:)

My cookies turned out pretty good. Not as good as Mrs. Pitts, but good none the less.

I walked this morning in Villa Rica at in my team captain's neighborhood. I really like her, but she has no idea what the word "flat" means. I have walked there once before and was amazed at the different definitions of "flat." Her neighborhood is like walking in San Francisco! The only flat spot was the three step in between going up and going down. We walked a little over three hours and then I had to stop. I wore my old shoes and am now convinced that I will not be able to wear them on the walk. I had planned on wearing my new shoes on days 1 and 3, and my old shoes on day two. Ain't happenin'. Tomorrow we are going to Callaway Gardens and while my family plays on the beach, I am going to walk. I'd like to get in at least 10 miles tomorrow as well.

Caleb started baseball again this morning. Unfortunately I will not be able to make any of his games until after the walk. Saturday mornings are my only day to get in the high miles. I know that he gets a home run at every at bat though. Always has, always will. Olaf said it was pure chaos today. He cannot coach due to my walk, so the new woman hadn't a clue how to handle all these mentally challenged children. Caleb being one of the most hyper of the bunch!

Anyone have any great ideas on what to get my husband for his birthday? I never know what to get him. I am having a flag flown at the nation's capital on his birthday. They send you the flag and the certificate saying that it was flown in honor of you and the reason. Very cool. He is a history buff, likes to garden, loves Narnia, likes Lionel trains. I'd like to get him something out of the ordinary though.

WOW! It's late. I need to go to bed. Have a blessed Sunday everyone.

Mrs. Pitts' Cookies

There is nothing better than eating a batch of my friend's chocolate chip cookies. I have her recipe, but mine never turn out as good as hers. I'm not sure why. Every year for my birthday I ask for an entire BATCH of her cookies. That's all I want. And to be honest, I don't share many of them either. So, as I patiently wait for my two sticks of butter to come to room temperature, I thought I'd blog. For Tammy!:)

I am starting back on Weight Watchers on Monday. There really is something psychological for me having to start on Monday. I wonder why. Anyway, this Monday I am back on points. My friend has asked me to stand up with her as she gets married, so I must lose this poundage. I am so honored that she would ask me at all. At first it was just going to be her three children in the wedding, but then the groom-to-be wanted his two adult sons in it as well. And that, well, made it all uneven!:) So I am there to even things out a bit! This is the second marriage for both of them. The event will take place November 19th outside. The bride will wear this. Yes, in Navy. It will look fabulous on her! We are not sure of the dress I will wear, but it may possibly be this.

I am so tired today. I have been getting up at 6:00 am, when Olaf leaves the house, to get Caleb on the bus. During the summer I slept in with Josiah. Olaf would fix Caleb breakfast before he left for work and then turn the TV on. Caleb would watch TV in the living room while I slept in. Well, welcome back to reality darlin'. I guess Grace woke up crying last night and I didn't even wake up! That NEVER happens.

Olaf has been busy trying to adjust to his new world as foreman. He has a pager now and I can bug him at any time. Gotta love that!:) Nothing like being in a meeting and your wife is paging you with, "Hey, can you pick up some milk on your way home!"

Off to feel the butter. Hopefully it's soft. I doubt it though. Just like a watched pot never boils...felt up butter never softens.

Weddings, cakes and invites...oh my!

I went with my friend to look at wedding cakes today. The one she is getting is really simple and elegant. Then we went to look at some wedding invitations so I could have an idea of what she likes. I plan on making them myself. The only problem is my ink jet printer doesn't do such a great job on cardstock. Stephanie, how do I remedy that? Do you have a laser printer?

Olaf was officially announced as foreman today. Yes, he got the job. I couldn't post it until it had been announced to the world just in case some spy from Delta reads my blog. The shop he is taking over seems to be tough, but Olaf is cool and level-headed. He'll do well there I think. He didn't get a warm reception when he was introduced to the guys. I guess they want Olaf to earn their respect or something. He got a little pay raise, so that is good. A little is better than none. Now pray that Delta stays in business!:)

We are planning a wah retreat in November. We are meeting in Destin, Florida at this resort. Mari very kindly gave us her timeshare. Nothing like a weekend with women you have never met before but you KNOW they will become great friends in just hours. I can't wait to meet everyone. I hope some of the moderators can go, but everyone knows they are such snobs! (rolling eyes at their snobbishness-not at all jealous) I do think it would be great to meet Becky or Dana or Heather. I already know I'm meeting Cheri in October because I am going to stalk her. I know where her daddy is a pastor here in my hometown, so if she refuses to visit me...I'm stalking! In all honesty, I have made some wonderful friends via the internet. It will truly be a blessing for me to meet these women. I feel so blessed.

Oh My!

I weighed this morning. I have gained back 9.5 pounds since my lowest weight! YIKES! Starting WW again today.

Roses

Aren't they pretty? I'd love to give Olaf complete credit, but I cannot. I basically told him I wanted them and he sent them. OK, so it's not romantic but I got the roses. Eighteen of them. We've been dating 18 years this month. I put two and two together, he did not. I love him anyway!

I'm going to be an Aunt

Olaf's brother's wife (got that?) just found out that she is pregnant. This is their first baby and they are thrilled. How fun. I remember when I found out I was pregnant with my first. I walked on clouds for the first few weeks. Children are truly a blessing from the Lord!

Enter the world of Narnia

This is where my husband spent the last four hours. Handing out all kinds of promotional items from the world of Narnia. Do you want some? Leave a comment and I'll send out the goodies he was giving away. Nothing major, but fun none-the-less!

Becky gave me her hand-me- down banner! Well, let's be honest. I just begged her if I could have it and she finally relented. Then she went in and changed the color of my background to make it more appealing to the eye. Do you love it??? Thank you Beckster! You are the best.

Grace

I just waxed eloquent to my four year old on the reasons we should be kind to our siblings and not throw a fit when they won't comply with my little general's orders. After the lecture I asked her if she understood what I just said. "Nope" was her reply. So I broke the lesson down into sentences? "Are you supposed to use kind words?" "Yes" came the sweet little answer then she said, "Can we talk about this the next time I get in trouble?"

Narnia

Have I mentioned that our family (especially Olaf) are big Chronicles of Narnia fans? The movie, "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" is coming out December 9th and Olaf has volunteered with two different organizations to help promote the movie. This Friday night he is going to MegaFest (shaddup!) to work a Narnia booth there. The traffic is going to be absolutely horrendous, but he'll get a free Narnia T-Shirt! LOL! If you want more info on the movie, go here. It's a great site. Did you know our cat's names are Aravis and Shasta from the book "A Horse and His Boy" from the Chronicles of Narnia? We have the audio series from Focus on the Family Entertainment too. We listen to them often in the car. I cannot wait for the movie to come out. If you haven't read the books, you really need to.

It's late.
Bullet statements.
Riding lessons canceled at last minute.
Hate that because I had just woken up Josiah.
He was awake from 3:30 am to 6:30 am this morning.
I woke him up at 8:40 and she calls at 8:55 to cancel.
We normally leave the house at 9:20 am.
She had a dentist appointment.
Rescheduled for tomorrow.
Hope it doesn't rain.
Picking up Molly after riding lessons.
The children love to play with her.
Poor Molly.
Smothered to death whenever she comes over.
Desperately need to walk.
Desperately need to lose weight.
Have a training walk planned for this Saturday morning.
Hope it isn't too hot and muggy.
Plan on walking 12-14 miles.
Currently jealous of Mari.
She gets to go to tanning beds and buy expensive dresses.
I'm pale and frumpy!:)
Thinking of rewarding myself with plastic surgery once I lose 30 more pounds.
I want it all.
Tummy tuck.
Breast augmentation.
Liposuction.
The whole kit n kaboodle.
Can't afford it so it will remain a dream!:)
Found new lipstick that I lurve.
Covergirl makes it.
Kroger had it on sale for $5.99 and I had a dollar off coupon.
I bought two!
It really does stay on all day.
And it doesn't rub off on anything.
Not even your children when you kiss them.
It's the little things in life that give me pleasure.
Had an appointment with the ENT doctor today.
My throat looks fine.
If I get reinfected he wants to take out my tonsils.
Pray that I don't get reinfected.
Olaf still doesn't know if he made foreman.
The guy hasn't even made up his mind yet.
And you call that a good manager?
C'mon already.
It's been two weeks!
Make up your flippin' mind!
Time for bed.
Leave a comment.
'Night!