December 25, 2007
Merry Christmas! It is with GREAT joy that I write these words:
"I'm expecting!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
Or as Alice from The Best Christmas Pageant Ever would say...I'm "Great with child"
I don't have words to express what I'm feeling in my heart today, so we'll just save all that for another day. But I do rejoice that on the greatest day of the year, God allowed us to share with our family this wonderful news. God bless us everyone!
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Ding Dong the "B" is dead
December 23, 2007
I came home from church today and the "B" was lying on the ground. So my question is:
Was it the wind? or Do I owe Gayle a prize? ha ha
I came home from church today and the "B" was lying on the ground. So my question is:
Was it the wind? or Do I owe Gayle a prize? ha ha
Monday, December 17, 2007
The "B"
December 17, 2007
(Sorry I've been away for so long, but it has been a BUSY Nov/Dec.!)
I couldn't decide on a title for this blog. So many choices went through my mind like:
"Where are the vandals when you need them?"
"Honk if you hate the 'B' !"
"SERIOUSLY????"
Anyway, our neighborhood is great! Many perks, great neighbors, terrific pool, etc.
As with any neighborhood there is always a con or two. Ours happens to be....Christmas decorations! I love Christmas and I love to decorate. I appreciate beautiful lights and displays.
What I don't like is tacky or gaudy....and this year....our neighborhood wins the tacky/gaudy (throw-up) award! Last year, my neighbors and I really freaked out when we saw how the "designer" was decorating. Gold boxes (that really looked like cardboard boxes that had flown out of the back of a furniture truck), NEON green ribbon (not classic Christmas green), red, straw like garland sticking out of rocks, and to top it all off...a one-armed nutcracker! (I am NOT kidding). Well, I went to the home-owner's association meeting in February not to discuss sidewalks, lights, pool issues....no no no... I wanted to talk about the decorations. I read the budget and are ya'll sitting down..... $22,000 for decorations! Oh my gosh! Somebody TOTALLY got ripped off. I was soooo mad, my neighbors were mad, etc. We all somehow settled down until Dec. 1 when the decoration started going up again. Just when we thought it couldn't get any worse.... the lady brings out the "B". There is a giant wooden B at our neighborhood entrance. At first it was filled with red poinsettias on the outside and white on the inside. And then it rained....the white flowers became pink (are you feeling the gaudiness people?) I would get infuriated everytime I drove by. I begged Scott to let me stand by the B with a sign that read "Honk if you hate the B". I even asked him if I could start a petition! (he said no). After about 2 weeks of the "pink" flowers, the "designer" (I use that term loosely!!!) decided to change the flowers to ribbon and lights. (ok, a slight improvement) So now instead of looking like a bad Jr. College homecoming float or a giant funeral spray, it just looks like a giant budweiser sign! Seriously ya'll....not one person, friend, or family member has seen this B and didn't think it was the WORST thing ever! I mean, we have a 1 armed nutcracker and a B. Do you think I would go to jail for vandalism if the B mysteriously "disappeared"? I will be at the associational meeting in February to AGAIN discuss the decorations, only this time ALL my neighbors will b e there with me. (right neighbors?)
Ya'll your Christmas will not be complete until you ride out to my neighborhood to see this for yourself. If you do and you happen to loose control of your steering wheel and ram into the B, there might be a little reward for you!
(Sorry I've been away for so long, but it has been a BUSY Nov/Dec.!)
I couldn't decide on a title for this blog. So many choices went through my mind like:
"Where are the vandals when you need them?"
"Honk if you hate the 'B' !"
"SERIOUSLY????"
Anyway, our neighborhood is great! Many perks, great neighbors, terrific pool, etc.
As with any neighborhood there is always a con or two. Ours happens to be....Christmas decorations! I love Christmas and I love to decorate. I appreciate beautiful lights and displays.
What I don't like is tacky or gaudy....and this year....our neighborhood wins the tacky/gaudy (throw-up) award! Last year, my neighbors and I really freaked out when we saw how the "designer" was decorating. Gold boxes (that really looked like cardboard boxes that had flown out of the back of a furniture truck), NEON green ribbon (not classic Christmas green), red, straw like garland sticking out of rocks, and to top it all off...a one-armed nutcracker! (I am NOT kidding). Well, I went to the home-owner's association meeting in February not to discuss sidewalks, lights, pool issues....no no no... I wanted to talk about the decorations. I read the budget and are ya'll sitting down..... $22,000 for decorations! Oh my gosh! Somebody TOTALLY got ripped off. I was soooo mad, my neighbors were mad, etc. We all somehow settled down until Dec. 1 when the decoration started going up again. Just when we thought it couldn't get any worse.... the lady brings out the "B". There is a giant wooden B at our neighborhood entrance. At first it was filled with red poinsettias on the outside and white on the inside. And then it rained....the white flowers became pink (are you feeling the gaudiness people?) I would get infuriated everytime I drove by. I begged Scott to let me stand by the B with a sign that read "Honk if you hate the B". I even asked him if I could start a petition! (he said no). After about 2 weeks of the "pink" flowers, the "designer" (I use that term loosely!!!) decided to change the flowers to ribbon and lights. (ok, a slight improvement) So now instead of looking like a bad Jr. College homecoming float or a giant funeral spray, it just looks like a giant budweiser sign! Seriously ya'll....not one person, friend, or family member has seen this B and didn't think it was the WORST thing ever! I mean, we have a 1 armed nutcracker and a B. Do you think I would go to jail for vandalism if the B mysteriously "disappeared"? I will be at the associational meeting in February to AGAIN discuss the decorations, only this time ALL my neighbors will b e there with me. (right neighbors?)
Ya'll your Christmas will not be complete until you ride out to my neighborhood to see this for yourself. If you do and you happen to loose control of your steering wheel and ram into the B, there might be a little reward for you!
Monday, November 12, 2007
The Stocking Story
November 12, 2007
I ALWAYS decorate "early" for Christmas. Veteran's Day holiday means...putting up the Christmas Tree. (I actually put it up Saturday this year...thanks Scott!) It's way too much work if you don't have time to enjoy it. I've never understood those" 2 weeks before Christmas" people.We've never been "stocking" people though. We do lots of fun gifts, but no stockings. I have 2 for decoration only. Well, this year Abby decided she wanted her own stocking. She saw a cute one at Lowe's, but I suggested we keep looking to make sure she found the one she really wanted. So today we were off to find Abby a stocking. While we were driving, I said..."Abby, what if we all got new stockings and had them monogrammed with our first initial? If we put you in the middle, do you know what that would spell?"( Well- I was thinking Scott, Abby, Wendy- "SAW".) I wish you could have seen Abby's face. She looked at me and said (very hesitantly) "DAM". She was thinking Daddy, Abby, Mommy:)
I have never laughed so hard- not to mention I was trying to drive!!!! Kids are sooo funny.
Needless to say, I had to call my mother, sister, etc. and share the story. When I told Scott, he immediately said, "Sounds like a blog story to me." So here it is! (And no-we did NOT get monogrammed stockings!!!!)
I ALWAYS decorate "early" for Christmas. Veteran's Day holiday means...putting up the Christmas Tree. (I actually put it up Saturday this year...thanks Scott!) It's way too much work if you don't have time to enjoy it. I've never understood those" 2 weeks before Christmas" people.We've never been "stocking" people though. We do lots of fun gifts, but no stockings. I have 2 for decoration only. Well, this year Abby decided she wanted her own stocking. She saw a cute one at Lowe's, but I suggested we keep looking to make sure she found the one she really wanted. So today we were off to find Abby a stocking. While we were driving, I said..."Abby, what if we all got new stockings and had them monogrammed with our first initial? If we put you in the middle, do you know what that would spell?"( Well- I was thinking Scott, Abby, Wendy- "SAW".) I wish you could have seen Abby's face. She looked at me and said (very hesitantly) "DAM". She was thinking Daddy, Abby, Mommy:)
I have never laughed so hard- not to mention I was trying to drive!!!! Kids are sooo funny.
Needless to say, I had to call my mother, sister, etc. and share the story. When I told Scott, he immediately said, "Sounds like a blog story to me." So here it is! (And no-we did NOT get monogrammed stockings!!!!)
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Punch-Buggy Controversy!
October 21, 2007
Over the past couple of months, Abby has really been "into" playing punch-buggy. (I think everyone knows that means spotting a volkswagen "doodle" bug, and then punching the person next to you.) Well...first of all I think you know how competitive I am. Do you know how hard it is to drive and try to win punch-buggy? The rules seem to "change" depending on the circumstances ya' know? (like whether or not Abby is winning/losing). Anyway, last Sunday we are on our way to church and we are playing punch-buggy. (Let me say-Daddy is not as familiar with this game. The night before we were playing and he didn't "see" the buggy, so he and Abby got into a "heated" discussion!) Continue....there are always at least 2 buggy's near the church- one old black one, and one new green one. Well Abby screams out punch-buggy and Scott and I didn't see it. We did see one of those cars that's kinda of a retake on an old vintage style, but I'm not sure what the name of it is. We thought that was what Abby saw, so we yell "Foul!"
Wrong thing to say! Arguing started all over our car. "I did see it!" "No you didn't" etc etc
To prove to Abby that you can NOT just say punch buggy without a car actually being there, we decided to TURN AROUND and prove our point. (Did I mention we are on our way to CHURCH when this is happening????) Low and behold, what do you think we see when we turn around?
A black punch-buggy sitting right where Abby said it was. Oh!!!! We felt terrible! But it was SOOOOO funny. We couldn't stop laughing as Abby was saying "See, I told ya'll" and "How do you think it makes me feel when you don't trust me? Why should I trust ya'll just because you say something?" OUCH!!!
Needless to say we certainly learned an important lesson! (Innocent until proven guilty???)
We apologized profusely, and then gave Abby double points because we doubted her.
New rule made by Daddy...."No punch buggy on Sunday! We're going to worship Jesus!"
Did you all know that someone at our church has a silver bug? Oh well, so much for that rule!
Over the past couple of months, Abby has really been "into" playing punch-buggy. (I think everyone knows that means spotting a volkswagen "doodle" bug, and then punching the person next to you.) Well...first of all I think you know how competitive I am. Do you know how hard it is to drive and try to win punch-buggy? The rules seem to "change" depending on the circumstances ya' know? (like whether or not Abby is winning/losing). Anyway, last Sunday we are on our way to church and we are playing punch-buggy. (Let me say-Daddy is not as familiar with this game. The night before we were playing and he didn't "see" the buggy, so he and Abby got into a "heated" discussion!) Continue....there are always at least 2 buggy's near the church- one old black one, and one new green one. Well Abby screams out punch-buggy and Scott and I didn't see it. We did see one of those cars that's kinda of a retake on an old vintage style, but I'm not sure what the name of it is. We thought that was what Abby saw, so we yell "Foul!"
Wrong thing to say! Arguing started all over our car. "I did see it!" "No you didn't" etc etc
To prove to Abby that you can NOT just say punch buggy without a car actually being there, we decided to TURN AROUND and prove our point. (Did I mention we are on our way to CHURCH when this is happening????) Low and behold, what do you think we see when we turn around?
A black punch-buggy sitting right where Abby said it was. Oh!!!! We felt terrible! But it was SOOOOO funny. We couldn't stop laughing as Abby was saying "See, I told ya'll" and "How do you think it makes me feel when you don't trust me? Why should I trust ya'll just because you say something?" OUCH!!!
Needless to say we certainly learned an important lesson! (Innocent until proven guilty???)
We apologized profusely, and then gave Abby double points because we doubted her.
New rule made by Daddy...."No punch buggy on Sunday! We're going to worship Jesus!"
Did you all know that someone at our church has a silver bug? Oh well, so much for that rule!
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Magic YOUR Way!
September 16, 2007
Scott says we need a new saying around our house when we are pleased with someone's service, or when someone goes out of their way for someone else. I suggested "Magic Your Way" since Disney World is what inspired his comment. We had such a good time that I don't even know where to begin! First let me say, for all of you who prayed for me before our trip (due to my Mono) Thank you! The Saturday before we left I woke up without a headache or sore throat for the first time in 3 weeks. (Good sign). Sunday early am (4:00) our adventure began. We headed to the airport with only 3 carry on suitcases (be impressed people, be very impressed!) Of course in my suitcase was my big clear Clinique bag with every bathroom item you can imagine. The sweet security man helped me separate it all into 3 clear zip loc bags and then we were ready to go. Our flight attendants must have been hired by Walt Disney himself because they were hilarious! (Example: if you have more than one child and you have to use the oxygen masks, please choose the child with the most potential first...ha ha) We landed and the Magic began. (Ya'll if you've never experienced the service of Disney first hand...oh my gosh! Their customer service Rocks!) We were picked up by a cool shuttle and taken to our hotel.(Side note: ok, when I booked this vacation of course I chose the value hotel. Let's just say this was the only "kink" in our trip. Not a good room, smelled like smoke, we were disappointed. No problem...we upgraded to a moderate resort 'Caribbean Beach'...now were talking!) Our vacation package included free dining so we had several character meal opportunities. We ate breakfast with the Princesses, Dinner with Goofy and friends at the Liberty Tree Tavern, and then breakfast again with Mickey and Donald. (Did I mention this was FREE!) Sunday (our traveling day) was my only really tiring day. I had to go to the hotel and rest for a little while, but come Monday I was good to go. Abby was the perfect age (8) and height to enjoy her first trip to Disney. She could ride everything (and she did) and she could keep up with the pace, not have to take naps, etc. Animal Kingdom is our favorite simply because they were so good to us. We happened to be in the right place at the right time and were awarded Dream Fast Passes! (Side note: We are waiting to be picked up by the shuttle bus for our day at Animal Kingdom and it seems to never come. Magic Kingdom, MGM, Internal Shuttle, Epcot, all come by 2 and 3 times. Where is our bus? I can be a little impatient (Understatement of the year) and was "Fussing" a little bit like I usually do when I don't get me way. Finally our bus came (after what seemed like an eternity ...I can be a little overdramatic) and we get to the park. Now, when we got those fast passes the Holy Spirit reminded me of the verse "All things work together for good..."
I know Disney may not be the most "spiritual" place in the world, but you can learn some really important things there (or at least I did). Lesson 1: God's timing is perfect. If I had gotten what I wanted when I wanted it, we would have missed out on Dream Passes, a behind the scenes tour of our favorite ride (Everest Expedition), and a perfect safari trip. Lesson 2: God provides. I needed a room where I could really rest and have quiet surroundings, I needed strength physically, and we have prayed that not only would I endure but that I would also enjoy...God provided! Lesson 3: "Above all love one another deeply...for love covers a multitude of sins."
Do ya'll realize that Disney exemplifies this verse better than most Christians (or at least me and my family)? They are out to serve! What a lesson we could learn if we put their "business" practice into our daily lives. What if I served others the way I want to be served? What if I treated others like they were the only people around and their needs were all that mattered?
What if "FantasyLand" didn't have to be a Fantasy Land? Heaven is the only place where we can truly be free from selfishness, from pride, from laziness, etc. But if you need an "earthly" reminder ....you can find it at Disney! We had such a good time that we are already saving for our next trip. We found a few quarters in the dryer and put it in the Disney Piggy Bank! Maybe it wasn't just Disney world that was so great. Maybe it was being with my family, no TV, no phones, NO COMPUTER! Just enjoying one another's company....laughing...screaming together on silly rides....eating a great meal....
It wasn't "perfect", but it was pretty close. It was the best vacation my family has ever had. We have lots of great pictures(I'll be happy to share), great memories, and great lessons to cherish. I hope you all get a chance to experience Disney...and (don't judge me for this) but... I do hope there's a roller coaster in Heaven!
Scott says we need a new saying around our house when we are pleased with someone's service, or when someone goes out of their way for someone else. I suggested "Magic Your Way" since Disney World is what inspired his comment. We had such a good time that I don't even know where to begin! First let me say, for all of you who prayed for me before our trip (due to my Mono) Thank you! The Saturday before we left I woke up without a headache or sore throat for the first time in 3 weeks. (Good sign). Sunday early am (4:00) our adventure began. We headed to the airport with only 3 carry on suitcases (be impressed people, be very impressed!) Of course in my suitcase was my big clear Clinique bag with every bathroom item you can imagine. The sweet security man helped me separate it all into 3 clear zip loc bags and then we were ready to go. Our flight attendants must have been hired by Walt Disney himself because they were hilarious! (Example: if you have more than one child and you have to use the oxygen masks, please choose the child with the most potential first...ha ha) We landed and the Magic began. (Ya'll if you've never experienced the service of Disney first hand...oh my gosh! Their customer service Rocks!) We were picked up by a cool shuttle and taken to our hotel.(Side note: ok, when I booked this vacation of course I chose the value hotel. Let's just say this was the only "kink" in our trip. Not a good room, smelled like smoke, we were disappointed. No problem...we upgraded to a moderate resort 'Caribbean Beach'...now were talking!) Our vacation package included free dining so we had several character meal opportunities. We ate breakfast with the Princesses, Dinner with Goofy and friends at the Liberty Tree Tavern, and then breakfast again with Mickey and Donald. (Did I mention this was FREE!) Sunday (our traveling day) was my only really tiring day. I had to go to the hotel and rest for a little while, but come Monday I was good to go. Abby was the perfect age (8) and height to enjoy her first trip to Disney. She could ride everything (and she did) and she could keep up with the pace, not have to take naps, etc. Animal Kingdom is our favorite simply because they were so good to us. We happened to be in the right place at the right time and were awarded Dream Fast Passes! (Side note: We are waiting to be picked up by the shuttle bus for our day at Animal Kingdom and it seems to never come. Magic Kingdom, MGM, Internal Shuttle, Epcot, all come by 2 and 3 times. Where is our bus? I can be a little impatient (Understatement of the year) and was "Fussing" a little bit like I usually do when I don't get me way. Finally our bus came (after what seemed like an eternity ...I can be a little overdramatic) and we get to the park. Now, when we got those fast passes the Holy Spirit reminded me of the verse "All things work together for good..."
I know Disney may not be the most "spiritual" place in the world, but you can learn some really important things there (or at least I did). Lesson 1: God's timing is perfect. If I had gotten what I wanted when I wanted it, we would have missed out on Dream Passes, a behind the scenes tour of our favorite ride (Everest Expedition), and a perfect safari trip. Lesson 2: God provides. I needed a room where I could really rest and have quiet surroundings, I needed strength physically, and we have prayed that not only would I endure but that I would also enjoy...God provided! Lesson 3: "Above all love one another deeply...for love covers a multitude of sins."
Do ya'll realize that Disney exemplifies this verse better than most Christians (or at least me and my family)? They are out to serve! What a lesson we could learn if we put their "business" practice into our daily lives. What if I served others the way I want to be served? What if I treated others like they were the only people around and their needs were all that mattered?
What if "FantasyLand" didn't have to be a Fantasy Land? Heaven is the only place where we can truly be free from selfishness, from pride, from laziness, etc. But if you need an "earthly" reminder ....you can find it at Disney! We had such a good time that we are already saving for our next trip. We found a few quarters in the dryer and put it in the Disney Piggy Bank! Maybe it wasn't just Disney world that was so great. Maybe it was being with my family, no TV, no phones, NO COMPUTER! Just enjoying one another's company....laughing...screaming together on silly rides....eating a great meal....
It wasn't "perfect", but it was pretty close. It was the best vacation my family has ever had. We have lots of great pictures(I'll be happy to share), great memories, and great lessons to cherish. I hope you all get a chance to experience Disney...and (don't judge me for this) but... I do hope there's a roller coaster in Heaven!
Friday, September 14, 2007
From the mouths of Babes...
September 14, 2007
We love the HGTV channel and have begun watching a new show..."My First Place."
Toward the end of the episode last night, the girl buying the house said she loved her new place and couldn't wait to live there, (Abby says..."Just wait til the bills start coming in." Then she Abby (very casually) looked at me and said "Is she single?" I said yes. "Well, she needs to get married, then the daddy (meaning her husband) would take care of all those bills and she wouldn't have to worry about it!" Amen sister!
PS...Disney update is coming, but it will be a detailed post and I have to get out from under all this "catch up" work first! Stay tuned!
We love the HGTV channel and have begun watching a new show..."My First Place."
Toward the end of the episode last night, the girl buying the house said she loved her new place and couldn't wait to live there, (Abby says..."Just wait til the bills start coming in." Then she Abby (very casually) looked at me and said "Is she single?" I said yes. "Well, she needs to get married, then the daddy (meaning her husband) would take care of all those bills and she wouldn't have to worry about it!" Amen sister!
PS...Disney update is coming, but it will be a detailed post and I have to get out from under all this "catch up" work first! Stay tuned!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
