I'm thankful

I have so much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving! God is so good to me! But, here to name a few of the main ones.

1. My Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He gave his life so I could have life and not only that he guides me by the hand through this world, while I am waiting to get to the next one! He is my rock my strength and my reason for living!
2. For my awesome husband who is a faithful loving man. He still makes me feel like Cinderella, even after 8 years of marriage! He is an awesome father and a wonderful provider!
3. For Wesley and Patrick, my sweet little boys. They are the light of my life! They are healthy, strong, good kids. What a blessing to have a hand in what God is doing in their lives!
4. My extended family and friends. Especially, my dad and stepmom, my mother in law Pam, my Aunt Jill, Jenny Lape, Karen, Allison, Katie, and all the amazing friends and family who have blessed my life. Also for my church family and my brother and sisters in Christ!
5. That my mom is still here, almost 3 years after her stroke! God is good!
6. For living the the greatest nation on earth and for for all the men and women willing to sacrifice so much to protect it!
7. For financial provision that God has given us. In this economy, I do not take for granted that Jake has a good job, our bills our paid, and we are doing OK with money.
8. For running! What an amazing thing God has lead me too! It has changed my life more than I can say! I am thankful God has given me the physical ability to be a runner too!
9. For the little things like a cup of coffee in the morning, a pretty beach, colorful Fall leaves in Missouri, all that fun stuff!
10. For the call he has given my life to go out and preach the gospel of our Lord, without fear!

Back from paridise!

Bahamas was amazing! So beauitful. It was 85 degrees everyday. Never got below 65 a night. It rained a little, but mostly sunny. We stayed at the Atlantis resort. It was amazing! The funniest part to me was all the Christmas decorations that were up! Hard to think of Christmas when its 85, but I will take it! Who needs a White Christmas! On Monday night, I won $287. in the hotel casino! Yay me! I have never been a very lucky gambler so it was a big win! Tuesday night we had dinner in Bobby Flay's place. It was pretty good. Wednesday, we played with Dolphins! Amazing! Once in a lifetime thing! I got to kiss one! I have never been a huge Dolphin freak, but these animals were amazing! So smart and friendly. The rest of the time, we pretty much relaxed and ate fancy dinners at night. Jake had his class from 7-noon of course. Home now. Missed the kids, but if it weren't for them, I could have stayed longer! Bummer to wake up this morning to 40 degrees! Check out my pics on facebook!

5 Questions

Stole this from a friend.

1. If you could be a fly on any wall, which would you choose?
My sons classroom.



2. Do you budget your Christmas shopping or just get it done without budgeting?
We budget somewhat.


3. What is the craziest fad diet you have ever done?
I did Slim Fast a few times, never really into fad diets, they don't work and they are unhealthy.


4. Is there a TV show that you have seen every episode/season of?
Vampire Diares


5. What one song always pulls at your heart?
Awesome God by Rich Mullins has always been a song that has really got me!

Scary stuff

So, I love Halloween! It is a fun holiday for kids and adults! I love the idea that you get to be something differnet for a night. However, I must say this year I will be glad when its over! Wesley is terrified of everything! We can't go to Target without him freaking out over all the decorations! Everywhere he looks he sees scary faces! We went to the Grants Farm Halloween thing the other night and he was freaked out by the spooky music on the train! I guess its the age. He hasn't really been this freaked out in years past. Patrick on the other hand, must be too young to be scared, because it doesn't even faze him! Today Wes had a accident at school because he said the bathroom was haunted for Halloween. He was freaked out be the decorations! I mean how scary can they get at a Elementry school! I am ready for the fun and happy Christmas stuff!

7 things that make me happy!

I stole this idea from someone!

7 Things that make me happy!
1. Jesus
2. My family
3. My friends
4. Running
5. Traveling
6. Christmas lights
7. The smell of the ocean.

13 miles!

I registered for the Go St. Louis, Half Marathon! I will be running 13 miles on April 10th! I am so excited, but nervous too! I'm at 6 miles now, so I am already half way there. I will be training in the Winter months, so I gotta stay motivated. The fact that I payed $75. to register will be keep me motivated! I am praying for health though. Praying for no injuries that would prevent me from racing! Please be praying with me on that!

Back into routine

So, school has finally started and we are back to our routine. Wes is loving first grade and loving being at school full days. I have really been enjoying having some alone time with just Patrick. I thought he would miss Wes, but he doesn't at all! He loves being the only kid. He is so different when Wes isn't here. He is obideient, he doesn't complain or wine, its just peaceful. We have been doing some fun things like the park, Powder Valley, and the zoo. I got to do so much with Wes before Patrick came along so its nice that I get a chance to do stuff with him.

Besides school stuff and all, Fall is getting pretty packed already. I think we have every weekend until November filled up! I am running my first 10K race on October
23rd. I am pretty ready for it already. Its really just part of my training for the Go St. Louis Half Marathon in April. I am so addicted to running!

Well, all for now!

One week!

One week till the first day of school! I can't hardly wait! It really has been a great Summer, but the last few year weeks have gotten long. Wesley is getting very bored and it has been way too hot to do much. I know it always seems crazy that school starts in Aug these days and not after Labor Day, but I am glad for this. I don't know if I could handle another 3 weeks! Wes will be in first grade this year. He is very excited. We will find out his teacher tomorrow. This will be the first time that he will go to school all day. He is excited for lunch and recess everyday. I am excited for some alone time wit Patrick. I haven't gotten much one on one time with him. Course Patrick may be kinda crabby at first cause he worships Wes so much, but he will get used to it. Cheers for back to school!

Update

Been awhile since I have blogged. Been busy with life! I went to NC in July and got to see some awesome friends from high school. I can't believe we are all still friends after 14 years and miles apart! Crazy! I had so much fun and it was a nice break from the day to day in my life. I really missed the kiddos by the time I got back though. Since then, we have just been doing Summer stuff. I have been running a lot more. I just finished another 5K in 7 minutes less time than my previous one! Yay me! I am going to be serving as Vice President of my Moms Club this year so I have been busy with the rest of the board, getting ready for our upcoming year. Wesley goes back to school on the 18th and he is ready! Getting so bored. Gonna be in first grade, so all day school this year! Yay! Well, thats all tonight!

The piece that was missing in me.

For most of my childhood and teenage years I was a dancer. I started dance when I was 2 years old and did it all the way through high school. My Senior year, I got too wrapped up in my boyfriend and decided it wasn't important anymore and quit. One of the biggest mistakes of my life. For years since, I have felt that a piece of me was missing. I was in love with dance in a way that you would love another person. I still get chills watching great dancers! Seeing the scar tissue on my toes from toe shoes actually makes me nostalgic! I never thought I would find something else that made me feel the way dance did, but I have! Running! I started as a runner just to boast my fitness, but I have since fell in love with it, just as I was in love with dance for all those years! It feels like the piece that has been missing from my heart for the past 15 years has been replaced! When I run, I feel the energy and joy I did when I danced! It relieves stress and takes my mind of my day to day worries, as dance did. Of course, its just as hard on my body as dance, so I am praying for health and doing what I can do prevent injuries. Yesterday, I finished my second 5k race, timed 7 minutes faster than my last one, two months ago! The feeling of accomplishment is amazing! I am doing two more 5K's this Summer and 10K in October, then training for a half marathon in April of 2011!

My trip

Haven't blogged in awhile, been kinda busy! I am leaving for North Carolina on Thursday! I am going for 6 days! No husband, no kids! I gonna be spending time with some girlfriends from high school! We are renting a condo at the beach! I am so excited! I so need a break! My life has been very crazy! I need a break from the kids and my mom so bad. My aunt is actually taking my mom to Tulsa for the weekend to see family, so that will be great too! This trips is my bday present from my sweet hubby! Well, Mothers Day and Bday combined! I told him I didn't want anything for my bday except to see Abby and Becca, who I have been best friends with since 6Th grade! I get a bonus by seeing 3 of my other high school buds as well! I hope to come back recharged and refreshed...and tan! LOL!

5K done!

This morning I ran my first 5K race, finished in 38.2 minutes. I am so proud of myself! I did way better than I thought I'd do. I have heard that once you run your first race, you are hooked and that is true. I am already gonna sign up for a few more 5K's this Summer and maybe a few 10K's in the Fall. Maybe I will be ready for a half marathon by Spring of 2011!

Race Day tomorrow!

I am so nervous about my race tomorrow. I wonder why? I am as prepared as I can be and its a very non-competitive race. I guess its just the unknown. My friend already picked up her packet with the map and said the track seems kinda hard! Praying all well go well! I am sure it will. God will guide my steps, literally! I'm praying for peace in my heart!

Several years ago, I was in a car accident and injured my knee. I went to see a Orthopedic surgeon who told me that as long as I never became a runner, I wouldn't need surgery. He basically told me that running was a bad idea with my knee. Well, I have been running for about 6 months and actually my knee hurts less! Goes to show doctors don't know everything thing and God heals!

questions 5/16

1. The most expensive thing hanging in my closet is.....?
My Coach shoes (not really hanging)

2. Have you ever played a team sport?
Soccer in high school


3. If you were a bug, what kind would you be?
Ladybug?


4. Where on your body is the worst place to get sunburned?
I don't really suburn too much. That's the one part of me that is not Irish! LOL! I guess I have enough native american in my blood that I may get a little pink, but usually I just tan.

5. Are you happy?
At the moment, yes.


6. People are always abbreviating..are there any abbreviations that make your skin crawl when people use them?
I don't really get too annoyed with abbreviations....probably because I use them a lot.

7. Do you love where you live..or could you live anywhere?
Yeah, I love St. Louis, except in the Winter. I wish I just had a Winter house somwhere warm. Otherwise STL is a awesome town!

8. What, if any, extreme measures do you go to to keep yourself from overeating when you're full?
nothing really

I need a new hobby

OK, so I know this is a typical thing for Moms, especially stay at home moms, but I am feeling bored. I feel like every day is exactly the same as the last one. Nothing every changes. I love being home with my kids and wouldn't have it any other way, but I need something new and exciting in my life. My best friend and her sister just did up this great wedding guide for St. Louis. They are both SAHM's and I can imagine it was exciting, not only for the book itself, but to have something new in their day to day lives. I need something like that. I need a new hobby or something to do to cut into the day to day. I am a big reader and this hobby helps. But, I think I need something else too. Something that maybe brings out the creative side of me. Hmmmm, maybe a art class at the community college. Or, some sort of project that is all about my interest, not my families. One thing I am looking forward to when both kids are in school, is getting a part time job. Not for the money so much, but for the outlet. I want to get a fun one. I am really into Wine, so maybe I will work in a Wine Shop. Anyway, I am rambling. Here are some things I am interested in, maybe I can go from there in my search for a hobby.

Reading
Wine
Travel
Fashion
Ministry
Fitness
Music
Art
History

ABC's of Summer

Got this idea from a friends. Listing the things I love about Summer starting with each letter!

A-Awesome food
B-Barbaque
C- Campfire
D-Dogs running around
E- Elephants at the zoo
F- Friendly neighbors
G- Grants Farm
H- Hot dogs
I- Icecream
J- Joyful kids
K- Kite flying
L- Longer days
M- Myrtle Beach
N- No coats
O-Ocean
P- Pork Steaks
Q-Quiet Summer Nights
S- Swimming
T- Tanning
U-Under the Sun
V- Voices of my happy kids
W- Watermelon
X- Xtreme heat
Z- Zebras at the zoo

Making Memories with my kids

So, I confess I am not much for the great outdoors! I came to the lake for the great outlet malls. I don't like fishing and being in such a quiet part of the lake actually gets rather boring. However, the smiles on my kids faces make it so worth it! They are loving the fishing, the playground, the playing with trucks on the lake beach, the grilling, all of it! These are the moments that they will remember when they have kids of their own. My husband still talks about his fishing trips to Montawk with his Grandma and Grandpa Potter. I remember the cabin my Grandma and Grandpa Harrell had at the Bourboss River and the wonderful memories there. I have nothing but found memories of that place (even if we had a outhouse cause they didn't even have indoor plumbing)! There is something about nature that brings out joy in children! Seeing a fish swimming in the water, seeing the ducks walking by, seeing the chipmunks playing, they all thrill my kids! I am so thankful for the times that we have spent here and that we will continue to spend. Thankfully for me, we aren't roughing it too much, we have cable and WIFI! LOL!

Lake of the Ozarks

We are spending the weekend with my dad and stepmother at the Lake of the Ozarks. We rent a cabin and just relax. The kids have so much fun. They are all fisherman, I am not, I come here cause of the great outlet malls! LOL! I am not much of a nature kinda person, but I couldn't help taking this picture, its very pretty.

Angel with a crooked Halo!

He looks innocent!
Wes was my good toddler. He was never really into stuff, never putting himself into danger in anyway. Boy am I getting paid back with Patrick! That kid wears me out! Just today he drew all over his self with a ink pen, drew on the walls (thank God for Magic Eraser), climbed up on top of our dinning room table and tried to walk across it, pulled books of the bookshelf and started tossing them across the room, and picked my cell phone up and threw it across the room! He has a serious hitting problem and after we get onto him for hitting Wes, he just laughs and smiles! Crazy kid! Don't get me wrong, he is a sweet child, very loving and all, but he has wild side for sure! I am really hoping that this is just him being a 2 year old, but we will see....

Bahamas confirmed

I am sooo excited! We will be spending 5 days in the Bahamas in November. Jake has a conference for 3 of the days and we are gonna pay for the other days! Yippee! We are staying at a amazing hotel, www.atlantis.com! We were really looking forward to a beach trip together this year. If a conference didn't work out, we were probably gonna run down to Cancun for a few days, but this is even better! We are not taking the kids, its just me and Jake!

5 Questions

1. If you could, would you go back to high school?

Nope, high school was fun, but I like being a grown up better!

2. If a genie appeared and granted you two wishes, what would they be? (And, no saying "more wishes".)
I don't need a Genie! I have Jesus!


3. What kids show do you secretly like?
The Wiggles

4. Favorite Drink
Coffee


5. What is something that you would change about yourself (or are working to change in yourself)?
I wish I didn't worry so much.

Bahamas?

So, Jake is looking for his conference for this year. So far, we have been to Toronto, Las Vegas (several times), Chicago, and Washington DC on his work conferences. Well, there is a very good possibility we will be in The Bahamas this November for his next one. He calculated it all up and it wouldn't cost all that much for his company and its classes he needs to take! He has to get the final OK from the boss, but he doesn't think it will be a problem! What will I do all day while he is in his class? Sit on the beach, lay by the pool, wonder the casino in the hotel, shop, who knows! We will no for sure on Monday if its a go!

Bus Accident

So, I was waiting at the bus stop for Wes. It had been like 5 minutes past drop off time. I called the school to see if the buses got off to a late start (they sometimes do) and they told me they were in the middle of calling parents because the bus has been in a accident! They immediately assured me that all the kids were find and told me where the bus was. I ran up to pick him up. It was only a few miles, but by the time I got there I was freaking out! Even though I knew he was ok! Then I get there and Wesley is crying. He was ok, just very scared. Apparently, the bus got rear-ended while dropping of some kids. Thankfully no one on the bus or in the car was seriously hurt. Wes and I are both still shaken up a bit. This whole ordeal brings me to the question I have had since I was riding the school bus WHY AREN'T THERE SEAT BELTS!!!!!!!! They practically make kids sit in a car seat until they can drive themselves, but they have no seat belts on school buses! Why? Thankfully, none of the kids in this accident were injured, but I am sure there are accidents all the time were kids are hurt or even killed! It just annoys me!

Questions 4/25

1. If you could star in any movie genre..what would it be..romance..horror..comedy..suspense or action?
A vampire romance, like Twilight or True Blood!

2. Do you recycle?
Yes, St. Louis County provides a trash can and we don't even have to sort it. They make it easy!


3. Have you ever been to a strip club?
Yeah, they are not all they are cracked up to be!


4. Do you have a nickname?
Does Mommy count?

5. What's a name you can't stand to be called?
Mrs. Potter, makes me feel old. Call me Julie!

6. What are your Summer staples?
flip flops, tanks, capri pants, my white Chanel sunglasses!

7. What was the last thing you bought for yourself?
I just preordered the 2nd season of True Blood on Amazon.com

8. Are you happy with your boob size?
Yes, but I wish they could be perked up a bit, dang kids!

The Cloud has been lifted!

I am so glad it is finally warm outside! Oh how I love the sun! After the dark days of Winter are over, I really feel as though a cloud has been lifted of my head! I can breath again! I am in a such better mood and can be myself again! I hate Winter so much and it makes me so depressed. I just want to crawl into a little ball all Winter long. But, when the temps come up, the days get longer, and the sun is out, I am so happy! Will I ever be able to convince my husband to leave this godforsaken city and go someplace with warm weather year round? Or at least for the Winter?

Year of Leadership!

So, last week I was elected Vice President of our school districts Early Childhood, Moms Club. I figured after 6 years of this club serving me, its time to do my part for the club! I am very excited about being on the board and giving back to a great club. I am also involved in MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers). I have been with them for about 6 years as well. Well, after prayer, I have decided that I will take up the co-chairperson position alongside another member for next year! I definitely prayed about it because that's two leadership positions at one time. But, God made it pretty clear about both and he will give me the strength to serve both the way I should. I have really have a heart for mothers, espeically ones with small kids and these are two great groups of ladies that I am thrilled to be a part of!

5 question Friday

Stole these from my friend Ann!



1. What words do you use on your blog/online that you don't use in real life?

Probably LOL and OMG!

2. Do you still write checks?

To the church, they still haven't gotten on electronic.




3. Who was your favorite President and why?
Probably Regan


4. Are you a yeller?
Only to my kids!LOL!


5. Have you ever dumpster dived?
No

Get away from family!

I love my family, but I need a break! I have the past 3 weeks, been non-stop with the kids or my mom. Even last weekend when the kids went to my dad and stepmoms for the night, I spent the entire time with my mom! I love them all and love spending time with them, but I need a break from them all! I need to go out with Jake alone or go out with some girlfriends or something! I am going nuts! Monday night is Moms Club and I can't wait!

Who cares about Tiger Woods?

Just a little rant. I am sooo sick of hearing about Tiger Woods! I am sad for his wife and children. I pray for them. However, I am why does the media have to talk about it like its a national crisis. Don't we have a war and a recession that are a little more important that Tiger? I think people finding jobs is a tad more serious! I watch The View everyday and even they go on and on about him! OMG! Shut up and move on!

Being Natural and Healthy!

So in the past 6 months or so, I have really been trying to learn more about health and wellness. In the past few weeks, I have been reading a ton on the benefits of herbs and natural remedies. I believe that in America we are very over medicated. I am the first to admit, I have been sucked in by this. I get a sinus infection and I call the doctor for a antibiotic. And the worst part is the doctors jump to prescribe them! Antibiotics are very over prescribed! I am not against modern medicine. I thank God for the doctors,pharmacists, and other medical people who have studied hard and learned ways to treat illness. However,I think we need to learn to get a little way from so many drugs. I am preaching to myself here too! There are so many illness that don't even need drugs, they can be treated by natural herbs and prevented by diet and exercise. I have read that Oregano is a great herb for helping build our immune systems. I have started using it and it works! Research shows that a table spoon a day of honey from your local beekeeper, can help with seasonal allergies! I have started to sweeten my coffee and tea with honey instead of sugar! Works great! Also, I have been trying to veer away from so much junk food. I am not just talking about McDonald's and Doritos either, junk food is such a bigger spectrum! So much stuff has white sugar, high fructose corn syrup, other yucky things that don't need to be in our bodies! I didn't even realize how much stuff I have been feeding my kids that have high fructose corn syrup, which is just a form of sugar. When I was a kid, my mom thought that if something was "sugar free" it was healthy, but that's not true. It usually has artificial sugar and HFCS in it, which is just as bad! Of course, I believe everything is OK in moderation, but we eat way too much of this stuff! No wonder kids in America are suffering from a epidemic of obesity for the first time in our history! I am learning to read labels on stuff. I never read them before. Lastly, is exercise. I have really always been a exercise fan. I haven't always been as religious about it as I am now, but I have always had some kind of exercise routine. I think it is from being such a active child with dance, soccer, and just normal kid play. Exercise has been proven to not only help burn calories and make you look good, but reduce stress and depression! After my moms stroke is when I got more serious about exercise. She was only 53 when she had her stroke! Very young! The American Heart Association recommends at least 4 days a week of a 30 min cardo workout. This can be as simple as walking from 30 minutes. If you have joint problems, water aerobics is awesome! My stepmother who has many problems in her knees and back loves water aerobics! I have found Yoga as one of the greatest things ever! Since doing Yoga, I have not needed my chiropractor, taken less pain medicine, and had really less back pain than ever before. Plus, it helps my posture.

The bible says that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit. I always think of the story when Jesus got so angry because people were misusing his temple. Well, if our bodies are his temple now, can you imagine how it makes him feel when we misuse them?

Getting to know you?

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Welcome to the new edition of getting to know your family and friends. Here is what you are supposed to do, and try not to be lame and spoil the fun. Change all the answers so that they apply to you. Then send this to a bunch of people you know, INCLUDING the person who sent it to you.

Some of you may get this several times; that means you have lots of friends. The easiest way to do it is to hit 'forward' so you can change the answers or copy and paste. Have fun and be truthful!


1. What is your occupation right now? Domestic Diva

2. What color are your socks right now? None

3. What are you listening to right now? SunnyPatch

4. What was the last thing that you ate? Gazapacho beans

5. Can you drive a stick shift? Yes, my first car was a stick.


6. Last person you spoke to on the phone? My aunt

7. Do you like the person who sent this to you? Of course! :D


8. How old are you today? 32
9. What is your favorite sport to watch on TV? Baseball, Soccer, and UNC Basketball

10. What is your favorite drink? Coffee or Hot tea

11. Have you ever dyed your hair? Yes, since I was 15!
12. Favorite food? Pasta, Seafood, Thai, Eastern Indian, and Southern American
13. What is the last movie you watched? New Moon, for the 10th time!

14. Favorite day of the year? St. Patricks Day!

15. How do you vent anger? Cry or Run

16. What was your favorite toy as a child? Barbie and Cabbatch Patch Kids


17. What is your favorite season? Summer

18. Cherries or Blueberries? Both


19. Do you want your friends to e-mail you back? Of course.


20. Who is most likely to respond? No clue


21. Who is least likely to respond?
Not sure

22. Living situation? With husband, two boys, my mom, and our dogs.

23. When was the last time you cried?
Friday at our church's passion play, Alive Again! Remembering the sacrifice my savior made for me!


24. What is on the floor of your closet right now? Shoes and probably some dust bunny's
25.. Who is the friend you have had the longest that you are sending to? Sarah, Valerie, and Marie


26. What did you do last night? Watched the basketball game (pissed that Duke won) and then went to bed, wasn't feeling well.

27. What are you most afraid of? Something bad happening to my kids.

28.. Plain, cheese, or spicy hamburgers? not a big hamburger eater, but when I do eat them, I like cheese.


29. Favorite dog breed? Golden Retrievers and Boxers.

30. Favorite day of the week? Sunday
31. How many states have you lived in? 3, Oklahoma, North Carolina, and Missouri

32. Diamonds or pearls? Both please!

33. What is your favorite flower? Lilacs cause they smell so good.

The Tomb is Empty

After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were as white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that the shook and became like dead men. The angel said the the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: "He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him." Now I have told you. So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell the disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them. "Greetings", he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid. God and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.
Matthew 28:1-10

Happy Good Friday!

They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand and knelt in front of him and mocked him. "Hail, king of the Jews!" they said and struck him on the head again and again. After they had mocked him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him. As they were going out, they met a man named Simon and they forced him to carry the cross. They came to a place called Golgotha (which means The Place of the Skull). There they offered Jesus wine to drink mixed with gail but after tasting it, he refused to drink it. When they crucified him, they divided up his clothes by casting lots. And sitting down, they kept watch over him there. Above his head they placed the written charge against him: This is Jesus, the King of the Jews. Two robbers were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left. Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads and saying "You who are going to destory the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! Come down from the cross, if you are the Son of God! Matthew 27:28-40


From the sixth hour until the ninth hour darkness came over all the land. About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice. "Eloi, Eloi lama sabachthani" which means, My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" Matthew 27:45-46

And when Jesus had cried out again in loud voice, he gave up his spirit. At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split. Matthew :27:51

Running

In the past 6 months, I have become a runner. I never thought I would be one. Even in HS when I played soccer and our coach would make us run laps, I hated it. But, for some reason I decided to give it another chance. I have been a avid walker for many years, so I started with just a walk/jog combo, then gradually was able to run! I am not fast at all, but I love it! I love the feeling of challenging myself and setting goals! I love the way running clears my head after a stressful day. I love the way I feel mentally and physically after a run. I think I have become at running addict! LOL! I am running my first official race on May 23rd, a 5K. I am hoping to pick up as many 5K's and 10k's as I can this Summer and do a Half Marathon in September. My goal is to do a Full Marathon (26 miles) in April of 2011!

Questions for 3/26

I steal these questions from my friend Ann!

1. Did you pass your driver's test on the first try?
Nope!


2. What is your most embarrassing moment?
do I have to pick one???

3. What TV show would you like to be on- Oprah, Biggest Loser, or What Not to Wear?
What Not to Wear, Stacy and Clinton are my true fashion guides!

4. Would you ever get plastic surgery and what kind?
Absolutely! I wanna get tummy tuck and breast lift, just everything put back in place from the babies.

5. What are your favorite jeans to wear?
My True Religion ones I got at Women's Closest Exchange (local consignment shop) for super cheap! They are like $200. new, but I got them for $50.

Dreaming of Summer

I am very happy it is warm now! Spring officially here in The Lou! This weather makes me more excited because it means Summer is just around the corner. We have a fun Summer planned! We are gonna take the kiddos back to the Great Wolf Lodge in KC. We went last Summer and it was great! It is only a 4 hour drive so its a perfect mini-vaca for us. Also, I am going to NC for a week in July! I can't wait. I am gonna fly into Raleigh were my friend Abby lives and then we are headed down to the beach to meet some other high school friends for a little girl time! I can't wait! It will be 14 years this June since I graduated from high school and I am still friends with these girls! Even living half way across the country from them! Pretty cool! Jake and I are also planning on making a Vegas trip sometime this Summer. He is gonna pick a CPE conference for work so we can go on the company dime! That's always fun! Also on June 30th Eclipse comes out, the 3rd movie of the Twilight Saga, which I am obsessed with! LOL! Wesley will be 6 on June 7th, I can't believe that! And of course, the MOST IMPORTANT day of the Summer is August 10th, my birthday! I still love birthdays, even if I am gonna be 33 on this one! Bring on the Summer!

St Patricks Day

St. Patricks Day is tomorrow and I am so excited. My mom, my aunt, and myself are going to lunch at our favorite little pub, Growlers for our Corn beef and Cabbage and Guinness! Then later that evening, I am gonna be back at Growlers with some girlfriends. The kiddos are out at the Grandparents doing St. Paddy's day celebrations with them! St. Patricks Day is my favorite holiday because it celebrates my Irish heritage. Everyone wants to be Irish on St. Patricks Day! LOL! March is also Irish/American History month! I named my son Patrick because he was born in March (not on March 17th, but the 21st). I am actually about 50/50 Irish and German, but I take more claim to the Irish side cause well, the Irish are more fun! LOL!

St. Patrick was a English born man when England was ruled by the Roman Empire. He was taken as a slave by the Romans, which is when he first went to Ireland. Years later, he was a priest and in a vision from God was told that he was to return to Ireland and preach the gospel of Jesus to the pagans! He obeyed and pretty much converted the entire island to Christianity. The Irish honor St. Patrick as their patron saint. The reason we celebrate St. Patricks Day in America is because of all the millions of Irish immigrants that came here during the "Great Potato Famine" of Ireland the late 1800's. I read that 70% of Americans claim some Irish ancestry in their lineage! So, it doesn't surprise us that St. Patricks Day is so popular here! Green is worn on St. Patricks Day and most people don't realize that Green actually represent the Catholic faith, whereas Orange is the color for the Protestants. In America though, the green is really a symbol of all things Irish, no matter what your faith is. She shamrock (3 leaf clover) was first used by St. Patrick to describe the Holy Trinity. The 4 leaf clover, which is exclusive to Ireland is for good luck!

Ok, done with the history lesson! Happy St. Patricks Day!

3 Things

3 Things

3 Places I have lived
1. Tulsa, OK
2. Greensboro, NC
3. St. Louis, MO


3 Best Friends
1. Abby
2. Becca
3. Allison


3 Favorite foods
1. Seafood
2. Italian
3. Irish

3 Best places I have visited
1. Italy
2. Las Vegas
3. Washington DC


3 Favorite bands
1. Flogging Molly
2. Dropkick Murphy
3. Aeromsith


3 places I would rather be right now
1. Ireland
2. Myrtle Beach
3. NYC


3 places my ancestors are from
1. Ireland
2. Germany
3. Scotland


3 Most important people in my life
1. Jesus
2. Jake
3. Tie between Wesley and Patrick

3 Favorite hobbies
1. Traveling
2. Reading
3. Facebook


3 Favorite books
1. The Hiding Place, Corrie Ten Boom
2. Angela's Ashes, Frank McCourt
3. Les Miserables, Victor Hugo


3 Favorite movies
1. Avatar
2. Angela's Ashes
3. The Princess Bride


3 Things I am looking forward to this Summer
1. Beach with the ladies!
2. Great Wolf Lodge with the family
3. My birthday


3 Favorite stores
1. Amazon.com
2. Women's Closet Exchange
3. Target


3 Things about me that may surprise people
1. I can sew!
2. I am a huge bookworm (most people know that though)
3. I graduated college on the Deans List (for those people who think I am a dumb blonde).


3 Favorite TV shows
1. Vampire Diaries
2. Desperate Housewives
3. The Tudors


3 Things I have planned for today
1. Laundry
2. Walmart
3. Playing with the kids

Walking on Sunshine!

The past 3 days have been awesome and tomorrow is gonna be another awesome, sunny day! It was 60 degrees today and we were outside all of it! I can't tell you how this weather has changed my mood and spirits! I feel uplifted and joyful! Even my kids feel it. They have loved playing outside! We are buying the swing set from our neighbors who are moving and I can't wait to get it so the kiddos can play on it! The only downer is Jake has been working so much, he has hardly been able to enjoy it. At least he was home most of today and grilled some chicken! I am praying that Winter is over, for good. I have seen it get cold in March and April, but I hope not this year!

5 question Friday

1. What's your guilty pleasure?
handbags, vampire books/movies, and Real Houswives!

2. What is your favorite TV series?
Vampire Diaries and Real Housewives of NYC

3. Can you speak any foreign languages?
A tiny bit of Italian and a few words of Irish Gaelic

4. How many pairs of shoes do you own?
over 50

5. What's your favorite kind of M&M's?
regular

45 Random things

45 of the Most Random Things You Never Need To Know About Someone

Begging your forgiveness ahead of time. Because I have bloggy-block, so you get this. You're...uh...welcome.


1. What is your name spelled backwards? E-I-L-U-J


2. What did you do last night? took care of my kids

3. What was the last thing you downloaded onto your computer? ITunes

4. Have you ever licked a 9 volt battery? No!

5. When was the last time you swam in a pool? Last summer.

6. What are you wearing? t-shirt and Jake's boxers

7. How many cars have you owned? about 10

8. What is the type of music you dislike most? Childrens Music!

9. Are you registered to vote? Yes! Of course!

10. Do you have cable? Yep

11. What kind of computer do you use? HP laptop

12. Have you ever made a prank phone call? Of course! I grew up before caller ID!

13. Would you go bungee jumping or sky diving? Sure!

14. What is the furthest place you ever traveled? Italy

15. What's your favorite comic strip? Family Circle

16. Do you know all of the words to the national anthem? Sure do

17. Do you shower in the morning or at night? Bath in my jacuzzi tub at night!

18. What is your favorite pizza topping? Black Olives


19. Chips or popcorn? popcorn


20. What cell phone provider do you use? Verizon


21. Have you ever smoked peanut shells? No


22. Have you ever been in a beauty pageant? No,I have issues with beauty paganets


23. Orange juice or apple juice? Orange

24. Who were the last people you sat at lunch with? My kids

25. Favorite chocolate bar? 3 Muskateers

26. Who is your oldest friend and how long have you known eachother? Sarah, we have been friends since we were born!

27. When was the last time you ate a homegrown tomato? over the summer.

28. Have you ever won a trophy? as a teenager, for dance

29. Favorite arcade game? Miss Pacman

30. Ever ordered from an infomercial? Yes, one time I ordered a bunch of 80's music cds!

31. Sprite or 7-UP? Sprite

32. Have you ever had to wear a uniform to school/work? Yes

33. Last thing you bought at Walgreens? medicine

34. Ever thrown up in public? yes

35. Would you prefer being a millionaire or finding true love? Already found true love, so I'll take the cash, please.

36. Do you believe in love at first sight? Yeah, I feel in love with Edward Cullen at first sight!

37. Spongebob or Jimmy Neutron? niether


38. Did you have long hair as a young kid? In high school

39. What message is on your voicemail machine? The is Julie Potter, leave a message

40. Where would you like to go right now? a beach

41. What's the name of your pet? Zoe and Benson, dogs

42. What kind of back pack do you have, and what's in it? My purse has, wallet, lipstick, cell phone, and some other odds and ends.

43. What kind of tennis shoes do you have? Nike

44. Who was the last person you talked to on the phone? My aunt

45. Mickey Mouse or Bugs Bunny? Bugs!


And now you can close this screen and regret not being able to get those 3 minutes of your life back.

Teenager?

Is Wes 5 or 15? I sometimes wonder! He can go from the sweetest little boy to a monster in about 5 seconds! Yesterday, he threw a huge fit cause I woulndn't let him eat mac n cheese for a snack after school, then today, because I asked him to let the dogs in! He has worse tantrums than Patrick!! I think I might go crazy!

Tired Mommy

Ok, so I am trying not to complain about tax season this year. Not when millions of people are out of work. Thank God Jake has a job and tax time is what keeps his firm running the rest of year! And really, up until this week, it hasn't been too bad. But, I am now starting to get tired of it. He has worked 12 hour days for the past week and this will continue non-stop until April 15th. The kids are driving me nuts! Wesley is like a teenager with his attitude problem and Patrick wines all day! My mom calls me every 5 minutes and the dogs are fighting (play fighting, but still). My house is a wreck all the time! I am about to pull my hair out! I am glad to hear the temps will be warmer later this week, then maybe I can get everyone outside!

Yay March!

I am so excited that March is here. January and February are the worst months of the entire year, in my opinion. I am looking forward to the temps warming up and the days getting longer. Here are some of the other reasons that makes me happy it's March.

March 10th, Flogging Molly concert! My favorite band!
March 17th, St Patricks Day!
March 20th, Time changes, which means longer days!
March 21st, My little Patricks 2nd birthday!
And of course MARCH MADNESS!!! Lets see if UNC can keep their title of National Champions!

Yay for March!

My kid?

Ok, I love Wesley to death, but we are as different as night and day! If hadn't carried him for 9 months, I would question he was mine. First, he looks nothing like me, he looks just like Jake. His personality is also very different from mine. The only thing about him that is like me is that fact that he is outgoing, unlike Jake. However, that is were the similarities ends! He is extremely cautious, afraid to try anything! I am a always ready to try something new! He hates change and I get bored if things stay the same too long. He is super anal and I am not at all! He is organized and particular and I am fly by the seat of my pants kinda person. Wonder who he take after???? LOL!

5 more

1. Have you ever hit an animal with your vehicle?

Yeah, I hit my high school boyfriends dog. He didn't die, but had a broken leg. In my defense, it wasn't the first or last time he got it, he was a car chaser.

2. When you see a string on your clothes do you pull it off or cut if off?
depends if I have scissors near by.

3. Did you have your own room or share a room when you were young?
Because I was always the only girl, I always got my own room! My brothers had to share!

4. Would you rather wear the same thing for the rest of your life or eat the same thing for the rest of your life?
Depends on what I was wearing or eating.

5. What was your favorite TV show as a child?
Punky Brewster

Getting to know you questions

1. How often do you wash/change your sheets?
Every two weeks

2. When is your birthday?
Aug 10

3. Have you ever met a bloggy friend in real life?
Most of my blogging friends ARE my friends in real life.

4. Brad Pitt or George Clooney?
George!

5. If you could change one thing about your body what would it be?
I would be a bit taller.

6. How often do you wash your hair?
Every other day

7. Do you have pets?
2 dogs, Golden Retriever (Zoe) and a Standard Poodle (Benson)

8. How many social networks do you belong to..if you had to give up one, what would it be?
Just myspace, twitter, and facebook. I would give up myspace cause I am never on it anymore.

Favorites

My Favorite Things:

1. Favorite color- Red
2. Favorite Season- Summer
3. Favorite Holiday- St Patricks Day
4. Favorite of my body parts: My arms, they are really toned from lots of time at the gym.
5. Favorite food: Seafood, Pasta, Mexican, and Thai
6. Favorite book: The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom and Angelas Ashes by Frank McCourt
7. Favorite animal- dog
8. Favorite store- Macy's.
9. Favorite Move- The Princess Bride
10. Favorite car- 1967 Mustang
11. Favorite Vacation spot- Italy
12. Favorite childhood memory- Going to Dogpatch with my Granny and Pappa
13. Favorite drink- Coffee
14. Favorite flower- rose
15. Favorite hobby- Traveling
16. Favorite friend- Tie between Abby, Becca, Allison, and Katie
17. Favorite type of music- Irish
18. Favorite time of day- late night
19. Favorite thing to indulge your funds on- designer handbags
20. Favorite thing you are doing today- seeing my son at this Variety Show tonight!

Night Owl

I am a true night owl. I always have been. When I worked in hotels, I loved the night shift! Nowdays, I have children who are up before 7 every morning, but I still can't bring myself to get to bed before midnight! I think the best part is the quietness of the house and the fact that no one needs me. On the flip side, I am NOT a morning person. I hate getting up early. I have to get up with my kids every morning and I hate it!

Freedoms Never Free

My friend Melissa learned today that her husband is being deployed to Iraq in April for 12 months. I can't even imagine! She has two small kids too! My cousin Andy was over there for 18 months. My friend Ginger's husband has there for awhile. I am so thankful for the men and women who fight for our freedom, who will stand up for America. I think sometimes we take for granted the freedoms of being a American. I have been a American all my life. I have no idea what it would be like to live someplace that doesn't have the blessings of America. But, when I sit back and think of the people who keep American free, it humbles me. It is such a sacrifice. Not only are the soldiers sacrificing, their families are as well. God bless them! Thank you Lord of their sacrifice! Thank you for the sacrifice of these men and women and their families! Thank you for people who are willing to put their lives and families on the line for our country. In some countries young people are required to join the military for several years when they turn 18. But, in here they choose! They have chosen it! This makes it more meaningful to those of us that they are doing it for. Thank you to our military and their families for all you do!

My 3rd child!

So, the kids were gone all weekend to my dad and step moms and it was nice, but I never truly get a break when they are gone, because I have my 3rd child, which is my mom. Sometimes taking care of her is just as hard as the kids! I know it isn't her fault and I don't blame her, but I still get super annoyed, to the point that I start getting angry at her. So today, the kids went over to a friends house for a few hours and I went to Starbucks to read, just to get away from her! Some of the things that annoy me about her have nothing to do with her being disabled, but more personality things, the reasons I moved out in the first place, when I was 19. But it is worse now cause she has the disability on top of it all! Ugg!

More snow! Ugg!

We are supposed to get even more snow this week! What the heck! I think someone needs to take that stinking groundhog out back and shoot him! If I wanted this kind of weather, I would move to Canada! How my heart aches for Spring! Actually, I would like to skip Spring and go straight to Summer!

Sarah

I have a few friends in my life, who I have actually known my entire life. My friend Sarah Gerke (now Mills) and I are two months apart in age and our dads were best friends as kids. She is the one who introduced Jake and I! She was a bridesmaid in our wedding. After 32 years, I can't believe Sarah and I are still friends. Most of our friendship was long distance. After my parents divorce, I moved to Oklahoma and then North Carolina with my mom and only saw Sarah when I visited St. Louis to see my Dad, Christmas and Summer. Then when I moved here, she was my only friend! Her and Jake went to high school together. The 3 of us shared a apartment together at one time! LOL! Anyway, I found this picture of my oldest friend and I and thought I would share.

That's right folks....it's time for another Getting to Know YOU Sunday.....Click on the button above to play along and link up.....also Keely is hosting an awesome giveaway....be sure to check it out.

Now for the fun....

The questions..


1. How many piercing's do you have?
7, all ears, used to have Belly Button, but not anymore.


2. I love the sound of.....?
the ocean

3. Favorite city?
Las Vegas

4. Colts, Saints, or could care less?
Could care less


5. Frozen yogurt or ice cream?
icecream

6. Favorite appetizer?
The hot pretzels at Growlers

7. What item in your closet currently makes you the happiest?
My little black dress

8.Favorite facial moisturizer?
Mary Kay Timewise, Age Figthing Moisturizer

Uggg!

I can't possibly take much more of of Winter. I am so sick of the cold and snow! I am so sick of the whole thing, bundling the kids up to go anywhere, salt on my car, the dogs tracking mud in the house from the wet snowy yard, or having to put on my coat and shoes, just to walk to the mailbox! I am dreaming of a sunny beach!

Bookworm

I have been avid Bookworm all of my life! I was reading 200 pages chapter books in the 1st grade! It started out with this series by Beverly Cleary called Ramona. Then by middle school I could absorb about 3 Babysitters Club and Sweet Valley High books in one day! My high school I was reading Stephen King and V.C. Andrews. I have also been a huge fan of the classics, Edgar Allen Poe, Victor Hugo, Nathanial Hawthorne, and Frank McCourt. I also loved the Little Women books by Louisa May Alcott. These days I will read anything! I currently have 33 books checked out from the library!

Right now I am reading a book called The Swan Thieves. It tells the story of a great painter who attacks a painting at the National Gallery in Washington DC. He is send to a psychiatrist who is also a painter. The entire books is trying to understand the mind of this man. I can't put it down.

Irish Rules

Irish Rules:

1. The Irish always make the rules.

2. The Irish may change the rules at any time without so much as a "top o' the mornin" to you.

3. The luck of the Irish applies only to the Irish and is non-transferable.

4. If you mess with the Irish, you will be haunted by Murphy's Law for the rest of your life.

5. Kissing the Blarney Stone and eating "Lucky Charms" will not make you Irish.

6. All "wanna-be" Irish should stay out of all the good pubs on St. Patrick's Day.

7. If you don't know the words to "Danny Boy", you should stay home on St Pat's.

8. If you bear a resemblance to "Patty's Pig", you may gain honorary Irish status.

9. Only the Irish may live the life of Reilly, given his express written consent.

10. Faliure to comply with the Irish rules may cause you to develop a painful shamrock-shaped rash on your shillelagh.

NC

I am in the process of booking my trip to North Carolina! I am going in July! I can't wait! I love STL, but NC is my home! I am gonna fly into Raleigh and then my best friend Abby and I are gonna drive down to the beach and meet up with our friends Becca and Julie (High School pals)! How I miss them! I have been friends with all of them since the 6th grade! Abby and Becca were bridesmaids in my wedding (Abby was maid of honor)! Julie and I have always shared the bond of the same name! LOL! I am soooo excited! I can't wait!

Hmmmm

I was recently reading a book that said that 74.1% of America is overweight. We are one of the top 10 fattest countries on the planet! Our childrens generation is the first one ever that is not expected to outlive the previous one. I think we have a epedimic! I really have a burden for this! I admit I have not always been the healthiest person and have made some poor choices reguarding eating and exercise. However in the past year or so I have really gotten into health. I exercise a 3-5 days a week and have gotten myself of a healthy eating lifestyle. I do occaisoanlly have bad stuff. I do like McDonalds fries! However, I am trying to keep that from being the norm. The past few months I have really been feeling lead to do something in the area of health and fitness. As some of you know, I am no longer leading in the Childrens Ministry at church. Since leaving that ministry, I have been praying about what God wants me to do now and I think this may be it. I am not exaclty sure what kind of minstry this will be yet, got some more praying to do. However, I want to help people get healthy! Our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit! I just remember the story in the bible where Jesus was so upset about how the people were abusing the temple. Well, if our bodies are his temple now, can you imagine that he also gets upset when we abuse them? I think so.

Confused

Every family has secrets. You never know what is going on behind closed doors. There is a family at our church who seemed like a good Christian family. Husband, Wife, and young daughter. The daugther worked with me in the Children's Ministry. Well, this morning the wife shot her husband 5 times in the chest. He is still alive, but not in great shape. We are praying for his recovery. The wife is in jail, of course. I am so shocked. I have known this family for like 10 years. We don't know the details and what the motivate was for this, but it reminds me that no family is perfect and the devil wants to sneak his way in no matter what. My heart breaks for their daugther. I can't even imagine what she is going through. Her life will forever be changed.

10 things you may not know about me

1. I can sew! Really, I can! Kinda surprising since I am not very domestic!
2. I was on the Deans List in College
3. I love trivia. Jeopardy is one of my favorite shows! I know a lot of useless information!
4. I hate camping.
5. I once met Hee Haw star, Roy Clark. I went to Roy Clark Elementary in Tulsa, OK. The school donated money to a children's home he worked with and I was the one who got to hand him the big check, on stage, in front of the entire school!
6. I studied dance from age 3-17. I did ballet, tap, jazz, and the rockett dancing.
7. My all time favorite actress is Audrey Hepburn! Love her!
8. I LOVE Romie and Michelle's High School Reunion!
9. I had 10 Cabbage Patch Dolls as a kid!
10. I went to 5 different Elementary schools.

Confessions of a Shopaholic!

Have you read the books or seen the movie, Confessions of a Shopaholic? Very funny and the story of my life! The girl could be me! I confess, I am a Shopaholic! My New Years Resolution is to be more frugal and it is a hard one! I think it would be easier for me to loose 50 pounds! I LOVE shopping! You know how a drug addict talks about the high they get when they are using? Well, that is me when I am spending. I get a high! Like all other rational thinking is drowned out by the rush I get from shopping! I can seriously find something to buy anywhere I go. As much as I hate the outdoors, I bet I could find something at Bass Pro Shop! This is the only thing that has ever caused friction in my marriage. Jake is Mr. Frugal. Maybe that is why God sent him to me, to control my craziness! He keeps me conscious of what I am spending! So, anyway, I am trying to be frugal, I am clipping coupons, I am trying to stay on budget....we will see how it goes!

My sick house

So as some of you know Wesley had the stomach flu last week, then Patrick had a small spell of it on Sunday and then again yesterday. Also yesterday, Mom got it! Jake and I still haven't gotten anything yet and I am praying we don't. Jake is busy at work and I am busy here, neither one of us have time to be sick! I wish we could have a warm day so I could open windows are air out this house! Where is a Indian Summer day when you need one!

Feeling helpless

There was a 6.1 Aftershock in Haiti this morning. Every since the earthquake, I have felt so useless. I mean I sent $20. to the Red Cross, but I wish I could do more. Here I am sitting in my comfy house, flipping through a fashion magazine and these people are in so much heart ache! Doesn't hardly seem right. But what else can I do? I so wish I could go there and do something more real. My heart breaks for these people. I so wish I could take away at least a ounce of their pain. I am just praying for Jesus, the only one who actually can take away their pain, to lay his hand on that nation in a major way.

Top 10

Top 10 Favs


Movies
1. The Princess Bride
2. The Godfather (first one)
3. Goodfellas
4. Wizard of Oz
5. Avatar
6. My Big Fat Greek Wedding
7. Little Women
8. Sound of Music
9. Angelas Ashes
10. Dirty Dancing


Books
1. The Hiding Place, Corrie Ten Boom
2. Angelas Ashes, Frank McCourt
3. Little Women, Louisa May Alcott
4. Narna series, C.S. Lewis
5. Left Behind Series
6. Lord of the Rings Trilogy
7. Twilight series
9. Sookie Stackhouse series
10. Harry Potter series

Songs
1. Awesome God, Rich Mullins
2. Shout to the Lord, Darlene Zchec
3. Friends, Micheal W Smith
4. Friend of God, Phillips, Craig, and Dean
5. Flout, Flogging Molly
6. Angel, Aerosmith
7. Mustang Sally, Wilson Picket
8. Please Don't go Girl, New Kids on the Block
9. The Way you make me Feel, Micheal Jackson
10. Come away with me, Norah Jones

Bands/Musicans
1. Aerosmith
2. Flogging Molly
3. Phillips, Craig, and Dean
4. Micheal W Smith
5. Amy Grant
6. Hillsong
7. Dropkick Murphey
8. Newsboys
9. Third Day
10. Toby Mac

Vacations
1. Venice, Italy
2. Rome, Italy
3. Lake Como, Italy
4. Florence, Italy
5. Cancun, Mexico
6. Las Vegas
7. New York City
8. Boston
9. Washington DC
10. Disney World

Hobbies/Activities
1. Weight Traning
2. Running
3. Reading
4. Twitter
5. Facebook
6. Blogging
7. Traveling
8. Moms groups
9. Wine
10. Shopping

Food
1. Pasta
2. Seafood
3. Mexican
4. Southern American
5. Eastern Indian
6. Thai
7. Sushi
8. Steak
9. Irish
10. Sports food


Websites
1. www.facebook.com
2. www.twitter.com
3. www.blogspot.com
4. www.cafemom.com
5. www.yahoo.com
6. www.mustlovewine.com
7. www.weightwatchersonline.com
8. www.shapemagazine.com
9. www.irishabroad.com
10. www.marykayintouch.com

Stores
1. Macy's
2. Target
3. The Childrens Place
4.Victoria Secret
5. Bananna Republic
5. Gymboree
6. Old Navy
7. Womens Closet Exchange (a resale shop by my house)
8. Crown Valley Wine Outlet
9. Walgreens
10. Pier 1

More questions

1. Hair color..Au naturale..or not?
Haven't seen my natural hair color since I was 15!

2. If somebody has food in their teeth or lipstick on their teeth do you tell them?
Yes

3. Would you rather have a million dollars or your vision of the perfect body?
If I had a million dollars, I could buy a perfect body!

4. Favorite magazine?
Shape

5. Bra style..lacey or plain?
sports bra at the moment.

6. If you walked into Victoria's Secret..would you most likely come out with something sexy or comfy?
A bra, which can be sexy and comfy! VS is the only place I will buy my bras!

7. Do you fake and bake?
Not much anymore, unless I have something coming up like a vacation.

8. What's your favorite body part on a man?
Eyes.

Another sick one

So my mother in law called me this morning to tell me Patrick was puking! Great! Wesley had it on Wednesday and had to miss school. I am praying that this will be a short lived, 12 hour bug, like Wesley's was. They are supposed to go to a friends for the morning tomorrow and I would hate for Patrick not to be able to go. He loves it there and I look forward to the break to run errands and such.

Staying home from church this morning. I should go, but I am kinda enjoying the slow paced morning. Especially since I may be taking care of a sick kid later.

Avatar

Saw Avatar tonight and it was amazing! The special affects were great, especially in 3D! I have never seen a movie so beautiful before! The story was amazing too. I would say this was in my top 10 of best movies of all time!

Random stuff

Random facts about me.

1. I used to be a flight attendant
2. I have a serious addiction to coffee, designer handbags, and vampires!
3. I love to travel
4. I love fashion!
5. I am fitness bumb, I love to workout!
6. I have been to 27 of the US states, plus Canada, Mexico, and Italy
7. I am Irish
8. I am a huge fan of the History Channel
9. My first job was Pizza Hut
10. I am a huge bookworm
11. Jeopardy is one of my favorite shows
12. I am a dog lover
13. My favorite city on the planet is Las Vegas!
14. I love Wine and am a learning conisseour!
15. I would like to retire in Italy

My favorite time of day!

Its 9pm. Jake is out with some friends from work, the kids are in bed, moms asleep, even the dogs are sleeping. I love from 9-midnight. It is the only time of day were no one is bothering me. Even when Jake is home, he goes to bed about 10 or so. I should go to bed early since my kids are up early, but I can't. I need this time. I can sit on the computer, read a book, or watch my shows tapes on the DVR!

Questions

Here's this weeks questions:

1. If you were stranded on a desert island and could pick one person to be stranded with you?
Jesus!




2. Do you read celebrity gossip?

A little


3. Favorite show you're waching this season?
The Vampire Diaries



4. How tall are you?
5'1


5. What was the last book you read?
A Good Year by Peter Mayle


6. Flats or heels?
Heels, they make me taller!


7. If you had to choose one natural disaser to go through, what would you choose..Earthquake, Tornado, or Hurricane?
None, they are all terrible!


8. Thong, panties, or (gasp) granny panties?
thong

5 Questions

Got this from a friends blog.




The Questions:

1. Worst trouble you ever got into as a teenager?
Sneaking off with some boys when were supposed to be at the movies.


2. Are you a morning person or a night person?
Night Owl, but my kids are morning people.....


3. Are you a one-handed or a two-handed Texter?
One


4. Democrat, Republican, or Independent..or maybe even Green Party (whatever that is).
Republican


5. Are you a pet person?
Yep! Have 2 dogs.

Kate

There is a little girl who I have been following on Caringbridge for about a year who has a brain tumor. Her parents are actually friends of some people I went to HS with, which is how I heard about her. She is the same age as Wesley, 5 years old. After a long year of chemo and all kinds of things, they have come to a crossroads where they need to make some decisions on what to do. Please follow her page, http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/mcraekate.

When I read these updates posted by her parents, my heart brakes. I can't even imagine being there shoes. To have a child with cancer. I know there are millions of families all over the world who deal with this daily. Thinking about this makes me not want to take a day with my children for granted. This family went from deciding preschools and getting ready for Kindergarten, to hospitals and treatments. I so wish we lived in a world were children didn't have cancer. I wish no one had cancer, but especially children.

Dream

In the mist of taking care of everyone in this house, I can sometimes forget the dreams that I have. There is more to me than just a wife, mother, and daughter. I still have desires and dreams. There is a website called Bucket List. I guess they got the name from that movie (which is really good, by the way). You can list things you would like to do before you die or places you would like to see or whatever. So, here is my top 10's.

To do:
1. Finish a full marathon (26 miles)
2. Pilot a plane
3. Have a glass of $500+ bottle of wine.
4. See Paul McCartney in concert
5. See a Broadway show
6. See a game in Yankees Stadium
7. Go to the NCAA Final Four when UNC is in it.
8. Go to a World Series Game
9. Do a Missions Trip in another country
10. See a service in the Brooklyn Tabernacle

To go:
1. Ireland
2. Provance, France
3. England
4. Australia
5. Egypt
7. Prague
8. India
9. Germany
10. Spain


I have done some great things in my life and been to some great places. Here are the ones I can check off my bucket list. Just the top 10.

Done:
1. Ridden a Elephant
2. Held a aligator in my lap
3. Did the Susan G Komen Race for the cure! Amazing!
4. Game at Fenway Park, Boston
5. Sat in on a meeting of the House of Representatives
6. Had a glass of wine on a piazza in Rome
7. Ridden on a Gondola in Venice
8. Seen Cher, Tina Turner, and Elton John in concert
9. Met Roy Clark (Hee Haw)
10.Been in The White House

Been:
1. Italy
2. Boston
3. San Diego
4. Cancun
5. Toronto
6. New York City
7. Disney World
8. Washington DC
9. Las Vegas
10. Chicago

Haiti

I am so sad to hear of the earthquake in Haiti this week. I can't even imagine what these people are dealing with. So much devastation in a country that is already so poor anyway. When these kind of things happen I am tired of just sitting around so I am going to be donating to the Red Cross. I can't give blood (anemic), but I can give a little money. My prayers go out for these people. May Jesus lay his aw some and powerful hand on them.

Mrs. Frugal

So, I don't really make New Years Resolutions, however one thing I would like to do better this year, is being more frugal. I am a bit of a Shopaholic and a spender. We had a speaker at Moms Club last night (who is a fellow member) who had some great tips for saving money. I guess I am gonna be a coupon cliper! I hate coupons, but maybe I should give them a try. I am also trying not to be such a impulse buyer. I am sucker for the gossip magazine in the checkout at the grocery store! I want to be a good steward of the finances that God has blessed our family with. We will see how it all goes.....

New Blog

So, I have moved my blog from wordpress, to blogspot. Blogspot seems more user friendly. This is a continued blog of all my the joys my life as a child of God, wife, mother, daugther, friend, and women! Hope everyone can keep up!