Everybody else is doing it!

Your Score: Matt Parkman

You scored 79 Idealism, 29 Nonconformity, 20 Nerdiness

I don't want to be a chump.
Congratulations, you're Matt Parkman! You're a great person: caring, hard-working, and honest. You might not have the best of luck, but you do your best in all areas of life. Your kind and responsible nature is rare, and you should be proud of it.

Your best quality: Heart
Your worst quality: You may take more abuse than you deserve

Link: The Heroes Personality Test written by freedomdegrees on OkCupid Free Online Dating, home of the The Dating Persona Test

Beautiful Boy

Here are the pictures I mentioned in my last post. Isn't he just the best looking boy you have ever seen! He has the greatest smile - not to mention perfect teeth.
He loves his "Queen" bike and also his car. If he isn't riding them in the street he is riding them in the house or sneaking into the garage to get into them. He also manages to get into our cars and turn all the knobs and gages.
He gets away with murder because he is so darn cute!

Growing up

Just thought I would share a few new photos. Julia and Harrison are growing so fast. Julia is becoming such a young lady. She has so many wonderful qualities. She is loving and cares about people. She is using vocabulary that cracks me up. She is so expressive with words. For example, when I ask her to do something now she says "Of course I will." She loves to make up stories...she has a very big imagination. (gets that from Paul)
Harrison is a joy. He has such a sweet heart. He is starting to tell you all the time "I wove you." It absolutely melts your heart. He is also ALL boy! He always has a car in his hand or shooting his imaginary gun. His new toy is a long rubber snake that he tortured Julia with the first day until she accepted the fact that it was fake.
They are both into music and love to play all the instruments in the house. Harrison is quite taken with the song "Hey Jude" he loves to watch the video on my MySpace. You can even catch him singing it throughout the day.
Their new favorite thing to do is ride their bikes in the cul-de-sac. I will have to post pictures of Harrison on his bike separate, there wasn't enough room.
We are staying very busy these days. Paul is working more late days/evenings. Julia is still in school until the end of May (on Tues/Thurs). I am working at Salem on Mondays and am subbing at Julia's school for the remainder of the year. I have been attending a fun new class at the Y two nights a week - Zumba (Latin/funk cardio dance). It is a lot of fun when you go with friends. This week I ended up going by myself, not so fun when you don't know anybody.
We had a great time at our garage sale last weekend. My parent's came up to help me. Paul's mom took the kids and we managed to sell just about everything in my basement and garage. It was amazing. We even made pretty good money. My dad has quite a calling for pushing junk on people! (I love you both so much - I couldn't do life without you!!!)
Life is good. We have great family and friends - what more could you ask for??? (maybe a latte!)

Anberlin

Sunday night Paul and I went to the Anberlin concert at Rocketown.
If you are wanting a musical review...best to wait for Paul's review of the concert. I thought the music was good. How is that for insightful?!

I wanted to discuss my thoughts during the concert.
My number one thought of the evening was "I am officially old!"
We were at least twice the age of everyone at the concert.
It was a very fun culture event for me. I enjoyed observing the teenage concert-going population of today. A bit scary, but interesting none the less.
The room was filled with funky hair, skimpy clothing, and lots of facial piercings. I was a bit surprised at all the young kids with lip, eye brow and other various piercings. Not to mention the big African like dangling ear lobes (why do people do that???)

It was fun to watch and try to imagine our children in their teen years. What type of kid will they be? Will they be the kid dressed in black, weird hair, eye makeup, God forbid facial piercings and draped with chains or will they be the preppy dressed stuck up kid with the attitude? Or the little out of place nerdy looking kid that wants to be cool, but not quite sure how? The girl with the pants half down her rear trying not to be obvious that she is trying to show off her flat little belly and thong panties?

I am not sure which I prefer...probably the nerdy kid.

The other thing that made an impression on me was the concert life these days. Gone are the days of waving your lighter in the air to the tunes. Now, you must have a cell phone with a good text messaging plan, because you are supposed to spend the entire concert text messaging your buddy next to you and taking pictures of the band. Instead of waving your lighter, you wave your cell phone about.

I have been thinking so much about all of this today. I have been trying to decide what kind of parent I want to be to my teenagers. Will I be cool? Will I let them wear frightful clothing and pierce strange body parts? Will I allow them to go to concerts by themselves on a school night? Will I trust them to do anything outside of my sight? Will I give them a cell phone and pay outrageous prices so they can text message all their friends?
I just don't know. I am glad I have another 8-10 years before I have to make those decisions.
Unfortunately for my kids, I will be 8-10 years older then and will probably be even less cool.
Hopefully, Paul will stay cool for all of us!

Secret

Harrison came into the kitchen after being in my room for quite some time...I thought he was watching cartoons with Julia.
He came out licking his lips, with a slight residue still there. For those of you who know Harrison he eats everything he can put into his mouth. One of his favorite pass times is hunting for old gum underneath tables in public areas.
Anyway, I asked him, "what are you eating?"
He answered... "Ice Cream."
Again, "Harrison, what are you eating?"
again, "Ice Cream."
I decided I needed to smell his breath to find out what this unidentified substance was.
I pulled him close and took a big whiff of his breath.
It had a ever so familiar sweet vanilla smell.
Hmmm, I had to think...
Yep, you guessed it, he had been eating my Sparkle Vanilla flavored Secret Deodorant!
Yuuuuucccckkk!
Hopefully it will keep his mouth nice and sweat free for awhile.
Strong enough for a Man and smells good enough to eat like Ice Cream!

The Life I Always Wanted

It has been a long time since I posted. I have thought about it, just didn't have anything to say I guess. I have been journaling in about 3 different journals at home. I am currently reading 3 different books and trying to keep a different journal for each. I don't know how well that is going to work. Oh well.
Our small group is currently reading John Ortberg's "The Life You've Always Wanted." It is really good. I discovered a lot about myself in the first chapter. I learned that the root of a lot of my issues stems from disappointment. I am pretty much always disappointed in myself. It is a vicious cycle for me. I feel like a constant failure in many areas of my life. I sin, feel disappointed, then sin again to help ease the feeling of disappointment and back again.
I want to learn to really live in God's grace. To really experience and accept his love in my life. I want to live like I really believe that He is enough. I think that disappointment really stems from trying to rely on myself, others or things to make me happy. I expect my family, my friends, my physical self, my stuff, to give me satisfaction and be enough to make me happy.
That is not enough. God expects us to need him. We need him to help fill the satisfaction, to overcome our disappointments, to bring us happiness.
I know that. I can speak it to others, I can for moments believe it. But I want to live it everyday. I want to live every hour of the day like God is enough. If everything around me was taken away, that I would be content to live in that moment with God. That is the life I want.

Our 16th Valentines Day

This is my 16th Valentines Day with my sweet husband. I am still crazy about him. I love these pictures of him. It shows both of his greatest qualities...The first one being his smile. He has great humor and I love when he laughs and smiles. It lights up the room and my heart. The other picture I love because is shows his passion. (also his great looks) He has passion for so many things. I love to hear him show is heart. He is so kind and tender.
He is amazing to me. I cannot imagine loving anyone more than I love my Valentine.

The famous fire truck bed

Finally a picture of the famous fire truck bed. If you have been in our house since Christmas you have been drug by the hand to go see Harrison's bed and race cars. He is so proud of his bed...if only he would stay in it!

My Sweet Peas!

Harrison and Julia
Ok, so they do look just a little alike!
They are pretty cute. I guess that comes
from two really great lookin' parents!

40

I started reading Beth Moore's new book "Get out of that pit."
It is absolutely amazing and I am telling everyone they must read it!
I can't help but sing U2's song "40" every time I open it.
She references Psalm 40: 1-3 throughout the book

I waited patiently for the Lord;
he turned to me and heard my cry.
He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
out of the mud and mire;
he set my feet on a rock
and game me a firm place to sand.
He put a new song in my mouth,
a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear
and put their trust in the Lord.

There are so many good things in here that I have been wanting to post about. I think I will wait until I am finished - which will be later today.

Happy 5th Birthday Julia

Yesterday was Julia's 5th Birthday. I can't believe how time has gone so fast. We had a wonderful Princess Tea party with her 3 friends from school. It was fun to get to have them over and see what God naturally created in these girls. They loved dressing up and feeling pretty. Julia had a great time and definitely a birthday she will remember.

Rest in Peace

Today was a sad day for me. My basil plant (pictured below) died . Those of you who have eaten in my home over the last 6 months will know how important that basil plant was to me. Some friends have made fun and said that I loved it more than my first born child. While that was not completely true, it was close!! I cringe at the thought of paying $3 for a tiny sprig of basil at the store. My heart and tummy long for the spring when I can try to grow one again.

Sleeping Beauty

This is my sleeping beauty. For several months I would have to put her back in her bed because she would be sleeping on the side of her bed. I was able to turn the light on and take a picture without her waking up. Since Harrison got his Fire Truck bed...which, if you step foot in our house you are grabbed by the hand and told to come see his "Ire uck ed" any way, since he got his bed we moved her bed and she hasn't done this since. She is so funny.

Sisters

Last night in group we discussed Mothers/sisters in our Captivating book. It was a great conversation that really made me thankful for my sisters. No, not my family sisters - they have not spoken to me in a couple of years....my girlfriends.
I am thankful that God has given me several really close friendships in my life. He gave me people when I needed them most. I miss some of them dearly. Yet, God has provided new friendships. They are not the same as before, but they are also good. The different levels of friendships are interesting. What makes us so drawn to one person immediately and others it takes time and work to get there?
I have some really wonderful friendships right now. The girls in my group are amazing. Each relationship is just a little bit different and they are all unique in their own way.
I treasure each one of them. I am thankful that God has put us together for this season.
I am sad to think about us not meeting together after this book is done. I know that God will provide new relationships and perhaps deepen some of the old ones.
I am looking forward to the future but also sad about chapters closing.

Happy Boy!

Does this look like a happy boy?
This is actually Harrison's first Ice Cream Cone.
Due to his milk allergy he hasn't had the finer things in life like milk, ice cream and cheese! This is Tofu ice cream. The kids love it. It's not too bad if you don't have a bowl of Bluebell next to it to compare.

Feliz Navidad!

I wanted to wish everyone out there a Merry Christmas! It is Christmas Eve-Eve and I am trying to get everything packed up and ready to go. We are going to Paul's folks for Christmas in Spring Hill then the kids and I are going to Elijay for a few days to spend time with my parents. I am looking forward to Christmas finally. It has been hard to get into the season this year - being 75 degrees outside. However the last couple of days, even though still warm, I have gotten more in the mood. I have been baking ginger cookies and making peppermint bark (thank you Debra). It makes if feel a little more like Christmas (even though I can't eat any of it - I did cheat a little).
I have felt less stress this year than ever before. I think because we have decided to take the emphasis off of the present thing it makes it so much more enjoyable.
I don't think Harrison fully understands what is going on yet and Julia is so funny. We have been very open with her about Santa not being a real person - that he is a fun pretend. Yet, she still is asking if Santa is going to come and if he can find her stocking in the office (it is still in a box on top of the book shelf). I'm sure the whole Santa thing is very confusing. Almost as confusing as the fact that we are celebrating Jesus' birthday. Someone she has never seen, yet we talk to him all the time, supposed to love him, and are going to make a cake for him even though he won't eat it. Hmmmm. Oh, the faith of a child. If we could all have just an ounce of it.
I hope you all have a wonderful holiday!

Happy Birthday to me

I finally did it!!

After 2 years of thinking about it I got my tattoo for my birthday. I really love it. It has a lot of meaning to me. My good friend Chanda helped me design it and she drew it for me. Emily - (pictured with me) friend from church is a tattoo artist at Billy Joes downtown.

It was a great experience.

Meaning: The vine represents Jesus to me. The flower is me blossoming because of what Christ has done for me and the butterfly symbolizes the transformation I have been through this year. I do feel like a new creation and now I have a forever reminder of that fact!

inspiration

I was so blown away tonight. I had a date night with myself. It was actually quite strange to be in my house all by myself. I don't remember the last time that happened.
Anyway. After a bath and doing my nails...
I watched the 2 hours of Extreme Home Makeover. I always cry when I watch this show. Tonight I balled for 2 hours. It was so amazing and inspiring.
The family was a mom/dad/20 mo. old and grandmother. The mother and father were both police officers for the LAPD. The mother was recently shot in the line of duty causing her to be paralyzed. The Grandmother moved in to help with her 20 month old. Their current house was small and she couldn't get around in her wheel chair. Of course ABC and EHM, did an amazing job with the house giving her a some of her freedom back. They sent them on vacation while the house was being built and gave the family some amazing opportunities.
I was just so amazed by this mother. (and the husband for that matter) She lost a huge part of her. She was an active person who loved doing things physically. In an instant that was gone for her. She however is determined to go on. Her husband is supportive and helping her. I know that is a huge part of it.
It was also cool to see the community support this family. They are realized what a sacrifice this mom had made for them. She was protecting them when she was shot. They saw her as a hero and wanted to give something back to her to say thanks.
I guess when I see these stories it just makes me thankful. It also makes me think of how I would want to be if something terrible happened to me. Would I have strength and courage? Would I be a fighter or would I give up? Would I have a great attitude and give glory to God for his blessings?
There are so many times that I look at our present situation and I think...man this just isn't fair. Why can't we get a break? But yet, we get one everyday. We are so blessed. We are loved.
I am so grateful to have a husband who loves me and loves his kids. Paul is amazing. He goes to work without complaint. He fights hard for our family. I am overwhelmed by him and the love that he shows us. He truly is my hero. I love to pray for him. The kids pray for him every night. They pray protection over him and they pray that God will bless him. I know that God has great things for Paul and our family. God is preparing us for something big. I know he is preparing my heart and getting me ready. I can't wait to see what is coming.

Happy Thanksgiving

I am so thankful this year. The kids and I went to Elijay to spend time with my family. Here are a few highlights...
The biggest reason to give thanks is for my Papa. We got to spend some time with him. He is not doing so well these days. He is finally getting old....at 98.
We spent our time walking in the woods, feeding the goats and throwing wood into a big fire. The kids had a blast getting to throw and destroy...what more could a kid ask for.
I enjoyed being with my mom and dad as always. I wish I could see them more.

Helplessness

Today I was going into the Y like I do most every morning. I walked past the front desk and I heard a voice telling me to go back and get a scripture out of the basket. (they have a scripture basket on the desk) I ignored the voice and kept walking towards the workout area. Again, I heard go back and get one. I knew at that point if I didn't go back it would nag at me until I did so I turned around and got one.

"Faith is the awareness of utter helplessness without God."

I started smiling as I knew that God wanted me to have this message today. I placed it in front of me and read it again and again during my workout.

I am truly learning this simple yet very complex message.
I am utterly helpless without God. There are so many big things I am dealing with in my life, yet God continues to give me strength and peace through them all.
I am so thankful that God continues to prompt me.
I am so glad I decided to respond.

The Fat Smash Me

Ok. I haven't posted a whole lot because I have started another blog. This is a different kind of blog. About 12 days ago I decided I was tired of the way I was emotionally dependant on food. I have also been frustrated and down about my weight. So....I decided it was time. A couple of friends from church are doing the Fat Smash Plan by Dr. Ian for the Tyra Banks show. They are doing so amazing. They encouraged me to give it a try. So I started 11 days ago. It has been easier than I thought. It is totally changing the way I eat and I don't crave food like I used to. I have tried many new foods and found that I like healthy foods. So I have been blogging my experience and daily food as accountability. If you want to check it out http://freedomfightermom.blogspot.com/ there is also a link to it on my friends section.

Fun with paint

Julia decided she wanted to paint her nails. She wanted me to paint polka-dots. Then insisted that I also have the same. Real cool going to work the next day! 

Pumpkin carving party at the Williamson's

We had a great time at our semi-annual pumpkin carving party. It was great to spend time with friends we don't get to see much.
Here are a few pictures of the event.
The first is Roy eating Batman, second is Buster and Chris carving their pumpkins, third is our pumpkins, (I think Chris wins the prize with his haunted house) and lastly is a picture thrown in for Mark and Shari to enjoy.

 

Holloween 2006

Here are some pictures of the kids in their costumes. They had a fun time dressing up. We took them to the mall to trick or treat. They didn't end up with much candy, but had a good time looking at all the children dressed up.
Harrison was way too cute as Batman.

 

Radnor Lake

We took the kids for a walk around Radnor Lake this week. It was really beautiful. Fall is here and I am loving it!
The kids and I also got to the Pumpkin farm this week. I forgot the camera so you will have to wait for me to go again to get some pictures.
I love to be in nature...(when it is cool outside) it makes me feel very connected with God and realize how much he cares about beauty.