Random Friday List (and some 5QF!)

1.  My husband is FINALLY on the mend!

2.  After a few Dr.'s office visits....and lots of drugs (and eye drops).

3.  I no longer have blue toenails, and have opted for a dark blackberry color.

4.  Bring on the sandals!

5.  If only mother nature in Michigan wanted to wear sandals, then she would send warmer weather.

6.  The thing I love most about Fridays?  TWO days of rest after my run today.

7.  Molly has her annual vet appointment today.

8.  Cha-ching!

9.  I saved detailing my van until after her appointment.

10.  She's a spaz in the car.





Ok, Five Question Friday!  Head on over to my sweet sweet friend, Mama M to participate!

1. If you could buy any car, money not an option, what would it be?


I'd go vintage.  A 1969 red Ford Mustang Convertible.


2. What was your worst first date ever?

Ohhhh, I had a blind date from hell.  When he came to the door to pick me up, my mom even pulled me aside and told me I didn't have to go.  It was a double date, so I just ended up chilling with my friend - on their dime.  But, ohhhh, was it a bad date!

And there was another who took me to Hooters with a group of our co-workers.  On our way to see a band (another co-worker was the lead guitarist) at another bar, he got "sick" all over himself while driving down the road.  He asked me to grab the "stack of napkins" from his glove compartment.  When I opened the latch, there was one.  One napkin.  Big mess, one napkin.  He ended up dropping me off with his roommate (yet another co-worker) and I went to the bar with him and everyone else.  Barfy Barfington stayed home and cleaned his car.  Guess that's what he gets for taking me to Hooters on a date.

3. How old were you when you fell in love for the first time?

I can honestly say that before I met D, I just dated casually.  I knew when I met the real guy, I'd be ready.

Then I met D.

He was so different.  The feelings were so different.  He's the real thing.  So...I was 24 when I realized I was really in love.

4. When was the last time you reconciled your checkbook?

It's reconciled everyday. 

5. If you were going to fashion a "Wanted" Ad for a best friend, how would you word it?

Wanted:  A bestie.  
 
Educational requirements:  Formal degrees are not required.  Basic knowledge of the Bible, politics, history, ethics, and health are a plus.  John Hughes films are considered triple points.
 
Requirements include:
Must have a sense of humor, supportive traits, and relatively decent hygiene habits.
Must be kind, supportive, funny, easy-going, non-elitist, and all-inclusive personality. 
 
Knowledge of blond jokes are preferred, but not required. 
 
Must possess a spine strong enough to stand up to a strong, stubborn personality and hold me accountable for decisions I've made/ will make. 
 
Logical thinking patterns and ability to carry on a conversation (with active listening) are a must.
 
Hygiene habits are given an occasional pass.
 
Must like wine.

Things that have escaped my lips over the past few days

"Just because the light saber is pretend doesn't mean that it's a pretend whack on my cheek.  That hurt."

"If your butt itches, you need a bath."

"Please don't beam your brother with the baseball."

"No...we don't poke elderly strangers in the private parts."

"Please wear underwear to school."

"Yes, we need to wear underwear to baseball too."

"What do you mean 'mommy looks like a pirate'?"

"Thank you, A. for pointing out that I'm 'almost thin'."

"We do not need to compare whose poop is bigger.  No, we don't need to assume whose poop is bigger.  Ok, yes....daddy's is probably the biggest."  Gross (oh, the joys of boys).

"Honey, we use the BEATER to make cupcakes with the mixer. NOT the BEAVER. And, yes...when I'm done, you can lick the BEATER."

I got nuthin' (in lists)

I've got nuthin' for you to post today.

I'm brain dead.

Fried.

I'm trying to go from "overwhelmed" to just "whelmed" one to-do list item at a time. 

So, here's a few lists for your viewing pleasure:

Things I'm happy about:

• I've managed to stay clear of the Easter candy since Sunday.  Granted, this only leaved me 2.5 days candy-free...but this is a faaarrr cry from previous Easters.
• I'm still cleaning and organizing.
• I've managed to get a gigantic mailing out for a (hopefully) large fundraiser
• I'm getting audits done
• My husband appears to be on the mend after ASKING to see a Dr. on Monday
• My friend's bone scan came back negative for cancer.
• I have a "biggest looser" statue (a.k.a. Naked Man) in my refrigerator after my weigh in yesterday
• Even though I'm stressed out and totally over committed, I'm still managing to get a good night sleep and take care of myself by exercising
• I'm meeting new people and loving getting to know them.
• I got the SCRIP payout done in record time this week!

Things I'm not-so-happy about:

• A. needs a haircut as he's starting to look like he has Bieber-fever.  This is my job.  I'm just lazy.
• I double booked a week this summer, and need to rearrange the calendar.  It's already so marked up...I'm not sure it will be legible come summer.
• Thanks to our monsoon season in Michigan, A's baseball practice was cancelled tonight.  His first game is tomorrow night.  Should be humerous.
• April was a month of too much out-go.  There's just too much month left at the end of the money.  Glad the 30th is only days away.
• My backyard is now a pond.
• C. pee'd on D's side of the bed yesterday morning.  Apparently, he had a VERY full bladder.
• C. asked me today why I look like a pirate.  I'm not sure how to respond to that.
• C's class has a field trip to a farm on Friday.  C. cannot go due to allergy/asthma issues.  :(

Yep...a lot of nuthin'  

That's all I got.  :)

He's gone vertical!

A lot of my friends keep asking for updates on my dad's progress since his accident in Dec.

Well, last week he had another post-op check up.

With xrays:

Yep...that there's my dad's leg.

He's always believed that "if you're going to do something, do it right and well the first time."

Apparently, leg breakage also falls into that category.  :)

Anyway, the Dr. was happy with his progress!

So, when we went to visit my parents on Easter Sunday, we found this:

Yes, my friends, he's gone vertical!!!

He's been given the green light to use crutches and go completely weight-bearing (progressively over the next few weeks) as tolerated.

Woohoo!  Go, big daddio!

"Oh, my sore, rejoice."

This is too cute not to share.

Happy Easter!

Random Friday List (and some 5QF!)

1.  Easter weekend.

2.  Good Friday today.

3.  Observing Good Friday (at least, for me) makes Easter that much sweeter!

4.  D. has been fighting a virus he just can't shake.

5.  I don't think it helps that he's horribly dehydrated.

6.  My spring cleaning bug-up-butt seems to be petering out.

7.  I still have a few organizational challenges that I'd like to cross off the list, though.

8.  Then I'll bid my bug farewell.

9.  A. is off school today and Monday in observance of the weekend.

10.  I LOVE having them both around, but it takes a lot more work to keep them both alive.



Ok, Five Question Friday...If you haven't tried this totally fun, easy meme, I really encourage you to join in.







1. What is your favorite Easter tradition?


Church!  I love the celebratory feeling on Easter Sunday!  The smell of the church fragrant with lilies, the cute outfits, the awesome service....knowing death has no power over those that love Christ.


2. Are you a "shower" or a "long, hot bath" kind of person?

I'm a long, hot shower kind of person.  Ha!  How's that for a politician's answer!

I'm just not a big fan of soaking in my own filth.  I'm also not known for taking short showers.

3. Can you parallel park and if so when is the last time you did it?

Yes, yes I can.  Or, I could....  I think the last time I did it was in driver's training.  (Which, by the way, I was the BEST at in my class...got a little certificate for it and everything).  And driver's training was approximately 19 years ago (OUCH!!!), so I'm honestly not sure about my skillz in that area. 

BUT, I still remember all the steps to it....does that count?

Hello????


4. What is your favorite Easter candy?

The Reese's Peanut Butter Egg.  Oh so good.  (Gluten free too!)



5. Easter: do you go all out with the Easter Bunny or focus on the religious part of the holiday?

My boys don't believe in the Easter Bunny.  We started with the whole bunny thing when A. was little, but realized that it's not really that important to the holiday.  The boys still get Easter Baskets, but they know it comes from D. and I.  We never really told them that the Easter Bunny doesn't exist, but we've never talked about him either.  We really do focus on the REAL reason behind Easter and that we celebrate that - which is TONS better than any silly egg-laying-rabbit.
 
Funny story, though- C. and I were at Walgreen's the other day, and a lady (who CLEARLY needed a lesson in boundaries- she was the closest-talker I have ever met) asked C. if the Easter Bunny was coming to our house and what he was going to get.  C. looked at her funny and said, "Silly!  There's no Easter Bunny!"  And then he laughed right at her.  Yeah....you should have seen the stink eye (and subsequent deep inhale) she gave me. 
 

That being said, I'm not opposed to saying hello the funny bunny (read:  the poor person shoved and sweating inside a fuzzy polyester outfit)  with the boys.  Case in point:

Up to the highest height....and stuck.

We have a building at the corner of our street.

It's an administration building for our local school system.

Behind it lies a nice big field used for rocket football and lacrosse.

But sometimes it's used for flying.

Kite flying.

Rocket flying.

By us. :)

A few Saturdays ago, the weather held the perfect amount of wind to launch some plastic framework into the sky.

I had purchased some kites from the Dollar Tree, and for $2.12 (stupid sales tax),

we had about 4 hours of entertainment.

I even got them up so high that I ran out of string!

Flat Stanley went for a ride too. 

After all, that's one of the perks of being flat.  :)

Flying a kite is a LOT more fun when it actually stays airborn.

I'm actually referencing all the times the boys ran around in circles in the back yard

trying to get flight.

Wind is SO much easier!

Then, D. decided to launch the rocket.

The boys had worked all spring and summer in 2010 on constructing this rocket.

Every night adding another detail or piece.

Painting, stringing, etc.

They set it off twice last year and saved the last booster for me to see.

And photograph.

So, as you watch the video below,

you will note two things:

1.  I'm not a good videographer of rockets.

2.  I think my presence jinxed the flight.

Hydrated

I have a pretty sedentary job.

For someone who is naturally sloth-like,

the activity level of my job fits me like a glove.

Hopefully my nature will change eventually.

Oh, the eternal glimmer of hope to be considered an "active person."

Anyway...

Each day I make my way down the stairs to my office,

I have four things in my hand.

One is my cell phone.

The other three?

Well, apparently, I'm a pretty thirsty person.

And I like to make sure I stay hydrated.

With water, a protein shake and some chocolate eclair decaf coffee.

This is what my file cabinet looks like every morning:

"I have a very low tolerance for dehydration." 

Name that movie.

Refund, please.

Dear Spring Break,

While you're over here in Michigan,

and you did provide me with some fun memories with my boys,

its only fair that when you're done, you allow some sunshine to blow in.

So, this morning...

When I wake to this:

and this:

and see this:

well, I'd like to request a refund.

Thanks.

Random Friday List (on a Saturday)

1.  I'm living on the edge:  posting a random Friday list on a Saturday.

2.  I'm the baby of the family, and apparently rules don't always apply to me.  At least, that's what I think.

3.  I'm in a frame of mind lately that is finding it difficult to make excuses for other people's behavior.

4.  I'm trying not to be judgemental anymore, but that doesn't mean I have to accept excuses for being rude, selfish or just plain inconsiderate.

5.  I had blood work done a few months ago because I had lost over 10% of my body weight.  It's amazing at the marked improvements a clean diet can make!  Probably another 10-15 pounds before I can successfully move down a size.

6.  I'm hoping to start phasing out some thyroid meds within the next 6 months.  YAY!

7.  I have a few ideas for a new series and possibly a new meme on my blog, but am unsure where I want to go here or what I want to do with it...so you'll just have to wait and see.  My mojo is running in short supply lately.

8.  I have a 7 year old who is in a state of disequilibrium right now.  He's trying to push away and earn independence, all while showing no growth in responsibility.  I'm struggling with this.

9.  Is it ironic that I am offended by political correctness?  How funny is that?

10.  A friend of mine from my high school class found out yesterday that her biopsies came back positive for breast cancer. My heart is so heavy for her today. Please pray for her and the miracle she needs to be healed.

Just the 5QF today

Yeah...not feeling the Random Friday list today.  Taking a hiatus.

But, I love me some 5QF.

 

 

1. What is your favorite sign of spring?


Between the extra sun light, birds chirping, and crocus buds coming up...all of it!

My least favorite sign?  AHCHOO!  Allergies.  Small price to pay for some spring goodness, though.

2. What was your best birthday ever?

They're all good.  My 21st, I was humbled since my friends literally packed the bar to celebrate.  Seriously - we hit capacity.  Some older co-workers even got babysitters for their kids to come out and celebrate.  It made me feel very loved.

My 30th was met by a small surprise party from a friend of mine.  I really apprecitated the effort that went into it, and I appreciated that it wasn't a huge to-do. 

Every year, though is a great birthday.  Beats NOT having a birthday.  :)


3. What is your favorite dessert?
Ummm...I should say none because they don't necessarily agree with my eating plan.

But, I'm a sucker for some ice cream.  Which is why we have none in the house.  :)

4. What is the best excuse you've ever used to get out of a ticket?

Who me?  Get out of a ticket?  Nevah....

I've never really used an excuse.  I usually fess up to the fact that I knew I was going fast, but didn't realize how fast because I didn't look at the spedometer.  Everytime I've said that, I've gotten out of the ticket.  The cops all say, "We really appreciate your honesty." 

Honesty:  it pays.

5. Do you wake up before your alarm, with your alarm, or after hitting snooze several times?

I don't use an alarm.  At all.  I usually tell myself when I want to wake up in the morning before I fall asleep, and that's usually when I wake- within 5 minutes.

If I don't tell myself when to wake up, I'm usually up between 6:40 and 7am.

It's important for people with adrenal issues NOT to wake to an alarm.  Starting the day with an endorphin jolt is NOT healthy and sets up the day for a doozie.

Spring Cleaning: *the* bag

Lately I've had a bug up my butt.

Not literally, more figuratively.

Cause literally would be grody.

I have this urge to clean, organize, and purge.

Now, for someone who is NOT AT ALL TYPE A,

these moods don't come along more than once or twice a year.

When I get like this, my husband (who is very much type A) smiles wide and lets me do my thing.

So...each day I'm trying to do one thing that helps simplify,

clean and organize my house, life, or whatever.

Then, last week I had a friend email me about a prayer request. 

She had an eye infection that was apparently pretty bad.

Her Dr. told her that it was likely from make-up that had been contaminated.

She was wondering how its possible to have contaminated make-up when she hasn't purchased any new make-up in over 3 years.

(She assumed the contamination came from the manufacturing....heh)

Which got me thinking...

...I have make up that's 2 years old.

....I have make up that's 3 years old.

...I have concealer that's 6 years old.

...and I have a tiny nub of lipstick left in the stick that I wore.....for my wedding.  9 1/2 years ago.

So, I hauled out my bag

I decided to go through everything.

If I couldn't remember purchasing it, it was pitched. 

If I could, and it was older than last fall, it was pitched.

I was left with mascara, pressed Aveda powder and smokey eyeshadow.

Not quite the day look I was going for.

So...I have to say that I've been hoarding some Target gift cards for the past few months.

I received some as "addition-warming" gifts, I won a $50 gift card from the other blog I work for (comment contest), and I won another one on a local blog.

So, away we went.

I love me some Target.

(not a paid advertisement...just appreciate my bi-monthly trip)

I found the most serene print for over our couch.
(I thought it was only fitting to use the addition-warming money on the addition)

Then, I replaced my food processor as I cracked shattered the food cup and burned out the motor in a matter of 10 minutes the other day.  That thing gets a lot of use in our house, and the 2 days without it was rough. 

Then, I had money left over.

So, we headed to the make up dept.

Since I just got my colors done, I knew exactly what I was looking for.  It really made decision making easy.

Between cheaper prices, coupons and sales (and a mis-marked item that earned me 11.09 back!),
I made a steal.

I even "splurged" and purchased some new brushes.

elf cosmetics are a Target brand, and are totally affordable. 

I've tried their stuff before on recommendation from my friend Sarah M.,

and really liked the quality and affordability!

So, more brushes too!

Now, my bag looks like this:

Now I can zip it!

And I can be sure that my make up is clean and uncontaminated!

Hopefully this spring cleaning streak sticks around a while.

Desensitized

There once was a time that seeing my boyfriend on a rooftop would make my stomach jump, and cause me to worry and fret until he was on the ground.

Then, he desensitized me to that.

Being married to a contractor will do that for ya.

Well, apparently, that also goes for my offspring.

When I saw this:

I didn't think twice about grabbing my camera to shoot a few pics.

Apparently, I can consider myself desensitized when it comes to roofing.

Random (spring break) Friday List (and some 5QF!)

1.  It has been an awesome spring break with my boys.

2.  I'm finding I do much better throughout the day when allowed to sleep in until 7:30.

3.  8:00 - even better.

4.  My boys play very well together.

5.  Especially when conspiring to cover something up.

6.  Playdates at my friend, Jen's house are tons of fun.

7.  I want to be like her when I grow up.

8.  I maybe allergic to some essential oils used at spa day this week.

9.  Netflix on the wii is considered awesome in my book.

10.  We like mud.




Ok, 5 Q F!!

1. If you could change one thing about yourself what would it be?


I am sooo judgemental.  I need to take my eyes and throughts off other people (out) and put it on God (up).

2. Write about a time when you got lost.

I've only been lost once.  I was on my way to Midway airport in Chicago to pick up my dad from the airport.  I got off a Cicero Ave. and drove and drove and drove.  That is one long road.  So, I stopped at a gas station in the middle of the (wrong part of) town.  I parked far away from the building so I didn't clog up a pump when I wasn't gassing up.  I got out and started to walk toward the building, when the gas station attendant came RUNNING out at me, told me to get back in the car, and gave me directions through an open slit of my window.  Then, as I'm pulling away, he yells to me, "Don't stop again, now you hear?"  I didn't stop again until I found the airport.

3. Camping or 5 star hotel?

I've got 5 star hotel taste on a camping budget.

Camping it is.

4. Have you donated blood?

No, but I need to!  I have too much iron in my blood, and need a good blood letting.

No joke.

5. Do you have a budget or do you 'fly by' most months?

Budget, budget, budget.  I've been Ramsey-ified, 'budget' is the first word in his dictionary.

Party Time!

It's the Ultiamte Blog party!

I'm joining a tad late, but last year I missed it all together.  So, better late than never, right?

Ok, friends:

I'm Sandy.  This is my melting pot blog.  I post about anything and everything that strikes my fancy.

I am gluten free, dairy free, low carb, debt free,  (mostly) worry free.  I love crafts and DIY things.

We're currently in the proces of a major home renovation (NOT an exaggeration), so I post a lot of pictures and unabashedly brag about my husband's talents (and good looks).

I don't take too many things too seriously, and love laughing at the mundane things. 


Please introduce yourself below!
Name?  Blog?  Likes/ dislikes?  Favorite vegetable, holiday, and vacation spot?

Affordable Luxury

Ohhhh, sweet spring break.

So far, it's been a wonderful week.

Friday afternoon, I took the boys to go see the movie "Hop."

Cute movie.

Cute name of movie.

We had a GREAT family-centered weekend.

Something for us in comparison to our crazy schedule-dictated weeks and catch-up weekends.

Plus, we were able to attend a service for a fellow elder who was gradutaing from the deacon program.

This may sound crazy to you,

but there's something about a bunch of strong male voices singing some of my favorite hymns.

Why, yes, I grew up in a Lutheran school...why do you ask?

Anyway, my dad is far enough along in his recovery that my parents
asked for an overnight visit with the boys.

I was only so happy to oblige.

The boys were so psyched.

They've really missed overnights at grandma's and grandpa's.

So, D. and I found ourselves last night with "nothing" to do.

We remembered that we had a gift certificate from restaurants.com to our favorite place.
So, away we went.

Between the two of us, we had to spend $35 - not including alcohol.

So, I ordered a $22 entree.

Let me just say...

...thank you to the Lord above that STEAK is carb free!

I had the most AMAZING Kobe' Steak.

Ah-maz-ing.

Melted on my tongue, I almost didn't have to chew.

Then today....OH TODAY!!!

I had a long awaited spa day with two of my favorite friends.

We purchased some coupons on groupon, and went to town for the day.

We started the day with low carb crepes filled with low carb cinnamon custard and strawberries.

With a side of Chocolate eclair decaf coffee.

Heavenly.

Then, we went to the spa.

Started with a Stress Relieving Treatment

(which included soft tissue massages, a facial, and a scalp treatment)

I had the same beautician for the first two treatments.

Her name is Joyce.

She used to be an accountant and got laid off.

She has an amazing life-walk, and it was awesome to talk to her about God.

Then, pedicures.

Can I just say how awesome these ladies are?!?!?

Where I went "crazy" and opted for blue toes.

I also made a new friend in a lady named Erica who is getting married next month.

She was stressed out and decided to hit her "reset" button.

She was a hoot.

Followed by shampoo and style

(to get the scalp treatment oil out)

And an Aveda make-up lesson.

I'm so glad to do this because it's hard for me to choose the appropriate colors

since my eyes change between blue, hazel and gray depending on the color of my shirt.

I got great color advice!

Kristen looks so pretty!

Despite ending the day almost 2 hours late,

And totally thankful for forgiving grandparents and babysitters,

The three of us had the most fantastic day.

Fan.tas.tic.

AND, I smell all Adeva-y.

And I've stayed within budget.

Hooray for affordable luxury!!!

Hooray for days with AWESOME friends.


Hooray for crossing off #95.  Have a professional make-up consultation.

The Great Greenery Watch of 2011

I'm on a total wellness kick as of late.

Clean eating, clean moving, clean thinking, and now clean breathing!

I've heard from 4 different places now that if you want a healthy house, you need green inside.

(Not to be confused with "going green," which I am actually convinced is nothing more than a marketing gimmick)

Now, we already have an Oreck air purifier, which I LOVE love love.

But, I'd really like to do the whole "natural air purification" thing too.

Really, can your air get too clean?

I think not.

Anyway, the other week, we were at home for the weekend.

I decided to head to the local garden store and spent $31.45 on 8 different plants, 2 terra cotta pots w/ coasters, and a basket w/ liner. 

(This also includes the pot and coaster that C. was carrying around and subsequently shattered on the floor because he wasn't listening to his mommy when she said, "C, please don't run in the greenhouse.  You're going to trip over a hose and break your po....oh, honey, are you ok?  The pot is broken....yes, we'll have to pay for it anyway.  Next time please listen to mommy.  Now we'll keep your new pot in the cart, mmmm kkkk?")

Then, we went to the Dollar Tree and spent another $6 on more pots and some coasters there.

(There's NO way I'm going to spend $14.95 on a pot when I can spend $1 on it!)

I chose snake grass for the basement and bedrooms.

It is totally easy to take care of, requires little water and natural light, and

has been noted to give off more oxygen at night than the day.

Which is perfect for our sleeping bodies!

I even turned the whole thing into an activity for the boys.

They each got to pick out their own plant.

Fortunately (for me) they both picked out the same type of plant.

So, when we got home, I pulled out some left over paints and let them decorate their terra cotta pots.

One week and two days later, and I'm proud to report that all plants in the PMD house are

alive and well.  :)

Random Friday List (and some 5QF!)

1.  Today marks the beginning of spring break.

2.  I keep waffling between thinking:

3.  I ONLY have one week with both boys?!?!

4.  And: I have an ENTIRE WEEK with both boys?!?!

5.  Either way, I'm praying for some fun memories.

6.  Our calendar is booked for next week.

7.  I'm really looking forward to Tuesday.

8.  Details (and perhaps pictures) to come later.

9.  I'm also hoping to detail clean my mini-van.

10.  There seems to be an unidentified "funk" forming in there.  Ugh.




Ok!  Five Question Friday is back!

1. Have you ever had surgery?


Yes.  I had a tonsilectomy and adenoidectomy 4 days after Christmas in 4th grade. (1984).

Then a D-and-C in 2002.

2. Ever ride in an ambulance?

Once.  We were part of an "emergency readiness testing with our fire department and police department when I was young.  We were in my elementary school, and pretend some catastrophic thing happened.  We upturned desks and we were all given an "illness or injury" to assume.  Then we were triaged, brought to the hospital in the ambulance and once there given cookies.

That's it.
3. How are you in a medical emergency? Panicked? Calm?

Depends on who the emergency is for.  When C. was a baby he had an acute attack of croup.  When we picked him up, he was really struggling to breathe.  Really struggling.  D. was a LOT more hyper than I was.  I told him to call 911, and took C. in a blanket outside to wait.

I REALLY try not to panic - since it literally DRAINS my adrenal glands...and then I loose all functionability for the next 24 hours.

4. Do you have a garden? Flowers or veggies?

Yes!  Both.  Love getting dirty.

5. When did you move out of your parents house?

Well, there was a brief semester I was at CMU my freshman year of college.  But honestly, I was only 17 when I left...and really not ready to be gone from home.

Then, I moved back home to attend a closer university.  I moved out when I married D. at 24.