Ten on Tuesday: things I want to be better at

Life is full of areas for improvement, isn't it? At least, it is for me. The dialogue inside my head is always showing me where I fall short.

Like it or lump it,  it's true.

This is where I need to be careful to not allow Satan to get a foothold here. His words are lies determined to bring me into a dark hole.

I need to work on looking for the light in that hole. A nudge from the Holy Spirit never brings me into a darker place, rather it brings me closer to the Light. It lifts me rather than condemns me. 

Since we are at the end of January,  I thought it would be fitting to do a list of areas I feel the Holy Spirit nudging. 

Not for an attagurl,  but for accountability :

1. Less helpless, more helpful.
Focus less on where I can't help, and more on where I can.

2. Less selfies, more selfless
I have taken more selfies in 2016 than any other year. I need to point the camera OUT more, rather than back at me.

3.  Less lazy, more movement
Clean. Help. Exercise. Be productive. Move.

4. Less inconsistent, more consistent.
Stick to the rules. Follow the schedule.  Get things done.

5. Less judging, more grace.
Grace begets grace.

6. Less grudges, more forgiveness.
What does true forgiveness look like here?

7. Less write-offs, more relationships.
Why do we, as humans, feel it's so easy to write people off? Why do we distance ourselves from them because we worship our own social standing? I want to stand in the gap.

8. Less talking. More action.
Let me be a person who gets things done.

9. Less speakin, more listening.
I was given two ears and one mouth for a reason.

10. Less me, more God.
This speaks for myself.

Top Ten Tuesday: Things I've learned in the past week (or so)

1.  Monthly "meetings" with friends that have scattered to different corners (schools) will end up being my most favorite nights.  As soon as one meeting is over, I instantly look forward to the next one.


2.  I can get a neck injury in my sleep. I.am.old.


3.  When a toddler starts singing "I'm cleaning the bathroom, the bathroom, the bathroom....." Run.  Fast. Bring lots of towels.


4.  Wisdom comes in the least likely of places.  "If the only purpose you have is to serve yourself, then you have no purpose.". This quote came from Paul Blart; Mall Cop #2.  Clearly, I underestimated Paul Blart's heart.


5.  Cold medicines that do not contain pseudoephedrine are pseudo-effective.


6.  Coffee dates with new friends are super fun, but paying attention to table choice is advised with a toddler who has a overactive bladder.


7.  Dang, almond paste is expensive.


8.    You Tube had a ton of helpful tutorials.  (I was aware of this already, but sometimes find myself amazed at just how much is out there.)


9.  With enough phlegm and congestion, I can sound like Kathleen Turner.


10.  Hats cover a myriad of hair woes.  I need to invest in more hats.

Top ten things I've learned from You Tube

I've just rediscovered You Tube thanks to an app on my surface.  Naturally, the app is called "You Tube.".


Dave was un-impressed when he saw it on there.


He thought it was only for entertainment purposes.


I assured him that it was strictly educational- and therefore an invaluable app for my surface.

So, lest you also think that You Tube is a vast wasteland of people purging their playtime on the Internet, I can list for you a top ten of the things I've learned from You Tube... videos included- for your own educational purposes:

(Side note: there's one entertaining video.  It's my favorite of all time. See if you can figure out which it is)

1.  The words (and tune) to the boy's favorite VBS song:






2. How to cut the boys/man's hair (thereby saving almost $60 every 7 weeks):




Side note:  This isn't the exact video we watched, but she shows a few of the same techniques.
Second side note:  I used a #4 on the sides- in this video, she uses a #3. Potato, Po-tah-to.

3.  I learned all the words to Baby L.'s favorite song (of all time):



Side note:  Yes, Circa 1950. Yep.  We still watch Lawrence Welk from time to time as well.  Any questions?

4.  I learned how to filet a salmon.  After an amazing double fishing date with our friends,  we wanted to enjoy our catch.  Dave had to go to work, so I was left with the gutting, cleaning and filleting.  I also learned how to effectively gut the salmon as well (without getting salmon poo everywhere), but I'm going to spare you that video.  You're welcome.


5. I learned that no matter how much I DON'T cry at sad movies or sad books, I will ALWAYS cry at this:



6.  I learned how to fix my van door.  By myself. Thankyouverymuch.




7.    I learned that Sunday's comin'.  Oh how I love that Sunday.




8.  How to cut an avocado.  (without slicing my hand up)



9.  How to do cute braids in hair.  (Saving the knowledge for someday... the day Baby L. has more hair and can sit still!!!  Oh!!!  That day!)




10.  I learned a few things from the following video.  I learned that Alexis is West.  I learned that I love love love Matt Kirkwood.  I learned that Terry DeBoer has a white-man's overbite when she dances.  I also learned that and upside down cycling move is.... um..... vogue(?)

It's a long video, so for the sake of time, check out times: 4:56ish, 6:25ish, and probably the best part of the whole video (possibly of all time) 7:25 until the end.  Seriously... Matt Kirkwood. 




Happy Tuesday!

Tuesday Ten: oh the randomness!

1.  Baby L. sleeps through the night about 10% of the time.  I'm starting to find this annoying, but enjoy the quiet snuggles.  This too shall pass, right?  RIGHT!?!?!?

2.  On a related note, I believe that Baby L. may be intolerant to something...in her diet.  Every few nights she's awake most of the night SCREAMING in tummy pain, lots of gas, and some nasty diapers.  Gas drops work short term....but we're going to need to start a food diary and do some investigating.  While I was pregnant with her, she had no dairy or gluten in the womb...which could be a reason she's intolerant to the regular formula, but I'm not sure if it's dairy in her food that's causing it....things that make you go hmmmmm.

3.  Is there anything more infuriating or confusing than following someone who rides their brakes?  Are they stopping?  Are they slowing down?  For the love that is all good and holy, there is NO ONE in front of them!!!  Squirrel?  WHY ARE YOU BRAKING?!?!?!?

4.  On Saturday, the boys and I cleaned the house.  It was blissful; we all worked as a team.  The boys were so eager to please and work together.  I actually overheard them: A: "I'll vacuum and sweep the front porch."  C: "That sounds good!  I'll sweep first and then pick up the dog poop out front."  Oh the happiness!  So, I took them to a farm and got them an apple cider slushie and a donut to say "thank you."  We got home and mayhem broke out.  Crabbiness, fighting, bickering, disobedience.  Seriously, boys?!?!?  Sugar sucks.

5.  My once (for a nano second) clean mud room is now full of mud.  It was cleaned on Saturday...and then I blinked....there is even new mud on my mudroom CEILING.  How these things happen, I have no idea.

Wait....I do have an idea:  I live with two little boys.


6.  I'm reading.  A lot.  Got any good book recommendations?  I'm open!


7.  This "not working" thing is really soothing.  Once the boys are off to school, I feel like I can finally breathe (not because they're gone, but because I don't have a schedule to keep).  I'm getting things done around the house - when Baby L. cooperates.  And when she doesn't....well, I'm not in fear of getting yelled at if my schedule goes off.  I do NOT miss that stress.  At all.  What a gift!


8.  We live in a neighborhood that is mostly older people. There's one family up the way a bit...but they're weird...so I don't count them.  In conversations with a few of our neighbors, it seems like a few houses are going up for sale soon.  We're PRAYING that younger families (normal ones at that) will move in.  Perhaps the neighborhood is turning over after all!

9.  I love hand-me-downs.

10.    I've started planning Baby L's birthday party.  This both breaks my heart and excites me at the same time.  I'm so excited to watch her grow...but these moments with her as a baby are so fleeting. 

Ten Tuesday Pictures

We went to a birthday party at Chuck E. Cheeses.

I think a well placed camera angle is sometimes funny. :)

#chuckegodzilla

A few weeks ago, we went to a non-homoginized milk farm.

We got to see the cows.

I don't think Baby L. was a big fan.

#thatsaforcedsmileifieversawone

The boys started school today.
I missed them, but LOVED the quiet of the house.
And it was hot, hot, hot.
But I love that school.
#christianedrocks

Baby Bjorn and ice cream

#messy

me and my dad waiting for a parade

I will always be his "pumpkin"

#lovehimso

Brothers on roller coaster and Coast Guard.

#brotherlove 

In a mad dash to cross things off our summer bucket list, we went to a ball game.

Our family selfie, and not the best angle.

For anyone.

#selfiefail

Summer Bucket List - visit a local gym during "open gym."

I put Baby L. down, and she perched like this and sat there for about 10 minutes.

#babyfrog

Again, summer bucket list - visit an animal park

We fed giraffes.

I love giraffes.

#mynewfavoriteplace

I brought my DSLR to my friend's house the other night.

Still need to tweek pics, but this is SOOC.

This is the only one that I took in landscape,

so this is the only one you get to see right now.

#bloggerformattingispissingmeoff



Wordy Wednesday

1.  Today you get a random list.  Aren't you lucky?!?!?

2.  There are a LOT of worries on my mind lately.  Like ones that keep me awake at night.  I need to focus on God, and not on these things.  Yet, I still can't sleep when my body is clearly SCREAMING from deprivation.

3.  I think it's funny when people judge me for honesty.  (see previous post) Especially when it includes honesty with a swear word.  Sorry, I'm just not as perfect as you are.

4.  A few years ago, a MOPS mentor mom spoke about the "relationship ladder."  She said some amazing insights that soothed my hurting heart.  It helped me refocus my energies and expectations of others, and even encouraged me to rearrange a few people on the rungs.  My expectations changed, and my opinion of them is now different - since I'm not being let down all the time.  I think this mentor mom is wise beyond her years, and I'm grateful for that chat.

5.  We are in a mad dash to complete our summer bucket list.  It's fun.  I love my kids.

6.  I'll even like them at times when they're not misbehaving.  :)

7.  Baby L. hasn't been sleeping well lately.  At all.  The other night, Dave and I went to go to bed at 11pm -which is when she decided to wake up and NEVER want to go back to sleep.  Finally, she gave in to exhaustion at 3am.  By that time, my pedometer logged over 1300 steps.  Way to start the day- already over 10% to my daily goal! (but totally exhausted...so sort of counter-productive there....)

8.  Dave and I spent our only babysitter money for the month on going to a meeting last night.  (adios date night!)  We have a FANTASTIC babysitter who handled all three at bedtime beautifully.  At 2am, I hear Baby L. crying.  I go in the darkness to pick her up.  She's crying for a second, but then stops...whispers, "mama" then goes to lay her head on my shoulder and wraps her arms around me in a hug.  Soothing balm for this weary mama.  She DOES love me. :) (I need to remember this in about 12 years....)

9.  Judging by the pain in my jaw and the fact that I can barely open my mouth today, I'd say I'm grinding my teeth in my sleep again.  Grrrrr.  Bite splints are soooo not sexy.

10.  I got my hair cut on Thursday!  Yeehaw!  I was at my wits-end with it, and was about to go all Sinead O'Conner....we went to my parent's for Coast Guard Festival and I got in to see my old hair lady....she and I first met when I was a sophomore in high school (just did the math on how long ago that was....and now I'm weeping....).  She's amazing because I can just sit down in the chair and say, "Michelle....help me.  I want to buzz it all off.  I need a cute cut that doesn't take long to do."  That's what I said, and that's what she did.  It's cute....when I do it.  :)  Right now, I'm in full-on baby mode.  Which means there's some spit up holding the whispies back, and the bulk of it is up in a clip.  :)  Someday I will be normal again.  Today is just not that day.

Ten Tuesday thoughts...or updates...or snarky snippits...or just whatever.

1.  It is almost August.  I feel like summer just started, and in less than a month it will be over.  I'm feeling jipped.  So instead of lamenting that I only have a few short weeks before we enter the cog of another school year...I'm going to make each moment count.  The calendar is FULL...but there is LOTS of fun to be had.  We have a summer bucket list with MANY things just waiting to be crossed off.  It's my mission to do as much of it as humanly (and financially) possible.  :)



2.  There is a large festival happening in my home town this week.  It's weird to go back as a tourist.  But then...I head somewhere and get stuck behind someone who has NO idea where they're going...and then decides it's ok to stop cold in the middle of a street...and not move for over 2 minutes...then...well, I realize that I'm not THAT much of a tourist.



3.  My friend, Michelle, makes KILLER pickles.  MMMMMMmmmmm. 



4.  I have quite a few recipes (gf!!!) to share with you.  It will just take some patience to get them posted.  Super good.



5.  Ally, the crazy my-fur-would-look-good-as-a-rug dog, is really attention seeking.  I think I need to invest in a shock collar.  With a remote control.  The other day, she was MAD at me...and decided to let me know by peeing.  In my bed.  Comforter, blanket, sheets, and mattress pad all SOAKED.  I didn't realize it until I went to get into bed...and felt cold wetness.  I was so angry.  ANGRY! 



6.  I have a hair appointment on Thursday afternoon.  I can't decide if I'm up for a big change or just a spruce up.  Ideas?



7.  Baby L. is already 9 months old.  C. turns 6 in a few weeks.  I am ready to cry.



8.  I had a quality mullet sighting last night.  I hadn't seen a great one in over a year.  The only thing missing was the camero.  No joke.



9.  I wonder if anyone can learn how to have good character.  Will they always be inappropriate?  Can a really old dog learn new tricks?



10.  We paid our quarterly taxes the other day.  I seriously think the country would be a TOTALLY different place if everyone had to fork over that much money out of their bank account every quarter.  It really makes you think...

A full TEN on Tuesday...Folks, I'm coming out of the baby stupor!!!

1. The boys are at day camp this week. They love it. It's Star Wars week. I drop them off at the bus stop at 7:40 and pick them up at 5:20. Then dinner and bed. Lather, rinse, repeat. Today was an awesome send off. And by awesome, I mean they were all dressed and fed. Me? Pajamas, bare feet, pony tail, morning breath, empty tummy and sunglasses. Why sunglasses? It was the only redeeming thing in an otherwise totally tragic situation. And to top it all off, this was the year they decide to instate the “the parent must sign them IN every morning” rule. Oh joy. So what happened? A. brought the sign in book to me. I was that parent that refused to get out of the car.



2. My new sunglasses from last year finally busted. They weren't that quality of a product, but I did really like them. (With the exception of the nose guards...which always got caught in my hair). I finally purchased a new pair- thanks to a nice sale at Kohls. And now I have Kohl's cash to spend the next time I go. And in yesterday's mail (after I returned from Kohl's)? A $10 gift card from Kohls. But of course. Hey fish, see that hook?!?!?!?



3. I purchased a Groupon to get Baby L's pictures taken. She's 8 months old, and I haven't yet done her 6 month pictures. Hello, 3rd child. (side note: I always told myself I'd NEVER be that mom that forgets her kids milestones....ha! Motherhood has humbled me). In my defense, I've tried calling this business 4 times over the past 2 weeks. I always get their answering machine. I always leave a message. They never call back. This is frustrating at best.



4. I have a ton of blog posts to fill you in on. Perhaps a photo dump is in order?



5. That Johnny-Jump-up is all fun and games. Until someone rams her head into the door frame.



6. Yesterday I learned the difference between “bare” and “bear” (I thought bare had more uses, but it certainly does not). And the proper spelling of the word “wonky.”



7. I have 29 bug bites from the ankle down. Not that I'm counting. (note: I totally counted). They didn't bother me until Baby L. woke me at 3am. After handling her needs, I laid back down and promptly felt FIRE coming from my feet. The need to itch was more than I could bear. (word used correctly). (Unpaid) product endorsement: Gold Bond anti-itch is a good thing.



8. I'm trying out a new cleansing program. And there's caffeine in it. I haven't had caffeine in 6 years. So, any is more than I'm used to...but this has quite a bit. Yesterday was my first day. Picture me running in place at the ironing board. Yes....it was a sight. BUT I did get a lot of things done! Apparently, the key to productivity is caffeine.



9. I think that before ANYONE signs on to Facebook, they must take a Facebook ettiquette course. It's really ridiculous. For instance, if you're posting pictures of some one else's kid...TAG THE PARENT! You're putting their child's face on the Internet for the whole world to see. The least you could do is let them know you're doing it. Also...don't share someone else's news before they have. This INCLUDES births, engagements, and deaths. Nothing is worse than finding out my friend's grandfather died through someone else. Really?!?! And also....duck face. No. Never. Nope. Don't go there. Ever. Got it????



10. Baby L. has 5 words: dada (her first....sigh), mama, uh oh, hi, and Ada for her big brother. On the 4th of July, she said her first sentence, “Hi Ada” (She said it to her brother when he walked up to her after being out of sight for an hour or so). Dave heard it too, so I know I wasn't hearing things...otherwise I would have totally disregarded it as a figment of my imagination. She said it to me the next day as I went in her room to pick her up from a nap. “Hi mama” She says “hi” in a sing-songy voice....it's too cute. Except she now calls me BY NAME at 3am. It's harder to ignore “mama! Mama!” Before I would tell myself she was dreaming and nod back to sleep. Now I know she needs me. Sigh.

Top ten things NO ONE told me about motherhood

Today is top ten tuesday...but you get a theme.


Because that's about all my brain can scrounge up for you right now.  And...well, lately I've felt like SOMEONE should have warned me about parenthood-isms....wouldn't have changed my mind...but you know, proper prior preperation prevents piss poor performance. 

Say that ten times fast.

1.  There would come a day that I'd be laying on a table in the middle of the room naked.  Totally naked.  With 5 people shining bright lights on my who-ha...and I wouldn't care one bit about the nakedness.

2.  You could be filled with so much love and angst and anger and frustration and pride all at the same time... like smashing unicorns, atom bombs, Rainbow Brite, and a j'hadist all in one small room and waiting for it to explode.  What an oxymoron of emotions.

3.  Brain.  What brain?  Yeah....that.  I can tell you that with every additional child, brain cells hide in teeny little forgotten corners of the brain.  And get eaten by dustbunnies.  They're gone.  Dead.  Meanwhile, I'm staring at the screen with eyes glazed over.

4.  Wearing spit up is not sexy...but that doesn't stop him. :)

5.  Sometimes all you need is a spoonfull of Nutella locked in the pantry for a quick pick-me-up.  Othertimes, you need some wine.  Occasionally, the entire bottle.  The good mommy friends will supply said bottle. (and bring one for themselves.  :)

6.  Yoga pants.  Wardrobe staple.  No judgement.

7.  May.  The month of May.  It's INSANE!  Worse that the Christmas season.  May is crazy.  Busy, crazy, insanity.  And the the last day of school comes, and you feel like someone slammed on the brakes so hard you have whip-lash.
8.  A mama protecting her young is instinctual and carnal.  Don't mess with the mamas.

9.  It is entirely possible to get 1.5 hours of sleep and still function the next day.  However, "function" may need an alternate defination.

Current Top ten

I'm kind of at a loss lately.  Too much going on at the same time, not a lot.  But, I'm contractionally obligated to post at least once a week.  And while I have a few seconds of multi-tasking prowess, I'll take advantage and post my top ten:

I am currently:

1.  Working.  Or supposed to be working.  Parents are here watching Baby L.  I'm actually on the phone as I type while this dude tries to figure out his own accounting methods. 

2.  Doing laundry.  Why yes, my 5 year old was sleeping so soundly, he pee'd in our bed this morning.  That's fabulous, don't you think?!?!?  Fortunately, it was on Dave's side.

3.  Drinking water.  I've been slacking on that the past few weeks.  Working on getting my intake back up.  Summer is coming.  I will be hydrated.

4.  Freezing.  The air conditioning is on.  Baby L. does NOT like heat.  She gets HORRIBLY cranky.  I'm in a cold basement anyway....but with the a/c it's FRIGID.

5.  Blogging.  Well, duh.

6.  Texting.  With three different people.  About this weekend's plans.  Praying I don't get the text recepients mixed up...that could be embarassing.  One of them is my man.  ;)

7.  Emailing with my boss.  More on that later. 

8.  Washing dishes.  Oh, the magic of the dishwasher.  Modern technology at its best.  If only it grew arms and put all the clean dishes away for me.

9.  Planning out our evening.  From the boys coming home from school to baseball practice, homework, dinner, cleaning the house, work, Dave's estimates...etc etc. etc.  Sometimes I'm amazed that we all end up in our respective beds at night.

10.  Formulating a shopping list.  Because I went to the store this morning without said list, and forgot more than half of it.  Sigh.

Tuesday Ten Update

1.  I've taken a leave of absence from the blog this past week.  Too many balls in the air, and I was having too much fun with the boys on spring break. And then....then......oooohhhh, the mighty had fallen.  I went down in a blaze of glory Thursday night with the flu.  It took me until Saturday night to actually eat anything.  Awful.  But, we're back on the fast track to health...and (thus far) no one else is sick.  Whew...dodged that bullet.  (again, so far)


2.  My daughter does not like to take naps.  At all.  BUT, she's starting to sleep 11 hours in a row at night.  Every other night, she wakes at 3am for a bottle, but the nights she sleeps through???  BLISS!  Sheer bliss.


3.  This week is incredibly busy.  The busiest week since Christmas.  Really, the overload is laughable.  (almost)  Except when you factor my tendency to want to nap when overwhelmed...gets tricky.  But I have a list, and I'm sticking to it.  I'm doing my best everyday to have a best day...and whatever isn't done...well, it's just not done.  It gets put on the list for tomorrow, and we'll proceed to a new day.  That's my M.O. and I'm sticking to it.  :)

4.  I want a redo of last night's game.  With new officials.  Preferably ones that have eyes.

5.  Parents of kids who play spring sports- HOW DO YOU DO IT?!?!?!?

6.  Parents of babies who don't nap - HOW DO YOU DO IT?!?!?!?

7.  Parents of officials of last night's game - WHY DON'T YOU INVEST IN SOME GLASSES FOR YOUR SONS??!?!?

8.  I'm packing up all my maternity clothing...and this time am ecstatic to get rid of it.  No sadness here.

9.  I'm also packing up baby clothes to sell.  The boys' and the girl's clothes.  The ones I have a "aaawwweee" reaction to, I throw in a bin.  Hopefully someday I'll have enough gumption to make a quilt out of them.  Looking forward to that project.

10.  The well-timed baby is up from her 20 minute nap.  I'm off for some baby snuggles.  :)

Top ten: Lesser known "things" about me...

I'm not really a person of mystery.  Really...


I'm an open book for the most part.

There's a few tricks up my sleeve:  things no one knows, things one person knows, things few people know, etc.  But there's also funky things that not many people know....so here's my list:

1.  I cannot eat bananas.  I love them.  I miss them, but I cannot eat them.  They cause the WORST migraines.  Seriously...worst.  Like, half my face and body goes numb and slumps, I loose peripheral vision, and end up in the Dr. office doing "stroke" testing....really, that bad.  No bananas for me.  :(

2.  I'm a bit of a grammar snob.  I blame my parochial schooling on that.  Anyone else know how to diagram a sentence?  If so, you are my soul mate.  (Also, you're, your...two different things- and while I'm at it two, too, and to....If you use them incorrectly, I will secretly judge you).

3.  I am registered as a democrat.  (GASP!!!!!)  Yes, Dave married me anyway.  I registered right at the tender age of 18- while in my freshman year of college and very impressionable from peers and misinformed college professors.  It wasn't until took a sociology class and we had to write a final paper about "why modern day housekeepers are nothing more than indentured servants" did I realize that I was truly a capitalist at heart.  I got an "F" on that paper- because I said that housekeepers were really entrepreneurs in having enough integrity to see a demand and starting a business to fill that demand.  The professor wrote on my paper, "There's no room for conservatives in this class."  I took it to the head of the school of business and he overwrote my grade.  Ha....

4.  I cannot sleep with socks on.  If I do, I will wake up in a horrible sweat from nightmares.   Easy equation:  socks = nightmares.  So, I go to bed with freezing feet and migrate them over the center line to infiltrate Dave's cocoon.  :)  (He always yells, but I know he secretly LOVES it.  Yes, yes he does...I keep telling him that every night too).

5.  I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up.  I know eventually I'll have to get a full time job and once again contribute to the financial well-being of this household.  I also know that I'm not for sitting in my basement office (without windows) and entering numbers and more numbers.  This job is fantastic while my kids are young and in school, but my right brain would probably strangle me if I made a career from it.  I am not a left-brained person.  I can get by, but it's not my passion.  I'd LOVE to find something I'm passionate at and run with a career from there.  I don't need to make a lot of money- that's not my god.  Just enough to get by.  And do something I believe in.

6.  I have a photographic memory, but am TERRIBLE at remembering names.  I can read a book, and remember what the pages look like when trying to recall a fact or piece of information.  Which is why I always did so well at spelling and memory work in school.  I can remember faces, but not names.  Seriously...there's a lady at church.  I keep calling her Vicki.  It's not her name.  I know it's not her name, but I cannot remember her name.  So, I call her Vicki.

7.  I am scared of pencilled in eyebrows.  Yes, I'm weird.  In my whole life, I've only seen ONE person do them correctly- and that was VERY recent.  Seriously...if you have pencilled in eye brows, I cannot make eye contact with you.  I will seriously stare at them the entire conversation.  This is fine if we're talking across the room- you only see I'm looking in the "direction" of your eyes....but up close....well, that gets awkward.  But I cannot tear my eyes away.  They FREAK ME OUT!

8.  I do not consider myself a "trendy" person.  As a matter of fact, if you call me trendy, I may just take it as an insult.  I would much rather consider myself a practical person with my own sense of style rather than use my family's money to look like everyone else for a season or two.  I would have to be so selfish.  HOWEVER, I do not consider "trendy" to be a bad thing when talking about others.  Weird, huh?  As a matter of fact, I have beautiful friends who are ALWAYS in the latest trends, and they are adorable.  I actually love and appreciate this about them.  Just not for me.

9.  I was shocked a few weeks ago to find out that I'm an intimidating person.  What the WHAT???  Apparently, my inner strength intimidates people.  Sorry...I do have a sense of who I am, and I'm not going to change it.  I know what I believe in, I know what I stand for.  Sorry if that freaks your wishy-washy butt out.  I don't think being a "hot mess" is cool....nor is it anything to brag about.  I get overwhelmed, I drop the ball from time to time.  I am far from perfect.  But, I am who I am.  I do my best.  That's all I can do.  I"m ok with imperfection, I'm ok with "incomplete."

10.  I get "gut feelings."  I listen to them.  I've learned to, at least.  I inherit this from my dad.  When I was younger, I'd bring a new friend home and he'd sometimes say, "Stay clear of that girl, pumpkin.  She's not good news."  Of course, being obstinate, I'd disregard his warning and sure enough....I'd get burned.  Later in life, I've learned to listen to those gut feelings about people and situations.  Friends who I need to keep at an arm's length or people I just need to steer clear from all together.  An example of this gut feeling is waaaaay back when I was in college, my grandma was in the hospital.  I was in a marketing class...and all of a sudden, I knew I had to call the hospital.  I got up, went to the nearest pay phone (this was 1998....), and called the hospital where they told me that my grandmother passed away just a few minutes prior and I missed my mom leaving by mere seconds.  I knew she was gone before I even called.  The first night that I officially met Dave, I knew he was going to be my husband.  Not wishful thinking....I just knew.  There was nothing to rush...but we weren't going to dilly dally around it either.  When the gut knows, the gut knows.

Do you have funky little quirks that few people know about?

Tuesday Ten: Things I do to save money

It's no surprise that we live on a budget.


You'd probably be surprised at how SMALL our monthly budget is.  While I won't get into particular numbers here... but I will tell you that our monthly budget is SMALLER than most people's mortgage payment alone.  True story.

Here's a few strategies I employ to keep us on track:

1.  Envelopes.  Yep, we're Ramsey-ites.  We have a cash envelope for just about every category:  grocery, health, breakfast, lunch, dinner, entertainment, house, car, miscellaneous (i.e. hot lunch, babysitters, any grocery overflow, etc.).  I'm missing a few...but you get my drift. Let me tell ya- it physically HURTS to spend cash.  Studies have shown that if you're spending with a card (debit or credit), you will typically spend 30% more.  Why?  Cash is finite.  It hurts to see it leave your wallet.  Yep, this is most certainly true. (quick, what book?)

2.  Plan ahead.  It helps to have a menu for every month.  If I have a plan when I go into the grocery store, I stick to my grocery list and purchase nothing else.  If I don't have a plan, I wander from aisle to aisle all willy-nilly and add things that suit my fancy at the time...and blow my grocery envelope to bits.  Making a monthly menu is not as hard to set up as one would think.  I start with a theme day:  we have Family Pizza/Movie/Game night every Friday.  So, every Friday I write "pizza."  Some people do "Meatless Mondays" others do "Taco Tuesdays."  What ever floats your boat.  Since Dave has a lot of meetings on Wednesday nights, I do a crockpot meal on Wednesdays.  So, whatever the main meat is that day, I put "crockpot" in front of it.  Then, if there's a special day I fill in those next: birthdays, anniversaries, small group meal, holidays,etc.  After that, I go through the whole month and alternate:  beef, chicken, pork, soup, leftovers.  Sometimes I'll sneak a fish, breakfast dinner, or turkey in there as well.  Make sure to keep a day open at least once a week for left overs.  If there are no leftovers i the fridge that day, I declare it a "grilled cheese" night.  There you go... menu planning made easy.  And grocery budget kept.  :)

3.  Hair.  I cut it.  Not mine...the boys.  Our first grooming kit came with a video that taught me step by step how to cut hair.  Then, I've looked up a few on youtube.com as well.  It's not as hard as one would think.  I save us HUNDREDS of dollars every year and the hassle of going to yet another stop on the errand-train.  I also found hair stylists who do my hair out of their homes.  I can get full highlights for the same price as a salon haircut alone.  Yes...the difference is THAT large.  And I get to learn to knit while my color processes.  Win/ win for me!

4.  Get used to the letters "DIY."  We do a lot of things for ourselves and skip the more expensive modern-day alternatives.  For example, I just started making my own laundry detergent.  Guess what?!?!?  For PENNIES on the dollar, I can make laundry detergent that cleans BETTER than the one we were using (Gain), has little to no fragrance (a HUGE bonus for my asthmatic child!) and is not caustic on our sensitive skin (big bonus for my sensitive baby!).  I make treats for their lunches- which is also a bonus that I know exactly what's going into their bodies.  We also fix our washers and dryers when they break, we I  make crafts for home decor inexpensively - instead of purchasing a full price piece.  Instead of higher priced dandruff shampoo, I purchase cheap stuff and put a few drops of tea tree oil in Dave's shampoo.  It goes farther, and (in my opinion) smells better.  Manicures?  Do 'em myself.  Pedicures?  Other than the first one of summer (which I justify by all the callous' they need to remove to make my feet look sandal-ready), I do those myself too.

5.  Night's out.  These can be total budget busters!  While my husband is completely happy (and actually desires to) stay home with us, I need to get together with friends for some recharging once and a while.  It's budgeted in our "dinner" envelope, but I make sure to get the most out of that envelope as I can.  While one GNO may include a dinner out, others may include hanging out at someone's house chilling with wine, coffee, or board games.  Other get togethers include power walking, meeting at the park with kids or craft nights.

6.  Birthdays.  These tend to be huge budget busters.  They don't happen every month, so there's no envelope for them...but they are LARGE expenses- if you let them be.  So, let's talk Birthdays a minute.  Birthday parties?!?  They can run close to $400-$500.  Seriously.  No joke.  So, here's our take on it:  big family party for 1 year old.  Friend party here (at the Love Shack) at 5.  Friend party at a business for 10.  Other than that, every year, a small party with grandparents will suffice.  There's no reason to host a huge party every year.  For friend's birthday parties, I purchase basic toys on clearance after Christmas and summer.  I have a large box in a closet that I pull from for parties.  For nieces and nephews, we send them cards with money- one dollar for every year they are old. 

7.  Christmas is budgeted as well- AND if I can craft something during the year- or pick it up and expense it out of the envelopes, more power to me!  Name exchanges for the kiddos on Dave's side (where we keep multiplying....) also help keep our costs down.  We have a Christmas envelope that I withdrawal in November.  It has $400 in it.  Once that money is gone, the gifting is done- regardless who is not purchased for.  So, I try to make smart purchases.

8.  Buy ahead.  I have totes and totes of clothing in our garage  new crawl space.  Each one has a size on the side.  We get hand-me-downs from a few sources, I shop clearance sales, and I hit up consignment shops from time to time.  If something is on an AWESOME sale (hello - $1 Gap khaki's NWT, I'm looking at you), I'll pick it up and throw it in that bin.  Once the boys (or girl!) grow into that size, I just grab that bin.  Sometimes I need to fill in a few blanks, but most of the time we're all set.  Try to stick to the basics with this, though.  Purchasing trendy clothes in three sizes bigger than they are now....well, could be recipe for disaster.

9.  Give more.  This is an amazing paradox.  The more generous I am with our time and money, the more of it I seem to have.  Or perhaps, the less it becomes important to me...  Either way, I'll take it.

10.  The Jones' are dead to me. I have no desire to keep up with them.  Probably because those Jones' are most likely  in debt up to their eyeballs- working their tails off just to pay the bank for crap they really didn't need in the first place.  By not having all the STUFF of this world muddying up our lives, we leave space to give back.  Space to be generous with our money and our time.  Space to not make stuff our god.  I think the word "content" isn't used enough in our society.  Our house isn't the biggest - but in all honesty, it's bigger than our needs.  Dave and I struggle with that daily.  Our van...it's rusty, but it gets us where we need to go (knock on wood!).  Why should we concern ourselves with a luxury vacation when others don't even have the luxury of SHOES on their feet or food in their bellies???  We live in a spoiled world where it's ok to get ourselves indebted to the bank in the pursuit of the almighty stuff.  The bigger house, the certain type of car, the vacations, the dinners out at the up-and-coming drinking hole....what's it all for?  So when you're dead, God can say
"Well done, good and faithful consumer"? 
 Give back.  Reach out.  You'll be richer for it.  Just sayin.'

Tuesday Ten(ish)

1.  I have adrenal fatigue.  Dave and I had a loooooong talk on Saturday about me, my hormones, my (lack of) weight loss, my motivation, etc.  Then, I went to bed.  At 8:30.  He went to google chronic adrenal fatigue.  He offered to let me sleep in on Sunday morning.  I think he's finally starting to get it.

2.  On a positive note:  my weight gain has slowed.  With both boys, it didn't slow until they hit 9-10 months.  Since Baby L. is only 4 months I'm hoping that's a positive hook I can hang my hat on.

3.  Due to my adrenal issues and the fact that it will take (forever) a while for my cracked pelvis to heal, I have not started running again.  I'm hoping to start up yoga....it's a start, right?

4.  We start our new small group this weekend.  Anxious and hopeful at the same time!!!  Lutherans are typically allergic to change (hence the anxiety), but I really feel the the people we've asked to join us are going to gel awesomely, and I'm excited to really get into the Word and chew on it a bit.

5.  A. has had this lingering cough for about a month now.  Now, Baby L. and I have it.  It's AWFUL!  At times I really feel like I cannot get a good deep breath.  Please pray (with me) that C. doesn't get it!  This would result in at least one ER trip....it's that bad.

6.  I am in need of a drastic attitude adjustment.  We had our taxes done, and found out we owe a king's ransom.  (not an over exaggeration- it's almost twice as much as we paid for our van).  In addition, the lack of maternity coverage (thanks to Obamacare legislation), increased medical costs and (again, thanks to Obamacare) our health insurance premiums are continuing to go up.  It seems like someone is always pulling money out of our pockets.  Like we were smart, and saved a bit....only to have them (government, medical stuff) yank it out.  I'm angry, scared, and frustrated.   So angry that I need to keep reminding myself that it's NOT OK to walk up to liberals and punch them in the face.  Yeah...attitude adjustment needed.

7.  We were hoping our van makes it to 300,000 miles.  (Currently at 216,000).  Think we can duct tape it so it will last to 500,000?  Here's hoping!

8.  I picked up some chia seeds at the nature store yesterday.  I may be a tad crunchy after all.

9.  Thanks to 3M Command strips, I have pictures on my walls.  My unfinished drywall walls.  Every time I pass those newly-hung pictures, I smile.  Much to Dave's chagrin.  :)

10.  I have no work calls to do this morning....so, in an effort to calm my angst, I'm off to craft a bit.

Ten

1.  I started back to work yesterday.  Sigh.  I'm SO thankful to have a job where I can work from home.  SO thankful.  But I was REALLY enjoying just being a mom for a bit there.  Really enjoying it.  But come pay day, I'll really be enjoying that extra wiggle room in the budget that this job affords us.  (Actually...it pays tuition and part of our monthly health insurance premium....but whatevs).

2.  Today, A's class is going to a snow tubing park with the whole school.  He's SO excited!  C. cannot go.  They say you have to be 6 to go without adults, and half of the kindergarten class is not 6...so they stay behind.  He was totally bummed.  Sometimes its hard being the little brother.  ;P

3.  I'm sleep training Baby L.  Wish me luck.  Pray for me.  I've realized that as soon a babies are born, parenthood is mostly about training them to leave you.  Every thing we teach them is so they can be productive members of society.  This just makes me want to wake her up, unswaddle her and plead "DON'T LEEEEEEEEAVE ME!!!!!"

4.  This weekend, we celebrate 90 years of Bumpa.  Because sometimes water is, indeed, thicker than blood.  Were it not for him, I never would have known how wonderful it is to have a grandpa.

5.  I'm thinking of doing something funky with my hair.  Like purple streaks here and there or something.  What do you think?  It's temporary, right?  So, why not?

6.  I'm still sometimes surprised.  No matter how far you think you've come...there's always someone who refuses to grow up and act like an adult.  It's ridiculous sometimes.

7.  For the longest time, I thought I had ADD.  I'm not kidding you.  I could not focus on anything to save my life.    My Dr. had talked to me about medication, but I didn't want to put my body through any more abuse...then, I discovered a tea made by Herbalife.  The monthly flier I get from my Wellness Dr. talked about it and how it helps with ADD issues.  I conveniently had some in my pantry that I forgot about, and started taking it with my coffee.  Lo and behold...there is a difference!  I really noticed a difference when working yesterday.  I could actually concentrate!  I'm very happy about this.

8.  I need to think of two crafts:  one for C's Valentine Party in Kindergarten and one for my MOPS table (after Valentine's Day) to do at my house.  Any ideas?

9.  I'm finding more rust spots on our van.  She's got 215,000 miles on her.  We've been told by our mechanic that Caravans will go forever if you take care of them properly.  We're praying she makes it to 300,000.

10.  This week is Spa Day at MOPS!  HOORAY!  This is my favorite MOPS holiday.  :)

Ten

1.  Baby L. has cut her first tooth.  One more is on the way- that I can see.  She also has a cold.  And so do I.  This is the baby tri-fecta of sleeplessness.

2.  Lately the word "control" is coming up a LOT in conversations.  A lot.  God is talking to me.  Am I ready to listen?

3.  Dave and and I have been missing each other in the night lately.  Meetings, work and plowing....makes for a busy schedule.  I see a few date nights in our near future!

4.  Lately, I can feel God pulling our family in a new direction.  I'm not sure what that whole picture looks like yet....but that's what faith is for, right?

5.  I posted an ecard on my facebook page last week.  Funny how a few of my high school acquaintances JUMPED on it- since it was NOT politically correct.  Yeah....I'm not for being politically correct, I'm for being Biblically correct.  Politically correct things offend me.  :)

6.  Sometimes I wonder what the heck is happening to our country.  Makes me want to apologize to my grandchildren.

7.  A. is going on a field trip today.  In celebration of Lutheran Schools week, his teacher is taking them to Steak -n-Shake for lunch.  I was reading permission slip, and was looking to check the box stating "I cannot drive for this trip."  Because I can't...  But...then I realized that his class is small enough that they can all go in the teacher's car.  I laughed and then I was thankful.  #1 No guilt for not being able to drive.  #2 Awesome amount of attention is given to A. and his academics #3 He has really close relationships with the kids in that class.

8.  The boys and I are playing  Dance Party on the wii every afternoon.  It's hilarious.  We are so rythm-challenged. 

9.  I think my baby is allergic to sleep.  :(

10.  A few of my friends online have asked to see Baby L's nursery and the house progress.  I promise a post is coming! 

Tuesday Ten

1.  Between Baby L, C's new cough with cold, C's asthma, and Ally banging on her cage to go outside (three times!), I had a total of 45 minutes of sleep last night.  Dave was out plowing, so I solo parented the whole gig.  Awesome.  Dave was out all night, and then went straight to work.  On no sleep.  Sleep deprived team parenting....not for the faint of heart.

2.  Dave's back and neck were hurting him, so I flipped and rotated our mattress.  Now he feels great, and my neck and back are hurting.  Go figure.  No good deed goes unpunished.

3.  Baby L. has never been a good napper...but lately, it's at an epic point.  I take that back...she'd be a GREAT napper---- if I stood above her and kept putting her pacifier back in her mouth every 3 minutes.  Sleep training is not for the faint of heart.

4.  A. is in Cadets this year- which is like a Christian CRC-based Boy Scouts.  He earned his first badge.  He's chest-puffing proud of that badge.  Little did I know, his first badge would turn into a HUGE home economics project for me- hand sewing snaps on a badge holder and affixing it to his shirt...sewing the badge on the badge holder, etc.  Oh my.  I'm already 4 hours into this project and have yet to get it on his shirt.

5.  We had to switch Baby L. to a soy-based formula.  I'm afraid digestive issues are a dominant trait in the females of my lineage.  While it's a marked improvement, we've got a ways to go before we have a happy baby all the time.

6.  I'm so grateful for my parents.  They've offered to help with childcare one day a week after I return to work.  My kids are so excited to see them more often.  The gift of their time is better than any physical gift they could ever wrap up.

7.  My dog likes to chew fabric.  And by "chew" I mean destroy.  There is only one blanket left in my house that doesn't have holes torn through.  I can't even leave a laundry basket of towels laying around...she's crazy.  I hope it's a phase she outgrows.

8.  My boys are newly obsessed with Justin Bieber.  They have no school today, and they are wearing their baseball caps around the house cocked at a derelict-angle.  I had hoped to avoid the whole "biebs" thing.  Oh well.

9.  I'm always amazed by all the women who encourage me to leave the baby at home or get out without the baby, etc.  Guess what?!?!?  There's a bazillion things pulling us in different directions- all asking us to leave the kiddos behind.  I have a short time with them when they still want to be around me.  I was made for this moment- quit asking me to give it up.

10.  I had a few minutes of free time yesterday.  Instead of using it for something productive, I chose to redo my MOPS craft with a different paper and redo some magnets on my fridge.  Not the smartest use of my time, but my kitchen is just a wee bit prettier.  :)

10 on Tuesday

1.  My phone died.  An awful death.  And I promise I didn't drop it.  However, I just finished a painful 24 hours without a phone...and I had to give my phone up without transferring contacts.  So, now I have a new phone...but no contacts.  So, if we text- and you have me in your contacts, please shoot me a text with your name in it so I can save your number.  Please and thank you.

2.  I'm slowly figuring out foods that baby L. doesn't agree with.  One of them is chocolate.  How is this my daughter?!?!?!?

3.  She is also not a real fan of the swing.  But loves the bouncy seat.  She is the exact opposite of her brothers.

4.  She loves music - just like C.

5.  I still need a haircut.

6.  I am seeing a TON of housekeeping things that need to be done in our house....but lack the time and give-a-darn to do them.  :)  Why aren't housekeepers free?

7.  My new phone has a few newer features that my old phone didn't have.  Is it sad that I'm so excited about being able to change the font on my texts?  Yes, yes it is.

8.  I had a HUGE master list of all the gifts we've received over the past 2 1/2 months.  I was going to use this list to write thank you notes from.  Whaddya know- when I finally go to write them, the list is gone.  So far, I think I'm doing a pretty good job at remembering who I need to write a note to.  Even with baby brain!

9.  My poor dog is in desperate need of attention.  She's eating my blankets in the living room. Yes, eating.  Big holes.

10.  I (heart) nap time.  :)

Ten on Tuesday

1.  My boys, the Tigers, play tonight.  My main main, Justin Verlander, is scheduled to be on the mound.  Here's hoping for a victory!

2.  I'm officially 3 days away from my due date.  If this were the boys' pregnancies, I would have delivered both by now.  This is the longest I've ever carried a baby.  I'm ready to be done.  However, my Dr. appointment today showed no signs of progress from the past 2 weeks.  And slightly elevated blood pressure....which could have been attributed to the nasty headache I've been unable to shake all day....but they'll keep an eye on it.

3.  They told me to make an appointment for next Monday.  Fairly confident they'd see me again.  I almost cried.

4.  And I still have a headache. 

5.  You know you're old when:  your body reacts to incoming high/low pressure systems entering your geographic area.

6.  I can't wait to be able to take ibuprofen again!!!  It seems like the only thing that eases headache pain for me.

7.  The painter is officially done in our house- for now.  He came back yesterday to re-hang all the bedroom and closet doors.  On Friday, we'll see carpeting!  Then, we can officially start moving into our two new bedrooms. 

8.  In the meantime, I've got a few crafts to work on (home decor crafts) and cleaning up my work audit inventory.  I'd like to go into labor without overdue audits.

9.  We're at the point when we call people that they're expecting a baby announcement.  Last night, I called my in-laws and they BOTH picked up the phone at the same time.  As soon as I told them it wasn't related to baby at all, my mother-in-law promptly hung up.  I found this humorous.  :)

10.  Today is Boss' Day!  I got to talk to my boss today- which isn't something I normally get to do- since we are both busy with work, and most of the time (at least, with her) no news is good news.  We just chit-chatted and talked about my work plans for after baby and plans for cleaning up my existing inventory.  She's a really nice lady- and I'm happy to be working for a company with some integrity in the management!

Ten on Tuesday

Or just another name for a random list....  that's numbered.


1.  A high school friend had her baby two days ago.  She was due a week after me.  I'm fighting bitterness.  But am happy to report that baby Sophia is healthy.

2.  Last week, a 33 year old acquaintance passed away.  In her sleep.  She was a good friend of my sister-in-law.  The autopsy was inconclusive.  She had 5 kids.  This is a tragic thing, breaks my heart, and scares me out of my wits.  I'm so sad for her friends and family trying to make sense of it all, and pray that this brings them closer to God.

3.  Another high school acquaintance's baby daughter received her heart transplant yesterday.  I remember her from high school, but didn't know her well.  But I've been praying for Hannah Mae.  This morning, she's recovering in the NICU with a new healthy beating heart!  We praise God for this miracle, and keep the family of her angel in our prayers.  What a gift.

4.  C. had a pretty good night last night.  Praise God!  He's still home with me today since he still has breathing treatments every 6 hours through tonight.  Hopefully, he'll be ready to go back tomorrow.  I must tell you....thinking about the other night still scares the crap out of me.  He was so gray.  I hope that never happens again.

5.  My husband texts now.  (did I mention that yet?  Well, he has since last Dec....)  I love it.  I love flirting with him on text.  And joking with him.  It's a good thing he knows I'm obnoxious.  :)

6.  I had a nice visit with an old friend last week.  But in spending that time with her, I realized why we're not that close anymore.  Which made me say a prayer of thanks for where I'm at now and the wonderful people God has placed in my life at this very time.

7.  Something is up with my Facebook feed, and I can see all these stranger's updates- because some of my friends either commented on them or liked them.  This is annoying to the highest degree.

8.  I have a fun night planned with one of my favorite people!  Oh how I love fondue.  :)  And Melody.

9.  Over the weekend, I decided to pack some bags for the hospital (one for me, one for her...they're small bags).  This only means one thing:  she's going to be late.

10.  I feel like I'm behind in everything:  MOPS stuff, PTL stuff, work stuff, cleaning stuff, everything.  Other than taking a nap and pretending these things don't exist, I'm not sure how to rectify this situation.  Sigh.  Then again, that's what got me into this situation in the first place.  That, and my inability to say "NO."