38 Things

I saw this on Meredith's blog and goodness, it has been forever since I've blogged.  The "38" doesn't quite have the significance to me as it does to Mer, but I'll play along. 

1. What color is your toothbrush? ...Red and white

2. Name one person who made you smile today .... Hayes, when he decided to give some toys to a yard sale fundraiser we're contributing to. 

3. What were you doing at 8 am this morning? .... My quiet time in my room

4. What were you doing 45 minutes ago?....Getting Pioneer Woman's Chicken Spaghetti ready to put in the oven (which, oh my word, smells SOOO good right now!)

5. What is your favorite candy bar? .... Kit Kat (Gimme a break, gimme a break....)

6. Have you ever met a famous person? ... yes

7. What is the last thing you said aloud? ...."Honey, you can change your mind if you want to."  (To Rebecca about a toy she decided to give to the yard sale and then freak out a little about it later.)

8. What is your favorite ice cream flavor? ....chocolate, just plain chocolate

9. What was the last thing you had to drink? ... Cherry 7-Up

10. What was the last thing you ate?..... chocolate chip cookie dough

11. Have you bought any new clothing items this week?... no

12. The last sporting event you watched? ... Carolina Hurricanes game

13. What is your favorite flavor of popcorn? ... caramel corn

14. Who is the last person you sent a text message too?... probably Faith

15. Ever go camping?.... yes, but I am not a fan.

16. Do you go to church every Sunday? ... Yes.  Well there are times when I'm sick or out of town.....

17. Do you have a tan?... Not much of one yet.  But this time next week I'll have a pretty good one. (Beach bound on Sunday, woohoo!)

18. Do you prefer Chinese food over pizza? ... I'm with Meredith---yes, if it's PF Chang's or Pei Wei

19. Do you drink your soda with a straw? ... If I'm at a fast food type restaurant.

20. What are you doing tomorrow? ... laundry, start packing for vacation, and maybe take the kids to outdoor movie tomorrow night

21. What color is your watch?.... silver

22. What do you think of when you hear Australia? ... how we almost moved there....

23. Do you go in at a fast food place or just hit the drive thru?.... Usually go in

24. What is your favorite number? ... I don't think I have one. 

25. Who's the last person you talked to on the phone? ... Sheila

26. Biggest annoyance right now? ... Children not obeying

27. Last song listened to?.... "I Will Rise" by Chris Tomlin

28. Do you have a maid service clean your house?...nope

29. Favorite pair of shoes you wear all the time? .... Right now, my Yellow Box flip flops.

30. Are you jealous of anyone? ... no

31. Is anyone jealous of you? ... Oh I hope not

32. Do you love anyone?..... oh yes

33. Do you hate anyone that you know right now? ... No.

34. Do you use the word 'hello' daily? ... answering the phone or in a sarcastic way "he-LLO!"

35. What color is your car? ... red

36. Do you like cats? ... Not really

37. Have you ever been to Six Flags? ... once to the one in Georgia

38. How did you get your worst scar(s)? ... had a mole removed on my shoulder and it left a rather large scar for the size of the mole.  Exciting, I know.  OH! I do have a nice one on my head from a car wreck but the only person who ever sees it is my hair stylist.

Gone, but not forgotten....

So, email is checked, blogs are read, (It's called priorities, people!), bathrooms are cleaned, clothes are washing, and hot tea is made.  And it's not even....ok never mind what time it is since I still have my pj's on. 

And why is this blog worthy, you may ask.  Because for the next few days, I am kid-less.  No kids.  No maternal responsibilities. 

Well, except for washing their clothes, cleaning their bathroom, and maybe going through all their toys and throwing away all the JUNK.

And no, that won't lead to one bit of drama come Monday.

Both kids are visiting their grandparents for a long weekend.  This is always a fun time for them.  Probably a tiring time for the in-laws, but what can I say?  They asked for it.

Becca will get to go to her Aunt Cissy's 2nd grade classroom---always an exciting day for her.  She's gone multiple times over the last few years and always enjoys seeing how other kids "do school." 

While she's at school, Hayes will get lots of alone time with Granddaddy probably.  There will be endless Candyland games.  And DAYS of playing with old Star Wars toys.  Daniel found his 30 year old  Millineum Falcon and X-wing Fighter (look at me sounding like I know what I'm talking about) the last time we were there.  Hayes has been dying to play with them again.

So who's laughing at me that on my "day off," I'm blogging about my kids?

Seriously though, I love hanging out with my kids and I know I'm going to miss their sweet little faces. 

You know, just after I run errands alone, get a pedicure, eat what/where I want to for lunch (when I want to eat),  and bask in the quietness that is my house.   

Little knuckleheads.

                    

American Idol Finale

I'm so excited that I get to watch the finale live tonight!  I've missed the last few weeks and had to watch either really late or the next day. 

There's been lots of talk, at least in my little circle of the world, about Idol tonight and we're all pretty much Kris fans.  Unsure if he can win it, but fans none the less. 

Well, Paula's been tanning and Simon doesn't have on a T-shirt!!  It must be a special night.  There should be lots of celebrities in the audience too, so I'll be giving them shout outs I'm sure.

Adam goes first tonight.  Ooo, Kara's co-written a song for them.  Very interesting. 

Adam's parents seem very normal.  That's all I have to say about that.  He's singing "Mad World" first.  Oh, he's just so dramatic with the smoke and weird lights.  I am so thankful that there's not screaming in this one.  He does have a great voice when he's not screaming.  And it's a lovefest for the judges, except for the coat for Simon.  Big surprise.

Anthony Hopkins! Fava beans!

Seriously are Kris Allen's parents not the cutest??  Kris is doing "Ain't No Sunshine".  I loved this performance the first time around and I'm SO glad he picked it.  Loved it again!!  Ooo Simon's clapping!  I think that's a good sign.  Wow, it's a lovefest for Kris too!  Didn't really expect that. 

Simon Fuller picked "Change Is Gonna Come" for Adam.  He changed into a shiny suit for this one.  That reminds me of all the suits and wacked out ties from the Bachelorette last night.  Was anybody else bothered by all the bad ties?  And we won't even talk about the one guy's Member's Only jacket.  Oh sorry.  I just heard Adam start screaming and remembered what I was doing. I don't really know what else to say.  He screams.  Every song (except "Mad World" oddly enough) sounds the same.  And I'm not a fan.  The end.  Oh seriously I'm afraid Paula's going to start throwing clothing items at Adam.

Katie and Suri!! 

Producer pick is "What's Going On" for Kris.  Good pick for him. I like acoustic guitar Kris.  I disagree with Randy.  That performance is Who He Is. It shows what kind of artist he is and will be.  Anything's going to seem "light" after Mr. Theatrical.  I don't think it has anything to do with The Night. 

Now they sing some song Kara wrote, right?  This should be good.  I mean how different will these two make it?  It could be like 2 different songs totally. 

"No Boundaries" is the song.  Adam's up first.  Well I'm not loving this song.  Don't know if it's the song or the singer.  I can't really understand the lyrics.  It's definitely not his best performance by a long shot.  Of course Kara likes it.  Simon took the easy way out and didn't even judge the performance.  Apparently he didn't like the song though.  Funny. 

Let's see Kris's take on it.  I'm assuming there won't be screaming.  This isn't that good either.  Let's just say it's the song, ok?  It's a little high, isn't it?  I think that's the worst I've heard him the whole competition.  I hope the judges judge him on the whole season like they did Adam.  And they did. 

Well I think it's just a matter of how many Danny fans vote for Adam and how many vote for Kris.  They are so different and I would think have way different fan bases and tonight's not going to change anybody's mind. 

Certainly won't change mine!!  Go Kris!!!

Scripture Memory - Verse 10!

My word are the weeks just flying by or what?  I am absolutely loving learning God's Word like this.  And more than any other verse (well besides the one on condemnation) I have repeated this one out loud so many times!

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but a spirit of love, and of power, and of a sound mind."  2 Timothy 1:7

Thank you Lord!!

I love the next verses.  Special emphasis on "all day long!"

"Show me Your ways, O LORD, teach me Your paths; guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are God my Savior, and my hope is in You ALL DAY LONG."   Psalm 25:4-5 (NIV)

I love that His mercies are new every MORNING, but Praise God my hope can be in Him all DAY LONG!!  Can I get an AMEN?

10 Years!!

                             

Ten years ago today I was waking up as a single lady for the last time.  My best friend Ashleigh had spent the night with me at my townhouse.  We didn't really do anything exciting that morning.  Just got burgers from our favorite local joint for lunch.  I'm pretty sure I was too nervous to eat it though.  I remember we laid out in the sun on my deck for a little while and talked. 

I did my own hair and make-up, so no last minute appointments or anything.  My groom was playing golf with my dad, his dad, and our brothers.  And maybe his friend Michael?  I do remember learning later that Daniel hurt his back that day and no one wanted to tell me about it.  (If you're my Facebook friend, this kind of thing seems to happen a lot to my husband, huh?)

In some ways it seems like it was just yesterday.  But then when I see those glasses on Daniel, I realize that it has been a while! 

In 10 years, we've gotten married, moved twice, joined a new church, become a family of 3, lost family members, gained 3 sisters-in-law, become a family of 4, gained 3 nephews, started homeschooling, gone on multiple mission trips, gone to Hawaii, lived part time in FL, changed churches, and made some wonderful forever friends. 

We've had some absolutely awesome times and some very hard, trying times. And all those days in between.  It's called Life, right? 

And I'm so blessed to spend mine with the one that God brought into my life when I was just a silly little 13 year old.  I love you honey!!

Here's a few more pics:

                        

                     

 

Happy Anniversary to my sweetie!!

American Idol - Top 3!!!

Can I get a What What??!!  Top 3!!!  I'm way more excited about this season than last.  WAY MORE.

Awww, remember when the mayor would deliver a white envelope in front of the whole town with the judge's choice?  We've come so far.

Danny's up first.  Paula's choice for him is "Dance Little Sister".  I liked it.  And really, after watching Taylor Hicks for a whole season who would ever critique someone's dancing?  Just sayin'.  That was a great song for his voice.  I love me some Danny and all but I think 3rd place is his for the taking. 

Seriously I think Simon and Paula should just get together already.  I mean they are just one pigtail pull short of a total elementary school romance. 

Obviously Idol doesn't trust Kara to pick a song on her own.  She and Randy picked "Apologize" for Kris.  He's back on the piano.  Haven't seen that in a while, have we?  Good choice for him.  Maybe these judges do know a thing or two.  Loved it!!   Ok I change my mind about the judges knowing anything.  Does Kara just want it to be a Danny/Adam finale?  I mean, she picked the dern song! 

Simon picked, and apparently arranged, "One" for Adam.  Dude, the judges are choosing amazing songs for these guys.  I can't look at him when he's screaming and sticking his tongue out!  My eyes! My eyes!  (a la Phoebe Buffay) I mean, come on, it was a fantastic performance until he started licking the microphone and screaming and going all freaky freaky on us. 

Danny's singing "You Are So Beautiful" for Round 2.  It's a little s l o w.  Vocals were really good MAD!  Dawg!  Great job, glasses boy!

Oh crap.  Kris is singing Kanye West!!!  "Heartless"  I don't know Kanye music.  I can't stand him!  Is this a good choice???  I'm betting this is NOT how Kanye sings this song.  Ok, seriously I loved it.  I don't care WHO sang it before Kris.  Arms up yelling "YEAH" at Randy's comment!  Yeah baby, yeah!!!  I'm totally voting tonight.  (Don't judge. No, I haven't voted this season.)

Big surprise, Adam's singing Aerosmith,  "Crying."  See, if he'd just stay in that range he's in at the beginning, I might be able to handle it.  But there he goes in that falsetto screaming, trying to eat the mic.  Oh whatever.  He's a performer, headed to Broadway or something. 

I'm voting already and getting busy signals for Kris.  Yay!

He Knows

Last year, I dedicated my Mother's Day blog post to, well, my mom. And I would like to say "Happy Mother's Day, Mom!! See you soon!"

But this year I wanted to dedicate it to my friends. My friends who so desperately want to be a mom and/or have had difficulty in becoming one. Some of you have been very open about it. Others have kept it quiet. But you know that I know who you are and that more importantly, God knows who you are.

He knows your situation. He knows your thoughts and your desires. He sees you when you are disappointed yet again. He sees you when you go the long way around in Target just to avoid the baby section. Or when you just can't make it to a baby shower. He's there when you discuss options and medicines and procedures until you just don't even want to say the words one more time. Even if no one else does, He remembers difficult birthdays and due dates that would have been.

I love you and I'm so sorry you're in this situation. And I know Mother's Day is beyond difficult for some of you. Church might be the last place you want to be. And that's ok. Because you know as well as I do that God isn't in a building. We can't put Him in a box and we certainly can't put four walls around Him.

So you spend this day however you need to. Whether it's in corporate worship or quiet solitude. Either way, He's there.

Because He hears. And He cares.

He knows.

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

American Idol - Thunderstorm Week

Blasted thunderstorms.  Knocked out our satellite.  Still not up and I've been on the phone with a nice guy in who knows where for 20 minutes. 

Apparently our satellite moved during the storm and now only the receiver upstairs works.  The one WITHOUT the DVR. 

And guess when they can come out to look at it. 

Monday. Monday!!!!!  As in 5 days from now.

So I missed Idol last night and the only info I have is from BooMama's recap and it was delightful.  I know.  I could watch it on YouTube, but you know, I've got clothes to wash and bathrooms to clean.

Cause we're headed to the beach this weekend.  Yay!!!  And in preparation I went back to my weight lifting class today.  Because you know it's totally possible to get a six packed, swim suit ready bod in 3 days. 

So far, I can barely lift my arms to reset the satellite receiver, so YAY!  ALMOST THERE!

Hopefully I'll be back in the game for next week's TOP THREE!!!  Also known as Kris, Danny, and Allison. 

Hey, a girl can dream. 

Not Me! Monday

Yay! MckMama and her little McMuffin are home and settling back in after their whirlwind stays in 2 hospitals in 2 states! She's kicking off her famous Not Me! Mondays again and I thought I'd participate.

This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

I most certainly did not sit my kids in front of the TV recently to watch an American Idol that I'd missed the night before. And I did not consider it Music Appreciation and count it as school. Nope, not me!

I also did not sneak a picture of a girl's fancy heels at a golf tournament just so I could blog about it. Who does that?

AND I did NOT video my son trying to wink and make the little clicking sound with the sole purpose of sharing it with the whole internet (and my husband who wasn't home). I'd never do that! Who uses their kids for a laugh like that?

And finally I absolutely did not wash my kids' face, hands, and feet in the bathroom sink and consider it a bath since it was not 10pm and we had not kept them out way past their bedtimes. Because they were not Very Stinky Children. And we had NOT sacrificed bath and bedtimes just to go out to eat with our home group (people who we are NOT growing to love more and more as each week passes). Nope, not us!!

Golf and celebrities and such

These's a big golf tournament in our city this week. 

                          

Last year, when it was still called the Wachovia, I worked at it 2 days.  This year, I was just a spectator.  Much better.

We took the kids on the Pro/Am day and walked around for one or five hours.                 

                    

                    

                                           

                                           We saw the mayor.

                    

And Tiger Woods....

                     

who was playing with Peyton Manning....

                         

who hit one very near us.

                                 

                       

Looks like they're becoming buddies.

                        

 

We also saw Nascar driver Jimmie Johnson. (Becca took this)

                         

And here's Nascar driver Jimmie Johnson bribing giving something to a little boy he hit in the head.

                          

 

Chris Berman, ESPN guy (Yes, he wore that to play)

                         

He actually spent so much time talking and cutting up that right after I took this the Pro he was playing with walking down there and pulled him back up to the tee box.  Literally pulled him by his shirt.  Pretty funny.

 

Dr. J (Dude is HUGE)

                          

 

Here's what I wore all day.

                        

Ok, so I took this photo on the sly, but can you believe that?  There was a lot of what-were-you-thinking outfits out there.  

And while I do love to walk around and see famous people hit the little white ball, THIS is really why I like to go to the Quail Hollow:

                          

                          

                          

Seriously, who lives like that?  

Scripture Memory - Verse 9

These weeks are just flying by!  It's already time to pick another one! 

Time to test myself:

Let us then come before the throne of grace with confidence so that we can receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of  need.  Hebrews 4:16

For this next verse, I'm switching translations.  I know you're shocked.  I like the KJV and NKJV of this verse since it uses the word "fear" instead of "timidity."

Here it is:

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."  2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)

Now I have to go write it on the plate!