Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Color Run 2012

I registered for The Color Run MONTHS ago... & then, like time does, it FLEW by & it was this past Sunday...

We set the alarm clocks for 5:45 .. & thank goodness my body is just used to getting up that time, because I set the alarm for Saturday - not Sunday... I woulda been MAD if we overslept.

But up we were & getting all the gear on.  & by gear, I mean bandanas to cover Julie's blond hair & coconut oil in my hair to keep the powder from sticking.  I braided mine but it looked like I hadnt washed my hair in DAYS with the oil that was in it.

We were debating on whether to take the boys with us.  The idea was that Ricky would push the boys in the stroller, but we were worried.  First, Isaac isnt a big fan of getting dirty... & plus, they were going to be cranky getting up at 6 am.

They ended up waking up fairly easy - & by easy, I mean Julie dressed Luke without him even knowing he wasnt in bed.

On our way & found a great parking spot thanks to my hubs who knows secret parking areas in Downtown... Off to follow ALL the people in white...


(This was taken by a local photographer who captured the race)

It was kinda weird seeing so many people, looking the exact same.  White everywhere...

Ricky was still debating about the boys, but when he tried to ease the stroller in the crowd, he knew it was a no-go... so he just headed the opposite way so he could be at the finish line & watch all the color activities...

Julie & I eased our way up front....

They were letting the crowd go in 1,500 intervals, every 5 minutes so the color areas wouldnt be overwhelmed at once. 

Julie & I started in the 4th wave... but weaseled our way up to the front of the 2nd wave.  Not sure how we did it, but we did... & I'm not sure of the rules for that?  No one seemed to care...

(Start Line.. all clean & crisp.... wouldnt stay this way for long)

I felt bad for the DJ guy in the booth at the starting line - he kept trying to get the crowd going - but I know for a fact, at the back of the line, there werent speakers so they couldnt hear anything....

But when our wave was up, they reminded us that it wasnt a timed race - this is just a FUN RUN - so have FUN!!!!

We were off....

It seemed like no time & we came up on Orange.

Now, it was a little creepy seeing a big cloud of smoke ahead & knowing you would run into it.  & orange in cloud?  Looks more like brown... it looked eerie.

But we ran in & realized this stuff is THICK!!!!  Its hard to breath in these clouds... but luckily, we're moving so its not long.... I dont know how the volunteers stayed in it the whole time.

We got really lucky too - its been HORRIBLE with the heat & humidity & this weekend, it broke.  It wasnt 'cool' by any means, but the humidity was tolerable & it wasnt 103 by 8 am.  But when you got in a crowd of 9,000 people, it got a little stuffy.  Perfect sweating conditions for powder to stick even more.

Yellow powder... still running towards the sun... HOT!

The route was straight, flat & nice.  There was a turn around point & then you headed back.  I thought it was cheesy that some people realized there was no color at the turn around point, so they just cut over & didnt do the full 5k... dont know why I care, but I wanted to point & yell, CHEATER!!!!!  ... I didnt... out loud... in my mind, I was making a huge scene though.


Pink powder ... we still cant figure out if it was red or pink... it just blended to a weird color. 

After that color cloud, was a water stop - THANK YOU JESUS... but the water was so hot. eewww... I actually just used it to rinse the powder out of my mouth.

onto the Blue... Julie said that my tongue was blue when we went through there.  My mom, the blue freak, would have just sat in an Indian style position in that color all day long & let it soak into her skin.

This picture was taken through a plastic bag... & in the midst of the blue powder... but was trying to show my blue tonue for my  mom

Finish Line... it seemed like it was no time & we were done.  We kept an eye out for Ricky & the boys... & of course, missed each other.  He was at the finish line, but we didnt see them.  It was so crowded ... with 9,000 people & their family waiting at the end?  It was the biggest 5K I've ever seen in my life.

Onto the COLOR BURST!!!!
(Me & Julie are right there in the middle of the cloud)

We'd thought the boys might want to get in on this... nope... the grumpys had taken over & they wanted no part of any of this.  So what do we do? Leave them with Pappy & run & do the color burst anyways.  We earned the right to be colorful.

We got our packets - I had green & yellow... Julie had yellow & another color... (I cant even remember... does powder destroy brain cells???) ... but we were looking for someone with purple & pink.  We ended up being next to girls with blue & red & another girl with purple behind us.  We were set...

While the DJ was pumping everyone up with music & counting down, I kept taking finger pinches of color & throwing on people's backs... it made a cool pattern, but this one girl saw me do it to her friend & she looked at me like I was insane.  Hello young lady - if you dont want color on you, then get out of the crowd of 1,500 people who are going to throw powder on you...

3...2...1... COUGH COUGH COUGH COUGH COUGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It was NUTS!!! Everyone threw their powder in the air, on each other, some may have just snuffed it up their nose... everything was just a weird brown shade all around.  Julie was like "We gotta get outta here!!!" so we ran into fresh air...

& here was our final result of color


I think we look beautiful! :) 

& yeah, maybe Julie had the right idea with the covering of her hair... here was mine at the end of the day....

Yep - that's green & yellow... with a dash of red...

But with the coconut oil, it honestly just washed out.  That water was the coolest water EVER to come off my head.


I knew a few friends were down running the race & my friend Lynn sent me a text & said to get ahold of Carly... we found each other & then she said, "nice socks"... haha!  We had on the same ones.  Great minds think alike...

We look like oompa-loompas in that picture above...

I'm just glad I wore sun glasses....


Ricky had covered the seats in garbage bags & we had towels to sit on so the car was good.

But Ricky made us strip down in the garage.

Here's Julie's legs after taking off her shoes & socks...



It even soaked through her socks onto her toes!!!!

I had on 2 pairs of socks so my feet were good...

Off to the showers though...

We were clean & sitting around relaxing, tired... & then Julie got up to walk out of the room & we noticed her back...



It wouldnt come off either.  Ricky SCRUBBED with alcohol & it STILL wouldnt come off...

(She told me yesterday that she still found purple on her ears too)

I have to say, if this race comes to your area - do it...

it was so much fun... hoping it comes back next year.  But I also know it sold out in Nashville in a few hours & sold out in Cincinnati already for next year!!!! 
Its the place to be....

Now, I've got to spray down our shirts with vinegar so they hold their color... want to keep this memory...

& instead of getting a medal for this run, we got something even better.... these headbands...

No joke, mine is going with all my other medals... & it may be my favorite...

I am a COLOR RUNNER!!!!


Monday, July 30, 2012

Weekend Wrapup

Weekend Wrap-up at a Defined Life


Picture Overload... you ready?

(Again - note that pictures are backwards... for you Instragramers out there - is there a way to reorder them?  Gotta check that out)

Weekend of 07/27-07/29/12


Left to right - then down

1. EXHAUSTED ... this was at Penn Station.  Everyone was exhausted after this weekend.  Julie was getting ready to head home with the boys but we needed some food.  We couldnt keep the boys awake.

2. Tatted up grandbabies ... we got these tattoos in our swag bag.  We meant to put them on our faces for the race, but it was a tad crazy getting ready - so we put them on the boys.  Isaac wouldnt pose for a picture for me... Luke?  Always ready to show something to the camera.

3.  Spiderman ... these boys love their super heroes ... Pappy is so proud

4.  SweatBand Medals ... No medals for this run, but a headband that is COLORFUL.  I love the way they looked...

5.  COLOR!!! .... after the race.  I'm doing a post about the run tomorrow

6.  CRAZY Packet Pickup - we went to pick up our packet & thought we'd be in & then right out. HA!  The line was coming OUT of the door.  It took about 45 minutes to get it.  I've been in races with 18,000 people & it take 10 minutes to get the packet.  This was insane.  Luckily, we had awesome ladies around us that got to talking about races... specifically DISNEY RACES they've done.  I was ready to walk out & book a flight to Disney then & there!!!

7.  Girl Time.... We went to the mall & Ricky took the boys with him, while Juie & I got our faces done.  I've never done it before.  But I ended up buying some Bare Minerals make up... here's my face when they were done with me. 

Not a great picture... but I thought it made my skin healthy looking...


8.  Cutest Backpack ever... look at Luke with his backpack.. He wanted to carry it.  of course its a must because it holds diapers, cups, wipes.. & TOYS!  It's almost as big as he is.

9.  Shopping isnt his thing... Isaac got a little bored in TJ Maxx ... these baskets are so tiny there that he couldnt stretch out.  But kids are awesome that they can sleep anywhere pretty much.

10.  NINJA!! ... actually, this is a sword from a new Thor toy that Pappy got them.  Luke was all about stabbing Nanny.  Good times.

11. FINISHED!!! ... Chasity came over on Friday & we laid out the wedding pictures & organized them into the album. You'd think that'd be easy - right?  Think again.  Go from 400 pictures to 300... & then place them in order.  It took about 3 hours.  No joke.  But the end product?  BEAUTIFUL!  I give the clients their album next week. YIPEE!!!

12.  Think someone loves bananas? .... Julie asked if I could pick up some bananas on the way home for when the boys & her got in.  I KNOW the boys love bananas so I got 3 bundles.  Do you know when they left, there are like 3 bananas left.  No joke.  I have little monkeys for grandbabies.

EXTRA PICTURES

Wake up call... This is why I love to be closer to the boys.  I get to see cute smiles in the morning... in the midst of wrestling... with swords & Ironman guns...


Isaac loved this book.. "Its the COOLEST book"... my heart was proud to hear those words.  Mainly because it was a Beauty & the Beast book :)  It was a pop-up book that also you have to pull some papers & it makes things move on the pages.  You'd think it was top-notch technology.



I love this picture.... the boys LOOOVVVEEE Pappy.. (or Poppy for Luke - they both call him something different)... they love playing with him, tickling him, jumping on him, hanging out with him, watching Superhero movies with him... just being next to him.  It makes my heart smile.




Not Pictured:

* Luke falling off our front porch when the dogs come running outside... & then he was only crying because he couldnt find his toy.  That is one tough kid.

* Olympics!!! ... was so disappointed about the lighting of the torch.  Wanted someone famous....

* Let the games begin.  I am amazed at the athletes... cant wait to watch the next 2 weeks.

It was a crazy, busy, weekend ... loved every minute of it.

Come back tomorrow for more pictures & the story of the Color Run

Friday, July 27, 2012

Friday Fragments

Mommy's Idea

Woke up with a stuffed up nose, ears aching & sore throat... YIPEE!  I think it's just sleeping under all the fans.  After I got up & drank some water, things eased up.  Please sweet baby Jesus - dont let me get sick... I've got a big weekend ahead... let's discuss it, shall we?

*****
What's so big this weekend?
Only the fact that I'm going to be COLORIFIC!!!!





Sunday is the big day where people throw powder on me like I'm wearing a fur
... & I dont punch them in the face for it...
... & I pay money to let them do it...
America is a great place to live

But even better?  Julie is coming up & doing it with us.
I say 'us' because we're not sure if the grandbabies are going to dig it
so Ricky is going to either be at the finish line with confused little boys, thinking, "OK, its cool if we throw things on people" ... or he's going to be in the middle of it pushing 2 little boys in a stroller while they laugh at each other for turning into pink/yellow/purple/green monsters
Its gonna be FUN!!!!!

******

I've got my shirt on backwards today...

& no, its not a 80's tribute to Kris Kross
(How many of you just sang "Jump Jump" in your head?)
(How many of you have no clue what I'm talking about?)

 I actually like my shirt that way....

Its got a keyhole opening in the front & when I sit down,
let's just say, its not office appropriate.
Its not appropriate anywhere actually

Its sleeveless & the neckline works to turn it around
& the keyhole actually looks cute on the back

Score one for my fashion genius.

*****

Storms last night...
& we couldnt find Sydney

Look where we found her...


 
Poor baby cant fit under the bed anymore - but this is better then nothing I guess

*****

Is Kristen Stewart stupid or what?

The premiere of Breaking Dawn Part 2 ... how do you think that's going to be?
Let's just say.... AWKWARD!!!!

& on the flip side of that?

How awesome is Christian Bale?



Going to the hospital to visit the injured & to the memorial site & prayed with the people gathered?  Now that's class!  I've never been a huge fan of Christian Bale...
but my ranking of him just went up 90%

*****

No secret - I'm a Big Brother fan
& of course, I'm pulling for local guy, Wil
But I'm also really rooting for Frank
Why?  Because there's something about him that reminds me so MUCH of Ricky
the way he carries himself, his personality - he even resembles him in some ways

So when Frank does something good, I'm always yelling at the TV 'Go Ricky'


& yeah -if Janelle had red hair, I'd look just like her...
its CRAZY, the resemblance!! ;)

*****

No joke, I think Bob Harper tried to kill me this week
Sweet, good looking, tattooed up Bob Harper from Biggest Loser
... he's a monster...

I just got his DVD in the mail
Its called "Inside out Method" Cardio Conditioning
I think its called that because you want to puke your insides out

Source: amazon.com via Rebecca on Pinterest


Its over an hour of squats & arm swings & burpees ...
Its been 2 days & the back of my legs are STILL hurting when I so to bend over or sit down
... or breath...

Looking for a good torture workout?  Get that DVD
If you dont like your body aching with every step?  Then stay away from it

*****

Spat of the week: Strawberry Frozen Bars

I'd actually like to note - this WILL be a Spat
a 'Spat in the making', if you will

Why?  Because I just ate the last Strawberry Frozen Bar
& I promised Ricky he could have one

But life isnt fair
He has ate a half of a cherry pie, some birthday cake, half a dozen pastries,
a few chocolate bars, & I'm sure some other stuff full of sugar
(All within the past few days)

& guess what?
He's probably lost a pound this week
(working in the heat & walking over 13 miles a day does that to you)

Me?
I try to watch my calories, limit my sugar & deny any good thing to eat
& I'll gain 5 lbs this week...

so my treat sometimes are these amazing Blue Bell Frozen Strawberry Bars
(They are perfect for summer)

But I did promise Ricky one...
Dang it...
A spat will be brewing because I dont think its fair he can eat that other stuff
he'll think its not fair I didnt save him one

Sssshhhh....
I'm going out after work & getting a new box
... & I'll need to eat 5 of them so there's only 1 left

its a win-win for everyone

Maybe I can knix this spat in the butt

*****

Hope everyone has a Fabulous Friday

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Snakes, tigers & killer whales... oh my...

Its no secret - I love animals...

all animals...

I even saved a bumble bee this morning.

No joke! 

I'm not even sure how it happened, but I had a bumble bee stuck in the seal of my window.  I guess when I was driving to work, with the windows down, it flew in & got stuck right in the seal. 

I got to work & got ready to roll up my window when out of the corner of my eye, I noticed that striped butt struggling to get out.  He was wedged in there good.  I wasnt about to roll up the window & crush him - so I got a business card & pushed him up a little bit & he was free... I took him over to a bush & brushed him off & he flew off ... I'm pretty sure I heard a THANK YOU too...

see?  I love animals...

except one...

& its not that I dont like 'em, but they freak me out...... snakes.... I just got chills

My fear moving to the country was moving into a place that I imaged snakes were running amok.. if snakes could run amok...

We've been there going on 11 years & so far, I've only seen one snake... & it was tiny.  Ricky warned me about it too.  I think my biggest fear is coming UP on a snake - being surprised by it.  Not that I still like them. 

We had a baby snake in our basement one time - you'd thought it was a boa constrictor... I was FREAKING OUT!!! Holding the dogs on the stair case while Ricky is telling me to stand & block the steps if it tries to go up them.... oh yeah... I'm on top of that...(I'd be out the front door if it came towards me)

But if I were at the zoo & someone had a snake & was standing there, I'd touch it.  To see what it feels like - to look at it up close.
Same with a tiger, or killer whale at SeaWorld, or some other creature that scares me... or could rip my head off...

Why is it better to do it when someone is standing there, then say, go in a jungle & go up & pet a snake or tiger that could eat me up in a heartbeat?

Because we trust the person handling it.

We know there's a person in control of that animal... right next to us...
That knows the animal...
That is there to help us...
That is there to warn us...
That is there to hold that animal back if it looks like its going to go crazy...

So what about the times when troubles of this life can eat me up... when they can swallow me whole?  When I'm afraid?

Isnt God standing in that same position as the one who controls the 'wild beast'?
Who is right next to us....
The one who knows the problems & troubles...
The one who is there to help us...
The one who is there to warn us...
The one who is in control when the troubles of this world get crazy....

we feel safer when we know someone is there to look out for us...

I still dont LIKE touching a snake, or a killer whale, or whatever creature is there... but I'll do it...
And I dont like the troubles of life... but I have to go through it...

Its just good to know we're not alone...

Just wanted to remind you that God is there looking out for us...
We can trust what He's doing...

No need to fear the troubles of this life...




(The snake example was given in a semon on Fear by Elevation Church.  It really hit my heart so added my own thoughts on this... The series is called Room 101 if you want to check it out.)

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Hodgepodge


Joyce (The wonderful host of Hodgepodge) labeled this as the
"Games of the 86th Hodepodge"...
I know we're talking Olympics here, but it made me think of the Hunger Games. 
So I've got my bow & arrows & I'm ready to run for my life...
But I'll Hodgepodge while I'm gearing up.

1. The Summer Olympics officially begin this Friday...will you be watching? If you could see just one event in person which one would you pick?

Let's just say I'll have the TV on... my grandbabies will be heading up this weekend so once they're there, attention will get shifted.  But I want the opening ceremonies on so I can catch glimpses.  I LOVVVEEEEEE the Summer Olympics.  Everything about it.  So I'll be involved for 2 weeks in this.

One Event?  The Marathon, of course.  I would love to see the the top Marathoners running with the top runners of the world.  Of course, this event would mean I'm traveling along a 26.2 path.  I dont want to sit in the arena waiting for the final lap.  But I'd LOVE to cheer on Ryan Hall.  He's an amazing Christian who's very vocal on his faith.  GO TEAM USA!!!



2. Do lazy days make you feel rested or unproductive?

Lazy days make me lazier... which is not good...

I think if I had too many lazy days, I'd turn into a pile of sludge...


3.  July 25 is 'officially' Threading the Needle day...can you sew? On a scale of 1-10 with 1 being not at all and 10 being Betsy Ross-like, how would you rate your skill with a needle and thread?

Let's just say, my sewing skills? Nonexistent ...
Not that I dont have the heart for it.  I pin everything sewing on Pinterest like I have this goal of knowing how to do it one day.
The Hubs even got me a sewing machine for Christmas... 4 years ago... & I still dont know how to even thread it... how sad is that?
And I've even tried to find a sewing class?  HA ... good luck with that...who knew it would be so hard to try & learn????
& no, I didnt take Sewing in Home-Ec in high school.  I took Wood Shop instead.  I was raised around tools & wood cutting stuff...

I cant sew a seam, but I can create a key holder for your kitchen :)



4.  Threading the Needle can also mean to walk a fine line between two things or issues (think awkward social situation). When was the last time you had to 'thread the needle', figuratively speaking?

I'm always walking a fine line ... I have a tendancy to see both sides of every situation & I also have a big mouth (no comments please) ... so I'm constantly on guard to watch what I say about any topic. 

Give me that tight rope across the Niagra Falls - I should be able to walk that one too :)



5.  Kidney, pinto, black, or navy-your favorite bean?

Beans have become my source for protein since I've given up meat.  I like 'em all.  Black Bean Burgers are awesome... I love a crock pot of pinto beans.  I'll eat about any bean now...which is weird because I didnt really care for them before.

Eat a bean, save a cow ....

I think I just found an idea for a new Country Song!!!


6.  Have you ever hosted a garage sale? Was it more success or bust?

When we lived in the "big city" - we did. And it was great.  So great in fact, that I just started pulling more stuff out of the house to sell.  People were in my driveway... with money... what else should I do?  The Hubs STILL cant get over that I sold his basketball pillow for a nickel... that was 15 years ago. 

Now, where we're at... a garage sale probably would be a bust.  No one likes to have to travel down long country roads to check out a garage sale.  You cant do the slick "drive by" to see if there is anything good when the drive ways are a mile long.

Ricky's newest basketball pillows are safe
... for now...


7. What makes you roll your eyes?

"What doesnt" is more the question :) ... Stupidity is the answer to that question.  Someone says or does something stupid?  You'll get an eye roll from me.

I actually just did it THINKING of stupid people


HAHA - Just found this... Funny...
& Hubs, I TOTALLY dont do this behind you... ever... haha!!!
What? I'm serious... haha!!!
Source: via Joost on Pinterest


8.  Insert your own random thought here.

We celebrated my dad's birthday yesterday... I stopped & got a birthday cake on the way home.  Think its hot?  The icing colors were running together... the roses melted into a blob of round balls on the cake... & the side of it was sinking & sagging like it was 100 degrees.  Oh wait... it was....

Think it stopped us from eating it?  Heck no.  It was yumminess!

My nieces were there too... Here's Sophia with some sticky stuff you use to hold pictures on a wall with... on her face...
that's how we party in the country...



Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Still celebrating in July...

July & October are our busy "celebrating" months...

So far in July, we've celebrated my parents 48th anniversary
... & then it was my Momma-in-law's birthday...

& today? 

Its my DAD'S BIRTHDAY!!!!!

(Since its dad's birthday, ignore that ADORABLE, PRECIOUS, BEAUTIFUL little girl on the left)

That groovy dude right there...

(check out those lapels on that jacket... what were designers thinking in the 70's?)

Chalk up another year...

he's forgotten how old he is... we were talking about it this weekend & he had added 10 years to his age, without even thinking. 
He said at this point, "old is just old", it doesnt matter the number...

I had to use this picture because everyone thinks Sophia looks like her Aunt Becca - I thought these pictures together were funny... I think she's looking more like her daddy the older she gets though. (Or I'll just say that for my brother's sake... we know she looks like me still)

My dad?  The same... just with a whiter beard.

Fun Fact - I always threw a fit when he went to shave off the beard when I was little.  He did it one time & it traumatized me till it grew back out.  I didnt know that face without hair on it... it wasnt my dad... so ever since?  He's had a beard..... now THAT's a good dad :)

So let's wish a big Happy Birthday to my wonderful Daddy-O

& dont bother asking how old he is... he doesnt even know...

Love you Dad!!!

Monday, July 23, 2012

Weekend Wrap-up


Weekend Wrap-up at a Defined Life

(You can click the button above & join along in seeing everyone's weekend)


Trying a new widget with Instagram... I like it... but its going backwards from Sunday to Friday...

Oh well... who says everything has to be in order... right?


Pictures Left to right

1. The Bachlorette!!! ....  JEF WON!!! I was so giddy happy when Emily decided to get rid of Arie early.  I think Jef is just perfect... I even stayed up to watch "After the Rose" & loved how happy they were together.  But I also thought Ali & Roberto looked happy too.. & Jillian & Ed... & etc, etc, etc.

2. Ordained .... this young man used to be in our church youth group.  And Sunday, he came back & preached a sermon & then was ordained... this KID!  Well, he's not a kid anymore.  I couldnt believe it when I saw on Facebook that he graduated from Cincinnati Bible College this year.  Where did 4 years just go?  ... but he is fantastic.  The perfect guy... or man, now.  Ricky & I said he's the guy we want to marry ANY of our daughters.  He's THAT kinda guy.  I'm just so honored to say I know this fellow ... & excited to see where God leads him.

3. Birthday Cookie!!! .... Saturday night, we ran over to my parents house (did I mention I love how close they are to us?) & my brother & his gang were there with a Birthday Cookie for my dad.  His birthday is Tuesday but my brother works 2nd shift so would miss out on birthday cake.  I'll never pass up a piece of birthday cookie.  ... may be a reason why I've gained all my weight back... sigh...

4.  Doggie Ride... We took Bruno with us to my parents... look at him laying his head on the window sill.  I didnt have the heart to roll up the windows...

5.  Scary ... Looked at my Entertainment Weekly magazine that came out the week before & realized what the cover said... freaked me out

6.  Waiting for attention.... I was sitting at my computer playing a video on how to install a TV wall mount & looked down & saw this.  Isnt that face adorable?  For the record, I finally got my Christmas gift up.  Yes - my Christmas gift from Christmas 2011... It only took ALMOST 7 months... 6 months, 28 days... believe me, there was a "spat" over the exact time.  Anyways - its up... I'm literally having Christmas in July!!

7. Hog the bed much? .... Ricky fell asleep across the bed - I mean right ACROSS the bed.  I couldnt lay my legs out.  I kept kicking him & telling him to move, but I'd just get grumbling... I put my legs across his back & fell asleep myself.  Two can play at the uncomfortable game.

8.  Favorite place .... Friday, I came home & it was raining... one of those smell-good-spring-rains... & there was actually COOL breezes flying.  So that's my cue to grab my Kindle, my dog & head to my front porch.  I sat out there until the rain stopped & the heat & humidity kicked right back in.

9.  James ... still loving my Beth Moore James study.  I've taken longer then I should - but I get to it when I can... & enjoy it everytime.


Extra Weekend Shots:


10.  Youth Leader Lunch... always fun to hang out with everyone.  Ricky even got to join us today... love having him more involved with the youth gang. 


11. Most Epic Sequence Game EVER ... Look how covered that board is... it was the best game ever... & I WON!! HAHA!!!!! ...we wont mention that I've lost like the last 10 games we've played.  I won THIS one... the most epic game ever... that's what counts



12. Birthday!!! ... Ricky's momma's birthday was last week.  We didnt get to make the whole family get together.  (The fun side of living in Indiana when a bridge is out of commission) - so we got her to ourselves.  We missed spending time all together, but it was nice to sit & get to talk with my Momma-in-law by ourselves... she always makes me laugh. 

Hope you're weekend was awesome... now onto a new week!  Let's do this!


Thursday, July 19, 2012

Bigger...

Remember when the world seemed so big?

As a kid, didnt things just look huge?

The playgrounds looked like Disney World...
A Milk Shake looked like a real Chocolate Mount Everest...
A present with a big bow held the world's possibilities inside of it...

I can remember my Elementary school.  It felt HUGE...
The hall ways looked forever long. 
The bathrooms were so scary with all the stalls in them.
The desks felt like my feet would dangle & never touch the ground...

I was able to go back to my Elementary School when I was 18 years old & I'll never forget the way it felt going back in...

Those hall ways?  They were itty bitty.  I honestly could probably stand in the center of the hall way & touch both sides at once just by stretching my arms.

Those bathrooms?  There were like 3 stalls & if an adult stands in them, your whole head would be over the door.  You'd have to squat as an adult on these tiny toilets made for children.

The desks?  I probably couldnt even get one leg inside of it, much less my whole body...

Things get smaller when you grow up - dont they?

That milk shake isnt enough now... its why someone created a 64 oz size
That playground looks pitiful with just a slide & two swings
That package?  When its so big, I just think, where am I going to store that?  I appreciate small packages now :)

We grow up... things get smaller in our world.

So when I was doing the youth lesson last weekend, I was really hit by a line that was brought to my attention from the movie, "Chronicles of Narnia:  Prince Caspian"

Lucy finds Aslan & when she sees him, she comments on his big he looks...

He says to her,
"I am not bigger... but every year you grow,
you will find me bigger"



How backwards is that? 

But we're talking about something more... something meaningful... God...

He does get bigger as we grow up, doesnt he?

We see His power... we feel His presence more... we see more of who He is.

When we're in Children's Ministry, singing "Jesus Loves Me" - its wonderful... its what our hearts & minds can understand...

But as we become teenagers & head into the fun world of being an adult - we learn wth each passing year, with each passing life experience... with each challenge we are given... how BIG our God really is...

at least I hope we do...

I love learning more & more of who God is.... how He works in my life... I'm glad to know more then the simple "Jesus Loves Me"... dont get me wrong. I love that too... but I also know more about His love, mercy, grace... His BIG-NESS! :)

Is God bigger to you today then He was 10 years ago?

I know He is to me....

... now if I could understand why my waist size keeps getting bigger too...


Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Hodgepodge


1. The summer Olympics begin next week and London is playing host. If you had the chance to go in person what (non-Olympic) London site would you most like to visit?

I always said I would love to go to London... if I didnt have to fly across a freaking ocean...

but where would I go?  To my best friend's house - of course...
Source: people.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

In my imagination world, they're my best friends...

I feel like I've watched Prince William since the day he was born & his growing up... (remember that first day of school when he was dropped off? So cute)... so it's just natural to go hang out with my buddies when visiting London.  The Queen?  Nah... I'm just wanting to get to get to know Kate... give my approval...

makes perfect sense to me.


2. What is something in your life right now that feels like an Olympic event?

Cleaning my house ... wears me out... & I dont get a gold medal for it...

& I have to do it again in 4 years.... (KIDDING)



3. What's your favorite supper to prepare and serve when it's too hot to cook?

Salad with Strawberries, cashews & goat cheese ... add on Balsamic Vinairgrette & its perfection...

or take out... that's always keeping a kitchen cool...



4. July 18th is National Get Out of the Doghouse Day...when was the last time you were 'in the doghouse?

Last night... for a Pinterest board of Tattoos ...
yep... its true...

I always said I would love a little tattoo... but 99.9% sure I'll never have the nerve... but there are some beautiful ones out there

& now, the Hubs thinks I've turned into a secret biker chic that wants to be Kat Von Dee...

my first tattoo?  Right across my face...ala Mike Tyson.... that'll show him! :)



5. What television commercial do you find particularly irritating or inappropriate? You may not answer with 'all of them'. I know some of you were thinking about it.

I HATTTEEEEEE any commercial that talks about side effects of medicine... especially ones that talk about issues that can happen to men... (I refuse to type it... I dont want someone "googling" that word & have my blog pop up)....& tells you if that happens longer then 8 hours, go to the emergency room... really?  That needs to be said during my dinner?


I will say though - I know most people hate this commercial, but I LOVVEEE it.  Its old ... but I still will say "Special Eyes" in random sentences.





6. Share one interesting piece of news from the year you were born.

1971 ... Some of the Top Ten Songs of the year were by Rod Stewart (Maggie May) ... The Osmonds (One Bad Apple)... The Bee Gees (How can you Mend a broken heart)... John Denver (Take me Home, Country Roads) ... & Donny Osmond (Go Away Little Girl)...

...where are my bell bottoms & disco gear?...

John Denver? ... wow...



7. What's the best part of your average day?

Having doggies to cuddle & snuggle with
... they make a bad day better
... & a good day GREAT...



This was taken this morning... Bruno was laying up against a pillow & kept taking his paw & throwing it at me to come lay down & love on him... see?  makes a day better already...



8. Insert your own random thought here.

I'm in book mourning...

I mentioned where I got a free book on my Kindle the other day (Unenchanted) ... it was just a light, YA Novel that was fun to read.  I enjoyed it so much, I got the 2nd book (Fairest)... I was loving it... I finished it last night & it set it up for a 3rd book...

so now, I'm just sad that I dont know when the next book is coming out... & now I'm totally invested in these characters...

I hate letting go of stories that I enjoy...

This is why I like to wait until a whole series is out before I start reading it... then I dont have to wait...

though, I did love waiting for all the Harry Potter books every year...

Book Mourning... the worst...


Tuesday, July 17, 2012

A LONGGGGG time together...


Look at that young couple... arent they cute?

Can you see that picture & think that they'd be together 48 years later...

& that's my brother... & no, he didnt come until a year after they were married

Dont be starting any rumors from my blog...

I just dont have a picture handy to upload of my parents on their wedding day

I really should too - my mom's dress is classic & BEE-U-TIFUL...

I actually tried on her dress when I was getting married & thought about incorporating it somehow... but the years had colored it yellow.  And you never want to see a bride & think of the color of pee... it ruins a wedding day...

but today is my parents wedding anniversary!!!!

I was trying to figure it out... my brother was born in 1965, so they had to get married in 1964... right mom & dad?  If that's not right, you got some 'xplaining to do...

Nearing that Golden Anniversary of 50 years... wow...

(I love always showing this picture because its one of the rare pictures where she doesnt have on blue... & it drives her nuts... she only wore that shirt because I bought it for her... & she gripped about it NOT being blue every time she wore it)

So today, let's give a hip-hip-horray to my parents...

48 years together & havent killed one another... yet...




Monday, July 16, 2012

Weekend Wrap-up

Weekend Wrap-up at a Defined Life
(You can click & join in with others sharing their weekend0


Whiizzzz.... that was the weekend that just went by...

Friday

* We got mail... (love an old Tom Hanks/Meg Ryan shout out)... but no really - real mail.  From our World Vision gal.  We've had the same girl since 2007 & it  blows me away to see her growing up.  Here's her picture from last year (on the left) & this year.  She's getting so big.  She says every year though, "Please pray for me to live in peace"... how does a child think to ask THAT to pray for?  Breaks my heart


* FINISHED WEDDING PICTURES!!!!  Now, its just time to go through for final edits & then get the proof album together.  I think I did a little happy dance.

* Friday nights for me lately end with me & my Kindle....


Saturday

* Up early to drop another doggie off at the groomers

* Headed to Kohl's with a 30% off... makes shopping so much more fun.  I ended up getting a new purse.  I'm weird about purses.  They have to 'speak to me'... this one said, "you HAVE to have me"... I listened.  I've been trying to find a 'pretty' metallic purse.  This picture makes it look really silver.  Its not.  Its like a silver/gold mix.  & its one of those I can put across my body.... free hands... love that



* Stopped to get some dog food & got caught in a MASSIVE STORM!!!!!  Glad to see the rain - but WOW, didnt know the past 2 months of drought would catch up in a few minutes.... We waited & waited.. & waited... & waited... It calmed down enough for Ricky to take the dog food to the car & as soon as he ran back, soaked to the bone... the rain stopped.  Timing is not our thing.



* Stopped at Goodwill to get an umbrella

* Got our baby girl... they told us her face is like a puppy... we know... she's beautiful.  & we love when she gets shaved down - she seems so happy & LIGHT :)



* Headed to a friend's graduation party... the rain had us under tents, but it was fun sitting & gabbing with friends.  Great seeing some faces I hadnt seen in awhile.  (Carly Sue, it was so good to see your face is as beautiful as ever)

* We found a toy earlier at the pet supply store for Buffy... she had a water-toss toy that she LOVESSSSSSS... she carries it around everywhere & has 'loved' it enough where the ends are gone.  We had to take it away from her because now, she's tearing the plastic off & eating it.  So we found a new one... hadnt seen one like it for years.  We snagged it up & Buffy was one happy old girl.  She doesnt look happy here, but this is after she's caught it 25 times & needed a break
Right after this picture was taken, that old one was in the garbage...



* Our wonderful neighbor brought over more yellow squash... I'm in produce heaven..

Sunday

* Merge!!! I was up to teach ... love when I tell the kids things like, "Transistor Radio" or "Mork from Ork" or "3D movies in 1977" & they just give me strange looks.

* Headed out to lunch with some friends... I actually snagged someone's debit card of their hand & took off running... but I apologized before I did it... & I did it out of love... you never know what's going to happen at a lunch with me & Ricky

* Checking out my new cookbook that came in the mail the day before... a great EASY recipe for an orange glaze to put over anything sweet... Oh yeah!!!  I turn always directly to the desserts in a cookbook



* The Hubs & I took Syd & Bruno for a quick walk.  On a mission to slim down our "Chubby Boy" ... but the sun came out & YAZZZAAA - it got hot.  We made it about a half mile.  But Bruno was huffing & puffing like he did a full marathon.

* THRIVE!!! Got to teach Senior High too... ended the night with watermelon! YUM... & an iPad that was switching everyone's faces.  There are some UGLY people in our group when you change faces with others.  I'm including myself in that.  My face does  NOT look right on other's bodies.

* BIG BROTHER.  Ricky & I relaxed & ended the busy weekend... whew... it was tiring.

Here's to a great week ahead!!!

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