Friday, May 29, 2009

Let's Discuss...

Let's pretend I have some deep thoughts.  *cough*

In no particular order:
  • When did the word "piss"  become not a bad word!?!  I missed the memo on that one.  Everyone is saying it lately...and it makes me cringe a little.  In my head...still a bad word.  I've even tried  being cool about it...after all, I know language changes over time.  I'm guilty of using the word "crap" which I'm pretty sure used to be less than kosher to say. Still, I'm gonna admit, I can't get used to it.  In this house:  Still a bad word. 
  • Last day of school.  Hip Hip Hooray!  
  • Have to go to Wal Mart...boo.
  • My friend Sarah introduced me to the songs below.  I can't even tell you how much I love them!  Peppy little tunes, I tell you.
  • I love Fridays.  
  • I haven't had coffee yet...need to go make some...please excuse me...
Happy Weekend!




Love these.  

Thursday, May 28, 2009

I'm Done.

It seems to be the phrase I hear myself repeating lately.  I find myself throwing my arms in the air and saying...I'm Done.

As in...
  • about 6:00 every night...I'm done.
  • a bossy almost four year old...I'm done.
  • a six year old that is using words he shouldn't...I'm done.
  • little boys that do not listen when I speak...I'm done.
  • the routine of school, bedtime, homework...I'm done.
  • rain and cloudiness...I'm done.
  • a house and vehicle that no matter how hard I try, just do not stay clean...I'm done.
  • brothers whining and fighting...I'm done.
I don't actually get to be done.  

I don't even want to be done.  

But I do reach that point...daily...where circumstances push me to the limit of my patience.  Sometimes I just need to step back, put myself in time-out and be done for a few moments.  

My ipod has helped in the I'm Done department.  I can stick that baby on and listen to something positive (instead of my own self pity;)...and it works.  God works through it.

Here's what I love lately:

  • Podcasts by Matt Chandler, Pastor of The Village Church.  It's free to subscribe to at itunes.  They make me laugh, cry, and have brought me to my knees in repentance.  Good stuff.
  • Latest favorite song...which I didn't really like at first, and now love.  Go figure.   



It's amazing what a little change in perspective does.  

I think it's OK to have those I'm Done moments.    I don't know any mom who has not had those moments...daily.  We're human...whether we admit it or not.  I love those little boys of mine...but it doesn't mean they don't push me to the edge sometimes.  Mommahood is constant.  Whether you work full time or stay at home, you're always a momma.  You're always thinking about them, loving them, disciplining them, providing for them.  You can't shut it off.  

I can't think of anything harder...or better than it.  And I'm praying God's amazing hand of patience and gentleness over this momma as I prepare for a summer full- O- fun.  Because I'm gonna need it.  *wink*

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Significant

We had a new kind of Memorial Weekend this year. If you were reading this blog last May, you might remember the ginormous tornado that went through part of tiny town the day before Memorial day.


Last year we spent the day picking through what little remained of our friends home. I remember feeling like I was in the middle of a bad dream... that surely I'd wake up any moment and find everything back to the way it should be. Instead, I woke up to this.
This is our friends house today. They moved back in a week ago. It's beautiful and even better than before! I took this picture from here:
This is the cemetery that was leveled during the tornado (Ben is in the suit:) Headstones were knocked over and all the big pine trees...gone. Since last year, new trees have been planted and the cemetery restored. It was an experience I can't put into words...standing there this year, remembering those who've given their lives for our country, so that I have the freedoms that I enjoy, and at the same time take for granted...I am so thankful for their sacrifice and for the country that God has placed my family.

He is so faithful. Tiny town is being restored. Despite a tornado and massive flooding, this little town, that many view as insignificant is moving forward...growing stronger. Because God views it as significant. The lives of the people here are significant to Him. I am thankful for a God that doesn't need the high and mighty, but shows Himself powerful through the seemingly insignificant.

It's interesting how after we've talked about life-devastating events for so long we can talk about them with little emotional reaction. I see it all the time. People mention, in passing, circumstances that at the time rocked them to the core...disasters, loss of loved ones, betrayal, sickness.


During the trauma we can barely think of it without the pain overwhelming us. But as time goes on, and healing begins, we begin to talk about it as though we're now removed from it a little bit. Yet, when we allow ourselves to really go back there...really remember it, the emotions tend to come back.


Yesterday was a day to remember. And the emotions came back...but now, instead of just hurt and loss, there is hope and progress and healing.


Sometimes, we need to be completely weakened in order to become stronger. It's not how we like it to be done...but often it's true.


Today we are stronger.

Thursday, May 21, 2009

I'd Like You to Meet...

The boys and I took a little road trip yesterday.  We had someone very special to meet.  
  
Let me introduce you to my newest little nephew, Jack:

This sweet little guy belongs to Ben's youngest brother, Ethan and his wife Megan.  I spent most of the day reminding Jake of this...he keeps asking if Megan and Ethan will give Jack to us.  The phrase "FOR THE MILLIONTH TIME THEY ARE NOT GOING TO GIVE US BABY JACK"  seemed to fall on deaf ears.  Of course, someday when that sweet precious baby is almost four years old and asks them the SAME question over and over and OVER they may just send him our way ;)


Jack got to meet his cousins through the safety of the glass nursery window.  Smart move.  

Oh sweet little Jack...welcome to the world.  You've got two amazing parents and an extended family that rivals an army.  You are beyond loved, little one.  Can't wait to watch you grow...


In the blink of an eye you'll be as big as these guys...and you'll probably look like them too ;)

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

So Different...

Since I'm on a running kick and all...

Yesterday Noah and Eli had a little cross country race at school. Their PE teacher does an amazing job of lining up sponsors so the kids each get t-shirts, race numbers and medals. It's a hoot.

Noah and Eli each had to run a 1/2 mile.

Noah (my first grader) is pretty competitive. He's all business. My high school cross country and track coach would tell you that he does not get that quality from me.


He finished 3rd in his grade



After I snapped his picture at the finish line he was already evaluating his run...wishing he'd started out harder in order to catch his good friend Deacon, who got first place. All business.

And then there's Eli...notice the form...and tongue hanging out...


The first time I spotted him during his race he was already walking...and talking. :) When I yelled his name his face lit up with his big smile and he started running again.


At the finish line his first concern was where the water and snacks were...that, my high school coach would tell you he definitely got from his mama ;)



So proud of both those little guys, because they both accomplished what they set out to do. I have a feeling it'll be one of those stories I tell over and over (and over) to my grand-kids someday while they stare at me with blank expressions because they've heard the story 1,000 times before...and likely 5 minutes ago as well...because we all know what my memory is like already. I'm just sayin'.

Monday, May 18, 2009

Hurts So Good...Again.

Saturday morning I woke up and it was 39 degrees outside and very windy. Called Billie and for two minutes we both tried to come up with a really good reason to get out of our long run.  We had some doozies, but in the end knew we needed to, as Nike used to say, Just Do It.

On the schedule:  Seven Miles.  SEVEN.

We headed to the trails in bigger city.  During miles 1,2, and 3 I spent my time hoping I might twist my ankle or something so that I'd have an excuse to stop, turn around and go home.  No such luck.

By about mile 4 I felt pretty good...over half way there.

Miles 6-7 felt a little bit euphoric...I can't quite describe it.  But it was good :)  Billie and I were so excited to not only have completed are longest run yet, but that it actually felt good at the end.

Now, I realize 99% of the people that read this blog probably don't give a rip about  these details...and that's ok.    But for me, these are not just details, they're break-throughs!  Physically,spiritually, and emotionally.
I picked up this book on Saturday.  Several people I know in real life have used this plan to run a marathon.  I have no marathon plans....yet...but the book deals a lot with the mental aspects of running, which I completely need for this 1/2 mary.   AND, for each mental limit I've placed on myself physically, I find one that I've also placed on myself spiritually.  

Here's to changing the way I think and allowing God to do what I've said is impossible.  He gets the glory for all of it...every little bit.

Friday, May 15, 2009

Ummm...

It's Friday, which means I survived the busy week.  In honor of that, let's get random with some bullet points.

  • I read several different blog posts this week (and if I could remember where they were I'd link to them) with the theme "It's not about me" and they hit home...hard.
  • I watched American Idol this week.  I didn't even know who Kris Allen was...until his 2nd song called Heartless that he did with acoustic guitar, AMAZING!  I downloaded it from itunes...but it's the studio version and not as good as the live one...c'mon AI get your act together and get the live version on there!  
  • Ran 5 miles last night and felt pretty good.  Saturday morning is seven.  I'm kinda looking forward to it, who woulda thought?!?!  
  • Eight years ago today I was about 24 hours out from giving birth for the first time.  I'm thankful that I didn't know ahead of time what that birth story was gonna look like :)   I stopped today though and thought...if I could give birth naturally to my first born who was  almost 10 pounds I can MOST CERTAINLY run 13.1 miles...good grief! ;)
  • My sister-in-law Megan's due date is TODAY!  No baby yet though...Noah's praying it comes tomorrow on his birthday...and that it's a boy, but he doesn't want it to be bigger than him, because everythings a competition to a boy.  I assured him aunt Megan doesn't want it bigger than him either.  Can't wait to get that call!
  • Working on the last chapter of the Beth Moore study Living Beyond Yourself...it's on self-control.  I've been waiting for this one.  Anticipating and dreading all at the same time.  Need me some of that self-control.
  • I've eaten an ungodly amount of sugar this week.  I'd list it out for you, but you'd likely gag and gain 5 pounds simultaneously...just from reading it.  It's that bad.  I've also been in a pretty wretchedly crabby mood most of the week...I think the two may be related.  Time to cut back on the stuff...I'll replace it with more caffeine ;)  Kidding...a little.
  • Go here to see Julie in her cute native Norwegian outfit that they wear on their national day.  Eleven weeks and she'll be here!  77 days...or something like that.  I hope she's ready for life in the parsonage ;)
  • Happy Weekend Folks!  (because we say that sorta thing 'round here :)

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Because I'm Like 15...

Yesterday I "lunched" with friends. Makes me sound fancy, doesn't it? It involved 4 friends, a 2 and 3 year old and Mexican food....faaaaaancy ;)
Anyways, I returned home and did my usual routine of immediately going to the computer to
  1. Check to see if there's any new emails from Julie...they're my favorite.

  2. Check to see if there's any new comments on my current post

  3. Facebook

  4. New posts by bloggy friends

I'm a creature of habit, what can I say...

Before I could get to step 1 though, I saw a little orange note (referring to this post) stuck to my desk next to the computer (because I'm old school and I prefer a desk AND a big ginormous personal computer...the laptop annoys me...for now)



Pretty sweet, I know. And, I can totally read between the lines...he's gonna steal this for sermon fodder...because we all know, when you're married to a pastor (or a blogger) some stuff is just fair game. ;)
Oh, and since I'm like, what, 15 inside? I have a song about yesterday's post :) Oh yes I do. You can thank me later. *cough*


Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Doubt

It's weird how one moment I can feel certain, convinced, hopeful and in the next moment I am uncertain, unconvinced, doubtful with a little fear thrown in to top it all off.

Last night I hopped on the treadmill...finally.  Mondays are short easy runs on our training schedule.  Billie and I decided we'd go it alone on Mondays rather than waking at 5 AM.  I, of course, put off the running till around 9 PM last night because I am an exceptional procrastinator.

It felt like a long two miles.  I didn't like it.  And then my thought process went from "I want to run, it makes me feel good, need to stick to the training program, I can do this, God wants me to do this."  to...

"Running is the dumbest thing ever, why do I do this again, this hurts, this is boring, what was the point of a 1/2 mary again?  Why bother?  WHY?!?!"

And then I caught myself...

One of those moments where I have that outer body experience, as if I'm watching myself having the above thought process.   The moment where I realize what my thought process has turned into.  The moment I replace whatever is going through my head with truth.

The truth is:
  • Sometimes it's gonna hurt more than others.  I need to push through it and stop repeating the process of quitting when it just gets too tough.
  • It's not just about running.  It's about discipline.  It's about sacrifice.  It's about commitment.  It's about finishing the goal that He has set before me.  
  • It's about allowing Him to complete a work in me that seems nearly impossible.
  • He has given me a body that is capable of running...it is a gift.  
  • I am not allowed to quit on this one.
  • it doesn't matter if I like it all the time.
I've said it a million times before, but the first 1/2 mile of any run is killer for me.  Hate it.  Actually, the first couple are rather painful.  It took me a long, long time to consistently run past that 2 mile point.  Because no matter what those experienced runners told me about it getting easier, about getting into a rhythm...I didn't believe them.  I believed it was different for me.  I believed that it hurt right now, which meant it was going to hurt EVEN WORSE later.  So I would run to the point of pain and quit.

I could throw in a breast-feeding analogy here, but I'll save that analogy for another time ;)

Back to my previous thought...running to the point of pain and never through it just made me MISERABLE.  And it kept me believing my own lie.  

Sometimes I do the same thing in real life.

Through training, the 1/2 mary will be physically possible...whether I really believe it right now is not the point.  It doesn't change the truth.  I need to follow the plan set before me, even when I don't feel like it...even when it's thoroughly painful and not any fun at all...because the goal...when I finish that impossible race, I will have conquered more than 13.1 miles.

I am learning a painful lesson.  Physically and spiritually it is about sticking to the plan, moving forward, adding more to what seems impossible...because I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength (Philippians 4:13)

Monday, May 11, 2009

The Post Following a Holiday...

May is insane.
Insanely busy.
But still fun...in a don't-blink-or-you'll-miss-it kinda way.

Let's recap for a moment.
Friday night was a Mother/Daughter Tea for our church ladies...or as I like to call it Diet Coke and French Silk Pie...


Ben's Grandma, Ben's Mom, Me, My mom


Saturday was Run Like a Mother race day...


I'm not sure any race should be THAT much fun!
This was my friend Kim's first Run Like a Mother...YAY Kim!

Billie and I post race...she refuels with water...I refuel with coffee.

Sunday...Mother's Day...

Does it look like I'm holding them there, making them stand by me? Because I totally am.

Jasmine (little brother Jay's girlfriend), Mom, Me, Grandma

(note to self: next time you wear that dress, stick a belt over it in order to NOT look 6 months pregnant...sheeesh.)

Mom, Brother Ryan, and me...hugging...which is funny, because I'm not really a hugger...I'll save that for another post...

Hope you all had a fantastic weekend...I'm off to launder now ;)

PS - I'm really REALLY resisting the urge to let you know that brother Ryan is single and 23 and one of the greatest young guys you'll ever meet...although he does ride a motorcycle that goes too fast and causes me to worry for his safety. Did I mention he fixes my computer when it's slow too?!?

Sure glad I resisted...

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Emptying My Head...

It's been one of those weeks where there is something going on every day/night.  That pretty much sums up the month of May around here.

I have learned a thing or two this week though:

Monday:  Noah and Eli had a Spring Music Concert for school.  Jake was still not feeling great, but this could not be missed...so like any good mother I hauled him along and spread the germs around some more *sorry to the peeps of tiny town*  Anyways, I had an idea that turned out to be GENIUS.  Can I say that without sounding arrogant?  ;)    I downloaded an episode of Spongebob and Fragel Rock on my ipod and brought along the the headphones...it completely entertained him!  

Do you think it would be inappropriate to take it to church on Sundays in order to keep him quiet?  I'm kidding...KIDDING...sort of ;)

Last night was our final night of Kids Bible Club for the school year.  It was really a fantastic year...and it will be a fantastic break this summer too :)  It was supposed to start at 7 Pm.  I had about 10 kids here by 6:15 PM...they were a little bit excited.  We cooked up 100 hot dogs for the occasion...they ate them ALL.  Yeah.  There were somewhere between 40-50 kiddos...no one could get a good head count because they were constantly moving.  It was overwhelming (in a good way) to listen to them sing in worship to God.  This is our third year of Bible Club, never did I imagine it would become what it is, and I look forward to what God has planned for it in the future.  He reveals the details to me  on a need to know basis :)

Friday night is a mother/daughter thing at a cute little tea room.  It involves dessert...and coffee.   Need I say more.

Saturday is a 4 mile race...remember this?  It's a fun one.  Never mind that I haven't run yet this week because of sickness...oh well.  Gonna try to get a run in tonight after a community meeting where they value my opinion.  Ha.  

Did I mention I ran SIX miles last Saturday WITHOUT WALKING.  I know.  I KNOW!  That's the longest I've ever run at one time...and it felt good...and bad...like that song Hurts So Good :)
Billie and I were beyond excited with ourselves.  The idea of running 7 more miles on top of that for a 1/2 mary sounds nearly impossible, but we've got all summer yet to train...we'll get there...or die trying.  

And that there is enough blabbing for one post...until tomorrow my friends...

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Got Me Thinking...

I've been thinking a little lately about Pastor's wives.  As you already know, I sometimes find things funny that normal people would not think are funny.

Here's what I think is funny (and I will proceed to explain it to you in a way that butchers it and makes it un-funny...what can I say, it's a gift I have)...

So, in every church I've been a part of, the Pastor's wife is usually called upon to give devotionals at the "ladies get-togethers"  Oh you know what I'm talking about, bridal showers, baby showers, mother/daughter teas,  camp retreats etc.   Sometimes it's the pastor's wife of the actual church represented, or other times it's one from a neighboring church (of the same denomination of course *cough*)

I have a theory:  I think there are two lists that are out there regarding speaking engagements.  Because, somehow, becoming a pastors wife automatically qualifies you to give devotionals.  And when you do become a pastor's wife they put your name on one of the two lists.  They are as follows:

  1. The Pastor's wife who is wise, soft spoken, experienced, well spoken, all around not going to say something crazy, well known by other churches because she faithfully attends all local, regional and state meetings. Her resume is good. 
  2. The Pastor's wife who, although very sweet, is a tad unpredictable.   She hides out from many of the "meetings" hoping to  forever remain the "new girl" that no one in the association knows by name.   Her resume is a little "iffy" ...and she sometimes finds things funny that are not meant to be funny ;)
Guess which list I'm on?  *smile*  The truth is, no one put me on a list, I choose which list.

Neither list is right or wrong, they're both good...just different.  Different according to what God has called us to.  I like list 2.  For me, it's freedom...freedom to be who I am in Christ.  For those on list 1, it's freedom too, because it's what they're called to. Different but the same.  Make sense?

As women, we're called to different things in different seasons of our lives.  Let's be comfortable in what He's called us to, and let's encourage those who are called to something different than us.

I received an email recently that challenged me to really dig into what it means, as a woman, to intimately know Christ.  I came across this passage by T.D. Jakes in the book The Lady, Her Lover, and Her Lord...He says, 

 "Once a woman understands that Christ is her goal, she seems able to focus on Him, allure Him, and entertain Him with a level of praise that is so engrossing that she is healed by His touch and fulfilled by His Word.  I have seen women who were so impacted by His invisible presence that they were able to walk away from the presence of others who were far more tangible, but far less effective."

That's what I want.  That's the place I'm called to be.  Good stuff.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

How Dare They...




Dear McDonald's,

I'm so disappointed in you. Really. It's one thing to lure my children in with a happy meal boasting cheap plastic toys...I'm cool with that. They play with them on the ride home, leave them in the cracks of the mini van seats (along with the remains of their food) and a couple weeks later I locate them, and throw it all out.

No big deal.

But the other night after visiting your establishment (love the quarter pounders by the way) you inserted a Kidz Bop cd in with their food. Thus causing my children to beg and whine to listen to it...thus affecting me. Do you see where I'm going with this?
I gave it a shot. I didn't even recognize any of the pitiful songs until #5. I heard the familiar opening to one of my all time favorite songs....Girls Just Wanna Have Fun. I thought to myself...about time they pick a good one. And that's when it happened. The bleeding from my ears. No one could stop it fast enough. It was too late. Engraved in my brain forever...those voices. How dare you mess with Cyndi Lauper.

How dare you McDonald's. Is it not bad enough that you're(as in I have no responsibility in this *cough*) trying to corrupt my children with your yummy fattening/vein blocking food you now have to slaughter music too?!?
I'm very mad at you. :) I'm probably gonna even stay away from your drive thru for at least a week...or until those evil cd's are gone, whichever comes first.

And one more thing that's been irritating me...seriously, do you really think we're gonna choose sliced apples over french fries?!? Get real.

Sincerely,

The Parsonage Family
.................................................................................................................
Julie: This movie is a right of passage for every American girl...at least for my generation. I will of course make you watch it with me...even if you've already seen it ;)
ps - image courtesy of Google Images.

Monday, May 4, 2009

My Three Year Old Self...

Jake's been running a fever since Saturday night.  In the wee hours of Saturday morning I began preparing myself for a no-church Sunday.

I don't like those very much.

I don't like being cooped up with a sick child, who tends to be extra demanding and even more difficult to reason with.  Oh, I love him to death.  And I would sit with him day in and day out if need be...you'd also likely find me cowering in a corner somewhere, rocking back and forth while sucking my thumb.  I'm just saying...

Anyways,  the kid looked miserable.  We're talking fever, flushed cheeks, dark circles, limp body...the whole nine yards.  None of this mattered to him.  All he knew was that he wanted more than anything to go to Sunday School.    He was insistent.  He stood in the mud room in his jammies and shoes pleading relentlessly for me to just let him go.

It's days like this that living in the parsonage right next to the church is NOT  exactly helpful.  He could hear everyone coming.  He could see the kids playing outside.  He stood at the window with tears streaming down his face...breakin' his mama's heart.

It blesses me to know he loves Sunday School so much.  I love that he wanted so desperately to be there.  I also knew all the valid reasons why he would need to sit this Sunday out.  Not only was he completely not up to it physically, he'd likely infect all the other little ones with his sickness.  And we all know what that cycle looks like in a little church.

As I watched him, in all his 3 year old stubbornness, I smiled because I knew his intentions were good.  Where and what Jake wanted was not the issue.  It was his condition that needed to change before he could go.  

I saw myself in him.  I saw myself standing in my mud room,  before my Heavenly Father, pleading my case on whatever it was (at the time) that I was convinced I was ready for.  Completely oblivious to my own physical, spiritual and emotional condition.   It was not pretty.

Just as I told Jake no, not this Sunday.  My Heavenly Father is saying, no...not yet.  He doesn't mean no, never...just not yet.  

And like my three year old, I eventually see that my will, no matter how big it is, is no match for the parent. 

Time to stop pleading and convincing God of something that He already knows I'm just not ready for.  Instead, I want to allow Him to show me what needs to change, what needs to be healed first, before He can allow me to move forward.  


Friday, May 1, 2009

The One That Takes Too Long

I stole this from Amy Beth.  

When blogging, if I have to stare at the screen for more than 2 minutes before something comes to me, then I give up.  I'm not even exaggerating.  

Here's me, giving up: :)


1. First thing you wash in the shower?

Hair.  

2. What color is your favorite hoodie?

A Navy one from J Crew that I adore. 

3. Would you kiss the last person you kissed again?

Everyday until I die...which I'm dieing before him, I've already called "dibbs" on it.

4. Do you plan outfits?

Only for special occasions.  

5. How are you feeling RIGHT now?

Hungry.  

6. What’s the closest thing to you that’s red?

Photo Albums

7. Tell me about the last dream you remember having?

As if I could remember...

8. Did you meet anybody new today?

No, haven't even left the house yet.

9. What are you craving right now?

The left over burrito in the fridge...and some Sonic pop.

10. Do you floss?

Pffff.  Even after the terrible video the dentist forced me to watch on gum disease...no.  Except for a few days before my check up...I'm sure they're completely fooled by me.  *cough*

11. What comes to mind when I say cabbage?

Patch.  Lillith Willa, she was my first cabbage patch doll. 

12. Are you emotional?

Yes, but I hold it in a lot.

13. Have you ever counted to 1,000?

I think so.

14. Do you bite into your ice cream or just lick it?

Both.

15. Do you like your hair?

I'm fickle.

16. Do you like yourself?

I do.  I might like myself too much.  

17. Would you go out to eat with George W. Bush?

Yes...I think he's adorable.  Anyone who can make up words and phrases is automatically on my best friend list.  

18. What are you listening to right now?

Three year old boys arguing about going to play outside.

19. Are your parents strict?

They were, sometimes. Depended on the issue.

20. Would you go sky diving?

HECK NO.

21. Do you like cottage cheese?

I'll eat it occasionally.

22. Have you ever met a celebrity?

I live in Iowa...not likely.

23. Do you rent movies often?

Yep.

24. Is there anything sparkly in the room you’re in?

Only my personality.  *gag*

25. How many countries have you visited?

Mexico and Jamaica.  

26. Have you made a prank phone call?

In 5th and 6th grade it entertained us all the time.  In the dark ages, before caller id.

27. Ever been on a train?

Nope.  Which is sad, don't ya think?

28. Brown or white eggs?

Either, I have no idea what the difference is.  

29. Do you have a cell phone?

Yes, I love it.  

30. Do you use Chap Stick?

and carmex and lip gloss...love 'em.

31. Do you own a gun?

I'm still debating whether I can handle carrying pepper spray.

32. Can you use chop sticks?

Rebecca from Taiwan tried to teach me.  I don't have time for such things...give me a shovel.

33. Who are you going to be with tonight?

Ben and I are going to a date and the boys are going to G&G's house.

34. Are you too forgiving?

No.  I tend to be too unforgiving most of the time.  Thus the need for God's constant reminder of His endless patience with myself.

35. Ever been in love?

With Ben...since I was 15 years old.  

36. What is your best friend(s) doing tomorrow?

One of them is going to be running 6 miles with me.

37. Ever have cream puffs?

Of course.

38. Last time you cried?

Good Friday when I attempted to watch The Passion.

39. What was the last question you asked?

"Can I go outside?"

40. Favorite time of year?

Summer and fall.

41. Do you have any tattoos?

No, never even contemplated it.  

42. Are you sarcastic?

Only to people I know well...then I can't seem to turn it off.

43. Have you ever seen The Butterfly Effect?

I don't even know what that is.

44. Ever walked into a wall?

yep.

45. Favorite color?

right now...green.  

46. Have you ever slapped someone?

Across the face: no.  On the butt: yes

47. Is your hair curly?

Yes.

48. What was the last CD you bought?

I'm an ipod girl now.

49. Do looks matter?

They do.  Which is hard to swallow.  Anyone who says differently is lieing.

50. Could you ever forgive a cheater?

I see people forgive them all the time.  I'm continually in awe of their ability to do it, because deep down I don't know that I could.  But God's grace allows me to do things I never thought I could...praying I never have to find out.

51. Is your phone bill sky high?

Higher than I think it should be.

52. Do you like your life right now?

I do.

53. Do you sleep with the TV on?

Nope.

54. Can you handle the truth?

About other people: yes.  About myself:  harder to swallow.

55. Do you have good vision?

I wear contacts.

56. Do you hate or dislike more than 3 people?

I don’t hate them, but I do dislike more than three people.

57. How often do you talk on the phone?

Sometimes, it feels like its all I do.

58. The last person you held hands with?

Jakob as we walked across the parking lot.

59. What are you wearing?

a green shirt, ripped jeans and gladiator sandles.

60. What is your favorite animal?

A weiner dog named Odie.

61. Where was your default picture taken at?

My house.

62. Can you hula hoop?

yep

63. Do you have a job?

According to Oprah its the hardest one in the world.  I disagree with her though...has she not met Jack Bauer?!?  

64. What was the most recent thing you bought?

Ground coffee at Starbucks.

65. Have you ever crawled through a window?

Yep.  My best friend and I used to crawl out of my bedroom window and sit on the roof of the garage...until my mom found us.  


This took FOREVER.  Shoulda stuck with my trusty bullet points...

Happy Friday!!

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