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.

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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.  

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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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Refreshed

This has been one of my favorite weeks of vacation that Ben has had in a long time.  We haven't gone anywhere spectacular (except Sonic of course)  but it has been the perfect combination of just hanging out together and having fun while accomplishing nothing off my notorious to-do list.

Refreshing.

Here's the run-down of yesterday.  You thought you were off the hook, but of course you're not.  

• Billie and I ran 5 miles in the MORNING!  Did I mention it was at 5:30 in the morning?!?  Because generally, we're a little sluggish in the morning, but we're following a schedule now, and somehow, that piece of paper has magical powers over us that make us feel the need to obey it.  
• Then at about 9:30 AM I went for a four mile walk with another friend...and right now (today) I'm waiting for Billie to arrive for our 2 mile easy run.  Man, that sounds over-acheiverish.  I'll be whining the whole time about my sore legs, so I think that negates it.  
• All my favorite running clothes are wet because I left them in the washer over night.  I'm wearing all cotton...I hate running in cotton.  Boo.  What a terrible awful life I have ;)
• I'm starting over at season one of Gilmore Girls.  I think it is my favorite show of all time.
• I've gotta actually "do" something around the house today.  At least for awhile...
• There's a video of Julie on her blog today that just MADE my morning.  Three months from tomorrow she will officially join us here in tiny-town.  We're so excited to have her.  Heck, anyone who's spoken to me in the past 6 months is excited to meet her!
• Can't wait for tomorrow...May...it's one of my favorite months.  But it seems I blink, and then it's gone.  

Tomorrow I'll try to talk about something that does not involve food or running.  I'll make an effort anyways.

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Good Stuff...

I know you've all been on the edge of your seats since yesterdays post. *cough*

And I've gotta say...Sonic is a hit. A BIG hit.

Yep, I was the total loser taking pictures of us while eating. At least I'm sure that's what the people in the car next to us thought...until I showed them my t-shirt that reads Just Ignore Me, I'm a Blogger and I Have Readers That Want Pictures, So There. Or at least I would have done that had I actually had the t-shirt.

What constitutes a good burger? Grease running down your hand, of course. Oh, no need to thank me for that gem of a pic.

The only thing I'll do differently the next time...I want a Diet Coke in the absolute largest size possible...maybe two of them. De-lish.

God Bless America.

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Just Skip This One...

Mondays.  Generally not my favorite day of the week.  But today...

Ben is on vacation this week from his secular job.  *smile*  I had to throw that in there because it makes me laugh...I have no idea why it makes me laugh...just does.

I've compiled a lengthy list of to-do's that I'd like to get accomplished while he's here.  Exciting stuff, like clean the basement and re-caulk the tub/shower.  That's how fun I am.

Today though, it's raining (again.)  And I'm thinking it would be a good day to go visit our new Sonic.  Because we've never eaten at a Sonic.  

I just heard you all gasp in unison.

And, located near the new Sonic is a Christian Book Store that has this little book on sale.  I'd like to read it before my Julie comes to live here.  I've got three months to get it done. 

I'm off...

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To My Pretend Daughter

It is very warm and sunshiny in my neck of the woods...I can't even bear to be at the computer. 

Yard work is calling my name.  Jake and I hit WalMart this morning for all the supplies needed.  (Thank you Marlas for hauling the 10 bags of mulch home in her truck ;)

We also made a stop for a 44 ounce Diet Coke and some donuts...because it makes perfect logical sense to have a diet pop with doughnuts.  (I've been up since 5 AM thus the off combination) 

Anyways, before I blabber on too long and lose you, I wanted to say a big HUGE HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Julie!!!  She'll be seventeen tomorrow!  

Seventeen.  I remember seventeen.  Mine was filled with lots of drama about a boyfriend who went away to college and I was certain he'd find someone else.  Turns out he didn't find someone else.  Turns out I married him...and so began Life in the Parsonage ;)  

If you don't know who Julie is, then this is obviously your first time here.  I need to come up with a "term" for her.  Exchange student sounds to impersonal.  Pretend daughter makes it sound like I'm making her up.  Host daughter makes me think of going out to eat...as in hostess.  Maybe I'll just call  her my Norwegian daughter.  Or just daughter.  And then, people can say,  WOW you look so young to have a daughter that age, and I can say I know, right!?!?  

Either way, I adore her.  And the fact that I completely procrastinated mailing her birthday present so that she in fact will not even receive it until next Wednesday has no reflection on the value I place on her.  It reflects my really bad habit of putting things off until the very last minute while doing other things that do not really need to be done.  For example, her room is all ready for her to arrive...in AUGUST, yet I can't mail her birthday present out on time?!?!  Nice Sarah....niiiiice.

Julie, hope your day tomorrow is fantastic!!  You are completely loved by our family here in tiny-town USA...hurry up and get here already ;)

If you'd like to wish her a Happy Birthday (and you know you do) click HERE.  

YAY for Friday!  

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