Hello Monday Morning

I'm having a difficult time staying motivated, simply caring...about anything lately. This year has dragged on mercilessly, and day in and day out, I sit here, more often in tears than not. Praying, pleading for mercy, unanswered. Is it any wonder I'm angry? Is there any wonder I could care less about taking care of myself? What's the point? I have no idea when this will be over. Run? Why? Take care of the house? What's the use? It all seems useless, pointless. Meaningless. Endless.

Yesterday I tossed around the idea of calling the doctor this morning to ask for a script for antidepressants so I could at least stop crying maybe. But, I feel like that would only make me feel worse, like a zombie, numb. It wouldn't really fix anything. School starts next week and we're still sitting here. We won't even make it to MA in time for Bug's birthday now. The pit in my stomach sinks lower, heavier. I don't even care what God's reason is for us waiting anymore--I just want this over. I want to move. I want my family back together. NOW. Not tomorrow, not next week or next month. Right freaking now. And taking a stupid little pill isn't going to make that happen any quicker. So again, what's the point?

But I'm starting a new Bible study challenge for the fall (I hate that it's fall already) I just really need to refocus. Wallowing in this mire isn't making Michael very happy and I at least owe it to him to keep it together. So I signed up for the Hello Mornings Challenge at Inspired to Action. I had tried to join the summer one, but there weren't groups and it was pretty confusing without any leadership. This time I'm in a group of other moms who also want to take charge of their mornings so they can have better days with their families. I figure it's at least a good place to start. Today is the first day of the thirteen week challenge, so a lot to look forward to in the coming weeks.

I didn't keep track of my thankfuls very well last week. Hopefully with a new challenge and a 'renewed' outlook, I'll do better about that this week. But, here are a few things I was thankful for this past week:

566. Back to school supply shopping. It's even better than Christmas to me! I even got myself a pack of mechanical pencils to tangle with and a pack of Sharpies (they're awesome for coloring in big spaces on the tangles...)
567. An evening with my girls and a new 31 bag on the way (Retro Metro Weekender for all the weekend getaways Bill and I will sneak away for in Maine once this whole mess is behind us!)
568. A huge tub of fresh from the garden tomatoes from my friend Missy--I have been in tomato heaven all week!!!
569. An afternoon of geocaching with Bug at Preston Park, which is literally a couple minutes from our house and we never even knew it existed! We saw deer and bunnies and startled a huge blue heron, and managed to find a few caches while we were there! Great, great day.
570. Celebrating our finds with ice cream at King Kone
571. Harvest Festival in Volant--a beautiful day in my favorite little town in PA
572. Amish donuts (are there any Amish in MA???)
573. Two tangles done and an afternoon of Game of Thrones
574. This verse, which reminds me that every day is indeed filled with His love and mercy:

  The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases;
  His mercies never come to an end;
 they are new every morning;
  great is your faithfulness.
(Lamentations 3:22-23 ESV)  Join us in counting His endless gifts:

Sunday Stealing: Our Players' Meme

This week's memes were stolen from two separate blogs: The first is from a blogger named Kwizgiver. Her blog is What If This Is As Good As It Gets? She stole it from Fond of Snape. The second is from a blogger named Tina of the blog NerdBliss. She did not say where she stole it. And away we go:

1. You have been awarded the time off from work and an all-expenses paid week anywhere in the United States. The catch is that it must be somewhere you have not been before. Where do you choose to visit? Either Alaska or Montana. Probably Alaska 'cuz we could always drive to Montana someday...But I'd love to see the Northern Lights and go whale watching and play in the snow...heaven!

2. Name three of your guilty pleasures. Spending an entire weekend on the couch watching either Harry Potter or Game of Thrones, caramel vanilla iced lattes piled high with whipped cream, chocolate chocolate chocolate...mmmm....

3. The best kind of Girl Scout Cookie is: It's a tough choice between the Thin Mints and the Tagalongs--even the Nestle candy bar versions are insanely good! Can't pick. Sorry.

4. What do you value most in other people? Honesty and kindness.

5. Be honest. Do you sneak some raw cookie dough when you’re baking cookies? Eww, no. I really don't understand that obsession--so yuck!!

6. Have you ever looked back at your life and realized that something you thought was a bad thing was actually a blessing in disguise?! Yeah, completely. Broken Road--everything bad I've gone through just totally makes me appreciate all the good I have now.

7. What is the most beautiful place you’ve ever visited? That's another hard pick...the Rockies in CO, Woodstock VA in the Shenandoah Valley, anywhere I've been along the ocean (Atlantic--haven't made it to the Pacific yet), the Smokies in TN

8. Are you more of a thinker or a feeler? I'm totally a feeler who overthinks everything and cries about all of it.

9. Name three things you are thankful for right now. My hubby, my kids, my friends.

10. Have you ever participated in a three-legged race? Ages and ages ago at a family reunion when I was a kid. So didn't win. I'm not coordinated on two legs--stuff one in a sack with someone else and try to run?? Who comes up with this stupidity and why do people keep doing it??

11. When you are at an event that plays the National Anthem, do you place your hand over your heart? Of course I do!

Second meme:

12. What kind of work do you do? I'm a stay at home mom who plays at writing and art stuff.

13. During the course of your lifetime, which job or career has been your favorite or most fulfilling? My favorite job was being a customer service rep at Beitler McKee. I worked with a great bunch of people, it was a Christian company--which I didn't fully appreciate at the time but I do now looking back on the core that was the heart of Beitler, and that's where I met my honey! And maybe the fact that I was pregnant, completely obsessed with food, and designated myself 'Lunch Girl'--rounding up everybody's lunch orders and money, and then distributing all that delicious food every day--I was so happy!! Lots of great memories--both food and people wise!

14. Do you think it’s necessary in your life to have a day-to-day “career” that is meaningful and service-oriented or do you function better in “just a job” with a steady paycheck? It's certainly a lot better if you have a job that's meaningful to you, rather than 'just a job' you might be miserable at, steady paycheck or not. I've watched my husband go through a lot of 'just jobs' that he wasn't happy at, and I'd rather have him doing something where he's appreciated and that makes him feel fulfilled. For me, being able to take care of our family and house and critters, plus having time to draw or paint or write, paycheck or not--I'm happy.

15. Was there ever a time in your life when you wanted to stay home with your children instead of working, even if it meant less money in the household? That's what I do now!

16. Tell us your worst boss story. I worked for a short little bald man who liked to flick his tongue at me...total sexual harrassment even though he really was harmless...still it was disgusting.

17. Have your ever been the boss? I'm Mom, I am the boss!

18. What is your dream occupation? I don't know--I'd like to be one of those food critics on the Food Channel who gets to travel all over the world eating like everything and getting paid to see the world and eat--could life get any better than that?? I want to raise alpacas. I'd love to have a rescue shelter for homeless dogs. So if I could get paid to travel the world and eat with my dogs and alpacas...that would be pretty awesome!

Judgemental Much?

This picture and post were on a friend's Facebook page yesterday and it took me aback a bit.

"Did you know, the "teen mom's" get tens of thousands of dollars for each episode of the show? Kinda says, "Hey kids, go get knocked up and we'll pay you mad cash!!!"...ya know.

Personally, This chick is the only chick we should be throwing money at for what they've accomplished. I'd think society (yep, even in the US) would shun a station and show that promotes getting pregnant. tsk tsk peps."

While I certainly don't applaud shows that may or may not glorify teen pregnancy, and I've never watched 16 and Pregnant, but this post made me rather angry. Truly, this young lady pictured had the proper support and encouragement growing up to become an Olympian, and how fantastically wonderful for her. How many teen  mothers can have the same thing said about them? But--go ahead and bash them. Society's certainly going to dish it up for them, jump on the band wagon and smear them with more shame and humiliation while they're at it. By the way, where are the teen dads who were involved in these pregnancies? No where to be found? No stigma heaped on top of their somehow blameless heads? Are we still living in the dark ages where it's all the woman's fault? Sad...just sad.

I was told repeatedly growing up that I would never amount to anything more than my street walking whore of a birthmother, pregnant at sixteen and my mother already knew where she was going to ship me off to when that day rolled around. Well, damn if I didn't try to  prove her right, and only by the good grace of God did I somehow manage to NOT end up pregnant at 16. Would I be soley to blame? But I would've been the only one to bear the shame and burden. So, I have a heart for these girls who've become parents way too young. No, not all of us are cut out to be Olympians, but we all deserve the proper support and encouragement to follow our dreams and have a fair shot at life, even if we do make a mistake. And the right and respect to not be judged and looked down upon if you've not walked in their shoes first.

And as for 'shunning all those stations that promote getting pregnant'? You'd pretty much have to shut your TV off for good with just about every show on every station anymore promoting pre-marital, extra-marital, homo-sexual, bi-sexual relationships, along with ads for male enhancement and 'Plan B pills' flipping across our screens--even at hours during the day when our precious impressionable little ones are glued to the sets while Mom's busy Facebooking and posting pics putting down the girls who weren't so lucky...Tsk tsk peps--whatever peps might be.

Monday Morning Gratitude

I rolled over and looked at the clock, 1:25. Not good. Room in full dark, a skinny little shape is standing silhouetted in the doorway, "Can I sleep in your bed?" Froggy hanging limp at his side. My first thought is no, he'll just keep me up with his wiggling and squirming and 'accidentally' nudging Sweet Pea sleeping soundly at my feet, just to prompt a grump from her, his arch-nemesis. And I really need sleep...the days are long enough, a full night's sleep is like gold anymore.

But something in me pulled back the cover and let him climb in. And we giggled as he fake snored and we foot wrestled under the blankets, stole each other's pillows. I even managed to confiscate Froggy, for a little while, anyway. The days are long, but these moments are so short, fleeting. He's almost eleven. How many more times will he want to curl up beside me and giggle in the dark? These moments: more precious than gold...and we slept...

Continuing counting to 1000 Gifts this morning:

549. Kiran's Annual Progress Report, which also means a new pic for my fridge!

Is he not the cutest?! And as skinny as Bug! Love that sweet face!!

550. Weckerly sweet corn for dinner, the blessing of kind, thoughtful neighbors (love you Bud!)
551. All caught up on cleaning--yay!
552. Roast beets and left over corn for lunch (don't tell Bud--it's a sin in these parts to eat corn more than a few hours old...)
553. Butler Farm Show-the best of which was Lulu, half-sheep/half-dog--she was so sweet! I am in love with a sheep!! And kettle corn...can't resist the KC!! Ah sweet salty crunchy delight!!
554. Help from Bill's folks with downpayment funds. Now if only we could settle on a house and have them accept our offer--is that really so much to ask???
555. God's will on my heart--I am willing and trusting You to make it possible...and to soften Bill's heart and others' involved...
556. Prayers from so many loving friends
557. Discernment and goosebumps
558. Watercolor pens! New joy!
559. Serving at Katie's Kitchen--beautiful faces, delicious homecooked food, lifted hearts and spirits
560. Car cruise! Well, it pretty much got rained out, but the (561.) ice cream was a welcome treat as we waited for the storm to pass.
562. Perfect seventy-one degree day!
563. Harry Potter weekend--again. It never gets old. How many times can I watch these movies? Apprarently countless!
564. Zendala time (this is a quick sneak peek for Wednesday's post, but I thought you might like to see the progression....)

Finally decided on a design and all sketched in

Inked

Black and white

Colored at last-viola!

My little tangle spread as I watched Harry yesterday afternoon--double the joy!

 565. Mid-night Bugga snuggles...sweet silliness and giggles

Join us in counting your blessings today?

God Loves Me

"I acknowledge that God loves me and has good plans for me.

'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"

This is the very first prayer in a fat, pretty little book by Tracy Klehn called Prayer Starters for Busy Moms. I had bought this book several years ago, back when I was working at Books-a-Million in Tennessee (it was like being a junkie in a crack store!!) and I just picked it back up again a couple days ago, looking for some prayer refreshers.

Sitting here for the last eight months, waiting to move, with not a single offer in all that time, and school starting in a few short weeks, panic has set in. I haven't seen my husband since March. I don't want Michael to start school here. I don't want him to miss out on starting the fall bowling league and he also wants to try baseball this year. We NEED to get going! So I wonder...Lord, I know You have this great plan, but could we maybe put a little pedal to the metal here??

Reading that prayer though, on the very first page, slowed me, comforted me. I know He loves me, I do. And I'm really thankful for all that He's done in our lives. He's never failed me, not once. He comes through, spot on, perfect timing, every time. And yet....every time, there I am, nails tapping on the table, leg swinging, shaking my foot, eyes rolled up heavenward, like, hello?? Remember me down here?? I feel forgotten, left to wonder why so long? What is the reason in this waiting?

I'm praying for wisdom, a leading of His will and purpose, an answer to my why...and patience to hold me through as I wait...

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,”
declares the Lord.
“As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts. "

~Isaiah 55: 8-9

"May your unfailing love be with us, Lord ,
even as we put our hope in you."

~Psalm 33:22

(Thanks Diane!)



Sunday Stealing: The Authentic Meme

Today we ripped off a blogger named Nikkiana from the blog Authentic Experience. She stole it from Becky at From Mrs. To Mama. But, it was probably stolen there as well. So, of course, that will be as far as we go. Tracing back our theft's thieves might take some time. Take the time to comment on other player's posts. It's a great way to make new friends! Link back to us at Sunday Stealing!

Sunday Stealing: The Authentic Meme

1. How long have you been blogging? Just over a year.

2. Did you go to college? Art school, not sure that really qualifies since all we ever did was party...Spent a lot of time hanging out in the dark room and I wasn't taking photography...

3. Where have you traveled? Quite a bit around the US, at least out east, furthest west I made it was Colorado.

4. Which celebrity do you get mistaken for? Um, none...

5. What are your three biggest pet peeves? Senior citizen social hour at Walmart, seriously, I have shopping to do people, quit hogging up the freaking aisles!! People who cut in line like I've suddenly turned invisible, then they pretend they're deaf when I tell them about it. Live TV and stupid commercials--ugh!!!

6. What is your favorite movie? All the Harrys--having a fantabulously wonderful weekend--Harry, Harry, Harry!

7. What is your drink of choice; wine, beer, or liquor. Or Water, Soda, Tea? Sheetz caramel vanilla iced lattes, yes with whipped cream and caramel drizzle. Why isn't caramel drizzle an option on the order screen?? Yes drizzle!!

8. What is something you enjoy to do when you have me time? READING!! And tangling, and art journaling--having a fun artistic year at least.

9. What is your biggest phobia? Spiders. But I seem to be getting over it. There is a gang, yes a gang! of spiders living around the electric outlet box for the washer in the basement, and they don't seem to bother me. And I have another little fella who's taken up residence in one of the window frames on the back porch. I've even had (obviously one sided) conversations with all of them. So long as none attempt to kill me, they're welcome to stay.

10. Share with us an embarrassing moment of your past? Seriously, why would I do that. Like one sided conversations with spiders isn't embarrassing enough?

11. What day would you love to relive again? Why? The day Bugga was born--such unbelievable joy to finally see his tiny precious face and kiss him all over!! Yes, I'm crying now, thanks...

12. If your life was turned into a movie… what actor would your best friend think should play you? Helena Bonham Carter. We have the same hair. Almost. And I love Bellatrix...And the Red Queen--"Off with 'is 'ead!!"

 

 

13. What are the jobs you had in high school/college/the early years? I was never into babysitting. Pet sitting I loved--I'd pamper the neighbors' dogs like they were  my own. The kids, yeah, not so much...Then Wendy's downtown Pittsburgh. Omigosh--great memories of all the drunk bums that used to come in first thing in the morning and never leave. Fun times...

 

 

14. Show us a picture from high school or college.

Oh wait, that's not me....hahaha

There I am! What hair....bleh....

15. If you could travel anywhere in the world, all expenses paid, where would you go? Like all over the world if someone else is paying, why not?? I want to see it all!!

16. Where do you see your life 6 and 1/2 years from now? Seriously, if I'm moving again, I might kill somebody....But Bug would be 17 so probably getting him ready to graduate and head off to college then figuring out what I'll do with the rest of my life from there...

17. If you could choose to stay a certain age forever, what age would it be and why? Didn't we answer this last week??

18. What 5 songs are included on the soundtrack to your life? (You can pick "Middle School", "High School", "College", "Post College" or any format you like.) ??? I wasn't really aware my life came with a soundtrack...

19. Romney picked Paul Ryan to run as his veep. Any thoughts?
Who? This is Paul and Ryan, my nephews. I don't think either of them are running for office....

20. Your chance: Pick a meme you've done for us to steal. Bud and Judd will visit EVERY post today. Feel free to say, "Bugger off", or anything like that. Okay, Bugger off. But glad you stopped by guys!!

Saturday 9: If Loving You Is Wrong (I Don't Want to Be Right)

1. Has you ever done something that you knew was wrong, but because of love or lust, did it anyway? 'Has you ever??' Grammar much??? Yes I has. We all go through that stupid phase of life. Then you grow up and know better. Or at least most of us do.

2. Do you take longer to dress for a special event? If I care about it, yes.

3. Do you consider yourself a good driver? Yes.

4. If you won Powerball, what would be the first thing you spent it on? A house! In MA! So we could get this freaking over with already!!

5. How much of the Olympics have you watched? Why? None. It's stupid freaking sports, like who cares??? And now it's football season, hell hath begun...

6. Have you ever changed your appearance because of a random happenstance? I don't know what that means...

7. Do you consider yourself attractive? Yes, I do.

8. If you started your own religion, what would it be like? ?? What kind of question is that?

9. Have you ever given up too easily in the game of love? No. If you have to give it up, it's not love.

Good Saturday Morning, Sort Of....

I prayer journal in the morning. After a daily reading of Scripture, I write out my prayers for the day. I include prayers for Bill and Bug using a couple of monthly calendars of scriptural prayers I found at Inspired to Action (where I'll also be doing their HelloMornings Challenge starting in another week! But more on that later....) and it strikes me so many times that the Scriptures I'm praying for them I really need to pray for myself as well. This morning's prayer for Bill comes from 1 Corinthians 13:7-"Fill my husband with Your love and peace today. Help  him to be kind and patient, not selfish or easily provoked. Enable him to endure all things."

Here's what I woke up to this morning: two texts from my realtor from late last night (late being just before nine which is a good hour or two past my usual bedtime, so, yeah, late, people! I KNOW the rest of the world is still wide awake at nine pm, but a little consideration for those of us who get up early in the mornings would be nice. All I'm sayin'...okay??) So, already my kindness and patience is being tested, and honestly, feeling rather provoked into some ugly aggravation as well as slightly selfishness at the late notice intrusion of my home... A little love, peace, and endurance? Yes, please....I'll have a double, thanks!

So I pray...for Bill and yes, Lord, I think that would be great for me, too, today...It's all gonna be all right. Pray for me and my sanity today? Thankful it's a Harry Potter weekend...small favors, folks, small favors...

Oh, and the Saturday 9 should be following shortly...I know, relieved, right??

Five Minute Friday: Connect

Being a stay at home mom, I think it's ultra important to find ways to stay connected to the outside, adult world. My trouble is that I like hiding at home, safely sequestered away, and I honestly think, if it weren't for Michael, I might not ever leave the house at all, or try to connect with other moms or friends.  Of course, if it weren't for Michael, I'd still be out in the working world, forced that way to connect with other people...

Technology is making it easier and easier to be disconnected, at least on a personal, face-to-face level. I talk less and less on the phone, happier to shoot off a quick text, status update, tweet, or, if I have the time, an email. Email has become inconvenient--had you noticed? We have less time for people. But what are we doing that we've become so busy?

But technology has also given us other greater ways to connect. Once I started blogging, I quickly found ways to link up with other blogs, drawing inspiration from prompts, themes, and memes. I've even made several, okay 'virtual' friends through blogging, but friends all the same who share similar interests. And now I've discovered a whole slew of art blogs that encourage creativity, offering weekly or monthly prompts, tutorials, challenges, and there as well we link up to connect with each other, check out what everyone else is doing out there in the creative world and so stirs the inspiration pot.

It may not be everyone's ideal way of being connected, but it's working for me, and it's helping keep me sane this year, and reaching out rather than hiding away. How do you connect?

We Want to Know Wednesday

Well, since I've been up since 2:30 and have nothing better to do with myself and it's not even four yet--omigosh...so not liking this day already!! Need to put on another pot of coffee...But, anyway, a new meme discovered from another memer friend's blog: Mamarazi over at Dandelion Wishes. I know, you're excited...me, too.

 

{1}What is your biggest guilty pleasure? My biggest guilty pleasure...I don't know if it's pen hoarding, my addiction to iced lattes from Sheetz, or Harry Potter weekends because I don't move off the couch the entire time...

{2}What is the ONE thing you're never too busy for? Harry Potter weekends. Guess that gives the final answer to #1...

{3}They say love is in the little things. What is a little thing someone does to show you love? My honey, reads my blog every day and clicks 'like' on Facebook. It is the little things and that just tells me he's paying attention, even if it's just to read my silly ramblings, but especially being apart this long, every little thing that keeps us connected makes a world of difference and I'm so thankful for him.

{4}What were you doing 30 minutes ago? Reading my email. I should've been sleeping! I should STILL be sleeping!!!

{5}If you could be on any game show what would it be? The Wheel, baby--I blow them out of the water every time! Though, the wheel itself could be my downfall--curse you Wheel!!!

 

 

And, it is Artful Wednesday over at Tangle in Time, so hop on over to see what I've been up this week!

The Queen's Meme #126 ~ The Meme Revival Meme

Well, seeing as all the Canadian bloggers are still apparently vacationing and running late updating their blogs due to Saskatchewan Day, I'm moving right along with the rest of the week here in America and posting with Mimi over at The Queen's Meme (but I think she's over in England somewhere...) Anyway! Today's questions:

1. What kind of soap is in your bathtub right now? Dial, Grapeseed Oil and Lemongrass. It's this pretty translucent green, which is stupid because my bathroom is blue...

2. Are the dishes in your dishwasher clean or dirty? Don't have a dishwasher. Dishes in the sink are dirty, waiting for this dishwasher to get around to washing them....

3. What is on top of your refrigerator? Knife block, paint brushes and palette, brush/water holder, a couple lunch bags and my purple mini-cooler.

4. How many plants are in your home? Eleven, no twelve...no wonder that last one keeps threatening to die....

5. Is your closet organized? My closet? Mmmm, no. Maybe I'll do better at the new house...hahahahaha


6. Do you have iced tea made in pitcher right now? No, not a big iced tea family

7. What color is your toothbrush? Grey-boring, right? It's a Sonicare the dentist suckered me into buying. Stupid dentist. Stupid me for being a sucker.

Monday, Monday

I have had a pretty topsy-turvy week emotionally. I know, go figure, right? That's so not me! Yeah, okay--thanks for humoring me for a minute anyway...But, it's August, people, and I'm still sitting in my kitchen in Butler, and I seriously, seriously thought we'd have been in MA months ago already! Hard pill to swallow this week...Not to mention that this past weekend was the Boston dinner cruise...But, Boston isn't going anywhere and there will be other cruises...I...just....want...to...get...going!! And I know you all want me to go just so I'll shut about it already!! So, I was sad, then I was angry, and I snapped at Bill one morning and sobbed to my friend, Missy...again...another morning...I'm off my running schedule and completely off any sort of eating plan. Forget about it!! (Okay--watched too many mobster movies this weekend with Scarface and Donnie Brasco playing. Johnny Depp and Al Pacino--love!! Fahget abaht it!!)

Siiiiggghhhh....Then, a little ray of sunshiney light: my friend, Jenn, suggested I enter some art work in the arts and crafts exhibition for the Butler Farm Show this week. Hmm...Then she said you get a free admission pass for each entry. Really?! Sold! I'm such a sucker for anything free! I snapped up my zendala from last week's challenge and slapped it on a piece of black posterboard background then slipped it into an old black frame-viola! One free admission to the Farm Show! Sweet! Dropped that off yesterday afternoon--wish me luck! I've never done anything like that before, so kinda nervous but pretty excited all the same!

And I've had a good week playing artistically (pics pics pics Wednesday!!) and hubster said I could get me some groovy new watercolor pens! His exact words: "Whatever you need, babe. I want you to have whatever you need." God I love him! So painted and played and scribbled down lots of bubbly inspired ideas that popped into my head...Lots of fun coming up! Yay! So that really helped turn the mood around as well. Thank you, lovie!!

I have lots of pics to include for my gratitude list this week, so here we go:

544. Spending an afternoon tie dying Tshirts with my Bug

Cool, right?

545. Homemade chocolate donuts with Oreo icing, made by Bug's buddy, Shane--they were AWESOME!! Love kid chefs! And I love chocolate donuts, especially with Oreo icing!
546. Wood pile eyesore all gone! Thank you Michels!!
547. Discovering this new blog-sometimes I just keep it open on another tab so I can listen to the ocean sounds and dream about being in MA with my love...soon...soon...
548. Bug talking on the phone and playing on the computer with one of his very first friends, Ian, from Ohio. Then I got to talk with Ian's mom, Tiz, for the first time in seven years--that's sad! And I cried...love those guys!!
549. God's glorious love--so amazing, so thankful He's got me!!
550. Jen Hatmaker's 7: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess--yes, still reading it but almost done! Just get it and read it!! Because I said so!
551. Starting seven sacred pauses. Okay, six. I'm really, honestly, not getting up at midnight to pray 'cuz then I'll never get back to sleep--sorry!!
552. Date Day with my Bug! We had burgers and barbecue at When Pigs Fly (their hot barbecue sauce is SUPER hot! But Yum!!) and a quick browse through the Art Center. Groovy day!
553. Finding this little guy in our weeding pile (we named him Charlie):

I used to be totally creeped out by Cicadas, but Charlie was so sweet! How cute is he???

That's one big bug...

Charlie kisses!

Nom! Nom! Nom! Yeah...that's my Bug (he didn't really eat Charlie--we put him up in the holly tree....)

544. Coffee and park time with Missy and boys--how will I get along without them and Sheetz???
545. My new Idea Planner/Journal!

Got this great idea from Beneath the Surface this week! Love!!

546. My kid and critters:

Hoggin' up my seat...

Mama's Boo Baby

Bug 'n Boo

547. Sweet gifts for my new kitchen!

My friend Jenn made these for me--is that not the cutest towel you've ever seen?? My Maine lobster!! She's so talented!

548. I opened my email this morning to find out I won a rubber stamp giveway from a zentangle blog hop last week! More new toys to play with!!! So excited--can't wait to get them in the mail...gonna be a great week ahead!

Lord, open my eyes that I may see the giftedness of my life

and let my life be a hymn of praise and thanksgiving.

~from 40 Day Journey with Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Count along with us:

If Ever There Was a Meme For Me: Sunday Stealing: The Useless Question Meme

How many of you remember my Books-a-Million nametag?? 'Useless'--yeah, go ahead and complain about me--good luck with that! You really needed a sense of humor to work in that store....But, anyway--I know, I'm late. You'd think waking up at three a.m. would have me on top of the ball and halfway done with everything today, but migraines have a way of messing up even the best laid plans. Some Aleve, jalapeno chips, and caffeine ala one large Sheetz Iced Latte later, it's trying to subside. Thankful for my Bugalicious who's letting the birds out to play this morning because Loki's squawks would surely push me into the realm of unconsciousness, which might not be such a bad thing today...I'm feeling an afternoon of couch and Game of Thrones coming on for sure....

Anyhow--that's not why you stopped by, right? It's Sunday Stealing time! And this week's questions--unnumbered, so I have no idea how many there are--just keep reading, okay? Thanks!! Away we go:

Have you ever written a song? Maybe when I was like five. Nothing recently, though.

Have you ever been in the opposite sex's public toilet? Have you tried waiting in the women's line sometimes?? It's ridiculous! So, yeah, been in the mens' room a few times--I think they mostly pee in the sink, there's never a line!!

Are you superstitious? Not typically. I have other mental issues to worry about, superstition's not one of them.

· What's the most daring thing you've done? That's x-Rated, so not answering on here, sorry...

· Did you have a baby blanket? Do you still sleep with it? I honestly can't say I remember if I had a baby blanket, though I'm sure I did. I sleep with my hippy tie dye snuggie...and my dogs. It would be nice to sleep with my husband...

· Have you ever tried to cut your own hair? If yes, how’d it work out? No, I'm not that stupid.

· Have you ever sleepwalked? Not that I know of, probably would've slept through it...

· If you could be any age, what age would you be? My age. I'd like to feel younger, maybe look younger, but I wouldn't want to go through any of that stupidity again for anything.

· What is your dream car? One that is maintenance free, and payment free, and self-insured, that will fit Bug and various friends and all the dogs. And environmentally friendly.

· What is your favorite cartoon of all time? Didn't we answer this a couple weeks ago? Either Pink Panther or Mr Magoo. Or Rocky and Bullwinkle. Classics....

· If you were in a car sinking in a lake, what would you do first? Me? Cry. Then pray someone else was in the car with a brain because I'd be too busy crying to figure out what to do....But I just read this somewhere recently. You wait until the car is completely submerged and open the doors to swim out or smash the windows and swim out. Okay, I just need to remember that in the middle of my panic hissy crying fit...

· Have you ever ridden in an ambulance? A couple times. Not where anyone wants to be...ever....

· How many foreign countries have you visited? Zero. Not even Canada and it's like right there!!

· If you fell into quicksand, would you try to swim or try to float? Float? Don't you sink faster if you struggle? And swimming seems to me a lot like struggling. Especially in quicksand. Of course, you know I'll be crying first....

· Do you talk in your sleep? I used to when I was younger. Bug does. It's pretty funny sometimes...Not sure if I still do or not...

· Have you ever slipped in the bathtub? No, but the episode of Big Bang Theory when Penny slips and falls in the shower and Sheldon has to help her get dressed and drive her to the emergency room is hilarious!!

· If you could invite any movie star to your home for dinner, who would it be? Tom Hanks. I just think he's brilliant.

· Have you ever re-gifted? Oh yeah.

· If you could attend an Olympic Event, what would it be? If you're friends with me on Facebook you'd know NONE of them!!! Stupid Olympics!! Are they over yet???

· If you could participate in an Olympic Event, what would it be? The Olympic Committee to Not Take Off Normal Programming During the Stupid Olympics!! There really are people who don't care about stupid sports...

· If you won a $5,000 shopping spree to any store, which store would you pick? AMAZON!!!! Omigosh...I'm delirious just thinking of the possibilities!!!!!!!!!!!

· What do you think is your best feature? My eyes, I have pretty eyes.

· If you were to win an Oscar, what kind of movie would it be for? Drama, for sure. 'Cuz I'm so dramatic.

· Which of the five senses is most important to you? Um, all of them, though living with three dogs and two guys who fart a lot, the one I could easiestly live without would be my sense of smell.

· Would you be a more successful painter or singer? Painter, by far...

· Have you ever had surgery? Cervical spinal fusion earlier this year. Never wanna do that again.

· What do you like to collect? PENS!!! And Willow Tree angels. And dogs, and birds. And apparently sketchbooks from looking at the pile next to me right now...

· How many collectibles do you have? Um, Willow Trees, maybe ten or twelve? They've been packed for several months waiting to MOVE, so I'm not sure anymore. I wouldn't consider any of my other junk to be collectibles.

Woohoo!! And we're done...Happy Sunday, ya'll!

Saturday 9: Meme 250 - Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere

1. Do you ever feel like you are nowhere? I live in Butler....that's pretty much nowhere....

2. Do you keep your cool no matter what is going on around you? Omigoodness, have you met me?? I'm the biggest bunch of overemotional basketcasedness that ever walked the face of the planet!!

3. Do you feel that career should be more important than your love life? Never.

4. In what way do you feel that you are unique? Because there (thank goodness) is no one anywhere ever who is anything like me...We are all unique! Like special little snowflakes, none of us are the same...

5. Do you feel that there is a part of you that you need to hide from most people? Yeah, my overemotionalness. It's especially overboard when I'm stressed, and I'm really stressed this year....

6. Have you ever held on to a relationship even though you truly knew it was already over? Yeah. Sometimes you try to make it work even though you know it's not worth it, the pain, the ridiculousness, their thoughtlessness. But eventually you get over it and finally move on!

7. Would you say that you are a winner in this game of life? Definitely. Amazing husband, crazy adorable son, beautiful, sweet, and whacked out stepdaughter, the most wonderful friends you could ever ask for, and most days I get to play with painting or drawing or writing...yeah, definitely winning.

8. Can you tell us about a time when you were broke and yet still happy? After we moved from Ohio to Tennessee and had two mortgages for over a year...seriously broke, and we did a good bit of fighting, but we made it through and I think we were still pretty happy even through those tough years. Going through another tough year, but deep down still happy and know this won't last--light at the end of the tunnel...somewhere!!!

9. Do you think staying celibate between relationships important? Probably the smartest thing you could do, though I don't think many people do do that anymore.

Congrats Saturday 9!!!