With the help of my friends Lisa and Vanessa...Shannon was finally able to finish her collection!!! Woohoo! Thanks, friends!
Saturday, March 6, 2010
This is SO 2008
OK, I realize that the last state quarters were issued in 2008...so this is probably old news to most. But those pesky Alaska and Hawaii quarters are hard to come by in this great state of Georgia!
With the help of my friends Lisa and Vanessa...Shannon was finally able to finish her collection!!! Woohoo! Thanks, friends!
With the help of my friends Lisa and Vanessa...Shannon was finally able to finish her collection!!! Woohoo! Thanks, friends!
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Answers to your questions, Part Two
OK, time for the second batch of questions! I'm really enjoying answering these. Lots of these answers are things I love to share, but never really would know how to bring them up, y'know? So...thanks!
Amy asked...What's the most vain thing you do on a daily basis?
I am just about the least vain person I can think of. I am pretty much a “what you see is what you get” kind of girl. I’m totally happy to wear jeans and a button down/collared shirt to work. For the first time IN MY LIFE, I own a pair of shoes that cost more than $100, and I just got them in Dec. Patrick MADE me get them. I’m perfectly content to wear my hair in a ponytail, and do that probably half the time. I guess the “most vain” thing I do on a daily basis is wear make-up (but just drug-store stuff, lol) and tweeze my eyebrows. I do have a *thing* about my eyebrows, so maybe that’s my big vanity point, lol.
Danielle had a few questions for me. They were:
Why do you like blogging so much?? Hmm. This is a good question. I’ve kept a blog since January 5, 2002. I’ve always been a small-potatoes blogger, but I love it. I like the “written” journal of events. I love being able to look back through what I’ve written and remember those times…the little details that I would have otherwise forgotten, etc.
More recently, I’m loving the feeling of community from blogging. Reading other people’s blogs, and seeing how much we have in common. Reading about their trials and tribulations…and realizing they’re not too dissimilar from my own. It’s a nice feeling.
What is your daily routine?? Generally speaking…I get up at 6:30 in the morning. I get ready for work, and leave at 7:30. (My daughter doesn’t have to leave for middle school until 8 am…so my husband takes her.) I teach preschool every morning, so from 8:15-12:45, I am with students. Every day except Wednesday, I watch a 2-3 year old girl in the afternoons until 4-4:30pm. During that time, I play with her, and work on my prep work. (Shannon gets out of school at 4:15, so Patrick goes to get her during this time as well. They get home at 4:30.) Our evenings consist of dinner time, homework, showers, occasional meetings, online time, and bed. Also worked into our weekly schedule is church, bible study class (I teach a children's bible study class on Sunday nights), youth group for Shannon, piano lessons for Shannon, Girl Scout meetings, etc.
What TV shows do you watch on a daily basis? On a daily basis? None. My favorite show is The Biggest Loser, and we try to watch it every week. I’m much more of a movie person. I’d rather have a movie on in the background while I do my housework, or surf online, etc. We have an extensive DVD collection, so we just usually have something on from that. I did watch every single day of Olympic coverage, except one evening. From the commercials I saw during the Olympics, I want to at least try out the new shows Parenthood, Minute to Win It, and The Marriage Ref.
Steph had some questions that really made me think.
What are you passionate about? I am passionate about my family. I’m passionate about my faith. I am passionate about children and education. I’m passionate about doing my best. I’m passionate about honesty.
What makes you tick?? I am a caregiver. I believe this is what makes me tick. I have always been the person concerned with taking care of others. As a little girl, when *anyone* had to go to the doctor/emergency room…I HAD to go too. My nickname was “Nurse Nancy.” From the time I was 4 years old, I have wanted to be a mother. In high school, my nickname from a good friend was “Mary Poppins.” I have been babysitting since I was EIGHT years old. (Hello…who hires an EIGHT year old to babysit??? LOL) My first job was working in a preschool. Patrick and I didn’t have Shannon until I could stay home with her. When she started school, I began teaching at the preschool. (Our plans had been to have more children…but God had another plan.) Now, since Patrick’s accident…my care-giving role has taken a different look. But when you break down who I am, and what I do…this is what it is.
I'm going to stop here for now. Shannon is going on a Youth Retreat tomorrow, and we've got packing to do! I do have a fun little quickie little post that I may put up before bed. We'll see if I remember! Hahaha!
Amy asked...What's the most vain thing you do on a daily basis?
I am just about the least vain person I can think of. I am pretty much a “what you see is what you get” kind of girl. I’m totally happy to wear jeans and a button down/collared shirt to work. For the first time IN MY LIFE, I own a pair of shoes that cost more than $100, and I just got them in Dec. Patrick MADE me get them. I’m perfectly content to wear my hair in a ponytail, and do that probably half the time. I guess the “most vain” thing I do on a daily basis is wear make-up (but just drug-store stuff, lol) and tweeze my eyebrows. I do have a *thing* about my eyebrows, so maybe that’s my big vanity point, lol.
Danielle had a few questions for me. They were:
Why do you like blogging so much?? Hmm. This is a good question. I’ve kept a blog since January 5, 2002. I’ve always been a small-potatoes blogger, but I love it. I like the “written” journal of events. I love being able to look back through what I’ve written and remember those times…the little details that I would have otherwise forgotten, etc.
More recently, I’m loving the feeling of community from blogging. Reading other people’s blogs, and seeing how much we have in common. Reading about their trials and tribulations…and realizing they’re not too dissimilar from my own. It’s a nice feeling.
What is your daily routine?? Generally speaking…I get up at 6:30 in the morning. I get ready for work, and leave at 7:30. (My daughter doesn’t have to leave for middle school until 8 am…so my husband takes her.) I teach preschool every morning, so from 8:15-12:45, I am with students. Every day except Wednesday, I watch a 2-3 year old girl in the afternoons until 4-4:30pm. During that time, I play with her, and work on my prep work. (Shannon gets out of school at 4:15, so Patrick goes to get her during this time as well. They get home at 4:30.) Our evenings consist of dinner time, homework, showers, occasional meetings, online time, and bed. Also worked into our weekly schedule is church, bible study class (I teach a children's bible study class on Sunday nights), youth group for Shannon, piano lessons for Shannon, Girl Scout meetings, etc.
What TV shows do you watch on a daily basis? On a daily basis? None. My favorite show is The Biggest Loser, and we try to watch it every week. I’m much more of a movie person. I’d rather have a movie on in the background while I do my housework, or surf online, etc. We have an extensive DVD collection, so we just usually have something on from that. I did watch every single day of Olympic coverage, except one evening. From the commercials I saw during the Olympics, I want to at least try out the new shows Parenthood, Minute to Win It, and The Marriage Ref.
Steph had some questions that really made me think.
What are you passionate about? I am passionate about my family. I’m passionate about my faith. I am passionate about children and education. I’m passionate about doing my best. I’m passionate about honesty.
What makes you tick?? I am a caregiver. I believe this is what makes me tick. I have always been the person concerned with taking care of others. As a little girl, when *anyone* had to go to the doctor/emergency room…I HAD to go too. My nickname was “Nurse Nancy.” From the time I was 4 years old, I have wanted to be a mother. In high school, my nickname from a good friend was “Mary Poppins.” I have been babysitting since I was EIGHT years old. (Hello…who hires an EIGHT year old to babysit??? LOL) My first job was working in a preschool. Patrick and I didn’t have Shannon until I could stay home with her. When she started school, I began teaching at the preschool. (Our plans had been to have more children…but God had another plan.) Now, since Patrick’s accident…my care-giving role has taken a different look. But when you break down who I am, and what I do…this is what it is.
I'm going to stop here for now. Shannon is going on a Youth Retreat tomorrow, and we've got packing to do! I do have a fun little quickie little post that I may put up before bed. We'll see if I remember! Hahaha!
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Answers to your questions, Part One
I had intended to answer your questions in one post, but then once I got started, I realized what a big mouth I have, lol! That would have been a 20 page post! So, for ease of writing...and reading, I am going to break it into several posts.
The first questions came from Ria at Life as a Wife. Ria asked some deep questions:
What is the biggest thing you are learning currently?
Wow, this is a big one right out of the box. About a year ago, I kind of had a spiritual awakening. A friend of mine noticed that I had been “lost” for some time and offered a listening ear, and scriptural advice. This person is also a lay speaker for our church…his advice is sound and his guidance well grounded. Since then, I have been on a journey of rediscovering myself, as well as my relationship with God. I am learning to stay true to myself, to be authentic, and to not hide inside my walls. I am stepping out in faith. I am working to stay present, and not got overwhelmed and fearful by life’s situations.
What is the BEST piece of advice (marriage, parenting, etc.) that you have heard EVER?
You’re probably looking for something more specific than “Be Kind to Others,” which is probably the best advice I’ve EVER been given…but also sort of no-nonsense. I always hate giving credit for this next one, because it seems so…silly, but one time Oprah (see? I giggled just typing it!) said “When someone shows you their true colors, believe them.” I thought that was really profound, and never forgot it.
As for marriage advice, to be honest…we didn’t get a lot of it. We married so young that we mostly got a lot of “tsk tsks” from people. More people asked if I was pregnant, than offered advice or congratulations. The pastor who married us, however, was a dear man. He was my pastor from ages 10-13, and was precious to my family. During our wedding ceremony, he broke it down for us like this: He said simply to “Take Care of Each Other.” This has probably proven to be the most useful advice we were given. Over the years, we’ve been through many struggles…among other things: infertility, depression, loss of job, stress, cross-country move, and most recently Patrick’s accident and disability. Through this, we’ve tried to keep our primary focus as “taking care of each other.” It’s easy to get wrapped up in money worries, work stress, etc…but that’s when we find that we struggle emotionally. When we simply “take care of each other,” we feel respected and like we can handle what life is throwing at us.
My next question came from Sonora at To Twinfinity and Beyond. She asked:
If you could meet anyone past or present, famous or not, who would it be and why?
Hmm…tough one! I’d have to say, either Abraham Lincoln or Laura Ingalls Wilder. I’ve always admired Abraham Lincoln…in fact, when I was 10, I had an Abraham Lincoln bedroom! (No Barbie or Holly Hobbie for me!) I would love to go back in time to meet him, talk with him, etc.
And then...Laura Ingalls Wilder. I have ALWAYS had *thing* for LIW. Beyond reading the books, beyond watching Little House on the Prairie…I grew up immersed in LIW lore. In the very early 1900’s, my great-grandmother worked as a telegraph operator in DeSmet, where the Ingalls family lived. By that time, Laura and Almanzo (and Rose) had already moved to Mansfield, MO…but my great-grandmother knew the Ingalls family, and told stories about them. My favorite one was that she could sit in the telegraph office (at the depot) and watch Mary take her afternoon walks, holding onto the fence of the yard. (Mary was blind.) As a little girl, my family took a trip to several of the LIW sites. I know we visited Walnut Grove, and DeSmet. This past summer, Shannon and I went to Mansfield, MO to see the home that the Wilders established there. It was life-changing. I can only imagine what meeting Laura would be like.
Tune in again, most likely tomorrow...for the answers to more of my questions. Questions about my vanity, why I blog, and my daily routine! See you then!
The first questions came from Ria at Life as a Wife. Ria asked some deep questions:
What is the biggest thing you are learning currently?
Wow, this is a big one right out of the box. About a year ago, I kind of had a spiritual awakening. A friend of mine noticed that I had been “lost” for some time and offered a listening ear, and scriptural advice. This person is also a lay speaker for our church…his advice is sound and his guidance well grounded. Since then, I have been on a journey of rediscovering myself, as well as my relationship with God. I am learning to stay true to myself, to be authentic, and to not hide inside my walls. I am stepping out in faith. I am working to stay present, and not got overwhelmed and fearful by life’s situations.
What is the BEST piece of advice (marriage, parenting, etc.) that you have heard EVER?
You’re probably looking for something more specific than “Be Kind to Others,” which is probably the best advice I’ve EVER been given…but also sort of no-nonsense. I always hate giving credit for this next one, because it seems so…silly, but one time Oprah (see? I giggled just typing it!) said “When someone shows you their true colors, believe them.” I thought that was really profound, and never forgot it.
As for marriage advice, to be honest…we didn’t get a lot of it. We married so young that we mostly got a lot of “tsk tsks” from people. More people asked if I was pregnant, than offered advice or congratulations. The pastor who married us, however, was a dear man. He was my pastor from ages 10-13, and was precious to my family. During our wedding ceremony, he broke it down for us like this: He said simply to “Take Care of Each Other.” This has probably proven to be the most useful advice we were given. Over the years, we’ve been through many struggles…among other things: infertility, depression, loss of job, stress, cross-country move, and most recently Patrick’s accident and disability. Through this, we’ve tried to keep our primary focus as “taking care of each other.” It’s easy to get wrapped up in money worries, work stress, etc…but that’s when we find that we struggle emotionally. When we simply “take care of each other,” we feel respected and like we can handle what life is throwing at us.
My next question came from Sonora at To Twinfinity and Beyond. She asked:
If you could meet anyone past or present, famous or not, who would it be and why?
Hmm…tough one! I’d have to say, either Abraham Lincoln or Laura Ingalls Wilder. I’ve always admired Abraham Lincoln…in fact, when I was 10, I had an Abraham Lincoln bedroom! (No Barbie or Holly Hobbie for me!) I would love to go back in time to meet him, talk with him, etc.
And then...Laura Ingalls Wilder. I have ALWAYS had *thing* for LIW. Beyond reading the books, beyond watching Little House on the Prairie…I grew up immersed in LIW lore. In the very early 1900’s, my great-grandmother worked as a telegraph operator in DeSmet, where the Ingalls family lived. By that time, Laura and Almanzo (and Rose) had already moved to Mansfield, MO…but my great-grandmother knew the Ingalls family, and told stories about them. My favorite one was that she could sit in the telegraph office (at the depot) and watch Mary take her afternoon walks, holding onto the fence of the yard. (Mary was blind.) As a little girl, my family took a trip to several of the LIW sites. I know we visited Walnut Grove, and DeSmet. This past summer, Shannon and I went to Mansfield, MO to see the home that the Wilders established there. It was life-changing. I can only imagine what meeting Laura would be like.
Tune in again, most likely tomorrow...for the answers to more of my questions. Questions about my vanity, why I blog, and my daily routine! See you then!
Redeemed, lol
Wow, thanks for all the wonderful questions! I am working on some wonderful answers, lol!!!
We had a snow day today, and since I have a cold...we've stayed in our jammies...snuggling, and watching movies. Right now we're watching Gilmore Girls, season 5. (No spoilers please!!! This is our first time through the series. A good friend knew we'd love the show, and has the whole series on DVD. She lent it to us, and we made it into season 4, and then her daughter went off to college and took them with her! The nerve, lol!!! Patrick surprised me with all 7 seasons on DVD for Christmas! The even bigger surprise was that he'd paid attention to my couponing, and gotten each season for $11 brand new! They're normally $45 a piece! You go boy!)
Anyway...that was a long tangent. We're snuggled up, watching Gilmore Girls and eating hot ham & cheese sandwiches. I will get some answers posted soon! Yay!
We had a snow day today, and since I have a cold...we've stayed in our jammies...snuggling, and watching movies. Right now we're watching Gilmore Girls, season 5. (No spoilers please!!! This is our first time through the series. A good friend knew we'd love the show, and has the whole series on DVD. She lent it to us, and we made it into season 4, and then her daughter went off to college and took them with her! The nerve, lol!!! Patrick surprised me with all 7 seasons on DVD for Christmas! The even bigger surprise was that he'd paid attention to my couponing, and gotten each season for $11 brand new! They're normally $45 a piece! You go boy!)
Anyway...that was a long tangent. We're snuggled up, watching Gilmore Girls and eating hot ham & cheese sandwiches. I will get some answers posted soon! Yay!
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Nervous, nervous, nervous
I've never done this...because I'm a weenie. I love when other bloggers do it...but I never have done it myself.
I want to do one of those Q & A posts...where readers ask questions in the comments, and then I'll do a post to answer them. I'm always afraid that no one really reads my blog, and that everyone will find out because there will be no questions.
So this is your big chance! I'm doing it! Ask me anything...and I will answer! To those that have read my blog for awhile...what have you always wanted to know, but were afraid to ask? To those who are new here...what would you like to know about me? How can we get to know each other better?
Please ask me something...or I will be SO embarrassed!
I want to do one of those Q & A posts...where readers ask questions in the comments, and then I'll do a post to answer them. I'm always afraid that no one really reads my blog, and that everyone will find out because there will be no questions.
So this is your big chance! I'm doing it! Ask me anything...and I will answer! To those that have read my blog for awhile...what have you always wanted to know, but were afraid to ask? To those who are new here...what would you like to know about me? How can we get to know each other better?
Please ask me something...or I will be SO embarrassed!
Monday, March 1, 2010
The love...I feel it!
OK, yes...a little sarcasm...but apparently today's my day! I got another award! I know! Rebecca at Buttons and Bows gave it to me. I'm touched. Thanks, Rebecca!
Here it is:
And here are the rules:
- Put the logo on your blog or within your post.
- Nominate at least 10 blogs with great attitude or gratitude.
- Link the nominees within your post.
- Let the nominees know they have received this award by commenting on their blog.
- Share the love and link to the person from whom you received this award.
So, gosh...soooo many of the blogs I read have a great attitude or sense of gratitude. That's why I love them! Here are the 10 I choose....
1. A Big Boy, A Baby Girl, and a Precious Pug
2. Be Strong and Courageous
3. Cort and Cohen
4. Low Expectations
5. Multiple Baby Pile-up
6. Random Musings From a Single Gal
7. Williams Family Blog
8. Our Journey of Love
9. My Kids Are Fun
10. Hearts Make Families
Here it is:
And here are the rules:
- Put the logo on your blog or within your post.
- Nominate at least 10 blogs with great attitude or gratitude.
- Link the nominees within your post.
- Let the nominees know they have received this award by commenting on their blog.
- Share the love and link to the person from whom you received this award.
So, gosh...soooo many of the blogs I read have a great attitude or sense of gratitude. That's why I love them! Here are the 10 I choose....
1. A Big Boy, A Baby Girl, and a Precious Pug
2. Be Strong and Courageous
3. Cort and Cohen
4. Low Expectations
5. Multiple Baby Pile-up
6. Random Musings From a Single Gal
7. Williams Family Blog
8. Our Journey of Love
9. My Kids Are Fun
10. Hearts Make Families
My first award! And a Winter Storm Warning!
With the exception of me and my three good friends, I know everyone is hating winter and ready to move on...but we just got put under a winter storm warning! Squeeeee! I have no idea if I'll be able to sleep tonight! I'm sure I say this every time we get a chance for winter weather, but I swear I'm 8 years old inside!
And speaking of being 8 years old inside...another squeee! I just got my first blog award! I know! Go me! Angie at Decorating in Georgia gave it to me! Thanks, Angie!!!
Isn't it cute?
OK, now for the rules! Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award, and his or her blog link. Pass the award to 15 other blogs that you’ve newly discovered. Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.
Kate's Life
Peanut Butter Jelly Days
Life as a Wife!
Handprint and Footprint Arts & Crafts
"EB"ing a Mommy
{aefilkins}
Pink and Green Mama
Life in HD
To Twinfinity and Beyond
Zack's Gang
Make and Takes
Fancy Frugalista
The Snyder 5
Let's Explore
Mann Land 5
And speaking of being 8 years old inside...another squeee! I just got my first blog award! I know! Go me! Angie at Decorating in Georgia gave it to me! Thanks, Angie!!!
Isn't it cute?
OK, now for the rules! Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award, and his or her blog link. Pass the award to 15 other blogs that you’ve newly discovered. Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.
Kate's Life
Peanut Butter Jelly Days
Life as a Wife!
Handprint and Footprint Arts & Crafts
"EB"ing a Mommy
{aefilkins}
Pink and Green Mama
Life in HD
To Twinfinity and Beyond
Zack's Gang
Make and Takes
Fancy Frugalista
The Snyder 5
Let's Explore
Mann Land 5
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
