Walkin' the Catwalk

Yesterday I had the unique opportunity to be a model. It was more fun than glamorous though. A friend of mine works at the country club and was in charge of the ladies luncheon. He had asked a local boutique to put on a fashion show for the ladies. Only problem was that he had to supply the models. He must have be desperate, or I was just in the right place at the right time, because he asked if I would be willing to do so.

I do like doing thinks that stretch me, but this was opening myself up in an area that I am self-conscious about. The boutique is one of those stores that is very trendy, expensive, and made for women that wear a size 2. Or at least, that is what I thought.

The day before the luncheon, I had to go to the boutique so they could figure out what outfits I would wear. Then the day of the event, we would walk around to the individual tables and tell the ladies about the clothing and the boutique. Really, we were glorified sales-women.

I had the opportunity to go to the boutique sans kiddos, which was a good thing since things were pricey. One of the rings that I thought was very cute was $198, however the shoes that were very fun were only $80.

The owner was very nice and a great encourager. We settled on two outfits. The first was a sequin tank with a cropped off the shoulder sweater, skinny jeans, and a J.J. Winters clutch. Apparently sequins will be a hot trend into the spring and the sweater made it more casual. The jeans were a problem. Size 2 two and not a size 2 body. Actually she has larger sizes, just not my size. So I wore my own dark wash jeans. and the clutch - very cute, but so not practical for a mommy - even one out on a date with the hubby.

No pictures of me...I even had a camera with me...but I took not a single picture! That seems to be a trend with me. And why my "day by day" blog has not been successful. I'll try and link some of the pieces so you can see what they looked like.

So we started in outfit #1 and walked around from table to table. Some of the ladies asked questions about the outfit and the store, others ignored us and ate their lobster squash soup. One older lady even lifted my sweater to get a good look at the sequin tank!

The second out fit was a black long tunic with a high collar, and a gray cardigan that had a lace back - like see-through lace. Good thing for the black tunic. I wore fun strappy, 4 inch heels that were surprisingly comfortable and carried a Botkier bag. That name meant nothing to me, but I do know that it cost $495!!!

It was a fun afternoon and Morgan got to sit with the bartender and eat maraschino cherries and talk to the older men playing gin. That could be a whole story by itself! Needless to say, I had difficulty getting her to leave!

Snow Driving and other Stressful Situations

I'm thinking I should write a book with that title! It is no surprise that I do not like the winter. I would far rather be laying poolside toasting my skin in 100 degree temperatures than layering clothing until I feel like a marshmallow and attempting to find lost gloves daily.

This past weekend, Billings received a bunch of snow. Really no one knows how much, so we'll just define it as a "butt-load". I really couldn't define how much that is, but I know it would be less if I hadn't given birth to six children!

The city of Billings has done a stellar job of plowing the main roads. Those roads are almost bare, dry pavement now. The side roads, however, are a different story. They are deep ruts of snow with a layer of ice underneath.

My large van really isn't the greatest in the snow, but it does okay. However, in the past three days I have gotten stuck - so stuck that people had to either push or tow my van out of it's stuck place. Six times in three days! I have learned several techniques for getting unstuck. I have done the research, and I will tell you that the best solution so far is a tow rope and another vehicle. Digging out around the tire, moving forward and backward, throwing down salt or kitty-liter - all possible options, but the tow rope - it is the least stressful. My shoulders can testify to that.

So, I'm thinking a letter to the city asking why streets surrounding schools are not plowed might be in order. Then maybe another one to the school superintendent questioning why school is in session when it is unsafe to travel. And for good measure, how about a letter to the news station asking them to investigate the city's policy on snow removal and to point out how ridiculous it is.

I hope they don't mind hand-written letters since I am stuck on a side street in the snow.

Veg-e-table

I was cleaning out my drafts in my blog todayand discovered this little gem:

Vegetables are a must on a diet. I suggest carrot cake, zucchini bread and
pumpkin pie.
— Jim Davis

I put it in my posts back in 2007 - apparently this is a life-long struggle I have with dessert and vegetables!

12:30am

Waking up at 12:30 am and thinking it is 3:30am could be a good thing. it would mean I really get three more hours of sleep than I thought I would get. However it also means the last two hours of sleep that I got were not peaceful. I was tossing and turning so much you would have thought that it had been five hours. Tonight, or this morning, (however you want to think of it) I have traced the cause of my insomnia to two possibilities...or maybe a combination of the two.

1. I finished the cup of coffee I had been reheating in the microwave all day at 4:30 in the afternoon. In my defense it was a 24 oz. mug.

2. Taking Midol Max at 6:30pm might not be the best idea, but it was necessary, trust me.

By the way, as I lay in bed thinking about it for the past 30 minutes, I think drinking 24 oz. of coffee and taking two Tylenol or Ibuprofen might be the same as taking two Midol Max. I'm just saying - same ingredients...

Sunday Study

My emotions are all over the place right now. I'm in that girly confusion that really makes no sense. I'm frustrated with life in general, discouraged by a lack of harvest to things I am sowing, and not pleased with some choices I am making. Those combined do not make a happy girl!

Some verses I am clinging to this week:

Ecclesiastes 3:11 - He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.

Psalm 126:5&6 - Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy. He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him.

Thursday Thought

Earlier this week I was throwing myself a pity party, and let me tell you, I can throw a good one! But thankfully I have a good friend that is good about gently pushing me back to where I should be. While feel overwhelmed and disappointed, she reminded me to go back to what I knew I should be doing...back to the basics. Was I reading my Bible every morning? Was I getting some exercise? Two things that can easily change your perspective and give you energy. After getting back to what I knew to do...my heart began to refocus. I still feel a bit overwhelmed and disappointed, but I'm not allowing it to consume me or dictate my emotions and reactions. Thank you, Lord for amazing friends that you have put in my life! Now if you would just move them a little closer...

Music Monday: Hymns

Sometimes hymns can be slow and old-fashion, but they are what I remember singing in church growing up. they bring back wonderful memories of snuggling with my mom in the pew watching my grandmother play the piano. Or memories of sitting on the piano bench with my grandmother. Both grandmothers played the piano or the organ for church. Sunday morning, Sunday evening, Wednesday evening...you get the idea. I've listened and sung a lot of hymns.

I love how some musicians are taking the hymns and updating the music. The same wonderful words and melody, but fun music. One of those musicians are the Go Fish Guys. I love their music; my kids love their music; judging by the dancing, my van likes the music. They have a new CD, Kickin' It Old School. They have taken lots of hymns and made them funky. and my kids LOVE it. We have been listening to nothing but that CD in the van for the last six weeks!

There is just something gratifying about hearing your four year old sing "sweet, sweet song of salvation" while she is coloring!

Go Fish is releasing one of their songs for the radio: My Father's World. You can listen to the whole album by clicking on the music in the side bar of Jamie's (one of the Go Fish Guys) blog. Enjoy!!!

Thursday Thought

My tip for dealing with life's craziness?


Ask for help

Wordy Wednesday

Some one asked me what I do all day now that I only have one child at home. Really, I wanted to come up with some snarky comment, but I was too dumb-founded that they would actually ask me that question. I said something about still having lots of laundry and cleaning and cooking to do, but then their comment stayed with me all day today. It is now after 9pm and I am just sitting down with "nothing" to do and I thought I would recap the day...

Alarm goes off @ 5:45am
Hit snooze
Alarm goes off again @ 5:50am and I know I have to get up or risk being late
Shower
get coffee
get dressed
do my hair
wake sweet children
help Mikalah print her english assignment
wake sweet children for a second time
make sure sweet children have their clothes out for the day
encourage sweet, sweet children to get dressed quickly
bribe child #5 with being able to ride his bike if he gets dressed and eats quickly
fix breakfast
warm dryer
explain to children that they must have cereal this morning because they are all moving slowly
explain to sweet crying children that I will fix eggs tomorrow
tie four pairs of shoes
floss three sets of teeth
load children in van
deliver child #1 to the high school
deliver child #2 to the junior high
deliver child #3 to elementary #1
do child #4's hair
deliver child #4 & #5 to elementary #2
do child #6's hair
call school of child #1 to inform of dentist appointment
call school of child #4 to inform of dentist appointment
call orthodontist to reschedule child #2's appointment
stop at home to unload/reload dishwasher and clean up breakfast
warm dryer
pick up child #1 from high school
run to music store to get new book for baritone
deliver child #1 to junior high
run to store for groceries
pick up child #4 for dentist appointment
pick up child #1 for dentist appointment
pick up #4 from dentist and have a mcwonderful lunch
pick up #1 from dentist and get her St.Arbucks for sore mouth
deliver child #4 back to school
deliver child #1 back to school
run home to go potty - child #6 does not like public restrooms and self-flushing potty
unload groceries and warm dryer
go to Costco for rest of groceries
go home and unload rest of groceries and warm dryer
make lemon bars and call friend
brown ground beef for dinner
unload and reload dishwasher
pick up child #4 & #5 from school
go home to go potty and get snack
go pick up child #3 from school
go home and meet child #2
call teacher of child #3 to schedule meeting time
make lasagna
watch child #5 ride bike
look through all papers from school
read mail
warm dryer
pick up child #1 from softball
make salad and heat bread
get child #2 snack and ready for football
send child #2 to football
warm dryer
finish dinner prep
answer survey woman at door
eat dinner
direct children for evening clean up
lock self in bedroom and talk to awesome friend!!!
(while amazing hubby gets kiddos ready for bed)
warm dryer
answer email and make a few mops phone calls
realize I forgot to do five things on today's to-do list
add them to tomorrows
warm dryer
load dishwasher
get ready for bed
fold load from dryer and start another
snuggle with hubby and watch top chef...or at least the first 20 min before I fall asleep before 11pm

Tasty Tuesday: Texas Sheet Cake

There are several desserts that I only make when I am serving a crowd or in need of gifts. Lemon Bars of course I make and then try to give away half of the pan or I will eat the whole thing myself! I will admit to telling my kids that they can have one only to eat four or five myself! The other dessert that I only make for a crowd is the Texas Sheet Cake. Any recipe that calls for almost a pound of butter and requires a jelly roll pan is not meant for the family dessert!

Yesterday being our church picnic (welcoming Fall apparently), I made a Texas Sheet Cake so there would be enough for everyone. I am happy to report that I had one brownie and magically the rest of the pan disappeared! Thank you to my Yellowstone Church family for helping me out!

Anyway, I had several people ask for the recipe and I can not take credit for something that is not mine. I got the recipe from...Beth Moore! If you want a Texas Sheet Cake recipe go to a real Texan! You can find the recipe here.

Monday Music: Football

It is Labor Day, and while I was raised that that meant LABOR, like clean out the garage, or do lots of yardwork, in Mike and my creation of a family that means FOOTBALL!



We love the start of the football season. There is the NFL...there is Little Guy Football...and then there is fantasy football with its live draft. Each year Yellowstone Church hosts a fantasy football league. Each year I learn a little more about how the fantasy game is played...one year I even won!

This year I am more focused on Judson playing and today was his first practice. i know when he gets home he will want a small amount of food (really I thought he would want to eat more) a shower and then BED!!! He will be asleep before I can count to 10. It is going to be a great football season! Go Colts...Go Dolphins...Go Ivy Six-Pack (for the six kids incase you were wondering)!!!

Night Owl

Years ago I can remember being at one of those home parties where you sit in a circle with a bunch of ladies, eating yummy food and all looking for something to buy to help the hostess earn some free stuff - you know what I'm talking about.

Anyway, the hostess was what I would describe as a super woman. She was a mother of four, crafty, always doing for others, had a clean house, cute figure, loving personality. Somehow in the conversation it came up that she doesn't go to bed until 3am because she stayed up cleaning, cooking, doing laundry, etc.

The rest of us were in shock and proceeded to tell her that she couldn't maintain something like that. That eventually she was going to burn out. Another girlfriend and I talked about it later. We could see the wear and tear that it put on her.

That conversation came screaming into my mind this evening (this morning) because this is the fifth night that I have not been in bed before 2am. Most of the time is spent doing emails or projects or reading, but I have also been cleaning and doing laundry and doing dishes.

I know I can not maintain this routine. I am ready for a change in schedule. MOPS Convention, family reunion, camping (yes, I failed to avoid that this summer), visitors and SCHOOL! Hopefully these will turn my routine upside down and back to something more reasonable. If you see another post at 2am, call me on it and tell me to go to bed!!!

Thank You for Your Sacrifice

Today I had the opportunity to represent MOPS at a pre-deployment event for the families of some of our service men and women. It was an all-day event where the men and women and their families were informed of everything they would need to know before they deployed, covering subjects like how get get your will and finances in order to the high rate of suicide (NOTE: in the Army alone soldiers are committing suicide at the rate of one per day). For seven hours I watched these families cling to each other, react to the information they were receiving, and try to process what the future may hold. The Army had several vendors there to offer aid to the soldiers and the families members that would be on their own, and MOPS was one of those.

MOPS motto this past year has been No Mom Alone, and this event opened my eyes to a group of moms that are very alone. I watched those women specifically look scared and unsure and determined and strong. I just wanted to invite all of them for dinner and take their children so they could go shopping by themselves or out to coffee with their girlfriends. But realistically, that was 140 family units...that's just not possible.

I know we hear a lot about how to be grateful for our soldiers and the sacrifice they make and how to send them care packages. I don't want to deter people from doing that, but remember for every service man or woman that is deployed there is at least one family member at home that is sacrificing as well! Mike doesn't travel much, but when he is gone I have a new perspective on what it would be like to be a single mom and it is hard. But to be a single mom for six months, nine months, twelve months at a time?? And add to the stress not being able to talk to your spouse at a moments notice or to be wondering if they are safe, knowing they are in harms way...it is over-whelming just thinking about it.

So here is my challenge to myself and to you...

1. pray for the soldiers and their families

2. ask God to show you how you can help and be an encouragement

3. keep your eyes open for a family to "adopt"

Athena Hall, Area Developer for MOPS International is a military mom. Their family has been through one deployment and is about to go through another. In July/August 2010 issue of MomSense, Athena outlines how to help a mom during a deployment. Here are her suggestions:

1. Prepare and deliver a meal

2. Watch the children for a few hours every month or every week

3. Schedule a girl's night out with her

4. Don't complain about your husband to her

5. Invite them to share holidays with you...even the little ones like Halloween and 4th of July

6. Mow the lawn

7. Remember deployment lasts a long time...don't just be there in the first month

8. When he returns, celebrate and still be a friend.

Athena says it a much better and more humorous way...you really should read the whole article and read more about her and her family!

I have a renew sense of awe and compassion for these families today. I pray that I still do in a week, a month, a year. I want today to change my attitude, not just effect me for a moment.

Thank you to our soldiers. And THANK YOU to their families for the sacrifice that you have made as well!

Hospitality

We are home from a crazy trip to see my parents in Texas. And by we, I mean my wonderful husband, my six sweet children, and my fantastic mother-in-law - all together in the car for 4500 miles and 18 days! See, crazy trip!

Believe it or not we all arrived home still liking each other and all saying we had a great time and would do it again...in 5 years...when we had time to forget how much we disliked being in the van for that long listening to small children declare they were "starving" and needed something picked up from the floor and constantly listening to Disney movies!

I found myself being very introspective on this trip. It could be that I was reading the new book for this MOPS year, Momology. It could be that we were visiting my family that we hadn't seen in three years. Or it could be that there was so much social interactions going on that I needed to retreat some. Whatever the reason was, I was focused more on the root of each activity, each relationship, each individual. It was really quite fascinating! And while I won't bore you with all of my thoughts, there was one theme that really stood out - hospitality.

We stayed with several people, met people for meals, and met people for activities. I noticed that each group of people welcomed us differently. I love this quote from Emilee Barnes, "Hospitality is so much more than entertaining - so much more than menus and decorating and putting on a show. It means setting aside time for planned fellowship." We had such wonderful fellowship with so many people! Fellowship - that perfectly defines what we enjoyed about this vacation.

Whether it was our time in the van (sometimes too much fellowship), time when my parents and all my siblings were together in place at the same time, time when we were reconnecting with friends, time when we were relaxing, time when we were learning a new skill, time when we were meeting new people, or even time when we were in hotels - it was ALL hospitality!

Each time of fellowship was different and it made me rethink how I do hospitality. Do I welcome others in a way that makes them feel welcome? Do I set aside time to fellowship with them or do I spend time being busy? Have I prepared (even for the uninvited guest) so that people feel important?

The difference in each time of fellowship also made me realize that there is no one "right way" to practice hospitality. While some invite people into their homes other celebrate that fellowship at a restaurant. While some people let kids play in the house, other create play spaces outside, and others suggest activities that aren't at their home so that the kids feel welcome too. God wants us to do what he created us to do, to use the talents he has given us, to share His love.

There are several times of hospitality that stand out in my mind.

We visited one family that lives in a sizable house and had beds for almost all of our family to sleep in. The had yummy meals planned, and we had great conversation while the kids played. It wasn't the size of their house, or the type of food we ate that made it so enjoyable. It was the conversation and the depth of the conversation. We cut through the "hows the weather?" to topics like "what happens when you don't trust your pastor?" or "how unique God made each of our kids". The atmosphere was relaxed and everyone pitched in to cook and clean - even the kids.

We visited another family and just relaxed. The kids swam or played with legos or were really loud and created a band. The parents reminisced about years ago and played games. Food was made, the kitchen was cleaned, laundry was even done. It was as if we were family.

We got to see all of my siblings at a casual restaurant - Joe's Crab Shack. The kind where the kids don't have to be silent and where you use your fingers to eat. My parent's hospitality was creating that opportunity and paying for the meal. They wanted the family time and they knew we needed to eat. It was a fun time and great memories.

When we arrived home, one friend had broken into our house and left us dinner on the counter, milk and eggs in the refrigerator and fruit in the fruit bowl. Then knew we had a need and they made our transition from vacation to "back home" welcoming.

All different experiences - all wonderful fellowship.

"May its doors be open to those in need, and its rooms be filled with kindness. May joy shine from its windows. And His presence never leave it." --Jewish home blessing

Five Conversations You Must Have with your Daughter

I have wanted lead a moms group for pre-teen moms for a while, and do Vicky Courtney's 5 Conversations study. But I have procrastinated in getting going. So, if it is something you would be interested in participating in, leave a comment and let me know. Meanwhile I'm trying to win a free study over @ LifeWay's Women All Access.

Soccer, Part 2

Up next, Judson's game. Judson started as goalie and did awesome!! His team has only had one practice and they were a bit rusty. Judson stopped four attempts in the first 10 minutes. He finally gave up a goal and then two more quick ones. He was getting quite discouraged, but considering he was defending a goal with three offensive players coming at him and no defenders nearby, I say he did pretty good. His team mates even look a little scared of his kicks! Most of his goal kicks went at least to the center line, some even past!But there were times when this was Judson too. Ah well, we will make him run some laps!

My Brothers Visit

My brothers, Josh & Jon came to visit us for almost two weeks. It was neat to be able to spend some time with them. We did several things, but unfortunately I misplaced my camera several days. This is what I did get documented!

We took them out to the ranch one day so they could experience the "big sky" and fresh air.

Josh got to open a gate...and get caught on some barbed wire. Morgan loves spending time on the tractor with grandpa.

Okay, both girls like to be on the tractor!

Jeffrey tests my patience daily. While this is not the best picture of him, it is one of his many faces. This one I will call the shrek face - lol.

Josh learned to ride the motorcycle and shot some clay pigeons - actually caught the edge of one.

Jon tried the shot gun as well. He decided it was too heavy and too loud. He said his favorite part of the visit was riding the 4-wheelers.

That is Jarrett's favorite part too.

Meredith even got to try a solo run this time. She did awesome and mommy held her breathe the whole time.

The whole gang. Our family, Josh and Jon, and Mikalah's friend Malia.

We also checked on the cows. It is calving season and there were lots of babies - this one was less than six hours old!

I have so much sympathy for this momma!!!

And we checked on the horses.

And fixed a tractor.

And played with the dogs. I think Morgan would love to live out here!

A day of fun!!!

So, missing my camera for a few days, we skip ahead to Easter.

Josh helped filled eggs for the great hunt.

Jarrett's goofy look.

This girly just doesn't take bad pictures.

Dying eggs is such a fun tradition. And thankfully our kids like eating the hard boiled eggs, cuz neither Mike nor I can stand them!! Jon said he didn't remember ever dying eggs. So he dyed one - I couldn't talk him into any more. Must not have been that much fun for a 22 year old!

My girls...I love them all...

And then I lost my camera again. I think it needs a permanent home!

Radom Thoughts...

I have neglected blogging...enough said.

The sun is shining, the snow is melting, and my kids are riding bikes outside...I am so ready for spring! But being the pessimist that I am, I woke up this morning thinking, "It is the first of March and beautiful outside...great, the end of March when I have to travel will be awful!"

You know it is going to be a trying day when before you even get out of bed your four-year old is already saying, "N-O...NO!" to being asked to get off your bed.

I finally used the last of the q-tips today...good thing I am going back to Costco tomorrow!

I have gotten serious about losing my baby weight (that would be from the children that are now almost 4 & 5). I restart my seriousness almost weekly. But this time I'm really serious! I'm using www.sparkpeople.com - cool site with lots of tips and a great community! And it is more about being healthy than losing weight.

I am addicted to www.thepioneerwoman.com She has great recipes - most of which don't fit well with the previous paragraph.

I have 78 weeks until I send my last sweet and wonderful child to kindergarten. It will be a sad day. What? you doubt my sadness? The tears are already flowing...really!

The library and I still do not have a good relationship. Last week, I was brave. I took five of my children to pick out books. I searched high and low for one particular book. The computers for searching are down. There is no "card catalog" like we had when I was younger with the yellowed cards that everyone and their germs had touched. And the librarians had their usually, "why are you bothering me again" look on their faces. Jeffrey had to go to the bathroom, Morgan had to go to the bathroom, Jarrett just wanted to play on the computer, Meredith wanted to check out chapter books, Morgan wanted CareBears books (located in the TV show themed books section - not alphabetized or organized in any fashion), Mikalah disappeared into the teen pit, and Jarrett only wanted non-fiction books about animals...any animals. After 45 min I was done. We went to check out at the main desk (remember the computers are down) and my children did not want to stand in line. They were all over the place - too close to the people in front of us, too close to the metal detector (not sure that is what it is, but it beeps loudly if you try to walk out with a book that has not been checked out...we know...from experience). Finally Morgan just sat on the ground. I asked her to get up. She responded that she didn't feel good and then promptly threw up all over herself and the floor. I figure we don't have to show our faces there again for at least another six months!

Why must my children run through the house? Do they not have a "walk" setting?

The Talk

Based on some of the responses I got from my last post, I am going to be brave and ask a question...

In the next two weeks I am talking to a MOPS group about sex. (Insert scream here!) So here is my question...if you were attending what information would you like to hear?

I will be sharing the hour that I have to talk with a doctor. I get to talk first and the doctor is supposed to talk about the physical aspects of sex.

So, any suggestions???

I'm Getting Old

There are things that happen often that make me feel old. My thirteen year old daughter being just 1/2 inch shorter than me is just one example. I remember her as being quite small still...

Last week when the creator of Gumby died and I shared the news with my family, my children all said, "who's Gumby?"

I remember my mother driving me to school when I was in elementary school. she would put in the 8-track and listen to her favorite music. I thought it was boring old lady music. That's the music I listen to now...when I'm allowed to listen to the music I like.

Side-tracked note: Am I being a totally uninvolved mother if I let my children listen to their music, and then put my mp3 headphones in so I can't hear it?

Last week I went for my wonderful annual visit with my gynecologist. I was being a good girl - it had only been 18 months since my last visit. However, as always I was required to fill out new medical history information. I wish there was a box to check that said nothing has changed since the last time! and skip answer questions about if I've ever had arthritis or emphysema or any other horrible disease. Never mind the fact that all of my medical records are on file here since I don't have any other doctor.

I do love that I get to skip the family history questions since I was adopted and have no medical information about my biological family. The only thing we have figured out is that there are blue eyes somewhere in the genetic code since even though Mike and I both have brown eyes our first three children all have blue eyes!

At the bottom of the form are person questions. I've always gotten a chuckle out of this part of the form. They ask questions about whether I smoke or drink or use drugs. A few years ago they added some sexual questions. A few years later they stopped referring to "spouse" and substituted "partner". This year this part was revised again. Here are the questions they asked...

1. Do you smoke? yes or no How many packs a day? Are you smoking now?

Ah, hello, there is a no smoking sign above my head so I hope not!

2. Do you drink? yes or no How many oz. per day? When did you start drinking?

Do people really measure their alcohol? Since my drinking consists of a 4 oz glass once every two months, I just said no.

3. Do you use IV drugs? yes or no When was the last time you used them?

What about other drugs? Don't care so much to know about them?

4. Are you sexually active? yes or no Have you ever had sex? yes or no # of partners?
Male/Female/Both Do you use contraception?

WHAT????? Did that just ask me if I have sex with males/females/or both????? I was shocked!!!! and disgusted...I admit it. I try to have unconditional love...I know that God's word says that God sees sin as sin...and I try...but this was so unexpected that it threw me. I did pull it together enough to circle male. And wondered what the gray-haired lady sitting next to me would think when she got to that part of the questionnaire. Lord, I hope she doesn't have a heart attack, because I just about did!

But then the questions continued as if it was just a routine question...

5. Do you exercise? yes or no How often?

Wait a min...that was a heavy question and we just moved on like it was nothing...

6. Do you feel safe? yes or no Are you afraid of your partner? Does your partner force you to have sex?

It was tempting to answer yes. Oh I kid. I love my husband and he would NEVER force me to have sex. But you gotta admit, men and women look at sex differently. Men NEED it. I would be happy if my husband just hugged me and did the dishes.

So I am old...old-fashion...I like my slow-and-softer-so-I-can-understand-the-words music. I think sex is for marriage between a man and a woman. And apparently I have reached an age where the gynecologist starts talking about menopause.

Hello 2010

I say hello today, because the kids just went back to school. So now is the official start of the year. And the official start of resolutions. Do you make new year's resolutions? I do. I'm a sucker for them. Growing up I made them and I still do. The usual: exercise more, read more, eat less dessert...and my favorite, remember everyone's birthdays and anniversaries. Every year over Christmas vacation I fill in my new calendar with all the important dates. I organize my cards and I start sending them. I usually do pretty good until the end of February. So if your birthday is in October, you are out of luck! Thankfully the invention of Facebook has made keeping that resolution easier. But there is still something about getting a card in the mail as opposed to a Facebook, "Happy Birthday - hope you have a great day!" [Submit] Just not as personal...I'm just saying.

So this year, my resolutions aren't that different from previous years...
1. journal what I eat and eat less sugar and more veggies
2. read my bible every day
3. be organized about cleaning my house
4. meal planning and prep
5. exercise three days a week
6. blog more often
7. remember birthdays and anniversaries with cards

Seven...because it is the number of perfection.
1. already have the notebook for this year and ate oatmeal for breakfast
2. one day behind already
3. making a plan today
4. ditto
5. tomorrow
6. yipee
7. missed my aunt and uncles anniversary yesterday - belated card from the store today

Ahhh, well, I'm in for the long haul this year, not the perfection of everyday only to fail come mid-Jan.

oh, and my picture a day site - I want to get back to that...I miss that. Maybe I'll cross off the exercise so I still only have seven! :-)