Random Dozen Easter & Springtime Fun

1. How do you feel about the marshmallow Easter Peeps?

I think they're gross; my family LOVES them.

2. Chickens are notoriously nervous creatures. When you are nervous, what is the best way to calm down?

Deep breath, say a prayer, and get a hug.

3. People say, "April showers bring May flowers." Do you enjoy Spring rains?

Not really, I love a good late summer thunderstorm more...hazy sky, smell of rain. Love that!

4. When I was randomly flipping through TV channels this week, I saw a show in which tattoo parlor employees received tattoos of a co-worker's face on their bodies. I can't imagine having a portrait of a colleague tattooed on me. But if someone forced you to receive a portrait tattoo (face only) of anyone, who would it be? Why?

I will NEVER get a tattoo, but if I am forced at gunpoint, then I'll take one of my children.

5. Would you rather have a tattoo (any kind) or a nose ring?

Linda, really??!! I'll take a fake tattoo that one of my girls puts on with water. Ha!

6. Do you have any special plans for Easter?

I work at church most of the day. The highlights will be singing resurrection worship songs and seeing my girls dressed in their finest enjoying the day.

7. Cadbury Eggs or Reese Eggs?

Cadbury Creme Eggs and Reese Eggs are both gross, but Cadbury Caramel Eggs...that's a different story! De-lish!

8. What was the last thing/person you took a picture of?

Our sanctuary filled with kids celebrating Palm Sunday. (I need to get some pictures for the week taken!)

9. What book are you reading now, or what was the last one?

The Now Habit by Neil Fiore, Ph.D.

10. What do you think is the most difficult task when it comes to Spring cleaning?

Getting started... (see # 9)

11. How many pairs of flip-flops do you own?

Two.

12. Which color makes you happiest?

For spring...bright pink!

Check out what everyone's sayin' at 2nd Cup of Coffee.

Blog Give-Aways!

Thought I'd share some of my favorite blog give-aways with you today:


1) H-Mama is hosting a blogiversary give-away. She is giving you the opportunity to choose between three different gifts, all of which are adorable. Hurry! Give-away ends March 31st.

http://familyteamof4.blogspot.com/2010/03/spring-is-here-giveaway.html

2) Olivebites is giving away five cute garden markers. Very Unique! I'm with Olive - wish I would've thought of this. Give-away ends midnight April 11th!

http://olivebites.blogspot.com/2010/03/giveaway-etsy-shop-spoonerz-amazing.html


3) The cutest-ever guitar pick earrings. My daughter would LOVE them! Give-away ends March 30th! http://poppyluxedesigns.blogspot.com/2010/03/clever-corner-has-been-generous-enough.html


4) I'm thinking of adding wall art to my kitchen. Here is a Right On The Walls Give-Away. It ends today (3/29) so you have to hurry to enter!http://canadianfreestuff.com/right-on-the-walls-review-giveaway-usa-canada-0329/#axzz0iLyEfu5X

Good Luck!

Project 365: Week 12

Sunday

My husband brought home some lovely carnations!

Monday

I helped a friend create 4 scrapbook pages to include in her mom's birthday album.

Tuesday

I'm so glad to see spring! Anyone else?

Wednesday

Two hands!

Thursday

Enjoyed the circus with my family.

Friday

After working check-in for our Rock That Rolled Easter Celebration at church Mark and I enjoyed watching our girls participate in the varied activities.

I love my church!

Saturday

Finally the training wheels are OFF!! Whoo hoo!

Stop by Sara's to see her cruise pictures!

Circus Time!

Thursday night we went to the opening show of the Ringling Brothers, Barnum & Bailey Circus. The three kids and I were joined by Grandpa & Grandma for an exciting night of entertainment!

Let's Start the show...Zing, Zang, Zoom! (this year's theme)

Cool dancers...think Chinese Olympic Opening Ceremony!

Scary Acrobatics (Cirque Du Soleil style)

Silly Dog tricks...one of my family's favorites!

Ultimate Swing Set flying
(*notice the blurred man flying through the air at the top of the picture)

The Elephants...how do they do that?

and that?

Fire the cannons! (& performers! Whew!)

The Tigers...my favorite! (Love the Russian commands.)

The Big Finale

Sharing my life with the company girls~

Random Dozen Spring

SouthLakesMom at I Didn't Know That! says:

I am privileged to have the Random Dozen in my neck of the woods this week. Thank you to Linda at 2nd Cup of Coffee for trusting me with her 'baby'.

You know the rules -- copy and paste the questions onto your blog. Answer them TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) on your blog. Link back with Mr. Linky to this blog, and then go visit at least one dozen random players and make nice comments about their answers! Simple...if you don't have a blog, you can cut and paste your answers into the comments below.

The theme is Spring . . . and any other random questions that crept in.

1. What is your favorite sign of Spring?

In D.C. it's Cherry Blossoms and Daffodils...like Barnes & Noble or Lucy & Desi, they just go together!

2. Did you remember to spring forward on March 14? If not, how did it impact your day?

Totally remembered. Tired all day! (and the day after that.)

3. If soil, time, talent and climate were no problem, what vegetable would you plant in a garden this year?

Oh, so many to choose from. I love the smell of onions wafting on the breeze, but I love eating fresh green beans and there's something therapeutic about snapping those beans too.

4. If soil, time, talent and climate were no problem, what fruit would you plant?

If I had how many years to reap a big harvest? I would plant blackberries.

5. What is your least favorite insect?

# 1 - Roaches gross me out, but mosquitoes annoy me. Bugs are not my friends.

6. March 22 was World Water Day. To celebrate, here are some water questions. Do you drink bottled water? If so, what brand?

No, I fill a water bottle with my Britta filtered from the tap.

7. Have you ever been somewhere that it was not safe to drink the local water? If so, how did you handle that?

Yes, we took our own flats of bottled water to drink while on the trip.

BUT I do have a story for you! When we moved from CA to WI for my husband to take some college courses, all four of our family members got very sick when we arrived. We were immediately sick for about 3 days, then went back to eating soup and trying to get our systems back to normal. About 4-5 days later we were all violently ill again. This happened three times!

Finally, I went to a friend who owned a health food store and asked her advice. She said it was the water! In Wisconsin! She said it was so filled with pesticides from farming that our bodies were not used to it. We would drink it, then get sick, stop drinking it/sipping on 7 up or something while sick and get better, then drink it again as we recovered only to fall sick again.

So we banned all local water in our house and immediately recovered. We did have to live there for 18 months so we introduced the contaminated water to our systems through teeth brushing and ice cubes s-l-o-w-l-y and ended up being able to cook and clean with it. I did filter for our drinks, as you can imagine.

8. How many glasses of water do you drink per day? 6-8 every day. Love my water.

9. March 24 is the birthday of Harry Houdini. Have you ever watched a professional magic show? Share.

Yes, we like to attend the resort magic show when we go on vacation to the mountains every Autumn. It's very professional, family-friendly and includes audience participation which makes for great laughs.

10. Have you ever been a participant in a professional magic show (up on stage!)? Nope.

11. March 24 is also the birthday of Steve McQueen and Clyde Barrow. Do you like Westerns or gangster movies? If so, what is your favorite?

Not a fan of gangsters; I often like Westerns. Silverado is my favorite. It's almost in a genre of it's own: Western/Comedy.

12. (Really random) What U.S. state that you've never visited would you like to visit someday?

Alaska. Love the cold. Want to see whales. A cruise, maybe?

Thanks, SouthLakesMom! Good Job!

Project 365: Week 11

Last week was jam-packed with Ashley home for spring break, birthday celebrations, a two-day conference, etc. But instead of just talking about it, here's the pictures.


Monday (missed Sunday)

This is humility, folks! Me in my ratty robe on the world-wide web. I've reached a new low, but it's worth it. My dream-come-true sewing machine has just been unboxed. I'm literally hugging it! If you asked me which birthday present was the best-ever, it would be this one! (and it's not just because I have a bad memory.) Here's hoping this baby initiates a fair share of future blog posts.

Tuesday

Happy Birthday to Me at 43! Beyond-yummy cake, Mom. Thanks!

Wednesday

Ashley and I spent some quality time getting pedicures - our first for spring. It's so weird how similar our feet are...those long toes and funky little pinkies. I love having my girl home!

Thursday

Did I mention I love having my girl home? She comes with us to Co Op on Thursdays and hangs out while I teach the choirs and band. Here she is with all the essentials - candy, water, a good book to read, and a phone/book weight to stay in constant touch with the boyfriend. Nothing better than just having her around.

Friday

Rhett and I spent a day and a half (Friday 9:30am -9pm & Saturday 9am-12:30pm) at a Leadership Conference. We were motivated, convicted, encouraged, energized and brain-drained by the end. I didn't think to dig out the camera to capture the conference, but here's Friday night's meal at Chili's. It was so nice to get a dinner break and get away for some great conversation with my son.

Saturday

After the Leadership Conference was over on Saturday I rushed home and picked up the girls. We then headed for a Mother/Daughter Tea hosted by our AHG Troop and our homeschool Co Op. It was a delightfully feminine time and I got to enjoy my two little girls after being away for a couple of days.

An hour after the tea party, I then had to rush to my third appointment of the day. It was another social event at my Mom's house. I was already exhausted, but thought it was right for me to attend. When I walked into my Mom's living room, there on her couch sat a dear friend who I had not seen in two years! What a surprise! It just seemed like the perfect ending to a very full and blessed week! I left feeling full-up, if you know what I mean.

I had sweet Jewel check up on me since I hadn't posted in a week's time, but it was just unusually busy and I purposefully spent time with my family instead of distracted by all the other things that can take me away. I thought about you, fellow-bloggers, and hope that your spring is giving you opportunity to enjoy your family, as well. Looking forward to catching up on what I've missed.

Thanks, Sara, for hosting Project 365!

Project 365: Week 10

I can't believe the first week of March has already passed!
Take a few moments and join Sarah and her friends as they take a look back at their week through

Sunday

Our children's dept at church hosts a once-a-month worship service for families. This was the first time we've gone and we had a great time! We won't miss Kid Stuff next time!
Monday

I sewed and sewed and sewed (by hand) badges on the girl's American Heritage Girls uniforms. Once I was finished Katie pointed out that I had the home repair badge on upside down...on both vests. You can tell I'm handy!

Tuesday

The Father/Daughter dance is still on their minds and they have been demonstrating the many types of dances they did last week. The "sprinkler" is one of their favorite.

Wednesday

Hello, my name is Angie. I have a problem.
It's been a problem for a while as you can see here.
(Sigh.)

Thursday

We have co-op on Thursday mornings followed by lunch in the gym with our friends.

After co-op today we had friends over to play!

Friday

Mark reminded me it was our engagement anniversary and gave me two little chocolates. Yum!Saturday

There's just something about the profile of your child's face!
They grow up too quickly.

Random Dozen Plinko

So, are you ready to play Plinko?

Definition of plink: "Plinking refers to informal target shooting done at non-traditional targets such as tin cans, glass bottles, and balloons filled with water." Plinko is also a carnival game we play at Oneighty, but pot-luck shots fits this meme better, I think.

So here are your random plinko questions lined up in a row just like tin cans:

1. How old is the oldest pair of shoes in your closet?

Probably about 12 years old; they look relatively new because they get worn infrequently.

2. Did you buy Girl Scout cookies this year? If so, what variety?

Yes, Thin Mints, Dos-Si-Dos, Dulce De Leche, Tagalongs

3. Do you know how to ballroom dance? If not, would you like to?

No, ehh maybe.

4. Were you a responsible child/teenager?

I was a responsible child/teen with irresponsible tendencies. :)

5. How many of this year's Oscar-nominated movies did you see?

I saw UP. Didn't like it. My family thinks I'm nuts.

6. If you're going to have a medical procedure done, such as having blood drawn, is it easier for you to watch someone else having the procedure done or have it done yourself?

Blood draws are my hobby. I tell all new nurses how difficult my veins are and that I have no needle phobias. They don't believe me until we get into the procedure. Then I hear, "Wow, you were right!" every time.

7. What is your favorite day of the week and why?

Monday - fresh start.

8. Do you miss anyone right now?

I miss my grandma who passed away in November. I miss my college daughter, but she comes home tomorrow for spring break! Yay!

9. Do hospitals make you queasy?

Not really. Anxious, but not queasy.

10. At which store would you like to max-out your credit card. Not that you ever would, you responsible person, you.

Well, I'll skip the max-out and take a free shopping spree at Ethan Allen .

11. Are you true to the brand names of products/items?

Very often. If I find something I LOVE, then I stick with it through thick and thin. I will try a generic version and if it's the same quality, then I'll go generic.

12. Which is more difficult: looking into someone’s eyes when you are telling someone how you feel, or looking into someone’s eyes when he/she is telling you how he/she feels?

I'm thinking romantically instead of angrily here, so it's when they are telling me how they feel.

Random Dozen is hosted by Linda at 2nd Cup of Coffee.

Project 365: Week 9

Get to know others through Sara's...make music from your heart.

Sunday

As we were leaving church we saw a girl wearing these chucks. My girls LOVED them! We took a picture to send to Ashley, 'cause she would love 'em too. What's so funny is that when we asked to take the photo, the teenager turned to her dad and said, "See I told you these were cool!" (They zip up in the back.)

Monday

Tara gave her own money to fill a baby bottle for the crisis pregnancy center!

Tuesday

The girls are learning about Space Exploration in American Heritage Girls. Here is Katie's solar system. I'm surprised the candy made it to the paper.

Wednesday

A never ending chore...great helpers.

Thursday

They have finally arrived!

Friday

Mark, Katie & Tara attend the AHG Father/Daughter Dance. The girls dressed up as princesses and Daddy got them wrist corsages. The girls secretly went to the florist's to buy him a boutonniere. They got their hair cut/styled and nails done...it was a memorable night.

Saturday

After playing at a friend's house a couple weeks ago, the kids were anxious to get their own Nerf guns. There are wars going on all the time. How long will it take for the novelty to wear off? They have to wear their sunglasses to protect their eyes, but now they think that adds to the "cool" factor.

Breath of Fresh Air

Last week I happened to catch a segment of Entertainment Tonight. The host, Mary Hart, had the opportunity to meet Prince Charles and Camilla. She was bubbling with excitement as she described the event. She explained that the handlers gave the party-goers a 5 minute warning before the Royals were to arrive. An assistant lined everyone up into two rows, gave instructions about etiquette and passed breath mints out to everyone. Mary said something like, "I guess they wanted us to have fresh breath when being greeted."

Somehow the idea that the Royals only chat with people with fresh breath caught my imagination. I wondered if there were verses on fresh breath. (just curious, you know.) I didn't find any, but I thought about the Royal One in my life - Almighty God - and applied the idea of fresh breath.

Psalm 150:6 says, "Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD!"

Am I a breath of fresh air when greeting my Father? Is praise continually on my lips?

Psalm 19 paints a vivid picture of creation praising the Lord. The chapter ends with verse 14,

"May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer."

When I talk with the Lord is the aroma of my greeting a sweet and pleasing praise?

How many times does He have to listen to my skepticism, complaints, doubts, unbelief, and whining! As a mother I know how wearisome it is to hear negativity from my children. How my heart bursts with pride and love when my children are polite, thankful and cheerful!

Our Redeemer, the Royal One of Heaven and Earth, deserves our overflowing praise! I do not want to come into His presence and smell afoul. There is no need. I have only to look to Him and remember all that He has done and praise Him for His mighty works.

I want to live a life of fresh breath.

Random Dozen-Irish Version

** One more blogiversary give-away!
Check out my cooking blog here.

Random Dozen hosted by Linda at 2nd Cup of Coffee.

1. Do you prefer even or odd numbers? Any particular reason?

2, 4, 6, 8...who do we appreciate! It's easier to count by twos with even numbers.

2. On a scale of 1-10, with 1 being "not at all" and 10 being Carly Simon-worthy, how vain are you?

Ugh! No clue. Can we not all run the gamut given varying circumstances? Next question...

3. Among these Irish stereotypes, with which do you identify most closely? Talkative, Proud, Inquisitive, Love to party, Hot-tempered

Talkative, hands down!

4. How lucky do you consider yourself?

I feel blessed more than lucky. Although I use the phrases: "That was lucky!", "Good Luck!", etc. without hyper-spiritualizing it.

5. What is the subject of your favorite post that you've written?

I have been grieving over the death of my grandmother. Some days are hard. I love this post because it reminds me of the tangible way in which she shared herself with family and friends. I love carrying on the tradition.

6. Describe March weather where you live in three words.

unpredictable, cherry blossoms, daffodils

7. How apt are you at detecting blarney when you hear it? (Smooth talk, flattery)

Oooh, the antennas go up very quickly. I have a discerning spirit. Don't try to snow me. Uh-uh!

8. How "green" are you, environmentally speaking?

Pale yellow-green! (yellow being the emphasis.) I could do better.

9. What is your favorite song this week?

Well, I've been singing Hey, Soul Sister by Train A LOT this week, but this morning my sister-in-law shared this video with me. I will be singing, "That's amore" all day! Bust-a-gut funny!

10. You are walking along and see a coin on the ground. What denomination does it have to be before you will stop to pick it up?

Needs to be paper...forget the coins. Unless it's a pot of gold!

11. Complete the sentence: "Every time I look outside my window ...."

I wonder when the snow will melt and if my azaleas will survive.

12. What was the #1 song on the day you were born? See this site to find out.

Penny Lane by the Beatles (not a fan of the song.)