I can't believe it's the weekend already. So not complaining but still hard to believe!
Anyone else watch Dancing with the Stars! I'm so SO SO excited that Helio and Julianne won. I would have been upset if Marie Osmond won...because she would have won on her popularity alone. I can't wait till next season.
Anyone of my listeners know how to dance ballroom dances? Although I am a major chicken, I kinda would like to learn some of them...It would be fun...I think. LOL
Here is a little video of their final dances...including the freestyle dance!!
Friday, November 30, 2007
Advent Devotional...Day 8
November 30
OfWindows and Doors
Quinn G. Caldwell
When we were young, if I walked through the living room and accidentally blocked
her view while my sister was watching TV, she would snarl from the couch, “You’d
make a better door than a window.” Not so with John the Baptist. Of course, it
could have gone differently than it did: John had had a miraculous birth, was full of the Holy Spirit, had the respect of the people and the fear of their leaders. He could have proclaimed himself history’s goal, and the people would have followed him. Instead, he made of his words, his actions, and his life windows through which the people could see the Realm of God and the coming Messiah. Are there ways in which you—or your church—have been acting as if you, and not Jesus, are the end toward which history is tending? As Advent nears, how might you be more like a window through which the world can see the coming Christ?
Prayer: O God, in you I have become great indeed. Help me to remember that the greatness with which you have gifted me is for your service alone. Make me transparent for the Gospel, a window through which all who meet me glimpse your goodness. Amen. As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the messiah, John answered all of them by saying, “I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” Luke 3:15-16
OfWindows and Doors
Quinn G. Caldwell
When we were young, if I walked through the living room and accidentally blocked
her view while my sister was watching TV, she would snarl from the couch, “You’d
make a better door than a window.” Not so with John the Baptist. Of course, it
could have gone differently than it did: John had had a miraculous birth, was full of the Holy Spirit, had the respect of the people and the fear of their leaders. He could have proclaimed himself history’s goal, and the people would have followed him. Instead, he made of his words, his actions, and his life windows through which the people could see the Realm of God and the coming Messiah. Are there ways in which you—or your church—have been acting as if you, and not Jesus, are the end toward which history is tending? As Advent nears, how might you be more like a window through which the world can see the coming Christ?
Prayer: O God, in you I have become great indeed. Help me to remember that the greatness with which you have gifted me is for your service alone. Make me transparent for the Gospel, a window through which all who meet me glimpse your goodness. Amen. As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the messiah, John answered all of them by saying, “I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” Luke 3:15-16
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Advent Devotional...7
Odd Things
Quinn G. Caldwell
John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel's hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. Mark 1:4-8
Camel hair, locusts, the desert: make no mistake, John the Baptist was a distinctly odd man. Then again, prophets tend to be at least a little bit odd, for the God for whom they speak tends to do some pretty odd things--like entering history as a human being. So we Christians do a lot of odd things of our own. We sprinkle water on ourselves and call it salvation, we share meals and believe that God sits at table with us, we proclaim that the poorest and most broken are dearest of all, we seek to create peace amid war, we proclaim that our flawed and broken churches are the very body of God in the world. Make no mistake: these are not things that the world considers normal. And yet they are the stuff we are made of, the signs we're known by. They are the way God continues to speak to God's odd people.
Prayer: O loving creator of all things, help me to live as St. Paul urged: help me to be in this world but not of it. By the grace of my baptism, make me odd to every way of the world that is not yours. Give me the strength to live less as a product of this world, more as a citizen of your coming realm, and so let me participate in your turning the one into the other. Amen.
Quinn G. Caldwell
John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel's hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. Mark 1:4-8
Camel hair, locusts, the desert: make no mistake, John the Baptist was a distinctly odd man. Then again, prophets tend to be at least a little bit odd, for the God for whom they speak tends to do some pretty odd things--like entering history as a human being. So we Christians do a lot of odd things of our own. We sprinkle water on ourselves and call it salvation, we share meals and believe that God sits at table with us, we proclaim that the poorest and most broken are dearest of all, we seek to create peace amid war, we proclaim that our flawed and broken churches are the very body of God in the world. Make no mistake: these are not things that the world considers normal. And yet they are the stuff we are made of, the signs we're known by. They are the way God continues to speak to God's odd people.
Prayer: O loving creator of all things, help me to live as St. Paul urged: help me to be in this world but not of it. By the grace of my baptism, make me odd to every way of the world that is not yours. Give me the strength to live less as a product of this world, more as a citizen of your coming realm, and so let me participate in your turning the one into the other. Amen.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Say Merry Christmas!
Twas the month before Christmas
When all through our land,
Not a Christian was praying
Nor taking a stand.
See the PC Police had taken away,
The reason for Christmas - no one could say.
The children were told by their schools not to sing,
About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things.
It might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would say
December 25th is just a " Holiday ".
Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit
Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it!
CDs from Madonna, an X BOX, an I-pod
Something was changing, something quite odd!
Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa
In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda.
As Targets were hanging their trees upside down
At Lowe's the word Christmas - was no where to be found.
At K-Mart and Staples and Penny's and Sears
You won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your ears.
Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-si-ty
Are words that were used to intimidate me.
Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen
On Boxer, on Rather, on Kerry, on Clinton !
At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter
To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter.
And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith
Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace
The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded
The reason for the season, stopped before it started.
So as you celebrate "Winter Break" under your "Dream Tree"
Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me.
Choose your words carefully, choose what you say
Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS, not Happy Holiday !*
To Speak up or stay silent
let me first say that 95% of the time i enjoy my job...it's not *stressful* and the higher ups don't expect you to be perfect. If you make a mistakes, they don't scold you for it, but they help you to fix it.
now, some of the people i work with really drive me crazy. they constantly complain, stating that they have the most work out of all us and that nobody cares. UGH! first off, we ALL have heavy loads...sometimes more than others. but, i don't know how many times i've offered to help her and i get nothing. i hate the fact that this person is being SUCH a martyr...do i say something to my boss??? the negative attiude this person provides can really stress me out!
now, some of the people i work with really drive me crazy. they constantly complain, stating that they have the most work out of all us and that nobody cares. UGH! first off, we ALL have heavy loads...sometimes more than others. but, i don't know how many times i've offered to help her and i get nothing. i hate the fact that this person is being SUCH a martyr...do i say something to my boss??? the negative attiude this person provides can really stress me out!
Advent Devotional...Day Six
All Things are Possible
Quinn G. Caldwell
"Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will name him John. You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord... he will be filled with the Holy Spirit." Luke 1:13-15
An angel comes to Zechariah and announces an unexpected thing: he and Elizabeth, here in their old age--what some might call their declining years--are to have a son, a miracle of a boy, filled with the Holy Spirit, born for the rejoicing of the people and the purposes of God. Understandably, he responds with disbelief. But what is unexpected for Zechariah is nothing new for the God that caused creation to spring into being at a word, who birthed the whole people of Israel from barren Abraham and Sarah. Much has been made of "the decline of the mainline churches" in recent years. The membership numbers do point in an unhappy direction, and many have come to expect an equally unhappy future. But our God is the God of unexpected things in surprising places, the one who makes new life to spring unexpectedly from old bodies. And we are a people learning to expect the unexpected.
Prayer: Come, God, come. Open me to your Spirit moving in me and in my church. Teach me to expect the new life--the miracles--you are nurturing even now in the deep places of my life. Amen.
Quinn G. Caldwell
"Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will name him John. You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord... he will be filled with the Holy Spirit." Luke 1:13-15
An angel comes to Zechariah and announces an unexpected thing: he and Elizabeth, here in their old age--what some might call their declining years--are to have a son, a miracle of a boy, filled with the Holy Spirit, born for the rejoicing of the people and the purposes of God. Understandably, he responds with disbelief. But what is unexpected for Zechariah is nothing new for the God that caused creation to spring into being at a word, who birthed the whole people of Israel from barren Abraham and Sarah. Much has been made of "the decline of the mainline churches" in recent years. The membership numbers do point in an unhappy direction, and many have come to expect an equally unhappy future. But our God is the God of unexpected things in surprising places, the one who makes new life to spring unexpectedly from old bodies. And we are a people learning to expect the unexpected.
Prayer: Come, God, come. Open me to your Spirit moving in me and in my church. Teach me to expect the new life--the miracles--you are nurturing even now in the deep places of my life. Amen.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Advent Devotional...Day Five
The glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together. Isaiah 40:5
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace, good will toward all. Luke 2:14
William Green
All flesh. What part of "all" don't we get? God's embrace isn't for some flesh, but all flesh. We'll never meet a person whom God doesn't love. And yet we continue to construct walls that divide us--walls built on gender, race, class, religion, sexual orientation, and whatever else that distinguishes us from one another. Advent is a good time to look again at the "walls" that divide us. We can't celebrate the coming of Jesus without letting them crumble. What are these walls for you? Consider some "walls" that, at first, may not be obvious. Isn't tolerance a wall when it's a substitute for respect? Isn't being nice a wall when it's avoidance of difference? Isn't good will a wall when it's limited to conviviality and agreement?
Glory to God is peace on earth, good will toward all--and the angels are not going to take care of it for us. This is not a matter of following rules but of honoring relationships--with strangers as well as kin, with enemies as well as allies. When we honor others as ourselves, then, and only then, can we celebrate Christmas, finding in Jesus the love that welcomes us all, and brings us to our best.
Prayer: "Born all people to deliver, born a child, you came to reign! Born to rule on earth forever, come, be known to us again." Amen.
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace, good will toward all. Luke 2:14
William Green
All flesh. What part of "all" don't we get? God's embrace isn't for some flesh, but all flesh. We'll never meet a person whom God doesn't love. And yet we continue to construct walls that divide us--walls built on gender, race, class, religion, sexual orientation, and whatever else that distinguishes us from one another. Advent is a good time to look again at the "walls" that divide us. We can't celebrate the coming of Jesus without letting them crumble. What are these walls for you? Consider some "walls" that, at first, may not be obvious. Isn't tolerance a wall when it's a substitute for respect? Isn't being nice a wall when it's avoidance of difference? Isn't good will a wall when it's limited to conviviality and agreement?
Glory to God is peace on earth, good will toward all--and the angels are not going to take care of it for us. This is not a matter of following rules but of honoring relationships--with strangers as well as kin, with enemies as well as allies. When we honor others as ourselves, then, and only then, can we celebrate Christmas, finding in Jesus the love that welcomes us all, and brings us to our best.
Prayer: "Born all people to deliver, born a child, you came to reign! Born to rule on earth forever, come, be known to us again." Amen.
Monday, November 26, 2007
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Advent Devotional - Day Three
Your troubles will not overwhelm you... the hard trials that come will not hurt you. Isaiah 43:2
The church is always tempted to give easy answers to hard questions. Jesus did not say he was the answer. He said he was the way (John 14:6). As Maya Angelou put it in one of her poems, "When I say 'I am a Christian'/I'm not shouting 'I am saved.'/I'm whispering 'I get lost'/ That is why I chose this way.... " Faith is not the absence of doubt--or of heartache--but the willingness to be honest about it. A good way to prepare for the coming of Christ is to acknowledge heartache and doubt. In a Christmas card, stables glow, the cows don't smell, and it always looks soft for the baby Jesus. But Jesus was born in a real stable. There was no room in a more pleasant place. And so with us. Jesus becomes real, not simply amid warmth and happiness, but during hard times. And what turns out to matter more than answers is the assurance that we're not alone, there's nothing so strange about us--and we're on the right way.
Prayer: "Redeemer come! I open wide my heart to you; here, Christ abide! Let me your inner presence feel; your grace and love in me reveal." Amen.
The church is always tempted to give easy answers to hard questions. Jesus did not say he was the answer. He said he was the way (John 14:6). As Maya Angelou put it in one of her poems, "When I say 'I am a Christian'/I'm not shouting 'I am saved.'/I'm whispering 'I get lost'/ That is why I chose this way.... " Faith is not the absence of doubt--or of heartache--but the willingness to be honest about it. A good way to prepare for the coming of Christ is to acknowledge heartache and doubt. In a Christmas card, stables glow, the cows don't smell, and it always looks soft for the baby Jesus. But Jesus was born in a real stable. There was no room in a more pleasant place. And so with us. Jesus becomes real, not simply amid warmth and happiness, but during hard times. And what turns out to matter more than answers is the assurance that we're not alone, there's nothing so strange about us--and we're on the right way.
Prayer: "Redeemer come! I open wide my heart to you; here, Christ abide! Let me your inner presence feel; your grace and love in me reveal." Amen.
freerice.com
http://freerice.com/
For each word you get right, they donate 10 grains of rice through the United Nations to help end world hunger!
I donated 110 grains of rice...with a little help from an online dictionary though!
For each word you get right, they donate 10 grains of rice through the United Nations to help end world hunger!
I donated 110 grains of rice...with a little help from an online dictionary though!
Saturday, November 24, 2007
I'm Ready for Christmas!!
Now that Thanksgiving has passed and we're eating turkey leftovers...
I AM READY FOR CHRISTMAS!!!!
I don't believe in getting any Christmas decorations out until Thanksgiving has passed.
I've updated my blogger page and myspace to get in the holiday spirit.
One month from today is Christmas Eve...YIKES!!!
I AM READY FOR CHRISTMAS!!!!
I don't believe in getting any Christmas decorations out until Thanksgiving has passed.
I've updated my blogger page and myspace to get in the holiday spirit.
One month from today is Christmas Eve...YIKES!!!
Advent Devotional - Day Two
Fear not, for behold I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people. Luke 2:10
Seventy-six times from the beginning to the end of the Bible we find the words, "Fear not!" Almost always this accompanies great blessing, as at the birth of Christ and on Easter morning. Along with so many others in Scripture, the shepherds and those first at the empty tomb come upon something wonderful--and are told not to be afraid.
How often fear and joy work together in our lives. Something especially good happens to us--and we wonder when the other shoe will drop. Someone says the 'yes' we've wanted to hear, and we wonder whether we can really believe it.
Perhaps it's like the story of the boy who loved Mister Rogers and Captain Kangaroo. He was thrilled when Mister Rogers announced that the two would finally meet. But when that day finally came, after a minute of watching his two heroes together, he quietly left the room. Puzzled, his father followed him and asked why. "What is it? Is something wrong?" The boy looked up and said, "It's too good. It's just too good."
Are we prepared to believe there's such a thing as something too good not to be true? In the spirit of Advent, let's get ready!
Prayer: "Born all people to deliver, born a child, you came to reign! Born to rule on earth forever, come, be known to us again." Amen.
Seventy-six times from the beginning to the end of the Bible we find the words, "Fear not!" Almost always this accompanies great blessing, as at the birth of Christ and on Easter morning. Along with so many others in Scripture, the shepherds and those first at the empty tomb come upon something wonderful--and are told not to be afraid.
How often fear and joy work together in our lives. Something especially good happens to us--and we wonder when the other shoe will drop. Someone says the 'yes' we've wanted to hear, and we wonder whether we can really believe it.
Perhaps it's like the story of the boy who loved Mister Rogers and Captain Kangaroo. He was thrilled when Mister Rogers announced that the two would finally meet. But when that day finally came, after a minute of watching his two heroes together, he quietly left the room. Puzzled, his father followed him and asked why. "What is it? Is something wrong?" The boy looked up and said, "It's too good. It's just too good."
Are we prepared to believe there's such a thing as something too good not to be true? In the spirit of Advent, let's get ready!
Prayer: "Born all people to deliver, born a child, you came to reign! Born to rule on earth forever, come, be known to us again." Amen.
Friday, November 23, 2007
Devotional Day 1 - Expecting the Unexpected
Expecting the Unexpected
William Green
My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord. Isaiah 55:8.
What do you expect? More of the same? Do you worry about the worst--or anticipate the best? Or do you just quit thinking about it? Advent is about getting ready for good news. This means repentance: turning from our ways to God's ways, giving up reliance on ourselves alone. This is an act of hope. It's a joy not a job because it involves something to look forward to! It's anticipation: expecting that goodness and mercy far greater than our own are waiting to be born anew for us and in the world. This "good news" seems unrealistic. But God's ways are not our ways. And God's love is stronger than the toughest trouble, surpassing what we can figure out. When we demand that life fit our rational expectations we put ourselves in charge: instead of trusting God, we play God. Whether what we face is beautiful or ugly, tragic or fortunate--or anywhere in between--all this is the grist of grace, the cradle of Christ... the means whereby love again becomes real for us. We can expect to be surprised.
Prayer: "Come, O long expected Jesus, born to set all people free; from our fears and sins release us; grant us your true liberty." Amen.
William Green
My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord. Isaiah 55:8.
What do you expect? More of the same? Do you worry about the worst--or anticipate the best? Or do you just quit thinking about it? Advent is about getting ready for good news. This means repentance: turning from our ways to God's ways, giving up reliance on ourselves alone. This is an act of hope. It's a joy not a job because it involves something to look forward to! It's anticipation: expecting that goodness and mercy far greater than our own are waiting to be born anew for us and in the world. This "good news" seems unrealistic. But God's ways are not our ways. And God's love is stronger than the toughest trouble, surpassing what we can figure out. When we demand that life fit our rational expectations we put ourselves in charge: instead of trusting God, we play God. Whether what we face is beautiful or ugly, tragic or fortunate--or anywhere in between--all this is the grist of grace, the cradle of Christ... the means whereby love again becomes real for us. We can expect to be surprised.
Prayer: "Come, O long expected Jesus, born to set all people free; from our fears and sins release us; grant us your true liberty." Amen.
Advent Devotional
I'm getting these daily devotionals starting today all the way until Christmas Eve. I'll be sharing them here for my wonderful audience! :)
Black Friday
It's black friday and I am staying home! LOL No way am I going to be out in the stores..especially being so close to woodfield. I'm been doing some browsing online for stuff...maybe I'll buy a few things. We'll see...
anyone shopping today?
anyone shopping today?
Joke from my nephew...
"What does the smoked turkey say?"
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"cough cough....gobble gobble....cough cough"
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"cough cough....gobble gobble....cough cough"
Grateful Friday
I'm SO VERY grateful for yesterday.
I'm grateful that my grandmother finally got to meet her "granddaughter-in-law". My cousin met his wife while they were in basic in California. She was sent over to Korea before my cousin was, so she didn't get a chance to get home when he came home for a graduation celebration. They were married in Hawaii last summer and Gma wasn't strong enough for the trip. When my other cousin got married this summer, she wasn't able to get time away from the military. My sister and I (along with our families) hadn't gotten a chance to meet her either, so I was looking foward to it as well.
I'm grateful that Grandma is still thriving. Her physical body may be working against her, but her mental state is excellent. A few months ago, I wondered if she would be able to make it to this day or make it to her 90th birthday, which is next month. I know that not everyone is as lucky as I am, so I know that my time with her is limited. She could last another 10 years or she could be gone next year.
Not to mention it was my husband's "bird day" yesterday...that's what my nephew said..LOL
I'm grateful that my grandmother finally got to meet her "granddaughter-in-law". My cousin met his wife while they were in basic in California. She was sent over to Korea before my cousin was, so she didn't get a chance to get home when he came home for a graduation celebration. They were married in Hawaii last summer and Gma wasn't strong enough for the trip. When my other cousin got married this summer, she wasn't able to get time away from the military. My sister and I (along with our families) hadn't gotten a chance to meet her either, so I was looking foward to it as well.
I'm grateful that Grandma is still thriving. Her physical body may be working against her, but her mental state is excellent. A few months ago, I wondered if she would be able to make it to this day or make it to her 90th birthday, which is next month. I know that not everyone is as lucky as I am, so I know that my time with her is limited. She could last another 10 years or she could be gone next year.
Not to mention it was my husband's "bird day" yesterday...that's what my nephew said..LOL
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Thankful Thursday
What a wonderful day we had! A few bumps along the road, but I am thankful that we were all able to get together.
I got to my parents around 11:30...Mom and Dad did an awesome job getting the house together. I helped preparing a few of the dishes for cooking. Around 12:00 my sister, BIl and the boys arrived. Dad brought Grandma over about 1:00...we have discovered a new way for her to get up the stairs, since that is such a struggle for her. BIL brought over one of his lounge chairs that they used last week. She sits in the chair and they carry her in that way.
Shortly after, my aunt and uncle showed up with all of their family. My poor uncle was in pain with kidney stones. I left around 2:00 to pick up Bill from work. When we got back, I discovered that my aunt and uncle left along with my cousin and her husband to take uncle to the ER. Heather and her hubby came back so they could enjoy the dinner w/us. My mom said a wonderful prayer that almost made me cry, I was choking back the tears.
We had tons of food, lots of fun!! My aunt and uncle came back later and while the stone was still there, he was feeling better because of good pain medicine. After dinner, we did pics with the whole family and then had dessert...there were 3 or 4 pies, strawberry pretzel salad AND birthday cake!
Wonderful day!
I got to my parents around 11:30...Mom and Dad did an awesome job getting the house together. I helped preparing a few of the dishes for cooking. Around 12:00 my sister, BIl and the boys arrived. Dad brought Grandma over about 1:00...we have discovered a new way for her to get up the stairs, since that is such a struggle for her. BIL brought over one of his lounge chairs that they used last week. She sits in the chair and they carry her in that way.
Shortly after, my aunt and uncle showed up with all of their family. My poor uncle was in pain with kidney stones. I left around 2:00 to pick up Bill from work. When we got back, I discovered that my aunt and uncle left along with my cousin and her husband to take uncle to the ER. Heather and her hubby came back so they could enjoy the dinner w/us. My mom said a wonderful prayer that almost made me cry, I was choking back the tears.
We had tons of food, lots of fun!! My aunt and uncle came back later and while the stone was still there, he was feeling better because of good pain medicine. After dinner, we did pics with the whole family and then had dessert...there were 3 or 4 pies, strawberry pretzel salad AND birthday cake!
Wonderful day!
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Wednesday's post...a little late
This so reminds me of my nephew...cute kid...but he dances just like this!!
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Thanksgiving Menu
We're having Thanksgiving at my mom's this year...about 20 people will be there! WOW!
Turkey
Ham
Stuffing
Spinach
Corn Casserole
Mashed Potatoes
Sweet Potatoes (with marshmallows)
Strawberry Pretzel Salad
Bread
Pie
Birthday cake (for dh's birthday, since it's on Thanksgiving!)
Who will be there: Mom, Dad, Bill, me, Kathy, Phil, nephews, aunt, uncle, cousin and her husband, cousin and his wife, cousin, grandma, bob, joy, jess and her husband (friends of cousin)...WOWSER!
Turkey
Ham
Stuffing
Spinach
Corn Casserole
Mashed Potatoes
Sweet Potatoes (with marshmallows)
Strawberry Pretzel Salad
Bread
Pie
Birthday cake (for dh's birthday, since it's on Thanksgiving!)
Who will be there: Mom, Dad, Bill, me, Kathy, Phil, nephews, aunt, uncle, cousin and her husband, cousin and his wife, cousin, grandma, bob, joy, jess and her husband (friends of cousin)...WOWSER!
Monday, November 19, 2007
Hopefully...
This cough syrup will FINALLY get rid of my cough. There's nothing worse than coughing so hard that
a) you feel like you are coughing up a left lung
b) you cough so hard, that when you are done, you begin to see stars
c) you cough so hard, you start to wet your pants (OMG!)
I've been sick on and off since September...whether it's been a cold or allergies or whatever, it's annoying. My poor husband is ready to send me to the moon. I don't have a nice delicate cough, I have a barking cough...ugh
Doctor gave me a prescription for robotussin with codeine...good night jenn!
Happy Monday!!
a) you feel like you are coughing up a left lung
b) you cough so hard, that when you are done, you begin to see stars
c) you cough so hard, you start to wet your pants (OMG!)
I've been sick on and off since September...whether it's been a cold or allergies or whatever, it's annoying. My poor husband is ready to send me to the moon. I don't have a nice delicate cough, I have a barking cough...ugh
Doctor gave me a prescription for robotussin with codeine...good night jenn!
Happy Monday!!
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Music Sunday...
Here are some of my favorites...some are happy...some are sad...but I love them all!
STAY
Sugarland
I've been sitting here staring at the clock on the wall
And I've been laying here praying, praying she won't call
It's just another call from home
And you'll get it and be gone
And I'll be crying
And I'll be begging you, baby
Beg you not to leave
But I'll be left here waiting
With my Heart on my sleeve
Oh, for the next time we'll be here
Seems like a million years
And I think I'm dying
What do I have to do to make you see
She can't love you like me?
Why don't you stay
I'm down on my knees
I'm so tired of being lonely
Don't I give you what you need
When she calls you to go
There is one thing you should know
We don't have to live this way
Baby, why don't you stay
You keep telling me, baby
There will come a time
When you will leave her arms
And forever be in mine
But I don't think that's the truth
And I don't like being used and I'm tired of waiting
It's too much pain to have to bear
To love a man you have to share
Why don't you stay
I'm down on my knees
I'm so tired of being lonely
Don't I give you what you need
When she calls you to go
There is one thing you should know
We don't have to live this way
Baby, why don't you stay
I can't take it any longer
But my will is getting stronger
And I think I know just what I have to do
I can't waste another minute
After all that I've put in it
I've given you my best
Why does she get the best of you
So next time you find you wanna leave her bed for mine
Why don't you stay
I'm up off my knees
I'm so tired of being lonely
You can't give me what I need
When she begs you not to go
There is one thing you should know
I don't have to live this way
Baby, why don't you stay, yeah
READY SET...DON'T GO.
Billy Ray and Miley Cyrus
She's gotta do what she's gotta do
And I've gotta like it or not
She's got dreams too big for this town
And she needs to give 'em a shot
Whatever they are
Looks like she's all ready to leave
Nothing left to pack
There ain't no room for me in that car
Even if she asked me to tag along
God I gotta be strong
She's at the startin' line of the rest of her life
As ready as she's ever been
Got the hunger and the stars in her eyes
The prize is hers to win
She's waitin' on my blessings before she hits that
open road
Baby get ready
Get set
Don't go
She says things are fallen into place
Feels like they're fallen apart
I painted this big ol' smile on my face
To hide my broken heart
If only she knew
This is where I don't say what I want so bad to say
This is where I want to but I won't get in the way
Of her and her dreams
And spreadin' her wings
She's at the startin' line of the rest of her life
As ready as she's ever been
Got the hunger and the stars in her eyes
The prize is hers to win
She's waitin' on my blessings before she hits that
open road
Baby get ready
Get set
Don't go
She's at the startin' line of the rest of her life
As ready as she's ever been
Got the hunger and the stars in her eyes
The prize is hers to win
She's waitin' on my blessings before she hits that
open road
Baby get ready
Get set
Please don't go
Don't go
Don't go
She's gotta do what she's gotta do
She's gotta do what she's gotta do
STAY
Sugarland
I've been sitting here staring at the clock on the wall
And I've been laying here praying, praying she won't call
It's just another call from home
And you'll get it and be gone
And I'll be crying
And I'll be begging you, baby
Beg you not to leave
But I'll be left here waiting
With my Heart on my sleeve
Oh, for the next time we'll be here
Seems like a million years
And I think I'm dying
What do I have to do to make you see
She can't love you like me?
Why don't you stay
I'm down on my knees
I'm so tired of being lonely
Don't I give you what you need
When she calls you to go
There is one thing you should know
We don't have to live this way
Baby, why don't you stay
You keep telling me, baby
There will come a time
When you will leave her arms
And forever be in mine
But I don't think that's the truth
And I don't like being used and I'm tired of waiting
It's too much pain to have to bear
To love a man you have to share
Why don't you stay
I'm down on my knees
I'm so tired of being lonely
Don't I give you what you need
When she calls you to go
There is one thing you should know
We don't have to live this way
Baby, why don't you stay
I can't take it any longer
But my will is getting stronger
And I think I know just what I have to do
I can't waste another minute
After all that I've put in it
I've given you my best
Why does she get the best of you
So next time you find you wanna leave her bed for mine
Why don't you stay
I'm up off my knees
I'm so tired of being lonely
You can't give me what I need
When she begs you not to go
There is one thing you should know
I don't have to live this way
Baby, why don't you stay, yeah
READY SET...DON'T GO.
Billy Ray and Miley Cyrus
She's gotta do what she's gotta do
And I've gotta like it or not
She's got dreams too big for this town
And she needs to give 'em a shot
Whatever they are
Looks like she's all ready to leave
Nothing left to pack
There ain't no room for me in that car
Even if she asked me to tag along
God I gotta be strong
She's at the startin' line of the rest of her life
As ready as she's ever been
Got the hunger and the stars in her eyes
The prize is hers to win
She's waitin' on my blessings before she hits that
open road
Baby get ready
Get set
Don't go
She says things are fallen into place
Feels like they're fallen apart
I painted this big ol' smile on my face
To hide my broken heart
If only she knew
This is where I don't say what I want so bad to say
This is where I want to but I won't get in the way
Of her and her dreams
And spreadin' her wings
She's at the startin' line of the rest of her life
As ready as she's ever been
Got the hunger and the stars in her eyes
The prize is hers to win
She's waitin' on my blessings before she hits that
open road
Baby get ready
Get set
Don't go
She's at the startin' line of the rest of her life
As ready as she's ever been
Got the hunger and the stars in her eyes
The prize is hers to win
She's waitin' on my blessings before she hits that
open road
Baby get ready
Get set
Please don't go
Don't go
Don't go
She's gotta do what she's gotta do
She's gotta do what she's gotta do
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Saturday plans
Well, today is big nephew's birthday. I can't believe he is 7 years old. His Transformers presents are wrapped, just waiting for Uncle Bill to get home! I'm looking forward to his party and seeing the boys again! :) I'll try and post a pic or two of the birthday boy later next week!
I can't believe that Thursday is Thanksgiving. Time is going by WAY TOO FAST!! This December is going to fly by with all of the church happenings and family happenings. 5 days after Christmas is GE's (grandma) 90th birthday, so we're trying to figure out what to do for her. Probably a little luncheon thing @ church, but that's up to Mom and Dad!
I'm looking forward to all the yummy food @ Thanksgiving...mom is making it this year, so I know it's going to be good! :)
I can't believe that Thursday is Thanksgiving. Time is going by WAY TOO FAST!! This December is going to fly by with all of the church happenings and family happenings. 5 days after Christmas is GE's (grandma) 90th birthday, so we're trying to figure out what to do for her. Probably a little luncheon thing @ church, but that's up to Mom and Dad!
I'm looking forward to all the yummy food @ Thanksgiving...mom is making it this year, so I know it's going to be good! :)
Friday, November 16, 2007
Installing Husband
Dear Tech Support,
Last year I upgraded from Boyfriend 5.0 to Husband 1.0 and noticed a
distinct slow down in overall system performance -- particularly in the
flower and jewelry applications, which operated flawlessly under Boyfriend
5.0.
In addition, Husband 1.0 uninstalled many other valuable programs, such as
Romance 9.5 and Personal Attention 6.5 and then installed undesirable
programs such as NFL 5.0, NBA 3.0, and Golf Clubs 4.1.
Conversation 8.0 no longer runs, and Housecleaning 2.6 simply crashes the
system. I've tried running Nagging 5.3 to fix these problems, but to no
avail.
What can I do?
Signed, Desperate
-------------------------------------
Dear Desperate:
First keep in mind, Boyfriend 5.0 is an Entertainment Package, while Husband
1.0 is an Operating System. Please enter the command: "I Thought You Loved
Me.exe" and try to download Tears 6.2 and don't forget to install the Guilt
3.0 update.
If that application works as designed, Husband 1.0 should then
automatically run the applications Jewelry 2.0 and Flowers 3.5.
But remember, overuse of the above application can cause Husband 1.0 to
default to Grumpy Silence 2.5, Happy Hour 7.0 or Beer 6.1. Beer 6.1 is a
very bad program that will download the Snoring Loudly Beta.
Whatever you do, DO NOT install Mother-in-law 1.0 (it runs a virus in the
background that will eventually seize control of all your system
resources).
Also, do not attempt to reinstall the Boyfriend 5.0 program. These are
unsupported applications and will crash Husband 1.0 .
In summary, Husband 1.0 is a great program, but it does have limited
memory and cannot learn new applications quickly. You might consider buying
additional software to improve memory and performance. We recommend Food
3.0 and Hot Lingerie 7.7.
Good Luck, Tech Support
Last year I upgraded from Boyfriend 5.0 to Husband 1.0 and noticed a
distinct slow down in overall system performance -- particularly in the
flower and jewelry applications, which operated flawlessly under Boyfriend
5.0.
In addition, Husband 1.0 uninstalled many other valuable programs, such as
Romance 9.5 and Personal Attention 6.5 and then installed undesirable
programs such as NFL 5.0, NBA 3.0, and Golf Clubs 4.1.
Conversation 8.0 no longer runs, and Housecleaning 2.6 simply crashes the
system. I've tried running Nagging 5.3 to fix these problems, but to no
avail.
What can I do?
Signed, Desperate
-------------------------------------
Dear Desperate:
First keep in mind, Boyfriend 5.0 is an Entertainment Package, while Husband
1.0 is an Operating System. Please enter the command: "I Thought You Loved
Me.exe" and try to download Tears 6.2 and don't forget to install the Guilt
3.0 update.
If that application works as designed, Husband 1.0 should then
automatically run the applications Jewelry 2.0 and Flowers 3.5.
But remember, overuse of the above application can cause Husband 1.0 to
default to Grumpy Silence 2.5, Happy Hour 7.0 or Beer 6.1. Beer 6.1 is a
very bad program that will download the Snoring Loudly Beta.
Whatever you do, DO NOT install Mother-in-law 1.0 (it runs a virus in the
background that will eventually seize control of all your system
resources).
Also, do not attempt to reinstall the Boyfriend 5.0 program. These are
unsupported applications and will crash Husband 1.0 .
In summary, Husband 1.0 is a great program, but it does have limited
memory and cannot learn new applications quickly. You might consider buying
additional software to improve memory and performance. We recommend Food
3.0 and Hot Lingerie 7.7.
Good Luck, Tech Support
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Prayers for justice
This is a prayer request for a friend who's dealing with some major issues at the moment. I don't really feel comfortable sharing all the details but T's life and career have been jeoparized in this whole process. God, please grant her the justice that she so greatly deserves!
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
A Little Prayer to Remember
Especially when times are tough....
Happy moments, praise God.
Difficult moments, seek God.
Quiet moments, worship God.
Painful moments, trust God.
Every moment, thank God.
I think that says it all.
Monday, November 12, 2007
Honoring our Veterans
Although my company didn't honor you by granting me a day off, I wanted to express my thanks and graditude for all of our veterans that have served, are serving, or plan to serve one day soon. Also, thanks to their families as they are also part of the military as well! You are ALL brave strong souls and we shouldn't just have one day to remember all of you!
Jenn
Jenn
Sunday, November 11, 2007
God is Still Speaking
Essentially, that is our motto of the church. In some publicity that came out recently, here are a few slogans that I thought were cool (and a little funny)
1. Our Faith is over 2000 years old...our thinking is not.
2. If you think getting up Sunday morning is hard, try raising from the dead.
3. If Jesus embraced Lepers, Prostitutes, & Convicts, shouldn't we?
Something to think and ponder about, eh??
Have a great week everyone!
1. Our Faith is over 2000 years old...our thinking is not.
2. If you think getting up Sunday morning is hard, try raising from the dead.
3. If Jesus embraced Lepers, Prostitutes, & Convicts, shouldn't we?
Something to think and ponder about, eh??
Have a great week everyone!
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Nice quiet Saturday and almost got us a kitty!!
For once, it was nice not having to go anywhere today! Well, I did have to go to get an oil change done. Afterwards, I headed over to Country Donuts and bought breakfast for me and mom.
We are looking for a kitty cat! We stopped at a pet store as they were having an adoption fair yesterday. I fell in love with two (well, actually I fell in love with all of them, but Bill told me I couldn't take them all home). We went back to the store after Bill got out of work. Sophie was a shy little kitty, but she was SO adorable and after a few minutes she warmed up to me. Bill grew up with cats and his mother bred cats, so this was nothing from him. As it turns out, the company that foster her, doesn't believe in declawing and Bill does...so sadly, we couldn't take her home. There were some other issues as well, and as sweet as she was, we weren't sure that this was the safest place for her. She had been an outside cat and will fight to get back outside, and will scratch at the windows and doors to get out. Being in a apartment AND on the third floor, we were nervous if she would be scratching the screen that with enough determination, that she would get out the window. Plus, we're in an apartment and don't want to lose our deposit.
Oh well, we will keep looking!! :) And it's all his fault that I now love cats!!
Friday, November 09, 2007
Dh's Birthday gift...
Since he couldn't wait until his actual birthday...we bought it a few weeks early! He's in 7th heaven!!
Thursday, November 08, 2007
what i'm thankful for...
last week during sunday school, i had the kids tell me some thing that they were thankful for. The list was too cute not to share...mind you...they are in kindergarten and first grade!
- my stuff that I have
- my fish
- food & family
- people who love me
- my hungriness (probably not a word, but we went with it)
- my gameboy
- that i have a place to live
- clothes
- everything!
- my dog
- my brothers
- coloring
- my sister
- water
- juices
- trees
- air
- best friends
- people
- pizzas
- teachers
- eating
- llamas (again, we don't ask, just list!)
Detentions = Hugging????
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21661718/
I think that this is CRAZY! This poor girl was hugging her friend to say good-bye for the weekend and they give her a detention. I saw this story this morning on the Today Show and I can't believe how far our society has gone. Don't get me wrong, I understand the need to "control" public displays of affection...but do these morons realize that if they forbid it...that worse will happen OUTSIDE of school?!?!?
Hug away sister, I'll sit in detention with ya!
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
How Well Do you know your states?
| You Know Your States |
 You got 10/10 correct. You've got a pretty good handle on US geography. There's a good chance you've visited at least a dozen of the fifty states. |
Monday, November 05, 2007
Pet Peeve...
Is the fact that on November 1st, all the commercials on the radio were talking about getting ready for Christmas! That when I went out to shopping on Thursday, the store was DECORATED FOR CHRISTMAS!?!?!?!?! WTF? That starting on Thursday, one of the local radio stations is going to start playing Christmas music 24-7. Um, you do people realize that we have another holiday that is happening on November 22nd. Yes, that's right...it's called Thanksgiving. Say it with me now....THANKS.....GIVING!
Don't get me wrong, I love Christmas, but I don't really start decorating or listening to music (and sometimes even shopping) until the day after Thanksgiving.
I would rather see people hold on to Christmas after the fact...we start decorating for it starting in September or October and BAM...December 26th...it all goes away. Let's go until January 6th...you know...the 12 days of Christmas.
Sorry...I feel better now...back to your regular scheduled programming!
Sunday, November 04, 2007
Saturday, November 03, 2007
homecoming part 2
Saturday morning, we headed back to campus. They had an alumni reception for all psych majors, so I stopped there first. I met up with my advisor, Dr. Rose. It was like I had never left! She remembered me immediately and was asking where I was at and how I was doing. I was QUITE proud to share that I was in a job where I was actually using my major! Of course, we didn't have enough time to get all caught up but it was so great to see her again. I will defintely be keeping in touch with her!
Afterwards, I headed over to the college center for the SAI (sigma alpha iota) alumni reception. I was a little disappointed, there were no alums...just actives. but the girls were cute, asking what I was doing, what was my favorite part of sai. At 12, we headed to lunch at another local eatery and met up with brandy...another alum who is living in town! Again, it was another trip down memory lane of all the parties and get togethers. She filled us in on gossip of some people that we had lost touch with. We were there till almost 3:00. After lunch, Marcy, Brandy and i went for a pedicure. HEAVEN! Afterwards, I headed back to campus to buy a sweatshirt and the scrapbook kit (yes, I am sick in head) and took pictures of the awesome fall foliage! When i left campus, I was a little sad. The weekend went by so quickly, and all weekend, all that was running through my mind was the wonderful memories and the wonderful LASTING friendships i made while I was there!
Sunday, we got up and headed to breakfast at IHOP...from there, we all went our seperate ways and headed for home! It was great to catch up with everyone again and we made promises to not wait another 10 years before seeing each other again! Especially since we're all living in the same area practically!
Afterwards, I headed over to the college center for the SAI (sigma alpha iota) alumni reception. I was a little disappointed, there were no alums...just actives. but the girls were cute, asking what I was doing, what was my favorite part of sai. At 12, we headed to lunch at another local eatery and met up with brandy...another alum who is living in town! Again, it was another trip down memory lane of all the parties and get togethers. She filled us in on gossip of some people that we had lost touch with. We were there till almost 3:00. After lunch, Marcy, Brandy and i went for a pedicure. HEAVEN! Afterwards, I headed back to campus to buy a sweatshirt and the scrapbook kit (yes, I am sick in head) and took pictures of the awesome fall foliage! When i left campus, I was a little sad. The weekend went by so quickly, and all weekend, all that was running through my mind was the wonderful memories and the wonderful LASTING friendships i made while I was there!
Sunday, we got up and headed to breakfast at IHOP...from there, we all went our seperate ways and headed for home! It was great to catch up with everyone again and we made promises to not wait another 10 years before seeing each other again! Especially since we're all living in the same area practically!
I think I broke my tail feather...
Ok, crazy title I know, but I can't get the darn "Shake a Tail Feather" song OUT OF MY HEAD!! Especially when I have the adorable voice of my three year old nephew singing it! LOL
Today was a babysitting day for the nephews while Mommy and Daddy went to the NU football game. I also got to take the boys a kid's concert series that is hosted by Northwestern bands...today it was "Boom, Bam, Tap and Swoosh" We got to see an awesome group "Be the Groove" After the concert, we took a nice walk along Lake Michigan...it was such a beautiful day and I'm the silly one who forgot my camera! :)
The oldest nephew is going to be 7 in just a few weeks. Holy sh*T...7?!?! When the heck did that happen? He's all into the transformers, which excites uncle bill. At the request of mom and dad, we're going to hold off on buying him the new movie...but we plan on decking him out with transformer's "gear"...although we're teasing him that he's going to get "transformer barbies".
All in all, a fun day!
Today was a babysitting day for the nephews while Mommy and Daddy went to the NU football game. I also got to take the boys a kid's concert series that is hosted by Northwestern bands...today it was "Boom, Bam, Tap and Swoosh" We got to see an awesome group "Be the Groove" After the concert, we took a nice walk along Lake Michigan...it was such a beautiful day and I'm the silly one who forgot my camera! :)
The oldest nephew is going to be 7 in just a few weeks. Holy sh*T...7?!?! When the heck did that happen? He's all into the transformers, which excites uncle bill. At the request of mom and dad, we're going to hold off on buying him the new movie...but we plan on decking him out with transformer's "gear"...although we're teasing him that he's going to get "transformer barbies".
All in all, a fun day!
Friday, November 02, 2007
Does this work?
I keep forgetting that you can send what you want posted on your blog via email. How cool is that?
But did you receive it??
Thursday, November 01, 2007
By the Mighty Mississippi...
By the Mighty Mississippi, on a rocky shore!
Stands the School we love so dearly now and evermore.
Augustana, Augustana, We thy children as of old,
Sing thy praise in song unending to ole Augie's blue and gold.
Though the future years may part us,
still together now.
Faith and love to Augustana
Evermore we love!
Augustana, Augustana, We thy children as of old,
Sing thy praise in song unending to ole Augie's blue and gold.
I had an opportunity to head back to my alma mater for Homecoming this past weekend. Having not been back to campus since 2000, I was excited to go! My friend Marcy was having her 10 year reunion along with a few of our other friends as well. As soon as I got to campus, it was like I never left. The campus quad was full of vibrant color as the leaves had JUST started to turn. I was just mesmorized by the beautiful views!
Once I got there on Friday, I headed over to the technology building to meet up with my friend Kevin. I quickly realized how much I WAS OUT OF SHAPE!! LOL We talked and hung out for awhile and then made our way over to the College Center where I met up with Marcy. Marcy and I quickly felt our age...we didn't have cell phones when we were in college! And laptops...are you crazy? Afterwards, she and I headed out to hotel to check in and drop off our luggage. We went out for Chinese to our favorite hangout not too far from campus. Yea, it was still good :) Then we headed down to the district (downtown Rock Island) for the gathering at the "Blue Cat"...a local bar and grill. Marcy was buying me drinks for my birthday and I was well...drinking! Started off with a fuzzy navel and then had my FAVORITE drink...it was called "somebody's crazy momma with a banana up her butt"...honest to goodness. It has bailey's, kahlua, banana, and cream...kinda like a starbucks drink with alcohol...VERY VERY YUMMY!! :) Soon, we met up with Pat, Carrie, Jon and Elisa and began remembering all of the crazy stuff that we did while we were there. The nights of moonlight bowling with a trip to denny's afterward. The ZOO (zeta omega omega) boys and their midnight runs (sans clothes)...I never saw any of that. . We ended up staying there till almost midnight...but geez...we're old now! :) The formals and the parties that we went too. Going to formals and using the bathtub as your liquor cooler...which is all good until the labels peel off and you don't remember what's what....OOOOOOOPS!!! :)
More to come tomorrow...I need sleep!!!
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