The 24 reasons why I love my smart phone.

If I had the nerve, I would re-title this post to say, "The 24 reasons why I am glad I didn't ruin my smartphone by peeing on it."

But I'm not that brave.

I am afraid some sicko would go*gle "smart phone" and "pee" and end up here looking at all my reasons I love my phone. That just gives me the shivers.

I know it's happened a million times before to lots of other great people. Your hands are full so you put your phone in your back pocket. Then you forget about it when you enter the restroom. Normal people might hear the PLOP as their phones hit the water. Not me. No ma'am. I barely even register the {how should I put this} splash. I thought it was just a jiggly toilet seat. Little did I know that MY LIFE was in that toilet!

Everyone with a smart phone knows EXACTLY what I mean by that!

After screaming and being sufficiently freaked out for the occasion, a friend of mine grabbed my {wet} phone and took it all apart and dumped it in a baggie full of silicon beads. It all happened so fast. I will never forget the look on his face when he realized WHY my phone was wet.

ICKY.

A day and many prayers later, my phone came back to life! {Praise Jesus!} I didn't lose one single thing, most of all my pictures.

The reason for this post. The 24 reasons why I love my smart phone, and the stories behind them.

**warning, very long post ahead! 
**literally fought with wordpress and blogger for two days on this post, so the pictures are in very random order.  I just want to be done!!!

Skip and I both graduated from Texas Christian University.  They send baby gifts when alumni announce births.  Wit found this in a drawer!  He is TCU quality, alright.

Alana and I trained to run in a half marathon this December.  {What? What?}  This was before the race started, the after was NOT SO FRESH!  What a journey this was for us.  Lots of emotional highs and lows.  My lowest point in training was fighting with Achilles tendinitis.  Very painful.  Around mile 8 of the race, it gave out.  I couldn't run without excruciating pain.  I convinced Alana to go on without me and we parted through a haze of tears.  I was turning back when a friend from church came alongside me and said I would regret this forever if I didn't finish.  Even if it took hours, I was finishing.  My friend Pam walked a mile with me and finally I decided I wanted to run the rest of the race.  It was only God and me at that point.  He gave me the strength to cross that finish line with my head held high!  I am so proud of what we accomplished!

Happy Valentine's Day! Love decorating for this special day!

I love these women! We met in the early days of parenting at MOPS. What an incredible gift! Alana, Michelle, Shelley and Jen...I love you!

Wit meets the Easter Bunny!  My only kiddo who wasn't terrified!

Sweet Langley had a speaking part in her 2nd grade musical!  Her lines were about how F-U-N music is and how it helps us learn.  {doesn't she look like she is having FUN?}  So proud of my shy girl for having the courage to speak in front of hundreds of people.  Even if she didn't look like she was having F-U-N!

PLAY BALL!!!  Opening day for 2012.  My favorite player is up to bat. 

Zeb's athletic cup, aka, "Mr. Happy."  I will never understand boys.

Easter Sunday 2012.  This is the first year no one had matching new clothes.  I call it growth on my part.  I just don't care anymore!  Or, maybe I do care but I'm too tired.  Anyway, they look lovely!  I am proud of my kids!

This picture makes my heart happy.  Less than a year ago, my brother had a stroke and you would never know it.  He is getting stronger and healthier as the year has gone on.  I am so very proud of all the work he has done for himself.  I love that he takes such an interest in my kids.  He taught Zeb how to grill the most amazing burgers!  We love Uncle Mikey!

Easter Sunday at my Grannie's house.  We had a wonderful time celebrating Easter with a lot of food and outdoor fun!  My cousin, Renae and her son, Ayden came from Kansas.  From left to right, Renae, Grannie, me, my pretty mom, and Langley!  I am blessed by these amazing and strong women!

Skip drooling and dreaming over an 80 inch TV.  I couldn't get him to move from that spot and when I did, he had drool running down his chin.  Thou shalt not covet.

April 18, 2001 at 7:47am this awesome kids was born.  Eleven years has flown by.  Being a first born means that we make mistakes together.  I am trying to figure out how this thing called GRACE works!  But mostly, I love this kid!!!!

Her mission?  Find every climbing tree and climb them.

I take my Wingman along when I volunteer at school.  There is a secret workroom in Langley's school and that is usually where we like to do our work.  It's quiet and small and just the right size for a paper fort built by a three year old!  He makes a new one every week!

SOGGY.  Where have you gone, Soggy?  Wit misses you so much.  I keep thinking you will turn up, but you stay hidden.  Thank goodness I had the presence of mind to order two of these amazing blankies.  I am so afraid we will lose the last one though!

P90X.  It's a miracle I even get up in the morning!  I set my alarm for 4:45 because my sweet neighbor comes over at 5:00 sharp.  We spend an hour working out before the world wakes up.  I have come to love this time so much.  Meanwhile, across town is another friend that wakes up at 5:00 to do the same.  We text each other to make sure we got ourselves out of bed!  It's a great way to hold each other accountible!

What a fun memory this was!  My stepdad is a professional angler {it means he fishes real good for money}.  Anyway, he was in a tournament on our local lake and was in good standing to come in first.  We sent him this text message the final day.  AND...He won!!!  It was so exciting!  He's kind of a big deal in the fishing world and we get the priviledge of calling him, "grandpa."

I can't get enough of this face.  This loud, crazy, yelling face has me head over heels!

There are no words.

First time Wit wrote his name!!  W-I-T!!!  So glad I had my camera to capture this precious memory!!

October 28, 2003 at 1:59pm a beautiful, sweet, kind baby girl was born.  Life has never been the same!  Now she is eight and I just want her to freeze here.  Thankyouverymuch.

One of my favorite things I did last year was to run a 5K with Zeb on Thanksgiving morning.  It was amazing to be with him.  Skip and Zeb have so many more chances to bond through sports, but running is mine and his alone.  We had the best time talking and laughing.  My heart will remember this day forever!!!!  And, wow.  That kid is fast!

After the half marathon and all my ankle struggles, Alana recommended that I have my running assessed by a local running store.  They video you running and can tell everything about you in the thirty second feed.  I have always had Asics and through this process learned that they are one of the worst things for MY running.  They fitted me in a Brooks minamalist shoe.  Not only is it sassy, but it is the miracle that I needed to keep my running up.  Currently, Alana and I are still running twice a week.  We aren't training, but maintaining about 5 miles.  The shoe assessment was well worth the time!  If you run, DO IT!!!

Thank you so much for hanging in there with me!  I have about 300 more photos on my phone that are now safetly uploaded to my computer.

JUST IN CASE...

Some thoughts on some things about stuff.

I am feeling very overwhelmed tonight. Everywhere I go in my home, I see work. There are piles of paperwork, toys, dust, clutter, and laundry strewn about this house. I feel like every pile and every dirty surface is a curse. I desperately want my home to be a blessing not a curse.

The sad and frustrating part is that I am really tired. Exhaustion slaps me in the face at the end of every day. I am helpless to get all the work done.

itjustneverends.

My sweet man gave me the best gift of doing the dishes and cleaning the kitchen tonight.  Most of the time I take that for granted.  But tonight, I was reminded what a treasure it is to be served.  I am the one who serves.  It is a neat blessing to be the one on the other end. 

Thankfully, I have a couple of light days this week that I hope to use to get the house back in shape.  First thing on the list...grocery store. 

Yuck.

Enough about the mundane, let's talk about other things.

1.  We are sitting down to watch "The Amazing Race".  Jet and Cord are our favorites.  Absolutely love love love them.  What is it about cowboys that make you trust them?  I wonder if they know my bff, Pioneer Woman?  That would make them even more lovable!

2.  Skip and I could never run the Amazing Race together.  We would K.I.L.L. each other.  We would be the couple that America would gossip about.  Highly stressful situations are no friend of mine.

3.  My biggest baby boy is almost 10.  I am trying to form a post about that and I get all lumpy in my stomach..  You know that ache-in-your-cheek feeling you get BEFORE the ugly cry?  Yep.  I have that.  I still have a few more weeks.  I hope I can push through the tears and tell you how much I love being his mom. 

4.  My 20-year HS reunion is just around the corner.  I am starting to get really nervous.  Not to see everyone, just nervous about my wardrobe.  That sounds more vain than I actually intend.  I just mean that I am not a summer person.  I don't have a summer body.  I have a hide-behind-three-layers-and-a cardigan body.  Plus, I sweat like a pig at a luau.  Which, of course,  is awesome.  I am excited to see everyone.  I just hope someone else is as sweaty as me.  And I will stand by them and we will be sweaty friends. For as long as we both shall live.

5.  My senior prom was also TWENTY years ago.  I wore a royal blue, knee-length, big puffy shouldered dress.  This was back in the day that you DYED your shoes to match your dress.  My hair was swept to one side with a royal blue comb, like a one-sided mullet.  This year, I will be going back to the HS prom as the mommy of the flower girl.  Langley was asked by one of our favorite HS seniors, Tag.  I am tempted to dig out my royal blue dress and party like it was 1991.  Instead, I will dress up my beautiful, blue-eyed tomboy in a pretty silk dress and take her to the most important dance of the year.  I CAN'T WAIT!  Between now and Saturday, I promise to dig out our prom pictures!  They will make you laugh.  I swear.

6.  This season, "American Idol?"  Yes, please.  It seems so refreshing this season.  Probably because Simon isn't there.  Whatever.  We are loving the changes.

7.  I HAVE GOT to start exercising.  Enough said about that.

8.  I started reading a book yesterday.  I KNOW, right?  Every single person in the house asked me why.  And guess what?  My hand started to cramp because it was so heavy.  I am a wimp.

9.  Last week's, "The Office", was just about the best thing I have ever seen on the TV.  Michael Scott, you are the man.  (Watch his tender moment here)  It won't be the same without him.

(I talk a lot about watching TV.  Maybe that's the reason my house looks and smells like a landfill??)

(Something to think about)

10.  It's 11:00 on a Sunday night and I can't keep my eyes open.  I need to sleep so I can wake up and do it all over again tomorrow.

And the next day. 

And the next day. 

And so on.

Until the end of time.

The post about nothing. Literally.

Who would have believed that last week I wrote my little heart out with my story and this week I have no words. No words at all. I have tried to sit down and write something, but it seems like all the good words were used up last week.

Whew.

Even typing that paragraph was exhausting.

Well, the good news is that you have a choice whether or not to continue reading this post.  The team here at Snot and Kisses (me) will not judge you AT ALL for clicking to the next blog, or even skimming these riveting highlights of our family's spring break week.

Spring Break started last Friday with a half day.  We had plans to go to the park with some really great friends.  We drove thru the "loop of doom" and got our excited children in the car, bought lunch at Wendy's and drove to the park.  Which apparently was not a novel idea because so did 300 other people.  All at the same time.  In search for a new park we ended up finding a hidden gem...the school playground.  That's right.  Don't get too jealous.  We packed up the kids and drove BACK to school to play on the abandoned playground.  It was awesome.  All the kids had a great time and said they had never had that much fun at school.  Ever.

Kids are funny.

Saturday, my family slept in and it was GLORIOUS.  It was our turn to clean the church.  Which by our, I really mean me.  It was MY turn to clean the church but we wanted to be together as a family.  So we packed up the car with the kids and the Craigslist dog and headed out for some family fun.  While I slaved away by myself  served God by cleaning our building (cue the organ), my family explored a creek and the woods behind our church.  It was picture perfect.  After the cleaning was done, we played frisbee and the dog chased a ball. Saturday night, my cousin was in town from Stillwater, OK with her family.  We went to my Granny's for dinner and loved hanging out with them. 

So far, so good.  Spring break won't break me.

Sunday we actually made it to church in spite of the dreaded time change.  I won't admit how late we were, but we get points for going.  Hey, that's what counts.  Later that night, I went to a birthday party for a wonderful friend.  We met at 6:00pm and didn't get home until 3:00am.  We started at Olive Garden and then moved on to IHOP.  Because we are in Jr. High, we spent the entire night solving the world's problems and installing new apps on our smartphones.  I laughed more that night than I have in a long time.  It was a much needed night with some lifelong friends.  I love those girls!

Monday was a great day at home.  I am proud to say that my kids actually got along for the entire day.  They worked together on a project and spent the time not wanting to kill each other.  AMAZING.  I kept having to pinch myself.  The night ended with a sleepover for my kids.  This is a huge treat for them.  We have really limited the sleepovers this past year.  So they were both really excited to have one planned.  I teamed up with a friend with the same age boy and girl.  She took the girls and I took the boys.  Other than feeding them, it was a breeze. 

Anyone?  Anyone?

Oh, well.  At least my mom will like this review.

*sigh*

Speaking of my mom, she offered to take all the kids home Tuesday afternoon and keep them overnight.  At first I said no.  I just couldn't imagine spring break without spending every minute with my babies.

HA!  I caught you still reading!

Of course I said YES to her offer and scheduled a date night with my favorite man.  We called up an amazing couple and headed to Chili's.  One thing led to another and we all ended up at Wal-Mart at 10:00pm.

LAUGHING OUR HEADS OFF. 

This is what four old people buy when they go to Wal-Mart on a date night.

-shampoo
-deodorant
-contact solution
-Pepto
-gum
-$5 stretchy pants
-some other really boring things that only old married people buy

(Did you know that you can buy wine in a container that looks like a juice box?  It's scary what you can find at Wal-Mart.)

Anyway, this leads me to Wednesday.  My kids have been gone all day and I have been ALONE in my house.  Happy Dance doesn't even begin to describe the feeling of being alone in your own home.  My time is running out though and the kids will be here any minute.  Drats.

Spring Break 2011. 

Pretty awesome so far.

(Writing this took all I had.  I need to go lie down.)

Pictures from my memory card.

I am feeling under the weather today. Wit has been sick for the last couple of days with strep throat and the round-the-clock care for a sick toddler has left me dragging. I am flat tired. He also has a virus going on in his sinuses so his breathing has been terrifying at night. He will breathe for a few seconds, stop, then jerk himself into breathing again.

Repeat.

All. Night. Long.

The last two nights I have slept on the floor by his little bed and I ache all over.

Wah. Wah. Wah.

I need to clean the house. Desperately. But don't have the energy. So I am organizing pictures instead. My memory cards are completely full and need to be updated. I found some great pictures as I was wading through the digital mess.

This makes me happy!  And it makes me long for summer days.  Pool days.  Lazy days.  Mostly, it just makes me smile.



Wit and his future bride "Cakewin" (Caitlyn).  Yes, I believe in arranged marriages.  Plus, I would have one of my dearest friends as family!  "Cakewin's" mom is pretty awesome!

Cousins and friends playing Chicken Tower in the pool.  Yes, please.  Any day now, please.

One of the greatest things we did during the BLIZZARD of 2011 was have our dear friends spend two days with us.  It was a mini vacation in the middle of THE WEATHER EVENT OF THE YEAR.  Forecasts indicated that people would lose power for days and they didn't have a fireplace.  It was the best part of winter!

When we wouldn't let them outside because of the windchill, they decided they were mad.  Well, three were mad and one was just happy to be there!  They ended up sliding down the stairs with sleeping bags and all was well.

Langley's first season to play basketball.  The Kiwi Pirates may not win many ballgames, but they sure won my heart!

       

Ice Skating rink downtown.  Actually "plastic skating" as Zeb would say.  It's the same material as your cutting board.  I love Wit and Daddy skating! * Melts me*



It's officially time for Spring Training!  Let the angels rejoice in the heavens!  By the way, I have a crush on the coach! Don't tell Skip.




On flea markets, road trips and an oxymoron.

I only have a few minutes to squeeze out one of the most random lists you have ever read! If you the type of person that runs when she sees a list, I don't blame you.

Run away!

For the rest of you daring enough to stay. Thank you.  It really means a lot that you would choose to read my randomness.

1. I read the most thought provoking quote the other day from the really funny author of Stuff Christians Like. In a tweet, he said..."Trying to make everyone happy is a great way to make sure you're not. " WOW! Does that resonate with anyone else, or is it just me?  Hello.  My name is Janelle and I am a people pleaser.  I could write a whole book about how this trait has made me miserable over the years.  I want to be more bold in sticking up for myself, or saying the N word (NO!) more often.  Baby steps.

2.  My husband's family is turning one of their B-Town retail spaces into a flea market and antique store.  It's been a passion for my sister-in-law and I think it will be wonderful.  The flair is vintage and shabby chic.  My personal favorite style of decorating.  If you are local and are interested in renting a booth space (if that's your thing!), let me know.  The mismatched plates that I decorate with are getting broken by a certain boy faster than I can wrap the plate holder around a new one.  So, I am definitely excited to do some shopping for my house!

3.  My sweet mom had a birthday last week and she asked me a couple of months ago if I had any interest in a road trip to celebrate.  Um, yeah.  We are heading to St. Louis this Saturday to see  NONE OTHER THAN MY HERO...PIONEER WOMAN!  *scream*  She is on a book tour and we will be standing in line just to have her sign our books.  I. CAN'T. WAIT.  Happy Birthday, me  Mom.

4.  I colored my own hair last week.  Let's just say, you get what you pay for.

5.  My favorite day of the school week is Wednesday.  It's my volunteer morning in both the kid's classrooms.  I love this day and how it makes me feel so productive.  The teachers give me their lists and I race against the clock, throw cookies at the toddler and man-power those machines.  It gives me a thrill to accomplish something.  To actually FINISH something is quite the rush.  Which leads me to my dream job.  I want to be a paid volunteer.  (oh hello, oxymoron)  I could sit in the lounge on M, W, F and have teachers bring me their copy/laminating/office work.  I would love that!  It seems that if I have to please other people, then I will get the work done (see #1).  On the contrary, if I am at home accountable only to myself, the work piles up and multiplies and never gets done.

6.  I love T.V.  Just love it with all my heart.  I don't think I could be one of those people that could ever give it up.  Proud of you if you can, but I would be so sad.  Skip and I love to watch an entire TV series on DVD (or, I guess Netflix as the young people would say).  For me it's like reading a really great book.  Each episode is a chapter in these character's lives.  We started 'House, M.D' in December and tonight we finish up the last episode of season 6.    I really like this series.  If you haven't ever watched 'Prison Break', you should.  Next up, 'Friday Night Lights.'  What is your favorite TV series?

7.  The coffee that I gave up drinking last month?  Yeah, I still don't drink it.  You know what?  I haven't seen the slightest change in my waistline from giving up all that sugar and cream.  NOT THE SLIGHTEST BIT.  It might have something to do with the M&Ms that I have replaced it with.  But, hey.  I don't drink coffee/soda anymore.  That has to be good for something, right?

8.  Did I mention Pioneer Woman?  Yay, me!

9.  I just heard the tiniest voice say that he has to go pee pee in the potty.  Better go make sure he knows what the potty is!

Love you all!

Bloggy Cobwebs

There was a time, when this blog was first created, that I couldn't go a single day without a writing a post. It is amazing to me how far I have strayed from that. I definitely need to dust off these bloggy cobwebs that have settled.

I have finally gotten rid of the idea that my bloggy comeback has to be the most creative piece EVER WRITTEN. Now, I just want something...anything that will break my silence. The best I can do is a list. A list of thoughts, ideas and a whole lot of random.

Fasten your seat belts...this will be riveting, or at the very best...readable.

1. If I were a blog friend of mine, I would have dumped me a long time ago. I haven't been faithful to read or comment lately. I still care deeply about all of you and hope to do better.

2. Facebook is just so much easier these days. I love "talking" with some of you there.

3. I haven't blogged in such a long time, I forgot my kids' blog names.

4. This weekend we celebrated Valentine's Day. It was the perfect blend of friends, family and couple time. I loved every minute of it and don't want it to end.

5. I am seriously addicted to coffee and all things caffeine. I find myself thinking about what I will drink tomorrow morning and anxiously awaiting that time, that smell, that taste.

6. I have been scrapbooking with a good friend every Friday. I love that time and really cherish the work that I have been doing on Loulabelle's baby book. I am almost done with her book and will be able to start Wingman's. From there I want to do a birthday book and Christmas book for each kiddo. I love our weekly time and hope we can always plan for it.

7. I have been recently made aware that I close my eyes when I talk. Why is that? Am I nervous, or self-conscious? I don't know, but I want to find out.

8. I have yet to find moderation in computer usage.

9. Wingman has been in his crib for a week. I miss him so much. The only comfort I have is knowing that he is sleeping so much better and just waking up once.

10. I love my kids. With my whole heart.

11. There are so many good shows on our Tivo right now. I love TV about as much as coffee and Facebook. Moderation, smoderation.

12. I want another big snow storm before spring. I want my kids home with me.

13. This list is riveting, I know.

14. I have recently come to realize that more people like their toilet paper to hang over rather than under. Apparently it is a big deal to most people.

15. My favorite item of clothing is my gray, velour track suit. I could wear it everyday.

16. I am sure some of you are regretting asking me to update my blog (Heather!) This is really the best I can come up with.

17. I made Ziplock omelets this morning. I don't know if I will ever go back to using my omelet pan after this. I love this recipe! Very fun!

18. I wish I was more articulate. I am a verbal mess. The words in my heart and head come out all jumbled and messy from my mouth. I wish I could change that.

19. I wonder if anyone cares about all this! If you are still reading...thank you!

20. I am mourning the fact that Wingman is almost 8 months old. On one hand, I love what he is doing and what is to come. But my heart is sad at what he has already left behind. The last month has brought so many changes for him. Time is going way too fast.

21. I held Z-Man tonight as I put him to bed. I realized that he still has the little boy smell of graham crackers. He has always smelled like that. I love that little boy smell. It will be a sad, sad day when that changes.

22. I am really, seriously contemplating getting a perm to reform my natural curls.

23. Tatiana, from American Idol, has GOT TO GO!! Seriously.

24. I am not sure when to use 'than' and 'then'...'effect' and 'affect'. Need a refresher course in grammar. Pretty sure that I use way too many dots when I type ...

25. I am already sad at the thought of Loulabelle starting Kindergarten in August. She is my little best friend. I will miss her so much when I have to share her with the world.

26. Skip and I would be the couple on Amazing Race that everyone hates. I don't do well under pressure and it wouldn't be pretty.

27. I want a new vacuum.

28. I am going to pull the plug on this nonsense. I'm not sure if the cobwebs are gone, but it will feel good to hit the PUBLISH button after a month of silence.

Love to my blog friends!!

It's 2:40am.

And I can't sleep.

Too many things rattling around in my brain.

I am going to hurt tomorrow.

What? A post already written for me? Sweet.

There's an awesome blogger, named Tara, who's fun and encouraging and a new mom of three. She had this sweet post on her blog yesterday and I just had to copy it. Partly because I thought it was a fun idea and the other part because the words in my head don't come out anymore.

It's a jumbled, swampy mess up there.

This one is easy and already written for whoever wants to play along. Here are the rules...

Just copy and paste the 200 statements then bold the ones you have done...the idea is to highlight the things you have done out of the 200 items on the list. If you see bold in this one, it's because I've done that. Okay, here we go...

1. Touched an iceberg
2. Slept under the stars
3. Been a part of a hockey fight
4. Changed a baby's diaper (a lot of diapers!!)
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Swam with wild dolphins
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a tarantula (over my dead body!)
10. Said "I love you" and meant it
11. Bungee jumped (notsomuch)
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Stayed up all night long and watched the sun rise
15. Seen the Northern Lights
16. Gone to a huge sports game
17. Walked the stairs to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown and eaten your own vegetables
19. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope
20. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Bet on a winning horse
23. Taken a sick day when you're not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Taken an ice cold bath
28. Had a meaningful conversation with a beggar
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Ridden a roller coaster
31. Hit a home run (not unless wiffle ball counts!)
32. Danced like a fool and not cared who was looking
33. Adopted an accent for fun
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Felt very happy about your life, even for just a moment
36. Loved your job 90% of the time
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Watched wild whales
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Gone on a midnight walk on the beach
41. Gone sky diving
42. Visited Ireland
43. Ever bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited India
45. Bench-pressed your own weight
46. Milked a cow
47. Alphabetized your personal files
48. Ever worn a superhero costume
49. Sung karaoke
50. Lounged around in bed all day (my personal favorite activity of all these!)
51. Gone scuba diving (sadly, those days are done. My ears can't take it!)
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Done something you should regret, but don't
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Been in a movie
60. Gone without food for 3 days
61. Made cookies from scratch
62. Won first prize in a costume contest
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Been in a combat zone
65. Spoken more than one language fluently
66. Gotten into a fight while attempting to defend someone
67. Bounced a check
68. Read - and understood - your credit report
69. Recently bought and played with a favorite childhood toy
70. Found out something significant that your ancestors did
71. Called or written your Congress person
72. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over
73. Walked the Golden Gate Bridge
74. Helped an animal give birth
75. Been fired or laid off from a job (laid off, thankyouverymuch!)
76. Won money
77. Broken a bone
78. Ridden a motorcycle
79. Driven any land vehicle at a speed of greater than 100 mph
80. Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon
81. Slept through an entire flight: takeoff, flight, and landing
82. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days
83. Eaten sushi
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read The Bible cover to cover
86. Changed someone's mind about something you care deeply about
87. Gotten someone fired for their actions
88. Gone back to school
89. Changed your name
90. Caught a fly in the air with your bare hands
91. Eaten fried green tomatoes
92. Read The Iliad
93. Taught yourself an art from scratch (sewing)
94. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
95. Apologized to someone years after inflicting the hurt
96. Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language
97. Been elected to public office
98. Thought to yourself that you're living your dream (everyday)
99. Had to put someone you love into hospice care
100. Sold your own artwork to someone who didn't know you
101. Had a booth at a street fair
102. Dyed your hair
103. Been a DJ
104. Rocked a baby to sleep
105. Ever dropped a cat from a high place to see if it really lands on all four
106. Raked your carpet
107. Brought out the best in people
108. Brought out the worst in people
109. Worn a mood ring
110. Ridden a horse
111. Carved an animal from a piece of wood or bar of soap
112. Cooked a dish where four people asked for the recipe.
113. Buried a child
114. Gone to a Broadway (or equivalent to your country) play
115. Been inside the pyramids
116. Shot a basketball into a basket
117. Danced at a disco
118. Played in a band
119. Shot a bird
120. Gone to an arboretum
121. Tutored someone
122. Ridden a train
123. Brought an old fad back into style (Pam!)
124. Eaten caviar
125. Let a salesman talk you into something you didn’t need
126. Ridden a giraffe or elephant
127. Published a book
128. Pieced a quilt
129. Lived in a historic place
130. Acted in a play or performed on a stage
131. Asked for a raise
132. Made a hole-in-one (just in mini-golf!)
133. Gone deep sea fishing
134. Gone roller skating
135. Ran a marathon (just a 5K, but I'm claiming it!)
136. Learned to surf
137. Invented something
138. Flown first class-
139. Spent the night in a 5-star luxury suite
140. Flown in a helicopter
141. Visited Africa
142. Sang a solo (yeah, right!)
143. Gone spelunking
144. Learned how to take a compliment
145. Written a love-story
146. Seen Michelangelo’s David
147. Had your portrait painted
148. Written a fan letter
149. Spent the night in something haunted
150. Owned a St. Bernard or Great Dane
151. Ran away
152. Learned to juggle
153. Been a boss
154. Sat on a jury
155. Lied about your weight (daily, my drivers license!)
156. Gone on a diet
157. Found an arrowhead or a gold nugget
158. Written a poem
159. Carried your lunch in a lunch box
160. Gotten food poisoning
161. Gone on a service, humanitarian or religious mission
162. Hiked the Grand Canyon
163. Sat on a park bench and fed the ducks
164. Gone to the opera
165. Gotten a letter from someone famous
166. Worn knickers
167. Ridden in a limousine
168. Attended the Olympics
169. Can hula or waltz
170. Read a half dozen Nancy Drew or Hardy Boys books
171. Been stuck in an elevator
172. Had a revelatory dream
173. Thought you might crash in an airplane
174. Had a song dedicated to you on the radio or at a concert
175. Saved someone’s life
176. Eaten raw whale
177. Know how to tat, smock or do needlepoint
178. Laughed till your side hurt
179. Straddled the equator
180. Taken a photograph of something other than people that is worth framing
181. Gone to a Shakespeare Festival
182. Sent a message in a bottle
183. Spent the night in a hostel
184. Been a cashier
185. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
186. Joined a union
187. Donated blood or plasma
188. Built a camp fire
189. Kept a blog
190. Had hives
191. Worn custom made shoes or boots
192. Made a PowerPoint presentation
193. Taken a Hunter’s Safety Course
194. Served at a soup kitchen
195. Conquered the Rubik’s cube
196. Know CPR
197. Ridden in or owned a convertible
198. Found a long lost friend
199. Helped solve a crime
200. Responded to a NJP newsletter (since I don't know what this is....)

Apology is in order.

Where are my manners? I am so sorry, faithful few. I am embarrassed beyond belief to realize that my "Aunt" post has been up for over 2 weeks. Those of you who have checked back on me have had to endure that ugly visual.

I am terribly rude.

It's just that there isn't much to say right now. Strike that. There is so much to say but getting it all down in the written form is stressful to me. It is just ONE MORE THING TO DO in a long list of things that never quite get done.

You know what I mean?

Plus, I am tired. Really, really to the bone tired. But in a good way.

I love this life and if I ever get un-tired I will tell you all about it.

Janelle is...

...still in her jammies.

...wondering if a 30 minute time-out is too long.

...listening to her baby squeak.

...counting down the time until Skip takes Z-man to the new Star Wars movie.

...needing to make lunch for her hungry kids.

...glad the dishes are done.

...feeling guilty that summer is almost over and what does she have to show for it?

...about to fold the laundry.

...loving the cooler temperatures.

...eating carrots and dip and loving the CRUNCH!

...seriously confused why it takes all day to pick up the house and .5 seconds to destroy it.

...going to be proactive next year and just plant weeds and dead flowers.

...ready for Wingman to get into a nap routine.

...jealous of Loulabelle's curly hair.

...needing some more energy.

...wishing she could transfer her "baby fat" to the actual baby.

...tired of settling arguments.

...so over beach volleyball.

...missing Jim, Pam, Dwight, Michael and Andy.

...wasting time on this dang computer.

...listening to her baby's squeaks turn into cries.

...saying goodbye!

How old is yours?

A sweet, sweet friend gave me a starter of Amish Friendship Bread. She was lamenting about how her bread doesn't seem to rise as well as her neighbor's. I thought her problem might be related to her baking powder.

She went to her pantry to check the expiration of her powder. May 1996!! After a good laugh, I decided to check mine before I ruined this yummy bread.

JUNE 1997.

Eleven years ago we were moving home from Texas to start our careers. We had been married for 1 year and 7 months. We were 4 years from the birth of our first child.

Bill Clinton was President and relatively scandal-free. I just had surgery to remove my spleen and was recouping in our new house.

I weighed a good 20 pounds less than what I do now, and my skinny jeans were just that. I could eat what I wanted and it didn't seem to matter. Skip and I could also go to movies on a whim and I read about 5 books per week.

We just got our second dog and they were our babies. Life was devoted to making them happy.

Eleven years. So many years, so little need for baking powder.

I am dying of curiosity. How old is your baking powder?

Really. Go check.

Free advice.

45 mile round trip to pediatrician.
25 dollar co-pay.
2 stops to feed baby before and after.
3 hour trip.
1 well fed baby.
0 times spitting up since. ZERO, NADA. ZIP.

Seriously, this is my third child. You would think that I would learn to wait certain things out.

I guess once a freaker-outer, always a freaker-outer. Except for the time that Loulabelle ate a handful of worms when she was just 8 months old. I was perfectly calm then. I think calling the doctor about that would have put me at risk for possible Child Protective intervention.

It's about picking your battles. Three days worth of spit-up, you call. Consuming handful of earthworms, no call.

You won't find that advice in any parenting book.

On a lighter and considerably softer note, we are back in the Charmin business. Hello 2-ply. You have been missed.

Are you going to blog anytime soon?

Is the question I keep asking myself.

It is hard to describe with words how ordinary and EXTRAORDINARY life is right now. So I may just have to update in list format.

That's inspired writing, folks!

1. Diapers, feeding, laundry, kid's squabbles and repeat every 2 hours, or until your mind becomes numb.

2. We are heading to the pediatrician today for a weight check (thank goodness, not me!) Wingman has been spitting up the entire feeding for the last 2-3 days. They want to make sure it's nothing. ***UPDATED**** Wingman is doing great. Doctor thinks he is just getting too much milk. His weight is up to 8.10. Little fatty.

3. My friends ROCK!! The meals that have been made for us have blog post written all over it. We have been treated like royalty these last 3 weeks. I will post some yummy recipes soon. Everything from Bowtie Pasta to Bbq Chicken Pizza. It has all been HEAVENLY!

4. Skip bought generic toilet paper. I won't even go there!

5. Today was the first day that I took all three kids someplace. We were there on time! Everyday my confidence is growing. I think we will get this figured out before school starts.

6. Hormones are leveling out! Praise Jesus! I am feeling like a nice mom again, not some terrorist ready to blow the whole family.

7. Really, there is not much going on in my brain. This is pretty dull.

8. So. Paci or no paci? That is the question around here these days.

9. Three weeks!!!??? When did my baby turn 3 weeks old? Sheesh, next thing you know we will be packing him for college.

10. Can I tell you how much I love my OB/GYN? I am practically her stalker hoping that she will be my BFF. I keep telling myself that I am her favorite. Maybe I am....

11. The Office. I don't get it. I need help.

My poor, unfortunate blog.

My poor blog. My poor readers. Nothing to read except for Nerd's removal and my attitude adjustment. My biggest apologies.

Actually, I have thought about blogging all the mundane things happening in my life. But the words are never there. They are not flowing.

It is really sad when Skip comments everyday that he needs my updates. He is waiting on pins and needles just to see my name in bold on Bloglines. Well, he is sure to disappointed with this one. But here goes...

For the moment life is quiet. Change is right around the corner and we can all feel it, especially Z-man.

We are just starting a minor remodeling job to add a bathroom and closet for him. He is moving downstairs to a larger bedroom to make room for baby. He wavers between excitement and nervousness. We are trying to really celebrate the fact that he is our big boy with the most privileges. He expresses his insecurities at night as we put him to bed. There have been many times that he has shared (through tears) that he would rather share a room with the baby.

It is a bittersweet change for him. He wants to be big and brave, but really he is still so little. I hate to see him having to grow up so fast. Even though our downstairs is very open, it does seem like he is moving far away from me. I haven't showed him this. I show him my brave and excited face. I show him my strength and hope that he believes it. It does break my heart a little. But I know we must do it. We have no other options. I just pray that his little heart can take this change and not feel like it's a punishment.

*sigh*

Other news, the baby is kicking away. The pregnancy is going so fast, 23 weeks down and 17 to go. I am feeling great and having so much fun being pregnant now. It is also bittersweet knowing that this will be our last baby. As crazy as it sounds, I am missing the morning sickness. I feel sad to know that I will never feel that way again because of a new pregnancy.

That is CRAZY talk. I know. But it is true. Every time I think that I should slow down and savor this moment, another week has passed. The moments that I hope to never forget are when the kids can feel him kicking. The smile and joy on their faces is the absolute best feeling in the world.

Changes are in the works. They will come with warmer weather, sunshine and longer days. They are around the corner. But for now, we are quiet and calm. I am happy to be here.

Even in the midst of remodeling...

So, my poor, unfortunate blog. I hope you don't feel too neglected. You are loved even when I don't show it. I think about you more than you know.

I have no title for this random mess of information.

Hi everyone! I have been away far too long and I would love to catch up with all of you. First let me explain why I have been away. It is weird and you might not believe me. Being that I have been so sick with this pregnancy, one of the side effects for me is an aversion to Wal-Mart and computers.

Now I know you are all shaking your heads in disbelief. But it is true. I haven't been able to tolerate our local Wal-Marts, or spend any length of time on the computer without getting really sick. I can't explain it but it has held true with all three of my pregnancies.

The good news is that I am feeling 100% better. The dark days of the first trimester have cleared and I enjoyed a wonderful Christmas and family vacation without the dreaded and frequent trips to the bathroom. I am so thankful that it is behind me and I am enjoying my newly formed BUMP.

Today, I am tackling Wal-Mart. I think I can do it.

Anyway, December flew by for us probably like it did for all of you. It was a magical month filled with anniversaries, birthdays, gingerbread houses, hot cocoa, weddings, gift exchanges, Santa sightings, movie nights, and cookie making. Honestly I don't know how we managed to do it all based on how sick I was. It was all a blur, but I know memories were made.

Right after Christmas, Skip's dad plans a Mystery Trip for the whole family. He plans it and is the only one who knows where we are going. This was our 14th year and what a blast! We went on a Rambling Road trip through the South and ended up in Disney World. Watching my kids enjoy the wonder of it all with their cousins was really special. Zman was brave enough to ride the biggest and fastest thrill rides. It really made it fun to watch him overcome his fears. Loulabelle and I met every character and decided that Belle was pretty but not her favorite. I think she thought the Beast was lurking somewhere in her midst ready to scare her.

Since returning home I have been buried by laundry and dishes and the clutter of toys. Thankfully our house was de-Christmased while we were gone so I didn't have to mess with that. I am almost through getting organized. I still don't know where to put some of the new toys. It is time to get serious on Mission Organization!

Last night our area had a MAJOR storm. At around 3am, the Tornado siren in our neighborhood started to shriek. I felt for Skip and couldn't find him in bed. I got up to look for him and figure out what to do. I couldn't find him in the kid's rooms. I looked in the garage. I couldn't find him. I made one more walk through and see him coming in the front door from outside. FROM OUTSIDE. What was he thinking?? He said he heard a really loud noise like a snow plow and had to go check it out. Hello! The tornado siren was going off so there is only one thing that could sound that loud...WIND. I think he wants to be a weather chaser in his next life!

Little Poppy had a doctor's appointment today. I have lost 10 pounds since October and the Dr. was a little concerned. I need to start making up ground. I find it hard to believe that I am still losing because I am starting to waddle. Anyway, she said the baby was active and the heart beat was really healthy. I love hearing that sweet noise of the heart. It is so reassuring to me to know that our baby is safe and sound inside me

As you can see, we are still here. Healthy and safe. I can't wait to start blogging again and reading all your terrific and encouraging words. I have missed my computer time. Now that it won't make me vomit, I should be spending more time right here with you!

I will leave you with our sweet Christmas card picture. I still have my cards to mail so if you live in B-town I will get you a real copy!

My Life is Random

Alana tagged me to share 8 random facts about myself. Things that I have rarely shared with others. Eight of my deepest, darkest secrets. Well, maybe that is a bit dramatic. Here goes nothing...

1. Until the age of 3, I had no hair...NONE. Now, I have plenty to share. It finally came in blonde and curly...like someone I know who shall be named Loulabelle. Somewhere in the elementary grades it started to turn a lovely shade of mousy brown. Now in my early thirties it is starting to turn an even lovelier shade of ash gray.

2. Pumpkin pie makes my skin crawl. *shudder* I think it is a texture problem not a taste problem.

3. I wanted to marry Jon Bon Jovi. I used to pretend that I was a guest on Johnny Carson giving an interview about my husband JBJ. I had a plastic diamond ring that I wore during the "interview" and flashed it often as I told about our fantastic life together. The crowd would always go crazy when I would talk about JBJ and our kids. (I know you are wondering...I was a geek.)

4. I wet my pants in 5th grade...in the classroom...10 feet away from the bathroom...on my birthday.

5. I can remember Rhonda's phone number...my oldest friend from 7th grade. (***-2642) Many memories of talking on the phone and watching MTV or SNL during our early teen years.
She and I also tried to order apple juice at a Cory Hart concert...Rhonda, I hope you are smiling if you are reading this.

6. I am not afraid of spiders...but walking sticks are pure torture.

7. Nancy Drew was my constant companion from 4th-7th grade. I soaked her up and loved all of her adventures. I haven't decided whether to see the movie or whether it will ruin the Nancy Drew in my head. I am afraid they have made her too quirky. She is not quirky in my head.

8. Oprah is such a follower. For as long as I can remember I have loved the color of spring green. New grass green. The first green that follows the dull of winter. Well, Oprah stole my thunder and announced that it was HER favorite color and had Crayola name it after her. I just don't have the platform that she does to make such proclamations, but I liked it first. I know I did!