These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things...

This song is just amazing. I can't hear it without crying. And written by a man who was an awesome minister who was taken to Heaven much too soon. Thank you, Jesus, for giving this man the talent and the song. It's a perfect explanation of what His love has done for me. And yet I wasn't even born when it was written...

Bobby & I once danced to this song in Ralph's (Grocery store) at 1am after a difficult week. I don't remember particularly why it was a hard week, but I do remember the spontaneity of the moment and the romance of the way Bobby took the bag of Dorito's I was picking out of the bin and threw it aside as we began our waltz over to the bottled water aisle. One of the most romantic moments of my entire life.

I love this song. It's just flat out soothing & peaceful. Just the other night I had a tough night. Okay, I admit. It was a bad hair day that took hours to repair. When this song came on my iPod I stopped, took a deep breath, felt the calm take over me, and was able to accomplish my goal. This song I have played on happy days, sad days, stressful days, and days full of rejoicing. :sigh:

I really can't explain this one. It's been my favorite song since I was a wee teenager. I do know that when I realized I didn't want to be alone forever as I had previously claimed during my divorce was while listening to this song. I wanted to feel "Hysteria". Yeah, I know. Super cheesy. Who cares, go read another blog if you don't want cheese, because me? I'm all about cheese. Especially since Bobby came along. Thanks to him, I know "Hysteria".

LOVE this! Who doesn't?

Okay, just kidding. I was serious about the others though!

More to come as I think of them... I'm tapped out for now.

Some People Call Me Maurice...

Some might say I'm a sell out...

My reply is I just created a new brand.  No harm, no foul.

Don't worry, cause I'm right here.  Yes, right here.  Right here at home.



Disclaimer: This post was not "triggered" by any one person's words or such.  It was just randomly thought out while doing some (once again, dangerous) thinking.  Possibly by playing a wee bit too much Rock Band.  But who's to say what is too much?  Hmm?

I'm feeling silly, in case you haven't noticed.  Having a good high calorie meal at the local Red Robin after 1 1/2 weeks of dieting might do that to you.  A blog on that topic is to follow in the next few days...

I Just Can't Get You Out Of My Head...

Just a random song stuck in my head today...

Thar Be A Storm A Comin'...

If you're curious as to why the annoying title, click here.

For those of you that are in So Cal reading this, you know that we are anticipating yet another storm.  The clouds are rolling in, the air is chill, and visibility is less and less.

In the recent burn areas, more sand bags are being put out to prevent mud slides.  In the valleys and near reservoirs, county and city workers are putting out the "flooded" and "warning" signs.  For those with children who play outdoors, this is the time you would overlook the yard to make sure no toys were left out.  Farmers and other agricultural workers are taking the appropriate precautions with the animals, crops, and land.

We've all learned in the past that while the forecast might say one thing, it may do something completely different.  If I personally learned anything from living where there was true winter weather, it was to be ready should the worst happen.  If a blizzard comes along and you're going to be stuck in your home for days, you're going to want food.  I know where we are at now, there is a chance if a large rainfall happens in a short amount of time, getting out of our neighborhood is extremely challenging.  In those times, one needs to be sure to have all the staples and necessities.  Food, medications, candles, batteries, etc.

In life, we should always be prepared for emergencies.  For example, no one could have predicted just how much snow would fall in the San Bernardino mountains this past week.  Yesterday, there were residents and tourists stranded without food and gas.  I'm not sure how much could have been really done to prevent this situation, but if they had known, don't you think the area would have been well stocked?

We take all this attention to our homes and families when prepping for a storm... But what about our souls?  Are you ready for a storm?  Have you been spending time with God in prayer and focusing on him instead of what can wait?  I can say from recent experience, battling a storm with Him is so much simpler than without.  You can face the winds without fear.  You will no longer startle at the thunder or lightning. When the temperature drops, you'll be kept warm.  Instead of the raindrops stinging your face, you will find shelter.  And if the storm goes on too long, you'll be kept sustained and well taken care of.  Facing a storm with Jesus doesn't mean the clouds won't be on the horizon, but that the effects will not affect you as severely.

Thank you, Lord, for all of the storms you've brought me through this far.  Help me to be prepared for each one after by keeping you first in my life.

Your Call Will Be Answered In Approximately 437 Minutes...

Thank you for holding!

I just want to take a moment to mention how thankful I am that God does not answer our prayers in the order which they were received, but in his time.

Further more, I'm glad that my matters are all in his hands, instead of someone at a call center who gets to randomly decide what is important and what is not.

To take it one step more with that statement, I'm even more grateful that God decides what is important, what is urgent, what can wait, and what should be ignored.

What it must be like to see it all from the big picture, and know the need before it is needed... To know what seems so important to us is actually rather insignificant... To see what we view as "URGENT" and know that it can actually wait, or vice versa.

I'm so glad I'm not in charge.  And no offense, but I'm so glad you're not in charge either!

The Blog Nazi Says...

No blog for you! Come back 1 day!

Just Between You & Me

This morning, in the course of random thinking.  (It's a scary, but fun sport.)  I wondered how many people a long the way have I unintentionally hurt.  We've all done it, and everyone at some point has been hurt in this way.  And no, I'm not talking about sarcasm or passive aggressive behavior.  I mean flat out not realizing that your words or actions are hurtful to someone who either took it the wrong way or my brain/mouth filter having a momentary lapse.

Lord, forgive me for anyone I have hurt this way.  And if anyone reading at some point was hurt by something I said or did, I'm sorry.  I would never intentionally do anything to hurt someone, and believe me, if I were angry... you would know.  (Lord, forgive me for that also...)

This Just In...

Bobby has stated that I am a perfect Mom.  If that is so, I would guess I am perfect in general, right? RIGHT?!

Though I think he was comparing me to this freak (click on freak) and next to her, nearly anyone would look great....

Still, I'm just sayin'... Bobby said I'm perfect.

This blog will be kept on file for future references when complaints are brought up against me and my "perfection".

Note: On January 22nd, 2010, Bobby stated that I am perfect.

Thank you.

P.S. Isn't he HOT!!! I'm seriously one lucky woman to be married to such a perfect father & husband. ;)

It's A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood

Ignore my camera's reflection, please.

I took this photo at about 10:30 this morning.  Isn't it beautiful to see the snow coming down so low?  It is now 2:00 pm and I can see it thickening up and coming lower with the system that is moving through now.

I know Diania and others are sick of this weather, and I'm so sorry... but I'm so happy for this very last day of it.  Especially with the picture perfect views!

Today Is The Greatest Day I've Ever Known...

This morning I woke up in a "mood".   I felt sensitive and vulnerable.

I know that some are affected this way by the weather, but I don't believe that was the cause of my outlook.  In fact, I'm feeling down that our rainy days are coming to an end soon.  I love stormy weather, and this week has just been great for me in that sense. I find myself dreading Saturday when it is forecasted to be partly sunny by afternoon.

I started off just annoyed to be awake.  I think we all have a day like that from time to time, right?  I didn't sleep well last night, and the fact that today was already here just really flat out ticked me off.  Then I checked my email and something that I wouldn't normally think twice about made me want to cry.  In general I was feeling down and discouraged, feeling as though doom and gloom were on the horizon. As I went on with my morning, I just kept thinking "I don't want today to be like this!"  I most certainly didn't want to be the cause of anyone else's bad attitude with my negativity, either.

When I was a little girl and a teenager, if I was feeling down, my Grandma would tell me: "Why should you be sad?  We have Jesus!  Read your Bible for a little while and I'm sure you'll feel better."  Grandma was also known for her love of Pollyanna and looking on the bright side.

I figured I'd give it a try this morning. I mean, I read my Bible on a regular basis, but what could it hurt to just stop and read and expect something to cheer me up?

How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!

Isaiah 52:7

Now how does that not make you feel better, huh?  Makes it hard to have a negative outlook, I'll say that much...

And The Weekly Top 40!

So, I should probably do the smart thing and not write a blog while medicated.

But when have I ever been known to do that, HUH? ;)

It seems I've reached a point in my life where less and less I find myself worrying about what others think.  Now, don't get me wrong.  Let's clarify.  I still make an effort to not offend others and would never purposely do something that would cause someone to think less of me.  What I'm talking about is simply me being who I am, and not worrying what anyone else thinks of what my opinion, status, dress, spirit, wealth, size, etc. is.

It has taken me over 28 years to get to this point, and let me just say it is oh so liberating.  To just be myself without an apology, ahhhh.  I must thank my husband most of all for helping me to this point, but that's not to say a lot of others haven't been there for me either.

And now I'm going to post this blog, as boring as it may be, and not worry for a single second what anyone else thinks about it, because it's my blog. HA! So there! ;)

Pete & Repeat Were In A Boat...

Tommy has been  repeating the same 3 phrases A LOT lately.  He is often letting us know he is sorry, thankful, and that he loves us. That is, in addition to making it clear to us that he has no interest in counting from 1-4, but is skilled to boast the number 5-9 and what noises trains make.

All of Tommy's "Thank yous", "I love yous", & "I'm sorrys" warm my heart at how sweet of a guy he can be.  He even says thank you to your thank you.  (He doesn't quite know "your welcome" yet...)  In fact, just the other day I was getting on to him for doing something he wasn't supposed to.  I took away his toy and sat him on time out, at which point he took a breath between wails and said through his tears "THANK YOU".  Though I'm thinking he might of been so upset and didn't realize he wasn't saying I'm sorry.  When he tripped on his brother's seat, he turned, hugged Johnny, and said softly "I'm sorry".  And the abundance of hugs and kisses that go along with his repetitive exclamation of I love you brings one of the greatest feelings a Mom could ever have.

It just makes you wonder... What would the world be like if all of the grown ups used these phrases more often and freely?  Just three simple little phrases.  I could be wrong, but I'm pretty sure this planet would be a lot more friendly, less stressed, and willing to help those in need instead of only looking out for #1.

I know, personally, I'm going to make an effort to use these phrases more.  You?

Mmm Mmm Good...

First of all.... What exactly do you do when you suddenly have a craving for Taco Bell, but yet the meat for lasagna is thawing?  Such tough decisions!  Whatever will I DO?!

Second:

Do you feel as though half of your arteries clogged up just by looking at this photo?




Really?




Probably because THEY DID!


See, the thing is, I'm having a really hard time here. Do I post my secret recipe for the world to see?  Do I share my hints, tips, & secrets?  Such a challenge!

It really is the best fried chicken ever, though. It even won the award for the best fried chicken ever. From who? Doesn't matter. But it's the best. Ever. Hands down. Period. I'm not just saying that because I'm biased either.

Maybe I'll make a decision as I layer my lasagna tonight and post it while it's baking... or not...

Merry Christmas! Also Happy Anniversary, New Year, Birthday, & MLK!

For most people, the day after Christmas brings a halt to the insanity that has everyone running around like chickens with their heads cut off. Not in this home! No sir, we don't like to keep things boring around here. Since Bobby & I met in person and married in the few days after Christmas, our anniversary falls the day before New Year's Eve. Add to the fact that our daughter's birthday lands smack dab in the middle of January (usually around Martin Luther King Jr. day) and you've got one busy, tired family. We love it all though...

This last week, however, Bobby & I took a break. We sent the 2 little ones to my Mom's for 2 days and locked ourselves in the house. We slept like we've never slept before, ate delicious food, and played Rock Band for hours. (Who doesn't love that game? Seriously?!) I cannot stress enough how wonderful it was to have time alone where we could talk to each other, goof off,  and both of us eat at the same time.  I believe every parent should take one of these "getaways" at least once a year, with a 2 night minimum, if possible.

On that note, I'm so blessed to have a husband who takes the time to do something so valuable for our marriage and sanity.  I'm even more blessed to have parents who love my children and take them for a few days.

Now, let's see if I can lay low and stay off the radar until mid-February... Yeah, right.

(Photo of Johnny included simply because he's a doll!)

Clean

There's just something about a good rainfall that makes everything seem whole and pure.  Kind of like the feeling after a good cry that was long coming.  A release to allow all that has been penned up to let loose and clear out.  The exhaustion that comes with it is both inevitable and welcome.  Some of the best slumber is that which takes place during a storm.  Laying with your eyes closed, listening to the thunder in the distance as the rain hits the window.  Whether napping on a couch, bed, floor, car seat, desk chair, or bench... it's destined to be calming.  If there's a chill in the air, even better.

I'm so thrilled for the rain we are enduring now and for the remainder of this week.  I only hope that everyone is safe that is out there driving in it.  It seems Californians never know how to handle this odd spectacle that is water falling from the sky and only happens about 3 times a year.

Here comes the rain again
Falling on my head like a memory
Falling on my head like a new
emotion
I want to walk in the open wind
I want to talk like lovers do
I want to dive into your ocean
Is it raining with you

So baby talk to me
Like lovers do
Walk with me
Like lovers do
Talk to me
Like lovers do

Here comes the rain again
Raining in my head like a tragedy
Tearing me apart like a new
emotion
Oooooh
I want to breathe in the open wind
I want to kiss like lovers do
I want to dive into your ocean
Is it raining with you

So baby talk to me
Like lovers do

Here comes the rain again
Falling on my head like a memory
Falling on my head like a new
emotion
(Here it comes again, here it comes
again)
I want to walk in the open wind
I want to talk like lovers do
I want dive into your ocean
Is it raining with you

Looks Like I've Done It Again..

I'm really lagging in the blog department lately, I know. Since I'm camped out on the couch with a cold, I thought I'd pause the DVR and put some of my thoughts out there as I haven't in a while...

Expect sporadic blogging to be taking place...