50 questions

1. What time did you get up this morning? 7:30
2. Diamonds or pearls? Diamonds
3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? Children of Men
4. What are your favorite TV shows? Lost, The Office
5. What did you have for breakfast? cereal
6. What is your middle name? Marie
7. What is your favorite cuisine? nachos, if you call that cuisine
8. What foods do you dislike? any seafood
9. What are your favorite chips? Baked Lays cheddar & sour cream
10. What is your favorite CD at the moment? John Mayer's Continuum...when I'm not listening to Dora or Veggie Tales
11. What kind of car do you drive? Honda
12. Favorite sandwich? not sure, depends on the restaurant
13. What are characteristics you can't stand? dishonesty
14. What are your favorite clothes? jeans and sandals
15. If you could go anywhere on vacation, wherewould it be? Europe & Hawaii
16. Favorite brand of clothing? not sure I care...it's more about the deal
17. Where would you want to retire? Colorado mountains
18. Favorite time of day? evening
19. Where were you born? Greeley, CO
20. What's your favorite movie? not sure, right now it's TV series..(British) The Office
21. What is your favorite sport to watch? none, except live...I'm learning to appreciate baseball (Go White Sox!)
22. Who do you think will not send this back? not sending it...but feel free to copy & paste=)
23. Person you expect to send it back first? same as above
24. Coke or Pepsi? Coke Zero
25. Beavers or ducks? I don't get this
26. Are you a morning person or a night owl? I suppose night, but probably neither one
27. Pedicure or manicure? pedicures
28. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share with everyone? nope
29. What did you want to be when you were little? astronaut & president of the U.S.
30. What is your best childhood memory? hanging out with family at Grandma and Grandpa's house
31. Piercing? just ears
32. Ever been to Africa? no
33. Ever been toilet papering? yes
34. Been in a car accident? yes, but just minor
35. Favorite day of the week? Saturday
36. Favorite restaurant? Chili's
37. Favorite flower? not sure
38. Favorite ice cream? pretty much anything with chocolate in it
39. Favorite fast food restaurant? Subway, I guess
40. How many times did you fail your driver's test? none
41. From whom did you get your last e-mail? my sister
42. Which store would you choose to max out your credit card? Target
43. Bedtime? 10 or 11
45. Who was the last person you had dinner with? Hannah & Isaac
46. What are you listening to right now? Hannah & Katie playing in the dining room
47. What is your favorite color? green
48. How many tattoos do you have? 0
49. How many are you sending this Email to? None.
50. What time did you finish this e-mail? 10:25 a.m.

embarassing confession

I think I realized why I don't play the lottery.
Tonight, HGTV announced who won their dream home in Winter Park, Colorado.
I entered everyday for a month and each time I entered, I got a little more excited about the possiblity of winning this house. I imagined all our friends spending their vacations with us, hosting my family reunions in the summer, deciding what pieces of furniture we would bring back to our Illinois house, and selecting what we would need to sell in order to manage both homes, because, of course, we would need to keep our place here.

I've been very aware of the impossible chances, but someone's got to win, right?
I know we didn't win, but as they got closer to surprising the winner, I peeked down the street to see if there was an unmarked van or a strange group of people carrying a bunch of balloons and a large check. Nope...clear street. But there's still a chance. I mean, they'd drive up to our house only seconds before the big reveal so they get the genuine shocked look for live t.v., right?

Well, not surprisingly, I didn't win. But for some strange reason, up until I saw the winner on the screen, I kept thinking there was a chance. It's amazing how distored my perspective gets when I really want something.

I need to remember this for the little things, because now I really want a double jogger. It's not quite a luxury vacation home, but it's pricy. But I'm still looking for a sweepstakes....or at least a good coupon.

Have you ever felt like you'll never be as cool, kind, funny, smart, pretty, contagious,...(whatever, you fill in the blanks) as everyone else around you? As I get older, I'm getting more and more comfortable in my own skin....but somedays, I feel like I just revert back to annoying, insecure old me.

I'll get over it, but right now, I just want to say, "Uggh."

Telling

A recent conversation I had with Hannah,

"Remember, Hannah, we're sharing the popcorn."

"Remember, Mommy, Hannah don't share."

Emphasis Intended

Hannah's new favorite song is "Zaccheus." You know the "wee little man" who climbed a tree so he could see Jesus walk by? We've sung it more times than I can count, and she's starting to do the actions with me. The cutest part of the song is when Hannah puts her hands on her hips, points, and in a bossy tone says, "Zaccheus, you come down!" She's just mimicing me, that's how I sing the song too.

This may sound trivial to some, but I started wondering what view of God am I creating when I put my own bossy, hand on hip-twist to the song. There are other children's songs that leave me wondering this as well. My first reaction is to think, "How harmless could a little kid's song be?" But on the other hand, I haven't stopped thinking about Hannah repeatedly yelling at Zaccheus, demanding that he come down from the tree, this instant! I mean, that's not the point of the actual story in the Bible. God's grace and unconditional love is the main point.

Tax collectors (Zaccheus) were highly disliked, deceitful, greedy people. Zaccheus knew he wasn't welcome in his community, but wanted to just get a glimpse of Jesus while he was in town. Jesus spotted Zaccheus, challenged status quo and invited himself over to his home, and spent time with him, a reject among his people. It's really a great story of acceptance and redemption, actually.

Do I want Hannah to look cute, but at the same time get the idea that God/Jesus was this purely bossy, harsh leader? Or do I want her to remember God's love and acceptance for all people, no exceptions?

I know, I'm probably taking this little moment, and making it bigger than it is, or am I? I just know, from now on, I'm focusing on the last, most important line (at least, in my opinion), "for I'm going to your house today." And of course, she'll look cute regardless.

Things you may not know about me

I know this is a cheesy post, but I needed ideas on what to post, so bear with me! Some of these aren't new to most of you, but here are some unusual quirks of mine.

1. I love a made bed. If I nap, I won't get under the covers...that's for nighttime sleep only. Isaac hasn't always appreciated this quirk of mine.
2. Cheese tastes better shredded or cut in thin slices. I'm convinced thick wedges or cubes taste completely different. I'll tolerate them, but definitely prefer the former....except for the government cheese we would get in our school lunches....I loved that no matter how it was served!
3. I secretly want to be a Broadway star....I'd even settle for American Idol. =)
4. I wish I would have practiced more on the piano....and not given up playing guitar. This skill definitely would have helped me with #3.
5. I google people....come on, you do too!
6. Hand washing dishes.....I don't hate it as much as I did. I can't believe I'm saying this.
7. Soda pop is yummy for any meal or time of day. But drinking water through a straw is just plain disgusting.
8. I like a challenging, deep book, but also read US Weekly....to Isaac's dismay.
9. Games are much more entertaining than movies.
10. I collect and alphabetize coupons.

You're turn! If you don't blog, post in my comments, I'd love to hear about your quirky traits!

Did I say it can only get better? Well, I should have known better....we rented a JACKHAMMER. So, we did make more of a mess, but I spent the rest of the weekend cleaning up and Isaac worked on the wiring. We always seem to pick the worst possible time of year as well...blizzard conditions. What were we thinking?! Oh well. We had the time, but this is going to take a lot longer than I thought. I sense lots of people saying, "I told you so." So if that's what you're thinking, keep it to yourself. =)

It can only get better

It may look messy, but it's a big improvement from yesterday's mess. We removed a closet...so the room feels bigger than it did before. I can't wait until this space is livable! A new living space will really make our little home more cozy. Stay tuned!

Things you may not know about me

I know this is a cheesy post, but I needed ideas on what to post, so bear with me! Some of these aren't new to most of you, but are unusual quirks of mine.

1. I love a made bed. If I nap, I won't get under the covers...that's for nighttime sleep only. Isaac hasn't always appreciated this quirk of mine.
2. Cheese tastes better shredded or cut in thin slices. I'm convinced thick wedges or cubes taste completely different. I'll tolerate them, but definitely prefer the former....except for the government cheese we would get in our school lunches....I loved that no matter how it was served!
3. I secretly want to be a Broadway star....I'd even settle for American Idol. =)
4. I wish I would have practiced more on the piano....and not given up playing guitar. This skill definitely would have helped me with #3.
5. I google people....come on, you do too!
6. Hand washing dishes.....I don't hate it as much as I did. I can't believe I'm saying this.
7. Soda pop is yummy for any meal or time of day. But drinking water through a straw is just plain disgusting.
8. I like a challenging, deep book, but also read US Weekly....to Isaac's dismay.
9. Games are much more entertaining than movies.
10. I collect and alphabetize coupons.

You're turn! If you don't blog, post in my comments, I'd love to hear about your quirky traits!

Snow Day!

The whole family is stuck at home! Not that I was going anywhere anyways, but I love days when we are all forced to just stay at home. We slept in, ate breakfast, watched the Doodlebops (mandatory if Hannah's around), made Valentine's cookies, and just had an all-around leisurely morning.

I'm also loving today because we've gotten a jump start on renovating our basement. I've been tearing it apart little by little for the last week, and now Isaac has had time to do the really messy stuff today. It's a huge mess, but we're on our way to making our home a little bigger. I'll post pictures soon.

While Hannah napped and Isaac destroyed old plaster, I got to reorganize the other half of the basement. We have so much stuff in such a little space, I have to reorganize every other month or so just so I can get in to do laundry. I LOVE organizing and packing. I think I'd be really good at Tetris...but I really don't need another puzzle to be addicted to.

I'm going to lose it

Today, Hannah does not want to share any of her toys, but wants to hit, push, scream, etc. Meanwhile, I'm trying to remember the sweet moment we had yesterday when we were flipping through some of my childhood pictures together, and she kept seeing me, but saying, "Hannah"......just so I don't lose it.

I wish there were some solution or explanation that would magically make her realize, "Wow, sharing is the best thing ever! Mom, you were right all along."

Uh-oh

Part of Hannah's easel is dry erase. She already has a few markers for this, but I found a couple....probably from my teaching escapades. Anyways, I was working on the computer while she was drawing and I heard her sniff over and over. Before I know it, she comes over to me with a marked up nose and says, "Smells good, mommy. Smell it." Now she's asking for bananas...Expo markers awakened the craving, I guess. How many brain cells did she just destroy?

Caught in the act

Look! She really does know how to share!!

We are blessed

The last 24 hours...actually the last couple weeks.... have reminded me of how loved we are.

Last couple weeks:
-Celebrating and remembering when God became man to redeem us and remind us of His unconditional love
-spending time with all our family....Hannah visited 7 grandparents within one week
-watching how much joy our families get when spending time with our little girl
-playing games, laughing, and eating with dear family that we don't see near enough
-bringing in the new year with my sister and brother-in-law and trying new things (for me, at least)
-Mom driving back with Hannah and I, and buying a plane ticket just to aleviate Isaac's concern and relieve the extra work it is for me to travel alone with Hannah
-hearing that our dog, Schaeffer, seems depressed and misses us (if you knew how I often I "joke" about giving him away, this would surprise you)

Last 24 hours:
-Hannah, my mom, and I were locked out of our house upon arriving....3 neighbors spent an hour and a half "breaking in" so we could be home. In the meantime, Vickie brought food to stock our fridge and dinner for the evening...she even remembered details like the kind of bread, hot dogs, and soda we like.
-calls from friends to invite us to lunch and say how much they missed us and asked if they could help in any way
-Grandma Peggy and Grandpa Tony driving over just for the evening to deliver all the Christmas packages we left with them.

I'm so glad Hannah and I are home, but time with people we love was very good. Now Isaac, you just need to come home.

Where's Waldo/Hannah?

She loves Hide and Seek, but is only now figuring out how to hide. Here's her new favorite spot. Is she cute or what?

Signs that I watch too much Food Network

I dreamt last night that I was on the Rachel Ray show. I was a guest who needed a new hair style....dreams do have a way of revealing truth, don't they? Anyways, Rachel just happened to be a hair stylist in a former life. Apparantly, she opened a spa that became world-reknown. She took "before" shots of my hair, measured the length, then began snipping away. As she worked her magic, we chatted it up. I asked her how could she possibly come up with so many recipes to fill books as well as a couple tv shows. She confided in me (BIG mistake) that she was working on a kosher cookbook. I mean, who has tapped into that market? How many kosher 30 minute meals are there, really?

Then I woke. I never got a glimpse of the new do.....and I really need some ideas.
And, by the way, if you see a new kosher cookbook by Rachel, herself....you heard it from me first.

realization

I've been watching The Office recently and am completely sucked in.
Have you ever wondered if you were one of the characters, which one would you be? I'd like to think I'd be a Pam or a version of Jim, but if I were completely honest with myself, I'm more of a Dwight....a nicer version, but nevertheless, a Dwight. A depressing conclusion, but I definitely want to acknowledge this fact before others beat me to it. Just my way of dealing with my insecurities. =)

Dear Hannah,
Well, it's been a month since your 2nd birthday and I have to admit, you are no longer a baby anymore. Here are just a few new things in the last month:
-you've been sleeping in a "big girl" bed for about a week
-went potty in the "big" potty (just once, but we're on our way)
-identify several letters in the alphabet (H is your favorite, of course)
-can tell the difference between water from the kitchen faucet as opposed to the bathroom faucet
-throw tantrums more frequently and usually in public places

I know these letters tend to be sappy, so I'll try to keep this one short and sweet.
As you continue to grow, I just want you to know how much your dad and I love you and enjoy each new milestone.
You have brought so much joy and laughter and made me a better human being.
And even though the baby stage is over, you will always be my sweet baby.

We'll miss you , Lo Lo!

Here are a few pics of last Saturday before we bid Laurie farewell.



Thanks goodness for iChat! We love you, Lo Lo!

Confession

We caught a mouse.
I'm embarrassingly terrified of them.
Isaac is out of town.
It's in one of those trap door things......still alive.
I put gloves on and threw the whole trap out on the hill, out of our yard.

I am just now realizing it would have been a little less silly and more responsible of me to at least throw it all away in our trash can...the lid would seal it in, right?
I guess I just wanted to leave a strong impression on that horrid critter: stay FAR away from me. Not sure if I really got the point across.