Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Secret Menus?

April writing...

The following is taken directly from...CNN.com

SECRET MENUS:

1. If you're at Starbucks and in need of just a little caffeine, don't worry -- there's a tiny option for you. It's the Short size, and they don't advertise it. It's like a little baby cup of coffee. It also comes in handy when you're scrounging for change and don't have enough for a tall (not that that has ever happened to me).

2. It's a good thing we don't have Jamba Juice here in Iowa, because I would be all over candy-based smoothies. Because it's considered a health-food chain, Jamba Juice doesn't officially list these on their in-store menus, but the Web site Mighty Foods assures us that the secret flavors exist.

The ones they confirmed with the company's headquarters include Strawberry Shortcake, White Gummy Bear, PB&J, Various flavors of Starbursts, Fruity Pebbles, Push-Up Pops, and Skittles. Other tantalizing flavors that are rumored to exist: Chocolate Gummi Bear, Apple Pie, Sourpatch Kid, Tootsie Roll, and Now and Later.

3. This one might be my favorite. At Fatburger, you can order a Hypocrite -- a veggie burger topped with crispy strips of bacon.

4. Chipotle has a whole secret menu that is limited only by your imagination -- they have a store policy that says that if they have the item available, they will make it for you. Things that have been tested include nachos, quesadillas, taco salads and single tacos. Some stores are testing out quesadillas as a regular menu item, however, so maybe someday soon you won't need a super-secret handshake to order one.

5. If you're at Wendy's and you're really hungry -- like, three-patties-just-won't-cut-it hungry -- go ahead and order the Grand Slam, which is four patties stacked on a bun. This option is only available at select Wendy's, and it's also known as the Meat Cube.

6. Several places, including McDonald's and In-N-Out, will serve you the Neapolitan milkshake. It's just what it sounds like -- chocolate, vanilla and strawberry shakes layered in a cup.

7. In-N-Out Burger's "secret menu" isn't so secret these days -- in fact, they've posted it on their Web site. But in case you're not in the habit of surfing fast food Web sites, here's the skinny on their rather un-skinny items: ordering something "Animal Style" at In-N-Out means you're going to get it with lettuce, tomato, a mustard-cooked beef patty, pickles, extra spread (it's sort of Thousand-Islandy) and grilled onions. You can even get your fries Animal Style.

"Protein Style" is a burger wrapped in a lettuce leaf instead of a bun. A Grilled Cheese is two slices of American cheese, lettuce, tomato and spread on a bun (grilled onions if you so choose).

And you can get just about any combo of meat and cheese that you want if you order it like you're ordering lumber: 3×3 gets you three beef patties and three slices of cheese, 4×4 gets you four of each, and so on. One item not listed on the Web site secret menu: the Flying Dutchman, which is two slices of cheese sandwiched between two patties, hold the bun.

8. Feeling a little health-conscious at Popeye's? If you are, you really should have gone somewhere else. But there's a little hope for you -- ordering "naked chicken" will get you breading-free poultry. The word is that this is on the menu at some Popeye's, but not all of them, although it is an option at all of them.

9. Like Chipotle, Taco Bell will make you just about anything within reason as long as they have the ingredients for it. Since most of the food at Taco Bell is made out of the same basic items, that means you can probably ask for most discontinued items and get them. One "secret," though, is that they have a not-advertised green chili sauce at most locations, and apparently it's excellent.

10. Some Subways will still make you the popular pizza sub from the 1990s. Once the chain decided to make their focus healthy eating, the pizza sub disappeared from the menu in most places (the word is that Canadian and Mexican Subways still offer them on a regular basis). But if you ask, lots of places will still make it for you. Be warned, though -- Jared would not approve of the nine slices of pepperoni and copious amounts of cheese slathered in marinara sauce.

------------------------------

Hmmmm...can anyone verify any of these? Interesting.

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Where I was at midnight

April writing...

So this is the story of my mischievous pup, Pickle.


Pickle is my stubborn dog. He has to wear an electric collar so he won’t dig under the back fence and head into the neighbors yards, where there are bigger dogs waiting to ‘play.’


About 3 months ago, we let him out one night without his collar, cause we were headed to bed…and in that 3-5 minutes, he dug and got under the fence. (He liked to follow after the chipmunks that we have by our shed) The only problem was…he picked the back fence. (You see our backyard backs up evenly to two other back yards. We have a privacy fence, both of our back neighbors have privacy fences, plus there are two other chain link fences falling apart between the privacy fences.)


So that’s where he got stuck. Luckily, this night my husband was home and he is tall and skinny enough to wiggle his way between the fences and rescue Pickle. So after that night (I think he was traumatized for a while and steered clear of all of the fences) it hasn’t happened again….UNTIL LAST NIGHT.


Well, I let him out last night…with his electric collar on…because I had learned my lesson. I went in to get ready for bed. When I noticed that Pickle hadn’t come back inside I knocked on the back window to let him know it was time to come back in. I waited, and waited…nothing. So I figured that he was probably sleeping in the backyard, which he loves to do. So I walked out to get him. I called out his name and he wasn’t there. After my eyes adjusted (the lighting isn’t great in the back yard) I couldn’t see my little white dog anywhere. Then I heard him bark. Sure enough it was coming from what sounded like my back neighbors backyard. I thought to myself, “you have GOT to be kidding me!”


I ran inside, grabbed my tennis shoes and a flashlight. Then I ran around to the side of the house to get the ladder. Now this thing is heavy, so I am dragging it across the backyard! I lay it up against the back fence at the spot where I see he has dug his way under. I peeked over the fence and ran my light through the empty spaces in between the fence and sure enough…there he was about 25 feet down the fence line. He was stuck between to fence posts and wouldn’t try squeezing past to come back towards me.


So I moved the ladder over to where he was and tried to straddle the fences and to reach down between to grab the nap of his neck to pull him out. But…I have zero balance and my arms aren’t long enough…and I could see bad things happening. I was home alone (my husband was at work) so I knew that I would have to do this on my own. So I thought, well he got himself in there by digging, so I guess I will dig a new hole and get him out. So that’s what I did. I think in that process I must have scared Pickle half to death cause he wouldn’t’ dig from his side to help, that and I am sure he knew he was in trouble already. Not to mention he was being shocked every few seconds cause he had his collar on. Poor guy. Luckily it was on a pretty low setting.


Finally, he started digging, so while he got started, I ran into the house to grab my camera…as I am always the one to keep track of wonderful memories like this! Haha!


So here is where the video starts off…you have me, out of breath from running around, dragging a ladder and digging, just begging and encouraging my dog to dig himself out. Right before I turned on the camera, I had dug out enough space to reach under and at least grab his electric collar off his neck…so he wouldn’t get shocked anymore.


The whole ordeal lasted about 20 minutes I caught the last 3-4 minutes on film. Enjoy the video.



Pickle...stuck under the fence from April Eslick on Vimeo.


Monday, September 28, 2009

My Shop is OPEN

April writing...

My Etsy shop is officially open. I started it back in July, but never added any items. Currently I only have ONE active item, but I am getting busy with some projects this week to list more!!

...and I am always available outside of Etsy for gift purchases...just email me!!!



Click on the picture and it will take you to my shop! Like I mentioned above, I only have one active item, but more is coming soon!!

We will always have baby goodies available like booties, applique onesies, dresses, skirts, ties, etc!!! And as far as the "other treats" go...I am working on some purse and clutch designs, some eyeglass cases, pins and other accessories for Moms, Girlfriends and the like! I plan to eventually have Pet goodies as well!

It's an exciting creative outlet for me!!! So...spread the word...and get something for that sweet wittle one in your life! Check back often! I will be sure to post or add an Etsy widget when I add more items!!!

What does it look like?

April writing...

Saxony asked an awesome, thought provoking question on Facebook today.

What does it look like to respect your Husband?



Here's how I responded...

"I believe this is both a complex and simple answer. Here are my thoughts...Respect means to recognize the place of authority God has given your husband in the family. It means uplifting your husband, to his face, as well as to family and friends. You show respect by not seeking leadership or counsel from other persons, when you can talk to your ... Read MoreHusband. It means not fighting for leadership in the family. It's shown by not disregarding his words or feelings and by encouraging him. We can also show respect through our body language...alot can be said with an eye-roll or crossing of the arms.
Be patient, understanding and always communicate. An unspoken word roots bitterness in our hearts.
"

I would love to know what you think!!

Another post...

April writing...

Well I enjoyed my bloggy break. Although I can't say that I came back with any huge ideas on what to blog...but something will come to me, it always does. This is after all, the home of the random! :)

I feel busy and backwards.

Take for example my work desk calendar...August is still hanging up there...oops.

I think I have a couple times a year where I completely lose track of myself and I have to refocus and redesign how I do things. So I am working on it...I guess I will add my Bloggy persona to that list.

Until then, I plan to make good on my promise of these posts...
  • Project 365 update
  • My "Bump-It" review
So yeah...be ready...it's gonna be super exciting.

A few things I am excited about...I am selling some stuff on eBay...it's got a little over a day and half left and we are already making over $230!!! Let's here it for debt payoff!!! Also, this weekend is the Fall Retreat...and I am SUPER excited! We are taking a small group of HS kids, but it's going to be a blast. I seriously love working with VERB (our youth group)!!

The leaves are changing color and the air is getting crisp. Today is a great fall day around us...it's about 65 and windy...so all the leaves are falling and blowing around! It relaxes me...until I think that I probably won't sit down till 9 pm tonight...but I am sure I'll still be having fun! :)

What are you looking forward to?

Friday, September 25, 2009

It's happening...

April writing...



and I am just giddy with excitement :)

I know!!!!

April writing...

I totally meant to tell you I was taking a week off. That would have at least released me from some bloggy guilt. I just needed a break...like an actual one...not a 'oops I haven't blogged in a while' on accident break.

I have stuff to blog. With pictures and such. Coming Monday :)

Hip, hip, hoorahhh!

*ps. please still love me!

Friday, September 18, 2009

Sew...what's up?

April writing...

Here are some of the sewing projects I have completed recently...

The first two here are ruffle-tee shirts I made for Cuppycake...(one has a matching headband...






This little number was created for another friend of mine...and her sweet little newborn Catherine.






I love them!! Can't wait to do more!

Shut up.

April writing...



At Target.

Me wants one.

with some of these...Wall Flowers.


Just for fun...

April writing...

1. Who was your first prom date?
My first and only prom date was Steven.

2. Do you still talk to your first love?
I do on occasion.

3. What was your first alcoholic drink?
Some wine cooler...blehhh.

4. What was your first job?
Working as a secretary at my church. I loved it!

5. What was your first car?
I don't even know the year...but it was a red Subaru wagon. I hated that thing. I had to learn stick shift on it, and carry full 2 liter bottles of water in the back in case if overheated (which it did alot!)...horrible memories.

6. Who was the first person to text you today?
Cory.

7. Who was the first person you thought of this morning?
Manda Rose...I knew I needed to get ahold of her.

8. Who was your first grade teacher?
I have no clue.

9. Where did you go on your first flight in a plane?
I believe my first plane ride took me to Tennessee to visit my Grandparents.

10. Who was your first best friend and do you still talk?
I will answer it this way, my first best friend that I still talk to is Terri :)

11. Where was your first sleepover?
Who knows...I started at an early age!

12. Who was the first person you talked to today?
Husby.

13. Whose wedding were you in for the first time?
Tammy E. (my sister-in-law)

14. What was the first thing you did this morning?
Washed my hairs.

15. What was the first concert you went to?
haha. *slightly embarrassed* Carmen. I believe it was the "Addicted to Jesus" tour. Yep.

16. First tattoo?
None.

17. First piercing?
Ears. When I was 17- almost 18.

18. First foreign country you went to?
Aruba.

19. First movie you remember seeing?
Oh my...probably some Disney classic.

20. What state (province) did you first live in?
Texas.

21. Who was your first room mate?
Husby :)

22. When was your first detention?
I believe it was in Elementary School...after I punched a boy for calling my friend a very dirty name.

23. When was your first kiss?
I was 16ish.

24. What is one thing you would learn, given the chance?
How to take great pictures with an SLR camera.

25. Who will be the next person to post this?
Who knows...

But let's find out!
IT'S YOUR TURN!!

Post this to your blog and leave a comment with a link to your post!!

Thursday, September 17, 2009

I make Lists.

April writing...



I have a sickness. I make lists...for...everything. Groceries. Things to Do. Meal planning. Event planning. Songs to download. Blogs to read.

It's pretty ridonc.

I just noticed today...as I cleaned out my purse...that I have about 8 lists for the Ladies Tea (happening this weekend) alone. They all basically say the same thing too. For some reason I just re-wrote them...repeatedly.

So I guess I have two sicknesses...Making the lists and the need to Re-write the lists!

It's all a show really. I mean, after I make the list I feel more organized, but I'm not really any more organized that before I made my list. I could probably just rattle off some things in my head and be in about the same place.

I just re-wrote my Tea list for the 9th time and I feel no more prepared. I still feel like when I go shopping tonight...I will still forget something.

Ugh.

Lists...can't live with 'em...can't live without 'em.

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Fun stuff...

April writing...


My Family from WiddlyTinks.com

**too bad they didn't have any dogs to choose from...

With a Heavy Heart........

Cory Writing.....

My Friends and Family....

This morning I write this blog with a very heavy heart and I am not quite sure why. All I know is I will not be able to sleep until I write this blog. I believe God is wanting to speak to someone. I am not sure who, but if this is for you I hope you find it strengthening and it gets you through the valley you find yourself in.

As most of you know my wife and I have been trying desperately to have a child. It hasn't happened for us YET, but we are not discouraged and we still know God is on the throne. We still have our questions that aren't getting answered and we don't really understand why it hasn't happened yet, but all we know is we are trusting in our all mighty God.

My wife and I both have had many people come to us and say, "I don't know how you guys do it, but you guys are so strong. I wouldn't be able to be as strong as you are. Why are you guys able to be so strong?"

I haven't been able to answer that question, until now. The other night I was at work and it was a particularly slow night, so I was listening to one of my Pastor Friends (I don't personally know him, except through blogs, emails, and his preaching, but I consider him a friend.) His name is Pete Wilson and he is a Pastor at Cross Point Church in Nashville, TN http://withoutwax.tv/2009/09/15/a-labor-of-love/

He recently did a sermon series titled Q Questions about life and God. This sermon series was based on questions people in his church submitted. He took these questions and dealt with one topic a week. All the sermons were really great, but one sermon really stuck out it my mind and really put into words why my wife and I are able to hold our head up high even though God has not blessed us with a child just yet. This particular service is titled: "Why Do People Suffer?"

Please don't take my words as boasting or being proud, but I am trying to share a nugget that has helped my wife and I through this difficult time and I am hoping it will help you through your difficult time. So please watch this video and I hope it will touch you to your inner core and help you get through this valley.



Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Can you find me??

April writing...

I MADE IT...remember back in this post when I told you I signed up for the Shades of Summer project over at Just Us?

Well my picture finally made it back to Elizabeth and it has been posted on her site!! I am so EXCITED!!!

Go check it out!

See if you can find me!!

Top 5 Tuesdays

April writing...

Let's do a Top 5 Tuesday post...



This week's prompt: What are your top 5 Favorite things about Fall

5. The falling leaves (except for having to rake them!)
4. Carving pumpkins
3. The smell of Apple Pie and Mulled Cider
2. The crispness in the air.
1. Wearing SCARVES!

*Go ahead, grab the Top 5 Tuesdays button/picture and participate on your blog today! Leave a comment with a link to your Top 5 Tuesday post!!*



Where do they come from?

April writing...

...the ideas that is. I have so many of them.



Whether I get inspired by other people, come up with a fresh idea on my own or just do a repeat of something that worked great another time!

There's not enough room in my head...and I feel like I am going to burst. People who know me, know that I am full of ideas...inspirations and what not and even ya'll don't know the half of it! There are things floating around in this head of mine that I haven't even spit out yet!

Here are a few ideas that I bought off that shady guy up there...this first idea came from another blog and I TOTALLY wanna start one!! "Apron Chicks" - a fun way for the girls to get together and bake! Who doesn't LOVE to bake!! Each person comes, brings a part of the recipe and we all wear aprons! *cute aprons at that...potentially homemade ones... (that's obviously another idea...making aprons...gesh!)

Then...VERB tee-shirt designs...I have so many in my head...but getting them down on paper and designing them in Photoshop...that's another story. I am still kind of a novice with Photoshop, so I can't always MAKE what I see in my head. So...working on that one.

...and then there are the numerous sewing projects and home decor ideas...GOOD GRIEF. I have so many, but most of them take a little fundage...you know, for supplies. Fabric, paint, etc.

So all these ideas (and many, many more) are swirling around in my head!!! It's pandemonium in there!

What ideas do you have?!?!

Monday, September 14, 2009

R.I.P.



Patrick Swayze
August 1952 - September 14, 2009

Project 365 - Week 22

April writing...




Day 148 - September 6, 2009 Cuddle time...Pickle-Bear has been really lovely-dovey lately, I took some time tonight to get down and cuddle with him, boy did he appreciate it!



Day 149 - September 7, 2009 Labor Indoor-Day...Well the rain kept the S'more portion of our day indoor, however we handled it well...with the indoor s'more maker!



Day 150 - September 8, 2009 Hammies...during a visit to Petsmart for food and OD got us over to see the Hamsters....they were so cute. These were my favorite running back and forth!



Day 151 - September 9, 2009 Lil' birdie...this little cutie was found outside my office building. He had an injured eye. The county animal control came and picked him up, hopefully to take care of him!



Day 152 - September 10, 2009 Critter...can you spot the critter that is sitting in my planter?



Day 153 - September 11, 2009 Taking over...there is this vine. It popped up in my stairs planter...I have NO clue what it is...but it's making it's way to the "E." It will take over soon!



Day 154 - September 12, 2009 Bust...our yard sale. Total waste. No customers, not even drive by creepers...no sales. Boo.

The Modern Day Princess

April writing...

I was stumbling today...and came across these goodies. Thought provoking ehh?

"Further perverting the traditional fairytale, someone wisely said "happily ever after is so once upon a time", and Canadian photographer Dina Goldstein seems to agree with that concept.

This series place Fairy Tale characters in modern day scenarios. In all of the images the Princess is placed in an environment that articulates her conflict. The "…happily ever after" is replaced with a realistic outcome and addresses current issues that affect real women, such as illness, addiction and self-image issues."


Snow White


Sleeping Beauty


Rapunzel


Little Red Riding Hood


Princess Jasmine


Cinderella


Belle


Ariel

Seems a bit pessimistic to me to think that "Happily Ever After" is a thing of the past...what are your thoughts?

Simple

April writing...



Simple, no? Thoughts?

Looking forward...

April writing...

In an effort to challenge myself to BLOG more...I plan to do a little teaser Blog each Sunday/Monday to let you know what's going on and what's coming up!

News:
Someone I know has branched out and started their OWN blog! It's titled "Life...in the Line of Duty." So, as you can imagine, it will include work stories, gripes, jokes and the like.
Check it out...Life...in the Line of Duty.
Leave much encouragement and support...and COMMENTS! Although, for those that know the Blogger, they are trying to keep some anonymity...so keep that in mind while leaving comments! :)

Coming up:
You can be sure to read the following this week, sandwiched between the random posts and my other scattered thoughts.
  • Sewing projects...I have pictures!
  • Project 365 update
  • My "Bump-It" review
Sadly, I believe there will be more...but I can't wrap my mind around what I want to Blog about right now. I am distracted by all the Kanye/Taylor Swift drama and other VMA follow up...Did you watch? I am a sucker for it all...so sue me.

The endless battle...

April writing...


This weight war rages on.

I did however lose 3 pounds in the last 13 days. Score.

That means I need to lose somewhere between 15-25 more to be in a good place to start IVF.

So. This week...here are my goals.

1. Water ONLY.
2. 3 meals a day.
3. Exercise (ride bike, jog, Pilates, Wii Active, etc) at least 3 times.
4. Vitamins
5. Stretching every morning. I read an article that stated "stretching the body every morning promotes energy, and muscle movement. Which then can lead to fat burning." -thus weight loss.

So...that's the plan for this week. Well obviously not JUST this week...but you get the idea.

No stress.

I'm kinda paying attention to points too...as I know how to do that from my many rounds with WW.

So far today:
I stretched this morning.
I took my vitamins.
I ate two granola bars for breakfast. (4 points)
I had chicken noodle soup for lunch. (3 points)
I am on my second bottle of water.
I plan to ride my bike today.

So. There we have it.

Friday, September 11, 2009

Remembering...

April writing...



It seems a waste to re-write the whole flashback. So if you feel inclined, you can read the original post this flashback came from here.

As a recap....Here's where I was...

I had just gotten home from a 12-hour shift in the ER. I said goodnight to my mom and went to bed, it was around 7:30 a.m.. I wasn't prepared for the terrible news that I would soon hear. I feel quickly asleep and quickly awoke as my cell phone rang. I incoherently picked up the phone and answered with a sleepy, "Hello?" It was Cory, we had been engaged now for a little over months.

Cory - "You need to wake up and go turn on the TV, something has happened."
Me- "What is it? What happened?" as I quickly get up out of bed.
Cory - "I can't explain it, just turn on the news. You'll see." Cory was eerily quiet but still noticeably disturbed. Normally Cory handled many things with a cool calm...so I knew something was wrong. I turned on the TV that was already set to a news channel and watched in horror as they played an replayed an amateur video of an airplane crashing into one of the Twin Towers in NY City.
Me - "Oh no Cory. What's happening?"
Cory - "I am not sure, they are calling it an accident."

At this point (if I remember correctly) both my Dad and Mom came out and we all watched for about 15 or so minutes as they just kept playing the video footage, speculating about what was happening. It was horrifying and confusing.

A little after 9 am reports came in that a 2nd airplane had hit the 2nd Twin Tower. It was at this point that I cried. I was worried. I was sad. I was angry. What has happening? What was next? My dad grabbed a tape and began taping the news, we all knew this was going to be something that would change our world drastically.

We continued watching as the minutes passed as slowly as hours. I hung up with Cory. I couldn't quite remember if he had work that day or what.

We watched TV for what seemed like forever. Experts coming and going talking about the mornings happenings. Then, it hit too close to home. Reports started coming in around 9:45 that the Pentagon had been hit. I remember looking at Dad and asking who from church worked there. We speculated as to who we thought did, I remember getting very sick to my stomach. The Pentagon is only about 45 minutes away, if that. We could tell by now that these were most likely terrorist attacks and major buildings were being hit...so for now, we were safe. But it didn't feel that way.

In the next 30 minutes it would get worse. What we didn't seem to realize was coming happened. The South and North Towers collapsed. The devastation and terror there was horrifying to watch. I just remember them playing it over and over again. It was at this point that I knew I couldn't watch any more. By now, Dad had left for work. (He works at the church and he knew he would be needed.)

I went to bed, but barely slept. I prayed. "What is happening? Keep us safe, protect and care for the families involved, the injured people..."

I woke up around 5:15, I remember this because I slept through more than 25 minutes of my alarm. I had to get up and get ready for work. I had another 12-hour shift at the hospital. I slowly got up, ate, got dressed and drove to work. The roads seemed quiet...the whole world seemed quiet. I spoke to Mom and she mentioned some friends from church who were impacted by the hit on the Pentagon. One family in particular. The wife showed up at church, completely lost and disoriented. Completely distraught. Her husband worked at the Pentagon, and she couldn't reach him. I can only imagine how this must have felt for her. He turned out to be ok, alive and safe. But how scary.

I listened to reports on the radio of another plane crashing in Pennsylvania...probably connected to the days events but not making it to it's destination, most likely Washington DC again...possibly the White House.

I pulled into the parking lot of the ER and it was packed. I knew it would be a long night. I slowly walked through the doors, seeing so many faces. I remember this more than anything...the quiet of the ER waiting room. It was packed with people, but the TV was on and it seemed as if no one could speak as they all watched what happened over and over, like they couldn't pull their eyes from the screen. The Chief of the ER had called in a friend, a harpist. She played for over 3 hours about 10 feet from my desk. It was such a weird night, the quiet in the ER backed with the soothing harp music. Then the day ended. How would we all start over again. What would tomorrow morning bring.

Even though we knew all flights had been grounded, we all still listened to the TV/radio all night long just expecting to hear more bad news. We heard about all the devastation in NY and at the Pentagon. The lives lost, the people missing. This day won't soon be forgotten.

That was it...8 years ago today. I purposefully set this post to go live at 8:45 am. The reported time for the first attack of that horrible day.

There aren't really any more words.
I just leave you with this challenge.

Pray.

For your Country, and it's leaders, laws and reforms. For your Family, Moms, Dads, Siblings, Aunts & Uncles, Grandparents and Cousins. For your job, and for those who have none. Pray for your neighborhood, their safety, their growth and stability. Pray for your church, the Pastor, the staff, the members and the surrounding community. Pray for the North, South, East and West.

There is never a shortage of people, issues, and requests to pray about...and it's always needed. Pray with strength and perseverance...we owe it to the many that sacrificed their lives that day and every day before and after, those that didn't get a chance to say that last prayer, to hug their families one more time, or to make a change that could have them living ETERNITY with our Father.

September 11, 2001...Never Forget...Always Pray.

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Ikea Heights

April writing...

This is both genius and funny.

Ikea Heights.

Taken from the website..."Ikea Heights is a melodrama shot entirely in the Burbank California Ikea Store without the store knowing."

Enjoy.

a note from the "Pups"...

Pickle and Olive writing...

I don't think we have ever done this before...

No, we haven't. At least not since I have been here, and that's been almost two years.

Right, well...let's get down to business shall we?

Well, that is why we are here...gos,h you are so formal Pickle. And can you please scoot over! Do you always have to sit SO close to me!

You smell nice, ok?! Anyways, back to why we are here. Mom writes about us on occasion, and I don't think that Dad ever has...

Mom doesn't do it nearly enough, in my opinion...and does Dad even blog anymore??

...and you always have to share your opinion don't you? You are so greedy! Like the other night when Dad was petting me behind the ears, you ran over and interrupted!

Oh please, you get tons of attention with all of your medical issues! Mom fawns all over you to get you well. I mean, what's up with the 'rear-end' problems you have...seriously, that's gross.

I can't help it! It just happens. And it's really painful I'll have you know!

It's real GROSS, that's what it is! Whaaa? Be right back, I need to run around for a minute.

She drives me CRAZY! I am so embarrassed now. Sorry you had to hear all that. She knows how much I hate people knowing my business...anyways. About why we are writing. This is more directed at our parents. We really wish you would write about us more often. At least put up more pictures.

*running past* yeah...causeee I ammm reaaaallllyyy ccuuuuttteee!!

Can you not sit still? These people are going to stop reading!

*comes back and sits in the corner by herself* Fine. I'm here. Where were we? Oh. Right. So, Mom and Dad...you totally need to write about us. How fun I am, how quirky I am, how cute I am...

HEY! I'm cute! I do fun things!

Please, all you do is kiss-up to Dad. "Oh Dad, play ball with me...I wanna be your best friend...ruff, ruff, ruff." Pathetic. You have to know he can see that you only want to play with him when he is leaving for work! What about the other 23 1/2 hours in the day?

Oh! OH! I love Dad. He's is like my favorite person in the house and he KNOWS that!

Nice Pickle. How do you think Mom's going to feel about that, when she reads this? She's going to get all sad and whine to Dad about how it was her idea to get you, and how she cleans up your poop and wipes your rear, you know...when the 'issues' arise. And there you go just pushing her to the side like she were chopped liver.

*thinks to himself* Hmmm chopped liver sounds yummy...

Pickle! Hey! Are you listening to me? You never listen to me. Nope. Of course not, you are thinking about food again aren't you! You know, you aren't going to have a body like that forever, it WILL catch up to you!

Oh, I'm sorry, we all can't be young and spry like you, do you even eat! *fart* Ooops... *sniff, sniff* Sorry.

That's gross.

Look, let's just give the nice people our message and be on our way, I think it's about time for a nap anyways. I'm gonna go crack a window...

Ok...so here it is. Mom and Dad...write about us MORE. We have stories to tell too! We have cute faces that are just begging for pictures to be taken...and if you wanna focus a little more on me, then I am fine with that...

Gesh Olive, I leave the room for a minute and you bring all the attention back to you! I am over this...I'm going to take a nap in the bay window...race you for the best seat! *runs off*

NOT fair, you got a head start!!!! Piiiccckkkllleeee!!!!

She's got a case of the wobbles....

April writing...

Seems cruel to laugh...but I couldn't help it.





p.s. my apologies for the language in the title of the clip, it's wasn't my idea.

Wednesday, September 09, 2009

and a pinch of cuteness

April writing...

You are welcome.



9 Things on 9/9/9

April writing...

Kristin challenged me to write about 9 things we are happy about on this day, 9/9/09.

1. I am so extremely happily married to my best friend!
2. I have a roof over my head, and it's pretty cute to boot!
3. I have some of the coolest, most honest, loyal and fun friends!
4. I attend a great church, where I can volunteer and get so much from it!
5. I have two fantastic dogs that provide endless laughter and memories!
6. Husby and I have great jobs!
7. I am surrounded by family!
8. I have a husband that encourages all of my creative endeavors!
9. I have a God that is bigger than all of my plans and all of my problems!

I now forward the challenge for each of you to try this out on your blogs today (or via comment here)... think of 9 things that despite your circumstances are good right this moment.

How to STAY in Love...



April writing...

A fellow blogger on 20-Something Bloggers posed the question..."How do you stay in Love?"

I thought.

and thought.

and then I realized.

It's not some grand gesture, or working hard day after day...(although that all helps)

I believe, to stay in love, you must NEVER forget how to LAUGH.


(image via Flickr)

At the little things.

At the big things.

At the funny things.

and sometimes even the sad things.

Never lose joy in life, or the joy in life together!

What do you think it takes to STAY in love?

Tuesday, September 08, 2009

Old Navy & Target always have my heart

April writing...

Old Navy & Target have really always had my heart. Great prices and for the most part, great selection. (Sadly, I have been let down in the past) But with these goodies for Fall'09, I can overlook the past!!






1. Scoop Neck Sweaters (in 5 Colors, $20 each)
2. Three-Button Raglan Sweaters (in 9 colors, $25 each)
3. Pointelle Trim Cardigans (in 5 colors, $26.50)
4. Bell Sleeved Swing Jackets (in 2 colors, $24.99 on SALE)
5. Cropped Sweater Knit Swing Coats (6 colors, $34.50 each)

Of course, we need some shoes too...I think these two choices from Target are on MY list...


What will YOU be wearing this Fall?

You Go-Girl!

April writing...



Uhm...yeah.

It's called the "Go-Girl." Use it so you can go whenever and wherever you need to. The website is SUPER helpful...they even help you by giving you instruction on the proper way to use it.


Left: Correct & Right: In-Correct

So their selling point and main idea behind the product is to prevent germs...which I get. You can use this product standing up. I have to admit, there have been some pretty sketchy toilets that I wouldn't want to make my enemy sit on!!

So who knows...maybe they are onto something.

It just seems...
strange.

Thoughts?!
*click the logo at the top of the post to go to www.Go-Girl.com

It never stops...

April writing...

...and the more I think about it...I am not sure I would like it if it all DID stop!!

Fall is on it's way...oh glorious Fall...how I have missed you! I am more than happy to have it back!

*Note, I sat out my Mulled Cider candle last night...the smell of Fall was ALL UP in mi casa!

The 'things to do' list keeps on growing and the 'things I wish I had time to do' list grows as well! :) Lemme show ya!

Things to do: (For this week)
  • Get organized for Yard Sale - Organize/Sort, Price and Advertise.
  • Preparations for the Ladies Tea (19th)
  • Prune back some plants
  • Mail Summerly's package (yeah!)
  • Work...ehhh
  • Sew...Now that my machine is fixed...I have to finish a couple projects for friends (Brandy and Goldie)
  • Plan the fall calendar...or start to at least.
The Yard Sale prep is going to kill me, but it HAS to be done. I HAVE to get rid of some of that stuff! I think I will feel MORE than pleased once that is completed!

As far as the rest of it...it's all the goal to be completed, but I don't plan on knocking myself out to get it all done.

Now...what else is coming up this Fall...we have three VERB trips and then all the Jack-O-Carving Parties in October, then there are already two special events planned in December. One of which is our 4th Annual Cookie Exchange (and I just settled on my cookie of choice...the chocolate crinkles. :) YUMM!) The other is our Gingerbread House Competition!! There will be plenty more events, I am sure! This really is my favorite time of the year!

What's coming up that you are looking forward to?
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