Oh my gooooossshhhh....

April writing...

I LURVE it!!

It's one of my favorite things...a SCARF...with pockets!!! AHHH!!!

*sigh* LOVE IT!

Can I get'a UPGRADE...

April writing...

So it's time to upgrade to a new cell phone...and I am on the hunt...so APRIL ASKS...which phone should I pick?

(click on the phone to take you to the details page!)

HTC Droid Eris

Now operating on the Android platform, the new Droid Eris by HTC combines performance and functionality in one sleek package. Eris offers the HTC Sense UI on a 3.2”, touch screen zoom capability, a virtual QWERTY keyboard, and a 3.5mm headset jack in addition to the Virtual Keys (Home, Menu, Back, Search). The ultra–slim Eris can filter your Inbox, and stay connected securely with your office via HTC Sync. Take advantage of WiFi connectivity and its 5MP camera w/auto focus and video capture. Social networking is a breeze with easy access to your Favorite contacts, YouTube and Facebook. The Droid Eris by HTC is the ultimate in customizable handset that puts the customer at the center and it’s all about you, you, and you…

*PROS - 5mp camera, WiFi, Touch Screen, social networking, 4 out of 5 rating
*CONS - No real QWERTY keyboard, possible email charge

Samsung Omnia II -

The Samsung Omnia® II will change your perception of what a phone can do. The first to offer Swype technology, the Omnia II allows you to type up to 50 words per minute without lifting finger. It also features one of the largest widescreen displays ever at 3.7 inches, delivering brilliance in clarity and color. The oversized touch screen gives you plenty of room to take advantage of premium multimedia features like creating and editing videos, the DivX video player offers high quality playback that makes dramatic use of the brilliant AMOLED display, Wi–Fi access and built–in widgets for Facebook and MySpace are tools for a networking genius. Add in Visual Voice Mail, Microsoft® Office Mobile, full consumer and corporate email support, and the Omnia II gives you smarter ways to work, socialize and communicate, all in one stroke.

*PROS - WiFi, 5mp camera, visual voicemail (fun), social networking, touch screen, create and edit videos, 4 out of 5 stars
*CONS - No real QWERTY keyboard, possible email charge

Samsung Rogue - (So far my initial favorite!)

Your fast–paced life requires more – more function, more style, more muscle. The Samsung Rogue™ has a sleek 3.1–inch brilliant widescreen display to give you the enhanced viewing experience you crave, whether it’s watching videos, taking and sharing pictures, or connecting to your favorite social networking sites. The 4–row QWERTY keyboard, one–touch Widgets and full HTML browser all work to give that rich desktop internet experience – virtually. Add in the convenience of threaded messaging and Visual Voice Mail, you get the Samsung Rogue. Your life. Enhanced.

*PROS - QWERTY keyboard, 3mp camera, social networking, visual voicemail, widgets, 4.5 out of 5 stars
*CONS - none really?

LG enV Touch -

Designed for your most discriminating customers, the new LG enV® TOUCH combines undeniable style with an unrivaled multimedia experience. The exceptional range of leading–edge features puts the enV TOUCH in the company of the world’s finest handsets. Its bright, external touch screen measures an impressive three inches and features state–of–the–art tactile feedback. The full–size QWERTY keyboard, with widely spaced keys, accommodates the texting needs of the most demanding executives.

*PROS - QWERTY keyboard, 3.2mp camera, visual voicemail, 4 out of 5 stars
*CONS - nothing really, except the Husby has the same phone. (boring)

So there you have it...I am really, really leaning towards the Rogue...but the Droid Eris seems pretty cool too!!! Anyone have any of the above and want to give me your reviews? Husby and I are dropping by the Verizon store tomorrow to check them out in person. I have an $100 upgrade to use well, so there is the potential for the phone I pick to be FREE too!!!

The Golden Globes

April writing...

Errrgggg, I meant to record the Golden Globes and I forgot...at least I got my fill of the best and worst dressed (which is my favorite part anyways) on this Monday morning. Let me share some of my favorites...

Lea Michele in a black strapless chiffon Oscar de la Renta gown and Chopard jewelry. This dress is just big, beautiful and stunning.

January Jones in a black Lanvin gown. She rocked this dress...even the big extra shoulder looked awesome!

Penelope Cruz Giorgio Armani Privé black lace gown that features a dramatic neckline beaded in a floral pattern, horizontal ribbon striping and fitted sleeves and Chopard jewels. Ok...what doesn't look good on Penelope?

Sandra Bullock in a bright purple chiffon Bottega Veneta gown and matching "Grape Knot" bag. I think she just looked amazing in purple!

Now for the not so good category...ehhhh

First off, Vanessa Minillo, where's your eye candy? Nick? Hellooo?!

Jennifer Garner In an asymmetrical beaded Atelier Versace gown, Bulgari jewels, Judith Leiber clutch and Casadei shoes. I normally love her in anything, but I think this just made her look washed out.

Drew Barrymore in Atelier Versace with beaded accents. I am not down with the accent parts of this dress.

Jennifer Aniston in a silky black Valentino gown with a thigh-high split. It was a year for splits that's for sure...and she can normally rock anything too, but I just wasn't feeling her in this dress.

Diane Kruger in a pink tulle bustier dress from Christian Lacroix Haute Couture, a white "Muse" clutch by Raven Kauffman couture and Chanel jewels. This. was. hideous.

Ginnifer Goodwin in bright blue Vionnet. Again, I normally love her...but NOT in this bright get-up.

Kate Hudson in a white feathered Marchesa dress, Stephen Russel jewels, Roger Vivier clutch and Casadei shoes. This bordered on the odd, but might be pretty...but I hate the shoes.

Fergie in a periwinkle chiffon Elie Saab gown. Seriously? It looks like she is going to prom...and her divas...like all out there...nope, don't like it.

That's it. My commentary...did you see anything you liked?

*Images from US Weekly.com

My plan to be a loser...

April writing...

Not like this...

More like this...

I have many reasons...I have blogged about Dieting...and Exercising...but this time...it's not just about me...I mean...ugh...it hasn't just been about me in the past...but...I'm done. I want a child, and to do that, we have to do IVF. (unless my dear baby Jesus wants to work a miracle...we are always open to that!) So I need to lose weight...at least 25 pounds to start IVF...but I would love to lose 50+! I want to be healthier, I don't want heart problems, I don't want breathing problems, I would love to stop snoring at night, for my knees not to ache at the end of the night, for my belly to stop, well, 'dunloppin' over my pants. I want to wear cute clothes. I want to be sexy. I want to walk up stairs without getting out of breath. I want to have a baby. It's just....I want to be thinner...but I digress...I know I have said this all before.

*EDIT- For those of you wondering, the reason I have to lose weight for IVF is because the office I am with, it is their anesthesiologist rule regarding the related procedures. He likes the patients BMI to be 39 or lower. So that's why I have to lost the weight, cause I am over that BMI...unfortunately.

But I am going to do it!! And I have found some great tools to help me this time around, for FREE!

First off...Sparkpeople.com
It's FREE and it's AMAZING. I can track all of my food...just like on WW.com...but...for...FREE! See...

That's my info so far today...and see that Weekly Progress right above? That falls right in line with where I need to be to lose weight, per the Calorie/Weight Loss index.

"These results will help you to know how many calories you need to maintain your current weight, and the number of calories needed per day to achieve your goal weight in a healthy, steady manner.

You need 2364.6 calories per day to maintain your current weight without exercise. (NO THANKS...I wanna LOOOOOOSSEE!!)

You need 2151.9 calories per day to reach your goal weight slowly and maintain that weight without exercise.

If you reduce your current caloric intake to 1864.6 calories per day you will lose one pound per week without exercise.(This is what I am floating around, per Sparkpeople.com)

If you increase your current caloric intake to 2864.6 calories per day, you will gain one pound per week." (Nope...let's not do that!)

So there you have it....Doesn't seem to bad, I just need to chart my information (which I did religiously on weight watchers) and drop these pounds! I will keep you posted! Any encouragement and/or tips are greatly appreciated! Oh and if you wanna lose too...check out Sparkpeople.com and say that "Slickslady" sent ya! :)

a little Friday funny

April writing...

You're welcome...

Window mis-treatment...

April writing...

This is not OUR window...it's a pic of one I found online...partly because I really wanted to blog about this now...but I forgot the pictures I needed...so here's a start, till I get home and can replace this picture with actual pictures from our home...

So you get the idea...
this is basically how all our bedroom windows look. Short and Wide. Although we don't have three sections, instead we have two...one side is a slider.

Window treatments...curtains...window hair...whatever, we need something. All that hangs there currently are some cheapy window dressings I sewed myself when we first moved in. They normally stay closed (especially in the master bedroom, cause Husby sleeps during the day) The other two rooms, the Office and the Spare Room...they may be parted slightly...enough to let in some light.

But I hate them. They make the windows look stubby. But what am I to use??

If I hang long curtains on...well that wouldn't really work...especially not in the office or the spare room, where would the excess go? On the desk? On the bed? And valances?? HA! That makes the window look even more stubby!

But we need something...I am just at a loss. Ideas? Suggestions??

Hit with tunes...

April writing...

So I had an awful dream last night...without going into detail, let's just say it had me waking up this morning with little hope of us ever having our own little one. I hoped in the shower and prayed. I remember God's promises and I know he will be faithful...

and I guess he just wanted to continue to remind me...all the way to work.

I had it on our local Christian radio station and almost back to back I heard the three songs below...if that's not a clear enough message...I don't know what is. (I will give you snippets of each of the songs, the parts that really spoke to me!)

Thank you God for being faithful!

Meredith Andrews "You're Not Alone"
"You're not alone, for I am here.
Let me wipe away your every fear.
My love, I've never left your side.
I have seen you through the darkest night,
and I'm the one who's loved you all your life,
All of your life "

Josh Wilson "Before the Morning"
"Would you dare, would you dare to believe.
That you still have a reason to sing,
Cause the pain that you’ve been feeling...
It can’t compare to the joy that’s coming.
So hold on you gotta wait for the light,
Press on and just fight the good fight.
Cause the pain that you’ve been feeling...
It’s just the dark before the morning."

and this one has a great message in the whole song...
"John Waller - While I'm Waiting"
"I'm waiting, I'm waiting on You, Lord.
And I am hopeful.
I'm waiting on You, Lord.
Though it is painful, But patiently, I will wait.

I will move ahead, bold and confident.
Taking every step in obedience.
While I'm waiting, I will serve You.
While I'm waiting, I will worship.
While I'm waiting, I will not faint.
I'll be running the race, Even while I wait.

I'm waiting, I'm waiting on You, Lord.
And I am hopeful.
I'm waiting on You, Lord.
Though it is painful, But patiently, I will wait.
Yes, I will wait."

I love it when God's sly like that... ;)

I've found her...

April writing...

...and she's a beaut!
I have been searching and researching cameras for a while now...
and I have finally made my decision...although it may take a YEAR+ to save for her! :)

The Canon EOS Digital Rebel T1i

Oh man...she's pretty.

Check out the specs on this one:
(Taken from Canon.USA.com)
"The EOS Rebel T1i is packed with features, both refined and new. In addition to its admirable performance with an all-new 15.1 Megapixel Canon CMOS sensor, DIGIC 4 Image Processor, a 3.0-inch Clear View LCD with anti-reflective and scratch-resistant coating, and compatibility with the EOS System of lenses and Speedlites, the EOS Rebel T1i adds remarkable Full HD video capture at resolutions up to 1920 x 1080. An HDMI port allows for quick connections to high definition TVs and monitors for easy viewing of your stills and video. The entire operation is simple and easy even if you are a beginner. You'll have uncompromised EOS Digital performance with power and flexibility right in the palm of your hand."

Uhm...15.1 megapixels?! AHHHH
Full HD Video Capture?! AHHHH

"Wide range ISO setting 100-3200 (ISO expansion: 6400, 12800). The EOS Rebel T1i features a greatly expanded ISO range that makes shooting possible in situations previously impossible without flash. With an expanded setting to ISO 3200 (ISO expansion: 6400, 12800), along with the DIGIC 4 Image Processor's improved noise-reduction technology, your creative possibilities are nearly endless. Combine the EOS Rebel T1i with one of Canon's EF/EF-S lenses with Optical Image Stabilizer and watch your shooting possibilities expand even further."

This is terribly exciting!!!

Now for the downer...she starts around $600...so I'm going to have to start a Camera fund...ehhh.

ONE DAY...a girl can dream right?!

A Warm Neck...

April writing...

It's not all about a warm neck...no not really.

Scarves just make the perfect addition to almost any outfit...see tonight I am wearing jeans and a grey tee...boring right?

Not when you throw in a bright yellow scarf!

Or even something as simple as a white sweater with some jeans...slap a teal scarf with it and GORG!

There are SO many ways to wear a scarf too!!

What is your favorite way to wear a scarf? I would say I most often use the double wrap around, the circle-pull-through...haha! Basically whatever feels and looks right for that outfit!

*sigh*

I love scarves. :)

Puppy presents

April writing...

*sidenote* I am not sure why my pictures are looking so lame this week. I think it's how I downloaded them off of my camera...boo. I must fix that!!

Moving on...

I thought I would share the Christmas present un-wrapping that the pups did!

Here's Pickle tearing into his present...of which I am already pretty sure he knew what it was! he loves this little wool stuffed man that we get him every so often...we call him Chinaman...and no it's not a racist thing...that's what the tag said when we bought him his first one...so it stuck!

Lately, he hasn't been able to have a Chinaman around cause Olive quickly tears it apart...she loves chewable things...and especially ones with hidden squeakers!

...and yes, he enjoyed Chinaman about 4 days before Olive tore it up :(

And then Olive...she took her present and ran into the office and hid in her spot under the chair..she proceeded to slowly bit off bits and bits of the paper till she exposed the prize!

She was very happy to find a chewie...and she still hasn't destroyed it! Thankfully! It has become a TASK to find toys that she CAN'T chew up in two days!

Pickle fell right back into practice squishing his little friend in his mouth, quietly squeaking it. He usually will do this till he falls asleep...it's the funniest thing really. It's almost like it lulls him to sleep...he will have his eyes closed, still slowly and softly squeezing the toy every few seconds!

Merry Christmas pups...hope you enjoyed your toys!!! (while most of them lasted!)

Giveaway...

April writing...

There is a great giveaway going on over at XOXOYvonne!

Check it out...here's the loot!

"1.bumpits
2.the turbie twist
3.loreal hip duo in lively
4.urban decay quickie
5.revlon cream shadow in skinlights
6.nyx ultra pearl mania in baby pink
7.revlon colorstay mineral eyeshadow in midnight gambet
8.LA colors eyeshadow pallet in wildflowers
9.elf contouring blush/bronzer
10.mark juice gems in fig
11.mac frost lipstick in what a do
12.maybelline lipstick in nude blush {G123}
13.rimmel lipstick in alarm {170}
14.revlon colorstay lipstick in so blushious {255}
15.revlon colorstay lipstick in mocha silk {210}
16.mark lash plumping mascara"

New Specs...

April writing...

So I got my new glasses...the ones that I have been talking about for over a year now.

What do you think? Here's the side by side...

NEW (Left) OLD (Right)

So what do you think?

Red eye...

April writing...

(my apologies for the lame make-up job...it was a late night photo session, purely for blogging purposes.)

That's my eye...
My eye on make-up (well make-up on my eye...)

It's my current frustration. If I wear more than mascara on my eyes...I get red, bloodshot eyes. Especially if I use eyeliner. I have tried changing my make-up, I have tried using eye drops before hand to relax and rehydrate the eyes, I have also tried not wearing eyeliner (since that seems to be the main culprit)

So now, what's a girl to do? I want pretty made-up eyes...but that above there...is not pretty. Ideas?

How Lovely...

April writing...

I have been perusing Etsy.com's jewelry today...look at the lovely finds I have found :P

I love most anything by Isette, I especially love the West Earrings, Swirl Earrings and Swirl Studs!
And this little number from Japonicas...and the Nallie...gorgeous! I love this Square Lace Ring and these little guys are simply adorable! I mean, who am I kidding...I love anything by MDSparks! Lovebirds?! Love them! I guess I have a thing for birds...who knew?!

Well, that's enough for now...I went linky crazy...so enjoy!

My Husband Rocks Friday

April writing...

Yeah, I know it's been a while...let's just let that go shall we?

This week my Husby rocks because of his support. I am back on the diet and exercising train (yippee) and last night after dinner, while we were cleaning up he said this to me..."Babe just go ahead and plan dinners, make whatever you need to make to stay in your points or whatever. I will eat what you make. Don't worry about asking me what I want."

I just thought that was a really selfless thing to do. I told him that he could tell me when he had cravings for things enough in advance, so I could find healthy alternatives and he agreed to that. Aren't I nice too :P

Anywho...thanks sweetie for being so supportive, I know you know this is a battle for me...but the result will be worth it...in MANY ways :)

Plenty of Snow Clouds...headed our way...

April writing...

Zip-a-dee-do-da...
Zip-a-dee-HEY!!!

More snow??

Yep.

Ehh.
*groans*

ALICE.com

April writing...

I have run across a great site...Alice.com (click on the banner below to go there!) It has all your basic household items...from toilet paper to soap to make-up to dog food...many of which have accompanying coupons! And what's even better is you can order what you need from the comfort of your home (in da pj's!) and get them shipped to your door for FREE! Yep, you heard me right...I said FREE.

I am preparing my first order now!! And from what I am reading, it is delivered fast and packaged amazingly!

So there you go...have at it! Click the banner below, head over to Alice.com and sign up FREE today! Start building your product list in 2 minutes! If you order soon, please come back and leave us a comment!

Murder.

April writing...

A Murder Mystery that is.

We just downloaded this years Murder Mystery script. It will be VERB's third annual MM Dessert theater! I am just too excited. Granted, it's always a bunch of work, full of stress and actor no-shows for practice...but I am ready!

The title to the play this year is "Murder Me Always." (so far I have seen no correlation between the name and the script..so I may be changing it) A better name makes for better advertising in a church setting, wouldn't you say?!

So, just wanted to keep you posted...I know that I have been mentioning myself in search of a script for a while now! Well we are there and moving on to step 2...auditions!

*giddy*

It's going to be fuuunn!

Sockies...

April writing...

Aren't these socks adorable??

Would it change your opinion if I told you they were for chairs??

Oh yeah...

Super cute, if you had a funky little hardwood floor apartment I guess.

I'm not too tempted though...good thing, cause they aren't available in the US!
Thoughts?!

Belly Dancing...

April writing...

I tried it.

It wasn't pretty. I recorded a Fit TV Belly Dancing Workout from TV and promised myself I would do it three time...and I did. I hated it. I was really, no good at it.

Oh my belly was dancing alright...but not how they wanted it to dance!

I felt like this...

Yeah, yeah...that's me being a bit over dramatic...but I just think my body, in it's current state...is not meant to move that way. So, maybe once I drop some more pounds I will revisit this workout style.

Until then...maybe I will stick to the treadmill and bike...ehhh!

Thoughts?

April writing...

My advance apologies for the mess that was my living room on this random day...I was interested to do a little furniture rearranging ...so we moved the couch to the window wall (left) and kept the chair in it's original location (between dining room and living room) and put the loveseat on the picture wall (right.)

I like this look, it still keeps the room open while providing a couple more seats looking towards the TV (which is located in the corner of the bottom right of the pictures)

(option A)

but then we tried moving the loveseat between the two rooms and the chair on the picture wall...this provides even MORE seating...however it seems to close the room off a bit more.

(option B)

So we currently have it set up as option A...and I think I like it. Just curious to know your thoughts.

And might I add...I had rooms that only provide you will like 3 seating options. We have one wall FULL of windows that really throws off where we can put the TV...although I LOVE said windows...oh well.

Always. Sometimes. Never.

I have seen this on a few other blogs and thought it would be fun. Here it goes.....

ALWAYS.

I always drink too much when I eat. Be it water or soda or tea. I like gulp my drink during my meals.

I always miss my husband when we apart.

I always sleep with my squishy pillow...I take it on trips too.

I always try and see the bright side.

I always talk to myself when I am home alone...I also have a tendency to talk and sing to my dogs.

SOMETIMES.

I sometimes an over-communicator.

I sometimes am really grouchy when I feel like someone is treating me younger than what I really am.

I sometimes just need to turn the TV off because I can't stand the noise any longer.

I sometimes look in peoples windows as I drive by at night, when their lights are on. I like to see in side, not like creeperish...but to see how they decorate.

I sometimes screen my calls. Deal.

NEVER.

I never go the speed limit. But consider myself a very safe driver.

I never drink alcohol or smoke cigarettes. I have tried alcohol in the past...no longer though.

I never start a project and finish it within my timeline.

I never leave the house without chapstick.

I never walk around my house barefoot. I hate to feel anything on my naked feet.

So....there you have it. My ALWAYS, SOMETIMES, NEVER. If you do it on your blog. Let me know. I would love to read it!

Happy New Year

April writing...

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

This year, Cory and I enjoyed a quiet evening at home, just us and the pups. He was actually supposed to work and at the last minute was able to take off.

So we watched movies and made yummy (well mostly yummy) snacks and had a great time together!

At midnight we shared a kissy and some sparkling cider (actually I had sweet tea)...

Cory was sweet enough to even get the pups their own sparkling cider...Olive wasn't too sure about it...but Pickle lapped it up! *shocker*

We stayed for a good bit longer and then all started getting sleepy...Old man Pickle had long since been ready for bed!

We hope you all had a great 2009 and an even better 2010!!

Remembering 2009

Remembering 2009 from April Eslick on Vimeo.

Here is your challenge if you choose to accept it.

Cory Writing...

Here is a challenge that Pete Wilson (The Pastor at Cross Pointe in Tennessee) has issued. I am taking the challenge and I hope you guys will to.

I think one of my favorite seasons on Without Wax last year was the 28 day challenge we did leading up to Easter where hundreds of you joined me in reading through the book of Matthew.
With that in mind I want to extend an invitation for you guys to join me for the 31 Day Challenge.
It’s simple. There are 31 days in January and 31 chapters in the book of Proverbs. I want to challenge you to read a chapter a day from Proverbs through the month of January. We’ll start with Proverbs 1 this Friday, January 1.
I’m doing this challenge in conjunction with a new series we’re launching next week at Cross Point entitled Pursuit, The Search for More, where we’re going to go through the book of Proverbs. Whether you’re at Cross Point or not I would love to challenge you to be a part. We’ve even set up a separate blog RIGHT HERE so you can discuss with others what you’re reading. You can also track each others observations by using the twitter hash tag #cp31days.
Do me a favor and leave me a comment if you want to join us. Then RT this post and let’s see how many people we can get to join!

Are you in?

All done.

April writing...

I hope that you and your family had a wonderful Christmas. Cory and I certainly enjoyed our time with family and friends.

It was our 4th Christmas not giving alot of gifts, and focusing on the true meaning of the season. And it was agreed by Cory and I on our drive home from one of the families houses on Christmas, that we truly missed giving each other gifts on Christmas. I mean, in the past 3 years we have given a few gifts, and this year we got ourselves a laptop...but we miss the excitement of it all. We decided that we can do it next year, without forgetting the real meaning for the season and without going overboard.

Either way, it was a nice holiday. Very low stress and low key. Just like we like it.

Tell me about your holidays...traditions, gifts, memories, etc!
Is anyone still out there?

It's almost here...

April writing...

So I am sitting here on the couch watching the boob tube with Husby before he heads off to work. We finished our Christmas shopping this evening. This is the latest we have been to finish in years. Oh well..at least we are done. And we came ever so slightly under budget...always a good thing!

I am ready to celebrate the season with Family and Friends and I am ready to enjoy watching everyone open their gifts...and I am super excited about being off work for 11 days...oh sweet mary...so, ready or not, here we go.

I am trying to get my act together and get myself caught up with the Project 365...I have been taking pictures, but I am so far behind in editing, etc. I also need to prepare our New Year card. Not sure what I am going to do this year...possibly edit another movie to music and burn them to CD for our family and friends. I love doing different things. This was last years...so I am excited to gather all the pictures from this year. Keep your eye out, there is more coming soon, including Remembering 2009!! :)

Holidays (plus) Family (equals) ?

April writing...

(the following was taken from SimpleMom.net)

Tips for handling extended family stress during the holidays.

1. Your spouse comes first.

The Bible even talks about this one — a child will leave their mother and father and cleave to their spouse. When you get married, it’s time to grow up and leave your parents. This doesn’t mean you emotionally kick them to the curb or cut all ties, but you do need to establish your own family. By putting your spouse first, you are choosing the adult role of being a husband or wife over the role of being a child in your parent’s family.

2. Set boundaries.

There are many things that happen in marriage that are none of your parent’s business. If you run to mom or dad any time you have a fight with your spouse, how are you going to learn to handle life with your spouse on your own? Avoid sharing the household secrets with your parents. Discuss with your spouse what topics and areas of your life are off limits to others.

3. Establish ground rules.

Much like the previous point, setting clear ground rules for handling extended family will improve your marriage:

• When do you and your spouse have exclusive time for each other?
• When do you spend time with your extended family?
• When do you involve your parents/in-laws in decision-making?
• Where should you discuss your marital conflicts: in private or in front of your in-laws?

4. Recognize the culture.

Our culture and upbringing plays a major role in how we do marriage. Recognize the cultural aspects of your spouse’s upbringing. One client I’ve worked with handled it this way: in her upbringing, the women did all the cooking and cleaning up at mealtimes. So when they shared a meal with her parents, he stayed out of the way. However, when her parents weren’t around, he stepped up and helped out or took care of it himself.

5. Don’t criticize your spouse’s relationship with their family or parents.

Nothing can raise a spouse’s defenses faster than criticism. Seek to understand more about their relationship rather than criticize, as that can lead to bitterness and resentment.

6. Be polite.

This doesn’t mean you have to change your personality to please your extended family or in-laws, but respect rules and traditions that are important to the older generation. Being polite and respectful with in-laws will go a long way in improving the relationship — not only with your in-laws, but your spouse as well.

7. Develop code words.

My wife and I have pretty good relationships with each other’s parents and family. Even so, there are still times when they drive us a bit crazy. We’ve developed some code words that we use to lighten the mood between us whenever family is getting too annoying. Have fun with this one, but remember to remain respectful. Derogatory code words will only cause more problems.

8. Spend time with your extended family.

Develop a better relationship with your family members by doing things together. Find out what they enjoy and join them. This could be shopping, playing golf, cards, whatever. You may find you have more in common than you thought.

_________________________________________________

So what do you think?? Could this help you and your family to get along better during the Holidays?

Sickies.

April writing...

The sickies. I has them.
boo.
and to make matters worse.
I have a cold sore.

(count your blessings I was going to show a picture from google images...but they made my stomach turn...so I declined that notion.)

Plus, mine isn't nearly as bad as the pictures. I'm just being over-dramatic about it all, because the fact that I even get them now ticks me off.

If you know me...then you know that I do NOT share drinks. Not with anyone but my Husby. I do NOT share chapstick. Not with anyone buy my Husby. And the list goes on. I do not share for many reasons; Mom brought me up that way, germs, etc. But one of the main reasons...is I know that these little cold sore buggers lay dormant, and if you catch one, you will have it for the rest of your life.

Well imagine my surprise about two months ago when I woke up with one. Oh I was angry. Lord only knows how I caught it...cause Husby has never had one. And there is a part of me who secretly fears that someone would drink after me or use my chapstick when I am not around just to spite me...Gosh, I know that makes me sound like I am surrounded by evil people. It's not like I really think that happened...at least not on purpose.

...so here I am with the sickies and my second ever cold sore. It sucks. I am handling this one much better than the first one. I have learned that constant application of peppermint oil and Vaseline helps tremendously. So now, even though I have one...it isn't some huge gaping pustule of gross sitting on my lip. (sorry for the visual there.)

Anywho. I'll get over it and hopefully I will get over the sickies soon too. Cause all this coughing is giving me a constant headache, and I am pretty sure my office's clients would love to call and NOT talk to April the "trucker" anymore.

All I want for Christmas are reasons to blog!

April writing...

And lately it seems all I've had are excuses. I have no real explanation, other that the typical...busy busy busyness!

The holidays are creeping up on us and even though Cory and I only buy a limited amount of Christmas presents, we have only bought 1 so far!! Yeah, yeah I know...we better get on the ball! And we will. Next week :P

I am eagerly anticipating my 7 days off between Christmas Eve and New Years Day. That's not counting the 4 weekend days surrounding those days. *le sigh* I am super stoked!!

On the bummer side of things, Cory had to go back to midnights...his short stint working a specialized unit is over...now I am back to filling our queen bed all by myself for 6 days a week. I was surprised, it was a pretty noticeable readjustment. I thought I would just fall back into the routine I have had for the past 3+ years. Well I haven't been sleeping well, once I finally DO fall asleep. So I hope that works itself out soon. Cory seems to be adjusting pretty well, falling back into his old routine, so I am happy about that.

He actually took off two nights this weekend so we could enjoy the Holiday parties that we have. In fact, I am attending a Cookie Exchange tonight. Taking these little beauties...and when I say little...I mean little. We were only making half-dozens, but I ended up making a full dozen for each person, cause I couldn't see giving away 6 cookies the size of half-dollars! They are delicious. The melt-in-your-mouth type cookies! I can't wait to see what I come home with!

I dropped by my sister-in-law's house last night to pass off some meatballs for the event and saw her house. It was decorated so beautifully! A far cry from my decor this year...

I know. Lame. But I just couldn't see getting the house all gussied up for nothing. (other that the pure joy of it...and that seemed, well, pretty lame too.) We aren't hosting any holiday parties this year, and we don't have gifts to put under the tree (the limited present thing) and I am working on a project for my bay window so that space is taken up. See? So it just didn't make sense. Maybe next year...or when we have kids...maybe both will happen next year! :P

Oh wait! I do have a wreath on the door and my kissing ball hanging in the entryway to the hallways...those count too! :)

Anywho. After tonight, we have two other Christmas parties. Our VERB Leadership party tomorrow night and then the VERB Christmas Party on Sunday night! Then it's pretty smooth sailing through Christmas.

It is really a great time of year...you just gotta hold on the schedule a bit! :)

Until next time...which may be soon or in another week. I will try and light a fire under my tookus to write more...we shall see how that goes!

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