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!

We've been ELF'ed!!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

I'm mobile...

April writing...

Wow. The potential ehh? I have been thinking and I can actually blog while away from my desk now. Instead of trying to remember to blog something or even blog to be posted at a later date. ha!

For today...I have a little special journey through time...a trip back in time in my relationship with Cory.

(since I just transferred some pictures from my external hard drive to the laptop...whom I have lovingly named "Hattie Pearl" or "Mrs. Pearl.", yep...she's an HP...lappytop and obviously...I'm a dork.)

We were married in 2003...after for dating a little over 2 years.

(pictures are ordered oldest to newest, left to right, top to bottom.)
My it seems like we have changed so much, yet not changed at all! It's been a great journey together. We have had our shared of ups and downs...and he continues to be my best friend.

oh well...enough sappy-ness...haha.

Until next time...and who knows what is coming...!!

New toys...

April writing...

I am typing this post from our new toy. Mine and Cory's Christmas present to each other. A new HP G60 laptop.

She's a beaut!

She is so sleek and sexy.
Her buttons are fresh and crisp as they click under my fingers.

I love her.

...ok I am a little excited. There is alot of potential with this sweet little thing. I can transfer all my work for VERB onto her and then take it directly to church when we need extra items! I am just stoked!!

Anywho...thought I would drop by and say hey...Cory and I had a great Thanksgiving with our families and friends...the food was delish and abounding and the laughter and memories were all I could ask for! We had a great Black Friday...we weren't too caught up in the shopping, we had two goals in mind...a new GPS and a new LAPTOP...and we accomplished those goals with savings to boot!

So now, it's onto shopping for a few Christmas presents for the kiddos in our lives. And I need to prepare for the upcoming Cookie Exchange and we need to get out schtuff for the Gingerbread House Competition. It should be a fun Holiday season, one of my favorite times of the year.

I hope you and your families enjoy the special times together as well!!! Until next time...

Thankful.

April writing...

I'm thankful.

Husby, my best friend.
My pups.
My Mom and Dad.
My Sisters.
John & Cristy.
JoJo, Tammy and the kids.
Jason & Brittany.
My Cuppycake.
My girls, Manda-Rose and TT.
My boyfriend, Mr. B.
The Verbies.
VERB.
My job.
Money in the bank.
Flippy floppies.
Husby's job.
Pictures.
Brown Sugar Cinnamon Poptarts.
Creativity.
Heating & AC.
God's forgiveness.
Patience.
Music.
My House.
Date nights.
Good health.
Extended Family.
Heritage.
A good movie.
Laughter.
French Fries & Baked Potatoes.
Inside jokes.
DVR.
Students that love wholeheartedly.
Unconditional Love.

There is definitely so much more...this is just a taste.

What are you thankful for this year.

April....?!

Absent....errr uh PRESENT!

For now at least.

What's up with this once a week blogging?! I am not too sure myself. I haven't had the desire to blog at all. And what the heck...it's November 24th already?!?!

So I'm working on a pillow for my bay window. And it has now been sitting on my dining room table for over a week. I think I am very intimidated. I am making the cover from scratch. It's making my head hurt. And I see it every time I come in my house or walk through my living room. I feel like it's kinda taunting me...telling me I will never finish it. Or if I do...it won't look good. I am already doubting my fabric choice. It's too hard. I wanna quit that project and do something else fun and cute. Ehhh.

I am Black Friday pre-shopping and researching online today...I want to get the best deal. It's kinda stressful.

I feel kinda like Summ in my blog today...but that's just cause I love her. :P

Ok, that's it for now.

yeah 'bout that...

April writing...

It happened. I got behind.

I need to clean my house.
I need to catch up on laundry.
I need to edit my 365's.
I need to memorize my lines for the Children's Christmas Play.
I need to find a Murder Mystery script for our 09 date.
I need to sew a cover for my window seat.
I need to find fabric for said window seat cover.
I need to clean out our closets and get rid of clothes we don't wear.
I need to type a script and find two other scripts for the Drama team.
I need to drop 15-20 pounds.
I need to blog.

I'm sure there is more.
I need to get back to basics and back to removing the chaos of it all.
I can do that.
Right?

Simple Pleasure

Cory Writing....

Today is Thursday and that means it is time for you to share your simple pleasures.

My simple pleasure this week is being on a normal schedule. I have temporarily (hopefully permanently) changed positions. I have gone from working Patrol on the midnight shift to working in a school. My schedule is know a normal Monday through Friday gig. That allows me to spend quality time with my wife. This is the first time since we have been married that I have been on a normal schedule.

How does your toilet paper hang?

April writing...

Image courtesy of YoungHouseLove.com

And since we are on the subject...do you waste TP?

And for the decorator in all of you...here are some great ways to store toilet paper without junking up the bathroom! Courtesy of Young House Love.

Top 5 Tuesday

April writing...

Let's hear it...

What are your TOP 5 Fall Meals or Desserts?

Here are mine...somehow all of these SCREAM Fall/Winter to me!
5. Oreo Bark
4. Crunchy Peanut Butter Balls
3. Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese Sandwich
2. Apple Pie
1. Chili and Cornbread

Your turn!

Monday Moan

Cory Writing......(yes that is right it says Cory)

Today is Monday and I am going to do the Monday Moan because my wife doesn't have anything to moan about and I can always think of something to moan about. Ha Ha

My Monday Moan today has to do with ignorant people. Last night after Verb several of us went to Chipotle and we were in line waiting to be served. This lady in front of use was telling the employee what she wanted on her burrito. She asked for extra meat, so the lady gave her a full spoon instead of the half spoon, which is an extra $2 charge. The lady started getting all ignorant, so the manager came over quickly to try and avoid a situation. She told the lady a full spoon is considered extra and the lady states, "That ain't extra enough for me." So the manager gave her about 4 more pieces of chicken and the lady stated, "Oh that is better."

YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME. You are making a scene over 4 pieces of chicken....C'MON MAN!!!!!!!

What is your Monday Moan???????

More Cloche encounters...

April writing...

*Target versions...

ahhh I want one of each!!! They are simply ADORABLE, and the BEST part...only $14.99!!

My bad...

April writing...

What? I've only blogged once a week for two weeks...your kidding?

oops.

It didn't seem like anyone missed me.................(cue softly playing violin in the background)

Anywho, I am here. My fault. I've been semi-busy and otherwise a little detached from the need to blog for a brief moment...but I'm back. We have had alot going on...and yet I still feel the need to pull the belt tighter and hold on because the business of late is nothing compared to what's headed towards us in the coming months!! But I am excited...with all the hub-bub it's actually one of my favorite times of year!!

Another bonus to this time of the year is my cousin Chris is coming into town for a week!!! I am just besides myself excited! Then we get to see his sister, my other cousin in January. When her and her new hubby hop over to the states (from Australia) during their honeymoon!

We have alot coming up...Thanksgiving, Christmas, Gingerbread House Competition, Cookie Exchange, Christmas Parties, Trip to NY, Children's Play, not to mention the little fun things sandwiched in-between.

I will be happily exhausted. And the best part of it all...Cory is on a normal working schedule. That's right! No more midnights for him (not for now, hopefully not for a long time!) He is M-F 8-4!!! It's been outstanding to have him around every evening, without it being interrupted with the need for a nap before work, or his having to be home to shower by 9 pm to get ready for work. So that's another great bonus!!

So...I promise...to add pictures, to blog more regularly and to bring the random just like I know I can!! :) Talk to you soon.

BTW - I was going to do the Monday Moan, but I just don't have anything to moan about. So I guess I'll see ya tomorrow for the Top 5 Tuesday and more!