Tag, You're it!

 My friend Autumn at Autumn Asks Why tagged me way back in september with some really fun questions. I have meant to do them, and never taken the time. So, this week, when I have nothing else going on.... (can't sleep because I am stressed out) I decided to give it a go!

1.) What is your biggest pet peeve?
 Inside-out socks. I know, I know, random. However, they have been annoying me for nearly 10 years now, with no outlook in the future for a change. Some days I think I might actually be resigned to simply accepting my fate and rolling with it. Then he brings his gym bag home, and, nope, I really hate them again! Seriously though, how hard is it to take your socks off without turning them inside out?

2.) If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why? 
 I can't pick one! I really want to see so many more places before we "retire". Isn't that suppose to be one of the joys of military life? Getting to "see the world"? I have only been to three out of the seven continents. I am not anywhere close to finished exploring yet.

 However, I must admit a very strong fondness for Norway in the summer. I don't think I would survive a winter, but a Norwegian summer is unbelievable!

3.) Have you ever been searched by the cops? (inquiring minds want to know...)
 Nope. I am afraid (for the sake of the interest level of this blog post) and thankful (for the sake of my sanity) that I have had a very limited and boring amount of interaction with law enforcement. I was ticketed once for not wearing my seatbelt, and another time for speeding. Another time I got a warning for speeding. That last one was about 8 years ago. I am a conservative little momma driver now.

I think this could catch me now!

 I did see an hilarious bumper sticker the other day "Caution, I drive like a Cullen". If you don't know what that means, you wouldn't get it anyway. It made me laugh though because she did drive with abandon, at least for the three or four seconds I could keep up!

4.) What is the one thing on your mind right now? 
 Pain. So many people around me have so much pain, all the time. I knew that. I did. But it is a bit more real today. I don't want to deal with it, which is why I am doing a blog like this, rather then trying to write something deep. I know we all have our own pain, but stop sometime and look around. We aren't the only ones. Every one is hurting.
 I just want to grab some people up and hold them, and make the hurt go away.
 But I am not doing a serious post tonight. See. I'm not.

5.) Favorite song right now?
 I have been into old hymns and really old praise and worship songs from when I was a kid. Blessed Assurance by Fanny Crosby, There is a Redeemer by Keith Green, and I have often caught myself randomly breaking out into Psalty the singing songbook music lately. My past is calling to me.

6.) What talent do you wish you had? 
 At this moment, the ability to pack boxes neatly with the assurance nothing in them would break, and with confidence that I am sending the right things to storage and the right things to my parent's. Complicated talent, huh? Try doing all that without having the talent!

7.) Favorite Drink?
 Decaf Green tea brewed with blueberry leaves for extra flavor and sweetened with Splenda.
 Blueberry Raspberry Fuze comes in a close second. Are we noticing a trend here?

8.) In one word, how would you describe yourself? 

  Real

 Upon completion I am supposed to tag 8 more people, and ask them 8 random questions too. I am not sure that 8 people actually read this blog, but I will throw some questions out there, and some names too. We'll just see what happens.

 1.) What is your favorite childhood memory?
 2.) If you could have any job, what would it be, and why?
 3.) What is your favorite sport?
 4.) Have you ever done something "dangerous" - and how do you define that?
 5.) What is your favorite holiday?
 6.) When is your average bedtime?
 7.) What is your favorite song (right now)?
 8.) In one word, describe yourself.

As you can see, I stole a couple of her questions.
Tara at Tara's world
Emilee at Another Binkley Sister Blog
Carrie at Thoughts, Ponderings, Musings
Angelia at Living, Loving, Laughing...
Nikowa at The Adventures of a Quirky Mom
Kathryn at Espy Family
Marcy at Marcy and Scott

Kelly at Are We There Yet?

 If you happen to do it, let me know. I would love to see your answers! 

Random questions answered

My friend Carrie did this Meme last year, and then again this year. I decided it was time for me to participate. It seems like a nice way to end the year, and sum it all up.

1. What did you do in 2009 that you’d never done before?
Had a Grand Mal Seizure. Hope I don't ever have to do that one again.

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
As I stated in the last post, I am not one for resolutions. We'll leave it at that.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Depends on how you define close I guess.... close emotionally or close in location! I love lots of people, and someone I love is always having a baby. They are just often on the other side of the country, or the world, for that matter. I am especially excited about a new cousin I got really early in the year!

4. Did anyone close to you die?
Yes.
5. What countries did you visit?
Four years in a row now without leaving the country. Sad times.
6. What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?
A Daughter
7. What dates from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
I'm not much for remembering dates - they all run together in my head.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Five months without Andy, mostly sane.
9. What was your biggest failure?
Five months without Andy, not quite sane.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Well, just a little bit...
11. What was the best thing you bought?
The Wii has been used quite a bit, and been really loved by the rest of the family. Even though I don't appreciate it as much, all three of my boys do!

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
My children, for being so adaptable, no matter what the situation. My family, for lifting me up when I am down.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Doctors who do not want to listen, instead assuming they know everything.

14. Where did most of your money go?
Car repair, unfortunately, was large chunks this year. Adoption paperwork took some, and that was a happier way to spend it. And as always, books and various electronic media.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Andy returning from Afghanistan. The possibility of Africa. Repeatedly.
16. What song will always remind you of 2009?
Godspeed, by Dixie Chicks. It didn't come out this year, but it was a theme song for me this year, so will always make me think of 2009.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you: (a) happier or sadder? (b) thinner or fatter? (c) poorer or richer?
(a) I think about the same - I try to choose JOY always.
(b) Once again - the same
(c) Perhaps a little more in savings, because of the tax-free paycheck while in Afghanistan... But does money really make you richer?

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Let myself cry. I "lost it" New Year's Eve - had a good crying fit. Andy completely blamed it on low blood sugar, which I am sure played a part. But strangely, I felt better afterward. I wish I had let myself cry more throughout the year, rather then saving it all for one horrific experience in one night.
19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Doubting myself.
20. How did you spend Christmas?
Spread out over time. A couple weeks early with Andy's family. A few days before with some good friends. Christmas Day with my family. A few days later with some of our best friends. Somehow, I like it that way. Celebrating Jesus' birthday over and over, with all the people we love never seems like a bad thing.

21. Did you fall in love in 2009?
Every single day
22. What was your favorite TV program?
Blank screen...
23. What was the best book you read?
That is really tough! I loved "The Book Thief", but I can't remember if I read it early this year, or right at the end of 2008. I struggled with "The Road", because it was sad, but I did appreciate the beauty of the words. I really enjoyed re-reading "Cheaper by the Dozen", which is an OLD book that I enjoyed from my childhood. "The Hobbit." "The Princess and the Goblin". There is no way I can pick just one. That doesn't even include the countless easy reading fiction I consumed while Andy was deployed. Yeah - bad question for me.

24. What was your greatest musical discovery?
I don't make musical discoveries. I listen to the same people I have been listening to for years, often their old albums, rather then their newer ones. Because I can.
25. What did you want and get?
Lots and lots of chocolate.
26. What did you want and not get?
A daughter.
27. What was your favorite film of this year?
I loved "X-men origins: Wolverine", partly because I am an X-men fan (although this was not the best done of the X-men movies) but mostly because I adore Hugh Jackman.

But I think my favorite movie of the year was "My Sister's Keeper". Terribly sad, traumatic even, but beautifully done. Really, a first "grown up" role for Cameron Diaz, and I think she did a great job.
28. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
This was the big 30, and my family threw me a surprise party. Then, we went out painting a few days later too. Good times.
29. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Man, how many more times can I say the same answer?

Having our adoption go through. Having our daughter here. Being done with paperwork.

However, I still trust that God is going to bring her to us, in His time. I am opening up my search area.
30. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009?
Anything that either Mom or Andy (whichever one I was living with at the time) didn't flinch and say "you're wearing that?" when I put it on.

My own fashion style centers on cute flip flops, boots, heels and earrings, bracelets, rings. That is where I get creative. The clothes themselves are just required in order to go out in public.
31. What kept you sane?
Jesus. Mommy. C and Z, and the fact that they needed me, as well as loved me. Written words, both other peoples and my own. I suppose this blog is one of the biggest things that kept me sane this year.
32. Who did you miss?
My husband. My potential baby.

33. Who was the best new person you met?
I am really enjoying the little girl across the street. Her mom is cool too, but that little four year old bundle of energy cracks me up!

34. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009.
Be persistent. You do know your own body better then doctors do, even with all their training, and medical machinery, and "fix-it" medicines.
35. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.

There is a Reason, Caedmons Call:

late at night I wonder why

sometimes I wonder why

sometimes I’m so tired

I don’t even try

seems everything around me fails

but I hold on to the promise

that there is a reason

late at night, the darkness makes it hard to see

the history of the saints who’ve gone in front of me

through famine, plague and disbelief

His hand was still upon them

cause there is a reason

there is a reason

He makes all things good

He makes all things good

there’s a time to live and a time to die

a time for wonder and to wonder why

cause there is a reason

there is a reason

I believe in a God who sent His only son

to walk upon this world and give His life for us

with blood and tears on a long, dark night

we know that He believed

that there is a reason

there is a reason

for the lonely nights

and broken hearts

the widow's mite

in the rich man's hand

and the continent

whose blood becomes a traitor

for the child afraid to close their eyes

the prayers that seem unanswered

there is a reason

there is a reason

He makes all things good

He makes all things good

there’s a time to live and a time to die

a time for wonder and to wonder why

cause there is a reason

there is a reason

He makes all things good!

I was tagged...

(The problem with finishing this late at night, is that I forgot to reset the date on it, so it got posted to a spot three days ago - sorry!) Here it is! 

 I was tagged, and flattered, by my new blog friend Karlie. She did a really cool job with hers; lots of pictures, inventive wording, creativity. So.... I am trying to be creative too. It's not really competition, per se. Just making me get off my lazy, stuck in the mud, usual way of doing things, hiney. The topic is, Five Things I Love. 

 If you have ever read my blog before, and actually, even if you haven't read my blog, and have only read my profile, you know that I love Jesus,

 my amazing, wonderful, beautiful family, 

       

and the good ole, US of A.

       

So, what else do I love, besides the obvious?

1. I love jewelry.  

 When I was younger, I loved jewelry. A lot. Middle school, Highschool, even college, I loved earrings, and bracelets and funky beads. Then, I had babies. Babies love to reach out and pull. When they are nursing, they like to grab. Plus, I was tired, and my outfits were really lucky to have both a shirt and pants and shoes, forget worrying if they matched. So, bit by bit, I quit wearing jewelry, until I was down to just my wedding rings and very small, very basic earrings. 

 But my sisters kept on collecting, (and I have raided their "leftovers") and my wonderful husband still bought me the occasional piece, and now, five years later I have suddenly realized that I have the time to pick out jewelry in the mornings again. And what a joy that is! Dangling earrings with their splashes of color on the ends. Bangles that clink and clash and make music as I move to the rhythm of life. My (few) elegant gemstones that catch the sun, and reflect the glorious artistry of nature. Jewelry makes me feel beautiful. And it is so much easier to be cheerful and shiny when you are wearing something cheerful and shiny! I love jewelry. 

2. I love Target.

 Yes, the store. They have such wonderful clearance! Markdowns are truly marked d o w n ..... there, and I LOVE it! Sometime, just go and walk around the "outside loop" and see what you can find. It is like a treasure hunt! Body wash, 2 pack with a "poof", $3.00 (and this is where coupons come in really handy too!) Organic, whole grain granola bars, .24 cents! The "old version" of the Mach 4 razor blade - half price. When you have a military husband, this is a priceless find! I bought 8 packs! Yeah, it was a lot of money at one time, but in the long run, it was worth it! And don't even get me started on clothes... just take, for instance, this "dress" (which I wear as a shirt) I purchased for $5.74 and the belt to go with it, less than $4.00! 

 I asked Andy to take my picture for this posting, and he encouraged an entire modeling show. After I stopped laughing my head off, he insisted that I post at least one of the silly ones. Zion "helped" too. 

3. I love Words. 

 All kinds of words really, but especially the written kind. The flowing descriptiveness of Poetry. The slightly naughty, silly times of romantic fiction, like Nora Roberts and Susan Elizabeth Philips. The heartbreaking pain of love and loss that I both hate and yet love, like Nicholas Sparks and James Patterson. The challenging inspiration of famous biographies. History- things that really happened. Science fiction- pure imagination, and mostly things that I hope will never happen! Francine Rivers, Gilbert Morris, Jane Austen, Stephenie Meyer, C. S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, Julia Quinn, Elizabeth Aston, any of the Bronte sisters - the list goes on and on.

 The wonderful, fun books that I read to my children - Clifford, Curious George, Dr. Seuss, The Berensteins, Little Critter, Thomas. 

 Most importantly, and imperatively, the words that give life. As the DC Talk song says, "the words written in red". I love words. 

4. I love these hands.

 They work hard, every single day. They turn a wrench, and get covered in grease, then open a book and write a term paper. They make really delicious, creative, never before tried food, then, if needed, wash the dishes too. They can turn raw clay into a decorative pot, or random recyclables into works of art (he was an art major when I married him after all), or change the oil in my car, or plant a tree in our backyard.

 After more than seven years of marriage, just the thought of those gifted hands can still send shivers of anticipation up my spine. Yet those hands can just as easily turn the pages of Seuss, and tuck youngins into their beds, then fold in bedtime prayer with our boys.  

 And those hands belong to me forever. That permanent band of ink around the finger of his left hand state that loud and clear, even when he is at work where rings are a safety hazard. I love these hands (and the man whom they belong to!)

(here is a very silly picture - what can I say - he is a silly guy, who really didn't want to pose for pictures)

 

5. I love being green. 

 I can't help it. It is just important to me. It's not like I came out of the womb saying, "recyle, reduce, reuse" or anything. But when I was in college, someone came up with the nickname "Captain Planet" for me, and it stuck. I organized the recycling drive, first for my dorm, then for the library, then for the entire campus. 

 I love finding new ways to be kind to this earth that my creator commanded me to care for. I firmly believe that we are called to watch over the earth. It is our job, as humans, created in God's image. 

   I love recycling. I love trying to grow some of my own food. I love eating organic and local as often as I can possibly afford it. I love driving my tiny little fuel efficient vehicle. I love turning the air up to 78, even though Andy would rather it be set at 72. I survive leaving the heat set at 68, even though I think my toes are going to fall off, because it is better for this beautiful, amazing earth. I love encouraging other to try to do any and all of the above mentioned things. I love being green. 

Now, my turn to tag five more people. I tag Carrie,  Mary, Lindsay, Kathryn, and Emilee, (who has to tag Abby for me, since I ran out of turns)