5 Things that stir my soul...

Taking a lead from Queen of the hill and Smallworld....I thought I would also post 5 things...maybe more if they come to me, that stir my soul.
1. Singing....I love to sing and I love to sing worship music. My poor children have to endure this everyday as I belt out tunes, sometimes very well, sometimes not so very well. But I do love to sing. Oh, and I got the music award for my 8th grade graduation.
2. Dancing...As I posted before, I would love to learn to "Riverdance", but just about any kind of dancing makes my heart about leap out of my chest. This has been a passion of mine since I was a little girl and my Great Uncle George would pay me to sing and dance.
3. "My favorite spot in Bremerton" Mike and I used to live in Bremerton, WA, just outside of Seattle on the other side of Puget Sound. Everyday on my drive home from teaching aerobics, I would drive up this hill, and as I got to the top, the Cascade Mountains would be looking right at me. I love the mountains in WA, and that spot will always stir my soul. Along with that would be seeing Mt. Rainier on a clear day. Just thinking about Seattle can stir my soul. While I would never trade living in TN for anywhere else, summer in Seattle is like no where else.

4. A kiss from Mike. Mike and I are kissers. We just like to kiss each other and it is always sweet, and never less than three at a time.
5. Seeing my kids first thing in the morning. It is so amazing to me that no matter how the previous day ended, that next morning is brand new, and I can't wait to see them, and spend a new day with them.
6. My friends. I am blessed with many, and they all bring something different to my life. Being with my best friend, Danielle is so wonderful and so precious, especially since I had to leave her behind in WA and we don't see each other often. My local friends are so great to be with because they help keep me going on a daily basis.
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Jan. 24, 2007 - These are wonderful!
Posted by QueenoftheHill
I'm so glad you, Dr. Hibiscus, and Smallworld took the challenge. By the way, the King spent a lot of his growing up time in Cashmere, WA, (between Leavenworth and Wenatchee). That's the home of the Applets and Cotlets Company. Yum! :D
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Jan. 25, 2007 - #4????
Posted by fyftn
I can't believe that I'm number 4 on your list. At least smallworld listed the good Dr. first on her list. I sure do miss the mountains. The "Smoky Foothills" are pretty. But there's something about a 13000+ ft. snow capped mountain range. What a beautiful place.Edited by fyftn on Jan. 26, 2007 at 2:46 PM
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Jan. 26, 2007 - #4
Posted by SmallWorld
Mike, if it makes you feel better, I was last on the good Dr's list, too!
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Jan. 29, 2007 - True, but...
Posted by fyftn
... at least he can say he was saving the best for last. I'm not 1st because I lost out to singing (probably true). Not last because I lost out to friends (definately true). I guess I'll just hang around and be remembered when she is done singing with her friends. :)

Procrastination...

Ugh!! I hate being a procrastinator!! Why is it that I can have all the time in the world to prepare for my Monday fun classes, and here I am on Sunday night, starting to prepare. It is a sickness, really. My first grade report card said "Donna has a problem with organization. Her desk is always a mess." So, I am sure there is something wrong with me. I tried to tell my parents it has always been there. I don't think they bought it. Can you really overcome procrasination and disorganization? (I hope I spelled all that right) I hope so, I am tired of staying up late on Sunday nights...although, tonight was worth it to see the Colts win.

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Jan. 22, 2007 - I hear you, sister!
Posted by QueenoftheHill
If I could FIND my first grade card, I'm sure it said exactly what yours did! Determined to be a whole new me by tomorrow, I spent 3 hours today organizing my diaper bag, my purse, and my desk. (Did you know that my desk top is cherry-stained wood? I'd forgotten.) Why did my baby need 3 pairs of socks and 2 washcloths in his diaper bag? Not to mention a mini roll of toilet paper and a bag of croutons...
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Jan. 22, 2007 - Ha!
Posted by SmallWorld
*I* was done by 10:16 p.m.!!! But I have to say that, as much as I hate the stress level that hits with procrastination, sometimes I just can NOT plan without that stress! It seems to be my motivator....
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Jan. 23, 2007 - don't fight it, you can't win
Posted by DrHibiscus
As a co-procrastinator/non-organizational person, I feel your pain. Being a geneticist, I can assure you that you have no personal control over the situation. It is clearly a genetic disorder, so there's really nothing you can do about it. Give in, and relish in your procrastination. Allow it to fuel your creativity, and drive you to excellence. But don't let it get you down ;-)
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Jan. 27, 2007 - The only thing worse in a house....
Posted by fyftn
....would be two procrastinators. At least we don't have that problem in our house :P I love rushing/helping you get ready for Monday fun at 11:00 pm Sunday night. (I'm sure we'll be doing that tomorrow) And you love helping me put together packets for people the night before a Feed Your Faith event. At least we are able to spend some stressful, adrenaline charged, time together as a couple. Love, your lifelong procrastinator husband. Mike

First kiss...

Thirteen years ago I met a cute Navy guy in Orlando, FL. My best friend, who had just moved back to FL from Oregon after marrying her own Navy guy, couldn't wait for me to meet him. He was wearing a Cracker Jack uniform, was 18, and had the last name Williams, which was a little weird to me since that is my mother's maiden name. But really what did that matter, it's not like I had to marry the guy, I was getting ready to leave for IN to go to school.

Five days after our first date, on January 19, 1994, he held my hand and kissed me for the first time. I haven't kissed another guy since then (except for Caleb and my dad) After that, we were inseperable. Well, inseperable as you can be with Mike in Nuclear power school and then stationed in South Carolina 5 months later. I love thinking back to when we were dating...the butterflies I would get in my stomach when I would see him, going out for frozen yogurt every night (it was all I would eat), and getting to know each other. Mike is a romantic. I would get a flower for each month anniversary, and on our 6 month anniversary, he proposed. I still have the red silk flower he tied my ring to. We were only 19 and 20, but "knew what we were doing."
Thirteen years later, here we are with three kids and married for eleven years. We don't do the cute "things" we used to, a word that we would always kiss at, or do a silly dance. I don't know when that faded away. What hasn't faded is my love for him. He is still my sweetheart, my best friend, and he still can give me butterflies.
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Jan. 19, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by SmallWorld (IP Not Logged)
That is sooooooooooo sweet. You are truly blessed!
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Jan. 19, 2007 - Who was that guy??
Posted by Anonymous (IP Not Logged)
We met in November, 1994 didn't we?? Who was that other guy? In all seriousness, I remember that day still. I remember the butterflies when I "asked you out". It's been a great 13 years and I have been truly blessed. I don't remember the last time we said "bustaboo" or did that silly dance but thinking about it brings a smile to my face. Happy "1st kiss" Anniversary Love you still and always, Mike
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Jan. 19, 2007 - I love your post
Posted by bubbebobbie (IP Not Logged)
But mostly I love your "Mike's" response. There is something amazing about "Mike's" I have been passionate about my Mike for almost 34 years. Our first kiss was the first day I met him, he proposed three days later and we spent 20 years in the Air Force. I have a feeling that funny dance will find its way to your home tonight. Blessings to you both. Because of Jesus, Bobbie
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Jan. 21, 2007 - The sweetest blog...
Posted by QueenoftheHill (IP Not Logged)
Oh, I remember those days (and those butterflies)! What a great blog!

Bekah, Bekah, Bekah

I got to go to my first round table tonight with my home school group. I don't normally get to go because I go to bible study with Caleb on the night we normally have it. So, as we go around the table and introduce ourselves, we were to think about our "problem of the week." Why is it that, when given a question such as this, my brain freezes, and I can not think of any problems ( in my perfect little life). While I did genuinely say I have a hard time juggling time with my two preschool daughters while doing school with Caleb, it wasn't until I was driving home that I "oh yeah" remembered my true "problem of the week"


Her name is Rebekah, although she likes to be called Bekah. She is my wonderful, fun, four year old daughter. Our day yesterday started great. We had a devotion to start our school day, and Caleb read from the bible. We were so picture perfect until Bekah decides to kick Caleb in the throat, and then after being punished for that, kicks him again. Bekah is not a big bully who goes around doing things like this. While she isn't perfect, this was not something I normally see from her. After being punished again, and after awhile of school, I thought we could spend some time together working on a project for her preschool that had to do with her name. So, as I am looking around for letter punch outs to decorate the page with Rebekah, Caleb comes down stairs to show me the bible she has decided to take apart. She took the whole cover and ripped it off. Now, if I had ignored her all day and thought she needed to seek my attention, I would have (maybe)understood she needed to act out, but this? I am at a loss. So, off she goes to her room again, and I am trying not to lose my temper, which I have been working on. She stayed up there a lot longer than Super Nanny would have allowed, but I wasn't ready to deal with her yet. And so, I call a freind seeking advice.
The thing about Bekah is that punishment doesn't bother her. No spanking, time out, take away anything does much to phase her. So, after talking to Sarah, who asked if she earned an allowance where she would have to buy a new bible, I had the thought...Bekah hates chores. I mean hates. So, I told her she could work , and work for me to earn money to buy a new bible. She wasn't crazy about this idea. And if the timing couldn't have been better, last night at church my friend Heather gave her $1 for sticks she helped her pick up. I have to admit I was a little excited to go over to her and remind her of the money she owed. She really didn't like that.
So I ask, anyone who may be reading this. Do you have a child like this? Do you have any wonderful suggestions? The thing is she will smile at me through punishment and even cry out I love you so much. But, I have to say, as I am trying to get through to her that there are consequences to her actions, I put her to bed last night, and she tells me I am a great mommy because even when I get mad at her I still love her, just like God does. And I do...
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Jan. 19, 2007 - Ha!
Posted by SmallWorld (IP Not Logged)
LOVE the picture of B. with the sucker--you totally captured her irrestistible impishness. You ARE a great mom, and I'm glad you found what makes her tick!
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Jan. 23, 2007 - Her name is Olivia
Posted by booksandtea (IP Not Logged)
and she is also 4 years old. She is similar to your daughter. Unfortunately, I don't have any advice, only hugs.

Another year...

The thing I like about getting older is that I am so glad I am not the person I was ten years ago. While I don't like to think of getting "old", I am thankful for the wisdom and maturity (for the most part) I have gained. I had a great day today. I got the "day off" and headed to Pigeon Forge for a day of shopping with two friends.
I love being with my girlfriends. I am blessed to have so many friends in many different areas of my life, each one being able to fill different needs. Today it was Sarah and Leigh. We had so much fun and laughed at silly stuff, said things I know I can't say to other people...and read a few labels wrong on some body spray, which made us want to pee our pants. (The Gap doesn't sell a spray called heave, just in case you were curious)
So, now I am a year older and thinking about things I really want to get to do over the next few years. I can't wait to go to Disney World with my kids. I grew up there (in Orlando) and can't wait for their excitement when we go. I really want to take another cruise..and another...We are at the point now where we can travel real well with our kids, which is this new found joy for me, mainly because I like to travel, so I hope we get to do that a lot. One thing I really want to do and have been saying so for ten years, is , I want to learn to "Riverdance" My heart just about explodes when I watch them dance, or even hear the music. I am sure I was born to do this! I practice in my living room, hoping someone won't see me through the window and call 911 over my flailing limbs...really, though, I am getting better at this dance which I have no idea how to do. So, once I accomplish this, I want to perform on stage somewhere, if only by myself with an audience of four. (Five, if God wants to peek in on it)
So, now I am 33. I love celebrating my birthday. My son made two baskets for me in his ball game and my family took me out to dinner after all the working out I did shopping. What a great day. As I told my kids, this is a day of celebration about me. And I have never been one to be shy as the center of attention.
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Jan. 14, 2007 - Reservations, please!
Posted by QueenoftheHill (IP Not Logged)
I'll take 2 tickets to that Riverdance Performance! And please bring a sample of "Heave" to Monday Fun for us all to try...
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Jan. 15, 2007 - congrats!
Posted by DrHibiscus (IP Not Logged)
Happy Birthday and welcome to the blogosphere! It's great to see you here. Have fun with blogging, and I'd like tickets to your Riverdance too! ;-) ps - stop by my blog and give me your opinion on my current post. I'd like to get as many different opinions as possible

Birthday Eve

I thought this morning that sometimes my title Mommy isn't all it is cracked up to be. Caleb came down at 1:50 this morning after a night mare. Mike called for him to come over and tried to console him, but Caleb wanted me. I don't do well in the middle of the night and was a little aggravated , but I was the one he wanted. As soon as he got in bed and slid his little arms around me, there was no where else I wanted to be . Now granted, I was not very coherent, but I loved having this little person next to me, especially since I don't know how many more times he will want to come and snuggle with me in the middle of the night. Soon he was headed back upstairs, Little Joe in hand, and I was able to drift back off to sleep.
I decided to sleep in this morning after being up with Caleb. No working out before school, just me and my pillow until 9 am. My kids were so quiet and, come to find out, they had been working on a "Birthday Eve" party for me; they came up with the title themselves. My party was complete with presents they had made and wrapped, games, and an apple cake with peanutbutter and Hershey's Kisses. Caleb made me a card that said "Best Mom in the World" , Bekah drew pictues of me and the kids, and Elisa put some sitckers on a page with a birthday cake. They were so proud of themselves, and I was proud of them. What a great start to my day. I can't imagine not having them here at home with me to celebrate my Birthday Eve!
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Jan. 12, 2007 - Happy Birthday!
Posted by SmallWorld (IP Not Logged)
And what a sweet first entry! And I'm so PROUD of you for joining the world of blogging!
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Jan. 14, 2007 - That is the sweetest thing!
Posted by QueenoftheHill (IP Not Logged)
Your kids are so creative and proactive. You can totally claim that as an achievement hard won under that sometimes dubious "mommy" title. Caleb will always appreciate that you were there for him, even though it was painful at that ugly hour!