Foodie Fodder

I have never had a lot of hobbies or obsessions.  I don’t collect things.  I’m not crafty or athletic.  I don’t get excited about gardening or running a marathon.  I live a fairly quiet existence.  (As in activities, not noise.)  However, I love food.  I love everything about it.  So much so, I’ve recently proclaimed myself a "foodie".  Big-time.  Almost to nerd-ish proportions. 

For those of you who have never heard the term foodie, it's a fairly new term meaning (according to our friend, Mr. Webster):  

• a person having an avid interest in the latest food fads, or
• a person keenly interested in food, especially in eating or cooking

So, what distinguishes me as a foodie as opposed to just a person with a normal interest in food?  It could be my 24/7 obsession with the Food Network and all those ridiculous food competition shows:  Next Food Network Star, Worst Cooks in America, Cupcake Wars, and my very fave, Chopped.  Then there are the shows that highlight cool restaurants or amazing dishes, like Diners Drive-ins and Dives or The Best Thing I Ever Ate.  And I'd be lying if I didn't admit to crushing on some of the Food Network stars:  Guy Fieri, Ted Allen, Scott Conant . . .

In addition to my obsession with Food Network’s shows and stars, I’m obsessed with the food verbiage.  The chefs throw around words like gastrique, coulis, ceviche, remoulade and chutney.  They discuss molecular gastronomy, purple potatoes and romanesco.    The extent of their food knowledge is staggering.   It makes me want to learn something!  I have a fantasy of attending a culinary institute to study obscure vegetables, classical cooking techniques, food history and Ninja knife skills!  To know that much about anything is absolutely fascinating to me!

I believe my food obsession stems from a basic love of eating, and all it entails.  I love sitting down to a good meal with my family, or even the anticipation of a good meal – whether it’s a planned date to a favorite restaurant, the excitement of trying a new recipe, or just smelling a hearty soup stewing in the crock pot all day.   I also love the emotions and memories that can be wrapped up in a particular dish.  Warm donuts remind me of coming home to my mom's homemade donuts and hot chocolate after a day of sledding.  Beef roast or fried chicken remind me of Sunday family dinners.  Corn-on-the-cob and fresh tomatoes from the garden bring to mind those summer nights when it was just too hot to cook, so we’d eat corn and tomatoes and cucumbers pickled in vinegar and water. 
I know I shouldn’t be so obsessed with food.  I know that I’m too heavy and I need to lose weight.  Chocolate cake is not a necessity; and a good, juicy burger is bad for my cholesterol.  But, I’ve recently adopted a new philosophy, thanks to an entry entitled “When Food Attacks!” in my new favorite blog. (Be sure to check it out.)  According to the blogger (or, as she calls herself, “blarger”), food is not “bad” or “good” or “sinful” or “naughty”.  It’s just food.  Period.  So, I can obsess all I want about chutney, ceviche and Ted Allen.  I can wake up in the morning and start day-dreaming about dinner that night.  I can watch four chefs go head to head in a battle of skill, using the basket of mystery ingredients.  I know there are limits and guidelines.  I know I must deal with food in an intelligent, responsible manner.  But, thank you, dear blarger, for reminding me that food is not my enemy.  It’s actually my friend.  A friend that satisfies my hunger, stimulates my curiosity, and stirs my emotions.  I am a proud foodie!

Vacate Reality

Vacation is over.  Tomorrow I go back to work after being off since last Saturday.  I had a great week of fun in the sun with my sisters, my niece, my daughter, sweet friends – but, alas, all good things must come to an end!  I must admit, I’m not ready to go back.  You’d think, after ten days of relaxing on the beach, floating in the pool, and shopping, I’d be energized and ready to get back at it – but this past week has only spoiled me!  I’ve decided I want to be one of those pampered, non-working, lay-by-the-pool kind of gals, taking full advantage of how lucky I am to live in this gorgeous place!  Is that too much to ask?

Lord, help the mister who comes between me and my sister . . .

Me, with my awesome sisters, Pam and Debby

My sister, Pam, and her daughter, Kayla, are here for a few days.  We're having a great time - spending lots of time in the sun!  I know I've mentioned that I'm the 6th of 7 kids - the youngest of 6 girls, with a little brother that came along later.  And I'm sure I mentioned that I love being from a large family.  But, I'm not sure I adequately communicated that I love, love, LOVE having sisters!  There's nothing like it. 

Happy Birthday to Me!!

One of the benefits (at times, disadvantages) of this high-tech age is the ability to find and stay in touch with old friends, distant family, and casual acquaintances.  With cell phones, e-mail, texting and facebook, hundreds of connections are just a finger stroke away!   I've been technologically "connected" for some time now -- but have never realized just how connected I actually was until yesterday. 

I celebrated a birthday yesterday.  It wasn't a "biggie", as in "30", "40", "45" -- just a run-of-the-mill, no special number, 46th.  In years past, this type of birthday would come and go without much notice.  Maybe a family dinner, a card or two in the mail, a birthday cake and candles.  Which is exactly what happened this year -- church in the morning, dinner with the kids at Texas Roadhouse with an embarrassing "happy birthday" song from a bunch of waiters and waitresses that I don't know and wouldn't recognize on the street, and an afternoon of family time.  Quiet and low-key.  The only difference this year, is that I had no less than 75 "Happy Birthdays" texted, e-mailed and face-booked to me (yes, that is a word)!  I got "Happy Birthdays" from an old Prom date; a kindergarten friend; a spouse of one of my husband's friends; aunts; uncles; cousins; sisters; a brother; nieces; nephews; friends from highschool; co-workers; new friends; old friends; friends from Michigan, Indiana, Florida, Texas, Alabama; kids that claim me as a second mom; moms of kids that claim me as a second mom; and many more! 

So, for someone who claims to be shy, reserved, and "cold-as-ice", I felt very popular yesterday!  Happy birthday to me!!

A Dog's Life

Whoever said, "they've gone to the dogs" like it's a BAD thing, has clearly never lived as a dog in our house!  Our dogs are definitely well-loved -- some would say spoiled.  Here's the question:  If someone or something is not spoiled rotten, but just spoiled and still sweet, is that necessarily a bad thing? 

A typical day in the life of our dogs, Ziggy and Hopper:

6:30 a.m. --- Wake up Mom to take us outside. 

Of course, after a long night, we need to give them time to do their business and explore a little.  However, our yard is not fenced, so I have to go outside with them.  I don't have to go to work until 2:00 p.m., mind you.  I should have plenty of time to sleep in a bit.  But, no.  You can find me outside every morning between 6 and 6:30 - rain or shine - following the dogs around the backyard in my pajamas and Crocs.

6:45 a.m. --- After her coaxing, scolding and bribing with treats, follow Mom into the house.

We have four acres - one mowed and three more wooded.  When I take the dogs out, they smell here, mark their territory there and spend a few minutes exploring.  However, sometimes they catch a scent of something they want to find!  Before I know it, I'm chasing them through the woods, or trying to corral them home from terrorizing the neighbor's chickens.  I'd like to say I can call them and they drop everything and run right back to me.  Unfortunately, they can be a bit obsessive and single-minded - especially Hopper.  When he's on the hunt, I'm not sure he can even hear me!  Then, when I finally do get them inside, what do I do?  I reward them with carrot coins (their favorite treat).  What am I teaching them here?

7:45 a.m. --- Invade Mom's personal space while she tries to read in the recliner.

Every morning, I make a fruit smoothie for Todd and send him on his way to work by 7:45.  Then, I settle into my recliner to read my Bible.  This seems to be Ziggy and Hopper's cue to jump up and cuddle.  Hopper backs his way into the space between me and the chair on my right side, Ziggy curls up on my lap, and they settle in.  Makes it very difficult to read, they're right up there in the middle of everything.  Such nuisances!

8:30 a.m. --- Begin the watch for squirrels, cats, or any small animals that may need to be chased.

Hopper is ridiculously obsessed with chasing small animals.  He believes it is his job to rid the world - or at least our backyard - of all crawling things.  Though we've scolded and spanked, we still find him daily keeping watch ON the dining room table!  But, on a positive note - our backyard is becoming more and more squirrel-free!

9:30 a.m --- Lie in the sun, sprawled out as ridiculously as possible!

This picture says it all - sprawled in the sun, belly-up.

10:30 a.m. --- Bug Mom enough that she takes us outside for awhile.

For some reason for which I'm very thankful, when I take the dogs out later in the morning, they don't seem to feel the need to explore quite so much.  We walk around the yard, I'll throw the ball for them, or they just lie down under the tree and watch the birds fly around for awhile.  Then we go back in where I give them a couple more carrot treats and continue with my day.

10:45 a.m. --- Toss the ball, wrestle each other, or chase each other around the house.

One thing is certain:  our dogs can entertain themselves!  Whether they're tossing and pouncing on their ball, wrestling together, or wildly playing "tag", it's hilarious to watch!  Their energy level is phenomenal.  I think if I tore around the house like they did, I'd probably end up on the living room floor sprawled in the sun, belly-up, too!

12:00 noon --- Start following Mom's every move, pouting and looking as pitiful as possible.

When I start getting ready for work, they seem to know it.  They give me their best "Are-you-really-going-to-leave-me?  Look-how-cute-I-am!" faces, and try their hardest to convince me not to go.  I must admit, there have been times I've looked at those adorable dogs and wished I could just stay home with them all day.  However, I'm not sure that's really the dogs, or just my desire not to have to go to work!

1:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. --- Assume afternoon positions and wait all day for family to come home.

Every day when I walk out the door for work, Hopper is curled up on the yellow chair, and Ziggy is curled up on the back of the chair.  They seem to be sulking and saying, "Since you have the audacity to leave us, we'll be lying right here waiting for you to come home, not having any fun!"  Of  course, I have my suspicions that, as soon as my car is out of sight, they're wrestling around, tearing around the house, inviting their friends and throwing wild parties.  There have been times I've come home to papers and toys all over the house, things knocked off the dining room table, and - if someone happened to forget to close the pantry door - the garbage can knocked over and rooted through.  Someday I might invest in a doggy-cam to see what really goes on while I'm gone.

6:30 p.m. --- Jump all over Mom and anyone else that comes home.  Scream and yip hysterically.  Run around the house as if to say, "They're home!  They're home!"

Is there a welcome better than the one you get from a dog?  Who else jumps up and down and screams and goes crazy when you walk in a door?  THAT's what makes all the other nonsense worthwhile!  They love me.  They really love me!!

Achey-Breaky Heart

Is there anything more heart wrenching than having a hurting loved one, and being helpless to do anything about it?  I may be "cold as ice" on the outside, but when it comes to my family and friends, I can be a big baby!  I know time heals all wounds, but it's a total bummer going through that time -- just makes my heart ache for them!  That's when you realize there's nothing you can do but pray and trust the Lord to comfort and heal.  Praying for some special people in my life right now.  Thank you, Lord, for the hope we have in you!

Grangers +1

Few times in your lifetime do you meet someone that changes things forever.  It happens the day you find your soul mate, the first time you look into the eyes of your newborn child and, for us, the day we met Nicole. 

Nicole first arrived on the scene when she was about 14 years old.  She was the oldest daughter of a struggling, single mom that lived down the street.  She came complete with a toddler on her hip, a 6 year old in tow, and a bubbly personality.  She was pretty, smart, funny and surprisingly positive, despite the responsibility of caring for her two young sisters. 

She began as our babysitter, but before long, she and her sisters were there all day: staying for supper, spending the evenings watching tv, and falling asleep on the couch.  Bedtime rolled around and we'd load them up in the car and drive them home.  They became a permanent fixture at our house, but we loved it. 

We quickly developed a relationship with each one of the girls -- but there was a special connection with Nicole.  We were so drawn in by her positive, bubbly attitude and amazing sense of humor.  She kept us laughing and was a joy to have around!  And Nicole loved us back and seemed to crave the family dynamic that we had.  She enjoyed being part of a family that went on walks, played together, and had family dinners.  I remember one instance when we were all walking to the neighborhood park, Nicole was bouncing along beside us and exclaimed, "Isn't this fun?  It's like we're a family!"

Over the next few years, she'd often announce that she was going to move in with us when she turned 18.  We didn't discourage it, but actually didn't expect that it would ever really happen.  But it did -- a year sooner than she'd planned.  When she was 17, her mom decided to move in with a friend.  There wasn't a lot of room, so she asked us if we would allow Nicole to move in with us.  Of course, we were happy to have her - she spent most of her time at our house anyway, what's a few more hours a day?  It didn't take her long to settle right in to her own little niche.  Soon, our names changed from "Todd and Mary" to "Dad and Mom", and Nick and Cassie became like her little brother and sister. 

That was 11 years ago.  She's now 28 years old, a college graduate, working full-time and living on her own.  We're proud of the successful, independent woman she has become and so happy she joined our family.  We love you, Nicole!

Vacation is Calling

Just found out recently that my sister, Pam, and her daughter, Kayla, will be here in a couple weeks for Spring Break!  So, I've decided to take that week off work to spend it with them at the beach, shopping -- being silly with the girls.  I'm uber-excited!  Problem is, now that I know I'm getting some time off soon, I have "short-timers" disease.  I daydream about the beach and getting a sunburn and freckles.  I do NOT want to be at work!  16 days and counting . . . . .

Misunderstood

Some people make friends wherever they go. They make friends at work, at school, at church, even in the waiting room at the doctor's office.  My husband is like that -- everyone loves him!  (Reason number one million why Todd and I are so well-matched -- he's never known a stranger.)  I can count the number of true friends I've had in my lifetime on two hands.  I'm not known for having a warm, loving personality.  In fact, my family teases me that I'm "cold as ice" and unfriendly.  I promise you, I'm a nice person!  The "unfriendly" characterization is not (entirely) true!  The way I see it, there are several reasons for this mis-characterization: 

Our "Game Night" Bunch

Number 1:  I'm naturally shy and reserved, which sometimes translates as cool or aloof.  It's something I've struggled with my whole life.  Conversation and socialization does not come naturally to me.  I have to make a conscious effort to talk to people.  My preference is to just sit and watch, letting others do the talking and socializing.  Of course, that all changes when I really get to know you  -- I can be quite chatty!

Number 2:  I grew up in a large family.  There was always someone to play with or talk to.  I had five older sisters -- friends were optional!  Don't get me wrong, I had friends growing up, but because of my shyness, it took me awhile to make them.  So, when we moved to a new town and I would spend the day at school shy and lonely, I looked forward to the end of the day, when I could walk in the door of my home and be surrounded by love, companionship, and fun!

Sweet old friends, Kim and Tom

Number 3:  I'm not a typical "touchy-feely" kind of girl!  I don't feel the need to share my deepest, darkest fears or the challenges I'm going through.  I don't want to chat on the phone.  In fact, I can go a week sometimes without even thinking to give a friend a call.  I'm a fairly private person, perfectly content to keep things to myself, or share them with my husband or a sister.  That "sappy" confiding stuff -- not my cup of tea! 

Number 4:  I was not blessed with the gift of mercy or empathy.  My theory is, "Suck it up!"  If my family member is truly sick or feeling bad, I can be the doting mom and wife - getting them a drink of water, covering them with a blanket or listening to their heartbreaks.  However, there's a point where enough is enough.  I say, "Suck it up!"  Wallowing in self-pity never helped anyone, and the best way to start feeling better is to get up and get moving!  For that attitude, I've earned the reputation of being "tough" or, in fun (I hope), "mean"!

 

Every girl needs a girlfriend or two!



So, I am very often misunderstood by those who don't really know me.  They don't know what my family and friends know - that beneath this icy exterior I'm just a goof-ball.  They don't know that sometimes I sing at the top of my lungs and dance around the house.  Or that I've been described as a comedian's dream -- no one can make me laugh like my kids and hubby! 

And as for my "tough", no-nonsense attitude?  It's always been tempered by my mission to make our home a loving haven.  Besides, I'm actually getting softer in my old age.  I love my family.  I love my friends.  It takes a little effort to break through, but if you do, I'm a life-long friend, loyal to the end. 

Sweet Saturdays

Weekends can be busy and go by in a flash.  When the kids were young, our Saturdays were spent going to soccer games, getting groceries, cleaning the house, and running errands.  Now, more often than not, it's just me and the hubby - but that's ok.  It's our turn. 

 

Relaxing at the beach.

We enjoy our Saturdays together.  Sometimes we work in the yard or tackle one of our many home projects (bought a "fixer-upper" a year ago and there are LOTS of things to be fixed-up!).  Sometimes we spend the day garage sale-ing (it's not that we really need anything, we just enjoy finding "deals") or relaxing at the beach.  This past Saturday, we garage-saled our way to Cracker Barrel to meet my sister and brother-in-law for breakfast, checked out a house with our son and his fiance, tracked down and bought an elliptical machine on craigslist, and spent the evening cozied up in the living room watching a movie.  It was a day full of no plans.  We had no where to go and all day to get there.  My favorite kind of day!

Our garage sale purchases for the day: 

• a white porcelain sink for $25
• a very nice iron for $3
• a half-full propane tank for $5 (my sister just spent $40 on a new one)
• 74 -- yes, seventy-four -- newer title DVDs for a buck apiece!

Silliness - Get a Daily Dose

My kids make me smile - everyday.  Sometimes it's something as little as waking up to a silly message on the kitchen message board:

And, the best part?  Someone's answer written at the bottom (a little hard to see):  "No, no I won't."

~ MOMMY-HOOD ~

Some thoughts from Ma (not an expert, just opinionated):

Nick and his cousin, Brittany, playing in the fireplace ashes.

Patience is a virtue.  Mommy-hood is not for the faint of heart.  It's serious business and can be overwhelming.  Mom's are cooks, maids, laundresses, secretaries, teachers, referees, nurses . . .  So, when the baby's grabbing on your skirt, your toddler is playing in the fireplace ashes, the UPS man is at the door, the washer is out of balance and the phone is ringing - take a breath.  Take it one step at a time.  Remember, it will all get done - and, if it doesn't, that's ok.  Be patient -- with your kids and with yourself.

Respect.  Give it.  Teach it.  Earn it.  Expect it.

 Mom-isms.  Every mom needs at least three "mom phrases" ready at all times.  These are a few of my faves:

• "Are you looking for trouble?  Because, if you're looking, you're going to find it!"
• "Because I said so!"
• "Go to your room and don't come out until you have a smile on your face!"

Need I say more?

Bless our mess.  I am a firm believer in letting kids get dirty.  Let them make messes.  Let them dig in the dirt, make blanket forts in the living room, do crafts at the kitchen table, and help make cookies.  Have fun!  Messes can be cleaned up during nap time or, better yet, use that mess to teach the kids to clean.  Which brings me to my next tip:

Chores - fun for everyone!  When the kids make a mess, they should clean up a mess.  Encouraging them to pick up their toys before bedtime, or letting them "help" load the dishwasher is an important step to teaching them responsibility.  Everyone should help.  Moms have enough to do.

Todd tending one of our many bonfires.  He's a bit of a "pyro"!

Keeping family traditions and making new ones.  We read the Christmas story from Luke 2 before we open gifts.  We do it not only to remind us of the reason we celebrate, but because it's a tradition from our childhood that we're passing on to our kids.  It's important to keep those traditions going.  Just as importantly, make new ones.  One of our newer traditions is family bonfires.  We bought four acres a couple years ago and have been slowly clearing the back woods.  We pile all the brush and have a huge bonfire every couple weeks.  It's a great time to sit and talk and enjoy family and friends.


 Encourage dreams.  I remember when Nick was in 10th grade, he announced he was going to go on a hike across Europe with a couple friends after graduation.  I knew it was unlikely that this trip was really going to materialize.  But, at that time, it was something he believed he was going to do.  He could picture himself on this great adventure and it was exciting.  Instead of, "How do you plan to pay for that?" or "That's never going to happen!", I said, "Wow!  Sounds exciting.  Better get saving!"  I wanted to encourage him to dream big and make big plans.  Even though I didn't believe in that particular adventure, I wanted him to know that I believed in him! 


 Embarrassing questions are no laughing matter.  One of the best things about having kids is the joy and laughter they bring into your life.  They say the funniest things and ask the funniest questions!  However, sometimes those funny questions or statements are very serious to them.  I never wanted to embarrass them and cause them to stop asking questions.  So, I'd stifle the laughter, keep a straight face, and answer as matter-of-factly as I could.  Not always an easy feat!  I'd save up all those funny stories from the day and, that night in bed, Todd and I would share and laugh hysterically.  Kids' dignity remained intact and we got a good laugh - win-win situation.


Consequences and follow-through.  These days, follow-through is not a common practice.  You can't visit a grocery store without hearing at least one mom threaten her child with bodily harm or withholding candy if they don't stop misbehaving, only to give up in frustration or give them the never-ending countdown, "one, two, three, four, four-and-a-half, four-and-three-quarters .  . ."  Before you know it, she's feeding them candy to keep them quiet and the child learned an important lesson:  "Disobey Mom in public and she'll eventually give up and give me the candy just to shut me up."  If you threaten, there must be consequences. 

Hugs, kisses and apologies.  Hug your kids every day.  Cover them in kisses.  Tell them you love them.  Let them know how important they are to you.  Because, you will make mistakes.  You will say the wrong thing, do the wrong thing, embarrass them, or hurt them.  Hugs and kisses make up for a lot of mistakes; and, when all else fails, be willing to apologize. 

Shame On Me!

I was reminded today that God still answers prayer --- even silly ones! 

And shame on me for being surprised!!

My house is a wreck.  As mentioned in my previous entry, I'm a procrastinator.  I have procrastinated my house right into chaos!  So, my goal today was to get a good start on cleaning.  One of my aggravations when cleaning is my sweet puppies.  They insist on attacking the vaccuum cleaner when I'm trying to use it.  I think they're trying to protect me from this big, bad creature that lives in the garage - but what they do is aggravate and frustrate me! 

So, this morning in my Bible reading and prayer, I prayed a simple, silly little prayer:

"Dear Lord, forgive me for my laziness.

 (my besetting sin, by the way) 

I need to get this house clean.
Would you keep the dogs out of my way, please?" 

I just threw that last part in there as a silly little request, not really expecting Him to do it. 

Shame on me! 

This is what my dogs were doing today while I vaccuumed:

When Lightning Strikes!

I remember the exact moment I decided I was ready to be a mom.  It hit me all at once.  Like a lightning bolt from the sky -- BAM!  I was ready.  Now.  Time to make it happen.  Unfortunately for Todd, there was no warning.  I hadn't been "ooh"-ing and "ahh"-ing over babies for weeks.  I hadn't been stifling a ticking clock.  We were living a "yuppie" lifestyle (to use a term from our generation) - working, playing, enjoying life.  Then, one Sunday morning, sitting in church -- BAM!  It's time for a family.

Over the years, I've tried to remember what Dad was preaching about that day, or what songs were sung, but I have no idea.  Truth is, I don't think the sermon or music had anything to do with my epiphany.  There's never any warning when lightning strikes.  It just happens.  BAM!  Looking back, the smart thing to do would probably have been to bring it up to Todd over dinner or while driving in the car.  Instead, I leaned over right then and whispered in his ear, "I want to have a baby."  Just like that.  No warning.  No discussion.  I'm sure it took him completely by surprise but, to his credit, he just quietly grinned and whispered back, "Let's talk about this later, ok?"

I really don't remember, but I'm sure the discussion went something like this:  "I want to have a baby, what about you?"  "Ok.  Let's do it."  I think, though it didn't hit him with the same immediacy, he was just as ready as I was.  We'd been married for three years and had been having a ball!  We worked Monday through Friday and spent our weekends footloose and free - garage-saleing (one of our favorite things to do), going out to eat, catching a movie, or hopping in the car for an impromptu getaway!  We enjoyed those first three years together, but now we were ready to share our lives with someone new.  A bit of him and a bit of me, mixed into a cute little bundle of sweetness.

Soon, we were blessed with an adorable baby boy, Nicholas Edward.  He was sweet and perfect.  We were so happy.  Our house was a home.  It was no longer just a stopping off place before heading to the movies, going out with friends, or taking weekend trips.  Now, it was a place to be together, to retreat from the rest of the world.  It was a place of lullabies and cuddling, and before we knew it, rough-and-tumble wrestling, digging in the dirt, playing with trucks and toy guns, patching skinned knees, reading stories, and tickle time before bed.  And that's when it hit me - like a lightning bolt from the sky -- BAM!   We were a family. 

My Fam

A quick a note to let y'all know that I've added a new family page to my site. 

Click on the "Ma's Amazing Fam!" tab at the top of the page for a little background info on each person. 

I Put the "Pro" in Procrastination

I don't know about you, but I am a procrastinator.  I'll do it later.  There's always tomorrow.  Problem is, those "laters" and "tomorrows" never seem to come.  I'm not talking about everyday cleaning or laundry.  (Don't get me wrong!  I procrastinate on those things, too, but they eventually get done based on pure necessity.)  What I'm talking about are those nagging little "projects" that haunt me year after year.  For example, these are the projects I am determined to accomplish in 2011:

• Sort and display our mountain of photographs.  There are at least two big bins full of photos that no one is enjoying.  My goal is to discard the duds, sort and organize the good photos into albums, and frame and display some of the best.  No need to hold on to all those scenery pictures that no one cares about, or the poorly focused snapshot of the kids' "pet" caterpillar in a jar.  Weed 'em out.  Put 'em in a book.  Get 'em on the wall.
• Organize my "loose" recipes into a binder.  I have recipes from magazines, handwritten on napkins, printed off the computer - most of which I've never made yet.  A tidy little binder, categorized into appetizers, veggies, meats, desserts, etc. would be so much more convenient.  Of course, I'd be sure to write notes on the margins of how I added to or changed the recipe.  This binder is something I could pass down to Cassie to share with her family. 
• Transfer our home videos to DVD.  We bought a special VCR/DVD machine for this very purpose about 5 years ago and have yet to transfer anything.  Those video tapes are degrading as I type this!  I'm suddenly feeling a sense of urgency to get this done before the tapes are worthless.  (Note to self:  move this to #1 on my list.)
• Get artwork framed.  My brother-in-law, Craig, painted a beautiful portrait of Cassie when she was about 6 years old and a sketch of Nick and Cassie together a couple years later.  They are still sitting there, waiting to be taken to the frame shop so they can be hung on the wall.  Cassie's now 20 years old.  C'mon now!  That's just ridiculous!

So, now I just have to get busy and get these things done.  Get started.  Pick something and do it.  Back away from the blog!

Here We Go Again!

Once upon a time, I was little - and by little, I mean thin.  And I liked it!  It was so much more fun!  I could go shopping, pull something off the rack and just slip it on.  Voila!  Instant awesome!  Now I find myself 20-some years and none-of-your-business-how-many-pounds later -- and it's not so fun. 

I can't blame it on baby weight anymore - my "baby" is 20 years old!  I can't blame it on good, old fashioned good cooking because we don't get home from work until 6:30 or 7:00, so I rarely cook.  I can't even blame it on being too busy to exercise - my current work schedule allows me to be home every morning.  I just love to eat!

But I have a deadline, a goal and a plan. 

• My deadline is October 15 - my son's wedding date.  We're also planning a sister/daughter cruise the day after the wedding.  If that doesn't motivate me, nothing will. 
• My goal is to lose about 50 pounds, to start with.
• My plan is to eat less and exercise.  Seems simple enough, right? 

I'm tired of being fat.  Time to get serious.  Again.  Stay tuned.

Let's Play a Game

Playing games with my sisters and nieces at a Batterbee Girls' Getaway

I grew up in a game-playing family.  Aggravation, Crazy 8's, Yahtzee, Rummikub, Rack-o, Chinese Checkers, Boggle, Rook, Scrabble . . . you name it, we'd play it.  We'd eat supper, clean up the dishes and gather around the kitchen table.  Sometimes it was a big group of us, sometimes just two or three -- but the competition was always fierce!  We played to win!

The summer before my sophmore year of high school, we moved from a quaint little country town in Indiana with a population of about 3,500 to what I, at the time, considered a big city in Michigan.  I realize now that Jackson, Michigan wasn't really a big city, but to a young, shy girl that did not want to leave her comfort zone, it might as well have been New York City.  My older sisters were all married or in college, so the only ones who moved to Jackson were me, my little brother, and Mom and Dad.  Here I was in a new city:  friend-less, sister-less, and extremely shy!  I was very lonely and unhappy.  But, as is often the case, God used this low point in my life to give me one of the best gifts I could have asked for -- I got to know my mom. 

Rummikub in the backyard:  Phyllis (sis), me, Amanda (niece), and Deb (sis).

Mom and I spent the summer playing games; and, while we played, we talked and laughed and shared.  She told me stories about her life growing up, meeting my dad, first starting out in marriage - things I'd never heard before.  Here I was at 15, and I was actually getting to know her.  There had always been so much going on in our house, so many sisters!  Though it was one of the things I loved most about my childhood, it prevented much one-on-one time with Mom.  But now, Dad was at work, my little brother was playing with his new friends, and it was just the two of us.  We played and talked and laughed the summer away.  Before we knew it, I was back in school, meeting people and making friends.  I developed a social life and began babysitting.  I was a busy, teenage girl.  But that summer forever changed our relationship.  We grew very close, and remained that way until the day she died.

So, play games with your kids.  Spend time with them.  Get to know them and let them get to know you.  Have fun.  Laugh and be silly.  It'll change things.

Serendipity • (ser-ən-ˈdi-pə-tē)

-- the faculty or phenomenon of finding valuable or agreeable things not sought for

When I looked up the word serendipity in the dictionary, I half expected to see a picture of me and my husband next to the the definition.  When we met 28 years ago, we were not seeking each other; and were definitely not seeking love!  However, we found each other -- and it has been a most valuable and agreeable relationship!  I've also heard serendipity defined as a fortunate accident.  Over the years, we've often commented on how fortunate we were to have met each other and how easily we could have missed it.  Just a few minutes here, or a left turn instead of right and we would have missed out on a lifetime together.

It all started with a wave.  My sister, Pam, and I were visiting our cousin, Linda, for the weekend.  The three of us were practicing a special song to sing in our grandfather's church for his retirement service that weekend.  After practice, we ate at McDonald's and were walking across the parking lot to our car when a red pickup truck drove by with three guys in it.  I jokingly said, "This is how you pick up guys", and waved to them.  To this day, I have no idea what posessed me to do that.  It was so out of character!  I was very shy, we were good girls - preacher's daughters.  But, that's all it took.  They started following us!  Oh, no!  Now what?

Before we knew it, we found ourselves at Messenger Lake, with the guys right behind us!  We were actually a little terrified.  We started to turn the car around to leave, but they were already out of their truck and walking straight toward us.  Maybe we'd just say hello for a minute and be on our way.  We locked  all the doors and rolled our windows down about an inch -- just enough to talk, but not enough for them to grab us!  As we talked, they seemed like nice enough boys.  Two of them were brothers, and the other was a friend.  Todd had just gotten home from his first year of college and they were just out "cruising around" this evening.  We told them about being in town to sing at our grandparent's church on Sunday.  To which they replied, "we're church-going boys ourselves"!  Slowly the windows went down just a little more.  They said they were going bowling, would we like to join them?

The rest of that night has played over in my mind many times over the years!  We did end up going bowling with them.  In fact, after bowling, we went to Big Boy for a late snack where we talked and laughed and told jokes for hours - well, Todd told jokes!  He must have told every joke he's ever heard his entire life!  When we finally left the restaurant, we were having so much fun, no one wanted to go home.  So, we went to the park and listened to music and talked and walked.  It was one of those nights you never forget.  We had so much fun! 


From the start, Todd picked me out of the bunch.  In fact, I didn't know it at the time, but he has since told me that when I waved to them at McDonald's, he exclaimed, "I get the red head!"  (That's me!)   In fact, he was so smitten with me, he actually tried to kiss me as we were walking in the park!  "I don't know this boy!  Who does he think he is?  And, more importantly, what does he think I am?!"   These questions flashed through my mind in an instant and it was an automatic response to turn my head as he leaned in for the kiss.  -- Not what he was expecting!  But, ultimately, that was the move that clinched the deal!  He now says, that was the moment he realized I wasn't just another girl.  I wasn't going to be a summer fling.  I was someone he wanted to get to know better.

The rest is history.  We met in May of 1983 and spent the rest of that summer getting to know each other.  Before we knew it, we were in love.  We were married by September of 1984.  It wasn't planned.  It wasn't good timing.  In fact, I know it wasn't even a fortunate accident, or serendipity.  It was Divine Appointment.  It was God's timing.  It was part of a plan that was in place long before we were involved.  

Thank you, Lord, for Your plan for my life.  Thank you for that left turn instead of right, that uncharacteristic wave, and the kiss on my cheek!