Being a Proverbs 31 Woman



~What does beauty mean to you?  I know you have heard this a million times already, but beauty is not about what is on the outside. Beauty comes from within. When a stranger does something unexpected for you and brightens your day, that is beauty. Seeing the Joy on my son's face when he opens that present he has been wanting forever, that is beauty. The enormous grin of Brooke's, complete with missing teeth, that is beauty. Seeing an older couple holding hands and still enjoying each other's company after all these years, that is beauty. Watching Rachel as she sleeps, seeing her chest rise and fall, that is beauty.

~What makes you uniquely you?  I am a very unique person, right from the start. I was adopted when I was 5 weeks old. My biological mother could have gotten "rid of me" but she chose life, and for that I am forever thankful. I had a great childhood with loving parents. I was a "good girl" and a little sheltered, but that's ok. My parents were only trying to protect me while they could. I was a girlscout for 13 years. I have never broken a bone or had a cavity. I was a tad bit nerdy (and still am!) and you could always find me reading. I got married after only 4 months of knowing Arnold, but we just knew it was right. And now we have 3 kids under 7, so you know we like to move fast! ;)


 ~What virtues do you value in yourself? I am very passionate about speaking out for the rights of the unborn. It's no secret to anyone that I am very pro-life. That is why I work once a week at the local Pregnancy Care Center. I am also a very loyal friend. When I become close to someone, I will love and protect them something fierce! I am compassionate and want to think about the needs of others.


 ~What is Jesus teaching you as a wife, mom, or friend? He has taught me a lot about my roles. As a wife I have learned that it is hard to live with another person day in and out, but He has taught me how to make it work. Taught me that I have to be my husband's biggest supporter because men need the constant reassurance that they are doing well in life. As a Mom he has taught me to be patient, to slow down and see things at the kid's pace. To be amazed at the little things in life that are really so much bigger. And to be thankful for my children's health. There are so many other children out there suffering each and every day, and that breaks my heart.
 
~Write about what wears you out as a woman. Feeling like I am never enough! Like I have to be in a million different places at one time. I have a big problem of wanting to make everyone happy, and it doesn't always work out. I have to be a wife, mom, friend, worker, daughter and a million other "titles" and it takes up so much time. Sometimes I am just done for by the end of the day.

.~Write about something you would like to change about yourself for the better. I want to STOP being dependent on others for my happiness and self-worth. I need to look to Jesus for this. I recently went to a women's conference that spoke on that very topic. I never realized I was so bad at this until I listened to the woman speak. Why do I care so much what others think of me? I do the best I can for myself, and my family. I try to do what Jesus wants me to do (with His help!) and that should be good enough for me. That is truly what matters in life, anyway. I don't have to answer to people in Heaven, only God.
 

~Write about 3 things that make you happy. Just 3 things? That is hard. Thankfully many things make me happy! But if I had to choose they would be-- Curling up in a soft chair at the end of the night with a good book and a sweet tea. Being on a girl's night with my closest friends and laughing until our stomachs hurt. And driving around on a summer night at sunset, while listening to one of my favorite songs on the radio.
 

~Describe your personality.  I am caring, compassionate, quirky, way overly-excited about things, sensitive, loyal, nerdy, stubborn, impatient, self-conscious... and I could go on!
 

~Write about your favorite comfort food (we are women- we ALL have comfort food!) I am a carb girl. I know there are whole diets based on avoiding carbs at all costs! I can assure you I have never been on one of those! Ever since I was a little girl I remember loving eating the bread/rolls that came with dinner. My grandmother's homeade bread-- nothing better than that. I actually used to eat the remainder of the bread loaf after my Mom would help with communion at church some Sundays. Yep, it is a bad, bad weakness of mine.
 

~Write about your job and why you love it or hate it. Right now my job is being a Stay-at-home-Mom to my 3 kids. I have been in this job position since 2006. I used to think it wouldn't be so hard (I even told my mom that one day and she laughed in my face!) It is harder than any other thing I have ever done. First of all, you are responsible for human lives. You have to actually keep them alive and try your best to keep them from getting sick or injured. Then you have to take care of daily (usually boring) things like diaper changes, baths, feeding them, etc. Not to mention the house become's yours to deal with, as does all the cleaning, shopping, etc. You don't have a lot of down time, and you don't really get enough credit. But it is worth it. I get to be the one to see all my kids' "Firsts" and be there to comfort them when they need it. I also get to be their very first "teacher" and supporter in life. That is pretty cool. 
 

~What are your strengths?  What are your weaknesses? Strengths would be- I am good with children. My friends have called me the baby whisperer. I know all kinds of baby care, baby trivia, and can usually calm down any crying baby. I am also good at knowing what people need, and being a good listener and comforter. I try to give advice out when I can, when someone needs it. I am also good with planning get-togethers/parties and times where I can connect with all my friends and family. Weaknesses would be-- I am very impatient, and it makes me go crazy sometimes. I am a very worrisome and anxious person and I worry all the time about things I can't even control. I am overly-sensitive and feel so much for people, I wish I could do more to help out. And I am stubborn.. I love to be right and it bothers me when someone argues with me (just ask Arnold! ;)
 

~What is Jesus teaching you presently? He has taught me lately to trust him, BIGTIME! we have gone through some rough things the past couple of months, and I honestly didn't know what we were going to do. But he came through for us, like he always does (and always will!) I don't know why I ever doubted. I mean, He has seen me through some major stuff in my lifetime. I am amazed when I look back and see ways God has been moving in my life all along.
 

~What do you hope your grandchildren will say about you someday when you are gone? I hope they will say I was a kind and loving mother and grandmother, and loved to spend with with all of them. That I was a good wife to Arnold, and was there to support him and be devoted to him all of our days. They probably won't remember their Grandma for someone who was a great cook or could whip them up some tasty treats, but I am trying my best at learning.. maybe things will change by then, who knows?! :)
 
~Write about your insecurities as a woman. I am a typical woman and worry about how I am viewed by the world. How will I get rid of this extra weight.. I want to be healthy for my family and keep Arnold attracted to me, I want him to have pride in his wife. I worry how people view me as being a stay-at-home mom with several kids. I believe this is best for our family right now, and I wouldn't have it any other way. I want to get a job eventually, and help out with the family income.. that is another insecurity- that I don't bring any income in right now.

 ~Who is your role model as a woman? That would be my mom! She was your picture-perfect June Cleaver growing up. She was a stay-at-home mom as well, for many years. She always worked on cleaning and organizing the house, as well as planning fun things for us kids to do. She would be there to pick us up after school, and bring us home to good snacks. She would bake us special things, make our birthdays special, and make Holiday traditions that would stick through the years. She would always put us to bed with prayers and a lullaby when we were young, and comfort us when we were sick. A homecooked meal on the table every night, that was healthy. She would open up our home to our friends, to make sure we had a safe place to hang out and not get into trouble. And she is still married to my Dad, after 40 years, so she showed me an example of a good marriage. I saw them argue sometimes, but they still worked hard at making things work. Mom always had herself presentable for Dad and showed effort in looking nice. A lot of things she did really stuck with me.
 

~Write about your dreams and goals as a beautiful woman! My goals are to start back to college next year and finally earn my degree. To enter back into the workforce when Rachel starts preschool. To continute to survive these years with the kids in school, helping with homework, lunches, friendships, and heartbreaks. To love my husband and celebrate many years together. We hope to do a vow renewal one day too! To one day meet my biological mom, and thank her for giving me life.

Weekend in Review!

 

Friday evening Arnold went with his dad and a friend to the Brad Paisley concert. Him and his dad really like him, and his dad's birthday is this week, so they went to celebrate. I know he would be gone all evening, so the kids and I packed up and headed over to mom and dad's house. They only live about 25 minutes away, thankfully! Originally we were just going to stay for dinner, but they invited us to stay the night, and I agreed since I knew it would be a lot easier that way. That evening "Puss and Boots" came on the tv and Caleb and I watched it. I ended up falling asleep in my dad's recliner and taking myself a nice little nap! I love that whenever I fall asleep over there, Mom lets me sleep. She must remember what it is like to have young kids running around, making you exhausted! ;) Mom made us dinner that night, and then we broke into some girlscout cookies she had frozen in the freezer outside. (caramel delights, my favorite!) Then she got some popcorn and took the kids to the living room to watch a disney movie, and I went upstairs to rest in bed and read some new magazines I had gotten in the mail. Mom let me sleep in the bedroom that used to be my childhood bedroom at one point, so that was neat. Mom took the kids into the other bedroom with her, but eventually Rachel came in there with me and laid down, so I didn't fight her! I thought I was going to get a good night's sleep alone, but I woke up to Rachel kicking me in the head (she was sleeping upside down!) Oh well, I guess I will miss that someday! Ha!

 

Saturday morning we got up and got everyone showers and dressed for the day. We got Brooke into her cheerleading uniform and Mom did her hair, since they had a football game that morning. Dad went out to Bojangles and picked us all some breakfast up to eat before we left. Then we met up with Arnold, his dad, and sister, and went to the football game. It was a HOME game this week, so we just had to go to the kids' own school, which was great. We got seats at the bottom, and got to see all the cheers they did. I got lots of pictures. They got to hold the banner for the football players to run through when they came out onto the field. They were going to do their big dance at halftime, but someone said that the cd player wasn't working and they couldn't play the CD they needed to do the dance! That really irritated me, I have been waiting forever to see them do that dance! Grrr! Anyway, the game went really well, and the weather was pretty nice. Thank goodness we weren't out there sweating like last week. And our guys won the game... a second week in a row! Go Royals!! :)

 

After the game we let the kids go home real quick and change clothes, then we went to get some lunch. And then we went to a Kid's Consingment sale they were having that weekend. I didn't think I was going to go this time, but I ended up having a little extra time on Sat.. plus Saturday, most stuff went half off, so that was the perfect time to go! I thought there wouldn't be much left, but I was surprised at what I found. I got 2 pairs of pants for Caleb, 3 Christmas dresses for Rachel (2 play dresses and 1 "fancy" dress), 3 books, and a halloween costume for Rachel! I was actually planning on getting her the owl costume that Old Navy has this year, but then I saw the butterfly costume hanging there. It was pink, Old Navy brand also, and only $5 (in great condition!) I asked Rachel "how about being a butterfly this year?!" And she was on board, so we bought it! I think she is going to be adorable in that! And how is that for saving money?! For all of that, I only paid $16 with tax.. not bad at all!

 

Saturday evening we lounged around the house and watched tv and movies with the kids, we didn't do much at all. We had some eggrolls for dinner. When we put the kids down to bed, Arnold and I watched "What to Expect when You're Expecting." I was afraid Arnold would give me a hard time about it being "dumb" or a "Chick Flick" but it turned out to be pretty funny, and he didn't mind it. There was one sad scene that brought back some bad memories from my own birth with Rachel, and it made us both pretty upset. But other than that, it was a great movie! I'd recommend it. I never thought i'd say this, but, I miss being pregnant!!!

 

Sunday morning we all got ready and went to church. Didn't have to work in the baby class this week, so we went to the 11am service. After church we picked up the kids from their classes and went to lunch. We went by Sonic.. that has sort of become a Sunday tradition for us. The kids always look foward to their slushies! And I got a LARGE CHERRY COKE.. oh my goodness, so yummy! I love eating the cherry on top first, too! We didn't get to eat outside this week though, because it was kind of nasty outside.. bummer. While we were eating in the car, I drove by my old highschool and let the kids see where I went to school.. they had been asking lately for some reason. It was cool to drive by and see things.. brought back a lot of memories! I even showed the kids where in the parking lot I parked my car when I started driving, lol. Then we went to do a little shopping. We stopped by the new Academy Sports that opened, but there were cars EVERYWHERE. They had promotional things going on, and bounce houses outside, so we didn't want to get into those crowds. I heard it was really nice, though! I wonder if they have any cheerleading stuff?

 

Anyway, then we went to Party City to look at the costumes, and let the kids pick out what they want to be this year. Brooke was trying to decide between a mermaid and Snow White, but then she saw a beautiful "Belle" costume, and said that's what she wants to be. Caleb was picking out all the "creepy" costumes and I said absolutely not. I don't mind us celebrating Halloween, but I don't allow any evil or scary costumes.. I'm just not into that at all. Anyway, he said he wants to be Batman this year. We will see if they actually stick to their choices in a few weeks when we go back to buy them! After that we went to Target. Yep.. do you really think I go to that area without visiting my favorite store?! There were a few things we needed like batteries, new vaccuum belts, and some more paper for the kids to draw on, because they have run out. While I was there I also found the Halloween LALALOOPSY they put out with this year's halloween stuff, so I just had to get it. I have gotten so into those dolls.. especially the minatures. I think I want to collect them more than Brooke! ;) While we were out, we also stopped by Goodwill. I love to go thrifting, it is my new thing. I love to find cool things for the home, or sometimes they even have really nice clothing, like Gymboree, for the kids. This week I was lucky enough to find a few things-- a brand new Sonoma brand (Kohls) frame, a big frame that I am going to spray paint a different color, 2 books for the kids, and a really nice shirt for Caleb. Then I looked through the adult books and found some for me, too. I found the first issue of the Harry Potter books! I got that baby to read.. yes I have NEVER read the Harry Potter books, I know it is crazy! I also found a book on Preschool discipline/behavior and "The Five People You meet in Heaven!" I have been wanting to read that one forever too, I love Mitch Album! And the most awesome thing-- when I got up to the register the woman rang up ALL my books at 50 cents each. That was only supposed to be kids' books. So I ended up getting a big discount, too :)

 

Anyway, by then we had been out until 4pm, and I know Arnold was being frustrated. He didn't even want to be out doing that much shopping in the first place, but by then the kids were worn out and getting pretty bratty and embarassing. So we headed home and started dinner. Arnold made some sloppy joes for us to eat, and I made brownies. I had been craving brownies for awhile, so I bought a mix while we were out. The kids were excited about getting them for dessert that night.. I don't bake alot... so ya know. They turned out pretty good! Rachel kept going back to the kitchen and sneaking more of them when we weren't looking, and I think she ended up eating 5 or 6 of them.. oops! At least she went to sleep that night!!

 

 

Hope everyone else had a fabulous weekend as well!

 

 

 

 

Rachel passed out Friday night at her Grandparents' house

Saturday morning at the Football game

Arnold and Caleb watching the game

Arnold took this picture of the family watching the game. Funny how only Caleb and I are watching the camera and smiling! ;)



A Day In The Life...

 

So in case you have ever wondered what it is like to be a stay-at-home-mom (or parent-- I know there are some dads that do this job as well!) Here is a little run-down on one of our recent days. Things change from day to day of course, but this is just an example. I know the stereotype that SAHM's have so much time to themselves, sit around watching tv and eating baked goods, and look like a wreck, but that is just not true (aside from the looking like a wreck part.. I never know what I am going to have layered on my shirt on any given day. Dirt? throw up? juice? marker stains?) Anyway... this was our day this past Monday.




6:30 AM- Alarm clock rings, signaling our long day is starting

6:40 AM- We finally get up, after hitting the snooze button.

6:45- Make kid's lunches for school. Throw in icepacks, sandwiches, snacks, a dessert, and a juice pack. Also make sure to throw a "healthy" snack in their bookbag for later.

7:00- Track down bookbags, make sure homework is in there, make sure their planners are signed by us, make sure library books are in there to be returned.

7:15- Brush Brooke's hair and put it up. Go on a scavenger hunt for a lost shoe. Make sure the kids are dressed and presentable. Give the kids breakfast. Take a minute out to calm Rachel down from her tantrum.. she is always distracting me in the morning.

7:35- Give the kids kisses goodbye. Make their way out to the car. Arnold takes them to school on his way to work.

7:45- Change Rachel and get her in clothes for the day. Give her something else because she is already begging for more food.

8:00- Get online and check email and FB to see what's been going on. Print a few Ebay labels for stuff I have sold and need to ship out.

8:30- Distract Rachel with a tv show and a few toys while I go take a shower and get myself dressed and ready for the day.

9:00- Feed Molly, our Cat. Thanks for meowing and reminding me, girl! :)

9:15- Get Rachel into her carseat, get into the van, and leave the house.

9:30- Go by the bank and pay a bill, post office and pick something up, Water tower and pay a bill, and other random things.

10:00- Stop by a new park that is just down the road from us, get out, and let Rachel play on the playground for awhile. Encourage her to talk to the "Park Ranger" guy when he says Hi to her. Get on the bottom of the playground "boat" as she calls it, and endulge Rachel in her pretend play.

10:30- Fight Rachel to leave the park. Bribe her with the promise of a sucker if she leaves now, and does so peacefully.

10:45- Stop at the Dollar General down the street and pick up a few things we need.

11:00- Get home, put up stuff we bought, and give Rachel something to play with.

11:30- Start boiling water for some pasta for lunch. Color pictures with Rachel.

12:00- Eat our lunch together

12:30- Play outside in the yard for awhile. Draw pictures with sidewalk chalk.

1:00- Let Rachel watch her favorite show ever, "Cailliou" while I wash the dishes and put up some laundry I had washed earlier.

1:30- Show is over, Rachel is bored again. Give her a snack. Try to convince her she is a big girl and try to get her to go to the potty.

2:00- Go outside and check the mail. Do a few random things around the house.

2:30- Leave the house to head to the Elementary school. Wait in the car-rider line for about 20 minutes. Listen to Dora play on the van dvd player. Answer a million questions that Rachel asks. Pick up books and toys she throws on the floor repeatedly.

2:50- Finally get the kids, they get into the van, and tell me about their day.

3:00- Arrive over at Mcdonalds. Everyone gets an icecream cone for an afterschool snack. Special treat every once in awhile.

3:15- Get home, put backpacks up, finish our icecream.

3:30- Do 20 minutes of reading for Brooke's nightly "reading log." Help her with all the words she stumbles on. Praise her for doing so well.

3:50- Supervise Brook and Caleb while they do their homework worksheets. Make them erase and do-over if their words aren't neat enough.

4:00- Put something in the oven for dinner

4:45- Arnold gets home from work. Kids go crazy jumping all over him and telling them all the little details of their day.

5:00- We eat dinner. Talk about our days. Yell at the kids for dropping food on the floor or acting silly and not eating.

5:30- Get Brooke dressed in athletic clothes, take her down the road to her school for Cheerleading practice.

5:30-6:30- Watch Brooke practice with the girls. Encourage her to pay attention and do well. In my little bit of spare time I read a new book I just got and can't put down.. it's so good! Make small talk with the other moms.

6:35- Get home from practice, kiss hubby goodbye. He leaves for band practice.

7:00- Get the kids showers, in Pajamas, read them 3 or 4 stories they pick out themselves. Get in a circle and say our prayers. Brush teeth with the new "Halloween" toothpaste. The bottle actually glows in the dark and they love that :) Go to the potty.

8:00- Lay the kids down in bed. Give them a glass of water. Tuck them in and give hugs and kisses. Brooke wants a lullaby. Caleb wants a nightlight. Rachel wants just one more kiss. Make sure they have all their favorite dolls and stuffed animals tucked in beside them. Wind up the musical snow globe for the girls. Say I love you and leave the room.

8:15- Start some laundry yet again. It's never-ending with a family of 5!

8:30- Settle down in the chair with a snack, and my book. read until I fall asleep.

10:00- Arnold shows up at home after practice. He wakes me up. I get up, get on PJs, and get ready for bed.

11:00- After talking for awhile to Arnold, I settle in and go to sleep. Sweet dreams!





And that, my friends, is a day in the life of a Stay-at-Home-Mom. Want my job?!

What I'm Loving Wednesday!

 

 

 

~I'm loving that Brooke read a whole book to me yesterday, all by herself. I only had to help her with a few words. She is getting so good at it! She brought home Go, Dog, Go! from the school library. It took a little while to read it all, but she didn't give up. And that along with the

other books she picked, took up 30 minutes of reading time for our school log!

~I'm loving that I finished "Bloom" in just a day. I read and read, and even read during Brooke's cheerleading practice the other night. A friend even let me borrow her chair she had brought out while she went walking laps (yeah I gave up walking this week to read!) It was really good, just like i had expected. I have started following Kelle Hampton on Facebook now.. I just can't get enough of her story, and the sweet pics of her kids!

~I'm loving that it's finally time for premieres of shows! One of the great things about September. I am anxiously waiting a few of my favorites.. but last night I tried out a few new ones. "Go On" with Matthew Perry and "The New Normal." Last night's Go On wasn't as good as the preview show they aired, but it might have potential. I haven't decided how I feel yet about "The New Normal." I am really waiting for the premieres of "Big Bang Theory" and "Glee" on Thurs night! Which reminds me-- What in the world am I going to do now that they are now on the same night?! That is just cruel!

~I'm loving that they recently put the seasons of "Everybody Loves Raymond" on Netflix! Just another show to watch and waste my time. I remember watching that show as a kid at home with my parents, at the dinner table or after dinner. It's a classic. It's funny starting at the beginning and laughing at everyone's wardrobes and hairstyles back in the 90's.

~I'm loving that I got some cute pics of the kids the other day at a new local park. It is literally just 3 minutes up the road, and a nice little park. I even took Rachel back the other morning after we finished running some errands. That early in the morning we had the place all to ourselves! I can't wait to take some friends there for a picnic one day.

~I'm loving that last night was the first meeting of the year for Girl Scouts. Brooke is a Daisy scout again this year (next year she will become a Brownie!) She loves it, especially since her Aunt Jenn is the troop leader. Last night we found out that in November the troop is traveling to go see Disney on Ice! Brooke will flip out I'm sure, when she sees the Princesses come out! Now I just have to decide if I want to go along, too!


~I'm loving my Mama this week. Plain and simple. I mean, of course I always love her. But lately she has really been there for me, and I feel particularly thankful. Even as an adult, I still need her to be there to catch me when I fall, and make everything better. I hope one day I am half the Mom she is, to my kids. I want them to have fond memories of me.

~I'm loving that this week is "Grandparents week" at school, and the kids can have their grandparents come in and have lunch with them. My father-in-law went in yesterday to have lunch with Brooke. She was so happy. She said he sat with her and opened all the things in her lunchbox for her. At the end of lunch they were taking pictures, and they took one of Brooke and Paw. We heard it is going to be in a local newspaper soon, how cool! My mom is going to see Caleb for his day, on Friday.. since she is off work on Fridays.

~I'm loving that tomorrow is payday. Stretching money for 2 weeks is really tough.. I am not all that great at budgeting, but I do try!

~I'm loving that the school bookfair starts this Friday and goes though next week! I love the bookfair! It brings back such great memories from when I was a kid. And I still get a thrill when i walk into the library and see the shelves and shelves of nice, new, crisp books! I love going in and picking out a few new for the kids' collections. And of course my mom always goes with me and buys some for them, as well.

~I'm loving that the football game this weekend is a HOME game. We only have to drive right up the road to be at the Elementary school. Maybe more friends will be able to make it out this time to see Brooke. And they are doing their big dance during halftime this week. I am excited to see it, they have been working so hard on it!

~I'm loving that we managed to get the kids to school on time today, even though we woke up SUPER late. I mean we jumped out of beds like ninjas when we saw the time on the clock! We were yelling at the kids to get out of bed, helping them tie their shoes, throwing things into their lunchboxes, and getting them out the door. I think we did everything in 15 mintutes.. that was impressive. I felt like such a bad mom because they hadn't eaten breakfast... so on the way out the door I dumped animal crackers in Brooke and Caleb's hands. Hey, it works, right?! And yes they made it on time, barely! Arnold and I high-fived over that one later ;)

I was a "Lucky One!" ;)

 

I did something kind-of crazy last week. I waited in line for 2 hours to meet Nicholas Sparks. Most of you know who I am talking about.. the writer who writes "romance" novels that women fall in love with. He is most famous for "The Notebook." And lots of his books are turned into movies. His latest one being "The Lucky One" that just came out on dvd, I think. Anyway, I have been reading his books forever. I am a romantic at heart, and love each story, how it pulls me in and has me longing for the kind of love these characters experience in these fiction tales. I always find myself saying "damn you, Nicholas" when reading one of his books, because there is always a tragedy, and you are guaranteed you will find yourself crying at some point (if not sobbing!) His latest book "The Best of Me" was fantastic.. and there was a twist at the very end, so It has me intrigued right up the very end. Now that is good writing!

 

Anyway, back to my original story... I heard from several people that he would be making an appearance at our local library on the 7th. He would be there from 4-5:30, doing book signings. You were allowed to bring two of your favorite books, or purchase books of his at the library. Later that evening he would be at a local college doing a "Public Talk" and "Question and Answer" session. So right after I found out about this, I was on facebook with my friend Jackie, who is another Nicholas lover, and we were making plans to go. We figured if we showed up a little early, we would be ok. We had no idea that everyone and their brother would show up for this! Some men were there with their wives/girlfriends (now that is true love right there! Arnold would never stand with me through all that mess!) And I even saw some pregnant women and some newborn babies. To each their own, I guess! 

 

 

 

We showed up about 15 minutes early and after taking 4 trips around the block to just find a place to park, I finally met up with Jackie and got into line. The line wrapped all the way out of the library, down the sidewalk, around the curb, and down to the local science center, which is behind it. Did I mention that it was miserably HOT on this afternoon? I mean to the point where for a second I considered giving up and going home. I was sweating so bad by the time we got in the building that I jumped out of line for a minute, went into the bathroom, and tried to wipe myself down with toilet paper. It was gross. It was not attracive! It was like black Friday without the chill and toy deals!

 

After forever we finally moved.. about a FOOT! The funny thing about this experience is that there were SO many different kinds of women in line, and they were all talking about all different kinds of things. I heard the women behind us talking about everything from house fires, to kids, to books they have read. When they started in on "The Hunger Games" and "50 Shades of Grey" I felt right at home with them. I loved being with fellow book lovers like myself! Nerds unite! :)

 

After about 2 hours this was finally my view. And even this was zoomed in on my camera. I kept jumping up and looking around for him.. that is one time when being tall helps you out ;) I don't know what it is about me that gets me so darn excited about things. But my heart was seriously having palpatations when we got inside. Yes, I was that girl. I was that excited.

 
This is one of my best friends, Jackie, and I, waiting inside the library. Waiting for our turn to get up to N.S. We were a little happier because we were in air conditioning now and cooling off somehwat.

 
Had to chuckle when I saw this Hunger Games poster on the wall while we were waiting. A little eye candy while we waited?! Haha! I think they are both pretty sexy, but I am definitely Team Peeta!

 

I kept trying to get pics of Nicholas in between people getting their books signed. Usually people's head or body got in the way, but I finally got this shot of him. He is smiling because he is taking a picture with a girl. He has the most adorable smile! I always took him for a very kind person. I have heard rumors that people who actually know him don't like him that well, but let's just pretend that isn't true.. I wan't to keep my fantasy alive! :)

 

I finally got up to the table (at 5:30.. right before he was scheduled to leave!!) and got my picture with him! By then they were rushing us, so I had to get the pic very quickly. As you see, this lady stepped in front of the camera, without knowing. I didn't really have time to get another shot, so I just left it be. I wanted to say something to Nic but was too embarassed. I just ended up saying "Thanks for signing my book" but I don't think he even heard me! oh well! 

 
This is a pic Jackie took of him signing her book. I didn't even think to take a pic like this! But to be fair, my book is right beside her's so it made it in the picture.. that is kind of cool ;) He signed a LOT of books that day.. I wonder if his hand was getting tired?!

 
Outside the library, right after I got my book signed. I took my very favorite book he has written so far "The Lucky One." So it is now on my shelf, as a cool momento of that crazy but fun day!

Weekend in Review!

 

 

Saturday morning Brooke cheered at her first football game! She was up at 6:30 that morning, in our bedroom, already wearing her cheer uniform (at least the girl has dedication!) We all got ready, wearing our blue of course, to support the school! Then we drove to the game, which was away this week. It took us about 25 minutes to get there, and my parents followed. Thankfully both sets of Grandparents were able to come out and see Brooke at her first game, even though Arnold's parents experienced problems right away. They accidentally went to the WRONG school, paid to get in, and sat there awhile before they realized that was not the right team! Haha! At least they made it to the game to see most of it though. Anyway, it was soo hot outside and I was sweating 10 minutes in. I didn't think it would be that hot that early in the day. Brooke went out there with her squad and they got their pom poms, and did some cheers while the football players played their game. They were going to do a dance at halftime, but weren't quite ready yet, so they will try next game. After awhile the girls got pretty hot and bored so they were able to sit down and take a break for awhile. But when they were doing the cheers out there they looked SO cute! I got tons of pictures, of course. And good news-- our team won the game! Go Royals!!!! :)

 

 

That evening, the band Arnold is in was playing at a local country bar. The grandparents agreed to watch the kids so I could go out and see him! Arnold had to be down there for set up early on in the evening, so I got over 2 hours at home by myself, just to hang out, relax, and get ready. It was quiet and so nice! I listened to the radio while getting showered and dressed, then read some blogs online and watched some tv. Then finally around 8:30 that night I went to pick up my Sister-in-law because we were riding over there together. It felt strange not going out until that late.. I am a "lame" mom now and I never go out anywhere at night anymore, especially not that late! I was getting ready to have to pay $7 admission fee to the bar, but then found out that spouses of the band got in free.. how cool is that.. I have perks ;) We were able to talk to Arnold for awhile before he went on. They didn't go on until around 9:30. People started coming in, and they had a pretty good crowd. Two of my close friends came with their guys and kept me company that evening. It was SO much fun hanging out, kid-free! I was squished in the middle of all those couples, and it was fun except for when they would play slow songs and I didn't have anyone to dance with since hubby was on stage!

 

Meanwhile, Arnold's cousin's husband was buying everyone beers and shots.. so everyone was starting to get pretty happy and wild! I don't drink anymore, so I got some sundrop. I felt even lamer going to the bar to order SUNDROP, but what can I say.. it was still good! ;) And I bet some of those people were glad I wasn't drinking when they ended up needing a DD! Anyway, we had an awesome time. Eventually some of them convinced me to go down to the dance floor and dance with them! I think everyone was shocked to see me do that.. I don't usually like to draw attention to myself! The band did a great job.. you could really tell they had been practicing alot! Arnold even got to be upfront and sing one of the songs.. so that was really cool. I love my sexy musician ;) I thought I might get tired and have to go home before he did, but I ended up staying the entire time! Until 1:30 the next morning!!!! And it's a good thing I did, because Arnold needed a DD as well. When we got home he made himself something to eat, had a conversation with the cat, and was singing random songs (including the Star Spangled Banner) while I was trying to sleep! I don't think I ended up getting to sleep until 3:30 that morning!

 

Sunday morning we were dragging, needless to say! Probably Arnold more so than me! ;) I was so thankful that the kids were with the grandparents.. and we were able to sleep in until 10am!!!!! After we got dressed, we got something to eat, and went to pick up Arnold's car that he had left at the bar. Later that afternoon the kids were dropped back off at home. We took them out to the park.. they built a new one right down the road from us.. so convenient! They played on the playground and then we took a walk on the trail. I was able to get some really cute pictures of them in their new fall outfits, also. That evening we had some tacos for dinner, watched "Dinosaurs" on tv (they just added the show to Netflix!! I never remembered them having the occasional bad words in that show!!) And then we got the kids ready for bed.

 

 

This weekend was one of those crazy-busy ones where we were on the go the whole time. I love weekends like that though, it keeps me busy and happy! Hope everyone else had a great time, too! :)

 

 

 

 

The girls and I before leaving for the football game on Sat. morning

 

Brooke and her BFF Emma, at the game on Saturday

Cheering in the game!

Me with Chrissy and Jess at the bar on Sat night. I have known both of these girls for over 10 years now, and they are awesome friends! We had so much fun!! 

Sexy hubby playing with the band on Sat. night

One of the pics I took on Sunday. My beautiful 6 year old!

My silly 3-year old!

My sweet and loving 5-year old! I told him to look tough and he still smiled! :)

Playing on the new playground

Yes I decided to climb on the tree! I am a kid at heart! ;)

Fall Bucket List!

 

 *Decorate the front door area/yard with scarecrows, flowers, pumpkins, etc.

**Have "Fall" Family pictures taken outside!

**Football games! Both the ones at the Elementary school, and homecoming.

**Jump in piles of leaves. The kids love this!

**Visit a Pumpkin farm and pick some out. Going with my Mom and Dad.

**Pick out Halloween costumes. I love Minnie Mouse for Rachel! But can't decide.

**Take the kids trick-or-treating. And then steal some of their candy!

**Throw a kids' halloween party for all our friends. This will be fun!

**Carve Jack o' Lanterns. This will probably become Arnold's job ;)

**Enjoy a yummy Thanksgiving dinner at Mom and Dad's house.

**Watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade. It's a tradition!

**Take the kids to their school bookfair and pick out new books to take home!