tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9768090565074388262024-03-06T01:19:27.075-05:00confessions of a slacker momSTEPHANIE (slacker mom)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07357859463186383071noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976809056507438826.post-373131907153811012011-08-07T23:53:00.006-04:002011-08-08T01:38:16.565-04:00BEST. NIGHT. EVER.<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Psalms 37:4 Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. </div><div><br /></div>Ok... I know I haven't posted in a while. Well, let's be honest. It's been a long while. Life is busy and I got "the block". Never had anything really worth saying. <div><br /></div><div>But today is a different story. Hold onto your seats... This is gonna be a wild ride. </div><div><br /></div><div>Let me give you a little background first. I don't have many constants in my life. Things are constantly changing and shifting in my life. </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>The music of <a href="http://stevencurtischapman.com/">Steven Curtis Chapman</a> has always been a constant in my life. His music has been the "background music" of my soul since I was about 12 maybe. I came across "For the Sake of the Call" and I was hooked. This was back in the day of tapes. I listened to that tape so much that I wore it out. But not to worry because Steven Curtis has created so much music over his career that I have quite an extensive collection now. </div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>There have been many mountains and valleys; trials and tribulations; joys and celebrations. And the music of Steven Curtis Chapman has been there. There has always been a song of his that has reached in and touched my soul and spirit. </div><div><br /></div><div>Fast forward to 06 August 2011.</div><div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>I was attending my first<a href="http://www.mops.org/"> MOPS</a> Convention at the <a href="http://www.gaylordhotels.com/opryland-home.html?source=gaylordopryland.com">Gaylord Opryland</a> in Nashville, TN. I was undecided about attending until I heard that Steven Curtis and his wife <a href="http://marybethchapman.com/">Mary Beth</a> would be there. Since losing the twins in December 2005, I have always tried to convey a message of hope and joy and faithfulness to God in spite of my grief and pain. However, this message is hard for people to understand. In May 2009, the Chapman family suffered the loss of their sweet little girl Maria Sue. I followed their story in the news media - both mainstream and Christian. They gave the same message of hope. They got it. In spite of the grief they remained faithful to God. They had the opportunity to share that message with millions of people around the world and be an influence like only I could hope to be. I wanted to go to convention to hear them tell the story live. I was also hoping for a little face time to say Thanks for the influence that they have been in my life.</div><div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div>When I got to the convention on Thursday afternoon and went down for registration I noticed they were having a drawing for a "Back Stage Pass". You could choose which artist you wanted to meet - there were many great ones like Mandisa, Max Lucado, and Travis Cottrell just to name a few. Of course I registered.</div><div><div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>I prayed the entire weekend that I would win. I genuinely prayed. I have wanted to meet Steven Curtis since before High School... and I just graduated last year. (Hee... Hee...) Seriously been hoping for a moment like this about 20 years. I knew that if God cared about the Lillies of the fields, He cared about me and my dream to meet SCC. I prayed with the expectation God would give me the desires of my heart. I was convinced that I was going to win. As the other winners were brought out the first few nights I realized that they also got to do the artist introductions. How cool is that?! When I won, this was going to be epic!</div><div><div><div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span></div></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>So Saturday comes around and I patiently waited for my phone call announcing that I had won. I didn't get the call. But that's ok, because a really deserving mom did and she and her friend got to go back stage and meet Steven and Mary Beth and share her story of adoption that they inspired.</div><div><div><div><div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>When I got into the ballroom for the general session I found out my Area Developer - who happens to be from my group - was working the table for Steven Curtis and Mary Beth later after the show. She offered to bring me with her. I didn't wait for her to offer it twice. I was not going to let this opportunity pass me by. </div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>So we go out and we are helping set up merchandise tables with Mary Beth's book "Choosing to See" and Steven Curtis' new CD "re:creation". (Which both are awesome!) Tables are set up and I got to be first in line. Panic was hitting me hard. I had rehearsed this moment in my head a million times before. Over that time the story has changed a little but the message has remained. I walked up to the table and started shaking a crying. 20 years of emotions came out in trembling hands and broken words. I had so much to say and so little time. I know they didn't comprehend a word I said because I was talking so fast as I was politely being ushered away for the next person to come up. </div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>I was a little disappointed that my message didn't come out the way I wanted it to, but I got to stand at the front of the line all night long as I helped keep things moving along and reminding people about no posed photo ops and to make sure your books and cds are open and ready to be signed. </div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>The end of the line finally came and went and all the volunteers were given a cd and allowed the opportunity to have it signed. I was now the end of the line. I was given another opportunity to talk. This time I was much more composed. I was able to walk to the table and tell them what I have wanted to say without hesitation and it was a clear message. As I approached the table I jokingly said, "It's me again!" </div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>As I spoke the words that were from my heart I was able to look them in the eye this time. I was able to hold their gaze. They came from the depths of my heart and soul and reached into theirs. I could tell that Steven and Mary Beth heard them with their hearts and souls. I even saw Steven get a little teary. I walked away full of joy that was overflowing. </div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>I had made a few connections with people from the publishing company and we were going to exchange contact info after everything was wrapped up so I waited around a few minutes. As I was waiting I noticed there were cds still on the table so I asked SCCs manager what he would like me to do with them. He walked over and we put them all back in the boxes and got them ready to go. It only took 10 minutes or so but we had a nice chat about nothing in particular. As we were putting the final box and he thanked me for his help, I simply thanked him for allowing me the opportunity to be a part of that evening. He asked if I would like to go back and get a photo. Did he even have to ask???</div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>As we walked back to the hidden hallway where SCC and MB where chatting with a few select people from the publisher I told him this was going to be the most amazing moment ever. I had often dreamed of an opportunity like this for 20 years. Of course, I was not a giddy school girl about it. I was dignified and composed. I didn't want to embarrass myself in front of the manager even though I will probably never see him again in my life. I felt like such a VIP as the hidden door with no handles opened up for us and he told Steven and Mary Beth "I have one more for you". </div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>I walked over and cheerfully said "Me again". This time I think they might have recognized me as they cheerfully put their arms around me and gave genuine smiles for my camera. </div><div><br /></div><div>I graciously thanked everyone for allowing me to be a part of it all. After all, I was not supposed to be there by any means. </div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>As I slowly walked away I began to reflect on what had just happened that night. God did some awesome stuff for me. He didn't answer that prayer I prayed because He had something else planned for me that was far greater than I could have ever imagined. He cared enough about me to not only give me the desires of my heart, but the desires I only fantasize about. He looked down upon me and revealed himself to me in a way have never seen or experienced before. He had been showing me things and speaking to me in so many ways that weekend (maybe more on that in another post). He could have answered my prayer the way I had asked for it and I would have been happy... But He chose to do it in a way that made me overfilled with joy and love and thanksgiving. He knows me so well that He knew what would make me truly blessed and loved and giddy. I didn't just get a piece of candy; I got the whole store. </div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>I am still finding it hard to put it into words. </div><div><br /></div><div>I serve and AWESOME GOD! He cares about the lillies of the fields and He cares about me! </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKYPT8rpe-1F-Zm0iqOtaoPgRqGIlOr3t8WsfrhROKkWQ3E3A4sx5itEeIlziQkik2_ap4sJ7OIGtgKU_Mpty06LT3hwTgx3Qs5YsL4awlq0cfnpc8yob7FUM7nxS_UL39gzjl0FeNtig/s320/Steven+Curtis+Mary+Beth+Chapman+06+August+2011.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638354140705281298" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div>STEPHANIE (slacker mom)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07357859463186383071noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976809056507438826.post-31054242349271351542011-06-22T16:00:00.002-04:002011-06-22T16:27:15.293-04:00This Is Why I Am An Over-Protective Paranoid MomThe Hubby and I took the boys (4 & 2) to this cool little State Park on Sunday. It was a place John's family frequented when he was younger. The water is warm and shallow for a very long way out, and there was a very gradual slope. So it was great for the boys. I didn't have to worry about them getting too deep, too fast. We staked out our spot on the sand next to the water and proceeded to dump out our sand toys. <div><br /></div><div>We had been there about an hour when I noticed this little girl down the beach screaming and wailing very loudly. I watched her for a minute to see if someone - her parents - came to her aid. No one. So I got up and walked over to her. She was hysterical and had the look of fear in her face. I was trying to calm her down so I could talk to her and find out where her mommy or daddy was. She was maybe 4. Another little girl, about 6, came over and was talking to her. I inquired if they knew each other and I was informed that they were sisters. Then yet another girl about 2 came over and said "She crying". </div><div><br /></div><div>I asked the older of the three girls where their mommy and daddy were and she informed me that they went to get some mangoes. Huh? She then proceeded to tell me what a mango was. "That's great. But where are your parents?" "They are out there" as she points out in the lake. I look out and see two individuals waving. They weren't just a few feet out in the water... they were way the heck out there. </div><div><br /></div><div>Finally, the mom starts walking toward us. When she gets to us she says "Thank you, she does this all the time." She then starts doing some pretty evasive maneuvers to get away from me. As I walk away I hear her tell the girls "I told you to lay down over there". </div><div><br /></div><div>Seriously??? Where was the DNR officer or police officer I saw walking the beach earlier??? They are never around when you really need them. </div><div><br /></div><div>Am I alone by being completely appalled by the behavior of these parents? Who knows what could have happened to their kids while they were out in the lake. It was a crowded beach. Anyone could have scooped them up and taken off with them. Or the girls could have drowned or run away. </div><div><br /></div><div>My other issue is the "non-involved" attitudes of the other people at the beach. There were so many people that looked at that little girl crying and turned the other way and didn't give her a second thought. </div><div><br /></div><div>I had my 2 year old get away from me one afternoon and run into a parking lot. Right by 3 adults who looked at him and laughed. Not one of them thought it was a bad idea for a 2 year old to be running in a parking lot by himself??? </div><div><br /></div><div>What happened in our society that we don't look out for the well-being of other people - children especially. Are we really that self centered? Or is it that we are so scared to "get involved" because of what might happen. </div><div><br /></div><div>I don't go through life assuming other people will look after my kids so I don't have to... But it is nice to know that "in the event" someone out there is willing to step up and lend a hand to a stranger. I am constantly being told that I need to lighten up... But I guess this is one area where I refuse to be a "slacker mom". </div>STEPHANIE (slacker mom)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07357859463186383071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976809056507438826.post-79237599100608844092010-06-28T23:41:00.004-04:002010-06-29T00:48:31.982-04:00Cinderella Reflections<div>Let me start by saying... I miss blogging... I wish I had more time to blog other than the middle of the night when my brain is fried and all the good things I thought of earlier in the day disappeared in the mountain of laundry that is either dirty or in need of folding, or went up in smoke with one of the many fires I had to fight that day... But here I sit again... trying to give you something to read... or maybe just purging my mind... whatever works...<br /><br />Anyway. I have OCD tendencies. I am OK to admit that. Always had them and they come in spurts and I am not OCD about everything... just some. Like the way I make my bed - has to be perfectly even on both sides. When I use a public restroom I have to go to the middle stall. If that one is taken I start to the right and alternate right to left until I find the vacant one closest to the middle. I alphabetize EVERYTHING. I count when I walk... Just to name a few. Now that you all think I am completely nuts...<br /><br />So during one of my OCD moments I decided I was going to scrub the kitchen floor. With a toothbrush. I clean the floors and mop on a semi-regular basis. And generally speaking my kitchen floor is usually clean. Wouldn't recommend eating on it, but it's still clean. The grout had begun to get gunky. It was no longer Delorian Gray... it was a combination mud muck and whatever else gets stuck in there over the years. I got out the bleach cleaner and the old toothbrush and sponge and went to town. Still not done but I am about halfway. Refer to opening paragraph about why I don't blog as much as I would like...<br /><br />So I am down on my hands and knees scrubbing away when John comes walking thru the front door and almost runs me over... "Well Hello there Cinderella."<br /><br />After my little chuckle at his observation, I started thinking. Cinderella got dealt the crappy hand in life and she didn't complain at all. She had it all. Was Daddy's Little Girl. Then when her dad died and Old StepMonster took over the chateau, she got shoved out to live in the tower. She didn't complain. She made friends with the animals and did her chores with a smile on her face and a song on her lips.<br /><br />Then ol' Prince Charming needs to get married so they call all the eligible maidens in the land. To keep her excitement at bay her step-mother gives her a huge laundry list of chores to complete before she can go. A little disappointed, she does her bidding. With no time to spare to make a gown her animal friends make her a beautiful dress to wear to the ball, only to have it ripped to shreds by her jealous conniving step sisters.<br /><br />Here she cries a bit, but she never gets angry and lashes out. More restraint than I would have had.<br /><br />Enter Fairy God Mother. Man I wish I had one of those. Hooks her up with the gown, the coach, and the chauffeurs. And a CURFEW! What the Heck?!?!?! You are telling me I can go to the Royal Ball and have an opportunity to meet the Prince and possibly fall in love and live happily ever after and finally leave this wretched place and I have a curfew?! What if I can't meet the Prince by then??? What if I need more time??? UGH!<br /><br />Well... that's what I would have said. But Cinderella doesn't bat one pretty eyelash at that stipulation...<br /><br />She enters the Castle and is immediately the envy of every maiden there. She has caught the attention of Prince Charming and they dance the night away and fall in love. And wouldn't you know... the clock starts stroking midnight. What luck! Keeping to her obligations to be home she rushes off only to be halfway home and sitting on a pumpkin.<br /><br />Back to everyday life the next morning. Only this time with a new song to sing. Does she think she's going to fly away with Prince Charming? She knows he's probably not coming for her. She can't even tell anyone it was she who was dancing with the Prince. Even if she did, no one would ever believe her. But she doesn't care. She got to be a princess for a few hours. And she has a souvenir.<br /><br />Well, when The Kingdom comes calling she gets shoved away in her tower. Her pals, the animals, break her out just in time. She comes down and all her dreams have come true. She is whisked away to the Castle to become Mrs. Prince Charming.<br /><br />Side Note: So one thing that always makes me wonder... Out of all the eligible maidens in the Kingdom, Cinderella is the only one with her shoe size???<br /><br />I could really use a reality check from Cinderella sometimes. I like to complain about a lot of things. Laundry, cold weather - snow specifically, the fact that I can't sleep in anymore... to name a few. Some of my complaints are petty and selfish (let's just be honest here). But some of my complaints are rightly justified - as were Cinderellas. But she didn't complain. And good things came to her. Now I don't think my life is a fairy tale or will it end up like one... But I believe in Karma and reaping what you sow.<br /><br />So next time I start to complain about something I am going to remember my time as Cinderella scrubbing my floors with a toothbrush and maybe I will stop and think and give myself an attitude check.<br /><br />"Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life - in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing." ~Philippians 2:14-16<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7EUTU2IWjq9fVEr0cXcfude1WkelaSuSnR4EJzVLuLj8aUvvRXU2JsJ1rx35S-2PohbxS_5Nxz1ChcBAyXoyET7gt5xz98G4vVMz2Ch8lTN5PwsoTNuzhmBV6W9QOHVIZyTJMEdhKEl0/s1600/26636-hi-cinderella_withpreview.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 445px; HEIGHT: 322px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488052431286433538" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7EUTU2IWjq9fVEr0cXcfude1WkelaSuSnR4EJzVLuLj8aUvvRXU2JsJ1rx35S-2PohbxS_5Nxz1ChcBAyXoyET7gt5xz98G4vVMz2Ch8lTN5PwsoTNuzhmBV6W9QOHVIZyTJMEdhKEl0/s320/26636-hi-cinderella_withpreview.jpg" /></a></div>STEPHANIE (slacker mom)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07357859463186383071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976809056507438826.post-13930997210003905902010-05-12T16:37:00.004-04:002010-05-12T17:14:07.816-04:00Happy Mother's Day and Clean House Here I ComeHope everyone had a great Mother's Day! Mine was super fantabulous. We had brunch at one of my faves <a href="http://louisbenton.com/">Louis Benton Steakhouse</a>. Reminisced about Mother's Day brunch from the previous year... Woke up having contractions, went to brunch, then made a quick stop by the hospital to have a baby. All in a day's work, right? <br /><br />No babies this year... Just a perfect little family that gets on my nerves sometimes but I would not trade any of them for the world. Maybe for an <a href="http://www.astonmartin.com/">Aston Martin</a>... :)<br /><br />So I am getting ready to head out to our brunch and I hear John asking Caleb if he told me Happy Mother's Day yet. He says no, so I hear John giving him the low down. <br /><br />"You need to tell Mommy Happy Mother's Day. This is the one day of the year we tell Mommy Thank You for all she does."<br /><br />Priceless... I know. <br /><br /><br />So we have this ongoing discussion at our house about how clean it is or mostly isn't. My husband and I have 2 totally different ideologies on this subject. He wants the house to look sparkling and spotless like it has just been "Spring Cleaned" when he walks in the door. Let's face it... realistically, that ain't gonna happen. I have 2 kids... even if I didn't have kids there is just no way I can do that. You might be able to... but not me. Just not wired that way I suppose. Now don't get me wrong... I am not a slob, I am just distracted.<br /><br />So anyway... I have been busting my tooshy to keep up the last few months trying to make a noticeable difference. I feel like I am barely treading water with just my nose poking through the surface allowing me to breathe. <br /><br />Then I run across <a href="http://walkingthewriteway.blogspot.com/">Christin's</a> blog about her "Incompetent Housekeeper Binder" and I was able to take a sigh of relief. I was not the only one out there. In her blog she talked about her binder and posted a link to <a href="http://www.flylady.com/">FlyLady's website</a>.<br /><br />So I cruise over there and Oh My Gosh!!! I have only been doing this about a week and already I feel like my life has been transformed. It's so simple I feel stupid for not thinking of it myself... Basically, you break your house into Zones and that is your focus for the week. You still work on other areas of your house at the same time but you are only "surface cleaning" those and you do the "deep cleaning" and de-cluttering in the current Zone. Check it out... it's pretty good stuff.<br /><br />This week we are working on the Kitchen which also happens to be the entry way to my house. I have gone out 3 times this week and each time I have come home has been the most relaxing entry to my house I have ever had. Even with a few things out of place it just feels good the sense of accomplishment knowing what I have done to make it sparkle and I am not overwhelmed by the chaos that usually comes rushing at me when I walk in.STEPHANIE (slacker mom)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07357859463186383071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976809056507438826.post-91132702166497565642010-02-27T16:44:00.002-05:002010-02-27T17:04:17.425-05:00My Challenge to YouSo my friend David posted this on his facebook status the other day:<br />"Church Marquee: 'Haven't seen you lately'. Thought: That church's model is more attraction than missional."<br /><br />I was about to post an argument defending the church by saying it was still being "missional" but then I stopped to think a little deeper... and I realized he was right.<br /><br />We all are guilty of this at some time in our lives. How many times have I said to myself "I haven't heard from Her in a while. I wonder what she's been up to?" And then the thought is filed away somewhere in my obviously unimportant file and I don't act on that thought. <br /><br />Then there is the friend I haven't talked to in ages and I get upset because THEY haven't called ME. I mean seriously... the phone works both ways. How can I be so hypocritical as to get upset with someone else for doing the exact same thing that I have done.<br /><br />I have seen so many relationships die because of this selfishness. That's right... I said selfishness. You can candy coat it however you want... but I call it like it is. (I am totally pointing the finger at myself in this post.) <br /><br />So I challenge you, my faithful readers, to reach out to at least one person you haven't spoken to in a while. With Facebook, Myspace (does that even still exist?), Twitter, text message, AIM and the like so prevalent in our culture today this should be an easy task. <br /><br />Comment on who (no names, please) and how it went.STEPHANIE (slacker mom)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07357859463186383071noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976809056507438826.post-39533226272261082752010-02-03T17:54:00.006-05:002010-02-03T18:07:14.520-05:00Christmas Tree Pictures<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhTyAqyedEo_DKB7ZEkJcVaW_U8OyjfFsPXcThwpNw3TZoJ-eRni1ZdW2az3sdwhtxWxtUBPS5bt1rtLOKVtXhYhUnEisKX3dCXBHS0bV5ON_Dje9Ge_S3p7H1WruumAmPvuKuuvK-Sl4/s1600-h/IMG_9679.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhTyAqyedEo_DKB7ZEkJcVaW_U8OyjfFsPXcThwpNw3TZoJ-eRni1ZdW2az3sdwhtxWxtUBPS5bt1rtLOKVtXhYhUnEisKX3dCXBHS0bV5ON_Dje9Ge_S3p7H1WruumAmPvuKuuvK-Sl4/s320/IMG_9679.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434155162994403346" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>So I promised pictures of our <a href="http://confessions-slackermom.blogspot.com/2009/12/tears-in-jar-happy-birthday.html">Christmas Tree Cutting</a></div><div><a href="http://confessions-slackermom.blogspot.com/2009/12/tears-in-jar-happy-birthday.html"> Memorial</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>Here they are... sorry it took so long to get these posted. By the time I got to downloading my pics I had 1100 on my memory card... three and a half hours later... here they are. </div><div><br /></div><div>This is our chosen tree. Its a little small... but who cares. One thing I found is that tree farms in Oklahoma and tree farms in Michigan are worlds apart. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnXB8Y5RP2B24RUuEt0hQd-FmyGpUGK5mDFm0QiVr4Ed8qLf2saWplUjs4iV6gKIjNCDwzpPeBLp0Aw152hVkW2hzpDhKG__mxkO4t4EUTRBpb4VXXwoI9lLRteX3vhRNHPul3LFz5jXI/s320/IMG_9681.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434156085064117426" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Here's Caleb cutting the tree down. He was so cute. Huffing and puffing... back and forth back and forth... Finally asking for help.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNMndrjcjRb9-aMzVLX7hLRx4bdgeb-HnuW8PbVq-9bQo1a_PIkuAkiISZqRztKG-Ufjc0rmfRXwaI_JtxPzJLuHe2emBNXB0QroOQzbRBV4wJYrq6_y8xtFERLeKLNbnwLt5JAkyAGHI/s320/IMG_9688.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434156554949418082" /></div><div><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBbSQrGcHkq8gJvMVxc5oOQSVnOi3JSMGTGfvqqx0fSqtsPDKiF0swCofoxpeS89WUPJWEZGG9vPhFsOVpiva7wlNhXi1bfyJCSnKk3lbuM_FFsmqrbU8DVsL5oVHb1qhM24s-H4uqVx4/s320/IMG_9690.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434156857952878258" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Finished product. No decorations... just lights. Dad's decorations were on the other side of the garage... unobtainable. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>STEPHANIE (slacker mom)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07357859463186383071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976809056507438826.post-12371753721085413642010-02-03T17:18:00.003-05:002010-02-03T17:52:29.983-05:00Age is Just a Number... Right?So a few weeks ago on January 19 I turned over a new page in my life. I can now no longer consider myself among the ranks of twenty-somethings. That's right... I turned 30! It wasn't as traumatic as I thought it would be. I mean, really, 30 feels just like 29... <div><br /></div><div>Someone asked me if I felt grown up now? Not really... But in some ways yes... </div><div><br /></div><div>I've thought about my life the past 10 years. I've been married for all of it. Moved 1000 miles away from home. Bought a house. Started a business with my husband. </div><div><br /></div><div>The past five years are a little different. I've been pregnant five times. Had two miscarriages. Had twin girls where unfortunately one was stillborn and one only lived 6 days. And I have two beautiful, energetic, boys. Caleb almost 3, and Zachary almost 9 months. </div><div><br /></div><div>If I had to say when I felt grown up and put on my big girl panties I would have to say it was when the twins died. Something about that experience changed my perspective on life. Things I thought were important were no longer on my radar. And other things became more important. Relationships changed. I changed. My whole world changed. My relationship with God changed. </div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway... that's another blog for another day.</div><div><br /></div><div>So for my BIG 30, John threw me a big party with 35 of my friends at our favorite restaurant, <a href="http://louisbenton.com/">Louis Benton Steakhouse</a>. So much fun! John took Caleb the whole day and they ran all over town buying me flowers and balloons and <a href="http://www.monicasbest.com/">Monica's Best Gourmet Cookies</a> which I shared with my guests. </div><div><br /></div><div>I went to <a href="http://www.heidichristines.com/">Heidi Christine's Salon and Spa</a> and got a much needed pedicure and spent some Mommy and Me time with Zac. </div><div><br /></div><div>It was such a wonderful and memorable day. I could not have asked for anything more. </div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks to all my friends who came to help me celebrate. And a HUGE thanks to John for organizing the whole shindig. Love you! </div>STEPHANIE (slacker mom)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07357859463186383071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976809056507438826.post-41652038353074258882010-01-27T14:11:00.003-05:002010-01-27T14:31:34.448-05:00Holy Cow It's Been A Long Time!!!Well... ladies and gentleman... all my faithful followers... I am back from hibernation. I just noticed that my last blog was posted on December 9... I knew it had been a while but didn't realize it had been THAT long... Thank you Thank you Thank you for sticking by me. I didn't lose anyone and somehow I pickup up another along the way. Bonus!<div><br /></div><div>I totally thought I would have blogged much more than I did over the holidays. We went to Oklahoma day after Thanksgiving and stayed until New Years. Fun times. It was good to see my fam and the boys really enjoyed hanging out with the grandparents they rarely get to see. </div><div><br /></div><div>We were constantly going back and forth between my mom and dad's house that I barely had time to situate everyone before it was time to pack up and head back to the other house. </div><div><br /></div><div>All in all it was a good trip. </div><div><br /></div><div>That said... I am SO ready for January to be OVER!</div><div><br /></div><div>John and the boys got colds right before we left to come home. Zac - the youngest - had his cold turn into an ear infection four days after getting home. Got that cleared up and I came down with the worst cold/flu ever on Sunday night and Caleb got it Tuesday afternoon. We watched a LOT of movies that week. Its hard being so sick you can barely function... taking care of an equally sick 3 year old... and a quite healthy full of extra energy 8 month old... We all got well and rejoined the living on Saturday night. John threw me the most amazing 30th Birthday Party on my birthday Tuesday the 19th. Then last Saturday I got food poisoning at lunch and spent 7 hours Saturday night paying homage to the gods and all day Sunday in bed. Never had food poisoning before... let me tell you... not fun. My stomach still isn't quite right. The extreme cramping finally faded last night but it still hurts a little when I eat. I guess the silver lining in the whole mess is that I lost about 6 or 7 pounds between the flu and poisoning. </div><div><br /></div><div>So I guess that about brings us up to date. We just changed the location of our computer so I should be able to blog a little more often. Bear with me as I get back in the groove of things. </div><div><br /></div>STEPHANIE (slacker mom)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07357859463186383071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976809056507438826.post-57055335781110734542009-12-09T16:09:00.003-05:002009-12-09T17:00:38.548-05:00Don't Let This Happen to YouSo I literally tossed and turned ALL NIGHT last night deliberating whether or not I was going to post anything about this. I had decided that it was a personal matter and would not need to be discussed with anyone outside of those directly involved, but I convinced myself otherwise.<br /><br />Disclaimer: I am in NO WAY trying to start a political discussion. I WILL NOT tolerate any lashing or negativity. This is VERY VERY humbling for me. <br /><br />On to the blog...<br /><br />My two sons and I are in Oklahoma visiting my family for the Holidays. John will be joining us next Wednesday. Yesterday started like any other morning. Caleb coming to my room way too early so I convinced him to snuggle with me and get a little more sleep. A few hours later he decided he had enough snuggling and insisted on getting up. <br /><br />Zac was waking a little too but was still sleepy. So I told Caleb to go find Nana and I was going to feed Zac and get him back to sleep. I could hear Caleb with my mom in the bathroom talking and my stepdad Charles was in the front getting ready to head off to work for the day. There was an exchange about water bottles and my mom told Caleb to go get his off the kitchen table.<br /><br />Then I heard it.<br /><br />I didn't know what it was. It was a very loud POP and shrieks of horror from Caleb. I thought he had tumbled backwards in the dining room chair. They have high backs and I have been constantly telling him to turn around and sit in the chair right. I immediately get up to run to to him as I hear my mom running down the hall at the same time.<br /><br />Then I hear her yell OH MY GOD! OH MY GOD! OH MY GOD! I immediately start screaming as I don't have my glasses on and I am seriously blind without them. I can't really see anything other than my mom hovered over Caleb frantically looking him over and Charles, who also heard the sound and came running, saying I'm so sorry, please forgive me. <br /><br />Still not completely registering what had happened... shaking... and freaking out myself... I am yelling at my mom to tell me what happened.<br /><br />Then Charles showed me the gun. <br /><br />My two and a half year old son shot a gun.<br /><br />Charles had taken his gun down from where he stores it and went to grab his cell phone which charges by the dining room table. Saw that the phone was still charging so went to the garage to quickly grab something he needed to take to work with him. He left his 9mm handgun on the middle of the table. <br /><br />Let me add here that he did not know that Caleb was awake and with my mom in the bathroom. <br /><br />Caleb went to the kitchen to get his water bottle and saw the gun. He took it out of the holster and pulled the trigger. <br /><br />I THANK GOD HE HAD IT POINTING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION!!! The only injury he has is a scuff and slight bruise on his collar bone where the gun recoiled and hit him. <br /><br />I will say again I THANK GOD FOR HIS DIVINE PRESENCE AND PROTECTION! Every night our prayers with Caleb begin "Dear Jesus, thank you for this day. Thank you for keeping me safe..." I never realized how much I took that statement for granted. <br /><br />I still start shaking and my stomach turns in knots when I start thinking about it. <br /><br />As I lay in bed thinking about this last night and realizing just how lucky we were I decided that this needed to be shared. <br /><br />40% (give or take) of homes in America have guns in them. To put that in perspective... Of the 13 people who read my blog (me and my 12 followers) 5 of us have guns in our homes.<br /><br />No matter how "educated" you think your child might be about the dangers of guns they are still children.<br /><br />Caleb and I had a discussion about the dangers of guns and why we don't play with them. They are only for grown ups and if you ever see a gun you don't touch it and you come find mommy. <br /><br />That being said... I am 99% sure that he would do the same thing again if he found himself in a similar situation. He's 2 1/2. I would be naive to believe otherwise. I was naive to believe he wouldn't be able to pull the trigger. <br /><br />But he did. And my world was almost shattered in an instant...<br /><br />Now I grew up in a house with guns. My dad had a gun case that was always locked. My grandpa had guns in their house. My mom even kept a revolver under her mattress after my parents got divorced. I knew the dangers of guns. I knew they weren't toys and I was not supposed to touch them. But that didn't stop me as a kid. <br /><br />When I was about 7 or 8, my cousin and I were playing at my grandparents house. They had a big closet in their room and we were allowed to play in their closet and bedroom and the bedroom directly across from theirs. We liked to play hide and seek and house... One night we were playing in the closet and saw that my grandfathers safe was left slightly open. Out of curiosity we opened the door to find some cash and diamonds and a small gun. We ignored everything else but took out the gun. We didn't pull the trigger... don't even know if it was loaded. But we still took it out and played with it even though we both knew what we were doing was wrong.<br /><br />Don't think your kids are smart enough to know better. I was smart enough to know better but I still played with a gun.<br /><br />Don't believe that you are ever "safe" if you have a gun in your house. <br /><br />I am not saying that having guns is wrong and I am not going to go down that road. Just make sure that IF you have guns in your house please be safe. Your child WILL find the gun.<br /><br />Please do not store a loaded gun in your house unlocked. Especially where your kids can get to them. It doesn't get safer as they get older. Then you have to worry about them "showing off" to their friends. <br /><br />Don't be afraid to ask the parents of your kids friends if they have guns in the house and where/how they keep them stored. <br /><br />Again, please don't pass judgement. This could happen to anyone no matter how safe and cautious you think you might be.<br /><br />I never thought this would happen to me but it did. Don't let it happen to you.STEPHANIE (slacker mom)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07357859463186383071noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976809056507438826.post-75541652402747159652009-12-05T22:13:00.004-05:002009-12-05T22:39:05.030-05:00Tears In A Jar - Happy BirthdaySo 03 December 2009 would have been my twins' 4th Birthday. It's crazy to think that it has been four years already. But somedays it still feels like it was yesterday.<br /><br />I am struggling to find the balance between remembering and letting go. Not letting go in the sense of forgetting, but more of a healing. This is a HUGE struggle for me. It seems like just when I think I finally have a grip on things I am tested. And most of the time I fail... sometimes miserably.<br /><br />To be honest, I hate hearing about people having twins. It irritates me to my core. Especially if I know the person. I always wonder what makes her so special that she can have healthy, full term twins and I can't. There must be something wrong with me. Why her and not me?<br /><br />It doesn't help that I started having labor contractions Thanksgiving weekend and I had Abigail and Kiersten 3 weeks before Christmas.<br /><br />I remember that first Christmas... I tried to put on a happy face but I was just going through the motions. I was absolutely NOT in the mood for Christmas but I also knew that it wasn't all about me. I had other family and friends to be with and I didn't want my giref to ruin their otherwise Happy Holidays. So I put on my best happy face and trudged through it. I was barely treading water. I don't know if I was just being overly sensitive or if other people were overcompensating trying to be extra nice to me but I wanted to tear into some people. If I heard someone ask me what I wanted for Christmas one more time....<br /><br />But I made it through... And I am still making it... One day at a time it seems...<br /><br />It kind of worked out conveniently the first year for John and I to go cut a Christmas tree on the twins' birthday. That was a nice time and I decided I wanted to make it a tradition.<br /><br />This year we are in Oklahoma visiting my famliy. The kids and I drove down right after Thanksgiving. So I asked my dad to come with us to cut a tree. Tree Farms in Oklahoma are different from Tree Farms in Michigan. I'm talking different ends of the spectrum. But anyway... we found a tree and Caleb helped cut it down.<br /><br />One thing that Oklahoma has over Michigan is the weather. It sure was nice tree hunting in the warm sunshine with no snow. Usually in Michigan it is cold and we are trekking through knee deep snow across acres to find the perfect tree.<br /><br />I'll post pictures when I can get them downloaded.STEPHANIE (slacker mom)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07357859463186383071noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976809056507438826.post-52539492997744896752009-11-13T21:18:00.013-05:002009-11-16T15:00:44.609-05:00Drabby to Fabby Makeover (Pics now up)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP-vuXXWJQc-79NakA3jC6GW3QZ3bJ6pazGoO9vnfW_YOHdP1GAxt3F18FslFpKsMK6GKY7hzIaTTN2FKa1toiCEHwrCUGTAsPsmt3FJgr2SDnshiQoXRpjwehlS7GPeozza06c-EELj0/s1600/hair+before.jpg"><br /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div>I know I haven't posted a DTFF in a few weeks... Been a little pre-occupied. Plus, I've been saving up to do show my head to toe makeover.</div><div><br />So without further ado...<br /><br />Last Friday I went to my fave place, <a href="http://design1.com/">Design One Salon & Spa</a> and hung out with Chris at Aura. She helped me get a whole new look last Summer and I absolutely love love love the line. So the Salon and Aura were having a promotion for Fall Updates so I went in and got some pampering done. Let me just say this, it was nice to get out of the house alone for some much needed ME time.<br /><br />So Chris hooked me up with a great new look for the Fall. I got some new cream eyeliner too and I must say it is much easier than I thought it would be. Not sure why I waited so long to take the plunge...<br /><br /><div><br />Then, on Wednesday, I went to Darcy's and saw Victoria and got a new updated "do". I was flipping through my Sr yearbook and was horrified to discover that I've had the same basic hairstyle since high school. And that was like TWO years ago! OK... OK... It was more like Ten. So I was off by two letters... Who cares? : )<br /><br />I gave Victoria free reign to do whatever she wanted with only one stipulation - needed to be somewhat low maintenance. Lets face it, I have 2 small children... My makeup only takes 10 minutes... My hair can't take more than that. I don't have the luxury of unlimited, uninterrupted face time in the mirror.<br /><br />I must say I was rather pleased with the end result.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:14px;"><br /></span><br />Then I got my Fabby Feet prize in the mail the other day. You <a href="http://confessions-slackermom.blogspot.com/2009/10/drabby-too-fabby-friday.html">remember</a>, the prize I won for entering <a href="http://proudtobecheap.blogspot.com/2008/10/drabby-to-fabby-intro.html">Tamara's Drabby to Fabby Friday</a> giveaway??? I got it and decided that my feet needed a makeover too.<br /><br />So there you have it. My head to toe Drabby to Fabby makeover.<br /><br />Head on over to Tamara's site and check out the DTFF blogs. Just click the DTFF button on my page. You should post your own DTFF and you could win a Fabbylicious Prize. This week is a <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=34325381">Date Night Apron</a> from <a href="http://quiltatreasure.blogspot.com/">Quilt A Treasures</a>. I SO want to win this one! It reminds me of something you'd see on I Love Lucy or Ozzie & Harriett (which, by the way, I LOVED watching as a kid. Reruns of course!) only a more modern, sexy version. Did I hear someone say "Clothing Optiinal?"</div><div><br /></div><div>I had much better photos to show but they somehow disappeared from my phone. Apparently, I can only have 50 photos at a time...</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM-0WDde_DuA8MXAPhA-80r1DmQ-Foo8AIsO-XdhyphenhyphenyF9PdGaaA-jCY3eoX5phHVLtKaceHHq8je8mG-dV6usmYpk2sDnIkkvNKKynszukh-lC7eEuh-_IMVWdTy7hAjiwuViOUo7LhRNY/s1600/face+before.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM-0WDde_DuA8MXAPhA-80r1DmQ-Foo8AIsO-XdhyphenhyphenyF9PdGaaA-jCY3eoX5phHVLtKaceHHq8je8mG-dV6usmYpk2sDnIkkvNKKynszukh-lC7eEuh-_IMVWdTy7hAjiwuViOUo7LhRNY/s320/face+before.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404791312463039506" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>This is face before. No makeup.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4SvlB357yuKTtHZ48T8IVa9SSlKcfhSj3fDqrrkwUQrSGewe3AuHu6IiDYBjYRdFNn8JGgubiJ6OSESsp0ES66zsxrFIDjCMt75I2ADNE5WXdIOKZgQu3e_wXLnAj9Y66ksHZ0aOvsIc/s1600/hair+face+after.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4SvlB357yuKTtHZ48T8IVa9SSlKcfhSj3fDqrrkwUQrSGewe3AuHu6IiDYBjYRdFNn8JGgubiJ6OSESsp0ES66zsxrFIDjCMt75I2ADNE5WXdIOKZgQu3e_wXLnAj9Y66ksHZ0aOvsIc/s320/hair+face+after.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404791907591678242" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>This is face and hair after. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5rlNT4li2acb7AZzRDXHpyuIpiFo7lffuyrJT5hDM4saLjdMJqX3JJitFKA3PuxgycF1LHhSuvHS2Jp6WILFla12bEmaV_jGHlUtALGWJNIK69dqfJlHIGmda4Z5eQ9fB3FUo87ovP1Q/s320/feet+before.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404791323220121682" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " /></span></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Feet before... You could say it's been a while since my last pedicure/polish change.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP-vuXXWJQc-79NakA3jC6GW3QZ3bJ6pazGoO9vnfW_YOHdP1GAxt3F18FslFpKsMK6GKY7hzIaTTN2FKa1toiCEHwrCUGTAsPsmt3FJgr2SDnshiQoXRpjwehlS7GPeozza06c-EELj0/s1600/hair+before.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP-vuXXWJQc-79NakA3jC6GW3QZ3bJ6pazGoO9vnfW_YOHdP1GAxt3F18FslFpKsMK6GKY7hzIaTTN2FKa1toiCEHwrCUGTAsPsmt3FJgr2SDnshiQoXRpjwehlS7GPeozza06c-EELj0/s320/hair+before.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404792538107879154" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>This is hair before. I think this was taken about 2 or 3 weeks ago. You can get an idea of how long my hair was and you can definitely see the roots showing... I think she cut a good 6 inches off at least.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhucv9jRJjK9kWA4l8bxglDVkUz2W_3oSGZ-RzOydLPWjC85gBzJNumDmSiZQJ1Csapb_k-OCZmuujADpluSslZgCaiGjJ6_2UDboX0jaIWBbhzJB-ma2usDck9pY2djP8Wi5xz1ohMdk4/s1600/hair+face+after.jpg"><br /></a></div></div></div>STEPHANIE (slacker mom)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07357859463186383071noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976809056507438826.post-43771494310923992622009-11-05T16:29:00.003-05:002009-11-05T17:02:06.960-05:00What's The Word on "The Street"<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Forty.</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Well... actually the "official" word on the Street is going to be habitat... </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">That's right folks. Sesame Street is turning 40 on Tuesday, November 10!!!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Sesame Street has come a long way since it premiered November 10, 1969. I don't think there's a person alive today that doesn't know Sesame Street and Big Bird. It has truly bridged the gap between the generations. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Interesting Fact: </span></span><a href="http://www.carollspinney.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Caroll Spinney</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> was hand picked by Jim Henson to play Big Bird and he is the only original cast member still on the show. He also does the voice of Oscar the Grouch. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">If you've been to Google lately you've probably seen the Sesame Street characters incorporated into the Google Banner. I was curious one day and clicked on Big Bird's legs. I came across this </span></span><a href="http://www.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/TV/11/04/sesame.street.anniversary/index.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">article</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> by CNN Ent. They have released the early seasons of the show on DVD and they come with a warning label.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Sesame Street has a warning label??</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">? </span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 19px; font-size:14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">"These early 'Sesame Street' episodes are intended for grown-ups, and may not suit the needs of today's preschool child."</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, Helvetica, Utkal, sans-serif;font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 19px;font-size:14px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, Helvetica, Utkal, sans-serif;font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">According to the article Cookie Monster promotes childhood obesity by his constant gobbling up of cookies. He's a bad influence with his lack of self-control as he eats anything in sight when he's jonesing for that elusive cookie. And he smokes a pipe in a few episodes. And I guess "they" think Oscar was too mean and nasty, He's a GROUCH! What did you expect? Nastiness is part of his name... He's not named Oscar the Pleasant.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 19px;font-size:14px;"> </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, Helvetica, Utkal, sans-serif;font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 19px;font-size:14px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, Helvetica, Utkal, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">My son, Caleb, LOVES Sesame Street. He likes to sing and dance along and he laughs at Oscar and thinks Cookie Monster is "silly". And of course, we can't forget Elmo,</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, Helvetica, Utkal, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, Helvetica, Utkal, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I knew he could count to 10 because I taught him that. At least I think I did... Now I don't really know for sure. But I was pleasantly surprised when I heard him count to 20 on his own. I KNOW I didn't teach him that. He learned that from Big Bird. </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, Helvetica, Utkal, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, Helvetica, Utkal, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">SO CONGRATULATIONS SESAME STREET ON YOUR 40 YEARS!!! Here's to 40 more. Who knows... maybe my grandchildren will watch original new episodes of Sesame Street. By then, Sesame Street will no longer be set on an urban street but instead on a planet or under water or something else "new agey".</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, Helvetica, Utkal, sans-serif;font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 19px;font-size:14px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, Helvetica, Utkal, sans-serif;font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 19px;font-size:14px;"><br /></span></span></div>STEPHANIE (slacker mom)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07357859463186383071noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976809056507438826.post-83486936498262100872009-11-05T16:18:00.002-05:002009-11-05T16:29:07.437-05:00The Fireman Needs your PrayersPlease say a prayer... light a candle... whatever you do... for <a href="http://thechaosexperience.blogspot.com">The Fireman</a> and<a href="http://thelifeofamomandafirefighter.blogspot.com"> his wife</a>. Don't know the whole story, but her dad went into the hospital on 30 October to have knee replacement surgery and while the next few days of recovery progressed he was moved to the cardiac care center and now they are starting <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">dialysis</span> because they believe his kidneys are failing. <div><br /></div><div>You can read more of the details on her blog <a href="http://thelifeofamomandafirefighter.blogspot.com">here.</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Drop by their blogs and let them know you are thinking of them.</div>STEPHANIE (slacker mom)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07357859463186383071noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976809056507438826.post-44251835299212682632009-10-30T15:19:00.002-04:002009-10-30T15:42:51.066-04:00A Few Things That Make Me Say WHAT THE HECK!?OK first things first... <div><br /></div><div>Yesterday I spent the majority of the day cleaning house - the whole house. The Hubby comes home and comments about how nice it looks. Then he proceeds to rummage through the fridge trying to find something to eat. In the process he decided to clean it out leaving all the inedible crap on the counter behind him. He turns around and says "Sorry Sweetie for messing up the kitchen"... then walks away!!! </div><div><br /></div><div>WHAT THE HECK!?!</div><div><br /></div><div>This is bound to offend someone but its my blog and I don't care...</div><div><br /></div><div>What ever happened to honor and wedding vows? My husband has a friend tell him recently that out of Friends 5 closest friends my husband is the only one who has not cheated on his wife - including said Friend. This is sad. Apparently, The Hubby knows plenty of people who do this... Seriously...??? I know its not just the men who have affairs... plenty of women do this as well. Someone I looked up to cheated on her husband. </div><div><br /></div><div>This had me completely floored and I asked The Hubby why someone would do this. His reply: Honor. I would add Integrity, Character, and Morals to the list but they all pretty much mean the same thing. Seriously... have a little respect for your spouse.</div><div><br /></div><div>I need to get off this soapbox before I really get going. Things like this have a tendency to drive me insane... so I'll just say</div><div><br /></div><div>WHAT THE HECK!?</div><div><br /></div><div>Happy Friday Everyone!!!</div>STEPHANIE (slacker mom)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07357859463186383071noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976809056507438826.post-48015038092209159222009-10-23T14:39:00.003-04:002009-10-23T15:13:28.460-04:00Get the HECK Outta My House!So I had another blog topic prepared for today but I decided to postpone said topic in light of very recent events at my house.<div><br /></div><div>12:00 - had lunch with the kids</div><div><br /></div><div>12:30 - Zac is sleeping soundly in his bed and Caleb and I are picking up his toys</div><div><br /></div><div>12:45 - Caleb and I are sitting in the rocking chair reading a few books then we start listening to some relaxing Classical Piano music on my MP3 player feature of my phone. It would have made a cute pic: The two of us sitting head to head sharing earbuds. Ahhh... cherished moments.</div><div><br /></div><div>1:15 - Caleb is sleeping soundly in his bed and I get cozy and lay on the couch with one earbud in one out (So I can hear the kids if needed) for a little relaxing on this drizzly/rainy day.</div><div><br /></div><div>2:00 - Door to door Kirby Vacuum Salesman comes to the door. I debated answering the door but he saw me on the couch as he got out of his truck. I know because he smiled and wave. Didn't know who or what he was until I opened the door.</div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div>He asked if I had heard of something and I said no. He said it would only take 10 minutes and I don't have to buy but he has to show me to get paid. "Plus, it will give me an opportunity to get out of the rain." Dude! You're not walking... you are riding around in a Suburban! Whatever... by this time he was already in my house and living room taking his crap all out.</div><div><br /></div><div>I looked at him and asked: "Is that thing going to be loud?" </div><div><br /></div><div>"Well, it is a vacuum."</div><div><br /></div><div>"As I said before, my kids are sleeping."</div><div><br /></div><div>"Oh. Is that important?"</div><div><br /></div><div>"What the $#***&#! do you think!? Do you think I would have told you that my kids were sleeping so you needed to be quiet FIVE TIMES already if it wasn't important?!" </div><div><br /></div><div>Well... I didn't say that exactly... but I wanted to. Instead I said, "Uh... Yeah! I don't want them to wake up. They need to sleep." </div><div><br /></div><div>"Well I have to do the demonstration to get paid. And I have to run the machine to do the demonstration. If they wake up I will help you get them back to sleep before I go."</div><div><br /></div><div>(Like HECK you are!) "OK. Well... we"ll see."</div><div><br /></div><div>Then he's trying to tell me that my Dyson only has a life span of 3-5 years. And my still looks in good condition. "Oh you've had it for 5 years? Well... uhhhh...."</div><div><br /></div><div>"How much did you pay?"</div><div><br /></div><div>"$350"</div><div><br /></div><div>"well... the new one will cost you $800."</div><div><br /></div><div>"No it won't. I can get it for just under $500."</div><div><br /></div><div>"Do you know a guy or something?"</div><div><br /></div><div>"No. I shop at Costco. And they aren't $800."</div><div><br /></div><div>So he ran his little machine about 5 times with his little black cloth to show me how much dirt my Dyson left behind. Trying to lure me in. </div><div><br /></div><div>"Are you a stay at home mom?"</div><div><br /></div><div>"Do you also run a daycare out of the home?"</div><div><br /></div><div>"What does your husband do?"</div><div><br /></div><div>"You guys probably make the buying decisions together, right?" </div><div><br /></div><div>"Yes."</div><div><br /></div><div>"Well... has he ever bought anything big without telling you first?"</div><div><br /></div><div>"Nope."</div><div><br /></div><div>"Nothing? Not even a TV or steroe? Nothing?"</div><div><br /></div><div>"Not if it's over $50. That's our agreement. That's one reason we are still married 10 years later."</div><div><br /></div><div>Then I told him I would prefer if he didn't turn it on again.</div><div><br /></div><div>"Well I have to turn it on to finish the demonstration."</div><div><br /></div><div>"I understand that. But my KIDS ARE SLEEPING!!!"</div><div><br /></div><div>So he calls his little driver in the 'Burb and asks to be picked up. A stupid little conversation takes place between them trying to get me to let him stay in my house and "make the sale".</div><div><br /></div><div>As he is packing up his crap, Zac starts stirring and making a little noise. I just look at him and smile and say "That's why I asked you to stop."</div><div><br /></div><div>So I politely escort him to the door and give him the best replica of a smile I can muster.</div><div><br /></div><div>Now I'm pissed because I didn't get to lay on my couch listening to my pretty music and look at the big beautiful tree across the street with big bright orange leaves rustling in the breeze.</div><div><br /></div><div>Jerk.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>STEPHANIE (slacker mom)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07357859463186383071noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976809056507438826.post-57902181754042196282009-10-18T21:40:00.002-04:002009-10-18T22:23:33.914-04:00Is Eight Ounces Enough?Well... it's that time again... Homecoming. Apparently, Homecoming is a big thing here in Michigan. You get a dress... you have the dinner... you take the pictures... then the big party. Haven't figured out how Homecoming is different from Prom really. <div><br /></div><div>Where I come from (Oklahoma) we did things differently. Sure, we had Homecoming but there was no dress... no fancy dinner... no pictures except of the funky ways people would dress for Spirit Week... and the dance was after the game in the gym. No big deal. </div><div><br /></div><div>So The Hubby and I went to dinner with <a href="http://thechaosexperience.blogspot.com">The Fireman</a> and his wife last night. We went to <a href="http://www.louisbenton.com/">Louis Benton Steak House</a>, where I might add you can find one of the BEST steaks in Grand Rapids. So LBs as we affectionately call it, is a fancy 5 Star restaurant. They were slightly busy last night being a Saturday. </div><div><br /></div><div>We had not been seated at our table five minutes before "they" showed up. Twelve of them to be exact. Teenagers. They did not all show up at once. Maybe four at a time. You are lucky enough to have them seated next to our table. That's right, I said YOU. Otherwise I would not have this wonderful and hopefully entertaining blog to post.</div><div><br /></div><div>So beings my little tale...</div><div><br /></div><div>The first group shows up... no big deal. Then the second group shows up and instead of waiting for the hostess to show them to the table, they start wandering through the dining room. That prompts a girl already seated at the table to shout out her friends name ACROSS THE DINING ROOM. Which in turn made everyone in the place cringe. </div><div><br /></div><div>Once everyone had arrived the overall decibel level increased by about 15%. Instead of being in this nice quite atmosphere, I felt like I was sitting in Logans. </div><div><br /></div><div>They are looking over the menus talking amongst themselves about what they are going to order when we hear the girl at the end of the table ask the question that will go down in the annals of history much like the phrase "Where's the beef?!" At least for the four people seated at our table. She is discussing the size of the Filet and asks her friends "Do you think 8 ounces is enough?" </div><div><br /></div><div>I think it was at this point that The Fireman and I looked at each other and said "I am SO blogging about this." </div><div><br /></div><div>Turns out that eight ounces was not big enough. She got the twelve ounce and split it with three of her friends. That's right. FOUR girls split a 12 ounce Filet. It was cute how they were so concerned about the split charge. They decided that they could split the steak themselves but wondered if they would still get charged for the additional plates. </div><div><br /></div><div>Things quieted down a little while they were eating... but since four of them only had three ounces of steak to eat the quiet didn't last long. </div><div><br /></div><div>I had the privilege of facing the table so every time they took a picture I got flashed in the eye. I curse the day the digital camera was invented. They took a million pictures. The Fireman was seated across from me and I was seeing so many black spots that his head had a million holes in it. </div><div><br /></div><div>I guess they were getting bored because they were getting more and more obnoxious as the night progressed. Two of the girls decided to put the "fake" tea lights in their cleavage and pose. One girl started taking pictures of the inside of her mouth. One girl stuck her hand up another girls dress. And one girl was wearing Ugg Boots with her formal dress. </div><div><br /></div><div>I felt so sorry for the server but luckily their group had more than six so she at least got to add the 18% gratuity. </div><div><br /></div><div>All in all it was quite an entertaining evening. I think next time the kids should go to Outback. At least they can afford to eat there. </div>STEPHANIE (slacker mom)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07357859463186383071noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976809056507438826.post-41066411276741540322009-10-18T21:34:00.002-04:002009-10-18T21:40:40.933-04:0010 Followers!This is a shout out to my momma. She is my TENTH follower of my little blog. Still trying to figure out why she wasn't the FIRST... but I will take what I can get. To tell you the truth, I never really expected to have any followers. But then I got one... then one became two... three... four... five... well, you get the picture. I do a little happy dance inside when I log on and see that I have a new follower. It has become an addiction. Feed the addiction my Bloggy Friends! : )STEPHANIE (slacker mom)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07357859463186383071noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976809056507438826.post-4547290826710353112009-10-15T22:44:00.003-04:002009-10-15T22:49:20.572-04:00Show Some Bloggy LoveSo my friend <a href="http://thechaosexperience.blogspot.com">The Fireman</a> has 2 Followers now... and we all know that Followers are like Crack... once you get one you obsess until you get more. Heck... I'm stuck at 9 and I'm always checking to see if I have made it to that first benchmark of 10 yet. <div>He's got some good stuff over at <a href="http://thechaosexperience.blogspot.com">The Chaos Experience</a>. Show him some Bloggy Love and check him out... If you like what you see, hit that little Follow button.</div><div><br /></div>STEPHANIE (slacker mom)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07357859463186383071noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976809056507438826.post-74509500635456355682009-10-13T15:53:00.004-04:002009-10-14T22:55:43.670-04:00Tears in a Jar: Praise You in the Storm<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family:Verdana;font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;"><br /></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;">"Praise You In This Storm"</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;"><br />-Casting Crowns</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family:Verdana;font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;"><br />I was sure by now<br />God You would have reached down<br />And wiped our tears away<br />Stepped in and saved the day<br />But once again, I say "Amen", and it's still raining<br /><br />As the thunder rolls<br />I barely hear Your whisper through the rain<br />"I'm with you"<br />And as Your mercy falls<br />I raise my hands and praise the God who gives<br />And takes away<br /><br />And I'll praise You in this storm<br />And I will lift my hands<br />For You are who You are<br />No matter where I am<br />And every tear I've cried<br />You hold in Your hand<br />You never left my side<br />And though my heart is torn<br />I will praise You in this storm<br /><br />I remember when<br />I stumbled in the wind<br />You heard my cry to you<br />And you raised me up again<br />My strength is almost gone<br />How can I carry on<br />If I can't find You<br /><br />But as the thunder rolls<br />I barely hear You whisper through the rain<br />"I'm with you"<br />And as Your mercy falls<br />I raise my hands and praise the God who gives<br />And takes away<br /><br />I lift my eyes unto the hills<br />Where does my help come from?<br />My help comes from the Lord<br />The Maker of Heaven and Earth</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;font-size:small;">I really can't explain it any more than how this song does - but I'm gonna try. If I knew how to post the actual song so you could hear I would. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;">I was sure by now<br />God You would have reached down<br />And wiped our tears away<br />Stepped in and saved the day<br />But once again, I say "Amen", and it's still raining<br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, serif;color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;font-size:small;">I can not tell you how many times I pleaded with God to change His mind and give me my girls. I was convinced if I prayed and pleaded enough God would have to hear me and give in to my petitions. All the while I knew and believed that God is Sovereign and He sees the Big Picture and I can only see one piece. I rest in the knowledge that as my "story" unfolds I will begin to see more of the picture but I will never understand the whole picture this side of Eternity.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;">As the thunder rolls<br />I barely hear Your whisper through the rain<br />"I'm with you"<br />And as Your mercy falls<br />I raise my hands and praise the God who gives<br />And takes away<br /><br />And I'll praise You in this storm<br />And I will lift my hands<br />For You are who You are<br />No matter where I am<br />And every tear I've cried<br />You hold in Your hand<br />You never left my side</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, serif;color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;font-size:small;">In spite of the storm raging around me I stayed focused on God and the Hope that only He could bring to me. In Hebrews 13:5 Jesus says "I will never leave you nor forsake you". When I don't feel like lifting my hands in praise to my God, Jesus is there holding them up for me. When my burden of grief and pain seems too hard to bear, Jesus takes it from me. Psalms 56:8 says "You have taken account of my lament and keep my tears in a bottle". My tears are important to my God. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;">I remember when<br />I stumbled in the wind<br />You heard my cry to you<br />And you raised me up again<br />My strength is almost gone<br />How can I carry on<br />If I can't find You</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, serif;color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;font-size:small;">It always seemed that in my darkest hour I still felt His presence around me. Keeping me... Holding me... Comforting me... Catching my tears... Right there where I needed Him to be... All I needed to do was reach out my hands and Praise.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div>STEPHANIE (slacker mom)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07357859463186383071noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976809056507438826.post-81902958981770489102009-10-13T15:25:00.003-04:002009-10-13T15:44:04.071-04:00MIA and Other ThingsI know... I know... it's been a while since my last post. I can't blog very well from my phone and my keyboard decided to go on the fritz and I had to coax it back to reality. <div><br /></div><div>So... I am excited to announce that I won the <a href="http://proudtobecheap.blogspot.com/2009/10/drabby-to-fabby-friday_09.html"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Drabby</span> To <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Fabby</span> Friday</a> giveaway last week. They say it was random but I wonder if <a href="http://proudtobecheap.blogspot.com">Tamara</a> just felt sorry for me??? Either way I am super excited to get my <a href="http://proudtobecheap.blogspot.com/2009/10/drabby-to-fabby-friday.html">prize</a>. My little piggies are gonna be super <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">fabby</span> now too! Go check out Tamara's site or click on my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Drabby</span> to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Fabby</span> button and you can join in the fun too! </div><div><br /></div><div>I think I forgot to mention that I also won T<a href="http://wonderfullymadebelliesandbabies.blogspot.com/2009/09/tomato-collection.html">he Tomato Collection Giveaway</a> from <a href="http://wonderfullymadebelliesandbabies.blogspot.com/">Nicole</a> at Bellies and Babies. </div><div><br /></div><div>This has been one successful blog experience for me so far! Anyone else have something to give away that I can win?</div><div><br /></div><div>Even though I haven't been posting much doesn't mean I haven't been working on more blogs. I have about three in the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Que</span> right now for <a href="http://confessions-slackermom.blogspot.com/2009/09/tears-in-jar-pt1.html">Tears in a Jar</a>. I knew this was going to be hard, I just didn't realize how hard it would be to hit the Publish Post button at the end. So, far this has been a personal thing I have kept to myself knowing all the while I needed to share it... All in letting go I suppose. Stay tuned. </div><div><br /></div>STEPHANIE (slacker mom)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07357859463186383071noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976809056507438826.post-77636496570146664422009-10-07T14:07:00.010-04:002009-10-13T15:47:50.825-04:00The Cute FactorSo I was told by <a href="http://thechaosexperience.blogspot.com">The Fireman</a> that it has been 4 days since my last post and that proper blog ettiquette is one blog entry every other day...<br /><br />Caleb must have taken some "cute" pills this morning with his vitamins. The Hubby was home for a bit this morning hanging out with us and I was getting Zac changed from his jammies. Caleb comes over and starts pointing out his belly butt(on). Then he proceeds to point out everyones belly butt(on). When we asked him where Zac's belly button was, he says "That's not Zacky, that's Peanut."<br /><br />"What?" was our reply.<br /><br />"He's Peanut and I'm Punkin." The names we call them...Haven't ever heard Calebuse those names before. <br /><br />Then, I took the boys to JoAnn's Fabrics today to get some safety pins. We are standing in the corridor and I am grabbing a basket and loading Zac in the back. I turn around to get Caleb and put him in front and I see him standing in front of the automatic doors with eyes as wide as saucers. I think it just clicked at that moment that he has complete control over the function of the door. He would take one step forward... Doors open... Then one step back... Doors close... Repeat about a hundred times. The expression on his face was priceless. I especially liked the exclamations of "Whoa!" and "Look at that! Did you see that?!" "They open for me!"<br /><br />Watching him "control" the doors like that reminded me of <a href="http://fisherofstories.blogspot.com/2009/09/picard-and-automatic-doors-yeah-i-pull.html">Travis' blog</a> on the same subject. Only Travis does a "finger wave" ala Jean Luc Picard.<br /><br />Oh to be a kid again with all its new discoveries.<br /><br />Thanks for being patient with my "irregular" blog postings. I'll try to be better...STEPHANIE (slacker mom)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07357859463186383071noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976809056507438826.post-21627271820103077372009-10-02T14:36:00.003-04:002009-10-02T14:48:19.498-04:00The FiremanIt has come to my attention, in a magical way, that my friend, The Fireman, reads my blog on a regular basis. At work I might add... cause he's a security guard at an empty building so he has lots of free time. He apparently finds me a little humorous too - which is something completely unexpected. <div><br /></div><div>Oh and he's a volunteer Firefighter ... let's give some huge PROPS to these men and women!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>So, in an effort to provide some alternative reading material for The Fireman I will try to blog more often. </div><div><br /></div><div>Unfortunately, today is not gonna be one of those days because Caleb has decided not to nap.</div>STEPHANIE (slacker mom)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07357859463186383071noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976809056507438826.post-86009006551607259262009-10-02T14:01:00.007-04:002009-10-02T14:35:13.942-04:00Drabby Too Fabby Friday!So last week I mentioned Drabby To Fabby Friday... here it is! I know you've all been sitting on the edge of your seats waiting in anticipation to see me transform right before your very eyes.<div><div><br /></div><div>This was something that Tamara at <a href="http://proudtobecheap.blogspot.com">Mad B</a><a href="http://proudtobecheap.blogspot.com">oastings</a><a href="http://proudtobecheap.blogspot.com"> of a Cheapskate Mom</a> launched last week. I thought I'd jump on the bandwagon, because lets face it, I needed the excuse to "dress up".</div><div><br /></div><div>So here's the before pic:</div></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-6isd4E6J0726sKw8ZbiQaLKBup8OUCGa9CZqscnBEE7m1bm5OqTj9Ym0veUJef1D_kG_7mhwm_kHuD4JTG1DKsu26laBuerfxGdwFbXHs-FbXSmdwLYFHmjpK62kPQQXUVYZWmYOkMQ/s1600-h/DSC02779.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-6isd4E6J0726sKw8ZbiQaLKBup8OUCGa9CZqscnBEE7m1bm5OqTj9Ym0veUJef1D_kG_7mhwm_kHuD4JTG1DKsu26laBuerfxGdwFbXHs-FbXSmdwLYFHmjpK62kPQQXUVYZWmYOkMQ/s320/DSC02779.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388065675822889970" /></a><div><br /></div><div>Yes those are The Hubby's flannel pants and t-shirt. My jammies are underneath but it's a little chilly in the mornings... and I don't want to wear my jammies all day. This is the usual attire until I get around to getting myself ready for the day... which usually happens sometime before lunch. </div><div><br /></div><div>Here's the after pic:</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr1nHUJ1sZPAjmi5F7QQBc1mpndf95IS3HKkOWieiluDH2xHZLaXPL4Zf5n2M8lm2C05n9zQqYvNjKGfmPXBWe1SLVZ0eXFglPE1wmlsaXanoZmLGDPXdM75-E8xUfP70a_PrZN_VS-40/s1600-h/DSC02783.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr1nHUJ1sZPAjmi5F7QQBc1mpndf95IS3HKkOWieiluDH2xHZLaXPL4Zf5n2M8lm2C05n9zQqYvNjKGfmPXBWe1SLVZ0eXFglPE1wmlsaXanoZmLGDPXdM75-E8xUfP70a_PrZN_VS-40/s320/DSC02783.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388069022202322914" style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I must say I clean up pretty good. </div><div>Make-up including Lip Gloss which you can't see because of the self-portrait in the hallway. Nice pants that I wouldn't normally wear around the house. And new shirt I just bought on clearance at Sam's Club yesterday for $2.01. Thought <a href="http://prouudtobecheap.blogspot.com">Cheapskate</a><a href="http://prouudtobecheap.blogspot.com"> Mom</a> would appreciate this. The shirt is purple with embroidered flowers and beaded embellishments - once again self-portrait. </div><div><br /></div><div>Don't judge me on my extra curves... I just had a baby and my clothes are either too big or too small... and the too big clothes are really tooooo big.</div><div><br /></div><div>So there you have it... My Drabby To Fabby.</div><div><br /></div><div>I must say though that I felt pretty good after taking the time to do this today. It even released my inner "house fairy" which is something even The Hubby will appreciate.</div><div><br /></div><div>Check out more DTFF transformations <a href="http://proudtobecheap.blogspot.com/2009/10/drabby-to-fabby-friday.html">here</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>Happy Friday everyone!!</div>STEPHANIE (slacker mom)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07357859463186383071noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976809056507438826.post-6170879808200645012009-09-26T13:38:00.004-04:002009-09-26T14:13:26.841-04:00Stand Up Old GuySo The Hubby is gonna hate me for this one...<div><br /></div><div>If you read my blog from last night then you know that he is in Wisconsin. He has some old childhood friends that live there now. They kinda planned the trip around the Michigan State Wisconsin football game. </div><div><br /></div><div>So I turned on the tube to scroll through college football and I stopped at that game. They periodically show shots of the stadium and it is just a sea of red. I would occasionally get a glimpse of green... but not many. </div><div><br /></div><div>I sent him a text and jokingly asked if he was the lonely green guy. </div><div><br /></div><div>His response: "Heck no! I am not wearing my jersey. I'm dead center of the student section. There is one guy wearing green. His experience is really bad. The students are treating him very bad." </div><div><br /></div><div>Me: "So its that guy I see then. Hope you are at least having fun. Maybe State can come back in the 2nd half and actually play the game instead of giving it away." </div><div><br /></div><div>The Hubby: "The guys in my section have been referring to me as 'old guy'. Stand up old guy is a disturbing chant. Especially when there are 1,000 kids pointing at you."</div><div><br /></div><div>Poor guy. He's such a die hard MSU fan too... and it's hard to be a MSU fan lately. Someone needs to introduce them to Gatorade because they always throw away the game in the last quarter/half. </div><div><br /></div><div>At least Oklahoma is faring pretty good with the temporary loss of Sam Bradford. Landry Jones I think is doing an outsatanding job as a red-shirt Freshman. Big 12 Player of the Week last week. And last week he broke the record for most TD passes in a game (6). Sam Bradford held the record with 5. I think OU is gonna do just fine. </div><div><br /></div><div>Funny thing is that MSU QB Keith Nichols was formerly of OU. He originally signed with MSU then decided to go to OU. Was there a year and didn't like being behind Sam Bradford because he didn't get to play. Hmmm... Wonder why??? So he went back to MSU. After Sam got hurt a few weeks ago and Landry had to step in, they wound up losing that game. I heard a commentator on the MSU game speaking of Keith Nichols saying "I bet Oklahoma wishes they still had Kieth". Ummm... NO! Seriously... he still wouldn't be playing. Landry Jones is twice the QB that Kieth Nichols is. Props to Coach Stoops and his team... they have a way of picking outstanding players. </div><div><br /></div><div>Will they go all the way this year? Not sure... but they won't go down without a fight that's for sure. </div><div><br /></div><div>Sorry for the football rant... I didn't get my official "rant" in this week so I figured I might as well do it now while we are on topic.</div><div><br /></div><div>Sidenote: </div><div>I did NOT eat all my ice cream last night. Decided after about half I should save some for later. Not sure how I convinced myself of that one, but I did. </div>STEPHANIE (slacker mom)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07357859463186383071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976809056507438826.post-28408595705123459102009-09-25T21:54:00.006-04:002009-09-26T14:15:09.522-04:00Friday Friday Friday<div>Holy Cow! Lots to blog about today...<div><br /></div><div>First things first. Welcome to my new followers! I have 3 now... I just tripled my fan base. Who knew I'd be so popular?</div><div><br /></div><div>The Hubby is gone to Wisconsin until tomorrow night... kiddos are nestled in bed... and I am sitting relaxing on the couch writing my blog indulging in one sinfully delicious guilty pleasure.</div></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcvCmiCRsmF0-sHQ_85jbuaK1rG3CQnhDncIcu7I7e_2WgGzb8yO61sB1wFAYzbn1J-_WchA8K4qhyphenhypheny0oHeDv5J9wDesVNRORi_I5nUkIDNDpVvEoFDq8ZSD5B8fMOgqe_nA8PvhcNjlM/s1600-h/ice+cream.jpg"><br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 258px; height: 258px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcvCmiCRsmF0-sHQ_85jbuaK1rG3CQnhDncIcu7I7e_2WgGzb8yO61sB1wFAYzbn1J-_WchA8K4qhyphenhypheny0oHeDv5J9wDesVNRORi_I5nUkIDNDpVvEoFDq8ZSD5B8fMOgqe_nA8PvhcNjlM/s320/ice+cream.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385592507246054658" /></a><div><br /></div><div>This, my friends, is culinary perfection. <a href="http://www.4gelato.com/index.html">Palazzolo's Artisan Gelato & Sorbetto</a>. This particular flavor is Toasted Coconut Almond Fudge Gelato. Imported pure Asian Coconut cream and toasted coconut macaroons blended with fresh dairy and roasted almond halves, a chocolate swirl and fudge pieces. I have died and gone to Heaven. Someone stop me before I eat the whole pint tonight. </div><div><br /></div><div>I love this stuff... they have so many delectable flavors to choose from. It's made right here in West Michigan and they ship anywhere. Check out the website... order some... you won't regret it. I promise!</div><div><br /></div><div>We took Caleb to his first Circus last night. <a href="http://ringling.com/">Ringling Brothers</a> was in town. So much fun! He had this look of amazement the whole time. It really is The Greatest Show on Earth!</div><div><br /></div><div>When asked about his trip to the circus: He liked the motorcycles and tigers and elephants the best. The elephants went to sleep (lay down and roll over) and they danced (walked on hind legs) and sat on each other. The tigers walked in a circle and jumped over each other and rolled over. The motorcycles went fast inside the ball and the fast one in the air (on the highwire) with the lady and went in circles (spun around in the wire). Then when it was all done and everyone came back out for the Grand Finale he waved and said Bye to them all as they went backstage again. </div><div><br /></div><div>Ohhh... to be two again...</div><div><br /></div><div>The last is something new and fun for Fridays. Tamara over at <a href="http://proudtobecheap.blogspot.com/">Mad Boastings of a Cheapskate Mom</a> is spearheading a movement from Drabby into the Fabby. It's called <a href="http://proudtobecheap.blogspot.com/2009/08/calling-all-sponsors.html">Drabby To Fabby Fridays </a>(DTFF). I am guilty of the Drabby most days. The Hubby takes off to work in the morning and I have the privilege of spending my days at home with two small children. I'm lucky to get out of my jammies or lounge pants by lunch time. My perfume is a new fragrance combination of spit up and poop. Some days I have to change clothes as often as my kids. I have now realized why so many women cut their hair short when they have kids. The purpose of DTFF is get yourself looking Fabby if on;y for one day. She will have lots of cool giveaways on her site for those who participate. Sounds like a ton of fun... and encouragement knowing that I am not alone on my Island of Drab. Can't wait to see the transformations. Go on over and check out <a href="http://proudtobecheap.blogspot.com/2009/09/drabby-to-fabby-pics.html">Tamara's</a> DTFF post. Look for my DTFF submissions. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>STEPHANIE (slacker mom)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07357859463186383071noreply@blogger.com0