::Lovely Quote::

Faith & Prayers

I've made it a point not to come across as "too preachy" in my blog postings, but the fact is that faith is a part of my every day life.

Healthy and thriving baby Stellan is a testament to just how good our God is. The fact that I've handled the rough transition from one job to another without second guessing my decision is all because of my trust and faith in God.

Whatever I am and whatever I will be is because of Him. Because I have faith.

I'm feeling very greatful, humbled, and overwhelmed with emotion tonight as I think about all that is done through Him. Thanks, all you blogger buddies, who joined me in prayer for baby Stellan.

We can not even begin to fathom the thousands of families around the world that need our help, prayer and faith. Here is a portion of the list of blogs that I follow. These families need our backing, so if your heart calls you to it - please visit their sites and say an extra prayer for them.

(Click on each of the names to follow a link to their site)

Brody Hurt
Jacob Schultz
Erin Buenger
Smiles and Trials
Elly Peters
Matt Pliska
Living Life Breathlessly
Haley Palmer's Family
Grace Meek

Baby Stellan

I can hardly believe that baby Stellan (visit McMama's blog to learn all about him)will soon be born!

I've been praying for this family for months now and so have thousands of other bloggers across the world. I can't wait to hear the wonderful news of what I'm sure will be the uneventful birth of a beautifully healthy baby boy. Why? Because God works miracles!

Please join me in prayer for McMama and her family, especially sweet baby Stellan.

Not Me! Anniversary Style

I am not celebrating my One Year Anniversary with my love, Mark today. The time did not go by too quickly and our one year together was not full of love, blessings, arguments, compromise, committment, tears, and laughter.

I do not love this man more today than I did a year ago and we are not planning 5,000 more years together!!

There! How's that for a Not me! Monday?

BiRtHdAy BoY

Isn't he the cutest little birthday boy? Jade will happily tell you that he is "One, Two, Free" years old...and he'll say it while he holds up five or seven fingers. I've yet to figure out that one!

We had his birthday party last night and he was thrilled with his presents from me which included: a huge Spiderman/Incredible Hulk Lego Set, a Max & Ruby DVD, two books of Cars stickers, and two fun candy things that light up and make noise.



The kids quickly dumped out the Lego set and got to work building and playing.
Later I snuggled with all four of the kids on the couch and watched the Max & Ruby DVD while the other "adults" played cards. I'd much rather play with my cuties than lose money in a stupid card game!

I'm still in denial about Jade turning three. Not sure when it will sink in...all I can say is I hope that when we have kids they won't grow up nearly as quickly as my nieces and nephews seem to! I can't believe I held this kid in the hospital when he was just hours old and now he's such a big boy!

In other news...things are sort of rocky with me and Mark right now. We seem to be back into our regular fighting pattern. I'd really hoped that without the financial worries my other job created, we'd be in better shape. To tell the truth, I don't really have the energy to check with him every 10 minutes to see if he's happy...and that annoys him. He thinks it's my job/duty/obligation to make him happy. Who cares what I want or need, right?

I'm feeling pretty down again and I've been having a lot of anxiety lately. I talked to my doctor about it and she told me about a variety of medications and therapy things I could try. I'm just not sure I'm ready to accept that I have something wrong with me. I just don't know.

It's weird to think that tomorrow is our One Year Wedding Anniversary. I really hope that we work through whatever he's feeling grumpy about so we can have a nice time tomorrow. We'll see.

Till then...

Starting to feel a little less dumb...

Today I finished up my third day at the new job and I can honestly say that I'm loving it! It's a bit of an adjustment to work an entire day, 8 hours straight because I was so used to setting my own hours at the paper. Sure I put in 40+ but I often arranged my schedule to have afternoons off to balance out the extra night and weekend hours I put in. Now, I'm working 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. with a lunch! Whoa!

I'm really enjoying getting to know my co-workers and I generally enjoy the work I've been doing. I'm obviously still learning, but today I felt much more confident in what I was doing. I just wish I didn't have to bug the lady who's training me so much...seems I'm always asking her questions when she has something else she needs to be doing.

Oh well. I'm guessing in two months or so I will be flying right along. I'm typically a fast learner and since I have background in a lot of the stuff and the programs we use, it seems to be going quickly.

It's been an adjustment for Mark as well as we're very used to talking to each other on the phone several times a day. After a while, I'm guessing I'll be able to talk to him for a few minutes during lunch, but for now I've decided to be extra professional and keep my phone off.

Oh, have I mentioned that it turns out I don't have to wear the super dressy clothes that I thought I'd have to wear? Everyone there wears nicer jeans and dressy tops. I've been wearing my new dress pants because, well I bought four pair and they fit nice (because I shopped in the petite section so they are actually the right length!) and they make me feel good. Something about looking nice and wearing shoes that "click" when I walk, gives me confidence.

So, for the time being I'm going to stick to the nice clothes and the no-talking-on-my-cell-phone rule. At least till I'm really comfortable there and know what's going on.

Anyway, I'm sure you're sick of reading about my job. Tomorrow is going to be a biiiiiiiiiiiig cleaning day for us. I'm serious - we're talking getting up at 7 a.m. and cleaning till noon if we have to.

I want floors/carpet/dishes/bathroom done, bed sheets and pillow cases washed, laundry finished, kitchen counter cleared, tupperware cabinet and canned good cupboards organized, fridge drawers washed, freezer reorganized, mirrors cleaned, bathtub scrubbed, garage cleared out and computer room organized.

We're gonna do it. I'm almost sure of it....

Last Day & First Day

Well, I've had a very emotional and stressful two days as yesterday was my last day at the paper and today was my first at my new job!

Things went well yesterday, though I'm not very good at training and I didn't get along very well with the lady who is taking my place. It was nice though, because the ladies organized a pot-luck lunch thing as a going away party for me. At the end of the day there were hugs and some tears, but I left the office feeling good about my decision and ready to put the past behind me. It really hit me though, when I had to give up my key. It was a "wow, I'm really leaving" moment for me.

I surprised myself by not freaking out too much last night...I didn't even lose any sleep worrying about the new job today. I got up extra early to give myself time to get ready, eat breakfast (which I NEVER do, and did not like) and relax before reporting to work at 8:30 a.m.

I learned a looooooooooooooooooot of stuff today. Some of it is lurking around in my brain somewhere, I'm sure. Some I'll have to re-learn and there still lots I haven't been taught yet. I think I'm really going to like it there once I get over the stress and confusion of learning everything. The folks there are really nice and closer to my age, so they're easier to relate to. One of them had a baby a few months ago and another of my co-workers has a two-year-old, so it will be fun to hear some of their baby stories!

I'm excited about tomorrow and hope I've retained much of what I learned. I really hope I look back on this day a year from now and think "What was I worried about?"

I'm a pretty fast learner, so I'm crossing my fingers for that. I'll try to update more regarding what I'm learning and doing at my new job...but for tonight I need to give my brain a rest and get some sleep. Cross your fingers that things continue to go smoothly for me.

We don't have too much planned over the next few days....tomorrow night we're going out to eat with my parents to celebrate their 26th wedding anniversary and our 1st anniversary...should be a good time. Friday night there's not much going on and then Saturday is Jade's 3rd birthday party. I'm hoping to relax this weekend so I can re-coup for Monday!

Oh yea! I'm also (impatiently) waiting to hear news of my blogger friend Amanda's new baby...where's that update?! Seriously, check out her blog...she has the most adorable little girls and ... boy? What is the sex of that baby? I'm dying to know!

Not Me!

Whoo hoo! Not me Monday...love it! Check out the other funnies over at McMama's blog.

I don't care what anyone says....

I did not cry as my uncle walked my cousin down the aisle at her wedding on Saturday. I also did not giggle during the middle of the ceremony when the little flower girl pulled up her dress and pointed at her undies and tights while whispering to me "Preeeeeetty!"

I did not go barefoot in most of the bridal party photos because my feet were not nearly bleeding from the too high, high-heels I didn't wear.

During the reception dinner, I swear I didn't drop half a bowl of corn in my lap or spill my glass of champagne...because that would not be classy and I am definitely a classy girl.

I did not drink too much, eat too many cupcakes or dance till I was all sweaty and my hair was falling down around my face.

I did not tell my brother's new girlfriend that I love her...because they've only been seeing each other for a month and that would be really, really weird.

I did not accidentally leave my cell phone at home, freak out when I couldn't find it my purse, and accuse the coach bus driver of "stealing it."

My husband did not ditch me in our hotel room Saturday night to go out to a bar with my uncles. It did not take me an hour to realize that when he said "I'm going to get ice" he really meant "I'm going to the bar."

I did not forget to pack our toothbrushes and paste in our overnight bag and we certainly did not start chewing gum at 8 a.m. to cover up our nasty breath en route to gift opening.

I did not eat two more cupcakes at gift opening and I did not say (out loud) that I wished I could get married again so I get a new paper shredder, pasta strainer and cutting board.

And finally...I am not typing this Not Me! Monday post on my last Monday of working at this job because I am not starting a new job on Wednesday! And....I did not just giggle with excitement as I typed "new job!"

Waddya mean it's over?

I can hardly believe that Kristin and Aaron's big wedding weekend is over! The time flew by so quickly. It's funny, I recall saying/feeling the exact same thing almost a year ago the day after our wedding.

It's crazy...there's so much anticipation and lots of planning and then it's over in a heart beat!

The wedding was beautiful and so much fun. There were six of us in the wedding party and I had the priviledge of standing up with a very funny guy named Bill. We all had a blast joking around at Friday night's rehearsal and dinner then all of us girls enjoyed spending time together Saturday morning getting our hair and make up done.

It was a very relaxing wedding morning, though things crumbled slightly when I realized an issue with my dress. Really it was an issue with my bra and the unsightly straps that insisted on slipping. Luckily my mom is always ready with needle and thread and safety pins. She hopped in the car and high tailed it to my apartment to fix me up just minutes before I needed to meet the rest of the girls at the church.

Mark dropped me off at the pastor's house where we were all to meet. I walked into the room where the other girls had gathered and found them ALL pinning their straps as well! The dress style simply doesn't accomodate bra straps. I was happy to realize that it wasn't just an issue I faced.

We had a laugh as we tucked and pushed and shoved Kristin into her beautiful designer gown (you know those dresses have lots of layers!) Then we all enjoyed time outside in the beautiful weather taking photos with the beautiful bride.

The ceremony was short and sweet and intimate. As part of the ceremony, the bride and groom were presented with a prayer shawl that was knit by a member of the parish. How cool is that? The look on Aaron's face when he saw his bride was priceless and I don't think there was a dry eye in the church when Kristin's dad hugged his little girl. Amazing.

Lots more pictures and bridal party joking...then off to the Ramada in Fond du Lac for the reception. The food was fabulous, the speeches heartfelt and the scavenger hunt (instead of clinking glasses to get the couple to kiss) was ingenious! We all had so much fun at the dance as the deejay played a wide variety of songs that everyone enjoyed. My brother Ben and cousin Eric were a riot and definitely caused a few scenes with their "dice throwing" and "one-legged" dance moves!

All in all it was an amazing and wonderful time and I feel so honored to have been asked to share in it. I wish Aaron and Kristin nothing short of all the happiness in the world and I am so very excited to see how they grow together.

Congratulations Kristin and Aaron!

No longer a baby....

Can you believe this little baby...


turned 3 years old today?



My Godson Jade and I share a special connection. I'll never forget the first time I held him when he was just a few hours old. I've had so many wonderful opportunities to watch him grow and learn. I simply cannot believe he is three! No longer a baby, turning into quite the little man.

HaPpy 3rd BiRtHdAy! I lOvE yOu!

Rainy Wednesday

I love, love, love rainy days when I can veg at home. Sad, though to think that this is my last Wednesday off because I start my new job a week from today!

Only one more stressful Tuesday press day to get through. I think I can do it. Yesterday was crazy stressful and I was pretty cranky because one of my coworkers has been giving me the silent treatment ever since I gave my resignation. She thinks I'm leaving everyone "in the lurch" by "only giving two weeks notice." Yeesh, like I really owe them anything more. In fact, I don't "owe" them the two weeks and I wouldn't be doing it if our lawyer didn't advise it as a way to show we're cooperating with everything. I just hope I get the money I have coming to me. If not, I think there could be trouble.

Anyway, we actually got done with everything around 5:30 p.m. which is a decent time, but if you figure in the fact that I went in to work at 6 a.m. and didn't take a lunch break...it's still a long day. Can you see why I'm eager to leave?

After work I went to Mark's kid's football game. It was parent's night for the 8th graders and the announcers decided to include the coach's wives. That was neat. My sister-in-law and I (and the kiddos) got to join the parents out on the field to do huddle and "break down" before the game.

They lost. Big time. It's been really frustrating for Mark and Randy this year because it just seems like the kids don't want to be there and are working to only half their potential. Mark said he's very happy to be done with this class and hopes that next year's eighth graders will be more motivated.

We got to bed sort of late, but I decided to get up early and get stuff done since this is my last "Cleaning Wednesday." I got up, ran to Wal-Mart, came home and did the dishes. Then I made a lasagna (didn't bake it yet...will do that just before Mark gets home) and did the load of dishes that I created in making the lasagna. I scrubbed the kitchen floor and got started on cleaning the bathroom.

In a few minutes I have to go take some pictures for the paper. After I'm done, I plan to stop at the video rental place (they called yesterday and said we have a free rental coming! whoo hooo!) and when I get home I plan to finish the bathroom and our bedroom, vaccuum, clear the kitchen table and possibly bake some brownies! I know...I'm little Miss Suzy Homemaker today!

It's not often the mood hits me to be domestic, so I'm taking full advantage of it. I think my big problem is that I come home from the paper each day and I'm so wiped out/cranky/frustrated that I don't feel like doing anything else. I'm hoping that my new job will allow me more free time (no late nights or crazy weekends) and help me be a happier person! I'm so looking forward to it!

Busy weekend coming up with my cousin Kristin's wedding on Saturday (yay!) and can you believe that my little adorable, oh-so-cute Godson turns THREE YEARS OLD tomorrow?! Wow, time sure has flown.

Till next time....

Not Me! Monday

It's that time again! Check out McMama's site for other hilarious Not Me's!

I did not go out to eat with my husband Saturday afternoon and still insist that we buy popcorn when we went to see a movie an hour later.

I also did not cover my eyes during part of that movie, because I am not a wimp and I handle scary stuff very well.

I did not demand my husband get rid of the thousands of lady bugs that were not invading our apartment yesterday. I also did not tell him he had to do the killing task because "it's man's job."

I definitely didn't devour half the pan (with help from hubby) of the delicious cheesy hash brown potatoes I made yesterday.

Annnnnnnnnnnnnd....I certainly did not accidentally drop my not-quite-24-hours-old-meaning-they're-that-new glasses on the lineolium floor, thereby scratching the right lens. And I didn't cry a little when Mark yelled at me for dropping them. I also didn't blame the dropping on the fact that he startled me with the fly (lady bug) swatter.

P.S. I've had a very exhausting, not me! couple of days. You too?

My Wonderful Week/Weekend

****Warning: The following is a verrrrrrrrrrrry long post.****

I know I don't always praise Mark for his amazing-ness (it's a word because I say it is) but he really does deserve props for his latest surprise. It all started...

::THURSDAY NIGHT::
I'd known for weeks that Mark wanted me to attend a Ford Expo - something he had to go to for work - with him. I didn't really want to go (Thursday nights are laundry nights at my parent's house)but I figured I'd at least get a yummy meal out of the deal, so I didn't put up too much fuss.

We drove to Green Bay, ate at the Titled Kilt (another story in itself) and headed to the Brown County Arena, right next to the Resch Center where I knew a Rascal Flatts and Taylor Swift concert was being held. Mark reminded me of the concert when I commented on the crazy traffic, but didn't say much else.

We parked the car and decided to find a bathroom. As we were walking to the arena, he said to me "You're going to need a ticket to get in." He handed me a ticket and it took probably a full minute (I'm sort of dense) before I realized it was a concert ticket!

I was so psyched! We've seen Rascal Flatts before, at the Resch Center, but I was really, really excited to see Taylor Swift. I find her so inspiring - she writes all her own songs - and she's an amazing performer.

We grabbed a couple of expensive drinks - hey we were treating ourselves - and found our seats. The show was amazing and so much fun! The best part for me was when RF sang "The Broken Road," which is our song.

Since the moment I first heard it, back in 2006, I knew it was the perfect song for us. Here are some lyrics:

"Every long lost dream led to me where you are; others who broke my heart, they were like northern stars, pointing me on my way into your loving arms....this much I know is true...that God blessed the broken road that led me straight to you."

We both had a past, each of us carrying heart ache from past relationships - but finding eachother made that all disappear. We declared it our song and used part of the lyrics on our wedding program and, of course, danced our first dance as husband and wife to the sweet words.

So, anyway I had tears in my eyes and Mark held me as the guys belted out our song. All in all the concert was just amazing. They are great performers and the show included balloons and confetti falling from the ceiling, sparks/explosions, and great background graphics.

::FRIDAY::
I woke up and my throat felt raw, my ears were still ringing and my small toe on my left foot hurt because the crazy dancing lady next to us at the concert stomped it a little. I didn't care! We had so much fun, the pain didn't really matter.

We went to Hilbert's football game Friday night. We're enjoying watching Mike (Mark's brother) as the Wolves' new head coach. The team is looking good and is undefeated this season! We sat by my mother and father-in-law and said hi to Mark's sister and her husband and it was nice because Hilbert played Brillion, where our niece Stacy is a cheerleader so we got to see her in action too.

::SATURDAY::
We spent the day Saturday shopping. Mark needed a new outfit for my cousin's wedding (next weekend!) and I needed dressy clothes for my NEW JOB! Yay! Dressing up is going to be a bit of a change for me, though. Right now I'm used to wearing jeans, t-shirts and sweatshirts. Now it will be black/gray "slacks" and dressy tops. Thankfully we both found what we were looking for as neither of us really enjoys shopping and we both just wanted to be done.

My new glasses came in yesterday too. I'll have to post a pic later. I really, really like them. I wasn't too sure the day I picked them out, but my mom and the sales lady both assured me they looked nice. By the time I ordered them I had tried on like 30 pairs and, much like shopping, glasses-choosing isn't my favorite activity.

Oh! We also went to see a movie yesterday while we were in Appleton. Not really sure why, since we had just gone to the concert and spent money clothes shopping; but Mark suggested it and I happily agreed. We saw a kind of scary/suspense movie called LakeView Terrace. Definitely keeps ya guessing.

We just sort of vedged last night, which was fine by me. I was tired from all that shopping. Watched SNL and MAD TV. I was surprised to learn that I don't really like either of those shows any more. When I was in high school I loved them! Hmm..funny how our tastes change as we grow older.

::SUNDAY::
Today we went to the apple orchard. We didn't pick apples this year, but we bought some along with a bottle of really good caramel topping. Then we went grocery shopping. When we got home, I made some cheesy hashbrown potatoes. We ate and Mark plopped down in his chair to watch the Packer game. Did some laundry and a bit of cleaning and now I'm whittling away the afternoon catching up on blogging.

SOME RANDOM THOUGHTS...

•Have I mentioned that my brother has a girlfriend? He does! Really! I'm very excited! I'll share more about her after I actually meet her - next weekend!

•I'm going to the doctor on Friday, October 17. I've been having some problems with dizzyness and feeling light headed. I've had some blood pressure and pulse issues in the past (usually low blood pressure and a few times a racing pulse when I donated blood) so I'm hoping to get some answers. I really hope I don't have to go on medication, but if I do I'd rather find out about it now before I start a new job. Certainly don't want to take time off to go to the doctor.

•I'm very excited to start the new job (on Oct 22) but really wish I didn't have to finish out these last 7 days at the paper. Ugh. I'm dreading it already. Oh well, on to bigger and better things, right?

•We're still house hunting. It's still frustrating. Enough said.

•We did lots of "baby talking" this weekend. We're thinking we might hold off for a few more months as most work places require you to be employed at least one year before taking time off for maternity leave. I'm going to wait to see what the employee hand book says about that before we decide anything. If we have to wait a bit longer, I think we'll be ok with that. We want to make sure we have our ducks in a row, and I know it will be a little stressful for us with me starting a new job.

•The Packers are tied 3-3 against Seattle. I'd better go watch, since Mark calls me his "good luck charm."

A FEW PICS FROM THE CONCERT:

My announcement....

...in two weeks, I will be starting a NEW JOB! Yay! (I know I said I'd announce it Friday, but I'm too darn excited to wait!)

This new job is certainly an answer to some long asked prayers and I am so excited. However, I'm a bit emotionally exhausted because I had to give notice at the newspaper (my current job) and let's just say there was lots of crying involved.

Though the company's financial status and the crazy 55+hour work weeks were so difficult for me and obviously not good for my marriage, I've made some really wonderful personal and professional relationships that are quite hard to leave behind.

My boss was very understanding and he even gave me a hug and shed a few tears along with everyone else in the office. It was very hard, but I've felt like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders since I handed in my resignation!

I can finally breathe a sigh of relief! I've seriously been dreading/crying/making myself sick for the last two weeks in anticipation and fear of having to do this. Then, this morning I had a little chat with God and just offered up my fears to Him. We got through it together and I can now look forward to my new job as a Graphics Designer!

I start the new job on October 22 and I'm hoping for a smooth transition and hopefully a not-so-stressful last two-ish weeks at the paper! Yay!

Much Better...and Exciting News

Wow... that Dairy Queen, along with a very exciting phone call full of good news (which I will share with you on Friday!) sure helped turn my day around.

I still didn't get very much done at work, but I was able to come home in a much better mood. I even beat hubby home and had supper on the table when he walked in the door! Yay me! Plus, I shared with him my exciting news.

I have a pretty busy week coming up...donating blood with my dad on Wednesday...and I have some pretty important things to do pertaining to my exciting news (are you curious yet?)

I'm also getting super excited to stand up in my cousin's wedding on Oct. 18. I cannot wait! I had the privilege of getting to see her dress the other weekend when I went along to a fitting appt. to learn how to do the bustle. It's gorgeous! More than anything I can't wait to see these two get hitched...they're perfect for each other and are so happy together!

Their wedding just reminds me that in a few short weeks Mark and I will be celebrating ONE YEAR of MARRIAGE! The time flew by so quickly...I can't believe it!

Anyway, I hope you don't drive yourselves crazy wondering what my exciting news is, because unlike last time I haven't jinxed myself and there really is news to share. Different news than last time...so don't go thinking it's the same ole thing!

Alrighty I'm off to bed. If your heart calls you to it, could you please pray for Tricia and her CF Husband? They are definitely in need of some prayers and encouragement at this time.

That did not just happen...

Not Me! Monday is looking pretty gloomy and depressing. I cannot believe that my computer at work just crashed, taking all my files, word documents and photos with it. That did not just happen.

While I take a break from not freaking about the computer crash that did not just happen...here are some others....

I did not spend five hours Friday night reading a good book while neglecting housework and laundry. Along the same lines, I did not cry when I tried to go to bed because I missed my husband - who deserted me for a guy's weekend - so much.

On Saturday, I did not spend somewhere in the vacinity of $250 while shopping. I also did not order/purchase new glasses even though Mark asked me to wait til the first of the year.

When Mark finally arrived home from his trip Sunday and crawled into our bed for a nap (a vaction from his vacation) I certainly did not hop (jump) on the mattress, begging him to talk to me.

I did not snap at my mom yesterday after spending an hour and a half trying to get her new DVD/VCR hooked up and working. I also did not drill my brother about the new girl he's seeing...because that would annoy him and make him mad at me...and he's never angry with me.

I am not, right now, sitting at work with a cruddy back up computer feeling sorry for myself and all the work I've lost because of the computer crash that didn't happen.

And...I'm not going (right now) to Dairy Queen to drown my sorrows in greasy food and ice cream, because really I should be trying to salvage anything I can off my old computer rather than leaving the office to whine and cry.

Oh well, I hope your Not Me! Mondays are much better than mine. Much, much, much, much better...

Baby Diary

As a spin-off to one of my favorite Discovery Health shows, The Baby Diaries, I've started a new, really fun project.

I'm creating my own Baby Diary. Well, actually it will be more of a "Making a Baby" Diary and then a Pregnancy Diary and then finally a Baby Diary.

No, I'm not pregnant. Yet. But as you faithful blog readers may have figured out, we're trying. So this is just a heads up that I'm working on this fun project, creating a diary in Microsoft Word on my computer.

When (cross your fingers) I become pregnant and when we feel it is the right time (probably when I'm two or three months along) to share that happy news with our family and friends, I will upload the diary to this blog for you all to read.

I have a feeling the diary will prove much more interesting than some of my ramblings on this little blog. I'm so excited to do this! I think it will be a wonderful way to look back on this time in our lives, to re-live our emotions and feelings as we start (to try to create) our family.

Yay! Ok, I'm just really, really excited.

Oh! For those of you who know my husband personally, could you like not share with him that I shared this with you? Thanks.

I've heard (more often than I can count) "Why do you share our whole life story on the Internet... for a bunch of strangers to read?"

My response...."Because, honey, it's very therapeautic."

Wishing you all a wonderful night...think happy thoughts and look forward to reading my Baby Diaries sometime (HOPEFULLY) soon!

Warning: Jon & Kate Plus Eight SPOILER!

Attention all you fellow Jon & Kate Plus Eight lovers: the following post includes some spoilers for the upcoming season. If you wish to be surprised by the content of future episodes...read no further!

Ok, seriously who doesn't love Jon & Kate Plus Eight? I mean, you'd have to live in a cardboard box not to know the wonderfulness that is Jon, Kate, Cara, Mady, Alexis, Hannah, Leah, Joel, Collin and Aaden Gosselin.

Because of my love for this family and the amazing TLC show, I was thrilled to see a four page story and photo spread in this week's People magazine.

The Gosselin's were in Hawaii during the magazine photo shoot and interview (future segment)that had Kate dishing on several NEW and EXCITING developments for the family.

(I'm warning you...stop reading now if you don't want to know....)

Jon & Kate are ADOPTING! A BABY! FROM KOREA! In the VERY near FUTURE! Can you imagine? I'm so very excited for them! They divulged that they will be adopting a girl and the reason they chose to adopt is, obviously, because Jon values his heritage and associates his family's ancestry with Korea.

So...will the show be called Jon & Kate Plus Nine? Somehow that just doesn't have the same ring to it. Oh well, I'm sure we'll get used to it!

Also, they've hinted around in the past regarding plans to move. If you caught Tuesday's Viewer FAQ session, they mentioned that move, saying they would not be living in the same town or school district.

Let me just say that according to People Magazine...they are moving to a much warmer climate! I'm happy for them, but also a bit concerned as we've seen how much help Beth and some of the other family members have been in caring for the children. Now, they're adding another baby to the mix and moving further away from family...eek!

Hey, we know if anyone's cut out for it Jon & Kate are!

Sigh. I love how I feel like I know this family. Like I want to be involved in their decisions. I'm not ashamed to admit that when I read the article, I was a bit upset that they hadn't told "us" (the tv viewers) about these developments before they dished to a magazine audience that obviously doesn't know them as well as "We" do.

Ha ha. Ok, ok. I'm really not that weird. But I do love the show and I am extremely excited to see the changes this season. You too?

Icky

Ugh. I don't know what it is but I've been feeling "icky" for four or five days now. It's a weird cramping in my stomach, crazy headaches and overall feeling "blah" and tired. Could be stress, could be a bug...who knows.

I addition to this ick-ness, I'm already getting sad thinking about Mark leaving me this weekend. He's going up to his boss' cabin. Have I mentioned that? They go up twice a year, usually in June and then again in Sept or October. They're leaving tomorrow right from work and won't be home till late Sunday night.

For some reason I always get really, really sad when he's gone. I hate being alone and all the little noises and creaks make me very jumpy.

So...I'm sickish and sad and overall not feeling very motivated.

I managed to clean off the kitchen counter, clean the bathroom and wash the rugs yesterday and that's about it. Still clothes to be put away, dishes and vaccuuming to be done. It's funny how when I was younger and my mom complained about cleaning, I just brushed if off like "it's no big deal."

Now that I have had several wonderful years of having to clean an entire apartment by myself...I understand her frustration. Oh well, I suppose I'll have lots of time this weekend to clean...if I'm feeling motivated.

I plan to rent a movie or two tomorrow night and maybe get some Chinese food if I'm feeling better. Saturday I'm going shopping with my mom. That should be interesting...we have to try to get the Shopko people to take back a VCR/DVD player she bought there.

You know the whole digital tv thing and how people either need to use converter boxes or buy a new tv or they won't get reception after February? Well my parents bought a new tv to go with their new house, so it's all HD ready and whatever but they found they couldn't tape shows with their VCR because it's not set up for digital channels.

Anyone with a converter box will know that the channels are no longer 2 or 38, they're 2.1 and 38.3 - so you can't very well type that number in when trying to set something to record. So they went to Shopko and bought a new VCR/DVD player that the salesman assure them would work. Guess what? It doesn't. In order to record, the players have to have a "digital tuner" built inside. Mom has since bought a new one with a digital tuner that works, but we've got to do a bit of crabbing at the store and make them take back the one they sold her. They'd better not give us a hassle because I'm ready to fight!

Alright, enough of that. I'm going back to the couch with my soup to watch an episode of Full House. I'll keep you posted on the illness...till then be glad you can't catch (real) viruses via the computer!

Did you know?

Did you know that my husband subscribes to Maxim magazine? No? Really? Neither did I. Boy was I surprised to open up the mailbox and see not one but two editions of this lovely magazine with my husband's name and our address plastered on the cover.

He says he was able to subscribe online and pay $20 for two year's subscription. Guess what? I didn't even want one month of this trash...now we get two years.

He instisted I read it because "It's not as bad you think!"

Uh huh. Right. It's full to the brim with half naked women ("They're swim suits, Dani! Jeez!) and off-color jokes ("It's funny...you have no sense of humor honey!"). Yay. As you can tell I'm just thrilled with the latest of my husband's schemes.

Perhaps I should run out and subscribe to all six of the magazines that are on my wish list? Yeesh. The joys of living with men.