Grilling Goodness (short and sweet)

1. When you were growing up dreaming of having children...dreaming of what their names would be...did you stick with those names?

I don't remember having baby names picked out.

2. Are you affected by the death of Michael Jackson?

I didn't feel the need to call my sister that MJ had passed, nor that Farrah had passed. But when I heard that Willie Herenton had resigned being Memphis mayor, I picked up the phone.

3. Do you use your dishwasher and your fireplace?

Yes on both. I love that my electric fireplace can be used anytime, because it can be just a fire without heat.

4. Have you ever been on a mission trip?

Not out of the country, but I have participated in backyard Bible clubs downtown in Memphis. Does that count?

5. Will your kids participate in a Vacation Bible school this summer?

Already have.

6. What about the economy is affecting you the worst?

Mostly just the money part.

7. Do your kids do chores?

When they are awake, they do.

8. Do you use energy efficient light bulbs?

Only when I want to see in the dark.

Grilling Goodness

I'm on the laptop, so I don't have the little grilling picture. But here's the scoop...

1. What do you like most about your skin?
Hmm, I love that it's on the outside of my body, effectively holding my organs together. I also love that I have a nice complection, and my skin on my face is soft.

2. Does your spouse mind grocery shopping for you or with you?
No, he actually likes to go with me, and if I give him a detailed list including brand names, package sizes and quantity desired, he's fine with going for me. But he's a weird sort who also likes to go to the mall or hang out at Best Buy or Sam's, too.

3. Do you have access to a pool for the summer?
Oh, yes! My sister has a delicious pool in her back yard, complete with diving board, slide, and water!

4. Do you have plans for Father's Day?
I figure we'll take Daddy out to lunch after church, and he might get lucky, too. (a foot massage, guys! I was talking about a foot massage!)

5. Is there anything that terrified you as a child that you find .... now?
I was always a little afraid of the dark, and storms still make me very nervous. I think the storm fear might have started when I was young and a tornado was coming, we jumped in the car and went to the hospital to bunker down in the basement.

6. If you could do something instantly, what would it be?
Uh, I would heal Zacchie from his surgery, and drop 5 or 100 pounds.

7. What would you do to entertain visitors from out of town?
I could dance a little jig and sing a ditty. Or I could feed them well, take them to my sister's place and hang at the pool with them. Or we could go camping together.

8. If your best friend owes you money, do you bug them until you get it?
No, I usually forget to get it back until she remembers to give it to me. We don't ever let money come between us.

Grilling Goodness

Okay, it's Friday again. You all know what Friday means, right? Yep, another delicious, nutricious, 0 points, fat-free, calorie-free Grilling Goodness. Play along, if you like. Just check in with Tina, at Golden Goodness, sign in with Mr. Linky, copy and paste the questions to your own blog, and voila! You're Grillin'!

1. Do you like a scent that others might find strange?

I love the smell of the concrete when the rain just starts to fall.

2. Are you a pack rat or do you purge regularly?

My theory is that if I don't need it in a year, I don't need it for any season, and it goes.

3. What is your favorite thing to do in the summer that keeps you out of the heat?

I don't mind the heat, if I'm sitting by the pool. (no pressure, Chris!)

4. What is your favorite number? Why?

My sister buys everything in pairs, and it has totally rubbed off on me. Two loaves of bread, two gallons of milk, two boxes of Velveeta. (it doesn't apply to big things, like cars or houses, though.)

5. What color do you choose most when painting your nails?

I like bright colors in the warm weather. I have a neon pink that will hurt your eyes if you look at it too long.

6. Have you done anything abnormal this week?
Who you callin' abnormal? Eh, I'm pretty fly-by-the-seat-of-my britches, so it's all a bit abnormal.

7. What's the best thing happening this weekend?
Maybe taking the kids to see the movie Up. I heard it was really good, and KLOVE actually reported that it had underlying tones of good morals, like loyalty and trustworthiness. Sounds like a plan.

8. Did you have to dissect anything when you were in school?

Nope. Being homeschooled, we just skipped that one. Boo-hoo.

Grilling Goodness

1. If you had 10 hours at home alone, what would you do?

Laundry, facebook, nap, facebook, catch up on stuff on the DVR, facebook...

2. Do you have a fond memory of your dad?

Many, many fond ones. The one that sticks out today is when he taught me to water ski, and I couldn't keep my feet together, he screwed a small board between them to hold them together, until I got the hang of it.

3. Do you prefer the pool or the beach?

The pool for swimming, the beach for the salty air; the pool for relaxing, the beach for the sounds of the waves; the pool for home, the beach for vacation.

4. What's the furthest you've driven for one day of fun?

We have driven to Sikeston for throwed rolls and outlet shopping, and to Nashville for a Selah concert.

5. Solid, clear solid, clear gel or aerosol? Deodorant of choice, that is.

Solid.

6. Do you tan or burn/peel?

Burn and peel at least once, then tan the rest of summer.

7. What's your favorite pasta-based meal?

Cheese manicotti. Or lasagna.

8. Do you wax or pluck your eyebrows?

Not on purpose.

Grilling Goodness

1. Do you have a cell phone that allows you to check your email?

My Gravity would be happy to let me check my email, as long as I was checking it on the computer, 'cuz I don't have internet access on my phone.

2. Have you ever caught a foul ball at a baseball game?

Nope.

3. What foreign accent can you imitate the best?

I can't 'do' foreign accents, but my brother in law is amazing at it.

4. Do you have plans for Memorial Day?

I thought I might plant some stuff, and visit the graveyard in my back yard, just to see all the graves of soldiers from WWII there.

5. Does your hair look decent if you let it air dry?

I do it all the time, and no one has run from me screaming because of my hideousness.

6. When is the last time you went to a waterpark?

Couple of years ago, Shawn and I went to the one at Six Flags. Had a blast!The cool thing about the slides is that there is no weight limit, and I got to ride everything!

7. Do you turn on your porch light every night?

Porch light, no, but the light on my light post, at the end of my driveway is always on. (even when it got ran over)

8. Have you ever had to call the fire department?

Once, we burned some tree branches and after the fire was out completely, and we were lying in bed that night, we heard sirens. They got closer and closer, until we decided to go outside and see where they were going. To our surprise, they pulled into our yard, in full gear, ready to fight a fire that didn't even exist. When they asked us why we would have a fire when we were under a burn ban, I told them that we didn't know. "It was on the news," they said. I didn't see the news. "It was in the paper," they said. We didn't get the paper. They were going to bill us for coming out.

I told them they could bill whomever called them, because we didn't call, and we didn't need them. We never saw that bill.

The other time a fire truck came to our house was when Hailey had an allergic reaction, and I called 911. The fire department was the first on the scene.

Grilling Goodness # 24

Well, it's a day late, but not a dollar short...

Time for another Grilling Goodness.

Let's do this thingy!

1. Do you prefer reality tv or dramas or comedies?

It seems like I watch more reality TV than anything else: Survivor, The Biggest Loser, The Amazing Race, Sell This House, etc.

2. If you could have free cosmetic surgery, what would you have done?

Without question, it would be a tummy tuck. Or a butt reduction. Or a thigh reduction. Or lipo-suction. Pretty much anything below my shoulders... (except my b00bs. They've already been done.)

3. What are you itching to get but you have 'bitten the bullet'?

Oh, so many things, like azaleas, a chaise lounge for my deck, a motor for my driver's side window (which is broken), an air conditioner unit for my house, a new roof...

4. Do you have a bad habit that you hope your children don't pick up?

Um, yelling comes to mind.

5. What was your favorite meal growing up?

Wow. I can't really pick just one. We had some pretty yummy stuff, and I do still make some of them. The first thing that pops into my head is cream steak. And now I need to go to the store and buy the ingredients, cuz I want some tonight.

6. What meal did you have as a youngster that you don't have as an adult?

Liver-n-onions. Blech! Yuck! Gag! Puke! Vomit! Scrape tongue with serrated edged knife! Brush teeth for two days!

7. What is your earliest memory of a "vacation"? Where'd you go?

Being a product of divorce, my sister and I flew to see our dad twice a year. Vacation was usually with him. I think the earliest "vacation" I had was going to Six Flags over Chicago with him and his wife. We stopped at her mom's house first, and she told us where we were going and gave us towels, because we would get wet at some point.

8. What was the "Best Thing" you ever got for Christmas, before age 12?

I don't remember much about Christmases of my childhood. Like Tina, I guess I block out memories from then. But I do remember a rocking chair. Mom bought it used and repaired and restored it. Later, when I found the extra materials from it, I realized the truth about Santa.

Grilling Goodness # 23

Okay, it's Friday again. You all know what Friday means, right?
Yep, another delicious, nutricious, 0 points, fat-free, calorie-free Grilling Goodness.
Play along, if you like. Just check in with Tina, at Golden Goodness, sign in with Mr. Linky, copy and paste the questions to your own blog, and voila! You're Grillin'!

1. What's one of the best things you've seen lately?

My hubby walking in the room with my keys, which we had been searching high and low, all morning for. He found them in the PANTRY. I swear I didn't put them there!

2. Has Spring brought you something you don't like?

The neighbor sitting outside, silently watching me work, until I happened to notice him sitting there. **creepy**

3. What kind of sandwiches do you like?

Depends where the sandwich comes from. I like french dips from McAlister's, BBQ sandwiches at the fair, PB&J's here at home, and I like a good grilled cheese sandwich once in a while. I am picky about bread, though. I like white bread, but I don't mind sourdough or wheat.

4. Do you carry GermX with you at all times?

I have a bottle of it in my purse, and pull it out occasionally. I'd rather use good old soap-and-water, but when it's not available, GermX it is.

5. Does each person in your house have their own hamper or do you have a central hamper for everyone?

We each have a basket in our rooms, that every few days we sort into the divided hamper in the laundry room. Unless you mean Caleb, in which case, I have to tell him to change clothes and shower and stuff. If I'm not watchful, he'll wear the same clothes day and night. EWWW! He's such a BOY!

6. How often do you balance your checkbook?

Not as often as I should. Sometimes I'd rather not know how bad it is. Just kidding! I keep up with all of our accounts online, and regularly monitor them, which is why the bank hasn't earned any overdraft fees from me in a while.

7. What's the hardest thing you've done lately?

Realizing that I'm failing in the Mom department right now. I have a problem with consistency, and I want to bail on homeschooling sometimes, when I KNOW that I know that God wants this from me for one more year (at least).

8. Are you a texter?

I used to do it more where I lived before. But my service at the new house stinks, and I only text when I'm out, now. = ( But my sister and I frequently text back and forth during choir practice. = )

Grilling Goodness # 22

Okay, it's Friday again. You all know what Friday means, right?

Yep, another delicious, nutricious, 0 points, fat-free, calorie-free Grilling Goodness.

Play along, if you like. Just check in with Tina, at Golden Goodness, sign in with Mr. Linky, copy and paste the questions to your own blog, and voila! You're Grillin'!

1. Did you learn anything new this week?

I learned that my husband doesn't "do" rest and recover well.

I also learned that raking leaves can be an aerobic activity.

I learned that I will rake and bag half an acre of leaves if it kills me, if it means my husband, who is supposed to be resting and recovering from surgery, will actually REST AND RECOVER.

2. Will you wear green on St. Patty's Day or do you not give a hoot??

Eh, I'm not in to Pt. Patty's Day, much, but in the interest of not being pinched, I'll wear green underwear. (Or I'll tell people I'm wearing green underwear. They don't want to see fat-girl undies, so they don't require proof.)

3. Do you wash clothes throughout the week or only on a specific day?

We pretty much do laundry every day, or every other day. Of course, there are the days when I leave it to the laundry fairy, but she tends to be over-booked, and forgets to show up. I'm contemplating submitting a formal complaint to her supervisor.

4. What is one of the most popular 'spams' you get in your junk email inbox?

I don't really pay much attention to spam. I ate way too much of it, as a child, and now I am afflicted by spamophobia. When I see that my junk folder has stuff in it, I scan it briefly, to make sure nothing important is there, and delete the rest without really looking at it.

5. Are you where you want to be? (you decide the meaning of the question for your answer)

I love the house we bought, so I'm living where I want to be. I love the church we attend, so I'm where I want to worship. I love homeschooling our children (on the whole), so I work where I want to work. I love my husband, so I'm where I want to be relationally. I love my dogs, so I'm where I want to be with pet ownership. I love the friends I have, so I'm where I want to be on Facebook. I'm not where I want to be with my weight, but I can't remember when I ever was, so that's normal for me. I'm not where I want to be Spiritually, I wish I was faithful to my quiet time.

6. Do you know how to swim?

I do know how to swim, and I love swimming. And I'm looking forward to the pool in my sister's back yard being open in a couple of months.

7. Do you take trips with your girlfriends?

I have taken a couple of trips with my sister, and one great trip with Sound Doctrine.

Both trips were wonderful! I especially enjoyed getting the pampering treatment on my spa trip with Chris.

8. What was your favorite purchase this week? (big or small)

I bought Hailey a few clothes at Cato that are really cute, but my favorite thing I bought myself was a pair of striped knee socks.

Grilling Goodness # 21

1. What do you do when you get mad?

Depending upon who I am mad at, I might do anything from creep quietly away, or yell. For example, if I am at the DMV, and I read the sign, took a number, and had a seat, and some moron comes in and just walks up to the window, I might silently steam, or I might jump up, grab the idiot by the ear, and drag them to the sign saying something like, "What? Can't you read???" You just never know with me.

2. Do you wash your hair everyday?

Actually, it is bad for your hair to wash it every day, and I have very healthy hair. So, I often skip a day between washings. No more than that, though, because that's just nasty.

3. How often do you speak to your parents?

Umm, which ones? I mean... my Mom called and left a message yesterday and left a message to call her back. I realized she didn't know that Shawn had surgery that day, so I figured I was in trouble. But she just wanted to invite me to my niece's birthday party. We don't speak often, and we have a precarious relationship. Sometimes we go weeks, or months without speaking.

My Dad lives in another state, and has a whole other life, so I don't hear from him often, either. But I'm never afraid to return his call.

Step-Dad #2 goes to my church, so I see him often. I try to speak to him every time, you know, while he's hugging me.

4. Your nails - painted or nude?

Naked as the day they were born. I have spurts of nail awareness, and they are pretty when painted. I wish I had the money to have them done weekly, but we have other stuff to do, like eat.

5. What pair of shoes do you wear most often?

It really depends upon where I am going, and what I will be doing. During the cold months, I wear sneakers unless I am going to church. Then I usually wear black boots. During the warm months, I love sandals. At home, I have some well-loved moccasins.

6. If you could do anything you wanted to do this weekend, what would it be?

I would go to Hot Springs for a massage, facial, and manicure/pedicure, complete with paraffin treatment. That sounds HEAVENLY!

7. What's the best cough medicine you know of?

Tessalon pearls are the best, but they are prescription only.

8. How do you feel about 'springing forward'??

I don't love losing an hour, so I think it is stupid. It doesn't really matter what time the clock says. Just go by when it is light, and when it gets dark, already!

But gaining an hour in the fall? Love that!

Grilling Goodness # 20

1. What is your favorite thing about Springtime?

Besides the new flowers peeping up from under the dead leaves, the baby birds cheeping in their nests, the warm breeze on my skin, the sweet smell in the air, clothes on the line rippling softly in the wind....

I hate spring.

2. Do you prepare special, maybe even fun, meals for your kids? Example, please.

Every once in a while, we do biscuit pizzas. I buy canned biscuit dough and pizza toppings and we each make our own pizza.

3. What are you looking forward to this weekend?

I am running away with my best friend today to see Selah in concert in Nashville. The rest of the weekend is going to be non-stop, with a Sunday School meeting at my house Saturday night, and some company Sunday afternoon. (I'm thinking about cancelling the company, because I'm already tired, just thinking about the weekend... but it might be the drugs I'm taking)

4. Within driving distance, where do you like to go for a little getaway?

Well, I like to go to Hot Springs for a massage, but today, I think I'll go to Nashville, instead.

5. Laundry detergent: liquid or powder?

I used powder for the longest time, because that's what we used growing up, but I switched to liquid years ago when I heard that powder is bad for a septic tank.

6. What does your spouse do around the house that you appreciate the most?

I don't think I should talk about that on my blog...

I mean, he takes care of the weed eating, and leaves the riding mowing to me.

7. Do you converse with the grocery checker or pay and bolt?

Depends on the cashier. If they are conversational, I will chat, but if they aren't, I just take care of business and head out.

8. Have you ever had an MRI? (If you feel comfortable sharing why, please do.)

Had one years ago to check my heart. It was an open MRI, but I still felt very claustrophobic. I spent the entire time counting the minutes down, since they told me how long it would take.

Grilling Goodness # 19

1. What is your favorite family activity?

We love to go camping. We have a camper that we love, but that hasn't seen much activity the past couple of years. With gas prices so high last year, it was impossible to take it anywhere. Hopefully this year we'll see some time in it.

2. Do you know how to play poker?

Know how, yes, but do it much, no. I have a really nice set of poker chips, but they don't get much use.

3. Have you ever been to a chiropractor? Regularly?

Nope, I've never been to one. I'm married to the man with the magic touch. Even my mom, who sees the chiropractor regularly, calls Shawn to come fix her back sometimes.

4. Have you ever slopped pigs or milked cows?

No, but I've collected eggs and butchered chickens. That has to count for something. Not that I've had problems counting chickens, or anything...

5. How are you doing with the goals you made for the New Year?

Heehee! I read 'goats' instead of goals. That's what you get for mentioning livestock. No, I don't make goats for New Years! (or resolutions, for that matter.)

6. Is there something you dread doing every day?

Honestly, I'd say it's exercise.

7. What room in your home would you most like to buy new furniture for?

The living room has almost always had second hand furniture. (except our first set) I'd love new stuff in there. Or I could really use new bedroom furniture. But I can't replace my bed, unless it has a couple of the same features. I'll not elaborate, but I love my bed. (shut up, Chris!)

8. If I had a dollar for every leaf in my yard, I'd be able to take over travel the world. (MWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!)

Grilling Goodness # 18

1. How long has your longest friendship been?

Well, my sister is my best friend, and I've known her for all of my life. But we have only been close since I've been married. Still, she's my longest real friend, so I'd say nearly 14 years.

2. What made you happy this week?

Online, I found a replacement light fixture for my lamp post. I was SO happy to find it, because I loved it so much, and didn't really want anything different.

3. Are you planning any kind of event right now?

It's not really an event, but I'm working over things in my mind to help Hailey make a friend, since she's feeling a little on the outs lately.

4. Do you wear your wedding ring? What is it made of?

I have an anniversary band that is gold with three rows of diamonds that I wear when I go out (if I don't forget). My actual band is gold, and just the slightest bit too tight. It was my Dad's, from when he was married to my Mom. I had it sized down for my finger, but I'm a little bit heavier now. I can wear it, and I do sometimes, but after a bit, I start feeling claustrophobic. I don't like the feeling of anything on my hands.

5. Do you shave your legs in the winter?

Yes, but not as often as I do in the summer.

6. What time do your kids go to bed?

Their bed time is between 8:30-9:00. But being homeschoolers, we have the privilege of moving it if the need arises.

7. Right this minute, is your laundry caught up?

As they say, a woman's work is never done. Laundry is never, ever ending, and is never, ever caught up! I don't like laundry.

8. Do you want flowers for Valentine's Day?

I like flowers, but I'd rather have a couple of azalea trees that they have at Sam's. Feel free to pass the word along to my husband... ;)

Grilling Goodness #17

1. Have your children corrected you somehow this week?

No, they value their lives too much. When they were younger, Hailey would correct me all the time. It would irritate me no end, so I started a game. I would say, "Well, look-y there! The sky has turned purple with green spots!" and watch her nearly explode! She can't stand for someone to be wrong. I was trying to teach her that it is disrespectful for children to correct grown-ups, even when the grown-ups are wrong.

2. Are you waiting for a particular something to happen?

I'm waiting for my new cell phone to arrive from Hong Kong. It's a knock off of an iPhone, and I'm SO excited! I'm hoping it gets some kind of reception out here in the forest.

3. Do you chat online?

My cell phone doesn't work so well out here in the forest (see #2), so I text online using AIM quite a lot these days.

4. What is the oldest thing you own?

I am "borrowing" an antique bench from my Mom. I have no idea how old it is. I also have a painting that my grandmother painted.

5. What's for dinner tonight?

Pizza for a crowd.

6. Are you artistic?

Depends on what you mean by artistic. I am a pretty good actress, and I can sing, but I am not artsy. I can paint a mean wall, but not on canvas.

7. Are you getting an income tax refund? Plans for it?

Yes, we are horrible at saving, so we use the bank of the IRS to save (interest free, of course!). We always get back a return that always pays for something we need right at the moment.

8. Do you use 'zero payments/zero interest for XX months' to buy things?

No, we don't usually use these things because we don't like being in debt. And the whole 'zero payment/interest' thing is just a gimmick to get you in the door. Most people don't pay it off before the time frame, and end up paying it all anyway.

Grilling Goodness #16

It's Friday again? Where did the week go? Well, we all know what Friday means. It means I get to play along with my friend Tina, and answer some pretty random questions. Grab a paper plate and a soda! Here goes!

1. Do you and your spouse still celebrate Valentine's Day?

Our anniversary is a week and a half later, so we don't really make a big deal about Valentine's Day. I usually get a card, and Hailey always gets a rose from her Daddy. We have an unspoken rule that no one buys me candy, because I'm on a perpetual quest to lose weight. But if NO chocolate shows up sometime that day, I'm secretly disappointed.

2. When's the last time you licked a stamp?

Oh, goodness! I don't even remember the last time I licked a stamp. I was very glad for the peel and stick revolution, because they were starting to experiment with flavors for the glue. YUCK !

3. How many clocks are in your home?

We have one in the living room, two in the kitchen, one in Hailey's room, and two alarm clocks in my bedroom. There are two alarm clocks because we set one ten minutes ahead of the time Hubby needs to get up. This way, when his alarm goes off, he turns it off, curls up behind me to snuggle for ten minutes, and gets up when mine goes off.

4. What holiday is closest to your birthday?

My birthday falls right after Mother's Day. Shawn complains every year, because it means he has to think of something special two weeks in a row. But he gets it in reverse the next month, because his birthday falls right after Father's Day.

5. Do you cook anything the same way your mother made it when you were growing up?

I make a pot roast just like she did, but most everything else is a little different.

6. Do you pay bills online?

Sometimes, but I pay most of my bills over the phone.

7. Will you be gathering to watch the Super Bowl on Sunday?

We are having a wild party over here. Bring food!

8. Have you treated yourself to something this week?

I made chicken and dumplings early this week, and ate ENTIRELY too much!

Y'all can totally grill some goodness, too! Just follow the link and let Tina know you've played.

Grilling Goodness # 15

1. Have you ever ridden a horse?

Yes, I used to love horse-back riding, but I wouldn't want to do it any time soon. I don't think it would be fair to the horse.

2. Have you ever run out of gas?

I have never personally run out of gas, but I have been with someone else who has. I will have to let her tell the story in her own words.

3. How many different schools did you attend growing up?

I went to three different elementary schools before I was homeschooled.

4. Do you have, and use, a library card?

I have, and use my library card regularly. In fact, yesterday was library day. They like it when I come, because I keep them funded. I don't think I remember more than once when I didn't have a fine to pay.

5. Hand-wash or dishwasher?

We basically hand-wash the dishes and put them into the dishwasher for sterilization.

6. Does your alarm clock beep or play music?

BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP GET OUT OF THE *&%^$#) BED, YOU %#&)#%{!!! BEEP!

7. Do you know how to roller skate?

I do know how to roller skate, and I do it about once a year when our church has family skate night. I used to be really good (when I was a skinny kid), and in my mind I glide around the rink with grace and ease. But, sadly, in reality, I skate like a hippopotamus on wheels. I start off very stiffly, with all my muscles tense. I have to literally remind myself to lean forward a bit and relax. It doesn't take long before I am actually moving forward, arms flailing to keep myself steady.But then I realize that I am moving at an alarming rate, and if I fall, there will surely be blood. You know, the bigger they are, the harder they fall, and all. It always makes me ponder the wisdom of putting tiny little wheels under this much woman, but I can't seem to stop myself. I did have to laugh at the poor little girl who fell in front of me, though. She looked up to see all ---lbs of me rolling her way, and she didn't bother getting up. She frantically scooted out of the way.

8. What would you consider one of your biggest accomplishments?

I don't feel like I've accomplished anything very big, to be honest. I'd say something cute, like my kids are my greatest accomplishment, but God created them, and they aren't finished yet. So, today my greatest accomplishment is that I woke up, snuggled with my son for a while, had my quiet time, and ate oatmeal for breakfast.

Grilling Goodness # 13

1. What's your 'dream machine' - as in vehicle? Do you think you'll ever own it?

I am personally partial to the Nissan 350 Z. I think it's sleek, and sexy. (if, indeed a car can be sexy...)

2. Can you water ski?

I learned to water ski when I was pretty young. My dad actually screwed a board between my skis because I couldn't hold my legs together to stand.

3. What kind of milk to you prefer?

I prefer whole milk, but we drink 2% instead.

4. Have any of your pet peeves 'gotten your goat' this week?

Um, Hailey having her classic meltdowns.

5. How do you prepare your taxes? HR Block, Turbo Tax, by hand - or does someone else do it for you?

I have used TurboTax online for years. I swear by it. I actually do all the preliminary input in January, while we wait for W2s and paperwork. That way, when everything comes in, all I have to do is input the missing numbers, file, and in 10 to 16 days my automatic deposit it in the bank, and I am at the store shopping. ;^P

6. Did you start a workout program this New Year?

Um, not yet, but I hope to soon...

7. Do you have a certain meal that you cook each and every week?

No, I usually go by whatever is on sale, meat-wise, and build from there. So, it varies.

8. When do you normally write your blog posts?

Whenever the creative juices flow, or Tina posts a Grilling Goodness.

Grilling Goodness # 12

1. If you could have done something different in 2008, what would it be?

I would have:

started blogging

bought Shawn a car, from halfway across the state

raised ducks as a school project

worn size six jeans

had a fabulous girls only weekend

found my babies' pictures

posted video of Sound Docrine singing on youtube

saved a tiny puppy from imminent death

yet again, saved tiny puppy from imminent death

gotten the best surprise birthday present in the WORLD

cried with other Christians, worldwide, over the loss of a child

been on TV with some friends

realized that long distance motorcycling is not for me

watched my baby girl learn how to bake muffins

started building my son a bionic arm

torn apart a wall and gone to IHOP in my jammies

started geocaching

thwarted what was surely a robbery attempt

played play doh with Caleb, complete with pictures

realized I am a loser

gotten up close and personal with a dead skunk

built a tiny, tiny trailer

bought a new house

seen the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

taken the kids for a day of fun in NYC

Oh, wait, I DID all that!

2. What is something that you know will happen in 2009?

I will flawlessly execute a backwards somersault over two bags of concrete, simultaneously landing squarely on my bottom in a Rubbermaid tub of water, then flipping my legs over my head and standing up to see if anyone but Shawn saw me accomplish such greatness.

3. What is something that you hope will happen in 2009?

I will live, laugh, love, cry, scream, hug, kiss, hope, dream, teach, hold, fuss, worry, sing, text, blog...

4. Do you already have a vacation planned for this year?

Not yet, but a camping trip is in the planning stages...

5. Are you relieved that the holidays are over?

When I have my tree put away, I will be relieved.

6. Did you make a resolution? Will you share it?

I resolve to live today like tomorrow is not a guarantee.

7. How old will you turn in 2009?

I am not ashamed to say I will be 37. (really)

8. What did you do to celebrate the New Year?

We enjoyed the hot tub with family.

Grilling Goodness # 9

1. What pain reliever do you swear by?

I usually head for the Advil or Motrin, but lately I've been eyeing the bottle of Crown Royal that I keep in the spice cabinet.

2. Have you gotten up-to-date with a flat screen HDTV?

We have a big screen HDTV monitor, but have not gotten an HDTV receiver yet. I wouldn't mind getting a flat screen for the bedroom, and dispensing with the bulky one that's in there.

3. Have you honked at anyone lately?

Yesterday I honked at some idiot waiting for some pedestrians to get out of the way. If people are going to cross a major intersection where cars have been waiting to turn out of the mall parking lot, at Christmastime, they should expect to get hit. Duh!

4. What is your favorite household product?

Love the Magic Eraser by Mr. Clean. Cleans up most 'oops', and who doesn't like to see a man who cleans?

5. What is the earliest you've gotten up this week and why?

This morning I was awakened by a screaming bladder at 7:13.

6. Do you travel out of town for Christmas?

I hate being out of town on Christmas. I don't like being away from home Christmas or Thanksgiving. Unless I am at Disney World. Then I can make an exception. If I had my sister with me, I suppose I wouldn't mind being gone, but I hate not spending the holidays with her.

7. Have you been listening to Christmas music? (Favorite?)

I listen to Christmas music off and on during the whole year. I love Selah's Christmas CD, and this year's favorite is Go Fish's Snow.

8. When do you exchange gifts with family?

We have many branches of family, so it is all over the place. My mom is coming on the 23rd, and we will do the gift thing with dad the weekend after Christmas.

Grilling Goodness # 7

1. What's the worst thing you've ever sent through the washing machine/dryer?

Once I accidentally washed a disposable diaper. It disintegrated and little gel stuff was EVERYWHERE. What a mess. I did NOT put it in the dryer.

2. Do you do any of your Christmas shopping online?

I do some of it. Usually it depends what I'm looking for. I buy some stuff on eBay, and some stuff other places.

3. What are you looking forward to this Thanksgiving?

I am looking forward to taking the kids to NYC to see the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. They have never been in the city with us. They usually hang at grandma's house while Daddy and I go enjoy the day by ourselves. But this time, we wanted them to go with us. So we'll be enjoying the usual feast-ivities on Wednesday, the parade on Thursday, and on Friday...

SHOPPING!

4. What did you do before you had children that you miss doing now that you have children?

Shawn and I went to see more movies in the theater in the BC (before children) era.

5. Do you have a fireplace? (Do you use it?)

We have a wood burning stove in the current house. We use it a lot. I love a roaring fire. But there is no fire place at the new house. One of the few things I shall miss. I think I'll make another one like the one we built at the other house we used to have. It looked like this: (minus the children, of course.)

6. Do medical shows showing surgeries and blood freak you out?

I don't really mind watching medical shows, but I can't watch the bloody parts for very long; after awhile, I do start to freak out.

7. How long have you lived where you live?

We have lived in the current house for just over two years. But I'm moving into our new house, where I would like to spend the rest of my life.

8. What is one of your favorite seasonal items?

I'm with Tina on this one. I like all things yummy smelling: candles, potpourri simmer stuff, baking things...

The smells of the holiday season are my favorite parts of the memories.

Grilling Goodness #6

1. What is one of your 'must see' tv shows?

Hmmm, I have a few. I love Lost, but it hasn't started yet. I also watch Survivor, The Amazing Race, The Biggest Loser, CSI, CSI-NY, Grey's Anatomy, Life on Mars, Without a Trace, and The Mentalist. I am addicted to my DVR, because that means I can watch what I want, whenever I want to watch it.

2. Do you have a facebook page?

Why, yes, yes I do. I didn't really like it as much MySpace. Frankly it annoyed me, but it's growing on me.

3. How old were you when you got married?

I was 22 and he was 24.

4. What is one bad habit that you need to break?

Spending entirely too much time at the computer.

5. What is your favorite cold-weather activity?

Watching a fire burn in the fireplace.

6. At church, do you always sit in the same area?

Yep, that would be the choir loft.

7. What do you like best about blogging?

Getting to tell complete strangers random things about my life, reading random things about complete strangers, and learning that complete strangers make really great friends.

8. What's the last funny thing you remember hearing from a child?

I can't remember any funny things right now, because the kids are on my last ever lovin' nerve.

Okay, off topic now:

I guess God's trying to teach me something here. After all this hoo-ha, we still haven't closed. They finally have all the paperwork in from the sellers, but there just isn't enough time in the day to get the rest of it ready today. Of course, if everyone dropped everything else, it could be done. But we are nobody special to them. We are just one case among many, and no one will be dropping anything to give us special attention.

Meanwhile, our lock on our funding expires at midnight tonight, and in order to extend our lock, it is going to cost us.

Again.

Thank you all so much for keeping us in prayer. We have not been sure if we are kicking against the pricks, so to speak, or if God's just trying to teach us patience. We believe that this is God's place for us, but we wouldn't be the first people to be wrong about that. Someone once told me that life isn't always about trying to figure out where God wants you, so much as being God's vessel when you get wherever He puts you.

I know I'm rambling, but I'm tired, and I've spent many hours and tears on this place. I just want it to be over so I can go home.