Blog Talkers

I saw this over at Stacy's site and decided to play along.


Do you consider yourself a high-maintenance, or a low- maintenance person? Why?

I am so high-maintenance. I just need certain things when I need them!! Here are a few exmaples:

I have to heat my feet in hot water in the sink before I go to bed because I can't sleep with cold feet. Yes, I sit on the vanity!

I have to wear earplugs to the movies. If I don't have any, we don't go to the movies!

I have to eat! I'm not the kind of person who can go for hours and hours without eating. I get very angry and nasty when my blood sugar is low, so don't get in the way of my snack!!

I can't just sleep anywhere. When, I was pregnant, I had to take my eggshell mattress on vacation even though we barely had room in the car. I also can't leave without my pillows!

I have a very low comfortable zone (body temperature). Beef complains about this one a lot. I have to continously turn the air conditioner/heat on and off, up and down to monitor the temperature in the car.

Just a few. I'm sure I can think of some more! What about you? Sign up at Blog Talkers by Write from Karen. She has a new question every week!

Weekend Reflection

Well, it's a little late, but I have a lot of things to be thankful for. So, I thought I would go ahead and write.

Scamp was sick for the third time in a row, but now she's all better. I didn't get sick this time with her either!

I got to have some good conversations with a couple of good friends over the phone, Janice and Stacy.

I had a great time with the girls as previously mentioned on Thursday night.

My grandma came up on Friday and watched Scamp while I got my hair done. I got it highlighted professionally for $35. What a bargain AND it looks good!

My parents kept Scamp overnight Sunday since we all had MLK day off. Beef and I had a nice date and got some good rest. I have a great family!!

Beef bought me another Karaoke game for PlayStation 2, and Linsey came over and played it with me last night. Another friend, Amelia, is coming over tonight for some more fun!

God answered a huge prayer for me! I am very thankful and sorry doubting God to begin with. He knows my heart!!

I am blessed to have such a great family and friends, and I am very thankful for both. My New Year's resolution is to be a better friend, so I hope I can live up to that:)

Thursday Night Group: Girls' Night

We just had another girls' night last Thursday and had so much fun. I typically get together with my friends from our Thursday night group. Just to clarify, Beef and I have been meeting with this group for over 5 years. It started out as a Bible study for the College & Career class. As we got older, married, and started having kids, our group changed somewhat, but we still get together almost every Thursday for support even though our original church split two years ago Easter. We now attend at least 2 different churches, but we will always be connected. We range in age from 16 to 31, not including the 5 babies, 3 and under.

A typical Thursday is everyone meeating at out house at 7pm for dinner. We watch "Survivor" (when it's on), eat, and play video games. We all love Dance Dance Revolution, but haven't played in a while since our two new favorites are Guitar Hero and Karaoke Revolution.

Sometimes, just the girls get together. We did last week to celebrate three January birthdays: Janice, Letha, and Greyson. Happy Birthday, Girls! We ate at Chili's and went over to Greyson's for games and her homemade chocolate chip cookies. We played the Family Feud DVD game, Scene it DVD game, and watched "The Office."

I'm waiting now for the Snapfish website to work correctly so that I can edit the pictures I took on Thursday and get them printed. What a fun night we had!

Can You Guess Where Scamp Is?

Scamp follows Scratchy under the bed, and today, decided to have a Ritz cracker (or cook cook as she says)while she was under there. No, it wasn't one she found under the bed either, although it could be possible. She finds and sticks a lot of things in her mouth!!

Scamp's Train Ride

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucEvCbiLRWw
Click the link to watch Scamp ride.





Beef could not live without this toy for Scamp! Since it was on clearance at Wal Mart, we bought it. Beef spent last night putting it together and was actually late for work today because he didn't want to stop watching her ride. After he left, Scamp and I had breakfast in the middle of the track. Then, she decided she wanted to ride again, so I gave her bites when she stopped in front of me. The video is kind of dark, so I included some pictures, too.

Tell Me What You Think

I stole this from Stacy and Stacy, two very sweet people!

1. As a child, what did you always say you wanted to be when you grew up? I considered several careers when I was little: teacher, basketball player in elementary school, dancer/singer (which I can do neither!) as a middle schooler, then doctor as a high schooler.

2. If you had to choose one thing that you’ve always dreamed of doing, what would it be? Go to Australia. This would be a trip of a lifetime for me!

3. Who is your biggest fan? probably my mom.

4. What bible study or book (besides the obvious-the Bible) has most impacted your life to date? The Purpose Driven Life - I've read it twice, it's impacted me both times.

5. When are you the happiest? when Scamp is in my lap giving me kisses and when Beef, Scamp and I are all in the bed together.

Hope In Me

I've been feeling somewhat hopeless the last two weeks. I have been dealing with some things over the last several years, and a lot of times I still feel like I'm stuck in a rut and can't make any progress for the better. I was thinking to myself and telling others to not have hope in me, but in God, because He's the big guy in charge, and I mess up a lot. I was reading through the book the "Search for Significance" today, and God really spoke to my heart. The book talks about God's unconditional love for each of us, that God doesn't hold grudges, He's slow to judge, is very patient, etc. And, then there it was. Plain as day as I was journaling about my feelings. God has hope in me even when I don't have hope in myself!! We all need hope. We all need someone on our side, and I'm glad God is on mine!

Flashback to the 70s

I didn't realize until Scamp had the outfit on that it reminded me of the clothes in That 70's Show. I love the show. I can't really remember too much about 70s style since I was born in the very late 70s:) I do remember seeing pictures of my dad in bell bottoms, which he wouldn't be caught dead in now!!

I had a day of shopping planned. We had driven the 20 minutes to the mall. Right as I was getting the stroller out of the back of the car, I realized I didn't bring any money, my license, or check card!! I was so frustrated. This happens to me a lot!! I don't carry a purse because I have a mini backpack I use for a diaper bag. I usually just carry my cash in my pocket, but today, I forgot!

I still needed to go to the grocery store, so I had to drive back home, then back out to the store. Poor Scamp was along for the ride, fussing quite a bit. I typically forget my cash when I go to Wal Mart and half the time don't realize until either my cart is completely filled or I have everything loaded up on the conveyer belt. One time, I had to ask the ladies at Customer Service if I could leave me buggy there while I went home. Three or four times I've had to unload the conveyer belt and ask the cashier to keep an eye on the buggy while I hustle to the car to get my money. Really embarrasing and even more annoying now that Scamp is usually with me, and ready to go! Does this happen to you?

Weekend Reflection

I had a wonderful Christmas!! We weren't too rushed this week, and we got to spend a lot of time with all sides of our families.

Lianna was really sick, and now she's better. She spent the night with her Meme and Papa last night, so Beef and I could get a night off. We really appreciate you, Meme and Papa! However, our plans were a little messed up when I got sick last minute, but I'm feeling much better this morning.

We have another Christmas dinner planned for today with Beef's cousins that live in a different state. It will be nice to catch up.

We finished taking down the Christmas decorations. Thanks Hubby for putting up and taking down our outdoor lights.

This may be a little silly to some of you, but I found the perfect pair of jeans that fit and are comfortable. I got them for Christmas. I hate trying on jeans because they end up being too short in the crotch (who invented that style?!!) or are a good fit in the store. But, I get them home, wear them, and they end up stretching out and being too big!!

Now, back to more serious stuff. Thank you, God, for sending your Son, so that I may be forgiven and forever be loved unconditionally!!

Visit Judi to sign up.

Christmas Eve with Santa Scamp

I took so many pictures that I had to make two slideshows. We spent Christmas Eve day at my Grandma's house. Scamp wore her Santa outfit and tried to steal all of Bubby's toys. My Grandma wrapped up an old doll my mom had as a child and gave it to my mom for Christmas. Poor doll -- it had been in the barn since my mom was a little girl. It's hair was all gone (don't let my mom near you with scissors!), and it was splotchy with age.

We went to my mom's house that night and opened all of our presents there. Scamp got a Dora four-wheeler and a homemade toy box from my dad.

We had a pretty small Chrismtas at home. Santa brought Scamp a lamp for her room and a V-Smile game for the TV. I got a DVR and Family Feud DVD game. Beef got a wireless guitar for the Guitar Hero game, Ice Age DVD, and a couple of geek shirts. He still has another present coming. I'm getting a little angry because I thought it would arrive before Christmas. I forgot to take any pictures on Christmas Day at our house, but I got lots of video. I can't believe Christmas is over!!

Christmas Day: Seesaw Frenzy

We went to Beef's family's houses on Christmas Day. Uncle Josh was the hero of the day because he bought all the kids a seesaw to share. Can you tell who had more fun, the adults or the kids?

That night we went to my dad's side of the family and played a little Dirty Santa. No fist fights this year. I walked away with a picture frame while Beefcake got the car jack he brought (which is what he wanted). Then, our nephew Billy spent the night with us. He played video games most the night with Beef. Then, we all went to Chuck E. Cheeses the next day. What a whirlwind holiday. We had a lot of fun!

My Celebrity Look-Alike Collage

I don't know half these celebrities, but I do have a few resemblances! Who do you think I look like? I think Melinda Clarke!

Merry Christmas!!!

I sometimes let the excitement of the season shadow what Christmas is really all about. It's about celebrating the miracle birth of Jesus who came to take away the sin of the world. He was a living sacrifice for my sins and through His death I am able to call Him my Savior, my confidant, my Redeemer, my Healer, my Brother, my Intercessor, and my Friend. God Bless you and your family, and may you have a few miracles of your own.

Getting to Know Me: Johari Window

I'm really surprised that no one put shy or quiet. That's one of the things I've been told my entire life. If you know me, you can add to mine if you'd like and/or make your own. I stole the idea from Stacy.

Arena (known to self and others) complex, self-conscious	Blind Spot (known only to others) able, accepting, caring, dependable, giving, helpful, intelligent, kind, loving, nervous, reflective, religious, tense, trustworthy
Façade (known only to self) introverted, observant, searching, silly	Unknown (known to nobody) adaptable, bold, brave, calm, cheerful, clever, confident, dignified, energetic, extroverted, friendly, happy, idealistic, independent, ingenious, knowledgeable, logical, mature, modest, organised, patient, powerful, proud, quiet, relaxed, responsive, self-assertive, sensible, sentimental, shy, spontaneous, sympathetic, warm, wise, witty

All Percentages

able (25%) accepting (50%) adaptable (0%) bold (0%) brave (0%) calm (0%) caring (50%) cheerful (0%) clever (0%) complex (50%) confident (0%) dependable (25%) dignified (0%) energetic (0%) extroverted (0%) friendly (0%) giving (25%) happy (0%) helpful (25%) idealistic (0%) independent (0%) ingenious (0%) intelligent (25%) introverted (0%) kind (50%) knowledgeable (0%) logical (0%) loving (50%) mature (0%) modest (0%) nervous (25%) observant (0%) organised (0%) patient (0%) powerful (0%) proud (0%) quiet (0%) reflective (25%) relaxed (0%) religious (50%) responsive (0%) searching (0%) self-assertive (0%) self-conscious (25%) sensible (0%) sentimental (0%) shy (0%) silly (0%) spontaneous (0%) sympathetic (0%) tense (25%) trustworthy (50%) warm (0%) wise (0%) witty (0%)

Created by the Interactive Johari Window on 23.12.2006, using data from 4 respondents.
You can make your own Johari Window, or view Shawna W's full data.

2006 Family Christmas Cards

Beef's sisters own Studio Six Photography and make us Christmas cards every year. I put them all on our Christmas tree this year.

This is Beef's oldest sister's family. She does a lot of the graphic artistry.

This is the whole clan!

This is Milly's card. She's best friends with Beef's sisters and is a graphic artist for the Studio. She made our card this year.

This is Boppy and Fluff Fluff's boys -- Aunt Boppy is Beef's youngest sister and is the main photographer.

What's Your Elf Name?

Your Elf Name Is...

Grumpy Fruit Cake

What's Your Elf Name?

I stole this from Jessica.

What Holiday Ornament Are You?

You Are a Tree

You love every part of the holidays, down to the candy canes and stockings. And you're goofy enough to put a Christmas tree ornament on your tree!

What Christmas Ornament Are You?

I stole this from Jessica ,too!

Scratchy Paw Paw

Here's my cat, Scratchy Paw Paw, but we never call him that. Usually it's just kitty, kit kat, etc. I really didn't know I was the kind of person to have nicknames for every person in our home, but I guess I am:) Beefcake bought me Kit for Valentine's Day 2003. He was supposed to be an outdoor cat. Neither Beef nor I ever had indoor animals growing up, but when we left Scratchy outside, he ran away and got lost. When we found him, we left him outside again, and he got ran over (but is very much fine, no permanent damage:) So, he is an indoor cat.

Scamp just loves him and follows him around everywhere -- behind furniture, under tables, under the bed!! Scratchy tries to act like he doesn't like it, but he usually waits for her to follow!

Scratchy is the most personable cat I've ever had. He will play with any other cat. He sleeps in the bed with our overnight guests. Just ask Stacy!! I've never heard him growl or seen him hiss or bite at anything! He's very good with Scamp. He loves playing under the Christmas tree and hiding behind presents. So, here's my other baby!!

Meet My Zwinky

I got the idea from Feng.

Weekend Reflection

Christmas has begun. We went to my grandmother's family Christmas and saw most of my great aunts and uncles, second cousins and so on. It was nice growing up knowing all of them and having 4 great-grandparents living at the time.

We went to another Christmas program (the church I grew up in) and saw my niece and nephews in their Sunday School class plays. All the kids were so cute. I can't wait until Scamp is old enough to participate!

We are getting so many wonderful Christmas cards. Picture cards are really in, and I love keeping the momentos.

My husband hung our outdoor Christmas lights. I've been asking him for several years, and he finally has!! Thank you, Beef!!

Scamp and I are sick this week, but hopefully we'll feel better for Christmas. She got to sleep in our room last night, which was a blessing (even though she was sick).

Check out Judi's to sign up.

My Family

I couldn't pick just one picture. We had a Christmas party for my grandmother's side of the family. I think we're going to make it a tradition to have our family photos here every year.

Death By Chocolate

At the request of Stacy, I'm going to share this story about how much I looove chocolate!!!!

I was sick last week with this awful hacking cough that would not go away!! Last Thursday, I thought my cough was about over, but apparently it wasn't. Beefcake bought me some really good chocolates with caramel centers for our anniversary, so I was enjoying one. I was on the last bite, and I got an awful tickle in my throat and started coughing. It was so bad I was gagging and gasping for air all the while thinking, "I hope I don't have to spit this last bite of chocolate out before I can quit coughing!" (Just think -- gag, gasp, savor the bite. Gag, gasp, savor the bite). Luckily I didn't lose one bit!! That's what you call death by chocolate (almost anyway)!!!

A Northside Christmas

The Christmas program at our chuch was such a blessing. There was drama and lots of music. There was an intermission in between the two acts where we all joined in with Christmas songs. The play went through the nativity, the miracles, the crucifixion, and the resurrection of Jesus. I cried during the miracles and crucifixion. The most moving part to me was when the choir sang "Mary Did You Know?" by Mark Lowry.

I really love this song now, especially since I am a mother myself. She was in love with baby Jesus just like I am with Scamp, which brings about another point. What a horror for her to watch her Son be tortured and die on the cross for the sins of others, even her own sins. What courage, mercy, and grace God must have given her to be able to withstand that! I am thankful for Jesus' gift to me. He is truly the reason for Christmas.

Weekend Reflection

Scamp is saying so many new words, and her little voice alone is a blessing!

My sister-in-law, Beth, was a big blessing this week when she watched Scamp while I went to the doctor for being sick.

My church Christmas program is tonight, and I think it will bless the whole Christmas season.

Scamp and I had lunch with a dear friend, Judith. She is an inspiration to me with her ministry to young women.

Beefcake is outside in the cold right now changing the oil in my car. Thank you, Honey!

Check out Judi's to sign up!

Guitar Hero

We love the Guitar Hero 2 game for Play Station 2. We usually have a group of people come over for dinner and a little bit of Guitar on Thursday nights. But when it's just us, this is how Beefcake plays. Rock On!!!

Justified in His Sight

This poem is a testiment to God's love breaking through my chains of despair and lies about my self worth written in Break These Chains on my poerty blog. Sometimes, I do resort back to those lies, but I'm trusting that God will continue to make a way for me to see the truth. He loves and adores me and has made me justified. Like the book the Search for Significance says being justified is not just being forgiven, it's being made righteous and worthy of being in the presence of God. Jesus accomplished that as He died upon the cross for my sins. He took my sin as I took His righteousness and became blameless. God does not see my sin when He looks at me. He sees the righteousness Jesus has bestowed upon me. Righteousness as written in the American Heritage Dictionary is "morally upright; without guilt or sin." What a wonderful way to be viewed by God!

Justified in His Sight
God knows me intimately,
More than anyone else.
He is not deceived by my façade.
The one I created for myself.

He sees me through eyes of purity.
He sees me standing alone
With no covering of imperfection.
He knows me as His own.

He pulled me from the darkness
Helpless as a lamb.
He saved my very essence
From the hopeless Hell of man.

I have been made righteous.
I wear a robe of spotless white.
I carry my Father’s seal.
I am justified in His sight.

I know what Christ has accomplished.
His truth has set me free.
I will walk among the angels
In Christ’s home of victory.

But, I’m not in heaven yet.
There is a truth to be made known
To all those who seek Him
And want Him for their own.

Christ died upon the cross
He bore the sin of all.
He took what was my punishment
And freed me from the Fall.

He has come to give me life
And give it more abundantly.
He sees me as I am
And loves me just as He created me.
Shawna

More poems

Last Days of Fall:(

Weekend Reflection

I can't get the weekend reflection picture to show either.

Beefcake and I celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary last night. We had a wonderful dinner and saw Casino Royale at the movies (worth watching). The whole night was perfect, and we had a great week together, too. I love you, Honey!

My parents watched Scamp all night. I didn't really appreciate my parents as much as I do now that I have a daughter. They help us out so much with her.

I got a lot of Christmas shopping done Friday with my mom, sister, and grandmother. It's fun to go in a group, and they all watch Scamp while I shop some. She will not come to me when they're around!

Prayer is working wonders in my life. Thank you God, and thank you praying friends!

Visit Judi to sign up.

A Whole Lot of Beef

 

If you've read the below Meme, you see that I referred to my husband as Beefcake. Well, that is his nickname. Sometimes, I just shorten it to Beef. At the request of Stacy, I will only be referring to my husband as Beefcake (instead of Matt). So, honey (or Beef), I love you. You are a whole lot of beef (and only a little bit cake)! You can see the cake part in the picture with Scamp -- both are doing their Zoolander impressions! 

The A-Z of Meme

Stacy tagged me tagged me, so I'll play along.

A - Available/Single? Married
B - Best Friend?
C- Cake or Pie? cake
D - Drink Of Choice? raspberry lemonade
E - Essential Item You Use Everyday? my car
F - Favorite Color? Purple and blue
G - Gummy Bears Or Worms? Gummy Worms - sour please
H - Hometown? Manchester, TN
I - Indulgence? sugar of any kind
J - January Or February? Does it really matter?
K - Kids & Their Names? Scamp
L - Life Is Incomplete Without? My beefcake husband and adorable daughter Scamp
M - Marriage Date? Dec. 1
N- Number Of Siblings? one
O - Oranges Or Apples? oranges but I like apples, too
P - Phobias/Fears? dying young, spiders
Q - Favorite Quote? You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free
R - Reason to Smile- I have hope in God and for my miracle, Scamp
S - Season? Fall
T - Tag Three People? the people I would have tagged have already been tagged
U - Unknown Fact About Me? I love Monster Truck shows
V - Vegetable you don’t like? brussel sprouts, raw celery
W - Worst Habit? letting people run me over
X - X-rays You’ve Had? teeth, feet, abdomen (don't swallow coins!)
Y - Your Favorite Food? chocolate and chicken
Z - Zodiac Sign? Virgo

Why does it seem like miles away?

 

We moved Scamp's bed upstairs to her bedroom. She was sleeping in our room downstairs. Even though we could no longer watch TV in the bed at night or even turn my side table lamp on to see, we loved her sleeping close to us. She would wake up in the morning and talk to us to wake us up. We figured we should go ahead and move her so that it would be easier on her. She's right at 14 months old. Now, we have to climb the steps to peek in on her while she sleeps. Why does it seem so far away? She's getting bigger. She will continue to need more independence, and Matt and I will have to learn to adjust along the way. I could never imagine the emotional toll parenthood would have and how much my heart would break as Scamp grows away from us. And she's only moved to her bedroom!!! 

Who I Am

Do you ever feel like you're two different people? Like one person on your blog and one in "real" life? I feel like I'm in the process of becoming one person. In real life, I'm so extremely shy sometimes that it's for hard for people to get to know me. I can express myself much better in writing than I can with speaking. I'm afraid to talk about certain things with certain people. Sometimes, I'm afraid to try new things because I'm afraid I would be bad at them. I let the opinions of others rule what I say and do. I try to make everyone happy so much so that I let others hurt my feelings and never tell them. I worry continuously that I've said something wrong to someone. I worry that I've hurt someone without knowing it

I don't want those fears to rule my life. I'm the person in my blog. But, if you ever met me in person, I would be introverted unless the person I'm meeting is more introverted than me. I've learned that I have to talk about my feelings, and I have to let others know me because I'm here for a reason (and so is everyone else). If we don't have close relationships than what do we have? I can use my blog to let others who normally wouldn't know me as well, know me for who I really am. This is important to me at this point in my life.

I want to be real with others and want them to be real with me. Life is too short. If I hurt your feelings tell me so that I can fix it. I hope to be the person who can always say I'm sorry and mean it when others need me to do so. I hope to always be forgiving. I hope to be the person God has intended me to be. I hope to never hide myself from my daughter or my husband. I hope to speak up when I need to defend myself or others. I hope you can see my love for you.

Heart Healthy Zucchini Bread

3 cups flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon ginger
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
2 cup grated zucchini
3/4 cup applesauce
1/4 cup canola oil
3 egg whites
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1.Mix the first 8 ingredients in a bowl. Stir in the zucchini, applesauce, oil, egg whites and vanilla. Spoon into two 5x9-inch loaf pans sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 - 45 minutes. For smaller loafs, bake for 30 minutes.

Yield: 30 (1-slice) servings.

Nutrients per Serving (1 slice):
Calories: 110
Fiber: trace
Protein: 1.8 g
% Calories from fat: 16%
Fat: 2.0 g
Carbohydrates: 21.3 gm
Cholesterol: 0 mg
Sodium: 87 mg

Turkey Day

Well, our Thanksgiving is going to be a little bit different this year. We won't be going to my family's side today. We have two Thanksgiving dinners at the same time, so we decided to choose one this year. One year we had three on the same day, and we made all three - not sure if it was worth it. We have Scamp this year, so we're going to stay put in one place. We're going to Matt's aunt's house for dinner. We plan to play games after dinner - maybe Cranium. I'm going to make roasted red potatoes. I just buy the seasoning packet at Wal Mart - very easy. I've also made Zucchini bread. It's very good with cream cheese icing.
I do plan to shop tomorrow. I might send Matt to Wal Mart at 5:00am. He seems to like it:) He normally goes if we see something (or anyone in our family's sees something) to buy. We don't need any electronics this year though.
Have a happy Thanksgiving!

Through the Midst of Despair

I have created a new blog. This one will be devoted to my poetry and my feelings toward God. Please visit me at Through the Midst of Despair. I got the idea to create a second blog from Judy at Mommy-to-two. Please visit her Bible Study Blog.

Weekend Reflection

Scamp has been doing so much better with the separation anxiety with her daddy. She would scream and cry and was very hard to console after I would take her from him, but now she's pretty happy with both of us again.

We were able to go to Sunday School and the church service this week. We had missed two weeks in a row with sickness.

We spent time with my cousin LeChelle amd her family and my cousin Chad and his wife last night. I miss hanging out with them. LeChelle made the best supper.

We went to see Matt's grandmother, Bea on Monday. She recently lost her husband. We had a good visit and were able to help her get started on Christmas decorations.

Visit Judi's! blog to play along.

Pay It Forward

Stolen Idea from Stacy:

Here's how it works:

The first five people to leave a comment will receive, within the next 6 months, a personally hand crafted gift made by me. Please leave your e-mail address or email me from my profile page so that I can contact you. There is a catch however, your obligation is to post a similar type of offer on your blog.

Scamp's Go Cart

 

Matt bought Scamp this go cart last week for cheap! It's been too cold to ride outside, so Matt decided first to attach a belt to the front. One of us could then stand in the middle of the room, holding the belt, and pulling Scamp in a circle while she rode. We got way too dizzy to keep doing that, so Matt decided to fix the wheels from underneath. He got them to lock in the turned position, and now she can ride in a circle as long as she wants, which is usually until the battery dies! 

Singing Scamp Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hcemcbOU6nE
Click the link to watch.

We use the microphone when we sing on Karaoke Revolution, so Scamp picked up on the idea. The singing is short, but she gives kisses at the end. So cute!!

Taco Soup

I tried this new recipe my sister, Julie, made for us. It was great and SOOO easy. Here's the recipe:

1 lb. beef (I used ground turkey)
1 packet taco seasoning
1 packet Ranch dressing seasoning
2 cups water
1/2 onion, chopped
1 can rotel (or diced tomatoes for less spicy)
1 can corn, undrained
1 can black beans, undrained
1 can pinto beans, undrained
1 can kidney beans, undrained

Brown the beef. Mix taco and Ranch seasonings with water. Add all other ingredients and cook on medium for 30 minutes.

Get to Know Your Friends

1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate?
Hot Chocolate.

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree?
Wrapped presents please!

3. Colored lights on tree/house or white?
Single colored lights like white or blue. No multi-color.

4. Do you hang mistletoe?
Where do you get mistletoe? I've never seen real mistletoe!

5. When do you put your decorations up?
Maybe a week or two before Christmas.

6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)?
Dressing. I could live on dressing alone!

7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child: Getting up early - like 6:00am and waking my parents up to ask them if Santa came.

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? I found a bag full of toys that I had asked Santa for in my parents closet.

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve?
Yes -- lots. When my sister and I stopped believing in Santa, my parents decided to let us open our gifts on Christmas Eve since we had to go to my great grandmothers house at lunch on Christmas Day. We had more time the night before. My husband was a little appalled at the idea when we first got married until he realized we didn't have to take turns on Christmas Day with both our families. My family Christmas Eve and his Christmas Day morning.

10. How do you decorate your Christmas Tree? All kinds of ornaments - hardly anything matches, definitely no garland!

11. Snow! Love it or Dread it?
Love it as long as I can still get to the store.

12. Can you ice skate?
NO!

13. Do you remember your favorite gift?
A red non-motorized scooter and NKOTB concert tickets!

14. What's the most important thing about the Holidays for you?
Remembering the birth of Jesus and lots of time with family.

15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert?
Chocolate chip cheeseball -- Thanks for the recipe Stacy!

16. What is your favorite holiday tradition?
Opening presents on Christmas Eve.

17. What tops your tree? a fiber optic angel

18. Which do you prefer giving or Receiving? Giving the perfect gift!

19. What is your favorite Christmas Song?
I hate Christmas music -- too festive I suppose.

20. Candy Canes! Yuck or Yum??
I live non-mint flavored canes. Do they count?

I stole this from Stacy. Thanks girl!!

Weekend Reflection

I'm a day late but am thankful to be able to participate and write some positive thoughts about my family.

Praise God, my husband, Matt, and I were able to have a "re-connect" night and enjoy some time alone.

Scamp is over her virus, and the rest of us haven't gotten sick.

Matt took the day off on Friday, and we all went to the park for a picnic. The weather was beautiful, almost 80 degrees.


Visit Judi to sign up for Weekend Reflection
Link

"Who Stole the Cookies?"

My friend Greyson and I hosted a Mystery Dinner Party back in April. What fun. We performed the mystery, "Who Stole the Cookies," where storybook characters come to life in a library. Greyson played Mrs. Bookworm, the librarian. We had a four course meal and everyone pitched in and brought a dish related to their character ie. The Queen from Snow White brought an apple dessert, Alice in Wonderland made Mushroom Soup.

Greyson and I made the invitations using our scrapbook crafts. I submitted the picture of them in the Merri Mysteries' (where we got the mystery) decor contest, and we won a free mystery!

We all voted at the party for best costume and Julie, Greyson's sister-in-law won. We gave prizes to the costume winner and everyone who guessed who stole the cookies. We will do the next party after the holidays. I'll be sure to post pictures.

My Mystery Dinner Party

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Scamp and Bubby

My nephew Blaine just loves tractors! He hauls everything in that wagon, so we decided to see how Scamp would fair back there. She was in complete heaven. Blaine was so worried she was going to fall out that he kept turning around watching her every few seconds. He is so protective of her. He won't let her get in to anything she's not supposed to! She may not appreciate that a little later on!

She's Her Daddy's Girl

Scamp has increasingly become "addicted" to her Daddy. This is my husband, Matt. Check his blog at www.gzsfrk.blogspot.com. She used to be her mama's girl, but now whenever he is in the vicinty, she is all about him. She won't even come to me. This morning I said, Come to mama," while she was sitting in his lap, and she shook her head no!! She then proceeded to cry and scream while I tried to take her out of his lap. She loves her daddy SOOO much.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank my husband for being such a good father. He gets up in the middle of the night with her when she's sick. He even takes his turn waking up early with her even though he has to go to work. He watches her without one little complaint anytime I ask him. He had the day off from work today and watched her most the day while I went out with the girls. What a great dad and husband. I love you, Honey!

Halloween Festivities

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How Can God Love Me More Than I Love Scamp?

Have you ever sat back and wandered about who God really was? What type of character God has? I know that for a while I believed that God was a big, mean, powerful being that reigned over me with an iron fist, ready to punish me at a moments notice. I have to work on not believing that lie. For me to feel ok about myself, have self-worth, I have to believe that God loves me unconditionally.

Today, I was thinking about how I love Scamp. It gives me joy to watch her playing and having fun. I'm excited to see her when she wakes up from her nap. I clap and pick her up and squeeze her. I can't give her enough hugs and kisses even when she's pulling away from me. I love her just the way she is, no strings attached.

What if God felt that way about me? I let myself feel that today. I imagined what it would be like if God was standing in the room with me. God clapped when I woke up this morning, and He couldn't wait to tell everyone that I was awake. He followed me around the house hugging me and kissing me. He was so excited to talk to me. He listened intently to every word I said. He told me that nothing about me was a mistake. He planned for me to be just the way I am even though I tried to argue.

You wouldn't believe the weight that was lifted off my chest. I don't have to prove anything to God. I don't have to work and work to show Him how good I am. He loves me so much that He even has the hairs on my head numbered (Matthew 10:30) and knows when one falls off.

I needed a little bit of healing today. God loves me and every believer in Him much more than I could ever imagine. I have to even relate His love to my own love that is far from perfect to be able to understand even a little. I don't know how many hairs are on Scamp's head:) I may not even know how to love her the way she needs me to, but I do know that God can if I believe (and she believes for herself).

I believe that God's love for me is perfect for today. That even when I make huge mistakes I can always come to Him. That I am loveable and acceptable. And that I need Him far more than I can realize. I need to be loved unconditionally. I think everyone does.

Back to the 80s Scamp-Style

I love the 80s. Here's Scamp with her 80s oversized sweatshirt dress complete with pink tool, black tights and side ponytail (which you can't see!!). Thanks Stacy (aka Vader's Mom) for the adorable outfit.

This brings back memories of when my sister and I were in elementary school. We used to get dressed up in our "dance clothes," usually a tutu or oversized sweatshirt and tights with blue and white striped leg warmers and red and white sweatbands! We would turn off all the lights in the house and put on the Michael Jackson Thriller album. We loved the album cover with pre-plastic surgery Michael and his black leopard looking quite hot!! Those were the days!!!!

Reminensce with me! Thank you to my cousin LeChelle for sending me this forward: You Know You Grew Up in the 80s/early 90s if: (NOTE: I only posted my favorites. It was WAY too long.)

4. Girls wore biker shorts under their skirts and felt stylishly sexy.
7. You know that "WOAH " comes from Joey on Blossom
8. Two words: Hammer Pants
12. It was actually worth getting up early on a Saturday to watch cartoons.
13. You wore a ponytail on the side of your head.
15. You got super-excited when it was Oregon Trail day in computer class at school.
16. You made your mom buy one of those clips that would hold your shirt in a knot on the side.
17. You played the game "MASH " (Mansion, Apartment, Shelter, House)
18. You wore stonewashed Jordache jean jackets and were proud of it.
19. L.A. Gear....need I say more?
23. You wanted to be a Goonie.
24. You ever wore fluorescent clothing. (some of us... head-to-toe)
25. You can remember what Michael Jackson looked like before his nose fell off and his cheeks shifted.
29. You still get the urge to say "NOT " after every sentence.
33. You thought your childhood friends would never leave because you exchanged handmade friendship bracelets.
34. You ever owned a pair of Jelly-Shoes. (and like #24, probably in neon colors, too)
35. After you saw Pee-Wee's Big Adventure you kept saying "I know you are, but what am I?"
38. You ever got seriously injured on a Slip and Slide.
40. You had or attended a birthday party at McDonalds.
44. You wore like, EIGHT pairs of socks over tights with high top Reeboks.
45. You wore socks scrunched down (and sometimes still do... getting yelled at by "younger hip" members of the family)
47. You remember watching both "Gremlins " movies.
50. You thought Doogie Howser/Samantha Micelli was hot.
52. You remember New Kids on the Block when they were cool... and don't even flinch when people refer to them as "NKOTB".
58. You remember when mullets were cool!
59. You had a mullet!
61. You tight rolled your jeans.
62. You owned a bannana clip
65. You had big hair and you knew how to use it.

Me and Scamp

This is me with Scamp. We had this taken during her 12 month photo session. Scamp's aunts are photograpers and do very impressive work. I haven't figured out how to post my photo on my profile yet. This is the one I'll probably use. I can add pictures with my post because I'm using Picasa, which I LOVE. It makes things so much easier. All I do is choose a picture and hit Blog This! I wish everything was that simple.
We had a great day during these pictures. We went to the park with Aunt Boppy and Milly (Aunt Shannie couldn't make it). Scamp had her pictures taken with the ducks. She loved watching them and calling them. I had to hold onto to her because she wanted to get into the water with the ducks. I loved her outfit, too. She was in her knickers! How great is that?!