Writer's Block

~10 FAVORITES~
1) Favorite Colors:it depends... to decorate with: peach, teal; to wear: browns, greens, earth tones

2) Favorite Food: just one?? ice-cream, seafood, chinese food

3) Favorite Musical Group: I don't listen to much music that isn't kids

4) Favorite Song right now: ? I can't pick just one

5) Favorite Movie: No Reservations, Top Gun, The Holiday, Fireproof

6) Favorite Sport: Wow, these questions are really making me think and realize how little me time I have. I haven't played any sports for a long time but I have always like volleyball, badminton, soccer. I really, really enjoy WATCHING figure skating but cannot do that myself.

7) Favorite Season: Fall with Spring a close second!

8) Favorite Day Of the Week: Saturday

9) Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: chocolate chip cookie dough

10) Favorite Time of Day: bedtime after a busy day

~9 CURRENTS~
1) Current Mood: Tired; I'm working my 2nd night shift and it is 2:12 in the morning

2) Current Taste: Raspberry flavored water

3) Current Clothes: Nursing Scrubs - solid cranberry colored pants and printed top with cats, dogs, hearts, and stethoscopes

4) Current Desktop: a pic of my 3 kids and their 2 cousins wearing there new PJ's from Grandma & Grandpa at Christmas

5) Current Music: none

6)Current Time: 2:14 am

7) Current Surroundings: I'm sitting at the nursing station with a darkened wing to either side

8) Current Thoughts: I really should be doing something useful. I will have to start doing morning rounds soon.

9) Current Status: Married ha ha

~8 FIRSTS~
1) First Best Friend: A boy down the street named Desmond. When I was 4. We would regularly disappear together. I got a note from him asking me to marry him.

2) First Kiss: I can't really remember ... isn't that a shame?

3) First Screen Name: can't remember - Toad, I think

4) First Pet: a dog, Australian Terrier, named Jody

5) First Piercing: my ears

6) First Crush: Ummm.....? There were lots of "crushes" but none that turned into relationships

7) First Music: I can't remember, I assume this refers to professional but if not then I guess it would probably be lullabys from my mother and grandmother.

8) First Love: Cliff

~7 LASTS~
1) Last Cigarette: Never smoked and never will.

2) Last Drink: Wine hubby brought home on Valentine's day

3) Last Car Ride: I drove myself here to work yesterday evening

4) Last Kiss: Last night I kissed hubby as he came to see me at the end of his shift and the start of mine just before he left to go home to sleep in our comfy bed. I hope he's catching some Z's for me too.

5) Last Movie Seen: In the theater-Monsters Vs Aliens; On DVD-Bolt

6) Last Phone Call: My sister in law (who lives 2 hours out of the city) saying they were in Winnipeg and wondered if we'd meet them for supper and if they could sleep over at our house.

7) Last CD Played: Taylor Swift (requested by my niece and daughter) Last one I played for me was "Short Term Memories" by Chris Rice

~6 HAVE YOU EVERS~
1) Have You Ever Dated One Of Your Best Guy/Girl Friends: Yeah...and I married him. :)

2) Have You Ever Broken the Law: Not intentionally

3) Have You Ever Been Arrested: No, knock on wood. I guess there's always a first time but I sure hope I never am.

4) Have You Ever Skinny Dipped: Ya, every chance I get. Oh, ya!

5) Have You Ever Been on TV: NO!

6) Have You Ever Kissed Someone You Didn't Know: I don't think I have. I may need to put that on my list of things to do before I die. (hee-hee)

~5 THINGS~
1) 1 Thing You're Wearing: black underwear

2) 1 Thing You've Done Today: blog - now I'm pathetic

3) 1 Thing You're Listening To Right Now: the hum of my computer and the clacking of the keys on the keyboard as I henpeck this.

4) 1 Thing You Can't Live Without: my hubby & kids

5) 1 Thing You Do When You're Bored: Don't get bored too often, but I find it's mostly when I don't have something to keep my hands busy that that's when I bite my fingernails.

~4 PLACES YOU'VE BEEN TODAY or Yesterday as today hasn't officially stated for most people.
1. Boston Pizza
2. Dairy Queen (after supper at BP)
3. My yard
4. Work

~3 PEOPLE YOU CAN TELL ANYTHING TO~
1. Betty-Jo
2. My kids
3. Cliff, I like to think I can

~2 CHOICES~
1. Black or White: Black (for clothes) White (for decorating)
2. Hot or Cold: Hot

~1 THING YOU WANT TO DO~
1. Make it to heaven.

Rachael Needs...according to Google

Here is something you can do for fun some time and see what comes up. Enter in a Google search for "your name needs" and write down the first ten (or more) things that come up. So for example I searched "Rachael needs" and according to Google, Rachael needs...-

• to learn to accept things even if she does not like them. - HMMM...ok....
  
• a late night dessert snack. -Sounds yummy! Ice-cream or perhaps cheesecake?!
• something to do. -I have lots to do but something fun....ok... like what?
  
• a fantastic bag to really finish her outfit. - yes, I'm unlike most woman, I only have ONE purse I use all the time.
  
• to start acting and dressing her age. - are you saying I act immature?
  
• a vacation. - DEFINITELY...I'd like to be able to afford a trip somewhere with my family.
  
• to get a life and there is nothing funny about her, she is just simply annoying and too loud. - :( BOOHOOHOO, I didn't realize I offended anyone quite that much.
  
• money, right now. - you can say that again.
  
• your numbers! :) - ;)
  
• a second, third, fourth, and fifth opinion. - are you saying I can't make up my mind...you're quite right.
  
• some buddies. - I'm so lonely at times. This beautiful country of ours is just so wide.
  
• to come to the end of herself and surrender control to Him. - I'm trying every day.
  
• to do something with her life. - I'm also trying to do that too.
  
• to work on her perimeter shooting. - ???
  
• a ride. - not so much now since I got my little car in January, I can't imagine how we ever functioned with just one vehicle.
  
• love :D - always or I'll wilt.
  
• prayers. - AMEN!
  

For fun I also searched "Rachael is"-

• that you? - maybe :)
  
• having a baby. - not unless it's by immaculate conception.
  
• just barely showing a laugh line or two. - gee thanks.
  
• an amazing cook. - now I REALLY know you must be talking about Rachael Ray!
  
• the prettier version of Rachel - YUP! :D
  
• a very nice name and I have nothing against it. - I love my name.
  
• not only a teacher but also a leader. - who me???...I don't think so!
  
• so underrated. - I don't know about that.
  
• the first admit that she isn't an expert. - ain't that the truth!
  
• the picture of health. - maybe at one time when my metabolism was a bit faster.
  
• on Facebook. - yes, I am.
  
• under 5'3" - more like under 5' !
  
• perfect if you are just plain lazy. - :)
  
• my go-to-girl. - ?
  
• an Honors Chemistry Major at the University of P.E.I. - I liked chemistry but a Major, I don't even have a Major in my Nursing. However I'd love to go to P.E.I.
  
• back!!! - did you miss me?!
  

It's Party Time

Do you know what time it is?? It's party time!!... Nope I'm not talking about a birthday party or Irish party (St Patrick's Day) but that it is time for the "Ultimate Blog Party 2009"from March 20 -27, 2009. If you want to check out all the festivities go to 5 Minutes For Mom or just click on my button above and "Let's Get This Party Started!". Check out all the parties happening in the blogosphere without even leaving the comfort of your home (or wherever you are :) ) It's a great way to visit new blogs, make new friends and get visitors to your blog! So if you want to grow your network, meet new friends or promote your site, Let The Party Start!

What would a party be without music and/or prizes. Both of those will be here. Check this out… Chris Mann, Leslie Mills and Diane Birch are going to be partying with us during our Ultimate Blog Party 2009!

Both bloggers and nonbloggers will be eligible to win a list of fabulous prizes. To check out the list of prizes and instuctions on how to enter go HERE.

There are so many cool prizes to be won at this year’s Ultimate Blog Party, but my top three picks would be:

• Large Yankee Candle Jar (scent: Sparkling Vanilla) from From Our Front Porch Looking In (USC 40)
• $25 Gift Certificate to Amazon.ca from Just Say These Words (USC 47)
• Signed copy of the book"Queen of the Castle: 52 Weeks of Encouragement for the Uninspired, Domestically Challenged or Just Plain Tired Homemaker", by Lynn Bowen Walker

And if my top three picks are already chosen, I’d love any of the following (in no particular order):

INTL 2, INTL 3, INTL 7, INTL 23, INTL 31, INTL32, INTL 33, INTL 35, USC2, USC7, USC10, USC15, USC20 or anything else related to young children since I have 3 kids aged 3, 5, and 7. Also I'd like the blog makeovers as it's about time for a new look and I don't know where to start doing that myself. :)

If you got here via Mr Linky, WELCOME! and let me introduce myself: I started blogging just over a year and a half ago. I didn't think I'd like it or have anything to blog about. Little did I know how addicting it would be. Rather than advertising anything or a way of sharing info, I guess it is more a place to share about me, myself, and my life and hopefully meet some new friends. I'm a part-time registered nurse and full-time mother to three beautiful redheads. My DH is also a full-time nurse and we've been married for eight years since we met in University. I enjoy gardening, scrapbooking and crafts of various kinds. I'm looking forward to meeting some other mothers of young children with whom I can share the experiences of motherhood and marriage and our love for the Lord. You can read more about me here on my site. Feel free to ask me any questions you may have. I have never considered myself much of a speaker. Leave me a comment letting me know you stopped by so I can come visit you too!

What Year Was I Born Under?

You Were Born Under:

You are solid, methodical, and you do things right the first time. Even when no one else does, you always believe in yourself. You tend to see the world in black and white, right or wrong. A good memory and eye for details means you tend to thrive at near impossible tasks. You are most compatible with a Snake or Rooster.

What Year Were You Born Under?

What Year Should I Have Been Born Under?

You Should Have Been Born Under:

You are totally loyal, faithful, and honest. However, you don't trust others to be as ethical as you are! Straight forward and direct, you really aren't one for small talk. You are a great listener - and an agreeable companion when you're in a good mood! You are most compatible with a Tiger or Horse.

What Year Should You Have Been Born Under?

The Seven Deadly Sins

I saw this on Gill's Blog, here are my responses:
(I must admit, some of the questions made me think and were hard to answer but I so like these kind of quizzes/ memes and wanted to try myself...)

WRATH
1. Who did you last get angry with?
My kids. They are each going through similar stages where they don't listen and do what ever they feel like instead. (First thought that came to mind was my husband by I think that situation I was more annoyed than angry...see #5)

2. What is your weapon of choice?
Words

3. Would you hit a member of the opposite sex?
NO! I think the only member of the opposite sex I've hit would be my son's when disciplining them.

4. How about of the same sex?
I have, when the occasion has warranted it, smacked my daughter on the bum, does that count? Other than that, no.

5. Who was the last person who got really angry at you?
Um, I think it would have been my husband. My child pulled the PS2 off the dresser and it landed on the floor and jammed the door shut with the game CD still in it. He got mad at me as I was the one that gave my son the game controller. I tried first to get it out but couldn't, my husband got angry with me and after a while he did get it open and it worked fine (unlike when he told me "you drop a computer...you break it...like duh!... It's broken, it's nothing but a feather weight now!") The reason I got "annoyed was because after he got so angry at me and I could see fire in his eyes when I suggested I try to fix it, my oldest son explained how daddy fixed it and all was well now. My first thought was daddy must be a hero (sarcasim), only heroes do the impossible which apparently that was.

6. What is your pet peeve?
Um, this question made me think...I guess there isn't just one thing I can think of, instead the first things that come to mind are ignorant and racist people; bad eating manners such as slurping your soup, smacking your lips and eating with your mouth open (I don't want to see the food in your mouth); nails on a blackboard; telemarketers who keep asking for money even after you say NO; channel surfers watching several different things at once when you are trying to watch a show...just to name a few....contrary to this list of ranting I'm really a nice person...

7. Do you keep grudges, or can you let them go easily?
Oh Yes! I can carry grudges for a long time...too long. What is that saying , "...women forgive but never forget"

SLOTH
1. What is one thing you’re supposed to do daily that you don’t?
Exercise (and it shows!)

2. What is the latest you’ve ever woken up?
On a regular day...around 11:00am. However, if you count after working a night shift and then come home and sleeping, I think the latest was around 5:00pm but usually I only sleep till maybe 2:30pm.

3. Has anyone else noticed that this meme is missing Sloth number 3?
???

4. What is the last lame excuse that you made?
I honestly can't remember.....

5. Have you ever watched an infomercial all the way through?
Nope. I rarely get time to watch a movie or real show let alone infomercials.

6. When was the last time you got in a good workout?
"a good workout"...I guess that would prob be back in the winter (February maybe), I was doing step aerobics and riding the exercise bicycle each morning after my husband went to work and before my kids would get up.

7. How many times did you hit the snooze button on your alarm clock today?
Today doesn't count as I came home at 8am and slept till after lunch. The last time I used my alarm clock would have been Friday and I think that I hit it three times that morning.

GLUTTONY
1. What is your overpriced yuppie beverage of choice?
Just recently I've had a fruit smoothie (can't remember the name) at Starbucks a couple of times and really enjoyed it.

2. Meat eaters: white meat or dark meat?
dark meat

3. What is the greatest amount of alcohol you’ve had in one sitting/outing/event?
4 or 5 coolers (Bacardi Breezers, I especially like the pina colada and orange/mango twist flavours).

4. Have you ever used a professional diet company?
No, I'm too cheap, plus I don't like the idea of using pills. Anything that seems to good to be true, probably is.

5. Do you have an issue with your weight?
Well according to my BMI, I'm overweight and I'm defenitly much heavier than I'd like myself to be. However, my weight is not that much that is is causing any health issues.

6. Do you prefer sweets, salty foods, or spicy?
I like them all, especially sweets and spicy foods. (but not together ;))

7. Have you ever looked at a small house pet or child and thought “lunch”?
EWWW, NO!!!

LUST
1. How many people have you seen naked (not counting movies/family)?
none

2. How many people have seen YOU naked (not counting physicians/family)?
Not counting my kids...none I hope. I know my hubby keeps telling me to close the windows at night, I just think he's paranoid....

3. Have you ever caught yourself staring at the chest/crotch of a member of the opposite gender during a normal conversation?
Frequently!

4. Have you ever kissed two people in one night?
my kids & hubby...does that count?, that's 4!...I know, I'm boring ...

5. What is your favorite body part on a person?
I think it's got to be the eyes. They say so much about a person. Same sex or opposite sex alike.

6. Have you ever been propositioned by a prostitute?
NO!!!

GREED
1. How many credit cards do you own?
Two too many

2. What’s your guilty pleasure store?
I find it so hard to spend money on myself, so I'm not sure, but times I have been encouraged to do such a thing, I enjoy places like Fruits & Passion and La Senza

3. Would you rather be rich, or famous?
I’d HATE to be famous. Rich I could definitely do!

4. Would you accept a boring job if it meant you would make megabucks?
Probably, yes. I'd pick a dull, boring, predictable job over something stressful anyday, and if it brought in mega-bucks I would be as happy as a pig in poop :)

5. Have you ever stolen anything?
Yes, as a kid it would usually be candy that I stole at the convenience store.

6. How many MP3s are on your hard drive?
None. I don't have any MP3s. Infact I still have cassesttes I listen to in addition to my CD's

PRIDE
1. What’s one thing you have done that you’re most proud of?
Become a wife and mother of three lovely children.

2. What one thing have you done that your parents are most proud of?
Which parents? I know my mother is proud of the fact I've taught overseas. As for my dad, ...I'm not sure (isn't that awful of me, guess I should ask. But I hate asking such things, cause then I'm told I'm fishing for compliments)

3. What things would you like to accomplish in your life?
I’d like to be a good mother, a wonderful grandmother and a relatively harmless mother-in-law one day. I’d like for Cliff and I to continue to be loving companions to one another for many, many years to come. I’d like to age gracefully. After seeing the people I look after at work, I just hope I retain what mind I still have.

4. Do you get annoyed by coming in second place?
Oh no, second place suits me just fine.

5.Have you ever entered a contest of skill, knowing you were of much higher skill than all the other competitors?
I can keep dreaming, right?! NO definitely not.

6.Have you ever cheated on something to get a higher score?
Defenitly as a child, I'm guilty of cheating on tests to get a better mark.

7. What did you do today that you’re proud of?
Got out of bed. Just joking!

ENVY
1. What item or person would you most want to have for your own?
I’d love to own a Victorian style house with a wrap around veranda, beautifully landscaped yard, and a huge flower garden

2. Who would you want to go on “Trading Spaces” with?
Lots of people, I'm not even going to begin to name names. Their houses are so neat and everything has it's own place. Unlike my cluttered little home. Unfortunatley, most of these people don't have kids living in their house so once it is clean, it stays clean.

3.If you could be anyone else in the world, who would you be?
I’d still be me, thank-you very much, but if you could arrange for me to be a me with perky little boobs like Paris Hilton and a bod like Kate Hudson and and a smile like Katie Holmes ........

4. Have you ever been cheated on?
I hope not! Honestly, no, I don't think so.

5. Have you ever wished you had a physical feature different from your own?
Yup! See No. 3!

6. What inborn trait do you see in others that you wish you had for yourself?
Confidence; self-confidence and confidence in their relationship with God.

Mosaic-Maker Meme

I saw this over at Gill's Jottings and thought it was really interesting and a fun meme to do. :)
This is what you have to do:
1. Type your answer to each of the questions below into Flickr Search.
2. Using only the first page of results, and pick one image.
3. Copy and paste each of the URLs for the images into Big Huge Lab’s Mosaic Maker to create a mosaic of the picture answers.
The questions:
1. What is your first name?
2. What is your favorite food? right now?
3. What high school did you go to?
4. What is your favorite color?
5. Who is your celebrity crush?
6. What is your favourite drink?
7. What is your dream vacation?
8. What is your favourite dessert?
9. What do you want to be when you grow up?
10. What do you love most in life?
11. What is one word that describes you?
12. What is your flickr name?

Photo credits for my mosaic:

1. For Rachael,
2. big ole ice cream cake,
3. Oromocto river in emerald.,
4. Light Shining,
5. Tom Cruise Top Gun,
6. The Piña Colada,
7. Pieces of Europe,
8. key lime pie,
9. Here are some of the Steps which will helps you to become debt free.,
10. Friends & Family,
11. Naive youth,
12. TOAD

Back To School Meme

Completed in Reference to (Self or Child): Children

1. Number of years teaching or your eldest child has been in school (k through college) ? 3

2. Amount approximately spent on Back to School Items so far including clothes? $115 (+$300 lunch program (see below))

3. Number of Days until school starts in your area (+ or - if it’s started)? -3 days into the new school year. However; although school officially started on Wednesday, my son, who is in grade 2, was in group 2/2groups for his class so he started on Thursday and the entire class has been attending together since Friday. My daughter, who is in kindergarten, has only gone one day so far. She is in group 2/3 groups so she went on Thursday and group 2 goes again on Tuesday, then the entire class starts on Thursday. Kindergarten at their school is a fullday, everyday program and my daughter is really looking forward to it.

4. Approximate distance school is from your house? 1/2 mile (?, I need to time it for sure)

5. Amount of time it will take you or your child to get to school from your house by car or bus? 2-5 minutes, depending upon traffic. This year will be different as I am the one who always takes my children to school and this year I have a driver's lisence so can drive when the vehicle is available. However last year depending on the season and number of children accompanying me (1-3), our walk/bike ride/wagon ride/sled ride could take anywhere from 10-40 minutes.

6. The actual or approximate number of students in the class you teach or your oldest child’s class? 20 students in grade 1/2 (23 students in my daughters K class)

7. The number of classes in your grade or your oldest child’s grade level?
2 - grade1/grade 2 classes(in my son's class there are 10 grade 1 students and 10 grade 2 students) OR classes meaning subjects....ummm...math, reading, science, english, french, music, computer lab, physical education (gym)

8. The price to buy a full student lunch at school? no cafeteria available. However a nutrious breakfast/snack is always provided each morning as part of the Healthy Beginnings program. The lunch program (supervision in lunch room with own packed lunch vs. going home for lunch)is $150 for the year (10 months) or $1.50/day on a casual basis.

9. Number of schools in your district? 41 (25 K-6 schools; 12 grade7-9 schools; 4 high schools)

10. Early dismissal days already built into the calendar? I don't know

11. Price paid for the most expensive back to school item so far? $55 to grade 2 teacher for class school supplies

12. Time school day ends? 3:35 pm

If you'd like to do the meme, please feel free!
For my Homeschooling friend and anyone else that prefers here is a meme just for you:
(Just so you know, the answers shown here are from the blog Prattling Pastor's Wife) who was tagged by Blest With Sons.

1) ONE HOMESCHOOLING BOOK YOU HAVE ENJOYED

This is the first book I read when we decided to start thinking about the education of our firstborn. He was about 2 years old at the time. It truly is a MUST READ!!!

This is the book I keep on hand to guide me through each school year. We are a Charlotte Mason family and it is full of great advice and information if you choose to travel this path.

2) ONE RESOURCE YOU WOULDN'T BE WITHOUT
My laptop computer!!! I keep everything on it from schedules, links and calendars to lesson plans and curriculum information. I would have stacks and stacks of paper all over the house if I did not have this thing!!!!!

3) ONE RESOURCE YOU WISH YOU HAD NEVER BOUGHT
The big books at Sam's for math... They were not difficult enough for the children and not as comprehensive and thorough as Saxon Math. We have gone back to Saxon fulltime!!!

4) ONE RESOURCE YOU ENJOYED LAST YEAR
As a Charlotte Mason family we use lots of real books. We have a small library in our home and we are always adding to it. Our favorite time of day is when we sit and I read aloud to the children from these books. So, our most enjoyed resource EVERY YEAR is our read aloud time from our treasured little library of classics and great literature on our little couches in the living room.

5) ONE RESOURCE YOU WILL BE USING THIS YEAR
We just bought a computer CD-ROM of the Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary & Thesaurus Electronic Edition. We are putting it on all the computers in our home and the children will be using it this year - especially JoNathan.

6) ONE RESOURCE YOU WOULD LIKE TO BUY
The Sugar Creek Gang books, audio books and videos!!!

7) ONE RESOURCE YOU WISH EXISTED
A daytimer that held me much more accountable!!!! LOL

8) ONE HOMESCHOOLING CATALOGUE YOU ENJOY READING
Christian Books CBD catalogue (the most comprehensive)

9) ONE HOMESCHOOLING WEBSITE YOU USE REGULARLY
Simply Charlotte Mason (pretty new site but getting better all the time)

10) TAG FIVE OTHER HOMESCHOOLERS
Ummm...
Perri

Stacey

Dana

Carolyn (Guiltfree Homeschooling)

Becky

If you are into Memes and wanta do this please do and let me know so I can come and read. If you are not then just skip away whistling and I won't tell anyone... ;) Anyone else is welcome to join in, too!!!

Blessings!!!

Friday Fill-in #82

To see more great Friday Fill-in answers just click on the link above.

I must apologize for my recent absence from the Friday-Fill-ins. I returned home from my trip two weeks ago but it's taken me this long to get things back to almost normal (if there is such a thing!). I finally got around to answering the questions "close" to Friday. Hopefully next week I'll get them done before or "on Friday" at the latest. Anyway, here are my answers:

1. If I could be a fly on the wall I would probably get splatted by a big flying plastic swatter quickly as I'd be too busy easedropping on other's conversations.
2. Jealousy is a green-eyed monster and nothing destroys relationships faster.
3. When I see a shooting star my wish would be that we would finally win the lottery with one of the tickets hubby keeps faithfully buying and we could pay off the majority of our loans and then give friends and family some too (money, that is).
4. I'd rather be happy and making ends meet than unhappy & rich any day!
5. Certain songs when I hear them make me wanna get up and sing along and dance (Lord help the poor person listening!).
6. If time were in a bottle I'd be breaking the bottle real fast as I never seem to have enough time in a day.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to going to work & seeing my co-workers, my first night back since my trip, tomorrow my plans include visiting the Grand Opening of a friend's store and then getting some sleep before going back to work night shift again and Sunday, I am going to my mother's place with my family for my birthday supper, on the menu will be bbq'd hamburgers and ice-cream cake!

Fingernails

I was hoping to post a picture of my fingernails now so you could see for yourself how they look but apparently my computerblogger is still having a hissy fit and not uploading pics. :( So I"ll just tell you now that today marks 3 months since last time I bit my fingernails and they look awesome. I hesitate to say I've "quit" biting my nails but it is defenitly a work well in progress. that I hope continues. Funny, when I was trying to stop, I kept nibbling but after I gave up and stopped thinking about it....volia! :) Well gotta go and will try to post some pictures tomorrow if it lets me.

Friday Fill-In #77

(To see more great blogs and read more Friday Fill-In answers click on the picture above.)

1. A smile is the equivalent of a thousand words.
2. Pictionary is my favorite board or card game.
3. I would love to have more money to pay bills in my life and less debts.
4. When I think of the Summer Solstice, I think of air-conditioning.
5. I just remembered I need to go pee....brb.
6. One of my favorite song lyrics goes like this: "...Just remember that in the winter far beneath the bitter snow, lies the seed that with the sun's love, in the spring becomes the rose." "One bourbon, one scotch, and one beer!"(as per my hubby :)
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to spending time with my kids and hubby, tomorrow my plans include finish packing my suitcases and Sunday, I AM going to New Zealand!

Friday Fill-In #76

1. World travelling to each of the continents (esp. Europe, Africa & Asia) is high up on my bucket list (Now that I know what a bucket list is. We just watched the movie The Bucket List with Jack Nicholson & Morgan Freeman - Awesome movie).
2. My favorite quote is "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"; it's from the Bible. (there are so many, where do I start?!)
3. A friend inspired me to start blogging.
4. Strawberries are best in a milkshake.
5. I dreamt I was at work...how pathetic is that! in the last dream I remember having.
6. The most enjoyable time to go for a walk is in the evening when it isn't too hot and you hear the birds chirping in the trees.
7. And as for the weekend, (Friday) I’m looking forward to getting my ears pierced with my daughter, tomorrow my plans include going to my in'laws and having a family reunion bbq as we meet a cousin of my FIL from England and Sunday, I want to start packing after we have our bbq with my parents and celebrate Father's Day!

Friday Fill-In #75

This weeks questions are courtesy of One Knutty Knitter.

1. Idle hands are obviously not those of a blogger... or a gardener ...or a mother (of which I like to think I'm all of the above).
2. I love the water hot and steamy in the shower.
3. My favorite time of the day is when I can relax and enjoy whatever I'm doing without thinking two steps ahead.
4. The last tea I drank was yesterday at the soccer game - cold green tea.
5. I like to play in the dirt and admire everyone's flower gardens in the Summer.
6. My mother always said I could do anything I wanted if I just put my mind to it (I'm trying:) ).
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to taking the kids to the circus and seeing them ride the elephant , tomorrow my plans include work in the afternoon (nurse) and Sunday, I want to be rested up from a good sleep Sat night as I have to go back to work in the morning(a short 8 hours after I finished the last shift)!

Friday Fill-In #74

This weeks fill-ins are provided courtesy of Mindful Mimi.

1. For me routine & mundane is the opposite of creativity.
2. My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult was the last excellent book I read.
3. I like fill-ins because ...they make me think and give me something to post regularly.
4. In nature I like looking at the clouds.
5. The most honest person (is there such a thing in politics?!) should win the US elections.
6. The last time I laughed with all my belly was ...I don't remember.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to sleeping in my own bed, tomorrow my plans include working a DAYSHIFT that I picked up and Sunday, I want to go to the church picnic with my husband and kids after the church service!

Friday Fill-Ins #73

This week's questions are brought to you courtesy of Michelle.

1. On my laziest day I like to sleep in and when I do get up avoid housework by surfin' the net and chatting with my friends online!
2. Making lists and crossing them off as I go makes me feel like I'm being productive.
3. I love little calories and big ice-creams.
4. This summer I want to visit New Zealand and New Brunswick...and I AM GOING TO!!
5. Gentle encouragement from a friend made me start my blog.
6. Red is many people's favorite color but not mine and orange is my son's favorite color.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to, not exactly looking forward to but "will be" working night shift, tomorrow my plans include getting some sleep in the morning, accomplishing something outside once I get up and before I have to go back to work for another night shift and Sunday, I want to go to the Oasis church in the morning and take the kids to the Teddy Bear's Picnic in the afternoon.

Friday Fill-Ins #72

1. There is absolutely NO way you can get me to pick up a snake!
2. My neighbor putting the roof/cover on his gazebo reminds me that summer is almost here!
3. I cannot live without my friends.
4. Bungee jumping and ballroom dancing are two things I'd like to try.
5. When life hands you lemons , make lemonade.
6. Walking through a trail in the woods by our house picking flowers and walking barefoot trough the tunnel from our pond to the river is my favorite childhood memory. (I really had to think about this one!, as I don't remember alot from my early childhood. :( )
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to finishing up the garden/yardwork that I don't complete today (since we have nowhere to take the kids tonight), tomorrow my plans include shopping for shoes; in specific a nice pair of copper strappy shoes to go with my new dress and Sunday, I want to go flower shopping at the greenhouses with my mother after church (an annual tradition on the May long-weekend)!

Friday Fill-In #71

1. The cookies had an extra secret ingredient; it was ...a secret that the kids added!
2. It looks warmer through my window (than it feels outside).
3. Right now, I need a vacation.
4. My son's soccer game is where I went Thursday night; it was unseasonable cold.
5. Why does a paper cut hurt so much?
6. All I can think of is the friend in need I have so far away.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to going to bed early, tomorrow my plans include going to work (BLAH!) and Sunday, I want to relax at my mother's place after a long day's work as we have been invited to eat supper there!

Tackle It Tuesday

I have thought of doing this before but because I'm such a procrastinator about certain things...housework being one of them. I never got around to doing a Tackle It Tuesday post until now. Actually my motivation came while I was reading blogs. Someone had done a meme and one of the questions was when was the last time you cleaned under your fridge. Well, personally, I got to thinking and I couldn't even remember but this person said, that's easy....she does it once a week...every Monday. I thought that was a great idea especially cause them any leftovers still there you know can be tossed rather than the usual scenario of hubby asking me, "Dear, how old is this? or, when did you cook this?". Wll I cleaned my fridge top to bottom yesterday and here is the results. You can't really see by the pictures how dirty and sticky my fridge was inside under the shelves and drawers but trust me, it needed a good cleaning!
P.S. Sorry the pics are sideways but I don't have time right now to edit & rotate them as I need to go get showered myself and then get my kids up for school. But I also don't want to leave this undone so this is it for now...I hope you don't get a sore neck from looking sideways.....





BEFORE


AFTER

Monday Meme

I saw this on another blog and since I'm not sure what to write about other than how friggin cold it is(excuse my language but it is the first week of May!!!), I figured I'd give it a try

5 Things Found In My Purse-

~only five?!...ok here it goes

• my wallet
• receipts
• pictures of my hubby & kids
• pills (mine & DH's)
• keys

5 Favorite Things In My Room-

• Hubby
• my stuffed frogs
• a big box of old letters and cards from friends
• my animal print (leopard print) bedding set
• pictures of my best friend

5 Things I've Always Wanted To Do-

• travel through Europe
• have a beautiful backyard paradise complete with a rock waterfall, pond, pergola and stepping stone walkway.
• own my own Victorian style home
• ride on a cruise ship
• go bungee jumping...ok, I like the thought of that but for real could I do it...????...besides it is more interesting/not as boring as the next thing I was thinking - have my teeth professionally cleaned.

5 Things I Am Currently Into-

• my hubby & kids
• my gardens
• trying to lose weight
• pilates
• saving money

5 People I Want To Tag-

• Whoever wants to respond....J?...BJ?.....?

Friday Fill-In #70

I've been having some blogger's block (AKA writer's block) lately and so was looking for a meme or something to work on those days that I don't know what to say. Also, I think this will be fun and make for something to look forward to at the end of each week. So here it goes...


1. Two of my favorite ingredients in a drink are Malibu & Sprite/7-Up!
2. My kids often amaze me.
3. You can keep doing that forever, the dog is not going to stop barking.
4. A pinch of courage, a handful of strength, a cupful of love, and a sprinkle of endurance, mix it all together and voila! You have a mother!
5. If I had a yard with a garden, I would love to grow flowering vines (unsure what kind - honeysuckle, grapes, ivy) on a pergola.
6. Making whoopee is best au naturel.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to going to bed after hubby gets home, tomorrow my plans include watching my four year old daughter at her gymnastics show and Sunday, I want to get out in the flower gardens and put in the new edging!

You can go here to read other peoples's Friday Fill-in responses and maybe even play along too if you like. Have Fun! (I must admit that this being my first, I did use a couple responses that I read elsewhere because I couldn't have put it better myself even if I tried.)