My Weekend Review!

Well hello there. First of all, to all who left me encouragement yesterday, THANK YOU! Stupid satan is like a virus and he made me sick yesterday - but today, I am better. I think I need a little more meds to knock the satan virus, but I feel a ton better. I want to say that I know my friends love me for me and are not my friends out of obligation - and I love them too, so very much! :)

Moving on...

This past weekend was BUSY! Thursday, my in laws got in town and we were able to relax and eat some KFC and just chill!

Friday was busy - we got up and headed to the zoo. It was so fun and cool, which was nice! We took a lot of pictures (all are still on the camera - as I am bad a dumping it!) I even got some fun pictures of the tigers. If you know anything about the Columbus Zoo, you know that the tiger exhibit has a big glass wall so when the tigers walk by, it's like you can touch them. Tigers are so beautiful! Parker liked watching them and touching the goats and watching the geese! We packed a lunch and enjoyed that. I yelled at two kids throwing rocks at a goose - no parents in site, so I said something! I can't stand when parents don't control their kids. Ugh - Parker helped me feed the lorikeets - he loved it!

After the zoo we came home and slept. We were all very very tired! After the nap we headed out to Marcella's up near Polaris. Friday was my mother in laws birthday, so we took her there. I got my gnocchi Bolognese (gnocchi with lamb basically!). After we got some cheesecake at the cheesecake factory, came home and played games. I kicked everyone's booty in Life - oh yah, I started as an artist with 10,000 to my name and 60,000 in loans. I ended with 1.5 million as a doctor. Too bad it's not real life! :) I think my favorite thing was my father in law - he didn't go to college, became an athlete, was beating us all in money, had a mobile home and then had a midlife crisis and lost most his money! Oh Pete, you make me smile :) We watched Red, White and Boom on TV.

Saturday was so much fun. We met Tabatha and Logan down in Hilliard for the Hilliard 4th of July Parade. it was a fun parade. The boys seemed to like it a lot and it was fun to feel like a big family with Tabatha and Logan, because honestly, they may as well be our family! The parade was long and fun and I got to pet a beautiful dog! By the end though, Parker and Logan were tuckered out, so we headed home and rested, Drew and his dad went and saw transformers and mom and I stayed home. I made a flag cake and watched Clean House (I am not addicted to the show!) I made Ham and Cheese Veggie Lasagna and we had fun just staying in that night.

Sunday - oh sunday. I was in charge of Kids Ministry. I was running around like a chicken with my head cut off. Church was good, the whole 20 minutes I was actually in service that is, and I think for the most part, Kid's stuff went well. Both Amber and Cindy (the director and sunday manager) were gone. Being that I used to be heavily involved, I stepped in. It was hard because our normal classrooms were blocked off because of resurfacing, so we ended up scattered around. I had to make some executive decisions and make sure it was all going ok. I certainly am glad I don't do it all the time, but I did my best!

After church, we went out to eat with Mom and Dad and they headed back to Buffalo, we came home and did nothing all day!

Tomorrow - some pictures!

Name Game

Saw this on my friend Amanda's site! (A real post coming later...I need to think through what I want to say!)

YOUR REAL NAME
Denise

WITNESS PROTECTION NAME (mother and father's middle names)
Sue Eric

NASCAR NAME (first name of your mother's dad, father's dad, add "Jr" to the end)
David William Jr.

STAR WARS NAME (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first name)
Norde

SPY NAME (favorite color, favorite animal)
Blue Elephant

SOAP OPERA NAME (middle name, town where you were born)
Karen Warsaw

SUPERHERO NAME (2nd fav color, fav drink, add "THE" to the beginning)
The Sweet Tea Coke (ok this one is a bit odd)

FLY NAME (first 2 letters of 1st name, last 2 letters of your last name)
Deno (what is a fly name anyway?)

STREET NAME (fav ice cream flavor, fav cookie)
Rocky Road Chocolate Chip (huh?)

SKANK NAME (1st pet's name, street you grew up on)
Black Angel Sycamore

GANGSTA NAME (first 3 letters of first name plus 'izzle')
Denizzle

GOTH NAME (Black, and the name of one of your pets)
Black Geisha (that's gee-sha, not gay-sha)

STRIPPER NAME (first pet and name of car you drive)
Cat Cruiser (hahah)

HIPPY NAME (name of your fav perfume/cologne, fav candy)
Heavenly Snickers (ok this is just silly!)

MAFIA NAME (Dad's first name, animal that scares you, add "da" in between the two)
David Da Snake

NATIVE AMERICAN NAME (adjective that describes you, problem body part, add "Chief" to the beginning)
Chief Dorky Knee (hahaha)

SAINT NAME (Start with "Saint", Grandma's first name, fav alcohol)
Saint, Katharine Non (I don't like alcohol!)

EASTERN EUROPEAN HOCKEY PLAYER NAME (Your first name, middle name adding "ski" to the end)
Denise Karenski

Writer's Workshop: Current Loves...

You know the old song right: "Rain drops on roses and whiskers on kittens. Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens. Brown paper packages tied up with string, these are a few of my favorite things..."? Well if you don't then you are missing out on a great movie (I digress). Below, is a list of my current 5 favorite things...enjoy!

1) The Tibetan Mastiff


So the other night while Prez. O was talking, I decided to find something else to watch and ended up watching the Westminster Dog Show. I love watching dog shows and I love seeing all the dogs (even though sometimes I find them very weird looking!) I love dogs! Well, this kind of dog was on and I simply fell in love with the beautiful big puppy called the Tibetan Mastiff. Personally, I like big dogs but when I think big, I think Golden Retriever - but when I say the mastiff on the dog show, it was at that moment I decided I will own one someday.

2) Coke Zero


Technically I have liked this drink for a long time. But it's only been recently that I have deemed it my favorite soda - winning out over Dr. Pepper and regular Cherry Coke. I am obsessed with this drink...I. Love. It.

3) Shout


How can I NOT love this stuff? With an 8 month old that always gets more on him then in him, I enjoy spraying Shout on all of his garments. Sadly we have some permeant stains on some of his bibs (this is before I discovered the amazing power of Shout!) but that's ok...at least his clothes aren't stained!

4) Confessions of a Teen Idol


This show is on VH1 and it brings together former Teen Idols in an effort to reintroduce them to the world of being an A lister. It's really interesting seeing this idols realize the different world there is as a celebrity. To be honest, I don't really recognized an of them, except for the one from Grease 2. But I like seeing them learn that things are different and be honest with their struggles. It's slightly addicting at times!

5) Baby Lap Time at the Library


So almost 2 weeks ago I took Parker to lap time at the library. I fell in love with it. I would have taken him Monday again, but we had our great car issue of 09 (lets hope it remains the only car issue!) and then Parker got sick :( But I have been trying to do some of the stuff at home with what I have. Parker seems to do well with it. I love it! I am hoping to start the habit of taking him every monday (or as much as I can). He enjoys it and I want him to get in to reading and love it. Unlike his mommy who sadly, only just took to reading recently (and when I do read, I am picky!). I actually want him to read like his daddy (who I tell daily that if he reads anymore his head will explode!)

So there you have it my current 5 favorite things (in no particular order). I could have gone on to name a couple more things, but I stuck with these 5.

So now it's your turn...

Directions:
For you newbies it's never to late to jump in!! Here is what you must do. Choose a prompt that inspires you most. Write. Come back Thursday and paste your blog URL into the Mister Linky that will be up...this way anyone can click on your name and head over to your place to see what you wrote.

Feel free to write on more than one prompt if you so desire. I do it all the time, but it's my game...and I don't know how to shut-up...so it should be expected. And remember the more comment love you give, the more comment love you get so comment comment away.

The Prompts:

1.) What was the first CD (or record or cassette) you ever purchased? Write about the way that particular album made you feel then. Write about how it makes you feel now.
writersdigest.com

2.) You were recently laid off. Instead of moping around, you've viewed it as a chance to start fresh. Pick a new career and write about your first day on the job.
writersdigest.com
3.) List your five most recent favorite things.

4.) I'm hungry. Share your very favorite recipe!!

Head over to Mama Kat's site after you have chosen your prompt and post your post to Mr. Linky!

Writer's Workshop: Losing my mind!

Top Ten Things Swirling in my Head:

1) Where is my W2? I called my former boss in January to make sure she had my new addressed. She faxed payroll and yet no W2...now I get to wait for payroll to call...this stinks.

2) Why are people so mean? I am the follower of an amazing blog that for whatever reason is coming under scrutiny by people. Questioning this family's motives and being REALLY rude in the process.

3) When is this dang cold, snow and ice going to go away? I am SICK of it.

4) When will Parker finally sit up on his own, without some support? He does well for 10 seconds and then falls.

5) When can I get more money to go out and buy a couple of things at the flower factory? I want to get a new thing to hang on our front door...a welcome sign, but I need money first.

6) Weird dreams - I keep having very weird dreams. Tuesday night I had one where I was dating Michael Phelps and attempting to help him break his pot habit...he went psycho and tried to kidnap me while my friends (the seeds) took Parker. And then last night, I had one where I was in cambodia and wanted to go see the orphanage, but I was there for a safari and then some army guy tried to shoot me, but shot himself. It was really weird. I think I need some mental help or something.

7) Mommy Guilt - I am enjoying my book (not the side of my blog!) and I am learning a lot as I do read this book. Yet, I still feel guilty!

8) Toddler Room Stuff - I am developing structure and curriculum for the toddler room at church (and LOVING it) but am struggling with the lesson telling. I was planning to just do it the way I had seen at a Ministry conference workshop, but the more I think about it, the less I like that idea and want to do a puppet. Like a bear - Bobby Bear from the Vista Mountains. Have him help tell each weeks lesson, I think the kids would get a kick out of it and want to listen more. I just have to figure it out and see what my hire-ups think ( ore or less, do they think it would work!) I really like the idea!

9) Pregnancy - I want more kids, I do, but I am terrified of having the same issues I did the last time. At this point, I have zero desire to be pregnant again, but I keep thinking what if I get pregnant even though I am doing everything not to get pregnant. How would I handle that. I seriously don't think I would be happy about it at first. But then again, I shouldn't worry about it at all. Me and my worrying.

10) Valentines Day - Where should Drew and I eat? What should I get him? Why do we celebrate this holiday anyway? And for that matter, why do we celebrate Groundhog's Day? It's not like they have super powers or anything. And when is it Christmas again?

Your Turn, below are the prompts, choose one, or two, or all, writer up your post and head over to Mama Kat's Blog and leave your name under Mr. Linky!

The Prompts:

1.) Tell us about a lie you told that you later regretted.

2.) Choose a task you'd like someone to complete and write a poem asking them to do it.
3.) Describe a talent you have.

4.) Write a list of ten things on your mind this week.


:)

For Lack of Thoughts...

Here is a survey because I am so stinking out of it today...not sure I have much to say...so here ya go, enjoy!

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? paper for sure...bags are for the lazy!
2. Real tree or Artificial? I want a real one bad, but for now its artificial
3. When do you put up the tree? The day after thanksgiving
4. When do you take the tree down? oh mid january
5. Do you like eggnog? No, drinking raw eggs does NOT appeal to me
6. Favorite gift received as a child? I haven't a clue
7. Hardest person to buy for? Um, my other siblings, they are rather picky
8. Easiest person to buy for? Drew and Parker
9. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes, I really need to get a new one, but this one will work for now
10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail
11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? Sweaters from the dollar store with cats on them
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? Elf and then of course the classics - Rudolph, Frosty,
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? whenever - this year I am not planning on actually getting much for anyone...they are basically getting easy cheap stuff
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? yup
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? holiday cookies
16. Lights on the tree? Yes of course!
17. Favorite Christmas song? I have to pick just one? Not possible, sorry
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Stay home
9. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's? Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner and Blitzen and RUDOLPH! (you realize this is a silly question, because even if you don't know the answer, you can just copy and paste!)
20. Angel on the tree top or a star?It's a star, but I want a new one
21. Open presents Christmas Eve or morning? Depends on who's here and such
22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? Stupid drivers on the road and busy shopping malls.
23. Favorite ornament theme or color? I like the ones that we get each year that are new...we always buy a new one that reminds us of our previous year. First year was an "Our First Christmas", the next year, "Our First Home, the next, was a paw print of our kitty, and this year is "baby's first christmas!
24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? Don't have one, we never did Christmas dinners!
25. What do you want for Christmas this year? gosh, what don't I want? Washer and Dryer would be nice, I want parker's crib, I want a Zoo Pass and I want books, shoes, ect and so forth, I have a wish list!
26. Who is most likely to respond to this? no one
27. Who is least likely to respond to this? everyone

Dear God,

Hey, God, I got a couple questions for you...

1) Why must winter be so stinking cold? Why can't it snow and be like oh I don't know 75-80 degrees outside? Ok, so I know, I shouldn't question you and obviously you did all this for a good reason, but is it ok that it bothers me? I am just suggesting that maybe once in a while you let it be warm in the winter, but still snow!

2) And why are shots so painful? Why must we feel pain at all?

3) And why are nachos from taco bell so darn delicious? (I don't think this has anything to do with you other than you gave things flavor!

4) Oh and one more thing...Thank you for being awesome and creating so many awesome things, like for instance the love of my life, my son! I may not understand his early birth, but I must say that I am more thankful for everything, even the cold and the snow and the pain and the nachos!

God, you are pretty awesome, if I do say so myself!

I May Need Rehab!

Dear Friends, I think you should know that I have some VERY serious addictions...I lower my head in shame :(

I can't get enough of this place...

And unfortunately I could eat this everyday, I just adore me some Skyline!

I can't help that I know the theme song to this and that I have to watch it whenever it's on. I don't know why it attracts me so, maybe it is that adorable monkey Boots, or maybe I just have some issues :)

What's gonna work, TEAM WORK!!!! The phone, the phone is ringing, the phone, we'll be right there....is it sad that I know the songs in this show?

And seriously, this show, how can you not love the imagination and dancing and music?

And this is my biggest addiction of all...this cute little baby, I just can't get enough of him, I desperately need my daily fix of him, I need my daily fix of cuddles, daily fix of giggles...


Some one may need to help me out a little here!!!!

oh and I want to know two big hurdles for Parker that he has jumped:

1) He was in the nursery yesterday at church for the first time - and I was a nervous wreck, be he did awesome, I about lost it!
2) He slept through the entire night last night, which he's been doing for months, but the best part, no wedge...the transition has been started! He did amazing on his back...he was all snuggled with his blankie and bear (please no lessons on not letting him sleep with anything in his bed!)

Anyways, can someone get me into rehab for the above addictions???