Okay, so I thought on the whole "What gets me excited" question...

Intellectual excitement:

Solving math problems--I know I'm a dork!
Watching a crochet project begin to take shape--I'll post a pic of the blanket I just finished later.
My children finally getting something I have taught them.
Making gifts /figuring out the perfect gift to buy for someone

Activities:

Softball--haven't played in a while because I just can't get into the co-ed thing. If you aren't playing to win, it's just not the same!

Board Games--well, except Monopoly

Shopping--unfortunately this is more fun when you have money to spend and we are not millionaires!

Does reading count as an activity?

I know this isn't a really long list...maybe I'm just not an exciting person! No really, my idea of a vacation is a beach, a chair, and all of Jane Austen's novels. Throw in the movies based on her novels with an unlimited supply of yarn and I'm the happiest woman alive. Does this make me dull?

It's a Two Way Street

In Michelle's previous blog, she commented about things that gets someone excited or passionate. In the comments, Brent turned the tables on me for mine. I'm going to break it up into thought and action (with a few that overlap)

Thought:
Service
Efficiency - i.e. planning errands for least amount of driving/time usage. Stuff like that.
Risk analysis
Common sense - although I'm guilty of not using it at times.
Sucking it up - again, guilty of whining on occasion.
Proper grammar and spelling - petty, I know, but it irritates me.
Trivia

Activities:
Service
Physical activity - sand volleyball, skiing-water and snow, motorcycling, Sea-Doos with my friend Jeff, Bocce Ball, water parks, weightlifting(a little lacking on that of late). Pretty much anything that's not sitting still.
Computer games - the nerd in me can't be contained
Bridge- old person game, so I fit in. It is a lot of fun.

I'm sure there are some others. If anybody has made observations about things they think I've appeared passionate/excited about, let me know so I can update my list.

Justin.

While watching Good Morning America this morning I saw a commercial for Monopoly with electronic banking. At first, I thought, "What a neat idea", then I thought, "Wait, half the fun of Monopoly is fighting over who gets to be the banker!" Growing up I really wasn't a fan of the game, but if I was the banker, I loved it! There is just something about counting out all that "money" and making change for people. Needless to say, I do not plan to purchase this new Monoploy!

Lately, I have been thinking about a question Justin keeps asking me: "What makes you excited? What is your passion?" The sad thing is, I really don't know. There are many things I like and enjoy doing, but nothing sticks out above them all. Well, there is one thing that really irks me....lies, especially those that lead young people astray. So, I guess I have a passion for the truth, most importantly the truth about the freedom Christ gives us from sin. Last Friday, 20/20 did a segment on homosexuality that had me yelling at the TV. It really irritates me when the media tells people struggling with this that they have no choice but to give over to the feelings. I think what bothers me most is the thought that some teenager was watching this program and has now decided to live this lifestyle because some biased news program told him he would be unfulfilled in life if he didn't. GRRRRRRRRR!

A couple months ago, Justin and I noticed one of Kayleigh's eyes would wander when she focused on you from a distance. We thought maybe she had discovered how to cross one eye, so we waited to see if it continued. Well, the wandering eye kept wandering and it even became more noticeable, therefore we made an appointment with the optometrist. Turns out she needs glasses and her prescription is +4. I think she looks pretty darn cute in her new eyewear!

Today is a slow day, finally! With school starting and childcare back to normal, I haven't found much time to blog. All my one-year olds have dropped morning naps and Kayleigh hasn't taken an afternoon nap for the last two weeks. I was hoping she would go back to taking her naps, but I don't see it happening. After about a week, I gave up trying to make her sleep and decided if she's going to be awake she might as well learn something; so, we started The Ordinary Parent's Guide to Teaching Reading on Tuesday. I was a little hesitant to start her at three, but she seems to be enjoying it. Next week I think I will try adding some math games to our "school" time.

Well, the video I put on for the kids is over and I have to go start lunch!

When I am asked if I work or stay at home, my answer is yes! I don't have this many everyday of the week....that would be three 1 -year olds, a 2 -year old and two 3- year olds. My days are busy and sometimes a little crazy, but it's fun; well most of the time it is. Naptime is still my favorite time of the day and lunchtime my least. The three oldest entertain themselves fairly well, although I do have to referee on occasion. I thought I was going to be able to begin preschool with the 3-year olds, but I haven't quite worked out when. Right now I send them outside for 30 minutes a day in the morning and then they watch a short video while I work on lunch. I'm not stressing over structured learning time right now. Maybe when it rains or is too cold to play outside we will do a little craft or something.

Finally broke down and gave the boy a haircut. He had a mullet thing going, so it was about time!

Isn't this the most pitiful face ever?

So, as Justin said, I was a single mom for almost two weeks...I don't know how single moms survive, especially those without any family support around. I am lucky enough to have both sets of grandparents and my sister nearby, so it wasn't too bad.

Made an "A" in my English class and received 48 out of 5o points on the final paper! I'm pretty proud of myself on that account, seeing as I wrote most of the paper with two babies crawling around at my feet. Only 42 hours left...two more English, one sociology and the rest are math!

My ten-year high school reunion is coming up in October...yikes! Not exactly excited, but I am looking forward to seeing a few folks. I am still amazed that I somehow manage not to run into anyone from high school more often. It's hard to believe that high school was ten years ago...feels like more from my perspective. It was at the beginning of my senior year that I made a misguided decision that took me down a road I'd rather forget. Suffice it to say, that year and the two that followed were pretty crappy. Now, looking back I don't even recognize the girl in my memory as me. Paul wrote in the book of Romans that when men turn their backs on him, he gives them over to a depraved mind...well, it's true. I often wonder why I was allowed to go down that road. I hear stories from people about God keeping them from making stupid decisions and think, "Why didn't he protect me?" He probably tried and I just didn't pay attention. I think the main thing God has taught me from that episode is compassion. People do stupid things and I think, sometimes, Christians are the last people to offer grace, when they should be the first. It is easy to look at the actions of a person and make judgment, but you cannot know what circumstances brought about the actions just from looking at a person. That is not to say circumstances justify sin, but they can explain it to some degree. Whenever judgmental thoughts come to mind, I think of Jesus's Sermon on the Mount. There are no "degrees" of sin with Him; you lust, you commit adultery; you hate, you murder. The attitude behind all of them is the same. I wish more Christians would get this.

To Sea, or Not to Sea,that is the question.

Well, 7 years in the making and I think I'm finally going to get to make up to Michelle a "real" honeymoon. See, our first one was done on a shoestring budget of less than $500 I think. That's what happens when you get married too young, I guess. I should have listened to the wisdom of Brent when I first got married and taken on some debt to splurge on our honeymoon.

So, 7 years later I have enough choice to actually spend money on a vacation, and a real one. So now our dilemma is what to do. We're thinking of a cruise with some dear friends, The Rutschmans. I hear cruises are a fabulous value for what you get. I've also heard it's more fun with friends because it's nice to be able to do things with other people you know, yet you still have the ability to just be a pair.

We're also kicking around getting a condo on the beach in/around Gulf Shores Alabama. See, this is where I'm learning from the past. I am actually listening to Brent who can't shut up enough, er, heap enough praises on the greatness that is Gulf Shores. I'm looking at some pictures and it does look pretty gorgeous. I'm also a fan of keeping my tourist dollars in the local economies. Yes, I'm sure Europe is wonderful and all, but there is so much to see and do in MY country that I want to see and do those things first. Then, I'll consider overseas. I'm very much a patriot when it comes to that.

So, the question for anybody that actually reads this, is what else to consider? Ideally I'd like to be able to drive to save money on a plane ticket unless said plane ticket is available for less than $200 per person. Any suggestions?

Whirlwind Summer (at least for me)

This has been quite a busy summer session for me. Week in San Deigo for work in May, week off the July 4th holiday in Austin and a trip to Sea World, and then I just got back Friday from a 7 day canoe/camping trip in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area that spans the Minnesota/Canada border. I'm done with vacation until May of next year when hopefully Michelle and I will go on a cruise with our friends The Rutschmans.

Re: Canoe Trip - Talk about gorgeous country. We made base camp on an island in the middle of a lake, and then took a couple day trips to other lakes nearby. Fishing every day, catching 3-4 without a lot of effort. Paddling out 150 yards from shore to get water straight out of the lake; it's that clean. Swimming in shoulder deep water and still being able to see my feet. Watching the bald eagle's eat the fish guts we left on the opposite shore. Overall just enjoy the majesty of this created world. I really have a hard time believing all of this is a great cosmic chance, and places like the BWCA just reinforce that.

The trip was exhausting but wonderful. The last day was very eventful. Let's just say high winds and novice canoeists equal involuntary swims: three times. It's a better story in person, though. I'll hope to go again next year if Michelle let's me (while I was gallavanting in the wilderness she was a single mom for one and a half weeks).

School work is keeping me pretty busy lately. I feel like all my free time is spent reading or researching for the British Literature course I am taking. So far, I am enjoying the class....my only complaint is they seem to pick the most depressing literature to study! This is our last week on Tess of the D`Ubervilles by Thomas Hardy and his view on life was anything but hopeful. Don't get me wrong, this is an amazing book and I loved reading it, but, man, am I ready to read something a little more optimistic. Not to mention, Hardy was agnostic, or at least skeptical in regards to the goodness of God. He seems to think God is up there just messing around with our lives for his own amusement. This course seems to focus on authors who feel belief in God is something for children and not for thinking adults. To me, their beliefs about God seem to be the childish ones...or at least lacking in understanding....it's irritating to say the least. Can't wait for next semester when I have to take a Women's Studies course!

KAYLEIGH IS THREE!!!!!!

Thursday was her actual birthday, but we had a family party for her yesterday! Ame made that beautiful butterfly cake for her...isn't it just the cutest! Insects were the theme of the day, since she received all the Hermie character dolls and three new videos from Granny, Papa and Aunt Samantha. Last night she slept with Lucy (her specific request when asked what she wanted for her birthday); I wonder who she will pick tonight.

We had a wonderful vacation week! Saturday through Tuesday evening we were in Austin visiting dear friends William and Sammi. Monday we met Justin's brother and his family for a day at Sea World. This was my first time to go! The Shamu show is so awesome! Kayleigh rode her first roller coaster and Daddy bought her a huge Shamu to take home. Wednesday Aunt Samantha and I took her to see the fireworks show at Vista Ridge (her first). I was a little worried the noise would bother her, but come to find out they shoot them off further away than they used to. When I was growing up, they went off right over our heads and debris fell all around us!

I have a new appreciation for mothers of multiples. Two days this week I had triplets! William's little girlfriends came over to play and was I ever busy! Until nap-time (thank goodness all of them take the afternoon one together), I felt like I was constantly feeding or changing a diaper. Poor Kayleigh is probably feeling really neglected :(

I have started doing "school" for about an hour a day this week, and it seems to help some. This week we learned about the letter A. We made an alligator paper bag puppet, a letter A book, and an apple tree with fingerprint apples. I am also working on one-to-one correspondence and shapes. She loves the one-on-one time...something she doesn't get a lot of lately. She has also quit taking her nap...grrrrrrrr! Oh well! The new rule is she has to stay in her room and look at books or play with her dolls for at least an hour. Today I'm letting her watch a movie, but I don't want that to be an everyday thing.

This rain is about to drive me nuts! We took Brent's advice yesterday and just let Kayleigh out to play in the rain. She loved it! She is an outdoor girl and starts to go a little nuts if she can't run around for a little while.

Sorry this is all about the kiddos...it's kind of a therapeutic thing. I have bad days when I question the wisdom of having children....they can drive me to tears on occasion. Kayleigh seems to fight me on everything and I feel incompetent most of the time with her. But I find if I focus on her progress, it helps me get passed the other stuff.

Yippie!!! We finally purchased new furniture! Here's a pic of our new couch...ours isn't red though, it's truffle(dark brown). I'm so excited! We bought the sofa, love seat, chair and ottoman. Can't wait to see what it looks like in our home!

On a sadder note....found out Saturday that my favorite clothing store, Ann Taylor, is introducing a maternity line :( This would have been awesome about a year and half ago!

Whew! What a week!

Justin had to go to San Diego for work this week and I volunteered to teach VBS at our church. Monday had me questioning the wisdom of teaching while Justin was out of town. Getting the kiddos out the door by 8:15 am was rough, and getting home at 1 pm was even rougher. We made it through the week and I have to say I am so glad I volunteered!

Before Kayleigh was born I taught Sunday school....children's ministry has been a part of my life since I was about 11. My mother directed the children's church program at our old church. My siblings and I were kinda volunteered to help out, since for some reason nobody likes to serve in this area. Don't get me started on that one.....I just can't understand why a large church, including the one we currently attend, struggles to get teachers and assistants for Sunday School. It really frustrates me!

I miss serving within the body and this week was a wonderful reminder that, even though ministry can make life a little hectic, it's so worth it! This week it was my privilege to teach 4-year olds about Jesus. Monday had me feeling a bit sorry for myself....I always seem to get the tough kids.....one with autism, one high-energy, and one very bright little girl who, like Kayleigh, tends to act up when she's bored. For some reason, I was instantly drawn to this little girl. Maybe I see myself in her or something. As far as I know, her family doesn't attend church and I'm not sure if they are believers. She asked me yesterday why we can't see God, and how do we know if he's there if we can't see him. Thought that was pretty deep for a four year old. I can't tell you how many times I got goosebumps this week! It amazes me everytime I serve how God uses these little children to teach me and strengthen my faith in him!

The sermon at church today was on James 2:14-17....Faith without works is dead, useless, of no profit to anyone. The speaker explained it like this, "Faith without works is like a car without gas". He also said if you believe something to be true, but do not act upon it, your faith in that truth is useless. In other words, what's the point of believing truth if you do not apply it to your life? It does not profit you are those around you.

Application of truth is something I have struggled with for as long as I can remember. I know so many things to be true, and yet I do not see them affecting the way I live. I feel like I'm missing some sort of bridge between knowledge and wisdom ( the application of truth). To be honest, I know what that bridge is and I know why I feel like I'm missing is. James also says that if anyone lacks wisdom, he should ask God for it believing he will receive. Therein lies the problem. I don't pray...there I said it. I just don't....I know I should...I believe God will listen and grant me wisdom...I just don't ask for it. I feel silly praying...self-conscience...like He's going to laugh at me for what I'm saying. I fight against intimacy is all corners of my life, including my relationship with God. I think I'm missing some sort of intimacy chip in my brain or something. I mean, aren't women supposed to be pros at intimacy...isn't it just something we instinctively know how to accomplish in relationships? I feel defective. And before you say it...yes, I know revealing this seems intimate....but I would never talk to someone face to face this way. I guess I just need to start praying no matter what I feel like...maybe in time I'll get over the whole feeling silly thing, until then...I'll just feel silly.

All the cousins at the Zoo! After looking at this I realized it would be totally possible to have four children with their ages (6, 3, 2, and 9 months)....scary thought!

Kayleigh has a big-girl bed now! My sister bought new bedroom furniture and gave Kayleigh her old bed. I think I am going to paint her furniture the lime green color in the comforter. Luckily I found a bed set that already matched her walls...I did not want to paint her room again!

Woo Hoo!!!! We had a potty-training breakthrough this morning! Kayleigh actually told me she had to go poo-poo, and then went on the potty! Now I know most people do not get this excited over bodily functions, but I am thrilled!

On to other subjects....

I have decided to become better informed on the goings-on in the world. Right now my only source of information is Good Morning America. This is probably not the best source, but without cable it's all I have. In the past, I have voted totally based on party affiliation and I realize this is not going to work in the future (probably didn't work in the past either). This time around I would like to research the issues at hand and make an informed decision. That being said, I need some input from you ....any suggestions on web-sites that will help make me an informed citizen. I'm not really looking for radical, but I do think knowing all sides of an issue are important, so I welcome any suggestions you have! My biggest pet peeve is people who simply accept everything they hear without looking into it for themselves. Therefore, I do not want to be one of them!