Strut Songs and Allegra

Every once in awhile, my friend Erin does a post asking what you would choose as your own personal strut song. She does a great job of defining that on her blog, but it's basically a song that you'd like to play each time you walk in a room.

When I read her post yesterday, I knew immediately what song I would choose. And it is downright shameful. 

My strut song is Yeah! by Usher. You can look it up, but I cannot in good conscience put the YouTube video on my blog.

Have you ever heard it? It's so darn catchy! And fun! And spunky! I'm pretty sure when Usher, Lil Jon, and Ludacris recorded this song, "spunky" was probably not on their list of descriptive song words.

I have a lot of funny memories associated with this song, one being our wedding. The DJ played this song later in our reception and people went insane. My dad said he's never seen anything like it. Haha! 

I said that I couldn't put the video on my post, but what I can do is show you one of my very favorite movie scenes that includes the song. 

In this video, Hitch (Will Smith) is teaching Albert (Kevin James) how to dance to impress his lady friend, Allegra (Amber Valetta). More on the name Allegra later. Anyway, it's one of my top movie scenes ever. If you've never seen Hitch, watch it tonight. 

Every time I see this scene, I cackle. Yeah! is most definitely my main strut song and I would be sure to throw in some Albert-esque dance moves because that's just how I roll. My personal favorites are the Q-Tip and when he makes the pizza. Classic. No one would be able to ignore me when I would enter the room dancing and singing to Usher and I'm sure it would just make everyone else want to get up and dance, right?

If I had to pick an alternate strut song, I would choose "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell. I've loved that song since I saw it in Stepmom many moons ago. Apparently my strut songs come from movies? I'm sensing a pattern. 

My third and final strut song would be Maxine Nightengale's "Right Back Where We Started From". It's another peppy, fun song and I do love me some oldies. Who doesn't? I remember when I was little thinking that the Spice Girls would be on the oldies radio station when I grew up. Not quite.

What are your strut songs? Go over and leave them on Erin's post, too! I'm loving reading the comments people are leaving her!

And as a side note, my baby girl name has been Allegra since I saw Hitch, but Tyler is so anti-Allegra. Come to think of it, so are most people I share that with. I usually get one of two reactions. The first being, "You want to name your future daughter after an allergy medicine?" The second reaction is, "You want to name your future daughter after that puppet from the 90's?" Please see said puppet from Allegra's Window below.

NO, I do not want to name her after medication nor do I want to name her after a creepy colorful puppet. I want to name her after the beautiful blonde nerd woman in Hitch who fell in love with an endearing dweeb because she loved him for WHO HE WAS. You know, because it's far more normal to name an imaginary child after a fictional movie character who does not exist. 

I don't know how I got from strut songs to this, but it is what it is.

Happy Wednesday, lovelies! 

We've Been Busy!

We've been busy doing things like...

 Taking one last nap in the swing...

Pretending to nap with Daddy...

Going on Griffin's first boat ride...

Learning to eat cereal and oatmeal...

Going to weddings...

Visiting Uncle Jack in Chicago...

Playing on the beach with Mommy...

Growing two new teeth...



And learning to sit up like a big boy!

We'll be back on Monday with a new post!

My Thanksgiving Secret

I love Thanksgiving. It is one of my favorite holidays because of the combination of amazing food and family. I also tend to think holidays mean more to me now because of the long distance that is between Tyler and I, my parents, and my brother. I get so excited for the time that we get to spend with each other!

However, I have a confession.

As a (self proclaimed) foodie, this is horribly embarrassing. I hope that you can still like me despite the weakness I am about to share with you.

My favorite Thanksgiving dish, the one that I can't possibly live without...

Yes. It's cranberry sauce. And not homemade cranberry sauce. I'm talking the stuff that you see above. None of this "whole berry" crap. I want cranberry sauce that comes out of the can still looking like the can. I think the picture above does it justice. My mom is always kind enough to serve it because she knows that my dad and I loooooove it, but she always mashes it up and puts it in a pretty dish. I personally don't care what it looks like; I just know that this stuff is GOOD. I love the combination of sweet and salty and if you think about it, most food on a typical Thanksgiving table is salty. The cranberry sauce is the perfect bite of "sweet" that I enjoy having with all my sodium on Thanksgiving day.

There's my secret. Don't hate. What's your favorite Thanksgiving food, and how do you feel about cranberry sauce?

A Post About Nothing

I haven't been a good blogger lately. I blame it on the busyness of spring! However, I thought I would share a few bits of wisdom with those of you dying to know what is on my mind. All two of you-- hi, Mom and Dad. 

1. Last night, I got busy working in the kitchen and straight up burned my dinner. I was really bummed because not only was I looking forward to the dinner I was making but I have never burned dinner in my married life. Chicken 1, Rachel 0. I made up for it by gorging myself on chocolate chip cookie dough until I wasn't hungry anymore. My stomach thanked me when I was trying to go to sleep and all I could think about was how I was going to vomit. Food and I had a love hate relationship last night which ended in mostly hate. Today should be better.

2. Anyone have a webcam that they'd like to give me? My friends Mandy, Sara, Amie, and El have been chatting for a few weeks now and I am still the only one without a webcam. I know, it's as if I'm living in the 1800s. I'm feeling a little sorry for myself and where better to express that then on my own personal blog? I'm over it now. But seriously, I need to see their faces, so I guess I'm not really over it.

3. Last night, my favorite Real Housewives came back! I absolutely love the Real Housewives of New Jersey because they are absolutely hilarious and ridiculous. Teresa (second from left) is my favorite. She's got these four little girls who are drama queens (and oh so cute) and she just deals with it all on her own. She also calls her husband "Juicy Joe" which has led me to want to find a similar nickname for Tyler. I am open to suggestions. Speaking of Tyler, when he came up to bed last night, I was watching RHNJ. Teresa was talking and he insulted me deeply when he said, "That woman makes me want to punch myself in the face." We're working on that martial issue as we speak. Monday nights just got a whole lot better in my house. Well, for me.

4. I made Not Yo' Mama's Banana Pudding for our small group gathering tonight. I am so thrilled to get together with people I love from our church and just spend time talking and eating. I highly recommend this recipe-- it is incredibly easy and just plain good. Anything Paula Deen makes is amazing. I was a little nervous that I wouldn't be able to find the particular cookie that this recipe calls for, but lo and behold they were just sitting there with their Pepperidge Farm friends waiting for me to take them home! Sometimes I get unnecessarily nervous and it's irritating. I'm working on it.

5. Oh, you wanted another picture of Lola Pearl? I'm happy to oblige. This sweet thing is just the essence of perfection. She is so yummy. Does this picture not just melt your heart!? My uterus hurts when I look at this picture. Deeeeeeelish.

 

6. On a much more serious note, please continue to pray for the people of Nashville. I can't imagine how it would feel to have your home destroyed by a flood. T has family in Nashville and as far as we know, they are safe, but some are still dealing with flooding in their homes. Please pray for all of those affected by this devastation.

That's it for now. Happy Tuesday!

Lindsey Vonn is my twin

I'm afraid that I've been neglecting the blog lately. It's not that I want to be a neglectful blogger. It's just that I've had an insane amount of life to do lately and I can't help but focus on that as opposed to my online journal. But since this is my blog and I do have a moment, I would like to update you on my life as of late. I know you've all been dying to know what is going on day to day. My life is so fascinating that I can't blame you.

As some of you know, I'm training for another half marathon in May. I was just telling my friend Mary that I hate the training but love the race. Nothing could be more true. The training is long and... well... I don't love to run. GASP. I know. However, it does make me feel accomplished and healthier and I love to look forward to the end result. After running on Tuesday, I began to suffer from a knee pain that is leaving me feeling a bit like Lindsey Vonn. You know, other than the fact that she has a shin injury and my knee hurts. And she's an Olympian and I'm not. Other than that, me and Lindsey? We're two peas in a pod. Clearly.

Speaking of the Olympics, I've been finding myself fascinated when I'm not falling asleep. And by falling asleep, I don't mean due to boredom but due to the fact that the good stuff is usually on past my night-owl bedtime of 10:00 pm sharp. Mamaw needs her rest, you know. The sad thing is that I love the Olympics and it's just not the same watching them on DVR the next day after you know who has won. The screaming at the television does not hold them same intensity after you've already celebrated the victory of the Flying Tomato. Oh Shaun White, you are so ugly that you're cute. You're like the mutt in the pound that no one can resist because they feel sorry for it... only with a gold medal or two. Gold medals surely make the mutt more attractive. Gold medals also make the cute dogs (read: Evan Lysacek) even hotter cuter. My word, I saw him on the Today Show this morning and I swooned as only a happily married woman with her husband lying in bed next to her can.

Also, while we are in the spirit of the Olympic games, has anyone ever heard of the biathlon before now? T and I were at dinner the other night and were both thoroughly confused as to what the heck it even was. We ended up chatting with the darling family of six who was seated next to us and wondering the same thing. Afterwards, I whispered to T, "I want to be them." I love people with lots of children. I digress. Back to the games. When my class was writing about their favorite Olympic sport, one child asked me what the sport was where they "skied and shot guns". It took all that I had within me not to say, "Child, that is surely NOT A SPORT." Skiing? Yes. Shooting guns? Maybe. Skiing and shooting guns? Most assuredly NOT. Instead, I informed him that the Olympic event was a biathlon. Unfortunately, many of my boys had chosen this as their favorite Olympic "sport". I guess if it has guns, they like it. Pitiful. What will I do if I have sons? I guess that is what my husband is for, along with other things of course.

Do you know what should be an Olympic sport? Pregnancy. Not that I'd know from personal experience, but my good friend Emily is nearing the finish line of her pregnancy (how do you like that sports analogy!?) and she has been a champ (another one!). Baby girl will be arriving in about a months time and I for one cannot wait. I see Em at least once a week and I have been privy to some pretty entertaining things that other people have said to her throughout the duration of her pregnancy. Case in point, an actual conversation that Em sent me a few days ago.

Man: When are you due?
Emily: Next month, March.
Man: It seems like you have been pregnant forever.
Emily: I know.

People, PLEASE. Think before you speak. Clearly, she has not been pregnant forever. A woman is pregnant for NINE MONTHS(or ten, depending on how you look at it), not INFINITY MONTHS. Idiot.

Anyway, I really do love the Olympics and I get the chills every time they play the National Anthem. I especially love it when the athletes sing along or play the air guitar (thank you, Shaun White). I love what the Olympics do for our national pride, even if it's only for two weeks. If they left out the guns, it would be near perfect. As I'm sure you've concluded, I'm not a fan of the gun in any way, shape, or form. It's my more liberal side coming out. But I'll take the Olympics with the guns rather than leave it altogether. Sort of like I'll take People magazine with the candid pictures of celebrities rather than leave it. Only not, because that might be my favorite part of the magazine. Might.

As for now, just as I was about to finish up this gripping and informative commentary on the Olympics, I kid you not, I heard the Olympic theme song start playing loudly outside my classroom. My first thought, sadly, was, "Someone read my blog post and they're playing a trick on me!" No, Rachel, no one read your blog post because YOU'RE STILL WRITING IT. Unreal. It was actually the kindergarten class having their opening ceremonies of the Kindergarten Olympics. The timing was sublime. People, I couldn't make this stuff up if I tried.

You all have a great weekend. Go Team USA!

Merry Christmas, Everyone!

Well, we had an absolutely wonderful Christmas. We spend Christmas Eve and part of Christmas Day with T's family, where we enjoyed lots of coffee, hot cocoa, and laughs with his sweet family. They were way too generous in their gift giving and I finally received my MomAgenda! Although, I technically got the MyAgenda since I'm not a mom to a human yet. However, I did find myself a cat about a week ago and have since adopted him-- as an outdoor cat. Tyler's exact words were, "That cat can never come in this house." Personally, I thought the word never was a bit harsh, but since I'm all about obeying my husband, I took this with a minimal amount of whining. I have named my cat Pepperoni, he lives outside, drinks from a Gladware full of milk and has half an ear. He is lovely and he is mine.

On Christmas Day, we traveled to Grand Rapids, Michigan to spend some of Christmas with my dad's younger sister and her family. I love my little cousins; they are so much fun. That night, we came back to Troy and celebrated Christmas with my family on Saturday! And yes, I got my much anticipated Hunter Wellies and my steam mop! I am itching to get back to Cincinnati and try that baby out.

Speaking of Cincinnati, T left for home yesterday. Bless his heart, he has to work this week. I stayed in Michigan to spend some more time with family and friends that I don't get to see all that often. Last night, I was able to go out for coffee with two of my best friends who I don't get to see very much (we missed you, Meg!). We were there for close to three hours, just talking and laughing and filling each other in on life. It was such a joy to be together! I am looking forward to getting together with a larger group of our friends on Tuesday. I wish I could get Michael W. Smith's "Friends" song to start playing right now; it would be such a perfect addition. In a few hours, I am headed out to have lunch with another dear friend and tomorrow, I have more "friend dates" on the agenda. I am so blessed with such amazing buddies, both here and in Cincinnati. Lucky, lucky me!!! Pictures to come.

On Wednesday, I will leave this land of Range Rovers and Ugg Boots (seriously-- SO MANY UGGS) and travel back to the city of Bengals fans and chili. I was going to fly originally, but after the "Scare in the Air" as the media has so eloquently dubbed it, I am going to be driving back with my friend's family. They are going down to Atlanta and will drop me off on the way. I am so thankful to them! Otherwise, I would have had to get to the airport a whopping 4 hours before my flight, and I'm so not doing that.

On a more sobering note, many of you know that my dad is a pilot for Northwest Airlines. His regular route is from Amsterdam to Detroit on the A330 Airbus. The flight that the terrorist was on was an actual flight that he bid to work. Jesus protected him and not only did my dad not have to fly that aircraft, but he was home for the entirety of Christmas for the first time in years. Thank you, Jesus, for protecting him!!!! I can't tell you what that would have done to me if he had been on that flight. I know our days are numbered and that the Lord's will is perfect, but I still can't stop thanking Him that Dad was home with us when this happened.

On a final note, I am going to whip my little house into shape with my mop and some good old fashioned elbow grease and Chris Brown tunes. Then, on Thursday, my sweet friend that was missing from coffee last night will be coming into town for the weekend with her husband! I am so thrilled and can't wait to spend time with Meg and Chad. We love them so much and can't wait for our vacation with them in March.

I am blessed beyond measure this break with family, friends, and of course-- food. The diet will resume in a day or so. Yay. Can you sense my excitement?

And now, because I love you all so much (and I seek to provide you with as much entertainment as possible), I would like to share with you a few old photos that my mom has on her computer. I have never blogged from this particular machine and would like to show you just what a lovely and normal child I was growing up. So, without further ado...

I believe this was shortly after my parents brought home the boy known as Brother. In this photo, it is panifully obvious how much I loved him as a baby. "Who is this person and WHERE DID HE COME FROM?!"

This was Jack's first haircut. I should know, I was there. Clearly, I was paying close attention during the picture of this momentous occasion. Or was I? Let's take a closer look.

Okay, maybe not. I know that it's hard to believe, but I am as a child I was a bit of an attention seeker. Exhibit A. I was obviously very bored and the cure-all for boredom is always putting one's sweatshirt string in one's mouth and refusing to pay attention for pictures. Hey, if you look at the original picture, Jack seems to think I'm pretty awesome.

Y'all have a happy new year and be safe!

Shameless: Part 2.

Well, I figured if I can give myself another chance to win something, why wouldn't I? Especially something as beautiful as an HP TouchSmart computer! The computer that I have is more than adequate, but I still would love to win one of these beauties! I would encourage you to go and try to win yourself! I actually read all of the blogs of the women who are giving these computers away, so I feel as if I know them just a little! If you'd like to win, go follow these links:

BooMama
MckMama
Nie Nie
Stephanie
Kelly

Again, best of luck! We will return to our regularly scheduled blogging tomorrow-- maybe. My sweet Momma is coming for a few days and I am so excited to spend some time with her! I am on Christmas break for the next two weeks and plan to take full advantage of my time off!

Happy Sunday!

Shameless.

This is a shameless plug promoting two great giveaways that I would love to win! I have been wanting to get into digital scrapbooking but I don't have the software or the skills to do so. Therefore, I am entering this giveaway and hoping that somehow I will win! :) If you'd like to enter, head on over to MckMama and/or GrammieMommy and give it your best shot!

Best of luck, friends!

Am I Insane?

The answer is a huge and resounding YES.

I am insane. Certifiably so.

Why? Well, obviously I'm going to tell you. Wouldn't that be kind of funny though? If I just left it at that. Not going to do that, though. I'm much nicer. Crazy, but nice.

Okay, back to why I'm insane. I have (as of this morning) embarked on a diet. Today is December 14 for those of you who don't know... eleven days until Christmas. Christmas-- not only the season for Jesus, but the season for food. Mostly for Jesus, though.

Being the huge foodie that I am, the holidays are always a joyous time for me. I look forward to the main dishes, the side dishes, the desserts, the recipes, the magazines, and everything else that has to do with food. This year, however, the problem has arisen that NONE OF MY PANTS FIT. I have never had this problem before and although I would love to go out and buy some new pants for myself it is A) not in the budget and B) I like the pants that I have in the sizes that they are. So, my options are A) lose some weight and the preferred option B) lose some weight. I am just waiting for the moment when some well meaning person asks me my due date. If that happens, you can surely count on seeing me arrested for assault on the news the next morning. Poor Tyler would be alone for Christmas then and we can't have that.

SO.

I am going on a modified diet until the new year. Modified meaning that I won't deprive myself of all the goodness that holiday food has to offer, but I will make smart choices when I can in my lunch, dinner, and snack choices. I also need to get my ever-expanding rear end into the gym because THE LORD KNOWS WE ARE PAYING OUT OF OUR EARS FOR IT.

I have taken a very organized and methodical approach to this since that has seemed to work for me in the past. I also know I can do this, even though, strangely enough, my biggest fear is that I can't. Last May, I was in the best shape of my life. I was eating right, my clothes fit, I was at a healthy weight and I trained for and completed a half marathon. I really, really am looking forward to that feeling again. I am planning on running the half marathon again barring any unforeseen circumstances and I need to start getting ready. After school today, I am going to head on over to the gym and WALK on the treadmill since my body has forgotten what exercise even is. I will build back up to that run soon enough.

I'm also going to make much better food choices. I have taken all my change out of my wallet so I can't just "drop by" the vending machine when I'm feeling the urge. I have brought some snacks to work that are good for me and that will curb my appetite. I made Texas Caviar and am munching on that for my lunch today. I was also very intentional about my meal plan this week and shopped ahead of time (with Tyler) so that I didn't buy random snacks at the store that I don't need. This was also helpful for our budgie*.

*Budgie is what I call our budget. It just sounds more friendly and pet-like.

My diet is really not a diet but a way of eating that has worked for me, my mom, and countless others. Basically, you cut all sugar and white flour from your diet. Add in exercise and the weight practically falls off. However, if you are addicted to carbs (like someone I know), it is hard to get those cravings out of your system. Persistence will pay off-- I promise. Here is our meal plan for the week:

Monday: Chicken Parmesan and Homemade Tomato Sauce with Whole Grain Pasta and Zucchini Crisps
Tuesday: Buffalo Chicken Tenders with Blue Cheese and Green Salad
Wednesday: Vegetable Beef Soup and Homemade Whole Grain Bread
Thursday: Crispy Chicken and Sweet Potato Fries (I will substitute sweet potatoes for white potatoes-- I think sweet potato fries are WAY better!)
Friday: We usually eat out on Friday. I will have to remember to share my (hopefully positive) meal choice afterwards.

I figured if I blogged about all of this, it would give me some accountability. I have to say, it feels good to know my cabinets are full of everything I need so I won't have to stop at the grocery store on the way home.

Today is going well so far, but lunch is looming. I'll keep you updated. Have a great day.

Welcome!

Well, if you're here, then you followed directions like a good child from Adventures of a Newlywed! Good job!

This is it! Is. It. Not. BEAUTIFUL?! Danielle at The Design Girl is responsible for my darling new blog and I am so happy with it! Thanks, Danielle!

You didn't think I would just up and leave the blog world, did you? Oh, the HORROR. Never. I enjoy you all way too much.

Today, I don't really have anything of substance to say, other than to tell you about my snack this afternoon. I sent out a Tweet the other day asking for healthy snack ideas and I got a suggestion for Mary's Gone Crackers and Laughing Cow Cheese from my friend, Krysta.

The only difference is that I got the herb variety of crackers. They are so delicious and so good for you! I would highly recommend this treat. You can find the crackers at organic grocery stores or in the organic section of your grocery store. Thanks again, Krysta!

Alright, peeps. That's all I've got today. I hope you enjoy the new blog! Let me know what you think! Oh, and comments are at the top now. All these new things to enjoy. Gotta love it!

Great.

On Saturday, Tyler and I went to see The Blind Side with Zach and Libby. I have but a few things to say.

1. Amazing movie. Run, DO NOT WALK, to go see this film.
2. This was Sandra Bullock's best role. I love her as an actress but this was, by far, the best I have ever seen her.
3. I absolutely was blown away by this article. What an encouragement and a testimony to Leigh Anne Touhy's character.
4. I want Leigh Anne Touhy's wardrobe and hair.
5. Go see this movie. Did I say that already?

Did you see The Blind Side? What did you think?

A Guest.

Hi, I'm Malia and I am here on Ra-Ra's blog to give you some BIG news! You might know Ra-Ra as Rachel, but I can't say that yet so I made up my own name for her.

So, want to hear my news? I'm a BIG SISTER! My little brother, Malachi Aiden, finally came to join our family early Tuesday morning!

People used to tell me I was a big baby, but I think they've changed their minds now that Malachi is here! He arrived at 1:27 AM, weighed 9 lbs 11.9 oz and was 22 inches long! That might have had something to do with the fact that he was 13 days overdue. My momma had him naturally, whatever that means! Ra-Ra says that momma is her hero. Malachi also has lots and lots of hair!

I would have loved to go see my new brother and my momma and daddy, but they tell me there is this thing going around called Swine Flu and that children under the age of 14 can't go to the hospital. I'm about 13 years too young. It's okay though, because I get to meet my brother today! I also got to stay home with Nana and Grandpa. My Nana is so funny! She loves to play with me and even took a week off of school to help Momma! By the way, I also think I have the best momma in the world. I'm sure my brother will agree.

I do feel a little upset though because I heard through the grapevine that Ra-Ra and Tyler spent the evening at the hospital with Momma and Daddy. Tyler and Ra-Ra really love me and like to play with me and make me laugh. They also really love my momma and daddy! Momma and Ra-Ra call each other BFF instead of real names and I don't get it. Maybe that's what I should start calling them instead. They do talk a lot and I get bored. I would

much rather play or eat. Speaking of eating, see that picture of my mom up there? She's eating Chipotle and tending to Malachi at the same time. I told you she's awesome!

I'm really glad I got to introduce you to my little brother! Everyone tells me I am going to be a great big sister. Thanks for reading my first blog entry! Bye bye!

Wow.

I am quite sure that I couldn't have said it better myself.

Oh yes, and this surely does not fix things.

Cleary this man hasn't an ounce of class. How sad.

But she is a total peach. Love her.

And as a side note, I think I need to take an entertainment fast. The truth is that many people who are famous have the same audacity as Kanye West but just don't choose to parade it in front of thousands of people. Same morals, more common sense. That doesn't make it better.

I love food and children... in that order.

Apparently I have no brain left because all I can possibly think to blog about is children and food. Lord, have mercy upon my child and cuisine obsessed soul. Amen.

A few nuggets to chew on (pun completely intended)...

1. Yesterday, I received a hand drawn picture from a student. Nothing brings a teacher of small children more joy than a beautiful picture presented to her of dead stick figures lying in a pile. The explanation? "Never jump on a trampoline with two landmines and a grenade." Okay, then. Boy children are the most hilarious children. Ever.

2. I am going to cook a scrumptious feast tonight because I can. No school tomorrow, or the next day, or the next day. Happy Labor Day weekend which I actually keep calling Memorial Day weekend because I have lost my mind to third grade children and food. On the menu for tonight...

Oven Roasted Ribs

Potato Bundles

Caesar Salad

Individual Raspberry Cobblers

All glory and honor goes to The Pioneer Woman for these amazing and life changing recipes (and photos!). If you don't follow her blog, do yourself a favor and start. It will make your world a better place.

Also, please stop salivating on your computer keyboard. It will ruin it. Trust me, I know. And if you've been invited over for dinner tonight, congratulations. I hope it lives up to your expectations. Ree's recipes usually always do.

Happy Memorial Labor Day!

The Blind Side

Today, I saw a Tweet that Krysta wrote. She included a link and something about crying while watching a movie trailer. Well, I happen to think that she has great taste so I was very curious to see what this whole crying business was all about.

Y'all, I cried all my makeup right off of my face.

I am a sucker for a great movie. I am an even bigger sucker for a great movie that is based on a true story. And HAVE MERCY, is this a great true story.

I would give you a little summary, but I think it would be better for you to join me for a boat ride in The River of Tears and watch the trailer before you go any further.



DID YOU NOT HEAR ME SAY HAVE MERCY A MOMENT AGO? Can I get an amen? If you can watch that without crying, you may have to check to see if you're a robot.

It is based on a book that I think is mostly comparing Michael's story to a football move. Now, I know nothing about football, but I am definitely going to try and read this book before seeing the movie. I just put it on hold at the library, as a matter of fact. Although one of my pet peeves is when I read a fabulous book and the movie does it horrible, terrible justice... cough, MY SISTERS KEEPER, cough.

I don't think we're going to have a problem with this movie, folks. I just don't see that happening. After all, it stars my girl, Sandra Bullock, and I've never had an issue with her.

Have a great night and let me know if you've read this book!

Today.

24 years ago, today, I was born!

2 years ago, today, I married my best friend!

All in all, I would say that August 4 has always been good to me. :)

Authors and Laundry and MckAroons, oh my!

This will be a rather quick and random post, but I would like to share a few things.

First off, meet my new baby:


This beautiful Canon PowerShot, which I have named Frank (I tend to name my things, don't ask), is my new buddy. My delightful parents gifted me with Frank as an early birthday present. Hopefully, you will see some good things come from Frank and I. I also checked out Digital Photography for Dummies from the library and hope to come away with some good tips. Let us also hope that Frank is more compatible with my computer so that I can update you with some pictures.

I also would like to, once again, sing the praises of the library. I couldn't love it more. I recently discovered the glory that is the Main Library of Cincinnati. This is the library that is downtown. Oh, mercy. It is a piece of heaven for us book lovers. I just went today. I checked out the first season of Army Wives and it is eight kinds of wonderful. I am almost finished with disc 1. Oh, how I love summers off of teaching.

I have been sitting here enjoying the company of my new army friends while folding the scads of laundry that have been piling up in our room. Here's the deal about laundry: I love it. All of it. I don't mind a single bit, other than running down to the basement for all of the loads. What is bad about clean laundry? NOTHING, I tell you, NOTHING!

I also just finished a chocolate dipped MckAroon. Oh my delicious. I made these for the group of friends that came over last night to watch the parade drive down our street (another post, another time) and everyone gave them a thumbs up. This is one cookie that I will make again.

And before I say goodbye, I have a question for you. Please listen carefully, because I need your help. This is clearly a very important question.

What are your favorite authors/books?

I am a reading fanatic. I go through books in a day or so. Reading is my favorite pasttime and I have some favorite authors, but when I find an author, I tend to go a little nuts and read ALL of their books as fast as possible. This has happened with Mary Higgins Clark, her daughter, Carol Higgins Clark, and Harlan Coben, along with some others.

I would love for you to comment and let me know who your favorite authors are or even what your favorite books are. I would love to know some reading interests that we have in common! I would also really enjoy finding some new authors to explore.

But before you go all gung-ho (and I'm hoping you will!), please read this statement: I do not care for historical fiction of any kind. I know, hate me if you must, but this is one genre that I cannot get myself into. However, before you verbally beat me to death for this, please understand that the only historical fiction that I have ever truly enjoyed is that by Francine Rivers. If you have not read Redeeming Love, go out and BUY this book. I promise that you will not be disappointed, even if you are crazy like me and don't care for historical literature.

On that note, I've gotta go switch the Army Wives disc. Can't wait to hear from you all.

I'm Here!

Well, ya'll are probably wondering where I ran off to and died. Never fear. I have returned.

I have been MIA because I traveled to Poland for a short term missions trip. It was nothing short of a delight. I got to work with missionary kids and their families and it was such a rich time for me. I met a new kindred spirit (Anne Shirley, anyone?), Michelle. Have you ever met someone where you instantly connect as precious friends? It was such a blessing for me. Hopefully Tyler and I will be able to go out to California next summer to spend time with Wes, Michelle, and Sidney.

Anyway, I promise that not only will I give you an entry of substance sometime very soon, but I will also give you Part 2 of A Bug's Life. I promise you-- this is one entry you will not want to miss.

In the mean time, I would like to pull a "BooMama" and give you all a taste of some of my favorite things out there on the Internets right now. And yes, I did pluralize Internet and no, I do not care. I'm an individual, and by golly, I like myself.

I digress.

And here goes.

--I adored this post by my sweet (IRL* and bloggy) friend, Lindsey. I can identify with it so much. Girls, for those of you who are blessed enough to live by your families, do not take a moment for granted! Linds, can I get an amen!?

--I want to share with you two things that I love an appropriate amount: bacon and BooMama. So therefore, I almost peed myself when she wrote a post on bacon. She also included a recipe that includes bacon, shrimp, butter, Old Bay, garlic, hot sauce, and OH, DID I MENTION BACON? Loves it.

--A revelation from one of my favorite bloggy friends, Mandy. A revelation that I will be trying, by the way.

--Bill O'Reilly's take on the whole Michael Jackson situation-- I do love when someone just says it like it is. Do I always agree with Bill? NO! I do, however, agree with the fact that we need to move on with our lives, America. Don't get me wrong; I have been carefully formulating a MJ post because he truly was one of my favorite entertainers, but he was just that to me-- an entertainer, not a saint. On with the show.

That's all for now. However, as I sit here as my husband watches Deadliest Catch, I would like to proclaim ALL PRAISE BE TO GOD THAT HE HAS NEVER AND HOPEFULLY WILL NEVER ASK ME TO BE A CRAB FISHERMAN BECAUSE, TRULY, I'D RATHER NEVER EAT CRAB AGAIN THAN GO OUT ON A BOAT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE SEA AND SUFFER FROM STAGE 1 HYPOTHERMIA AND SEA SICKNESS ALL THE STINKIN' TIME.

Amen and amen.

P.S. I missed ya'll so terribly when I was gone.

*IRL=In Real Life

Grocery Store Rant.

Tonight, I made a trip to the grocery store. I needed a few things, like ice cream and nail polish (yes, my grocery store sells nail polish!). I also needed to return a movie at the RedBox. If there are three things I love it is ice cream, nail polish, and a $1 new release! Oh, and chips and salsa. And Paula's Party, which I am watching right now. However, Rosie O'Donnell is a guest and I'm not such a fan, so I may be changing the station soon to a deliriously entertaining Lifetime movie.

But, I digress.

I am home now and I am disturbed. Truly disturbed, not sarcastic disturbed. As I was walking out with my cart full of groceries, two high school aged girls walked in. One of them dropped her sunglasses, and do you know what came loudly spewing forth from her mouth? One of the loudest "f-bombs" I have ever experienced. Just like that. Loudly. In an establishment where mothers regularly bring their small and impressionable children. Loudly. In front of many, many people, simply because she dropped her sunglasses. And have I happened to mention that the word was said loudly? I was shocked and saddened by this. How long has this girl been saying this word in order for it to come out of her mouth so freely and naturally?

You'd hope that's the end of my story. But it's not.

I walked my groceries out to the car and realized that I had forgotten to return the movie. No biggie. I walked in, returned my movie, and as I was walking out, two gentlemen were walking in. I would peg them as about 30 or so. They were apparently carrying on a conversation because as I walked past them, I heard the one guy say (again, loudly!), "It's okay. I'll be the cart b*t*h." WHAT? Clearly, those asterisks are mine. All this within a span of probably 3-4 minutes.

I have no words.

It really made me stop and think, "Do I seriously want to bring children into this world?" A world where my babies could learn expletives from complete strangers who we pass in the supermarket. A world where even though my children might go to a Christian school, they learn at a young age what certain slang words mean for body parts and what a middle finger being held up means.

A world that was not meant for this.

But as I was pondering all of these things, a verse came to mind. John 16:33 says, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (Emphasis mine.)

Praise Him. I have nothing to fear as long as I take heart and find my peace in Him.

He's got the whole world in His hands. Now there's one phrase that my children will know.

How much would you have to hate someone?

This is quite contrary to my normal posts, but I felt so compelled to share.

My dear friend (and boss), Donna, told me about this video many months ago. However, I came across it only this morning and it blew me away.

Penn (from the magic act Penn & Teller) is a self-proclaimed atheist, but in this video, he shares a powerful experience from after one of his shows. It was such an incredible reminder of why I share my faith.

I had never thought about it this way and I don't think I will ever forget it.Please take five
minutes to stop and watch.