Date Night In

Tonight was date night -- we decided to do it "in" this week. It was so HOT outside, we couldn't think of anywhere we'd rather be then in our air conditoned house, and in our own pool. So we took the kids over to my sister's house and picked up subs and Mike's hard lemonade and came home again. We had a picnic on the floor in the family room (hey, it was hot out!) and then went outside to drink in the late afternoon sun and warm up a bit before the pool.

I have to say, having date night is really fun. Not only do we have fun making the plans for it, but we also have something to look forward to after the weekend, and also, we're really enjoying the actual night! It feels like we're carefree again -- for these few hours -- kid-less, worry-free, and enjoying each other's company... who could ask for more? I think this might just be working!

I'm liking it!!! :) :)

Date Night Update {updated again in comments for details}

Well, we had a nice night out... we ended up at Cinco De Mayo.. a good authentic mexican place and had a lot of good conversation, which is honestly what we've been missing.

Karianne, the food *was* good, albeit a little spicy for this mild girl!! hehee I think I might have enjoyed the margarita a little more then the ... uhhh.. what did I order...??? Seriously!

The best outcome of the night -- we have now established that Tuesday nights (at least all summer) will be our official date night. My wonderful sister has so graciously offered to sit for JD and KG each and every week for a few hours so that we can have some much needed time alone. So all of your suggestions will be put to use, all of them.. going to the free concerts, going for walks by the water, all of it, oh and I thought of another one! Shakespeare in the Park.. that's also free. I can't wait to reconnect with my husband.. I'm looking forward to a summer of dates and conversation and maybe even some kissing! Who'd have thought? ;)

Hugs,
Cath

Graduation Day

Jonathan David: 1st Grader!

Well, today my little guy graduated from Kindergarten! I swear, last night was Parents Night when we went in to meet the teacher, and got our list of things to buy for his first year of "real school"... and today we said goodbye to his teacher and his little friends. And he's a first grader. I'm in total shock at how fast this year went. How did 10 months fly this way? How did my little man, who I held for the first time in my arms at what seems to be only a few minutes ago, become this great big boy now, almost too big for my lap? Life is truly moving at break-neck speed! I want it to s l o w down for a little bit. Just a touch. Just a tiny bit. I feel like it's going so fast I can't enjoy the time I have with them, because I'm constantly turning around in a circle -- slowly-- just watching them change so quickly.

Here are a few pictures of my little (big) man from today, and also just a few of him as a baby... I can't help it, I'm feeling like a Misty Mommy today and I want to share.. I hope you enjoy these as much as I am.....

Date Night

Well, even though it's only a Tuesday!! B and I are going out tonight for a mid-week date. Remember my S-O-S post a few ago? Asking for a few ideas to keep it fresh? Well, we (read: I) decided that it was time to put some of that into practice! So, I got a sitter for tonight (thanks to my sister!) and we're going out for dinner. Just for some much needed face time. Not to mention I need out of this house!!!! (Sorry for the yelling...)...

Hopefully tonight will be the start of something wonderful, and regular... and something we'll be able to continue, if not every week, at least every other. I miss my husband..I miss me...I miss the way things were.. I'm hoping to put a little of us back together and make it good again! .... I'm really trying.

I'll give an update later.

Happy Tuesday night to everyone!

Hugs,
Cath

Accents

I'm intrigued by accents. I know, you're telling me "I don't have an accent, you do".. haha.. but when I talk to people from around the country, and thanks to the internet, I have friends all over!..I get to hear a variety of sounds and words coming through the air waves. I love it!

Yesterday I actually got a phone call from a dear friend in England! (Love you!) That was an amazingly special treat. When I heard her voice, she said, "3 guesses, Love", and of course, I screamed into the phone, {most likely shattering her ear drum in the meantime} "Elllieeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!"

So while I was browsing around at Patrick's Place (someone really needs to help me figure out how to put the direct link in here? Please? anyone?).. anyways, I was delighted to find this quiz. I thought it was fun to do this today especially since I was just thinking about this yesterday, and commenting on Ellie's accent to her.

What kind of accent do you have? Take this quiz:

http://www.youthink.com/quiz.asp?action=take&quiz_id=9827

Here are my answers: Oh, and by the way: I've always said we sound just like the people on TV here.. and now this proves it!! heheee

My Results:


Northern

You have a Northern accent. That could either be the Chicago/Detroit/Cleveland/Buffalo accent (easily recognizable) or the Western New England accent that news networks go for.

Patrick's Saturday Six

1. Have you ever talked to your doctor about stress levels in your life? Absolutely.. several times as a matter of fact :)

2. How likely are you to “let go” of something that stresses you out?

Hmm.. it takes a lot of prayer, so not that likely I guess.

3. Does your family or your work cause the most stress in your life? Do you think your family members or co-workers realize how much stress they generate?

At the moment I am a stay at home mom.. but even so, I would say family members.. not my immediate family (not husband and kids).. I love my family dearly but they can be stressful!! No they don't realize it bless their hearts!

4. Take the quiz: Will You Live to 100?

Chance You'll Live to 100: 63%

100 is looking pretty likely for you right now. You've made your health a priority.So kick back, keep doing what you're doing, and enjoy the great life you've made for yourself.And you might get to see what the world is like 70, 80, or even 90 years from now.

http://www.blogthings.com/willyouliveto100quiz/">Will You Live to 100?

5. When you think that you are at the breaking point, are you more likely to have an angry blow-up, a self-contained meltdown, or something in between? When was the last time you had such a moment?

Hmm.. it varies.. but before it gets too bad, I might be a little snippy.. and then if it's really bad, I get really quiet and too myself (right girls? --I know this drives you crazy!)

6. When you’re stressed out, what is the first clue someone who knows you well is likely to pick up on?

Laura and Carrie..they notice me withdrawing.. my mom and sister know too, but these two besties do know me better then anyone in my life. Even my man. I love you two. xoxo

This is taken from Patrick over at http://patricksweekender.blogspot.com/

A Slumber Party!

Well this week B went away, so the kids and I have been alone since Tuesday night. (Maybe why I've been MIA)...He just got home this evening so guess where I am tonight...yep! Updating my playlist, blogging, surfing, relaxing.. ahhh, this is the life! Tomorrow is Fathers Day so I don't have a leg to stand on as far as that goes.. but tonight.. tonight is mine! *happy sigh*

Anyway -- last night my bestie Laura and her daughter G came over to spend the night -- we had a slumber party! Now, if I were a good mom/auntie, I would have about 376 photos to post right now of all the adorable moments.. i.e. the 3 of them jumping on the trampoline, running around the backyard with their sweet little flushed cheeks, JD and G sitting at the kitchen table drawing together and singing their lungs out, KG fresh from the bath with her little damp kissable head, the two big ones making their own ice cream sundaes, complete with whipped cream, sprinkles, and cherries.. the 3 of them this morning with their little bed heads swinging together on the deck swing .. So many precious moments, should have been recorded on camera for all time... ummm, and Laura and I, normally the paparazzi, neither one of us having our cameras. B took his with him on the trip, and Laura forgot hers on the charger at home. We sucketh. *sigh*

But it was a really fun night, and they all slept (which is good because you *know* we're doing this again next year when he goes away, A'LaLa)-- but next year, we will have our cameras!!!!!!!

The Voice of Truth

So.. God's been working on me lately. There's just been some icky *stuff* going on with me lately, and, once again, I've been listening to the lies fed me by the enemy, brought to me in many, many forms. I've always struggled with myself -- I know a lot of women that do -- and I've definitely stuffed the negative esteem issues as I've gotten older. I've just told myself that with maturity came confidence. And to a point, that's been true.

But satan has gotten to me again. He always knows how to do it. And lately I've been struggling again with finding my true identity. I know the only place I will find my true "self" is in Christ. He defines me. HE died on the cross, shed His precious blood so that I might have life. That alone makes me have worth beyond comprehension. That is amazing.

These song lyrics are by a group I like called Casting Crowns.. and it talks about what voice are we going to listen to? Lately I've definitely had a hard time listening to God's voice.. which truly is, the voice of TRUTH.

Voice of Truth

Oh,what I would do
To have the kind of faith it takes
To climb out of this boat I'm in
Onto the crashing waves
To step out of my comfort zone
Into the realm of the unknown
Where Jesus is,
And he's holding out his hand

But the waves are calling out my name
and they laugh at me
Reminding me of all the times
I've tried before and failed
The waves they keep on telling me
time and time again
"Boy, you'll never win,
you'll never win."

but the voice of truth tells me a different story
the voice of truth says "do not be afraid!"
and the voice of truth says "this is for my glory"
out of all the voices calling out to me
i will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth

Oh, what I would do
to have the kind of strength it takes
To stand before a giant
with just a sling and a stone
Surrounded by the sound
of a thousand warriors
shaking in their armour
Wishing they'd have had the strength to stand

But the giant's calling out
my name and he laughs at me
Reminding me of all the times
I've tried before and failed
The giant keeps on telling me
time and time again
"Boy you'll never win,
you'll never win."

but the stone was just the right size
to put the giant on the ground
and the waves they don't seem so high
from on top of them looking down
i will soar with the wings of eagles
when i stop and listen to the sound of jesus
singing over me

But the voice of truth tells me a different story
The voice of truth says do not be afraid
And the voice of truth says this is for my glory
Out of all the voices calling out to me (calling out to me)
I will choose to listen and believe
I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth

I will listen and believe...

8 Random Things

I got tagged by Karianne over at Practicing Contentment for this Meme.


Here are the rules:

1. I have to post these rules before I give you the facts.
2. Each player starts with eight random facts/habits about themselves.
3. People who are tagged need to write their own blog about their eight things and post these rules.
4. At the end of your blog, you need to choose eight people to get tagged and list their names.
5. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.


1) Firstly, my initial thought upon getting tagged for this Meme was that I was worried about getting 8 people to tag for it!!! (I mean, really worried, LOL)

2) I love the beach. I wish I could live at the beach. The sound of the water soothes me, and I love the feel of the sand on my feet.

3) Ironically, I hate being hot! So if I have to be outside, I need to be near the water, or it can't be that hot outside, so that I don't get too hot.

4) I'm very girly -- don't like bugs, sticky fingers, or icky gooey messes. Love hugs, flowers, and chocolate.

5) I sometimes feel like I still haven't found my niche' in this big old world.. and keep looking...

6) I love seafood but feel like I can't get any good stuff because we don't live on the coast.

7) I have my ears pierced but rarely wear any earrings.

8) I have worn fake toenails and they look good! (OK that was probably a TMI but that is one of the things I knew nobody would even believe!!!! LOL!!)


OK I definitely don't have 8 people to tag, but I will tag who I can:

1) Lisa

2) Mandee

3) Julie

4) Mert

Only 4!! Oh well, hopefully I'll get more blog friends yet!! ;)

Patrick's Saturday Six

These are taken from Patrick over at http://patricksweekender.blogspot.com/ and these are his questions...

1. What do you consider more important to your long-term happiness: your relationships, your location, your career or your dreams? This is a no-brainer for me.. Things aren't as important as people in my life, so for me, it's my relationships.

2. Other than a significant other, how many people do you feel you can truly turn to for advice? I have 2 people that I confide in and tell my everything to -- the good, the bad, and the oh so ugly. (I'm sorry, girls)

3. Of the people you think know you best, how surprised would you think they would be if they knew “everything” there is to know about you? For the most part, my life is wide open for anyone to look into and see whatever is going on. But only God knows the heart. And thankfully, He loves us despite our shortcomings.

4. Take the quiz:

Your Life is 45% Off Track

Right now, you're taking things one day at a time. Some things are going well, but you can't help but wonder if you're getting the most out of life. It's time for you to slow down and reflect a little. You can change your life - but it's up to you!

Are You Living The Wrong Life?

5. What is the longest you’ve stayed in a job you weren’t happy in? Not long enough to remember :)

6. What single factor made you stay the most? Probably the money, or just not knowing what to do next :)

Keeping it Fresh

So, B and I are trying to keep it fresh in our marriage.. you know.. things are getting a little same ole, same ole around here (well, it has been 11 years ;) ).. so we need some fresh ideas about what to do. Basically we have our "date night in" every weekend, which consists of putting the kids to bed early on Saturday night and watching a movie that we rent from Blockbuster online.. and can I just say? Uhh, that's getting a little old. I'm looking for new ideas. Unfortunately for us, money is an object. Fortunately though, it's summertime and there are things to be done outside that are low cost ideas. But I need some! (ideas that is)... What can I plan for me and my husband to do that can help us reconnect in a fresh, romantic way that won't break the bank? I'm talking real dates, here, sans kids.

Thanks for your ideas, girls!!

Hugs to all!
Cath

OK I know, I know...

I need to stop with the memes... LOL... I promise I will.. It's just now that I've found them, they seem to be pouring in from all corners of the web! heehee.. I will. I'll take a break from all the memes for a few days. I promise!!

Back to our regular scheduled programming folks!! Hope everyone is having a fabulous weekend!

Hugs!

Cath

Unconscious Mutterings

Taken from Wil at http://subliminal.lunanina.com/um/ind/week_226/

I say, you think...?

1. Savage :: Beast

2. Warrior :: Legolas (the cute elf from Lord of the Rings -- Orlando Bloom's guy)

3. Daisy :: Duck

4. Schedule :: Frantic

5. Rock, paper, scissors :: Guy thing

6. Medical :: Scary

7. Jade :: Stone

8. Elevator :: Claustrophic

9. Drain :: Tired

10. Goldfish :: Crackers

Fun Meme from Mert :) (not sure of the name)

This one is from Mert's blog taken from here: http://almostsomewhatpositive.blogspot.com/ (I'm sorry I don't know how to put it in here without the whole kit and caboodle.. if anyone wants to tell me how to do that, that would be great) ;-)


What were you doing 10 years ago? 10 years ago I was a newlywed loving life. We were both working full time and we had no debt, a cute adorable little house, no kids, and truly life was complete bliss. (not that having kids hasn't been bliss!) But we were free to go wherever we wanted, whenever we wanted.. it was amazing. The first 5 years of marriage were incredible. We acted like lovesick honeymooners for 5 years. Seriously.


What were you doing 1 year ago? I was stressing over JD starting Kindergarten, and crying complete buckets over him being done being at home with me. And I was fretting over KG turning 1, but planning a princess birthday party.


Five snacks you enjoy 1) Air popped Popcorn 2) Crackers and hummus 3) Veggies and Homemade Dill dip 4) Pretzels and Dip 5) Chips and Salsa



Five songs that you know all the lyrics to: Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, Down By the Bay, Be Still and Know that He Is God, Our God is an Awesome God, Lord I Lift Your Name On High


Five things you would do if you were a millionaire: 1) Pay off our debt 2) Pay off my sister's debt 3) Buy my sister and parents both a new car 4) Buy my sister a house 5) Completely renovate our home


Five bad habits: 1) Drinking waaaay too much coffee 2) Forgetting to eat breakfast and not eating until like 3pm 3) Spending too much time on the computer 4) Being unorganized 5) Letting my priorities get out of order


Five things you like doing: 1) Laughing 2) Having Girls Night Out (or in, whatever) 2) Talking on the Phone 3) Hanging out on the computer 4) Spending time w/my husband "Cleaning the bedroom" ;-) 5) Reading a great book

Five things you would never wear again: 1) A Banana clip (anyone? anyone??) 2) Zubaz pants (again, anyone with me?) 3) a side ponytail 4) Legwarmers 5) safety pins on the bottoms of my jeans {Please tell me anyone understands any of what I just said}


Five favorite toys: 1) My computer, for sure! 2) My cellphone 3) that's it. 4) cellphone, and 5) computer! That's all folks!! ;)

Jule, Carrie, Lisa, Mert, and Karianne, THANK YOU

Thank you so much to you girls who responded to my post the other day that was crying out for help. You girls, each one of you, made me feel so much better about my parenting my littlest one.

Julie, thank you for reassuring me that it's OK to put her in the "cage" (lol).. You are right about them needing to develop the skill to self-entertain. I had totally forgotten about that because JD did that all on his own from the very beginning. I did it the very next day and the morning was so smooth I couldn't believe how great it went. Great advice (and I turned off the guilt too! It felt great!)

Carrie -- thanks for your input as well. Even though we've talked at length about this on the phone, knowing that you've been through this w/S makes me feel not quite so alone. Thank you for your love and encouragement through all of this (all of everything!)

Lisa, oh Lisa.. I love that I can look to you with your older girl and know that you've been through so much of what I'm going through, and will go through. It's so encouraging. Thanks for your words of wisdom, honey, and for your love and care.

Mert! Thank you for your helpful advice as well.. you are a new friend and I value your input as well. It sounds as if you're going through some of the very same things I am and you really have some good points. In fact, today I did indeed open up the Tupperware cupboard and let her have at it..she was in Tupperware Heaven and she was so much happier today and so was I.. I was not stressed about the mess.. the rest of the house looked great, so what was a little plastic around the kitchen? ;)

Karianne -- you are a doll and I loved all of your ideas. I think you might be right. Being a mother of a girlie is totally different then being a mom of a boy isn't it? *sigh* But it's all good! It's been my dream my whole life to have a daughter and well, sometimes the dream has to be adjusted to the personality and that's OK! ;) Thank you for all the great suggestions about tidying up the house -- what great, attainable goals you give yourself. I will definitely be using your suggestions. Love ya back!!

All of you -- thank you for your love and support. It means more then you could ever possibly know.

xoxoxoox
Cath :-)