Patrick's Saturday 6

1. What is your absolute favorite dessert? Brownies, with good vanilla ice cream (like Breiers with little pieces of vanilla bean in it), and warm chocolate sauce on it, and real whipped cream. Heavenly.

2. When is the last time you had it? Umm.. maybe my birthday a year or two ago? Not sure.

3. If you had to give up one of the following for life: cookies, cake, ice cream, pie, or chocolate, which would you choose never to try again? Cake. I could live without cake. Definitely.

4. Take the quiz: What flavor of ice cream are you?

You Are Strawberry Ice Cream

A bit shy and sensitive, you are sweet to the core. You often find yourself on the outside looking in. Insightful and pensive, you really understand how the world works. You are most compatible with chocolate chip ice cream.

What Flavor Ice Cream Are You?

5. If you attempted to make the dessert you like best, how well do you think it would turn out? Oh, I can make a mean brownie, for sure, so I think it would turn out just fine! (Who can mess a brownie up? Seriously. My. Baking. Skills. Are. Pathetic.)

6. If you were going to invent your own flavor of ice cream to be carried by a company like Ben & Jerry’s, what ingredients would you require? Chocolate ice cream for sure, with bits of heath bars, M&Ms, little swirls of fudge, and maybe a few Oreo chunks. I'm all about the crunchies, baby!

Weekend Plans?

Just wondering what everyone has planned this weekend...

We are having a date night in tonight.. we had tacos and put the kids to bed early. We got a movie (Music and Lyrics with Hugh Grant and Drew Barrymore), and plan on just having a good time being together and being quiet after a few really hectic weeks (ok, really more like a few hectic months)...

Tomorrow Jonathan has soccer practice bright and early, and we'll be doing general house stuff -- hopefully the weather will be nice and we'll get to take them in the pool.. I can't believe July is almost over already! What in the world is going on here????? I guess we should be lucky school doesn't start in 2 weeks like some places do...

Sunday is church and Sunday School and then we'll be getting ready for our church's Vacation Bible School, so that will thrust us into a hugely busy week to come.

Anyone else care to share what you've got going on this weekend, into the coming week? I love to know!! :)

Some posts need very few words:

Daddy's Little Sailor:

Vacation Pictures :) (lots!)

Brian and Jonathan at Chocolate World:

Our little Hershey's Kisses:

A Silly Moment:

Mommy and Katie Bug hanging out:


Jonathan is a Hershey Bar:

Me and my BFF:

Daddy and Katie Bug:

Jonathan and G on the Scrambler:

Hanging out waiting for a ride:

Our girl with Jodi:

Daddy and Katie:

A'LaLa and her girl:

Katie in Jonon's hat:

Cuteness:


Takin' a shower:

Bathing Beauty:

Look at me!

Aww! Friends Forever!

Saying Goodbye to our friends :(

Muhahaha:


Sleepy girl (not that she slept that much... sigh)

Yeah. We love being in the car (insert rolling eyes):

Julie's Techno Meme

Cell phones
How long have you had a cell phone? (If you don’t have one, why not? What would prompt you to get one?) I have had my phone for about 8 years or so? I think, give or take a year or two... What prompted me to get one? Umm.. I told Brian I needed a phone for "emergencies" ;)


How much do you use it? I use it constantly... so much, in fact, that Brian has to up my cell phone plan to more minutes... because, I need more! (I told him that in the beginning, but did he listen?? No...)


Do you get jittery without it? Yes! I need to be "connected" at all times...


Computers
How many computers in your house? One


How does the time break down? (work/play/email/blogs/etc.) Email - 1/3, Boards/Chat friends - 1/3, Blogs -1/3

If your computer malfunctions, do you-
Log in as root and fix the problem in a few swift keystrokes?
Get some online help and fix it yourself with slightly slower keystrokes?
Enlist outside help? from whom? How does he or she respond when you ask for assistance?
Opt for the wishful thinking computer repair strategy, also known as the reboot-with-fingers-crossed strategy?
I get some online help and try to fix it myself.... If I can't I call tech support, if that doesn't help I have a friend from church who has helped me out a few times... can't go long without my computer! :)


Meta
What techno-gadget would you most like to own? iPod.. hands down, no doubt about it!
Of those you own (including PDA, iPod, etc.), which you miss most acutely if you dropped it in the lake accidentally while canoeing? I'd miss my iPod the most if I had one!

What’s something you’ll never buy? I would buy anything if I had the money (not a good steward I guess!) But I love technology and I love to play around with all the gadget-y stuff! I think I'm a nerd!) ;) Or is it that I wish I was one? ;)

The Friday Five

That's Entertainment!

1. What is your all time favorite book? My favorite book of all time is My Sisters Keeper by Jodi Picoult. I've never had a book affect me more.

2. What is your all time favorite movie? Singin' in the Rain

3. What are you reading right now? A Bend in the Road by Nicholas Sparks

4. What is your favorite show on tv? Grey's Anatomy

5. What is the last movie you saw in the theater? Shrek 3


http://community.livejournal.com/thefridayfive/

Back from Vacation!

.... and thrust into the throes of summer! JD is doing VBS this week, he's started right into soccer, and I'm doing MOPS stuff this week, like our retreat, and just getting back with our friends and family since being away...

Busy busy busy! Life is crazy yet good... we had a busy vacation, but it was fun and full. These little ones definitely keep us hopping! (Especially the little one, lol!!)

The summer is in full swing for sure and we're hoping to get full use out of everything -- the pool, friends, family, and fun...

If I'm not here much, it's because life is full of demands, and it's hard to be on the computer when there are so many things going on outside..

I hope everyone is enjoying their summer and if there is anything exciting to post about you can be sure I'll be right on it!

Hugs to all!

~Cath

Shopping for our trip!!

Today I met Laura at the mall and we went shoe shopping for our vacation, which, I am excited to report, is in 4 days!!! We are so looking forward to it. But I digress.. More to come about that.

Anyways. The time to meet was 10:30. We were to meet outside the Skechers outlet at our big outlet mall. Now, note this: Laura and I are never, ever on time. To anything. Ever. But this day, today, it shall we noted that Laura was actually early! And Cath was on time!!!!! (What did you expect, we were going shopping and both of us had no kids with us... a rare and beautiful occasion indeed, and we both truly understood the unique-ness of this day.)

Hmm. I wonder if it had something to do with the numbers today? 7-7-07? Everyone felt the need to point that out to us wherever we went today. Not sure...

Anyway.. we were in shoe Heaven in Skechers, and took our time trying on shoes, complimenting each other on our beautiful feet, and how gorgeous they looked in each pair of shoes we tried on, and talked about you, Care, and how much fun it would be if you could be with us, especially in the shoe store! ;)

We then went inside the mall (after I bought the cahh-uutest shoes there) and I proceeded to buy the following:
1) a new pair of capris (in my new size!! Go me!)
2) 2 new tee- shirts
3) a cute new halter top for katie at Old Navy
4) a hoodie for Katie at Old Navy
5) new shoes and socks for Katie at Stride Rite (omg so cute. tee-straps in PINK)
6) another new shirt for Katie at Childrens Place (to match Laura's G's.. we *had* to get them matching outfits for Hershey this year!! Had to!!)
7) A bottle of water for me
8) A cup of coffee for Laura

And lots of lots of laughing, and conversation..

I'd say we were a success.... the only problem was.. I'd have to come home and face Brian with the total of what I'd spent... Eeek!!!

It was a day well spent!!! Adventures in Shopping!!!!! :) :)

Fun with Friends/Updated with a few pictures :)

This weekend was spent with friends... old and new, from near and far. Suzanne and her beautiful daughter came to see my BFF and I from Long Island, and we just had 4 days of glorious girlfriend time. We had the best time taking the kids to an amusement park, taking them swimming, jumping on the trampoline (no comment, Laura, you mean thing, butt bouncer)... going out for Buffalo wings and apple-tinis, hanging out in the hotel room that last night...I think that might have been my favorite time of all...

We threw in a trip to Erie PA to meet up with some other friends (love you gerz!) and all of our miracle babies and we had a wonderful time of talking, laughing, baby holding, picture taking, and of course ended with a few tears shed as the time is always too short, and the distance is a little too far.

I thank God for you girls... what a wonderful weekend. I was sad to see the weekend end, but feel so very blessed to call each of you my friends. I love you all!!!

xoxoxoxo

PS: I will post a few pictures here of our weekend after I ask permission to do so. :-)

Me and Suzanne:..............Suz and Laura:

And our darlings watching "fireworks" out the hotel window: (We think it was the lights from the cars on the thruway but didn't have the heart to tell them):

OK i can't post this one yet because i haven't gotten permission from Suzanne, but I promise to as soon as I do.. sorry for the tease!! (this was the holdup, Carebear! Sorry honey!! xoxox)

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