Thursday Thirteen #16

I'll keep this simple i.e. random thoughts that run through my mind and eventually congregate into lists. The beauty of a blog, no?

Thirteen Things People Should Try to do on a Daily (or at least semi-regular) Basis

1. Be polite - It's not that hard, people. A please here, a thank you there. Come on now...

2. Make music - whether it's a radio in the kitchen or in a symphony on the stage of a concert hall, give it a shot. I'm blessed enough to have music as my job all day long. Just pick something you like.

3. Laugh - call my friend, Kate, if you encounter any trouble with this one.

4. Own a dog - I've never considered myself to be an "animal person" meaning, I don't have an automatic love for every dog I see, but I love MY dog. He's quite wonderful.

5. Pray - God's there and He's listening.

6. Get pedicures - what a fabulous invention. Despite the scrubby part that really tickles, I love a pedicure. And there's something to be said for beautiful toes.

7. Eat some chocolate - might not be your thing, but I sure like to have a little each day!

8. Read - I've heard it makes you smarter. Just sayin'.

9. Volunteer/Serve - what better way to get your mind off of your own problems than to help take care of someone else's. And you don't get paid. Except you really do.

10. Have a best friend - this was life or death to me in junior high, but I think after 20 plus years, I've gotten this one into perspective. There is such a wonderful thing about having a friend who totally "gets" you. Why not invest a little time into making that a big, wonderful part of your life? If you don't find it right away, it's ok. Keep trying. And why not try to find as many as you can while you're at it?

11. Pay whatever it costs for a haircut you love and makes you look fabulous - I think this one speaks for itself.

12. Sleep on comfortable sheets - I prefer flannel or 100% cotton myself. I'm sure there's some statistic about what percentage of our lives we spend sleeping. Bottom line, I like it. A lot. Might as well be as comfortable as possible.

13. Be free with telling the people you love that you love them - can you really say it too much? Life is short and goes by fast, friends.

Thursday Thirteen Strikes Back (or whatever other sequel you'd like to use)

Ah. My old and dear friend, the Thursday Thirteen. How I've missed you. You're glad to see me. I know, I know. Don't gush and cause a scene and embarrass me...

So as to not strain or pull anything, I'll start with an easy one. Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, straight from Katy's little notebook with the purple flower, I give you (drumroll)

Thirteen Books on my to-read list

1. "Three Cups of Tea" by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin (this is our June book club pick. I have to have it done by the 29th or Ami and Kate will have my head.)

2. "Take Three" by Karen Kingsbury (the third in another engaging series by Mrs. Kingsbury)

3. "The Secret Life of Bees " by Sue Monk Kidd (The movie is currently on my DVR and Ami and Kate said I'm not allowed to watch it until I read the book. They're so bossy)

4. "Peace Like a River" by Leif Enger (upon recommendation from my sister - who actually hasn't read it yet. It was recommended to her as well)

5. "Still Waters" by Jennifer Lauck (Book club for July)

6. "Me Talk Pretty One Day" by David Sedaris (I bought this at Ukazoo. I love David Sedaris. I read "Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim" a few summers ago and found myself laughing out loud)

7. "Winter Garden" by Kristin Hannah (Book club for August. I saw it reviewed in my Woman's Day magazine)

8. "Midwives" by Chris Bohjalian (Book club for September-ish. This was another recommendation from my sister. She reads a lot. Just sayin')

9. "Heart of the Matter" by Emily Giffin (I read Giffin's "Something Blue" in literally less than 24 hours. Needless to say, I like her and am looking forward to her newest)

10. "The Other Boleyn Girl" by Phillipa Gregory (Book club for October-ish. Another one recommended by my sister - she has practically threatened my general well-being if I don't read it)

11. "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo" by Stieg Larsson (Kate is reading it and seems quite pleased)

12. "Parenting a Child with ADHD" by Dr. Vincent J. Monastra (because I need help!)

13. "Saint Ben" by John Fischer (I read the sequel "The Saints and Angels Song" years ago not knowing it was a sequel. I'll probably read it again too because I remember liking it)

My hours behind the front desk at the pool this summer should help to accommodate my list. I think I read six books last summer. Yay!

Read any of these?

Thursday Thirteen #14

I woke up with great plans to do a long-awaited Thursday Thirteen... and also with a headache. So my T13 plans have been pushed into the evening.

I'll keep it light friends and neighbors...

Thirteen Splurgy, Consumable Things that I Love

1. Starbucks - Duh. Who doesn't like Starbucks. My standard is a grande non-fat mocha with no whip. Only 4 Weigh Watcher points!

2. Baltimore Tea and Coffee's Rainforest Crunch -- This is actually the splurge that saves money on the Starbucks splurge. My husband and I discovered this locally made treat a couple of years back, I think. It's pricier than just "regular" coffee, but, oh so good and oh so much cheaper than buying the number of cups you'd get out of one pound (and for every ten pounds, you get one free. So there!)

3. Clam Chowder in a bread bowl from the Boston Chowda Co. in Quincy Market, downtown Boston, MA -- I get it every time we're in Boston. So good!

4. Kraft Macaroni and Cheese -- yes, I know the store brands are cheaper, but they just don't taste the same.

5. Rita's -- If you don't have a Rita's in your town, kindly write your congressman or whomever immediately. I have been a big gelati fan for years, but have recently discovered the Blendini. Extreme yumminess! It has custard, Italian ice and either 'nilla wafers or oreos mixed in.

6. BBQ pulled pork -- I've tried it a lot of places and loved it most.

7. Crab pretzels -- you heard me right; crab ON a pretzel. Get your tail to Baltimore and try it!

8. French fries and dipping sauce from Pommes Frite in NYC -- it's not necessarily the fries, though they are delish in their charming paper cones, as much as the sauces. My personal favorite is Vietnamese pineapple. This dive is within walking distance of the church at which we stay when we go to NYC. It's become something I really anticipate when we go to the city!

9. Sushi -- Raw fish never sounded appealing until I actually tried it. We've got two places near our house that are really good. Sushi is also surprisingly affordable.

10. Paula's fruit dip -- my friend, Paula, makes this incredible fruit dip (usually for strawberries) out of marshmallow fluff and cream cheese. It's become a staple of our scrapbooking events!

11. Hazel's chocolate chip cookies - I don't know what she does, but my friend, Hazel's, cookies are amazing... and addictive. I could actually probably do a whole T13 on just yummy stuff Hazel makes!

12. Sweet potato fries -- I pretty much love anything with the words "sweet potato" in it.

13. Berger cookies -- if you're not from Baltimore, you probably have no idea what I'm talking about -- they're local fare. Picture if you will and round piece of shortbread-like cookie. Now dab a big glob of chocolate, frosting-like fudgy goodness. I know, right. Oh my...

Hungry?

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The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others' comments. It’s easy, and fun! Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

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Thursday Thirteen #13

Though I feel all this posting tonight is a tad narcissistic, I wanted to get my T13 in for once. So ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, cats and dogs, in honor of the first day of spring I give you (drumroll)...

Thirteen Things I look forward to with the beginning of spring

1. Rita's actually reopened today and gave out free Italian ices to celebrate. I tried one of the new flavors -- birthday cake. Yum!

2. Here comes the sun - as much as I HATED giving back that hour last weekend, the extra daylight is nice.

3. It's almost clothesline time -- I love hanging my laundry on the clothesline and once this weather settles about 20 degrees warmer, I'm all set.

4. My azalea bushes will be blooming soon and they're SO pretty.

5. Spring break - I know I already mentioned this in my previous post. Sleeping in and staying in jammies longer is quite appealing.

6. Is it seriously ever going to get warmer? I think it might.

7. This has absolutely nothing to do with spring, but the writer's strike is finally over and the Office will be new in three weeks!

8. This is the only time of year you can buy Cadbury Cream Eggs.

9. We're getting closer to the Stevens birthday rush (everybody but Josh is late April through July)

10. Isn't the Easter Bunny coming in a couple of days?

11. I'm ready for green grass, sunshine and blue sky

12. Dinner preparation starts to move outside

13. Do I really need a reason? Spring rocks!

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The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others' comments. It’s easy, and fun! Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

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Thursday Thirteen #11

Sometimes I have lots of energy and creativity to put into my T13, sometimes I don't. SO in the spirit of the latter, I give you...

Thirteen reasons I'm tired tonight

1. Christmas was two days ago

2. I've eaten more in the last three days than I probably have in the last three months. Shame on me.

3. My parents are here and

4. My mom and I are avid, vigorous shoppers. So, therefore...

5. We've been to Walmart like three times in the past two days AND

6. Matt and I took them out for their 33rd wedding anniversary tonight.

7. Micah misplaced his DS and we spent WAAAY too much time and energy today looking for it.

8. I don't feel totally great. My nose is drippy.

9. The dog woke me up before the sun was up because he, apparently, had to pee or just had an overwhelming urge to chase squirrels

10. Matt and I drive to Shrewsbury, PA this morning to have breakfast with some friends we hadn't seen in awhile

11. Josh had a friend over today and it takes a lot of energy to be a cool mom (without looking like you're trying to be a cool mom)

12. Still a little salty about that darn DS being lost all day.

13. Is Christmas break over yet?

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The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others' comments. It’s easy, and fun! Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

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Thursday Thirteen #10

(Yes, I know it's Friday. I had to crochet another scarf last night)

Thirteen Obscure Christmas songs that I enjoy...

Know any of these?

1. The Little Jesus Came to Town

2. Wind Through the Olive Trees

3. Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming

4. All is Well

5. The Boar's Head (I sang in a Madrigal group in college)

6. Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne

7. The Jesus Gift

8. Christ was Born on Christmas Day

9. Pat-a-pan

10. Christmas Waltz

11. In the Bleak Midwinter (one of my favorites)

12. Bethlehem Morning

and the final one (drum roll)......

13. Crabs for Christmas (It's a Baltimore thing!)

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The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others' comments. It’s easy, and fun! Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

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Thursday Thirteen #9

As promised...

Thirteen things I've done during my blogging absence

1. Went to an incredible women's encounter weekend -- Wow. If there was a way to describe the encounter weekend at Word of Christ Church in Bradenton, FL, I would do it. I've been a Christian for like 30 years and this is the most genuine experience I've ever had with God. There were some other really amazing things that happened regarding a situation in our past. I may explain it later. I also got to hang out at my friend, Sudi's, spa and got to swim in the Gulf of Mexico.



2. Went to Ohio for a quartet practice weekend -- This was like three days after I got back from Florida - a little insane. It was a good weekend, though. We've picked our contest pieces...we think.

3. Watched my business take off -- I had 16 students last fall. All summer I've been really praying for things to increase and doing some advertising in a couple of places. As of right now, I have 32 students in my home studio. I also have picked up a gig in Harford county at a church that is starting a music academy. I have three students through them and that is looking to increase as well. I'm working about 23 hours a week and really LOVE it!

4. Had a game night with Jess, Ami and Kate -- Yeah, you should be kicking yourself for missing this one. It was really the social event of the fall. We had WAY too much fun and were very obnoxious. There's another one in the works for January (right, ladies?). You might want to put in on your calendar. I'm just saying....

5. Went to Six Flags -- We've lived in Baltimore for eight years now and this was the first time we've gone. Our friends and season ticket holders, the Pitts, had passes and graciously brought us with them. We went on the last day of the season and had a blast. I rode the Superman. I kind of rock.

6. Reached my first weight loss goal -- OK. I haven't talked much about dieting because, well, just because. But I've been on Weight Watchers since February - on and off really. When we travel, I pretty much eat what I want, just not too crazy. Then when I'm home, it's counting the points, baby! I hit the 30 lb. mark earlier this month and right now, I stand at about a 34 lb. loss. I feel great love the way my clothes are fitting -- or are too big for that matter!

7. Did the dreaded, annual summer/winter clothing switch -- Oh, I hate doing this every year, but it's very necessary. It's really only Micah, Jacob and myself that I have to switch out. The hard part is that they grow so dang much. They have to try on just about every piece of clothing for us to decide what fits and what doesn't. It's quite a circus, but it's done... until spring anyway.

8. Celebrated Joshua's 14th birthday -- can you believe he's 14? I sure can't. Of course he is kind of man-sized so it's probably not a stretch for most. Anyway, I'm so thankful for my sweet young man. He's such a good kid. And speaking of Josh...

9. Watched Josh's football team, the Hamilton Tigers, go undefeated and win their division -- YEA! They're actually still going. If they win the next two playoff games, the get to play at M&T Bank Stadium (where the Raven's play) on December 15th. Let us know if you'd like to go.

10. FINALLY got our kitchen ceiling fixed -- I never wrote about this either, but long story short, half of our kitchen ceiling collapsed at the
end of July. It had to do with getting a new boiler in the spring and the way it affected the radiant heat in the plaster ceiling, blah, blah, blah. Anyway, the ceiling collapsed rather loudly and it was scary and messy and just sucked in general. After much dealing with our home-owner's insurance company and contractors and plumbers and electricians it's done. And it looks good. We had always planned to put recessed lights in the ceiling so this was our golden opportunity!

11. Scrapbooked not once, but TWICE with my friends -- We're making it a monthly thing. If it weren't for that, I would never get any pages done! I call us the scrappy chicks and we take turns meeting at each other's houses one evening each month. There's food and all kinds of silliness. I know you want to come...

12. Went to my BFF's 25th birthday party -- We had dinner with a ton of people at a restaurant and hung out afterward. It was fun. Happy birthday, Jess! :-)

13. Went to Ohio...again -- this time for Thanksgiving. We had a wonderful time and got to hang out with both sides of the family. It was a rather whirlwind trip, as being in two parts of Ohio in five days usually is, but we had a really great time. The boys got to see their cousins and we got to see our parents and siblings. My husband made an AMAZING turkey along with incredible cranberries and sweet potatoes. Seriously, you should hire him to prepare your Turkey Day celebration next year! Just a tip, though. Avoid the PA turnpike on the Sunday after Thanksgiving. Yech!


Well, that's it. If you got through the whole thing, you get a cookie (one that is low in Weight Watcher points, of course). Have a fantabulous weekend and thanks for reading :-)

Thursday Thirteen #8

Oh, I really don't have time to do this, but I can't resist slipping in my T13. I'm flying out first thing in the morning to Tampa Bay, Florida to drive to Sarasota to attend a women's encounter weekend. I am looking forward to God doing some really great things in my life as well as others that will be there. My husband attended one for men back in the spring and it was really incredible. I'm a little ansy because I'm not a big fan of traveling sans a companion, but I know I'll be OK.

So right before I head downstairs to finish my stuff, I give you...

Thirteen things I did today while getting ready for my trip.

1. Took a short nap - that was early today. I knew last night's sleep wouldn't cut it.

2. Took a shower and washed my hair

3. Organized a one-woman search party for 52 library books.

4. Found all but three of them.

5. Taught three piano lessons.

6. Ate at Arby's with my family.

7. Did two loads of laundry (need to do one more before I go to bed)

8. Dropped off and picked up my son from football.

9. Went to the grocery store.

10. Talked to my mom on the phone.

11. Helped with homework.

12. Returned the aforementioned library books (and checked out more. I'm so bad!)

13. Cleaned my sons' bathroom, put away laundry, returned a call to a prospective student, picked up my son's medication, laid out the boys clothes for while I'm gone...

Get the idea? Due to my being gone, I'm going to have to forgo visiting anyone else's T13 or doing Friday's Feast this wekk. C'est la vie.

Notice "pack my suitcase" wasn't anywhere in there. I'd better head downstairs. Hope you have a terrific weekend! Looking forward to giving a good report from mine.

Thursday Thirteen #7

I can't believe it's Thursday again already! I'm pretty wiped so I'll keep it relatively simple.

Thirteen of my favorite songs on my iPod
(in no particular order)

1. Put Your Records on - Corinne Bailey Rae

2. Still I Will Worship You - Willow Creek

3. Walk Away - Kelly Clarkson

4. All of Me - Selah

5. Dance Floor - Alton Lee and Dee

6. Where in the World is Carmen Sandiago? - Rockapella

7. Climbing Uphill (from The Last Five Years) - Sherie Rene Scott

8. My Tribute - Allan Lust (my dad)

9. How Deep is the Ocean - Kindred Sound (our quartet)

10. A Song for You - Elliott Yamin

11. Somewhere Over the Rainbow - Eva Cassidy

12. Comfortable - Fleming and John

13. I Wanna Know Your Ways - Fred Hammond and Radical for Christ


Oh there are SO many more. I have over 2,000 songs on my iPod. I'll have to do this again.

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

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Thursday Thirteen #6

*sigh*

I SO wish I had time to blog this week. Life is a bit upside down right now. They're working on our kitchen ceiling so the kitchen is a bit out of commission, my piano lesson schedule started full force this week, etc. etc. I've been a little touchy mentally and emotionally, too. Not sure why. Nevertheless, it's Thursday (thank goodness for Thursday or Friday or else I'd NEVER blog!).

Thirteen reasons I really like Thursdays

1. It's almost Friday - need I say more?

2. I have MOPS (first and third Thursdays of the month) - I have been involved in Mothers of Preschoolers for years -- probably since Josh was about two or so. For a long time, MOPS was my social life and friends base! To this day, women I've met here are among those that I consider some of my dearest friends. Anyway, this is a monumental year for me as far as MOPS is concerned. I am officially no longer eligible to go to MOPS (according to MOPS Intl. my kids are too old - youngest is in first grade). This year, though, I am honored that the St. John's MOPS group has asked me to still be involved as a Mentor Mom. How cool is that?

3. I finish up my teaching week - the last of my 27 students comes on Thursday afternoon. As much as I love to teach, it's nice to be done for the week.

4. It's Matt's day to get up early with Josh - I get a break on Tuesdays, too :-)

5. I get my AC Moore weekly specials email - hey, I'm easy!

6. Did I mention it's almost Friday?

7. The Office is on - ah, yes. And in just a few short weeks, they will all be brand new!

8. ER is on, too - yeah. I'm sticking with it until it's over.

9. It's trash night - now, if I took out the trash, this would probably not be on the list. But, alas, this is why God made 13-year-old boys! There is something quite refreshing about getting all of that stinky, nasty trash out of the house and onto the curb.

10. It's NOT Tuesday - Tuesdays are very busy and much too far from Friday. So there.

11. I was born on a Thursday - so no Thursday? No Katy! (OK. I used the internet to confirm this fact, but I was pretty sure!)

12. My mom is off work on Thursday - this means I can call her at my leisure. How lovely!

13. One day closer to the weekend, baby!

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

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Thursday Thirteen #5

Thirteen Places in which I've lived...

1. Section-Line Rd. - Caledonia, Ohio - This is the house I lived in until I was five. My grandpa had a stroke, my grandma moved into an apartment and we into her house.

2. An ambiguous trailer park - Colstrip, Montana - I like to throw this one in just to be obscure. I was very small and we only lived there for like two months. I vaguely remember the plane ride, but little else.

3. Barkswood Rd. - Marion, Ohio - This is the house of which I spoke in #1. Ah, good old Barkswood Rd. I lived in this house until I left for college at 18. Lots of good memories there. My parents sold it and moved about 10 years ago.

4. Fir Hill - Akron, Ohio - the apartment my sister and I shared in college. We lived there for two years. My favorite memory was the bible study my now-husband and some of our friends and I started. We crammed about 50 or so people into that little one-bedroom apartment!

5. Ellsworth Dr. - Stow, Ohio - Matt lived here and took care of his elderly grandmother before we got married. She passed a few months before our wedding. This was our first home and we lived her for about a year before moving to...

6. Wyandotte Dr. - Huntsville, Alabama - What a cute little house this was; a tiny three bedroom ranch that we rented from a couple in the church where Matt worked. This is the house we lived in when Joshua was born.

7. Wells Rd. - Meridianville, Alabama - again, a brief stint. We actually lived in our pastor's basement for a short period of time. It was actually a good experience because both families had enjoyed each other. Their son, Jonathan, was only five weeks younger than Josh.

8. Thurman Rd. - Huntsville, Alabama - our first apartment. We refer to this one fondly. It was 1100 square feet for only $340 a month! We brought Caleb home from the hospital to this home.

9. Valerie Ln. - Hudson, Ohio - another transition. We had moved back to Ohio and, in the process of looking for a place to live, stayed with Matt's parents for a few months.

10. Harper Rd. - Streetsboro, Ohio - we were actually just talking about his house this other day. It was so tiny and crappy! The yard was incredible but the house left a bit to be desired.

11. Mordred Ln. - Streetsboro, Ohio - we lived in our trailer for about 4 years. It was actually really nice and fit our little family well. I started my piano lesson business out of this home and Josh started school when we lived here. Micah was born, but only three months before we moved to...

12. Deanwood Rd. - Parkville, Maryland - this townhome was the first house we actually owned. We lived there for almost seven years. Thinking of this house is very bittersweet. I home-schooled there for three years, brought Jacob home from the hospital and added Tucker to our family, too. Sadly, it was also where I received the news that my Caleb was gone. Leaving it was hard, but healing at the same time.

13. Here - Parkville, MD - TA DA! Here we are. We moved into this house a little over a year ago. Though it hasn't been without its challenges, I love it here. We've been blessed with a huge yard and room for everything we need to do.


Isn't it cool that I've lived in exactly 13 houses?

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

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Thursday Thirteen #4

OK. Lots to blog about, stressful week, no time, yada yada yada... I decided to keep my T13 on the lighter side this week.

Thirteen Reality Shows I Enjoy

1. The Amazing Race - this one is hands down my favorite. I would love to be on it someday, though I won't bungee jump or sky dive which may prove to be a problem.

2. So You Think You Can Dance - my summer favorite! Sabra won this year and I'm so thrilled. How cute was she?

3. American Idol - Oh yeah. Talk about the stereotype of reality shows. I have a tendency to favor the third place contestant; Elliot, Melinda. I'd audition, but alas, I'm too old!

4. Project Runway - I admire these folks and their abilities with fabric, feathers, seashells, you name it. I am tempted to say "Bless you," every time Heidi says ""Auf Wiedersehen" to the eliminated contestant. Bravo has other great shows like...

5. Top Design - "See you later, Decorator". Oh, and one more...

6. Shear Genius

7. Fat March - a new one for me. It is interesting to see how well these folks are doing from just walking and eating right.

8. America's Top Model - OK. Tyra is annoying. I don't set the DVR for this one, but if it's on, I'll watch.

9. Celebrity Fit Club - mixing one mentally unstable former-star into every cast is a winning formula.

10. Supernanny - makes me feel a little better about my own kids?

11. Wife Swap - ah. A show based on extremes. Josh always asks me if i would want to be on Wife Swap. I just smile and shake my head.

12. The Pick-up Artist - thanks, Jess, for getting me addicted to this one. It's like a train wreck; I'd love to look away but I just can't.

13. Scott Baio is 45 and Single - I'm totally kidding! This show looks completely stupid. I just couldn't come up with a 13th show!

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Thursday Thirteen #3

It's been a long day, but I can't retire until I share...

Thirteen things that make my kids really cool

I have four great kids -- three on earth and one in heaven. My angel will be ten always and my three down here are 13, eight and six. I love my little men with all my heart and the following are some things that make them extra cool.

1. They're funny. It's fun to watch their sense of humor develop. Joshua is getting rather witty in his old age and Micah comes up with the most random stuff. Jacob just knows everything.

2. They're cute. Matt and I constantly look at each other and shrug, wondering how we produced such adorable children.

3. They're smart. Josh managed an average of all A's and B's in his first year back in public school in four years. Micah's reading improved greatly this year and Jacob got smileys all the way across!

4. They're polite. Yes, we have to coax occasionally, but the manners are there!

5. They are troopers. We drag them all over the east coast doing ministry for five weeks every summer. They sleep on air mattresses and sit through services and eat all kinds of different food. Overall, they don't complain and keep a good attitude (better than me sometimes!)

6. They love music. Obviously, this is a family thing!

7. They're silly. Tickle fights, ear eating, pretending we're puppies... you name it, we can be a pretty silly bunch!

8. They're loving. I get three wonderful good night kisses, three hugs and three "I love you, Mommy"'s every single night. Aren't I a lucky girl?

9. They're creative. Joshua and Micah are really into drawing and they're both good at it. Jacob likes to make things out of other things i.e. cardboard, toilet paper tubes, pipe cleaners, etc.

10. They love Jesus. Joshua's relationship with the Lord has really grown over the last couple of years. They all ask so many great questions and we have some conversations that really make ME think!

11. They help out around the house. Josh is especially good at keeping up with his chores. They all help out though, from sweeping to laundry to taking care of the dog.

12. They like and appreciate the humor of the Muppets. It's important. The Muppets are an acquired taste and my kids get them. Yessssss. Micah walks around the house saying, "Good grief, the comedian's a bear!"

13. I love them. I just do. For every reason and no reason at all.

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The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

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Thursday Thirteen #2

I know we're still fairly early into August, but my mind is already on school starting and all of the things in store for autumn. With the heat surge lately, it would be easy to be in a complaining mode so I thought I'd list...

Thirteen Things I Like about Summer

1. No socks. If I've never mentioned it before, sock are my nemesis. Seriously, if I were a super hero, Dr. Sock would be my sworn enemy. Especially with kids, socks are the worst. if you do take the time to pair them up from a load of laundry, inevitably there are always about three that don't have mates. They end up in the "sock basket" (I hope I'm not the only person who has one of those!) and stay there until someone becomes desperate. In the summer, it's sandals, baby, or better yet, no shoes at all!

2. Popsicles. You don't have to be six years old to know that popsicles totally rock. Especially the orange ones!

3. Sleeping in. Boy, this one is going to be hard to give up once school resumes. It's so nice to be able to just chill in bed, snuggle with the boys, or better yet, go back to sleep. This one segues nicely to...

4. Staying in your pajamas most or even all of the day. Now, before you decide we're just all a bunch of bums, just let me tell you that this one applies to the boys more than Matt and myself. But if you're not going anywhere that particular day, why the heck not! It's always comical when I tell the boys, "OK, time to get your pajamas... oh. Never mind."

5. Free movies at the $3 theater. We haven't been home enough to take advantage of this one as much as we have in years past, but we're hoping to catch a couple before the end of the month. Every Tuesday and Thursday morning, they show a free kid-friendly movie. It's usually one we've already seen, but it's fun all the same and a nice relief from the heat to sit in an air conditioned theater for 90 minutes.

6. My clothesline. There's something about using the clothesline that I really love. As soon as the weather starts to get nice, anything that's not socks, jeans, panties, briefs or towels hangs out in our backyard to be dried by God. The stuff smells so good and I'm saving energy to boot.

7. Open windows. The one perk about not having central air is that we get plenty of fresh air from having the windows open. The birds chirping through in the morning is a nice thing to hear when you wake up. Late spring/early summer this year we were blessed with some really perfect, beautiful days.

8. So You Think You Can Dance. OK. Stop snickering. I really LOVE this show. Last year, I was a die-hard Benji fan. This year my money is on either his sister, Lacey, or Sabra. We'll find out next week...

9. Dinner outside. Our grill gets a workout most of the year, but especially during the summer. We have our patio all set up with tables, a canopy and our nifty mosquito candle torchy thingies. There's nothing like eating steak and potatoes out there, cooked masterfully by my husband.

10. Rita's. I'm not sure how far the Rita's empire spans, but you really need to get your self there. They have frozen custard, Italian ice and, when they are put together, wonderful things called gelatis. Fortunately, the closest Rita's is just down the street and we frequent it whenever possible.

11. Sweet corn on the cob. How did I move into a food theme here? But, seriously... corn on the cob... need I say more?

12. Long days. I can remember when I was a kid my sister and I used to throw the softball back and forth until we couldn't see it anymore. We'd head inside, always surprised to find how late it was. I haven't touched a softball in years, but I still enjoy waking up to sunlight and enjoying it well into the evening.

13. Flip flops. How do they engineer a piece of foam and some plastic to be so comfortable? I have a pair of pink ones that I bought at Wal-mart over two years ago and they are my comfort footwear of choice to walk around New York City (Matt is actually insisting that I retire said pair because they are getting, in his words "nasty." OK. They are a little bit. I bought a new bright green pair this year). Seriously, flip flops are a fantastic invention. My mom still calls them "thongs", which makes my sister and I laugh very hard, of course.

Hope your summer has been happy!

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

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My first Thursday Thirteen!

Well, as promised (it is August, you know), it's time for me to finally start doing the Thursday Thirteen as inspired by my friend, Ami.



Thirteen Things about Katy 1. I am not an animal lover in particular. I always felt like I SHOULD be because my sister is, but I tend to only love an animal if it's mine. 2. I am a "people person". Though I like time alone now and then, I really prefer to be around others and tend to function better that way. 3. I would really like to be on a game show before I die. 4. I am VERY good at French braiding hair, though I have no girls. Weird. I know. A friend's mom taught me at the campground we frequented when I was in middle school and it worked for me. I make them nice and tight and they stay in for awhile. 5. I stink at most sports. The only one I'm even remotely good at is foosball (table soccer) which may not even be a real sport. 6. I have no wisdom teeth. I was born without them, as was my sister. Jealous? 7. I am so freaked out by bats that I can't even walk by their display at the zoo. I've gotten a little better, but I'm still not a fan. 8. This may be over-sharing, but I have a tendency to pee my pants as a result of laughing too hard. It's happened on several occasions. I don't want to miss out on what's going on enough to go use the bathroom. That's just sad. 9. I am a board game freak! I've had to put myself on restriction from buying any more. I wish I had more time and people around more often who liked to play. Cranium anyone? 10. Creating things is very life-giving for me. I love a lot of crafts especially crochet, sewing and scrap booking. 11. I am not fond of my middle name (sorry Mom). It's Kay and kind of boring. Plus, it only sounds right if you use my full name, Kathryn, which no one does. I have kind of an obsession with names, especially long interesting ones. Truthfully, I've always wanted to change it to Elizabeth. 12. I've realized that I'm a bit of a picky eater, though I used to not consider myself that. There are a lot of foods that normal people eat that I simply don't care for. Some include iced tea, watermelon, pickles, mustard, green peppers and cottage cheese. 13. I like to sing and play the piano. You might have already known this! If you're a blogging friend, please join me with your own Thursday Thirteens!! Links to other Thursday Thirteens! 1. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)


Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants