A few Random Thoughts...

1. I'm done nursing. Well, not technically, but in my heart I am SO OVER IT! My precious baby boy still nurses as often and as much as he did when he was 4 months old. There has been no slowing down for him. I try, oh do I try to get him to eat other food. All he wants is me. Bless his heart. I've always said that I would nurse him as long as he wanted as long as he wasn't still nursing when he went to Kindergarten. I'm not really thinking that anymore. At this point in time, I'm committing to his birthday. Beyond that will only happen by the grace of God.

2. My daughter prefers Granny Smith Apples to any other apple.

3. I'm ready to re-paint my house. All of it. Every. Last. Room. I just want to freshen things up. So maybe I don't have to re-paint everything to freshen things up, but a few things here and there would be great. I've toyed with painting my kitchen cabinets for a while now. I go back and forth between a creamy white to match all of the moldings or a bold black that would contrast everything. I've even thought about painting the top and bottom cabinets differently. I have a lot of ideas swimming in my head. I just need to DO IT one of these days.

4. There is some sort of cluttered pile in every room of my house. I hate it. It keeps me awake at night. But no matter what I do, it always finds a way back into my life. It makes me cringe.

5. Dan In Real Life is an awesome movie.

:::

I told you these were random thoughts.

I finally got my hair done yesterday.  

Ahhh....

I feel good.

I twittered the whole process yesterday with pictures and everything.  I realize that there are a few people in this cyber-world who are still living their lives blissfully unaware of the deliciousness that is twitter and facebook.  

Soooo...for you I am re-posting the pictures of the hair-beautification process.

Roots are gone!

Foils are in!

The finished result - the straight edition.

Mama + an afternoon away getting hair done = Much more peaceful household

The (really) curly edition.

So there you have it.  The price tag can sometimes be a bit to swallow depending on circumstances, but I tell you what!  It is worth EVERY penny when I come home feeling so refreshed and rejuvenated!  If a few hours alone every couple months and $100 is all it takes then I think we're doing pretty good!

What do you do to revive your soul???

My Superbowl... of SHOPPING!!!

So as you know...last night was the Superbowl! My husband enjoyed it. I was bored by minute 2 of the first quarter, so I looked to Facebook to entertain me, but instead it yelled at me and blocked me from using friend chat. It said I was being abusive of the feature and if I continued to try to use it while being blocked, my account would be suspended and deleted. Nice. Thank you Facebook. I'm no longer such a big fan of yours!

What's a girl to do without Facebook to entertain her? Go shopping? Yes! That's exactly what I did! I thought I would bring you along as I browsed some of my favorite websites. Here we go...

Up first, my friend Ann...

I totally and completely luuuuuve this outfit!


And this one... Oh my! I just plum don't know where to begin. The shirt... The ah-mazing jeans... The shoes and bag! Be still my beating heart!

On to my FAY-VOR-RITE place to shop ever! Banana Republic...


I love these, minus the pleats. Seriously. Pleats no friend of this baby tummy. But they are still so cute and with the extra 30% off all sale items...they're totally cheap!

So moving on to accessories from Sam Moon...


How adorable is this luggage set. Come on, now! Fly me to the moon, Baby!


I think I like these, but I'm not sure just yet... I'd have to see them in an ensemble.

There, these are much better!


When I was 7 my favorite color was canary yellow...After seeing this handbag, I'm thinking this summer may be the summer of canary yellow! I big puffy heart this bag! It just makes me smile!

Ok, enough accessories... Let's go back to more clothes and let's go to my favorite dream shop, Boden. Someday I might be able to afford something, but for now I will just thoroughly enjoy browsing!

These crisp little cookies would remind me of Sandy Gabrielli!




Well hello little sweet pea! You would look great on my hiney!

I can honestly say that I'd like one of each of these and in every color. Size 8 please. Thank you.

I so totally love this dress! Why, oh why does it have to be $138? I've only got two dolla and a piece of pocket lint!

Some would say they can't live without air...

A couple of random things before we get to my post...

1.  My son refuses to crawl. 

2. He refuses to sleep through the night.

3. I'm glad football season is over.

Ok, now that I've got that off my chest we can get on to the good stuff...

I use certain things on a daily basis that I don't think I could ever live without.  Well, I probably could, but I don't ever want to try!  I got to thinking, though, that no one should have to live without these things either.  But, then I thought, what if you don't know what you're missing....

Soooo... I am going to share a few of the things I don't want to live another day without.  Let's start with the first and most important, mm kay?

Here we go... Are you ready for it???...

Earth Mama, Angel Baby Mint Herbal Lip Balm

I will not, I repeat, I WILL NOT live my life without this lip balm.  I bought myself some as an indulgence while still preggers with the boy.  I fell in love at first swipe and will never go without it for as long as live.  

It may be more dinero than your average Lip Smackers, but oh my heavens!!! It is worth ev-er-y penny!  I promise.  

I buy mine in bulk.  No joke.  I have one in every jacket pocket. One on my dresser, on the table next to the door, in the bathroom, in my desk door, in the drawer of my kitchen island, purse, car etc., etc.  You get the picture.  I don't like to be without it.  

I've given it away in countless gifts.  It doesn't matter what the occasion.  This lip balm is perfect for any gift!!!  

All this talk of lip balm has made my lips chapped.  

I'm going to go slather them in goodness.  

And I'm going to order another case.  

Would you like a stick?

Why snowboots are a waste of my money.

We have finally come into winter here in the Mid-Atlantic region.  Nothing crazy like when I was a kid growing up in Wisconsin. Check out those piles of snow...

That's me there about the "ss."  I heart my big winter denim coat.  

(That boy in the front on the left... See him there?... He tried to kiss me about a month after this picture was taken.  I didn't let him kiss me until a couple years later at my junior formal.    I haven't heard anything about him in years.  Do you suppose he's on Facebook?)

We got snow (and mass amounts of ice) this past week.  Schools were cancelled and children went sledding (on 2 inches of snow!  Those poor deprived children!).  They built itty-bitty snowmen and forts perfect for a toddler.  I've been looking at all the snowy pictures of my friends on FB and Google Reader.  

Unfortunately I have no pictures of my children playing out in the bits of snow from this week.  We've been quarantined inside with all sorts of RSV-related illnesses.  So I thought I'd post my pictures of the last snow we got...the first one of the winter, which fell a few weeks ago.

The girl wasn't too sure about eating the snow, but I convinced her it was a part of winter.  Just stay away from the yellow stuff.  That's bad, man!

For this mid-Atlantic girl, running laps in the snow is as good as it gets.  

Poor thing doesn't remember the 2 feet of snow we got on Christmas day the one and only winter she spent in WI.

A shot of me and my boy...

What keeps me on my toes... (Would you just look at the love in that boys eyes!!! The feeling is totally mutual Little Man!)

And more snow eating...Trust me! Once you start, you won't be able to stop!

:::

Hopefully in a couple weeks when we go to Wisconsin the tempuratures will be bearable enough to take the kids sledding.  Obviously they've never been.  We'll have to get her a pair of boots and some snow pants.  She's never had snow pants.  The first year we lived her we bought her a pair of snow boots.  She wore them once.  
We haven't wasted the money on any since.  

(Maybe someone in Wausau has a pair of snowpants and boots she could borrow...hint...hint...)

Hi. My name is Melis and I'm an addict.

Do you remember a time when you didn't have an email address?

Do you remember a time when you had to tear your document apart after printing it?

(You know what I'm talking about! When your school papers had perforated edges and that was ok?)

Do you remember a time when you didn't have a cell phone?  Ack!  Sacrilege!

What I'm getting at here is there was a time when all of this technology was not a part of our daily lives.  We've been a land-line-free household for going on 8 years now.  People thought we were CAH-RAZY.  Ok, I'll admit it.  I was all...what are our kids' teachers going to do when they need to call us????  What will our home phone number be when we fill out paperwork???

Yeah, we've adjusted just fine.  Who knew the paperwork would adjust itself?

There are days when I leave the house without my phone and go back -- no matter where I am --  just to get it, because heaven forbid I should go to the grocery without a phone!!!

Then there are days when I purposely leave it at home.  I choose to unplug, so to speak.  

(On a side note: There is absolutely NO POSSIBLE WAY The Music Man can go AN. EE. WHERE. without his iPhone.  It's no longer a gadget.  It's an extension of his hands.  I'm not joking here people.  The man CANNOT unplug to save his life!)

Ok, so all this blather to say that I think Facebook and Twitter have become so a part of my days that I wonder if I can go an entire day without them.  

Hmmm...

(Ha!  I just had the thought that I should twitter my fast hour by hour for all the peeps, but wouldn't that be breaking the fast?  See, what I'm talking about, People!?!  Technology is an ADDICTION!!!)

I 'm going to try it.  We'll see how I do.  I'll keep you posted -- but not through Twitter or FB.  I love you Peeps--but I'm unpluggin'!

Peace out.

Why I skipped church today...

....My poor baby boy!

I love to eavesdrop on my children.

Last night I took the children upstairs for bed.  I sat the boy in the middle of the girl's bed and told her to keep an eye on him while I took my eyes out.  (I know that sounds creepy, but that's just what comes out when I try to say I'm going to take my contacts out.)

Back to the story...The girl loves to "read" to her brother so she got Noah's Ark and read him the story.  As I listened to them, I couldn't help but get choked up.  He just sat totally silent as she gave him her rendition of Noah's Ark, complete with Mrs. Noah making a cake for Noah.

:::

Chicks Dig Me

This post was going to be so much better than it is, but I let my son have a sip of my tea and now that's all he wants.  It's all I can do to keep him in my arms.  He's tired too, so every time his cheek brushes my boobs, he's all tearing at my sweater.  Must go.  Boy needs boobs.

Photo Booth Fun

I just discovered photo booth and am in luuuuuuuve!!!

Check out more of my fun here...

My One and Only...

...New Year's resolution, that is...

IS...

this...

If you wanna join me, go ahead and sign up.  Let me know and we'll be memorizing buddies.

This is my verse...

(And I'm doing this from memory. Thank you very much.)

Psalm 5:11

But let all who take refuge in you be glad;

Let them ever sing for joy.

Spread your protection over them,

that those who love your name may rejoice in you.

2008 in Review

1. What did you do in 2008 that you’d never done before?Became the mother of two children.

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

I didn't really make any. I was pregnant so I couldn't really use lose weight as a resolution.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

Yes, my neighbor, Jen had a baby girl, Anna, as did my friend Stephanie, who had Brynlee.

4. Did anyone close to you die?

The only person that I knew personally that died was Mrs. Allen.

5. What countries did you visit?

No over-seas travel for me this year.

6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?

A flat stomach. Okay, I'll even settle for a semi-flat stomach.

7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

May 14, the day my not-so-little-anymore man-child was born.


April 10, the day I left my 20's forever and joined the "adults" in the 30's.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Having and nursing my son.



9. What was your biggest failure?

My personal blog and LazyMom

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

I will forever remember The Great Plague of 2008. It wiped out my entire family for 3 straight weeks.

11. What was the best thing you bought?

New Living Room furniture!!!!

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?

My dad! He retired after 30 years! Congratulations to him!!!!

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

Politicians!!!!

14. Where did most of your money go?

Bills, bills, and more bills.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?

The ease of delivery with Jackson and the simplicity of nursing him for the past 7 months. AND!!!! How quickly I fit into my skinny jeans after having a baby!

16. What song will always remind you of 2008?

Found, Travis Cotrell (actually the whole cd)

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:


a) happier or sadder? Happier
b) thinner or fatter? Thinner
c) richer or poorer? The same

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?

Blogging

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?

Mindless surfing of the internet

20. How did you spend Christmas?

At home, which is where I hope we spend the holiday next year.

21. Did you fall in love in 2008?

Absolutely!!!  How could I not?!?!


22. What was your favorite TV program?

Heroes, Eli Stone, Pushing Daisies

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?

No.

24. What was the best book you read?

Just one???

25. What was your greatest musical discovery?

Agustana, Amos Lee

26. What did you want and get?

A perfectly healthy, beautiful baby and new living room furniture

27. What did you want and not get?

Pre-baby skinny

28. What was your favorite film of this year?

Juno (not sure if it came out this year, but I saw it this year)  The Music Man and I watched it the night Jackson was born.  We cuddled together on my hospital bed with the tiny, squishy, bundle of pure bliss slept in our arms.  It was by far the BEST night of 2008 and certainly the BEST movie to watch while laying in a hospital after giving birth.

29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

I turned 30.  I wanted to go to DC for the Cherry Blossom Festival, but it would have been too much walking/waddling for my 9 month pregnant body.  So instead we went to Lancaster.  It was great.  I shopped for the kids (of course! what else does a mom shop for on her birthday?!) We had dinner at the Red Lobster.  A F150 truck fell off a tow truck and smashed my van.  Happy Birthday to me!

  
30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

One more day of preschool each week.  Working on that for 2009.

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?

Same, pregnant or not.

32. What kept you sane?

Jesus, my husband, and my mom.

33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

Will Smith.  He's my best friend, you know.

34. What political issue stirred you the most?

The terrifying bias of the media regarding the November elections.  They voted in our new president.

35. Who did you miss?

My brother and his family

36. Who was the best new person you met?

Jackson Warner Ball

37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.

"Look cute" when you go out in public.  Your family will thank you, even the little ones.

38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.

I'm Over by Travis Cottrell

"I lived so long in darkness.

 Fighting all I believe.

 I've questioned everything you are.

 But faithful as the morning star you never leave.

Oh, I'm over living life in fear and doubt. 

Oh, I'm over. I won't resist the One I can't live without.

I'm over.

I don't know why you chose me,

Knowing I would be weak.

Just as I am torn apart,

You run to me with open arms and hold me.

Oh, I'm over living life in fear and doubt. 

Oh, I'm over. I won't resist the One I can't live without.

And I know You love me even when it's hard to see.

I'll follow and chose to say I'm over.

You never said it would be easy,

But you promised that you'd stay.

You give me rest.

You will be here with me.

You'll never walk away.

I'm over.

Fighting.

Doubting.

Losing.

Drowning.

Running.

Fearing.

Oh, I'm over living life in fear and doubt. 

Oh, I'm over. I won't resist the One I can't live without.

And I know You love me even when it's hard to see.

I'll follow and chose to say I'm over.

39.  2008 in one word.

Jackson

40. Hope for 2009.

To enjoy each day as it comes.  To live life to its very fullest.  To please my husband.  To embrace the pure bliss that is being a mother.  To be a better person.

What surprise awaits me today?

So The Music Man sent a link to me this morning. Bless his heart! I love when he does that. I know when he does that whatever is on the other end of the link is important for me to look at. I mean my man would never send me anything that wasn't edifying and meant to encourage and build me up. I mean he's my husband. His sole goal in life is to see to my needs.

{{snort. snort.}}

This is where the link took me this morning. Be sure to click on the picture to enlarge it so you get the whole picture.

Isn't he the best? EVER?!

:::

Yeah, the other day this is where the link took me.

:::

No one can ever make me believe that he doesn't have my VERY BEST in mind with all these links.

Hahahaha Hoo hee hee hee hee...

Ok, I could not NOT post this right the second it happened.  I just sent my girl off to school with her beef-cake of a daddy.  I'm still in my jammas, because, let's face it, I just rolled out of bed.  We have a play date with a friend of hers from school this afternoon.  She's been looking forward to is ever since I told her about it yesterday.  So as she was walking down the front steps a minute ago she turns back to me and says, "Make sure you look cute!"  

Wha?????

"MAKE SURE YOU LOOK CUTE!!!!!!!!"

HA HA HA HA HA HOO HOO HEE HEE!!!!!!!!!!!!

She's four!!!!  I then asked her if I wasn't cute enough to go to her play date as I was and she said "NO!"  

"Just make sure you look cute again!" she clarified.

Ha ha ha ha ho ho hee hee hoo!!!  {{gasping for breath}} Stop! Child! My sides are killing me!

:::

Oh and about 10 minutes prior to this exchange, she was going potty when we heard this come from her mouth...

"What the hell are you doing?"

Yep.  She said it.  

We both jumped down her throat asking her where she had heard that.  I think we freaked her out, because she clammed up like a mob boss.  

My guess: some HGTV or TLC  show--no joke.  I've noticed more and more soft cuss words being dropped on those channels here lately.  It's a sad day when you can't watch Design on a Dime, What Not to Wear, and Real Simple. Real Life. with your child.  

:::

Ok, I have to stop now...I need to go get in the shower so I will "look cute" for our play date this afternoon.

Q & A

How can you tell if the baby has out grown the swing?

The swing stops swinging and he crawls out.

You Know You're from Wausau If...

I came across this little gem on Facebook this morning.  Yet another reason why I love Facebook so very, very much...

After I saw that I found this piece of work. Ah... Stewart Ave... How I have missed you!



The IMC... 

(When did highschoolers get so young? Better question: When did I get so old?)

Ok and this is just hilarious! Poor kid thinks the song is an Oldie...



They didn't have one of these when I was at West, but I do LOVE the references to Briq's! (Sorry no real linky love here--believe it or not they don't have a website!  Are they still in 1997?)



We totally did this at the 1996 Christmas Concert. We stood around the edge of the balcony of the Grand Theater. Mr. Buch had all the lights out except for one on the empty stage.



I could go on and on forever with these video diamonds, but I'll end it for now... except for this one!  Mr. Prez-Elect in my hometown!

Prayer

Nov. 4 - Pray for women at the conference needing to receive or offer forgiveness for sins or offenses of the past, to be free to embrace their critical role in advancing God’s kingdom.  * I Sam 14:7  “So his armor bearer said to him, do all that is in your heart.  Go then; here I am with you, according to your heart.” 

Did You?

Prayer

Nov. 3 – Pray that our workshop leaders will have complete freedom to share what God has given them according to His agenda.  Pray that Jan will be equally free in sharing a very personalized message to our attendees.  Pray that women will experience freedom and joy that comes through embracing God’s ways and understand the need to be completely dependant on God. *John 5:30  “By myself, I can do nothing...I seek not to please myself, but Him who sent me.” John 8:36  “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”

Prayer

Nov. 2 – Pray that God will remove barriers and fear in women, allowing God to “stretch” them outside of their comfort zone.  Pray that each woman will humbly realize that she has plans and purposes to fulfill from the Lord, and that fear and self-doubt are barriers that impede God’s plan for her.  Jer. 29:11  “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.”

Prayer

Nov. 1 - Pray for traveling mercies and protection for our speakers, our guest workshop leaders, and the women traveling from other cities. Ps. 139 “For you know our going out and coming in, you compass all our paths.”  Ps 23 “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me…..”