Turn up your volume!

Click Here & listen!!!

A Holiday Affair!

Jo & Bob had a wonderful Holiday Party at their home this evening. It was a perfect way to finish off 2006!

Can you spot the mole?

Okay, funny story. My sister and I go to this local shop to get some beauty products. My sister is all about his particular kind of makeup, which I have never tried, so the woman working says that she will apply some for me to try out. I told her that I have rosacea on my cheeks and I need something that will cover nicely. So, as she is applying the concealer she notices that I have a little freckle on the end of my nose. She starts TRYING to cover it up and says "Oh, you've got a little mole RIGHT on the end of your nose, BUMMER! Does it bother you?" I told her not really. I got it from many years of using a tanning booth. Most people get all of these cute little freckles all across the bridge of their nose and cheeks but ME, oh no, I get one freckle on the very end. This lady proceeds to tell me "Well, if it really bothers you, you can just get it lasered off."
Okay, when and where during this visit did I EVER tell her about a problem of concealing the freckle on the end of my nose? I told her that I have ROSACEA that I would like concealed. The funniest part about this is that this woman (poor thing) had a HUGE and when I say huge I mean Holy Sweet Jesus and Baby Jesus HUGE Mole on her cheek!!! If you have ever watched the movie Uncle Buck, you will be able to picture it almost perfectly.
It really drives me crazy when people want to bring up your "flaws" as if because it bothers THEM that it must bother YOU! People have done that my whole life with my teeth. I have 3 big gaps in my top front teeth. I don't mind them soo much. I personally LIKE gaps. My favorite comment of all times is when someone made the comment "Now that you are married to a doctor, are you going to get your teeth fixed?" It's really quite commical. Don't you think? :)

Joke of the day.

Sister Mary Katherine entered the Monastery of Silence.
The priest said,

"Sister, this is a silent monastery. You are welcome here as long as
you like, but you may not speak until I direct you to do so."

Sister Mary Katherine lived in the monastery for 5 years before the
priest said to her,

"Sister Mary Katherine, you have been here for 5 years.
You may speak two words."

Sister Mary Katherine said, "Hard bed."

"I'm sorry to hear that," the priest said, "We will get you a better
bed."

After another 5 years, Sister Mary Katherine was called by the priest.

"You may say another two words, Sister Mary Katherine."

"Cold food," said Sister Mary Katherine, and the priest assured her
that the food would be better in the future.

On her 15th anniversary at the monastery, the priest again called
Sister Mary Katherine into his office.

"You may say two words today."

"I quit," said Sister Mary Katherine.

"It's probably best," said the priest. "You've done nothing but bitch
since you got here."

Are your feces healthy?

Merry Christmas!

Song of the day.

Held - by Natalie Grant

This is a must read.

A Letter From Jesus Christ

Dear Children,

It has come to my attention that many of you are upset that folks are taking My name out of the season. Maybe you’ve forgotten that I wasn’t actually born during this time of the year and that it was some of your predecessors who decided to celebrate My birthday on what was actually a time of pagan festival. Although I do appreciate being remembered anytime.

How I personally feel about this celebration can probably be most easily understood by those of you who have been blessed with children of your own. I don’t care what you call the day. If you want to celebrate My birth just, GET ALONG AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER. Now having said that let Me go on:

If it bothers you that the town in which you live doesn’t allow a scene depicting My birth, then just get rid of a couple of Santa’s and snowmen and put in a small Nativity scene on your own front lawn—if all My followers did that there wouldn’t be any need for such a scene on the town square because there would be many of them around town.

Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling the tree a holiday tree, instead of a Christmas tree. It was I who made all trees. You can and may remember Me anytime you see any tree. Decorate a grape vine if you wish: I actually spoke of that one in a teaching explaining who I am in relation to you and what each of our tasks were. If you have forgot that one, look up John 15:1-8.

If you want to give Me a present in remembrance of My birth here is my wish list. Choose something from it.

1. Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the way My birthday is being celebrated, write letters of love and hope to soldiers away from home. They are terribly afraid and lonely this time of year. I know, they tell Me all the time.

2. Visit someone in a nursing home. You don’t have to know them personally. They just need to know that someone cares about them.

3. Instead of writing George complaining about the wording on the cards his staff sent out this year, why don’t you write and tell him you’ll be praying for him and his family this year. Then follow up. It will be nice hearing from you again.

4. Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you can’t afford and they don’t need, spend time with them. Tell them the story of My birth, and why I came to live with you down there. Hold them in your arms and remind them that I love them.

5. Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her.

6. Did you know that someone in your town will attempt to take their own life this season because they feel so alone and hopeless? Since you don’t know who that person is, try giving everyone you meet a warm smile. It could make the difference. Also, you might consider supporting the local Hot-Line: they talk with people like that every day.

7. Instead of nit picking about what the retailer in your town calls the holiday, be patient with the people who work there. Give them a warm smile and a kind word. Even if they aren’t allowed to wish you a “Merry Christmas” that doesn’t stop you from wishing them one. Then stop shopping there on Sunday. If the store didn’t make so much money on that day they’d close and let their employees spend the day at home with their families.

8. If you really want to make a difference, support a missionary, especially one who takes My love and Good News to those who have never heard My name. You may already know someone like that.

9. Here is a good one. There are individuals and whole families in your town who not only will have no “Christmas” tree, but neither will they have any presents to give or receive. If you don’t know them (and I suspect you don’t) buy some food and a few gifts and give them to the Marines, the Salvation Army or some other charity which believes in Me and they will make the delivery for you.

10. Finally if you want to make a statement about your belief in and loyalty to Me, then behave like a Christian. Let people know by your actions that you are one of mine.


P.S. Don’t forget, I am God and can take care of Myself. Just love Me and do what I have told you to do. I’ll take care of all the rest. Check out the list above and get to work: time is short. I’ll help you, but the ball is now in your court. And do have a most blessed Christmas with all those whom you love and remember.

I LOVE YOU,
(signed) Jesus

Finnegan & Russell snoozin'.

'Tis the season!

*(Last years picture of the downstairs fireplace....it pretty much looks the same this year!)


So, does everyone have all of their Christmas decorations up yet? I don't. This ice storm really threw me off. Oh, well. Once I do get it all out, it probably won't be taken down until February! I wanna enjoy it! I mean REALLY!

On a down note...
Jo, who owns It's a Girl Thing, was given some devastating news yesterday. Her oldest sister was tragically killed in an automobile accident around 9am on her way to work. It was a head on collision and the other driver was killed as well. Please keep Jo, Jo's family and the family of the other driver in your prayers. What an awful thing to happen at ANY time of the year, but especially 6 days before Christmas.

Sarah, you are the best!!!!

Last week we had our work Christmas Party dinner. It was a blast! Sarah treated us all to a yummy meal & drinks at Mi Pueblito and spoiled us ROTTEN with gifts! For the younger girls, she got them cute little slippers and Coach bags! She gave me a pair of the cute little slippers, an awesome knitting book and Chanel Allure Sensuelle! Sarah completely out did herself. Not only is working for her at Bellasera throughout the year a dream job, but then she gives us gifts that go above and beyond to make us feel that we are TRULY appreciated. Thank you Sarah for being such a wonderful, caring, giving and beautiful human being/friend/boss. :)

Some people should have jobs where they don't have to have any interaction with other people.

THOSE WHO...

-do not understand that basic manners like PLEASE and THANKYOU mean alot to customers, other employees and their employer.

-think that they can speak to their employers in any manner that they feel. If you yell at your boss like a 2 year old....you should fully intend on finding another job.


*this list may later be added onto*

GREAT Christmas Gift idea!

I came across this wonderful website called Oxfam America Unwrapped. If you have someone on your christmas list that seems to have everything and/or is difficult to find that perfect gift for....consider giving them the gift of paying it forward.

Favorite Track Friday.

I cannot get enough of Dan Fogelberg right now. I have been playing Another Auld Lang Syne nonstop. My husband is most definitely Fogelberged out. If you get the chance and haven't heard this song.....check it out!

Happy 18th Meg!

Favorites.

Chocolate drink: Ovaltine

Pasta sauce: Tomato sauce with cream

Pressed powder & Foundation: Prescriptives

Perfume: Chanel

Restaurant: The Magic Kitchen and/or The Cheesecake Factory

Bird: Owl

Best styling product for curly hair: Curls Rock Curl Booster

Job: Bellasera!!!

Creative video: Nothingnew

Many still waiting....

Decatur still has about 11,000 people without power. My friend Valerie and her family are STILL waiting for theirs. Unreal.

Ohhhh, the weather outside was frightful!!!

It's been a tough week on the midwest! Our power went off Thursday night at 11pm and didn't come back on until Sunday night. Luckily my parents didn't lose power so we were able to stay with them. John braved the elements and stayed at our house on Saturday night. Man, it was cold. Painfully cold. There are still many people without power and I can't believe that some of them haven't left their houses! I am generally a very hot person and I couldn't even take it!

Coolest Bed Ever!

This bed is soo cool I can hardly stand it!

Gobble! Gobble!

"Owl" show you my great finds!

Adrienne & I went to an estate sale yesterday and I found the most awesome owls! I forgot to take a picture of the owl yukor playing cards that I picked up as well. Too cute!

Filler.

I'm just adding this post with a picture of John & me so that when I log on I don't have to see that nasty spider cricket at the top of my blog.

Eeeeeeeek!

Is anyone else plagued by these nasty little critters??? They are known by several different names but one of the most popular is the spider cricket....because they look like a cross between a spider and a cricket. They can be quite large in size as well. Some that I've seen are little but most others that I have seen are HUGE! Yuck! They come into our finished basement and they freak me out! Apparently they like cool & dry places. They are kind of hard to kill because when you go after them, they actually jump TOWARD you! Holy Schnykees! I'm telling ya...they freak the living bejeezus out of me. Just LOOKING at this picture gives me the heebeejeebees!

b & lu

Check out what I just bought from b & lu!
They carry big girl sizes that are actually really cute!

English Lessons In Japan part II

I REALLY don't get it at all!!!
However, it's kinda funny!

Happy 1 year Anniversary to ME & my blog!!!

Britney....I KNEW you'd come to your senses!

If you haven't already heard....Britney Spears & Kevin Federline are getting divorced!
I'm only surprised that it took THIS long! I for one am really happy. He is the biggest choad EVAH!!!! Britney, I knew that you would eventually see the light. I really did.

Liquid Lady

Solid Potato Salad [1944]

Green around the gills.

It been a tough week over here. John and I are the official Gruesome Twosome. I've been feeling sick for a couple of weeks, nauseous after I eat and it REALLY hit me hard yesterday. I won't go into details, but I've got two words for you..... FLU SYMPTOMS!!! John had surgery this past Thursday so he has been laid up around the house for the past 4 days watching all of his Seinfeld series DVD's and listening to me belly ache. Russell has a yeast infection in one of his ears and Cecil threw up on the stairs this morning. I can't wait for us ALL to get better. :)

Doggie MUST HAVES!

Unless of course you are Russell because we don't have a fenced in yard and he just goes where ever he darn well pleases. :)

Click Here!

Evolution of Beauty

Free Hugs Campaign.

My 2 little boys.

I decided that Russell should have some nice golf pants. They were a little too snug. But come on, how cute is he?! :)
Aaaaaaaaaaand, we all know how Cecil just LOOOOOVES to be the center of attention. Or should I say, that Cecil likes to have his CENTER as the attention! Oh, yeah! I said it!

Michela & Eugenio's most FABULOUS wedding!

John & I just got back a week ago from Canada. We went up to celebrate John's cousin Michela's wedding. It was a GORGEOUS wedding and the bride looked AMAZING! It was the fanciest wedding that I have ever been to! She even had fireworks! Not just "fireworks" between her and her cute hubby but an actual firework show! I wish you two all the best!

Peep me out....again!

Hey everyone! I'm on 25 Peeps again so please go and check me out. Once you are on the site, you need to click on my pic....it will bring you right back here....but that is how I get "votes." Thanks!

Added later: Dang! I'm already off! Oh, well. Don't worry about voting now. :(
Hmph!

Stylin' & HIGH Profilin'!

My brother Dalton & his lovely wife Anna have been living in LA for a couple of months now and are already all over the Hollywood scene! Check out the pics of them with Minnie Driver! They said that Paris Hilton was at the party as well. Crazy huh???

Being a Fat Girl.

I've been a Fat Girl for approximately 85% of my life and on a diet probably 65% of my life. My weight has always been an issue. Being an issue for me is one thing, but it's kind of funny when it becomes an issue for someone else. Four and a half years ago when I met my husband, I was really quite fit. I was running about 3 miles every day and felt super good about myself. Since that glorious time of my life, I have gained 100lbs. Slowly but surely, I packed on the pounds. I have fluctuated 15-30lbs over the past two years. Obviously when someone says that they have gained 5 pounds and are mortified about it, I don't relate very well. I swear that I can fluctuate that amount in 1 day! The thing that I probably have one of the hardest times with is fat prejudice. People look at you different when you are fat. They have a hard time looking you in the eyes. And even though they don't say anything, you can absolutely "feel" what they are thinking. It's dissappointment. As if they are thinking "My God! How can a person let themselves go like that!?" Well, believe you me....I NEVER thought that I would be this heavy. Ever! But, it happened. And it's sad that I don't just have to deal with the dissappointment that I have in myself, but that I have to deal with other people's dissappointment in me. It makes me a little sad. But here's the real catcher. In many ways I am happier now 100lbs heavier than I was in highschool or in my early twenties. All of those years that I would fret about how "fat" I was. Now I would be SOO happy to be back at that weight. But overall, I'm okay. I don't dislike myself. I wouldn't trade my life for anyone else's. I pretty much like the person that I am.

Eye of the Tiger. Arrgh!

If you need a little classic rock to go along with this pic...click here!

Thought for the day.

You can't reason with crazy.

Lola Grace.

Yesterday I went with Adrienne & Lola to Rock Springs to take some pics of Lola. Unfortunately after just a few pics, my batteries went dead. This is one of my favorites out of the few I took with my camera. Hopefully there are many more cute ones on Adrienne's camera. I'm sure there were. Lola is too cute!