Thank God for Skype

Thanks to Skype, we were able to see and hear Morgan this morning! 

We gathered the entire family (Matt, Henry, Mom, Dad, me - and the dogs), and at 8:30am she called!

She seemed so happy, and they are going to have a ton of great stories to share. 

They are having such a blessed time with the children. 

Tomorrow they will attend church with the Asia's Hope family, and this week they will be a part of the baptism of eight of the children.

She did report that the heat has given her a couple of little headaches, but other than that, she is great.

We anticipate that we will be able to skype with her one more time before she returns home next weekend.

It was such a blessing to see her face and hear her voice. Thank you, Jesus!

*Check out Jen's blog for more pictures!

Oh, Eve

(Sent to me as an email forward)

One day in the Garden of Eden, Eve calls out to God.

"Lord, I have a problem!"

"What's the problem, Eve?"

"Lord, I know you created me and provided this beautiful garden and all of these wonderful animals and that hilarious comedic snake, but I'm just not happy."

"Why is that, Eve?" came the reply from above.

"Lord, I am lonely, and I'm sick to death of apples."

"Well Eve, in that case, I have a solution. I shall create a man for you."

"What's a man, Lord?"

"Man will be a flawed creature, with many bad traits. He'll lie, cheat and be vainglorious; all in all, he'll give you a hard time.
But... he'll be bigger, faster, and will like to hunt and kill things. He will look silly when he's aroused, but since you've been complaining, I'll create him in such a way that he will satisfy your physical needs.
He will be witless and will revel in childish things like fighting and kicking a ball about. He won't be too smart, so he'll also need your advice to think properly."

"Sounds great!" says Eve, with an ironically raised eyebrow.
"What's the catch, Lord?"

"Well... you can have him on one condition."

"What's that, Lord?"

"As I said, he'll be proud, arrogant, and self-admiring... So you'll have to let him believe that I made him first. Just remember, it's our little secret... You know, just woman to woman."

Morgan is in Cambodia!

Team Cambodia arrived in Phnom Penh roughly ten hours ago, and they are safe, happy, and exhausted.

As you read this, they are probably sound asleep, preparing for a full day at the orphanage tomorrow.

This morning I was able to briefly connect with Morgan via facebook. We hope to skype tomorrow morning, and if it works out, we will actually get to speak face-to-face. 

Additionally, she sent this email to my mom, my dad, and me this morning:

Hi guys! Well we finally got here! I really don't even know what day it was. Went well, they did some crazy drill in the LAX international termnial that scared all of us ( tell you more later.) Has been going well. Today we went to the market. All I can say is that it is 10x worse than the mexico outdoor market. LOTS of BAD smells! The best was being able to see all the kids! They are amazing! They don't let go of you! I'll try to skype you guys tomorrow. Jen is waiting for her computer so, I can't talk long. Totally out of my comfort zone and missing you guys like crazy! Love you!
Mo

I've read this email about fifteen times, and every time I read it, I tear up. I am so proud of my sister, and I am so thankful that she is on this adventure.

Finally, Jen Morgan, the long-term missionary, updated her blog today, so please check it out for pictures and updates about Team Cambodia. The pictures of Morgan with those precious children absolutely melt my heart. I am so happy for her.

Please continue to pray for them. And, of course, I will continue to provide updates!

Are you praying for Tuesday?

If not, please take a moment and pray for this special little girl and her precious family.

This one is for my husband.

Not because he wears anything that resembles the undergarments on the far right, but because we often debate about global warming.

To the best of my knowledge . . .

Morgan and Team Cambodia are over the Pacific on their way to Taipei (Taiwan). They have successfully completed two legs of their trip (Columbus to Dallas to L.A.).

Continuing to pray that they successfully and safely make it through to Phnom Penh.

Praying for traveling mercies

My sister and her team are on their first flight (one of four) to Cambodia. Please take a moment to pray for their safety as they travel to Dallas (and then to Los Angeles to Tei Pei to Phnom Penh).

Thank you for your prayers.

It's today!

Do you remember when I made this very important announcement? 

Well, she's leaving today!!!

My darling little sister, Morgan, is going to Cambodia to do missions work. She will be serving an orphanage in Prek Eng along with a group from our church through a third-party organization, Asia’s Hope. 

Our church currently has a long-term missionary serving the orphanage, and if you check out her blog you can read about how God is using her in Cambodia (and maybe she will update her blog while Morgan and the team are there).

Thank you for all of your prayers and support. God has been so faithful.

Please continue to pray for Morgan and the team as they begin their 35 hour journey to Cambodia. We are so proud of these missionaries!

Miss Fabulous Vista Ridiculous Pageant

My good friend, Mary Kate, hosted a bunch of girls to watch the the Miss America pageant on Saturday night.
We had an absolute blast, and because Mary Kate is so creative, she came up with this crazy idea:
Miss Fabulous Vista Ridiculous Pageant

Each girl created a "name," talent (not to be performed, thank God), and platform. I was Miss Conceived (I'm pregnant, remember), my talent was "getting knocked-up," and my platform was Sexual Health, Sexual Education, Contraception, & Foreplay. 

We even made our own crowns and sashes. It was too fun.

The winner of our pageant was Kim, a nurse, who was Miss Diagnosed. I was the runner-up!

Still sick, but . . .

. . . back to the grind.

Thanks for the well-wishes!

Why no posts?

Read this.

Oops.

(Sent to me as an email forward.)

**Rrriiiiinnnnggg, rrriiiinnnngg,**

'Hello?'

'Hi honey. This is Daddy. Is Mommy near the phone?'

'No, Daddy. She's upstairs in the bedroom with Uncle Paul.'

After a brief pause, Daddy says, 'But honey, you haven't got an Uncle Paul.'

'Oh yes I do, and he's upstairs in the room with Mommy, Right now.'

Brief Pause.

'Uh, okay then, this is what I want you to do. Put the phone down on the table, run upstairs and knock on the bedroom door and shout to Mommy that Daddy's car just pulled into the driveway.'

'Okay, Daddy, Just a minute.'

A few minutes later the little girl comes back to the phone.

'I did it, Daddy.'

'And what happened, honey?' 

'Well, Mommy got all scared, jumped out of bed with no clothes on and ran around screaming. Then she tripped over the rug, hit her head on the dresser, and now she isn't moving at all!'

'Oh my Gosh!!! What about Uncle Paul?'

'He jumped out of the bed with no clothes on, too. He was all scared and he jumped out of the back window and into the swimming pool. But I guess he didn't know that you took out the water last week to clean it. He hit the bottom of the pool and I think he's dead.'

*****Long Pause*****

*****Longer Pause*****

*****Even Longer Pause*****

Then Daddy says, 'Swimming pool? Is this 486-5731?'

'No.'

My new favorite commercial. Ever.

Never underestimate the power of your actions.

Sent to me as a forward. It's touching.

One day, when I was a freshman in high school, I saw a kid from my class walking home from school.
His name was Kyle.
It looked like he was carrying all of his books.
I thought to myself, 'Why would anyone bring home all his books on a Friday? He must really be a nerd.'
I had quite a weekend planned (parties and a football game with my friends tomorrow afternoon), so I shrugged my shoulders and went on.
As I was walking, I saw a bunch of kids running toward him.
They ran at him, knocking all his books out of his arms and tripping him so he landed in the dirt. His glasses went flying, and I saw them land in the grass about ten feet from him...
He looked up and I saw this terrible sadness in his eyes.
My heart went out to him. So, I jogged over to him as he crawled around looking for his glasses, and I saw a tear in his eye.
As I handed him his glasses, I said, 'Those guys are jerks. They really should get lives.' 

He looked at me and said, 'Hey thanks!'

There was a big smile on his face.
It was one of those smiles that showed real gratitude.
I helped him pick up his books, and asked him where he lived.
As it turned out, he lived near me, so I asked him why I had never seen him before.
He said he had gone to private school before now.
I would have never hung out with a private school kid before.
We talked all the way home, and I carried some of his books.
He turned out to be a pretty cool kid.
I asked him if he wanted to play a little football with my friends.
He said yes.
We hung out all weekend and the more I got to know Kyle, the more I liked him, and my friends thought the same of him.
Monday morning came, and there was Kyle with the huge stack of books again.
I stopped him and said, 'Boy, you are gonna really build some serious muscles with this pile of books everyday!'

He just laughed and handed me half the books.
Over the next four years, Kyle and I became best friends..
When we were seniors we began to think about college.
Kyle decided on Georgetown and I was going to Duke.
I knew that we would always be friends, that the miles would never be a problem.
He was going to be a doctor and I was going for business on a football scholarship.
Kyle was valedictorian of our class.
I teased him all the time about being a nerd.
He had to prepare a speech for graduation.
I was so glad it wasn't me having to get up there and speak.
Graduation day, I saw Kyle.
He looked great. He was one of those guys that really found himself during high school. He filled out and actually looked good in glasses. He had more dates than I had and all the girls loved him.
Boy, sometimes I was jealous!
Today was one of those days.
I could see that he was nervous about his speech.
So, I smacked him on the back and said, 'Hey, big guy, you'll be great!'
He looked at me with one of those looks (the really grateful one) and smiled. ' Thanks,' he said.

As he started his speech, he cleared his throat, and began.

'Graduation is a time to thank those who helped you make it through those tough years. Your parents, your teachers, your siblings, maybe a coach...but mostly your friends....I am here to tell all of you that being a friend to someone is the best gift you can give them. I am going to tell you a story.'
I just looked at my friend with disbelief as he told the story of the first day we met.
He had planned to kill himself over the weekend.
He talked of how he had cleaned out his locker so his Mom wouldn't have to do it later and was carrying his stuff home.
He looked hard at me and gave me a little smile.

'Thankfully, I was saved. My friend saved me from doing the unspeakable.'
I heard the gasp go through the crowd as this handsome, popular boy told us all about his weakest moment.
I saw his Mom and dad looking at me and smiling that same grateful smile.
Not until that moment did I realize it's depth.

10 Things About Me, Honest.

Thanks for this great award, Sandy!

The rules: Honorees are to list 10 honest things about themselves - and make it interesting, even if we have to dig deep! Second, we are to pass the award on 5 bloggers we feel embody the spirit of the Honest Scrap. (I'll try to list 10 honest things, but I won't nominate simply because, like I said yesterday, I'm so behind on my list of things to blog about!)

1. I like rap music.
2. In the last 48 hours, I've said a lot of really nasty things about a friend's husband. And I'm not sorry about what I've said.
3. I am slightly jealous of my son who wears cellulite so well. He makes chubby thighs look cute.
4. I love when my husband gets out of bed in the morning. It's then that I sprawl out and sleep the hardest. (Sorry, babe)
5. I like fast food. And people that say, "Eww, fast food is so gross," annoy me.
6. I had four very out-of-control years when I was in college. Though I made some horrible choices, I miss those days.
7. I still wonder if Tom Cruise is really gay.
8. I carry a lot of 'green' guilt. (For instance, I drive an SUV, and I wish I drove something more eco-friendly.)
9. I am way cheaper than I like to admit.
10. I am giddy when my husband goes hunting for the weekend and takes the dog. I begged for that dog, but when I can get a break from him, I'll take it!

If you want to participate and post ten honest things about yourself, let me know! I'd love to read about YOU!

I measure up, or something like that!

My friend, Denise, sent this to me a while back. I'm a bit behind on my list of things I want to blog about; sorry, Denise!

Here are the rules that go along with this award:

1.Say one nice thing to a man in your life. (As if I don't do this already?! And it's a good thing that hubs never comments on this blog or any of my blogs, for that matter.)

2.List at least 6 ways you measure success in your life (or your blog). (I don't really know how to answer this. I imagine that as my children grow up, they will do a superb job of measuring my success or lack thereof.)

3. Assign 5 other blogs. (Can't do it. But if you want to participate, drop me a line and let me know! I'll tell you whether or not you measure up. Just kidding. You are awesome - whoever you are, and that is all that matters.)

These are a few of my favorite things.

(from Inauguration Day)

Photo: BestWeekEver

Photo: kabyware

Photo: sfgate

Photo: huffingtonpost

Photo: huffingtonpost

Photo: huffingtonpost

Yesterday.

How do I capture, in words, what a glorious day yesterday was?

Let's just say I started watching inauguration coverage at 8:00am, and I had blown through a box of kleenex before noon.

Yes, I am pregnant, so crying comes easily, but how could you not be moved by yesterday's events?

More than anything, I am prouder today than I have ever been to be a mom. It gives me such pride to raise a child in an era where ANYTHING truly is possible for ANYONE. How amazing is that?

I can never sum up how special 1/20/09 is and will always be. What I will say is "Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Jesus."

Happy Birthday, Mom!

Today is my mom's birthday!

Shout out to Shar-Bear, as my dad likes to call her.

Thanks, Mom, for all that you have done, especially this last year. I am such a better mother because of you!

Love ya.

Oh, and she is the hottie on the left. People often mistaken her for our sister.

Taking the day off

I am taking the day off to enjoy and savor Inauguration Day. 

Please join me in this celebration by praising God and by praying for this new era.

I need to get this off my chest.

I'm STOKED about January 20th, 2009, and it's not just because I like Obama. 

No, I'm beyond excited because finally, f-i-n-a-l-l-y, we have a black President (and, no, that is not why I voted for him).

As today is the day that we observe Martin Luther King Junior's birthday, I reflect on the state of this so-called union as it was only forty-some years ago. And I think, disgusting. Brutally disgusting. I become enraged simply thinking about the horrific events that took place in this country. It's absolutely devastating.

So to be able to witness the most historic event of my life thus far, I am beyond proud. And to be a mother in this "era," I am beyond proud.

And that brings me to some reading that I have been doing as the inauguration approaches.

I've read some comments from individuals who will be purposefully and adamantly NOT watching the inaguration because they very much dislike Obama. What do I think about that? Fine - that's your loss.

But then I've read a couple of comments from individuals who belittle the importance and significance of Tuesday because Obama is "only half black." 

Excuse me as I regain my composure.

How in God's holy name does the amount of "black" in Obama's lineage make Tuesday less worthy of God's praise? Honestly, are people that ignorant? Why, God, why, are there still people (so-called Christian people, believe it or not) in this great land who do not see how beautiful tomorrow will be? 

I don't expect all people to agree with Obama (I don't agree with him on many things).

I don't expect all people to like him (there are some decisions that he has made that I don't like). 

But I do expect so-called Americans to respect the enormity of tomorrow's events. 

Is that so much to expect from my fellow people?

The Open Table

If you've followed my blog since the beginning, you know that I am a HUGE fan of Donald Miller - author, writer, producer, director. Sure, he's creative, but more awesome than that, he is extremely innovative.

His current project, The Open Table, aims to answer questions about faith and Christianity from 'outsiders perspective'. 

I am especially attracted to this project because I know that one of the biggest fears of non-Christians is that they will be judged or condemned or targeted by Christians. 

And unfortunately, they are sometimes right.

But Miller's approach is far from judgmental. He's great because he's the guy that anyone can talk to without being afraid. He's not just nice to people - he is. But he's the guy that would sit down with the so-called worst-of-the-worst and just chat without thinking twice about it. 

I'm quite excited about this project. He recently posted a clip from this project on his blog. Check it out.

Unbelievable

I'm still in disbelief of this miracle. God is awesome!

You're going to love this!

Okay, so the other day we were at dinner with my family, and my sister said to me, "What if you started a blog to find me a boyfriend."

"Are you serious?" I replied. 

"Yeah, why not?"

Okay, if you know my sister, you know that blind dates and hook-ups are NOT her thing. She nearly has a panic attack just thinking about them. But God has been doing amazing things in her heart. I mean, she is going to Cambodia! My sister is a posh hotel and gourmet American food kind-of girl. But she has such a peace about going to Cambodia (total God thing).

So now she is willing to step out of her comfort zone, again, and meet some new people. And because she knows how much I like to blog, she thought, "heck, let's combine your love for blogs and my willingness to go on a few dates."

So here is the product of that conversation: Date My Sis

If you know any single, Christian guys in the Greater Columbus area (Ohio), PLEASE direct them to this site. 

We are going to blog about the ups, downs, and all-arounds of her dating adventures, so check back often to catch all the juicy details. I can't wait!

I don't know what this is about.

According to the makers of this video, there is a place in Madison, Wisconsin that offers free bacon on Tuesdays. That has prompted these guys to make bacon videos. I don't understand them, but I'm going to post it because, well, because. I like the part when MIchelle is talking about bacon in the background. I love that lady. And I love bacon.

Tax Question?

A friend shared this resource with me, and I am passing it on.

It’s that time again—for the entire month of January, TurboTax is once again answering your tax questions for free. The Customer Care Center is open from 7 to 7 each day, and you can submit one question to be answered (via a call back, at a time you select) for free.

That’s a $29.95 value, but really, you can’t place a value on not being audited.

Sully

"Sully" is a hero. 

Chesley B. "Sully" Sullenberger III and his co-pilot, Jeff Skiles, successfully landed U.S. Airways flight 1549 in the Hudson River, saving all 150 passengers and five crew members. 

The story is amazing. God is awesome.

Oh, the Snuggie

Had to share this one.
I'm only going to say this because I just watched A Time to Kill, but thank God that Snuggies don't come in white. That would be very, very, very bad. Very bad.

The Dog & Cat Diaries

Another email forward. 

Being the dog lover that I am (no offense cat lovers), I thought this was too cute. 

Oh, and that's a cute picture of my pup. He makes me smile (most of the time).

Excerpts  from a Dog's Daily Diary:

8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing!
9:30 am - A car ride! My favorite thing!
9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
12:00 pm - Lunch! My favorite thing!
1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
3:00 pm - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
5:00 pm - Milk Bones! My favorite thing!
7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
8:00 pm - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!
11:00 pm - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!

Excerpts from a Cat's Daily Diary:

Day 983 of my captivity . . .

My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets.

Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength.

The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet.

Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a 'good little hunter' I am. Bastards.

There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of 'allergies.' I must learn what this means and how to use it to my advantage.

Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow -- but at the top of the stairs.

I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released - and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously an .

The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicating with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe. For now . . . 

For all the ladies

These were sent to me as a forward (there were about a dozen of them; these are the ones that I find most true in my life right now). 

A WOMAN IS LIKE A TEA BAG . . .
YOU DON'T KNOW HOW STRONG SHE IS UNTIL YOU PUT HER IN HOT WATER.

I'M OUT OF ESTROGEN, and I HAVE A GUN.

DO NOT START WITH ME.
YOU WILL NOT WIN. 

IF YOU WANT BREAKFAST IN BED,
SLEEP IN THE KITCHEN. 

Ann Coulter on The View

She drives me absolutely nutty. Ugh. I can't stand her.
This is 8 minutes long, but it's full of drama.

Kids Rock!

More from ellen. This one is awesome.

Ambulance (?) Fail

I'm warning you. This one is kind of hard to watch. But I couldn't help but laugh. I really couldn't.

2Pac, my love

The other day, on twitter, I was asked to name a famous person with whom I'd want to roller skate. 

Good question.

I didn't want to choose someone too funny because I'd be peeing in my pants, not skating. I didn't want to choose someone too skinny because I'd be the fat girl on skates. 

I decided on this beautiful man.

Technically, he is dead, but I'm all for roller skating when I get to Heaven. 

I began obsessing over 2Pac when I was in high school. Shortly after his death in 1996 (I was a junior), his music became extremely popular. 

I was that goofy little white girl cruising around town in my 2-door Hyundai Accent blasting All Eyez on Me and Changes (my favorite) - dirty lyrics and all.

And though I don't blast his music around town anymore (baby prefers Christian radio and Veggie Tales), I will forever love 2Pac. 

And I will roller skate with him when I get to Heaven.

Kid can dance!

Another great clip from ellen.

Golden Globes

So I caught a bit of the Golden Globes last night, and I realized something: I didn't see one award-winning film in 2008. Seriously, there was not a film mentioned that I actually saw. Either I need to get out more, or I have crappy taste in movies.

(Actually, I will be seeing The Dark Knight. I'm ashamed to admit it, but I had the opportunity to see it, and I declined. I regret that. The Dark Knight has moved to the top of my list of movies to see.)

Please vote, again!

Friends, family, and strangers,

PLEASE take a moment (literally, only a moment) to vote for Blissfully Domestic for Best Parenting Blog at the 2008 weblog awards.

I am Editor of Blissfully Domestic's Homeschool Bliss channel.

Your vote(S) is/are greatly appreciated!

Thank you!

A Time to Kill

So in all my hormonal glory, I decided to watch A Time to Kill.

What was I thinking?

I've seen the movie before. I knew it had a happy ending, but no one in their right mind can watch that movie without crying during at least 75% of it. And since I'm major preggo, I cried my way through the entire movie, and for an hour after it was over.

If you've never read the book (a John Grisham) or seen the movie (huge line-up: McConaughey, Bullock, Judd, Spacey, Jackson, Sutherland)- Do both. They are both incredibly powerful. 

Why not make it two for two?

Oh, heck. I've already offended enough people by my earlier post, why not continue the trend and call it a day?

I received the following commentary as a forward. Please search deep within your soul and find the humor in it.

In a few short days, an African American man will move from his private residence into a much larger and infinitely more expensive one owned not by him but by the taxpayers. A vast lawn, a perimeter fence and many well trained security specialists will insulate him from the rest of us but the mere fact that this man will be residing in this house should make us all stop and count our blessings - because it proves we live in a nation where anything is possible.

Many believed this day would never come. Most of us hoped and prayed that it would, but few of us actually believed we would live to see it. Racism is an ugly thing in all of its forms and there is little doubt if this man had moved into this house fifteen years ago, there would have been a great outcry - possibly even rioting in the streets. Today, we can all be both grateful and proud that no such mayhem will take place when this man takes up residency in this house.

This man, moving into this house at this time in our nation's history is much more than a simple change of addresses for him - it is proof of a change in our attitude as a nation. It is an amends of sorts - the righting of a great wrong. It is a symbol of our growth, and of our willingness to "judge a man, not by the color of his skin but by the content of his character".

There can be little doubt now that the vast majority of us truly believe this man has earned both his place in history and his new address. His time in this house will not be easy - it will be fraught with danger and he will face many challenges. I am sure there will be many times when he asks himself how in the world he ended up here and like all who have gone before him, the experience will age him greatly. But I for one will not waste an ounce of worry for his sake because in every way a man can, he asked for this. His whole life for the past fifteen years appears to have been inexorably leading this man toward this house. It is highly probable that in the past, despite all of his actions, racism would have kept this man out of this house. Today, I thank the Lord above that I am an American and I live in a nation where wrongs are righted, where justice matters and where truly anything is possible.


Oh, come on. Who'd you think I was talking about?

Sarah Palin, PLEASE stop whining.

Believe it or not, I appreciate Sarah Palin. She gave a new face to the feminist movement, and I'm all about feminism. Not to mention, she's a hard-core working mom, and that rocks.
And I want to give her the benefit of the doubt. I wish the media would leave her and her family alone, allowing them to go on with their lives in Alaska.
But why does she have to whine and play the exploitation card? Why does she have to play the class card? Governor Palin, when you joined the presidential ticket - no - when you made it your goal to be in a public office, you agreed to have your entire life scrutinized. You cannot run for one of the highest public offices in this world without becoming a target of the media and a few comedy skits. 

I want everyone to move on, including you.

Nice flip!

Elephant Slide FAIL

Savion Glover

I saw Savion in concert several years ago. It was a one-man show - one man, his tap shoes, and a flat surface. It was remarkable. This video is not from the concert that I attended, but this clip demonstrates how amazing Savion is. I heart him.

Lipstick in School

A friend sent me this. It is priceless.

According to a news report, a certain private school in Washington was recently faced with a unique problem. A number of 12-year-old girls were beginning to use lipstick and would put it on in the bathroom. That was fine, but after they put on their lipstick, they would press their lips on the mirror leaving dozens of little lip prints. Every night the maintenance man would remove them, and the next day the girls would put them back. Finally the principal decided that something had to be done.

She called all the girls to the bathroom and met them there with the maintenance man. She explained that all these lip prints were causing a major problem for the custodian who had to clean the mirrors every night (you can just imagine all the yawns from the little princesses).

To demonstrate how difficult it had been to clean the mirrors, she asked the maintenance man to show the girls how much effort was required. He took out a long-handle d squeegee, dipped it in the toilet, and cleaned the mirror with it.
Since then, there have been no lip prints on the mirror.

There are teachers. . . and then there are educators.

I'm fabulous!

Actually, my blog is fabulous, according to my dear friend, Sandy. 

This lovely lady gave alidotes a darlin' award! Ain't she precious?! Oh, and she is an organizing genius, so it would behoove you to visit her blog often. I consider myself a fairly organized person, but Sandy comes up with ideas that are simple, easy, cheap, and down-right life saving!

Along with this fabulous award are a few rules:

• Put the logo on your blog or post. 
• Nominate at least 10 blogs which you think are fabulous.
• Be sure to link to your nominees within your post. Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog. 
• Share the love and link to this post and to the person from whom you received your award.
• List five addictions.

I'm sharing this love with....

A Walk Through the Valley - Rebecca is a devoted mom who recently started homeschooling. She is currently taking a break from this blog, but you can visit her at her home-away-from-home, BlogMommas. She doesn't just talk the talk. She truly walks the walk. 

An Asian Vista - Jen is a missionary serving God in Cambodia. She blogs about life in Southeast Asia, and the best part is that she often posts pictures and video of the darling orphans that she loves on!

Aunt MoMo's Corner - This is my sister's blog. Morgan is my dearest friend, and she loves being an aunt so much that she created a blog all about it! How blessed is my son?! She is awesome. I can't say that enough.

columbus imPRessions - This is a blog all about Public Relations. Colleen and Michele are rockin' gals who started their own PR business. They are full of amazing ideas and resources pertaining to marketing, communications, branding, internet strategies and more. They are brilliant.

Dawn's Diversions - Dawn is flat-out adorable. Seriously, just check out her blog's avatar - flippin' adorable, no?! She just makes me laugh. Oh, and I've never played RockBand before, but if I do, I want to play with her. I'm just sayin'.

Meandering Mommy Land - This is my friend's blog. Denise is a new mom to a preemie. She is so many more things than that, but her blog focuses on her journey with her little critter. She is brutally honest about the ups and downs of her journey. That is why I love her.

NHS Photo Company Blog - Natalie and I have been friends since middle school. More recently, she was the photographer at our wedding. She is an amazing photographer, and it makes me sad that she lives so far away. Not to mention, she has two of the most adorable boys. And they are snowboarding prodigies even though they aren't even in grade school yet. They are so cool like that.

Organize with Sandy - I don't know if I can do this, but I have to send this award back to Sandy. Seriously, she is genius. I'm going on a road trip with her in February, and I'm so excited because I love organization (and I love Sandy). I think I'm going to kidnap her after our trip and invite her to organize our tiny condo before Baby #2 arrives. Shhhh, don't tell her my plan.

Red Stick Razzle Dazzle - This is another friend blog. Alyssa's blog is the first blog I ever followed. She blogs about her life in Louisiana (she is a fellow midwesterner). She is a kind soul with a servant's heart. Currently, she works in juvenile corrections, and I love her dearly for giving those kids a second chance.

Stop Screaming I'm Driving - Carrie is one cool mom. And she is a helluva good writer. She's witty, funny, cute, and even though she very much dislikes Crocs, I still love her.

And here are five of my addictions:

1) Family.
2) My MacBook.
3) Diet Coke (I'm going through withdraw because I'm preggo!).
4) Creativity.
5) Prayer.

Vote for us!

Friends, family, and strangers,

PLEASE take a moment (literally, only a moment) to vote for Blissfully Domestic for Best Parenting Blog at the 2008 weblog awards. 

I am Editor of Blissfully Domestic's Homeschool Bliss channel. 

Your vote(S) is/are greatly appreciated!

Thank you!

The Couch Escapade, Part One

Read all about my Couch Escapade at non-maternal instincts. It's a classic.

It didn't happen.

This is what I wanted to post:

Boys, I am so proud of you. I always am. You deserved that win. You earned it. Love you all!

This is what I have to post:

I'm still proud of you. I'm just really upset right now. I'll get over it. I always do. I still love you all. I always will. 

Let's Go Buckeyes!

Tonight is your night! Shine on in Arizona!

Nice warm-ups

This is a picture of my cousin - Jordan, my sister - Morgan, and me at Disneyland. We are three cute kids, I know. 

But what is up with those warm-ups? Seriously, we each have on the hottest warm-ups eva. So eighties. I love it.

Oh, and my sister is drinking something from a bottle. It looks suspicious. But she's cute, so it's cool.

The month of their births

My parents were both born in January. They are now in their fifties, and birthdays don't mean much to them. 

But they are two of the best lookin' fifty-years olds I know. Especially my mom. If you've ever seen my mom, you know she looks like she should be my sister, not my mom. In fact, people often ask me if she is my sister.

So I thought I'd post this pic of how cute they were/are. And with the exception of the hair and clothes, they basically look the same as they did 30+ years ago (seriously, my dad hasn't gained any weight since high school, it's sickening). 

Rock on, Steve and Shar!

Sometime in the early seventies

In June, shortly after the birth of my son

My prayers are with the Travolta Family

How devastating.
Saying a prayer for the Travolta family.

Happy Birthday, Dad!

You are the best! Happy Birthday to you!
Thanks for always putting style first, and thank you for always making sure that my fingers don't freeze.
You rock!

Flippin' Hilarious

I laughed through this entire video.
{chuckle-snort-giggle-burp-excuse me}

If only it were this easy.

We are blessed in that while our son takes a pacifier, he can easily do without it. He usually uses it to soothe himself to sleep, and that's about it.
But I have heard the stories, and I've seen the four-year-olds sucking away, so I know that breaking kids of the pacifier habit can be quite a challenge.
But if only it were this easy:

This is SO true.

I had to post this picture because I experienced it firsthand. When I had my ankle surgery three months ago, I was dressed in a gown just like this one. If you've ever been in one of these gowns, then you know it has two strings in the back to cover-up your backside. Um, that doesn't work. And sure enough, I was sitting in prep when I asked the nurse if I could use the restroom. She escorted me through the entire prep lounge (which was a giant room full of a dozen other patients), and I KNOW that every single one of those patients saw my entire bum walking into the restroom. How lovely! Hopefully I brought a chuckle to the many patients feeling anxious about their pending surgeries.

Happy New Year!

This picture has been floating around the web for years, yet every time it winds up in my inbox, I am touched by its innocence.
Praying that you all have a very Happy and Blessed New Year!