DONE?

THIS IS GONNA BE A SHORT ONE!!!!



I FINISHED MY LAST ASSIGNMENT OF 2011!!!

WOO-HOOO!!!



I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO HAVING A COUPLE OF
WEEKS OFF TO SIT BACK, RELAX, AND ENJOY MY
FAMILY....


BUT LETS BE SERIOUS I NOW HAVE A COUPLE OF
WEEKS TO CATCH UP ON ALL THE HOUSE WORK,
AND TO ATTEMPT TO POTTY TRAIN MIMI AND
MAYBE, JUST MAYBE READ A BOOK THAT IS NOT
ABOUT SCHOOL STUFF...

AT ANY RATE I AM FINISHED AND NOT A MOMENT
TOO SOON!!!!

What if.....

There is this song on the KLOVE(a great Christian station) that I love to
listen to. It is called Blessings by Laura Story. The little graphic above
is the chorus to the song. Here is the link to her song..(PLEASE LISTEN)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4mmgV6mPvb0


Makes you think right? Lots of people, me included have been told
God never gives you more than you can handle. What if that isn't
true, what if he gives you more than you can handle to see how you
handle it?(Philosophy at its best).

All the times that we see a disappointment in our path may just be
the things that bring the blessings with them. We've all heard the
cliches about struggle and disappointment making us all a better
person. Some of them include:

"You have to go through the rain to see the rainbow"

"One door must close before another one can open."

"You have to turn your life upside down before it can be right
side up"

"You have to break it down before you can make it stronger"

And so on, I can imagine that there are millions of more ways
of saying the same thing. All of it conveying the same sentiment,
bad things happen and getting past them will get you to something
better.

We all pray for good things like wisdom, health, family, protection,
well being, jobs, understanding and the such. But we may not see
that to get the things that we pray for we have to go through a
change to get them.

What if we knew that to get the wisdom that we seek we had to
go through a tough experience teaching us that wisdom. Would
we approach the seeking of it differently. Would we deal with
the tough times in a different way.

Even if we approach the tough times with perseverance we may
start to feel that hope fading away. We have no way of knowing
just how long that rain will fall or how long that journey will be.
It may last a short time or take a very long time. We may abandon
it all together because we are not willing to take another minute
of it. In those cases we can only hope that the journey will grow
bright on the next path.

The truth is that even the strongest person can become weary
of the journey. Sometimes we may need to sit down and take
a moment to rest. We may need to pick up that friend and
remind them that we are there with them, and although we can't
carry them through the journey we can walk with them a little
while and help them approach that goal they seek.

So my question to you is have you walked with someone on
a journey lately. Have you guided, inspired, or encouraged a
person that you know needs it. Have you given nourishment
to the soul in need? Have you given a candle of hope to a
person on the long journey that they are facing?

As we approach the New Year try thinking of making a New
Year's resolution that will do this. Make it a goal to spread
the hope and love that you have with someone that could use
the encouragement. Don't just give lip service, share the tales
of hardship with a gift of love, friendship and nourishment.
That gift you give may be the blessing the person needs to
help them on the path!!!

Observations, Surprises and Updates

Time for some more updates, obeservations and surprises...

 1. IT HAS BEGUN-- I finally started Christmas shopping, My mother in

 law sent me somemoney to buy Christmas presents from her for the kids,

 that way she won'thave to lug them on the train, so I officially have presents

under the tree. I still haven't started my shopping yet, thinking I'll do it next

week.

2. SANTA--This Santa and other childhood imagination stuff is hard.

 My kids allstill believe in Santa, so I am still trying to plan Santa wisely.

I bought thewrapping paper that Santa will use yesterday,of course I had to

 hide it sothe kids won't see it.. Sometimes I think we as parents are crazy for

adding one more thing to our list...

3. BUT KEEP THE OLD- I got an unexpected email from two of my friends

that I have not heard from in a long time(one of them over a year). What a true

blessing to be able to catch up with those people again. God has blessed me

with them and I am thankful that even though life has keep us busy we can

still catch up every now and then.

4.JOBS AND MOVING- For the time being it is looking like we will be staying

put. A mix of emotions, I know that I was secretly hoping that the one option

would work out and make a good situation for Coach. If its meant to be it will

work out.

5.FUNDING- I found out I got a grant award at school. It isn't a lot of money,

it covered the cost of books but it is that much more money I don't have to spend

and that is always good news!!!

6. I'M DREAMING OF A BROWN CHRISTMAS- So I've been trying

to decide what to give my siblings and parents for Christmas. So I've decided

to do treat boxes. I'm making truffles, oreo truffles and peanut butter balls. I

know that the last thing most people need is a little more sugar but come on

the new year means resolutions right?

7. FB TO BE OR NOT TO BE-- I've had so much success not being on FB

that I am trying to decide if I should ban it forever. I think however I am going

to reactivate it and then dump a whole bunch of people that I don't need! This

should allow me to keep the upbeat nature that life is taking. No changes till

January 1st though!

8.CHRISTMAS CARDS-- So I changed my mind. I'm gonna send out

cards but not until after Christmas. I'm gonna send them out to the ones who

send me a card and a couple of other people that I am thinking about! Guess

I couldn't keep my Bah Humbug attitude very long..

9. STOCKINGS ARE HUNG-- My Martha Stewart side came out, I went

to Walmart and bought 7 stockings( the $0.97 ones) and a bottle of glow in

the dark fabric puffy paint. Well lets just say that for less than $10 we have

7 personalized stockings that glow in the dark(the kids get a kick out of it).

10.VOW RENEWAL PLANNING- So I haven't been planning too much

but I have created my save the dates and started working on the brochure

that I am sending out when we know the exact date. Very cool things and

creative to say the least. Also decided to do a bon voyage party for those

that can't take the trip with us.

Alright I'll limit this to just 10 today. But I'll probably be posting some more

stuff soon...

Trust is the name of the game

I've been listening to the christian station a lot lately. On this station they have these one minute ministry things from a group called Proverbs 31.org. I was listening yesterday and heard this one.
(CLICK ON LINK OR READ BELOW)
http://proverbs31radio.blogspot.com/search/label/Trusting%20God

Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst



Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Last week I was up most of the night with a very sick child. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries.  My daughter Ashley was supposed to be competing in a State Gymnastics Meet the next day. I know in the grand scheme of life, skipping the Meet pales in comparison to many more serious matters. But, to her this was a really big deal. One that she had worked SO hard to prepare for. And now her body was too weak to attend. So trust was the word of the day. But sometimes trust is HARD. Especially when it means taking a completely different route than what we were expecting. Are you going through some tough times right now? Are you full of questions but short on answers? Maybe we’re just supposed to say, “God I don’t like this and I don’t understand but still I trust You and that’s enough.” For more encouragement visit Proverbs 31.org.

Well yesterday I found out that my cousin, who turns 30 in a couple of days, has
to have both of his legs amputated. This is due to complications with diabetes.
So after hearing the news I started to think, why would god take the legs of a
person so young, with two little boys? Why would he confine a young man to
a life in a wheel chair? As my heart filled with questions that I knew I would
not get an answer to, this little ministry minute came on the radio. As I listened
I got the overwhelming feeling that this was a direct message to just me, as if
at that very minute God was trying to talk directly to me.

I started to think that maybe he had heard my questions and although he knew
that I wouldn't understand why it was the way it was, he wanted me to know
that he did hear me and that if I trusted in him then it would work out. I sat for
a minute, in silence, thinking about my cousin and how much he must be full of
all kinds of questions, anger and frustration. Then I said a prayer that he too
would get that message and that even though it wouldn't make his life any bit
easier that maybe he'd be able to accept it and be able to move along the new
path that was before him.

So today trust is the name of the game. As things change and something that
I don't like comes up I'm gonna work hard to remember that I have to
trust in God!

Updates--Life's Happenings

So here is my updates for this last week. Just to keep everyone posted, and
to let everyone know what is going on in the Jordan house!


1. Finals, Finals, Finals- I've made it to the end of another term in school
which means that I am slammed with final papers, projects and tests. All
of this being due on Dec 23. Let's just say more than one bottle of wine
will be drank on Christmas Eve!

2.No Jamaica-The invitation for my brother's destination wedding came
this week. At a cost of $1,500 a person and a date of August 15th we
have been scheduled and priced out. That is about $10,500 and right
in the middle of football camp for those that do not know. I am filled with
 a mix of emotions over this, anger and hurt, sadness and depression.
 But life will move on and I will be ok!

3.No Christmas Cards- For the last 6 years I have sent Christmas cards
to everyone on my list, we are talking maybe 60 cards. This year I am not
sending any cards. With finals and a limited budget I don't have much money
of time to send them, besides I don't think that a lot of people should get
them.

4. Job possibilites- We have some jobs in the works. One of them will take
us to a very familiar place. I can say that I am excited and nervous about it
at the same time. Coach really wants this, although he won't say it. In all
honesty I must admit that I do too.

5. Let the shopping commence- Time to admit it, I am beginning to make my list.
If you don't know me this is a big deal, cause I am usually almost done by
now. But I am starting to make my list, filled with all the things that the kids
want. I'm only buying for my kids, and our parents.

6. I DO Part Deux- Early stage planning for the renewal is holding until I know
 about the jobs. Location wise we may be smarter to take one option over
 another that would alter the cruise in whole. When we know more, I'll pick
up with the plan again.

7. I resolve- Still holding sold on this. Feeling really good about things lately and
even the news of missing the wedding has not been able to rain much on my
little parade. I've been working on meditation and finding myself more focused
and a lot more relaxed.

8. Facebook Free- That's right you have heard that right. I have been FB free
 for 9 days. I miss it a little but have learned a lot about people that care and
those that don't. Interesting how people I never expected have contacted me
and those that I thought would, well they didn't..Helped me to set some new
 priorities for 2012.

9.Let is snow- It is Dec 6 and it has not snowed yet where we live(Global
Warming).It's had its cold spells but over all it is really warm here. I mean I live
about 10 miles from Lake Ontario. Meanwhile places like New Mexico have
gotten snow. I know that I will probably change my mind, but in all honesty one
of the things about being in the Northeast is that you get a White Christmas...So
I'm saying Let it snow!!!

10. Christmas Visits- My mother in law has decided she wants to come visit for
the holidays. We are really really excited about this. She came for Thanksgiving
and we really had a great time with her here. It is refreshing to have some time
with her and the kids are loving it when they get to see granny! Her affirmation
and support brightens my dad and I'm so thankful that she is the soul that she is!!!


Okay well that is 10 updates for you! Hope everyone has an awesome day and
I will leave you with one quote....

"The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or touched,
but are felt in the heart" - Helen Keller ...



SUCCESS

Doesn't this picture just make you laugh??? Okay I made me smile!!!
So what was I successful at, well I made it through 5 days without my
husband being home! I not only made it but I think I did really really
good.

When I say really really good I mean I stayed on target with classes,
which is no small feat considering I am in the final 3 weeks and I am
busily doing final papers and projects. I also managed to work on vow
renewal stuff(ooh more on that later!!!), the house stayed relatively clean,
and the kids didn't even stress me out too much... All in all it was a
very successful week!!!

I was successful because when Coach shared some news that might
have an impact on our future I didn't even get nervous or worried or any
of the other things that I have clung to in the past. It would seem that the
inner strength has been renewed, amazing what 5 days away from FB
will do for you!!!

To me the biggest success of the week was not even being upset that
Coach didn't want to talk to me for hours at a time on the phone, did I
ever mention that I was a little bit psycho in my young coach wife days.
Last week we talked a couple times a day for like 15 minutes. But in
all honesty I didn't need to be on the phone with him.

Another success I've managed to only be on the scoop once this week.
For those of you not in the industry it is basically a website/blog, that
college coaches go on and post "scoop"(a manly way of saying gossip)
about what coaches interviewed where, what jobs are being changed,
what is happening in football. It is pretty interesting and believe me
it is the way that everyone finds out about changes.

As it is football silly season right now we keep an eye on the changes
that are happening. I'm not saying we are looking to move again, but
if the right opportunity came along we would consider it. We aren't
actively looking but if Coach get the right call we have to think a lot
about it.

Lastly, I am successful this week because we are officially in December
and I haven't even started to worry about Christmas shopping or any
of the present things that would have filled my head in the past. I'm
taking a new approach to it this year. I'll get them when I'm ready
and everyone will get what they get. I'm not trying to find the perfect
gift anymore. It will be something nice and if they like it they like it.

So in short this week has been a great start to the resolution I talked
about in the last post!!! It was A SUCCESS!!!

P.S.Also be on the lookout for the coming blog post about our vow renewal
(In 2013--I'm planning early)

Changing my life

Please excuse this blog for a moment. As you have probably been able

to tell lately I've had some things that have been requiring a change in the

order.

I've been secretly struggling with it for some time. Trying to decided

what needs to be done and the best way of fitting everyone and

everything into the priority schedule that is me. After taking on way

way too much I decided in the last couple of weeks that it isn't gonna

be that way anymore.

So I made an early New Year's resolution. My resolution is to make

the next year of my life focused on my goals and bucket list. I'm not

totally sure what all that truly means yet, but I'm guessing it will have

some big implications in the lives of people around me.

First step was to deactivate Facebook. I find myself reaching out to

people, being friendly, commenting on their stuff, letting people know

that someone pays attention. Yet I get very very little of that in return.

So until I figure out how to treat Facebook and the people on it in a

way that doesn't monopolize my life I will not be using it.

Next step I am taking is that I am going to start blogging more. I have

set a goal of at least one new post a week. Maybe just an update on

how the world seems to be going for me, but at the very least it will

be a weekly post, maybe more depending on the inspiration of it.

As far as everything else I am working out plans for that. I have already

made some decisions that will change our lives. I'll start posting about

those things and choices in time. Right now I have to figure out how to

say it.

So the changed priorities will have some good and some bad. I know

that it will be both for me and I am finally ready at 30 to take on that

challenge and get what I want out of life. I guess people will have two

choices either they can accept the change and stay in my life or they

can have a problem with it and then be left behind because one thing

is for certain this train is about to leave the station with a new schedule

and you are either on board or left at the station....



Decisions decisions!

“The doors we open and close each day decide the lives we live.” ~Flora Whittemore

So I find myself on this little blog burst lately about decisions. Part of it is that I
 have a rather difficult decision that I must make regarding some extended
 family situations. I put the idea out on facebook the other day and it seems
that I am making the right choice but that doesn't make the choice any easier
 to make.

Sometimes we are forced to make a choice off of another's actions. It is
 often not fair but that is part of the world that we live in. We have to know
 that our world is not just controlled by our own actions but by the actions of
 those around us. We will be presented with the choice of a door that we did
not intend to open or close and we have to choose to react to it in a way that
is not only reprsentative of our goals and desires but of the goals and things
we want to encourage in our children.

We can't expect people to schedule their lives around our activities. That is
a very selfish idea in all. We have to accept that sometimes people will want
to do something that does not fit our own goals and desires and we will have
to accept it and move forward. No matter how hard we try we can't make
someone do something that is in our best interest if it is not in the best interest
of their own lives.

Just like the way leads on to way, life is full of all kinds of choices between
a path and another path, both might seem equally nice but we know in
our hearts that one might be better for us than the other. Maybe its the one
that is harder and even though it would be nice, just this once to take the
easy way out we know that doing this would set us back a step on our
ultimate goal.

Sometimes making the executive decision involves doing what isn't easy
and then standing by the choice even when it gets hard. I know in the
long run that this gets me closer to my intended goal and I guess that I
should stay focused on that part.

Here's to hoping the next decision will be much easier to make though.
 

A Football wife-*Taken from another blog*

THE FOOTBALL WIFE

Thank you to my friend who gave me permission to share this with all of you! This is why a football wife is something special!

THE GOOD LORD WAS CREATING A MODEL FOR FOOTBALL WIVES, AND WAS INTO HIS SIXTH DAY OF OVERTIME WHEN AN ANGEL APPEARED. SHE SAID, "LORD YOU SEEM TO BE HAVING A LOT OF TROUBLE WITH THIS ONE. WHAT'S WRONG WITH THE STANDARD MODEL?" THE LORD REPLIED, "HAVE YOU SEEN THE SPECS ON THIS ORDER? SHE HAS TO BE COMPLETELY INDEPENDENT, POSSESS THE QUALITIES OF BOTH MOTHER AND FATHER, BE A PERFECT HOSTESS TO 4 OR 40 WITH AN HOURS NOTICE, RUN ON BLACK COFFEE, HANDLE EVERY EMERGENCY IMAGINABLE WITHOUT A MANUEL, BE ABLE TO CARRY ON CHEERFULLY, EV EN IF SHE IS PREGNANT AND HAS THE FLU, AND SHE MUST BE WILLING TO MOVE TO A NEW LOCATION 10 TIMES IN 17 YEARS. THE ANGEL SHOOK HER HEAD. "SIX PAIRS OF HANDS? NO WAY." THE LORD CONTINUED, "DON'T WORRY, WE WILL MAKE OTHER FOOTBALL WIVES TO HELP HER. AND WE WILL GIVE HER AN UNUSUALLY STRONG HEART SO IT CAN SWELL WITH PRIDE IN HER HUSBANDS ACHIEVEMENTS, SUSTAIN THE PAIN OF SEPARATIONS, BEAT SOUNDLY WHEN IT IS OVERWORKED AND TIRED, & BE LARGE ENOUGH TO SAY, "I UNDERSTAND WHEN SHE DOESN'T, AND SAY I LOVE YOU REGARDLESS."LORD, SAID THE ANGEL, TOUCHING HIS ARM GENTLY, "GO TO BED & GET SOME REST. YOU CAN FINISH THIS TOMORROW." "I CAN'T STOP NOW," SAID THE LORD, "I AM SO CLOSE TO CREATING SOMETHING UNIQUE. ALREADY THIS MODEL HEALS HERSELF WHEN SHE IS SICK, CAN PUT UP 6 UNEXPECTED GUESTS FOR THE WEEKEND, WAVE GOODBYE TO HER HUSBAND AND UNDERSTANDS WHY IT IS IMPORTANT THAT HE LEAVE."
THE ANGEL CIRCLED THE MODEL OF THE FOOTBALL WIFE, LOOKED AT IT CLOSELY AND SIGNED, "IT LOOKS FINE, BUT IT'S TOO SOFT." "SHE MIGHT LOOK SOFT," REPLIED THE LORD, "BUT SHE HAS STRENGTH OF A LION. YOU WOULD NOT BELIEVE WHAT SHE CAN ENDURE."FINALLY THE ANGEL BENT OVER AND RAN HER FINGER ACROSS THE CHEEK OF THE LORD'S CREATION. "THERE'S A LEAK," SHE ANNOUNCED. "SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH THE CONSTRUCTION. I AM NOT SURPRISED THAT IT HAS CRACKED. YOU ARE TRYING TO PUT TOO MUCH INTO THIS MODEL."THE LORD APPEARED OFFENDED AT THE ANGEL'S LACK OF CONFIDENCE. "WHAT YOU SEE IS NOT A LEAK, IT IS A TEAR."
"A TEAR WHAT IS IT THERE FOR?" ASKED THE ANGEL.
THE LORD REPLIED. "IT'S FOR JOY, SADNESS, PAIN, DISAPPOINTMENT, LONELINESS, PRIDE & DEDICATION TO ALL THE THINGS SHE & HER HUSBAND HOLD DEAR."
"YOUR A GENIUS!" EXCLAIMED THE ANGEL.
THE LORD LOOKED PUZZLED & REPLIED, "I DIDN'T PUT IT THERE."

Two roads diverged in a wood....

This is my favorite poem of all time! "I took the one less traveled by, and that

has made all the difference." We all come to points in our lives, on a daily basis

where we must chose which path to take. As the famous Yogi Berra said "When

 you come to a fork in the road take it."

Thinking about it you may laugh at first. Well of course you have to take it, but

if you think about it I think its more about take the fork in the road and don't

look back.One of my favorite lines in the poem is "Oh I kept the first for

another day! Yet knowing how way leads on to way, I doubted that I should

ever come back."

Choosing a path to take can be easy and hard, some of lifes choices seem simple

(Should I eat a Cheeseburger or chicken sandwhich for lunch?) Some of

them are tougher( Should I quit my job for this other opportunity?) I think most

 people would see that choosing them can lead you down a different path.

Like the poem says "way leads on to way." Our lives are the sum total of our

choices. We don't get the chance to take the path that we didn't choose the 

 first time. We are never in the same position we once held. As the paths add

 up we find ourselves pulled in a direction.Sometimes away from the first path.

 The path chosen leads on to a new set of paths. Each with new choices and

 new chances.

Sometimes our paths aren't that much different from where we want to be but

 like the road sometimes the detour leads us to a chance to do something

different. In my early college years I wanted to be an elementary school teacher.

 I never could have imagined that at 30 I would be still in college. The choice to

get married and have children in my early 20's, certainly is not that common of a

choice now(at least among the people I know).

My life is the sum of my choices. I won't graduate from college, with my bachelor

degree anyway,until I am 32 or 33. I never did have a wild and crazy 20's

(although I don't really think that I missed much). I made choices that altered my

 path in so many ways fromwhat I thought it would be, but I took the road less

traveled and that has made me the person I am today.

The miracle of childbirth

A little disclaimer first** THIS BLOG IN NO WAY IS A HINT THAT I
AM, WILL, OR WANT TO BECOME PREGNANT NOW ARE IN THE
FUTURE****



Ok now that this part is out of the way I will get started. It seems everywhere
I look lately someone is pregnant, just had a baby or is trying to get pregnant.
I am amazed at how different each persons experience is and how the stress
of the situation is handled differently.

For me getting pregnant was easy. I didn't even have to try to get pregnant.
My pregnancies where all unplanned. I had very little issues with the pregnancies,
carried my children to full term and besides some anemia issues I did pretty
 well.I managed to carry twins to full term and if I hadn't been unlucky enough to
 have Medicaid for my pregnancy with Makiah(I feel bad for people who have to
 use that as their health insurance) I would have had all of them through vaginal
 delivery.

For me pregnancy was easy, but for many people it is not. I have several friends
that have had to go through IVF or other ways to get pregnant. I've had several
 friends that have had miscarriages and disappointments. I've had some friends
 that have delivered babies before 30 weeks.

Lots of people talk about colors, clothes, parties, names and being ready for baby
 to come out. I have to admit I got to that point at each of my pregnancies. How
easy it was to forgot the miracles that where taking place in my body. How this
little person was growing, developing, and creating a new part in my life with each
passing moment.

Recently a good friend of mine suffered a miscarriage. She suffers from infertility
 issues and had been trying to get pregnant for awhile. She was 17 weeks when
she miscarried and had just seen her baby for the first time the day before. She
 was devastated and has been blogging about her experience. The feelings she
has about the whole situation. The anger she feels toward her own body, the
way that she has struggled with deciding if she is ready to start trying again. All
of these questions are things that she has struggled with.

Reading her blog and talking to her I realize just how lucky I was to have
the 5 children I do with such ease. Some days, especially as they get older
I forget about those moments and start to complain about not having money,
not going on a honeymoon, not being able to do things. Then I realize just
how much work I did to create them and I smile a little more and say thanks
to my stretch mark rippled belly for all it did to produce 5 miracles.

"Mom-esteem"

Mom-Esteem(n.)-respect for or feeling good about the choices
one makes as a Mother

 From the moment the kids sit down at the breakfast
table(cereal or hot homemade breakfast and don't get me started
on the sugar and dyes), to the minute they go to bed(is 9pm too late)
I am constantly presented with the opportunity to judge my own
choices and try to decide if I am doing the "right" thing.

As a mom we have the added benefit of "mommy" friends that we
compare ourselves to at every single minute. Sometimes the worst
thing that we can do as a mom is talk to our friends about what they
do or how they do it.

The mom that tells you she homeschools her kids(OMG, you must
have the patience of a saint to be able to do that) . The mom that
says she feeds her kids only organic foods(Do they make organic
cheetos?). The mom that tells you she only lets the kids watch 1 hour
of TV a week(That reminds me I should really look into purchasing stock
in Disney and Nickleodeon). These are all people that we will compare
ourselves too.

The thing is that no matter how much "research" you do, or how many
times you tell people about how much you think it is the right choice, it
is only your choice. My choice to have my children attend a pretty good
public school(Can you imagine what the unemployment rate would look
like if no one sent their kids to school?),  indulge in a non organic food, or
watch TV when they want(it goes off for dinner and homework) doesn't
make me any less effective as a parent as you are.

The thing I have learned is that we all pick our battles. Those things that
we stake our Momfidence on. Those things that we believe are essential
in making our kids productive members of a future society. We want to
give them a healthy start. But come on generations of children grew up
eating the occasional hotdog, french fry and soda. Generations of children
have survived in public schools, lots of kids have watched TV and been
able to function properly.

So the word Mom-esteem means that you know you are doing what is
best for your family. When someone tells you that it isn't how they would
do it you look at them and say "It's what works for us." You don't feel
the need to post cartoons or links to things that criticize people for making
arguments against it. Honestly that shows you probably aren't as comfortable
with your choice as you say.

So here is to a high Mom-esteem and next time you want to question or
"preach" about other peoples choices then you should think about why you
do what you do and then back up and wait for someone to ask for your
opinion.

The best laid plans....

"The best laid plans of mice and men often go arie"

That isn't a bad thing though. In my opinion the true test of a

person is how we react to things when they don't go the way

that we planned them. Are we prepared to move forward and

get the best results out of the rest of the time we have.

I think of this every week when I see my husband working on

the game plan for the week. He's feverishly trying to figure

out which plays to put in and which plays to use that will stop

the other team from scoring. On Saturday he starts playing and

it only takes a couple of missed plays and it would seem that it

would be time to give up.

Those of you that know football know that it is more a game of

committment than of actual game. I'm not implying that skill is not

needed but you'd be amazed at how well people who believe in

themselves can play even when the skill isn't always present.

I often hear my husband tell the players that it doesn't matter how

many times the offense gives up the ball, or how many plays that

the defense has to play. Each time the defense has to go out there

and believe that they can do it.

If they give up on the entire game after a couple of bad plays

then that wouldn't be much of a game. The same can be said

of life, if we give up on our goal after a couple of seemingly

hard failures than we'd be giving up in the first quarter of

our "game".

How many times has a team made an amazing comeback?

How many times have we seen a team throw a last

minute touchdown or make that goal-line stop to win

the game. The team didn't make an amazing comeback

because they gave up on the goal. Infact they actually did what

I think few people think about. They believed that they could

do it and they made the changes necessary to get it done.

Life is much the same way. If you want something then just

because you can't accomplish it in the first half of your game

doesn't mean that you can't do it in the 3rd quarter. I'm living

proof of that. I am finishing my bachelor's degree in my 30's.

I never gave up on that dream, even though I had to leave school

twice because the timing was off I kept making it a priority

and eventually got to the point where it was something that I

could accomplish!

So just like in football, things will not go the way that we

expected or planned them to go, but if we make the correct

adjustments we have the chance of making our goals into

a win!!!!

90 day challenge Day 14

So we have another 7 days in the book. This is so easy. I
can't even tell you how amazing I feel. Went to the doctor
for my yearly physical and I told them about what I was doing
"Whatever you are doing, keep doing it."


This week I started mixing a daily 1oz shot of Oki(Oak-eye)
in my shake. It's the new product that a good friend of mine
started taking. She's on a Chemo drug for breast cancer and
has side effects from the drugs. She's been taking it for awhile
and says she feels great!

This Oki is all natural and has lots and lots of healthy those
wonderful antioxidents and phytonutrients in it! It totally helps
clear up brain fog, helps with all kinds of things and is really
good.

Anyway back to the challenge. I started adding Oki to my
shakes this week and noticed that I felt even better. I worked out
3 times this week for a total of 90 minutes for the week. I ate
my normal meals with my family, totally pigged out last night
and still lost 2 lbs this week...
You are what you eat. If you eat garbage you will feel like garbage.
It's no wonder that people have migraines, sickness and are plain
tired. When you try to fuel your body with bad foods its gonna
try to send all kinds of signals that you need to change.

I honestly haven't felt this good in a really really long time. The best
part is that it isn't just a weight loss shake, it can be used for people
who work out a lot and need protein, it can be used as a snack.
I'm amazed that more people don't try it.

Honestly I combine the two products and get the best of both
worlds. I get amazing nutrition, energy, cancer prevention agents,
all while losing weight and adding lean muscle.

Alright for those of you that are looking for the stats, that's
the way you know it really works right...


Measurment:    Challenge Start:   Current:      Total Lost:

Bust:                    45 inch             43.5              1.5
Chest                    38                   35.5             2.5   
Waist                    36                   34.5             1.5
Hips                     44                    42.5             1.5
Thighs                  44                     41.5            2.5

Total inches lost: 9.5(Are you serious???)

Total pounds lost: 4(not fantastic but i'll take the inches lost)

Football season-ups and downs

We are three weeks into the schedule, on week 7 of the actual season. I
wanted to share a quick list of some the pluses and minuses of the season
so far.



Pluses-

1.Watching my husband love his job again!- This is the biggest plus of the
entire things for me. Rock loves his job, it doesn't matter that he works
insanely long hours. He loves what he does and truly loves getting up each
day. I love seeing him love it again

2. Making new friends-its nice to make new friends with the other wives,
the players parents and other people in the administration of the school. Like
it or not colleges love football(that's why 639 play in the NCAA and even more
play in the NAIA and Junior college leagues)

3. Watching all the support that the schools get from the student body. I
love watching students come out and cheer on their team. I love watching
the school spirit and the excitement that happens. We always joke that even the
academic schools play football(Ivy league anyone??) Why? Because it is one of
the best ways to bring about alumni interaction.

4. Having something new each week- since each week is a new team, we always
have something new to look forward to each week. Having a change up in the
schedule keeps our life from getting monotonous. I can't imagine knowing that I
have the same schedule each week, know what's gonna happen. To me the
knowing that you have to be flexible is the best part.

5. The gratification of doing a good job.- This is sort of a secondary feeling.
Knowing that people appreciate what he and I do(by way of me taking up
the slack at home). It's always nice to have people thank him, have former
players call and be around or have people thank me(for letting him do it)
So much is given up to do it. Its nice to have people appreciate it.



MINUSES-


1. The hours- I'd be crazy and lieing if I told you the hours didn't bother
me sometimes. Most wives learn to live with it, accept it, but who really
wants their spouse gone 5 out of the 10 weekends of the season and
working 18 hour days Sunday-Thursday. By the way their is no Overtime
pay. So a 100 hour workweek isn't compensated as more money.

2. The losses- When the team loses most Coaches try to put it behind them.
They move ahead to the next game, but if you are in a situation where you
have been losing awhile or you know that the headcoach is on the hot seat
then you start to worry. If the headcoach gets fired you all get fired. That
is just the way it goes. You hope that you can turn it around but if you
don't you start preparing yourself for the rumors and gossip.

3.Lack of family support- This one doesn't usually bother me too much. The
fact is that most people in this industry do not live in the same town as their
families. Most wives learn to do all the household chores, outside chores
and childrearing themselves. It's sort of a badge of honor for me. I don't need
someone to help me cook, clean, take care of the kids, mow the lawn. I do
it myself and go to college full time and work part time. I've grown use to
being independent. Still at times I would like to have my mom come over
for an afternoon or to have a big family dinner.


These are some of the things that I've been thinking about this week. I'm
so thankful for what we have. We aren't rich, we don't make lots of money.
It's our life and it's not perfect but we enjoy it and that's all we can
hope for in the end.

90 Day Challenge-Week 1 done!

I've been doing this challenge for a week now!! Before I give you all
the numbers let me answer a few of the questions I've been asked this
week about it.



1. Do you have to eat a specific diet?
Besides drinking the shake you can have whatever you want to
eat. Obviously if you make healthy choices on snacks and meals
then you will see much better results. I found that I was not that
hungry this week and only snacked a little, however I did eat the
same meal I gave my family and I did enjoy some desserts this
week.


2. Do you have to exercise a lot?
I'm sure as the challenge goes on and I get closer to my goal weight
I will have to exercise more. This week I exercised for 30 minutes on
three days a week. That's very minimal exercise and I still saw good
results.

3. Do you have to take extra vitamins and minerals?
No! This is the best part to me. This drink mix is packed with vitamins
and minerals. It is a high protein, low carb, high soluble fiber mix. Take
a look at the nutritional information and you'll see very few health shakes
can offer you the same

4. Is it expensive?
The answer to this is it depends. You can buy the mix and the information for
as little as $50 a month. Considering that it makes 30 shakes that works out
to about $1.66 a shake. Add in the cost of milk and you might reach $2. In
my experience $2 is a good deal. If like me you feel like you want to lose more
then you could do 2 a day. Which run you about $100 a month. Still not bad
in the long run. It's so worth it to me, they have a 30 day money back promise.
If you don't like it you get your money back. Plus if you tell others about it and
they buy it you can get your next shipment for free. Really what do you have
to lose by trying it?

5. Is this just for weight loss?
No, if you are one of those people who is already pretty healthy then you won't
need it for weight loss. Since it has a high concentration of protein it can be used
as an after workout recovery drink. It has lots of things that serious athletes can
use and it helps with muscle recovery.

6. Does it work?
This is my favorite question to answer. I can honestly say YES!!! It works.
I've been taking this for a week now. The first two days I was worried, I
wasn't feeling that much better and I was still hungry in between shakes.
Day 3 is when I felt good. I drank the shakes, didn't feel very hungry in between
and my cravings for foods started to disappear. I didn't have any blood
sugar spikes and I didn't have that afternoon sleepiness. My energy level in the
morning has increased and my appetite at my other meals has decreased.
All that being said I did notice changes in the "numbers" too! It does work
and I would tell everyone that is thinking about it to buy!!!

Okay so those are the questions I answered this week.. Well all except
for the last one! Which I am sure most of you are interested in.

WHAT ARE YOUR RESULTS SO FAR???

Measurment:             Challenge Start:                Current:              Total Lost:
Bust:                                 45 inch                      44                      1
Chest                                38                             36 1/2                1.5
Waist                                36                             35                      1
Hips                                 44                             43                      1
Thighs                               44                             43 1/2                .5

Weight  Lost:   2 lbs

Body By Vi Challenge-Day 4

So I thought I'd give a quick update. I started the Body By Vi 90 day
challenge on Friday! Well I'm 4 days into it and I feel amazing.

To be honest I'm really shocked by this. I took the leap of faith
on this, figuring what do I have to lose, If it doesn't work I have a 30
day money back promise. Nothing like getting money back if you don't
like the results you get.

The first day I was hungry, like when you drink a slim fast shake and
it really doesn't satisfy you. The second day I felt pretty good and drank
my two shakes, I noticed that I had a little more energy that day.

It's day number 4.  I feel amazing, I have a lot of energy and the best part,
I stepped on the scale and lost 3.3 lbs.I have only worked out twice in the
last 4 days(remember I'm not a gym rat)

The shakes are very similar in taste to that of a slim fast one, but I add
all kinds of different fruits and I've been enjoying all the different ones I've
had. So far I've had chocolate(made with a health flavor mix in), and
orange/peach(made with fruit), banana/strawberry(my favorite so far),
blueberry, and blueberry strawberry.

I noticed that I'm not craving anything, which is a big deal for me because
under my past diets I always seemed to have a craving for whatever it
is that I was not getting(my relationship with Atkin's ending with an affair
with a tasty stack of french toast).

Someone offered me a bag of Peanut Butter M&M's and I actually turned
it down. What? I had to check myself for a fever, who turns down a bag
of perfectly yummy candy. The thing is I turned it down because I didn't
really want it. Not because I was sticking to a diet, but because I was
not hungry at all.

I've not changed any foods that I eat, although I make sure not to eat
when I'm not hungry. I am paying particular attention to my stress eating
and bored eating. Those are things that I've had a lot of problems with
in the past.

Well anyway, if you are thinking of trying it out. Contact me and I'll
send you the information. It really works and trust me I wouldn't be
willing to tell you it did if it didn't!

90 Day Challenge-Day 0

Today I start my weight loss challenge.
My goal is going to be that I take measurements every Friday to see if I've had
any changes that week. I'm gonna post everything today and then I'll post changes
every Friday.

Here's my approach. I'm going to drink two shakes a day and continue doing my
Wii Fit Plus 4 days a week. I'm not gonna bump up my activity at all. I'm gonna
eat food when I'm hungry and I'm still gonna enjoy dinners with the family. I'll post
a daily food intake though so that everyone knows just what I eat but here we
go.


Measurements:

9/16/2011

Bust: 45
Chest: 38
Waist: 36
Hips: 44
Thighs: 41

90 Days to a new me

So I've decided to take part in a 90 day challenge, its called the Body by
Vi 90 day challenge. My friend Kelly kept talking about  this 90 day challenge
 that she is taking. At first I was skeptical, its one of thosedrink one or two
shakes  a day thing. I first thought oh, those things taste terrible and no way can
 I afford it.

She made me a shake, with some strawberries in it and honestly it was pretty
decent. I thought well no way can I afford it. Then I looked at the price and
realized that it was affordable($49-$249) depending on package you choose.

I started considering it. Kelly said since she's on thyroid meds she took the
package of shake mix to the doctor. The doctor gave it her approval, cause
it didn't have any of the harmful things like caffeine or ephedra in it. It also has
12 grams of protien per shake(without milk in it). It can be mixed in water, if
you want to do that, or you can mix it in soy or almond milk. I'm gonna stick
with the skim milk for now and see how I feel.

After she told me this I figured that I'd give it a chance. I thought to myself
besides a little bit of money what do I really have to lose, I throw away $48
a month on weight watcher's why not spend that money and see what happens.

So I took the plunge. I signed up and I'll get my package on Monday. The
company that does this allows you to submit your measurments and for you
to win prizes and trips for your progress( a little added bonus)

Throughout the 90 days I thought I would post some updates for all of you.
I'm gonna post my measurements and my weight loss in hopes of showing
everyone that this product is a good deal. As well as how I feel and what
I think of it.

If at any time any of you are interested in the product while I am doing it
let me know. I can sign you up to take part in your own challenge and
to get you going. Here's to a transformed 90 days for me!!!

A few things you should know....

about a football coach's wife....That is if you want to understand
how we can "handle" it that is.

See being a coach's wife is a challenge. I don't have many other
friends that are wives of coaches in other sports. But I can say
that to some extent they probably go through something very
similar to this. Although in my opinion football wives still have
the biggest challenge. So here is a list of some things you should
know about football wives.


1. Football isn't just our husband's job, it's his passion!
This may be a little hard to understand for some. Our husband's don't
just go to work, come home and leave the work at the office. They
spend hours making recruiting calls, drawing up plays and talking to
each other about ideas. It isn't uncommon for Rock to be on the phone
at 11pm talking about some blitz concept he has.

2. We know the game, better than the average player!
Being that they spend so much time in the job most wives become very
aware of the game, understanding all the terms and being able to spot
the mistakes that are happening. For instance I know more about coverages,
fronts, and techniques than the average player does.

3. Events, Vacations and life happens around football!
This is very difficult for most people, even our extended families to
understand. Weddings, reunions, and any event planned between
August and Novemeber will result in either a "No" or a "Yes, 1" in
attendance. Unlike many people their are no sick days. Vacation
is scheduled for late June or July and I have yet to meet a professional
coach who didn't get married in either June or July!

4. We sit in a special section
This is for your protection. Although we tell everyone that it is for the
protection of the families. We do this because the average fan will blame
the coach for any and all things that go wrong. Not many people know that
trying to get a 19-22 year old kid to follow instructions 24/7 is impossible.
I've got tons of stories about Rock telling a player that something is gonna
happen and then the player not listening and it results in a big play. For the
safety of the fan who blames the coach we sit in another section.

5. The game isn't over until the last second ticks off the clock!
We are proud and loyal. We show up at games that we know we have no
chance of winning(although we always hope). We sit through 100 degree
scorchers, rainstorms, and snowstorms. We never leave a game early because
we are losing so bad. We stay till the game is over.

6. We don't need a man to mow the lawn, or fix the faucet!
Having a spouse that works an average of 100 or more hours a week during the
season means that we have to be able to handle all things in the house. The story
for football wives is that we become "football widows" for about 7 months of the
year. We have to know how to pay bills, take care of yard work and fix stuff
around the house. Most of the ladies I know can do all of that and will without
a hesitation. Not only can we do it we take pride in the independence we have.

7. We stick together!
This is pretty simple. The wives of coaches tend to be pretty close to each other.
We go through the same things. We experience the same highs and lows.These
women become not just our friends but our family. I've been blessed to have such
amazing wives in my life!

8. We have our own organization!
This may surprise some people but we have our own organization. It's called the
AFCWA(American Football Coaches Wives Assocation). They meet during the
Coaches Convention and its a social networking and support group for all of us.

9. We are an intergral part of our husband's job!
We take an active role in his job, we make suggestions, try to talk to them about
the things that they are having problems with and offer a lot of support. We make
sure that they keep their networking up and that they talk to the people that can
help them in their advancement.

10. We become attached to the players and their families!
Our husbands spend so much time talking about their players, we know every
single thing that happens. We know about grades, break ups, and life issues for
them all. Over a 4 year period you watch an 18 yr old boy turn into a young man.
We proudly cook and feed the players. We grow close to the families of the
players. They become a part of our lives. I've been blessed to call some of our former
players friends later on in life.

11. We get use to meeting new people!
Football is anything but a stationary job. The average turnover rate for coaches is
 4 years.If you are able to spend longer than that in one place than you are blessed.
 Moving is a thing that many of us get use to. We have to be able to deal with
 meeting new players, wives,coaches, friends. We are a little reserved in making
 friends We tend to stick to those that are in a similar situation to us. We do make
 friends with others though and we expose them to new things all the time.

12. We do other things too!
Many football wives have jobs or activities outside of the home. We are able to
 accomodate the lives of our husband's with the goals of our own lives. We
lead full lives, full of goals and and accomplishments. We know how to balance
the needs of his job the the needs of our lives. Its a challenge but we make it
work.


Well this should give you a look at our lives and a little insight on the things
that make us tick. As the season starts look for more on our season and some
additional insights on the life of a coach's wife!

My time is now!

For those of you that watch wrestling(I assume that # is low),
you will recognize the title of this blog as being from John
Cena's theme song. I don't claim to know what he is talking
about when he sings that part of the song but I can tell you
that those 4 words have struck a cord in me.

See in 2003 I gave birth to the first of 5 children. For a lot
of women this doesn't alter their lives very much but I am not
that kind of mom. I made the decision after the second child
to become a Stay at home mom. It meant less money in the
house, less time to myself, and less of an identity outside being
a wife and mother.

My decision to stay home was influenced greatly by the fact
that my entry level job would not make enough to cover the
cost of daycare for 4 kids. I also am fiercely protective of my
children. I don't trust anyone with my little ones. Since 2003 I
have not spent one whole night away from the children(well
except for the hospital stays to have the next child). I've had
several chances to let the kids stay but never felt comfortable
enough with anyone else.

Anyway long story short that lead to me putting on hold a lot
of my own plans, ideas, and goals. Being the wife of a football
coach makes it hard to have a part time job(hubby doesn't work
a normal 9-5job). This job requires a lot of commitment and a
an ability to handle being alone a lot(more on that later)

In January I made a New Year's Resolution to get started on
tackling one of my "bucket list" items. I started researching going
back to school and found that I could go to school online, get a
fully recognized SUNY degree, and pay a very low instate tuition rate.
So I enrolled in Empire State for the March term.

I decided to enroll in (4) 4 hour classes, giving me a total of 16 credit
hours for my first semester back. Why??? Well I decided to attack this
goal with a little gusto. I'm not gonna say that I didn't have times when
I started to think what the heck was I thinking, but I will say that I gave
it my all and am proud to say I accomplished a 4.0 in my first semester.

So My time is now! This is my time to start living for myself and for the
things that I want to accomplish. This is my time to love me. I've had
so many things that I have always wanted to do, and some of them will
have to wait(like that trip to Italy) but some of them I can do now. Some
of the goals I have I can start accomplishing now and I can really get
done the one thing I've always wanted to be most and that is to be an
example to my children of how dreams can be accomplished!!!!

Success

Success: The accomplishment of an aim or purpose


What makes someone successful? This was something I have
 been thinking about for the last couple of days. Well really every since
 we had dinner with the extended family on Saturday and my MIL asked
 my BIL if he felt that he was a success.

His list of accomplisments was varied and extensive. Running
marthons,being in 40 cities and 13 countries, and the list went on.
 As I listened to his list of things that made him feel accomplished I
 realized that if I measured against his list, including marathons,numerous
 countries visited and various other things I would never be as accomplished.

But that's not the point right? We all define what makes each of us
a success. What one person sees as an success might be totally
wasted on another.

Just because 1% of the population runs a marthon doesn't make it
a goal more worthy of accomplishment than the goal to never miss
a family dinner.

Don't get me wrong now, some goals tend to have a universal appeal.
Say becoming president of the U.S. or winning the Super Bowl.
But at the same time there are tons of things that people do every
single day that are no less important...

For instance the average marriage in America last 7 years now. So
as I approach my 8th year haven't I already accomplished a goal
beyond that of the average American.

See each person decides what makes them a success. Holding down
a job in this difficult job market is a success. Being able to rebound
after a foreclosure(something I have experience with) is a success.

Many people look to others and say I'm not a success because I
don't have a house with a pool, nice cars, nice clothes and all
that. I too have been known to try to keep up with the Jones'
but lately I've realized that I am a success in my own right.

So for all of you out there. Realize that you are a success and that
you can measure your own success. What makes you a story is
your own willingness to be the best person you can be.

Caprese Appetizers!

This is my own personal recipe! I came up with it off of a traditional
 Caprese Salad.For my none Italian Food friends Caprese salad is a very
popular dish that consists of mostly Fresh Mozzerella, Sliced tomato, Fresh
 Basil and some olive oil.

I changed it up a little to make a handhed appetizer. This is one of
 my favorite appetizers to make when we have guests over. It's fairly
simple to make and packs a delicious taste...

Here is my recipe.

1 box Keebler Flatbread Crisp-Italian Herb
16 oz bocconcini(mini mozzerella balls)
16 oz grape tomato
16 Fresh basil leaves
Wegman's Basting Oil( Olive Oil can be used)

*Note if you can't find mini mozzerella ball you
can use 3-4 large balls-must be fresh mozzerella

* Wegman's Basting Oil contains different types
of oil and herbs. It is a speciality oil that adds
a lot of flavor. If unable to get oil you can use
EVOO(Extra Virgin Olive Oil)

Directions:
1. Lay the crackers on the serving platter
2. cut the mozzerella balls in half,(if using
the large balls cut into small pieces about
the size nickle)
3. Slice each grape tomato in half
4. tear each basil leaf in half
5. Place one slice of tomato, mozzerella,
and basil on each cracker. Arranging in
any way that you please.
6. Drizzle with a splash of oil, I prefer
Wegman's Basting oil but a simple EVOO
or another oil can be used.
7. SERVE and enjoy

Confessions....Part 1

A collection of random musings and confessions....

1. I long to have a living that looks like it came from the pages of Pier

 One or Pottery Barn, somehow though I don't think that Pier One

and 5 kids go hand in hand..So for now I look at the pages and

 fantasize about a fab living room.

2. I want to go to disney world...taking the kids is just an excuse
 to go myself. I have a secret dream about having my vow renewal at
Disney World, or on a Disney cruise!!! Unfortunately the cost is more
than I can handle...so it'll be a dream for awhile.

3. I make up goofy songs for my kids when I make dinner.."Black
beans and red beans...yummy yummy yummy in my tummy." This is
one of my favorite make believe songs...

4. I love watching Phineas and Ferb on the Disney Channel. The
 show makes me laugh and I actually find myself singing the songs
 they make up on there.. "Gitchi Gitchi Goo means...."

5. I had to institute a no talking about farts, burps, or other
bodily functions at the dinner table. (Did I mention I have
3 little boys)

6. I'm a democratic catholic raised by protestant republican
parents. Needless to say we don't see eye to eye on a lot
of things.

7.I don't watch any celebrity entertainment and I
don't look at any of what my grandma use to call the
garbage papers. I think celebrity news is for people
who have an unsatisfied life.

8. I think Forbes magazine is way off base by saying that
Lady Gaga is more influential as a celebrity than Oprah.
Seriously...Lady Gaga is crazy and encourages people
to be crazy...that's not influence in my book.

9. I think that football coaches gossip more than anyone
I know. They have a whole website that is committed
to nothing but gossip about jobs..They just choose to
call it "scoop" not gossip.

Okay that's enough for now..I've got lots more but they can wait for another day!

Stay at home mom!

****This is a repost from a friends page on FB, these are not my own words, but I can honestly say that they are a thought I've had a couple of times...especially when I didn't get to something and I get the "What the heck did you do all day?" from Coach******



.A man came home from work and found his three children outside, still in their pajamas, playing in the mud, with empty food boxes and wrappers strewn all around the front yard. The door of his wife's car was open, as was the front door to the house and there was no sign of the dog. Proceeding into the entry, he found an even bigger mess. A lamp had been knocked over, and the throw rug was wadded against one wall. In the front room the TV was loudly blaring a Cartoon channel, and the family room was strewn with toys and various items of clothing. In the kitchen, dishes filled the sink, breakfast food was spilled on the counter, the fridge door was open wide, dog food was spilled on the floor, a broken glass lay under the table, and a small pile of sand was spread by the back door. He quickly headed up the stairs, stepping over toys and more piles of clothes, looking for his wife. He was worried she might be ill, or that something serious had happened. He was met with a small trickle of water as it made its way out the bathroom door. As he peered inside he found wet towels, scummy soap and more toys strewn over the floor. Miles of toilet paper lay in a heap and toothpaste had been smeared over the mirror and walls. As he rushed to the bedroom, he found his wife still curled up in the bed in her pajamas, reading a novel. She looked up at him, smiled, and asked how his day went. He looked at her bewildered and asked, 'What happened here today?' She again smiled and answered, 'You know every day when you come home from work and you ask me what in the world do I do all day?' 'Yes,' was his incredulous reply. She answered, 'Well, today I didn't do it.



by Jennifer Johnson



I couldn't have said it better myself...Next time hubby asks you that question print this out and hand it to him...maybe he'll get the hint!

What I love Wednesday-Candles, Eskimo Kisses, and Quiet

That's right its time for another installment of What I'm loving Wednesday!!!
Today's contestants are Candles, Kisses and Quiet!!! It won't take a genius to
figure out why...

First up Candles. I love scented candles. Every time I walk by the Yankee
Candleshop its all I can do to not walk in there and empty my bank account.
 Most people would say they have a favorite smell..I like a lot of different types
of smells. For instance I always burn food smell candles in the kitchen, I burn
ocean or beach related ones in.....you guessed it the bathroom and I mix it up
between floral and clean smells in the living room...My favorite Yankee candle is

Storm Watch! I love the smell of this candle. The Yankee candle store says
 it smells like the Ocean Air right before the storm..I don't know about all that
 but I have always loved the smell of this candle and it is very comforting to me
when I do burn it..

Next up  Eskimo Kisses!  I remember as a kid my mom use to give me Eskimo
kisses...I always thought it was funny to rub your nose against someone else and
 I still do that with my kids today. I Eskimo kiss Coach sometimes too, although I
usually then give him a doggie kiss and he gets all freaked out about it... I don't
know what it is about rubbing your nose against someone elses...its kind of funny
that it can be so calming and reassuring to one. Whatever the reason I know that I
 hope my kids will pass on a good Eskimo kiss too!

Finally Quiet! Now come on with 5 young children you have to expect that I would
love quiet. There is never a dull moment in this house. I savor the times when I
can just sit back and hear....nothing! Well we all know not nothing...That clock in
 the kitchen, the sound of the refridgerator, the tumbling of the dryer, the sound of
 that fly,but when you have 5 children these everyday sounds get drowned out
by the talking(mostly at a level above indoor voice), or crying(mostly the 2yr old)
of the children.

Don't get it wrong. I have had times where I realize that the quiet is too quiet. The
constant and reassuring noise lets me know that all children are present and
accounted for and that they are all okay. I enjoy hearing them talk to one another
minus the fights and the talk about burping, boogers, and farts(I have 3 boys), it
is fun to hear them talk about things and use words that they heard us say...
coincidentally that is a topic for aother time... But sometimes the ability to turn off
the TV, the sound and just listen...well that's a moment that I hold dear!

Well thanks for reading this weeks update of What I love Wednesday! I hope
you guys enjoyed this one!! I know I enjoyed writing it!

This says it all....

So my first interruption of the new and improved Jordan Family has happened.
 Most of you may be thinking already but its only June??? Yes already! See
 Coach has decided to increase his networking by taking an 9 day trip to Winnipeg!!!
 He was able to get a guest coaching spot with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers(CFL).

I'm currently on day 3 of a 9 day interruption. Although I'm sure that many a fellow
 football wife would say that having him home is more of the change from the norm..
.but more on that later. Back to Day 3! Although he's "only" in Canada the
constraints of the schedule have limited any chance to talk, not to mention that it
 cost $.20 a minute to call home...thank goodness for free text messages!

So our conversations have been very limited and since Coach is admittedly not a
 fan of texting we have not spent very much time at all in conversation. For the
 average person this may not be such a big deal but for me it sort of is. See Coach
 is pretty much my only friend. A lot of you will say that isn't true but honestly
 I can count on less than one hand the people who text,message, or  try to talk to me
 at least bi-weekly(not even talking about weekly here) Anyway I digress that is
 a topic for another blog....

Not having anybody around can be a little challenging. It sure can be depressing,
especially when one sees picture after picture of people partying and having fun
 on FB. Knowing that my daily routine is pretty much a combination of school work,
 childcare and homework can lead to some melancholy. Ok I'm way off track now....

Back to Day 3! So today I sat down and made a list of some things, people and
 places that I can use to get me through the "interruptions" set to come in this crazy
 thing we call a life. I'm not gonna post the list today, it may be used for another day
 but at any rate "blog posting" was involved in the list.. I'm trying to decide how to set
up the posts I'm looking at doing...I also have a blog name change in mind...More on
 that in coming days and weeks... Anyway enjoy and thanks for reading!

Unanswered Prayers??? Or is the answer just delayed?

I know I'm not in the minority when I say that I've had a couple of
prayers go unanswered(it's more than a couple but who's counting).

Prayer is a tricky thing. People pray for all kinds of things, some times we
pray for health of ourselves and our loved ones, sometimes we pray for a
job or economic success. Sometimes we pray for love, happiness and
friendship.

In retrospect the prayers that seem to be answered the most are the ones
that I have asked for things that I can also help accomplish. Things like
guidance, faith, willpower, and compassion. Those are the ones that seem to get
the most positive results.

When I hear the words Unanswered Prayers I think of the Garth Brooks song
by the same title, if you haven't heard it please go look it up and listen. This
song always reminds me of all those childhood nights I prayed that a certain boy
would like me, or a certain person would talk to me...well needless to say those
things usually didn't happen.

Then I think about the things I have now. The life that I am busy creating and how
each step has lead me to the place I am right now. Not long ago I was telling
 my bestfriendthat I was glad that a prayer wasn't answered several years ago.
 He inquired why and I said because I have no doubt in my mind that if it had
 been answered that you and I would not be talking now.

Life is funny that way. God sure knew what he was doing when you let that
 one go unanswered.Maybe it wasn't really unanswered after all...it was just
 answered in god's time...not our impatient and instant gratification society but
in the timing that is right for the plan.

That brings me back to prayer....when we listen to our ministers and clergy pray
 in the church do we really listen. I know I am guilty of this, I start thinking about
the things that I want to pray about, the things that are on my heart. I'm ashamed
 to say it but I've even thought about what's for lunch after mass or how hot I am.
 I tend to lose focus when I pray and I know that when I begin to ramble I try
to close the prayer quickly with a simple "God you know what's on my heart"

I think that God does know what's on our hearts but he wants us to know
what is on our hearts too. Like I said before the prayers that seem to be the
most successful for me are the ones that I can affect. The ones that I can play
a part in...see to me I think a lot of people ask for miracles in prayers and not
just pray....

But that brings me back to the beginning and the Unanswered prayers...Do
they go unanswered because we didn't really attempt them, didn't really
believe in them or do they go unanswered because they where not right for
us????