Health and Wellness - Take Two

I haven't posted an update on my health and wellness for awhile. Not because it isn't still in the forefront of my mind but because an adjustment had to be made.

Simms and I were doing really well and achieving our goals prior to our cruise. Then we came back to reality and stuff changed. Our desire for good healthy habits hadn't changed but our schedule did change and we needed to adjust.

What changed you ask?

• Daylight Savings - this means our sunlight lasts longer.
• Spring sprung!
• Baseball season for the boys was in full swing.

So...how did these changes effect our schedule? Previously we would exercise right after putting the boys to bed which was between 7:30 and 8:00 PM. Not anymore. We now have baseball Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings. On a good night the boys are in bed by 8:30 PM. Unfortunately on some game nights they aren't tucked in and given the final kiss good-night until 9:00 PM. Let's say we have a "free" night...then Simms (with good reason) wants to use that time to mow the lawn and trim the trees or some other spring project that needs his attention.

The last straw was when Simms told me that he was going to fit in exercise in the morning with a bike ride. I felt like I was losing my accountability partner and started to plummet downward...gaining a few pounds back in the process.

Good news is that an adjustment has been made and I am now in accountability with two gals. Our general goal is "To incorporate healthy eating and exercise in daily life and decision making". We have now started our third week and it feels good - yes there are some aches but those pains are evidence of the good that we are doing for our health and wellness. I still miss exercising with Simms but like I said, we had to adapt to the new season.

I'll continue to post updates on my progress.

Also...heads up for a few upcoming giveaways - one that deals with your daily health and wellness!

Flair For Friends

One of the things that people do on Facebook is send flair to their friends. Don't know what I mean by flair - check out this post. I haven't done it much because I don't like imposing things on people...maybe they don't want the flair.

But I got to thinking that there are a bunch of ladies I've gotten to know through blogging and sometimes there are these award things that sometimes go around. Don't get me wrong - I'm not creating an award thing and I am not tagging you and telling you to do this. This is just something I thought would be fun.

Without further ado...I present to you...Flair for Friends:

Classic Mama. She's classic and genuine. That's why I award her with the "It's not about the ones who act true to your face; its about the ones who remain true behind your back" flair. I know that she is an individual who can be trusted and that is saying a lot!

Natalie is the one who got me involved in blogging. Actually she's roped me into a lot of things - MIA being one of them. :) She is someone I've known for a long time and one trait that we definitely share with one another can be coined by this phrase: "If you're not part of the solution, you are part of the precipitate"

Enjoying the Journey is written by a women who has travelled some really rough roads throughout her lifetime and yet regardless of what she faces, at the end of the day she chooses to remember who is in control and yields to Him. That is why I know she understands the phrase "Just praise Him".

Hands-free Heart has a heart for worship and I know she loves to worship our God. I believe that we share the sentiment "When words fail, Music speaks".

I've gotten to know Krazy Klingers more outside of the blog world. She blogs a little but it's been great to get to know her in real life. One thing we share in common is our passion to pray for the salvation of family members. That is why I honor her with this: "Never give up on someone you can't go a day without thinking about".

Livin' Life and I have crossed paths for multiple reasons over the years but most recently it is because we both enjoy using yarn. I don't weave and I am not a huge fan of knitting but I really enjoy crocheting. Regardless I think we both could say that the phrase "I love yarn" rings true. ;)

I was first drawn to reading Sandy's blog Jesus and Dark Chocolate because we are both moms who have worked int he field of education. I am currently not in the classroom but she returned almost two years ago. I would like to honor her with the phrase "Teachers open the door. You enter by yourself" because I know that this is what she is doing on a daily basis with the students that enter her classroom.

I don't even remember how Tarrah at My Blue Eyed Babies and I got connected in bloggy land. She is a loving wife and mom who has a heart for the Lord and that is evidenced in every post. I know she loves being a Mommy and that is why I've selected "I never knew how much love my heart could hold until someone called me Mommy" to honor her.

This one is kind of humorous but I can so hear Melissa at oH mY wORD say these very words: "I'm the MOMMY that's WHY". LOL.

There are so many selections that I have in common with Promises (after all we are sisters!) but one thing that we have both been blessed with are two precious sons and I know she shares this sentiment with me: "so there are these boys...they kind of stole my heart...they call me Mommy".

This one makes me laugh but I just have to do it. I would want to share the "real women watch football" with both the Gang's Mama as well as a new blogger at The 4 He Adores. I giggle at giving this award to Gang's Mama because I remember when she would choose to do anything but watch football - but now, years later, she plans get-togethers to watch the game - even if it's a team that I don't like it is fun to know that she is also watching. At the season's end I learned that The 4 He Adores also likes the NYG!!! Looking forward to chatting with her about our team the next season.

For the record, Say Anything likes the NYG too but I know that she shares this sentiment with me - "didn't I just do the laundry?" Big smiles.

Tiffany has so many talents. One that she spends her evenings relaxing with is knitting. It is for this reason that I honor her with this: "What? Doctors recommend 25-30 grams of fiber a day. I'm just following orders."

Thrills is also someone that I've been getting to know more in real life which has been a treat. Princess still gives me that "I don't know about you" look but I think she does that to everybody. Little Guy always has a smile for me though. Anyway, I thought this piece of flair was quite appropriate for her "You don't have to be related to be family".

R.E.S.T.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30 NIV

This is what has been going on inside of me. Rehab of sorts. Not that extreme but I was not over exaggerating about being weary. Thankfully, He does provide rest.

It has been a week of refreshment and renewal amidst the circumstances of everyday life. Regarding those circumstances, allow me to provide a glimpse into the past week as well as some of my random thoughts.

1. My Dad, who has been fighting prostate cancer since 1998, was told that there was concern that his current therapy wasn't working any longer. A CT scan was completed last Wednesday and then a bone scan was done on Thursday. Results were not supposed to be in until today and then the oncologist was considering beginning a regimen of chemotherapy. However, last Friday the oncologist called my father and informed him that the CT scan showed that all of his organs in the thoracic, abdominal and lumbar region were clean - no sign of cancer! The bone scan showed that the area on his right shoulder and right hip area had increased but other areas where it had been were apparently of low concern. Praise God!!! As a result, he is going forward with a hormone therapy to fight against the cancer and they are no longer recommending chemotherapy at this time. We are thrilled and praying for God to completely heal my Daddy this side of heaven.

2. I had an afternoon last week where I just broke. Major waterworks. Thankfully Barber and Jeter were both at school or they might have become concerned for their mama. Sobbing. I don't recall when the last time I sobbed like that. Long time ago. Words cannot describe how good it was. How comforting to be completely vulnerable with Daddy God and feel his comforting arms surrounding me, embracing me. It was the release that I desperately needed and was actually longing for. Circumstances didn't change but I felt strengthened and equipped.

3. I've been listening and soaking in worship a lot - mainly via Rita Springer's Created to Worship CD.

4. Barber has been earning back a few toys and privileges every day. One interesting factor is that he has yet to use one of his bonus days to select TV. Amazing and yet so wonderful. He hasn't watched a single TV show (except for Giants Football the last two Sundays) since Saturday the 18th of October!

5. I got my hair cut and colored again. This really isn't new - I have an appointment every 7-8 weeks. I really don't care for the look of white hair on me. I had her pull the color through so highlights are gone until December. The boys either didn't notice or decided not to say anything. Crazy thing - my mom didn't notice today either - until I pointed it out. I feel like it is so obvious. Guess not.

6. Simms has been incredibly busy at work again. Draining. For both of us.

7. Divine Connection was incredible. The atmosphere was breathtaking. Beautiful. His presence was so evident. Beautiful Grace posted some pictures - take a looksy and then come back. I don't feel like words or pictures can truly portray how so many women (over 200) were met and ministered to by their Father. I did not get to individually participate because I was on the ministry team, however it was such a blessing to see and hear testimony of the faithfulness of our God. If you participated, I would love to hear about your experience!

8. I got a cold. I don't like colds. It's basically run its course but my voice now sounds Demi Moorish.

9. Only 3 soccer games left.

10. We had such a wonderful trip to Long Island. Not talking about the traffic here - rather the time spent with family and friends. Priceless. There were definitely a number of "small talk" conversations at the reunion, but I was pleasantly pleased by many that went a bit further. It was neat to reconnect with some friends - to the point where we are attempting to keep in touch. Imagine that?

11. I still haven't posted any pictures from the Giants game. Why? Because the place where I drop off my film screwed up. They had envelopes to one of their other stores (one that is an hour away from my home). I did not notice this. Why would I even look? So, apparently my film has been developed and is now very far away from me at this point in time. The fact of the matter is that they did not discover this mistake until I returned to the store 9 days after I dropped the film off. Imagine how many customers are going to have the same problem?!?Hmmm...another reason to take the plunge for the digital camera?

12. With Simms' help this past weekend, the house is finally clean. Granted I know that this doesn't mean I'm done and I'm sure it wouldn't meet Martha Stewart's standards, but I don't feel so overwhelmed anymore. It's at a point where I can maintain its cleanliness and even take on a project or two. We've also been giving the boys more responsibilities for them to complete before they go to bed.

13. Does anyone else feel like they missed Fall? I enjoy all the seasons and I feel like I blinked and we went from end-of-summer-like weather to the beginning of winter. What happened to wearing shorts with sweaters?

14. I've been getting organized for Christmas - sort of. Basically, I've made a list of presents that I already have for family as well as a to-do list. I can't further explain that because some of the receivers read this. Just trying to plan ahead.

15. Simms and I are going to a wedding in November. One of Simms' childhood friends is finally tying the knot. I just checked out the invitation again last night and noticed that its "Black Tie Optional"! It also doesn't start until 7PM. Don't know what my readers think of that because most of you are from PA. No time to go into details now regarding the differences I have observed between NY/NJ, and PA weddings. I will tell you this though - Simms and I are going to have a really great time! So grateful that Papa and Mima are caring for the boys that night! What makes it even sweeter is that Rayda is flying home to attend the wedding as well. It will be so good to see him again.

16. I have to pull MIA from the back-burner and get ready for November's meeting.

17. I need to talk to Simms and make some decisions about December - namely our Christmas open house. If we are going to do it this year or take a year off. If we are going to have it, a date needs to be set in the next week and I have to start preparing. That might sound nuts but in the past I started planning for this event 2 months ahead of time which meant the beginning of October. Obviously, I missed that mark this year.

18. Promises and I are getting together tonight! That might not sound like a big deal. You might assume that because we are close we see each other all the time. Would be nice but we haven't been able to get together without kids in a really L-O-N-G time.

19. I am so impressed that my boys are actually putting their clothes away at the end of the day or into the proper laundry basket. (darks or lights)

20. Barber is finally okay with the fact that he has to wear pants and long sleeve shirts - every day.

21. I just got the boys a pair of new pj's. The material is so00000 soft. Can they make pj's like that for me?!? I don't know if Simms would be a huge fan. Nothing like your wife decked out in racing cars?

I was trying to end this on an even number. Why is it that? I don't know. Anyway, I did determine something significant about the number "21"...it was Tiki Barber's number when he played for the NYG's. It just always comes back to the Big Blue Wrecking Crew. LOL.

It's My Birthday!

Happy Birthday to me!

Thankfully my cold is gone so I can enjoy my day. My mom called me and invited me to lunch at their house. Yipee! Hopefully that means I will see Promises, Brady and Smiles too. I recently told someone that when I say my age (38) it sounds old to me but I don't necessarily feel old. Granted, I am not in the same shape I was as an 18 year old (if only!) but overall life is good.

I have been thinking about my life 20 years ago - my high school reunion is next weekend. I'm looking forward to it and yet, I cannot believe that much time has passed. That alone makes me feel old. There are a couple of friends I have remained in touch with but everyone else...not so much. Life happens. You go to college, move out of state, get married, have children and build new relationships.

We are blessed to be able to stay with my closest friend from SBS and I know we are going to get very little sleep - talking into the wee hours of the morning! But what other conversations will I have? Most likely I will overload on small talk - discussing the number of children you have, their ages, where you live, what you do... It's caused me to become a bit introspective this week. My Alma mater's motto is Character Before Career. I have always appreciated the meaning of this simple statement and pray that my life has and will continue to exemplify the value of these words.

Enough about that - I've got another week yet to prepare and decide on important things like what I am going to wear and how many pairs of shoes to pack . Thankfully I already know what I am wearing this weekend. It's my Birthday Weekend and even though technically this isn't really a birthday present, it's happening this weekend and therefore I've decided that it is part of my birthday celebration. Totally makes sense to me. Simms and I are going to see my beloved New York Giants this weekend with Say Anything and Stretch! We are playing the Redskins - I know Sandy will probably be watching the game. Never know - if you are watching, you just might see us!?! I will be wearing my Strahan Jersey - #92. Yes, I know that he is retired but I see nothing wrong with honoring an awesome NY Giant. Besides...it is my birthday!

Update: this morning, after being wished "Happy Birthday" by my boys, Barber asked me if I would be giving them presents today. I smiled and said that traditionally they would give me presents. He thought about that and then stated "Remember my Lightning McQueen Birthday? I gave presents to everyone." He's right. The party favors. Hmmm...now to come up with appropriate party favors for turning 38. Any ideas? Be nice...

Recipe for a Fun Friday

1. Warm day - with sunshine but not too hot
2. Pool
3. Kiddie pool
4. Pool toys
5. Handful of girlfriends and their kiddos
6. Lemonade, iced tea and iced water
7. Snacks
8. Playhut for the kiddos...providing some shade
9. Sunscreen - even though I forgot to reapply!

What a wonderful day we had today! Of course there were the typical parenting things that occurred but it's so nice to know that the moms you are with understand the ups and downs of mommyhood and recognize that your four year old is just having a tough 15 minute stint (give or take). Even the discovery of a dead baby rabbit did not take away from all the smiles or put a damper on our fun. The boys couldn't wait to tell their Daddy all about it - at Dinner time. Yum. Not the best welcoming home present (cleaning up dead rabbit)...but that's real life for you.

Putting All Frivolous Things Aside...

Classic Mama recently awarded me (and 4 other thinkers) The Thinking Blogger Award for my post titled Does Iron Sharpen Iron? I enjoyed writing this post mainly because it was to introduce one of my dear friends who started to blog.

I started to blog because it was a neat way to document the little things that happen in life. The initial intent was to keep family up-to-date in the goings on of Jeter and Barber. However, since the conception of "The Campbell Corner" it has turned into much more than a documentary of their lives. I have been able to document my thoughts, revelations, struggles, sports highs and lows, etc. It has been an interesting journey so far and it will continue until He says it's done.

Thank you Classic Mama. I accept the award and am honored.

Now down to business. As a recipient of the award I am required to select 5 thinkers. The difficulty in this is NOT that I can't come up with 5 but rather if these 5 have been awarded previously and I probably am not allowed to re-award Classic Mama! With that said, here are 5 writers that make me think:

Crowned In Peace is written by Adrienne. She is a strong woman who is bold in her walk with God. It is rare that one of her posts does not challenge someone to think and be spurred on in their faith. I tried but I could not pick just one. So here are a few that I would suggest you read: May 3, 2007, February 13, 2007, January 31, 2007, January 25, 2007, and January 12, 2007. Be prepared...meaning you might need a tissue or two. The topics vary from marriage to dealing with life and whatever you are walking through. Don't be surprised if you end up spending a lot of time reading through the archives. Regardless, Adrienne is always honest and real even when it makes her vulnerable.

Mirror Mirror is written by a dear friend of mine and although Classic Mama recognized her I just cannot help myself. I am however going to note a different post - Help, What Is He Thinking? is just a sampling of how she digs deep with the desire to know His Truth.

On Fire For Him is just that. She is ablaze when it comes to the things of God. I am awarding her for two posts because they are in sequence. In Repeat Offender and The Repeat Offender...Part 2, On Fire shares how the Lord brought to light an area that many, if not all of us, have struggled with. She shares her struggle, declares His Truth and ultimately walks in the freedom of victory.

Embracing My Cup is written by Erin. I so enjoy her blog for a variety of reasons but I'm sure my partiality is somewhat due to the fact that she is a mama of all boys! Through her writing you know that she has a pure heart before God. I selected a few posts again; Motherhood, Raising Little Warriors and A Seed Planted in Concrete...

Sarah writes In the Midst of It. She is a wonderful storyteller of nonfiction. There are many posts that I can relate to as a mom but what I appreciate more than that is the way she weaves spiritual truth throughout her clever, honest, and sometimes hilarious tales of life. I have selected Woes, Wal-Mart and My Worship Service for the purpose of this award.

According to the "rules" of The Thinking Blogger Award, you are now to bestow this award to 5 thinkers. When doing so, you must link to the original thinking blogger page here, link back to this post and then, if you'd like, display this swell image on your blog

With that said, if you have been awarded this previously, please accept the 2nd award from me anyway.

He Is Here

This is for my friend and sister but I know that many could use the encouragement and reminder. He was there, He is here, and He will always be with us. We are never alone.

Does Iron Sharpen Iron?

Proverbs 27:17 states the following:

"Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend." (KJV+)

This proverb has been used a lot in connection with relationships. Interestingly enough, when you Google the phrase "How does iron sharpen iron?" there are hundreds of sites that come up and the first 50+ tell you NOTHING (empirically anyway) about how to sharpen iron. Rather, the links lead you to places like blogs that have quoted this verse, an organization where Christian men can encourage one another, and some musicians. There was even one site that claimed that it is impossible to sharpen a metal (iron) with the same type of metal (iron). Based on this conclusion, the author then went on to say that people cannot really sharpen one another and God is the only one able to do that. Although the argument was interesting, not a single source was quoted or linked and there was no reason for me to just believe what this individual wrote (no credentials qualifying this type of expertise) so I did what I taught my students to do - I evaluated the evidence (or lack thereof) -- it isn't empirical. Therefore, I will currently disagree with the conclusion. I was unsuccessful in my search to either support or negate what the individual stated. I even attempted to Google "chemistry and iron sharpening". Definitely didn't find what I was looking for. If more substantial evidence can be found...then I will revisit this author's line of thinking. Saying that, if anyone has access to said information, please fill me in or link to it in my comments. After a rather large chunk of time, my search needed to end...at least for the purpose of this post.

"Purpose?" you are wondering...does she have one???

Yes. But before I get to the true purpose, just follow me a little bit regarding this proverb (if I haven't lost you already!). Putting the whole "iron" portion aside, for any metal to be sharpened, it takes care. When my kitchen knives get dull I cannot just bang on them to sharpen them again. Actually, I have Cutco knives (a true lifetime warranty) so when necessary, I send the dull knife to the experts, they sharpen it and send it back. The point? Well...how would individuals sharpen one another?

My guess is that any or all of the following would apply:

• The individuals have both similarities and differences to one another. These qualities allow sharpening to occur in specific areas of the individuals lives while a relationship is able to exist and flourish.
• There is a mutual respect for one another. Differing views do not result in judgement. This is HUGE because there are not many relationships where lack of understanding or agreement doesn't move to judgement. At the same time this doesn't mean that sharpening = agreement with the differing view.
• For the best results of sharpening, God has to be involved in the process. He needs to be at the center of the individuals lives. It is also beneficial if He is at the core of their relationship / friendship. This doesn't mean that sharpening won't occur without focus on Him. It's just that nothing that we do (in and of ourselves) is as good as when our actions follow after and model Him.

As I was pondering all of this I was reminded of the relationship that David and Jonathon had. This is probably due to the fact that I have only recently finished reading 1Samuel and am finally reading 2Samuel. They were different from one another -- one the son of a King, one anointed by God to be King. I am sure they differed in other areas too. But they still had such a strong bond -- one that causes us to say they were not just dear friends but brothers. Even after David was finally King over all of Israel, he searched out a descendant of Saul's so that he could honor Jonathon. Wow.

The point?!?!? Finally. I have a dear friend who has become a sister to me over the last number of years. We are different. We are similar. We both like to dig deeper. God has asked us to take different paths in various areas of our lives. We choose not to judge one another but rather support and encourage each other as we run our own race. We are able to see and expose the areas where God is working in us without judgement. We know that we are safe and loved and prayed for...and when God makes the necessary changes, we rejoice with one another. You could say we sharpen each other. She has recently started the blog Mirror Mirror. If you are interested in being challenged and stretched and are OK with getting a bit dirty while digging deeper, then I encourage you to stop by, read, and ponder...maybe be sharpened.

100 Tidbits for my 100th Post

1. I was born in 1970 and grew up on Long Island, New York. Thankfully, I grew up in a Christian home and know that my life would be sooooooooooooooooo different without Jesus.
2. My Dad's siblings and their families also lived on Long Island as well as my Gramma and Poppy (my Dad's parents). We would get together for major and minor holidays. Pretty much any excuse to get together was a good one.
3. My Mom's siblings and their families are spread throughout the United States. As a result we didn't get together as often - probably a couple times / year. However these trips were just as exciting and enjoyable for us. Family = Fun.
4. If you didn't guess, family is a high priority for me.
5. My sister (lil' sis) is 3-1/2 years younger than me but that never made much of a difference. She has always been my bestest friend!
6. My family never moved but I had 7 school changes from Preschool - 12th grade. It is something I do not recommend. The longest I was at a school was high school - same school for 4 years. Even in college - I went to a large university my freshman year and then transferred to a small private college for the remaining 3 years.
7. I love to play games (Yahtzee - triple is so much fun!, Tile Rummy, various card games, Password, etc.) but I am not super competitive. I play to have fun. It really doesn't matter to me who wins but I do want to do my best.
8. Because of this (#7) super competitive people can irritate me.
9. My favorite colors are green and purple. One of my aunts made me a Barbie Cake for my birthday with the ballroom skirt decorated in purple and green. Truly my most memorable cake. Mom had to throw out the doll - her hand (the Barbie's) got burnt from the lit candles.
10. I now enjoy making cakes for my boys - and even my nephew, Brady. I use my aunt's recipe for the icing. There is nothing else like it!
11. I had a favorite teddy bear - named Barbara. She was a panda bear who over time is grey instead of white and definitely not as fluffy.
12. She secretly went to the first day of school with me - every year. No kidding.
13. I still have her.
14. No...I don't sleep with her anymore - or talk to her for that manner. She simply represents a special part of my childhood and is currently part of the decor of the teddy bear nursery.
15. I never had a boyfriend until...well the first serious one became my husband!
16. It wasn't that I was ugly or weird...I wasn't allowed to date until I was sixteen - which didn't happen until my junior year of high school.
17. I was very good at being "one of the guys". Had lots of friends who were boys...but that was it.
18. I didn't get my ears pierced until I was 20 years old.
19. My Dad would say "If God wanted holes in your ears you would have been born that way"
20. The rule was you definitely couldn't get them pierced until you were 18.
21. At 18, I was busy doing other things - like saving money to go away to college.
22. Lil' sis got her ears pierced before she was 18 and my mom got hers done too (in her 50's!)
23. Now Dad buys my Mom earrings for special occasions.
24. I married a man who had an earring in his left ear...my parents never noticed. Even after I told them!
25. He doesn't wear the earring now because of the business world.
26. We have already decided that if the boys want an earring in their ear they will wait until they are 16...and that is the only thing they are allowed to pierce until they are out of college.
27. Strictness does pass from one generation to the next! LOL.
28. I was never athletic.
29. I am not sure if it is due to lack of ability or lack of opportunity...
30. I am sure that neither of those would have helped my tennis game. Just cannot connect.
31. My high school required every student to participate in at least one sport.
32. I chose track and field.
33. Anyone can put one foot in front of the other...it is like walking...just faster!
34. I was a good runner but never was a star.
35. Didn't matter. It was fun for me...and that IS the point.
36. I actually tried my hand at discus and shot. Picture that - all 5'3" of me at a whopping 110 pounds at the time!
37. Those were the days...before marriage and children.
38. I met Simms the first week of classes my sophomore year.
39. He made me laugh!
40. We became very good friends - I am very good at being "one of the guys"
41. We started "dating" or whatever you call it January of our junior year, engaged October after graduation and married 15 months later.
42. I am so blessed to have married my best friend (other than lil' sis)!
43. When I was younger (and so naive), my cousin and I planned to be married. We were a month apart in age and grew up more like sister and brother than cousins. Not like that makes our wedding plans any better! We were going to have 3 girls, 3 boys and lil' sis was going to be our maid and his lil' brother was going to be our butler. Did I say naive?
44. My life is NOTHING like that!
45. Once when I was asked what I wanted to be when I grew up I selected a different job for each day of the week. The five jobs included: a bus driver, a nurse, a teacher, a mommy and a hair dresser (that's what I called it when I was 5).
46. Interesting fact...I do ALL of those things now any day of the week!
47. Simms and I started trying to have kids after we were married for 5 years. It didn't happen.
48. Lots and lots of praying...
49. I found out the day before my 30th birthday that I was pregnant with Jeter!
50. We cancelled the fertility appointment scheduled later that month.
51. We had been trying for almost 2 years!
52. Barber joined our family almost 3 years after Jeter was born.
53. I LOVE BEING A MOMMY!!!
54. Prior to staying home with the boys (after Barber was born), I taught high school biology.
55. I so enjoy science...and discovery...and investigation...
56. I didn't want to teach.
57. There are over 20 teachers on my mom's side of the family - all in two generations except for 2 - my mom's parents.
58. I wanted to be different.
59. I was a biology pre-med major with plans to go into pediatrics.
60. Organic Chemistry and God changed my mind.
61. I ignored the prompting of the Holy Spirit and continued to investigate some field in medicine...like OT or PT.
62. I finally agreed that God really did know what He had planned and purposed for my life and went back to school for my teaching certificate.
63. I had the most phenomenal experience teaching high school biology to hundreds of students over eight years. The best job I ever had.
64. I will never purposefully ignore the prompting of the Holy Spirit again!
65. Speaking of jobs - when I was saving to go away to college - I worked at an elevator factory. It was the best job for me at the time.
66. I worked 55 hours per week in the summer - 15 hours paid overtime!
67. I engraved the elevator panels. Yup. Good stuff.
68. But...I wanted to do other things so when I finished everything that needed to be engraved I asked for other work.
69. I painted the panels, learned how to machine the holes, spot-welded, packaged, assembled, and even did some paperwork!
70. When the company relocated to Georgia, I was bummed.
71. They paid for me to fly down to Georgia, put me up in a townhouse for two weeks and paid me $1 extra/hour. I had to pay for my own food. My job was to train their new employees how to engrave the panels!
72. Because I taught high school - I relate to my boys at a higher level. At least that's why I think I am like this. Meaning, when they ask a question, I will give them the correct answer if I know it. I won't make something up.
73. For example, when Jeter asked me why Bruce (the Great White Shark in Finding Nemo) started to chase Marlin and Dory, I told him that when sharks smell blood it triggers something that causes them to be very very hungry and that is all they can think about.
74. I did "water down" how exactly that trigger occurs but I basically answered his question.
75. Did I tell you he was still 2 years old when he asked?
76. Jeter then set up his Daddy. They were watching Nemo together and Jeter asked his Daddy why Bruce was chasing Marlin and Dory. Simms told him they were playing "tag". Jeter responded "No, Daddy. It is because Bruce smelled the blood and became hungry".
77. Even though I am not athletic, I am a huge sports fan.
78. Football - New York Giants
79. Baseball - New York Yankees
80. NASCAR - Jimmy Johnson #48 - have watched since his rookie year.
81. Basketball??? - I watched Simms when he played rec. Don't really watch it.
82. Any other sport that a family member participates in. I will watch and cheer.
83. I used to say that I "voted" for a team rather than "root".
84. Since I have been a SAHM I have tried my hand at a number of new things.
85. Blogging is the most recent - it has been a good experience so far.
86. Crocheting. I have made 15 afghans - and have one that I am working on right now. I definitely enjoy this.
87. Knitting. Not so much. The only things that I have knit are scarves and washcloths. Now, just washcloths.
88. Scrapbooking - resumed after staying at home. There is NO WAY I could scrap and teach and be mommy and wife at the same time. It is wonderful to document memories for my boys and the generations to come.
89. Genealogy. I am attempting to complete this project. Still waiting for living members to get information back to me.
90. It is information on my Dad's side of the family. On one side his grandma came to the USA from Germany and on the other his great-grandfather did. Creating a family pedigree that includes up to 6 generations has been fun. Yes, I said FUN.
91. I am thinking that once the busy-ness of spring is done I will wrap up this project regardless of what people get back to me. It needs to be done.
92. I currently volunteer weekly at Jeter's Kindergarten. Working with 24 5&6 year olds is not my forte' but it is what God has asked me to do now...so I am.
93. I am passionate about worship...that is worship of Him.
94. I enjoy organizing and having a clean home - but I am NOT perfect in this.
95. Like today...my home needs to be cleaned desperately.
96. Oh...a member of my family not mentioned...our dog, G. It is short for a long German word that means "lady companion". She is a Shepherd mix. She looks like a German Shepherd and has the personality of one but she has a little patch of white on her nose and paws. And she only weighs about 50 pounds.
97. I grew up with a purebred German Shepherd. She was absolutely gorgeous! Black with a little tan by her eyebrows and paws. Her name was B short for a longer German term meaning "protector". She was my second best childhood friend (lil' sis being the first) who lived with me.
98. Barber adores G. She loves and tolerates him. I think she will really miss him when he is gone all day to school in two years!
99. My favorite apple is Fuji. I am eating one right now. It is because they are crunchy and sweet. I don't like mushy apples.
100. I love the Lord and desire to fulfill the plans and purposes He has for my life. This is also one of the prayers I pray for my sons and our family.

The House That Jack Built

Friendship...it is something that we need and desire. I believe there are many levels and types of friendships that exist filling a vast spectrum that ranges from acquaintance to Idon'tdoanythingorgoanywherewithoutyou.

Previous posts (here and here) demonstrate how close my family is and that our relationships are truly more than just flesh and blood - we are friends...the best of friends. Likewise, I have been blessed with some friendships where, even though we are not flesh and blood, they become "family-like" (is that even a word?). One such friend has recently joined the ranks of the blogging world as Schtikmomma. I have known her (barely acquaintance level) and her family for over seven years. It has only been within the last two years that we have been forming a friendship and more recently that her entire family is like-family to us (brother, sister, etc).

Her claim to fame is her sense of humor. She has truly been blessed with a gift to look at everyday life and find humor in it. But that trait merely scratches the surface of who she is. Schtikmomma has a heart for the Lord. She is a strong woman who is not afraid to get her hands dirty as she goes after the things of God. She is an amazing momma to three beautiful children who are unique and precious...and, yes, provide a great deal of "material" for her stories. The final member of this family is the man who has put a smile on her face (and maybe on occasion tears in her eyes) since high school (her husband).

The Campbell Corner officially welcomes The House That Jack Built and invites you to take a peek, visit and say hello.

**UPDATE: she is going by Say Anything rather then Schtikmomma.**

More Than a Family

I am ALL about family - the importance of it, the relationships, the love, etc. This does not mean that I don't experience the frustration or hurt that can occur in any relationship but I recognize the value of working through the tough times so that I can experience the jewel that results. The key is that BOTH parties need to be willing to survive the pressure cooker. This is not always easy - and is a tough variable that exists in every relationship.

I have been blessed with a family that is more than just flesh and blood - we are actually friends with each other. I took this for granted for a l-o-n-g time. Pretty much until I went away for college. I knew families were different and I was able to observe those differences throughout school but it wasn't until college that I began to appreciate the way my family was and didn't want it to be any other way.

Some examples of how "weird" our family was/is:

1. My sister is actually my best life-long friend (I don't like the sole label of "best friend" because I am blessed to have a number of people in my life that qualify as such). She is one that I can confide in and know that I will never be judged and nothing I say will be used against me. We have always encouraged each other throughout life - never competed against each other (and it was annoying when other people would compare us to one another b/c we don't do that!). She is my "lil' sis" but technically I don't remember being the "big" sis - I am 4 inches shorter than her and don't truly recall when I was taller although pictures do show that I was at one point; By the time I was in 4th grade and she was in Kindergarten we were the same height! A benefit to this was that we got to share clothes - double the wardrobe! There are times when our life experiences vary and we don't always understand the why/how of what each is going through, but, in the end, regardless of the circumstances there is the two of us. She is my sister, my friend, my supporter, one that I can confide in and trust, one who I know will pray. I am truly grateful that God blessed me with my lil' sis.

2. My parents have actually become two of my "best" friends. This was NOT right away. We had our squabbles and didn't always see eye to eye but one thing always brought us back together - unconditional love. You can read more about this in my "signs of love" post. There is 31 years between me and my parents but I enjoy "hanging out" with them. My mom and dad are two of the people that I enjoy being on the phone with for more than 5 minutes (I am not really a phone person). I love to shop with my Mom - and she hasn't paid for my stuff since college so it is really just for her company! I listen to my Dad's stories about anything and everything and try to write them down because no matter how much I try to inspire him, he does not like to write himself. So someone has to do it and I have kind of taken on that responsibility. I will listen to his stories, even when it feels like the 50th time - you never know when a new "nugget" will be revealed. I like working on projects with my mom - painting, crafting, and learning how to teach phonics to my boys. She is amazing with children and an inspiration to me.

3. My husband, Simms is my "bestest" friend! He knows me so well and loves me even more. My life is complete with him. I don't know if he fully knew what he was getting into when he said "I do" but I know that we are both thankful for the journey. We became friends in zoology lab and continued to learn how to work together being lab partners for the 3 years of college. What a great foundation that was! Anything that we go through in life (which is a lot of stuff when you are married...there is always something) our motto is to approach it as a team. We know when we work together we will be successful. It has worked for almost 13 years of marriage now and I know it will continue! One of the greatest gifts of our union is how our families "merged" together. He is truly a son to my parents (there have been many times that they spend more money on him than me!!!) and I know that I am a daughter to his dad rather than an "in-law". My NY cousins enjoy it when I visit but they seem to like it more when Simms is with me. What does that tell you? It tells me that he has been a perfect fit in our family and I am blessed for it - we all are.

4. I have cousins that are more like brothers and sisters. We enjoy each other - even when we don't have the luxury of visiting often. There is a closeness that is more than just "extended" family.

5. I have aunts and uncles that can qualify as another mom or dad. My AuntCR is one that if we get on the phone together it is not going to be just a 5 minute conversation. Not going to happen.

6. There are individuals that I would say have been unofficially "adopted" into our family. It doesn't matter how or where we met - but there is a kindred spirit between us. These individuals have become sisters, brothers, sons and daughters to us. They are special and are loved. This is another aspect of my family that I cherish - we have a lot of love but there is always MORE to go around. It is endless.

I have learned that this is not considered to be the "norm" even though it is for me. We desire for this to continue from generation to generation. We choose to speak blessing over Jeter and Barber. We prayed for their relationship/friendship from the time Barber was in my womb and continue to do so. We have been blessed to see fruit - already! - in their relationship. They are friends who love each other. Do they frustrate each other from time to time? Of course - but I don't believe it is chance that Jeter was the first one to freely received hugs and kisses from Barber. I know that they will be brothers the way God intended brothers to be! They have a cousin, (many cousins when you count the children of my cousins - but one from my sister and brother - yes he is an in-law but to me, he is my brother) Brady, and while lil' sis was pregnant with him, we prayed for the relationship that they would share. It is awesome to see their relationship unfold before our very eyes. Yes, they are cousins but in many ways, they are siblings and that warms my heart.

So what is the point of this post? It gives me an opportunity to honor the family that I have. This has been burning in my heart and I was kind of waiting for the right time - and then decided that it was now. But more importantly, I believe that there are many out there who desire to have something like this and it is to you that I want to encourage - you can make this happen in your family. My family does not need to be the only "weirdos" in this world! Examine what your priorities are and make family the #1 priority (after God of course). This is what my parents did - they taught me and lil' sis how important our family was through their words and actions. I know this is why our marriages and family units are so strong. I know this is why future generations will be blessed. It is work, and it is not always easy (as I mentioned before ALL parties need to be on board for this to work 100%) but the reward is great! Most of all - PRAY. Pray for the kind of relationship you desire to have with your spouse, your children, your siblings, your parents, and your extended family. God hears our prayers and answers them. I don't always understand the timing but I know that He is listening because I do see some fruit and am praying with expectancy for what I don't see yet.

Psalm 37:4 "Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart"