Tackle it Tuesday

I'm going to start holding myself accountable here for things that I need to get done in order to be as organized as I would like. I have all of these things in my head, all of these lists, I admire other people's organization skills...now I need some action.

So, tonight I started with the piles and piles of stuff I had in my kitchen, living room and dining room. I had five places that I needed to tackle where things were just getting out of control...the kitchen counter, the top of the microwave, the top of the fridge, the dining room table and the top of the entertainment center. I found...newspapers, coupon, art work, scribble pages, pictures, mail, junk mail, money, earrings, books, catalogs...it was a mess, kind of. See my wonderful aunt takes all of my junk and puts it in these lovely piles, so it doesn't look so bad...but when you look closer and dive into the piles, that's when you see the danger!

I threw away two brown paper bags full of stuff. I gave Jamison her items to take to her room, put all of Rondell's stuff in a bag and put it on his side of our room, put books away, cut coupons and put them in my haven't-seen-you-in-a-while menu planning notebook, so on and so forth.

So, now it's nice and clean and things are put away. It's tackled. Onto...Jamison's closet (the stuff I didn't get to while working on her art center)...duhn, duhn, duhn!

What are you tackling? Head on over to 5 Minutes for Mom to see what others are doing.

She's Just Not That Into You...

UPDATED: Thanks to all of you who have commented so far. That's why I love you all, you are all so sweet. I want to add that I also don't mean when people go a time period without comment, life gets busy...but just those that I read that NEVER, EVER comment back to me.

Do you ever want to tell any bloggers that come by your blog that you're just not that into them? I don't, but I feel sometimes like people want to say that to me. There are a few blogs that I read because I like them and I comment a lot but they NEVER comment back. And I don't mean the blogs that have like 1000 followers, that I understand. Do I stop reading them...would you? Is that their way of saying "I'm just not that into you" and I should get the hint?

Just wondering.

I know, I'm such a girl!

Friend Makin Monday - 4th of July

Hello Friends. It seems like it's been so long since I've participated in this and I have to say I missed it.

Today Shawn over at Seriously is hosting FMM and in honor of July 4th she has is asking about our 4th plans.

What are you doing this July 4th?

In the morning Caleb and I are going to the Dublin parade and Jamison and Rondell and going to Home Depot to work on their monthly project. That evening we are going to our church's 4th of July event, Food Fun and Fireworks. This is our church's biggest outreach event and it is a ton of fun. They have inflatable slides and bounce houses, rides for kids, animals and food. Then you can sit and see the Gahanna fireworks from the church's parking lot. We've only been once before but we may have to add this as our thing to do on the 4th.

What is your favorite dish to pass when attending a 4th of July party or summer barbecue?

If I was going to a cookout I'd probably take my strawberry/pretzel dessert because it's red...and yummy (and I'm seeing now that I've never posted this recipe so I'll have to do that Thursday for Joanna's food carnival).

Do you have any July 4th traditions?

We don't...but I'd like to establish some. I love traditions and having something to look forward to for holidays.

Share your favorite July 4th picture.

Sorry, no pictures. I don't believe I have any from July 4th. I will have plenty this year, I'm sure and in the years to come, so stay tuned.

Be sure to stop by Shawn's and tell us all about your plans.

The Simple Woman's Daybook - June 29, 2009

For today...

Outside my window...blue skies and sunshine. It's supposed to rain some this week and beautiful the other days.

I am thinking...about things I need to do this week.

I am thankful for...a great Small Group social last night. Our Small Group has been through some changes this year, some tough. There were times that I felt disconnected from the group and wondered if it would ever be the same. But last night we had our first summer social and it was like old times. We had great food and conversation and the kids all played very well together. I'm bummed that I forgot my camera and have no pictures.

From the kitchen...no plans. I made pasta salad last night for our social, but I didn't think any further than that. I will say that I now have Ragu in the cabinets (remember this) because my cool friend Jodie bought me four jars...how thoughtful.

I am reading...Following God With All Your Heart by Elizabeth George. It is very good so far. I have to make myself put the book down!

I am hoping...for nice weather on the 4th. Our church has a Food, Fun and Fireworks event every year and I hope the weather is not too hot and no rain so we can all have a great time. If you're in the Gahanna, Ohio area, feel free to stop by...it's free.

I am creating...an activity plan for Jamison for the summer. I want to have outlined activities for her to do this summer, art projects, learning activities, outdoor play, etc.

I am praying...for obedience is some areas...the prayers are really working, so I'm going to keep going.

Around the house...is a mess. We were busy all weekend so I didn't get much done.

One of my favorite things...having Rondell home on Sundays.

A few plans for the week...CLEAN! I am planning on working on projects around the house that don't cost anything, cleaning closets, deep cleaning the kitchen, etc. Wednesday the kids and I are going to my friend Lyndsey's brother's fire station with Lyndsey and our friend Amber. I can't wait to see Caleb on the fire truck! We are off on Friday so I'm hoping we can get to the pool. Saturday Caleb and I are going to a parade and Jamison and Rondell will be at Home Depot for their monthly project...and then the big fireworks.

Go Check This Out...Go On, Do It!

As if I don't have enough blogs to read because I love them all, I have discovered a new blog. This lady has links to tons of other crafty blogs. It's adorable and a must see...now go, we'll talk later.

Thanking God on Friday

- I am thankful for Michael Jackson's music. To me, he was the greatest entertainer of all time. He will be missed but his music will last forever.

- I thank God for well-behaved children. The other evening a friend of ours came over to tell us about his involvement with Campus Crusade for Christ. He was there for 2 hours and my children behaved so well the entire time. If Jamison had something to say she would say "excuse me" (we've been really working on that). Their presence was known but they were not running all over, tearing things apart, taking advantage of the fact that our attention was directed away from them. I was so thankful.

- I am thankful for lists. Over vacation I realized that I was doing too much at once. I'm typically a huge list maker but lately I have not been keeping up and things were getting out of control. I would start things and not finish or try to do multiple projects at once. Now I'm getting back into listing and doing one thing at a time...like finishing Caleb's life verse (see below).

- I am thankful for relaxing Friday evenings. For as long as I can remember, Friday evenings have been the time to relax and refresh from the week. My mom and I used to always get pizza and chill out. Every once in a while we will do something on a Friday night, but for the most part we are at home relaxing and having some quality family time. I am looking forward to that this evening!

Now That's What I Call a Life Verse...The Reveal

I did it, I did it...I finished Caleb's life verse. It was so easy to put together too! Here's what I did:

I went to Hobby Lobby, of course, and got the paper and frame for the verse. I went with a paisley (my new love) background and then found matching blue card stock for the actual verse. What took me the longest was what I was going to do with the card stock. Did I cut a border, did I just curve the corners, did I cut it in some cool shape...oh, the decisions (and the realization that I could really use a Cricut!).

I ended up just trimming the paper and then curving the edges with my cool little tool to the left.

Then I put the verse on the background. Isn't the paisley just lovely! Or handsome in Caleb's case.

Here's God's true and faithful servant Caleb posing with his life verse. Oh, I also added a cross sticker for some jazz.

Here it is on the wall. I'm not sure if I'm going to keep it here because Caleb likes to slam his door and I don't want it to fall.

So, there it is. I like the way it turned out! I hope to be able to keep doing little projects like this, one at a time.

I Can't Believe It!

http://www.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/Music/06/25/michael.jackson/index.html

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31552029?gt1=43001

A Little of This...A Little of That...

You all know how Kelly's Korner is having her Show Us Where You Live party on Fridays? Well, I check it out when there are rooms I want to see and last week featured laundry rooms (or bonus rooms). I LOVE me a laundry room. I don't have one, but I will one day so I need to see them in order to store away ideas for my room...that I WILL have one day.

Well, by looking at these rooms I also find blogs that I begin to follow. While stalking (I mean looking at) the laundry rooms I found Jenn's blog. Her laundry room is just adorable and so is her little girl. Well now she's stepped it up and given me this lovely award...she's so sweet! You should stop by and say hello to her.

I'm going to do like Jenn and pass this onto some bloggers that I've recently discovered:

Julie

Bobbi

Cheryl

Lauren

Sasha

The other thing is that I have come to realize is that I'm putting way to much in my head and trying to juggle too much at one time. You know why Caleb's verse isn't done...because I'm thinking about how to label Jamison's bins...you know why Jamison's bins aren't labeled...because I'm thinking of the finishing touches I want to do in our bathroom...you know why the bathroom isn't done...because I'm trying to find the stuff I need to finish the kids' bathroom...and so on!

I'm going to make myself crazy! No wonder I'm always flustered lately. So, tonight I'm focusing only on the life verse and THEN I will move to the next item on my list.

Any of you out there have some tips for me? Come on friends, help a girlfriend out!

Word to the Wise Wednesday

Cheaper is not always better!

Rondell and I, like so many right now, are trying to watch our money. We are trying to spend our money more wisely and make a few sacrifices. The other day we were at the store doing our bi-weekly grocery shopping and I was getting things to make baked ziti. We came upon the sauce and after some evaluation of prices we decided to buy this:

Usually I'm faithful to this:

But trying to be wise about money we went with the cheaper product. Wrong!!! I made the ziti tonight and took a bite...just not the same. Even Rondell, who is not picky, said it wasn't the same.

So the moral of the story my friends...cheaper is not always better.

Staycation 2009 Recap - List Form

1. 5 Guys, Burgers & Fries

2. Slept in

3. Cleaned carpet

4. The pool

5. 7 year anniversary

6. Painted bathroom asparagus

7. Took naps

8. Rondell's 33rd birthday

9. One rainy day

10. Went in a thunderstorm for Krispy Kreme donuts (so worth it)

11. The pool

12. Daddy/daughter date to see Up...He loved it, she hated it

13. Got caught up on some taped shows

14. Gave Ron a mix CD for our anniversary (oh yeah, I went ol' school)

15. Yard work

16. Cook out at MIL's house

17. The pool

18. Got a tan

19. Had lots of quality time

20. Recharged

The Simple Woman's Daybook - June 22, 2009

For today...

Outside my window...blue skies and the sun is starting to set. It's a beautiful evening!

I am thinking...about friendships. They should be easy, right?

I am thankful for...my vacation. It gave me time to get things done, think about some things, spend quality time with my family and a nap or two.

From the kitchen...tonight we had steak on the grill, and this week we'll have baked ziti...haven't planned much more than that.

I am reading...Killer View by Ridley Pearson. I have to put together a summer reading list.

I am hoping...for a fun summer for my kids.

I am creating...the life verse...I know, I know. I have everything I need but my printer did not cooperate with the card stock so I have to go to Plan B. It should be done tomorrow.

I am praying...still for obedience in some areas of my life.

Around the house...I have a list to make tonight of things that need to be done. It's neverending I think. I need to get a few things to finish the bathroom, like a new rug. I also have to get a new rug for the kids' bathroom and wash their new shower curtain.

One of my favorite things...is paisley. It's new favorite of mine but I'm realizing that I really like it. I saw a lady today with a swimsuit with a paisley top and it was adorable.

A few plans for the week...nothing set in stone...just little things here and there. Saturday my friends Lyndsey is having a birthday party for her oldest, Quinn.

I hope you all are having a great Monday!

Happy Father's Day!

Here's to:

My Daddy!

Here's my Daddy...and yes, I still call him that. He's a pretty cool guy and even though my parents are divorced, he has always been right there. He played a huge role in my healing from Postpartum Depression, going so far as taking us in for a week as we figured it all out.

Papa D loves his kisses!

Daddy calls his grandchildren daily! They love to talk to him on the phone.

This is the time that he drove all the way from Cleveland to buy a cup of lemonade from Jamison's lemonade stand. Seriously, he drove down, bought some lemonade, stayed for a bit and then drove home. How cool is that!

Love you Daddy!

My Baby's Daddy!

Isn't he handsome...oh wait, I'm supposed to be talking about him as a father...sorry, got distracted.

He's a cheerleader!

He's a barber!

He's a snuggler!

He's a craft partner!

He's the personality twin of Jamison. They are the same person, it's scary. This girl loves her Daddy!

He's a role model. Caleb looks up (literally) to this guy (and so does Jamison) and what an example he is. He's patient, gentle, fun-loving, hard worker...and he's all mine, oops, I mean theirs (there I go again, getting distracted).

I love you Ron and happy that God has blessed me with you as the father of my children.

Happy Father's Day!!!!

A-Z

I saw this on a few other blogs and thought it would be fun to do. Here it goes:

A -Age: 32

B -Bed size: queen

C -Chore you hate: Dusting

D -Donuts or Kolaches: Donuts, I have no idea what a Kolache is...now I have to Google it.

E -Essential start your day item: A shower

F -Favorite color: Yellow

G -Gold or Silver: silver

H -Height: 5'8"

I -Instruments you play: None...I did play the violin in middle school.

J -Jokes or Rhymes: jokes

K -Kids: 2, Jamison and Caleb

L -Living arrangements: With my family in a house.

M -Movie: You've Got Mail...it's my favorite!

N -Nicknames: Kelli Girl

O-Overnight hospital stays: after having each baby.

P -Pet Peeve: When people call my job to ask for a phone number and then have to go and get a pen and paper. BE PREPARED PEOPLE!!!!

Q -Quote you like: All they can say is no...from my mom.

R -Right or left handed: Left

S -Siblings: 1brother, 1 sister

T -Time you wake up: 5:30ish weekdays

U -Underwear: Comfortable, yet colorful

V -Vegetable you dislike: Peas!

W -Ways you run late: It's usually because I haven't prepared like I should have. I hate being late.

X -X-rays you've had: Teeth.

Y -Yummy food you make: Lasagna, chicken club wrap, cheese Danish, buffalo chicken dip (these are what people have asked me to make)

Z -Zodiac sign: Scorpio

Thanking God on Friday

- I'm thankful for conviction. I know it sounds strange but that's what keeps me in line, when the Holy Spirit speaks to me about something I'm not doing or should be doing. This week, while off I've have many nights to think about life and what I'm doing with it. Let's just say I could be doing better. So, I hope to come off of this vacation refreshed and ready to keep moving (as this is my word of the year...see more about that here).

- I am thankful for bloggers who read because my summer reading list is growing. I'm thinking of putting it together to share with you so you can have some good reads too. I know one book I'm going to break down and read is Twilight. I just have to know what the excitement is all about.

- I'm thankful for Staycation 2009! This time off has been very productive and very needed. Rondell and I have gotten so much done and we've spent some really good quality time together as a family. One thing we (OK, Rondell) did was paint our bathroom. Here are some during pictures:

What? You don't have a painter on staff? I've had mine for 7 years now...great investment!

If you look above the shower you will see the mustard color that the bathroom used to be. Now the color is Asparagus by Behr. It's just what I wanted.

Last picture, the bathroom is super tiny. I'll post the finished pictures once I add a few touches.

- I'm thankful for blogging. While sometimes reading other blogs makes me a little envious (nice houses, laundry rooms, staying at home, close Small Groups), I learn so much and have been inspired to do things I would never have thought I would. I've also "met" some really cool people who I can call friends.

Why are you thankful?

Wordless Wednesday - Nothing like a good laugh...

Friend Makin Monday (Tuesday Edition)

This week's FMM is juicy:

Confessions! Spill your guts!

1. I buy way too much for my kids. I could shop for them nonstop. Not that I buy expensive things, it could be a coloring book, a new shirt, a toy car...but when I see something I like for them or think they would like I tend to pick it up.

2. I don't like to share my food, especially if it's a food I enjoy. It's so sad but I don't even like to share with my kids.

3. My weakness...household items. I will break the bank to have a well stocked home. I love to stock up on toilet paper, paper towels, toothpaste, detergent...all of it. I'd rather be at Target doing that than shopping for clothes.

4. I nap when I should be doing other things...I can't break the habit.

5. I worry way too much about what other people think of me.

Well, there you have it...my deepest, darkest, not-so-interesting secrets. I gotta get more juice. Hop on over to Kasey's so you can share too...because I'm nosey like that.

The Simple Woman's Daybook - June 15, 2009

For today...

Outside my window...my yard, because it's Staycation 2009 baby and I'm at home! It wouldn't matter if it was raining (well, maybe a little) because the view is lovely.

I am thinking...about the history of Kelli and Rondell. About how we met at The Ohio State University and it was not love at first sight, but how that doesn't matter now. How we went on our first date at The Cooker (which is now closed). We walked there because this was before cars. About how we used to stay up all night talking about nothing and loving every minute. About how we would go to Beekman's Bagels after class for a sandwich (which is now closed). About how we were simply (or so I thought) going to lunch at my favorite restaurant, Chi Chi's (which is now closed...do you see a pattern). About how nervous Rondell was after giving the hostess the ring and then the waiter not bringing it with our meal. But our waiter had something else in mind and set this down after dessert:

The waiter sat in a booth behind us and was drawing this picture of me (I thought was flirting). When he brought this out my ring was thumb tacked to it. I cried and and cried and almost forgot to say yes (Rondell had to ask again!).

Thinking about our wedding day and how God blessed me with beautiful, cool weather. About how I married my best friend. About hearing how Rondell cried as I walked down the aisle (that makes my heart blush!). About the beginning of the rest of our lives...together. Seven years ago!

Oh, and let's not forget the best part that I think of every time this year...the garter incident:Me: "Um, what do you think you're doing?" Rondell: "Be cool."

"Oh my God, my grandmother is here!"

"I CAN'T BELIEVE THIS IS HAPPENING!!!!"

Uncontrollable laughter! Rondell is so proud, using only his teeth. Marja...see her talking in my ear...confessing that she egged Rondell on to do it. MEMORIES!!!

I am thankful for...a great weekend. On Saturday we went with my mom to her friend's house. She lives in the country and has a lot of land. She made us lunch and the kids played. Miss Jill even gave us some plants from her yard to take home.

Here is Jamison feeding the fish in her pond.

Here's the adventure to the creek. I have the zoom on...I didn't go that far. I don't need to be that close to nature.

The hike back from the creek! Caleb won!

From the kitchen...Florida Night. Since we were not able to go to Florida this year we decided to have the same meal that we made while we were in Florida last year. First we had to break out:

When you see Old Bay you know it's time for seafood.

Here's Mommy preparing the garlic/pepper peel and eat shrimp.

The meal...We had shrimp, lobster tail, baked potato, salad, and Rondell had crab cakes. Delicious!!!!!!!

Close up of my friend...Mr. Lobster Tail

I am reading...I haven't started, but I got my Ridely Pearson book from the library. I will probably start it tomorrow. There are quite a few books I want to read so I need to make a list.

I am hoping...for a wonderful vacation that includes some pool time!

I am creating...a gift for my friend Jodie and Caleb's verse. I swear I'm getting to that this week, especially while I have the time. Last week turned out to be busier than planned.

I am praying...for obedience in some areas.

Around the house...we are getting some projects done. We're finally painting our master bath on Thursday and Rondell is supposed to clean out the garage.

One of my favorite things...Vacation!!!!

A few plans for the rest of the week...mentioned above. Rondell and I are also going to lunch for our anniversary, I plan on doing more in the yard and taking a nap or two.

Thanking God on Friday

- I am thankful that my friend that I mentioned last week, experiencing someone invading her home, is doing better and is continuing to be prayed for.

- Speaking of friends, I'm thankful for my blog friend Carrie. I don't remember how I stumbled onto her blog but boy and I glad I did. She is so sweet and it has been fun getting to know her. She double tagged me this week and since I LOVE tags, I have to play along.

First, I'm suppose to find a picture of what I was doing two years ago today, or as close as I can get. I didn't take many pictures in June of 2007, but here's what I have. We went to the zoo with our Small Group and here are Rondell and Jamison at the petting area. Jamison wanted nothing to do with petting the animals, so we were waiting on the other families.

The next tag is an 8 Things tag. I've done this before, but again, love tags and I'm sure things have changed since last time.

8 Things I Look Forward to:

1. Going to Destin next year

2. Our "Florida Night" that we are having on Sunday.

3. Getting more financially stable.

4. Going to the pool next week.

5. Hanging out with Rondell on Monday, it's our anniversary.

6. Reading this summer.

7. Going with my mom to her friend's house tomorrow.

8. Finishing projects around the house.

8 Things I Did Yesterday:

1. Went to work.

2. Organized my desk at work since I'll be off.

3. Looked over all of the papers Jamison brought home from her last day of school, including her wonderful report card!

4. Dropped the kids off at my Mother-in-law's house.

5. Helped a friend finish packing all of her things in her dorm.

6. Had pizza.

7. Told Jamison a million times how proud I was of her that she did so well in Kindergarten.

8. Made a list of rules for the kids to follow while they are home over the summer.

8 Things I Wish I Could Do:

1. Be a stay-at-home mom

2. Not worry so much

3. Keep my house clean ALL the time

4. Go to Arizona this year

5. Hire a professional organizer and be able to afford all that she suggests

6. Buy a new camera

7. Meet some of my blog friends in person

8. Be more crafty

8 Shows I Watch (well, they are saved on the DVR and I plan on catching up on vacation)

1. LOST!!!!

2. Criminal Minds

3. Medium

4. Grey's Anatomy

5. Private Practice

6. Desperate Housewives

7. According to Jim

8. The Backyardigans

Since I've already tagged 8 I won't do it again, but if you want to update, feel free!

- I am thankful for Jamison and her successful year of Kindergarten. We went back and forth about whether or not to send her. She was getting over some delays, speech, behavioral, fine motor...and we wanted to be sure it was the right move. Also, she makes the cut off by one day! I'm happy we decided to send her because she had grown so much and she's so bright. Next stop...first grade.

Jamison on the first day of school (it rained)

Jamison on the last day of school (it rained)

Getting of the bus on the first day of school.

Getting off the bus on the last day of school! Hello first grader.

- I'm thankful that Staycation 2009 is here!!!!!!!! I am off until June 23 and I can't be any more excited (Rondell is off starting Monday). Today was a very lazy day and after that we will relax, go to the pool, do various projects and enjoy being together as a family. Sunday we are planning a "Florida Night" where we're going to make the same meal we made in Florida last year that was oh so yummy, Monday is our anniversary and Rondell and I are going to hang and then have lunch, Rondell is going to work in his Honey Do list from losing our bet, we're going to paint our master bath...it should be great fun.

- I'm thankful for this place....THE POOL:

- Finally, God's protection, love, grace, guidance...I'm thankful for that.