5 Question Friday - December 17, 2010

1. Do you regift...and if so, do you have a regifting horror story?

I rarely regift. Usually I do returns if necessary, otherwise I set it aside for donations if it's not something that suits us, lol.

2. Do you know what you are getting for Christmas this year?

Nope, I sure don't. Except that Billy and I are getting AT&T U-Verse as kind of a gift for each other...

3. Who brings the most gifts in your family, you or Santa?

Us. Santa usually brings the kids 3 gifts each and a stocking.

4. What store do you love to buy jeans from?

I so rarely buy clothes for myself...it's been a few years since I've bought any and the ones I have are 2 sizes too big, so...yeah, it's time I bought some. But the ones I have are from Old Navy so I guess I'll say that!

5. Christmas meal: big all out meal, or snacks and appetizers?

Both!! My mom does appetizers for us to eat as we are opening presents, and then we do a big roast beef meal!

5 question Friday - 12/10/10

1. Do you open your presents on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day?

ALWAYS Christmas day. Sometimes we let them open one on Christmas eve, but it's usually one at my brother's house.

2. What is your favorite Christmas cookie or candy?

Really not a big cookie or candy eater...but my favorite Christmas dessert is this chocolate peppermint ice cream cake that my mom gets some times. MMMMMMMM

3. What's the worst Christmas gift you ever received?

Hmmmm, see, I honestly have a hard time answering that question. I appreciate everything because it honestly flatters me when anyone even thinks about me enough to give me a present. Ok, the first thing that comes to my mind is these hair barrettes I got when I was like 13 or 14. They were these big lace things with ribbons hanging down and had roses on the ends. Did I mention I was a teenager? lol

4. Christmas song that you love?

My favorites are O Holy Night, especially when Billy sings it, Mary Did You Know?, and Breath of Heaven.

5. How many trees do you put up?

um, my house is little, so one is plenty! :)

Delicious Slow Cooked Baked Potato Soup

I got this recipe from the Methodist church that we used to attend. They would make it occasionally for our Wednesday night meals, and it was soooooo good. It's quite easy, and a great meal for these chilly nights. All my kids love it, which is an added bonus - it's very hard to find something we all agree on!

6 or so potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 small onion, diced
3 cans chicken broth
1/4 c. butter
2 1/2 tsp salt
1 1/4 tsp pepper
1 c. half and half
1 c. (or more depending on taste!) shredded cheddar cheese
8 oz. sour cream
3 tbsp chives, if desired
chopped cooked bacon

Combine first 6 ingredients in crock pot. Cook 6 hours on low. Mash up potatoes, then stir in half and half, cheese, chives and bacon. Cook another hour or so until creamy!

Songful Sunday - December 5th

My sister-in-law challenged me to blog every day in December with her and our friend, and I don't know if I'll get to EVERY day, but I will try my best...today is "Songful Sunday" - a day to post the lyrics of a song that really means something to me. The first one that came to my mind is "Praise You in This Storm" by Casting Crowns. EVERY time I hear it, I have to stop whatever I'm doing and just worship God.

I was sure by now, God, that you would have reached down
and wiped our tears away,
Stepped in and saved the day.
But once again, I say Amen,
And it's still raining.
And as the thunder rolls,
I barely hear you whisper through the rain,
"I'm with you."
And as your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away.

Chorus:
And I'll praise you in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For you are who you are
No matter where I am
And every tear I've cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise you in this storm.

I remember when, I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry to you
And raised me up again
My strength is almost gone
How can I carry on
If I can't find you?
and as the thunder rolls
I barely hear you whisper through the rain,
"I'm with you."
And as your mercy falls
I raise my hands
and praise the God who gives and takes away.

Chorus

I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The Maker of Heaven and Earth
(repeat)

Chorus

This song always reminds me that even through the most trying times, I have a Heavenly Father to cast my cares upon.

6 word Saturday

What are 6 words to describe this past week?

"All I did was study hard."

Pretty self explanatory, I think. I spent about 7 hours each day over the last week studying just Biology. I knew this test was gonna kick my booty, so I did everything I could to cram as much of it in my head that was possible. Well, apparently alot of it leaked out...I only made a 78 on the test after all that. Sigh. What can I say though? I did my very best. Biology just isn't my thang. Praise the Lord that it is all done, and I don't have to read that darn textbook (that the bookstore won't buy back because they are changing editions AGAIN....grrrrrr) ever again.

5 Question Friday

Phew, just barely made it! Busy week, busy day...

1. What's on the top of your holiday list and why?

Well, at the risk of sounding corny - I really just want health, happiness, and success for my family. Honestly. But, I do have to make a list for my parents (that is their rule) for Christmas presents...the first thing on my list was a handheld vacuum. Exciting I know, lol. Most of my list consisted of books....surprise, surprise.

2. What is your favorite Christmas gift from the past?

That one is easy! That would be my Natalie Elizabeth, born on 12/26! Our little Christmas baby!

3. If you had life to do over, what would you be when your grow up?

Well, first and foremost, I would choose mommy over and over. But, I also want to be a librarian, and I am working on that right now.

4. When do you put up your tree?

Always the day after Thanksgiving. We make a big deal out of it. We decorate, I make a big buffet of finger foods, and we eat near the tree while watching a Christmas movie.

5. What is your favorite holiday?

Christmas, of course!

A Day of Remembering - November 29

9 years ago today, we found out that the little one we were expecting had gone to be with Jesus. This was absolutely the most devastating day of my life. It was a surprise pregnancy, but we were so excited!! A couple weeks later, I started bleeding, but it was very slight. We went to the doctor and he did an ultrasound and...a tiny flickering heartbeat. He said everything was fine, that spotting can be normal. I went home reassured. Another week goes by, and a little more bleeding. We went back to the doctor for another ultrasound. The baby was growing, and the heartbeat was strong. This happened twice more. Then, 11/29/2001 I started bleeding quite heavily. But I was convinced by now that everything was fine. After all, this baby had been developing on track, with a steady heartbeat. I even convinced Billy that he didn't need to go to the doctor with me this time, because everything was fine. The doctor started the ultrasound, and he didn't say a word for a few minutes...then he simply said, "I'm sorry." I remember hearing a heart wrenching scream, and wondering where it was coming from, before I realized that it was me. The nurse immediately took Natalie out of the room (I am grateful for that). The doctor kept looking, and said "I'm sorry. The heart is no longer beating." I just couldn't seem to comprehend this. I think I turned completely numb. The doctor started telling me my options....let the miscarriage happen naturally, or to go in and do a D&C. My brain, and my heart, could not deal with this right then. I remember having to leave the room with my 2 girls - Natalie was 4 and Emily was about 6 months) - and walk through that waiting room full of pregnant women. I felt so ashamed - like I had done something wrong. I went to pick up Billy from work, and when he asked me how the appointment went, I told him tearfully "the baby died!" I knew he was in shock...he kept saying over and over, "no, everything is fine. we'll go to another doctor." But, I knew. It was the hardest day of our lives.



This was our precious angel baby the day I found out she went to Heaven. I could see her precious head, her little hands up by her face, her little belly...but no flickering heartbeat.

I spent a long time asking God "why?? why me?? I wanted this baby SO much, how could He take her away from me?" I'll admit it, I was ANGRY at Him. But I turned to Scripture for answers. One that I came across was Ecclesiastes 11:5 "As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in the mother's womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things." Slowly I came to realize that God doesn't WANT things like this to happen, but He can see all things throughout all time, and there must be some reason, this little baby was not meant for Earth. What brought me comfort was knowing that some day I WILL see her again in Heaven.

Does the pain ease over time? Yes, it does...but, it will never completely go away. And November 29th is always a difficult day for me.

For those who have experienced miscarriage or infant loss, I recommend the book I Will Carry You by Angie Smith. She is the cowriter of the song you hear on this page.

Listen to Remembering

5 Question Friday - Black Friday edition!

1. What is your favorite part of a Thanksgiving meal?

Well, I just like eating surrounded by the people I care about. I know it sounds corny, but it's true - seeing all the people I love around the table (or living room) and everyone being in a good mood - I love it! I also look forward to all the leftovers I get sent home with, lol!

2. Are you a host or a guest for Thanksgiving this year?

So far, I have always been a guest. I do prepare dishes to bring, and I try to help out with cleaning up. But, at this point, we do not have the space to host a dinner!

3. When you think of one Thanksgiving tradition, what comes to mind?

Well, let's see. I always turn on the Macy's Parade for the kids to watch. Then there's all the stuffing of our faces at the families' houses. There's also the annual "exchanging of the Christmas lists" at my mom's, and going thru all the Black Friday ads, to make a list and strategize!

4. You have 2 pieces of pie in front of you, and you HAVE to eat one....which one? pumpkin or pecan?

That's easy - I love pumpkin pie, and I HATE pecan pie!!

5. Are you a Black Friday shopper?

Yep. I am not a hardcore one that goes store hopping the entire night though. I generally pick one store (usually Walmart) and that's it. The last few years I've gone with my sister-in-law, Tracy, and my mother-in-law, and this year with our friend, Stacy - and it was a lot of fun! They crack me up!

5 Question Friday - 11/19

1. What Christmas song do you loathe?

Oh, there are several! I HATE "Santa Baby" which they seem to play 15 times a day. I also can't stand "Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer" - I mean, really? I would be very sad if my grandma got run over by anything, not writing a song about it, lol!

2. Do you and your signigicant other cuddle at night or sleep on opposite sides of the bed?

Cuddle!

3. Have you ever had surgery?

Just this past summer I had my first "real" surgery (I've had oral surgery before - wisdom teeth). I had my gallbladder removed because I had several olive sized stones that were causing me a lot of pain. It was done outpatient, and it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be.

4. When do you typically have your Christmas shopping done?

Done? I'm not usually completely done until the last few days before Christmas. I try to start early, but I seem to always have little last minute stuff.

5. If money were not an issue, (and you HAD to pick something) what would your ultimate luxury item be?

a personal chef! I would love to have healthy, delicious meals prepared for my family every night without me having to worry about it!!

Thankful Thursday - 11/18

Today I am thankful for the opportunity to go back to college - and for free! I seriously regret that I did not go to college BEFORE starting a family - except for the fact that I would not have the wonderful kids that I do now. So, God obviously had plans for me. I am thankful for all the support that I have during this crazy busy time. #1 - God - obviously I could not do ANY of this without the strength I receive through Him. When I am feeling overwhelmed (which is often), I repeat to myself "I can do ALL things through Christ which strengthens me." #2 - my husband - He has believed in me all along, and when I doubt myself, he gives me the encouragement I need to carry on. #3 - my kids - they are my inspiration in all this. I want to be an example for them. #4 - my parents - They have helped make this semester possible, watching the kids so that I can take an on campus class with Billy. Plus, they have cheered me on all the time. #5 - my extended family - my brothers and their families, my in laws, all have given me encouragement #6 - my friends - who listen to me gripe about assignments, tests, crazy professors, all that stuff, and lend an empathetic ear #7 - Pell Grants - lol, for allowing me to attend college without paying a dime!

It is very tough to be a mom in college, but I am very thankful for the opportunity, and excited for the future!!

5 Question Friday

1. What is the most physically painful thing that has ever happened to you?

Hmmm, that's a tough one. I've been through 3 childbirths...with 2 of them I had back labor, and epidurals that had worn off...I've received 3rd degree burns on the backs of my legs (I was only 3 when it happened, but I STILL remember how it hurt), I had a gallbladder attack followed by surgery this past summer...But, I would have to say THE most painful thing was a kidney infection. Yep. This past February I started having terrible pains in my lower right side, that got progressively worse until I was doubled over in pain, and terribly nauseated. I was absolutely certain it was my appendix. I thought it had already ruptured, and that I was dying - it hurt so bad. Even the ER doc was sure it was my appendix and they were preparing to do surgery. They did a CT scan to see if it had burst, and it showed that my appendix was actually just fine, but the scan along with lab tests showed that I had a pretty nasty kidney infection. They kept me over night on IV antibiotics (along with some anti nausea and morphine drips). Even that morphine was just taking the edge off the pain! Thankfully, they sent me home that day, and after a couple days of additional antibiotics and pain meds, I recovered. Not much fun at all!

2. How much sleep do you get at night?

Well, that can vary greatly. Most weeknights, I typically go to bed around midnight and wake up at 6. But, I am always exhausted so I don't think it's enough. I usually get to sleep in on the weekends. And I am so thankful that my kids are at an age where I am not getting up with them at night.

3. How long did you believe in Santa Claus? How did you find out that he did not exist?

What?? You mean he doesn't??? As far as my younger kids are concerned, he still does. I was about 9 or so, I think when I stopped believing. Most of my friends had stopped believing, and I know that I KNEW he did not exist, but I didn't want it to be true, so I kept telling myself that he did. But finally, I confronted my mom, and she told me the truth. I believe my 9 year old is in the same position. I'm pretty sure that she knows - she knows that logistically, it just can't be real, but she is also very creative and imaginative, and this is prolonging her belief in Santa. And that is fine with me. I want her to be able to hold onto that magic for as long as possible!

4. What was the last movie you saw in the theater?

Hmmm, I believe it was The Sorceror's Apprentice with my hubby and the kids.

5. What do you wear to bed?

Billy's old, worn out, way too big for me t-shirts and flannel pajama pants. Hot, huh?

Thankful Thursday

There are SO many things I am thankful for! I don't know where to start! I will have to start with the number one biggest blessings in my life - my husband and kids!

I am thankful to have a husband who is so dedicated to his family. He works hard to provide for us, and at the same time is going to school full time so that he can provide even better. It is extremely hard to work AND go to school - but he does it - AND excels at it! He is so incredibly smart. He is a wonderful husband and a fabulous daddy.

I am thankful for my 12 year old daughter who is such a joy to us. She is such a sweetheart, with a heart full of compassion, and kind to everyone. She continues to make us proud with her excellent grades and her talent for singing. She has such a bright personality with an infectious laugh!

I am thankful for my 9 year old daughter who is a little ray of sunshine. She make us proud when we hear about her compassion for her peers at school, and she continues to amaze us with her intelligence. She is also hilarious and has a very clever sense of humor that keeps us in stitches!

I am thankful for my 7 year old son who is so precious to us! He had a rough start to his life, and has had health issues requiring many invasive tests and procedures, yet he never complained, and amazes his doctors with his easy going nature. He is very smart, kind, funny, and affectionate. He still says that I am his very best friend, lol! Don't know how long that will last, but I am eating it up while I can!

Menu Planning Monday

Yeah, I know it's a day late. Oh well. I love reading other people's menus to get ideas for new dinners, so I thought I would share mine to maybe give other people ideas.

Monday - Chicken quesadillas, seasoned black beans, Spanish rice

Tuesday - Drip beef sandwiches, mac and cheese, fruit

Wednesday - Homestyle chicken and noodles, biscuits, broccoli

Thursday - eat out - it's Billy's and my school night.

Friday - World's best Salsbury steak, rice, green beans

Saturday - Swiss steak, noodles, some veggie

Sunday - Slow cooked baked potato soup in Panera bread bowls

5 Question Friday

1. If you be a fly on the wall, which wall would you choose?

Hmmm, I would say any wall that would allow me to watch my kids when I'm not around. I love when I sneak up on them at school or somewhere and get to see what they are like without me around.

2. Do you budget your Christmas shopping, or just get it done without budgeting?

Well, I would love to say that I am all organized about it, and have it all budgeted out, but I would be lying. We have a vague idea...and we generally have presents in mind, and then I just try my best to get it all as cheap as possible. So far, it's been pretty successful! I certainly don't recommend it to everyone though!

3. What is the craziest fad diet you've ever tried?

I would have to say that it was Metabolife. It was the craziest, because it was so dangerous! I mean, they had to take it off the market because it was killing people! I agree with my sister-in-law Tracy who says that the HcG diet is dangerous! It really is - 500 calories is not a safe amount to keep our systems functioning properly!

4. Is there a TV show that you have seen every episode/season of?

Oh yeah! Let's see, there's Roseanne - seen every episode many many times. ER - I've watched every episode as it aired from the pilot! Also, Punky Brewster - we own all 4 seasons on dvd. Also Jon and Kate plus 8...all the seasons are on Netflix Wii. There are others, I'm sure...

5. What one song always pulls at your heart?

Well, there are so many! The first one that popped in my head is "Praise You in this storm" by Casting Crowns. EVERY time I hear that song, I tear up, and stop whatever I'm doing to praise God. But I have to mention some others: "The Little Girl" by John Michael Montgomery, especially the line about seeing the picture of Jesus and "I don't know His name, but I know He got off. Cause He was there in my old house, and He held me close to His side, as I hid there behind our couch the night that my parents died." Oh, makes me bawl every time! Also, "My Little Girl" reminds me so much of my daughters, and Celine Dion's "A New Day" reminds me of my journey from miscarriage to the birth of my beautiful son.

My hats off to homeschool moms - and all teachers!

I am sitting here flanked on one side by Natalie who needs help with Pre AP math, and on the other by Stephen who has to write 20 sentences for 20 spelling words. And.I.am.going.insane. It is at these moments when I think "how do homeschooling moms and dads do what they do without losing their minds?" I know, they have the patience of Job. Well, I was not blessed with an abundance of this particular virtue. I could never in a million years do this all day, every day without needing to be sent away to a padded cell in a nifty little straightjacket!

My little Stephen is very capable of doing his work without a problem. But, he HATES it! If I leave him on his own to do his own work, he will take 3 hours. He gets up and down, up and down, and finds a million excuses to do other things. So, I have to sit next to him while he does it, to keep him on task. So, instead of taking 3 hours, it might take 1 1/2, lol.

I may not win Mother of the Year by saying this (not that I was a contender, anyway...), but helping my kids with their homework is mind numbing to me. I am trying my best to be very patient and as helpful as I can, I just occasionally have to leave the room to stifle a small scream, lol. Just kidding, kind of.

Seriously though, I am totally in awe of all my homeschool mommy friends, and all teachers. You have my utmost respect! Now, back to spelling sentences. Here are my sentences for Stephen's spelling words...

1. light - I've seen the light - I am not cut out to be a teacher!

2. high - My husband would think I was high if I suggested homeschooling.

3. sight - The sight of a finished homework sheet makes my heart flutter!

4. wild - You guessed it, I'm not too wild about elementary school homework.

5. mind - Second grade homework makes me lose my mind.

6. dry - During homework time, there is not a dry eye in the house.

7. cry - Seventh grade algebra makes me want to cry.

8. try - I will try my best not to run screaming from the house right now.

9. tie - If Stephen keeps getting up from the table, I might have to tie him to his chair.

10. lie - I will not lie - I hate homework (in case you haven't already figured it out.)

11. stay - Alright, I will stay at the table until all homework is done.

12. wait - Wait, what do you mean you have math homework too?

13. group - What group of teachers thinks it's fun to write spelling words 10 times each?

14. only - Only a saint could actually stay home and teach their kids while doing everything else they do.

15. wind - Breaking wind at the table is not funny after the 10th time, alright?

16. hid - It is moments like these that I remember why I hid that chocolate stash.

17. trick - Don't let them trick you when they say they finished their homework at school.

18. fluttered - My heart fluttered when the teacher said, "No homework on the weekends!"

19. vanished - Yes, there have been times that I have "vanished" into the bathroom with the door locked for 15 minutes or so.

20. recognized - And yes, I have recognized that I love my children with all my heart, homework and all. :o)

Life = School (at least for now)

School has taken over the Wideman household completely. Everyone in our household is a full time student. So, it is kind of a major part of our lives right now. Billy is taking 15 hours this semester and I am taking 12. It is our first semester going full time (because we are READY to knock out those classes to get our degrees!) And it is hard. I mean HARD. It is a constant juggling act: my homework, the kids' homework, housework, work-work, trying to have quality family time, etc. But, I am blessed to have the opportunity to go to school, and I don't take it for granted.

It's not just Billy and I with a ton of homework this semester. The kids are all in much more intense classes this year as well.

Natalie is in 7th grade, and in ALL Pre-Advanced Placement classes. She actually started out in a regular math class, simply because she does not like math (although she does well, and received an A in AP math last year) and she was very stressed out about it. So we decided to let her choose, and she chose to go to a regular math class. That lasted a few days. She was actually called to the counselor's office and told that she was too smart to be in that class, and they were moving her to Pre AP. We talked it over with her, and she is ok with it now. And she's doing great in it of course! Every week she brings home a "family math" assignment....UGH. Luckily, Billy is pretty decent at Algebra, because...well, it is not mama's strong suit, lol. Anyway, she is doing excellent so far in 7th grade.

Emily was chosen to take part in a brand new "experimental" class at her school. It is the first ever combined grade class - 4th and 5th. (She is in 4th.) The principal emphasized that each child was carefully chosen based on their academic achievements. So, we were very honored! I have to admit, I was a little bit skeptical about how it would all work. But, it is fabulous! Even though it's 2 grades together, it is the smallest class in the school at 15 students compared to 30. Therefore, lots of one on one. They are doing all kinds of cool stuff. Last week they started mummifying a chicken since they are doing a unit on Egypt. They are also doing a family novel study (RIGHT up my alley, lol!) she and I are reading A Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L'Engle and each week we discuss it and answer questions the teacher sends home. In addition to all this, she is also in a gifted/talented program where she goes once a week by bus to a different campus. She LOVES it! They do all kinds of research projects there.

Even Stephen, in 2nd grade, has been having lots of homework this year. He is not used to this! Every night he has either math or spelling homework. He is a very smart boy, and always gets high marks, but he does not enjoy it like the girls do. Getting him to do his homework takes one very vigilant mama to stay right there with him to get it done. But, he really seems to like his teacher, and his reading skills (which were always above average anyway) have just exploded!

One of my hopes is that by Billy's and my committment to not just taking classes, but excelling at them, our kids are learning the importance of education. We hope to make them proud when we graduate!

5 Question Friday

I'm doing this early, because I know I won't have time tomorrow. I will be in a class from 2 - 9 pm - blech!

1. Who is the better cook, you or your spouse?

Well, at the moment I would say me. But, when we first got married until Natalie was about 1 year old, Billy actually did all the cooking! He was pretty good at it. But I do ALL the cooking now, and Billy claims to have forgotten how...But, he is the baker in the house. For some reason, I hate baking, but he likes it. He makes a pretty delicious cream puff!

2. How often do you talk to your mom?

I love my mama!!! I talk to her several times a week.

3. Are you adventurous in the kitchen, or do you stick to the recipe?

The first time I try a recipe, I stick to it to the letter. Then, I might try tweaking it. Other than that, no, I am not adventurous in the kitchen. I do not have the time!

4. Is your 2nd toe longer than your big toe?

Nope. Slightly shorter.

5. Do you dress up for Halloween?

Sometimes I do, sometimes I don't. I don't go all out for it - I prefer to put the money towards the kids. If I do, it's stuff I have around the house - one year I was a frazzled housewife (not hard to dress the part, lol!), one year I was a baby, and one year I was a nurse (wore my work uniform with a stethoscope around my neck.) I'm thinking of being a pirate this year - white button up shirt, jeans, vest, Stephen's pirate hat and eye patch, etc...Or else I might tape smarties all over my pants, and go as a smarty pants - LOL.

5 Question Friday

1. What is your favorite Halloween candy?

Hmmm, I think that would be Twix. I'm really not big on candy - for real! But, I do like Twix!

2. Do you fold your socks?

Yes, doesn't everyone? I fold everything! I do fold Billy's differently than mine and the kids. I fold mine and the kids with just the tops folded down, and Billy's goes completely inside out - per his request.

3. What is something that you wish you had been warned about?

Right now, I would have to say that I wish I had been warned about how hard it would be to go to college after having kids.

4. What is the most significant difference between you and your significant other?

Well, a lot of people say that we are opposites in a lot of ways! He is very outgoing, and I am shy. He loves to get up in front of people and talk, I am petrified of it. I guess those are the most significant differences.

5. What are 3 words you would use to describe yourself? And for fun, if your significant other is around, ask them what 3 words they would use to describe you?

Christian - and proud of it!

Mama - I always say that once my kids leave home, I am not going to know who I am anymore!

Perfectionist - I stress over everything, because I want everything done RIGHT. In school, if I don't get an A, I beat myself up over it. Unfortunately, when it comes to housework, I'm the type of perfectionist where if I can't do something from start to finish perfectly, I just don't do it at all. Not good when you don't have time for anything!

15 Things about me that you might not know

I'm totally stealing this idea from my friend, Elizabeth - :) But I think it's a fun way to really get to know people. Post 15 little known facts about yourself.

1.) I am very OCD about the way I eat. When I eat a meal, I will only eat one thing at a time (no "mixing bites") and in order of what I like least to best. I feel distressed if I try to break this rule. It drives Billy bonkers, because if we're at a restaurant or something and he asks me how something is, I am still eating the side dishes. He'll say "just take a quick bite and see!" And I can't...it bothers me too much. Yes, I know this is weird...

2.) I love to read cookbooks and recipes, but I don't really like to cook. Maybe if I had more time, I would like it.

3.) I am totally emetophobic (phobia of vomiting). If I hear that someone in the kids class got sick at school, I totally freak out, and make them wash like crazy. And then I wash like crazy. I am fully aware that if they were exposed to the germs in the morning, my making them wash their hands after school might be too late. But, it makes me feel better. If someone even posts on facebook that they puked or their kids puked, it makes me feel panicky. If I get sick - I will do EVERYTHING in my power to not vomit. Even if I know it will make me feel better. I keep a bottle of Phenergan anti emetic in my purse in case I feel nauseous.

4.) I hate math, and truly stink at algebra. But I can add/subtract/multiply/divide, figure percentages, and fractions in my head really fast. I think it's from being a big sale shopper, lol!

5.) I am very shy and find it very hard to approach people in person, but online I'm very social. I belong to a few discussion boards and of course, facebook a lot. I have made lots of friends online - which leads me to #6...

6.) A few years ago, I did something I said I'd NEVER do - I met someone from one of my online forums in person. I was scared to do this - I mean, you never know about people online. (we met in a very public place, lol) And guess what? She is one of my bestest friends now!! And since then, I've met several more from my online group, and they've also become some of my dearest friends!

7.) I love doing laundry. I don't know why. I love the smell of clean clothes. I love folding clothes; I find it relaxing. Now putting them away on the other hand...not so much, lol.

8.) I can't sleep without a fan or some kind of white noise.

9.) I like even numbers. Like if I'm at the gas pump, I have to top off the tank to an even dollar amount. I absolutely hate it when it goes slightly over. Also, when leaving a tip in a restaurant with my debit card, I always make it an even total amount.

10.) I can't sleep without socks on my feet. Even in the summer time. My feet always get cold and it makes the rest of me cold.

11.) I can tell you the price of just about everything i've bought and a lot of items in the grocery store. Again, it's because I'm a coupon shopper.

12.) I'm addicted to just about any pumpkin foods - pumpkin pie, pumpkin pudding, pumpkin bread, pumpkin cookies, and of COURSE, pumpkin spice latte! And I've been on a serious hunt for pumpkin pie pop tarts!

13.) I haven't had a vision screening since I was in 5th grade. Yes, I know, I know. We don't have vision insurance, so it's just something that gets pushed to the bottom of the list...

14.) I love to make lists. It makes me feel like I've accomplished something if I can mark it off a list!

15.) Last, but not least, my family is my life. But, I'm sure you already knew that! ;o)

5 Question Friday - on a Saturday, lol!

1. What do you listen to while driving?

I am a station hopper. I just flip stations and when I find a song I like, I leave it! My preset dials are set to 2 Christian music stations, a pop station, an 80's and 90's station, a country station, and talk radio (although that is Billy's choice, not mine...) but when I don't have the kids in the car with me, sometimes I just listen to the blessed silence! I often talk to God while I am driving too.

2. What is your least favorite thing about Fall?

That's hard, because Fall is my favorite season! I would have to agree with my sister-in-law and say that I don't like not knowing how to dress my kids for the day. It's chilly in the mornings and hot in the afternoons. I also hate having my kids closets in an upheaval, because I still have summer clothes hanging up, but dragging out the cooler weather stuff too - there are just clothes EVERYWHERE!!

3. What does your dream house look like inside and out?

Well, I definitely want 4 bedrooms, so that each child can have their very own space. I would also require more than one bathroom like I have now! I dream of having an updated kitchen with new cabinets, granite countertops and wood floor. My living room would be full of comfy furniture to encourage lots of family hanging out time. I would love a BIG, deep bathtub to relax in, and a library room full of books and comfy chairs to escape to when I need to destress. I have always wanted a big wraparound porch with a porch swing and would love a big, beautifully landscaped yard with a pool and a hammock, definitely a hammock!

4. Would you ever own a minivan?

I would and I do! I'm a weirdie and have actually always wanted one! I always knew I wanted lots of kids, and to me a minivan just went along with it. I love my van!

5. Do you wash your new clothes before wearing them?

Once upon a time I didn't. But my then 2 year old Natalie broke out in hives, and the doctor thought it was because she was wearing a brand new shirt that hadn't been washed and that it might be from chemicals used in production. Ever since, I wash the kids clothes before use. I don't with my own though.

Stephen as Mr. Roboto

Where did summer go?

I swear it was here yesterday...It is that time of year where the kids are gathering school supplies, talking about which teacher they're going to get, and which friends they are excited to see again. Normally, I would be excited too! Do you remember that commercial - I think it was either Staples or Office Depot? The one where the parents take the kids school supply shopping,and the dad is racing through the store excitedly, riding on the cart, with a huge grin, to the tune of "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!" The kids are dragging along behind a little less than enthusiastic. I LOVE that commercial! And it's how I used to feel before I started working at the school, and going to school myself! I do like the schedules and routines that go along with the school year. I'm a very structured person, so this is one part I really like. I am really going to miss having so much time to read, and taking the kids to the movies, and just being a little more relaxed.

But, I'm ready - BRING IT! ;)