This Month.....

The Thing I've Been Working On The Most: Preparing for all the holiday events, which have sadly come to an end. But I may need to make a menu up for our friends New Year's Eve. Think this will happen without an unwanted surprise, Steph? It better!

TV Show Worth Watching: Reruns of Everybody Loves Raymond. Makes me laugh every time.

The Christmas Present I'm Loving: Steve surprised me with an one-of-a-kind artist rendition of a favorite photo of my boys in pointillism. You'll see it as soon as I get it back from being framed. Very special.

My Favorite Blog Entry From This Month: Probably this one. I pray Matt is always this helpful!

Blog I Am Always Visiting: The Berger Buzz (Old high school pals, well, not OLD -- you catch my drift!)

Movie I’ve Seen (in or out of a theater): I finally got around to watching United 93. My emotions ran all over the place. One of the best I've seen in a looooong time.

What I'm Most Looking Forward To Next Month: Our family going to this!

Visit Adventures In Babywearing to share your's too!

Warm Up

“Partly cloudy. Highs in the low 60’s”

That has been our weather forecast for several days. I am absorbing every minute of this unseasonably warm weather as December rolls in.

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My boys have been playing outside wearing sweatshirts. No need for hats or gloves. I can wear my Crocs without heavy socks. What is it about capris and a long sleeve T that puts a smile on my face? We are not grabbing for the stash of fleece blankets in the family room. Our Weber grill is being put to good use. Nothing beats grilled burgers and steaks. Steve and Matt are doing many football drills. If this could only last until May.

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I’ll post in another week when we are in the 20’s and snow is on the ground. Someone buy me a Starbucks latte -- I’ll need that antidepressant!!! Any offers??

What are you into this month?

Stephanie from Adventures in Babywearing requested my input on what I am into this month.......

The Book I Am Really Into (or one you want to get into!): I am such a lame reader. Is there a manual that came with my boys??? If anyone finds it please send it c/o GLASS HALF FULL promptly.

Magazine I Really Liked: I currently subscribe to Woman’s Day, Good Housekeeping, Family Circle, Parents, and Living Without

TV Show Worth Watching: Grey’s Anatomy like everyone else. Other shows on my Tivo list are Heroes, Lost, ER, and Survivor. When does 24 come back? Now that is the best show ever!

Movie I’ve Seen (In or Out of a theater): I am such a movie potato (is there such a name???) Recently I watched "Red Eye" and "Just Like Heaven". Both were good. There are several movies I can watch over and over again, but getting to the theatre right now isn’t easy.

The CD I Can’t Stop Listening To: In our van Matthew constantly requests his compilation of favorite songs be played. I am trapped!!!!

The Candle I'm Loving: Whatever grabs my nose at Yankee Candle. Right now I am burning Cranberry Mandarin – crisp and refreshing!

Blog I Am Always Visiting: Please visit my blogroll to the right ---->

What I'm Most Looking Forward To Next Month: Thanksgiving and decorating for Christmas

Gotta Get Crocs!!

I joined the bandwagon and purchased my first pair of Crocs (Beach Clog in LIME GREEN). They are not the prettiest or designer-like shoes, but they are like sweet candy to my feet. AH - walking on a cloud!

Most of our downstairs' flooring is made of ceramic tile. Just plain socks are not enough and I seem to wear out my slippers every season. Tackling chores and cooking just took on a whole new meaning -- then again talk to me in a couple weeks -- HA!

Give Crocs a try and you will be hooked too!!!

Everyday Pumpkins

"...For I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances." Philippians 4:11

Fleece

So warm. So cozy. Works great with a mug of hot chocolate, coffee, or chai.

Fleece

I own 3+ Old Navy Performance Fleece tops in my closet. Perfect on a crisp fall day at the park or pumpkin patch.

Fleece

It keeps my children warm. Whether its pants, sweatshirts, sleepers, jackets, hats, or gloves.....it works!

Fleece

In our family room I have a basket full of blankets by the fireplace. Some are green. Some have ducks on it. Some show off my hubby’s high school. They are used frequently.

Fleece

It works on sick days. To cuddle with and hide under while sleeping.

Fleece. It’s a beautiful thing and an Everyday Pumpkin through fall and winter seasons!!!

A Bookish Meme

Beck over at Frog and Toad are Friends gave me a task and I will play fair sitting at my kitchen table typing this. Here is what she presented:

• Grab the book closest to you
• Open to page 123
• Scroll down to the 5th sentence
• Post the text of next 3 sentences on your blog
• Name of the book and the author
• Tag 3 people

Ok, let me start..................

Magazines.....no......newspaper.......no.......ah........found one!!!

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"Prepare to listen. Your presence and actions are more appreciated than your words. Silence is better than meaningless chatter and platitudes."

Your First Two Years in Youth Ministry by Doug Fields NOTE: My hubby serves in our youth group at church and this is their monthly group study

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Now I tag Just the Six of Us, Butterfly Mama, and Flip Flop Mamma.

Everyday Pumpkins

“What is that crackling noise? Oh no, the food is still cold! Are you kidding me?”

Several months ago our microwave broke. Until GE came to fix our microwave, which took several days by the way, we were forced to use our oven or stovetop. I found myself putting frozen food on a plate and opening the microwave out of habit realizing it is not working.

Seriously with all the cell phones, gizmos, and gadgets I feel like we are spoiled. Times have changed since this photo that's for sure!! Should we be smiling like this preparing a meal? Does this woman have kids at her feet nearly pulling her pants down begging for dinner to be done sooner. I think not!

I use my microwave all the time. Most of Matthew’s gluten free food needs to be frozen until ready to use. It defrosts, times my stovetop cooking, melts butter/chocolate, cooks frozen meals lick-a-dee split, and pops popcorn for a family Friday night movie.

Say three cheers for our microwaves: "Hip hip...hooray!!"

What Kind of Coffee Are You?

Reflecting Him posted this quiz. Since I am a coffee lover through and through I had to jump on the bandwagon! Participate and share your results. Here is mine and I must say, kinda accurate!

You Are an Espresso

At your best, you are: straight shooting, ambitious, and energetic At your worst, you are: anxious and high strung You drink coffee when: anytime you're not sleeping Your caffeine addiction level: HIGH!

What Kind of Coffee Are You?

Everyday Pumpkins

"...For I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances." Philippians 4:11

Fall is around the corner and Jules over at Everyday Mommy is in the swing of things with Everyday Pumpkins (Tomatoes).

Now that Matt catches his bus around 7:25am, my days are starting early. I have to get on my knees and bow down to my coffee maker!! I use to be a Chamba Chai gal through and through, but the 99.8% caffeine free on the can does not work for me in the early morning.

And I cannot forget to mention my coffee maker’s companion: THE CARAFE

I make a 7-cup pot, dump it in the carafe, and it stays hot the whole morning. AH – a constant boost! Yes, I am one of those picky coffee drinkers that do not like the "burnt taste" the maker's warmer gives off.

On that note, let me grab my second cup.......and third........and forth........

A Novel Idea for a Meme

To view Matthew's first day of school, scroll down please.

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Tammy from Family Doin's tagged me. Here is the question presented:

If you could write a novel about any subject, what would it be?

It would seem I am all about writing.......think again! This blog is more like a journal than a place where I pour out my writing talents. A specific novel doesn't come to mind, but I will dig into my thoughts and answer the question above.

When I became a mother I experienced all kinds of emotions. From the joy of loving someone more than myself to absolute fear of the unknown we can all admit that parenting is the hardest but most rewarding job.

Unfortunately with all the books out there explaining the correct ways to raise our children, I bombarded myself with different concepts. Reading one belief and then reading something else that countered the first idea left me confused.

Mind you, some areas I was strong about, but how do you prepare for endless nights of crying? Tantrums in the store? When giving a bottle isn’t working? Sickness plagues your home? You are tired and feel there is no rest near? Bedtime is complete chaos and you are looking for the exit sign?

So, my novel would be an honest approach to parenting:

• It is ok if you are un-showered for more than 3 days
• Your child will survive a night of crying and so will the parent!
• Spit up does come out of that designer shirt
• A ponytail is a fashion DO
• The minivan is a sportscar! I mean really.....a DVD player.....automatic doors.....come on!!
• Most people are up around 12am.....then 2am.....then 4am.....
• Coffee is a mom’s best friend!
• Watching your husband walk through the door is the best feeling ever.
• Your children’s hugs and kisses are priceless!

So there you have it! Now I have to tag some fellow bloggers: Adventures in Babywearing, New Mama’s Nest, and Reflecting Him

A Meme For All Seasons

My dear friend, Stephanie, tagged me again!!! She is not only a blogging friend, but our husbands are close (best men in our weddings) and we couldn't help but bond as well. On top of that we share the same sense humor!!!

Your favorite seasons in order:

• Summer
• Spring
• Fall
• Winter

Your favorite smells of each season:

• Summer: sunscreen, fresh cut grass, tropical scents
• Spring: blossomed trees, vinegar when coloring eggs, fresh air
• Fall: apple orchards, turkey roasting
• Winter: Christmas candles burning, the plastic smell from the Christmas decoration storage bins (you know what I am talking about???)

Your favorite foods of each season:

• Summer: GRILLED FOODS ALL THE WAY!!!
• Spring: Again....let's get the grill going!!!
• Fall: Thanksgiving meal
• Winter: Can our grill work in the garage???

What are your favorite colors for each season?

• Summer: Hot pink, bright greens, and orange
• Spring: Light pinks and blues
• Fall: Burgundy and red
• Winter: Red and black

Your favorite activities of each season:

• Summer: EVERYTHING! Swimming, playing outside, 4th of July, going to parks......on and on.......
• Spring: Easter morning!
• Fall: Pumpkin patch, visiting our local orchard
• Winter: Watching the kids play in the snow from the window! And how can you forget CHRISTMAS MORNING WITH THE KIDS!!!

There you have it!! Now I tag Heaven Sent and Terrible Speller.

Do the Dew!!

Ok, you health nuts out there...........LOOK AWAY...............I'm hideous, I tell you...............HIDEOUS...............be afraid..................be very afraid...........................

I need my Dew!!! Especially with my overload of work lately, the caffeine jump has been a must. I feel like such a hypocrite when I tell my kids:

"That has too much sugar."

"You cannot have a second bowl of ice cream."

"Don't even ask me for candy while we check out of the grocery store!"

There I am, opening my can of Mountain Dew, loving every minute of it. I can't finish most cans of pop, but there is something about Mountain Dew that makes me lick the can empty.

*RE-CHARGED*

I am ready to conquer the day again. Battle the kids moods -- bad moods. Survive this life called motherhood. WOO HOO!!!

So fess-up!! What junk food indulgence to you battle? Go ahead...........we won't judge!!!

Double Duty

First, my usual blogger hits will have to forgive me. I have been MIA lately.

Steve is improving with every passing day since having his gall bladder out. Mark's temperature hasn't reached 100 today without Tylenol. Looks like things are on the up swing finally!!! Sunday I had to mow the lawn. It was hard to squeeze in time for that between my other responsibilities. Thankfully Mark napped good and long that afternoon. I felt like Renee Zellweger and Nicole Kidman in Cold Mountain when they are tending Ada's farm. There I am pushing the lawn mower, bagging the clippings, and doing it just like Steve would. Even though I was exhausted it felt good to know I can do these things alone. I can maintain this house -- man's work and all!!

*DING* The dryer calls!! Gotta get the clothes out and put another load in. Keep everyone posted later........

3 Things...

Jess from O Mama Mia shouted out, "Tag, your it!!!" Here we go...

3 Things That Scare Me:

• Riding on a motorcycle
• Insects
• Being a passenger with an aggressive driver

3 People That Make Me Laugh:

• Jeff (my brother)
• Old Bill Cosby stand ups
• America's Funniest Home Videos

3 Things I Love:

• The Lord
• My husband
• My boys -- in that order!!!

3 Things I Hate:

• My children whining and crying
• Hypocrisy
• Being late

3 Things I Don't Understand:

• Chemistry
• Physics
• Being non-hospitable

3 Things On My Desk:

• Card organizer (everyone needs one -- maybe my WFMW!!!)
• Roll of stamps
• BILLS!

3 Things I'm Doing Right Now:

• Typing (Duh!)
• Listening to Mark play with an emptied Dunkin Donuts cup
• Sighing while thinking

3 Things I Want to Do Before I Die:

• Raise God-loving children
• Have a strong marriage
• Enjoy my family to the fullest!!!

3 Things I Can Do:

• Assist a dentist in pulling teeth
• Juggle
• 2 words: MULTI-TASK!!!

3 Ways to Describe My Personality:

• Hospitable
• Outgoing
• Performer

3 Things I Can't Do:

• Play the drums
• Do math in my head
• Ride a motorcycle

3 Things I Think You Should Listen To:

• God
• Bible - the divine Word!!!
• Criticism (I know this is hard sometimes, but it helps you grow)

3 Things I Think You Should Never Listen To:

• Tabloids
• Celebrity Moms - come on, they all have nannies, bodyguards, chefs...
• Anything contrary to what the Bible says

3 Absolute Favorite Foods:

• Steak
• Seafood
• Asian - including Chinese, Japanese, and Thai!!!

3 Things I'd Like to Learn:

• A foreign language
• How to be a better parent
• More about Jesus' character

3 Beverages I Drink Regularly:

• Water
• Coffee
• Chamba Chai

3 Shows I Watched as a Kid:

• Tom and Jerry -- Matthew is watching it now!
• The Monkees
• Cosby Show

3 People I Tag:

• Wendy
• Beck
• Terrible Speller

Have fun!!

Elementary, My Dear

Stephanie at Adventures in Babywearing tagged me to recall events spanning my time in elementary school. Before I begin my remembrance, I will have to tag someone too: NICOLE!!!

I am shocked to think I finished my last year in elementary school 20 years ago. That just makes me feel old! However as I sit here and recall moments during that time it is as if I am there all over again. Circle times, long division, field days, milk money, mini skirts, lip synching, cool pencil boxes, MTV, Rubik's Cube.......

Throughout my school life I was always the outgoing one. "Talking too much in class" was my biggest negative teacher comment. I was the definition of drama queen -- always performing! Unfortunately my sanguine personality was not so in second grade when I got my first perm. I wanted Farrah Faucet's feather-perfect hair and thought a perm would give it needed wave. My mom took me to my Uncle Frank's barber shop where Kathy did the job. I remember her acrylic nails as long as claws as she sectioned my locks. When she took the curlers out my hair was a tight afro!!! The next day my teacher said, "Lori, you have to take your coat off, it is time to start the day." I was mortified to remove it since I used the hood to hide my "clown wig".

As years passed Teen Bop magazines were popular and Corey Haim was the man!! "21 Jump Street" introduced us to Johnny Depp. My friends and I would imagine us living in Hollywood with Judd Nelson as a boyfriend. Did you honestly know any girl that actually liked Alyssa Milano? Seriously, we were all green with envy when "Who's the Boss" came on knowing every boy was drooling over her!!

My best friend, Karly, and I would spend hours in my parents' basement lip synching to songs from Madonna and Cyndi Lauper. We were SOOOOOO cool with our neon tank tops and mis-matched earrings. Duran Duran eat your heart out and, yes, we knew the moves for "Thriller" and "Beat It"!!!

I am brought back to my living room couch listening to Matthew talk to the TV while Mark naps. Did I picture my life turning out this way when I was ten? Well Johnny Depp is a heavy smoker and Corey Haim is somewhere in California filming a new E! True Hollywood Story. I wouldn't change a thing!!!

Two Things...

Stephanie at Adventures in Babywearing tagged me. If you have stumbled upon this meme, consider yourself TAGGED as well!!! Here we go:

Two names you go by:
1. Lori
2. Mommy

Two things you are wearing right now:
1. Brown "romantic" shirt
2. Capris jeans

Two things you really want in a relationship:
1. Integrity
2. Humor

Two things you want really badly:
1. Healthy family
2. To know Christ more

Two pets you have/had:
1. Hermit crabs when I was little my brothers owned
2. A turtle named Fred in grade school

Two favorite sports:
1. Summer Olympics
2. Football

Two people that will fill this out:
1. Mother's that have time
2. Women without kids!!!

Two things you did last night:
1. Made dinner for my parents and father-in-law
2. Celebrated my baby, Mark's, 1st birthday

Two favorite places to eat:
1. Steak/seafood
2. Italian

Two things you like about yourself:
1. Hospitable
2. Friendly

Two things you ate lately:
1. Tuna salad
2. Side salad

Two people you last talked to:
1. Matthew
2. My friend, Kristi

Two things you are doing tomorrow:
1. Laundry
2. Maybe head to the park

Two favorite holidays:
1. Christmas
2. Easter