It Was The Best of Times, It Was The Worst of Times

Had an awesome time in Orlando from Friday to Saturday. Learned so much, meet some great women and was inspired by so many of the speakers there. Came home with a beautiful pearl and silver bracelet that I earned as well as a star necklace and free products! Spending time with my sister was, of course, a pleasure as well. Here are some highlights, lowlights and other observations from my trip:

1) The only thing worse than having a cheerleading squad on your flight is having TWO cheerleading squads from competing high schools on your flight... oh yeah, and you are sitting directly in the middle of them.
2) For all of those praying for me -thank yo. I had a very uneventful flight -- your prayers helped -- I had no fears and was quite calm.
3) Jet Blue is definitely the way to go... Any airlines that allows me to watch HGTV, Food Network, TLC, Bravo, and all the network channels while in flight, will get my business.
4) In case you were wondering, the cost of having a pillow and blanket while on board is $7.00. I say go buy yourself a Snuggie and bring it with you.
5) Orlando airport is not as Magical as Disney. I felt like cattle being corralled back into my pen just trying to get through security. Totally unorganized.
6) I love my career and the fact that I work for a company who stresses the Golden Rule and that everyone should put God first, Family second and Career third. How great is that?

Most horrific moment of the last 2 days had to be when rushing to change before checking in my luggage yesterday. I wanted to be comfortable for flying. My routine is to enter into a handicap bathroom stall to open my luggage and get out some comfy clothes. This worked fine on the trip down to Orlando, but when I went to repeat my "Superman" move of changing clothes, there were no oversized stalls available and I didn't have time to wait. So, I squeezed into a regular stall and you all know how small they are. Me, my luggage and purse. I had already pulled out my jeans and my "granny legs" aka. leg brace (have to wear one to prevent repeat blood clots). But I forgot socks... which meant I had to open up my entire suitcase to pull them out. So, balancing my favorite black skirt which I had just taken off and my pantyhose, I tried to gracefully open up my suitcase. But, as fate would have it, my beloved black skirt took a nose dive into the toilet bowl in the Orlando airport. Thank God I had flushed. The thoughts of the germs in there alone was enough to freak me out.. .but it was my favorite skirt. What would YOU do??? Of course I quickly grabbed it out, stuffed it in a plastic bag I had and after debating with myself for 30 seconds, made the executive decision to take it home. Call me crazy but I couldn't make up my mind at that precise moment. I figured I would either get it professionally washed or throw it out once I got here.

Oh well... the drama. Pictures (not of the skirt) to follow. LOL

The Pen

Today we were going through some of my husband's suits to pick one out for him to wear to a special event tonight. While sorting through the pile and trying on his options, he felt something in one of the pockets of the jackets, and low and behold, he pulled out my Mont Blanc pen. Now, I haven't seen this pen in YEARS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love that pen. When I was working for the executive search firm in NYC, each employee was given a Mont Blanc pen with our initials engraved on it. This pen went with me from job to job, city to city and, obviously, went "missing" for the last few years. Honestly, I haven't seen that pen since sometime in Florida. All along it was safe and secure in a suit. I guess that's making a statement about how often my hubby puts on a suit LOL. Oh well, I was giddy with excitement and quickly put it in my purse. It will be accompanying me tomorrow on my trip to Orlando. I'm flying solo for a Mary Kay Career Conference. So, if you think of me tomorrow and Saturday say a prayer for my safe travels (we all know how much I hate to fly) and that it will be informative and fun. I'll take a picture of the beautiful bracelet that I am being awarded with too.

Be Sure Your Sins Will Find You Out

You'd have to be pretty darn stupid to think you could rob a church and get away with it. I mean.. really... don't you think God is seeing you do this? Well, apparently, there were 3 gentleman who must have missed the Sunday School lesson on "be sure your sins will find you out." Several months ago, a group of thieves broke into our church and stole some of our cameras (worth over $10,000) and the ATM machine which held at least $2,000. (We can have another discussion as to why there is an ATM machine in the church lobby). Anyway, it was pretty scary especially considering it was done at night and my husband works late nights at the church. Thankfully, none of the staff was there when the robbery took place.

I honestly didn't know if they were going to catch the guys, but today on the front page of the paper, was an article detailing on how they caught these 3 gentlemen who robbed the church and other commercial buildings over the last several months. They obviously had stacked out the church, during services, and proceeded with their plan. I guess we can only hope that they will come to know the Lord while in jail.

Something In the Air

I don't know how else to explain this... Not only did we have the green paint on the white carpet incident this week, but the other day...after a very LONG day, I was walking up our carpeted stairs to get Chris into bed, when I noticed black smudges all over the landing at the top of the stairs. My first thought was muddy shoes, but when I went to touch it, it wasn't muddy. It was like the stains were stuck to the fibers. "Chris... what happened on the stairs up here?" "I stamped it!" was the innocent reply. You see, I have a stamp with my business information on it...name, address, etc. So, my loving son took the stamper which he already had been told not to touch, and stamped the upstairs landing. Yes, more white carpet with stains. Out came the Resolve carpet cleaner which thankfully tackled this tough stain. What I couldn't understand was why he didn't TELL ME! This had happened hours before. I'm really working with him to drill into him that he needs to tell me when things happen! Oh well... it's just so surprising because it's like all of a sudden he's into these silly little things.

Buried Treasure

Spring is FINALLY coming... the birds are chirping again and our community has posted their annual bear warning signs. The snow should continue to melt over these next few days and the warm weather will arrive.

Yesterday, while playing outside, Christopher was digging in some of the yet-to-be melted snow and found a "treasure". There underneath a pile of "dirty" snow, was a newspaper that was delivered to our house. It was nicely wrapped in its plastic bag and believe it or not, was still in great condition. It was dated February 10, 2010. That poor paper was out there for a month.

We've been very busy and honestly most days my head is spinning with just "stuff" and I feel like I can never fully conquer one task. Please say a prayer for my father-in-law, Domingo. He is in the hospital due to a urinary track infection.

I thought I'd leave you with this verse which I just posted on my refrigerator the other day: "God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all time, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:8

Wait Until Your Father Gets Home

My mom uttered that phrase more often than I'd care to admit (I was the instigator in our home.. I'd start the fights and my sister and brother would battle it out so to speak). I've never had a cause to use that phrase in our home, but last night was the first time I was tempted to open my mouth and speak those very words.

I wasn't feeling so good - just exhausted. Went to a bowling birthday party for one of Chris' friends, came home and literally fell asleep on the couch for about an hour. Steve had to go to work so Chris and I were home. I did my best to entertain him with what little strength I had. So, I thought let's go down to the playroom so he could play with some toys and I could check some email and do a little work.

He asked to play with his paints and thought that was a great idea. We got the art smock on, all the washable paints out and off he went. I was sitting right there which makes what happens next even more unbelievable. He showed me two beautiful pictures he painted and asked if he could paint just one more before bedtime. Sure, no problem. So, I wrapped up what I was doing and literally 2 minutes later I turned my head and saw green paint all over the white speckled berber carpet!! By this time, Chris had gotten some toilet paper from the bathroom and trying to wipe up the mess. "Why didn't you tell me you had an accident with the paint?" " I was just trying to clean it up myself." I flipped into clean up mode and grabbed my Bissell Spot Bot (every house with small children and carpets should have one of those), my Resolve carpet cleaner and got to work. It was not pretty and I honestly didn't know if it was going to come out. Yes, it was "washable" paint, but it just doesn't wipe off of carpet.

Honestly, I had no one to blame but myself. I'm usually very proactive about making sure he has old towels around his art area when he is painting, but I was so out of it last night, it didn't even cross my mind. Kids are kids... things happen. I spent a while trying to get the stains out.. yes, more than one stain and somehow they were splattered around. Eventually, I was happy with the job I'd done, went upstairs and put Chris to bed.

When we got up this morning, Steve & I came down to investigate. Here I am telling him what I good job I did cleaning the stain and that he probably wouldn't even notice it.... Well... surprise, surprise - I could TOTALLY see the stains as soon as I walked into the room. Thankfully, my wonderful husband grabbed the Oxiclean, made a paste and spread it on the stains. I'm happy to report that he worked wonders and the carpet is totally clean. It's amazing. Big sigh of relief. No painting today...unless towels are present.

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Proud Moment

We attended a birthday party for one of Christopher's classmates over the weekend. During cake time, I noticed that Christopher was helping one of his friends put the straw in her juice box. The girl's mom leaned over to me and told me that Christopher helps her with the straw every day in school. I had not idea -- it's not one of those things he ever brought up in conversation or would I have had the opportunity to really observe in the past. My heart just melted at this little simple act of kindness. You see, this little girl was the first friend he made when we moved here to NJ. She has some sensory issues and is the sweetest little thing. I seriously struggled to hold back tears and it just warmed my heart so to see that he's getting it... he's learning to care for others... to be kind.. to be Christ-like. What more could you want as a parent.

I just thank God for a little boy with a gentle heart.

Kid Funny

My son has caught the entrepreneurial bug. I've had several girlfriends over to our home these past few days to give them facials. During the first facial, Christopher sat on the couch in the living room - so well behaved at that!! I was very proud of him. He played with his Wii games and it appeared that he was well engrossed in Star Wars while I was in the dining room.

The next morning, I told him that another friend of mine was coming that afternoon and again I would need him to be on his best behavior during that time.

"Ok Mom but after your party I am having a party too! "
"You are -- what kind of party?"
" An MK Men party -- for the guys.. but you can come too."
"Really!? Sounds like fun - I'd love to come. Go tell your Dad and Uncle and we'll all be there"

Sure enough, as soon as my guest left, he marched us all up to his room and the first thing he had us do was to put our finger on our forehead and wiggle the skin around. (Please note - I DO NOT make anyone do that during a facial. LOL)

Then, he pulled out a container that holds his toys and used that as his "table". (Since I use a table for my demonstrations) Next he piled some things on top. Next he made us do some exercises such as standing on one foot and then another. It was hilarious and we were all laughing.

He finished off the party with a puppet show featuring Buzz and Woody from his favorite movie, Toy Story. What can I say.. it was precious and an event I truly wish I had captured on video camera to play back to embarrass him in years to come.

The Big X

Everyday Chris comes home from school and immediately opens up his book bag, pulls out his folder and shows me the contents from the day. Recently, he pulled out a little piece of yellow construction paper. All that was on this lonely piece of paper was his name and a big X in the middle of the paper.

"Oh -- wow Chris that's a nice X you made"
(Yeah.. we were told to write our name and to draw a picture of our pets. I don't have a pet so I made a big X instead."

I could tell that he was on the verge of sparking a debate with me about our no pet policy so, being the super mom that I am I quickly reassured him that while we don't have any pets right now, maybe one day he can get a fish. That seemed to satisfy him... for now. Sounds like a trip to Walmart is in order.

Clean Up On Aisle Four

I'm convinced it has something to do with the month of February. Last year, on the day after Valentine's Day, I made coffee for my whole family. Nothing special about that... I do that every day. On this particular day, I put as much water and coffee in that coffee maker as I possibly could. I turned it on and walked out of the room.... only to return once I heard the triumphant rumbling that our coffee maker makes alerting the townsfolk that their delicious cup of 'joe' is ready and waiting. What I came back to find was a river of coffee all over my counter and floor. It was a mess. Well... it has long since become a joke in the family. I didn't have the carafe properly inserted under the coffee pot. It was all my fault.

Fast forward to this morning. Different coffee maker.... same issue. I must have knocked the carafe out of place and walked in 15 minutes later to find a river of coffee. Nothing says good morning like cleaning up that mess (Thank you to my wonderful husband for cleaning it up for me!).

Sorry my postings have been sporadic. We had an awesome visit with my friend Beth D. ("Reever") and her family. (pictures coming soon.) Our boys became fast friends and I only wish we lived a little closer so we could all spend some more quality time together. There's something about visiting with friends that have known you for a long time. So comfortable...so familiar. They know the good and the bad about you... they've been with you through the ups and downs of life and you can just be yourself. I am so thankful for the friends the Lord has blessed me with. I just wish we all lived closer!!

I also helped my sister-in-law, Shirley, launch her MK business this past weekend. It was so much fun and a huge success. Way to go Shirley!! We wrapped up the weekend with dinner with some friends from church and had so much fun. It's been a little hard to connect with folks up here in our new church (that seems to happen when your church has over 5,000 members), but this past weekend really encouraged us and we are feeling that the friendships are coming.

This is another busy week for us and I'm praying that the weather will cooperate with me as I have many things on my calendar this week. I'm not anxious, but trusting God.. one day at a time.

I Have No Time For This

I am busy... I have a ton of things to do today, but here I am online. It certainly does not help that we've moved this laptop into our kitchen. It's sooooooo accessible to me now. I love it.

Believe it or not, I finally gave in and have texting on my cell phone. I know.... I am way behind in technology, but I resisted for the longest time. I had my good friend and neighbor, Dana-Maree, on the floor laughing when I told her that she could FINALLY send me a text message but she should be warned that my first text message to her will be "Call me!". So, texting is a new challenge and I'm figuring out the new "language" that goes along with it.

Today was a Valentine's Party at Christopher's school. Nothing like spending an hour with 19 five and six year olds to make you appreciate the fact that you are not the teacher of the class. It was actually a great party... somehow I wound up in charge of it ....I guess they didn't get the memo that I have no creative bones in my body so leading the class in a craft is way outside my comfort zone. I could have given a facial to them all LOL. Thankfully, the chosen craft was no more then taking some foam hearts and gluing them on a foam picture frame. No injuries to report.

I would post a picture of this wonderful event except the camera failed to make it into my purse this morning. Oh well... what can you do. Now I must go and get ready for my college friend (loving known as Reever to all of my college buddies who ready my blog). She and her family are coming over for a few hours today.... haven't seen her in years!! I'm sure it will be tons of fun... better go find that camera...

Must Be Tuesday

Looking out my window today, I immediately knew it was Tuesday. It snowed again. For the past 3 Tuesdays we have had snow. Oh the joys of winter. My little boy finally (insert cheer!) was able to go back to school today after being home for just about 1 week. Don't get me wrong... we had lots of fun together and tons of family bonding, but I think we were all ready for a little bit of "normalcy" whatever that is.

Steve had to work most of Valentine's Day, so I cooked a wonderful steak and we just spent time as a family here at home. Nothing is more cozy then watching America's Funniest Home Videos wrapped up in a blanket with your man and your little boy.

Hope you all enjoyed time with your loved ones!

God's Valentine Gift

God’s Valentine gift of love to us
Was not a bunch of flowers;
It wasn’t candy, or a book
To while away the hours.

His gift was to become a man,
So He could freely give
His sacrificial love for us,
So you and I could live.

He gave us sweet salvation, and
Instruction, good and true--
To love our friends and enemies
And love our Savior, too.

So as we give our Valentines,
Let’s thank our Lord and King;
The reason we have love to give
Is that He gave everything.


By Joanna Fuchs

First Snow

Here are some photos of yesterday's first huge snow fall here in NW New Jersey. No school yesterday or today PLUS the kids have off Friday and Monday for Presidents Holiday. Let the fun continue!!

This is A Test... Only a Test

"When you understand that life is a test, you realize that nothing is insignificant in your life. Even the smallest incident has significance for your character development. Every day is an important day; and every second is a growth opportunity to deepen your character, to demonstrate love, or to depend on God. " Rick Warren

The Launch

Well, Friday night was the big launch. Thankfully, the snow held off for us. I had a great group of friends come to celebrate my MK business launch and they were each treated to a facial, tons of prizes and delicious pink sugar cookies baked by my friend, Melissa of Cookie Crumb Productions. It was so much fun! A huge thank you to my sister and Director, Ruth, who flew up from Florida to endure the cold weather to help me with this grand opening. I couldn't have done it without you !!

Here are some photos of the big night.

Road Trip !

A couple of weeks ago we took a spontaneous road trip to Lancaster. Just a day trip - so please no angry comments from my Lancaster friends as to why I didn't call, drop in, etc. We were literally there a total of 5 hours. (I promise to spend a full weekend down with you all soon!) We saw the Amish, learned how to make pretzels at Sturgis Pretzel Bakery in Lititz, PA and ate at a smorgasbord. I was very saddened because both Plain & Fancy and Good & Plenty (my go-to places for quick fixes of PA Dutch food) were CLOSED!! We wound up going to Shady Maple Smorgasbord which was an experience in and of itself. The place is MASSIVE! The food is unending and the choices are mind-blowing. The lines were long, but thankfully the wait wasn't too bad. It is definitely something to experience once in your life.

Everyone agreed that the trip to the pretzel factory was the hit of the day. I had been there before, but it was everyone else's first time. What made it more special was that the great-granddaughter of the founder was our tour guide. Talk about getting personal perspective. Here are some photos of Chris outside the store.

Winding Road

The road I take to my weekly bible study is incredibly winding. There are a ton of twists and turns. It's definitely a "back road" - a road I never, ever would have found had my GPS not insisted that it would be the fastest route to my destination. As you can imagine, when my GPS first told me to take that road, I was very cautious. I drove the speed limit, careful at ever turn, every hill, etc. because you just never knew what was going to be around that next turn. I made sure to read each road sign - Yield, Stop, Single Lane ahead, Merge, etc.

Now that I have driven on those roads for over a year, they are quite familiar to me. I am comfortable with it - I don't have to wonder what is beyond that curve or hill - because I know what awaits me. That doesn't mean I speed through it - I still need to be cautious - but because I've traveled this way successfully before, I am more confident and sure that I will be able to handle the curves and turns again and again.

I was thinking how much our walk with the Lord is a walk on winding, twisting, unfamiliar roads at times. We're not sure what is waiting for us at every turn -- every decision. We know he is with us, but we cautiously handle situations. Give it thought and prayer --- follow the road signs in the Bible. God helps us through unfamiliar times and territory so the next time we are faced with decisions or choices or road blocks that seem too hard to handle we can trust in Him. Even when the road is winding and uphill and seemingly confusing - he is with us and guiding us. Trusting God is always the right road to take - NO STOPPING OR STANDING! As we trust Him more and more, and we learn that He is faithful, the roads may not get much straighter, but we can handle them with more ease knowing our faithful Saviour not only awaits us on the other side of that mountain, but is walking (or sometimes carrying us) there.

Listen closely to the Lord today and, as you spend time in His word, may your heart be sensitive to Him to hear some of the "road signs" he may be trying to impart on your journey.

Slap In the Face

It's hard enough to lose weight. I was very grateful for those little 100 calorie snack packs that are now in our grocery stores. I particularly love the Mr. Salty pretzels with chocolate - YUMMY!

You can only imagine the horror of going to reach for one of those little packets and finding that, even before opening it, that there was a problem in the packaging of the item. Something happened at the plant and honest to God, I could only feel 3 little pretzels in there. It felt like I was going to open up a bag of air. 3 LITTLE PRETZELS -- Now having had this snack before, I knew that there should be at least 10 or 12 of those little darlings in there -- but a lousy 3. Maybe that's the idea --- give the consumers air instead of the pretzels and I will lose weight -- Ahhh.. the light bulb went on. So, I did what any normal person would do (after having my hubby call the company to complains)... I had 2 bags...