Getting To Know You...or Me!

Welcome to Getting to Know You Sunday! This fun fest is hosted by Keely at MannLand5...you can head over there to play along.

Here are this week's questions:

1. Do you iron your sheets?

Nope, but I like to get things hot out the dryer and fold them.

2. Your dream car is....?

A 1964 Ford Mustang...









3. Do you have an innie or an outie belly button?

Innie!

4. What meal do you look forward to the most..breakfast, lunch, or dinner?

Ironically, I don't like to eat in the mornings...But, I LOVE breakfast foods!

5. Favorite mascara?

What's mascara? Haha!

6. What would you say your decorating style is..traditional, modern, eclectic, country, french country, shabby chic, etc..?

I don't really consider myself someone to actually have style...but if I had to choose one...it would be Country, definitely!

7. Have you ever been skinny dipping?

Yeah, right! NO!

8. I hate the smell of...?

Sauerkraut...but I LOVE the smell of gasoline! ;)

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I Want to be an Ice Road Trucker!!!!!!!

I have always had a fascination with driving in the snow. The first year I had my driver's license I was out driving in a foot of snow, seriously! I have never got stuck...ever. I have never met a snowfall that has truly kept me stuck in the house. Perhaps it is the challenge of conquering the snow...of proving that even women driving mini-vans can be safe, competent drivers. So, today, with almost a half a foot of snowfall on the ground and only a half a gallon of milk in the fridge, I decided I better make my way in to town to get more milk (and some other things we wanted).

After about 10 minutes of fighting with the incline of our driveway, I finally made it to the road. I slowly made my way into the tracks that my neighbor made (she has a 4-wheel drive) and I was on route. I am glad to say, I made it safely to the store, I bought 2 gallons of milk (from a fully stocked shelf) and some other things and then proceeded back home...I took this shot with my cell phone on the way:

I am so good at driving in the snow, I think I might have to learn how to drive a Big Rig, so I can be an Ice Road Trucker when the kids are out of college. I just get so excited when it snows...and I got so excited today when Joe finally admitted I am a good 'snow driver!'

I wonder if there are any other insane people who want to be Ice Road Truckers when their kids are grown ups?

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My name is Samantha, and I'm a LOST-ie!

So, in honor of a highly anticipated event...the FINAL season premier of LOST, Robin at Lilidots is hosting an awesome LOST-ie based meme (her first own meme) that I am so honored to participate in (why am I honored, because for a NERD like ME a show like LOST is a rare find, really!).

...and, perhaps us fellow-daughters-of-Trekkie's are following in our Trekkie Father's footsteps...just with a new and BETTER show! ;) I guess it goes to say, like father, like daughter!

So, here we go:

1. If you were on the island, which would you be in? Survivors, Others, Dharma

Oh, this is a toughie, but I would definitely have to be a part of the OTHERS...so I could know all the stuff about them that I Have been guessing about all along! I mean, I think I know the least about them...if I couldn't have them, then I want to be a part of the Ajira flight people...I want to know more about them, too!

2. If you were stranded on an island, which character would you want to be stranded with?

Oh, wow! I would so have to say Jack...I know, I know, that is a cop out answer...He's a HOT doc (and he was already a hot item from Party of 5)...so, at least I could have a good 'view' and have wonderful medical care (well, if he at least if he isn't on painkillers). And, I think he has the survival skills and the smarts we need to Get Off That Island (obviously, he did get some of them off, didn't he?). But, I honestly don't think I would want to leave...BUT, BUT, BUT, if Jack wasn't available, my runner up would be that guy on the beach with Jacob...because I really want to know MORE about WHO he is (although, I think he is a bad guy)....haha

3. Which back story was your favorite?

Oh, I love Kate's story...I can so empathize with her character...bad upbringing, bad decisions (Not that I ever murdered either of my step dads, but I sure felt like I could at times)...and to see her character go from being so misguided to who she has become is awesome.

4. Are there any mysteries you really hope will be solved in this last season?

Well, as I have been keeping track of EVERY detail, I hope they are ALL covered...but I think that is wishful thinking. I really want to know what the Smoke Monster is about, but I think it is some type of being that is the 'judge' of the island...but, I also think it could be the guy from the beach with Jacob (the one with the black shirt) in a smoke monster form.

Thanks Robin for starting this....but, I am so LOST!!!!!!!!

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Procrastinating...Me?

So, I feel so swamped...I just helped finish a major deadline project that is due first thing tomorrow morning...and, the worst part about it is, I didn't even realize this highly important project was due tomorrow, until Tuesday. So, over the last 3 days, I have been guiding the project leader through data collection procedures via means of observation, reviewing rough drafts prepared by the project leader for the final reports, assisting in chart and cover sheet creations for the final report, printing, stapling, etc, etc, etc...if you haven't figured it out yet, Vic's 5th grade science project is due tomorrow (well, you probably didn't figure it out unless you have a child in 5th grade). We just pulled off a 3 day, start to finish, science project...(well, we did begin the planning of everything weeks ago, and had created the data collection tools last week...we just forgot about actually doing the project until Tuesday night).

But, I will say, I tend to work well under pressure. I have always been the write-the-report-the-night-before-and-get-the-highest-grade-in-the-class girl! It has always been so easy for me to do things that way.

Then, I got to thinking, does that mean I am a procrastinator? I mean, I love deadlines and knowing when something is due...I love planning...I love finishing something...I love doing a good job and (not to toot my own horn) I usually do a GREAT job! But, I also wait, and wait, and wait to start things. I wait until the deadline is so close that I am under actual pressure to get it finished...and, at that point, it is usually on a from start-to-finish basis (aside from planning it).

Then, I really got to thinking...is this a bad way to be? What if something happens the night before something REALLY important is due? What if it isn't work or school related, rather life-or-death related? What if it is not saying "I love you," or telling someone how much they mean to you, or making better health decisions, or forgiving someone...or forgiving yourself? I mean, those things should never be things you procrastinate on getting done. Right? So, today, I am going to make it a goal to try not to procrastinate in all aspects of my life, even science projects!...I will try to use every moment I have to accomplish something and not put anything off until the last minute!

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Not My Child Monday

Are you feeling ashamed because your children always say the most delightful things (or not) while they are in public? ...or because, after 10 years of parenting, your oldest still takes her clothes off and throws them on the floor? Well, you no longer have to keep those embarrassing quirks about your children all bottled up inside of you...Head on over to MckMama's Blog to find out how to let it all out.

This is my first ever 'Not My Child Monday'...so here we go:

Joe Jr did not make his way on to the fireplace ledge, open the door, grab a handful of soot and shove it in his mouth...nope, my child would never have the opportunity to do such a thing...why? Because I would never take my eyes off him long enough to do something like that...nope, not here at our house.

The following conversation did not take place yesterday:

Vic: "Eva, stop eating yourself!"
Eva: "But, I taste so good!"

Nope, my children certainly have better manners than to not only not bite their nails, but to also not eat the skin surrounding their nails...Uck, that would be so gross!!!


And, finally, Eva is not sick, again, and home from school because she vomited again last night...said vomit did not end up trickling down her top bunk bed onto her sister's pillow...that, too, would be SUPER gross!

So, what have you, or your children, not done this week?

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I Won A Giveaway!...And it is Um, Um Good!

So, if any of you ever wondered if memorizing Knock-Knock Jokes from your childhood was a waste of time, in my case it just wasn't...for, low and behold, it was this Knock-Knock Joke...

Knock, Knock...

Who's there?

Boo...

Boo Hoo?

Hey, Don't cry, it's only a joke!

...that won our family this...

And with that, we made this...

And now...this is what is left of one of our wonderful prizes...let's just say, it was gooooood!

Thanks Krystena! This was a wonderful prize and I am so glad your son liked my knock-knock-joke!

And, on one final note, I am in the process of creating my own giveaway, and in tribute to Krystena and her son, I will be asking for riddles when the time comes...I just love a good riddle...here's an example of an oldie, but goodie: What's black and white and red all over? A newspaper! ;)

So, while you start thinking of good riddles, I am going to start thinking of an awesome giveaway prize...although, I am pretty sure whatever it is won't be as good as this Ale8 Strawberry Jelly Krystena sent us...Ummmm!

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Getting to Know You

Happy Getting to Know You!

This blog carnival is hosted at Keely's Blog. To play..Grab the questions..copy them onto your blog..answer them..go to Keely's Blog..put your link in and then start reading other's answers...it's fun, really!
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Here we go...

1. Waffles, pancakes or french toast?

French Toast...definitely with Whip Cream....but I do love pancakes with my Nana's homemade strawberry jelly!...Now, I'm desiring more than just this cup of coffee sitting in front of me!

2. Dream home..What would it look like?

I LOVE ranch style homes...with a huge roof and a big basement. I would do brick though, definitely. and white shutters....and a large deck.

3. Favorite sport to watch during the Winter Olympics?

I was JUST watching women's figure skating last night...I loved watching Sasha Cohen! So, I guess that would be it.

4. The first word that comes to mind when describing yourself?

Tolerant...really, it was. Then it was laid back, but I will stick with tolerant.

5. Dresses, pants (jeans, leggings, etc.) or skirts?

pants...100% I haven't worn a skirt or dress is forever...to go a step further, I am a jean-person when I go out and a sweatpants person at home....and I work from home, so you can only imagine how I dress at 'work'

6. What is your favorite time of day?

I love night time after dinner when everyone is winding down and relaxing and getting ready for bed...there is no rush to the day whatsoever.

7. Beach or Mountains..which do you prefer?

Oh, I like both!...probably the beach, I spend more time there...but I do love the mountains.

8.Will you watch the Super Bowl?

100% YES!!!! I just hope the vikings get there (we'll know today) and win...wouldn't that be so awesome (and no, I am not a Viking fan, but my 'Skins just aren't looking good these days).

So, if you want to play, head on over to Keely's place to participate in the fun!

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Thanky you, thank you...everyone!

Wow! Writing an acceptance speech is not something I ever thought I would have to do. But, in light of the fact that a dear-fellow-bloggy-friend AND the designer of my new Bloggy makeover, Alexis, nominated 'Our Family Journal' for a Beautiful Blogger Award, I am now officially accepting this wonderful award and writing this very acceptance speech.

Thanks Alexis!So, to keep this wonderful cause going, I must do the following:

1. Thank the person who nominated you for this award and insert a link to their blog (Done!).

2. Pass on the award to about 15 other bloggers who you recently discovered and think are great! (I personally chose my top 5, but you new award recipients can do 15 if you like)

In no particular order, here are my nominations:

Laura (author of 'Blogging from Bolivia')...her pictures are just 'to die for' and she is giving her life to an amazing cause.

Elizabeth (author of 'Our Journey Through Life')...she is a grandma with some beautiful glassware and dishes...and grand kids, too. ;)

Robin (author of 'Lolidots')...after all, she did inspire my MLK, Jr Day Post)

Debra (author of 'Living our Storm')...because after two years of having a private blog, she went public for the first time this week...way to go!

...and, last, but certainly not least...

Kylee (author of 'In My Life')...an amazing young lady who I am certain will do amazing things with her life!

Go check out these amazing blogs...I did nominate them for a very good reason!

3. Contact the other bloggers and let them know they have been chosen for this award (Done!)

4. Say 7 things about yourself...

..this is going to be the hard part, but according to the MBTI test I am now, after at least 10 years of being an ISTJ, an ESTJ (which means I have gone from being an introvert to an extrovert...go figure)...so this should be easy for me...

So, that is #1...I am now, according to the MBTI test, an Extrovert.

#2...I LOVE my job...really

#3...I just hired a new assistant who is a Freshman at George Washington U and I just started training him yesterday...he has an awesome personality and is very smart!!!!!

#4...My oldest daughter was a Star Student this month for her grade level (2 kids are selected from each grade every month)...so I am SUPER PROUD of her!!!

#5...Eva has received Smiley Faces every day from her Pre-K teacher since she has started school...and she is writing her own name...so, I am SUPER PROUD of her, too!!!!

#6...My baby boy is walking every day and starting to run...he is also answering questions...with 'yeah' every time...I am SO PROUD of him!!!

#7...I cooked an amazing breakfast this morning of sausage/gravy, homemade biscuits and scrambled eggs...yum! Although, I didn't actually eat any myself as I am watching my figure! (that was a few things all in one, wasn't it?)

Well, I have officially accepted my award. Thanks again Alexis for all of your help with creating our new design and for nominating Our Family Journal for this award.

Now, off to bury myself in the pile of laundry in my room that needs to be folded and put away!

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FQF (Round 2)

So, this is my 2nd FQF...but officially my first FQF since I didn't actually do last week's FQF on Friday, rather, I did it on Saturday Morning.

Anyhow, this blog carnival is hosted my MamaM...you can head on over to her place to play along...so, here we go...

1. What is better, growing old with out money or dying young and wealthy?

Honestly, and I am not going for the sappy award, I would definitely say grow old without money...I have already learned that true happiness is not found in the things you own, but rather the experiences you have with what you have. So, I know 100% that even the money we do have is not at all tied into our happiness...now, I will be the first to admit that it is certainly stressful when you don't have it, so I hope we can have some money when we get old.

2. Who takes out the garbage at your house?

Well, anyone will, but mostly Joe...and he is responsible for taking it to the dump (we live in the sticks and don't have trash service.

3. Have you ever had the same dream many times?

Yes, and I have told everyone I know about it...I had dreams, starting when I was 17 in 1996, about planes crashing...everywhere...one specifically was off of Rt 30 in PA, not too far from my grandma's house. I was freaked out when I found out about the plane crashing on 9-11...not more than an hour from her house. Weird, but very true.

4. Can you play a musical instrument?

Yes, trumpet (started in 5th grade), french horn (started in 10th grade), and the piano (by ear...I don't read piano music with all the chords...uck).

5. If you owned your own store, what would you sell?

Gosh...this is hard...can it be services, or does it have to be goods? If services, then of course, I would do accounting work...if it has to be goods then I will choose...hmmm....hmmm....I would love to own a bakery, but I know it would lead to my ultimate destruction ;)


Happy FQF-ing!

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Martin Luther King Jr Day - A Tribute

A giveaway being hosted by Lolidots inspired me to write this post about what MLK day means to me and my family.

If any of you fellow blog readers don't already know this, my children are biracial (black and white) and we live in a county where 43 years ago, a black woman and a white man were denied a marriage licence (see here) and they were forced to move away from Caroline County, VA, to be married in a state that allowed interracial marriages.

Well, this is so pertinent to my life because I am also a resident of Caroline County and I too am in an interracial relationship...and, without the endless societal contributions of those like MLK, Coretta Scott King, Harvey Milk, Malcom X, Susan B Anthony and so many more (see here)
I would not be enjoying the freedom to live my life as I choose to live it with a man and children of mixed race...

With this said, I believe we still have a ways to go...especially in regards to same-sex rights. I am a firm believer in everyone being entitled to civil liberties (see my sidebar bio) regardless of how society as a whole views their beliefs.

Happy Martin Luther King, Jr Day!

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Not Me Monday - Back from a Bye-week

Welcome to Not Me Monday. Are you feeling guilty for letting your laundry back up so badly that it took you 2 hours to fold it all?...or even more guilty because it was not you who actually washed it before you folded it? If so, head on over to MckMama's Blog to share your own guilty consciences while reading about everyone else's.

So, the girls and I were not sick on Sunday/Monday of last week which caused massive vomiting and exhaustion with side orders of fever and body aches. It was fortunately not the boys of the house that escaped any sign of illness.

It was also not me who stayed in bed all day on Monday, not cooking, doing laundry and never once logging onto my computer to even check work emails. Surely, as a full-time-work-at-home-mom, I can't just stay in bed all day because of a little 24 hour bug.

And finally, it was not me who again let this week's laundry get so backed up that Joe again had to wash all of the laundry, for the second time in two months (fortunately, this time we didn't end up with new pink, formerly-white, clothes...thanks Joe!)...it was also not me who spent two hours yesterday folding said laundry...nope, not at all...all while I was watching the last half of the Vikings kicking Dallas's behind...Oh, so sweet. (spoken like a true 'Skins fan)...sorry Dallas fans!

What have you not been up to?

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Getting to Know You!

This Sunday morning fun fest is being hosted on MannLand5's Blog. You can head over there to find out how to play...this is my 2nd Getting to Know You (or Me)...Here we go:

1. Hair color...Au naturale...or not?
Not, I have been graying since 17...well, I take that back, the first 1/2 inch of my hair is au naturale as I need to color it...so, I am a little au natural.

2. If somebody has food in their teeth or lipstick on their teeth do you tell them?
Tell them in a polite and discrete manner.

3. Would you rather have a million dollars or your vision of the perfect body?
Hands down...A million dollars...beauty will always fade, but the things I could do with a $1million would serve people for a long time.

4. Favorite magazine?
I like Country Living...but don't read it too much.

5. Bra style..lacy or plain?
Plain, under-wire, cotton!! BORING!

6. If you walked into Victoria's Secret..would you most likely come out with something sexy or comfy?
Comfy...see #5...I used to get the $60 bra/thong sets from Victoria Secret..back when I was 23 and only had one child...haha.

7. Do you fake and bake?
Hmmm, I am seeing a pattern...I used to when I was 23 and had only 1 child, but not any more.

8. What's your favorite body part on a man?
Well, at least one thing remains consistent over the years...haha...ok, I will keep this g-rated/family friendly and say their arms...they are strong and can pick up things...and they are also gentle and can comfort things with their embrace.

Happy Getting To Know You!

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FQF...or Saturday

This is my first Five Question Friday Saturday!

I am late (I went into the office yesterday), but am linking up from Mama M.'s Blog! You can head on over there to find out how to play and to link up your own FQF (or in my case FQS)...here we go...

1. Worst trouble you ever got into as a teenager? Other than hanging around the wrong people, I didn't get into any trouble myself...thank GOD!!!!! And, I am grateful for having had the wrong people in my life before, becuase I know that I have the right people in my life now.

2. Are you a morning person or a night person? Morning, all the way! (as long as I have my coffee).

3. Are you a one-handed or a two-handed Texter? Two handed.

4. Democrat, Republican, or Independent..or maybe even Green Party (whatever that is). OHHHHHHH, I LOOOOOOVE this question...None of those mentioned...I am a LIBERTARIAN...check out what that is here!

5. Are you a pet person? As long as they are outside pets....

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Welcome Home Daddy!

So, today is a big day for our family. The day we have so patiently been waiting for...the day we weren't sure would ever come...the day our Dad will get to come home (well, not exactly home but my sister's house) from the hospital.

I am still in awe that after 2 heart attacks (the first of which was on Thanksgiving morning), 4 surgeries, almost 2 weeks of multiple forms of life support to keep him alive, a mild stroke, a pulmonary embolism and some major rehab...he is getting to come home, today!

I won't get to see my Dad today (as the girls and I were sick Sunday and Monday with a really nasty bug, so I don't want to pass it on to him), but I will see him this Friday.

Thanks again to everyone....God, Daddy, his doctors, his nurses, his rehab techs, friends, family, fellow bloggers...you have all played a huge part in Dad's recovery and I know he is still alive today and able to walk out of the hospital today because of you...whether you performed surgery, or helped him learn to walk again, or prayed, or called, or emailed...we are able to get through this because of you all!

Welcome Home Daddy!

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Getting To Know You

This is my first time participating in Getting to Know You. I am linking up from MannLand5's Blog. You can head over there to find out how to play along.

Here it goes:

1. If you were stranded on a desert island and could pick one person to be stranded with you..Who would you pick? Family members not included. I love Bear Grylis from Man Vs. Wild, too. He was the first person that popped in my head (...and If I couldn't choose him, I would have to choose Survivorman)

2. Do you read celebrity gossip? No, not really, but I sometimes see it on TV...how can you avoid it when it is ALL OVER THE NEWS?!?!?!?!

3. Favorite show you're watching this season? Waiting for LOST and Fastforward to start again...

4. How tall are you? 5' 8"

5. What was the last book you read? In it's entirety?...then, "Codependent, No More!"

6. Flats or heels? Flats! Flip-flops, preferably!

7. If you had to choose one natural disaster to go through, what would you choose..Earthquake, Tornado, or Hurricane? Um, I have been through a hurricane, and have no interest in going through an earthquake, so I would say Tornado, definitely...as long as I have a basement or cellar nearby (which I do).

8. Thong, panties, or (gasp) granny panties? Panties...haven't done Thongs in about 5 years and haven't yet got to the "granny" stage...thank goodness.

Well, this was fun but may have been more information than anyone wanted to know...

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This, That and...Doughnuts!

We got some really GREAT news this week. Daddy is going to be released from the hospital on Wednesday. He has really worked hard to get as far as he has despite the obstacles he has overcome. I am still in awe with the fact that he is still here with us, yet alone getting out this week...I don't think he even understands how close he was to not making it. I just want to send a HUGE "Thank You" to everyone, friends, family and fellow bloggers for your thoughts, prayers, comments and genuine concerns for our father and our family!!! I know Daddy and his doctors/nurses have done amazing things, but I am sure that prayers and God played a huge role in the outcome.

We had another 2 inches of snow Friday! I can't believe it has already snowed 3 times here, all of which have completely covered our grounds. WOW! This is a really wonderful winter!

I have been on a baking spree since Christmas time, so, I decided to post my first ever quasi-cooking post to highlight my most recent venture. In the past few weeks, I have made over 70 cupcakes (don't worry, about 50 of them were for a going away party for my assistant who is going back to college), a few dozen sugar, oatmeal raisin and peanut butter cookies, a cake and now, Doughnuts! I decided to try to make homemade doughnuts last night per Joe's request and I got this recipe (click here for recipe) for cake doughnuts from one of my regular recipe spots (I chose this recipe as I had all the ingredients on hand, but there are other recipes that look just as good). Here are some pictures of the finished product...and a few pictures of the girls enjoying these delicacies:

Vic likes it!

Eva with a mouthful!

Jr had a few bites, but not on camera.

(He isn't a fan of paparazzi while eating...haha)

(side note: the dough was easier to deal with after being refrigerated over night...it is also important that you use plenty of flour when you go to make the doughnuts, or else you will have very sticky fingers)

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Pictures, Pictures and More Pictures

I am in picture heaven! I haven't posted a picture in so long, I began to forget I had an obligation to show my friends and family pictures of my children. So, back by popular demand are our most favorite pictures from the last...month. Yes, the first picture was taken on Thanksgiving day, as I was shoving food down my children's throats, trying to get to the hospital after finding out Dad had his heart attack...and ironically, the last picture is of Daddy in the hospital on Christmas Day!

Enjoy!

This is Joe Jr during his first real-food Thanksgiving Dinner

And this is Eva, attacking her Thanksgiving Dinner

Victoria, trying not to smile too much

Christmas Eve!


Christmas Eve Again (see Eva flipping her hair?)

Victoria Christmas Morning (tired anyone?)

I abbsolutely LOVE this picture of Eva Christmas Morning

I swear I didn't make them repose for this picture so I could get my camera (ok, maybe I did)

Love this picture, too (you can never have too many Joe's in one shot)

Isn't he soooooo cute?

Our First Trip Down the Slide (he didn't have much traction)

He likes It!


Remind you of anyone? Ahem.

Isn't She So Grown Up?

Me & Daddy Christmas Day

Say Cheese!

Sissy & Daddy Christmas Day!

Bunny Ears....Love you Daddy!

Hope you enjoyed them...I am so glad I got them online.

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Not Me Monday...From The Shower Floor

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! Are you feeling guilty for forgetting about you husband's favorite peanut butter cookies that you were baking, just for him, only to realize you had forgotten about them when, and only when, you smelled something burning? If so, you can head over to MckMama's blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

So, I have made it no secret that I turned 30 this year. What I didn't realize was that I needed to realize my own age. This 'Not Me Monday' is a tribute to my newly found view from the 'shower floor.'

Here we go:

I did not take my girls roller skating for something fun to do. Even if I had, I would not have decided to partake in the roller skating activities myself. Had I, I surely wouldn't have tried to show off my decades of roller skating experience by challenging my daughter and her friends to a race...Nope, what person over the age of 30 would do that? Even if I had, I certainly wouldn't have ended up on the floor of the roller skating rink, only to be helped up and off of the floor by those same pre-teens I was racing. Not me!

Likewise, I certainly did not fall, knees/hands first on the concrete ground at my sister's house after tripping over her dog's tie out. And, I certainly didn't get the biggest abrasions and bruises from it. Nope, I would certainly be mindful of all objects which pose a risk to my now 30 year old body.

And finally, I did not fall in the shower, while shaving, landing in the most awkward of positions on the floor of the shower! Nope, because falling while shaving would certainly leave one in a split-like position with their neck and head pinned to their chest...on the floor of the shower. Not me! I am certainly aging (and apparently not falling) gracefully!

Oh boy!

What have you not done this week?

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Forgiveness

I just heard from out IT company, who is/was fixing my computer, that it is, indeed, fixed. I will pick it up Friday from my office in DC...at which time, I will be able to post the pictures from Christmas...which I am so anxious to post. We have had a blast over the last few weeks with family and friends.

In the meantime, I wanted to write about Forgiveness...what a beautiful concept forgiveness can be...and how I have experienced forgiveness in my own life.

First, I am not well versed in the Bible, so much of what I believe has been either taught to me, or learned through personal experience. With that, I will say that I don't think I truly understood the concept of forgiveness until I became a Christian and felt the forgiveness and grace bestowed upon me by God. (Warning: this may become somewhat of a testimony) That type of forgiveness is pure, unconditional, and from the Creator Himself...I personally can't think of a better foundation for me to base the principle my belief in forgiveness on. Once I accepted Christ, I felt the weight of my sins lift away (really, it is so surreal). What an awesome feeling...to know that I, a sinner in its realest form, could be forgiven of my past, present and future discretions. Wow!

In that, and only in that, did I understand what it meant to forgive. God forgives us, not for our own personal gain, but for His Glory. So that we, as broken as we are, could be pure enough as Him, through Him. When I accepted that, I also accepted my personal responsibility to forgive others (ever read the Lord's Prayer?...probably the only Bible verse I know by heart). However, I must admit that my desire to forgive is not for the wrongdoer's own gain, but honestly in a self serving way (remember I am a sinner), for myself. So that I don't go through life being resentful for the pain I felt, for the anger I felt, for the questions I had, for the why me?'s...Instead, when I forgive, I let it all go and accept people and their behaviors for what they are...much of the way God let's our sins go and forgives us, just the way we are...I guess, in turn, I am returning the Grace that God has bestowed upon us all to everyone else, especially those who have hurt me the most.

Before I close this post, I want to offer an analogy...I heard this on the FIRST morning I EVER attended Sunday school class (this was actually before I technically prayed to accept Christ...so, I really needed to hear this)...The concept of forgiveness was brought up and this example was offered to explain how forgiveness can be applied:

A church recently discovers the church treasurer has been embezzling funds. What do you do? Do you ban this person from the church? Do you call the police? (The room was quiet as the church treasurer actually walked in the room at that exact moment...funny/ironic) One of the 'older' members of our class spoke something along these lines: "If a church treasurer is stealing from the church, in my opinion, they need the support of their church family more than they ever have before. So, we should forgive them and help them to turn away from and repent for their sins...we just don't make them the treasurer again." He continued on, "For two reasons mainly...One, as to not put yourself at risk again...and, two, so that they are not faced with the same temptations which they have already given in to."

I know a lot of people struggle with forgiveness, with letting go, with accepting the things you cannot change, with living your life free of anger and pain and resentment. I truly believe accepting forgiveness for yourself, and offering it to others, is such a wonderful thing.

Just keep in mind when forgiving someone...you just don't make them the treasurer again.

And that, in my opinion, is Forgiveness!

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Goodbye 2009, Hello 2010!

Last night was the end of a year...(and perhaps the end of a decade although that isn't my position...2011 will be the end of this decade)...2009 was a year of fear, change and the unknown. However, It was also full of blessings, discovery and love.

In 2009...we dealt with Joe Jr's G.E.R.D., my sister had a surgery to remove cysts (with a cancer scare on the side), my oldest daughter turned a decade old, I turned 3 decades old, my Nana turned 8 decades old (WOW!), our father had a heart attack (and a rough bypass surgery, and a mild stroke, but is alive), Joe's grandma passed away (she raised him), I was promoted to Senior Staff Accountant (with a side of extra responsibility...I am learning)...So, as with any year before, there was good, bad, and in between. I look forward to seeing what 2010 holds for us!

Good Bye 2009 , Hello 2010!

Happy New Year!

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