Colligan Adventures

I hate waking up in the morning. I don't usually wake up until after 8.

We have a cat. She can be way annoying way too early.

This morning she was playing with a book and meowing on my side of the bed.
So after hitting her with a pillow a few times. I looked to see what she was doing. I move the book and then i saw what looked like a hair tie in the carpet.

Thankfully, instead of touching it. I woke Brian up....

We looked at it and he grabbed a pair of tweezers. He started to pull on the "hair tie" and it sprouted a tail. At that point we both realize it's a snake. With it's head stuck in the carpet. I mean stuck in the carpet. we have shag carpeting and it was trying to burry itself as deep as it could go. So we had NO idea how big this thing was with just it's tail sticking out. And we were afraid it would scurry off and we'd never sleep again.

Long story short, after some freaking out and going to get the kitchen tongs. This is what we caught.

Little brown snake. Still gives me the heebee jeebies. Thankfully because we keep the basement so cold, it wasn't able to move fast. And the cat totally clawed some holes in it. *Good kitty*

Thats all. Happy Thanksgiving.

j&little boo

27 Weeks

How far along? I really am 27 weeks! 

Total weight gain/loss:  15 lbs. :( I was soo upset when I saw that. I need to stop eating Halloween Candy.... Yet here comes the Christmas season

 Maternity clothes? yes, but not all the time.
Stretch marks? not yet.
Sleep:  good, mostly.
Best moment this week:   the pastor bought me a Christmas Tree for my office! We're going to decorate the office.
Miss Anything? not having charlie horses. I had a mini one today again.
Movement: holy cow, he doesn't have a lot of room so i feel EVERYTHING. and it hurts 

Anything making you queasy or sick:  nope
Labor Signs: Nope
Belly Button in or out? It's flat
Wedding rings on or off? On. but i can tell it's getting harder.
Happy or Moody most of the time: I dont now ask my husband
Looking forward to:  tomorrow is the Lundeen Thanksgiving, Super excited! (actually it was yesterday, but i wrote this on friday)

Ok, I Have big plans for the next two weeks. It's thanksgiving which means i have a green light to listen to music in the company of my husband and decorate our house. However. Currently our living space looks like this.

I've been trying to get all of our left over crap from up stairs. I come down the stairs and dump it in little boo's area. Also we just bought Love Sac. So we're saying goodbye to our old free couch we got. Also, there is nothing on the walls. My plan on December 1st, is to decorate for Christmas, or at least start it. SO this means. that everything has to be cleaned, put away, and I have to have stuff on the walls. This also means that I need to build shelves to put decorations on. Why yes, I am crazy. Also, I'm going to decorate the office for Christmas.

Good times. Well stay posted. I will keep you updated as to my progress. Which might be nothing.
thats all for now
-j & little boo

26 Weeks

ok, I REALLY am 26 weeks this week. But tomorrow I'm 27 weeks.

How far along? 26 weeks

Total weight gain/loss:  not sure, but I go to the Dr. tomorrow.  

 Maternity clothes? yes, but not all the time. this dress is not maternity.
Stretch marks? not yet.
Sleep:  good, mostly.
Best moment this week:   is it weird if I said I've had a good week at work?
Have you told family and friends: Yes!
Miss Anything? not having an alien in my stomach
Movement: holy cow, he doesn't have a lot of room so i feel EVERYTHING. and it hurts 

Anything making you queasy or sick:  nope
Labor Signs: Nope
Belly Button in or out? It's flat
Wedding rings on or off? On.
Happy or Moody most of the time: probably moody.
Looking forward to:  tomorrow's dr.'s appointment and a date with  my baby dadddy. 

I've decided that every day I wake up, and every day I make it through with out going into labor is worthy of Praising God. I'm being completely serious. Yes, If I said I didn't have anxiety about labor, I'd be lying. But I'm talking about poppin' this baby out before he's ready. Somebody I only know by name had twins at 24 weeks. </3. They are doing well in the NICU - but still how absolutely nerve racking that would be. So yes, any day I make it through, is a good day.

I've also decided that I have a lot to do between now and christmas. which means now and December 1st. I want to buy shelves and get all of our pictures hung before the 1st. So when the 1st comes. I can decorate for christmas with out any issues.

I've also decided I'm making my own stockings and ornaments this year. Don't worry. I'll post pictures. Although again, it's not like it's my own idea. I believe in plagiarism.

Ok thats all for now. Maybe tomorrow I"ll post again with a 27 week picture. But it will look the same. Just a different outfit. :)

-J & Little Boo.

25 weeks

ok. So sorry that it's been.... along long time since I did one of these posts. I just haven't had time. And Brian hates taking these photos.

How far along?  technically today i'm 26 weeks, but we'll just pretend i'm not.

Total weight gain/loss:  last time I went to the dr. I had gained 5 lbs from my original weight.  

 Maternity clothes? yes, However. I'll have you know yesterday at church I wore my skinny jeans and ridiculously high heals.
Stretch marks? No, and every day I thank the Lord.... (no but really)
Sleep:  good, mostly.
Best moment this week:  This past week......? Not sure
Have you told family and friends: Yes!
Miss Anything? being able to bend over without grunting
Movement: YUP! He's got little bony appendages. 

Anything making you queasy or sick:  currently the smell of the fridge. but it needs to be cleaned out.
Have you started to show yet:  yes. but thankfully i'm not a whale yet. 
Labor Signs: Nope
Belly Button in or out? technically it's in. but it's more flat than in.
Wedding rings on or off? On. and I've decided that I'm going to get a fakeo ring for when i can't wear them any more.
Happy or Moody most of the time: probably moody. But for good reason.
Looking forward to: today's date. The first real, non-rushed date brian and I have had for weeks because of soccer. 

Soccer Season is officially over tonight after we have the awards ceremony. I had a lot of fun. If I find a picture of myself, I'll post it. But I doubt legally I can show the faces of the girls. 

I'm debating on if I want maternity pictures taken and who and when I want them to be done.

anyway, thats really all I have. 

happy monday!

-J & little boo

Mustache or Bows Pt 2

Decorations.

I started with the theme and then I stuck to the two colors. Lilac and powder blue. Everything centered around that.

When guests first walked up to the house. There was a table to great them.

They were to wear a bow or a mustache based on what they thought the baby was going to be. I made the bows out of ribbon and the mustaches out of felt.I guess I should have taken a picture of them.. but at least I got the jars. Except the jars look a hot mess.













 Next, was the food table.

The party was in the early afternoon on a saturday. I knewI wanted food but not a whole lot. We had a few warm dips. Like Spinach artichoke.  Brian also made jalapeno popper dip. SO GOOD. Plus I had your usual cheese, meatballs and veggies. And Brian's little sister made some yummy cake balls.

Rachel found these lax sticks. They were originally navy and hot pink, so I used Martha's everything paint so they'd stick to the plastic. It game out really well.

I wanted a way to label the food. I had these little chalk board tags left over from our wedding. they were PERFECT.

Lastly, Was the "Cake Table" Except I didn't have cake. Brian wanted the reveal to be different from the usual of cake or cup cakes (i'll post later on that). So instead I decided to have a Cookie Toast. After we revealed the gender we were going to have Big cookies and glasses of milk to hand out to every one. 

I forgot to take a good picture of the table before we had the cookies. So pretend there are more cookies and little cups on the table.

Also, I made poms to hang from the ceiling over the table. You can find them every where on pintrest. They are SUPER easy. The "Cake stand" is actually a truffle bowl upside down with a large platter on it. BRILLIANT.Although I can't claim that as my own idea. Rachel thought of that a while ago.

So, there ya have it. Our food and decorations from the party. Pretty proud of myself. Not gonna lie.

Thats all for now 

-j & little boo.

Mustache or Bow?

The new thing in life is to throw a gender reveal party for your friends and family on what gender the baby is going to be.

So, naturally me always being up for a party decided I was going to throw one. I was going to post all the pictures in one big post. But I have a TON of pictures. Instead I'll post separately.

I wanted to throw this party shortly after we found out what the gender of the baby was going to be. But not too far after. But I also needed to make invitations and get them sent out. So with a little prayer, I ended up sending out invitations before I even had a Sono appointment.

I scoured pintrest and google looking for themes for the party. And came up with "Mustaches or Bows". Like most of what I do for crafts, this was not my idea. I stole it from somebody.


Heres what the invite looked like.WHICH I did create myself. In publisher. One slow Friday afternoon.

 Cute huh? I will post more on it. When I have time. Which is never. BUT the party really did turn out awesome. And I think everyone had fun. Although I'll tell you. I had 13 people RSVP. and almost 30 showed up.... I love my friends.

Week 17 *but not really*

Ok so technically right now I'm 19 weeks. but i wrote this and took pictures i just didn't up load it because I haven't had time. So here. I'll try and stay on target.


How far along? 17 Weeks although Brian's phone app says I'm 18 weeks
Total weight gain/loss:  no clue, however I do go to the dr. next week,.
 Maternity clothes? nope, but still doing the hair tie thing
Stretch marks? No
Sleep:  could be worse
Best moment this week: My 4 day weekend. Glorious. we hung out with friends and were completely lazy
Have you told family and friends: Yes!
Miss Anything? pumpkin coffee....mmm...
Movement: it's either that or gas. so who knows
Food cravings: anything that says "fall"
Anything making you queasy or sick:  not really
Have you started to show yet: yes, although just enough to make me look chubby.
Gender prediction: boy, but i think God is going to spite us with a girl
Labor Signs: No
Belly Button in or out? In -brian's right. it's totally getting more shallow
Wedding rings on or off? On
Happy or Moody most of the time: neither. some place in between
Looking forward to: know if it's a boy or a girl

lol Ok so we went out to texas road house and then to sweet frog and Marks belly was way bigger than mine. So we thought it'd be funny if we took a picture. and by we, I mean Rachel. and It's hilarious. !! 

ya, my mom sends me packages. Be jealous.

I love my mom. For many reasons.  When I graduated high school, my mom gave me a gift every morning from graduation, till the day I set foot on the College campus. Anything from a stapler, to a wyland bracelet. If you don't know who/what wyland is.. you're missing out.

When I got to college, she would send me care packages. It would have pens, or cookies, or starbucks gift cards....Once she sent me a whole box of fresh apples from a local farm in maine. LEGIT!

When Brian and I got married we got; chili's gift cards, toys for our illegal cat and other fun stuff.....

I'm pregnant, and my mom has given me a gift not every week but close. She's sweet. She's a teacher... the gifts are MOSTLY books....

Week 13 -- Which happens to be my favorite gift so far.

Week 14

Week 15 was a book called "Peeka Who?" - It's cute. I guess I forgot to take a picture. Tomorrow Brian and I will open "Week 16". Which is also a book. But ti's not my fault that most books are easy to tell when wrapped.

I love my mom. And I'm glad she loves my baby.

thats all for now.

-j and little boo

14 weeks/15 weeks

How far along? 14 Weeks
Total weight gain/loss:  no clue. our scale got pooped on
Maternity clothes? nope, altho I did do the hair tie through the beltloop thing this week for my jeans
Stretch marks? No
Sleep: WeIrD dreams!
Best moment this week: going to pancake night at the smiths
Have you told family and friends: Yes!
Miss Anything? having energy
Movement: Not yet
Food cravings: nothing this week
Anything making you queasy or sick:  squishy textured food
Have you started to show yet: A wee little bump so far
Gender prediction: boy, but i think God is going to spite us with a girl
Labor Signs: No
Belly Button in or out? In
Wedding rings on or off? On
Happy or Moody most of the time: sooo moody
Looking forward to: the kids going back to school 

How far along? 15 Weeks
Total weight gain/loss:  no clue. our scale got pooped on
Maternity clothes? nope, but still doing the hair tie thing
Stretch marks? No
Sleep:  awful but thats another story
Best moment this week: going to the nats game, even tho I'm not exactly a nats fan
Have you told family and friends: Yes!
Miss Anything? not having to pee in the middle of the night
Movement: Not yet
Food cravings: healthy stuff, carrots, apples, strawberries
Anything making you queasy or sick:  squishy textured food
Have you started to show yet: A wee little bump so far
Gender prediction: boy, but i think God is going to spite us with a girl
Labor Signs: No
Belly Button in or out? In - although Brian says it's becoming shallow....
Wedding rings on or off? On
Happy or Moody most of the time: sooo moody
Looking forward to: going home *5 weeks*

This past week we went to VA for a wedding of one of Brian's good friends. They grew up in the church together so a lot of the guests were people who really love Brian. Most of them know me, but some only just recognize me. (Which is fine). They would say "you look familiar who are you?" and I would politely smile and say "Brian's wife" The light would click and they would "ooooooo"..... However, every time I had to keep from saying "I'm Brian's baby mama." Because while I think it would have been funny....not every one would agree. The thought of that was probably the high light of my week.


Anyway - Sorry about the crappy pictures. apparently the camera wasn't in focus. But I FOUND IT!.... although it also might be so old that it doesn't work properly. Maybe by 39 weeks I'll finally have a good picture... to bad i'll be too fat to care.

And with that note.
Thats all for now
-j 

being willingly tortured.

I swear lock-ins are a form of punishment for youth leaders. I have NO idea why we plan one every year. Well I do, and it's because my husband seems to forget that 5a.m. feeling of a kid who wont stop complaining and having to stay 2 hours after it ends to clean up.

Never the less.

We have lock-ins.

In fact every year he says "we're not doing this again". And every summer he goes, "we need to plan a lock in".............imagine my excitement.

This year I didn't have to stay the whole time. we had interns and other adult leaders that helped out which was awesome. so I left about 11 and came back at 7:30 to greet parents and help clean up.

I talked to some of the leaders and they said the night was pretty uneventful. We didn't have to send anybody home, although we all agreed we should have sent at least one home. Usually it's a middle schooler, they get away from their parents and suddenly lose everything they've been taught.

Anyway, It's 2:30 and Brian is still sleeping. He got home and in bed probably about 10:30. He'll be up within the next hour and a half I think.

Over all, I think the lock in was a success. Despite the groan from the middle school boys who they sent to bed for a couple of hours. Everybody was safe. Nobody caused major problems. We had an evangelist come and talk to the kids and an awesome time of worship. Learned what to do, and what not to do for next year. And  We probably had around 50 kids when all was said and done.

I wish I had pictures to show you. But I wasn't the one taking the pictures, so no such luck.

Thats all for now
-j & little boo

13 weeks

Sorry there isn't a picture. I haven't had the energy to look pretty and I've hardly seen Brian this week. But I look like I did last week except with bigger bags under my eyes and greasy hair. 

How far along? 13 Weeks
Total weight gain/loss:  lost 10 lbs. whoo hooo!
Maternity clothes? no
Stretch marks? No
Sleep: horribly. I've moved to the couch
Best moment this week: getting to spend time with our friends before they go back to work in a couple weeks.
Have you told family and friends: Yes!
Miss Anything? not feeling tired
Movement: Not yet
Food cravings: soup.
Anything making you queasy or sick: the fridge and squishy textured food
Have you started to show yet: A wee little bump so far
Gender prediction: boy, but i think God is going to spite us with a girl
Labor Signs: No
Belly Button in or out? In
Wedding rings on or off? On
Happy or Moody most of the time: sooo moody
Looking forward to: having energy to unpack our things from boxes

I think that's all. I'm technically like 13 weeks and 5 days. But who's counting. Maybe I'll actually post one of these things at the beginning of the week.....doubtful. 

We have another lock-in tonight. I'm sure a good wife post about my youth pastor husband will come out of it. although we don't have curtains for him to destroy this time.

AND if you're thinking that I should be working. I am, but Friday's are a waiting game with the printer. So I'm waiting. AND I'm so awesome I finished all my work for the lock-in. ok

Thats all for now
-J & baby boo

Just beat it

I felt like adding a little MJ to this post. Hence the title, but thats as far as I go.

I've never been accused of with holding truth. If anything I get in trouble for my honesty, and this is one of those times that will probably upset some people. Before I say what I'm going to say. Let me start out by saying. I know this baby is from God. I know it's a blessing. But I only see it as such because it's going to make me more like Christ than ever.

We heard little boo's heart today.

There was nothing magical. We didn't cry. We didn't hug or jump for joy.

I was relieved to know that there was a heart beat. And that was the end of it.

It took all of maybe 5 minutes from the time the Dr. walked in, to when he walked out.

I understand most people are filled with excitement and happiness and thats awesome for them.

I am not that person.


I am not excited. Yes, I like looking at things on pinterest, but really who doesn't.

You never hear this side of the story. Or you rarely do. I didn't know it was ok to not be excited, until I had several people come up to me and tell me they felt the same way. I thought I was suppose to be so excited I never stop talking.

Even my mom, when she found out she was pregnant with me she cried. And not tears of joy.

I know I will love this baby a lot.

For now, I just focus on God getting us through the day. Some days it's easier than others. Some days are bad days.

But Praise the Lord we're healthy and safe. and Praise him for his never ending faithfulness.
thats all for now
-j and little boo

The Poo Storm of 2012

I realized that in the craziness of the storm I forgot to write about this. Now, a lot of you know. But I thought I'd post it anyway....

That and I have to wait for the copier guy to come before I can do anything at work.

So. The Poo Storm. -- If you get sick easily, you probably don't want to read this.

The second week in may my whole family (7 people) planned to come to maryland for my Graduation/Birthday. The house is big enough so everybody was allowed to have their own room.

Tuesday night, the night before my parents flew into town the toilet is plugged.

I mean. It's plugged. I mean. The water in the shower was rising and we could hear it gurgling when we plunged the toilet.

How does one person have THAT big of a doo doo.

Well, we couldn't do anything about it. Mark was going to stay home from work and Him and B were going to rent a snake in the morning....

*MORNING*

B gets the snake. They start snaking. Mark has the brilliant idea to take off toilet from the ground.........................................................................................


at this point I was running around trying to gather everything to go to the airport...... when I hear a

"GET A TOWEL"...... "GET ALL THE TOWELS"

. Panic. Shear Panic.

After grabbing all the towels and handing them to B, I start seeing water..... Oozing out of the hole in the floor where my toilet once sat.

"JUST LEAVE, GO GET YOUR PARENTS"


...................................................

After I have my parents in the car with me and I am driving back to the house. Brian calls.

"Why dont you take you're parents out for lunch, try not to come back.... You dont want to come back.... Its really bad"

The saga continues with lots of tears and not going to get lunch but stopping by the house. Followed by more tears and gags when we opened the front door to which the hole house smelled like.... YOU GUESSED IT> POOP!!!

Well what had happened was.

The City sewer backed up. For the whole neighborhood. Every toilet on our street was plugged. The man holes, were up to the top with sewer water.

We and when I say we I mean Brian and Mark, released the pressure for our street. So ralph's poop, Scotts poop, Christina's lettuce from the compacter ended up in our basement.

Please understand when I say our basement I dont mean the unfinished part of the house you dont go. I mean our bed is 6 feet away from the bathroom door.


Sewer had completely covered the basement floor. We lost some furniture, all of our bedding, some clothes. It seeped into the back room where all of my craft supplies were.

People in Hazmat suits came and carried away my belongings as I'm eating dinner that night.

It's been two months. They came, cleaned, deodorized, decontaminated, cut out carpet, drywall, took away all my things, painted, laid floor, carpet....

And this week we finally slept down stairs.


At least it was just our house and not the whole neighborhood otherwise I wouldn't be living down there yet.


So thats it. It wasn't funny then, not matter how many jokes my brothers tried to play. All though I have to say if my family hadn't have been here I would have fallen apart more than I did. It's kind of funny now.

Although every time I poop I cross my fingers and say a prayer...

Thats all for now
-j & little boo

12 Weeks

Warning. This blog post will contain Gag worthy pregnancy things.  If you wish not to see them..... then dont. 

How far along? 12 Weeks

Total weight gain: Last time I went to the Dr. I Lost weight.
Maternity clothes? Not yet
Stretch marks? Not yet
Sleep: minus the fact we're sleeping in a smaller bed - sleep is the same, just weird dreams
Best moment this week: getting to move back down stairs
Miss Anything? A nice tall fountain Coke
Movement: nope
Food cravings: Baked potato soup... and it's like 90 degrees outside.
Anything making you queasy or sick: still the thought of opening the fridge
Gender:  Dont know yet
Labor Signs: Nope.
Symptoms: Sleepy, and SUPER cranky... My poor husband
Belly Button in or out? out
Wedding rings on or off? on
Happy or Moody most of the time: moody, totally moody
Looking forward to: When all of our stuff is unpacked and not in piles on the floor


Sorry about the poor quality photo's. I cant find my camera and my iphone isn't cool enough to take good pictures. Maybe among the plethora of moving boxes is my lonely camera. And even then it's 4 years old. So if you're looking to support a poor pregnant lady, you can buy me a new camera! HA!


... No But Really.... The Lord is leading you too.




Anyway I'm 12 weeks and a handful of days. I go for another Dr. Appointment next Tuesday. I hate those things. It's always traumatizing when I go. They are poking and prodding me with all sorts of scary sharp objects. The first time I gave blood I cried. No, Not Kidding. The lady taking my blood looked at me and said "How are you suppose to have a child if you can't handle this"....... I not so calmly or nicely said "I WASN'T SUPPOSE TO HAVE CHILDREN".... She's been nice to me. I think she's afraid I'll punch her. I'm serious. 




However, thats all the baby talk I can handle for one day. I'm going to go to bed. Goodnight all.


thats all for now 
- J & little boo


p.s. NOT taking name suggestions, I feel fine, and I want a boy. -- for those of you who are interested. Oh and you might want to pray for my ever loving and faithful husband..... Poor thing, I'm super crazy.

Just for Laughs

I believe God likes a good laugh. I really do.

So for anybody who has ever held a conversation with me knows how I feel about children and babies. Like, don't ask me to help out with VBS or the Nursery because somebody will end up crying by the end of the day. I could probably offend you with all my opinions, so I'll just leave the conversation here.

Moving on.

Do you know what you get when you start praying? You get answers to prayer. My prayer has been that God make me into the woman he wants me to be.......

Do you know what happens when you don't take pills as directed.

You get pregnant.

Yup.

Nope.

Not Kidding.

SURPRISE! 


So yes. We found out on Fathers Day. I'm 12 weeks. 


For those of you who suck at math. We didn't find out until almost 8 weeks and even then it was a "naaa, but just in case" ........I could go on that show "I didn't know I was pregnant".


And again. For those of you who suck at math, (which I am one. *hello Bible College*) I am due in the beginning of February. 




I'll have pictures and all that cute, gag worthy stuff that pregnant people do when they are pregnant. But for now, you'll just have to settle with out. Besides, I'm not really showing anyway. 


Thats all for now....
-j

Warning. It might break your heart.

"Like almost every country in the world, Morocco has difficulties concerning sex and marriage. However, Morocco's "little maids" have an especially difficult situation.
        Most of Morocco's unwed mothers are poor, illiterate women from the countryside who started working as domestic servants, "little maids", as young as seven. Handed over into enslavement by their families because of finical need, the girls spend long hours cooking and cleaning for better-off Moroccans. There fathers take what little money they make. After years of this, many girls will have sex with any man who is kind to them and promises them marriage. Countless others are raped (being the "property" of the man of the house).  Those who get pregnant often end up on the streets-- or worse. About half the women who get pregnant out of wedlock have been promised marriage. Other common causes of unwanted pregnancies are prostitution (14%), as well as rape and incest (7%).
       A woman is suppose to be a virgin when she marries, and needs to have a "certificate" of virginity. NOt being a virgin  brings shame on the family. Since extramarital sex is the ultimate culture taboo, unmarried mothers are ostracized, harassed and even threatened with death by their own families. So- called "honor killings" are illegal and rare in Morocco, do not occur, unusual for a young women to live on her own, and it is difficult for her to find a job to provide for herself and her baby. Sone turn to prostitution and about 40% of the unwed mothers abandon their babies anywhere they can, even in garbage bins, toto avoid social ostracism. According to one woman, "if I were to abandon my build, I would have as a zombie: alive but dead inside." An unwed mother can be persecuted for adultery or fonication and sentenced to prison for up to sex months (though this punishment is not often carried out). Some mothers leave the hospital right after birth without receiving proper medial care for fear of being prosecuted.
    Some believers in Morocco care for single mothers, helping them keeping their babies and finding employment for them. "

These girls need to know the Love and Grace of Jesus Christ! </3 it breaks my heart that they are lost in a religion that their god doesn't love them.

This month is the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. Brian and I are fasting for the whole month from T.V. that might sound trivial to you, but it's a pretty serious sacrifice to us (especially because the olympics are on this month). Lots of people don't seem to understand why I find it so important. I'm not celebrating Ramadan. My heart is BROKEN for the Muslims. So many in our country have hatred and prejudice against them. I have such a desire for them to come to the Messiah that I am more than willing to sacrifice trivial t.v. for 30 days if it means they can spend eternity with me.

My prayer is that Christians will have boldness to share the gospel with local Muslims. And Missionaries will also have the same boldness. Muslims are most vulnerable during this time.  Please pray for these girls, that their fathers will care more about the health and safety of their daughters rather than their families social status. Pray for them. I hope your heart breaks as mine does.

"Take some time for you" pt. 1

My life is filled with day time T.V. and puppy pee breaks. As I was getting ready the other morning I had a show on in the back ground.

I'm doing this post in 2 or 3 segments. This is for your benefit, because it will probably end up being a REALLY long post if I don't break it up.

If you watch day time T.V. these days it's all about making people over. They usually have a mom who no longer feels beautiful and they make her over.

This episode it was a mom who was too busy taking care of her children to really take care of herself. At the end of the segment the host of the show says "Just remember it's all about taking time for you".

I chewed that over for a while. Pretty much all day until youth group time.

"Take some time for you".

I believe in taking personal time to relax and regroup.

Taking care of other people can be burdensome. Serving people gets tiring. I know this, but I also know that I don't know it like a mother does. Right now it's just Brian and I and washing dishing and doing laundry can get old fast. Even though I get tired, I'm not foolish enough to think my life is harder than someone with children.

However, the context in which; "Just remember it's all about taking time for you" was said, I believe is selfish. Before you get mad and close the window hear me out.

This is what the person meant when she said "Take time for you"

"Take time for you; and take a shower"
"Take time for you; and by new heals"
"Take time for you; and do your hair"
"Take time for you; and rest"
"Take time for you; and take a nap"
"Don't do that for your kids, relax; take time for you"

Now. All of those things are good and important. We do need rest. We do sometimes need a shower. We do need to take time away and relax. Not getting burnt out is important. However, If it's not done properly it will just create bitterness and wont actually produce rest.

Maybe you agree, maybe you don't, maybe you think i'm a fool. Thats ok. I challenge you to think about it. And come back tomorrow when I write more on it.


Bitterness: It's really easy for me to get bitter at Brian for not doing the dishes, or not taking out the trash. Or helping me around the house. (not so much now because I don't work. but when i was working).  I wanted HIM to serve ME. Because, who doesn't want to be served.

²² Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. ²³ For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. ²⁴ Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands. 

Probably, one of the most incorrectly quoted passages in scripture. And even thought it's said at most Christian weddings I'd say 10% actually understand what it means or even agree with it. 

Verse 24: Says that wives need to submit to their husbands and the church submits to Christ. 

Submit: To accept or yield to a superior for or stronger

Go back to 

Martha, Eat Your Heart Out

Or,  "Martha, Eatchor heart out" is how it sounds in my head. 

A couple weeks ago my father-in-law had his birthday. The family came over to our house. So I decided to make a cake. 

I made a Chocolate Cake with a peanut-butter buttercream frosting. YUMMY! 

Apparently this is a new thing? I've met a few people who haven't heard of that combo before...They've apparently never been to Governors.

 It's a Maine thing. 

Ok. SO I made my cake. And I had a little help from my friend Betty Crocker. Let it cool. Blah blah blah. You know the drill. 

Then I made some buttercream frosting. I had never actually made buttercream before. I know. Fail. But it's ok. 

I went to Cookies and Cups and got tips and the recipe on how to make it. 

Ok so after I got the cake on the plate and started to frost, I realized there was a gap in between the cake and the plate. Well what do cake people do. They pipe around the bottom.  

So I pulled out a plastic bag. I couldn't Justify getting out a piping bag just for that little bit, hence the plastic bag. Now, a lot of people don't know this trick. Or they do, and I'm just the only fool. In order to get frosting into the bag with out making a mess, you fold it over a glass. Like so:

I just grabbed my little scooper and scooped some frosting into the bag. Then you close the bag up and snip off the end. 

Note: I didn't use it all, so I froze the rest of it. 

Then, I just frosted the rest. And this is what it looked like... Mmm makes me want another one.

Oh. And I melted some chocolate chips (and crisco) and just took my fork and shook it over the cake. Voila! Sugar comma happiness. 

Enjoy!

Thats all for now.

-j

What's 4 Supper?

I love our teens. they are a good group of kids. Last weekend, we took 26 teenagers to up state Pennsylvania to Snow Camp. Now I realize I'm from maine, but spending a whole weekend playing in the snow is not my idea of a fun time. Neither is staying up late listening to giggling girls till 1 in the morning. THANKFULLY, it was not my girls that were loud.

Upon returning from snow camp, both brian and i spent the next few days in bed sick. when I say a few days I mean Brian is still fighting to get rid of a cold. that being said, thats why the lack of posts for the past almost two weeks. But i'm back. So ANYWAYS.


Ok, so I did this post a while ago. but it needs to be done again.

So for those of you who own an, ipod touch, iphone, or ipad, or WANT one. You need to read this.

There is this awesome app called "What's 4 Supper". It's got all of these great features.

You can plan out the means for, well really as far in advance as you like.


You can put in your grocery list and check it off as you put it in your cart. NOW. not only can you do that, but it will also organize the data for you based on where it's found (example Cheese would be in the Dairy isle). That way you never have to back track.

Also, you can program it to list the items by isle. So it gets even more organized. WOAH!


PLUS, on top of that. It has a "Kitchen Helper" it's got tips and tricks, measurements, substitutions and more.

I love this thing.

However, it's not free.

It is (i think) 5 bucks. But it's TOTALLY worth it. I carry my phone with my to the store and just check things off my list. and I always know what we will have for dinner and I never end up spending more money than needed.

That and I never lose my grocery list because well, it's my phone.

If you dont have it. you totally have to. it's awesome.

ok thats all, you have to get it. it'll change your life!

-j

It's a party!

Note: the party is actually at 10648 Long Leaf Ln. Waldorf MD 20601.
thats all for now
-j

Just another day being a pastor's wife.

I love my husband. And I love our youth kids.

I love my husbands creative mind. His relational personality. (He's why I go to dinner parties, he talks and I just sit there. It's glorious.) I love that he's a dreamer. ( I also love that I'm a doer). I love that he has the ability to see the world differently than I do......

With that being said.

Brian last week put on a youth conferance for the youth in the area. It was at the college. And let me tell you it was a blast. The kids played a huge game of capture the flag over the college campus which  I think is at least 6 acres.

Friday afternoon I asked Brian,

"So hunny, what are you going to do about flags for capture the flag"....

You know those moments where you immediately regret saying something. Like you knew it was going to come back to bite you?

yeah, it was one of those moments.

For those of you who don't know. Brian and I moved last weekend. A lot of stuff we got rid of or left in our apartment for the next people to use.....


Brian looked at me... looked past me at the window. Looked at me again and said... "How attached are you to your curtains.

..yup word regret. like word vomit only not......





So there ya have it. My curtains were turned into flags for capture the flag.

I love my husband. I really do. And I love my wife life.

thats all for now.
-j

pomp and circumstance and party

ok everyone, i have a question. And I need some feed back.

In May both Brian and I will be  walking for graduation. I will be turning 23 and my outta town bestie will be walking with us at graduation as well.....

What do people do for college graduations?

My friend mary had a party, and invited our professors and I gotta tell you, it was fun. We sat around the table and swapped stories and remember whens and gained last bits of wisdom from our profs.

So again I ask...

What do people do for College graduations?

What the norm?

I will make any excuse to throw a party. I love hosting and theres nothing more then having every one you love in once place at one time.

Do people throw parties? Is it just a word of mouth? Is it a formal thing? Am I allowed to do whatever the heck I want because it's my party? Is it silly to go all out?

Let me know you're thoughts, I'd be interested to know. Ok thats all for now.

-j

The Craft of Christmas Past

hehe. I hope the title made you laugh. cuz it made me laugh. and yes, I do realize how lame that is.

Anyway. Because Brian and I are so poor, I have to get "crafty" (no pun intended) with our gifts. So this year I made a lot of my gifts.

I made this for my Sister in law. She's an elementary school teacher. Ok here is how I did it.

I took a canvas. And hot glued crayons on it. For this one I took the paper off. For the bottom one, I left the paper on. It all depends on what you want. 

ERRRRRRRRR

Rewind. 

FIRST, I printed out the words. "Mrs. Duncan" from my computer. I taped it to the back side of the canvas and took a paint pen and traced the letters. I am sure a sharpie would work. But I liked the paint texture of the paint pen. 

NOTE: I had to use my phones flash light to see the letters through the canvas. 

THEN. I glued the crayons. or if your brian (Kray-ns)... *I love him, he's my favorite*

After you glue them to the canvas next comes the fun part. Blow drying them. Thats what makes the colors run. It's important for all you OCD people out there (me included at times) that there is no wrong  way to do art. There are no mistakes. It doesn't always end up looking like you want, but it will always be cool.

So i heated the wax until it was a big puddle, then i stood the canvas on it's end and let the colors run down. 

It turned out pretty cool. I covered her name with a piece of paper so the wax wouldn't flow onto her name...

For this one vvv... I did the same thing. Only I glued flowers to the end of the wax. See isn't it pretty. I made this for my other sister in law. 

I made one for my mommy. It looks kinda like a snow flake but I guess I never took a picture of it. Fail.

If you haven't tried this, you should. I must confess however.

I stole the idea from brians little sister. She's the real art genius in the family. So shout out to Jesse. You Rock!

Thats all for now. 

-j

Soup, It's whats for supper.

Brian and I are in the process of moving. Not only are we in the process of moving but we just returned from Maine. Not only are we in the process of moving and just returned from maine but Brian started full time this week, so he's been gone..... a lot...

My Point?

We have no food in our house. No Joke. I'd show you a picture but I'm to lazy to get up, find my camera, and take a picture.

We've eaten out or had a frozen meal since we got back to our apartment last Sunday night. (We've had chipotle twice already).

We have milk, but no cereal. Peanut butter and jelly but no bread. A freezer full of frozen vegetables but just that one piece of chicken.

Ok I digress.

One of the meals I bought was this .

Tomato Florentine & Tortellini with Chicken...

Oh.

My.

GOSH!

It was so good. Like Olive Garden Good. It was just enough for Brian and I to be full and still enough he took some to work this morning. If I was thinking I would have gotten some bread and a salad. That would have made the soup go a little further.

It'd be perfect for a sunday afternoon. Or a crazy night. We have a lot of crazy nights. Like tonight, I dont plan to see brian until 9pm.

Anyway, you should try them. They are amazing... Now I want to go to Olive Garden... Soup, Salad and Breadsticks for 7 bucks. Any takers?


Thats all for now
-j

New Years Intentions.

I stole the idea from another blog I read. But I couldn't tell you who it was because I've looked at so many different blogs over the last 24 hours. So not resolutions, but intentions.

I have things I want to accomplish this year. Practical goals, that at this point if I could accomplish one I'd be happy. Ok so here goes.

1. Never stop growing in the Lord
2. I want to get back into shape by graduation (May)
3. Succeed at selling Pampered Chef
4. Generate enough interest in this blog to get out of blogger. Maybe onto wordpress?
5. Make a divider curtain for our apartment
6. Go to Maine at least once before Christmas.
7. Organize my crafting supplies
8. Have a big girl camera to take better photos.
9. Get my church to accept the C.R.U.D. and hold to it.
10. Save up to buy a photo editing program

... anyway thats all i can think of.

right now my goal is just to have this house packed up before saturday with out going crazy....


.... i'm totally going crazy...

thats all for now
-j