My cousin forwarded this joke to me and I had to post it. Usually I hate the forwarded jokes, but this was funny. Side note-- it was -14 degrees actual and -36 degrees wind chill this morning when I took the boys to school. Who knows how cold it was when Ryan went to wait for his bus to go to work this morning. (also, the girl scouts came around 2 weeks ago selling their cookies)
This is how we deal with the cold in Minnesota:
60 above zero:Floridians turn on the heat.People in Minnesota plant gardens.
50 above zero:Californians shiver uncontrollably.People in Duluth sunbathe.
40 above zero:Italian &English cars won't start.People in Minnesota drive with the windows down.
32 above zero:Distilled water freezes.The water in Bemidji gets thicker.
20 above zero:Floridians don coats, thermal underwear, gloves, wool hats.People in Minnesota throw on a flannel shirt.
15 above zero:New York landlords finally turn up the heat.People in Minnesota have the last cookout before itgets cold.
Zero:People in Miami all die.Minnesotans close the windows .
10 below zero:Californians fly away to Mexico .People in Minnesota get out their winter coats.
25 below zero:Hollywoo d disintegrates.The Girl Scouts in Minnesota are selling cookies door to door.
40 below zero:Washington DC runs out of hot air.People in Minnesota let the dogs sleep indoors.
100 below zero:Santa Claus abandons the North Pole.Minnesotans get upset because they can't start themini-Van.
460 below zero:ALL atomic motion stops (absolute zero on the Kelvinscale.)People in Minnesota start saying..."Cold 'nuff fer ya?"
500 below zero:Hell freezes over.Minnesota public schools will open 2 hours late.
I'm not as tough as the people described in the joke though, I've been complaining since Nov.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Monday, January 28, 2008
A new website I found
I learned about this website while I was watching t.v. today. I think I was folding laundry or doing something productive at the time. Don't let Ryan tell you that I just sit around watching t.v. and eating Bon Bons all day:) Anyway, we can't afford to do this right now, but after we get our finances in order I think we'll do it.
It is called Kiva and everyone else in the world knows about it except me I guess. You do more than just donate some money to poor people in another country, you give them an interest free loan so they can start a business. Kind of like showing someone how to fish instead of just giving the fish.
I just thought I would pass the website along in case there was one more person out in the world that didn't know about it.
It is called Kiva and everyone else in the world knows about it except me I guess. You do more than just donate some money to poor people in another country, you give them an interest free loan so they can start a business. Kind of like showing someone how to fish instead of just giving the fish.
I just thought I would pass the website along in case there was one more person out in the world that didn't know about it.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Partylite consultant
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Tear jerker
I know I have a link to the blog I read from the CSC directors, but I just had to re-post this one.
Warning- it's sad, but it has a happy ending.
Jovan's Story by Marlys
On January 14th we received an urgent message that there was an extremely ill child in a squatter village near the city bus terminal, so one of our nurses, one of our social workers and I went there immediately to assess the situation. There was no place to park so the government workers brought eleven month old Jovan to the vehicle. It was hard to believe that Jovan was even alive, as he was so emaciated and malnourished. His bones and veins were barely covered by a thin layer of skin and he was so weak that his cry was a mere whimper. He was severely dehydrated so he didn’t even have tears. His mother was out begging when we got there so we took him anyway with the assistance of the local officials. There was no time to wait for her return. Our hearts were breaking as we rushed him through the crowded streets of Cebu for an exam at our doctor’s office. We wrapped him carefully, as he was so frail, and gave him milk very slowly. His little tummy was not used to real nutrition. The desperate mother had been giving him watered down rice water, which was somewhat better than nothing.When Jovan was born his mother gave away his twin sister, as she was so distraught and wondered how she would feed another child when she had eight more at home. The father left his whole family, leaving the mother and nine kids to fend for themselves. No wonder she gave away Jovan’s precious sister. I wonder how she decided which one to give away. (Our social worker is presently trying to find Jovan’s sister.)Later, when the mother returned, she heard that we had her son at the doctor’s office, so she went there right away to watch the exam. I can’t imagine what she must have been feeling as she watched her son slowly fading away from her in the dark and filthy shack she called home. There he was being carefully examined by our compassionate and tender loving pediatrician in a safe and clean clinic, just a few miles from her village where her son was literally dying. (The doctor was so moved by meeting Jovan that he didn’t charge for the exam.)When I pulled in to our yard at the Shelter an hour later, the mother was about to leave with the barangay officials. She was there to see Jovan’s new home, and she met some of the Aunties and Uncles that care so tenderly for our children. She walked straight over to the window of the vehicle and there was genuine peace in her eyes as she stood outside, thanking us for rescuing her son. Maybe she slept a little that night, knowing that Jovan would no longer suffer the pain of starvation, but looking around her at the other eight kids must have quickly brought her back to reality.Jovan was admitted the following day for severe pneumonia and diarrhea, and after receiving medicine for de-worming, he passed an awful worm that was robbing him of any tiny amount of nutrition. Surely, there are more of them that we are anxious to get rid of with several weeks of medication.He has gained some strength, but he’s still very weak and barely able to cry to make his needs known. Yesterday was a thrilling day, however, as he was able to smile momentarily. He tires quickly. One thing is for sure, he will never again have to go to bed hungry, and never again will he ever want for anything. Just as I was about to leave I bent down to say good-bye and was so touched when he put his scrawny and frail little hand on my cheek for a few seconds. Oh my, tears came to my eyes as I thought what a blessing it is to have Jovan under our care!We would like to ask for your prayers for Jovan as his body starts to grow and change with proper nutrition and tender loving care. We pray that Jovan will recover quickly and that he will not suffer life long affects from the severe malnutrition. Thank you being a part of Jovan’s life and for your loving support of this ministry that enables us to take him in to the caring environment at Children’s Shelter of Cebu.Jovan is one of 76 children that we presently have. Each of them has a difficult past. None of them would be here today if not for the faithful partners of Children’s Shelter of Cebu. Bless each one of you!
Warning- it's sad, but it has a happy ending.
Jovan's Story by Marlys
On January 14th we received an urgent message that there was an extremely ill child in a squatter village near the city bus terminal, so one of our nurses, one of our social workers and I went there immediately to assess the situation. There was no place to park so the government workers brought eleven month old Jovan to the vehicle. It was hard to believe that Jovan was even alive, as he was so emaciated and malnourished. His bones and veins were barely covered by a thin layer of skin and he was so weak that his cry was a mere whimper. He was severely dehydrated so he didn’t even have tears. His mother was out begging when we got there so we took him anyway with the assistance of the local officials. There was no time to wait for her return. Our hearts were breaking as we rushed him through the crowded streets of Cebu for an exam at our doctor’s office. We wrapped him carefully, as he was so frail, and gave him milk very slowly. His little tummy was not used to real nutrition. The desperate mother had been giving him watered down rice water, which was somewhat better than nothing.When Jovan was born his mother gave away his twin sister, as she was so distraught and wondered how she would feed another child when she had eight more at home. The father left his whole family, leaving the mother and nine kids to fend for themselves. No wonder she gave away Jovan’s precious sister. I wonder how she decided which one to give away. (Our social worker is presently trying to find Jovan’s sister.)Later, when the mother returned, she heard that we had her son at the doctor’s office, so she went there right away to watch the exam. I can’t imagine what she must have been feeling as she watched her son slowly fading away from her in the dark and filthy shack she called home. There he was being carefully examined by our compassionate and tender loving pediatrician in a safe and clean clinic, just a few miles from her village where her son was literally dying. (The doctor was so moved by meeting Jovan that he didn’t charge for the exam.)When I pulled in to our yard at the Shelter an hour later, the mother was about to leave with the barangay officials. She was there to see Jovan’s new home, and she met some of the Aunties and Uncles that care so tenderly for our children. She walked straight over to the window of the vehicle and there was genuine peace in her eyes as she stood outside, thanking us for rescuing her son. Maybe she slept a little that night, knowing that Jovan would no longer suffer the pain of starvation, but looking around her at the other eight kids must have quickly brought her back to reality.Jovan was admitted the following day for severe pneumonia and diarrhea, and after receiving medicine for de-worming, he passed an awful worm that was robbing him of any tiny amount of nutrition. Surely, there are more of them that we are anxious to get rid of with several weeks of medication.He has gained some strength, but he’s still very weak and barely able to cry to make his needs known. Yesterday was a thrilling day, however, as he was able to smile momentarily. He tires quickly. One thing is for sure, he will never again have to go to bed hungry, and never again will he ever want for anything. Just as I was about to leave I bent down to say good-bye and was so touched when he put his scrawny and frail little hand on my cheek for a few seconds. Oh my, tears came to my eyes as I thought what a blessing it is to have Jovan under our care!We would like to ask for your prayers for Jovan as his body starts to grow and change with proper nutrition and tender loving care. We pray that Jovan will recover quickly and that he will not suffer life long affects from the severe malnutrition. Thank you being a part of Jovan’s life and for your loving support of this ministry that enables us to take him in to the caring environment at Children’s Shelter of Cebu.Jovan is one of 76 children that we presently have. Each of them has a difficult past. None of them would be here today if not for the faithful partners of Children’s Shelter of Cebu. Bless each one of you!
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Tagged
I have been tagged by Amy to answer these fun & silly questions:
Four jobs I have had in my life:
1. teacher
2. gym manager
3. soldier
4. Assistant manager at Lady Foot Locker
Movies I have watched more than once
1. Sound of Music
2. Gone with the Wind
3. Grease
4. Shakespeare in Love
Four Places I have lived
1. Misawa, Japan
2. Washington State
3. Monterey, CA
4. Las Vegas, NV
Four T.V. Shows that I watch
1. Scrubs
2. Amazing Race
3. America's Next Top Model
4. CSI
Four places I have been
1. Florida
2. South Padre Island
3. Hawaii
4. Oregon
Four People who e-mail me (regularly)
1. Lafayette
2. Michelle
3. Pea
4. Mariela
Four favorite foods
1. Pizza
2.Burrito from Chipotle
3. Alice Springs Chicken (Outback Steak house)
4. Anything Ryan makes
Four Favorite Beverages
1. lemonade
2. Pepsi
3. Amaretto Sour
4. water
Four Places I would like to visit
1. New York
2. Europe (any where)
3. Anchorage
4. Northern California
Four friends I am tagging to do this
1.Pea
2. Mariela
3.Rachel
4. Heather
Things you may not know about me
1. I met Ryan in a bar
2. I love to dance
3. I really am a girly girl
4. I often wish that I could just take our family and go live on a secluded island somewhere (friends can visit of course)
Things I am looking forward to in the coming month & Year
1. Adopting our children
2. end of the school year
3. Finishing my research paper
4. taking our first road trip in the van
Four jobs I have had in my life:
1. teacher
2. gym manager
3. soldier
4. Assistant manager at Lady Foot Locker
Movies I have watched more than once
1. Sound of Music
2. Gone with the Wind
3. Grease
4. Shakespeare in Love
Four Places I have lived
1. Misawa, Japan
2. Washington State
3. Monterey, CA
4. Las Vegas, NV
Four T.V. Shows that I watch
1. Scrubs
2. Amazing Race
3. America's Next Top Model
4. CSI
Four places I have been
1. Florida
2. South Padre Island
3. Hawaii
4. Oregon
Four People who e-mail me (regularly)
1. Lafayette
2. Michelle
3. Pea
4. Mariela
Four favorite foods
1. Pizza
2.Burrito from Chipotle
3. Alice Springs Chicken (Outback Steak house)
4. Anything Ryan makes
Four Favorite Beverages
1. lemonade
2. Pepsi
3. Amaretto Sour
4. water
Four Places I would like to visit
1. New York
2. Europe (any where)
3. Anchorage
4. Northern California
Four friends I am tagging to do this
1.Pea
2. Mariela
3.Rachel
4. Heather
Things you may not know about me
1. I met Ryan in a bar
2. I love to dance
3. I really am a girly girl
4. I often wish that I could just take our family and go live on a secluded island somewhere (friends can visit of course)
Things I am looking forward to in the coming month & Year
1. Adopting our children
2. end of the school year
3. Finishing my research paper
4. taking our first road trip in the van
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Vacation's Over
Well the kids went back to school today, which was a bummer for all of us. Even though I complained about having 5 kids around the house everyday that couldn't go outside because it is so cold, I will miss having them around. They were fun to read with and play with and actually I learned how to get a lot done with them around. I even took all 5 of them to the hair salon one day because I had made an appointment for Lance a while ago and forgot I would be babysitting. They were all very good. Part of the reason I'll miss them, I have to admit, is that I learned that Liam and the girl we watched love to clean. I had a Creative Memories party on Sat. and I needed to clean the house last week.
Here they are scrubbing my kitchen floor (and they did a good job also)
Here they are scrubbing my kitchen floor (and they did a good job also)
There is the cutest quote from them also while they were scrubbing.
Liam: Isn't this so much fun!
A: Yes, I like doing this.
Liam: This is so much better than yesterday when we scrubbed the bathroom floors.
A: Yes, why?
Liam: Because yesterday mom was surrounding us the entire time, telling us what to do.
A: Yeah, we don't need to be surrounded all the time by someone. This is way more fun.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Financial Advice (from an expert of course)
Okay, blogging is all about sharing and I am going to share with you today. You might find it boring, but we are very excited about it. Last year Ryan's dad sent us a VHS tape and a book about finance stuff. We put on a shelf and said "we'll look at it later, we probably know it all". Well, when we were cleaning the basement last month I ran across it again and decided to throw it in because nothing was on t.v. I watched the first lesson and thought "this is really good stuff". I made Ryan watch the first lesson and he loved it also. We have now watched 3 lessons and we think it is the best thing since sliced bread.
First of all the guy is funny and he is not boring, his name is Dave Ramsey. Plus, he is teaching us things that we just didn't think about when it comes to money. Yes, we have a budget and Ryan is anal about balancing the checkbook every day and we have a Roth IRA etc., but we learned that there is a lot more to it than that. I know I sound like a infomercial, but it really is that good! I just want to share how wonderful this guy is. (I get no money for blogging about him.) :)
I think you can buy videos, but you can also listen to him on the radio for free or read his website for free. Maybe we could even get you a copy of his tape or something also, nothing illegal of course :)
Now I can feel better about myself because I shared my great find with all of my friends and family. It is now up to you if you want to check it out.
By the way, the plan he lays out is not easy, he wants us to learn discipline in our spending. However, he doesn't tell us what to spend your money on, just know where you are spending your money. Ryan said that if I want to rearrange our budget so we can have $200 a month going toward Chipotle, go for it, just don't complain about the things we have to take out of the budget to do that.
Enough sharing, check it out for yourself.
First of all the guy is funny and he is not boring, his name is Dave Ramsey. Plus, he is teaching us things that we just didn't think about when it comes to money. Yes, we have a budget and Ryan is anal about balancing the checkbook every day and we have a Roth IRA etc., but we learned that there is a lot more to it than that. I know I sound like a infomercial, but it really is that good! I just want to share how wonderful this guy is. (I get no money for blogging about him.) :)
I think you can buy videos, but you can also listen to him on the radio for free or read his website for free. Maybe we could even get you a copy of his tape or something also, nothing illegal of course :)
Now I can feel better about myself because I shared my great find with all of my friends and family. It is now up to you if you want to check it out.
By the way, the plan he lays out is not easy, he wants us to learn discipline in our spending. However, he doesn't tell us what to spend your money on, just know where you are spending your money. Ryan said that if I want to rearrange our budget so we can have $200 a month going toward Chipotle, go for it, just don't complain about the things we have to take out of the budget to do that.
Enough sharing, check it out for yourself.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Just a weather update
We've been busy here, but nothing worth writing about. However, I did want to update on all my non-Minnesotan friends about our wonderful weather here. Remember these are actual temps, not including the wind chill that will be added to make it feel like 35 below.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Friday, January 11, 2008
Friday Funnies
Remember when I told you all that we failed our MMPI test that was part of our psych evaluation? Well, my step-mom passed on this funny adaptation she found of the test and I thought I would pass it on to everyone for a laugh. Don't worry it doesn't have 550+ questions like the real test. If you have never taken the test, all of the answers have to be true or false and the questions are almost this ridiculous.
NNPI (No Nonsense Personality Inventory)
1. At times I am afraid my toes will fall off.
2. As an infant, I had very few hobbies.
3. Some people look at me.
4. Spinach makes me feel alone.
5. Sometimes I think someone is trying to take over my stomach.
6. My teeth sometimes leave my body.
7. I think I would like the work of a hummingbird.
8. I have always been disturbed by the size of Lincoln's ears.
9. It makes me angry to have people bury me.
10. I believe I smell as good as most people.
11. Most people vomit out of spite.
12. Constantly losing my underwear doesn't bother me.
13. It is hard for me to find the right thing to say when I am in a room full of cockroaches.
14. I believe that halitosis is better than no breath at all.
15. Weeping brings tears to my eyes.
16. I believe in life after birth.
17. Some songs make me burp.
18. I never seem to finish whatever I
If you have ever taken the test, this funny is right on. I hope you enjoy this even if you haven't had the pleasure of taking the test. For the record, I think one of the areas that I was inconsistent in was that I checked true about liking to read magazines about gardening, however I checked false about wanting to be a florist. Whatever!
NNPI (No Nonsense Personality Inventory)
1. At times I am afraid my toes will fall off.
2. As an infant, I had very few hobbies.
3. Some people look at me.
4. Spinach makes me feel alone.
5. Sometimes I think someone is trying to take over my stomach.
6. My teeth sometimes leave my body.
7. I think I would like the work of a hummingbird.
8. I have always been disturbed by the size of Lincoln's ears.
9. It makes me angry to have people bury me.
10. I believe I smell as good as most people.
11. Most people vomit out of spite.
12. Constantly losing my underwear doesn't bother me.
13. It is hard for me to find the right thing to say when I am in a room full of cockroaches.
14. I believe that halitosis is better than no breath at all.
15. Weeping brings tears to my eyes.
16. I believe in life after birth.
17. Some songs make me burp.
18. I never seem to finish whatever I
If you have ever taken the test, this funny is right on. I hope you enjoy this even if you haven't had the pleasure of taking the test. For the record, I think one of the areas that I was inconsistent in was that I checked true about liking to read magazines about gardening, however I checked false about wanting to be a florist. Whatever!
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Liam is growing up!
Today the boys went out to play because it was a super warm day and they have a great sledding hill going on in the back yard. Well, Liam has been telling us about a loose tooth since we went to the dentist a few weeks ago and he was told he has 4 loose teeth. He kept wiggling the top tooth and telling me it was loose and asking for Laffy Taffy (the cure all for loose teeth). So, today they were sledding and they crashed into each other (quite usual) and Liam came to the door. I thought he just needed a Kleenex, then he opened his mouth and I saw the blood. He had lost his first tooth! My next question was...Do you have the tooth? And he opened his non-gloved hand and showed it to me. Score! That's worth $2 in this house. Liam's first pictures without his bottom tooth (notice not the one he thought was loose).
Friday, January 4, 2008
Save the date!
Did you take a lot of pictures at Christmas and don't know how to organize them? Or did you make a New Year's Resolution that you will update your photo albums this year? Well, I am having a consultant at my house for a Creative Memories demonstration and I want everyone to come meet her.
She said that CM is now more than just scrapbooking, they help people organize digital pictures, do framing, and have non-scrapbooking albums.
It is at my house on Sat. Jan. 19th at 1pm. I will be sending e-vites to people also, (if I have your e-mail address) but I want everyone to know they are invited.
She said that CM is now more than just scrapbooking, they help people organize digital pictures, do framing, and have non-scrapbooking albums.
It is at my house on Sat. Jan. 19th at 1pm. I will be sending e-vites to people also, (if I have your e-mail address) but I want everyone to know they are invited.
Are we Crazy?
When I tell people that we are planning to adopt a sibling group of 3 children we often get the reaction of "are you crazy?" After watching 3 of my friend's kids this week, I am beginning to ask myself that question. The kids we are watching are wonderful kids, I love their parents and they respect me and play with my boys, however it is soooo much work. I have only had them 3 days this week from 8am to 5pm and then I get a week off, I won't get a week off from my own children when we have 5 and they won't go home at 5pm. I have to question what were we thinking a little when we said three more would be a good number.
But just like any time I read or think about something that makes me question the adoption, I think about what we are doing and why we are doing it. People have 5 kids all the time and survive, heck there are people out there with 10+ kids and doing fine. Yes, it is more work than 2, but the rewards will be greater also.
I am excited about adopting 3 children and it will be fun, challenging and rewarding. I think the first year will be extra difficult, just like adding anyone to your family would be, but I know in the long run we will all be better for the experience. Just don't think I'll call or write that first year, I'll be so tired!
But just like any time I read or think about something that makes me question the adoption, I think about what we are doing and why we are doing it. People have 5 kids all the time and survive, heck there are people out there with 10+ kids and doing fine. Yes, it is more work than 2, but the rewards will be greater also.
I am excited about adopting 3 children and it will be fun, challenging and rewarding. I think the first year will be extra difficult, just like adding anyone to your family would be, but I know in the long run we will all be better for the experience. Just don't think I'll call or write that first year, I'll be so tired!
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Foster Friends
As you think about your life over the past year and what you want for the future year, I thought I would add something for you to think and pray about.
A year ago I was told of a website that has literally changed our lives. We already had it in our hearts to adopt and we were just looking for the where and when. This website sealed the deal and answered those questions for us. I am not asking anyone to physically adopt a child like we are, but rather to foster a friend.
It is no secret that I favor one children's shelter in the Philippines, the Children's Shelter of Cebu. We met the director of it last year when we went to a local information session about adoption. Also, my aunt and uncle are friends with the people that run the shelter from the days they were missionaries in Cebu. I would like my connection to the orphanage to be your connection also.
A year ago we decided to have a foster friend from CSC. His name is Rodrigo and he is 6 years old. We donate $25 a month to CSC as his friend and we send him an occasional gift or letter. In return CSC sends us cards and letters at different times during the year, some about Rodrigo, others from him. We just got our Christmas card from him and it was addressed to Auntie Julie and Uncle Ryan, it almost made me cry it was so cute. We can not adopt Rodrigo, even though he is as cute as a button, but we can help him have a great life at CSC. We love all they do there and we like supporting them and their mission.
Just think about it. If it isn't the right time for you to have a foster friend that is okay, but tell others about it please.
I feel like that woman on t.v. begging for money for the starving children around the world. Sorry about that. No guilt here, no child will be without food or any story like that.
A year ago I was told of a website that has literally changed our lives. We already had it in our hearts to adopt and we were just looking for the where and when. This website sealed the deal and answered those questions for us. I am not asking anyone to physically adopt a child like we are, but rather to foster a friend.
It is no secret that I favor one children's shelter in the Philippines, the Children's Shelter of Cebu. We met the director of it last year when we went to a local information session about adoption. Also, my aunt and uncle are friends with the people that run the shelter from the days they were missionaries in Cebu. I would like my connection to the orphanage to be your connection also.
A year ago we decided to have a foster friend from CSC. His name is Rodrigo and he is 6 years old. We donate $25 a month to CSC as his friend and we send him an occasional gift or letter. In return CSC sends us cards and letters at different times during the year, some about Rodrigo, others from him. We just got our Christmas card from him and it was addressed to Auntie Julie and Uncle Ryan, it almost made me cry it was so cute. We can not adopt Rodrigo, even though he is as cute as a button, but we can help him have a great life at CSC. We love all they do there and we like supporting them and their mission.
Just think about it. If it isn't the right time for you to have a foster friend that is okay, but tell others about it please.
I feel like that woman on t.v. begging for money for the starving children around the world. Sorry about that. No guilt here, no child will be without food or any story like that.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
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