Yikes

So - Hunkahubby and I are going to start doing the Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University . . .

I'll keep you updated . . .

Wordless Wednesday

The end of May . . .

I can't believe it is almost June.  Again.  Time flies so fast.

We've had a fun month.

At the beginning of the month, my best friend and I took our kids to the Great Wolf Lodge.  We all had a blast, and Michelle and I even got to get PEDICURES!

I took my sister, my twin niece and nephew (and my kids) to Bouncertown and my oldest won 1000 tickets on one game!

To celebrate our FIFTH Family Birthday . . . Hunkahubby and I took the kids to the zoo.

And we had cake.

And my hubby had a reception for his art that is on display with fellow artist Alix Cain at the Greater Greenfield Chamber of commerce.  I am so proud of him!  (Check out some pictures of the event on his artist blog.)

The puppies got to explore outside - and they keep growing, and I am struggling to stay unattached.  Only two more weeks until they are big enough to leave the nest.  :-(

Angelina graduated from her Kindergarten class at school and got a new Bible.  She loves it.

The kids survived another year at school and I now have a 1st grader, 3rd grader, and a 5th grader.  Wow.

And this weekend, Hunkahubby had a luau party for us, just for the fun of it.

And although we have had our struggles - this month has ended up a whole lot better than I thought it would.  And I am SO THANKFUL.

Happy Memorial Day to everyone. 

Remember those who have gone before us - and take the time to cherish those who are still here.

Thankful Thursday

I have MUCH to be thankful for.  Especially this week.

Our family has gone through an extremely rough time over the past year.  But we are getting through it.


So today - I am thankful for:

1.  The God who guides me through the storms - even when I don't realize it . . .

2.  My family that God brought together.

3.  My friends and family who stick with me, encourage me, kick me when I need it - and pray without ceasing.

4.  Good jobs and future opportunities for Hunkahubby and me.

5.  The meow-meows and woof woofs who never cease to drive me crazy and make me love them even more.

Speaking of the PUPPIES . . . they are almost a MONTH OLD!!!

And here is the one puppy that is already spoken for . . . at 3 weeks.  HE IS SO CUTE!!!

Take some time today to be THANKFUL!!!

Puppies!

Yes.  We're nuts.

A couple of months ago - we helped out a cousin with a shih tzu.  She did not have time to take care of the doggy the way she should - and since we're addicted to shih tzus, we took her in.

Well -uh . . . we had her less than a week and she came into heat.

And so now - 2 months later . . .

We have puppies!

No . . . we are not keeping them . . .  (We ARE going to fix our dogs, though!)

And I'm not sleeping right now . . .

But they are so cute!!!

As for the papa?

Well - there are 3 black and white puppies and one brown one . . . and here are the possible papas . . .

 (Daisy is in the middle)

And Murphy (on the left) had black and white siblings . . .

So . . . the world may never know . . .

Starting (or joining) a revolution!

Check out my post on my other blog:

http://timeforachangeinme.blogspot.com/2010/03/balancing-act-begins-weigh-in-tonight.html

Thankful Thursday

I haven't done a thankful Thursday in a while.  I've been in a deep dark hole, struggling to get out.

I think it's funny that we have a dog named Murphy, and Hunkahubby named him because of Murphy's Law . . . well - Murphy is laughing at that right now.

A lot of not so fun things have happened in our family over the past few months.  I'm not going to get into detail here - but suffice it to say that most everything is life changing.

And Tuesday morning - when I didn't think I could take one more thing - one more thing happened.  And I laughed so hard that I started crying.

And yesterday morning, as I was driving to work - I was so sad because it was already 50 degrees, I knew it was going to be a BEAUTIFUL spring day - and I couldn't enjoy it.  Spring always lifts my mood - and I couldn't be lifted.  However, the night before, a good friend had reminded me to take things one day at a time, or even one minute at a time.  So I struggled through each minute.  And yesterday morning, a few things turned around.  I was able to enjoy the day.  And then, as I headed home, more things came crashing in to try and steal my joy.  But God sent my neighbor to me to bring that joy back and help me out in the days to come.

So today - I am going to be specific in my thanks:

Thank you for my husband who is doing everything he can to make our family work.

Thank you for my forever best friend Michelle for always being there - even when she can't do anything - she knows exactly what to say (or what not to say).

Thank you to LisaMarie who is a new friend who consistently says something that snaps me out of a funk or helps me understand.  I am blessed to know you.

Thank you to Kim and Christine who love so much and want to help so much and hurt with us when we hurt.  You are both treasures.

Thank you to Rett and Debbie J. who are both going through struggles of their own - but still take time to check up on us.  Thank you for your love, prayers, and friendship.

Thank you to Deb P. who has talked me down from the ledge, several times.  Your friendship is a Godsend.

Thank you to my Dad and SuperStepMommy for loving without judging and being the best parents a girl could have.

Thank you to my brother - for being YOU.  You keep your chin up too.

Thank you to my 2 sisters who I just met less than a year ago for the first time.  You would never know we haven't known each other our whole lives.  You have both brought so much joy into my life - and you have been there for me in this time of need.  I am so thankful for both of you.

Thank you to Laurie, Auntie Linda, Unka Steve, Steph, and Kate for always checking up on me right at the time where I need to hear a friendly voice (or text.)  Your prayers are always felt.

Thank you to all those other friends (I would name people, but I know I'll leave someone out) who check on me on FB, send me an email, or just do something to make me laugh when I need it most.  YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE.

And I want to specifically thank Miss Shelley for being there for me yesterday and in the days to come.  God knew what he was doing when he moved us into the neighborhood and you were one of the first people to welcome us.  You and your family have been right there for us ever since.  We love you so much.

So as you can see - in the midst of all of the things that are trying to bring me down - I have so many things to be thankful for.  And even though it is supposed to rain all day . . . I can still feel the sunshine of how much I am blessed.

"One day at a time, Sweet Jesus

That's all I'm asking from you

Just give me the strength to do every day

What I have to do

Yesterday's gone, Sweet Jesus

And tomorrow may never be mine

Lord help me today, Show me the way

One day at a time."

A BREAK from theatre

The show closed yesterday.  I wanted to include a few more pictures that I took and a cast photo.  I'll start updating you with other happenings soon.  I have no theatre plans on the immediate horizon and I'm looking forward to hanging out with my kids in the evenings.

Maggie in the mirror . . .

Big Daddy

Brick & Maggie

Cast & Crew Photo

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof

Carmel Community Players

February 2010

(photo by Brian Koning)

GREAT JOB ALL!

Theatre Update

I just thought I'd post a few pictures of current theatre happenings.  I am currently AD for Carmel Community Players' "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof."  I have to admit that I have totally fallen in love with Tennessee Williams during this learning experience.  He is an amazing writer and all of his work is so full of emotion that it literally DRAINS you.

I'm learning so much from my friend and director, R. Brian Noffke and I'm thankful that he has allowed me this awesome learning experience.

The cast is FABULOUS.  Within the first week of rehearsals - I was already crying during a scene.  What am I going to do when they have all learned their lines and are able to focus MORE on making me cry???

So - I have to say that if you are in the are during the run of this show - you REALLY need to come check out this show.  Here is the information:  Carmel Community Players

Big Daddy making Big Mama cry.

Maggie attempting to get Brick to listen to her . . .

Brick FORCING Maggie to listen to him!

COME SEE THE SHOW!!

I need to write more . . .

But my thoughts have gotten more personal.  I have so many things that I NEED to write, but not things that I want to share with the world.

So I am starting a new blog that is private, that I may share with a few select people . . . but it is for ME.

2010's mantra is - NEW YEAR, NEW ME.

I will continue to update this blog with family, furry, and theatre happenings.

I hope this year is going well for each of you!!

12 Days of Christmas

My friend Rett did this on her blog and I want to do it too! Wives of Faith is doing a 12 Days of Christmas Blog Carnival. See the latest post here.

So I'll catch up with the days I missed and hopefully keep up from here on out!

1st Day of Christmas: My Favorite Christmas Song
I have several favorite Christmas songs and I am unable to pick just ONE. I love "Oh Holy Night" and "Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas". They both can get me all choked up pretty quickly because of their messages. I also love the song "Silver Bells" for extremely nostalgic reasons. My mother has never been known for her singing voice - but for some reason, she could sing that song on pitch and I remember driving around in the car at Christmas time, singing Silver Bells with my Mom. It is a good memory.

2nd Day of Christmas: My Favorite Christmas Recipe
My grandma always made fondant at Christmastime. I try and make it each Christmas now to remember her. It is pretty much PLAIN SUGAR, but oh so yummy. I used to love helping her knead the fondant and then roll it into balls and place nuts in the middle. I miss Grandma this time of year.

No Cook Fondant

1/3 c. soft butter
1/3 c. corn syrup
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla
3 1/2 c. powdered sugar (TOLD YA!)
Food coloring (optional)

Blend the butter, syrup, salt, and vinalla in a mixing bowl.
Add sugar and mix again. Turn onto cloth and knead until smooth.
Wrap and chill. Divide into thirds and add food coloring.
Nuts, coconuts, or candied cherries can be added or leave plain
and put a walnut half on top. (She always made them with the walnuts.)

3rd Day of Christmas: The Best Christmas Present I Ever Gave
This one is pretty easy. I LOVE giving gifts. I often get in trouble because I can't wait until Christmas to give presents and then I end up buying more to make sure those I love have something to open on Christmas. But the best Christmas Present I Ever Gave had a little help from the family I spent most of my time with during high school. I credit this family with helping me survive some rough times in my life. Their family had a tradition of making blankets out of jean material. They are so warm and you can personalize them by using patches on the squares, etc. (The Family Mama actually made me one too, and I still sleep under it.)

When my Grandfather died, I got some of his old farm overalls - and that sweet family helped me sew a jean blanket for my Grandma. I worked day and night for a couple of days before our family Christmas. I remember all of us around their kitchen table putting the final touches on it the morning before I was to give it to Grandma. I was exhausted that Christmas, but seeing how much Grandma loved the blanket was so worth it. If you read my blog, you know my Grandma is gone now too - and I just recently got that blanket back. It is a great memory that I can share with my children.

4th Day of Christmas: The Best Christmas Present I Ever Received
I have a lot - but I don't remember the Christmas GETTING as much as I remember the other things. One of the first things that came to mind for me was during my freshman year of college. My parents got divorced that year. It was a rough time, but my Dad and I have always been close and we helped each other through it. That year, I came home and there was a leather jacket on my bed. I had always wanted a leather "bomber" jacket and my Dad got me one. I think he knew we both needed some happiness in our lives. I still have that jacket and it always makes me think of Dad.

5th Day of Christmas: My Favorite Christmas Movie
Once again, I cannot pick just one. I have several. First of all, it is a family tradition to watch "White Christmas" every year. I have great memories of that movie and now my hubby and I watch it with our children. I also love the old cartoon "Twas the Night Before Christmas" with the mice and the clock. As for newer Christmas movies? I love The Santa Clause movies, the Grinch, and probably my most favorite . . . The Muppet Christmas Carol. The music in that movie just GETS me. Hmmm. I think we need to watch it. Tonight.

6th Day of Christmas: My Funniest Christmas Memory
I can't think of a funniest right now . . . but I can think of a "funnest": Our first Christmas with the kids. These three children who had never seen Christmas like we do it. Their eyes bulging out when they came down the stairs and saw all the presents and the things Santa left for them under the tree. We went a little crazy with gifts that year, but we were trying to make up for the Christmases where they didn't have as much. It was so fun, watching them open those gifts, hardly believe it was for them. We were still getting to know each other as a family - but that first Christmas was so exciting - and I will always remember it.

7th Day of Christmas: What Christmas Means to Me
My first thought when I read this was "Lights please . . ."


Linus reminds us every year of what "Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown" and that is what Christmas means to me. Christmas is about Jesus' birth, which was about Love. Christmas is about His love for us and our love for each other.

I finally got caught up - I'll try to do the rest of the days one at a time!

I hope everyone is enjoying this wonderful time of year . . .

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

Yes, I've been immersed in drama land, again. And will continue to be - at least through February.

But tonight - The Best Christmas Pageant Ever opens. I have one line at the very beginning and then I "wrangle" children who are waiting in the wings. My kiddos are shepherds/angels.

It is going to be a great, fun, family show and I hope many people come to see it.

I really am blessed to live in this community and have so many new friends to share these things with.

It has been too long . . .

I've really been neglecting my writing. :-(

Theatre has overtaken my life - and I am happy for that. Mostly because I have met so many talented and wonderful people along the way. The only thing I'm not too thrilled about?? Artistic people, their fragile egos and their constant need to cause drama OFF the stage. But it is all part of the overall package. And in the end - it is worth it.

We performed in Fiddler on the Roof as a family, hubby and I just completed My Fair Lady, the kids and I are doing The Best Christmas Pageant Ever now and there are several things lined up for next year. I've been sucked in with no hope of escape!!

But that is okay with me. We have found something that the entire family enjoys. And I think it is great!

What does your family enjoy doing together?

Cutest Dog Competition

Thankful Thursday

Today I am thankful that My Fair Lady opens tomorrow.

This has been a really stressful week and I have barely seen my children. I'm looking forward to seeing them on a regular basis starting next week!!!

I am thankful for the opportunity to meet so many wonderful and talented people in this show and I am thankful that my husband and I get to share this experience together.

:-)

Climbing out of the rabbit hole

(internet photo - behappy4life.com)

Depression is very real. I grew up with people on all sides of the spectrum when it comes to depression. There are those who have experienced it, understand it and know how to deal with it when it happens. There are those who experience it, refuse to acknowledge it, and make the lives of those around them difficult because of it. There are those who hate the stigma of depression so much that they don't want to discuss it. And there are those who don't believe depression is real, say it is "all in their head" or "they are just doing it for attention."

Because of these things, so many people do not want to talk about depression.

I think it is important that we do. So I am. Read on if you wish . . .

My family has a long history with depression. We have had family members who have committed suicide and a large amount who have been diagnosed with some sort of depressive disorder; some who take their medicine and deal with it as they should, and others who only admit their issues when it is convenient for them.

Because of what I went through as a child/teenager/young adult - I am aware of the signs of depression. When I start to feel down, I try and decide what is causing it. Once I've figured out the reason, I try to determine the best way to deal with it. If I cannot make the sad feeling go away - I seek help. I never want to put my family through the things I had to go through. (Which is a much longer story for another time.)

We've had a rough few months. It was not all bad, it was just very hectic and busy, mixed in with some yucky stuff. I dealt with it pretty well for a while - but then I felt myself falling into that deep dark hole. I got cranky with people. I yelled at my kids and my husband when I usually wouldn't. I was mean. And I am not a mean person. Then my chest would feel heavy and I felt like I could not breathe. I knew that I had to do something different.

I'm not afraid to admit when I need help. I went to the doctor and got some "happy pills" to get me through the rough spot. I have mixed emotions about using medication. The last time I had to use medication for depression - the medicine made me feel like I didn't care - about anything. I wasn't happy, I wasn't sad - I just existed. I hated that. I HAVE TO FEEL. I am an emotional person, and that is just who I am. I don't want to change who I am - I just don't want to live in the darkness.

The other thing that is an issue with anti-depression medication is that it often causes you to gain weight. Well THAT would just cause me to be even MORE depressed, so how would that help?

The good thing: I have an awesome family doctor. I expressed all of these things to her and she was able to find something to help me that did not cause weight gain and that worked quickly. After only a few days - I started to see the light of the outside world again. My meanness subsided and I was able to smile. And I was thankful.

I honestly believe that everyone deals with depression at one time or another. The important thing is to find someone to talk to about it. Don't let it run your life and don't let it turn you into a victim. You can make it through it and come out a better person on the other side. Don't be ashamed. The only reason to be ashamed is if you refuse to deal with it and cause others to suffer along with you.

"People make mistakes,
Fathers, mothers,
People make mistakes
Holding to their own,
Thinking they're alone.

Honor their mistakes
Everybody makes
one another's terrible mistakes.
Witches can be right,
Giants can be good.
You decide what's right
You decide what's good.

Just remember . . .

Someone is on your side.
Someone else is not.
While you're seeing your side
maybe you forgot:
They are not alone.

No one is alone.

Hard to see the light now
Just don't let it go.
Things will come out right now
We can make it so.

Someone is on your side

No one is alone."

-Into the Woods

You MUST check this out.

This is my Uncle Steve's new project! Check it out!!!

http://eivw.blogspot.com/2009/09/shadowland-is-here.html

http://www.shadowlandproject.com/

I think I need to change things to THANKFUL MONDAY!

I have been slacking. On blogging, on being thankful, on many things.

It's been a pretty stressful couple of months. Some good stress, some bad stress, and some just plain, everyday, ordinary stress. I won't go into the details, because I would rather just put it behind me.

However, we had a very successful run of Fiddler on the Roof. We got standing ovations every night and our last two performances sold out. Hunkahubby and I are now doing My Fair Lady and the kiddos are tagging along to some rehearsals - while my bestest friend in the whole world is watching them for me on other nights. I don't know what I would do without her!! I couldn't!!

Needless to say - with working all day and rehearsing all night - it is really hard to get up in the mornings! ESPECIALLY ON MONDAY! The next few weeks are going to be pretty rough - but I am determined to keep a good attitude and do my best in everything I am involved in.

How can I keep a good attitude? Because I have a beautiful family. Three kids who allow us to indulge in this passion without too much complaining. A wonderfully talented husband who is working so hard at so many things.

And friends. Old and new. Those old friends who you know you can always count on no matter what, no matter how stupid or crazy you act, they still love you.

Those new friends who laugh at your crazy and stupidness and make life a better place to be.

For all of these things - I am so very blessed. So this MONDAY - I will remind myself of all of the blessings . . . HAPPY MONDAY!!

(And I cannot forget to mention this BEAUTIFUL PRE-FALL INDIANA WEATHER that God gave to us!!! THANK YOU!)

Thankful Thursday

I am struggling to find things to be thankful for today. It has been a really rough few weeks. But I will find some things to be thankful for!

1. My youngest daughter is six today! She is growing up so fast.
2. I'll be registering the kids for school this evening, and I am excited about buying school supplies!
3. I have great friends, old and new, who really know me and make me feel loved.
4. I've been married for 8 years (as of the 4th) to my wonderful husband who puts up with me when I hit a deep blue funk that I struggle to climb out of.
5. My mother-in-law who recently had quadruple bypass surgery is doing much better and should be leaving the hospital for rehabilitation in the next few days.
6. The sun is shining, and my family is healthy. What more could I really ask for?

Thank you to Amaya for reminding me to be thankful!!

Thankful Thursday

I have a lot to be thankful for.

I have a good job.

A wonderful, gorgeous, talented husband who loves me unconditionally, even on the days where he would rather lock me in a padded room.

I have 3 great, smart (sometimes with an -alleck tagged on the end) kids who are pretty good, MOST OF THE TIME.

I have a ton of little furry things running around my house who really do love me unconditionally and don't want to lock me up, who miss me when I'm gone and always listen to me.

I have great friends. Some friends that have stuck with me for over 30 years, and some who I just met in the past month. I love those friends who I can go weeks without seeing and then when we get together, it is like no time has passed. I am also very blessed by my new friends that make me feel like I have known them all of my life!

I have a God who created this world and loved me enough to give me the chance to experience all these things that I am so thankful for.

This Thursday - I am really, really thankful. :-)

How about you?