Jenni's Challenge Day 30

A picture of yourself this day and 5 good things that happened since you started the challenge

1. I wrote a few happy posts...it's hard for me to write happy posts since I usually only turn to my blog to vent, but I did it. I wrote a couple happy posts:)

2. When I was looking for my fav picture I looked at the photo book that Syndi made me for Christmas and it made me happy.

3. I was able to sing one of my favorite songs in church:)

4. A lot of my friends from out of town came to visit: Benningtons, Ben and Heather, Lowrys, Dubs, Carrie, Lindsey A. and more, I'm sure...sad that I missed Suz! And got to visit with people that I don't normally get to see at the BT and the 1999 pizza party!

5. I am not obligated to write the rest of the summer if I don't want...30 days was difficult!

I'll try to upload a few pictures if I'm feeling up to it after the Mud Hens game with the UMC!!!

Here is my picture since it's supposed to be taken the day I post and I didn't get one...snapshot at the end of a LONG day, after face washing, little sleep thanks to Laura and mud hens with church and family...TIRED!

Jenni's Challenge Day 29

Day 29: 3 Wishes

I remember hearing about the Hammitts and the terrible tragedy of losing their mom (and also being survivors) in the tornado a little over a year ago. When I heard the news my stomach hurt and my heart ached, but it wasn't until I saw them in church on Christmas Eve that I felt God's whisper to reach out to them. After church on Christmas Eve I felt compelled to request Jenni and Amy on facebook as I didn't have time in my rush to get to our annual shrimp fest to say hello and that I had been praying for them. I have known them my entire life. They grew up in the same church as me, went to the same school as me and lived in the same town as me, but when I heard about their mom I didn't want to be one of *"them". I would greet them with a smile and hello as we passed, but never took the time to reach out until recently.

Today is day 29 of a 30 day blog challenge that I decided to join. The blog challenge was posted by Jennifer Hammitt (you can visit one of her blogs here).

1. Norm Hammitt, Jenni's father, passed away this morning so I think it is only fitting that she gets my first wish and most of my thought concentration today as I post day 29 of her challenge. I started following her blog shortly after I sent her a friend request. She is a wonderful writer, she has even written a novel! I read somewhere that if you write honestly and truthfully people will relate to and be drawn to your writing. I'm pretty sure that's why I'm drawn to her writing. Anyways, back to my wishes. I wish for strength and peace for her, Amy, Adam and the rest of the Hammitt clan during the difficult days, weeks, months and years to come. Hoping they find some comfort knowing that their parents are once again together.

2. I wish a lifetime of love and happiness for the beautiful newlywed couple married yesterday, Eric and Katie Warner. The ceremony and reception was beautiful...and one of the most gorgeous dresses I have seen yet!

3. My last wish is that my house will miraculously be clean, the laundry done and put away and my children sleeping when I snap my fingers. SNAP. No, didn't work. Guess I better go play maid and mommy. And since I knew that wish wouldn't work, I'll post a wish #3G.

3G. Today, as I am feeling reflective and blessed to have listened to God's whisper on Christmas Eve, I wish that everyone takes the time to listen to Him whisper to them. Even if you don't know the reason He is whispering, listen. I was able to make two new friends that have more in common with me than I would have ever known if I wouldn't have taken five minutes to email them.

Continued prayers to the Hammitts. May every sunrise hold more promise and every sunset hold more peace.

PICTURE THANKS TO GRANT CUMMINGS



*One of 500 requests for friendship on fb when you are dealing with a tramatic event and then when the dust settles those 500 friends aren't anywhere to be found.

Jenni's Challenge Day 28

Day 28: Something that stresses you out

LIFE.

It's only the beginning

A re-post from my private blog because we could all use a little strength and guidance as we face difficult decisions and especially as we say goodbye. I hope you find comfort knowing that final moments here are really only the beginning. Praying for peace for Norm. Praying for strength, wisdom and grace for Jenni, Amy, Adam and the rest of their clan. Know that I am thinking of you all as you meet with Hospice and as you spend your final moments.

Final Moments--but really it's only the beginning

"This is so hard to watch, how do you do this every day?" with tears streaming down her face, my Aunt Deb manages to blubber out. "How do you say goodbye, how are you so strong?" I continued to hold her and let her sob. I was not strong enough to tell her that a couple of my friends had to do this same thing for me just two days earlier, or that I cry on my way to and from work each and every day. I just responded with "I have to for him and I have to for Him. I have to because if my Dad doesn't think I'm strong enough to go on when he's gone, he will continue to fight Gods call. You know that God is calling him home. Right, Aunt Deb?" I can feel her nod against my shoulder. "That he will soon be with Granny, Papa, Bruce, Carlee and others. They are there waiting for him. Someday Dad will be waiting for us too." She managed to squeak out an "I know honey."

Knowing that she needed comfort and I so need to believe, I continued "Someday when God calls us home, Dad will be standing without help and able to run to us and embrace us. He will smell like Obsession cologne and he will have a neatly trimmed moustache rather than a crazy beard. His face and belly will not be swollen and he will not get angry when you encourage him to eat, he'll probably ask for more. He will not look toward the wall as if he's in another place because you will be there too. You know that too right?" She started to calm down a little bit and let go just a little of her squeeze. "I love you so much Laura Leigh, please call if I can help." At that moment, as I could feel the sting of the tears in my eyes, so eagerly trying to break free and I could see my inquisitive daughter watching my every move, I was able to stop the flood. Very Jean-like I told her, "Well, you can clean the bathroom before you go!"

We let go and I looked at my beautiful little girl, another part of me, another part of my daddy. She asked me "Why are you guys crying?" I was not ready to answer this question, I was not prepared for this part of the process. I replied "we're sad babe and it's alright to be sad sometimes." She was satisfied with this response and told me she's ready to read her chapter book, but her wheels are spinning.

I turned around to look at the rest of the audience. My Aunt Chris had also come over for a visit, probably her final visit too. Tears were streaming down her face. My mom was standing next to us with just a single tear to match the one that escaped down my too tired to wear make up face. Extreme sadness and grief brings you closer to your loved ones. Even though I do not think it was my Aunts right to ask hospice for a timeline, or some of the others things she did during her time here, I know that she only seeks peace for my dad.

My dad is in so much pain today. He has been up since 430am coughing and gasping for his breath. I had to pick him up to put him in his wheelchair. We got him out in the garage-I told him he can smoke in his room, but he wanted to be out there. He has been there since we wheeled him out at 7am, it's noon now. He is still coughing and gasping for air. His face is distorted in pain.

My sister-in-law called to ask what to do, is he going to die soon? I don't know, I'm not God is how I wanted to respond. Yet, my protective, motherly instincts kicked in and I told her that I think he'll be here waiting for them on Sunday when they return and I'll call with any changes. I don't want my brother to feel bad for going to his conference, but don't want him to miss my dad leaving this world if he wants to be there either.




"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." -Revelation 21:4

Bible Thumping

Since my husband and many of my friends have started calling me a Bible thumper, I have decided to embrace the title:) Usually my blog is where I do my thumping and most of the people that follow are aware of this fact. Since usually people follow a blog because they like the reading material (some people are just nosey and like to know what I'm up to) I assume that most of my followers believe.

Due to this assumption I am asking for prayers for the Hammits. If you know them then you are probably aware of a little bit of their story, but even if you don't their dad is in the hospital and they need prayers. That's it, just prayers.

Jenni's Challenge Day 27

It's Friday...what are you doing

Working and then having some of the 99 crew (and monsters) over for pizza:) Carrie's in town and we all know I use any excuse possible to have a party!! Only took a couple pictures...I was slacking!

Jenni's Challenge Day 26

Day 26: Your favorite mistake

Lilly Ayers Strong

She's not a mistake because she's absolutely 100% perfect, but she was certainly not planned and we were certainly not prepared!

Jenni's Challenge Day 25

Day 25: Put your iPod on shuffle, first 10 songs

1. Bee Girl-Pearl Jam
2. Road to Nowhere-Talking Heads
3. When you Really Love Someone-Alicia Keys and Lellow
4. White Moon-White Stripes
5. Funeral-The Arcade Fire
6. Painter Song-Nora Jones
7. Daugther-PJ Live in Cleveland...ONE of my favs:)
8. Waitin' on a Sunny Day-Bruce Springsteen
9. I Walk the Line-Johnny Cash (Lilly loves Johnny Cash)
10. God's Dice-PJ

Aaron does load my ipod...and I RARELY put it on shuffle, but this was fun...the kids liked the songs it picked.

Jenni's Challenge Day 24

Something you've learned

When I did the lent Bible study, I took time to actually learn this scripture about treasures in heaven. Matthew 6:19-24

My favorite verse is the first:

19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal."


I don't think it was a focus scripture in the lent book, but my attention was drawn to it because of one of the book club members. I can't remember if it was Nan or Wilma, both are women that I love more and more each and every time our paths cross, but I would be willing to bet that they both feel the same way about the scripture, so it really doesn't matter which one said it anyways! Whoever it was said that they hope that by the time they are called to be with God that they don't have any talents, any gifts, anything left of them to give. They want to be all "used up" and have already given themselves fully to God.

I was speechless. I wanted to read more about this passage. I had to know what they were talking about! Since then I have read this lesson on many occasions. Applied the lesson to multiple different problems at hand.

The position that I receive a paycheck from is as a paralegal at a law firm. More than half of my assignments deal with the administration of estates. When people pass away it is necessary to obtain an attorney to deal with the estate taxes, the probate process and all the forms that must be completed. This is why it is necessary to have an attorney, but sometimes the attorney turns into a referee!

Often the loved ones left here to mourn the deceased argue over money and property. Disputes over money and personal items of value seem to happen all to often if you ask me! Even down to the brooch Granny was wearing at a special occasion. Sometimes it takes everything inside of me not to scream "Hello!! You know that you can't take that thing with you when you go, right!?! The memory of Granny wearing that brooch, yep, you can take it with you, but the $7 brooch that you're fighting with your loved one about, NOPE, can't take it!" This kind of treasure we may see today, but when we get old and die we cannot take it with us.


I have never really been materialistic. I don't like to shop. I have never really felt like I need to keep up with my friends. I like to spend money on things that make me and those around me happy, don't get me wrong, but I understand that you can't take all of your "prize possessions" with you. I didn't ask for anything when my dad passed away and neither did my brother. My mom happily handed out my dads clothes to family members that would appreciate the gesture. She offered his watch to Jake and Aaron, but they knew they wouldn't wear it so they respectfully declined. Why? Because you can't take the worldly treasures with you. If you are focused on collecting money and worldly possessions that is where your heart will be, devoted to the wrong master.

I have since decided to be more conscious to send my treasures to heaven. Give of myself and my time more freely. This morning I stopped at Meijer to grocery shop for the office, you know COFFEE and other essentials. Whether I am grocery shopping for work or myself, I am on a mission...mission to get out of the store as quickly as possible! As I was throwing items from the shelf into my cart I noticed an elderly man struggling to get a few containers of laundry detergent into his riding cart. I could have easily passed by him and went on my way. I could have pretended that I didn't see him struggling. I could have thought to myself, someone else will pass by and help him.

BUT, this moment is the type of treasure that you can take with you to heaven! It took me 5 seconds to move a box and grab the detergent he was struggling to get into his cart. He looked up and smiled at me when he thanked me. I looked down the aisle beside me and Linda Kelly was smiling at me, too. Everyone went on with their day, but we all shared that one treasure. During those 5 seconds that I could have grabbed another item off the shelf, instead we all took the time to smile and greet each other as we passed. That time was spent focused on helping others and that is the type of treasure you get to bring with you. It didn't cost me ANYTHING! My muscles are sore today, but not from picking up his detergent;)

To me this scripture implies that what we value the most is where your heart is. Think about it. Are your thoughts on worldly possessions or on God?

I am thankful to the lent book group for bringing this passage to my attention. Now when I am debating the solution to a problem I often ask myself, where is your heart focused? Is the focus on earth or heaven? I want my treasures sent to heaven because 24 “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money."

Maybe you could send your treasures stored in a balloon!! This picture is from a balloon launch in 2010 in memory of Mary Ann Kirkby.

Jenni's Challenge Day 23

Favorite Movie...Since I already listed my favorite movies earlier in this blog challenge, I'll do my favorite books.

The Power of One
The Celestine Prophecy
The Road
The Notebook
In a Pit With a Lion on a Snowy Day

I have read and watched the Road and STILL don't want guns in my house...this was one of the conversations last night:)

Jenni's Challenge Day 22

What's in your car?

Lots of hair since I brush my hair on the way to work and the brush I use to brush my nappy hair.

One of my black winter coats...it's only supposed to be 90 today, I might need it!

A green scarf that's been in there for probably 5 months.

A few water bottles.

A few pictures.

A few wrappers.

A few mapquest print outs of directions and the sheet music for "Blessings".

An extra purse.

A hair tie.

Some change.

A few in some instances means 20, but some it means 3;) My car is filthy and I have zero desire to clean it:) This was just on first glance inventory...I'm sure I'm missing lots of things that shouldn't be in your car!

Jenni's Challenge Day 21

Favorite Picture of yourself of all time. Why?

Favorite picture for variety of reasons. Taken on SB 2002 Panama City Beach. I watched the sunrise this night...as you can see, it was beautiful. Moments and memories that will always be in my heart.

Vain reasons: You can see the bottom of my belly button ring that I LOVED! This was one of my favorite shirts AND purses of all time (I liked the jeans too, but not one of my all time favorites)!! I was super tan.

This was before I was a grown up...no bills, no worries, no stress...just fun!

Grown up picture favorite is the one at the bottom of my blog...we need new family pictures soon because Keegan has changed into a little boy. I no longer have a baby...

Jenni's Challenge Day 20

Nicknames

I don't have any cool nicknames like Tammy, "T-Dawg" Donley or Laura, "Dubs" Hillkirk...just annoying ones that were put in place to annoy me really.

Bunion-Jay and his friends LOVED to call me this. I actually don't think they ever called me Laura and most of the time they didn't call Dubs Laura either, but called her Wednesday instead. I doubt most of them even know our real names!! They were big into nicknames, they all have them too:) And they are all much cooler than Bunion or Wednesday.

Onion-Naturally Runion Onion...got this alot in hs and it didn't bother me at all so I don't know why people continued to say it, but whatever:)

Runion-Laura STILL calls me this so I guess now it's a nickname because it's no longer my name...and I've been married for 7 years...I think she'll call me this forever:)

There is a LONG list of names that shouldn't be published that are used frequently to describe me...NICE is NOT one of them:)

Jenni's Challenge Day 19

Something you miss: Freedom pre-children.

Do you remember when you could just run up to the store without packing a diaper bag, loading the car and having to walk out of the store with suckers that end up making everything the monsters touch sticky? Or take it a step further, do you remember going to the store to get some eggs and bread and that would be your dinner until you worked again...even it was a week? Once you have children you have to plan meals...and they can't eat hot dogs and pizza every night...you have to include veggies (EWWW) and fruit and you know the whole food group bs.

How about sleeping in after you stay out too late? Nope, don't even think about it! Not with kids! Oh, unless you're the dad I have learned. "Mom, I'm hungry" or "Mommy, Keegan pooped" always happens well before 8am. Sometimes you can barely muster the strength to pour the cereal, not spill the milk and shove the bowl in front of them with the hopes that the Saturday morning cartoons will babysit for an extra hour...but is it worth it? Usually just as soon as you doze back into a peaceful sleep, dreaming of freedom pre-children, a box of cereal is dumped all over the floor or someone colors on the wall in permanent marker...oh and that list of things that happens when you choose sleep over supervision, they are usually things you only admit to your closest friends!

Ever remember having to find a babysitter when you wanted to go out, go running, take a weekend trip somewhere or search for the perfect outfit? Nope, not unless you were dumb enough to have a dog:) Once you find a babysitter, is it worth it to watch your little ones be nervous and sad that you're leaving them with this strange human being that they have never met? But you REALLY need to get out, so you leave them stranded with the stranger and hope for the best!

Do you remember watching a movie and starting it before 10pm? By the time you get the kids to bed, take a deep breath and still decide you want to stay up late and be tired at work all day is watching an adult movie even worth it? Probably should just start Aladin at 6:30!

Love my children to death, but anyone that doesn't admit to missing freedom pre-children is a) lying b) Lying or c)LYING.

PS: I think the blog challenge is good for me:) I could have wrote a depressing post for this one, but instead I smiled the entire time I was remembering pre-children:)

Jenni's Challenge Day 18

Favorite place to eat:

Jin Chuan
Mancy's Bluewater Grill
Nagoya if we go with a fun group, especially if we drink happy buddha's!
Dirty Ernies

We go to Frickers probably the most, but wouldn't consider it a fav. Jeds tables are too high for the monsters and Frickers has kids eat free the majority of the time so we go there instead of Jeds:)

Jenni's Challenge Day 17

Something you're looking forward to:

Numero Uno: Can't wait for Syndi's wedding. Ocean Isle and bestest friends, for sure something I'm looking forward to:)

Lunch because I'm already hungry;)

Laura moving closer to me!

I don't know, I have fun things to do every week, I don't feel like listing them! I like to be surrounded by the people that I love and I make it a point to make that happen so I look forward to each new day as it comes...or I try to at least.

Jenni's Challenge Day 16

Dream House:

Outside appearance (if it weren't on Rte 20) would for sure, hands down be Settlemires right outside of the city limits in Woodville. I ABSOLUTELY 100% LOVE the detail in the ornamental woodwork on the outside!! I tried to find some pictures similar to it online, but nothing even comes close so I'm not going to bother. I also LOVE the fact that the property has a big authentic barn on the outside. I have heard that the inside is amazing as well, but have never been inside to see. Aaron is aware that I love the house and will probably have to lie to me and say that 20 is closed if it ever goes on the market...we bought our house big enough that we wouldn't have to move again and he thinks he's going to make me stick to this decision...if this house went on the market, I might give him a run for his money if I liked the inside as well as I like the outside.

Inside...probably Heidi's house. I love all of her decorations, her old "junk" perfectly placed so that it all fits, how home-y and welcoming it is, the old wood work and cabinetry. Beautiful authentic hard wood floors. Other than the kitchen is small, it's perfect:)

My favorite backyard...MINE:) Monsters that make the yard come to life. I finally have a trampoline (I have always wanted one):) A swing set. My glider:) A fire pit to have fires and sit around in my comfy lawn furniture. A picnic table to eat outside and feed the ants in my yard rather than the ones that like to come in my house. And soon enough we'll have a deck:)

Not that anyone even cares, but I did enjoy writing about my dream house.

Jenni's Challenge Day 15

Favorite saying:

Well, the poll results are in!!

Whore, F-ing whore and bite me are my favorite sayings...I guess I should work on a new favorite saying:) Ehh, maybe some other day;)

Jenni's Challenge Day 14

A picture of yourself last year: how have you changed?

Today is our 7th Anniversary...this was last year.

Aaron JUST washed this shirt and ruined it this week. Our garage is just as dirty. I am a little less fat. My hair is longer and blonder. My eyebrows are better shaped right now. I lost one of those earrings:(

Haven't changed much since last year!

Jenni's Challenge Day 13

GOALS

I need more time to write this one...I will get back to it someday...like I will with Day 4.

Jenni's Challenge Day 12

Something you don't leave the house without.

So, a couple days ago I wrote that I'm less carefree (and more responsible) now that I'm an adult...this post does not support this notion AT ALL.

When I leave the house to go to work I GENERALLY bring my purse; however, OFTEN I forget it in the van and I'm too lazy to drive to MM and get it out, so I go without. My purse contains my work keys (that I need to open my desk:)) and my wallet. Yesterday I got in my car, remembered that I didn't have my purse with me and decided, ehhh, I will skip lunch or borrow money from someone...I can still be carefree:) I should probably make sure to have my purse with me just in case I get pulled over or arrested again, but ehhh, when I forget it I don't go back for it, so it must not be that important!

When I leave the house to go to church I don't leave without SUCKERS, candy and 10 other snacks to TRY to keep the monsters quiet:)

When I leave the house to go volleyball I bring BEER:)

I guess the thing I don't normally leave the house without is my phone, but I am certainly not attached to my amish phone either. If I can't find it in my first few attempts, I give up and think to myself, they can wait for me to get back to them:) Usually there is another way to get a hold of me (work number, Aaron, whoever I'm with) so I figure is someone needs me that bad they can find me...but I suppose I would still have to vote phone for this post:)

I'm rambling...I ACTUALLY got good sleep last night:)

Jenni's Challenge Day 11

Favorite TV Shows:

1. Grey's Anatomy...love that the main character isn't always sunshine and rainbows, makes mistakes and still manages to stand on top of her balancing act...I'm a little obsessed with the show actually. I will not have anyone over while I'm watching unless they vow to be quiet. I ignore my children and husband when I'm watching it and absolutely will not answer the telephone if you call during that hour.

2. Saved by the Bell...Saturday morning favorite of all time!

3. Modern Family...I think the writers of this show sit outside of the following houses:
1. MY HOUSE
2. Alissa's house
3. Angie's house
4. Tammy's house
Then they don't really have to write plots...they just write about what happened during our days:)

4. Justified...the first show that Aaron and I can agree to watch and since we have a couple seasons on DVD we usually pick to watch this when we have an opportunity to watch television together.

5. Seinfeld...I don't really have to explain this, right? The show is too funny!

6. That 70's show...lots of evenings with some of my favorite people in the world laughing our behinds off...

7. The Wonder Years...my family used to watch this show ALL THE TIME growing up...Jake loved it, I loved it and my parents loved it too:) I think Jake has a secret crush on Fred Savage:)

Jenni's Challenge Day 10

What are you afraid of?

I used to be afraid of lots of things...I will try to list some of them for your reading pleasure.

1. Making ANY kind of appointment!! Hair, tan, doctors appointment, reservations of any kind!!! Aaron doesn't baby me like my friends used to, so I have to do this now...it doesn't scare me anymore.
2. Calling to order food...of ANY kind! Pizza, subs, salads (who orders salads from Myles...only us probably!) I still prefer not to do it, but if it comes down to me cooking or calling for za...I'm calling for za!
3. Being alone. I hated being alone for the longest time...now that I have kids and Aaron works crazy shift, I'm used to it and use it to write or read...so I like it:)

All of my former fears were very childish...I was very carefree, reckless and immature...lots of people will vouche for this;)

Now that I'm an adult my fears are much more difficult to put into words, but I'll try to pick my top three fears at this stage in my life...real things to be afraid of opposed to the silly things I used to be afraid of!

1. I'm afraid that the decisions that I make are molding and shaping three little people each and every day, each and every step and action will not be good enough. I made a slip up tonight and not in front of one of my own...we were having an adult conversation and I used an inappropriate word...the next person I made eye contact with was a young impressionable girl who I absolutely adore. When the little ones hear something they think that it's ok and really it isn't. I fear that I will mold and shape them the best that I know how and they will not succeed or that my actions or my decisions regarding their well being will not be the best that they deserve. I fear that I will fail them in even the slightest.


2. I fear the cancer call. Who will be next? What will the options be? Will I be mad and want to throw the phone or will I have rehearsed how I WANT to react to the news enough in my head that my first reaction will be "I am here when you need to cry, but don't feel sorry for yourself for too long because you have the fight of your life in front of you!" I suppose more than the cancer call itself, because the cancer call seems to be inevitable, I fear my reaction to the call. I want to trust in Him so fully that I do not feel the anger when I receive the call or like He is somehow punishing me by inflicting cancer on someone that I love. I fear doubting God when I receive the cancer call, when I hear of a child's death, when I think of innocent lives taken too soon. I am working on this fear...sometimes it feels like I have to work on it every day.

3. I fear not being true to myself and my beliefs. I fear God.
I fear that I will never be good enough in His eyes: repent enough, serve Him enough, spread His word enough, believe enough.


Much deeper than in my teens and early twenties I would say...I am almost thirty!

What are you afraid of?

Jenni's Challenge Day 9

Best Movie Quotation:

Inigo Montoya: Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.

This is one of my favorites, but earned the blog honor because I have heard my brother say this quote a million trillion times:)

This is the edition we own...the title is a palindrome.

A palindrome is a word, phrase, number or other sequence of units that can be read the same way in either direction (the adjustment of punctuation and spaces between words is generally permitted). Composing literature in palindromes is an example of constrained writing. The word "palindrome" was coined from Greek roots palin (πάλιν; "again") and dromos (δρóμος; "way, direction") by English writer Ben Jonson in the 17th century. The actual Greek phrase to describe the phenomenon is karkinikê epigrafê (καρκινικὴ επιγραφή; crab inscription), or simply karkinoi (καρκίνοι; crabs), alluding to the backward movement of crabs, like an inscription that can be read backwards.

Jenni's Challenge Day 8

A place you've traveled.

The last family vacation with my dad was to Kelly's Island...not a far place, not a gorgeous place...actually the place we stayed at was dirty even by my standards. Christina would have ran as fast as she could back to the dock and been back to her car before anyone of her family members even so much as used the restroom. BUT, it was the last vacation and for that reason I will always have a special place in my heart for the dirty house on Kelley's Island.

About a month ago we went on our first trip without my dad. We went to Myrtle Beach. Our place overlooked the ocean. It was clean before my monsters got a hold of it. The weather was unmatched. The company was unbeatable. Looking at these pictures is a reminder that it doesn't matter how far you travel to the destination, how clean the rental is or if it is raining the entire time. It is the people that are there to share it with. Miss you dad.

Jenni's Challenge day 7

Favorite Movies

I don't remember the names of many movies, so this is kind of difficult. I prefer to read...but I did watch Eagle Eye and the Fugitive yesterday due to lack of ability to leave the laying flat position and they were both pretty good:) My favs...

The Princess Bride
Dazed and Confused
The Green Mile
The Notebook
A League of Their Own

Is that enough Jenni? I can't think of anything else.

Jenni's Challenge Day 6

A picture of something that makes you happy:

Jenni's Challenge Day 5

I had a bad day at work. So did Aaron...everyone was very pleasant at our house after the long weekend full of parties and staying up too late...NOT!A song to match your mood: Everything's Just Wonderful