A Very good read.

As a person who obviously loves fairy tales, I have to say I think I found a favorite writer. I had never heard of him before until I was browsing fairy tales on Amazon. I put it in my wish list to either buy later or to receive as a gift. Thankfully it was the latter...
The complete fairy tales of Oscar Wilde is so far a really good book. I'm approx. halfway through, and thoroughly enjoying it. I knew I would love it just by reading the introduction which stated that Mr Wilde was a Christian, and each story is based on Christianity. That alone won me over. As I started reading the actual stories, I can see that he put a lot of thought into his stories. They are not "girl falls for prince and prince and girl lives happily ever after". Most of the stories are sad, but they have a moral behind it.....I will end this post with a summary of my favorite story so far. .

"The Selfish Giant"

This giant had a HUGE garden, and the children in the village LOVED playing in this garden. When the giant came back from being gone on a LOOOONG vacation he was angry to find children in his garden. So he put up a huge wall with a "trespassers will be prosecuted" sign. This made the children sad since this was the only playground they had.

Since the children no longer played there, the winter wind and the snow settled into this garden. Before too long they invited the hail and sleet to join them. They made this garden their home. While outside the wall the seasons changed, it never changed inside the wall. The giant could never understand why spring and summer didn't return.

Then one morning he woke up and heard birds chirping. He looked out the window and saw the trees and flowers in full bloom, and in each tree was a child playing and laughing. He then saw a tree still covered in snow and ice and a little child crying because he was too small to climb the tree. No matter how the tree reached her branches down so he could grab onto it, the little boy was just too small.

The giant realized how selfish he had been, and he walked outside and quietly walked behind the small boy. All the other children saw him and took off running, but this little boy was crying so hard he didn't see the giant until he felt the giant pick him up and place him in the tree. Immediately the tree bloomed. The giant noticed the other children and told them he was wrong and they can play there anytime they want. While they were playing, he took an ax and chopped down the wall he built. Then he spent the rest of the day playing and chasing the children.

Day after day the children came to play, but the boy the giant loved most, the one he helped into the tree, wasn't there. He asked where he was, but the others didn't know of him or where he lived. They had never seen him before.

Years went by and the giant kept watching the children, and hoping that first boy would come back. One day, when the giant was old and feeble, he looked out and saw his little friend. He asked the boy where he'd been, and then noticed the nail prints in his hands and feet. The giant got angry, "Who did that to you?" The little boy said "It doesn't matter. You let me play in your garden and today you will come with me to play in my garden in paradise." The giant laid down under the tree and died.
The end.

A wasted scream....

I was complaining yesterday about not being able to use prepaid cards. I discovered what I was doing wrong.

I thought since the season of gift cards is coming up, I'd pass on what I learned today..........

To use a prepaid visa card online you MUST first register it at the website on the back. Once you do that you can use it anywhere online. I didn't realize you had to register it first.

Excuse me while I scream.....

I went out and put my Christmas shopping money on a prepaid visa card to use online. I bought some gifts off Ebay, and then attempted for 2 days to pay for those items. I then found out today, that Paypal NO LONGER accepts prepaid credit cards. It would've been nice if they had TOLD me. So I have contacted all 6 sellers and explained my situation, and now I'm waiting for their answers and HOPEFULLY suggestions.

I also discovered that Amazon has stopped accepting them as well. Why are they not accepting prepaid cards?? Don't they realize that's the safest way to pay? I'm so frustrated I can scream.
I'm starting to think that eBay no longer wants my business since they did away with check and money order options.

BIRTHDAY THANK YOUS...

I know I posted this on facebook, but I wanted to make sure everyone read it. ;)

I have some thank yous...
My first thank you goes out to my family for making this one of the BEST birthdays EVER... I'm excited to see the pictures. So Chris, Jo Beth and Ashley post those pictures.....

ASHLEY & ADAM... Thanks for hosting my surprise party and Ashley the lasagna was AWESOME (I could've done without the hat and the stick horse, but it was funny). You were perfect host and hostess.

MARY BETH for baking the AMAZING cake, and I apologize for when my dad asked Austin when he was going to marry you and you choked on your cake. Just ignore him, that's what we all do.,

AARON & CHRIS for the yummy cookies, and Chris I had a blast hanging out with you and pumpkin today. I so have to have the pictures of Xavier with the pumpkins and sitting with the stuffed animals on the shelf at toys R Us. See? Child services didn't come to take your baby away because you set him on the shelf. LOL,

XAVIER, I know you can't read this, but I'm sure you're mommy will tell you, thanks for the birthday dvd with pictures of your birth. ;),

AUSTIN AUSTIN AUSTIN..(shaking my head).. what can I say?? Thanks for thinking I was going to be taken to a pizza place where a fat man baked all the pizzas, for letting me think I was getting pajamas, and for planning the best surpise party EVER (didn't know you had it in you),

JO BETH & SHAWN thanks for being there. I loved seeing you two again. Don't stay away too long.,

MOM & DAD thanks for lunch, the books and thanks also to Austin for pitching in with the parents for the AWESOME Ipod. I sure wasn't expecting THAT!!!

AUNT CAROL I know you're not on facebook, but thanks for the gifts... Ashley took a picture of me holding them while wearing a tall birthday hat. When she posts them I will be sending it your way. ;)

And to CARRIE, JEREMY, SHELIA, LINDA,AND ANYONE ELSE I MAY HAVE MISSED on facebook thank you for wishing me a happy birthday. I LOVE YOU ALL, AND THANKS FOR MAKING THIS A GREAT DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dumb Blonde Day For Me = Good Laugh For You!!!

I don't know if whether it was from not getting enough sleep, or something more serious, but I had a MAJOR dumb blonde day recently..........

Mom and I were driving down the road and I saw a sign that said CARPETS. I pondered it awhile and then said out loud "WELL DUH. Mom please hit me upside the head." She gave me a little tap and then asked what that was about. I said "I was trying to figure out how would you take care of CAR PETS? Wouldn't they make a mess if you kept them in your car???

That's not even the worst of it.........

We went to a public bathroom and I didn't realize it was an automatic flusher.... I was done, but I had dropped something on the floor, I bent down to pick it up, and the toilet flushed spraying my forehead. I came out and was SCRUBBING my forehead at the sink. Mom asked me what I was doing and then she laughed extremely hard when I told her the story... Then I proceeded to wave my hands in front of the paper towel dispenser thinking it was automatic as well, until my mom (STILL continuing to laugh) pointed to the little handle.

I hope this condition is not serious, long term, nor contagious... Hmmmm..... H1N1??? Mad Cow???

Angela's Most Wanted list....

Awhile back (aka in July/August) I decided that since I didn't have the books I loved as a girl, I would search for them.... The only thing is they MUST have the same cover that I remember. I know, I know OCD.. So after much searching I found "The Little Princess", all the Ramona books except 1, "The Boxcar Children", and "Wait For Me Watch For Me Ella Bea", among a few others.. Most I purchased, but I do have 1 MAYBE 2 on my Amazon wish list, that I HAD to put in there since it's too close to my birthday to purchase it/them. (Our family rule is one can't buy anything for yourself a month prior to one's birthday/Christmas)....

Back to our story.... There are 2 books I'm having a hard time tracking down....I have searched online bookstores, Ebay, Amazon, half.com, and that's not mentioning taking a trip to Don's Books in K to find it...
The two books that's hard to find:

"Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing" and "Superfudge"... I know TOAFGN had a green cover, however the green covers I have seen online has an actual photo of the two boys from the tv series. I KNOW it didn't have an actual picture.

The "Superfudge" that I remember was a blue cover with a very real looking drawing of a boy standing on a table. I remember reading that book one night over at Grandma T's when I was in the second grade, so the publication date MAY have been 1981? or earlier.
America Angela needs you're help
If you see these books please notify Angela. You're tip could earn you a reward (Or at least the price of the book if the tipster purchases it.)

America I KNOW we can track down these books. These books do not deserve to sit on shelves waiting for someone to buy them, we MUST find them and turn them over to the authorities... aka.. ME...

Yes, I've watched America's Most Wanted a time or two. LOL... Hmmmmmm..... I'm taking Wed off, perhaps I should take a trip to half priced books in Indy..

Blog not cooperating...

I have been trying and trying for 2 days to upload the pictures of Xavier's Christening. If you want to see the pictures I took, feel free to email me. I know Aunt Carol will want to see them, so I will automatically send them to you. I'm starting to think that you and Carrie are the only two people who read this anyway. LOL

My version of the "Frog Prince".

I found a leather bound copy of the complete Grimms fairy tales. The first story was the Frog Prince. After reading it I realized I'm not supposed to kiss the frog, but THROW THEM across the room and let them hit the wall.
If the princess was so hateful to break a promise and then cry and whine around about having to keep her promise to let this frog eat off her plate and sleep on her bed, and then she turns around and throws it across the room, then that prince must've been pretty stupid to marry her anyway. After all, she's dishonest, untrustworthy, and cruel.

The way it SHOULD'VE ended............
The princess, out of disgust, throws the frog. The frog turns into a handsome prince. Prince tells princess: "I WAS going to marry you, but you're just a selfish brat. You don't deserve me". And after begging, crying, and pleading for forgiveness, the prince, as punishment, turns her into a frog. Where she in turn finds a prince that treats her exactly how she treated the frog. And the cycle repeats over and over and over and never ends. And to this day there is a frog somewhere begging a prince or princess to let them eat off their plate and sleep in their bed. The END.....

More pictures from Labor Day....

My FAVORITE brother in Law, Adam, Ashley, Carrie, and me holding

Xavier, who was somehow cut out of the picture.

Austin and his "lady friend" Mary Beth.
Grandma holding a camouflaged XavierThis is my favorite grandpa and grandson picture

Grandpa Rolly with Snugglebug.

I can't take credit for the top two pictures, but I knew there are some people (CoughauntcarolCough) that doesn't get on facebook, and she has a right to see these pictures as well. ;) The ones of Mom and Dad holding Snugglebug (AKA Xavier) are mine, I BELIEVE, but not sure Chris took the rest... Maybe Ashley took the one of Austin and Mary Beth?

What a great weekend....

The pictures posted backwards.... so to see them in order you have to scroll down to the last picture and go up. I'll get the hang of this sooner or later. After his bath to get the clorine out, getting
ready to go to dinner

Looks like he's thinking

"But mommy I want to go in again."

Drying off after his swim.

Xavier's first swim.

The picture that was textd to me saying they

were at a gas station.

My parents and I left home after Sunday school to head to Cincinnati. After several phone calls and text messeges to and from different family members we arrived at our hotel. If I'm not mistaken it was 24? floors? We found out that Aaron, Chris, Xavier, Ashley, and Adam were sharing a room on the 17th floor, mom and dad were on the 14th floor, Carrie, Robert and the boys were on the 12th floor, Frances, Marlissa, and I were on the 8th floor, and Marlina, David and Daniel were on the 7th floor. Even though we were all on different floors we kept in touch by a WHOLE LOT of cell phone calls.

So all of us, except Marlina and David's crew walked to Skyline chili for dinner,(Which made poor mom sick all night) and then headed to the river. We never met up with the B crew until we got back to the hotel and found out they were all in the parents room. So I collected the girls, and we headed to our room.

I have to admit, at first the thought of sharing a room with two teenage girls that I knew very little about made me a wee nervous. I really didn't KNOW my cousins. I mean sure we see each other what 4 or 5 times a year? But to share a room? Not only that, but the fear of offending Marlina and David by "allowing" the girls to do something they may not be allowed to do normally, put fear into me. I kept thinking to myself... "It's only for 1 night, I CAN do this, surely I can put up with two girls for 1 night."

One of the first things Marlissa stated when we walked into the room was "I've never been to a slumber party,'" so it didn't take Frances or I long to decide to make this a fun filled evening for Marlissa. After showers were taken, we pulled out my dvd player to watch (I was afraid of turning on the tv, I know hotels usually have cable and stations like HBO. That's why I brought the dvd player) "Enchanted", which Marlissa loved. Frances? Not so much.

Afterwards we talked. We had each other laughing so hard our sides hurt, and tears were falling. At around 3 AM we were thirsty and didn't feel like paying $4 for the liter of water that was left in the room. Since it was officially Monday, and knew it wouldn't offend anyone, we went to the vending machines.

Marlissa fell asleep sometime after 4:30 in the morning. Frances and I talked long into the night about everything from siblings to sharing WKFM experinences. But mainly she told me about her angel experiences, she has stories that gave my goosebumps goosebumps. And one particular story had me in tears. I told her she HAS to write down her experiences, and maybe someday in the future maybe even get it published. I would be first in line to buy the book.

I finally told her at 7 AM that we really needed to get some sleep, since I had to be checked out and meet my parents at 9:30. I was so afraid of the girls not being ready in time, I set my alarm for 8:30. When my second alarm went off at 8:40, I found both girls up, dressed and waiting for me.

After sending the girls back to their parents room, and the rest of us meeting in the lobby, We kind of went our seperate ways for breakfast. Marlina and David had to run up to GBS while the rest of us headed to Dunkin Doughnuts. Since Robert went with my parents, I had the priveledge to ride with Carrie and the boys.

After eating breakfast Brennan and Jared wanted to ride in my dad's truck, so I got to ride with Carrie and Robert. The truck went to the park, while we drove to meet up with Marlina and David. When we got to the park, we realized that Austin and Mary Beth (Austin's girlfriend) were already there, so we went and found the picnic area we stayed at last year, and settled in for the day.

After eating, dad and Chris rented a motorboat, Austin, Mary Beth, Ashley, and Adam jumped onto a paddleboat, Carrie's crew and Marlina's crew went frisbee golfing, while mom and I sat on the bench under a tree with Xavier and watched our crew boat. Chris, mom, and I had a "code", every so often dad would go past us, if we waved at them, Xavier was fine, however if we waved our arms, it meant Xavier needed Chris.

I eventually called Marlina and passed the word on that dad had rented the motorboat for 3 hours, and anyone who wanted a ride could get one. Robert took Daniel, Brennan and Jared out, and then he took Carrie, Marlissa, and I out. Who went out when is such a blur, since they were coming in about every 15-30 mins to switch riders. I would have to say Carrie's boys and Daniel got most of the time out on the water. Eventually Jeremy, Beth, Frances and Jes decided to take a rowboat out.... Poor Jeremy, it didn't take him long to be willing to pass the oars over to Aaron so he could take Mary Beth, Ashley and Austin out.

All in all EVERYONE had fun. Then we went back to the picnic area, ate, and shortly after started heading home. It was a great weekend

MY KIDS!!!!!!!!!!!

Driving home tonight I found myself in tears. The thought dawned on me that Xavier and what other nieces and nephews that come after may be the closest I ever get to having my own kids. To me that's a very depressing thought. And then another thought hit me.

Wait.....I'm a Sunday school teacher...........It's my responsibility, privilege, and HONOR to teach little ones God's love, and to lead these dear ones to Christ. That is the most important job of all. Yeah, I don't get paid for teaching, except by little Kalie's hugs and coloring pages that are plastered on my fridge, or Justin's refusal to get out of his great grandmother's minivan unless I help him out of his car seat nearly EVERY Sunday, or seeing my students eyes light up when their questions are answered or they "get" what I'm saying, or seeing my students excitement when they fill out an "answer to prayer" to cover a prayer request on our prayer wall, or hearing a little voice say "Let's sing it again, that's my favorite" after EVERY SINGLE song as you lead WKFM song service, or having two little sisters not wanting to sit with their class, but rather sit on either side of you, and the younger asks to hold your Sunday school attendance book for you until it's time to go to our separate rooms, or the way I get teary eyed everytime I hear Tony sing "Jesus Loves Me".
That's my payment, and truthfully, I couldn't ask for better pay.

Recipes.........

As someone who LOVES easy and quick recipes, I'm going to share a couple of my favorite dessert recipes................
In honor of Carrie, who loves this cake....... ;)
Strappleberry (dump) cake

1 can crushed pineapple don't drain
1 can strawberry pie filling
1 yellow cake mix (Works best if it's NOT a moist or pudding kind. Oh, and the cheap Jiffy brand cake mix works great on this.)
2 sticks of butter

Preheat oven to 350. In a 13x9 baking dish layer pineapple, pie filling, and cake mix DO NOT MIX. cut butter into pats and place them on top. Bake 40 mins or until golden brown. Let cool and enjoy with ice cream or plain. Or chill in the fridge and cut into bars. You can also experiment with different fruits and fillings.

My EASY way of making Puppy Chow

1 c chocolate chips
1/2 c creamy peanut butter
1 stick butter
9 c chex cereal
2 c powder sugar

Put chex cereal into a big mixing bowl, set aside.. melt chocolate chips, peanut butter and butter in microwave for 1 min. stir, if still lumpy cook at 30 second intervals until smooth. Pour over cereal. Gently stir cereal till evenly coated, and set aside. put powder sugar in a brown paper bag, dump in cereal mixture shake well. Store in air tight container.

My NEW recipe I can't wait to try..........

Amish Peanut Butter Spread

1/2 c creamy peanut butter
1/4 c marshmallow creme
1 c light corn syrup

In a medium mixing bowl combine the peanut butter, marshmallow creme, and corn syrup. Stir with a rubber spatula until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined. Place the mixture in a covered container and refrigerate overnight. Allow the spread to come to room temperature before serving on bread or over ice cream.


I just realized that only one of these recipes actually calls for baking. Hmmmm. Does melting stuff in a microwave count as cooking? Well, I told you these were easy and fast recipes. LOL.

Last weekend

I know several family members has been asking how my evening (I REFUSE to call it a date.) went. So here goes.....

We planned to meet at 6:30, I got there at 6:20 and he was already there. (We MET at the church, so he didn't have to pick me up.) We agreed to dinner at Logans Steakhouse in Noblesville, and a movie...

The Sunday before I had mentioned (Before I knew he was a big fan) that I didn't like the Harry Potter movies. We decided to see what was playing first.... He said "Since I know how you feel about Harry Potter, that's out." (1 point for Matt, he was paying attention.).

He then said "How about G-Force? Okay so you may think that's a little odd, but after thinking about it, I realized he was pretty smart....
1. It wasn't a boring war/action movie

2. It wasn't a horror movie

3. it wasn't an uncomfortable romance movie where you are wondering how much they will show, and how uncomfortable you would feel sitting next to a guy you don't know very well while covering your eyes in embarrassment during a I-CANT-BELIEVE-THEY-ARE-SHOWING-THAT love scene. So, the fact that he suggested a SAFE, kid friendly and tame movie was pretty smart thinking. (another point for Matt) By the way G-Force is really funny. I laughed and laughed during it. I highly suggest taking your kids to it...and

4. we had families with kids sitting behind and around us.

On the way home I did invite him to church, but he said church is just too boring (-5 points LOL)

I have to admit, I did have a good time, and the silences weren't awkward, just comfortable. He never mentioned anything about going out again. Oh, and I did get back home by 11:00, which gave me time to get to bed for church the next morning... (+3 points)
I haven't heard anything from him since then, so I just take it he's not interested.... Oh well, No sweat off my nose.

The Sunburn..

I forgot to mention this funny little story in my last post. We left the church parking lot at 4:45. That gave me just enought time to run home freshen up a bit before Sunday evening services... I walk into the church, and by the time I got to my seat I was asked at least 5 times how things went. One lady (Rose) was standing toward the front said "Look she's glowing.... Oh, it's a sunburn." I had a good laugh about that.

Just sit right back and you'll hear a tale.

Since I'm sure to be bombarded with TONS of questions, here is everything I know thus far...Carrie, I hope this eventually answers your question about "Would the family approve?"..

This tale starts about a year or so ago when Jocelyn asked 2 other prayer warriors to help her pray for several dump truck drivers that work for the same company she works for. 6 months ago, she asked these same two ladies, plus her Sunday school class to start praying especially about introducing one of these drivers with a certain member of the church.... ME! (I had NO CLUE this was going on.)

Approx. 3 weeks ago: I was approached by Joce and was asked if I would be interested in meeting this certain guy. I hesitantly said "Ok", and everything was put into place. The Sunday school class would have a pitch-in dinner the Sunday we were to meet. I was told he was looking forward to meeting me yadda yadda.

Two whole weeks before: I prayed NONSTOP that if this wasn't God's will he would slam the door shut, and not even allow me to waste my time with this meeting.

Today: I drive to church praying that if this isn't God's will to please don't let him show up. I walk into the church and one of the ladies came up to me and our conversation went like this....
Rose: "So are you excited?"
Me: "Um... More like nervous. You KNOW about this?"
Rose: "Of course. The WHOLE Sunday school class knows, and has been praying about this for months."
Me: SHOCKED silence.

I walk to my Sunday school class wondering how in the world I would be able to keep my mind on teaching kids, when my brain was nervously elsewhere. Somehow I get through the lesson, and it's time to meet this guy.....

He was standing in the foyer looking scared to death (My mom can verify the scared look). One thing I noticed was his DEEP brown almost black eyes, and his balding/brownish/blondish/reddish tinted receding hairline. (His hairline reminds me of Robert's. Which there's NOTHING wrong with). I instantly thought.... "Okay, he looks quite a bit older than what I was told, but that's ok. Oh, and reddish hair.... That would keep up with the red headed in-law trend that Aaron and Ashley have set"... Yes, I actually thought that last part.

After being introduced, I explained to Matt that "I normally sit with my mom, but he could pick the seat." Thanks to Ashley's advice, she helped me figure out that tricky situation. I didn't know how awkward it would be for him to sit with my mom. He picked the seat, and the service started shortly after.....

After church the adult Sunday school class, which only consisted of 8 adults and 6 kids went over to the fellowship hall for lunch.. It was really hard to carry on a conversation with a 6 year old constantly wanting to talk to me. At one point during the meal, Matt had to go to the bathroom. While he was gone all the ladies flocked around me. Some giving me thumbs up, others to say "He's a keeper". That was coming from a lady that Matt held the door open for her, which I didn't even see him do." It was also impressive that he helped clean up afterwards.

He has the seal of approval from all the people from the Sunday school class. Not to mention the fact that the pastor and his wife likes him.

After everyone left, Matt and I stood outside till 4:45 talking... Here's what I discovered.(besides that the hot sun reflecting off blacktop can sunburn your face HORRIBLY).......

Physical traits:
He's 29 years old (looks late 30s early 40s.. Prefer a little older, but hey at least he's not Ashley or Austin's age.), his birthday is June 13, and he's an inch or two taller than me.

Family:
His sister is 4 years older, and his brother is 1 year younger (both married). He has AT LEAST 1 niece Chelsie 14, a nephew Jared 6,(names sound familiar?) and another niece? Nephew? Just learning to walk. He has a pretty good sized extended family with aunts, uncles, and cousins on both sides that all live close by. His grandparents live in Nbville in a log cabin on a farm which includes 4 horses, 3 indoor dogs, 5? outdoor dogs, 3 indoor cats, and OODLES of outdoor cats. He lives with his parents (not sure what I think about that), and is extremely close to his dad...

Pastimes:
When he's not out rounding up bulls, driving a dump truck, driving tractors in tractor pulls with his dad, or getting his ATV 4 wheeler stuck in mud, he's watching movies, doing yard work, or hanging out with his dad.

Pluses:
He's a hard worker, he's always early (was at church 20 mins early), be willing to give the shirt off his back to someone in need (coming from Joce), very tenderhearted, eager to please, regardless how badly he might get into trouble, he's always honest... He wrecked a dump truck awhile back, and instead of hiding it, he came straight up to Joce and told her everything. She told me she had other drivers hide accidents and tickets. He don't have many friends (could be a minus), NEVER had a girlfriend. (Joce said that he told her that he's never even kissed a girl before).

Downfalls:
It's a couple biggies..... He's not a Christian, nor is anyone in his family (I was told with a little "push" it wouldn't take him long at all to become one) .. He drinks a couple times a year (Joce agrees with that. Said he tells her if he drinks. Not often at all, but again could be changed with a little persuasion.).

I'm not "falling into stupid" as Aunt Carol would say.. Just starting as friends, and going to be doing a bunch of praying for guidance. Wonder what I'll learn Sat when we go out. LOL.

I LOST WEIGHT??? How did that happen??

I went to my Dr today only to realize I'm now UNDER 170, which is a big deal for me. Once the shock was over, I asked the nurse "You sure those scales are right? I'm pretty sure I weigh more than that." When I was told that was my correct weight, it threw me in a "how in the world did that happen?" mode.

It confuses me since I don't exercise, and I ABSOLUTELY HATE diets. So I started thinking back, and this is what I came up with.....

The only thing I could think of was I was abducted by aliens, and my body fat taken off to be used for heat to keep the little alien babies warm this winter. Then I thought that can't be, seeing as there are PLENTY more people with more "heating material" than me. The aliens would've taken them first..

So I took the least likely thought...... Maybe somewhere, somehow I have gradually broke off from my old eating habits and gradually changed them so slowly that I never realized I was eating more healthy.....
For example, I used to keep candy, cookies, and chips in my house. NO MORE..... I haven't had that stuff in my house for 7 months or more.

When I need something sweet and instead of grabbing junk food, I grab a yogurt. Can't be regular yogurt either, must be light yogurt. Yogurt has become my best friend. LOL...

Not only is yogurt a good source of dairy, but it REALLY helps with hunger and sweet cravings. When I'm at work, I'm usually STARVED by first break. If I eat a yogurt, it keeps the hunger away till dinner. Also it's a great breakfast to grab if you're in a hurry.

2nd thing I noticed about my cabinets is that it holds more 100 calorie snacks than anything. Those are great to pack in coolers or lunch bags... It's easier to control your calorie intake. Want some cookies? No problem, just grab a 100 calorie bag.

3rd thing... My fridge ALWAYS holds cottage cheese. That's another can't live without food. That's great to grab when you want something to eat because you're bored. (add some fruit on top and you're good to go.)

4. Sometimes I get lazy and don't feel like fixing dinner, so I'll eat a bowl of Cheerios or peanut butter sandwich for dinner. Cheerios aren't nearly as disgusting as they were when I was little. The cluster cheerios are really good.

5. Being laid off you don't have the finances to eat out much, so most of my eating out has stopped. Which is probably the Majority of my weight loss..

Regardless what helped me lose weight, I may never know, but whatever it is, I hope it keeps up....

Hmmmm. Does anyone know how to summon aliens? I'm willing to put my body fat on the heating donation program.

Once Upon A Time.........

There just seems to be something about those four little words that settles me down, and gets me ready for a good story.

I've always been the person that loved fairy tales (just ask my mom). I can't even begin to count the times my mom read Cinderella to me when I was younger. (It WASN'T the Disney version either.)
When I got older it was Beauty and the Beast. Thanks to the tv series staring Linda Hamilton and Ron Perlman. Ok, so the story is FAR from the Disney version, especially since the tv series ran 1987-1990, and the Disney version didn't come out till after the series.. The show was a modern day story about a district attorney (Hamilton) that is attacked and left for dead in Central Park. Vincent (Perlman) finds her bleeding and left for dead, and takes her to his home under the city, where a community of people live in peace and perfect harmony with each other. A Utopia of sorts. She decides to put away her selfish spoiled little girl attitude and help others. The thing I liked about the tv version is Vincent never turns into the handsome prince, he is just accepted for who he is, not what he COULD be.

Sorry I completely got sidetracked.. Anyway. I recently found my "Complete Works of Brother's Grimm." Talk about stories not meant for children. I think these brothers in today's society would've been forced to get help due to their issues with stepmothers, blood and gore. Not to mention the parents being checked out for abuse. LOL.
Yes, I do like the Disney movies, but they are so good at toning it down for the kids. Just look at "The Little Mermaid" Even "Cinderella" wasn't told correctly. But I still like them all. And Little Red Riding Hood?? No one saves her and the wolf gets her in the original story. I prefer reading the originals, but it doesn't stop me from reading or watching the toned down versions.

Anyway, I was browsing on Amazon and came across a set of books of fairy tales from other countries. The five book set includes famous,Original fairy tales from Ireland, China, Japan, Russia, and India. I even saw a book about Norwegian fairy tales, African fairy tales, and North American Indian legends. Those will definitely be my next buys.
If I could get all these books, I would be living "Happily ever after". ;)

A really good day.....

As a child I only went away to camp 3 times, but I went to day camp several years for girl scouts.. I still faintly hear 100+ little girls singing on top of their lungs..... Girl scout camp, girl scout camp, the leaders that they give you they say are mighty fine, but when they take their makeup off they look like Frankenstein. Oh I don't wanna go to girl scout camp..... ~sigh~ those were the days....
Well, I relived a small piece of an old fashioned camp today........

Aaron and Chris's church (also where my Aunt Rebecca, Uncle Rick, and Chelsie goes) had their annual youth day today at a local camp that used to belong to the YMCA. I heard the church now owns the camp. The service was in the "mess hall" and afterwards there was a cookout/pitch in lunch.

After we ate, the older people left, but the younger ones stayed to play volleyball, kickball, baseball, archery or they went boating (was too far away to tell if they were rowboats or canoes) or hiking the trails. It felt like a lazy relaxed day at camp.

Aaron and my cousin Heath used to go to day camp there, and I saw the pond that they got "stuck" in when they were little (8 years old? 9?) They went boating, and panicked because they were in the middle of this pond and couldn't get to shore. They thought the shore was MILES away. In truth, you could swim one side to the other without any problems. I had a good laugh at that story. Aaron claims it has "shrunk" since then. Yeah, OK.I believe you... NOT...

After taking a long hike, we headed to Aunt Rebecca's house. My cousin Heath's daughter, Chelsie, and my cousin Tracey's daughter, Lauren, had spent the night with Rebecca. So, when we got back to Rebecca's house, Chelsie and Lauren put on swimsuits and was using the water hose as they jumped on the trampoline.
I laughed so hard tears were rolling when Chelsie asked Rebecca to bring her some shampoo, conditioner, and body wash.... Yes, you read that right. They took showers (with their suits on) outside on the trampoline.

Once they were dry, we headed in for homemade snow cones while Aunt Rebecca made a pizza (Not frozen). After supper the girls talked Rebecca and I into a game of badminton. We played and lost three games. The girls won all three, and they've NEVER played before. I kept thinking how fun it would be to get all the cousins out for a cookout and a badminton game.

With close to 5 acres of land and being WAY out in the country, their yard is HUGE and so peaceful. There is a woods on their property, and you can watch deer stroll across the yard from their kitchen window. I told my aunt that I could just come over just to sit on their front porch or their back deck. With or without them home. LOL...

I am now pleasantly exhausted, and think I'll turn in early tonight....

Know any camp lullabies???

CONGRATULATIONS ASHLEY AND ADAM!!!!!!!!!!!

Chris did an AWESOME job!!!
Relaxing afterwards with Philip's puppy, Rocky, at my feet

Ashley and Carrie
The happy couple

Wedding behind the scenes......

First thing I should say is Ashley and Adam, Congratulations and I love you guys.

After 6 months of keeping away from ice cream, junk food, and not eating out as much, I cringed as I tried on my maid of honor dress last week PRAYING I didn't gain too much weight.. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the dress fit better now than it did when I first brought it home. Now that the wedding is over, I can "let myself go" somewhat.

We (Chris, Adam, Ashley, Sarah, Sara, Jo Beth, mom, dad, and I) arrived at 9:30 AM Friday to decorate. After decorating the "Wedding" church we headed to the "Reception" church to decorate there. After DAYS (okay maybe a couple hours) of picking out three crayons (making sure NO ONE got white or three similar colors) and tying them together, (You didn't think they bought the crayons that way did ya? LOL) we headed back to T. for the rehearsal.
The rehearsal dinner at Pizza King was fun, and it was nice to see people that I hadn't seen in a while. And I had getting acquainted with Adam's niece and nephew. After the rehearsal dinner wrapped up, we "girls" (guess I'm included as one of the girls) spent the night at Sarah's house.
First thing Ashley did was make me cry. She gave each girl a pair of earrings and a pin to wear in the wedding, 3 of us got Starbucks cards (the other girl works at Starbucks so she figured she'd prefer something else), and we each got a framed picture. Sarah and Sara both got pictures of the three of them together.... Ashley, Sara, and Sarah we're best friends in high school and she had pictures of the three of them together. So they both got the same picture, Jo Beth got a picture of her and Ashley during their college years, and I got a picture of her and I together at her college graduation.

After we dried tears we tried on our dresses and I practiced fixing Ashley's train. We eventually went to bed. Whether anyone actually slept I'll never know.

Sat morning we woke up at 7:00? Sarah's parents had gone to Panara Bread and brought back bagels for all of us. I found that very touching. After filling a cup with juice to take with me, I graciously thanked Sarah's parents for opening their home to us. And we were off to the church...

After 4 hours of styling hair, doing makeup, and TONS of laughing it was time for pictures...
After pictures..... Well... You know the rest. ;)

Special note: Chris, you are AWESOME and deserve so much credit!!!! I'm still shaking my head in wonder on how you were able to be at the church all day Friday to decorate, sit through rehearsal, attend the dinner, be up all night to care for a crying baby, be at the church at 7:30 AM, do hair for 4 hours STRAIGHT, sit through a wedding, and STILL tear stuff down afterwards.... you really are AMAZING!!!!! Superman and Spiderman can't hold a candle to you. You are my hero!!!!

So, now I'm off to fix and eat a HUGE bowl of strawberry and chocolate ice cream. Man, I missed ice cream.

Starting a new blog....

I have started a new blog. There's not much to it right now, but as time goes on, there will be.... You can find it here: http://auntangelasbragblog.blogspot.com/

Losing my best friend.......

As most of my readers know, Lois and I have been pretty much inseparable for the past 2 years or so. Well.... Not so much anymore. She has a new boyfriend, moved into an apartment (shared by above boyfriend who is also married, and filing for divorce.), filed for divorce, LEAVING her 10 year old son with his dad, and pretty much kicked me out of her life.

Standing back and watching her mess her and her son's life up tears my heart out. Seeing how she's abandoning her son hurts worse than her never having time to hang out with me. It does seem odd never hanging out at Ihop or starbucks (Which we haven't been to since before Christmas).

I've had MANY sleepless nights praying and crying that she will open her eyes and see the damage she is doing to her poor son. I've given her over to God, but I'm NOT giving up on her.

Something to think about.

So today I was reading Matthew chapter 12 and came across these verses.... 36-37 But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.(NIV)
So it really made me think. How many times have I said something carelessly? In teasing? In frustration? In *gulp* anger? How many people have I hurt, and they never told me? How many loved ones are carrying that hurt with them? I think it's time to let that go. So...........

This is turning out to be the hardest post I've ever written, but I NEED to do this....

This is for all family and friends.......... If I have EVER said or done ANYTHING to hurt you, past or recent, I apologize, and please forgive me. I need to know there aren't ANY hurt feeling between us. If there is, let's talk about it, and let's build a stronger relationship..

Whew...A public apology, isn't easy to do....

A favor......

Ashley made the suggestion I think around Christmas, about joining an online dating service. I just laughed it off as being completely crazy, and forgot all about it.. I forgot about it until Lois suggested the same thing a couple weeks ago.

Well, I started thinking, and maybe it's not so crazy after all, or maybe just MAYBE I could use some spontaneous, off the wall craziness in my life. Maybe my boring life needs a little excitement.

So, I found a FREE Christian site, and put up a profile. However, I've already been asked for a pic. Well, OBVIOUSLY I don't have any pictures of MYSELF.
So this is where you, my dear blog readers come in. If you have one or two good pictures could you email them to me?? I would really appreciate it.
Now back to my boring unexciting life.

Alien Invasion

I know I've been gone for a while. Life has thrown me a curveball. I bought a new computer and yes it's hooked up. Only problem is I have to rewire my phone line from the box into the house. Fun fun.

I knew I was going to have a week off this past week and though "GREAT I can rewire my phone lines." UH......... WRONG..... Got some HORRIBLE news last wed....

Most people that know me know that's I'm a really private person. I never invite people over, and I keep to myself. I have a "phobia" about people coming into my house. Mainly cause I feel my house isn't "clean" enough. So you can't imagine how I felt when my mom called me up Wed night and read a newspaper article to me. The town board of where I live has ok'd the water company guys to inspect the INSIDE of EVERY HOUSE in town for sump pumps. If you refuse to let them in, you're fined. So, I'm thinking isn't this against the law? Are they ALLOWED to just force their way into people's homes and search?? Can they really fine you for refusing??? At this point I'm more angry than anything.

What's your take on strangers forcing their way into your home??

Walk A Mile In My Shoes

Yes, it's that time of year again. The Annual walk a mile in my shoes walkathon for Open Arms is set for Feb 14...
Most of my readers know what's its about, but if you don't here's the rundown...
WAMIMS is a walk a thon that raises money for Open Arms which is a homeless shelter for women and children, and it's affiliated with the Rescue mission. This walk a thon is always in Feb, and goes on rain, shine, snow, and subzero temps. They NEVER cancel.

Open Arms and WAMIMS has impacted me in a big way. I've been a substitute preschool teacher there for 5 years now, and those little ones really tug at your heartstrings. You don't see many 3-5 year olds that get excited when you give them a sticker, but they are genuinely GRATEFUL for anything you give them which isn't common with other children.
This is the third time I've walked in this. The last time I walked was right after a huge snowstorm. It was so cold I brought blankets to wrap around me. Even now on cold nights when I'm curled up in my warm bed, or in my warm house I always find myself thinking about the homeless and praying that they can find a warm place to sleep. It's heart wrenching sometimes. There have been times I have left Open Arms and sat in my Jeep and cried. Not necessarily for the ones at Open Arms but the ones waiting to get in. For the first time since it opened they are turning women away from the waiting list which is two years long.

If you wish to donate, need more information, or if you'd like to walk feel free to contact me.

Bridal shower excitement

I never realized how much work is into putting together a bridal shower. Since I've never done this before I'm GRATEFUL to my Aunt Rebecca for WILLINGLY volunteering to help me. (She's put together SEVERAL baby showers and open houses, and she's SUPER creative.) I'm also grateful that Ashley doesn't have a lot of demands on how she wants it. Actually she has said whatever I want to do is fine.
We went shopping Thursday for bridal stuff... Was supposed to have gone Friday, but she had tests Friday. So on Thurs. I went to Open Arms and helped at the preschool before shopping.
We started shopping at noon and at 5:30 STILL wasn't finished. We have majority of the stuff, but we didn't have numbers. Without numbers we didn't know where to have it. And center pieces and decorations determined where we had it. Well, now I have numbers, and a place reserved, so hopefully soon we can finish up the shopping.
With Rebecca's help we came up with several ideas that had us laughing so hard we were doubled over and our sides were aching. Even the clerk was laughing when she saw one of the ideas. I KNOW Ashley is going to hate us for a while, and will be rethinking the "whatever you want to do is fine". But it's all in good fun, and will bring smiles and chuckles out of everyone attending.. And that's all I can say about that.

Now to wait for addresses so I can mail out invitations. I'M READY!!!!!

A busy week......

I was SUPPOSED to have went back to work yesterday, Tues. However, a letter arrived in the mail Friday stating I don't go back till 1/26. So what have I done with my extra week???? Well, So far I've............

Friday -I went to Aunt Rebecca's and brainstormed bridal shower ideas, made on top of the stove cookies, and watched a movie with her.
Sat- went to see Hotel For Dogs with Lois and Philip (MUCH better than the previews by the way. Found myself laughing.) and went to the Golden Trough (Ok ok ok Corral) for dinner.
Sunday night- Spent the night with Lois and Philip, mainly cause he has been BEGGING me to for weeks and ate some AMAZING pork chops that Lois made.
Monday- went to the Children's museum (Note: DON'T EVER go for the free days. Was WAY too crowded. Did manage to buy 3 Holocaust books, and found tons of other Holocaust stuff I wanted, but didn't buy.)
Monday Evening- went to Philip's swim class.
Monday night- spent another night with Lois and Philip but only cause Philip started crying when I was trying to leave. Yes, it was a school night, but Lois was ok with it.
Tues- went to Amish country up North with mom and dad.
Wed- Took my mom up to Lois's to meet Philip (she's going to be babysitting starting next week), went to Philip's Wed swim class, and went out to eat afterwards.
Thurs- going to Open Arms and help in the preschool in the AM, then Aunt Rebecca and I are going Bridal shower shopping, and out for lunch. WHOOHOOO.
And FINALLY
Friday- spend Friday night with Lois and Philip, because he asked me too tonight before we left and Lois said "Friday would be best since you can stay up late."

This has been the busiest week. Wonder if I'll get another letter Friday postponing my go back to work date.... Heard rumors we will be working every other week for now on.Who knows....

Oh and Aaron got called back. He starts back in my plant next week. Yes, he now has to drive a few miles to work but at least he has a job. I'm happy for him.

I'm all shook up

And no I'm not talking about the Elvis pelvis moving type either. I'm talking the hands shaking, heart thumping, and about to pee my pants type. It all started..........

Last Monday when I had some running to do. I had to run to K to file unemployment, and then run to T to the bank. I turned off 31 onto D road eastward and I was following a semi. The semi, I figured forgot where his turn was, turned his signal on and started to slide. I put my brakes on and was doing all right UNTIL..... I saw that semi cab SIDEWAYS across the road, I put my brake on all the way and started sliding toward the semi. My only thought was "GET INTO THE CORNFIELD", which is what I did. I managed to slide between a speed limit sign and a light pole. I came to rest about 5 rows into the cornfield and just sat for a min. I then eased onto a road intersecting D rd, threw my flashers on and got out to check my Jeep. THANKFULLY my tires were intact and I didn't see any damage.

The semi driver, who was still sitting on the road, yelled and asked if I was ok. "I said yeah, just really shook up." He said "I am too. I KNEW you were behind me and I thought for sure you were going to run into the trailer. That was quick thinking to head for the field. Probably saved your life".
The fact that 1 I managed to not hit the semi. 2. I missed the pole 3. missed the sign and 4 no damage tells me that God really was watching out for me.

I made a quick stop to an empty parking lot and just sat there to collect myself and calm down. Took me 20 mins to get calmed down to continue my trip to the bank.
Going to have to remember when I get to Heaven to apologize to my guardian angel for this. LOL.