Progress

On Sunday, I shared with you that we had very limited time to do a lot of work in our living room to get things ready for Christmas.

A few weeks ago, Jeff and I had talked briefly about rearranging the living room but then decided it was too much effort.

Sunday, I headed to church for the morning.  Left the house around 9:00.  After 2nd service, I headed over to Jeff's parent's house for our Thanksgiving celebration with them.  Jeff arrived a bit after us- he probably got there around 12:30.  And told me right away that I wasn't going to be happy because the house was a complete shambles.

Instead of just moving the one shelf I wanted moved to make room for the Christmas tree, he proceeded with the total rearrangement plan.  But was only in mid-switch when it was time to head to lunch.

And he was right- it was a shambles.  But he'd gotten a lot of work done so we spent a couple of hours getting the big furntiure moving done and then he spent time working on hooking up all the electronics.

I had today off work and spent my time putting things away, cleaning off shelves, organizing, throwing away trash, and so on. 

It still isn't done.  But here is a picture of that corner- this is the "after" and you can see that it is totally different!

And as you can see, the tree is up.  We haven't fluffed it or fixed the branches or even gotten the decorations out yet.  But we wanted to get it set up.  I did some digging and found some decorations I haven't had out in a long time- my Christmas Village.  Having small kids in the house means not having a lot of breakables around.  But I decided that this year... I think we can handle it.  I left the really breakable things put up.  But I'm happy to have our unique Christmas Village all set up!

Progress is being made and I feel really good about the work we've been doing to our living room.  The best part is that Jeff is talking about getting the dining room cleaned up now that it isn't just hiding behind the couch.  The new arrangement leaves the room more open and I really like it. 

It isn't done but it is progress!

Preparation

Putting up a Christmas tree really shouldn't be such a challenge. 

This year, we are eager for a change in our living room.  We want to rearrange furniture to prepare for tree placement.  But then we get tired from that whole parenting thing and once bedtime arrives, we have no energy to even consider rearrangement. 

*sigh*

So my goal for this weekend is to get one specific corner cleared out and the small pieces of furniture set into new spots.  I want our tree up and decorated by the end of today.  This will be a challenge since church will keep me away from home from about 8:45 until... well all afternoon because we will be doing Thanksgiving with Jeff's family after church.  Our day will not be spent at home.

So meeting my goal is going to be a serious challenge.

Ready? Set? Go!

Happy Thanksgiving!

FitCity: Healthy Thanksgiving!

Looking for some last minute inspiration to help keep you on track with making some healthier choices this Thanksgiving?  Check out my latest FitCity Indianapolis post!

*****

Tomorrow is the Big Day- the day I wait for all year long.  Thankgiving is my favorite holiday.  I love the history of this holiday, the focus on gratitude, and also the food!  I love gathering with friends and family around the table for all kinds of yummy side dishes to accompany that big turkey.  And I dream of Thanksgiving pies all year.  My mom is famous for her chocolate cream pie, cheesecake, and pecan pie.

It’s easy for Thanksgiving to become a free-for-all in the eating and lazy afternoon department.  But there are some easy things we can all do to make the day a little healthier and still enjoy all it has to offer!

I received some information from the physicians of St. Vincent here in Indianapolis and I think these are tips that are easy to incorporate!

1)       Make a list and check it twice before heading to the grocery store. Planning your meals helps curb impulse buying.

2)       Use smaller plates. When you have a big plate, instinct tells you to fill the entire plate. However, by using a smaller plate you have less room and will put less food on your plate.

3)       Variety is the spice of life! If you really want a bite of everything that is being served, then have a small bite of each thing rather than denying yourself. If you don’t satisfy your craving, it’s likely that you’ll eventually end up eating the desired item anyway.

4)       Veg out. It might be difficult to completely cut out the high-calorie favorites like dressing and buttery rolls. But if you eat small amounts of these items and fill up on things like the veggie tray, salad or roasted vegetables, you’ll be doing great things for your health

5)       Don’t drink your calories. Choose water, sugar-free drinks or skim milk to limit calories.

I think those are all pretty easy to incorporate into my celebration this year.  The challenge will be not having 4 servings on that smaller plate.  And what about the veggies that we load up with creamy sauces and butter?  Is it possible to make my favorite side dishes a little healthier, too? 

Last year, I tried this fresh green bean recipe and it was a hit and it’s definitely heathier than green bean casserole with its cream soup base and fried onions.  My mom always makes a platter of roasted veggies.  We’ve included other fresh veggies at our table before.  There are some great and easy recipes for things like brussels sprouts, acorn squash, cauliflower, or carrots. 

Resist the urge to crash on the couch after your meal.  I hear the weather is supposed to be great this year so why not get outside for a family walk or a family football game?  And if you’re feeling really motivated, start your day with a 20 or 30 minute workout first thing.  Not only are you getting active, but you just might find yourself less stressed as the day goes on.

What are you doing to add some healthy options to your holiday this year?

Gratitude

Not only did I fall behind on blogging, I fell behind on my daily sharing of what I am thankful for each day.  That list off to the side hasn't been updated since Nov 15!  So I'm going to amend that here on my blog instead of posting an obnoxiously long update on Facebook.  The beauty of having a blog!

Nov 16 - That was last Wednesday.  My thankfulness for that week was found that evening when I practiced with Pastor Jennifer and the kids at church for the upcoming Christmas Program.  I love working with these kids and sharing music and entertainment with them- I appreciate that I have talents to share with these kids that can inspire them to use their talents for God, too!

Nov 17 - Another church related gratitude.  My involvement with my Praise Team is so important to me.  Getting involved there has changed my relationship with my church and brought me into a niche, a fold, a family within my church family.  Gotta give mad props to Ashli, Jennifer, Victoria, Jill, Lucy, Randy, Ed, Rich, Jonathon, Tim, Seth and others who are part of that experience!

Nov 18 - Home. I'm thankful for the house we live in and that we have made it into our home.  Yes, it's messy, needs updating, needs renovation.  But it's ours and it's a secure place for us.

Nov 19 - Prayer.  We had a prayer service at church.  A little music and about 45 minutes of focused, quiet prayer time.  Silence for 45 minutes (well, quiet music in the background).  Every mom in our congregation should have been there- 45 golden, precious moments of no talking.  It was wonderful and went by so quickly! Seriously- the prayer time was valuable to me and I found some comfort and answers in the Bible as I led to it through my prayers.  It was a great experience.

Nov 20 - TV.  It sounds silly and superficial, I know.  Materialistic.  And it is- it's a guilty pleasure.  I'd love to go on about the value of being so fully informed and the availability of information and so on.  But truly... I'm all about the teen angst and zombies and adventures leading up to meeting your mother and a not old fashioned family.

Nov 21 - Fun coffee beverages.  I'm not just talking about the holiday favorites that come out at national and local coffee houses or even about the special holiday flavors of my favorite coffee creamers.  I'm also talking about the make-your-own kind.  at work, half a cup of coffee with half a cup of hot chocolate and a melty peppermint.... mmmmmm...

Nov 22 - Little Explorers Preschool.  I'm sad to think of the day we are no longer part of this sepcial school family and the annual events like last night's Thanksgiving Feast.  Zach was excited to go to school yesterday once he remembered he would be helping to cook the meal for that night!  The attention he gets, the way the teachers and staff know my kids so, so well... the way my kids are loved (even Teagan who is no longer a student there)... it's special and so important to our family.

3 Days

I went 3 days without blogging.

Oops.

Got a little busy.  And I don't think it's going to let up.

Here's a few things to share...

1. If you are on Facebook and want an easy and no-cost-to-you way to help a great group that does great work in Guatemala, please consider giving a quick vote to Mission Guatemala.  My church recently had 2 teams travel down there to work.  The group does great things there- building homes, providing improvements to homes and food supplies, providing dental and medical care, feeding children. 
Click on this link http://bit.ly/tHzDgZ for Mission Guatemala

Click on the green "Vote & Share" button.

You may be prompted to like Chase Community Giving page. Please "like" Chase Giving page.

Make sure to click on "Vote & Share" button again.

When you click on the Vote & Share button, a new window may open that states: "Chase Community Giving" is request permission to do the following...". This window will have an "Allow" button that needs to be clicked.

Once you click the Allow button, a new message will appear with the "Vote & Share" button at the bottom.

Voting is not complete unless you click this "Vote & Share" button and see a message "Thanks for your Vote", and the vote count increases. The link to Vote will appear on your Facebook page as well after you Vote successfully. That is how you know that you have done it correctly, plus next to your photo on the upper center right of the page it will say: 9 VOTES LEFT...or any number if you have voted previously.

2.  If you are looking for a truly hands on way to directly help someone this holiday season, I've got a project going on that you could be part of.  Needs this year are so great and so many holiday budgets are going towards covering basic living expenses or home emergencies.  Savings are blown through and there's nothing left.  I'm fortunate to be part of a group of moms that comes together every year to provide Christmas for families who need a little love for the holidays.  So if you'd like to be part of our efforts, please leave me a comment or drop me an email (gentlemomlc gmail).

3.  I'd also encourage you to be courageous in your own efforts where you live to reach out. Maybe you have a co-worker who is struggling this year... maybe a child in your daughter's class...  maybe your favorite server at your favorite local restaurant... just consider the compassion you can give to others around you.  A bigger tip, a brighter smile, a kind word, a supportive note.

4.  I did my first Kiva loans a few months ago and 1 of the 2 has been paid off and another is making progress.  Because of that, I had money that I could reloan, take for myself, or donate directly to Kiva.  I wanted to loan again so I started looking.  And I found a woman named Joyce in Kenya who was seeking a loan for her farming needs.  I chose Joyce because she needed a last loan of $25 to complete her needs (her toal need amount was $450)- I got excited to be the person to make the loan complete.  Do you Kiva?

5. And finally... when you do your holiday shopping this year, I encourage you to consider visiting local boutiques and shops for your shopping list.  I think that the best way to support our communities is by putting the money we spend into the pockets of people who are our neighbors and who are supporting their families through their entrepeneurship.  So visit a local gallery, make a deal with your favorite knitter or wood carver, go check out that "make your own pottery" place.  I haven't done much shopping yet but what I've done has come from an independent bookstore and a craft show.

Now- share your tips! What are some ways you are giving this year?

Oh Happy Day!

Ever have one of those days where you just feel good?

Where you wake up and roll out of bed and somewhere in the course of the morning, you just decide that it will be a good day and it actually works that way?

Where you look around and just see beauty in the sunrise or the birds or even in the funny bumper sticker on the car ahead of you?

Where your goal is to see people smile and hear people laugh?

Where you just feel totally filled with love and have a sense that, even in the hard times, life is a good thing?

I'm having one of those days.

Life is still as busy and hectic as usual.  My workload is as cram-packed as usual.  The cranky people around me each day are still cranky and still around me.  The problems in life are still there.

But it's a good day.  Earlier this week, I had the privilege of being a Spark and I think I'm riding the high of what was accomplished and will be accomplished by the end of the month.

My heart is full, my soul is comforted, I am loved, I am blessed.

Oh Happy Day!

A Yummy Dinner the Whole Family Liked!

My mom sent me a tip on a yummy chicken slow cooker recipe she tried last week. 

I planned for it and sent Jeff a message this morning to let him know he could set up the slow cooker if he went home for his lunch break today. 

And he did.  And it was delicious.

We had about 2 lb of boneless, skinless chicken breast.  1 can of cream of chicken soup.  A few spoonfuls of cream cheese.  A packet of Italian dressing seasoning.  Put it all in, cooked on low for 5 hours.

It shredded like a dream.  Teagan tasted a bite and loved it.  I also knew she had her heart set on shredded BBQ chicken like she'd sampled at the grocery over the weekend.  I'd found a BBQ sauce without High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) - Bull's Eye.  It's my new favorite BBQ sauce- great smoky flavor and perfect blend of sweet and spicy.

So Teagan had hers shredded with BBQ sauce.  Zach had his shredded without BBQ sauce.  Jeff and I had regular chicken breast.  I did a quick steamer bag of cut green beans and a 90 second heat up bag of Uncle Ben's long grain and wild rice.  Teagan added ponzu sauce to her rice.  I added the sauce from the slow cooker to my green beans and rice.

Zach had 2 helpings of chicken.  Teagan had 2 helpings of chicken and rice.  The chicken was a big hit- they ate good sized portions with each serving. 

Meal time has been a source of stress in this house before and there have also been big changes happening in the past few weeks.  Tonight, we had a meal that Jeff and I both made together (in our own way) and that the family really enjoyed.

I like that.

Spark

This past Sunday, Pastor Rusty's children's sermon focused on the importance of being the spark that starts good things happening.  He urged the kids to speak up to their teachers and parents when they see an opportunity to help.

Today, I got to be a spark.

Someone was in need and the situation was pretty desperate.  All I did was ask a couple of groups of people if they could help out financially.  And they came through with flying colors. 

Not a single one of those helpers is rich enough to fix this immediate need with one donation.

But when enough people make a lot of smaller donations, big change happens. 

A small spark leading to many little fires that is blooming into a bonfire.

There are so many ways to be that spark.  I think the best way is to live as authentically as possible.  When you are your true self, when you aren't afraid of giving to others, when you aren't worried about stepping outside of your comfort zone, that's when the life you live is the spark. 

Speak up.  If you know someone who is struggling, reach out.  Maybe all they need is to know someone cares, maybe you can start a wildfire.

Be the spark.

Pride of Dayton

Pictures from Family Weekend at University of Dayton, Pride of Dayton Marching Band. 

DRUMline Live

I was going to write a Fragments post for today.  I was going to have 11 fragments for 11/11/11.  Then I thought maybe I should write a Veterans Day post.  But then...

I spent a great night with a friend (Thank you to Linda for buying an extra ticket when she learned of the show!) having an incredible time at a show that I'd never even heard of- DRUMline Live.

DRUMLine Live is a celebration of the marching band tradition of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU).  It brings a scaled down version of the football field to the stage.  However, this isn't a show that is just about marching bands.

It's really a history lesson on black music and the influence of that music on the marching bands of HBCU's.

It isn't the kind of thing you go to if you are looking for something devoid of any cheese factor.  Because there certainly is some.  But there has to be something that ties everything together so I could forgive the cheese because the music was so incredible.

I'm going to speak as plainly as I can right now and not try to censor so forgive me if anything comes across as ignorant or whatever and just read it for the intent I'm going for, ok?

I grew up in very white communities.  When I think back to the schools I attended, there were few faces around me that weren't the same color as mine.  Even though we moved several times and I attended at least 4 different schools (not counting preschools here), I think back to the pictures and memories and can say that I could pretty much count on one hand how many people were not white in my class.  When I started a new school for high school, I soon became friends with a group of girls... that weren't white.  It was eye opening.  More than that, it was heart and soul opening for me.

I learned about racism and I learned about soul and I learned about faith and I learned about roots and I learned about this culture that was so much like my own but so very different from my own.  And being with this group of girls, I found a place inside of me that opened up and music filled it in a way I'd never experienced before.

That holds true to this day.

My emotional times at church are when I am singing.  When I am stressed or need to pep it up, I turn to music.  Just belting out "Don't Rain On My Parade" can change the tempo of my entire day.  Music is something that opens my soul... there is something about the history of it that becomes very entrenched in my being.  Music is something that ties history and culture together.

Unexpectedly, I really tapped into that with this show.

The saddest part of the night was the audience.  I was fortunate to have a friend who had an extra ticket and invited me along.  The theatre was barely half full.  If it was even half full.  I went into the evening thinking my friend and I would be the only "old white women" in the audience but it ended up being a very diverse crowd - from age to skin color.  Having done theatre, a small audience isn't necessarily a bad audience.  Some of my best show experiences have been when the crowd is light- but still lively.  This audience was small and dead.  They apparently thought this was a show to sit and enjoy- like the symphony or something.

This is a show where you yell and clap and get up and shake what your mama gave you.  I would have been on my feet a lot more- except no one else would stay up.  I think the audience got up and involved twice.  My energy was high and I loved every second and I had a dopey grin on my face any time I wasn't busy  singing along.  I couldn't sit still.  This music- the brass and the drums- it gets inside of you and forces your shoulders and feet and hips to move.  I chair danced to the best of my old white lady ability.

The show ends with the band marching out to the lobby in the style of a New Orleans parade.  They performed in the lobby and we were encouraged to stick around and meet the musicians.  These are some incredibly talented people and many of them did multiple things in the show- dance, sing, play more than 1 instrument.  I was eager to not only meet but also hug as many cast members as I could (and I totally did).

My 2 favorite moments were when the MC of the show and one of the female singers recognized me.  And thanked me for my energy.  As a former performer, I totally get that.  As a fan of the show, I loved that the connection I was feeling to the people on stage was real.

There are tour dates set through 2011.  I am hoping the show comes back around again soon as I've already got another friend lined up that MUST see it with me, experience it with me and who will get up and dance with me.  There are several upcoming dates around Michigan, Ohio, and New York.  You can check out their Facebook page for info.

And now a couple of tips that I think would help improve the DRUMLine Live experience.

1. Marketing.  I never heard or saw an advertisement for the show.  Budgets are tight but most social media is free.  Gotta get hooked in with the bloggers, Facebookers, Tweeters, etc and get the word out about your show!  My friend who got the tickets only found out about it because she went on the ticket website to buy tickets for an upcoming Oakridge Boys Christmas Show- and I'm betting that won't be a common occurrence for most people.  Maybe working with local schools and churches would help?  Another thought would be to try and time the show with a current event that might build the crowd- like the Circle City Classic or Black Expo and then partner with the group for cross promotion opportunities.  There was a state marching band competition in town this week and there was a group next to me from Southern Indiana who were int own for that competition and somehow heard about the show.  There has to be a way to better reach those groups.  Maybe doing something with Groupon or Eversave or Living Social?

2. No program.  There was no program provided so I have no clue who was in the show and I can't even accurately try and lay out the show for you to tell you when they did the Gospel section or the Motown section or the Blues.  A program would also be a great way to show pride in where the performers are from- which of the HBCU's are represented in the cast?  What is the history of how the show got started?

3. Improve the website.  It doesn't have nearly enough information and it appears that it isn't updated frequently (for example, next weekend's Cincinnati dates aren't listed).

And my favorite moments:

When the MC/Host of the evening entered into the Gospel section and encouraged the audience to look around and to see the diversity of the crowd and to value it and to know that God's love is meant for everyone.

The neon lights in the dark drumline was fantastic.

Loved the medleys of Motown and pop music and also the medley of dance songs (I tried jumping to my feet for that one but again- dead audience so I ended up sitting down.  Do you know how hard it is to Tootsie Roll when you're seated in a theatre seat?).

The overall energy and passion and talent of every single person on that stage.

If you hear about DRUMLine Live, if it is touring near you, I'd really encourage you to go see it and be prepared to let your guard down and let the music take you over.  Jump up and dance, clap, yell, put your hands in the air.  It is an experience not to be missed!

Why Are Yours So Big?

Zach is a funny little dude.  He's 4 years old now and he doesn't old back with what he thinks or feels and he doesn't get too flumoxed if he isn't right about something.  He enjoys being curious and learning through his mistakes.
And that means that he says some really funny stuff. 
***
Jeff and I were in our bedroom and I was getting dressed for the day.  Zach walked into the room wearing his pj's (he sleeps in just pj pants and no shirt), just as I was putting on my bra.  He looked at me... closely... and his hands went to his chest and he said,

"Why are yours so BIG?"
***
Zach had started complaining about a week ago that his penis was hurting.  He complained at home, we looked and didn't see anything.  Complained at school and was checked (with permission) and nothing.  We have since located the issue and had the doctor check him this week and it's all good now.  However, last week it was apparently bothering him more than we knew.

He hurt his finger at school and was sent up to the front office to see Lori, the owner and director of the school.  He walked in, held out his finger and explained that he's hurt it.  Lori asked if he wanted a bandaid for it and he did.  She turned around to get the bandaid and when she turned back... he had his pants and underwear around his ankles!  She asked him what he was doing and he said, "I pulled my pants down so you can put the bandaid on my penis!"

***

I was brushing my teeth in the bathroom and Zach came in to use the potty (this is pretty normal around here).  He starts talking and isn't going to stop- he gets into that mode sometimes.

"I'm glad you're in here Mommy cuz I hafta poop!  (he climbs on the toilet)  It's gonna be a BIG one, too, Mommy.  (he is now using the toilet)  I know it's big cuz when I'm pushing it out, my face gets cold!"

***

And a conversation with his sister over Halloween candy:

Teagan: Zachary, you have balls and I have balls! (She has Skittles)

Zach: I have balls! (eating Whoppers)

T: We saved our balls for last!

Z: My balls are chocolate!

T: Mine are fruity!

Z: My balls are crunchy!

T: Mine are fruity!

***

Me: We aren't watching any Christmas specials yet.  What comes before Christmas?

Teagan: Thanksgiving!

Zach: August!

Book Fairs

Our school is having a Scholastic Book Fair this week.  Our preschool has had events like this but different.  At the preschool, catalogs were sent home and links were emailed so you could order books online.  This is our first official Book Fair where you send money to school and your kid picks out what they want to buy.

First, I want to brag a little on my girl.  She knew what she wanted- A Dolphin Tale.  She showed the catalog to Zach and he got excited to see Lightening McQueen books.  I was so proud that she brought home the book she wanted, a collection of 5 Lightening McQueen stories, a Scooby Doo book for them to share, and a Biscuit book that she can read on her own.  She was very excited to get a receipt showing her purchases and to bring home 4 cents in change.

But that isn't the purpose of this post.

I'm thinking that it might be Book Fair time at your school, too.  Or maybe there will soon be a Book Fair at your school.

As a kid, we struggled financially.  My mom was a single mom and sometimes it was tough to make ends meet.  There wasn't extra in the budget for things like skating parties or book fairs. 

I loved to read, I loved books.  I felt the excitement in my school as Book Fair time approached.  And I remember the Book Fair setting up in our school library.  I remember our class having time to go to the Book Fair and look at the books and other offerings. 

And I knew there wasn't anything for me.

There were books I wanted.  But there wasn't money for them.

I missed out on many things as a kid but the Book Fair is one of those things that has always stayed strong in my memory. 

When I sent in the envelope for Teagan's budgeted spending money, I sent in a second envelope.  I included a note to the teacher and $10.  I asked her to please use the money if she knew of a student that maybe couldn't participate in the Book Fair because of struggles at home. 

I'm sharing this because my hope is that others might consider doing the same.  It doesn't take much to have a big impact on someone else's life.  It doesn't take much to show kindness to others.  This is just one way to care for someone else that maybe you hadn't considered before. 

Look What Jeff Made!

DINNERTIME!

Friday, Jeff made dinner.  As you might recall, I shared our anniversary celebration a few weeks ago where we bought each other gifts in the traditional and contemporary vein of salt, linen, bronze.  One of the gifts I got Jeff- in the salt line- was a cookbook.  It was Teagan's idea to o in a cooking mindframe based on "salt."  The cookbook is the "Busy People's Slow Cooked Cookbook" by Dawn Hall. 

He flipped through it and was inspired by a recipe called Beef Roast Excellente.  We didn't have exactly everything the recipe called for but it inspired a recipe we made up on our own. 

2 lb pot roast
2 cans Dr Pepper (you could use diet if you prefer)
frozen diced onions
potatoes
carrots

He sprayed the crock pot with Pam and then poured in the Dr. Pepper and added the onions and pot roast.  Then he used Dawn Hall's pocket pouch for the potatoes and carrots to avoid the veggies becoming mushy.  This is where you use foil to make a pouch for your veggies so they stay out of the liquid.  He set the timer for 7 hours on low.  He stopped by home at the end of the cooking time and checked the meat with a meat thermometer and it was done.  He left the slow cooker on warm and opened up the veggie pouch and added the potatoes and carrots to the liquid in the slow cooker.  When we served up dinner... the meat just fell apart.  The potatoes and carrots were done exactly right.  On my plate, I smashed up my potatoes and topped them with sour cream and some bacon bits. 

I am very proud and thankful... my husband did great!! 

Who the NYTimes Says I Am

Just something kinda fun today...  a little quiz that was shared on fly away.

Go to this link and take the Visual quiz. 

I'm a Life Lover.  I found it to be pretty accurate, I think.

You are a bit of a dreamer and you are drawn to anything with a sense of mystique. Despite being a bit of a homebody, you love letting your mind wander off to far flung lands where anything can happen. You are thoughtful and original in your outlook. You like to be made to think and often seek out ways to expand your horizons.
You're creative and imaginative and like to be inspired. Home is where your heart is and you love nothing more than putting personal touches to your space. You're laid-back and relaxed with a very healthy attitude to life. Naturally down-to-earth, you don't believe in sweating the small stuff. Life's for living, with minimum stress and maximum enjoyment and so fun with family and friends is top of the list as far as you're concerned. Food is a definite passion too and you're always up for tantalizing your taste buds. You're a bit of a dreamer at heart. But there's nothing wrong with that. Set your sights high and you'll create the life you deserve. The Home and Garden section is perfect for you - bring the latest trends into your home.

I even went back and changed a couple of my answers because I'd felt kind of torn between different options and it still gave me the same result. 

How about you?

Pumpkin Patch

For the past two years, the annual preschool/kindergarten field trip to the pumpkin patch has ended up cancelled due to weather.  It's been a disappointment each year since Jeff and I would take the day off work so we could go along.  This year, the weather was perfect and we had a great time!