And this is why I hate cooking!

I just don't understand what my problem is with cooking. Something ALWAYS goes wrong so I usually just don't do it. Occasionally, I may make a pot of chili, spaghetti, or even a chicken and rice casserole but I don't make a habit of it.

But this morning, I looked at some blueberries in the refridgerator and decided I would like to try making blueberry muffins. I looked online and found a healthy recipe that had 16 ingredients - that would be SIXTEEN ingredients! I almost moved on but decided to give it a try. My last attempt at making muffins turned out really good so I was feeling pretty confident.

I wrote down all 16 ingredients, went through my cabinets and marked off what I already had and then went to the store to get all the rest. A few minutes ago I went in the kitchen to get started and as I was measuring out the flour I noticed that it said "BETTER IF USED BY 03JUL10". For the stinkin' love! As you can see, the bag was full. How could I have not used flour in over a year and a half???

Obviously, I decided I better check all the ingredients I already had and the Wheat Germ was no better.

It occurred to me that the last time I used any of this stuff was my last attempt at making muffins - which when I looked back turned out to be March 8th, 2009. I'm just gonna call it. This is flat-out embarrassing. Of course, I was ready to throw in the towel but Hubs was having none of that. Bless his heart, he's at the store now. These better be some good muffins!

In Sickness and in Health

Have I mentioned before that Hubs has every illness known to man - at least in his mind? The internet is a cruel tool that allows him to look up every ache and pain, real or imagined.

This is a text I got last week:

"I consulted web md and I think I'm having what is called 'Braxton hicks' contractions. It says I shouldn't be worried"

My reply:

"Baby, I hope you're not PG. I might have to leave you..."

I wish I could say this isn't normal for us.

I love it when a weekend comes together

I don't usually consider it a good thing when things don't work out the way I planned but this weekend was an exception. I had anticipated working all day Saturday but was pleasantly surprised when I was able to get it all done Friday night. That left me with a completely open Saturday! I celebrated by being quite lazy and treating myself to a trip to Target where I went down every.single.aisle that struck my fancy. I know, I know... I'm a party animal.

My running partner was on vacation last week which left me running solo. I went to bed Saturday night thinking how embarrassing it's going to be when I tell her that I only ran one time. So I hauled myself out of bed Sunday morning at 5:30 to hit the pavement. And how about it started raining after I took about 10 steps. The greatest thing was that I didn't even mind because surely running in the rain is the equivalent to running 2 normal days, right??

I had a wonderful day at Church, a great lunch, and just an overall great day with Hubs on Sunday. I think my favorite part was when he decided he wanted to learn how to walk on his hands after seeing the half-time show of the Superbowl. Unfortunately, I'm not the best spotter. We'll keep working on that - it's sure to be a crowd pleaser at parties! :)

Weekend Wrap-Up

The past couple of weeks have been busy, busy, busy. I've learned to be thankful when I'm busy at work because that means we're making money - which you know, is kind of good when you have a family business!

(Just a note - that last sentence is a testament to monumental changes the Lord has made in my life in the past couple of years. He is teaching me that changes in my "normal" routine are not cause to cry, be angry and generally feel like the world is coming to an end. This girl has learned that willingness to say, "OK God, You're shaking it up. You must have something really awesome in the works." allows me to ENJOY changes in my day.)

I've been blessed with a wonderfully lazy but productive weekend. Saturday morning I met my running buddy, Melissa for a long run - IN THE RAIN! We missed a couple of days this week and decided that we would run no matter what. It actually felt kind of good.

I kept James and Abbie for Mama Hen till around lunch. We spent the morning making pillow houses in the living room and a trip to Wal-mart to buy things that drive Mama Hen crazy. It's the joy of being an Aunt!

After they left Jay and I cleaned out a couple of closets. I can't tell you how good it feels to just get rid of "junk".

Saturday night the girls in my Sunday School class got together for a painting party. We all found pictures online and hoped for the best. This is my attempt at "Sassy Girl". She'll be making her home in the Laundry room with the rest of my "masterpieces".

After Church  today I was able to get under the covers and just read and read without feeling a lick of guilt. And you know what made it a tish more wonderful? Wearing these sweet treats for my feet that J2 gave me for Christmas.

Hubs even got the toilet fixed in our bathroom. It only took 2 trips to Lowe's for a $7 part. (Sometimes I think they get the wrong part on purpose the first time just so they can go back.)



And that's it for our weekend. We're all settled in for the night waiting for the storms to roll through. I'm even excited about my busy week ahead!

Never a dull moment

Earlier tonight I caught Hubs setting a Frito on fire. Yes, you read that right. When I asked him about it he said a guy at work told him it could be done. Two thoughts: One, how did this even come up in
conversation and two, who tried it the first time?

And if you're wondering - a Frito can catch fire.

My favorite week!

The week before Christmas is by far my favorite week of the year. Even though things are always extremely busy and rushed, the time with my family and friends makes it all worth it.

I had the best weekend. Saturday night Hubs and I had our Sunday School party which is always fun. I love playing Dirty Santa with this group. It's cut-throat and we're not afraid to steal~ No Mr./Mrs. Nice Guy in this group. It's good to laugh so much your stomach hurts!

Yesterday after Church we headed over to my Mama and Daddy's for a Christmas lunch and presents with our immediate family. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this day. Mama made 3 different types of soup and cooked a ham and turkey for sandwiches. I made hot baked spinach dip and Oreo balls and Mama Hen made a homemade blackberry cobbler. We ate ourselves silly before opening gifts.

(I didn't get good pictures of the kids opening their gifts because I was the hander-outer.)

We always spend the afternoon hoppin' the kids up on as much sugar as we can and then send them home with Mama Hen. I firmly believe this is my role as self-proclaimed BEST AUNT EVER and of course, we all know that's what grandparents do.

Abbie and James were our cookie decorators.

Someone was pretty proud of his creation.

Tyler is getting too big and needs to stop growing PRONTO!

Apparently, Matt was being too mischievous for a good shot because I couldn't find one on my camera.

After that, I stopped by a friends for her Christmas Open House and had some apple cider that made me smile. And if that wasn't good enough, I passed a live nativity with a real camel on the way home. It was a wonderful reminder of the real reason for the season. Thank You God for Your precious Son.

Today I'm linking up with Carissa for Miscellany Monday.

The day where nothing really happened

Surprising, huh? I knew my day was going to be less than spectactular early this morning when I tried to fix my hair and it ended up looking like a big pile of poo. It has fully entered an "in-between" stage and is undeniably dreadful.

Somehow me and my hair managed to make it through the 8 to 5 grind without any of my coworkers running away in horror. I will say that the day did go by fairly quickly and before I knew it, me and my hair were off to the gym. The nice thing about the gym is that I can wear my cap and therefore, devote that hour and 10 minutes to counting down each and every one until it's over.

Hubs and I got home about the same time and promptly popped corn dogs in the oven because we have high food standards. We had a lovely time discussing our day as we stood in the kitchen and anxiously watched the timer countdown for the longest 20 minutes ever. And then, we enjoyed our corn dogs on paper plates while we watched recorded episodes of Judge Judy.

Yes, I know - the excitement is almost more than I can take too. Here's hoping to a good hair day tomorrow. It makes all the difference.

Normally, I'm not real fond of cold weather, but I have to admit - it's kind of put a smile on my face this week. Especially, when my mom showed up at work yesterday with a Caramel Apple Spice. So, so good. A gift of love....

What was not a gift of love was what McDonald's gave me today. About once a month I feel like I just have to have a Quarter Pounder with Cheese and today was that day. What I thought would be a reunion with an old friend turned out to be a brutal betrayal. Apparently, the QPw/C decided it didn't want to be my friend anymore and made war with my stomach. I have decided to breakup with McDonald's. It is now dead to me. It was that bad.

Thankfully, I was feeling much better by the time I got to Church. I'm doing Beth Moore's "Here and Now... There and Then" study on Revelation. Each week I am amazed that I get to see a small glimpse of Heaven. It is humbling and exciting all at the same time.

Now I'm home and all toasty because Hubs has a fire going. I think I'll keep him. He makes my heart smile.





My Pants Feel a Little Tighter

So, I decided to wear a skirt today. That's how I'm dealing with my big, bloated belly full of turkey, ham, dressing, apple pie, etc.

I have LOVED this long weekend. After I got off work Wednesday night I got my hair done, convinced Hubs to go to the grocery store with me and then came home and made a chicken cheese ball. (I refused to go to the in-laws with just ice.)

We had a great time with Hub's family Thanksgiving Day. It was my newest nephew's first holiday and we loved having a baby in the house! It was so sweet to look over and see Hubs with his niece and 2 nephews on his side of the family all on the couch together.

Friday was absolutely wonderful. I spent the entire day in my pajamas napping, reading, and watching TV. I did get online early that morning and did about 95% of my Christmas shopping. Total score for not having to battle the crowds (or get out of my pajamas)!

Saturday, Hubs and I ran a few errands before he went to watch the game with friends. (If you're from Alabama you know exactly which game I'm talking about.) Sunday, I woke up to the most beautiful sound - RAIN - and it hasn't stopped all day. I know it's not ideal to most, but I absolutely love it.

Can't wait to see what this week holds!

Ice Ice Baby

We're spending Thanksgiving Day with Hub's family this year. I called my sweet mother-in-law last night on the way home from work and asked what I can bring. She told me all the things she and my sister-and-laws will be making. And then told me to bring ice.

ICE

Should I pull a Phoebe?

Phoebe: Yeah well, that's 'cause I'm in charge of cups and ice, and Monica is gonna rue the day that she put me in charge of cups and ice.

Run Baby Run

I have really started to love running. For some, it comes easy. Me, not so much. I struggled for 2 years to even be able to run 3 miles and every.single.second of it was stinkin' HORRIBLE. I mean, pretty much every step left me wanting to turn around and crawl back to my car begging for sweet mercy the entire way.

But, I kept at it and a couple of months ago, Hubs convinced me to sign up for the Vulcan Run. 6.2 miles seemed impossible at the time. I thought I would run as long as I could and then walk the rest. I was good with that because my personal running goal didn't go past 3 miles. (Yes, I am an overachiever.)

About a month before the Run, I went out running by myself on a Sunday morning before Church. Normally, J2 runs with me but she wasn't feeling well. I headed down to an area close to my house with the intentions of running 2 miles. It was wonderful - I was listening to my praise and worship music, talking to my Lord and before I knew it, the 2 miles were up. I decided to try two more and after that, another two. 6 MILES!! Holy Cow, I think I became a runner that day.

The next Sunday we ran 7 and the next 8. The Vulcan Run has come and gone and I look forward to my morning runs with my friends. It's hard to get up so early (we all work) but I love being out as the sun comes up. It feels like a sweet treat God gives us. It really has become a special time of prayer and worship.

I never thought I'd be a runner. I especially never thought God would use it to give me more time with Him.

I caught my Mom telling someone the other day that I had run a marathon. I had to explain to her that I ran a 10K, not a marathon. BIG DIFFERENCE - BIG! So, if my Mama told any of you I ran a marathon, you probably already guessed that wasn't true. Or maybe you just thought I had turned into Super Girl. If that's the case - I'm good with that.

It's been a while...

Hello, my name is Jill. You may remember me. I used to post here somewhat regularly.

Well, life got in the way for a while and I let this blog take a back seat. Actually, it's more like I left it crying on the curb. I may not have left comments as much as usual but I have been keeping up with all of you. I think I've now rectified this broken blog relationship and I think we're on good terms again.

I've missed being able to tell you all the mundane details of my life. Like how there's an hour of my life I desperately wish I could get back that was spent watching Top 20 Most Shocking Moments - the Backyard Boneheads edition with Jay. #12 was the story of a man who pulled his tooth by tying a string from his tooth to a board and then taking a hammer to the board. He said he used to use pliars but "it hurt too much". I would expand on that but there are no words.

Thankfully, that wasn't the most exciting part of my weekend. Yesterday, we had Thanksgiving with all my family at my Mom and Dad's house. It was wonderful! I do believe my Mama may be the best cook in the world. Her dressing is out of this world! Hubs and I had leftovers for lunch and it was just as good today as it was yesterday.

Unfortunately, Mama Hen's youngest hadn't been feeling good and threw up not too long after we got there. He spent the rest of the afternoon in the back bedroom watching Kung Foo Panda. He did come out long enough to blow the candles out on his birthday cake but then turned around and walked out of the room. You know a 5 year old is sick when he blows the candles out and then makes his way back to the bedroom without any cake. We all thought about his recent projectile experience, the amount of spit that probably came out while blowing out the candles and decided it might not be in our best interest to eat that cake. I had Mama Hen's apple pie instead. Yes, I think that was a wise choice.

All in all, it's been a great weekend!

Old Man Sharpe

A few days ago Jay and I were sitting in the living room watching TV when I commented that I wished the big light wasn't on. I started to get up and had to do a double-take.

Apparently, I need to start calling him Paw Paw. I also might need to limit his time on the internet - or at least hold onto the credit card.

Yes, I'm Alive

To those of you that checked on me to make sure I'm still alive - the answer is Yes. I won't post a pic to prove it because I seriously need to get my hair and eyebrows done. If I was a cool chick I would spend the next few minutes recounting the amazing things I've had going on which caused me to have no time for blogging A SINGLE THING for almost two months. But I think we all know better than that. So, I'll just give you the facts m'am, just the facts.

Things that have happened since I last blogged:

1. I joined a 12-week exercise class that has kicked my hiney in every possible way. It meets on Tuesday and Thurday nights and for almost 2 hours I do a workout that causes me to sweat more than I would have previously thought humanly possible. I just completed week 7 and since I'm still alive, I consider that a success!

2. I've discovered PMS in my 30's is completely different than PMS in my 20's. There are now 2 days of every month where my world feels like it's caving in. I think it's in my best interest (and everyone around me) to take a medical leave from life on those 2 days and remain holed up in my bed with books, magazines, the remote control and every possible kind of chocolate known to man.

3. Hubs and I took a quick trip to Tampa a couple of weeks ago to see a Yankees Spring Training game. We flew out on a Friday morning, saw the game Friday night and flew back Saturday afternoon.

4. I'm leading Beth Moore's David: Seeking a Heart Like His study on Wednesday nights at Church. It's so good and I've met the sweetest ladies through it. I'm learning so much. 

5. I've found that having something going on Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday nights every week is throwing me for a loop. My homebody self doesn't really know what to do.

So there you have it, all my excuses reasons for not blogging. There are more that include the likes of sheer laziness but we won't get into all that. I missed you guys and thanks to those of you who checked in!



The Essentials

Today we've had snow, rain, sleet and ice and I had absolutely no idea that any of it was coming. We left work early because they were starting to close roads in sections of Birmingham and it was just plain ole' yucky outside.

Hubs stopped by the store on his way home to pick up the essentials. This is what he came home with.

And I wonder why I can't lose weight.

Twice as "SNICE"

It's hard to believe, but I'm on my second snow/ice (aka SNICE) day. I went to bed Sunday night in Alabama but it appears I've woken up the past two mornings up North! Of course it only appears that way. All I have to do is turn on the TV and see all-day coverage of how we're in a "state of emergency" when we have a couple of inches of snow and I know I'm right where I'm supposed to be.

And if there was even a smidgen of doubt left after that, I just needed to keep the TV on or check Facebook and check out the 1,893,548 times I heard or read War Eagle or Roll Ducks Roll. Don't get me wrong. I'm proud of our Auburn Tigers and their National Championship win. I even sported some Auburn sweatpants yesterday (a gift from a friend for Christmas).

(That gasp you just heard was my Mama.) I'm just not a football fan. I can only devote so much brain power and excitement to sports and my beloved Yankees got it all.

So, it's another day at home. Hubs went on into work. I think the excitement of driving his work truck with chains on the tires was just too much. I'm choosing to believe that over the possibility that he didn't want to hang out with me for one more day. Surely it's not because I made him watch Steel Magnolias, hmmm?

I'm gonna get in the kitchen in a few minutes and see what I can cook good for supper the rest of the week with things I already have in the freezer and/or pantry. It's a challenge from Leanna over at Thoughts and Whatnots. Who knows? This might be my year for cooking!

Poop and Love

When our new Sunday School year started at the end of August, I decided not keep the nursery and go back to my Adult class with Jay. I did agree to be put on the Parent's rotation. Yes, I'm fully aware that I'm not a parent - it was a moment of weakness.

Today was my duty day and I was put in with the 2 year olds. There were 12 of them with 3 adults. Not a bad ratio - or so I thought. The problem with this age group is that they are half diapers, half panties and the ones that are in panties really aren't fully potty-trained.

We had one little girl who tee-teed in her panties. All I could think is that her parents must have given her a liter of water before she came in because it was a river all over the floor. I got her cleaned up but bless her heart, there wasn't a change of clothes in her bag so she just had to walk around in her shirt.

A little later, I actually had a little girl come tell me she had to go potty.  How awesome is that? What she didn't tell me is that she had already POOPED.ALL.UP.IN.HER.PANTIES! I cannot even tell you how gross it was. I may or may not have vomited a little in my mouth. By the time I got those panties off, there was poop all down her legs, poop on the toilet, poop on the floor and yes, poop ON MY HANDS!

It took me about 20 minutes to get her, me and the bathroom cleaned up and I'm just gonna be honest, I threw her panties away. They was just no way I was going to try and rinse them out. It was just more than i could stomach. I was sweating like a crazy woman and when the last one left, I was out of there like lightning.

And with that, I would like to wish my Hubs a Happy Anniversary. The past 12 years have been more than I could have ever hoped and most definitely more than I deserve.

Vacation Recap

Obviously we had a wonderful time in Hawaii but OH.MY.WORD. the recovery has been oh-so-hard. I'm not kidding, that 7 hour plane ride kicked my bootay.

It's unbelievable to go to a place where it's beautiful everywhere you look. Just riding down the road (in a black convertible mustang) is amazing. I can't believe what the locals get to see just driving to work! We got to do some really fun things like...

Take a plane over to the Big Island for a volcano tour where we stood on lava and walked on black sand. We were supposed to get up close and personal with the active volcano but apparently it got crazy the Thursday before and spewed enough lava to destroy 96 homes. We steered clear.

Loved this waterfall. I'm crazy about them.

On Maui, we drove the Road to Hana where we saw beautiful waterfalls and flowers. Imagine our surprise when we saw this on the side of the road.

We loved walking in Old Lahaina, relaxing on the beach, and driving to the top of the Haleakala crater at a whopping 10,023 feet! It was completely crazy to think we were walking ABOVE the clouds!

I had a great time with my man in Hawaii!

Just Lovin'

Have you ever just glanced over at your man and had overwhelming love? I just did. It wasn't anything he did or said at that moment - just that feeling. Hubs can drive me crazier than any other human in the world, but let me just tell you - he makes me happier than any girl has the right to be.

Just a few things about Hubs that makes my heart smile.

1. He turns the bed down every night and tells me the Bed Fairy came. He had to go out of town a couple of weeks ago and when I got home from work I found a letter on my pillow letting me know that he made arrangements with the Bed Fairy to come early.
2. He gets rid of any leftovers that have been in the fridge too long because the smell makes me gag.
3. He thinks I'm cute when I'm wearing my glasses and no makeup.
4. He searches the channels every night to see if there's a Yankee's game on to surprise me.
5. He's been putting up with me for years and says he wants to keep on for the rest of  his life.

I know - I'm a lucky gal!

Party like You're 39!

Guess what happened 39 years ago today... My Hubs came into the world and guess what? The world hasn't been the same since! Just look at this adorable chunk of baby goodness!!!

We had a little party Sunday night and it was really fun. It was just our families and J2's family. We laughed a TON!

I will have to say though, my favorite part of the evening came a little later when Jay opened a card from Kay and Keith that told him he is going to be an Uncle!!! Oh my word, I can't tell you how excited I am to have a little baby on the Sharpe side of the family!

Jay and I decided we're gonna get pregnant real quick and make an announcement on Kay's birthday in September. OK, I'm kidding. Really. I promise. We're gonna wait till Christmas. OK - kidding again! I know, it's just too much fun!