Our Christmas Tree

The most important thing is that we, as moms, do not forget that Christmas is a CELEBRATION, not a time of stress and tension and mom chasing so many to do lists that she has forgotten to enjoy her kids.

In our home, like most of yours, birthday parties have a theme. We’ve celebrated with Butterflies, Cinderella, Guess How Much I Love You, a luau, BBQs, and Peter Rabbit Garden Parties to name a few. The theme for the most special birthday of the year, Jesus’ Birthday Party, is a Tree Trimming Party.

At my house, our Tree Trimming Party is a Birthday Party for Jesus where we serve cupcakes and Banana Splits, play Christmas music, decorate the tree, and give a gift to Jesus.
Most of us have trees in our homes laden with family ornaments from grandma and loved ones celebrating Baby’s 1st Christmas, Toothfairy ornaments for the first lost tooth, a Bicycle for the year Johnny learned to ride a bike, and other special family milestones. We have a small purple tree in our home for just that purpose. Because I have two girls, purple seemed appropriate. You’ll find Disney Princess ornaments, Gingerbread Men, Ice Cream Sundaes, and all sorts of ornaments from grandparents and aunts. This tree is very special to my girls because it celebrates them.

Our large tree, however, has an altogether different theme. When I was 20 years old, I moved out on my own for the first time. I remember clearly that I was very excited to have my very own Christmas tree, and I wanted a special theme for that tree. I brainstormed and studied and spent months planning the ornaments for the tree, and that theme is what I want to share with you today.
Our large tree is decorated specifically for the Birthday Boy. Each ornament is specifically selected to celebrate the milestones in the life of Christ.

This is a party, a birthday party for Jesus and our gift to Him is a tree celebrating His gift of eternal life.

ORNAMENTS

1) LIGHT / CANDLE: Jesus came as light of the world.
Isaiah 9: 2, “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.”
John 8:12, “When Jesus spoke again to the people, He said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’”

2) DOVE symbol of PEACE: Jesus is the Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9: 6-7, “ For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end.”
Matthew 1: 18-22, “This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins. All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: ‘The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel – which means, God with us.’ When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.”

3) VIRGIN MARY: A virgin will give birth to a child.
Isaiah 7: 14, “Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.”

4) ANGEL: God's messengers were the first to announce the birth of the Christ child.
Luke 1: 26-38, “In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you." Mary was greatly troubled at His words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of His father David, and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever; His kingdom will never end." "How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?" The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. For nothing is impossible with God." "I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Then the angel left her.”

5) JOY: The Angel told Mary Jesus would be a Joy unto her and many would worship Him.
Luke 1: 14, “He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of His birth.”

6) SHEPHERD'S STAFF: We call it a candy cane. But the shepherd staff reminds us of the first visitors to worship the Christ Child. The red and white colors will be mentioned again in other passage.
Luke 2: 8-15, “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests." When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."

7) STAR: God proclaimed His truth in creation by lighting up the heavens with a star that announced the birth of Christ the King.
Matthew 2:1-9, “After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him." When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people's chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born. "In Bethlehem in Judea," they replied, "for this is what the prophet has written: "'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.'" Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and make a careful search for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship Him." After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was.”

8) GIFTS: God sent His son and that's the greatest gift of all. Gifts also represent the significant gifts of the Magi. If they don't show our love for our family or friends, then they shouldn't be given.
Matthew 2:10-11, “When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.”

9) LAMB: Jesus was a Sacrificial Lamb
Isaiah 53: 7, “He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.” Note – Isaiah 53 tells the entire story of the trial, crucifixion, burial and resurrection.
John 1: 29, “The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, ‘Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world!”

10) CROSS: Reminding us of the sacrifice of Christ on the Cross to pay for our sins, but also our call to take up our cross and follow Him.
Excerpted from Mark Chapters 15 & 16, “"What shall I do, then, with the one you call the king of the Jews?" Pilate asked them. "Crucify him!" they shouted. "Why? What crime has he committed?" asked Pilate. But they shouted all the louder, "Crucify him!" Wanting to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. He had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified. And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him out to crucify him. They brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha (which means The Place of the Skull). Then they offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it. And they crucified him. It was the third hour when they crucified him. Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads and saying, "So! You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, come down from the cross and save yourself!"
In the same way the chief priests and the teachers of the law mocked him among themselves. "He saved others," they said, "but he can't save himself ! Let this Christ, this King of Israel, come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe." Those crucified with him also heaped insults on him. At the sixth hour darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour.
And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last. The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, heard his cry and saw how he died, he said, "Surely this man was the Son of God!" When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus' body. Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb and they asked each other, "Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?"But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed. "Don't be alarmed," he said. "You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him."

11) NAIL: Reminder of Christ’s Sacrifice and the miracle of the Resurrection.
John 20: 24-29, “Now Thomas, one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, ‘We have seen the Lord!’ But he said to them, ‘Unless I see the nail marks in His hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it.’ A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you!’ Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.’ Thomas said to him, ‘My lord and my God!’ Then Jesus told him, ‘because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.’”

12) CHRISTMAS TREE: Symbolizes that our God is eternal and we have eternal life through His Son when we put our trust in Him. Just as the evergreen never changes color or loses it leaves, likewise the character of Jesus is always the same.
Hebrews 13: 8, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”

13) HEART: God LOVED us so much that He sacrificed His Son for us!
John 3:16-18, "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him. Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.”

14) BELLS: Bells ring to call people to worship.
Psalm 100, “Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God. It is He who made us, and we are His; we are His people, the sheep of His pasture. Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations.”

15) CROWN – We are children of the King of Kings.
John 1:12, “Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God.” (The King of Kings)

16) SNOWFLAKES: Reminding us that Jesus’ blood washes our sins white as snow.
Isaiah 1:18, "Come now, let us reason together," says the Lord. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land; but if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword." For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”

So, what must we do in order that our sins are washed white as snow?
Scripture tells us that we are all sinners and separated from the kingdom of God unless we are born again.
Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.”
John 3:3 states, “No one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.”
Acts 4:12 tells us, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved, other than the name of Jesus Christ.”
Because we are all sinners and that sin separates us from a relationship with the most Holy God, there had to be a consequence for that sin. The Lord sent His son, Jesus to pay that price.
2 Corinthians 5:21 tells us that, ‘God made him (Jesus) who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.”
I Peter 3:18 tells us, “Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.”
And that was God’s gift to us.
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23
“For by grace are you saved through faith, and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2:8

So, how do we accept that gift of eternal life?
The answer is found in Romans 10:9-10, “That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.”
If you have questions, about what I have shared today, I would be happy to talk to you after the meeting, as would any of the Discussion Group Leaders or Mentor Moms.

17) NATIVITY: Reminding us of the story of Christ’s Birth
Bible: Luke 2

ADAPT….
There are several ways to adapt this tradition. One of my friends uses the symbols to create their family sugar cookies. Another idea is to take the information shared today and hide it in clues around your house on a scavenger hunt as many of these symbols will already be included in your Christmas decorations.
Or, if you’re looking for something even easier… I simplified the idea FOR YOU! I created a coloring page where children can color each of the ornaments on the tree and read the scripture that corresponds. We have one copy for each of you, and you can find the original printable at www.momstraditions.com.
Merry Christmas!

Try Something New

It was New Year’s 2001 and I decided to actually make a New Year’s Resolution. This was my first Resolution to undertake voluntarily (outside of a school assignment), but it was without a doubt the most fun and most memorable. My resolution? It was simply to do something new every week. Now that, in and of itself, is relatively vague, so yes there were guidelines. In a nutshell, new had to be legal, moral, and reasonably safe, and it had to “really be new.” (I “knew” what that meant in my own mind, but essentially it had to be more than reading a new book, the activity as a whole had to stretch me.)

That was, without a doubt, one of the most fun and interesting years I remember and the habit of doing something new, while not necessarily weekly, has stuck with me. I’m always on the lookout for a small adventure. New things have included: Swing Dance lessons (didn’t learn much, but had fun), learning to make Ukranian Batik Easter Eggs, silversmithing (LOVED this), Hot Air Balloon flying lessons and flight, flying over the Plaza Christmas lights in a 3 passenger Cessna, rappelling, learning to make sushi, oil painting lessons, cooking lessons with Plaza restaurant chefs, tours of wineries or homes of Kansas City’s rich and famous, renting and riding a bicycle built for two through Hermann, attending every festival in KC from the Japan Fest (tremendous fun) to the Italian Festival (skip it) and much more.

So, how do you find new things to do? My top three sources were: KC websites, books, and inexpensive community classes.

Many people think Community Education means computer courses for the elderly or ballroom dancing for singles. While those classes do exist, Community Education has come to mean much more! The class offerings are varied from the practical, to the artistic, to the just plain fun. Classes make great personal enrichment, a fun Mom’s Night Out, or a great date with your husband!

As you read this list, please note that it is just the tip of the iceberg. Local Community Centers and Public Schools also offer courses and programs. Many stores and shops, such as scrap booking stores, and mosaic and pottery shops offer classes as well.

Art Classes:
KC Art Institute (www.kcai.edu): KCAI offers non-credit, inexpensive courses in painting, stained glass, drawing, photography, sculpture, etc.
Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art (www.nelson-atkins.org): The Nelson offers classes for all ages ranging from hands-on art courses to tours and historical workshops and lectures.
Urban Arts and Crafts (www.urbanartsandcrafts.com): This unique Kansas City shop offers offbeat art materials and unique courses ranging from jewelry making to crochet.
The Paper Source (www.paper-source.com): This Plaza boutique features unique stationary and cards. They also offer courses in making your own paper crafts.

Cake Decorating, Crafts, and More:
Hobby Lobby.com
Michaels.com
Joann.com
HancockFabrics.com
These local stores offer classes for all ages in topics including: cake decorating, painting, sewing, crochet, knitting, embroidery, and specialized techniques for their products.

Culinary Courses:
Williams Sonoma (www.williams-sonoma.com): Call your local location for information. Their culinary courses offer cooking demonstrations, full meals, and take home recipes from top area chefs.
Culinary Center of Kansas City (www.kcculinary.com) Offering the widest range of gourmet and practical cooking courses in KC, classes are offered year round and most courses include a complete meal.

Local Libraries offer classes… and they are often FREE:
Johnson County Library (www.jocolibrary.org)
Mid-Continent Public Library (www.mcpl.lib.mo.us)
Kansas City Library (www.kclibrary.org)

Health Courses:
Kansas City Red Cross (www.kcredcross.org)
Lee’s Summit Hospital (www.leessummithospital.com)
Children’s Mercy (www.childrensmercy.org)
Carondelet Health (www.carondelethealth.org)
Overland Park Regional Health Center (www.oprmc.com)
Olathe Medical Center (www.ohsi.com)
Classes are practical ranging from Family CPR to Baby Sign Language and Parenting courses. Some hospitals also offer exercise courses, and even healthy eating or cooking.

Local Colleges offer Community Education covering MANY topics:
Johnson County Community College (www.jccc.net)
Metropolitan Community Colleges (www.mcckc.edu)
UMKC’s Communiversity (www.umkc.edu/commu)
Search for “Community Education” or “Non-Credit” classes when you visit these sites. These courses are NON-CREDIT courses that are “just for fun.” You will find Photography, Jewelry Making, Investment Courses, Foreign Language, Dance, Cooking, Art Classes, Local Historical Tours and Courses, and more. The courses tend to be inexpensive and require no homework!

Family Field-Trips

As you embark on local Adventures with your family, here are some helpful hints.
You set the tone. If Mom is happy and excited, the family will have fun.
You don’t have to do it ALL in one day. Leave the field trip while everyone is happy. When going on a local field trip, remember you can go back! It is much better with preschoolers to take several “short” trips rather than a long exhausting experience. Our family invested in Children’s Museum and zoo memberships so we can return often without feeling pressure to “get our money’s worth.” Many local venues are even free!
Eat in advance and bring snacks. We love going to the Nelson-Atkins Art Gallery (a great free trip). We spend 30-60 min. in the gallery then we take a snack break on the lawn and go back for another 30-60 min.
Relate to young interests. When we go to the art gallery, I don’t expect my toddler to appreciate the differences between Rembrandt and Bingham. We take her so she will begin to enjoy art. When Emily was just 2 years old, her fascination with everything princess was just beginning. She saw the Knight in Shining Armor and immediately squealed with glee at discovering “Prince Charming!”
Scavenger Hunts. This works on field trips and errands. Ask children to find objects one at a time. At the art gallery, I glance at paintings and spot familiar objects (cats, hats, wagons, etc) and ask Emily to find them. For older children, create a list using words or pictures or go on an alphabetical hunt finding objects that start with A, then B, etc. It’s also fun to play, “I Spy.” Hunts are especially good at museums, markets, or other places that aren’t instantly entertaining for tots.
Cameras are not just for Parents. Bring a disposable camera or inexpensive digital for children. Just be sure to observe rules. At many museums, for instance, you may not use a flash.
Finish with a treat. My girls know Winstead’s is within walking distance of the Nelson-Atkins Art Gallery. Have a treat at home or on the way home and talk about the fun you had together.
Be spontaneous. Keep a map and a few resources in the car (the free KC magazines or Visit KC publication are great). Refer to them often and be willing to go where the road takes you from time to time!

100 Things...

I know most bloggers reserve this for their 100th post, but I'll be different and post it 1st.

1. I love the Lord and I am thankful for my husband and beautiful girls.
2. I pray for my daughters… their futures, their faith, and my role as their mom… all day every day. The magnitude of this job overwhelms me.
3. Ron and I are the perfect blend of opposite and same.
4. I am thankful that I have a family of Christians and a support system there.
5. I would be the world’s worst Stay at Home Mom if I ACTUALLY stayed home! I get cabin fever QUICKLY and really love to be out and about. I don’t know how ladies with one vehicle families or in rural communities do it.
6. I wish I could sing.
7. I am scared of dogs.
8. Ron and I were married on March 8th.
9. I have started a lot of writing projects that are incomplete because they’re not up to my satisfaction.
10. My #. My bday is 10/10 and our home was on 10th street when I was born.
11. I can’t stand tomatoes (including ketchup and spaghetti… I can only tolerate them in chili if V-8 was used as base… no chunks, and in salsa if WELL disguised).
12. I am VERY MUCH a native to Kansas City. I only recently learned that this is unusual. I was born and raised here, my parents were, and 2 out of 4 grandparents were (the other 2 about 1 ½ hours away). My great-grandpa was involved in building Municipal Auditorium. And I adore my city… even with flaws.
13. I write poetry, but rarely share it.
14. Ron proposed at Liberty Memorial at night (same place my grandpa proposed to my grandma).
15. I love Classic Disney Animated Movies and enjoy watching them with Emily (Kayla doesn’t really watch yet).
16. On my daughter’s 16th Birthdays they will open time capsules we prepared for them as a family on their 1st birthdays.
17. Emily was born on the 17th of August.
18. Emily was named to honor my mentor Evelyn. Evelyn wrote a book, ‘Emily and the Santa Fe Trail” about a 12 year old girl and based the character off of my personality… so in a round about way she is named after me and honoring my mentor. Her MN (Ann) is the same as 3 of her 4 great-grandmothers.
19. Kayla was born on the 19th of September.
20. Kayla was given a K name on purpose because I have a K name, Grandma had a K name, Great-Grandpa had a K name. We loved it because it meant Pure and Beloved and was girly. Her MN (Esther) is because Ron was saved after hearing a sermon on Esther.
21. My least favorite chore is cleaning floors (sweeping, mopping, and vacuuming.)
22. I LOVE Frank Sinatra.
23. The only two foreign countries I’ve been to are Mexico and Belize… both briefly.
24. I wish I could dance and admire those who can.
25. My face is very expressive, but often misinterpretted because people think I’m reacting to one thing when I’m thinking about something else entirely.
26. Cherry Coke (classic Coca-Cola with Grenadine is best) is my FAVORITE, but I gave up caffeine when I learned I was pregnant with Emily. I’ve just finished nursing Kayla so I’ll allow myself up to one a day. People thought I was addicted, but I seriously didn’t have any COLD TURKEY and it was just fine.
27. I love calla lilies. Okay, everyone knows that if they know my screen name… but 100 is hard to list!
28. I LOVE to try new things… so much that when I find things I want to stick with (like ordering a menu item at a restaurant) I feel bad for not trying something new so I’ll HUNT down recipes so I can make my first favorite at home and justify my menu exploration.
29. I strongly dislike it when I feel like people are trying to "make me” like something or “force it on me.” I take time to get used to things and don’t like being forced or pushed. When pushed, I run and hide. People think I “don’t give things a chance” sometimes because they don’t know a) just HOW MANY life experiences I have had (I typically DO know and HAVE done things ppl think I have not done and now dislike) OR b) I know myself REALLY REALLY well and I know what I like and why I like it.
30. When I like something or someone… it’s FOREVER. When I don’t…. it takes a LOT to change my mind and with ‘things’… I pretty much never do change my mind (dogs, tomatoes, mushrooms… they’re OUT). The good thing about this is that I am very consistent. The bad thing is that I’m hard to persuade for those who care to persuade me.
31. I think Proverbs 31 is a HIGH standard and I’m trying…. By His Strength.
32. People tell me I look like Christina Ricci. Not sure if that’s a good thing.
33. I strongly believe that women should be educated and it is good for them (for a lot of reasons) to have marketable skills, even if ultimately they are Stay at Home Moms.
34. I never wear post earrings (I wear earrings that dangle or hoops) because when my ears were pierced (I was 5) the girl who did it did it lopsided. One lobe is substantially lower than the other and ppl notice this more if I wear posts… so I don’t wear posts, ever.
35. I can’t stand Lord of the Rings or Star Wars. I do not understand what all the fuss is about.
36. I think more clearly when I write on a yellow legal pad (all those years of debate) or type on MY computer (others won’t do).
37. I prefer cold over hot. Winter is MUCH better than summer. Fall is my favorite though.
38. I never thought I’d be a mini-van mom. Stop laughing Lex!
39. I’m tone deaf. At least, I think I’m tone deaf. My singing sounds fine… to me. LOL
40. The clothes in my closet are hung in color order. There is a reason for this. I hate trying to find things, so I need to know where they are. If the red shirt isn’t hanging with the reds, that means it is dirty. Period. No mystery. No hunt.
41. I battle insomnia…. All the time. My mind is constantly “on the go.”
42. My spices are alphabetized. See #40. No I’m not OCD. Why would you think that? LOL
43. I am sick and tired of voting AGAINST the light rail. Good grief… when does NO mean NO. How many times can they possibly put this on the ballot?
44. I read a lot of magazines (Family Fun, Wondertime, Real Simple, Cooking Light, Hallmark) and I really enjoy getting new magazines in the mail.
45. I feel guilty, but I can’t stand Veggie Tales. I really admire the ministry of Veggie Tales and I’m thankful for people who are willing to do that, but I just don’t like them. They’re so hyper and Boing-y… is that a word? I’ve tried to like them, I really have.
46. I’m not athletic… at all… and I regret it… but not enough to change it.
47. I wash my feet immediately before going to bed every night. Even if I just showered.
48. I am a Library Addict. I walk in and they grab my books. All of the librarians know my name and my children’s names. I go to “my library” 3-4 times a week AND two other libraries at least 3 times a month (LOVE the Downtown Library and Plaza Library, but can’t justify more than a once a month trip). I know my library card number. I do not know my husband’s SSN or my children’s SSNs without looking them up. Hmm.
49. I go to Kansas City’s sites and museums more than anyone I know. I get disappointed when there are several things I want to do/see and they happen at once and I must pick one. This happens a lot in December. My friends call me for advice when they have out of town visitors to show around. Everyone asks me where to go and when to go there. I should try to get a job with the Visitor’s Bureau! ;-)
50. I wish I had time to read more.
51. The thing I miss most as a mom… being able to do something from start to finish without interruptions (ANYTHING… be it a 1 minute or 1 hour task).
52. I am color-blind.
53. I’ve flown in and co-piloted a Hot Air Balloon.
54. I went all the way through Girl Scouts and they paid my 1st year of college.
55. Sometimes I am lazy and leave the dishes for the morning…and then I can’t sleep because I feel guilty for doing this.
56. My siblings think it is fun to taunt my OCD by randomly moving my things an inch or two to see if I notice. I do.
57. Science was my least favorite subject in school.
58. I carry a miniature Bible in my purse. I also carry a miniature Constitution in my purse. Both come in very handy. Often.
59. I went to public school for 4 years, then was homeschooled from 4th-12th grade. College thereafter.
60. I always get nauseaus just before public speaking, but I wouldn’t say I’m nervous (because I’m not in my mind…. Not worrying or anything)… it’s just the built up excitement. Once on stage, it’s like a major energy boost.
61. Ron is much better at fine point details (like drawing) than I am, but he won’t admit it.
62. I wish I could play piano as well as I once could.
63. I’m a CafeMom addict.
64. I LOVE to color and play with playdough with Emily.
65. I love Kayla’s laugh when we hold her feet and say Peee… Ewww. She laughs when you ACT like you’re going to tickle her. It is contagious.
66. I love to play dolls, My Little Pony, and other games/toys from my childhood with my girls… it’s nostalgic and really sweet.
67. Personalty-wise…I’m a blend of my four grandparents. My husband is like my two grandfathers swirled together… which is REALLY strange to say as they are OPPOSITES.
68. Love Spell from Victoria’s Secret is my scent. Pure by Eddie Bauer is Ron’s.
69. I want to be like Evelyn when I grow up.
70. When we eat at Jack Stack, I always save one onion ring “for dessert.”
71. I can’t stand white cake. I can’t stand frosting with Crisco in it. This is one reason we did not have cake at our wedding. Ron and I had cheesecake. Our guests were served build your own sundaes from Sheridan’s. It was really fun.
72. I've been known to be driving and suddenly realize that I’m listening to a kids’ CD and my children are asleep or not even with me.
73. My favorite Christmas Carol is “Joy to the World” because I have clear memories of my dad’s mom teaching me the words when I was about 4 years old and we went to a Christmas program at my great-grandma’s nursing home. My 2nd favorite is Silver Bells because it’s a city Christmas song and I’m a city girl.
74. The Cheesecake Factory Tower is “my tower” at the Plaza Chritmas Light display. The Williams-Sonoma Tower is my sisters tower and the Function Junction Stick… er I mean tower… is Ron’s. Doesn’t everyone claim their own tower?
75. I remember when the Royal’s were good. The parade celebrating their win of the ’85 World Series is a fond childhood memory. I still have my helmet signed by Frank White. Most of my friends don’t know who Frank White is.
76. My favorite TV Show is Monk.
77. Ron juggled Jell-O on our first date. He tells everyone THAT is why I married him. Yeah, that was it. LOL
78. When people are TOO excited to see me, it makes me very nervous and leery.
79. I love our Pediatrician. She is SOOO good with my girls. I am thankful to have a good doctor.
80. I don't like microwaves and ONLY use ours for popcorn (sometimes we do that stovetop). I would much prefer to get rid of the microwave and have another cabinet.
81. I enjoy cooking more than I enjoy eating.
82. I love creative projects (writing, planning events, speaking, holiday and birthday planning, etc) and working on these things energizes me.
83. I do not like to get my hands dirty. This is one reason I rarely wear foundation (though I should)… I don’t like to touch it. I don’t like to dig in dirt. I don’t like things between my nails. I wear rubber gloves sometimes when I cook.
84. I LOVE seafood. Crab Legs are my favorite food. The Crab and Brie stuffed Salmon at McCormick & Schmick’s is awesome. The Cashew Crusted Tilapia with Jamaican Rum Butter Sauce at M&S is amazing too (I now have the recipe and make it myself). If seafood is well prepared it rocks. If not…. Ewww! I can’t decide if my best seafood experiences were in San Diego or San Francisco.
85. My right leg is an inch and a half longer than the left.
86. I have never seen E.T. It is one of the big movies of my generation, but I was not allowed to see it as a child. Now as an adult I have tried (just to know what the big deal was)… and every time, something strange happens. I borrowed it from the library and the DVD was broken. I’ve tried to watch it on TV and it gets interrupted with a Presidential Press Conference or a Power Outage or someone rings our doorbell. Literally, every time I attempt to watch E.T., I fail. I know he says Phone Home. Drew Barrymore was in it. Yeah, that’s about all I have for the E.T. Trivial Pursuit questions. LOL. I guess I’m not meant to see it. Honestly, based on my movie taste… I don’t think I’d like it.
87. It makes me feel old when my High School students tell me they love classic movies like Back to the Future or Karate Kid. Yeah, I was there when they were FIRST RUN in the theater and I am NOT old enough to be “classic.”
88. I have a collection of books by and about John and Abigail Adams and have read and written in most of them many times.
89. I keep a journal for both of my girls.
90. Planning birthday parties for my kids is one of my favorite things to do.
91. I took three semesters of Spanish in college and I got straight As in it. Now, I do not remember ANYTHING from it. Sad, huh? I do remember that I adored my teacher. She was so sweet.
92. I have a gigantic collection of board games and genuinely enjoy them. The only style of board game I know I dislike is trivia games… they bore me because you either know it or you don’t.
93. I LOVE the smell of coffee, but I cannot stand the taste.
94. The best movie I’ve seen in theaters since motherhood is Enchanted. I loved it. But, that tells you a lot about what movies I’ve seen since motherhood.
95. Ron and I love Japanese Steakhouses on date night. That’s one dish we can’t quite replicate at home. We try a lot of things together and enjoy “new things,” but this and M&S are our favorite repeats.
96. I don’t like swimming. I’m not good at it and I don’t like water in my face. I will, however, play with my kids in the water and enjoy that.
97. I really don’t like the traditional Thanksgiving menu. I eat turkey, rolls, mashed potatoes with butter and appetizers. I always go home HUNGRY on Thanksgiving. I can’t stand stuffing, gravy, sweet potatoes, casseroles, creamed corn or squash. I would be perfectly content to never have a traditional Thanksgiving meal again. I didn’t have one this year (coincidence with sick kids). Boy, do I sound un-American or what?
98. I don’t give my cell phone # out. I do not use it as a regular phone (that’s what home #s are for) and I disagree with most people’s version of cell phone etiquette. For instance, I think it is 100% wrong to call back someone you DO NOT KNOW when they don’t leave a message just because their number appeared on your caller ID. If I called your number and didn’t leave a message and I don’t know you and you don’t me… it was an accident. Don’t call me back!
99. I still have my favorite toys from childhood and can’t wait to share them with my girls in a few years.
100. I love variety in structure. Spend a week with me and you’ll know what, exactly, that means.