Amanda Wheeler

Moved

2008-04-19T17:52:00.001-05:00

You knew this was coming didn't you?

I've moved completely over to wordpress.

So, adjust your bookmarks, and come on over!

"Amanda Wheeler" is now at: http://amandawheeler.wordpress.com/

See you there!

PCOS!

2008-04-01T21:28:00.001-05:00

Anyone else?

Go ORU!

2008-03-20T21:50:00.003-05:00

Andy has a new obsession. After 5 years of marriage (well almost 5), he has taken a liking to College Basketball.

I thought I was in the clear.

Help me God.

It came out of nowhere!

2008-03-10T19:40:00.004-05:00

Stupid mailbox.

Hello California

2008-03-09T13:06:00.005-05:00

Andy's off again for work. This time to sunny California. What a punk. We're suppose to get more snow this week. More snow, more snow, more snow.........ENOUGH!

For some reason I sprang out of bed this morning, even considering the time change. It could have been because I've slept all of Friday and most of yesterday trying to get over this annoying cold. I made french toast for breakfast, and even used the fancy china! Oh how fun that is. I need to do that more often. Even if it means I have to hand wash, gasp.

Breakfast using fancy china

Andy and Molly

We watched "Rachael Ray Feeds your Pets" last night on Food Network.
Molly benefited greatly this morning.

Very sad to see him go.

Don't Forget.....

2008-03-08T19:47:00.001-05:00

to set your clocks ahead tonight for daylight savings time!

Where is my brain?

2008-03-06T14:25:00.003-05:00

Have you seen it? I'd like it back.

I worked out this morning and took off my socks in the kitchen. I *thought* I threw them downstairs (in the basement where the washer is), but I found them in my lunch bag today. Ewe. Needless to say lunch went in the trash.
While brushing my teeth after breakfast, I was gurgling mouth wash and somehow managed to squirt it up into my eye! That takes talent. Wowza does that burn!
I printed the bulletins for church today with a big announcement that Daylight Savings time is this Saturday. Unfortunately people get the bulletins on Sunday. Ya know, at church.

I have an excuse! I'm coming down with "something". I've had a sore, scratch throat for 3 days, and I feel like I have a fever today. I might die, or so it seems.

Question???

2008-03-05T09:54:00.004-05:00

I was at a youth leaders meeting yesterday, and we were talking about how to get teens to open up about their spiritual walk. I usually ask teens things like, "How's your walk?" or "How's your spiritual life?". Typically I get one word answers. Sometimes eyes roll.

One youth pastor who had the same problem suggested I say "Are you worshipping God like He deserves? No one should say yes for we all fall short, which would lead to great discussion. I can't wait to use it on Friday!

We should all ask ourselves that question though, shouldn't we? I printed it out and put it on my computer as a reminder.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
In the mood for a good cry? Check out this video.
99 Balloons

King of the Smoothie

2008-03-04T11:16:00.002-05:00

Recipe up at downhomedieting.wordpress.com

----------------------------

I was just reading some archived posts and this one caught me funny:

March '06

Sunday we tried a new church: Faith Lighthouse Assembly of God. Still unfortunately not what we are looking for. We were the youngest people there by 30 years! I know God know's where he wants us, so I'm being patient. Next week we are going to try to The Rock Church of Portland. Hopefully that will go well.

Yeah, I'd say it went well. Two years later and now working there. Funny.

Tired

2008-03-03T13:11:00.004-05:00

I tossed and turned all night last night and in turn am so tired today. I hate nights like that. I chalk the insomnia up to a few different things: sleeping in on Sunday morning, new pillows, and exercising too close to bedtime.

After our teen bible study class got over yesterday afternoon Andy took a right instead of a left out of the driveway of Freaky Bean. He was on a mission to get new pillows. To me, a pillow is a pillow. I really don't care that much because I can fall asleep anywhere and anytime. Synthetic, feather, it really doesn't matter to me. Andy however is a pillow connoisseur. We spent more time than I'd like to admit in Macy's feeling, testing, smelling and groping pillows. "This one is too firm, this one is too long, Eww this one feels lumpy"... and so on and so on and so on, until finally the perfect pillow had been found. Unfortunately the perfect pillow came at a price. More than I spend on our electric bill every month. The feathers were hand selected from the elitist of geese in Switzerland however. Surely that made it worth the extra $$$. I did finally cave after we found out it was on sale. Well not technically on sale, but buy one get one free.

I posted my weekly menu at Down Home Dieting. I need appetizer ideas for a potluck. Anyone?

New pics

2008-03-02T21:32:00.001-05:00

on flickr.

Today

2008-03-01T21:01:00.001-05:00

I woke up late, almost 9:30am. It was great.

It's been dark and snowy today. Why get out of bed? To shovel? I think not.

Roll over, go back to bed.

Free Day

2008-02-29T13:32:00.004-05:00

Happy Leap Day! Since we get an extra day this year Molly and I decided we should spend it in the following ways:

Nap (mostly her)
Making a new cooking project or two (test tasted and Basset approved)
Workout
Scrapbook the day away (at least until Andy gets home)

I wish leap year came around more often! We're having a blast.

Well I am, she was until I snapped this picture.

Dear Body

2008-02-27T15:52:00.003-05:00

This was a really hard letter to write. It's a challenge from the BlogHer "Body Image" Initiative. I read hers last week which motivated me to write mine. Head on over to Down Home Dieting if you want to read it.

Randomness

2008-02-27T12:22:00.002-05:00

I love plums
Great blog on dressing modestly here.
I've been listening to some OLD school Christian music from back in the day this week. I love it. Who remembers Petra? Geoff Moore & the Distance? Jennifer Knapp? I love iPods.
We've been sorta half watching American Idol this season. Is it me, or has this season been on forever? I feel like I've been waiting for the top 10 for a long time. I haven't seen any of the girls sing, but I like this guy and this one. Definitely not this one. Doesn't this guy look like Luke Perry from 90210? I think he does too.
The coffee shop inside Borders Books is really expensive! I took a teen there yesterday and two drinks came to more than $8.00! And I had tea!
Doesn't this challenge sound fun? I love cinnamon too.
In order to save money, we've been keeping the temps at church at a frosty 60 degrees (during the week only). I feels like a meat locker in here. I wore two pairs of socks today.
I want to grow cucumbers this year in a container. Has anyone ever done this? I'm horrible at growing anything. I don't own a plant.
I much prefer colored paperclips to plain metal. It makes me happy!
I made delicious Ravioli last night. Recipe here.

Did He Eat it?

2008-02-26T09:44:00.002-05:00

I've talked about this before, but since I've started eating healthier (dieting) Andy has had to make a few adjustments. He's been mostly supportive, but he still tends to be a bit disagreeable during dinner time. His idea of dinner is red meat or fried poultry, bread and potatoes. Sounds great, but it's not exactly figure friendly.

I've started posting over at Down Home Dieting as a way to keep track of my daily nutritionals and to share recipes with other weight watchers. Head on over to read: Did He Eat It?

Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulless, Gentleness and SELF CONTROL

2008-02-24T19:21:00.012-05:00

Things are going great. I started Weight Watchers in late January and to date I’ve lost 21 pounds. Goodbye pounds. Don’t write. I won’t miss you.

I’ve been very encouraged and upbeat about eating less, eating healthier and even exercising. I’ve noticed a shocking change of attitude in myself. Although you do get what your pray for don’t you.

A few months ago the Women’s Group at church went through Living Beyond Yourself: Exploring the Fruit of the Spirit by Beth Moore. The last chapter was on self-control. Not something I excel at. The last couple weeks I’ve been rereading the homework on it, and have committed myself to study it further in the next few weeks.

Here are a few insights so far:

I need self control to allow the Holy Spirit to do its work in me. I’ve learned, each aspect of the fruit of the Spirit is critical – and I have learned first hand that I need self-control to live in the Spirit.

This is what Beth says (isn't she great?):

“The key to self-control is the refusal to allow our enemies (the flesh, the world, or Satan) to rule or hold us captive in any way. What does “self” have to do with the issue of “control”? Christ has given us the victory over our flesh, our world, and our accuser. Only self can re-extend authority to one of these three enemies. They cannot presume authority over us. In the life of a believer, they can rule only where they are invited.”

The Spirit’s power is there for me, but every day I have a choice about whether to take it. It is a matter of self-control. Beth likens it to the walls of protection around an ancient city. Without those walls we are in for total destruction.

I pray every day to choose the Spirit over my own fleshly desires.

Indulgence

2008-02-23T19:00:00.001-05:00

I had a seminar at church all day today on Assimilation (getting new visitors to stay and become members). Andy opted to stay home. I'm missed him but I'm glad he got a chance to relax. He's been coming and going nonstop all week.

In the afternoon I made more lentil chili for the week. It helps me to stay on track when I have go-to meals frozen and ready to pop in the microwave.

Andy of course didn't find lentil chili too appetizing so he suggested we go out for dinner. He took me to this place in Portland called Bar Lola. It's a quaint tapas restaurant on the very tip top of Munjoy Hill. I must admit it was a little fancier than I was used to it. The lighting was very low and the space was tight. We sat in the very middle of the room. Not a place I would ever choose, but we made do. I've never been too hot on wine by Andy loves it so I humored him and tried an Austrian import: Huber Zweigelt. It was a very mild, fruity red. I loved it!

The meal was designed to be given in five courses (we opted for four). We started with a small appetizer, salad, main dish and then dessert.

This is what I choose:

Warm Olives with Fresh Herbs
Delish! Although I wouldn't normal eat 10 olives in one sitting

Citrus Braised Fennel with Nicoise Olives
I really didn't care for this. It was my first, and probably last time trying fennel

Brined Pork Loin with Heirloom White beans and Escarole
Wow was this good. It was a small 3oz perfect size portion

Lemon Ice-Box Cake
This was divine. Thank you flex pts

We ended our perfect evening with a movie at home - Martian Child with John Cusack. It was one of the best movies I've seen in a while. Totally PG - very clean, very funny and heartwarming. Go rent it now!

Update

2008-02-21T12:59:00.006-05:00

Andy’s been gone a lot lately. Colleagues from Israel are here this week and he has to wine and dine them. I’m ready to have him back. We’ve been going to bed after 11pm every night this week and it’s catching up with me. I’m so looking forward to sleeping in on Friday.

It has been kind of nice to have free time though. When I got home from work yesterday I worked out to my new DVD: Core Ball for Beginners and Beyond. I really love exercising with a fitness ball. It alleviates stress on my back and well, it’s really fun to roll around on! The DVD is for beginners and I found it a little rudimentary. Don’t get me wrong I was sweating and huffing and puffing, but I get really impatient with all the stretching. I hate stretching! I’m paying for it today though. I am so sore. It doesn’t feel like your doing much because the ball is so supportive, but it does! Muscles I didn’t even know about are aching.

It’s also been kind of fun cooking for one this week. Usually I cook two versions of the same (well, similar) meal. This week it’s whatever I want because Andy has had to go out every night. Last night I made a turkey meatball sub. I used my new stove top grill to toast the bun and the meatballs. It was so good and low points!

All Fall Down

2008-02-20T10:21:00.004-05:00

I'm so discouraged today. I'm getting over the flu, so maybe that why I'm so weepy. At least that's what I'm telling myself.

The reality is that I'm crying for our teens. Teens in our youth group. Teens we pray for daily and love deeply. They are hurting. Self destructing: figuratively and literally. Hurting their bodies, hurting their hearts, hurting others. Falling away from the right way.

Falling fast.

We can't catch them only HE can. We can pray. But we can't save them.

I feel hopeless and beaten down.

. . . we always ought to pray and not lose heart —Luke 18:1

Sick

2008-02-19T09:20:00.000-05:00

I have the flu.

Barf.

Not Another!

2008-02-15T14:03:00.002-05:00

My cousin goes to this school. She is OK.

This is from a youth resource I get via e-mail. I totally agree it. We need to come together and pray!

When we hear the headlines about another school shooting there are so many thoughts and emotions that run through our heads and hearts. "Do I know anyone at that school?" "How do we know our kids are safe anywhere?" "What troubles a person so much that they'd resort to this kind of violent attack?" "How can I help?" "Why, God?" There are no good answers in times like these. Often the only thing we can do is to join together in prayer for the victims and their families, and try to help our students understand something that we, ourselves, can't comprehend. We come to you today with no answers, but with a request to join us in prayer for the victims and their families at Northern Illinois University, as well as those involved in the school shootings in Ohio, Louisiana, Tennessee, and California that left seven dead over the past week. We need to come together and pray not only for these situations, but for our students and our culture, that these random acts of violence would come to an end and we can all live in peace and safety.

There is a nation wide moment of silence and a time of prayer at 4pm today. I invite you to pray at that time, wherever you are.

"The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."
Psalm 34:18 (TNIV)

Happy Valentine’s Day!

2008-02-14T15:15:00.000-05:00

Andy and I are headed to the very romantic Bugaboo Creek Steak House for dinner tonight. Some people like fine dining, but we’re happy with good steak and stuffed moose decorations. It’s been a little challenging to dine on a diet, but thankful I planned ahead and got the nutrition information for what I’m going to order tonight. Planning ahead is key. Otherwise, I may just go crazy.

It’s been snowy, icy and just horrible as far as weather goes. I’m really hoping that an early Easter (March 23^rd) will usher in an early spring. Here’s to hoping.

Tuesday I went and saw 27 dresses with some girlfriends from church. It was such a cute movie. Well worth the $. It was nice to have a night out with the girls too. We had dinner at Panera and chatted for a while. My friend Danielle is getting married in August, so that was a huge topic of conversation. I love weddings.

Speaking of weddings…I’m looking for ideas for my sister Erin’s bridal shower in July. Anyone have any good ideas???

Day 2

2008-02-12T09:18:00.000-05:00

This is day 2 of getting up early and exercising. I'm trying to do treadmill every other day, and some sort of aerobics on the off days. Today was aerobics day.

I thought I was going to have to go out an buy some new workout DVD's but low and behold we have FitTV on cable. I had no idea! I taped a few shows yesterday for free! I love some of my old favorite videos, but Andy has rid our house of all VCR's (old technology apparently).

This morning I rolled around the living room on my fitness ball, did crunches, leg lifts and then 25 minutes of grueling step aerobics. I am so sore. SO sore. I'm so glad I work out in the privacy of my own home though. Ha. This morning on the program the instructor had us do push ups on the ball and then sort of walk up it with our rear in the air. It was very challenging and surely not a pretty sight.

It's been hard to be disciplined about eating healthy food as well. It takes a lot longer to make something nutritious rather than grab something and go. Changes are never easy, but we're getting there!

Unusual

2008-02-11T14:55:00.000-05:00

I got up at 5:50am this morning.

I slipped out of bed as to not wake up my snoring husband. Tip-toed downstairs past the basset asleep on her back, legs straight up in the air (this might be my favorite thing about her) and down to the basement.

The sun wasn't up yet but I was. It's my new thing: exercise. I've really never liked it, but for the past two weeks I've made a commitment to myself to get serious about taking off some pounds. So far I've lost ten. Who knew eating right and exercising would be the trick?

I’m on Weight Watchers again. I tried the program before, and did well on it about a year ago, but then I just sort of gave up. It’s hard. It’s hard with little support. This time is different though. Andy has been very encouraging and he is making some changes too. Which is a really big step for him. He hates change.

This morning was the first day of exercising in the morning. As someone who has NEVER been a morning person, I must say there is something to it. Everything is still and quiet in the morning and when I was on the treadmill, it was the perfect time to spend time with the Lord. Multitasking!

I’ve been cooking healthy meals up a storm! Here are a few of ~~our~~ my favorites!

Lentil Chili
This stuff will change your life.
5pts per cup

Don't cook with Lentils? They are one of the worlds heathiest foods!

Mediterranean Meatloaf

I've been living on this stuff. I don't make the whole meatloaf though. I make little 2point meatloaf muffins. I know "meat muffins" don't sound like the most appetizing thing in the world, but they are delicious and they freeze great! Oh, I do make a few modifications to the recipe - I detest sun dried tomotoes so I sub them out for 3/4c. shredded carrots and I use reduced fat feta cheese. Um. And I used "italian style" ground turkey not the regular. It has more flavor.

Any good low-fat recipes for ME?

Sad, Sad Day...

2008-02-03T23:09:00.000-05:00

This was around 4th quarter. 20 seconds to go...

Giants win, Stun Patriots (and Fans!)

All is not lost though, we had a GREAT evening hanging out with friends, eating chicken wings and chili and telling stories.

Internet Savvy

2008-01-30T18:21:00.000-05:00

My mom called the other night and asked if I could help her book a plane ticket to Georgia to visit my sister. She was having an "awful time". Within seconds I pulled up Cheaptickets.com.

Mom: Wait, already?

Me: Yes, mom. The rest of the world has high speed internet.

Mom: Hmm, I didn't know it would be that fast! (for the record the poor lady still uses dial up....FREE dial up at that).

Me: Ok Mom, give me your info and I'll get your ticket all set. We can even pick out your seat!

Mom: Gives information. Then gives out desired seat preference. Changes mind. "I would like to sit three rows back on the right - near the window. No. The isle. "

Me: OK. That's from here to here on Tuesday at 6am and your sitting three rows back on the right, isle. Sound good?

Mom: Oh thanks Mandy (no, it's never ok to call me that unless you're my Mother). Send it over.

Me: I'll sent it right over.

Mom: It's still not here.

Me: Be patient. I just sent it.

Mom: Where does it come out? Does it come out this thingy?

Me: Mom, the actual ticket doesn't come out of your machine. I sent you a confirmation to your e-mail.

Mom: Oh. I don't want to do it if I don't get the ticket.

Me: Hangs up. (Not really, but I did want to beat my head on my desk).

Blogger VK

2008-01-28T11:33:00.000-05:00

I've been on a vacation from blogging. Not intentional of course...it just happened. It? Life.

Things at the Wheeler household are a little well, messy. Andy still hasn't unpacked his suitcase from his trip to London last week. Laundry is piled as high as the ceiling. Consequently I'm on my last pair of socks. Dishes are clean in the dishwasher, but more dirty ones are waiting patiently on the counter. The kitchen floor is muddy. Carpets need to be vacuumed. There just isn't enough time to get it all done.

Thursday night and all day on Friday we were at church or running errands to prepare for the Youth Group Lock-In. We were wiped out before the thing even began! It was awesome though and the kids loved it. Pics?: Here.

We played Rock Band, X-box, Hoops, darts, Foose Ball, Board Games, etc. etc. from 7pm on Friday 'till 7am on Saturday. Then came the worst part...clean-up.

The Pastors made us all breakfast and we were home by 10am. Andy and I feel instantly asleep. I on the couch with the dog, and Andy upstairs (one of us has to stay downstairs or Molly will HOWL - this only happens when we try to sleep during the day. Night is fine - she's weird). We slept until about 4pm and then Andy got sick. Really, really sick. Several times. Ick. Needless to say - the bathrooms are spotless.

I never got sick, but I was so very sore. I (sort of?) got into an accident on Friday. Its hard to explain, but basically I was stopped at a light waiting to take a left hand turn. The car ahead of me accelerated when it turned green, but she didn't see this HUGE dump truck barreling through the red light in the other direction. Ugh. Needless to say the truck hit her (t-boned her) and then the dump truck started to roll toward ME.

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH. I quickly threw my car in reverse (without looking btw) and flew backward into a snow bank. Luckily no one was behind me. The dump truck rested about 4inches from my car. Had I not moved back....well....I don't want to think about that. God truly protected me on Friday. Anyone who knows me knows that I have horrible reflexes - and this all happened in seconds.

Anywho, I left unharmed. Our car didn't have a scratch on it. Praise God! I do think I got a little whip lash. I can still barely move my neck from side to side without screaming in pain. I'm thankful that's all I have to deal with though.

I still don't know the status of the women in the car ahead of me. I know she was hurt badly, but I can't seem to get any info yet. Please pray for her and her family if you think of it.

Nothing is Free.....

2008-01-22T10:25:00.001-05:00

I downloaded the free trial of MS Publisher 2007 at work yesterday. I wanted to try it out before I request to purchase the upgrade for our system at church. What a nightmare.

The main reason I downloaded the free trial is to see how the new version converts docs into PDF's - though unfortunately you can't even try it on the trial version. What a waste of time! Since it didn't do what I was hoping I uninstalled the program to free up space on my hard drive. This is where the nightmare begins....

It uninstalls fine. However, now my e-mail, excel, word and publisher programs don't work! When I uninstalled the trial it messed up every other office program I have. I tried to use the install disc to repair it, but it won't even recognize it. I'm picking up Andy during his lunch break today to see if he can fix it. He can fix anything!!! Well, here's hoping!

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Computer drama aside... we have a really full week ahead.

Tomorrow I am ordering my MOH dress (but in blue) for Erin's wedding!

That reminds me...nothing but rice cakes until August :)

I've also been working on scanning in photos for her wedding slideshow all week. She needs the hard copies back ASAP so she can scrapbook them. I forgot how long it takes to scan individual photos! Many I have to touch up in photoshop as well because they're from the 80's. It's been hard to convince her that 600+ pics of her and her future husband just might be too many for people to watch without them getting the urge to bludgeon out their eyes with a salad fork. Hopefully she'll come around soon.

Andy and I have been trying to come up with creative ideas for Friday's Youth Group Lock-In. It's so hard to plan when you don't know how many teens are coming! Anyone have any good Lock-In ideas???

I dream of making things like this. Or this. Or this.

Next week we start a new study at church - Laugh Your Way to A Better Marriage. They played a few video clips in church and it looks hilarious. The speaker highlights the many (many!!) differences between men and women and what happens when you put them together (marriage). It should be fun!

Tagged

2008-01-20T14:58:00.000-05:00

I've been tagged.

Seven random things about me.

1. I never leave the house with my hair in a ponytail, but the second I get home I put it up.

2. I could spend hours and hours day dreaming. In fact, I usually fall asleep that way.

3. I love to buy socks, but I rarely wear them. I love to go barefoot.

4. I'm allergic to all fish and seafood. This has become more and more of a problem living in Maine b/c I have to make sure food it not prepared on the same surface every time we go out to eat.

5. I always drive at least 5 miles below the speed limit.

6. When Andy was in London last week, and we had a snow day on Monday I stayed in my pajamas the entire day and watched Anne (they played all three movies on the disney channel).

7. I've been watching more and more football as the years go on (and the Patriots keep winning). I'm actually starting to like it. Don't tell Andy that though.

I'm going to tag: Kelly, Linda, Angela and Katie.

What have I done today?

2008-01-18T11:03:00.000-05:00

4am: Woke up. The power went out. Unsure why.

8:05: Woke up again. Late. We forgot to reset the clocks.

8:30-9:30: Made Andy breakfast and lunch, drove Andy to-and-from work, ate breakfast (WW cereal, banana, milk), and assembled turkey chili and threw it in the crockpot for dinner.

9:30-10:30: Switched the laundry, worked out on the treadmill and watched disk three of Beth Moore's Living Beyond Yourself. The topic was Love disguised as rejection. Oye.

10:30-11:00: Shower, general cleap up.

Still left to do:

Work on sisters wedding video (we are doing a collage of pictures and such).
Prepare preschool lesson for Sunday
Go to Sam's Club
Make a decision on what to do about Youth Group tonight. It's raining and cold and we are suppose to be going tubing. For some reason tubing in the rain sounds less than fun to me.
Put new sheets on our bed. I love new sheets!
Generally clean the whole house.
More laundry
Quiet time (hmm...why is this on the bottom of the list?)

Horse of Course

2008-01-15T13:37:00.001-05:00

I've never been too hot about horses, but I think this is so funny.
http://thepioneerwoman.com/2008/01/miss_mustang_2008.html

He has Arrived

2008-01-14T18:30:00.000-05:00

in his homeland.

I love technology. Andy uploaded these pictures today so I could see them. We got a chance to talk three times today which was nice. The last time he went our old cell phone didn't work at all, so we didn't talk for five days which was horrible.

Things are going well. All of his meetings today went good, so he was in really good spirits. Tired, oh so tired but good.

Wednesday can't come soon enough for me though.

Bored.

2008-01-14T14:41:00.000-05:00

It's another snow day and I'm trying my best to keep busy.

81% Mitt Romney
80% John McCain
79% Fred Thompson
74% Mike Huckabee
65% Tom Tancredo
64% Ron Paul
51% Rudy Giuliani
38% Bill Richardson
30% Hillary Clinton
28% Barack Obama
28% Joe Biden
27% John Edwards
25% Chris Dodd
21% Mike Gravel
14% Dennis Kucinich

2008 Presidential Candidate Matching Quiz

About right, except i'm not a big fan of McCain

Totally awake

2008-01-14T00:43:00.000-05:00

I can't sleep. He's gone. I dropped him off at the bus station at 3pm.

He's in the air now. I look very forward to his call at 3am telling me he landed safely and to get some sleep.

Of course, there is nothing on TV.

30 minutes ago the phone rang. Which is rather unusual at midnight. Hot prickles ran up my spine, but it was only my sister Erin. I forgot I told her to call me when she got in tonight. She and Frank (her fiance) just landed in Syracuse. They were somewhere off the coast of CA this past week on a cruise. That sounds nice right now, especially with the Nor'easter on the way tomorrow. I'm so sick of snow.

My friend Danielle came over this evening to spend some time with me (distract). We had a great time. I made homemade turkey soup, bread from the bread machine and cheesecake! It reminded me of a meal my Mom would make when I was a kid. She loves turkey soup and we always had homemade bread never boughten. I appreciate that now.

So anyway, Danielle and I watched The Nanny Diaries tonight. It was great. The book was better, but the movie is still good. I think this was my third time watching it. I have to stay that it really is based on truth. The summer of '99 i nannied in Greenwich, CT. 6 year olds with cell phones and large bank accounts, absent parents, the whole nine yards...all true.

As promised...

2008-01-12T21:48:00.001-05:00

Pictures post extraction. Thrilled, aren't you?

(Squishy, Puffy Cheeks)

I'm doing much better these days. Pain is mostly gone. It's more annoying to eat than anything because things get stuck in the placed where teeth used to be (I miss you teeth). Very good for the New Years resolution though. It's easy to lose when you only eat jello and mashed potatoes. Hmmm...maybe I could start a new diet fad and make millions.

Do you realize how many flavors of Jell-o there actually are? I do! Because not only have I been eating it for seven straight days, but I also have time to Google things like "Kinds of Jell-o", "The History of Jell-o?", "Jell-o Museum" and of course, "Jell-o recipes" because I get up in the middle of the night in pain. The places where my teeth used to be have tiny little heart beats that throb. All. Night. Long.

My beloved is off to London, England for work for 5 WHOLE DAYS. I'm all in a tither. I hate, hate, hate to be away from him. This is only the second time in our 5 years of marriage we've been away from each other. Molly and I will be sitting in the front window awaiting his return. She will be equally distraught after I return from the bus station tomorrow sans "Daddy".

Tonight however he is here, and the Patriots are on. Yippee.

(Ignore the stuff on the floor. I'm trying to spend as much time with him as possible before he goes. I'm putting off cleaning until later. Yeah....that's it :)

So sick of Mashed Potatoes

2008-01-11T08:58:00.001-05:00

I'm here. Mostly alive.

I got my wisdom teeth out on Monday. It was unpleasant as expected, but not as unpleasant as the dry socket I developed. Ouch.

I've been eating mashed potatoes and yogurt for 5 days now. I'd really like a steak.

More soon............including some great pictures of myself as a chipmunk.

I know your all waiting with baited breath.

Focus

2008-01-06T17:28:00.003-05:00

This is really all i've been doing for past few days:

MORE HERE!

I love Beth

2008-01-04T12:50:00.000-05:00

Moore and I love this devotional.

It was a gift from Andy this past Christmas.

Excerpt from today:
There will be times of security for you-a storehouse of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge. -Isaiah 33:6

Obedient lives flow from obedient days, and victorious lives flow from victorious days. Likewise, constructive lives flow from constructive days, built on the sure foundation of Jesus Christ.

When was the last time you felt everything in your life was quaking except your stability in Christ? I love the thought of God's being our stability, don't you? Words to a familiar hymn ring in my soul: "On Christ the Solid Rock, I stand / All other ground is sinking sand." God's benefits include the daily treasures of His strength and a sure foundation.

Well I feel encouraged. Great was to start the day!

I'm doing more glorious puddering today. Cleaning this and that, scrapbooking, organizing stuff, making bread, laundry, etc.

We have a quiet weekend ahead too. Things have started to calm down from the holidays and I'm so glad! All of our decorations are down and have been packed neatly (by me) and put up in the attic for next year. We don't have youth group tonight either. We took a little break over the holidays to regroup and start planning the next six months. We are going to be busy!

Have a great weekend!

Crafty

2008-01-02T23:13:00.001-05:00

I'm making good use of my scrapbooking room. I made two new cards tonight. Aren't they cute? I'm finally getting around to sending thank yous out for Christmas gifts. I'm so bad at that.

While I was in the basement tonight, waiting for Andy to get off the computer so I could order THIS (at 40% off! with code BOOKSTORE) I took some new pictures of Molly. Oh the life she does lead. Napping from one room to another. Very tough life indeed.

Trying to get comfortable on concrete can be tricky.

Pawsies

"If you must take photos of me, at least have the decency to turn the flash off!"

"If I close my eyes will you go away?"

Nope.

Yup & Nope

2008-01-02T12:44:00.000-05:00

I had to go to court this morning to testify in a child custody hearing.

Not fun.

First of all there was a parking ban in Portland which = major nightmare (thanks to the 10+ inches of snow we got yesterday). I ended up parking in a metered spot several blocks from the courthouse. It's so fun to walk in snow and ice in nylons and slippery shoes. So, so fun.

When I got to the courthouse I got to take off my shoes and go through the metal detector. The security was tighter than Logan airport! They searched through my purse, gave me a quick pat down and then I was admitted. Crazy!

I've never been on the inside of a court room before (thank you Lord), but I had an idea of what it looked like - probably from watching Judge Judy (I really don't watch it I promise - it was a fluke). It looked normal, I guess. Like on TV. I didn't however prepare myself to see lawyers wearing suits consisting of plaid shirts (I kid you not), printed ties (one guy had wild stallions on his..........you don't have to be a psychologist to figure out what plagues that guy), corduroy jackets, and to top it all off LL Bean boots. It was like I was transported back to the TV show set of Northern Exposure. It was weird. I felt wildly overdressed in nylons, my long black shirt and a sweater set. I guess I'm not a true Mainer if I don't consider jeans formal wear.

This one lawyer (not representing the person I was there for) kept answering the judges questions with a "Yup" or "Nope" respectively. His client lost. Shocking.

Before and After

2008-01-01T13:15:00.000-05:00

Andy and I have had almost 5 days off. In that time we have managed to clean the entire house, watch tons of movie (National Treasure: Book of Secrets and Nanny Diaries to name a few), and complete a "construction" project.

I got new scrapbooking storage shelves for Christmas and we (read: I) decided I wanted to stack them and get a desk top so I could have more room to work. It came out so much better than I imagined and was totally worth the 4 hours of sweat, tears and trips to Home Depot it took to put it together...

Scrapbooking room before:

Crowded!

No room to work!

After.................much improved!

Everything has a place

Paper sorted by color

Page I'm working on

Cooking & Cleaning

2007-12-30T10:48:00.000-05:00

Since I've been on vacation I've been cooking and cleaning up a storm. It's fun when you don't have to do something to get it done like a usual work week. This cooking and cleaning (organizing) is pure pleasure.

With the addition of my new pot and bread maker so far I've made the following delicious things:

WW Beef & Barley Soup
No will know this is a low-calorie soup unless you tell them. It's so good!

2 cup = 3 WWP

1 pound of extra lean ground beef - I brown it first in a frying pan, and then rinse and drain it to try and get every bit of fat off it

6 cups beef broth - I use the ready made canned one, but you could use bouillon cubes or packages to make six cups worth

1/3 cup barley

1-28 oz can crushed tomatoes

1-14 oz can tomatoes with herbs Then add whatever vegetables you want.

I put in: onions mushrooms carrots celery green pepper red pepper cauliflower frozen green beans.

I also add a few spices: oregano, cracked black pepper, red pepper flakes

Simmer on low heat two hours.

Friday night I made Portobella Mushroom Lasagna. We saw it on the food network during on Christmas Eve and everyone (Linda & Andy) agreed we (me) should make it for New Years Day. Given that Andy really doesn't like many new recipes I decided to test it out before I made it as a holiday dinner. I'm glad I did! It was SO good, and Andy had two servings! This is definitely a keeper.

Finally, if you have a bread maker....you must try this recipe.

Ricotta Cheese Bread

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I'm off to clean! I got new storage units for my scrapbooking room and I can't wait to put them together!

Christmas Rewind

2007-12-27T22:27:00.000-05:00

It has been a very busy week! I'm happy to have a little rest and relaxation. Company went home yesterday, and I worked only a half-a-day today, so I've begun my three day stint where I can hibernate if I want to. Oh, I plan on it.

Christmas Eve was very very busy! Andy had the day off so we ran some last minute errands in the morning. Stopping in at the Cheese Iron (Rte. 1 - Scarborough) wasn't on the list but we found ourselves there anyway. Cheese, cheese, more cheese and wine. What could be better? It was a little overwhelming...but we made some good selections. Andy bought his favorite Jarlsberg extra sharp cheddar (safe choice but delicious) and I picked out this FANCY (read: $45 thousand dollars per lb) goat cheese that was rolled in green rosemary and red peppercorns. Fancy and Festive.

We split a pizza at Pats and then Andy dropped me off at work while he went shopping for stocking stuffers (along with every other man on earth). Noon until the first Candlelight Service at 5 was a complete and udder blur of running, typing, huffing, smiling, petting goats, wiping mouths (not mine), taping, wrapping, tripping, paying, talking, eating chili (thanks Sue), giving directions and direction, changing, tugging on nylons, adjusting costumes, swaddling baby Jesus, singing, greeting, and fussing. Then repeat. You get the idea.

It was great to see plans come into motion. Children petting animals in the zoo. Mary and Joseph in the stable and families enjoying wagon rides on candlelight streets.

Andy's Mom Linda met us at church and followed us home to spend the night. We opened up our stockings (Andy did GREAT this year! 1, 2, 3, 4, 5) and watched The Nativity Story.

Christmas Morning we got up early and opened gifts. Andy was thrilled with his thingy. I still don't know what it does, but he is thrilled. We bought a new coffee maker for each other that makes single cups (we waste SO much coffee) and I got this cool new stuff and this, this and these (from various ppl - Thanks Mom! Frank & Erin, Linda! and Katie & Ed). We we so spoiled this year.

Gifts wrapped under the tree.

Andy trying to help his Mom figure out the digital picture frame

Barry & Cathie came down from Bangor by noon for Christmas dinner. Oye. I made Semi-boneless Rib Roast (which I still don't know if that's considered Roast Beef or Prime Rib...anyone know the difference?), mashed potatoes, mashed sweet potatoes, cornbread stuffing, green beans with almonds and rolls. Linda made a fabulous apple pie and vanilla bean ice cream to go with it. Yum!

Centerpiece Barry & Cathie brought

Table set for Christmas Dinner

Andy and his Mom

Roast Beef/Prime Rib....or ___________________.

After dinner we relaxed. Some more than others.

Linda and Cathie with Moses and Millie

REM 3

Ok. That's enough for now. My bread machine just beeped ;)

THE END!

Just a few pics

2007-12-25T11:28:00.000-05:00

Joseph of Nazareth Runs on Dunkin'

Andy and his Mom Linda on Christmas Eve

Yummy.

2007-12-24T13:30:00.001-05:00

My new favorite place. Oh it is so gouda.

It's almost here!

2007-12-23T18:58:00.000-05:00

Christmas is almost here, and I feel a little melancholy about the whole thing. We're not going home to New York like last year. Not going to get to see any of my side of the family at all. We were suppose to go last weekend, but a big storm prevented that from happening. I’m going to miss laughing with my sisters, cooking with my Mom, relaxing around the house, and going to Candlelight services with my Dad.

This year we are serving on Christmas Eve. I go into work at noon and work until church ends at 8pm. I’m excited but also a little sad to break the tradition.

Presents are almost all wrapped (except the ones Andy bought for me..), bread is baking in the oven, and a To Do list is on the table for Andy while I’m at work.

His Mom arrives tomorrow night and his Dad & Step-mom Christmas morning. It should be interesting. I’m being a bit daring this year and making roast beef for Christmas dinner. It’s sounds easy…but I’ve never made it before. No time like the present!

Have a Merry Christmas!

Youth Christmas Party

2007-12-21T22:02:00.000-05:00

I'm not dead. I'm just burried under three feet of snow :)

...and like event, after event, after event.

I can't wait for a few days off. I'm not moving from my bed.

Bedside Baptist

2007-12-16T12:12:00.000-05:00

Roll over, go back to bed...no church today.

It's snowing!

...and it's coming down with urgency. The wind is whipping against the house so hard you can hear it and feel it through the planks (log cabin). I'm perfectly happy to stay inside under the blankets with my husband and dog thank you. What could be better?

Molly was thrilled.

It's snowing! Let's go out and play!

I love this stuff!

I don't want to go in!

Five more minutes!!!

Hurray!!! They said yes!

Whew...I'm crazy tired. I will now take a nap. Dont bother me. Unless you have biscuits.

Have a great SNOW day!

Stay warm!

Elf Yourself

2007-12-13T16:09:00.000-05:00

We Elfed ourselves!

You can too!

Craftastic

2007-12-13T09:02:00.000-05:00

Construction of a manger for our Christmas Eve services echoed all afternoon at work yesterday. I was happy with the plans I had made two days earlier to leave early. Bang, Bang, Bang was getting old.

I picked up Jordan and Theresa at three. We headed into Portland to support a couple from our church that was participating in an alternative craft fair (of sorts) at SPACE. Not really my style, but it was fun to look at the crafts and artwork.

As soon as I got off the highway I was reminded of just what a country girl I really am. We got lost. That’s to be expected…..a Wheeler was driving (me). We always get lost. After we finally found SPACE and more importantly we found a parking space we realized we were about 30 minutes early. What to do, what to do. Starbucks was the answer. It was nice, familiar and warm. I love that place.

The craft fair was crowded. I was happy for my friends – their booth seemed to be really popular, but it was hard to get around and look at everything. Needless to stay we didn’t stay very long.

On our way back to the car we did some window shopping, admired “artwork” at The Maine College of Art and even checked out a pottery gallery.

Here are a few pictures from our afternoon:

Looking down Congress Street

Order in the Court

2007-12-11T08:51:00.000-05:00

So last Friday I was flipping through the channels while I was waiting for Andy to get home from work. He was running late, and we had youth group that night so I was killing time. There is nothing on daytime TV, At. All. But I landed on Judge Judy. I know, I know. Trust me there was nothing on.

To my surprise the defendant sounded familiar! I didn't recognize the face but he sounded like he was from The North Country. The plaintiff rebutted with a "yuz guyz" and "Mayonnaise" (for example: Mayonnaise (man, they are) lying! That's not how it happened! Yuz guyz (you guys)are lying!) and I was convinced these people were from NNY. Where else do people talk like this?

Sure enough after the commercial, the little info bar at the bottom said the guys name and then Lowville, NY. His wife who kept trying to raise her hand despite the harsh admonishing Judy Judy doled out was a girl I used to babysit. Crazy.

Attitude in Progress

2007-12-09T18:36:00.000-05:00

I went to get some Lysol under the sink so I could mop the floor this afternoon and I was rewarded with a wet sock. We have a leak in one of the pipes. My initial reaction? Call the plumber immediately if not sooner (Anxious!)

Andy looks at it and declares it's a small leak and he can fix it. He will admit he's not the handiest when it comes to fixing things around the house. Sure he can drill things tighter or paint, but plumbing and electrical are a little bit above his skill level.

I should have been more positive, but I wasn't. I rolled my eyes and suggested for the second time we call the plumber.

The power of influence. I didn't even let him try.

Luckily I was reminded of this verse:

An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up (Proverbs 12:25).

We didn't call the plumber. Andy is going to Home Depot tomorrow. And I, I will learn to trust and not be anxious.

Lesson learned. Again.

Happenings

2007-12-07T23:02:00.000-05:00

It's been a very great, but busy week!

Thursday night we had our Ladies Classic Christmas dinner for church. After weeks of planning, I have to stay it came out great! No major problems. We ate at Joseph's by the Sea in Old Orchard Beach. Which is a gorgeous restaurant! My friend Sue and I got their early to set everything up and it was light enough out that we could still see the ocean which was about 25 feet from the window!

Ladies Classic Christmas

Tonight we made gingerbread "houses" and played Apples to Apples in youth group. We had some snow which made for sloppy travel, but the teens that were able to make it enjoyed themselves...and the icing :)

Youth Group - December 7

Tomorrow we have no commitments to tend to. Just laundry and regular choirs around the house. I'm looking forward to sleeping in. We even stopped at the store on the way home from youth group so we could get supplies to make french toast in the morning and my favorite seasonal creamer somehow made it's way into the basket. Fancy that.

Observation

2007-12-04T15:53:00.000-05:00

A bunch of youth leaders, myself included get together monthly to share stories, pray with one another, and to plot and plan how to bring Jesus to unsaved kids in Maine. As I was leaving today I noticed all the beat up, old, junky cars in the parking lot. Observation? We are not in it for the money.

SNOW DAY

2007-12-03T09:42:00.000-05:00

Some weather reports say 5-10, others 12-24 inches. Either way we are both home today and it's glorious. Better than missing a day of school because we're together.

Omelets have been made and eaten. Andy went back to bad. I'm thankful for rest. He's been working really hard lately. I'm lounging around picking at this and that. Reading blogs. Painting toes. Crafting.

Christmas music is on in the background. Channel 824. One good thing about having cable.

We plan to make Christmas cookies this afternoon. Together. I love spending time with him.

Snow. Molly is in heaven. She loves it. When we took her outside this morning she rolled in it, even before doing her business.

Today is a blessing.

Enjoy yours!

UNITE

2007-12-01T07:27:00.000-05:00

That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. -Philippians 2: 10-11

Andy and I took "our kids" to UNITE MAINE last night. It was a night full of concerts, skits, black lights, and ping pong balls (I got one in the forehead). 35 churches came together to worship the Lord. It was amazing!

A teen Andy and I have been praying for for almost a year came to know the Lord last night. I still can't believe it even today. Our God is an AWESOME God.

Here are a few pics from last night:

Josh and Theresa were on stage dressed in all black (obviously?). The organizers taped glow sticks to them so you could only see there movements. It was so cool!

Some like it hot...

2007-11-30T12:07:00.000-05:00

I am not one of them.

Here is "my" recipe for delicious, low-fat, mild turkey chili.

Try it, it's crazy good.

INGREDIENTS
1 tablespoon vegetable oil (I omit this - but it's what the recipe calls for)
1 pound ground turkey, Italian style
2 (10.75 ounce) cans low sodium tomato soup
2 (15 ounce) cans kidney beans, drained
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained
1/2 medium onion, chopped
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
1/2 tablespoon ground cumin
1 pinch ground black pepper
1 pinch ground allspice
salt to taste
Fat free shredded cheese

DIRECTIONS
Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place turkey in the skillet, and cook until evenly brown; drain. Coat the inside of a slow cooker with cooking spray, and mix in turkey, tomato soup, kidney beans, black beans and onion. Season with chili powder, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, cumin, black pepper, allspice and salt. Cover, and cook 8 hours on Low or 4 hours on High.

This is my next mission: Simple Beef-A-Roni with Peas. I'm so thankful for people who take the time to make Weight Watcher recipes and post them on their site. It saves me so much time having to do the math. I hate math.

Where is my Winter Wonderland?

2007-11-27T13:28:00.000-05:00

It's 50 degrees out and I'm listening to Christmas music. We put our tree up on Saturday and it was warm and sunny. Where am I?

Plans are in motion for full blown Wheeler Christmas this year. Andy's Mom, Step-mom, Dad and (maybe) Aunt & Uncle are coming for Christmas. Hurray! I'm already plotting and planning menus, extra stockings (surely I have time to whip up a few handmade ones, right?) and gift buying. I'm being purposeful to not lose focus oh why we celebrate though.

Sunday we spent the afternoon with the Odomites and enjoyed pizza from Flatbread. Yummy. We also carried on the tradition of making gingerbread houses (2x surely means "it's a tradition", right?). They blew us out of the water again this year on structural integrity, neatness and overall creativity. Oh well, maybe next year.

For more pics go here:

Christmas Decorating/
Gingerbread Houses

Happy Thanksgiving!

2007-11-22T22:48:00.000-05:00

We had a really unusual Thanksgiving. Andy's parents are down in VA visitng the grandbaby, so we were on our own this year. We spent the day serving at the local Salvation Army and then had a DELICIOUS meal with friends in the evening. Here are a few pictures from our day:

Thanksgiving 2007

We made the paper! Well little Joshua Samuelson from The Rock did!

First Snow

2007-11-20T11:02:00.001-05:00

It's snowing. I have a mix of excitement and despair. I really don't like the inconvenience of it, but it is pretty coming down. I do suppose it's time to put these away in exchange for something more sensible. Hmph.

In honor of the white stuff I've decided to torture the dog with a little photo opt.

I call this line "The Reluctant Reindeer"

"Ok, it's on. Can I have my bone now?"

"Woman! Bone. Now"

"Ohh.. I can taste it"

"White flag. I surrender. Get it off of me."

Count Your Blessings #3: The Rock Church

2007-11-20T08:46:00.000-05:00

This past Sunday our church was "Church like you've never seen it". We cleared out all the chairs, set up tables, and stuffed boxes (Santa's elves style minus the tights) for Operation Christmas Child. We were able to stuff over 210 boxes for needy children all over the world! We almost doubled our boxes from last year! Praise God!

I'm so thankful to be part of a church that loves to serve.

Big pictures here.

Barry, Barry, Barry

2007-11-18T15:34:00.000-05:00

Oh by the way, I forgot to mention my Father-In-Law lit the Thanksgiving candles with a blow torch yesterday.

So proud to be a Wheeler.

Second Thanksgiving, check.

2007-11-17T23:09:00.000-05:00

Today we trekked up to Bangoria for our second Thanksgiving celebration. We drove up with Andy's Mom and Aunt Carol to see Barry and Cathie (Andy's Dad and Step-mom). It was SO nice not to cook this year. Barry prepared most of the meal. Check out his turkey:

Stuffing inside the bird. I'm impressed!

Ok, off to bed. BIG day tomorrow.

Count Your Blessings #2: Family

2007-11-16T12:59:00.000-05:00

(FYI: this blessing countdown is in no particular order)

I'm thankful for my big family! 5 sisters and 2 brothers (not to mention BIL's, SIL's, nieces, nephews and 33 first cousins).

Jason

Eldest child (my step brother). Living in South Carolina with wife Nicole and one-year old son Mason. Don't get to see Jason much.

Becky

My sister (step) Becky is closest to me in age. We were BFF growing up. She and her husband have lived all over the US because of the ARMY. Most recently they were in Texas for four years before moving back to the North Country to be closer to my parents. Becky has two children Jaslyn (see below) and Lucas (see above).

Heather

Heather is next. She's had a year of big changes. She graduated from SUNY Potsdam with a degree in teaching, got married in September and had little Alannah (right).

Jamie

Jamie went a mission trip to Bolivia last year. She's now waitressing at the restaurant in our little town (note "the" restaurant, not "a"restaurant"...we have but one).

Erin

Erin (seen here with frank) is in grad school for psychology. She wants to be a school guidance counselor. I'm rooting for her. Frank finally popped the questions this year so it's full speed ahead to the wedding on August 16th of 2008. Andy and I are making the slide show for the wedding and because Erin was born with the same type A personality that I was she has already sent me all the pictures, labeled and alphabetized. I adore her.

Katie

Katie grew up a lot this year. She got married to Eduardo (Ed), actually Edward, but everyone calls him Eduardo or Ed or Eddie. Anyway... So Katie and Ed got married on April Fools Day and then they moved to Georgia where it is hot. Much hotter than Northern New York. They seem to like it down there. Although I know Katie misses home. We talk almost everyday. She always makes me laugh - we are so much alike.

Danny

Danny (here with Dad) is turning 14 this year. He is almost unregnozable to me. He is all teenage boy now. It's weird. I wish we could see each other more.

Count Your Blessings: #1- Home group

2007-11-15T21:01:00.000-05:00

Our home group celebrated Thanksgiving together this past Tuesday. It was sort of like potluck Thanksgiving. Mashed potatoes (no lumps) and corn were our contribution. We are so thankful for this group. We meet every other week on Tuesday to share a meal, encourage one another and pray for each other. What could be better?

The star of the evening.

Buffet line

Danielle and Samantha. I adore them.

Alexis (who refused to smile but gave in at the last moment) and Danille (freely willing to smile).

Oye. This is so not Martha.

Update

2007-11-14T15:23:00.000-05:00

Blogging has become a chore. It's always on my to-do list, but it doesn't get done these days. Luckily our season of (extreme) busyness is somewhat dying down. This Sunday is the last class for Every Young Woman's Battle. Great class. Great girls. Lots and lots of prep time. I'm so thankful for what the Lord has done during that small study. I can see hearts and actions change. I, however never expected to get alot out of a study on purity but I did. Being sexually pure doesn't end when you say "I do". What will He show me next I wonder???

I've spent several afternoons this week listening to these sermons (scroll down) on Biblical Womanhood (and Manhood). This guy knows what he's talking about. This topic has been of particular interest to me lately because I have been acutely aware of the fact that our marriage is under a constant microscope (ok well that may be a tad dramatic). My parents who are unbelievers are watching and waiting to see how we handle situations thrown our way and the teens look to us as a model of Christian marriage. Something they don't always see at home. No pressure..

Sermons here at The Rock have been about Unity. Unity of believers, unity in marriages. We are listening Lord...Help us to be United in all we do.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

We got the privilege of watching a four year old last Friday night. I was a little nervous about how she would do sleeping in a strange place, but it was me who had the trouble. I tossed and turned all night worried I wouldn't hear her if she cried. Which by the way, she didn't. We read Veggies and a few chapters of Charlotte's Web and poof...asleep. Surely that doesn't always happen, right?

In the morning we made pancakes. Pink for girls and green for boys (I ran out of blue food coloring).

Lilli mixing the batter.

Mmmm. Nothing like a pepto pink pancake.

I look tired because I am. How do people do this all day long?

Just a crumb. That's all I ask. Oh please.

You can't buy these at a diner.

Thank you God for lipstick...

2007-11-07T12:24:00.000-05:00

Lipstick is great, but wait 'till this little girl finds out about foundation!

Godtube. Check it out!

Mascot

2007-11-06T14:10:00.000-05:00

What is it with me and mascots? I attract them like moths to a flame.

Me and "Crackers" from the Portland Pirates

Me and Rover on any given Sunday at The Rock Church (well granted, I am married to Rover).

It's been a busy month and we're only 6 days in. On Friday and Saturday we took the teens to WOL Superbowl. It's an extreme fun, ALL night long event put on by Word of Life out of Scroon Lake, NY. Four of "our" kids came to Christ on Friday. God is really moving in our youth group and through Andy and I. We're just holding on for dear life.

For pics from WOL Superbowl click here....well, the big ones are here.

These overnight things are killing me though. We've had two almost back to back and the bags under my eyes are proof. Bedtime has been moved from 11pm to 9pm effective immediately.

Free tacos for all

2007-10-30T11:18:00.000-05:00

First the Red Sox win the world series, again.

Now this! Taco Bell is giving away free tacos to all (today from 2-5pm).

Why you ask? Someone in the Major Leagues just had to steal one tiny base (like that's so hard) and all of America would be in free taco heaven.

Red Sox centerfielder Jacoby Ellsbury completed the task in Game 2, stealing second base in the bottom of the fourth and thereby gifting everyone in the United States a free beef taco.

Thanks Jake.

Date Night

2007-10-27T11:05:00.000-05:00

Andy is great. He's put up with my whining all week and I love him for it.

On Monday, I stayed home from work because I was feeling awful and he came home with flowers and best of all dinner. I love the million little things he does to show he cares. Tuesday he even took out the garbage without being asked. This is huge people.

I still wasn't feeling too hot last night, but I tried to make the best of it because it was Friday night and we didn't have youth group. It's all about attitude. If I would have said "I still don't feel good, lets stay in" he would have been fine with that. But I didn't, because I know he wanted to go out. Give and take people. Ya know - we had a great time too. We had pizza and went out to see a movie (Dan in Real Life). Not exactly revolutionary, but we enjoy each other anywhere (with The Mall as a possible exception).

Today is a lazy Saturday. We were going to go into Boston today, but it's raining. I still have it in my head that we're going to hike the Freedom Trail and have clam chowder at Quincy Market before snow flies.

I've been cooking up a storm this week! I've made this, this, this, this and tonight, I'm making this. I LOVE fall cooking. If the rain holds off we might make our way down to the Saco Pumpkin festival tonight. I'm a sucker for pumpkin flavored treats.

2007-10-25T14:16:00.000-05:00

Every have one of those kind of days?

I'm having one today. My head is poundy. My ears are screaming. My sinus' are blocked. Today sucks. I thought I'd whine here and spare my husband. My poor husband. All of this discomfort is due to stupid wisdom teeth. I can't get them removed for five more days. Apparently everyone in Maine is having their wisdom teeth out at the same time. The nurse at the Surgery Center was not too helpful either. She suggested that I go on an all pill diet: 4 Motrin every 6 hours and 2 extra strength Tylenol in between. She also suggested I get lots of sleep. Sounds good, right? Sure, except that when I lay my head down my ears feel like they are trying to give birth to a steak knife. It's going to be a long five days.

groan.

Victory

2007-10-25T09:11:00.000-05:00

Well they won. 13 to 1. All is right with the world.

Another game tonight.

This movie comes out today. Not anywhere in the Northeast because its "Christian", but I'm hoping they will have it on Netflicks soon. I want to show it to the girls in youth group.

Ok, that's all for now. My teeth hurt.

My wisdom teeth have been given their eviction notice. They will be out by Wed.

Game One.

2007-10-24T11:33:00.000-05:00

We are going to the World Series, again. To me this isn't such a big deal because I really only started watching seriously (read: rarely) back in 2004. Ya know, when they won the World Series for the first time in like 1,000 years or so. For Andy, the Red Sox just going to the World Series twice in his lifetime is almost more than he can take.

Game one is tonight. Pray it goes well. The success of the Red Sox greatly effects his mood.

Back in the day at The Red Sox Parade.

We were all smiling, but it was raining, we were wet, and I had the flu (don't even get me started on the T-ride back home). The stuff we do for our husbands.

Monday tidbits

2007-10-15T13:21:00.000-05:00

Momma Mia, we had a powerful sermon yesterday: Visible Maturity leads to Visible Unity.

In other news, check our my friend's Etsy shop! Fancy, right?

Toby Mac

2007-10-12T23:09:00.000-05:00

We just got back from the Portable Sounds Tour that featured Thousand Foot Krutch (a little yellie for my taste - but good), Barlow Girl (whom I adore) and Toby Mac. It was well worth standing in the pouring rain for two hours.

There is just something about worshiping God with thousands of people. It's amazing. It's a lot like what I think Heaven will be like. Hopefully the t-shirts will be cheaper though.

For more pics go here.

Get Moving

2007-10-12T08:23:00.000-05:00

For a while Andy and I have been talking about buying a treadmill. We finally bit the bullet last night and got one. We went to several different stores and tried them all out before settling on the mid-priced Reebok. While I couldn't get them to come down in price any, they did throw in one of these which makes it all worth it. If you peeped through our living room window last night you would have seen me rolling around on it. Quite a sight, I'm sure.

Perhaps today, I'll tackle these.

We've also been trying to cut down on the refined sugars and white flour we eat, which is in everything! Ahh.

I Love Lists.

2007-10-06T19:43:00.000-05:00

Taken from the book: No one cares what you had for lunch (consequently I had a hotdog - they were raising money for breast cancer awareness month outside of Hannaford - $2 for a hotdog w/onions, chips and bottled water. Can't beat it!)

From page #42 Make Your Timeline

Age under 1: I'm living in Ohio with no siblings. So far, life is good.

Age 2: Mom and I are living with my Grandparents in upstate, NY as my father is in active duty in the Airforce. I wait by the window every afternoon for "Popcorn" (read: Grandpa) to come home. He got the name "Popcorn" because he would make some for just us every day after work. Sometimes...I still call him that.

Age 3: My long, luscious, almost to my bottom, dirty blond hair has been chopped off and I now look like Dorothy Hamill. I believe this was also the first time I said "I hate you Mommy".

Age 4: I start going to preschool at the Catholic church in town. I refuse to call the priest "Father" and get a note home. "You're not my Daddy!"

Age 5: On the first day of Kindergarten I make friends with Jennifer Hoch. She had on corduroy pants like me and was also sporting the bowl cut. We were fast friends. Later in the year we find out we both have the same sweater monogrammed with an "A" or "J" respectively. BFF!

Age 8: I get an eraser thrown at my head in class. I apparently was talking away while the teacher had stopped and every was staring at me. He would get arrested if he did something like that today! I forgive you Mr. Jay.

Age 10: On top of the world. I have 25 girl scout patches. More than anyone in my group. I can sell cookies! Meanwhile - how good to Girl Scout cookies sound right now?

Age 15: A popular boy with a used car salesman name tells me during science class, "You would be really pretty if you wore make up." I am sort of flattered by this comment. I haven't stopped wearing foundation, mascara and lip gloss sense that day.

Age 23: I marry my best-friend surrounded by family, friends and Elk.

Age 28: I'm waiting...waiting for the next chapter.

Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

2007-10-04T14:06:00.000-05:00

It's my turn to bring snack for Women's Bible Study at church tonight. All week I was trying to think of something "fallish" to make. Leave it to Rachael Ray to come up with the perfect thing: Pumpkin Whoopie Pies.

Ingredients

1 1/2 sticks (6 ounces) unsalted butter, 1 stick melted, 1/2 stick softened
1 cup packed light brown sugar

2 large eggs, at room temperature, lightly beaten 1 cup canned pure pumpkin puree
1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon plus 2 pinches salt
1 2/3 cups flour
4 ounces cream cheese, chilled

1 cup confectioners' sugar

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350°. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.2. In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Whisk in the eggs, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, 1 teaspoon vanilla, the baking powder, the baking soda and 3/4 teaspoon salt. Using a rubber spatula, fold in the flour.3. Using an ice cream scoop or tablespoon, drop 12 generous mounds of batter, spaced evenly, onto each baking sheet. Bake until springy to the touch, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a rack to cool completely.4. Meanwhile, using an electric mixer, cream the softened butter with the cream cheese. Add the confectioners' sugar and the remaining 2 pinches salt and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla; mix on low speed until blended, then beat on medium-high speed until fluffy, about 2 minutes.5. Spread the flat side of 12 cakes with the cream cheese frosting. Top each with another cake.

Purity Ceremony

2007-10-02T10:20:00.000-05:00

I've been leading a class for the past couple weeks for teenage girls on purity. We are reading through Shannon Ethridge's book Every Young Woman's Battle. I highly recommend it for any teen or college age girl. I wish I had this vat of information when I was growing up.

Anywho -the study will wrap up in November, so I'm in the planning stages of doing a commitment ceremony. I want it to be a night where their parents come and give them purity rings, maybe a short message, etc.

I'm having a little problem envisioning this. I was never given a purity ring from my parents. If you have can you share your experience, or thoughts on this?!

I found a ring I think is cool. What do you think?

ATF '07

2007-09-30T18:11:00.000-05:00

We just got back from Acquire the Fire in Amherst,MA. We took four teens from our church down for a weekend of worship, concerts, and skits. It was AMAZING!

More on that soon... i'm working on 4 hours of sleep.

Jenna's got nothing on me

2007-09-27T14:55:00.000-05:00

Andy called me from work today with this story from Fox News: Jenna Bush Discusses Engagement, New Book. Now, I know many people are not big fans of The Bush's, but well, we are.

I was however, in my scrapbooking room right in the middle of finishing a bulletin board for the Operation Christmas Child display at church. I wasn't really interested in getting up to read it. But he insisted, and look what I found:

Henry (her fiance/boyfriend/whatever) proposed after rousing her at 4 a.m. to go hiking on Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park in Maine.

Hmmm... that sounds awfully familiar. Why? Because that's exactly how we got engaged! Literally. Ok, well the only difference is we didn't hike up the mountain at 4 am. We drove. I think the unoffical rule is 1-carat or under you can drive, over 1-carat you have to hike.

I wonder if they went to Jordan's Pancake house for blueberry pancakes after. We sure did.

early morning

July 8, 2002

Barrroooooooh

2007-09-21T09:26:00.000-05:00

I took Molly to the vet this morning for some routine blood work. They test all dogs once a year for heart worm and Molly's time had come. (Why do they test for heart worm, when once a month we give her Heartguard - a preventative chewie...I don't know - more $$$ perhaps?)

Usually Molly loves going to the vet and this morning was no exception. After breakfast this morning I put on her pink polka-dot bandanna, which to her means "Whoa...I'm Going Somewhere...Where Will It Be!!!!!?) She was thrilled when I pulled into Animal Medical Associates. She sniffed the perimeter and then gave me the nod it was time to go inside. She played with a Schnauzer in the waiting room and ran to me when a big male Mastiff came trotting through the door. Everything was going great until they called her name. She ran to the vet and then quickly put her breaks on. "Ugh. Yeah I remember you. You poked me in my bottom with a sharp thing last year. Yeah. I'm good." I could not control her she was shaking so bad and howling, like only Bassets can do. It was SO embarrassing. Two vet techs had to carry all 58.2 lbs of her into the room. She was shaking so badly, and drooling profusely. When I got near her she would try to leap off the table so I could carry her. It was heartbreaking.

I finally got her calmed down through a series of treats (one-after-another) and rubbing her back. After 15 minutes of this the Doctor was able to draw blood from her little arm. Everyone in the building knew when that happened because she howled like a banche when the needle was inserted. Again, so embarrassed.

I felt so guilty I bought her a new stuffed seahorse squeaky toy and an "everlasting" treat.

"Everlasting" apparently means 10 minutes.

Exhausted from her ordeal, Molly is sleeping in her bed with her seahorse.

Oh how fun!

2007-09-14T10:00:00.000-05:00

Andy and Amanda as cartoons!

Want one? Go here!

Regurgitation

2007-09-09T19:49:00.000-05:00

:: I've been kept very bust these past few weeks with work and ministry stuff. It's impossible to find time to update a blog!

:: My birthday was good. Andy took me to the Macaroni grill, my favorite. We also took a long one of the youths from church. She was the only one who showed up for youth group on Friday (HS football game, we can't compete). Andy also made me a cake! Not just any cake either. He added pudding to the batter and it came out thick and fudgy and delicious! He's so cool.

Andy and I at Macaroni Grill

Mushroom Raviolli

Theresa

Andy and the cake he made all by himself!

:: Saturday we ran around all day and did errands. I also spent the better part of morning making THIS with this while Andy played video games.

:: Sunday was the Ministry Fair at church. I spent all week last week organizing it! Lot's and lot's of work, but totally worth it. Our friends Aric and Lorissa came over after church to eat pizza and watch the kick-off game for the Patriots. Rah-rah go Pats. Lorissa and I quickly retired upstairs to watch HGTV.

:: Tonight was also the first night of Every Young Woman's Battle. It went really, really well. I was nervous because we are talking about rather sensitive subjects with teenage girls...but overall it went great. Lorissa (who is co-teaching) made a heart shaped cake and have a real visual illustration about how we can give pieces of our heart away by kissing, or having sex before marriage...and then be left with half-a-heart, or worse 1/3. :) The kids were dead silent, which was in stark contrast to the rest of the class, so I think it really hit home. I hope so!

:: Ok, off to bed. Well first laundry...then bed.

Vingt-huit

2007-09-07T13:31:00.000-05:00

28....its sounds better in French right?

One day at a Time

2007-09-03T16:13:00.000-05:00

UPDATE: I'm not sure why you'd be interested in the play-by-play of our day, but I thought I would share...

Andy decided to help (well after my meltdown, but we won't speak of that).
-Laundry is *mostly* done.
-All dishes are done
-floors have been vacuumed
-The mop bucket is waiting in the kitchen.
-Dinner has been cooked and eaten (BBQ chicken, corn, mashed potatoes).
-1 bathroom is spotless.
-1 trip was taken to the grocery store by DH (out of brown sugar).
-Apple crisp (WW!) has been made (for homegroup tomorrow night).

1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
7 medium Granny Smith apple(s), peeled and sliced
1/3 cup apple cider
2 Tbsp sugar
1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 Tbsp all-purpose flour
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 sprays cooking spray
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F.
Combine first four ingredients in a blender or food processor; pulse four times or until crumbly. Set aside. Combine apple and next five ingredients in a large bowl; toss gently to combine. Spoon apple mixture into an 8-inch square baking dish coated with cooking spray; sprinkle with crumb mixture. Bake at 375°F for 40 minutes or until lightly browned. Serve warm. Yield: 8 servings (serving size: 3⁄4 cup).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Laundry is *in process* in the basement.

*Some* dishes have been washed.

Two bathrooms desperately need to be cleaned.

One dinner needs to be cooked.

And yet....you will find me in my scrapbooking room. Andy gave me an early birthday present (Sept. 7th if your interested - send cards and gifts) this weekend and I LOVE it. The Cricut. A personal die cutting machine. What more could a girl ask for?

I've been on a scrapbooking hiatus since around February. We've had way too much going on with youth group and church to even think about scraping anything. And this summer was WAY too hot to be stuck inside. I'm happy to report though, that i'm back! Fall is here and I couldn't be more happy.

Ok...off to make dinner.

Redneck Training

2007-09-01T14:12:00.000-05:00

Last night I found myself sitting on wooden bleachers surrounded by people waving black and white checkered flags and gorging on fried food. This isn't typically the kind of atmosphere I frequent, although I do have some practice having grown up in the North Country. I did my best to avoid "the races" for almost 28 years however.

Until last night.

Cars speed around the track with brightly painted sayings on them. Many painted to look like cartoon characters. My favorite was My Little Pony. I never thought to wonder what one would do with an old, beat up 1985 Dodge Shadow. Cleary the answer is to staple your child’s old rocking horse to the roof and go drag racing around a 1/3 mile track. Duh. I'm so out of the loop. Literally.

The kids from our youth group had a great time. And, if I’m honest... I did too. I did not however like it when the cars flipped over. Surely that can't be safe? Even so, the crowds cheered the loudest when the cars crashed and rolled.

Andy, Theresa and Brett

Ellie and I

Crash scene

Take me out to the...

2007-08-30T06:42:00.000-05:00

Ballgame! Andy and I went to see The Field of Dreams game at the Portland Sea Dogs. We had a blast.

Where do I sign?

2007-08-29T10:28:00.000-05:00

Ladies don't miss your chance to: Become an Outdoors Woman!

"improve your skills in hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation "

Only in Maine.

The only heat I want to pack is leftovers.

Pray

2007-08-24T10:01:00.001-05:00

Please pray for us today. Say around 3:45.

Thanks!

Procrastination

2007-08-21T13:58:00.000-05:00

LAYER ONE:
– Name: Amanda
– Birth date: September 7
– Birthplace: Ohio
– Current Location: Maine
– Eye Color: Hazel
– Hair Color: Brown
- Height: 5′ 5
– Righty or Lefty: Righty
– Zodiac Sign: Virgo

LAYER TWO:– Your heritage: Classic Mutt. Mom: Portuguese, French Canadian; Dad: Irish, Indian
– The shoes you wore today: Black “crocs” from Target. They are ugly, but SO comfortable.
– Your weakness: Setting boundaries
– Your fears: My parents/sisters aren’t saved.
– Your perfect pizza: Greek style: Feta, black olive, spinach & Tomato
– Goal you’d like to achieve: I’d like to have a baby and World Peace.

LAYER THREE:-Your most overused phrase on AIM: LOL – Your first waking thoughts: 5 more minutes!-Your most missed memory: I miss my grandparents.– Your best physical feature: Eyes and hair

LAYER FOUR:– Pepsi or Coke: Diet coke if I had to choose…but really diet gingerale.
– McDonald’s or Burger King: Taco bell
– Adidas or Nike: I don’t care
– Lipton Ice Tea or Nestea: Both
-Chocolate or vanilla: Chocolate
-Cappuccino or coffee: Iced coffee.

LAYER FIVE:– Smoke: No
– Cuss: When angry…trying to work on that.
– Sing: All the time
– Take a shower everyday: sometimes twice.
- Do you think you’ve been in love: I am in
– Want to go to college: Went.
– Liked high school: It was great.
– Want to get married: I am. Happily.
– Believe in yourself: Mostly
– Get motion sickness: Yes!
– Think you’re attractive: Not unattractive
– Think you’re a health freak: no
– Get along with your parent(s): Yes, very much.
– Like thunderstorms: I do, unless I’m camping.
– Play an instrument: Play? Guitar, kinda.

LAYER SIX: In the past month…– Drank alcohol: No
– Smoked: No– Done a drug: No– Made Out: I’m married.– Gone on a date: Yes!– Gone to the mall?: Yes
– Eaten an entire box of Oreos?: No. Oreos are not allowed at our house. – Eaten sushi: Yick. Not a fish fan.– Been on stage: Yes– Been dumped: No– Gone skating: No– Made homemade cookies: No– Gone skinny dipping: No– Dyed your hair: No– Stolen Anything: No

LAYER SEVEN: Ever…– Played a game that required removal of clothing: In junior high.– Been trashed or extremely intoxicated: once or twice– Been called a tease: No
– Shoplifted: Once when I was a kid– Changed who you were to fit in: Probably.

LAYER EIGHT:– Age you hoped to be married: Married at 23.
– Numbers and Names of Children: None yet.
– Describe your Dream Wedding: Mine was perfect. Simple, but surrounded by family and friends.
– How do you want to die: In my sleep ?
– Where you want to go to college: I went to SUNY Potsdam
– What do you want to be when you grow up: A good wife and mother, daughter and friend.
– What country would you most like to visit: I don’t love to travel, but if I had to…probably England or France.

LAYER NINE:– Number of drugs taken illegally: None. Not even glue.
– Number of people I could trust with my life: four
– Number of CDs that I own: “I” don’t own any. “we” have gagillions.
– Number of piercings: two
– Number of tattoos: I plead the 5th.– Number of times my name has appeared in the newspaper?: I haven’t counted, but I’ve made it a few times.– Number of scars on my body: 20 or so?
– Number of things in my past that I regret: A few

Oh How The Years Go By....

2007-08-19T20:38:00.000-05:00

Andy and I spent the day down in Acton, ME (read: in the middle of the woods). We had a family get together with his Mom's side of the family. They are scattered all over the country so it was a rare meeting. We had typical Maine cuisine: lobster, corn, potatoes and blueberry pie. Andy's uncle from Florida also brought up boxes and boxes of old pictures from Andy's Grandma & Grandpa who have past. He didn't want to store them anymore as he is downsizing for retirement, and no one else wanted them (this blows my mind) so we ended up taking all 10 boxes home. We've spent the last few hours digging through years of history. Here are a few of my favorites. I'm scanning the good ones in to make photo Cd's for Christmas.

Andy's Great Grandmother Ethel with her children at the SAME beach we go to

Andy's Grandma Midge and her best friend in Grammar School

This one might not be as old, but still super cute!

Andy and his brother Stephen 1983.

More Here.

Bye Bye!

2007-08-17T12:04:00.000-05:00

I'm so looking forward to apple picking, pumpkins, pie, warm colors, leaves, cool nights, primetime TV......I could go on and on. My favorite season approaches, hurray.

Goodbye summer, I'm over you.

Sunburn and Spiders

2007-08-14T20:58:00.000-05:00

I got a really bad sunburn last week while my parents were visiting. We spent Wednesday at the beach and I slathered on the 45 SPF. I didn't not however wear a t-shirt in the water (give me a break - I was surrounded by Canadians - and we all know what they wear or don't wear to the beach). I was rewarded with the worst sunburn of my life. For days sleeping was extremely uncomfortable, and showering was painful. Not to mention how annoying clothes had become. Anything rubbing against my shoulders or back was horrible.

We are now in the peel stage, despite the slather, slather, slather of lotion I've been putting on. There is nothing grosser than peeling skin, barf. Or so I thought.......

I was reading in bed tonight and our of the corner of my eye I saw him. Big. Black. Furry. Spider. Our eyes met. I tried to play it cool, but ended up screaming which was the spiders que to bolt less he should meet his fate of kleenex followed by flushing (I can't just throw them away - I have to see them leave). He went under the nightstand. Andy ripped himself away from the Red Sox game and came up from downstairs and helped me move everything, then he went in for the kill. Success. I did remove all covers on our bed just in case. There could be cousins.

...oh and the Red Sox won. Yippie. To me winning = long season. Boo.

Hello again

2007-08-11T08:58:00.000-05:00

It's been a while.

Visits and schedules have consumed most of our time as of late. A few minutes ago we waved goodbye to my parents. They spent the week with us here in Maine. It was perfect. We hit the outlet malls hard on Wednesday, spent hours at the beach, relaxed and ate more lobster than anyone should (well...they did, I'm allergic). I'd love to write more, but a nap is calling. I got a bad sunburn this week and sleep has been quite challenging. In any case, here are a few pictures from our week:

Naked Canadians and Chicken

2007-08-01T17:34:00.000-05:00

Last night on the way home from work we stopped and waited, and then stopped again, and got cut off several time in the process. What usually is a 20 minute commute, turned into a 50+minute commute. The tourists are here. Well, they've been here for a few months now, but recently it seems that they have multiplied in number.

Andy agreed to install/fix/tinker with a lady from church's computer last night, so we decided to grab a quick bite at McDonalds (I know, gross). To our alarm we were the only English speaking people in the place aside from the workers. It was very strange.

I must say modestly is something Canadians need a lesson on. Several people were wearing less to a "restaurant" than I would wear to the beach. Yikes.

The chicken wrap is good.

Five more minutes

2007-07-27T10:47:00.000-05:00

Andy: "five more minutes"

Me: OK, five more minutes

a hour and half later........

Me: Ugh. Andy. It's 8:40am

Andy: "five more...WHAT!?!

The next ten minutes is a blur. Andy runs to the shower, and I go downstairs to tend to Molly and nearly step in a puddle (can you blame her? who can wait 12 hours?). The mess is cleaned, lunch is made and breakfast is on the table. Andy exits with breakfast, leaving lunch and keys on the table. 40 seconds later Andy returns to grab keys...completely forgetting lunch.

Molly and I stare at each other until she cannot take it anymore and falls asleep in a heap in the middle of the kitchen. I start to unload the dishwasher, when the phone rings. Boss. Crap, have to take this call. All attention is focused on phone call - until I hear crash, shatter, woof. Molly was IN the dishwasher trying to lick any morsel of food off the plates when the dishwasher detaches from the wall and tilts forward (thank you little cord that hung on tight). I drop the phone and run over to put the dishwasher in an upright position and get Molly away from all of the glass. Goodbye Target bubble glasses.

I finish up with my call, and then Molly and I retreat to the couch. Clearly everything The Wheelers touch today will end in disaster. Our safe place is the couch. We will stay here and avoid tragedy. It's too stinkin' hot to anything else anyway.

Happy Birthday Miss Molly!

2007-07-26T10:35:00.000-05:00

Our Furbaby turns 2 today!

A softserve peanut butter ice cream cone is in her future. She looks SO excited doesn't she? Molly is not a morning dog.

Molly as a cheeky one year old

Molly as a baby

Youth Group

2007-07-24T08:58:00.000-05:00

After months and months of searching we think we finally found the perfect curriculum for our youth group. What do you think?