I LOVE THIS WOMAN

This is What a Dream Come True Looks Like

Uncle Chris is...thirtysomething

KK is back from her missions trip to Haiti and she bought this sling that usually women carry their babies in. Hope seemed to like it just fine!
The tradtional sister shot, taken by Greg. No, those aren't spikes coming out of my head, just a picture on the wall...
MaryLou and KK enjoying blueberry pie

It's difficult to put candles in a pie, so he blew the candles out on our centerpiece, with help from Susie
My brown-eyed beauties, KK and Jonny
Lu and Aunt Jeannie
Aaron said, "Here's a blog picture." Totally!

$100

I'd like to give a "YEE-HA" to Real Simple magazine. There's nothing better than finding that thick publication sitting pretty in my mailbox.

Recently, they've had this little blip about what one random reader would do with $100 in her pocket and a day to herself.

I thought this would be fun, so here goes.

What I would do in my small town Minnesota life with one day and $100...
(this is assuming I have a full tank of gas and no children in tow)

$15 - itunes for new songs to listen to during the day

Drive to Willmar and hang out in Target for at least an hour, not buying, just browsing...

$3.75 - Strawberry Pink Freeze from Dunn Bros. Coffee (I can't decide if this is a smoothie or a milkshake, and I'm afraid to ask. It's just yummy.)

Drive to St. Cloud...alone...bliss....

$25 - $30 to spend in Barnes and Noble in St. Cloud. I will also be spending at least 2 hours browsing in this store, thank you.

$10 - Panera Bread for lunch: Chicken Salad sandwhich, Broccoli Cheddar Soup or Chicken Wild Rice, whichever day it is.

$4 - Cold Stone Creamery. 'Nuff said.

$35 - Old Navy. Slow shopping. Trying on stuff, taking my time. They play cool music in there.

Oh bummer, I think I'm over my spending limit. I really wanted to have enough to go to Red Lobster for dinner. Anyway, there it is.

Your turn!

I'm It

Mrs. McBride tagged me, and I owe her big time since she used to watch my kids in Texas and put up with Chick-Fil-A melt-downs. The girl is a champ.



Here are the tagging rules:

1. Post the rules on your blog
2. Write 6 random things about yourself
3. Tag 6 people at the end of your post
4. If you're tagged, DO IT and pass on the tag



Let the randomness begin....



1. When I purchase a magazine, I always choose the 3rd or 4th one back because it hasn't been leafed through by the general public. Less crinkles and folds - a more pristine magazine and a happy Jeannie.



2. Cluttered kitchen counters make me edgy, like I can't breathe.



3. Sometimes if I'm singing an emotional song at church, I will think about an auto mechanic's shop to keep myself from crying: dirty tires, greasy floors, tools, dirty waiting rooms, etc.



4. I'm pretty obsessed about keeping my kids' nails trimmed and clean. It's also a great excuse to cuddle and be close. But I haven't trimmed Daniel's nails in about 2 years due to his nail-biting habit. Argh.



5. I must have 2-3 books going at the same time. Get a little panicky if there's nothing waiting in the wings.



6. If I could, I would give someone half of my hair because it's so thick and beastly to deal with everyday.



YOU ARE TAGGED (but I won't hate you if you don't do it)


1. Beth W. - cause you need to post more often :)
2. Rachel E. - you make me smile
3. Josh H. or Melissa H. - whoever wants to post first :)
4. Aunt Jana - you know you want to!
5. Anne W. - it's been 3 months, time for a new post -haha
6. Alison W. - I need to know more stuff about you!

Appropriate Love

Had to share a funny story from today...

I sang in a worship musical this morning at church called "The Journey." It included members of the rotating worship teams, an orchestra, and different visuals depicting the Old Testament Tabernacle and how God instructed His people to worship.

I happened to be standing by Rob, one of the elders of our church. He is 60+ (I'm guessing...), but he has a young spirit and is always ready to laugh -- full of joy, this guy. He's always a great encourager, but today his words just made me bust out laughing.

After singing a solo on "Revelation Song", I took my place back in the worship ensemble and Rob put his arm around my shoulder. He gave me a squeeze as he said,

"In a very appropriate way, Jeannie, I love you!!"

Shock and Awe

I've been lying awake, thinking of what to write in this post about the saga of Brett Favre. I'm losing sleep over this, Brett, thanks a lot!!

Donald Driver (Aaron and I met him in the Houston airport!) Favre, and Greg Jennings from last year - ah, the good (not so old) days

Favre has put Packer fans on an emotional roller coaster and it's come to a screeching, mind-blowing halt with his official trade to the New York Jets. I heard about it this morning, and just felt sick.

When I saw him holding up his Jets jersey on TV, I was like the kid on Home Alone: AHHHHH!!!! Does he realize what he's doing to us??

He's admitted that mistakes were made by both sides. The Packers are definitely at fault, but the truth is that Brett made mistakes, too. I wish things could be different, but it's done. Reggie White is turning over in his grave...

Aaron still remembers Favre's first game 16 years ago -- it feels like a stab in the heart to see him in another jersey. But it's just a game and life goes on. Aaron predicts there will be a ton of Favre's Jets Jerseys in Lambeau this year. I agree!

And as for Aaron Rodgers, the poor kid, we'll see what kind of season he has. If anyone had something to prove, it's this guy. Can you imagine the pressure? I have to say, though, that his attitude and lack of trash talk through this entire debacle has increased my respect for him.

As for me, for my own mental health, I think I'll start watching the Golf Channel.

She said

I have HOW many older brothers?
I love this guy! He talks to me!
Go ahead, I dare you to try to get a bib around this chin.