New Year's Resolutions and other stuff...

So, January is almost gone and yet I am still working on the New Year's resolutions I made. I think this is some kind of a record for me. I think the last 22 years worth of New Year's resolutions have been to eat healthier, lose weight, and get on a workout routine regularly. With the exception of having gone on vacation for 5 days, I am actually finding a rhythm! Whoo Hoo! And I can honestly say it feels pretty good. My sis and mom have been very encouraging, which is nice. My sister (who is a twig and doesn't need to lose an ounce but is trying to lose a few more pounds) has turned me on to a great online tool that I have been using to track what I am eating. It's called "The Daily Plate" and it's FREE to use! To check it out you can click here. I was really quite impressed with how it works. Basically, after you create an account (which is totally free--you can upgrade for a price to gain more features but I have been completely happy with just using the free features) just type in what you have eaten and it gives you options to choose to add to your "plate". It has a very large data base I have found and even has a lot of restaurant listings as well. If you eat something that is not in their data base, you have the option of adding that item along with whatever nutritional information you might have on it. There are also suggestions made on alternate healthier options you could have chosen in lieu of what you did eat. You can also track how much water you are drinking and enter what activities you have done. There is a menu that give you an estimation on how many calories you have burned, depending on the type of activity you have performed and for how long. Pretty neat-o. If ya haven't checked it out, you might want to when you get a minute. I am liking it. Down about 7 1/2 lbs so far, so maybe 2009 will be the year! Time will tell....

Another thing I am determined to do this year is to read thru the Bible. Always start the year with good intentions and then life gets in the way. A friend of mine sent me a great link that is a daily prompting of my heart's desire...via email! (What a technological world we live in!) It is thru CBN and you can sign up here. Basically, it sends you a link to go to and read a daily Old Testament Passage and a New Testament Passage and if you complete all 365 readings sent to you via email, you will have read thru the Bible in a year. If you miss a day or two getting on the computer, no worries. You can "catch up" because the readings are available beyond the day you receive them. So, that is something I have been doing too. How did I ever do life before getting a computer?

What else? Kirk is off saving the world again and I am a single mother for who knows how long. All those ice storms that are happening down south has once again taken a toll on the power lines. So, Kirk's company has been called out to assist getting the power back on. They are expecting more outages as some winds are suppose to be sweeping thru those areas in the near future which will likely break the lines that are still currently intact but are sporting big ice on the lines. So, we will see how that story ends too.... Kirk is suppose to send me some pics of what he is doing so if he does, I will post them here. But he has gotten reports that he is working in Missouri (which is where he currently is) and will likely move east--potentially working in Ohio and maybe New York. Such the world traveler!

Guess that about sums up what is currently floating around in this brain of mine. Things are unusually quite upstairs which can only mean one thing....either the kids have gotten into the Nyquil again or something is about to implode. So, I am going to go and check on them....

Until next time....

Just for Fun.....

Okay--I am officially addicted to Facebook. I admit it. Anyways, there is this thing circulating on there that you type out 25 random things about yourself and then share it with your friends. So, naturally, I felt the need to follow the trend. Figured I would post it on here for those who do not have a facebook but follow my blog. It's just kinda fun.... so, here goes.....Enjoy!

25 Random Things about Me:

1. I wear many hats: Wife (to my honey Kirk for almost 14 yrs.), Mother (to four fantastic whipper snappers and very likely more in the future--no, I am not pregnant), Teacher (We homeschool those previously mentioned whipper snappers), Nurse (have been a RN by trade for the last 14 years), Friend (have alot of REALLY AWESOME ones! my BFF Jess ROCKS! Love ya Girl!), Sister (have a brother--what up J Fizzle? and a sister--Shoosh-as my kids affectionately call her), Daughter (my mom is the best!), Member of the Greatest Family on the Planet (in my humble opinion), and most importantly Child of the KING!

2. I don't have much spare time, but when I get some I enjoy scrapbooking and shopping---especially if I have a coupon or there is a really good sale in which I can save alot of money! I usually get so excited when I find a good deal that I call every one of my fellow "deal-loving" friends (often from my cell phone in the store!) so they can share in the excitement and perhaps even get the same deal for themselves. (You friends know who you are and can vouch for the truth of this one!). Kirk fails to see the value as he says it is much cheaper to not buy anything at all--but he has come to accept my sport shopping.

3. I enjoy singing and sing on the worship team at my awesome church Shorewood Church of God. But to hear the real "rockstar" in me unleashed, you would have to come over and play Guitar Hero World Hero. (I have been putting alot of hours on that crazy game!)

4. I graduated as the Salutatorian of my high school class. Impressive, huh? I can put that one on the resume. (but I don't mention that there were only 7 in my graduating class--good ole' Bible Baptist Christian Academy--home of the mighty Kingsmen.)

5. I was a cheerleader in high school. (again-- a small school and 87% of the enrolled girls were on the squad and our cheerleading skirts were down to our mid calf. Those uniforms were HOT baby!)

6. I once belched the alphabet in front of 800 people in a microphone. Apparently that is a trait men find attractive because afterwards I was proposed marriage to by two different guys. I politely declined.

7. I have been an auctioneer "on the side" for various events. I have done (and continue to yearly) auctioning for our church youth's annual auction fundraiser (which is the first Saturday of March this year if you are interested in going...). I also did an auction for a high school prom night fundraiser a few years ago that brought in more than $20,000 and have also did a couple auctions for some socials at the retirement community Carrillon in Plainfield. (Those people are the cutest! They even gifted me with a gavel with my name inscribed on it!). Who knows? Maybe I will give up being a nurse and become an auctioneer.

8. I HAVE to have at least 8 hours of sleep or I simply cannot function. Luckily, my kids are very good sleepers and I almost always get that much--sometime more. Jealous?

9. My family (myself included) are kinda....how to delicately put it....well, gross. We find farts and belches funny and rarely get thru a family meal without one. I simply refuse to acknowledge that I am not still in jr. high. Sue me.

10. I am addicted to reality TV. (Kirk calls it "Crap TV"). I watch American Idol, The Biggest Loser, Extreme House Makeover, and all those A&E Crime shows that tell you all about those people who snap and kill their loved ones in their sleep. I'm warped. I admit it. Admitting your problem is the first step, right?

11. I am fascinated by "weird medical" stuff. I also put some time in on the Discovery Health Channel (you know the shows--the ones about people who have their twin inside of them, the documentaries on "The Tallest Person in the World" etc. )

12. Kirk and I are licensed foster parents. We both have a real calling on our lives to make a difference for this population of kids. We had our first placement this past fall and are looking forward to whomever God brings into our lives. We plan to pursue adoption from this broken system in the future as well....we have 2 vacancies right now if you know of anyone in need.

13. I LOVE food but HATE to cook.

14. I didn't realize how much I didn't know til I started homeschooling the kids. Who would have thought there was so much covered in the third grade? I didn't remember half of the stuff I was teaching. Has been very enlightening.

15. My idea of an ideal vacation does not include warm weather and beaches. I don't like to sweat and wearing bathing suits makes me depressed.

16. I have recently gotten obsessed with Facebook and blogging. My BFF Jess hooked me up with pimping out my blog. Check it out sometime and subscribe! The address is www.homeschoolmom2four.blogspot.com.

17. I enjoy photography and make a point of taking pictures of the kids, nieces, and friend's kids. Children are my favorite subjects. I've been told I'm pretty good at it....I think it's because the subjects of my pictures are so darn cute!

18. I am a Republican to the bone. So, yeah, this latest election was a BLOW to my household. The next four years are going to be interesting.....to say the least. The moral decline of our society is scary...yet another reason to homeschool the kiddies...don't get me started!

19. Each of my children have a REAL rifle--thanks to Daddy. You should see the girls' rifles! They are so cute! They are pink. (don't stress--we are VERY SAFETY ORIENTED! Kirk is very involved. The boys have been to hunter safety classes too. They are all locked up in a big safe in my living room...which leads me to my next random fact...

20. Kirk and I have only one secret (that I am aware of ) in our marriage....he is the only one who has the combination to our gun safe. No one else on the planet has it. I asked him how I was suppose to get in it if he died. He said "Call a locksmith. I don't care really what you do. I'll be dead".

21. I took my first pee in the woods last year. (Am I a city girl or what?)

22. We had a praying mantis that was given to us in September. We had her 3 months and she died a few days before Christmas. Abby cried when she died. So did I. (Rest in peace Lloyd!)

23. The best concerts I have ever been to were performed by The Transiberian Orchestra, DC Talk, and Weird Al. (yes--Weird Al. I LOVE HIM! I think he is brilliant!)

24. I have never been drunk but accused of it many times.

25. I cry when I'm really angry and it drives me crazy! So, don't tick me off or I may blubber in your presence!

Just when you thought you knew a person...and then you learn all this!!!

The Annual Family Ski Run....

Well, we headed to Bessemer, MI again this year for the annual Family Ski Run and we really have had a great time these past few days. We brought along our friends the Ackermans (Perry, Lori, Jaycie, and Kyle), my mom, and Kirk's four siblings (Delle, Caleb, Josh, and Hannah) in addition to our own crew. We rented two units side by side (with a handy dandy adjoining door) which worked out perfectly. There was always a place to go and hide when things got crazy. There was also more room to get silly. Lots of fun happenings...



My baby took her first run down the big kid's ski slope yesterday. I was grateful to see that she has inherited her father's NO-FEAR gene and jumped on those skis like she's done it many times before. It's official. She's as crazy as the rest of the fam. Kirk was impressed too. She did quite well.



Tonight we are spending our last evening in the ski lodge. As I sit and write this, there is the calming sounds of the entire family coming together to save the universe. (they are playing Halo on Xbox). Such a special way to close out what has been a good vacation. (Note to reader: I am being a little sarcastic---) Has been a great family time with intermittent need for shooting stuff. Not only have they done some time on the Xbox, but there was a big Nerf war last night as well. I am sure the owners of this unit would rethink renting to us if they saw this place last evening--that is unless they have the understanding for the need to have "base" and shelter and the only way to effectively do that would be to turn the coffee tables on their sides. Really, any reasonable person can understand that one, right?



The skiing was good I am told and I watched a lot of snow fall. There was no complaining about the snow here, unlike at home where it seemed almost EVERYONE complained about it. Was very pretty and wonderful to watch the big fluffy flakes come down for the first two days we were here. Nothin' like sitting by the fireplace toasty warm and looking out on a snowy mountain...I'd take that any day over being in the Caribbean.

More enjoyable than the nerf wars, the skiing, the road trip, the Guitar Hero.... was just hanging with the fam and friends and being together. Life is too hectic and not too often we take a day and just chill out. Was a very pleasant trip and am already looking forward to next year's vacation here--that is if the lodge does not get their hands on our pictures and see just how much fun was had around here!

Little Drummer Boy....

Had to take a second to brag on my baby. Keaton has been taking drum lessons since September and really has a natural ability on those noisemakers. Yesterday was his debut! He played for worship service at church and did a "bang-up" job. (no pun intended---well, maybe it was intended!) He did very well and Pastor Eric took a second to pull him up front afterwards and acknowledge his efforts. It was a proud Mommy moment. Nothing more heartwarming that to see your baby using his talents for the Lord. He plans to attend Worship Team practices with me from here on out to learn from Jeff--who is our main drummer. So, we will see what comes with that...

Just had to take a second to brag on my kid...I think he's pretty great!

Just when I thought it couldn't get any better...

Okay--it's official. My blog pages are JUST the way I want them. After about 4 and a half hours watching (and attempting to learn a couple things from ) Jessica do her magic, we are up and running! I am crazy about how it turned out. (Thanks again J!)

So, my goal is to be better about sharing (with whoever cares to read this!) about what we do day in and out in relation to Faith, Family, Homeschooling, and whatever else happens to flow from this brain. 2009 is the year! Whoo Hoo! (can you hear me pumping myself up about it?) I have gotten alot from other blogs that I read in the way of encouragement, inspiration, and entertainment and figured I might have something to contribute as well. It's also a great way to keep in touch with the family as to what we are up to here in the Midwest. So, those reasons are the driving force here. Now I will shut up about my BEAUTIFUL STUPENDOUS WONDERFUL blog site and let that one rest....

Other than my latest obsession with getting this all up and running, I have also become addicted to facebook. Have ya been on there? I don't know if it is the New Year that makes people want to do better in the way of touching base with old friends and acquaintances or what, but I caught the bug. It has been fun getting on there and reading about all the news of those from yesteryear. It's pretty fun. You should check it out by clicking here.
I've been able to catch up with former school chums, friends and acquaintances from my old church, and I think I have even talked more to my siblings on the instant messaging thingy more than I've talked to them in person lately! (what has this world come to?) It is also forcing me to learn how to work this computer (which I have a love and hate relationship with!). So, if ya got some time, check it out! Never know who you will run into online....

Gonna run for now. I only have two kids at home so I should make the most of a half empty house. Until next time....

Whew! Arent' we fancy?

So, ya like it? If you have visited my blog in times past you see that it has undergone a face lift. I am thrilled w/ the end product! You may be wondering--"How did Amy get so computer savvy overnight?" Well, I must confess, this is not my work. I tapped into the talented Judi at Doodlebug Designs (on the recommendation of my BFF Jessica whose blog also is pimped out! Check her out at A Path with Promise!). Got lots of New Year's Resolutions to keep--one of them is to do better w/ the whole blogging thing so this Extreme Blog Makeover is very inspiring! (Look out Ty Pennington! Your TV show has nothing on me!) So, you will likely see alot more antics from us posted here this year. I am excited for what is to come in 2009 and sharing those things with whoever takes a second to read about it....