tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75347385580490550152023-11-16T06:05:45.210-08:00Faux Marthaamberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03482131983902712115noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7534738558049055015.post-12289469618941516422010-07-13T15:13:00.000-07:002010-07-13T15:13:02.145-07:00"Something Witty Here"...<div style="text-align: center;">I am hungry.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Very.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> Very.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Hungry.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I am trying this new fad called eating less.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">We will see how it works.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">SO... I am slow witted, easily distracted, and ambivalent.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">That is how much I miss food.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And if you are skinny, please don't tell me to eat.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I know what <span style="font-size: large;"><b>you</b></span> all eat.... and I call it not eating.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">When my skinny girlfriends say, "Oh, Amber! You must eat breakfast!"</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
What I hear is, "Make pancakes, eggs, hash browns, bacon, and fresh squeezed juice!"</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">What they mean is, "Have black coffee and an apple."</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Which means... "Don't eat."</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Whatev.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm still hungry.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNSJ_yAjluhkKT1RRYMJZPyLPxlSzm356cMUXsPQ4mjfGxE_RbL7CsculvAsX4EBT_q5T7Okze7puiaIuMFhAHRl3844bYfgYA8TeoIrMVqV8G6y_Vbldlt24SRpWGhnKRrpJHR0TCyZu-/s1600/love,+amber.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNSJ_yAjluhkKT1RRYMJZPyLPxlSzm356cMUXsPQ4mjfGxE_RbL7CsculvAsX4EBT_q5T7Okze7puiaIuMFhAHRl3844bYfgYA8TeoIrMVqV8G6y_Vbldlt24SRpWGhnKRrpJHR0TCyZu-/s320/love,+amber.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03482131983902712115noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7534738558049055015.post-24751382385818672472010-07-10T10:58:00.000-07:002010-07-10T10:58:37.456-07:00Spoiled<div style="text-align: center;">Tonight my loves are going to a Demoltion Derby in Chino.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Yep. They are classy like that.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I on the other hand am spoiled and get another girls night tonight...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">This time with my MOMMA!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMTxmYD0eLN1yOqWWWrLjYfcfREQ0b2Smdtq9Bvw_ChrK1wNMaZ3g9MongFEpgEu4WfPi-k5ZhaV_sOvTN2b2EzwoRypwRP2s1TL4evk1GRL-nauYXQo6LkKHm3cdUuj4LMMXHLoVVPsBX/s1600/30yr+Birthday+065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMTxmYD0eLN1yOqWWWrLjYfcfREQ0b2Smdtq9Bvw_ChrK1wNMaZ3g9MongFEpgEu4WfPi-k5ZhaV_sOvTN2b2EzwoRypwRP2s1TL4evk1GRL-nauYXQo6LkKHm3cdUuj4LMMXHLoVVPsBX/s320/30yr+Birthday+065.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(This picture kind of sums everything up.)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHCB_obNiNKXUef4jcWQIXJnY-Y9EdNC0Hk3pKz5D8feh_IIeXRDfdyPrs4N9J0aHFBFLncnDStVMP9g9FtsqUV1txMth8ggDjv6R8ZatCrjQv78tW6LQ_rZ5aE6pvPrMZFJQGit36o1EZ/s1600/30yr+Birthday+015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHCB_obNiNKXUef4jcWQIXJnY-Y9EdNC0Hk3pKz5D8feh_IIeXRDfdyPrs4N9J0aHFBFLncnDStVMP9g9FtsqUV1txMth8ggDjv6R8ZatCrjQv78tW6LQ_rZ5aE6pvPrMZFJQGit36o1EZ/s320/30yr+Birthday+015.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(This one too.)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEwqdF33T3Uvo4LeSEWP-7R5xWUXAq8wsVpmgb1xey7InwaaAVyoXyslQyCo5wcWEks5P_YlWk_NovnIE9_aysnZYl0kYItcC950zITyLyiMD8-AX0JWXXKnO4GK5sEFvJs2vDQA1vLuFn/s1600/30yr+Birthday+073.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEwqdF33T3Uvo4LeSEWP-7R5xWUXAq8wsVpmgb1xey7InwaaAVyoXyslQyCo5wcWEks5P_YlWk_NovnIE9_aysnZYl0kYItcC950zITyLyiMD8-AX0JWXXKnO4GK5sEFvJs2vDQA1vLuFn/s320/30yr+Birthday+073.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Oh yeah, this one too)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">How could I not be excited to hang out with her?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #f9cb9c; font-size: large;"><b>Yippee!!!! </b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">We are going out to dinner and seeing the movie "The Kids are all Right"</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="background-color: #f9cb9c;">What are you doing tonight? </span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03482131983902712115noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7534738558049055015.post-45081799134199243832010-07-09T09:02:00.000-07:002010-07-09T09:02:49.904-07:00Nerd Alert<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">I am a nerd on so many levels... and I am okay with it.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: #f9cb9c; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Exhibit A:</b></span> I heart Twilight.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVJulXBauMFd47Qty-Z3ZYFyk9r-V9eAzrf-E_wp3As1vsBHo7FWUl04DSlDd8zAueBl95ivEYwnq_gAbpBAeDE_oF4Q0IRFUw3ZdIpXMsNV4SQUwCH_0SQv8MkoWl5z0mgGRSv9BFlqRo/s1600/official-eclipse-movie-poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVJulXBauMFd47Qty-Z3ZYFyk9r-V9eAzrf-E_wp3As1vsBHo7FWUl04DSlDd8zAueBl95ivEYwnq_gAbpBAeDE_oF4Q0IRFUw3ZdIpXMsNV4SQUwCH_0SQv8MkoWl5z0mgGRSv9BFlqRo/s320/official-eclipse-movie-poster.jpg" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">Yep. I am hosting a happy hour tonight with some fellow nerds and then going to see the movie.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: #f9cb9c; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Exhibit B: </span></b>I am going a week after the opening so I don't have to fight the teens and the freaky Twi-Moms.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">Yep. I am officially too old for midnight showings and squealing 16yr olds or 40 somethings.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">***</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">I kinda feel better that I got that off my chest.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">***</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">Besides watching my guiltiest pleasure tonight, I am so excited about making some tried but true recipes and experimenting with new recipes for these</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"> lovely ladies.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"> </div><div style="background-color: #f9cb9c; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><b>The new recipes are...</b></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/pomegranate-cosmos-recipe/index.html">Pomegranate Cosmos</a></b> from my best imaginary girlfriend.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Beef-Satay-237069">Beef Satay</a></b> from my new favorite place for recipes.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/vanilla-lime-pineapple-skewers-recipe/index.html">Vanilla Lime Pineapple Skewers</a> </b>from my fellow nerd. </div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">***</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">I am also looking forward to finishing a conversation without running to a little person after they had fallen, taking Wyatt to the bathroom right in the middle of a personal epiphany, or cutting up the kids' food and making sure they had eaten enough while mine gets cold.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: #f9cb9c; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Let's hear it for </span><b style="background-color: #f9cb9c; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">NERDY GIRL TIME</b><span style="background-color: #f9cb9c; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">!!!</span></span> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03482131983902712115noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7534738558049055015.post-3082509116954601992010-07-07T16:14:00.000-07:002010-07-07T16:15:25.414-07:00oops<div style="text-align: center;">After 15 years you would think I would have figured out why I am so cranky today...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Sorry.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Now I will take one of these. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuXSJEVenL_gUYfcbE-ESdML5tZ7VXxsbgEJTZfg22soRu3TY64ASeJDvZFlQshXjVDFXAcXSCQlBOSAUkD-zpgTlUofwZQJiFyXZxfeOjjXduvWr7JD_FFJ_CdMfD8wIhSfw5aTLPMEPK/s1600/midol.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuXSJEVenL_gUYfcbE-ESdML5tZ7VXxsbgEJTZfg22soRu3TY64ASeJDvZFlQshXjVDFXAcXSCQlBOSAUkD-zpgTlUofwZQJiFyXZxfeOjjXduvWr7JD_FFJ_CdMfD8wIhSfw5aTLPMEPK/s320/midol.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">So I dont keep doing this...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM7lZ-5b5-fpMfWiFs0mGyNGeyE6tv4dW55qYhTJU5RA-FuTFpfLLB6LKhHxOed87DE_WhuGJOjiQ-vGkvHm4-QTwkjfW9WUo-ewjzZZYycLPaG6XfttNKCZ0ITmXgvp5HPkvikHaSDqWk/s1600/pull+my+hair+out.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM7lZ-5b5-fpMfWiFs0mGyNGeyE6tv4dW55qYhTJU5RA-FuTFpfLLB6LKhHxOed87DE_WhuGJOjiQ-vGkvHm4-QTwkjfW9WUo-ewjzZZYycLPaG6XfttNKCZ0ITmXgvp5HPkvikHaSDqWk/s320/pull+my+hair+out.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Is this T.M.I.???</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03482131983902712115noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7534738558049055015.post-41892797136742046152010-07-07T13:20:00.000-07:002010-07-07T13:20:07.135-07:00Slacker<div style="text-align: center;">Yep, that's me.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I totally forgot about Music Monday.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">(I have no idea who reads this... so maybe no one missed it.)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I am kinda cranky... and have no idea why. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">But, on the bright side, I took my own advice and made the <a href="http://thefauxmartha.blogspot.com/2010/07/therapy.html">Glazed Boneless Ribs</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Yes, they were as awesome as I remembered. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Today I am making<a href="http://www.domestically-speaking.com/2010/06/lemon-jell-o-cake.html"> this.</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">PS, I adore her <a href="http://www.domestically-speaking.com/">blog</a> too.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">***</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Yep, I am still cranky. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Oh, well.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbWAYc5YOP23A0snr3BmSz07OzkTk0YFZZSBoQw2EqJDHcC1A8YrZDa8TIrUWRr-sBjDZhElUpy9ZBDZzRE6DQ_cMIIzo5Ld7ITJqKntLJGa9NKih-3O4eXLWYA6XWu3-8EiZfXQ15foo5/s1600/love,+amber.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbWAYc5YOP23A0snr3BmSz07OzkTk0YFZZSBoQw2EqJDHcC1A8YrZDa8TIrUWRr-sBjDZhElUpy9ZBDZzRE6DQ_cMIIzo5Ld7ITJqKntLJGa9NKih-3O4eXLWYA6XWu3-8EiZfXQ15foo5/s320/love,+amber.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03482131983902712115noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7534738558049055015.post-50121217718966334972010-07-03T17:43:00.000-07:002010-07-03T17:43:03.602-07:004th of July!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc3YuQAlae7xxyyblouWcIf9GnIevQWz_uYxMWno62NoAx5GeTG9m8iWDJWwnGC7ER3z_4NlK2zfY-M0MTU7AfgDLrq8I6-MdtQVWkncH7yYhOJhAUwfHWiHJz3Y5sSXRj8-i8f6MeVWER/s1600/Fireworks+and+flag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc3YuQAlae7xxyyblouWcIf9GnIevQWz_uYxMWno62NoAx5GeTG9m8iWDJWwnGC7ER3z_4NlK2zfY-M0MTU7AfgDLrq8I6-MdtQVWkncH7yYhOJhAUwfHWiHJz3Y5sSXRj8-i8f6MeVWER/s400/Fireworks+and+flag.jpg" width="268" /></a></div><div style="background-color: #e06666; color: blue; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Happy 4th of July Everyone!!!</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><b>I stole this from a friend on Facebook and thought it was hilarious...</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":"msg"}" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">"In honor of the 4th, I'm gonna hi-5 the first British person I see and tell them "good game," just like in little league.</span></b></h6><h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":"msg"}" style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">But with more smugness.</span>"</span></b></h6>amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03482131983902712115noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7534738558049055015.post-38711597049524900582010-07-02T11:02:00.000-07:002010-07-02T11:02:27.162-07:00Therapy<div style="text-align: center;">Is it strange that I fantasize about going to therapy?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I honestly do.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I tell my hubby quite frequently that I can't wait to get rich and go to therapy.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Because in my mind, we have to be rich for me to go... Strange? I think so.)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ZqghcnbTVRqnB9xD0dGwpUP5_pV7pZmoV3GaLu8K2hulP01uH-Tnw5MJ74pkjMaghbdCNIjNscp2cPDVm3bTabz0An8ggDQRdy3zykl1V5GKwBH6ytfFYhmjt0sIPUpFsb7s9TIP4WgM/s1600/Therapist+Couch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ZqghcnbTVRqnB9xD0dGwpUP5_pV7pZmoV3GaLu8K2hulP01uH-Tnw5MJ74pkjMaghbdCNIjNscp2cPDVm3bTabz0An8ggDQRdy3zykl1V5GKwBH6ytfFYhmjt0sIPUpFsb7s9TIP4WgM/s320/Therapist+Couch.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I would love to sit on a couch like this and pick through my issues, my past, my present...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">and see if there are patterns to acknowledge.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">"Stuff" to heal from.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">But as soon as I say that to myself, I can feel a tugging in my heart from God saying,</div><div style="text-align: center;">"You can talk to me."</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">"You better believe I will point some gnarly stuff out... I can heal you."</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Then I go and have my quiet time with Him...</div><div style="text-align: center;">and my therapy fantasy isn't so tempting anymore.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Since I am poor, (<span style="font-size: x-small;">too poor for my therapy fantasy</span>) <span style="font-size: small;">m</span>y therapy is</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #f9cb9c;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Cooking!!!<span style="background-color: white;"> </span></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #f9cb9c;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;">I</span></span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;">don't think I have mentioned that on here...</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #f9cb9c;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;">I LOVE cooking... It is one of my passions.</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #f9cb9c;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #f9cb9c;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span>And so, for this holiday weekend I will leave you with two of my favorite recipes...</div><div style="text-align: center;">hoping that you will love them too!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="background-color: #f9cb9c;">White Wine Citrus Sangria</span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">(adapted from Micheal Chiarello)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1cqL2nJJo2MmQ48X9x6WJEbQYVcbjRoj7Rk_mZzBM5UhLBPd5hgcAM38p_PhKHSCvxHr6Udl3aTvF42MX9tXpn4yz513SfvSZp3hYGeR2Lg_0f28acGHHpyOolWVmnH6b10wOzw14w1Yc/s1600/sangria.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1cqL2nJJo2MmQ48X9x6WJEbQYVcbjRoj7Rk_mZzBM5UhLBPd5hgcAM38p_PhKHSCvxHr6Udl3aTvF42MX9tXpn4yz513SfvSZp3hYGeR2Lg_0f28acGHHpyOolWVmnH6b10wOzw14w1Yc/s320/sangria.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">3 Bottles of Pinot Grigio</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 1/2 Cups Brandy</div><div style="text-align: center;">3/4 cup Orange Liqueur</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/2 cup Sugar</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 Orange, thinly sliced</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 Blood Orange, thinly sliced</div><div style="text-align: center;">3 Kumquats, sliced</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 Lime, thinly sliced</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">(If you cant find blood oranges or kumquats, i have used peaches or strawberries.)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">In a large pitcher, combine the wine, brandy, and orange liqueur. Pour in the sugar, stir or shake the pitcher thoroughly to mix. Add all citrus slices at once. Allow the mixture to sit for 1 hr before serving to allow the citrus flavor to come through.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: #f9cb9c; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Asian Glazed Boneless Ribs</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Ingredients:</div><div style="text-align: center;">2lbs Boneless Country Style Pork Ribs</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Glaze:</div><div style="text-align: center;">2/3 Cup Hoisin Sauce</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/4 Cup Pineapple Juice</div><div style="text-align: center;">2 Tbsp of Soy Sauce</div><div style="text-align: center;">2 Tbsp Rice Vinegar</div><div style="text-align: center;">2 Tbsp Sesame Oil</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/2 tsp Fresh Ginger, minced</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 Garlic clove (for each rib), minced</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">In a small bowl, combine all glaze ingredients; blend well. Heat oven to 350 F. Place ribs in a 13x9 baking dish. Bake for 1 hour. Drain. Pour glaze over ribs, covering completely. Bake and additional 30 to 45 minutes or until ribs are tender, basting occasionally with glaze.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">(This is a very economical and easy dish... Country style pork ribs are inexpensive and are sold at Sam's Club (I haven't checked Costco for them) in a large pack. You can divide it up and freeze the other portion and make it for another dinner.)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: #f9cb9c; text-align: center;">Another note... I have stuffed more than 2lbs in a 13x9... Just make sure the pan isn't too over crowded and there is a small space between ribs.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
I promise these recipes are fool proof and have been made SEVERAL times by yours truly!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Enjoy!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFCBEKkYiZU7wQUIo1yLhoaKYFwt8wBhwsVrOBvD2I10IvkwJgCrQorcOHDFtXV63aiOBqDdm9YJy7XV3tNduTLrKI1fRJ8MzOzxcmKI1woKnXNr6EHiLY9R8hYwb1MdBvKpVzVpLjs7Ij/s1600/love,+amber.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFCBEKkYiZU7wQUIo1yLhoaKYFwt8wBhwsVrOBvD2I10IvkwJgCrQorcOHDFtXV63aiOBqDdm9YJy7XV3tNduTLrKI1fRJ8MzOzxcmKI1woKnXNr6EHiLY9R8hYwb1MdBvKpVzVpLjs7Ij/s320/love,+amber.png" /></a></div>amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03482131983902712115noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7534738558049055015.post-11600624292436724162010-06-30T10:22:00.000-07:002010-06-30T10:22:51.411-07:00Friends<div style="text-align: center;">Have you ever gotten together with an old friend after years and years of the world passing you by.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Nothing in particular happened to your friendship. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">It just slipped away into school, differing life stages, children, different social activities...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">But, when you have your long over due reunion...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">it is just heavenly?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">For some odd reason, God keeps bringing people from the past back into my life, and I am incredibly grateful for that gift.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Last night I had the pleasure of experiencing that gift once again.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">What a wonderful night. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I cant believe how quickly we were "no holds barred" honest with each other. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">What a blessing it was!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">One thing that I cant get out of my head, was our discussion on friendship patterns.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Who are you repetitively picking to be your friends? Do you have a type of person that you seem to be "attracted" to friendship wise?</div><div style="text-align: center;">And, why? Why do you pick those people?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I have realized, that just because I have already picked my mate for life, doesn't exclude me from from making poor relationship choices.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Some women are attracted to a certain type of man when they are looking for their mate... </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I need to assess what I am attracted to in a friendship. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> How much of myself am I giving? VS. What kind of energy are they bringing into the relationship?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Are they always coming into the relationship with sadness, despair, chaos? </div><div style="text-align: center;">Or, are they bringing productivity, conviction, joy, peace?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I am not saying that my friends have to be perfect, on the contrary! I love wackiness, quirks, and honesty in a relationship.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
I have many friends that fit this description, but I also find myself gravitating towards certain personalities because I am a "fixer" and nurturer. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">After all the "fixing" and nurturing... I am emotionally and spiritually exhausted.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And that isn't fair to my husband and son.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So, my duty in all of this, is to be keenly aware of who I am choosing to expend my emotional and spiritual energy and to be a good steward of myself. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Do any of you struggle with this? Or find yourself picking the same type of friends over and over? </div><div style="text-align: center;">What have you done to work through this? I want to know.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinXgZtVDTip9He6Gi4X5K-n9bWv6SPArCMLcIIyIEWoqU1jv-IDOEtixFKmU7skKjSa3GDKrrxFxLhJNBoDrUUMngjnn1h2GzHYBjHgb47bXZdRbrcjHwiyAVa9NxL1HYxE-7ZqlIOWQ4L/s1600/love,+amber.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinXgZtVDTip9He6Gi4X5K-n9bWv6SPArCMLcIIyIEWoqU1jv-IDOEtixFKmU7skKjSa3GDKrrxFxLhJNBoDrUUMngjnn1h2GzHYBjHgb47bXZdRbrcjHwiyAVa9NxL1HYxE-7ZqlIOWQ4L/s320/love,+amber.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">PS. Thanks for letting me ramble and get somethings off of my chest. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03482131983902712115noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7534738558049055015.post-35814066472212609702010-06-28T20:26:00.000-07:002010-06-28T20:26:30.055-07:00Thank You.<div style="text-align: center;">Thank you to all of you who have been praying for me!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I finished my Self-Study today! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">24 Pages!!!</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Glory, Glory, Hallelujah!!!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">I cant not believe that it is DONE!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">All that soul searching, gut wrenching truth poured on to paper...</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> is FINISHED!!!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> I realized while proof reading... This sucker is my Manifesto!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">I wish I could share it with you all, but I am pretty sure no one would find it interesting. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">But other than that I want to sing it from the mountain tops that I am DONE!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKtwNlPf-ce9pyFSUTEX6bI3kkIrhIWOlLgpx4BwWHUSbQhZVq0cWvR6XjMqSKeYyIXrKWCdtRW6QzvS83Eq8FmNtK0d60OPvOa0Ri6biImxOkMAzQdzT6T7AwzYMffeeZ38RBon9wuAZP/s1600/love,+amber.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKtwNlPf-ce9pyFSUTEX6bI3kkIrhIWOlLgpx4BwWHUSbQhZVq0cWvR6XjMqSKeYyIXrKWCdtRW6QzvS83Eq8FmNtK0d60OPvOa0Ri6biImxOkMAzQdzT6T7AwzYMffeeZ38RBon9wuAZP/s320/love,+amber.png" /></a><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></b></div>amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03482131983902712115noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7534738558049055015.post-60783256652620566362010-06-28T13:15:00.000-07:002010-06-28T13:17:17.763-07:00Music Monday<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Hubby and I had a fabulous weekend! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">For our anniversary we went out to a nice dinner at <a href="http://orangecounty.citysearch.com/review/208797">Captain Jacks</a> and watched a movie...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Oh, wait. Did I mention that we got <span style="font-size: x-large;">Tattoos?!?!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> <span style="font-size: small;">Yep, we sure did. We are some wild and crazy kids, huh?</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Even as I sat in the tattoo chair... I kept looking at Eric and saying over and over, </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">"I cant believe I am doing this."</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ray (the tattoo guy) must have thought I was nuts. </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Whatever.. I was in pain. </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> While waiting for Ray to finish up tattooing Eric, I was texting my girlfriend Linda, who happens to be married to a Pastor at our church, telling her all about my tattoo. </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ray asked me who I was texting. </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">He about fell off his stool when I told him who I was texting. </span> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I told him that there were people with more tattoos than him at our church. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">He was shocked. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And I was proud that our church is the kind of church that welcomes ALL kinds of people into its doors.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I felt joy in knowing that I could invite him and know without a shadow of a doubt that he would be embraced, not looked down upon. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I love my <a href="http://www.seacoastgrace.org/home">church</a>. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">So... here are some pictures of our tattoos. </div><div style="text-align: center;">(<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Please forgive me. I took these with my phone.)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3XXAIAa_nIqFnsX_xYVQ4VOgdW8sCaB6MaqSbea88E2AoMTVwvX8r3RapMIYQt09jjhlyKfXAU5r2a3EJ0kg_ZnofzONCNtqXR5OmP_UckuWzdTEFneDcVum0PpiqhXjZ4tEZMHa05Bvz/s1600/amberstattoo2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3XXAIAa_nIqFnsX_xYVQ4VOgdW8sCaB6MaqSbea88E2AoMTVwvX8r3RapMIYQt09jjhlyKfXAU5r2a3EJ0kg_ZnofzONCNtqXR5OmP_UckuWzdTEFneDcVum0PpiqhXjZ4tEZMHa05Bvz/s320/amberstattoo2.jpg" /><span style="font-size: small;">t</span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> (This isn't a really good picture of it at all... But you get the idea.) </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">It is an antique key and in the head of it is the inscription PS 46:10</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">This has been a verse that has been following me around </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">and has been on my heart throughout the past few years.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">I put it on my wrist to be a constant visible symbol reminding me to </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> "cool it" and recognize that God is in charge. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">NOT ME! </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Apparently I am a slow learner and am just recently understanding the whole depth and breadth of that promise.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjl34seufehEymxqQtPY4g9sHylFdAFQtmI8D5L6lwFJ9qwE6xD2I9YIMbEElRcihjmcTInU84uFJh9j5wHQdY2903u6sYeR0uZ8UvoHeNfYFHFCdX_NF57spvZjZDv04HWkifdVyNdtXs/s1600/EricsTattoo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjl34seufehEymxqQtPY4g9sHylFdAFQtmI8D5L6lwFJ9qwE6xD2I9YIMbEElRcihjmcTInU84uFJh9j5wHQdY2903u6sYeR0uZ8UvoHeNfYFHFCdX_NF57spvZjZDv04HWkifdVyNdtXs/s320/EricsTattoo.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Obviously this is Eric's tattoo... I don't have nicely sculpted arms like him.) </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">These Roman Numerals represent our wedding date. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">He says that if he gets Alzheimer's he will always remember the date...</div><div style="text-align: center;">even thought he might think it's his birthday. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: #f9cb9c; text-align: center;">Which brings me to <span style="font-size: small;"><b>Music Monday</b></span>...</div><div style="text-align: center;">The song I picked for today follows the wedding theme.</div><div style="text-align: center;">This is our song.</div><div style="text-align: center;">The song that we had our first dance to as a Mr. and Mrs. </div><div style="text-align: center;">This song has always spoken volumes to us about our relationship. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/MVzYxqG9N1c&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/MVzYxqG9N1c&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Al Green's 'Let's Stay Together'</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">I'm, I'm so in love with you</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"> Whatever you want to do</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"> Is alright with me</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"> 'Cause you make me feel, so brand new</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"> And I want to spend my life with you</span><br />
<br />
Me sayin' since, baby, since we've been together<br />
Ooo, loving you forever<br />
Is what I need<br />
<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Let me, be the one you come running to</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"> I'll never be untrue</span><br />
Ooo baby<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Let's, let's stay together</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"> Loving you whether, whether</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"> Times are good or bad, happy or sad</span><br />
<br />
Oooo oooo ooo ooo, yeah<br />
Whether times are good or bad, happy or sad<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Why somebody, why people break up</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"> Oh, and turn around and make up</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"> I just can't seeeeeeeee</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"> You'd never do that to me</span><br />
(Would you baby)<br />
'Cause being around you is all I see<br />
It's why I want us to<br />
<br />
Let's, let's stay together<br />
Loving you whether, whether<br />
Times are good or bad, happy or sad<br />
<br />
Let's, let's stay together<br />
Loving you whether, whether</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>PS.</b> I adore his <b>HUGE</b> gold bracelet and plaid jacket. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>PPS.</b> What was your song that you first danced with your spouse to at your wedding?</div><div style="text-align: center;">If you aren't married, what song speaks to you as a couple?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">I want to know more about you!</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc5xpkAcoqgtF20enIekAXQGQpsuKmW5RbUYmQlRsvkORYWvmUCrNKsXJip2LBz2MoRqKTH74kDopKKf1YHSV1i01VjaX2fKMwW85QM6e3ZH2GT8if1kcjHf9kO-DDz-scuKu-7T0a5jSn/s1600/love,+amber.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc5xpkAcoqgtF20enIekAXQGQpsuKmW5RbUYmQlRsvkORYWvmUCrNKsXJip2LBz2MoRqKTH74kDopKKf1YHSV1i01VjaX2fKMwW85QM6e3ZH2GT8if1kcjHf9kO-DDz-scuKu-7T0a5jSn/s320/love,+amber.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03482131983902712115noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7534738558049055015.post-76240738518844374822010-06-26T16:56:00.000-07:002010-06-27T09:08:47.486-07:00Super Random<div style="text-align: center;">Here are a few things that are floating around in my head...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: #f9cb9c; text-align: center;"><b>1: It's my ANNIVERSARY! </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPOrU1SrhYGBCRepJUUxWQAVfhh4a5GvWAlwXO7NpvXEt_d3OgpbURFLfHEe7NkTfIbdP_lJvK0FlpPywNJkYFyWwjjdJAxB-gZmNmvSZZXJaW4qA9Zf0QKxGMt5pnPBZsTNte5mxM-mnF/s1600/blog+pics.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPOrU1SrhYGBCRepJUUxWQAVfhh4a5GvWAlwXO7NpvXEt_d3OgpbURFLfHEe7NkTfIbdP_lJvK0FlpPywNJkYFyWwjjdJAxB-gZmNmvSZZXJaW4qA9Zf0QKxGMt5pnPBZsTNte5mxM-mnF/s320/blog+pics.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Good gracious! I need to get back on the Atkins diet!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span> </div><div style="text-align: center;">We have been married for 6 years today!</div><div style="text-align: center;">I know it may sound corny, but I truly do love him more than I did the day that this picture was taken. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: #f9cb9c; text-align: center;"><b>2:We are going out to celebrate...</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">By going out to dinner and getting tattoos..</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span>Well, we will see if it actually comes to fruition. </div><div style="text-align: center;">But, we made inquiries to a couple of places and it is a first come first served type of deal.</div><div style="text-align: center;">And every time the mister and I go out, he gets a the crazy idea that we need to get tattoos... </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So here we are... maybe realizing his dream and sowing a wild oat or two.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: #f9cb9c; text-align: center;"><b>3. I will be starting a book discussion of Francis Chan's, "Crazy Love".</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">I will be holding it in my backyard on Tuesday evenings @ 7:00pm. Starting in 2 weeks. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Let me know if you are interested! I love it when God brings random people together for spectacular moments... </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So, no one is too random.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: #f9cb9c; text-align: center;"><b>4. I have weddings on the brain.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQXdlKoJxKVOMSlMC6gN4AmhHwrZ__EMR3yt7n5n8PUBYl_Sfxihhx_oO1-eXgmaVqJSEB_wO8KHebH8ERl-sE6b0Ak66nMX5GQ5cLY5vGG1Txq89tZ-GCjKOiizmKJfAO25XcEfJTcpb5/s1600/cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQXdlKoJxKVOMSlMC6gN4AmhHwrZ__EMR3yt7n5n8PUBYl_Sfxihhx_oO1-eXgmaVqJSEB_wO8KHebH8ERl-sE6b0Ak66nMX5GQ5cLY5vGG1Txq89tZ-GCjKOiizmKJfAO25XcEfJTcpb5/s320/cake.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Picture courtesy of <a href="http://www.mysweetandsaucy.com/">Sweet & Saucy Bake Shop</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">One of my B.F.F.s is getting married and I cant stop thinking about weddings and how to make her day more special. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">What did you do at your wedding to make the day more personal and special to you and your groom?</div><div style="text-align: center;">Or, if there is one thing that you could go back in time and re-do, to make the day even more yours, what would that be?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">PLEASE! DO TELL!</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">I am beyond curious!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Hoping everyone is have a fabulous Saturday!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSkITHKEHa62htyNHilAnwdB7d9pYJrzgQsLP2_XFNNqRuV3XRyvCqT9MPAHMehzSbCREnGP3gWI0JJ00_1ptTxoFLYB5Zcr0g2Um4-WLpLi3RDkM34armEgBP3-wUpPijJVLCk27F3XfD/s1600/love,+amber.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSkITHKEHa62htyNHilAnwdB7d9pYJrzgQsLP2_XFNNqRuV3XRyvCqT9MPAHMehzSbCREnGP3gWI0JJ00_1ptTxoFLYB5Zcr0g2Um4-WLpLi3RDkM34armEgBP3-wUpPijJVLCk27F3XfD/s320/love,+amber.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div>amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03482131983902712115noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7534738558049055015.post-70754365431889675252010-06-23T11:07:00.000-07:002010-06-23T11:07:48.059-07:00Writer's Block<div style="text-align: center;">I am currently in the middle of writing a Self Study. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Not my idea of a super fun time.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
I do believe that self-reflection and personal inventories are a must when there is room for emotional and spiritual growth... </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">but.... on a beautiful sunny southern California day... not my cup of tea.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> <br />
Alas, the adoption agency wants Eric and I to each complete a self study.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Here are a few examples of what the questions are like...</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">- Briefly explain the events and experiences in your life that you feel have shaped your personality.</div><div style="text-align: center;">-What was the biggest disappointment or loss you have experienced in your life and how did you cope with it?</div><div style="text-align: center;">-Describe the values, traditions, and expectations you feel your parents attempted to instill in you.</div><div style="text-align: center;">-Describe your parent's relationship to each other while you were growing up and currently.</div><div style="text-align: center;">-What role does your physical relationship play in your marriage?</div><div style="text-align: center;">-What are your priorities when you spend money? Do you have guidelines that you use when making purchases? Do you and your spouse agree on this?</div><div style="text-align: center;">-How will your parenting resemble/differ from that of your parents?</div><div style="text-align: center;">-Do you have any concerns about bonding with your adoptive child?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>DANG.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And this is only a FEW of the questions that are posed to us... </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Now, these questions may seem easy to those who were brought up in Ward and June Cleaver's household, but for the rest of us... not so much.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So, please forgive me if I am quiet on here for a bit... I will be racking my heart/brain/soul for some pretty gnarly answers, and I don't think I will have it in me to post here. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Please pray for Eric and I to dig deep and answer honestly.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJxzxwSbLw7LVNQHxLa63If_4WN7j82I7eUHzlf_AZR6EbBSrez8Fr8LMqqitJipobNAx_-fce30663OzuxJpjgaTYmL7sAl1DTR_2pRJ2B3hRGHwUwutj95XbQoyd2WqQFteLRAwPp6oC/s1600/love,+amber.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJxzxwSbLw7LVNQHxLa63If_4WN7j82I7eUHzlf_AZR6EbBSrez8Fr8LMqqitJipobNAx_-fce30663OzuxJpjgaTYmL7sAl1DTR_2pRJ2B3hRGHwUwutj95XbQoyd2WqQFteLRAwPp6oC/s320/love,+amber.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div>amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03482131983902712115noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7534738558049055015.post-52976498284451198182010-06-20T15:53:00.000-07:002010-06-20T15:53:29.713-07:00Father's Day<div style="text-align: center;">Today has always been a bit of a reflective day for me...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">For most of my life I have always wondered why I didn't get to have a father. </div><div style="text-align: center;">(I never even met the man that I should have called "dad".)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">But in the past few years I have turned that thought upside down and became increasingly grateful that God spared me from that relationship. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">He knew better... duh.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">God has been all the Father I have needed....</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Unconditional</div><div style="text-align: center;">Kind</div><div style="text-align: center;">Loving</div><div style="text-align: center;">Wise</div><div style="text-align: center;">Always having my best interests at heart</div><div style="text-align: center;">Funny</div><div style="text-align: center;">Strict</div><div style="text-align: center;">and most of all, unconditional forgiveness for all the numskull things I do.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I am privileged that I had the perfect father.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Most people don't get to say that.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">My mother is one of them...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Her father was...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Conditional</div><div style="text-align: center;">Cruel</div><div style="text-align: center;">Frustrating</div><div style="text-align: center;">Angry</div><div style="text-align: center;">Womanizer</div><div style="text-align: center;">Workaholic</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> She always had the heavenly father that I did, but most people (and her) think/thought that God is a direct reflection of their earthly dads.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Unfortunately she had a lot to mentally overcome in realizing that God is none of that.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">But, fortunately for her, she has.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">She knows who HE is now and can have a relationship with Him based upon the truth. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Another blessing that I get to reflect upon is that I get to watch my husband be the father I wish I always had.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">He is kind</div><div style="text-align: center;">Hard working</div><div style="text-align: center;">Loving</div><div style="text-align: center;">Unconditional</div><div style="text-align: center;">Strict</div><div style="text-align: center;">Playful</div><div style="text-align: center;">Positive</div><div style="text-align: center;">Protective</div><div style="text-align: center;">Joyful</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I relish the fact that Wyatt will never know a relationship like his Grandmother knew, or the absence that I felt.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">He will never know that ache.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">He will never feel that void.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">He will only have a best friend for life.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGftJlTJ_1EJF5hPhZiXhwxLyh-nxyjumc0IT2DUKnNlc5duEVD6oad7ZM-1IYs6ru3duMjOs6lC_qBgKxsuCDTMmxuTbv_xJfdR0XWW4MukL7CQi_EIFDlt0r5GQmbKWzfO5MdwR9ZNIs/s1600/eric+and+wyatt2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGftJlTJ_1EJF5hPhZiXhwxLyh-nxyjumc0IT2DUKnNlc5duEVD6oad7ZM-1IYs6ru3duMjOs6lC_qBgKxsuCDTMmxuTbv_xJfdR0XWW4MukL7CQi_EIFDlt0r5GQmbKWzfO5MdwR9ZNIs/s320/eric+and+wyatt2.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">What a healing blessing that is to me. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Happy Father's Day</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzHAllRqLfHUNJiyHF6nGcfA1tHXNax6ieOX2UtDLbUKOxlpIMkrxzi1O0pHHIwnIN8RuVvjEVIQDY9F3dsRK1MsVowTVTCsVqTDAdN-ngrChjJapvXr5ZXV8O0-jpUAiDeZSWektA4WZq/s1600/love,+amber.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzHAllRqLfHUNJiyHF6nGcfA1tHXNax6ieOX2UtDLbUKOxlpIMkrxzi1O0pHHIwnIN8RuVvjEVIQDY9F3dsRK1MsVowTVTCsVqTDAdN-ngrChjJapvXr5ZXV8O0-jpUAiDeZSWektA4WZq/s320/love,+amber.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03482131983902712115noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7534738558049055015.post-49146964102247064182010-06-07T17:58:00.000-07:002010-06-07T17:58:55.409-07:00Speechless<div style="text-align: center;">I am so emotionally exhausted after an amazing (and I do mean that, in every sense of the word) weekend with my committee ladies in Lake Arrowhead. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">My head is still swirling with all the fresh new ideas, personal stories, tears, laughter, jokes, and advice.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And all the GOD moments...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">You know, the ones where you could not have planned it any better </div><div style="text-align: center;">and everything just seemed to flow (inspite of me).</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I am in awe of what happened up there.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So, I am speechless.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Not for a lack of words....</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">as a necessity to help me process all that happened there.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
* * * *</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So this Music Monday I will share with you an oldie but a goodie</div><div style="text-align: center;">that ALWAYS makes me happy.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
(And I day dream that I am having a fabulous party when I listen to it.)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Marvin Gaye</div><div style="text-align: center;">Got to Give it Up</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/mdEjIjG4-Ts&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/mdEjIjG4-Ts&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I used to go out to parties and stand around <br />
'Cause I was too nervous to really get down <br />
But my body yearned to be free <br />
I got up on the floor, boy <br />
so somebody could choose me. <br />
<br />
No more standin' there beside the walls <br />
I have got myself together, baby <br />
I'm havin' a ball <br />
<br />
Long as you're groovin' <br />
There's always a chance <br />
Somebody watchin' might wanna make romance <br />
<br />
Move your body, ooo baby, <br />
And dance all night <br />
Do that grooving’ <br />
Feel all right <br />
<br />
Everybody's groovin' on like a fool<br />
But if you see me spread out and let me in<br />
Baby just party high and low<br />
Let me step into your erotic zone<br />
<br />
Move it up <br />
Turn it down <br />
Shake it down <br />
<br />
OOWWWW<br />
<br />
You can love me when you want to babe<br />
This is such a groovy party baby<br />
We're here face to face<br />
Everybody's swingin'<br />
This is such a groovy place<br />
<br />
All the young ladies are so fine!<br />
<br />
You're movin your body easy with no doubt<br />
Know what you thinkin' baby<br />
You want to turn me out<br />
Think I'm gonna let you do it babe<br />
<br />
Keep on dancin'<br />
You got to get it<br />
Got to give it up</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL4I2UoQaGkH5s-Qea-Jcg0jHcHbt702wG6N1JA6TLlHjDuQjBjDgK6c773w_K2xJHOxVBTgN7yZrTg4IhGJDhJjU-Ne-DcapZXNsIbl3vXKRlADtGRrOLforWLyV6o_LIgiR2AgEd1Sdj/s1600/love,+amber.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL4I2UoQaGkH5s-Qea-Jcg0jHcHbt702wG6N1JA6TLlHjDuQjBjDgK6c773w_K2xJHOxVBTgN7yZrTg4IhGJDhJjU-Ne-DcapZXNsIbl3vXKRlADtGRrOLforWLyV6o_LIgiR2AgEd1Sdj/s320/love,+amber.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03482131983902712115noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7534738558049055015.post-71457049721036190232010-05-31T13:58:00.000-07:002010-05-31T14:02:03.555-07:00Music Monday<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Happy Memorial Day Everyone!</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEAPW9T4TK21R-bKHUo4l9nLaB_qABF_FGyD9rIC27oJpOLvH1bEk2wpH_ChLOVsLBlV6v1k5WZm4QKKLd9ZXEg5gxbkBwZL4WCQfNwNl31GZEIVxz1noqHQemiCBdH8IB5wHiz-eqhcRR/s1600/american-flag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEAPW9T4TK21R-bKHUo4l9nLaB_qABF_FGyD9rIC27oJpOLvH1bEk2wpH_ChLOVsLBlV6v1k5WZm4QKKLd9ZXEg5gxbkBwZL4WCQfNwNl31GZEIVxz1noqHQemiCBdH8IB5wHiz-eqhcRR/s320/american-flag.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Whatever political party you "belong" to, I bet we can all agree that America is a pretty spectacular place to live.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> I feel so blessed that I get to call this country my home.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I think a lot of other people think so too.... </div><div style="text-align: center;"> I heard on NPR the other day that America welcomes <span style="font-size: large;">twice</span> the amount of immigrants into its borders than all the other countries welcome into their borders, combined. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I was floored. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I felt immense gratitude...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">For the freedoms that we have.</div><div style="text-align: center;">For the free speech that I get to enjoy without even thinking about it.</div><div style="text-align: center;">That I can raise my child how I see fit. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I can worship God without political oppression.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">None of this would be possible with out all of the men and women that have served this great nation. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I personally count them as a blessing...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Which brings me to Music Monday...</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">I had in my head that I was gonna do something patriotic... But I heard this song on the radio and was BLOWN AWAY...<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">It is by <a href="http://www.distantrelatives.com/music/all/distant_relatives-1">Damian Marley and Nas </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">I think it is so beautiful that they took the time to pour their gratitude into a song and perform it for all the world to hear.<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I also find it refreshing that in a world of negativity and general crabbiness, that they would put this out there.</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;">Whatever you feel towards these Artist's personal blessing list... just remember that it is <b>their</b> list. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
This isn't my list... (even though I appreciate the sentiment and adore the message). </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">This, in my opinion, is supposed to spur us on to create our own blessing list. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/8-4KbBVH2_w&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/8-4KbBVH2_w&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">And I’ve got studios to voice in <br />
<span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">And I’ve got news for rejoicing </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">Now a new sun is rising </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">I count my blessings</span> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">That I’m safe when I’m resting </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">Furniture in my nesting </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">Not by force </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">I’m suggesting </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">You count your blessings</span></div><div></div><div style="text-align: center;">I’ve got love and assurance <br />
I’ve got new heath insurance <br />
I’ve got strength and endurance <br />
So I count my blessings</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">And give thanks to the master <br />
That through all the disaster <br />
We’re still here <br />
Together after <br />
Better count your blessings</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>VERSE 1 – NAS: </b><br />
Count your blessings <br />
Cause yo’ <br />
This year <br />
Can’t wait ‘till he gets here <br />
7/21/09 <br />
My first son will shine <br />
And it’s amazing <br />
I’m about to be raising <br />
Another made man <br />
And like his dad <br />
They’ll praise him <br />
And some will hate him <br />
Just cause we’re building a nation <br />
Like Bob did with Damian <br />
The world will embrace him <br />
Girls will chase him <br />
Foresee they will not break him <br />
And when I’m not around <br />
You look for God <br />
And thank him</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>CHORUS 2 – JR GONG: </b><br />
And I’ve got somewhere to dress for <br />
And I’ve got no need to stress for <br />
And so I’ll always put my best forth <br />
And count my blessings</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">And there’ll be no need for tissues <br />
Cause there’ll be no further issues <br />
If you’ve got someone who miss you <br />
Man count your blessings</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">And I’ve got love and assurance <br />
And I’ve got new heath insurance <br />
And I’ve got strength and endurance <br />
So I count my blessings</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">And give thanks to the master <br />
That through all the disaster <br />
We’re still here <br />
Together after <br />
Better count your blessings</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>VERSE 2 – NAS: </b><br />
You’re wishing <br />
You were sitting <br />
In the top position <br />
Picture perfect <br />
Nothing less cause you deserve it <br />
Without the Hermes <br />
You never hurting <br />
You knew that you was <br />
Destined for greatness <br />
For certain <br />
But see the over zealous <br />
They be thirsting <br />
Caught up in emotion <br />
You’re keeping your composure <br />
Like Gershwin <br />
Songs by Earth, Wind <br />
Keep you in a zone <br />
Writing verses <br />
So when your pocket’s light <br />
Know that you have a heavy purpose</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>CHORUS 3 – JR GONG: </b><br />
We’ve got pre-school and day care <br />
We’ve got pension and well-fare <br />
And though not all will play the game fair <br />
Still I count my blessings</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">I’ve got joy in abundance <br />
I’ve got life full of substance <br />
I’ve got meetings and functions <br />
So I count my blessings</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">I’ve got something to live for <br />
I’ve got surplus to give more <br />
<span style="background-color: white;">And we’re all welcome through his door </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">So I count my blessings</span></div><div style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"></div><div style="background-color: white; text-align: center;">And give thanks to the master <br />
That through all the disaster <br />
We’re still here <br />
Together after <br />
So I count your blessings</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>VERSE 3 – NAS: </b><br />
I think you’re looking too hard for it <br />
Want the double R <br />
Under your garage door <br />
<span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">Appreciate the things you work hard for </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">And count your blessing </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">Count your blessings </span><br />
So don’t be mad if you ain’t fly ya’ll <br />
You got the means <br />
To reach the level I’m on <br />
You should know that there’s only one Nas <br />
Ya’ll <br />
But count your blessing <br />
Count your blessing <br />
Ra!</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>CHORUS 4 – JR GONG: </b><br />
And I’ve got studios to voice in <br />
And I’ve got news for rejoicing <br />
Now a new son is rising <br />
I count my blessings</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">That I’m safe when I’m resting <br />
Furniture in my nesting <br />
Not by force <br />
I’m suggesting <br />
You count your blessings</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">I’ve got love and assurance <br />
I’ve got new heath insurance <br />
I’ve got strength and endurance <br />
<span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">So I count my blessings</span></div><div style="background-color: #ead1dc; text-align: center;"></div><div style="background-color: #ead1dc; text-align: center;">And give thanks to the master <br />
That through all the disaster <br />
We’re still here <br />
Together after <br />
Better count your blessings </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_y-FX7zd5ASwX3Dg0wNm5O-Qwlkr7KxMCJuTs4InUBbqmHa0FHmPOasg72FPSptqdpjHBTVVgJujT-xN-MWO6JSLh4DXY8GnTe7ozWghWLqu_-Li8jPshjj953_89we1Woh894TDdje04/s1600/love,+amber.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_y-FX7zd5ASwX3Dg0wNm5O-Qwlkr7KxMCJuTs4InUBbqmHa0FHmPOasg72FPSptqdpjHBTVVgJujT-xN-MWO6JSLh4DXY8GnTe7ozWghWLqu_-Li8jPshjj953_89we1Woh894TDdje04/s320/love,+amber.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03482131983902712115noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7534738558049055015.post-47073671123543230832010-05-28T14:17:00.000-07:002010-05-28T14:29:25.572-07:005 on FridayI was driving around running some errands today and was thinking about all my favorite people, places, and things... and thought I would jot them down.<br />
<br />
Not that anyone cares...<br />
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I just want to get them out of my head and onto here so I can turn this brain off and take a nap.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifcrJavpI87Q5L-dR4za0B0OMGahoAnm3lPTgxYzV6c6mntt4A-HHQ63WsEJst40Sk5rV-BN-rlainjd3oZObHPDqMjiOAfr5X0qdmPcBlaQzSEH95TN5PfT2_s7ZN05tahyphenhyphen26tNz7cetP/s1600/brooklyn+and+wyatt+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifcrJavpI87Q5L-dR4za0B0OMGahoAnm3lPTgxYzV6c6mntt4A-HHQ63WsEJst40Sk5rV-BN-rlainjd3oZObHPDqMjiOAfr5X0qdmPcBlaQzSEH95TN5PfT2_s7ZN05tahyphenhyphen26tNz7cetP/s320/brooklyn+and+wyatt+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>First: </b></span> This is Brooklyn. She is my future Daughter-in-law... which is handy because my hubby and I are B.F.F.s with her <a href="http://www.curt-brenna.blogspot.com/">mother and father</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">She will be turning 3 this weekend and we cant wait to celebrate with her!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Not only that... She is the prettiest, spunkiest, funniest, most imaginative little girl I have ever met... </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And the fact that my son is in love with her doesn't hurt.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv8-7OP1xMhMLYFVq3HlWNLC4n9dklCxocfxxzqRZfnK_wY1HmtkPxnii70L-OihgBrnkBERE6v35IqFGyA4jd72qk10DHTa35eALn5lA3kZ2hGdVWMUfN5_kdxYRMUnuHB9XQt6o0UnNx/s1600/brooklyn+and+wyatt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv8-7OP1xMhMLYFVq3HlWNLC4n9dklCxocfxxzqRZfnK_wY1HmtkPxnii70L-OihgBrnkBERE6v35IqFGyA4jd72qk10DHTa35eALn5lA3kZ2hGdVWMUfN5_kdxYRMUnuHB9XQt6o0UnNx/s320/brooklyn+and+wyatt.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> Exhibit A: </b> The Culprit trying to give his "Book-a-lyn" a "hug".</div></div><div style="text-align: center;">(I put "hug" in parentheses because his pants are off and I really don't know what he is trying to pull.)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Second:</b></span> I love that when I tell my son to do something, he proudly responds "OKAY CAPTAIN MOMMY!"</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I like the ring of "Captain Mommy". I'm not gonna lie.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglv0_sikz-t3QuIvGNE6S3kEHbMgky6kd3GotGdmwR0IYp6xScTAJN34BFNp1lVghwd4gs4mOF0bRqE_TIKxKtj6s0dGx1CMKwrBMFTLEFKDl8HIGx9jEmBJzn75mIGowG02c1Z5XXEGts/s1600/Grounds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglv0_sikz-t3QuIvGNE6S3kEHbMgky6kd3GotGdmwR0IYp6xScTAJN34BFNp1lVghwd4gs4mOF0bRqE_TIKxKtj6s0dGx1CMKwrBMFTLEFKDl8HIGx9jEmBJzn75mIGowG02c1Z5XXEGts/s320/Grounds.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> Third</b></span>: <a href="http://groundscafe.com/home.html">This</a> place is so flippin' good. </div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I don't really have a thing for sweets... but I sure do have a thing for fresh homemade baked goods. And they sure are fresh and delicious!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ6fkuFoOuzrL7Vbu9QfH1d6VzkeyA1apjOQhwBNoUzEV1qUR7E9Z3mBMVt52h-CpqDcxz3A2S9RSxybR8qLlRTUUK1-LRhGSXNKvXL8m4j1Sn8w4kru68KdRfNzx6ZEitToZtfdhq5WxW/s1600/Moms+together.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ6fkuFoOuzrL7Vbu9QfH1d6VzkeyA1apjOQhwBNoUzEV1qUR7E9Z3mBMVt52h-CpqDcxz3A2S9RSxybR8qLlRTUUK1-LRhGSXNKvXL8m4j1Sn8w4kru68KdRfNzx6ZEitToZtfdhq5WxW/s320/Moms+together.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Fourth: </b></span>To say that I adore my MOMs group is putting it mild at best.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I have such a passion and fire in my heart for these women. I pray for them daily. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> I consider it pure joy to be heading it up next year with my amazing committee. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtFmZ5chnIYNxeDircAumnuqT3OCHk8ZHqAx_E9tIKxTppggdvWGfLFzsky93UGCPcJxIGFT0_CqLch76MameIxR6gIfcmTA-9WfPImIxLpkqdNP8KG3FsN4tDipKorBk7cgQIzYGO8ukg/s1600/pandora.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtFmZ5chnIYNxeDircAumnuqT3OCHk8ZHqAx_E9tIKxTppggdvWGfLFzsky93UGCPcJxIGFT0_CqLch76MameIxR6gIfcmTA-9WfPImIxLpkqdNP8KG3FsN4tDipKorBk7cgQIzYGO8ukg/s320/pandora.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Fifth: </b></span>This makes returning e-mails and working in the office so much fun and less of a chore.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Let's be honest... Most of the time I am singing off key or rapping... depending on what station I choose.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">It isn't pretty.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Be grateful that you haven't witnessed it.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Happy Friday Everyone!!!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj63s0MXTLP1fEipgspOjUfJFzONjl6yaExpR_8_SfwxUmu4rSz6zNlXgiFVaXxbAzeP5gMFkA6QDOoeL0PZXvHP7ySsPx3lAgx6s05uQdHVCH0wnjhp2vj_cEIQoUHKDh_liDS597wHhui/s1600/love,+amber.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj63s0MXTLP1fEipgspOjUfJFzONjl6yaExpR_8_SfwxUmu4rSz6zNlXgiFVaXxbAzeP5gMFkA6QDOoeL0PZXvHP7ySsPx3lAgx6s05uQdHVCH0wnjhp2vj_cEIQoUHKDh_liDS597wHhui/s320/love,+amber.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div>amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03482131983902712115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7534738558049055015.post-32330600176381476222010-05-25T12:10:00.000-07:002010-05-25T12:10:20.683-07:00Music Tuesday???So... I am here on Tuesday... begging you to forgive me.<br />
<br />
I have been listening to <a href="http://www.kcrw.com/music/programs/mb">Morning Becomes Eclectic</a> exclusively for about a year now. I made the switch because my previous morning music show had become far too raunchy for this household... I would like to blame it on Wyatt's little ears, but it really was because of me. My stomach would start turning when they would talk about spouses cheating, developmentally disabled people in a VERY negative light, porn, and drug use.<br />
<br />
I kinda felt like an old lady, but I really like how I feel in the morning now...<br />
<br />
Instead of cringing... I dance with my little guy.<br />
<br />
So, on <a href="http://www.kcrw.com/music/programs/mb">KCRW </a>the other day they were playing Jack Johnson and it reminded me of an interview I once heard him give... the interview made me love him more.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh77VFD80DdSalvlxOgWde2dvF6t9N0ZPhhI9cCjOuD5GTSmWOIFwTCHDL7Dy-lezADLmrGnl2oKLavQnWpBkTPvJ0rpRqQ3TWIRUGmo7b8iPbOc1ERtRS6bIaAYBPDtHuoECsZBt7hi7Yi/s1600/jackjohnson2-733894.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh77VFD80DdSalvlxOgWde2dvF6t9N0ZPhhI9cCjOuD5GTSmWOIFwTCHDL7Dy-lezADLmrGnl2oKLavQnWpBkTPvJ0rpRqQ3TWIRUGmo7b8iPbOc1ERtRS6bIaAYBPDtHuoECsZBt7hi7Yi/s320/jackjohnson2-733894.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">(I know he is adorable, right?)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">He was talking about one of his most popular songs, "Flake". I already really liked it...I thought it was a bit deeper than the typical boy/girl break-up song.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">But he elaborated... That this song was a song that he wrote for a <b>MALE</b> friend of his... I was blown away! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">He had felt so frustrated by a friendship that was dissipating that he wrote the song about his friend. His record label really didn't like the idea of him writing a friendship song to a guy (go figure) and asked him to change the he's into she's.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I was so impressed that he felt so deeply about this male friendship that he poured his heart into a song. Also, it gave the song new meaning in my life... I knew exactly of a relationship(s) that I could apply the song to...and you know what? </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">It helped me move on and embrace what the relationship was/is for what it is now, not dwell in the past and hold it up to previous standards.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">You see, I have an expectation problem... I hold the expectations stagnant in time while the person evolves. And through my personal experience... it has never turned out well. So, I am working on appreciating the different phases of the friendship for what they are... not what they were or should be (in my head).</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">So, here it is... Flake.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/lphghSeOKHU&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/lphghSeOKHU&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #ead1dc;"> I know she said it's alright </span><br style="background-color: #ead1dc;" /><span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">But you can make it up next time </span><br style="background-color: #ead1dc;" /><span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">I know she knows it's not right </span><br />
There ain't no use in lying <br />
Maybe she thinks I know something <br />
Maybe maybe she thinks its fine <br />
Maybe she knows something I don't <br />
<span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">I'm so, I'm so tired, I'm so tired of trying </span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">It seems to me that maybe </span><br style="background-color: #ead1dc;" /><span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">It pretty much always means no </span><br />
So don't tell me you might just let it go <br />
<span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">And often times we're lazy </span><br style="background-color: #ead1dc;" /><span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">It seems to stand in my way </span><br style="background-color: #ead1dc;" /><span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">Cause no one no not no one </span><br style="background-color: #ead1dc;" /><span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">Likes to be let down </span><br />
<br />
I know she loves the sunrise <br />
No longer sees it with her sleeping eyes <br />
<span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">And I know that when she said she's gonna try </span><br style="background-color: #ead1dc;" /><span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">Well it might not work because of other ties and </span><br style="background-color: #ead1dc;" /><span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">I know she usually has some other ties </span><br style="background-color: #ead1dc;" /><span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">And I wouldn't want to break 'em, nah, I wouldn't want to break 'em </span><br />
Maybe she'll help me to untie this but <br />
Until then well, I'm gonna have to lie to you <br />
<br />
It seems to me that maybe <br />
It pretty much always means no <br />
So don't tell me you might just let it go <br />
And often times we're lazy <br />
It seems to stand in my way <br />
Cause no one no not no one <br />
Likes to be let down <br />
It seems to me that maybe <br />
It pretty much always means no <br />
So don't tell me you might just let it go <br />
<br />
(Ben Solo's) <br />
<br />
The harder that you try baby, the further you'll fall <br />
Even with all your money in the whole wide world <br />
Please please please don't pass me <br />
Please please please don't pass me <br />
Please please please don't pass me by <br />
<br />
Everything you know about me now baby you gonna have to change <br />
You goin to call it by a brand new name <br />
Please please please don't drag me <br />
Please please please don't drag me <br />
Please please please don't drag me down <br />
<br />
Just like your tree down by the water baby I shall not move <br />
Even after all your silly things you do-oo <br />
Please please please don't drag me <br />
Please please please don't drag me <br />
Please please please don't drag me down </div>amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03482131983902712115noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7534738558049055015.post-39856071125970786032010-05-25T09:50:00.000-07:002010-05-25T09:50:02.398-07:00oops...My little guy's birthday was yesterday and I forgot to post Music Monday! Yikes! <br />
<br />
Seriously, I wont be offended if you all fire me.<br />
<br />
But, before you do...<br />
<br />
Look at this...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikrEtiD5R2iK_aM6pa3ccfwjqLqDo8X8GG4pJqPm-dk16OWjrOW98cCxkynpF5Gf7hyphenhyphenD-VnDqQL78gDGYdz9LANmi9GU6yskSExs7q9TjWjjfPM30ZTQmvqSOPR4XU1SvQAZ-tzkJrKbrD/s1600/Wy+and+Eric+at+Disney.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikrEtiD5R2iK_aM6pa3ccfwjqLqDo8X8GG4pJqPm-dk16OWjrOW98cCxkynpF5Gf7hyphenhyphenD-VnDqQL78gDGYdz9LANmi9GU6yskSExs7q9TjWjjfPM30ZTQmvqSOPR4XU1SvQAZ-tzkJrKbrD/s320/Wy+and+Eric+at+Disney.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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I know it is kinda blurry... but these are my favorite excuses for not posting...<br />
<br />
We started the day by getting finger printed and our background checked in some random hole in the wall in Signal Hill. This was an unexpected expense in the whole adoption procedure...but my kind and very generous Momma gave this to Eric and I for our birthday present... <br />
<br />
In her words, "I want to help buy my grandchild."<br />
Isn't she amazing? Love her! <br />
<br />
Then we stumbled upon <a href="http://www.roccosdeli.com/menu.html">Rocco's</a>, the most delicous and unassuming place to eat for lunch... We knew it had to be good, it was packed at 1:30pm. Seriously, you will be thanking me after you go there.<br />
<br />
After that we headded to Disneyland to clebrate Wyatt's 3rd birthday... SO much fun!<br />
<br />
This picture was taken at <a href="http://www.patinagroup.com/restaurant.php?restaurants_id=43">Napolini</a> restaurant with my two guys.<br />
<br />
I am so blessed... I just want to pinch myself sometimes.amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03482131983902712115noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7534738558049055015.post-27134442667768521412010-05-22T10:00:00.000-07:002010-05-22T10:00:15.916-07:00My Boyfriend<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVsywHLch9AOto-C-I7ZgKpDhh2_eIpmzhS-imyo8mesn9xV6pAn95F3_UcQpcIYz0v1AFXHIPOuTquw5zognzH_K5hcUiraKvHQfc3NAfdoGH0IDeJOLDE_q-Fy4zURbO1A_R-pVLXn8C/s1600/eric+and+wyatt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVsywHLch9AOto-C-I7ZgKpDhh2_eIpmzhS-imyo8mesn9xV6pAn95F3_UcQpcIYz0v1AFXHIPOuTquw5zognzH_K5hcUiraKvHQfc3NAfdoGH0IDeJOLDE_q-Fy4zURbO1A_R-pVLXn8C/s320/eric+and+wyatt.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> My boyfriend of 11.5 yrs turns 29 today.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(I know we are married and I should call him my hubby...but I don't want to.)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">He is amazing, kind, caring, compassionate, smart... and HOT.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I am still a shallow 16yr old at heart when I look at him... I still feel the pitter patter in my heart for him.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">We still celebrate our dating anniversary...much to the dismay of some of our friends who think that we are "nerds". </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I cant wait to see what the next 11.5 years brings us...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> And I cant wait to see if he gets gray hair. (SO FLIPPIN HOT)</div>amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03482131983902712115noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7534738558049055015.post-796808254777463132010-05-21T14:08:00.000-07:002010-05-21T14:08:43.675-07:00Two for One...I am sick and tired of myself...<br />
<br />
I am so tired of being full of fear...<br />
<br />
I realized that my fear of failure is paralyzing me and my family's journey.<br />
<br />
I also have realized that I only fear what I haven't given over to God.<br />
<br />
I am so SICK of it.<br />
<br />
I am hindering my family's future, my spiritual life, and connections with others because I like to pretend that I am in control.<br />
<br />
A few weeks ago I went to the <a href="http://blog.lproof.org/">Beth Moore</a> simulcast and listened to her talk about saying, "So Long to Insecurities". I really thought that I had nothing to learn because I thought I was a pretty secure person....<br />
<br />
BOY WAS I WRONG!!!<br />
<br />
I realized that all the places in my life where I am stagnant and feel uneasy are all the ones I have yet to surrender.<br />
<br />
See, it would be one thing to say... "We are still seeking to see if this whole adoption thing is for us."<br />
The problem is is that I already know what the answer is... I am supposed to go on this journey regardless of the outcome .... I know in my heart of hearts that I desire nothing else to be someone's mom.... But, I am also petrified to find out that we (Eric and I) aren't good enough... (IE, don't make enough money or have a big enough house). I am so scared my heart will be broken that I am dragging my feet on every little thing.<br />
<br />
In my crazy twisted head it makes sense that it is better to say, "We are in the beginning stages of adoption" than say, "The agency didn't see us fit."<br />
<br />
The conundrum is ... I am going to experience God's will anyway... so either I will go kicking and screaming (like I have been doing) ... or sweetly singing his praises and accepting whatever He has in store for me.<br />
<br />
And with this whole blog thing... I am totally being controlling... am picking and choosing who I want to tell about it... Which I know isn't what I am supposed to do. I feel like I need to share with people even though they may not care. I just have to be me and be vulnerable.<br />
<br />
Because I don't like who I am when I am not allowing myself to be authentic.<br />
<br />
<br />
So, here is a belated Music Monday...<br />
<br />
Have you ever listened to a song and got a sinking feeling in your chest... and you know that it was meant for you to hear at that exact moment?<br />
<br />
This is one of the songs I have experienced this feeling with...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Yp2Y65cS7L4&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Yp2Y65cS7L4&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">i surrender all</span><br />
to the promises you made<br />
and<span style="background-color: #ead1dc;"> i will give it all</span><br />
to the maker of the day<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">no one knows your heart</span><br style="background-color: #ead1dc;" /><span style="background-color: #ead1dc;"> and no one knows your fears</span><br style="background-color: #ead1dc;" /><span style="background-color: #ead1dc;"> when no one solves the mysteries</span><br style="background-color: #ead1dc;" /><span style="background-color: #ead1dc;"> or even wipes away the tears</span><br />
<br />
i surrender all<br />
to the promises you made<br />
and i will give it all<br />
to the maker of the day<br />
<br />
can you hear the sound of laughter<br />
from the other side of life?<br />
<span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">there are days when i feel like a stranger sometimes</span><br style="background-color: #ead1dc;" /><span style="background-color: #ead1dc;"> tell me, are there any other fools like me?</span><br />
<br />
i surrender all<br />
to the promises you made<br />
and i will give it all<br />
to the maker of the day<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">this reliance on another world</span><br style="background-color: #ead1dc;" /><span style="background-color: #ead1dc;"> has a great effect on this world</span><br style="background-color: #ead1dc;" /><span style="background-color: #ead1dc;"> this conscience of another world</span><br style="background-color: #ead1dc;" /><span style="background-color: #ead1dc;"> has a great effect on</span><br style="background-color: #ead1dc;" /><span style="background-color: #ead1dc;"> grace recollection</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">he doesn't love us 'cause of who we are</span><br style="background-color: #ead1dc;" /><span style="background-color: #ead1dc;"> he only loves us 'cause of who he is</span><br />
he doesn't love us 'cause of who we are<br />
he only loves us 'cause of who he is<br />
<br />
i surrender all<br />
(he doesn't love us 'cause of who we are)<br />
to the promises you made<br />
(he only loves 'cause of who he is)<br />
and i will give it all<br />
(he doesn't love us 'cause of who we are)<br />
to the maker of the day</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6N8nnkqMpZgkTvDcocS1iQtKEqYnNEqjLFn_xyRb5NcGQ3PYuwBr0C9itL5MkH3SiKnRYEcDYZnG-SzhoRKvRsgtu7cadNVtiP2ahVkeoNwsWxN9a4vLxodmDT_lgN06awfpJAc4YdfMA/s1600/love,+amber.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="38" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6N8nnkqMpZgkTvDcocS1iQtKEqYnNEqjLFn_xyRb5NcGQ3PYuwBr0C9itL5MkH3SiKnRYEcDYZnG-SzhoRKvRsgtu7cadNVtiP2ahVkeoNwsWxN9a4vLxodmDT_lgN06awfpJAc4YdfMA/s200/love,+amber.png" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div>amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03482131983902712115noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7534738558049055015.post-83019737887067293142010-05-10T08:41:00.000-07:002010-05-10T08:45:37.908-07:00Oops.....I am a bad blogger...<br />
<br />
I had it all planned out that I was going to post more last week and have a Music Monday all ready for you...<br />
<br />
Alas, I had a fabulous week and an even more fabulous weekend and I accomplished none of my blogging goals.<br />
<br />
In case you haven't forgiven me yet, I have one more "card" to pull.<br />
<br />
It's my BIRTHDAY!!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj01-LNenUr52sZVaWk12Iq7JHHn4VnvNWpENLjF06YPPFbQ_LZvdY_tVm015-hdl2EkcCIATAep6feWkm-iLOSzOMe_B3F5imV6M-IlzCxNPgKrEE0bwOtO552Vo8MBbXMrR2t5RgDbhk0/s1600/birthday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj01-LNenUr52sZVaWk12Iq7JHHn4VnvNWpENLjF06YPPFbQ_LZvdY_tVm015-hdl2EkcCIATAep6feWkm-iLOSzOMe_B3F5imV6M-IlzCxNPgKrEE0bwOtO552Vo8MBbXMrR2t5RgDbhk0/s320/birthday.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
I never grew out of thinking that I got a whole birthday week... I think this year it has morphed into 2 weeks...<br />
<br />
Want to know how I accomplish this without breaking the bank??? (<i>well, I'm gonna tell you anyways</i>.)<br />
Every event or get together that I go to, that I think is fun... I claim it for my self.<br />
<br />
Example:<br />
Friday: Random happy hour with friends and kids... MY BIRTHDAY HAPPY HOUR!<br />
<br />
Saturday:<br />
Morning: My hubby and two dear friends we baptized and then had a lunch to follow.... AMBER'S BIRTHDAY BAPTISM!<br />
<br />
Evening: Brother-in Law's college graduation party.... MY RANDOM PEOPLE BIRTHDAY PARTY!<br />
<br />
Now.. If you can believe it, I crammed a birthday nap, birthday mani-pedi, birthday <a href="http://www.tantalumrestaurant.com/">breakfast</a>, and birthday <a href="http://www.seacoastgrace.org/home">church</a> service in there too...<br />
<br />
Yes, I am delusional and a bit neurotic... but I don't think I am a narcissist based upon the fact that I never informed anyone of said delusions of grandeur...... I just acted as if....... <br />
<br />
And if I do say so myself, it made the weekend go from above average to SUBLIME!<br />
<br />
It was a wonderful weekend. Filled with people I love with all my heart. What more could I ask??<br />
<br />
Today I will attend a meeting for my <a href="http://sites.google.com/site/momstogether/">MOMs group</a> at a favorite <a href="http://www.cfarestaurant.com/longbeach/home">stomping ground</a>.<br />
<br />
Then I will be off to The Happiest Place on Earth with my two most favorite people!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpDa0fKZEZ6fWY3apMlBCZmGiZUjN3GOhXEXzvO9jHsRwNmp96y0AgCVMpYq7G_5KNigHCWtYd90KSfJiGxrN1DyS035YjQ7c4wjVhHLLcPPnV-T6MkztfSqBfb0EhFiRnlFwqbUAtPRfG/s1600/random+027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpDa0fKZEZ6fWY3apMlBCZmGiZUjN3GOhXEXzvO9jHsRwNmp96y0AgCVMpYq7G_5KNigHCWtYd90KSfJiGxrN1DyS035YjQ7c4wjVhHLLcPPnV-T6MkztfSqBfb0EhFiRnlFwqbUAtPRfG/s320/random+027.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03482131983902712115noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7534738558049055015.post-36262672018895696212010-05-03T00:20:00.000-07:002010-05-03T00:20:07.919-07:00Music Monday<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I need structure... </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">That being said I am instituting a Music Monday here on Faux Martha (PS, I still hate the name and you all are not off the hook in helping me pick a new one). </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Either I will post a You Tube Video of a song or just post the lyrics... and give my P.O.V. on the whole thing..</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Now, I am not saying that I will give any insight into the artist or have any clever thoughts... but simply represent me.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I love music... All kinds... I love music so much that listening to it has great impact on me and my emotions.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I totally believe that God speaks through music in my life... I know, here I go again with that whole God thing. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">But, I have had some AMAZING moments with Him, thanks to having the right song playing at the right time....</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Like, pull over your car and put your head on the steering wheel and cry moments... or moments where you drop everything you are doing and go grab the nearest human/animal and have a full out dance party. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">So, with out further adieu..</span>. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><object height="364" width="445"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/iBgP44KEf3Q&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/iBgP44KEf3Q&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="445" height="364"></embed></object></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">*** </div><div style="text-align: center;"> <b><span style="background-color: #c27ba0; color: #444444;">Head Over Feet </span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I had no choice but to hear you</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> You st<span style="background-color: #ead1dc;"></span>ated your case time and again</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> I thought about it</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">You treat me like I'm a princess</span></span><br style="background-color: #ead1dc;" /><span style="background-color: #ead1dc; font-size: small;"> I'm not used to liking that</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> You ask how my day was</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> You've already won me over in spite of me</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> And don't be alarmed if I fall head over feet</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> Don't be surprised if I love you for all that you are</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> I couldn't help it</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> It's all your fault</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">Your love is thick and it swallowed me whole</span></span><br style="background-color: #ead1dc;" /><span style="background-color: #ead1dc; font-size: small;"> You're so much braver than I gave you credit for</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> That's not lip service</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">You've already won me over in spite of me</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> And don't be alarmed if I fall head over feet</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> Don't be surprised if I love you for all that you are</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> I couldn't help it</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> It's all your fault</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">You are the bearer of unconditional things</span></span><br style="background-color: #ead1dc;" /><span style="background-color: #ead1dc; font-size: small;"> You held your breath and the door for me</span><br style="background-color: #ead1dc;" /><span style="background-color: #ead1dc; font-size: small;"> Thanks for your patience</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">You're the best listener that I've ever met</span></span><br style="background-color: #ead1dc;" /><span style="background-color: #ead1dc; font-size: small;"> You're my best friend</span><br style="background-color: #ead1dc;" /><span style="background-color: #ead1dc; font-size: small;"> Best friend with benefits</span><br style="background-color: #ead1dc;" /><span style="background-color: #ead1dc; font-size: small;"> What took me so long</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">I've never felt this healthy before</span></span><br style="background-color: #ead1dc;" /><span style="background-color: #ead1dc; font-size: small;"> I've never wanted something rational</span><br style="background-color: #ead1dc;" /><span style="background-color: #ead1dc; font-size: small;"> I am aware now</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> I am aware now</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> You've already won me over in spite of me</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> And don't be alarmed if I fall head over feet</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> Don't be surprised if I love you for all that you are</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> I couldn't help it</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> It's all your fault </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">**** </span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Okay... Today is a lighter post because I really have no idea what and how I am going to do this whole Music Monday thing... So I am posting a song that is VERY near and dear to my heart. I know that it may seem mushy and corny to post this song... but ALL the lyrics that I have high-lighted are straight from my heart. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Like, I have no idea how she knew about Eric and I. (Yes, I am self-centered enough to toy with the idea.)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Eric and I have been married for almost 6 years and together for 11 1/2.... we started dating in utero... I kid, I kid... kinda.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">But I am grateful everyday that we met so young. I count it as a blessing that I have known my soul mate for a good portion of my life. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I have had many people ask me if I feel like I have "missed out" that I haven't dated more or wish I would have had more experience... </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> The answer is no.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I am relieved that this man came into my life at such an early age... He has been nothing but a blessing to me and my family. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I have had the pleasure of watching him grow from an above average boy to an excellent man. We have grown together and into each other...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I am not saying that we have only experienced pure bliss in this relationship... We have had our moments, weeks, and during the harder portions...months.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">But we would rather be together in frustration, misunderstanding, and pain than to be separate from each other... </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Without him I would never have let my guard down enough to love as deeply as I do... I am confident in that. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Last year for a Valentine's Day present, I painted a canvas black and then painted all the lyrics to this song on it. I know he loved it...He teared up... and told me that he had never really listened to the lyrics before, but now that he had... </div><div style="text-align: center;">He thought that this was the best compliment I had ever paid him.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And that was payment enough for me.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03482131983902712115noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7534738558049055015.post-71908972436898030702010-04-30T10:47:00.000-07:002010-04-30T10:58:20.389-07:00It's one of THOSE days...<div style="text-align: center;"><object height="364" width="445"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/hf70pLv7ZUA&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/hf70pLv7ZUA&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="445" height="364"></embed></object></div><div style="text-align: center;">I love this song for so many reasons... I believe that this maybe one of the greatest P.M.S. songs ever written... but for today it just describes my disposition...</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">But.... I am choosing to be aware of my blessings....</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJV4aeepbosmmROgxefWgA-Z3fg0kEIlCFEXhg6neNjTNpdyukiBVJlayl7vB-95dnEg-0dVuKUw5LWDAUJgi8BLHCN9HAk67JUHZz1wW0l17B6G2UPqun2Yb7QTBGJ0BH0vuUxuwjNNLi/s1600/Kickin+it+old+school+028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJV4aeepbosmmROgxefWgA-Z3fg0kEIlCFEXhg6neNjTNpdyukiBVJlayl7vB-95dnEg-0dVuKUw5LWDAUJgi8BLHCN9HAk67JUHZz1wW0l17B6G2UPqun2Yb7QTBGJ0BH0vuUxuwjNNLi/s320/Kickin+it+old+school+028.jpg" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">My Husband Eric...( this is us at 17 and 18 going to a Sadie Hawkins Dance. Our outfits are reminiscent of ravers/truckers.... What were we thinking?)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-HwQpnKbBtfZ7uXRHkAFgapYhPZV9rm246nj9zEVpzlNhCp5DpphrsJUvyzFWyOBc-5CBCJAkSHknNmVrAYSJdBkOFzb4tRnk6WvGh8JbxvgAaBOJBFXbYhVus0cVetHeA68ubEdJLBPI/s1600/cousins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-HwQpnKbBtfZ7uXRHkAFgapYhPZV9rm246nj9zEVpzlNhCp5DpphrsJUvyzFWyOBc-5CBCJAkSHknNmVrAYSJdBkOFzb4tRnk6WvGh8JbxvgAaBOJBFXbYhVus0cVetHeA68ubEdJLBPI/s320/cousins.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDasoILZRHYuhV1W_fO5OKU8_C_SbEnU2qCTmeLPRV8suU6Q-yM2n4WxFY0QlFvcyTByfSfzhJpomt8rfj23zppsTcBQrjr-_hbyeu5M4FoGp8K1cdgrOjd148dLQO5ak2EER04XvEtRpI/s1600/nolan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDasoILZRHYuhV1W_fO5OKU8_C_SbEnU2qCTmeLPRV8suU6Q-yM2n4WxFY0QlFvcyTByfSfzhJpomt8rfj23zppsTcBQrjr-_hbyeu5M4FoGp8K1cdgrOjd148dLQO5ak2EER04XvEtRpI/s320/nolan.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">My son and his cousins... I only have one cousin... so I am simply elated that he has 3 (so far). </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Taylor, Samantha, and Wyatt... and Nolan picture courtesy of my my hubby's sweet cousin <a href="http://stacydegroot.blogspot.com/2009/11/baby-nolan.html">Stacy DeGroot</a></span>)<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpB8IgPMS7NPb9OsLtXFwObKsPPr-yuYHFSaqwTVtL8LTPWVhDkLCvOVjP0OHyU-nYWB4vs45n7ByFbwXRB4Ssbkpo_r02f9J3-mozM0VlbxTf_w_SVTp61LrjSgcPYXR0IIKQ0RdW5rYf/s1600/Dexter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpB8IgPMS7NPb9OsLtXFwObKsPPr-yuYHFSaqwTVtL8LTPWVhDkLCvOVjP0OHyU-nYWB4vs45n7ByFbwXRB4Ssbkpo_r02f9J3-mozM0VlbxTf_w_SVTp61LrjSgcPYXR0IIKQ0RdW5rYf/s320/Dexter.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> My Dog... Dexter... ( This was the day we took him home, over a year ago.)</div><div style="text-align: center;">He really is the kindest and happiest dog I have ever met.<br />
<br />
I have MANY MANY MANY more blessings in my life... like good friends that stick by me through all of life's ups and downs... a mom that is more than helpful, generous, and kind.... a roof over my head.... food to feed my child.... and even something as simple as being free to write my thoughts on here.<br />
<br />
So... I will choose to focus on the positive and have a little dance party with my son to my mopey song.<br />
<br />
Happy Friday!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03482131983902712115noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7534738558049055015.post-41743314414571863932010-04-27T10:25:00.000-07:002010-04-27T10:28:51.263-07:00Crazy and Blessed<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="goog-spellcheck-word">Sooo</span> I have been M.I.A lately.... here is the run down...</div><ol><li>On April 15th, Thursday afternoon we found my Grandma collapsed and too weak. Super dehydrated too...</li>
<li>Thursday evening she collapsed and went unconscious in my dear hubby's arms.</li>
<li>Spent most of the night in the E.R.</li>
<li>Found out it was pneumonia, her labs were all wacky, congestive heart failure, and dehydration. </li>
<li>Spent most of my days and nights shuttling my Grandpa back and forth to the hospital to see his sweetheart and caring for him at night (he has Alzheimer's).</li>
<li>Grandma went into a convalescent home to rehabilitate her self so she can be well enough to come home.</li>
<li>She came home Monday April 26th. </li>
</ol><div style="text-align: center;">During these days I oscillated between... </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmYVa8BSkhlmGgnov2tJIOwbalD7t8Ga0TUUWotrx-bnQLBv-vJJptygU4Catesizjel6iDZSKV1NKBoEC9l4m703PwECufb-DSaL2YmZkLos-TGfoAuTD8qzBw2VtMpvcRzpFI_29qFB5/s1600/going+crazy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmYVa8BSkhlmGgnov2tJIOwbalD7t8Ga0TUUWotrx-bnQLBv-vJJptygU4Catesizjel6iDZSKV1NKBoEC9l4m703PwECufb-DSaL2YmZkLos-TGfoAuTD8qzBw2VtMpvcRzpFI_29qFB5/s320/going+crazy.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">and</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg37UhPycNgXEGQ31MKB-3VAQr00Ro0RnoEY-hGHcV1YNU4BBgYoCEAw9R2q18pfhdjR5finXsfxxhp_iub0mUg1-sZtoOy_TuP0xN9obCwaRcufcyztcSZvlEPH3GsoGag93URb27cy-v-/s1600/happy+woman.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg37UhPycNgXEGQ31MKB-3VAQr00Ro0RnoEY-hGHcV1YNU4BBgYoCEAw9R2q18pfhdjR5finXsfxxhp_iub0mUg1-sZtoOy_TuP0xN9obCwaRcufcyztcSZvlEPH3GsoGag93URb27cy-v-/s320/happy+woman.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">But the good news is, I was more of the latter...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The only reason I spent most (not all) of my days and nights at peace is because of my relationship with God.</div><div style="text-align: center;">(yes, I am gonna talk about Him.)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Because this was the first time in my adult life that God and I were B.F.F. s before the crap hit the fan.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And it was fabulous.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Maybe some people wouldn't admit this but God and I had a very conditional relationship for most of my life... it went something like this</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
Amber + Crap = <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">THISCLOSEWITHGOD</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Amber + Happy = F O R G E T S T O T A L K T O H I M</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So, this time.. I had been working on my spiritual formation (fancy words for talking to Him and refining my character). Doing devotions most everyday and writing my prayers down (I have A.D.D. and every shiny thing distracts me). </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And the most amazing thing happened... I was at peace for most of it and I was aware of all the immense blessing that were occurring in my life. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Now, I know that these blessings weren't simply occurring because He and I were B.F.<span class="goog-spellcheck-word">Fs</span>.... No, I was aware of them because I wasn't working double time to get back to him and trying to figure out or control the situation... then half way through it I would realize that I wasn't in control and then I would have to pry my hands open and release to Him what ever piece of trash I was hanging on to.....</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I could actually be present in the moment with my Grandmother... </div><div style="text-align: center;">I could appreciate how well my son was behaving and how sensitive he was to my emotions...</div><div style="text-align: center;">I could see how beautiful my husband is... inside and out...</div><div style="text-align: center;">I had more compassion for my Grandfather....</div><div style="text-align: center;">I had more empathy for my Grandmother....</div><div style="text-align: center;">I trusted God more...</div><div style="text-align: center;">I saw love...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">This has been one of the hardest, most exhausting things I have ever gone through.</div><div style="text-align: center;">But, I would never give up this experience.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">It has been so bitter sweet... bitter in the sense that I am watching my Grandparents (who have helped my Mom raise me) start on their path of exiting this world....</div><div style="text-align: center;">Sweet, in the sense that I have had the blessing and the pleasure of walking with God and being aware of His presence along the way. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsKdDmoWW3u8_-aBYZtIHTA5Xnt-8Rme6xcLx1HC3xo5OtdRVKp2sP43ZZ1qr6lvG0PJebmstnXcor9NzeZsIofhBTUqELfLAChVk1wZRGTcuiLGGvEUT9M50ew1yZKSxH_ICAfhP8ePLn/s1600/love,+amber.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsKdDmoWW3u8_-aBYZtIHTA5Xnt-8Rme6xcLx1HC3xo5OtdRVKp2sP43ZZ1qr6lvG0PJebmstnXcor9NzeZsIofhBTUqELfLAChVk1wZRGTcuiLGGvEUT9M50ew1yZKSxH_ICAfhP8ePLn/s320/love,+amber.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03482131983902712115noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7534738558049055015.post-30131522620947269772010-04-14T08:37:00.000-07:002010-04-14T08:37:10.209-07:00Judge Judy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKI2mANwXg_MKMK4npK1QR7zpzDUi1T_oJQ-RMIpX0q2OpGVtdL90BMDqXCwQsDDvgcLFTHuxS6QxOjFOYOPdlHhsB5svPq77bG6ulZzOuPt_4GMxG6uNv58avp9_CR13RT8dSpTx-3CRJ/s1600/judy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKI2mANwXg_MKMK4npK1QR7zpzDUi1T_oJQ-RMIpX0q2OpGVtdL90BMDqXCwQsDDvgcLFTHuxS6QxOjFOYOPdlHhsB5svPq77bG6ulZzOuPt_4GMxG6uNv58avp9_CR13RT8dSpTx-3CRJ/s200/judy.jpg" width="126" /></a></div>So... Over at my friend <a href="http://number17cherrytreelane.blogspot.com/">Rachel's blog, </a>is a post about her honest desire to experience a natural VBAC childbirth with her next child....<br />
<br />
And then the Judge Judys of the blogger community wieighed in...<br />
<br />
I have to give our kind much credit <i>( let's be honest, there are no men here reading my blog</i>)... to give her support while giving her underhanded advice or criticism..... amazing.<br />
<br />
Well, this post isn't directly about her VBAC desires or the experiences of the women that posted on her blog... this is about being a Judge Judy.<br />
<br />
Dont get me wrong, I love the actual Judge Judy person... I just don't care for it when I and others display her brash criticisms and judgments. <br />
<div style="text-align: left;"> ***</div>Let's start with a bit of honesty... I am a Christian... Not an average christian that pulls it out at church and puts it away in social situations, I am amazed and proud of the changes in my character and quality of emotional health since seriously pursuing God.... I have been a "oh yeah I am a Christian too..." for most of my life... sprinkled in were true inspiring and captivating experiences with God.... but for the most part I ignored Him... I am soo over that. I have moved on to a relationship with Him.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"> ***</div>That being said, my dear husband and I are actively pursing adopting our next child.<br />
( I will explain more in an upcoming post)<br />
We are in the beginning stages and have been experiencing one fantastic sign after another that this is the correct path we are on. <br />
<br />
So.... if I am actively following God's path for my life and seeking His will....Why is it anyones business to tell me their horror stories, why it isn't a good idea, that they are scared for me... yes, I have gotten these responses...<br />
<br />
Just like my friend Rachel, she was sharing her joy and the first inclination that we as humans get is to squash it....<br />
<br />
My personal opinion... PLEASE correct me if I am wrong... is that, they are not trying to stop her or I from our personal paths as much as they are making themselves feel better about their own. (<i> I hope that makes sense</i>.)<br />
<br />
The very fact that I am adopting, to some people, means to them that they made the wrong decision in their life.That they should not have done medical interventions to become pregnant. And beilieve me... I have said nothing of the sort. I do not judge my fellow teamates (<i>women</i>) in their personal journeys with childbearing or desires to not have children. To each their own... <br />
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So... to wrap up this rambling post...(sorry I am feeling a bit tangental)....<br />
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I propose this.... <br />
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You do what God is calling you to do... and I will do what God is calling me to do.... and we will be happy for each other for doing what God has called us to do in our own lives....<br />
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Can I get an Amen??amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03482131983902712115noreply@blogger.com4