If These Walls Could Speak

As I mentioned in last week's Hodgepodge, we have our house on the market. When you walk through our home, you will see some of the same things that are in everyone else's house....beds, couches, dining room table, kitchen, bathrooms, etc.

You may or may not like how we decorate. You may or may not think our house is the house for you.

But, will you see the stories that this house holds?

Will you know that this is the only house that our girls have ever known? We lived in a previous house when we had our oldest, but we moved here when she was only 11 months old. Our other two daughters have never lived anywhere else.

Will you know that these roses are the same ones that we had at our previous house, and I loved the way they grew there, so I made sure to get the exact same ones for my "new" house?

When you see this picture of Jesus (one of two) in our living room, will you know it's meaning? Will you know that this same picture (although in color) hung in my home as a little girl, and when I had the choice to choose between different ones, I chose this, because it always brought comfort to me as a child? Will you know that, while this may seem like just any ordinary Jesus picture, it is actually made from WORDS? If you look closely, you will be able to see the words clearly written.

When you see this sign that says "Love", will you know that we were given this at church, to remind us to love each other like Jesus loves? Will you know that this statue, the one with the bluebirds, was given to me by a dear friend? She didn't realize that I had always wanted one like this, because someone had placed this in my Gram's casket at her funeral, and now it reminds me of her.

When you look at our dining room table, will you just see a table, or will you see the many family dinners that have been served on it? Will you see the crafts that were made there? The hours of school work? The board games we have played?

Will you be able to imagine how much time and money have been spent on the school books that you will see on bookshelves all over the house?

When you look at our family room, will you know how long it took us to pick out just the right couch for that room? Or, how much we agonized over the color choices?

Will you know that Hubs and I sit here on most days, sipping our coffee, and talking about our plans for the day?

Will you be able to hear the music, as my two oldest girls practice their  lessons on the piano?

When you see my kitchen, will you know how thrilled I was to finally get a refrigerator with an ice/water dispenser? Will you be able to see the many, many meals that have been prepared in this kitchen over the almost 15 years that we have lived here? Will you know that my Dad and Hubs laid the tile themselves?

In the bathroom, will you be able to hear the giggles as my little girls took bubble baths, with the tub so full of toys and bubbles, you could barely see them?

In the girls' bedrooms, will you know how much work went into redecorating them, so that they would be just the way they wanted them?

Will you know that this dresser, in my oldest daughters room, was mine as a child, and has been redone to reflect her taste?

When you reach the master bedroom, and you see this on my dresser, will you know that Hubs and I bought this on our honeymoon at Disney World?

Will you know that these handcarved wooden elephants belonged to Hubs' grandfather, who is now gone?

Will you know how happy just seeing this striped umbrella makes me when I look at it?

Will you know how much love and laughter, joy and tears, pain and sorrow, this house has known through the years?

If these walls could speak, you would....

Summertime Hodgepodge

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1. Summer officially rolls in with the Hodgepodge this week, for those of us in the Northern hemisphere anyway. What song says summer 2012 to you?

Keith Urban's, "Long Hot Summer".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7dtfBxUTXRY&feature=share&list=PLD91B0EB85CD13E2C

Why did I choose that song? Well...it is only June 20th, and it was 95 degrees outside today. I have a feeling this is going to be a long, HOT summer! I am so very thankful that I live in an air conditioned house.

I also like this part of the song:

It's gonna be a long, hot summer, we should be together
With your feet up on the dashboard now
Singing along with the radio, it's such a beautiful sound

I will often put my feet up on the dashboard while Hubs is driving, and I am always singing along to the radio. I like to think it's such a beautiful sound, but I may be a little partial.

2. What's your favorite quintessential summer food?

Definitely watermelon! The only problem I have with it is, it is so hard to tell whether or not it is a good one, before you buy it. I recently bought one, and waited just a few days to cut it. I was really looking forward to tasting it's juicy goodness, but when I cut it open, it was extremely mushy and very unappetizing.

Does anyone out there have any tips on how to pick the best watermelon?  

3. I've spent a lot of time traipsing up and down the NJ Turnpike in recent weeks. Did you know the rest areas on the turnpike are named after people who lived or worked in NJ? Clara Barton, Walt Whitman, James Fenimore Cooper, Molly Pitcher, Joyce Kilmer, Thomas Edison, and Gover Clevland just to name a few. Of those I listed, who would you most like to have known and why?

I will choose Clara Barton, only because I did a report on her in the 5th grade. I remember that we made a sandwich board, and wore it around to some of the other classes and gave our presentations.

She was a teacher during a time when most teachers were men. She was a nurse in the Civil War, and she started the Red Cross. She was quite an inspiration for young women today! I would love to talk to her, and ask her what it was like for her back then, being a woman in a man's world. 

4. At what age did you move out of your parent's house and what prompted the move?

I was 18 years old, and I was going off to college.

5. What's more satisfying to you-saving time or saving money?

Saving money. I LOVE getting a good deal!

6. Name something you think brings out the good in people.

Christmas. It is a time where people will dig deep in their pockets to help out charities, buy gifts for children who otherwise would not receive any, or even buy food for local food pantries.

People also seem kinder and gentler at Christmas time. It's like the miracle of Christmas gets a hold of you, and you just can't help but be a little nicer to everyone you meet.

7. This last question comes to you courtesy of Kathy over at Reflections...will you be taking a vacation or a staycation this summer? If so where will you go? If a staycation is on the calendar have you made any special plans to fill the time?

We will be going to visit Hubs' family in Maine at the end of the summer. We are all looking forward to seeing them, but also, this year, we will be going to Bar Harbor. We have never taken the girls there, and they are eager to go. Hubs' brother lives there, and he has told the girls about all of the celebrities that vacation on the island, and eat at his restaurant. The oldest is also looking forward to all of the beautiful pictures she will be able to take while we are there.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

We currently have our house on the market, and we have a showing tomorrow. I am busy cleaning like a mad woman, trying to get rid of that "lived in" look. I am throwing things away right and left, and organizing drawers, cupboards, and closets. I know that when I look at houses, I always look in those places!

So tell me....do you?

Funny Forms

One of my daughters was going to the chiropractor with me today, and since she is a new patient, she had to fill out the required new patient form. She was puzzled by some of the questions they asked, and so was I. Here is the (overly) sarcastic conversation we had while she was filling it out:

Me: You have to answer all the questions on this form about your health history.

Her: Uhhh....Mom? It is asking me, if in my entire life, I have ever had diarrhea. Really? Ever? Hasn't everyone, at one time or another in their life, had diarrhea?

Me: (laughing hysterically) I'm sure they have!

Her: (said with a Valley Girl accent) Liiiiiike, that one time...... I ate too much watermelon........does that count?

Me: (still laughing hysterically) I'm not sure, but I don't think that counts.

Her: Now, they are asking me if at ANY time in my ENTIRE life has my arm or hand been numb. It did get numb that one time I hit the ball too hard with the bat in softball.

Me: Yes, I imagine it did! I don't think that's what they meant.

Her: What about if I have ever had blurred vision? I always have blurred vision when I wake up in the morning!

Her: They also want to know if I have EVER had a chronic cough. Ever? Do they want to know about that time when I was six years old, and I was sick and coughing? What does that have to do with anything? Ever had a headache? Yes. Ever had an earache? Yes. Ever had...

Me: I think that they are just wanting to rule out serious illnesses. I'm sure that most people who fill out these forms can't really answer "no" to most of these questions!

Her: Do I have any problems with my prostate gland? Hmmm.....do I? (bats eyelashes)

Me: (can't speak I'm laughing so hard!)

And now you know what goes on in our house, behind closed doors....

Secret To Success Hodgepodge

It's been awhile since I have participated in the Wednesday Hodgepodge, but I am linking up with Joyce once again :)

 1. What's something you miss about the 1980's? If you're too young to miss the 80's how about the 90's?

I miss being able to eat anything I wanted and not gain weight. I had such a hard time gaining weight as a child. The doctor told my Mom to let me eat anything I wanted, and to even give me shakes to help me gain weight. I once had a teacher come up to me, and ask me if I was anorexic! I ate like a horse, and still couldn't gain weight. I didn't know how good I had it back then. Sigh...

2. Do you have a library card? If so, how often do you visit?

Yes, I do. I don't use it as often now that I have a Nook. I love my Nook! So many free books, and not enough time to read them all.

Of course, now that I have already bought one, or rather, been given one for my birthday, they have come out with a Nook Simple Touch that has a glow light. See? They always improve upon things AFTER I get them. I have to use a book light to see MY Nook in the dark.

3. What's the secret to success?

There are many possible answers to this, but since I have a high school daughter who is thinking towards college, I will answer it like I am talking to her. Success in a career is doing something you love, and getting paid to do it!

4. This is National Backyard Games week...what's your favorite backyard game?

We love playing Ladder Ball. It is a game that kids and adults can play together. And.... if just adults are playing.....well then, you can have some friendly competition!

5. If I dropped by today what would I find on your coffee table?

School books! Even though my kids all have desks of their own, it seems like the coffee table is where they choose to keep them.

6. Do you own a bicycle? When was the last time you rode a bicycle? Is that something you enjoy?

I own one, but I don't ride it. It needs the brakes fixed.

7. What's your favorite cheese?

Colby Jack, hands down! I have even said (jokingly) that if I ever have a son, that is what I would name him :)

8. Insert your own random thought here.

We are all looking forward to seeing my oldest daughter dance in her recital this weekend. Last weekend, I attended my little four year old niece's dance recital. She looked so adorable in her little tutu, and it made me remember how my daughter looked in hers at that age. Now, she is in high school, and only has two more years until she graduates.

Time sure does fly by....

How I'm Doing

I have now been on Weight Watchers for 2 whole weeks.

I have lost a total of 4 pounds. I wish it was more, but I'll take it.

WW tells you to expect to lose 1/2 to 2 lbs. per week,  so I am right on track.

Here are some things I have learned:

1. Frozen grapes are GOOD! I tried them years ago, and was not overly impressed. However, now that I am no longer eating ice cream, I think they are delicious, and they really hit the spot when you are craving something cold.

Plus.....ZERO POINTS!

2. Sometimes, when you think you are hungry, you are really just thirsty. I am terrible about drinking enough during the day. I have really started focusing on drinking lots of water during the day, and I think it really does help you not to be as hungry.

3. I discovered chicken sausage. Now, while I love chicken, when I am eating sausage, I want it to taste like.....sausage. Strange, I know. So, when I tried these, and they actually tasted sort of like sausage, only better, I was very pleased. These babies are only 3 points!

Meijer has their own brand of chicken sausage that I like even better. I tried the sundried tomato, basil, and mozzarella cheese, and OH MY WORD....they are amazing. Hubs liked them too, so SCORE!

4. I have started drinking Almond Milk in my cereal in the morning. It is only 2 points, versus 3, and it tastes pretty much like 2% milk. It also has more calcium in it, and who doesn't need more calcium in their diet?

5. I found gluten free buns that are pretty tasty when toasted. If you have to eat gluten free, you know how life changing this find is! A bun that actually tastes kinda sorta like an actual bun? Yes, please! They are worth 4 WW points, and with some low-fat deli meat, and lots of veggies, it makes for a healthy and satisfying lunch.

On the medical side of things, I found out that the MRI I had came back completely normal! Praise the Lord! I can't begin to tell you what a relief that is.

Next step for me was to go to the chiropractor. The chiropractor told me that I have almost no curvature in my neck, the discs in my neck are degenerating, and that my neck leans further to the right than it should. I got an adjustment, and I will go back frequently to help keep my neck in the right place.

Could this be my problem? The chiropractor seems to think so.

I guess we'll see....

MRI and My Happy Place

Today, I have written my 100th post. Yay! I was planning on doing the ever-so-popular post, "100 Things About Me". However, I am too lazy, and busy, to write that post right now. Sorry friends. Maybe some other time.

Instead, I will tell you all about my experience having an MRI on my brain this morning.

I spoke with several people about their experience having an MRI, and they were all different. My sister had one on her back not too long ago, but her hospital has an "open" MRI machine, and our hospital does not.

I talked to a girl at our church who had one done recently at our hospital, and it was on her brain. She had to have an IV, so I wondered if I would have to have one also. If you are a new reader, or have just forgotten (although, I don't see HOW that would be possible!), you can read here about my last experience with an IV when I went in for a heart cath. If you are reading it for the first time, you may want to be sure you are sitting down. Good times...

I tried not to think too much about what was going to happen, and just figured that if I did have to have an IV for the MRI, I would just deal with it then. I was not going to worry about it, because there wasn't anything I could do about it anyway!

So, Hubs took me to the hospital bright and early this morning. I was able to wear my own clothes, I just couldn't wear anything with metal in it. I signed a paper saying that I did not have any metal devices implanted in my body (one of the items listed was an eyelid spring.... OUCH!) and that I had removed all jewelry, including any body piercings. Fortunately for me, I have not jumped on the "let's pierce strange parts of my body" band-wagon, so other than my single set of earrings that I had left at home, there was nothing to remove. I also had to say whether I was claustrophobic or not.

While I do feel a little claustrophobic thinking about being inside of a small tube (who wouldn't?!) I can safely ride in an elevator, or in an airplane without freaking out, so I said that I was not claustrophobic.  I have also been inside of a tanning bed in years past, and I was okay with that, but you are able to open that if you want to, so that is not quite the same thing.

They made me lie down on this very skinny table, and place my head in a certain area. I was going to have a plastic "cage" like thing on my head, and I knew that would sort of freak me out if I saw it going on, so I asked for a cloth to cover my eyes.

They placed a wedge pillow under my knees, which helped make it more comfortable for me to lie flat on my back.

They gave me a bulb I could squeeze if I needed them for any reason. That made me feel better, knowing that if I did start to panic, I would be taken out.

They also gave me gigantic headphones so I could listen to music while the machine was going off. She assured me that I would still hear the machine, as it was VERY loud, but it would help muffle the sound a little.

I asked her if the air would be "stuffy" inside the tube, and she said that it wouldn't be, that there is a fan that blows a cool breeze over you. It also was not dark inside the tube like I thought it would be, which certainly helps make it better.

When it was time to start, I had the cloth over my eyes so I couldn't see as I was being slid into the tube. I could feel the sides of my arms hitting the tube, and she told me that they might. It was rather tight in there. Since I was having the scan done on my brain, I only had to be in up to my waist. My legs were not inside at all.

She was right. The machine was VERY loud. She would talk to me during the scan, and tell me how long each test would be. This way, I knew exactly how long I had to be absolutely still each time. She had also told me ahead of time that the entire scan would take about a 1/2 hour, so as she told me each time, I could kind of keep track of how long I had been in there.

The noises sounded like loud beeps and jack hammers going off. The beeps were kind of similar to a child's annoying, noisy toy that you couldn't shut off. The last test shook me around a bit, and was the loudest, but the shortest of them all.

During the time I was in there, I did start to feel just a little panicky, thinking about how I was inside a tube, and I couldn't sit up. I went to my "happy place" and prayed, and concentrated on listening to the soft music, and I was able to make it through.

Just so you know, my happy place is as follows: I am at the beach, sitting on a rock, and I am watching the ocean. The waves are crashing against the rocks, and I can hear seagulls in the distance. The sun is shining on me, and the sky is incredibly blue. There are palm trees in my happy place, so it's like a combination of Florida and Maine, which are my two favorite places. Feel free to use my happy place if you want to the next time you need one. I promise I won't mind :)

It really was just a 1/2 hour like she said, and I did not have to have an IV. Much better than I thought it would be!

Hubs had to wait in the waiting room, as he couldn't come back with me. As I entered the waiting room, he said, "Are you done already?" He had gotten into a game on his phone, and wasn't quite ready to leave yet. Ha!

Now, the waiting begins to get my test results.

Can I just stay in my happy place until then?

We Bought A Zoo

Since Hubs was away on business....again....the girls and I decided to have a GNI: girls night in. My youngest came up with that one.

Yesterday was so extremely busy, running here, there, and everywhere, that by the time we got to actually watch the movie, it was after 10 p.m. On a school night.

I happen to know that their teacher can be rather lenient with school start times, as long as the students promise to get all their work done before they go to bed. Usually, we follow a pretty strict schedule, but there are times when we deviate from the plan. Reason #137 on the list of why we love homeschooling.

We decided to watch, "We Bought A Zoo," starring Matt Damon and Scarlett Johansson. It is a movie based on a true story, about a single father who buys a struggling zoo, in order to give his family a fresh start.

My oldest daughter said she hoped it wasn't cheesy. Some of those types of movies are. Of course, it DID have Matt Damon in it, so even if it was boring, it would still be worth watching, in my opinion! Those mesmerizing blue eyes...

Where was I...

Oh, yes! We absolutely loved this movie! It wasn't "draggy" at all, and was funny, and yet sweet at the same time. It was sad at times, and had all of us girls wiping our eyes a bit. The perfect combination in a movie!

The only problem was there was a bit of swearing in it, which was totally unnecessary. Why must they include foul language in a movie that is geared towards kids? I just don't get it. It would have been even better if I didn't have to wonder what "word" would be featured next! My youngest daughter, who is ever so observant, even pointed this out. I thought it really was a bit much for a movie rated PG. It did, however, lead to a conversation about how I had better NEVER hear any of those words come out of her little mouth. So, I guess you could say it was a teaching moment.

I highly recommend this movie! I actually would not mind watching it again, which is not something I say very often. Usually once is plenty, and sometimes, I can't even bear to finish the movie at all.

For example, "Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer". We turned that one off half-way through. Even my nine year old thought it was too lame to waste any more of our precious time watching it.

Some of my favorite quotes from "We Bought A Zoo":

Benjamin: Hey Rosie, am I doing anything right?
Rosie: You're handsomer than the other dads. Lots of them don't have hair. So that's good.

Benjamin: You know, sometimes all you need is twenty seconds of insane courage. Just literally twenty seconds of just embarrassing bravery. And I promise you, something great will come of it.

Duncan: I like the animals, but I love the humans.

Well said, Duncan.

Well said...