My first scrap "dare".

This is what I came up with in response to taking on my first dare from this scrap challenge blog. The challenge was posed by the incredible, everyday moment kind of photographer capturer, Tara Whitney. She invited scrappers to do a page based on a t-shirt slogan.

I jumped at the chance to not only scrap the saying on the t-shirt, but also a picture of me wearing the shirt. This is what I am comfortable wearing when I am most "me"...but wouldn't dare wear it to my husband's golf club or if I were to go out for dinner where there are linen napkins on the table. But at home, it's perfect.

The slogan, "Keep on lickin' " makes me think of how it's so important to hang in there when the going gets tough in life at times. I've certainly had my share of that in my life. That's one of the reasons I love this shirt and wanted to scrap my thoughts about it's truth. I think I've finally 'mastered' the idea that when life gets hard it doesn't mean that I've messed up necessarily, or that I should take a different direction, but that I should keep plugging away and taking things one little step at a time. So with a tootsie pop...you have to work at it and it takes time to reach the tootsie roll chocolate center. Except with 'Mr. Owl'...he got to the niddle in three bites. But generally speaking, more often than not, the 'good stuff' in life takes time, energy and effort. Sometimes I've not even been sure that there was something 'inside that was worth going after'...but it turns out life has proven me wrong. In a good way. =)

SO, that's my profound layout in response to the "scrap a t-shirt slogan" dare. I set my Heidi Swapp stuff to the side for this one, and instead used papers from the Basic Grey "Blush" kit I was anxious to put to use. I just love the colors and patterns in this line. They're so 'Nitty.Gritty', no?! You can click on the pictures to enlarge them- for those of you who may not be able to read the journaling on this.

Before I go, I just have to add these two thoughts...

Chip said to me as I was finishing this page up, "You need to start scrapping other stuff. You're gonna typecast yourself". SO, I guess that's my next dare. Scrap something besides having to do with me and tootsie pops!

Also, as much as I dislike advertising, I have to admit it works sometimes, because as I was typing this post, I had the Tootsie Pop song in my head the whole time. Here it is...I bet I've got most of the words right, and I haven't heard the song in years. Crazy how that happens!

Tootsie Pop song from the tv ad-

"The world looks awfully good to me, 'cuz Tootsie Roll is all I see.

Whatever it is I think I see, becomes a Tootsie Roll to me!

{Tootsie Roll I love you; you're so chocolately sweet.??}

Tootsie Roll (something) I'm in love with you...

Whatever it is I think I see, becomes a Tootsie Roll to me!"

Feel free to leave me comments helping me out with the words I messed up on with that jingle. I guess it has been awhile!

All over the place...

I plan to do some scrappin' today. Just thought I'd share that...because that way I am more likely to actually DO it. =) Funny how blogging something makes me feel more accountable. I could have written a paper on that had I been a blogger back in my college days.
On another note. Have I mentioned how much I LOVE that we finally got wireless interenet?! I know. It was about 2 months ago...but I still appreciate it in my life every single day! And now I should probably mention that I LOVE my husband too, just because it seems a little out of balance to profess my love for something like the internet, and then not speak of my love and devotion to the one who really deserves some of mine. I know he's been in my life for a lot longer than we've had wireless...but I still appreciate him in my life every single day!
{Well except for the day where they have a marathon of 'Bowl games', because on that day he's more of an inconvenience. }But on all the other days, seriously, I don't say it enough or show it to him like I should. I'm working on that!
One other note. I love it when something I see or read or do makes me stop and think. About anything really. Which is one of the reasons I dislike most television programs these days...they make you feel like you are a mindless being. But that's another day and topic if I get into that. I clicked the link to my pastor's blog and he's posing a good question there. Even if you don't go to my church, or even if you don't go to church at all...I think it's a good question to think about. Leave a comment on his blog if you stop by, just because I think he'd appreciate your thoughts.
Now I'm off to get my coffee and some scrapping done. If I can ever pull myself away from the internet!

"Awesome Love"

I thought I'd add a bonus post that's not scrapbook related. I have been really moved by the lyrics to a song worship song we've sung at our church a few times. I finally tracked down a website and myspace to share with you here {Thanks, Angela & Ryan!} where you can listen to the song, download the words, and get info on purchasing the entire album if you are so inclined to do so.
The songwriter is a guy I'd never heard of, Jason Holdridge...but I am fast becoming a big fan of his. Some of you may remember that I sort of kicked off 2007 and rather than making resolutions, I chose the idea of "living each day as a sacrifice" to be the theme- hopefully not just of my life this year...but for as long as I live. Well, this song, "Awesome Love" has been so fitting for me to meditate on the words, and how much sacrifice really is a part of my life. Not because I am so good at it...but because there was one who was perfect...and yet was willing to sacrifice His life for me- even before I accepted Him. That picture is so vivid in this song.
It just seems more and more as I seek to live my life as a sacrifice, that in turn, I receive gifts (like the words to this song) and blessings that I don't deserve. It doesn't really make sense, and I probably can't adequately express what I am trying to say, but it's been my reality the past few months.
The more I seek to give of myself, my time, my money, my energy, my pride...whatever it is, I end up getting a bigger blessing in the end. Like when I went north to Gaylord to speak at MOPS last month. I thought my preparations for speaking and then the act of going to the event would mean that I was going to have to sacrifice part of me to do so. Instead, I found that I had 'free time' in my schedule to study books and the Bible in order to prepare my heart and mind, I had so much 'good material' to choose from and narrow down to speak on, and I had energy and quiet time, and was so blessed by the people I got to talk to and spend time with...and even got a Starbuck's giftcard out of the deal...
There was more too, but my point is that it's as though my self-sacrificing is back-firing, and I never expected that to happen when I first set out to really ponder what sacrifice in my life should be about. I wonder if I'm doing it "wrong"...or if the saying really IS true..."It is more blessed to give than to receive".
I just wanted to share this link with you- one of my most recent inspiration points in life. I challenge you to think about the words of the song {click on it in the sidebar playlist- it doesn't automatically load when you click the page}, "Awesome Love"...and then seek to live your life in light of the reality of those lyrics. I'm so glad that I have the ability to be a 'new, changed person' each and everyday.
Here are the words to "Awesome Love". I hope you find them as inspiring as I do!
{Andy...I expect you to know the chords to this one and be able to play them on your guitar the next time we're together and a guitar is in our midst. =)}

Box of happiness~

I apologize to my non-scrap readers today...and most likely to my 4 male readers too. This post is all about scrap-stuff, "Swappy stuff" in particular, because fankly, it makes me happy.
I've been smitten by Heidi Swapp's products for a little over a year now, and especially so, since I start actually scrapping back in early May of last year.
Here's some 'shameless' Swapp promotion from me today, because I really think this story needs to be shared with other scrappers. I personally really like Heidi Swapp and all she stands for, and her desire to keep her life balanced. She's a role model for many of us, I think. And so energetic and stylish to boot. I was happy to get in on a recent limited edition scrap kit that she offered through her website/blog. I ordered the 'Birthday Girl' kit and some extra tape rolls, and was so excited to open my box of goodies when they came about a week later.
I started pulling out the contents and realized after about the third item, that something wasn't "right". Turns out that I got the kit and about 8 other items...which I hadn't ordered....and was missing the extra tape kits. I called Advantus- which is the company that handles Heidi Swapp's products...and was treated so great by the customer service lady. She told me she would figure out the whole thing...and by the next afternoon, she called to apologize {more than once} and told me that my tape rolls would be shipped out ASAP and to keep the rest of the products for my inconvenience.
Basically, I ended up getting an extra $25 dollars of product for the additional shipping cost- which was about $6.00 more than I was supposed to pay on my original order. Of course I was 'happy' about this little inconvenience, and just had to pass this on to all my scrap bloggers. I am sticking by my love of all things Heidi Swapp, and now owe her parent company, Advantus, a thank you. For their great customer service, for their desire to make things right, and for their timeliness in making that happen. It seems that too many times, at least in my experience, that customer service is often where companies 'fall short' in the eyes of consumers. {Just ask me about being inconvenienced by airline companies, particularly Northwest Airlines, if you really want to get me going on that subject!}, but it's true. Most businesses seem to make the customer have to bend over backwards to get a resolution for whatever the problem is. I just want to applaud Advantus (Heidi Swapp's line espcially) and say thanks for making me a 'more than happy' customer in the end.
And now for a little more 'scrap talk'...
I got a prize package in the mail (Thanks, Lainie!) from a scrap challenge I *won* last week at "ScrapHappy". Go stop by that blog for some lighthearted challenges and scrap insights. Of course, be warned, you are pitting yourself against me at times if you take on the challenges! =)
Also, keep your eyes and ears posted for any information that I leak here about Scrap In Style TV. In the last 24 hours, I've been getting acquainted with the *masterminds* behind this concept/website/show, as well as getting to know most of the other talented design team members. It's been a riot to post messages, answer questions, and 'see' the personalities of all of us come out in our message board setting.
Can I just say that I think we are all in for a treat?! Scrappers or not...this is something you are going to want to see! My biggest fear is that Chip is going to yank me off of this Design Team before I hardly get started, simply because I am having so much fun on the message board with all the other crazy ladies!
I'm telling you. If I had known scrappers and all the products could be SO MUCH fun, I would have gotten in on it 10 years ago. Still, I'm not going to be miffed about all the fun I missed out on all these years...I'm just gonna have 10 times more fun NOW- just to make up for lost time. =) I see nothing wrong with that.
There you go. A little Swappy love and scrap talk here today. Just for sticking it out, I may have Chip 'guest blog' here in the next day or two. Maybe he can give you all some hot golf tips or divulge some 'real dirt' on me. =) You wouldn't want to miss that!

Easter recap.

That top pic is the view from our hotel room window this weekend. We loaded up the kids and drove about 15 minutes from home and got a suite on the 9th floor of a local hotel in Muskegon. The kids thought it was wonderful. I got a kick out of the 'vintage/retro' decor, and the fact that it seemed more like Christmas than Easter. Still, we made some memories.
We kicked off our adventure with a Burger King picnic on the floor, and then headed for the pool area where the kids spent most of their time in the hot tub rather than the bigger 'cold' pool. I don't blame them. =) They are smart kids, huh? Since it was a holiday weekend and off-season on top of that, we were the only people in the pool area the whole time. In fact, I think there were only 5 other cars in the parking lot the whole time we were there. Two of them probably belonged to the front desk/concierge...so it was quiet and relaxing.
Well, sort of. I mean, four kids with cartoon network and dvd's and Game Boy isn't exactly quiet, but it was quieter than normal. Chip and I had to go without internet, and actually that was probabaly a good thing, as it forced us to just hang out. =)
We got to watch "Cast Away"...a movie that is near and dear to our hearts, because Teagan sat and watched the whole thing with Chip and I a few weeks befor she died. She loved Tom Hank's character's friend, "Wilson" the volleyball. So, we always like watching this movie and remembering Teagan at the same time. It's still surprising to me how memories can come rushing back so clearly- even just clicking through tv channels and finding one that never would have been that big of a deal...but now, in light of Teagan's death, it is one of our favorites.
I don't know if you noticed on the painted eggs, that we have names written on some of them. The one that I had 'highlighted' was mine. It says, "Nitty.Gritty." Everyone else had an egg or two, and we always have a purple one that says, "Teagan, We {heart} you".
I have come to accept her death as a part of our lives, but still, on special days and times we do things together as a family, it makes me really miss her more than I normally do from day to day.
The best part of my weekend was when we had our worship/music time at church yesterday, and at one point when I closed my eyes and just listened to the words and music, I had a picture of Teagan in my mind. She was smiling from ear to ear and practically 'glowed' with her beauty and it was the most comforting/warm feeling for me. To know that she is in Heaven- a place of perfection and awe and wonder- well that makes me 'glow inside'. I am torn when I miss her so much...but when I "see her" in the place of glory, there is a peace in my heart that comforts me and wouldn't have it any other way.
I hope that you had a beautiful weekend. Whether it was "gray and snowy" outside or not, it's the heart that matters at Easter. I've said this before too, but it's true. Really, it's what's in your heart that matters every other day of your life too.
I am glad to have Jesus in mine, as well as a portion going to Teagan and the gift she was and always will be in my life...and to my hubby and four other kiddos too. My heart is full- with beauty and goodness and blessing. Sounds too good to be true- and I know that I don't always live with that thought at the forefront of my mind and life. But when it's there, I love to meditate on that. Hence, the recap today. It was a reminder for me, that Life is really a wonderful thing sometimes. I'm striving to make that my reality all the time- regardless of the day, season or trials that come my way.
Happy Monday to you. Because somewhere in your life there is happiness to be had.

Happy Easter!

I hope your Easter is filled with lots of color, joy and celebration. My life would not be worth sharing if Jesus had stayed in the grave. Thankfully, because He triumphed over death and sin, I have much reason for joy, celebration and hope in life. Not just on Easter...but every single day!

My next gig!

So excited! I got two phonecalls this morning. One was my mom pretending to be a sales person from Fashion Bug telling me to hurry on down for the 'big sale'. She's so funny, that mom of mine. You can blame her for much of my sense of humor. The other call was my friend, Rachael, congratulating me on my spot on the Scrap In Style TV Design Team! What?! I didn't even know I had gotten a spot...that's how much Rachael knows about me. I'm telling you, it's scary sometimes that my friends and family know more about me than I do at times! =)
Anyway, this is a totally ground-breaking website and venture. I don't even have all the details, but I am still thrilled to have been chosen as one of the 20 creative persons to work with this SIS team. I have a feeling it will be fun and interesting... and you can bet I will post lots of juicy, details as I get more involved with what is actually going on here.
And yes, for those of you scrappers and people who have watched me go from never having scrapped, to winning CK's Top Ten spot in the SOY contest, to being chosen for a new Design Team adventure, yes- it's crazy and blows my own mind. I remember before I scrapped my first page thinking how 'obsessive' some people were about scrapbooking and really, that was one of my biggest fears that held me back. I knew that this activity had the potential to 'take over' a person's life. I'm well on my way. =)
But you should know by now, that I am totally into balance and staying grounded in life too. SO, this new gig should just find a 'spot' in my life to fit right into. I plan on making the most of it!
You can check out the website and Design Team announcement here at:
Scrap In Style TV.
Yeah! One more "label" to add to Nitty.Gritty. =)

For some, it really is "Good Friday"...

I have not been shy about my faith here on my blog, and actually find that it is one of the main reasons I feel so compelled to share my life and update so frequently here at Nitty.Gritty. I am driven by my beliefs, and while I may not always live up to the title of being a child of God, I certainly am learning that it is worth every ounce of my being to try to do so.
I used to think that 'being a Christian' was all about living 'differently' than people who weren't Christians, and that meant that I had a long list of do's and don'ts. While it is true that there are certain 'expectations' and obvious signs that someone is following Christ, it doesn't mean that all my freedoms have been taken away from me.
In fact, the more I learn about what it means to grow as a Christian and become more like Christ, the more freedom I truly feel I am finding in this world. The things that seem to offer so much happiness and are on the top of so many people's wish list...like big homes, high-paying jobs, boats and trips around the world and all the luxuries this world has to offer, those things, while I won't deny are enjoyable often times, but they don't bring true peace and everlasting happiness.
If it were true- that beauty, money, success and fortune brought happiness and peace in life, well then, I would venture to say that there would be no such thing as a "Hollywood divorce". But we all know the truth about that. Most entertainers and movie stars and sports figures all have their share of troubles and heartache in this world. Just ask Tom Cruise or Jennifer Anniston. Or how about Elizabeth Taylor or OJ Simpson. Do these names ring a bell?! We have heard about their successes and failures, their 'perfect lives' have often taken a turn...just like I blogged about in yesterday's post.
What I am trying to say is that the longer I live, the more I see that life is not about money, image, getting more and more stuff and trying to climb the ladder of 'success'. Not for me anyway. I am living a life that is very "middle class", and sometimes I feel guilty and sad inside because I still have "more than enough" in life to be happy and content.
As I have spent time reflecting on the special holiday of Easter this weekend, I again, am humbled and overwhelmed at the mercies I have been given in life. None of us deserves anything that we have that is good in this world. We are all sinners and yet, God sent His Son, out of His great love and grace, to be the Redeemer of those who would accept Him as such in their lives.
It truly is amazing. It's not just a song, and the more it becomes real in my life- not just in church on Sunday mornings, not just when I know other people are watching me...but real in my life every moment of everyday, I know I have been given a Gift. It brings freedom and peace and contentment and joy in my life, of which I deserve none, and THAT is what drives me to share my faith so openly.
My morning devotion says it better than I can, so I am sharing that here too. It is from 'Our Daily Bread'. I thank God every morning that, as messed up as I am in life, He calls me His friend. I hope He's your Friend too. Wishing you a truly "Good Friday".

When Jesus died on the cross, He paid for the sins of the human race. Only those who believe on Him, however, can receive His loving provision. The sacrifice of Christ is sufficient for all, but it is effective only for those who place their trust in Him.
As the Lord Jesus hung on the cross, two criminals were crucified next to Him. One of those men is now in the place of the lost—his doom in hell forever sealed. The other is with Christ—his place in heaven assured for eternity. Their contrasting attitudes toward the Man on the center cross made all the difference.
One of the criminals railed at the Lord in unbelief. The other cried out in faith, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom” (Luke 23:42). To him Jesus said, “Today you will be with Me in Paradise” (v.43).
We are all represented by one of those two men. We either believe on Christ or we reject Him. Our eternal destiny depends on our decision. Jesus said of Himself, “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already” (John 3:18).
On this Good Friday, let’s thank Jesus for paying for our sin. If you haven’t trusted Him, do it today! In dying on the cross, Jesus became the Great Divider. —Richard De Haan

We may not know, we cannot tell
What pains He had to bear;
But we believe it was for us
He hung and suffered there. —Alexander

Disaster plans...

In this post, you will find I've done a 180 from my previous post. It's just like me to do that, though. As in real life, I can change the topic in mid sentence at times, or create two totally different styles of scrap pages in the same day, and even go from singing and playing happily with my kids, to breaking up a fight and having to do 'time out' in a moment's notice.

You have seen it in previous blogposts here. I may write about cupcakes one day, and about telemarketers the next. Anything goes, really...as long as it somehow ties into my life or thoughts at that time. Hence, the name "Nitty.Gritty."

This post is for me as I am have been developing a thought for a few weeks now. It keeps coming to me in different ways, so I am attempting to pull it together right here- right now.

In essence though, it is more of a 'big question' I feel needs to be posed...I'm not sure to 'who' exactly, but because you are reading this right now, I guess it could be for you.

Again, as a quick reminder, I am not a theologian. I am not a scholar or professor. I am simply an ordinary person with my own unique experiences, just like every other person out there in the world. I happen to get a lot of emails from many people facing "tough issues or circumstances in life" because I have painted a picture of life where apparantly many people feel comfortable spilling their hardships with me. Sometimes they (or you) are looking for sympathy, empathy or advice. Other times people share their stories and hurt just so I know I am not alone in the struggles I have and continue to go through in life. Many of you write just to thank me for being open with my pain and the journey I've been on to find joy, as it puts things into perspective in your own lives. To which I am always humbled and appreciative- that people can be encouraged or challenged in their life because of how I choose to live mine. That's amazing to me.

I say all that in preface to my thoughts about life and the things that can come at us sometimes without notice or announcement. They just happen. I think most of us are more keenly aware of the uncertainties and randomness of tragic events since 9/11 occured and because of such horrific natural disasters as the Asian tsunami and Hurricane Katrina, which claimed the lives of thousands of people. Without warning.

In my own life, I was out for Sunday brunch with my family when the unimaginable happened. Going about life as usual, with no thought to the danger that would strike my life while I was simply eating lunch. Yet it happened. Death, devastation, and life as I knew it would never be the same.

You may be wondering why I am bringing this all up today. As I said, it's just something that has been on my mind several times the past few weeks, and as I read a few emails this week, the thoughts became more pronounced. Then, last evening, on my way to Target for a few things, I came upon a terrible accident that was being cleared on the freeway. It was snowing and the roads were icy and slick. I don't know the extent of this particular accident, but it must have been pretty bad and involved several vehicles, because as I slowed down and made my way past the scene, there were two large firetrucks, six squad cars and four tow trucks with lights flashing and part of the road was shut down.

Ever since my own incident involving emergency personnel and vehicles, I have been more intrigued by these types of scenes. I immediately begin thinking of the people who were injured or touched by these events in some way. I think of how just moments earlier everything in their life was going 'smoothly'...even if in their mind they were 'stressed out' about life. Things that seemed a 'matter of life and death', now probably pale in comparison to the events that are affecting them right now. In an instant, their whole perspective has changed.

I get this in emails every single week. This morning the first thing I did was to pray for a Mom and Dad whom I've never met, who had a funeral for their 19-month old son today. He died, without explanation, during a nap just a few days ago. His parents are now living the nightmare of having to say goodbye to their baby forever. My heart is breaking for them and this sudden turn of events in their life. I understand some of the pain and grief they will now bear their whole life.

The suddeness and randomness of pain and tragedy in this world makes me wonder about people and how, especially in light of some major catastrophes (natural or terrorist or otherwise), we have stepped up our cities in different ways, to be able to handle such crisis. Even in schools and hotels and such, there are maps and evacuation drills for people to follow should something unexpected happen. Kids practice what to do in the event of tornadoes or hurricanes, and most communities hold disaster drills so that their emergency responders are prepared for major events that could come their way.

Yet I wonder how many people in their own personal lives have a 'disaster plan'. It's not something we tend to think about that often, especially if things are going well. But it just seems to me that more and more, as life goes on, that there is growing concern for us to have such 'plans' at least sort of tucked in the back of our minds. In just the past few months, again, just from readers of Nitty.Gritty. there have been people touched by inoperable cancer, death of a child or loved one, job losses, and divorce. That's just to name a few.

I am thankful, everyday, that Chip and I had a faith that held us up and continues to put our lives back together since our own tragedy. I can't say enough for the family and friends that have stood by us- for years now- doing whatever they can to help ease the burdens that we have had to carry in life. I had no idea that life could change so suddenly...just like the people cruising the freeway last night...and yet without notice, life handed them pain and hurt. Just like this family who today, are burying their little boy...and are left wondering what to do in life next.

I do not mean to sound pessimistic and dark, but I can't help but think that it never hurts to have a plan set aside for when life suddenly brings you to a major 'detour' on the road in which you are traveling.

I happen to believe that we don't have to live in fear of what may come, as long as you have a faith that is secure about your future. It's why I talk so much about my belief in Heaven and the reality that life is about so much more than our jobs and tv and the things that just seem to consume so much time and energy. I know that I have been able to really 'weed out' the things in life that used to seem so important, and instead focus on living for what really matters. As I seek to live from day to day in light of the 'truly important things', I find that there is peace and contentment- that no matter what comes my way in life, I will have the strength, the ability to handle even life's most unexpected events.

I just hope I don't have to put my 'plan' into action anytime soon. If you are wondering, at the end of reading this post, whether or not you have a 'disaster plan' or where you would turn for support- if you feel like you don't know where your 'command central' is in life, please email me {nitty.grittyjody@yahoo.com}. I would love to dialogue with you and help direct you to the Source in which I have found to be dependable through all of life's darkest moments. I may not have the answers to all your questions, but I do know where to turn in the midst of the storm.

It's a good reminder to appreciate what you have, right now, and to be grateful for the simple things in life. Each day is a gift to be savored and treausured. I know that full well.

Time to 'fess up...

The phone rang early at my house (especially early as it is Spring Break week at our school and my kids are getting the chance to sleep in) and I grabbed it quickly, hoping a couple of my kids would stay sleeping.
Guess what? It was an "important call" to let me know about the big sale this week at Fashion Bug. Are you serious???? I hung up thinking, "I totally understand why there is such a thing as road rage on the interstates."
Now I am wondering who it is that gives out my number to these automated, computer-generated call lists. I mean seriously. I have not been in a Fashion Bug store, much less made a purchase in one since before my last home perm...which has to be at least almost 20 years now. So, how is it that these people feel the need to call me first thing on a 'sleep-in morning' and expect me to be excited about their sale's call? It's ridiculous.
I told Chip the other day that someone out there is "ruining it for the rest of us". If it is YOU, it's time to confess. You see, apparantly some people actually refinance their home or get a bid for new siding or go shop at Fashion Bug when they get calls such as these. I truly believe that if nobody responded positively to these telemarketer calls, then they would have to go away eventually. But, as long as people actually get sucked into the sales pitch, well then, I guess I can expect to keep getting these computer-generated calls, which don't even give me the opportunity to be 'rude' about hanging up, or give me the chance to hand the phone to my kids for a few minutes of fun while they tell knock-knock jokes.
I'm over them. Life has enough stuff for me to 'weed through' without throwing in lame phonecalls and 'not-to-miss-sales'.
I'm not mad. I'm just surprised that telemarketing still works. If you are a telemarketer, you can take me off your call list and make my day. I've learned my lesson from the Fashion Bug today...I will be letting my 'machine' screen all my 'important calls' from now on. =) And I can't believe I just gave them as much 'free marketing' here as I did. Shame on me. I guess their telemarketing scheme actually did work- in a way. Even if it's negative press. It's till press, huh?!

Deep thoughts on "aging"...Nitty.Gritty.style.

Here's a belated picture of Chip and I out for his birthday dinner on Sunday night. We always enjoy a meal in which we don't have to cut our kids food, clean up spills, or do the dishes. Top it off with good company (Hi Chris & Becky!) and you have the recipe for a nice time. Add in some sushi and wasabi...and it's even better. {My Mom would disagree with me on that- which is the reason I had to add that. =) She's an avid reader of my blog...but is NOT a fan of sushi.}
It's funny how Chip's birthday and turning 39 made me feel older. I wasn't expecting that. I've still got a few years to go til I hit 39, and by then I will be feeling really old, because Chip will be 44. =0 {yikes!}
I laughed at the reality of the two of us nearing 'being middle-aged'. We don't feel that old or mature. For the record, I don't act my age or maturity level very often either. Only when I'm around Chip's place of business (a golf club where there are a few expectations on the golf pro's wife!) or when we're out to dinner and there are linen napkins. That's MY rule. Self-imposed. Because if I didn't have rules, then there wouldn't be opportunities for me to 'bend them' at times.
Don't you just love my thinking on that one?! Imagine how much fun my blog will be to read when I actually grow up and start acting my age. =0 {yikes!}

Another fun thing to do...

Found this make-your-own index card like the vintage library cards I used to love thumbing through as a kid. Sometimes I miss things like the Dewey Decimal System now that we live in such an automated hi-speed world. {Although I love my wireless internet connection everyday!} There was something really fun about going to the drawers of cards and locating just the book I was looking for. I loved books about horses when I was young- 1st, 2nd, 3rd grade. I couldn't get enough about Man 'o War and other great throughbreds. I loved other books too... how to doodle and draw. Or "Where the Red Fern Grows" and later on every Calvin and Hobbes book I could get my hands on. Not the most challenging, I know, but still, very much a part of why I am the way I am today.

If you loved library index cards as much as me, you can go and make one for yourself. It's so Nitty.Gritty., you know? Fun, free, evokes fond memories, and involves more than one typestyle. Go. Have fun. Create some joy.

It's official!

I now a proud owner of a personalized Donna Downey camera bag {Thanks, Rachael!!}. I believe that gives me the right to tote my camera everywhere that I go...and take even more pictures of my everyday, ordinary life.
When I say "everywhere I go", that basically means to and from the front entrance of school, church, Wyndham's therapy facility, and our local Meijer store. Seriously. That is what I do on an ongoing basis. Oh yeah...there is the occasional trip out to eat, to Target, and quaterly- to the Gap Outlet. That's my life! =)
Somehow though, I have a feeling that this funky patterned, colorful camera bag is gonna make that seem much more exciting than it truly is. Just you wait and see!

Happy Birthday, Chip!

You know there has to be a birthday tribute to the Nitty.Gritty. husband today, because it's not just April Fool's Day, but also Chip's birthday.

He was born prematurely, and as small as he was at birth...and fragile too, I can honestly say that there are many people in the world who are grateful for his will to live, his competitive nature, & his zest for life. Especially me. I believe that it's so true...good things come in small packages.

I have been lucky to have Chip at my side for about 13 years now...and while I have heard some debates recently about the subject that women shouldn't feel 'pressure' to have a man in their life, I know I wouldn't be who I am without Chip in my life. I was a 'whole person' before I met Chip, and actually when we first met, the last thing I was intending was to date him. I was very comfortable with my life and was enjoying being single. I didn't feel like I needed a "Jerry McGuire moment" or someone to 'complete me'.

For whatever reason (and a lot of laughter and fun and just simply the fact that Chip brought out the best parts of me) we ended up together, and I wouldn't trade our friendship and struggles and experiences and growth together for anything in this world. It's truly amazing and special. And I'm not just saying that because it's Chip's birthday....or that it's April Fool's Day. =)

It's the truth- every single day. I thank God for allowing my path to cross with Chip's- even though I didn't think I needed a guy in my life.

I have to admit, I take him for granted sometimes, and the kids miss him during the really busy golf season, and of course we would all like to spend more down time together- with family and friends...but to be able to hug him and laugh with him and enjoy life from day to day, well, that is my privilege and joy in life.

Happy 39th birthday, Chip...to the most amazing guy I have known in my life. Hugs and kisses from all your Nitty.Gritty. kids too. They think you're the greatest...and they happen to be right!

Sugar overload...

From Lik-m-dip's to mini cheesecake brownies to pie and ice cream. Whether real or pretend, we have had our share of sweets around the house this week. Chip's birthday is on Sunday. I would declare our house 'sugar-free' this weekend, but I have feeling we will have to have a little something in celebration.

Monday morning starts our kids' spring break. I am planning on laying off the sugar and pushing the veggies instead. Wish me luck! =)

Somehow, Chip has managed to stick to a fairly healthy diet through all our desserts. Maybe there won't be birthday cake and buttercream afterall. Poor guy...with an April Fool's birthday, he never knows quite what to expect from all of us!

Four years and three days.

That's how long Brock has been waiting for this moment. It has not been easy. He's had to try and try and get frustrated and there have been moments of anger and doubt. But yesterday, he learned an important lesson in perseverance. Some things in life are worth fighting for.

Riding a bike is just one of those things. Today he got out there and fell down and got tired and frustrated all over again. But after a few more trys, his confidence and ability began to kick in. It was so great to witness...one of those moments in life where you couldn't put a pricetag on it...it really was priceless. Just now he came inside the house with one of the biggest grins I've seen in a long time. Sure, it's great to place first in a speech meet. Certainly there is something to be said for those terrific math scores and the list of books he read through for the recent Read-a-Thon at school.

But this time was different. It was years of trying and expending effort and finally realizing what we've been encouraging him to do all along really was to his benefit. We weren't lying. Riding a bike really is easy and worth all the effort it took to be able to ride all by himself. As a parent, I was proud. And I know he is now one step closer to the day we will eventually have to let him go out into the world- all by himself.