Oh, my! It's happened again!

Two ladies whom I greatly admire have honored me with a wonderful award, The Friendship Award. The first is from Terrye at Shirley's Adventure to Grace Elyse and the second is from Michelle at Day by Day. Both these ladies I consider friends and true inspirations, not to mention that they have cutest kiddos!!!!! Terrye and Michelle, thank you so very much! You guys are awesome!

"These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find friends and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships will be propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly- written text into the body of their award."

I have so many wonderful friends that blog that would fit the above-mentioned category. I find it hard to nail it down to just eight. I know many of you have received this award, and you certainly have deserved it, so if this is a repeat, I apologize. Either way, I consider you sweet friends, loyal prayer warriors and amazing women!

Sherri @ 6gr8kids

Sara @ ....Make Music from Your Heart to the Lord

Nicole @ The Baker's Sweets!!!

Kim @ The Byrd's Nest

Amy @ ...for such a time as this

Terryn @ And then God said...

Jill @ LIFE at KILLENY GLEN

Elisabeth @ No Greater Gift

Thank you all for your being such true inspirations to me. I love the Jesus in each and every one of YOU!

Because YOU Asked! (Part II)

READY. SET. GO! The rest of the answers!

Charlliesweb said...

I think you need to have a new post during the week, Ohilda's Consumer Report, you can help us out with other products like the ped-egg thingy; what do you think?

I love the idea, but, ummm...no, thanks. I could barely keep with the post I have now.

I was even going to stop the Not Me's because I absolutely want to be truthful, but some weeks it's just plain boring around here. But, I know some of you (Michelle and Ily) love the Not Me's, so for now, it's still a go. :)

Have you been through really hard financial times, enough to have checks bounce; and if so, how did you handle the emotions?

Oh, yea. RIGHT NOW is pretty bad. Although I admit I've never bounced a check. When things have gotten REALLY bad, I just have to look at the bills and say, "Eenny, meeny, miiny, Moe..." The lucky one gets paid that week. Fortunately that has not happened very often at all in my life. (Thank you, Jesus).

As to the emotions, when I am completely down in the dumps and at my last straw thinking "How in the world are we going to get out of this?" It is then I usually find myself on my knees begging God to please intervene. I know the man upstairs is in control and He will provide, maybe not like I expect, but in the end, it's always perfect and it all works out for His glory. I keep repeating the following verse to myself, over and over:

"Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they?" - Matthew 6:26

How many days is the longest you let laundry pile up?

I'm embarrassed to say, too many. By the time I roll around to doing laundry I have a tower that could be 5 feet tall. It usually takes a week with the 6 of us, for it to get that tall. By the way, I despise folding and hanging laundry, so sweet hubby usually does that task, except for the kids' clothes.

Are you guilty of calling a child in the room to pick up something in the same room you're already in? lol

Heh! No, I can't say I've done that, but I am guilty of calling Amanda or Scott in to "chit-chat" only because I want a glass of water or something, then I sneak that in as they leaving the room.

Do you read the celebrity mags at the checkout?

Not really, especially if I'm with the kids. Then I'm too busy keeping 6 pairs of hands off of all the candy racks! The only times I do pick one up is if it pertains to adoption (Meg Ryan or Angelina) or of course, Kiefer! What I do enjoy is reading the covers and comparing them. (i.e. Brad Pitt has secret affair with ex, Jennifer Aniston. Then the next magazine states, "Jennifer Aniston hasn't spoken to ex, Brad Pitt, in over a year!) GASP!

Do you watch soap operas?

I haven't watched a soap opera since I was in junior high. Although some may consider "24" quite the soap opera.

Are you guilty of going out in your pj's when you're feeling lazy?

Nope! I could say quite a few times if I don't have to go anywhere I will gladly stay in pj's all day long, but as to going out, I'm terrified of getting into a car accident that one time I have pj's on.

Have you totally zoned out while the kids are talking to you and had to apologize?

I am totally guilty of this. I hear, "Mama, Mom, Mama, Mom" ALL DAY LONG. After a while, I don't hear it anymore. The kids (both old and young) always say, "Mama (Mom) never listens!" Sorry, guys. I do love you, though.

Have you faked being asleep when the kids start tugging on you to go help them with something?

This was funny! Nope, my kids know my sacred rule. NO ONE gets out of their bed until Mama comes get them. I usually listen to them on the intercom until I see they are getting wild, and then I go get them. BUT....I admit (Sorry, honey, I promised my peeps I'd be honest) I have faked being asleep maybe once or twice when hubby tugs on me. :) A girl needs her sleep, ya know!

Have you had Mac-n-cheese nights for dinner?

Oh yea! I'm not a huge Mac-n-cheese fan, but the kids and Scott are. And since he's the fan, he cooks it.

Do you have any quirks, like always wearing socks around the house?

Socks? No, I live in Florida. My quirk is usually being completely barefoot in the house. I hardly ever, ever where shoes/socks in the house, unless we have guest over. And if it's family, no shoes. Oh, and I wear sneakers maybe 2 or 3 times a year.

Do you recycle? Yup! But I'm really not into the whole "green" thing. (Sorry to all the environmentalist out there. I wish we were protecting babies more than we protect our animals and trees.)

Do you try to slide by expired coupons at the grocery?

I wish I used coupons. I'm terrible at that. I went on a kick a few years ago and ordered the Sunday paper just for the coupons. I spent hours cutting and snipping and then let most of them expire because I never remember to take them with me. The other issue was buying stuff I'd never buy, just because I had a coupon. So, my grocery bills were even more than usual.

What are your main holidays you decorate for?

Hmm....definitely Christmas, sometimes Halloween and always for my favorite holiday, Thanksgiving.

Before you were a working mom at home, what other jobs did you hold?

I was an administrator at a private school for about 15 years, and taught some 6th grade computer classes in between. I was also a real estate agent and still have my license, although I have not worked real estate since the boys came home.

Do you print the pics you take or just keep them online?

I print them if I am going to enlarge them or need a picture for an occasion, otherwise I just store them on my computer, which I MUST put on disks but am way too lazy to.

Do you get mixed up with the kids' birthdays at doctor's offices, etc?

Not really. For some reason, I keep thinking Anna Grace's birthday is the 5th when it's on the 7th, but otherwise, everyone's birthdays are pretty much etched in my brain.

Have you ever forgotten how old you were, even for a minute?

Oh my gosh, I do that all-the-time! It drives me nuts!

Did you ever want a fake ID?

Nope, can't say that I have.

What are you most proud of, about yourself, not involving family?

Wow, not involving my family? That's tough because it seems like my family is all I am involved in. heh. Hmm. I could think about this one all day. Right now, I'd have to say the times that I have asked the Lord to use me and He has. I am always honored that He thinks I am capable of doing something, when I don't feel I can. When the "mission is accomplished", I always realize that it was not me, but it was Him.

I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. - Philippians 4:13

Patricia/NYC said...

If you could meet anyone for the first time (dead or alive) who would it be & why?

You know, I've been asked this before and my answer has always been Jesus. But as my walk with Christ has grown, I know now, without a shadow of a doubt, that someday I will indeed stand or probably drop to my knees, before the King of Kings that I so look forward to meeting.

So now, I've changed my answer. Ok. I know you guys know who it would be. Yes, it's Kiefer Sutherland. Why? Just because I would love to sit and chat with him and see what he's really like, not what I envision him to be. I think he'd be a great dinner guest! Anyone out there know how to get an invite to him?

a corgi said...

Have you ever been to California?

Yes! I was there on a 10 day trip that included Lake Tahoe, then we drove down the coast, went to Muir woods (there's funny story I will mention someday about my now 26 year old and Muir woods) and then spent 5 days in San Francisco. We also went to Carmel and Monterey Bay. I loved, loved, loved it! I'm terrified of earthquakes, but hope someday to go back.

Your Husband@ said...

Yes, folks, these questions are from the sweet (but very goofy) love of my life, MY HUSBAND!!!

Ok since you have to be truthful.... did you really love my Black Velvet Cake???

Yes, honey! It was AMAZINGLY delicious!!! You are a fantastic cook and an incredible baker. (I'll post a picture of the cake next to your Don Quixote mustache picture :)

Here's another one: Right now, how many pairs of shoes do you have lying around the house?

STOP THAT!! I have 2! TWO! One pair in the kitchen and one in the office, because when I was leaving to pick up the kids, I had forgotten where the first pair was, so I had to grab another.

See, I told you guys I have to be barefoot in the house.

And this is a bit late, since he posted it this morning, but I wanted to make sure y'all got the message from Scott.

Last but not least: Can I give a shout out to all your " peeps?? " GOOD MORNING PEEPS!!!!

Leslie Jackson said...

could you introduce us to your family a bit?

Sure! I always love sharing my precious Bouquet of Blessings!

<

From left to right:

The rock of our family, my sweet hubby, Scott.

Kai, our 4 year old little man who came home from China almost 3 years ago.

Anna Grace (carried by Tito) my 3 year old Chinese princess who was placed in our arms on Father's Day 2007.

Tito, my 26 year old, sweetheart who is now engaged and has a shaved head (yes!!!)

ME (a very happy wife and Mama of six)

My beautiful 14 year old Amanda who made the high school (she's a freshman) softball varsity team and will be the starting pitcher at their first game on Tuesday. Woohoo!

My other big boy, whom I love dearly, Adam (24 years old).

And last but not least, the baby of the bunch who is spoiled but it's my fault because I can't help but falling for his puppy dog eyes whenever he wants something, A.J. who will be 3 in March. AJ was adopted domestically and was placed in my arms just a mere 6 days before we left for China to bring home Kai.

By the way, all of my children's names start with an "A".

Armando (Tito), Adam, Amanda, Adrian (Kai), Anna Grace and Arthur Joseph (AJ). When we first decided to adopt and we were looking for names, my kids (especially the oldest) were very indignant when they heard that I might consider naming them something else than an "A" name. I'll always remember Tito telling me, "Mom, for them to feel like they fit in with us, they have to have an "A" name. He was 22 at the time.

Favorite things to do as a family?

Watch movies while snuggled up under the covers, or maybe play RockBand, or board games.

Favorite things to do as a couple (you and hubby)?

We're both computer geeks so lots of times we relax by sitting at our computers, which are side by side. We also love to play Scrabble, watch shows like "24", Hell's Kitchen, the Food Network (we love trying new recipes) and now American Idol, together. Of course, going out to dinner and a movie is great, but tough to do both with 4 kids at home.

Favorite foods?

Mexican and/or Tex Mex! YUMMERS!

Favorite colors?

I love black clothes. Otherwise, I pretty much don't have a favorite color.

Anonymous said...

a follow up to an answer you gave someone above. In your walk with God, how did you come to the Catholic Church? Was is your upbringing? Scott's? Both?

I've been Catholic from the day I was born. Unfortunately, my Mom who is now very close to the Lord, took us to church on Easter and sometimes Christmas, probably for the same reasons I didn't take my boys when they were little. I went to a Catholic school for Kindergarten and 1st grade when we first arrived to New Jersey from Cuba, but then attended public school growing up.

As to Scott, it is my understanding he'd go when he was young to church with his Mom every once in a while, but again, more of an obligation and not because of a commitment to Christ.

Anonymous said...

Do you believe Catholicism to be the one true religion? As a cradle Catholic, I find myself so much more engaged with my walk with God after changing religions a few years back. If you have time, I would love to know your response.

The above question was sent to me as a private email, but I have decided to post it on here because it truly is one of those questions that I struggle with...a lot! I really try hard to stay firm to my faith and what our church teaches, but I have to say that there are a few things that just go against my grain so much. Things that, as I inch my way through on my walk with Christ, I just cannot fathom He would do. Maybe it's because I so badly want to believe that what I am taught as a Catholic, it being the one true religion, is so wrong. I know so many Christians of so many different denominations that literally blow me away with their love of Christ and their knowledge of His word. I just can't believe that our loving, merciful Savior would turn anyone away who truly has served and loved Him. I can't just can't believe that.

A few months ago I had gotten into listening to a particular Catholic radio station and it was almost daily that I would hear how we need to pray for our Christian brothers and sisters that weren't Catholic. It really was depressing me. I emailed a beautiful, very devout, Catholic friend of mine and asked her what her opinion was. Her answer? Turn off the radio! I loved it!

So, Anonymous, after all that rambling and even discussing it with Scott over dinner (who feels the same way I do), I have to say, "No, I don't believe that Catholicism is the one true religion." (Yikes! That's scary to even write.) I hope I don't get hate mail from my Catholic readers, but I did promise to be honest with my feelings. And obviously, these are my opinions only.

But, I DO want to clarify that I completely believe in the Holy Eucharist as being the body and blood of Christ. That alone keeps me glued to my faith. As I've mentioned before, I love the traditions and history of the Catholic church, but I admit that sometimes I struggle with their teachings.

Thank you all so very much for asking such amazing questions!! You've made me laugh, cry and look deep within myself in order to answer a lot of the questions honestly. I may have to wear a helmet with all the comments/emails I received with people telling me they "may have to pick my brain!" Ouch!

I truly love blogging, but aside from the fact that I do it to honor and give glory to God whenever I can, I love the interaction with and from my readers. That's not a request for comments or followers, that's truly what I feel in my heart. I feel I've known some of you for years. Your friendship and encouragement, both spiritually and emotionally, are huge blessings in my life. Thank you and may God bless you all abundantly.

It's 1:15 a.m. and I need to get my sappy, cheesy self to bed before I start to cry again!

Because YOU Asked! (Part I)

WOWZA! I asked for questions and guess what I got? Lots of questions! Don't fear though, it's only two parts! I have to say that I just love your creative minds and the diversity in the questions. You covered everything from abortion to Kiefer! Not to mention that you have given me SO much to think about! Some of your questions made me laugh, while others made me think deep! (Charlotte, I guess you really wanted me to post answers, huh? 20 questions? Too funny!)

So, because you asked, here are the first half of my answers.

*Itty Bitty Disclaimer: These are my views and not necessarily yours. Therefore, you may not like my answers. If that's the case, ummm, I can't wait to hear your respectful take on things and then we can agree to disagree!

Anonymous said...

Do you think women that have abortions are forgiven?

A.B.S.O.L.U.T.E.L.Y! There's no doubt in my mind that if you repent and are truly, with your entire heart and soul, remorseful for your actions (regardless of the sin) and you turn to God, you will be forgiven. Christ willingly was nailed to a cross and died for our sins and so that we may have eternal life.

"...and My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land." - 2 Chronicles 7:14

Sassy Pants Freckle Face said...

What do you Really Think of Obama?

Boy! This is a loaded question. I don't know the man and I really try not to judge since I myself do not want to be judged, so I won't comment on him as a person. But, I can tell you this. I in no way support his leftist radical ideology and continue to pray for his heart to be changed.

Do you believe in the end of times??

As a Catholic and a Christian we are taught and I fully believe that "Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again.". I believe that on Judgment Day at the end of the world, Christ will come in glory to achieve the definitive triumph of good over evil.

"For just as the lightning comes from the east and flashes even to the west, so will the coming of the Son of Man be. Wherever the corpse is, there the vultures will gather. But immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from the sky and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky with power and great glory. And He will send forth His angels with a great trumpet and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other." - Matthew 24:27-31

If so how do you think it will happen?

See above scripture from the book of Matthew. You can also read Luke 21:11, 23. Of course, the book of Revelations is filled with prophetical scripture. I'm sure there are other places (Daniel, for one) throughout the bible that speaks of the coming of the Lord, but with 50 questions to answer, I don't have the time to look them up for you.

Do you believe in Past lives???

Nope! Although I must say that before I began my walk with Christ, I read a book called Many Lives, Many Masters by Dr. Brian Weiss. It really freaked me out and had me believing that for sure there were past lives. When I truly found Jesus (not just going to church and saying I believed in God) and began to learn the truth, in His word, I realized that we only have one earthly death.

"Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him." - Hebrews 9:27-28 (This scripture also reaffirms the second coming of the Lord).

Why do you think some people are handed a full deck and others half a deck????

Wow! Another very tough question. This one I have no answer to. Only God knows why He chooses certain lives for certain people. For instance, some are born into wealth and power, while others are born in a remote village in a distant land. Sometimes I think it's not fair, especially when I think about orphans. I also often wonder why I am so very blessed to live the way I do when there are others in Africa or Asia who have no access to medicine, food or clean water.

It breaks my heart. But I think that's what Jesus wants. He wants our hearts to break so that we could turn to Him. He wants us to feel for those that are less fortunate than us and be His hands and feet. I think of it as an obligation, yet I am always honored when I serve someone, as our Lord would have.

"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' - Matthew 25:40

He And Me + 3 said...

What type of Camera do you use to capture your precious memories with?

I have a Canon EOS Rebel XTi and I LOVE it!

Do you scrapbook?

I have tried it, but am absolutely terrible at printing pictures. I do love digital scrapbooking, when I could find the time. I have over over 10,000 pictures in my computer.

Katie@ThisCrazyLife said...

ARE YOU STILL SIDEWALK COUNSELING?

No, I haven't done it since my two little ones first came home in 2006.

HOW DO YOU KEEP FROM GETTING TOO PERSONALLY INVOLVED OR DO YOU STILL GET A LITTLE TOO INVOLVED?

The few months I did it after "Maria" settled in to her new life, I managed to direct the girls to the places they needed to go for help. I feel in my heart that "Angel's story" was truly the reason we moved to Florida's west coast. My two years of sidewalk counseling prior to moving here was God's way of preparing me for meeting Maria. By the way, if anyone is interested in doing sidewalk counseling, please feel free to email me.

Timmy's Girl said...

I have never heard your name before...what is its origin?

My name, Ohilda, is of Russian origin.

Where you named after someone?

My great-grandmother had read a Russian novel whose main character was named, Ohilda. She fell in love with the name and begged my grandmother to name her first daughter, Ohilda, My grandmother did. So, in answer to your question, I am named after my Mom.

Amy said...

How/where did you and Scott meet?

I first met him almost 11.5 years ago in a chat room called Comic Chat. Three months later, I met him "in person". And three years, to the day, of when we first met in person, we were engaged. You can read some more details HERE.

Was it love at first sight?

Actually, I was pretty smitten with him online. When I first met him in person, I laughed because being a Miami city girl who was used to dark, Latin chauvinistic men. Scott was the total opposite end of the spectrum. He wore tight jeans and cowboy boots on his "dress up" days and his casual days included tube socks (OMG! Do you remember THESE from junior high?) and these teeny running shorts that showed off his milky-white New Englander legs. (Ame, please don't take offense, I know you and a few other readers are from his old stompin' grounds.) After I got to know him for a while and properly dressed him, cut the hair, got rid of the "Don Quijote" mustache, he told me that "everyone up north dressed like that!" :) Nope, that part was definitely not love at first sight. But, he melted me with his words and was the first man in my life to actually lead me to my walk with Christ. (If I can find a picture in the next few days, I'll post it.)

The Ferrill's said...

What is your favorite Bible character of the Old Testament and why?

Oh Laine, this one was really tough! I have so many heroes from the old testament that I so wish I were like, starting with Abraham. I still cannot wrap my mind around how faithful and obedient he was. I love the Lord with all of my heart and soul, but just cannot envision myself ever taking my child and sacrificing him at the altar. Wow! I so wish I had the faith of Abraham!

BUT....that's not my favorite character. After much thought, I have to say Queen Esther. I remember reading the book of Esther for the first time and not being able to put it down. How she risked her life and allowed herself to be used as an instrument for God. I absolutely love how she was able to prevent the destruction of her people and the death of her cousin, Mordecai, because of her devotion and willingness to listen and obey God's word. As with Abraham, I pray that someday I could be as obedient and faith filled as Queen Esther.

Gloria said...

do mom's love their kids equally?

I can't speak for other Moms, but I have to say that I love mine equally. BUT (there's always a 'but', huh?), I love them all differently. Each one of my children possess amazing virtues, yet none are the same. I seek the good in each of them and fall in love with that good. So, they are all loved equally but for different reasons. Does that make sense? Sort of how you love your spouse, your mother, your sibling. You love them all dearly, but each one is a different type of love, because of the traits that they possess that contriibute to who you are.

did you go to college?

I started college and had always aspired to be a special ed. teacher, but after I had my first son, Tito, life got too complicated, not to mention expensive and did not complete it. This is still something on my bucket list! It's never too late!

what made you want to adopt?

After my sister gave birth to her stillborn little man, God placed adoption in my heart in a big way. You can read the details HERE.

why didn't you and Scott try to have your own kids?

I had my tubes tied when Amanda was born, but I don't think it would have mattered. God definitely had other plans. I thank Him every day for those plans. They are sitting in my living room right now in fits of giggles.

what happened to your grey hound?

I sadly had to return him to the rescue where we got him from shortly after the boys were home. He was a gentle giant, but was terribly afraid of them, and they of him. He found a new home within days. :)

when/why/how did you become more religious?

My heart always wanted to be close to the Lord, but I always made excuses; too boring, my spouses never wanted to go to church, I didn't have time, blah..blah...blah. Then, one night, my very first phone conversation with Scott (before I had seen him in tube socks...heh) I brought up what he thought about God. His response was that he didn't believe in "organized religion" but he believed in God. That turned me off a bit, but then later on in the conversation, he quoted a scripture from the bible and I almost fell out of my seat. I had never met a man that had read the bible, including my Dad (who you know I adore) that went to a Jesuit school his entire schooling. When he moved to Florida, I told him I wanted to start taking the kids to church every Sunday and would he go with us. With no reservations, he agreed. That was it. I truly found Jesus and have realized that he IS the way, the truth and the life (John 14:16). I don't know how I ever lived without Him in my life. (By the way, Scott is a faith-filled Catholic man now!)

deedee said...

Would you come visit my blog and check out my "P's?" I sure did!! And I encourage other's to go see DeeDee's "P's" also!

Holly said...

What's it like being a Mom to grown kids and to toddlers at the same time? I love it! I love seeing the sparkle in my little ones eyes when their siblings play come over. It still blows me away that I could have a 26 year old and a 2 year old! GOD IS GOOD!!

How is parenting the "2nd time around" different than the first time? I find the 2nd time around is a lot easier, albeit more exhausting. I know what to expect and don't have the anxiety that I had as a new mom. I'm also now a SAHM, which I wasn't able to do with my boys, and love every second of it. I pray the Lord continues to provide so that I could keep "this job". Lastly, this time around I know Jesus, whereas with the boys I went to church during Easter and Christmas. This is one of my biggest praises to God, the fact that He has allowed me to try again!

What have you learned that you didn't know the first go-round?

I was 18 when I had my first son and 21 when I had my second. I was really a kid. Although I loved them with every fiber of my being, I was pretty selfish and thought about myself a lot. I also learned through counseling and failed marriages, that God HAS to be a part of my marriage for it to work. In addition, my marriage has to come right after God and right before the kids. If you are not in a happy marriage, it's very difficult to be happy "family" around your kids. Others may think differently, but that's what works for us.

What's so great about Keifer? Isn't that the 24 guy you love?

Ahhh, Kiefer. Yes, there's just something about the man that I absolutely LOVE! (Don't fret. Sweet hubby is aware and is not jealous.) Maybe it's the mystery behind him. I honestly don't know. He's absolutely everything I would never want in a man; short (5'9), an alcoholic, a smoker, loves women and is infamous for his wandering eyes. Yet, I love the look in his eyes. I love his lips (A reader mentioned something to me the other day about not liking his lips. HUH???!!!) I love that he is in real life a true gentleman. I've read over and over how he never refuses a hello or an autograph to a fan, He is always saying please and thank you and opening doors for women. And of course, HE'S JACK BAUER! Hope that answers your question.

Angie said...

"This is not a question about you, but one that you of all people will most surely know the answer to...we didn't quite get the kids to bed on time Monday and missed the first 10 minutes of 24! But it's okay. We will recover from that if YOU help us. So, here's the question:"

How did the lady from the FBI get out of that ditch?

First, I gotta say, I cracked up at your question Angie. You're too funny!!

Here's the scoop. I think that was a 'FOX faux-pas' since when it happened, I turned to Scott and said, "How did Bill and Chloe find out?" Scott's answer was his usual when I ask stupid questions about what's going on. His response, "It's in the script!" The scene started with Bill and Chloe driving up to the ditch and saying (after digging her up and giving her an adrenaline shot to the heart), "It's O.K. We're here to save you. Jack sent us." I even watched the episode again since I have it on TiVo and couldn't figure out how they knew. Either Jack was wired or he called them. OR...Scott's logic, "It's in the script!"

...and how on earth did that bad guy get Jack in a head lock?

When Tony, Emerson (the bad guy) and Jack got out of the truck. Emerson already had suspicions that Jack wasn't a "bad guy". In the truck, Jack had asked Emerson about why he had "saved" Tony and they discussed how Tony had turned to the evil side. Upon arrival, Emerson asked Tony to go outside and prepare for the people picking up Matobo and his wife. He asked Jack to let Matobo and his wife out of the truck. As Jack was walking away, Emerson pulled out his gun, grabbed Jack in the headlock and asked Tony for answers.

That's it for today! Stay tuned and I will have Part II up by tomorrow evening. Hope y'all appreciate the honesty. :) Off to eat dinner and watch American Idol!

(TO ANONYMOUS WHO SHARED HER HEART ABOUT HER EXPERIENCE WHEN SHE WAS 16.)

I don't know if you'll be back to read this. I am praying you do because I have a favor to ask of you. Please pray about it first. If after praying, you feel led by the Lord to Email me privately, under absolute and complete confidentiality, I have an AMAZING story to share with you. God bless!

You Got Twenty Questions?

I've seen this played on quite a few blogs and I've always wanted to do it, but honestly I haven't done it mostly because of two reasons:

a) I've always assumed no one would ask anything.

b) I've always assumed I'd get tons of questions (many I'd be afraid to answer).

After pondering it for a few weeks, I have decided that I'll go ahead and play. There are some rules, though! I know. Bummer. Sorry. But would life be like without rules, huh? I promise. They're easy ones.

1) There must be at least 20 questions for me to write a post answering them.

2) You can ask anything you want, about any topic. I will answer to the best of my ability each question.

3) If the question is from an "Anonymous" reader, then I reserve the right not to answer, therefore not counting it as "a question". That said, of course, I welcome questions from Anonymous readers.

(Was that confusing?)

4) Play nice! :)

So are you ready to play? I look forward to reading your questions.

Have fun!

Right now I'm off to take AJ to the doctor to see what she can do about his croupy, icky, cough that just won't go away!

But before I sign off, I wanted to say thank you and give a shout out to my new friend, Kristin, who lives in Corpus Christi, Texas, for coming out of lurkdom and saying hello! You rock, girl! I am so glad to meet you.

Are You Ready For Some Fun? I See You Peeking!

Since I'm a bit behind because of the book I wrote in 3 days, I need to catch up on some things I've been wanting to post. So, that leaves me with breaking this post up into 3 topics.

I'm glad that you guys laughed along with me, even while gagging, about the Ped-Egg post. Someone emailed me and asked me if was true. A.B.S.O.L.U.T.E.L.Y! Amanda and sweet hubby were in the room, albeit not paying attention, when it happened. But, they sure did swing their heads around when I yelled "G-R-O-O-O-S-S-S-S, A.J.!" Now my real reason for bringing up the Ped-Egg is because so many of you have asked about my opinion on it that I figured I'd answer on here.

I love it! Being a Floridian who practically lives in sandals and can't afford $35.00 pedicures every week, this is the answer to prayers. I hop out of the shower and it takes practically no time to use. You just file, flip it over, use the Emory board side and then rub some cream on your footsies! Voila! Perfectly smooth and beautiful tootsies that feel and look soft and silky. (No, I don't own stock in Ped-Egg, nor do I work for them.) And the best part? No mess! Unless you have a two year old that decides he wants to make himself a shake from dead flesh. GAG!

Seriously, for the $10.00 (and now I think you can get 2 for $10.00) you can't beat it! Do you own one? What do you think? I may even pick one up to give away on here sometime soon.

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My friend, Sara, had a cool little meme (there's that word again that I must look up) that I thought we would fun to play along. Here are the rules:

If you want to play, leave a comment on this post letting me know, and I’ll assign you a letter. You write about ten things you love that begin with your assigned letter, and post it at your place. When people comment on your list, you give them a letter, and the chain continues on and on...

Sara assigned me the letter "B". So here goes....

Babies - I have six Babies that I treasure with all my heart!

Boys - Four of my six Babies are Boys! They are without a doubt so much fun and I would have ten more if the Lord allowed it (and my husband wouldn't institutionalize me). Their hearts always Belong to Mama.

Blogging - Yep, Blogging is one of my few vices. I love writing in my Blog and I love my Bloggy friends!

Breakfast - I never eat Breakfast while at home, unless it's the weekend. But I love going out for Breakfast. YUMMERS!

Butterflies - I love watching Butterflies flying around me. For some reason, since my grandmother passed away seeing a Butterfly always reminds me of her. Not sure why because she never really mentioned a love for them, but it reminds me of when a gentle spirit she had.

Bible - My Bible is definitely a huge need in my life. The acronym Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth is perfect. Can't live without it!

Bed - I love my Bed! I had back surgery almost 6 years ago and my back has never been the same since. Sweet hubby and I got a Sleep Number Bed about 2 years ago and I never wake up with backaches anymore. (Nope, not another company I endorse. I just love sleeping comfy.)

Books - I love reading, both fiction and non-fiction! I've made that a new hobby again in my life since A.J. now goes to story time at the library once a week. So, I try and grab a Book and read one a week.

Bar-b-ques - There's nothing more fun, especially during the summer when you're hanging out with family and friends, than to have a Bar-b-que. Doesn't matter what you throw on there, I just love it.

Brother - I sure do love my Brother. I don't see him as much as I like and he's quite the opposite end of the spectrum from me, but I thank God for him everyday. He's a year older than I am. I think every girl should have a Brother!

That about wraps up this section. That was fun! Thanks, Sara! Now, if you want to play along, leave me a comment and I will assign you a letter. Sara was nice enough not to give me an "X" or a "Z", so I'll try and do the same. I look forward to reading about 10 things YOU love!

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The last section is the part where you need to pay close attention to the shameless begging. Ever since I began blogging, I anxiously await for this day to roll around. But, dog-gone-it, every year (well, 2 years now) I've missed it.

So, this is the one-time-of-year, my friends (Gee, I sounded a bit like John McCain there...heh.), that I plead for your identity. Your opportunity has arrived to COME OUT OF THE CLOSET! Yes, YOU! I see you peeking! I'm holding my hand out, all you have to do is grab it and I'll pull you out of lurkdom. It'll be fast! Whooooosh! It's nice out here. Really. You have to trust me! (Now I sound like Jack Bauer.)



January 12, 2009, was National Delurking Day and I missed it. ::sniff: (Can you hear the whining wrapped in a bit of groveling?) I've met some of the most absolute, sweetest people because they had the courage to come out. I know you can do it!

Hmmm...how else can I convince you? A Ped-Egg? Or maybe posting some recent pictures of the kiddos? Oh, I know! I know! How's this?

Will you comment in a box?

Will you comment with a fox?

Will you comment here or there?

Will you comment anywhere?

Ok! Somebody stop me! I'm outta control! We've obviously been reading Dr. Seuss w-a-y too much around here lately. I gotta say that if after reading that public display of humiliation, it doesn't make you come out, I don't know what will.

Sshh...I have a secret. You can even de-lurk privately and send me an Email. Woohoo!

It's Monday Again...And Look What I Got!

I am honored to have received not one, but two blog awards this week from two of my dear peeps!

The first comes from Tracy at Tracy's Corner! I love this particular award because it was given to me for being a loving mother and putting my children first! That made me smile BIG! Thank you, Tracy!

The second award comes from Undercover Princess! Shucks, thank you so very much! I love it! I truly am humbled that my little 'ole blog is followed by so many wonderful readers. I'm still a bit baffled as to why, but whatever the reason, I am humbled. Thank you, again. I love you guys!!

Now, do you remember what happens on Mondays? Yes! It's Not Me, Monday! of course.

I really must put a disclaimer with this first Not Me, because it is truly disgusting! Therefore, there was no way that it was me that left my Ped-Egg on my nightstand after talking a shower last night never thinking that AJ would come into my room, open up said Ped-Egg, and pour the nasty callous shavings into my glass of water that I had just poured myself. But, before you think that I drank the glass of water.... I most certainly did not! Gross! HE DID!!! Yes, Siree! It was certainly not me that looked into the glass and said, "Gross, what's in there, AJ?" after I noticed him wiping his tongue with his shirt. only to be completely grossed-out and mortified when he pointed to the open Ped-Egg container. It was then definitely not me that was gagging at the thought, but still could not stop laughing. Today, two days later, my stomach still churns at the thought! Yuck! I would never be so lazy as to leave my Ped-Egg laying around, because I know how gross that is and I know that I have three inquisitive little ones that discover just about everything, including how to make Ped-Egg drinks!

It was absolutely not me that laughed so hard I was snorting when sweet husband told me he had walked into the gas station convenience store last week to buy some coffee. While waiting in line to order his coffee, a lady came up to him and asked if he was from New England. Assuming that she was going to admire his stylish Patriots jacket or maybe comment on the team, sweet husband immediately said, "Yes, I am!" She then proceeded to tell him that because she too, was from N.E., it would not bother him if she told him that the new pants he was sporting still had the size label sticker stuck to the back, running down his leg! Nope, I definitely did not laugh. I would have had much more empathy for my sweet husband.

It absolutely was not me that was so very moved today as our dear priest was giving his homily that I was nearly brought to tears. No, not because it was the rare occasion in which he was talking about our responsibility as Christians to take a stand against abortion and voice our opinions, but because I began having the mother-of-all coughing fits in the middle of his talk. I so badly wanted to hear what he had to say, since I truly was moved by his words, that I kept holding it in and puffing my cheeks while desperately trying not to make any noise. Instead, I ended up with such an incredibly loud and hoarse outburst, that I sounded like I would cough up a lung at any minute. It was so hard and so loud that tears were running down my beet-red face while I literally ran at full speed through the church (we sit in the first pew) to the exit in the back coughing so badly that I ended up throwing up in the garden right outside the front door. Yes, it was me that finally settled down and was able to walk back inside only to have missed the entire sermon.

Our family did not dress all 3 of the little ones in traditional Chinese attire and go to a local Chinese New Year party being held by the Southwest Florida Chinese Association. I was not beside myself with excitement when I heard that we could become members of this elite club and immediately signed us on. It was absolutely not me that arrived at the event hoping to find many adoptive parents with Chinese children, only to be completely (and pleasantly) surprised to find an entire community of Chinese adults and their children. It certainly was not me that was so giddy feeling like I was back in China as we sat at our table with another couple that had gone with us with their China doll, and listened to everyone around us speaking Chinese! We definitely did not love every minute of it! We surely did not sit through a comedy routine that was completely in Chinese and laugh when everyone was laughing because of course, those were the "funny parts". It truly was a great time and we are very excited that our children are a part of a real Chinese community now!

For more Not Me, Mondays! carnival fun, head over to the lady's blog who started it all, MckMama!