Woo! What a weekend!

Yeah, it is Monday and while I did not like the 6 AM wake up, I am thankful for the routine that Monday brings our home! This weekend was awesome, but at the same time a little on the wild side! Let's just say that after having 2 weeks of really cold weather (for our part of Texas) it warmed to a wonderful sunny 78 plus degrees. You would have thought summer was here again! My kids spent most of the day playing outside in the sun. Running around with no heavy coats on or gloves of hats. They played so much that when it was time to go to bed, they literally fell out!

Mark and I took the time to finish cleaning up the house. I really love my husband because he will help me out cleaning when I need it. Of course I clean military style and while he is in the military does not clean quite that way... Maybe it's a man thing... Maybe it's a flash back to the days of having to use a tooth brush when you messed up in basic? I don't know? I do know that I APPRECIATE the help though! I do not know too many men that are willing to clean or do laundry, so I consider myself blessed. :)

C is also working on a project for school. It's building to a research paper and he has it mostly under control, but the warm weather tends to make our minds drift away from books and off to a game of tag or Army men. So I only kept him an hour to work on it. I figure over the next few days, he will have plenty of time as the weatherman tells me the temperatures are going to drop down into the 20's tomorrow.... Lovely! Back to bundling up again.  : (

Ah Monday... I have missed you. It's quiet and for a few hours it shall remain this way. : ) And then the circus will arrive with tales of the their day and things to show me and messes to be made. I love all of that, but I will take this moment of silence and reflect... On warmer days... On playing outside... On finished housekeeping (for the moment)... And how blessed I really am to have my entire family together this weekend! God is good! : ) Happy Monday!

Friday Fragments

I'm joining Mrs. 4444 at Half Past Kissin' Time by linking up my Friday Fragments! It's been quite a week in our household so grab a cup o' joe, sit back and get ready for Shannon's Friday Fragments! :)

Saturday was my son's Pinewood Derby Race for Cub Scouts. This is one thing in scouts my son looks forward to EVERY year. Each year he gets more responsibility with the car such as using more of the tools and taking over 100% ownership of the car. This year he did pretty much everything himself. I have to admit I am really proud and his car has come a long way from the Tiger Derby car he made a couple of years back. C & M have been working on this car since Christmas Break (M was set to be in the field for several weeks after the New Year, so they decided to get the car pretty much ready). They did a masterful job! It was designed and called the "First Team" car after First Cavalry Division 1st Brigade Combat Team. 

I have to admit, we were a little rushed to get the wheels on the car, but C did it and his car came in 3rd in his age division. He was over the moon proud of the car before, but now... It is awesome!! He was also recognized by the First Cavalry Division 1st Brigade Combat Team's Commander. Here is his proud picture!

Baby Update: Monday was my first day regularly schedule biweekly NST (Non-Stress Test) for the baby. Apparently, the baby was in no mood to really be social and decided that taking nap would be a good idea instead.... I don't know if you have every had a NST, but if the baby doesn't move, the technician can't get a read on if the baby is reacting correctly to movement (when a baby moves, the heart rate should go up. When the baby goes back to resting it should go down). Anyway, they had to use a "buzzer" to wake her. I had wondered about this "buzzer." Let me tell you one little 3 sec buzz completely freaked the baby out!!! So much so that I swear for a second there I saw the imprint of the front of the baby through belly! I couldn't help but giggle.

*** They have also scheduled an early induction. Baby A looks like she is 7 pounds already at 35 weeks, and the amniotic fluid was very high. Both of these things could lead to bad things for both Mom and baby if I were to go into spontaneous labor.... Which does not look to be soon. :( So... IT looks like Baby A will arrive a few weeks early.

I am a bit jealous of my husband this week. After spending a few weeks in the field, he got to come home visit with us a few hours and then leave for a retirement ceremony back home in NC. While he was only there for about a day, he got to see old friends, eat good food, and well be close to home! Of course, I'd like to stay for more than a day, so we will see what the summer brings...

Never thing that an online class is easy!!! I am taking an enjoyable Psychology class for my Nursing Degree. I love the class and the book is very interesting. I was even excited when they told me the tests were take home non-proctored tests! Woo Hoo!!! Yeah, right!! I will study the material for the next test like it was gonna be in the classroom! I got a B on the first test, but it was not easy flipping back and forth in my notes... In the book... Nah! It's better to just study and know the material!

Today I am off to a Dedicate a Day Ceremony in honor of the General our elementary school is named after. I'm pretty proud of a few of our 5th graders who came up with the idea. Basically, kids in the school can nominate their military family members telling why they think the military member should have the morning flag raised in their honor. The military members are picked and assigned a day that the morning flag will be raised in their honor. The family can participate by watching the flag raised and the military member is presented with a certificate. Then a morning announcement is read along with the sweetest heartwarming words I have ever heard in my life about why that military member is important to the child who nominated that military member. I cried and my husband was choked up when they read about what my boys thought of their Dad. It isn't easy being a military child, and I imagine sometimes the military is the last thing on earth he/she would want to be a part of and no choice it really given. It's obvious though that many children are proud of their military parent(s), and I'm proud to be a part of this day too!

Hope you all have a great week!!! We will see you all at the same place... Same time next week. :) Take care!!!

Hodge Podge Wednesday

I'm joining Joyce From This Side of the Pond in sharing my Wednesday Hodge Podge. I have so much to say, but not enough to really put into a blog blog.. .Or maybe I would put it in a blog and then you guys would be SHOCKED... I think I'll wait until Friday though... So don't for get to come back and visit my Friday Fragments!!!

1. Will you watch the Super Bowl? If so, who will you cheer for? If you are not from the USA what is the 'big deal' sporting event in your own country?

I know that the Super Bowl will be on in my house, BUT I am hoping to use that precious time of distraction to finish up a few projects for school. I am taking a Psychology class and cannot wait to get ahead in reading and maybe do a little people watching on the side. ;)

2. Is ignorance bliss?
Oh this is a tough one... I do in somethings. For example, when mean people say horrible things about you and then someone warns you that the mean things have been said... Sometimes ignorance is bliss because you know who you are as a person does it matter what a mean person thinks in the infinite amount of people out there you have touched? To me the details aren't worth it and they are entitled to their opinions.

Now, pretending you didn't know the water bill was due on the 15th in hopes that magically someone else will pay it??? Not such a blissful thing.

3. Which of the seven dwarfs are you? (and just in case your Disney is a little bit rusty, here they are-Bashful, Doc, Dopey, Grumpy, Happy, Sleepy, and Sneezy).

I think if you asked most of my close friends this question these days you would probably hear that I am Grumpy. Well, what do you expect? I am 9 months pregnant, uncomfortable, and have a laundry list of things to accomplish in one day... And I waddle! LOL

4. When you are riding in the car with another couple how do you organize seating? (Men up front? Women up front? Couples sit together?) And thanks to Lori at Mountain Woman at Heart for the question. Everyone go say hi to Lori.

Hi Lori! :) It just depends really. My husband usually drives, so if he knows the "man" of the couple it would more than likely be the two men upfront and the ladies in the back. I also consider leg room. I'm short, so I don't need much. I wouldn't want to put a 6' 6" man in the back seat of my car. LOL  

5. What is beauty?
Hmm... Depends on what you define as beauty. One can have a beautiful heart, and when we look at her she radiates beauty. Does this he beautiful? I don't know. To me if we look at this as an attraction descriptor, I would say that outer beauty attracts us to the person, but inner beauty is what keeps us close to that person. Look at that show "Housewives of Atlanta." Those women are very attractive, but they are so mean and bitter inside that it's hard to see any inner beauty. :(

6. If someone asks you to bring an appetizer or a dessert to a party in their home, which would you choose?

I think it would depend on the type of party. I have several great appetizer recipes and several great party dessert recipes. I love desserts, but so do many other people. I would probably make the appetizer.

7. What is your crowd pleasing go-to appetizer?
Hawaiian bread and spinach dip, nachos and cheese, chicken/ cheese spread/dip with crackers, crab dip and crackers... I have many many favorites. :)


8. Insert your own random thought here.

I love getting ideas from teachers. Today I was sitting in using a computer to show a parent something and there was a class using the computers behind us. The teacher was teaching the kids how to start writing research papers, and she showed the kids how to look for information on the computers, but more importantly how to organize their ideas. It was a neat way to organize ideas, and I have to admit I am taking some of her ideas to help my son with his project! I wish there was a parent workshop out there (well, near where I live) where parents could learn tips and tricks on how to help their students be successful. I really have trouble googling resources and then I'm afraid I may be teaching my children wrong since teaching has really evolved over the years. If you are reading this and are a teacher with great resource pages... Please let me know of them... I am a parent that likes to be actively involved in my child's education... It isn't just the teacher's job.


Have a great Wednesday my friends and be sure to check out Joyce's Hodge Podge answers!! :)

Friday! Friday! Friday Fragments! :)

Well Hello Again from sunny and warm Texas! Okay, so cold and windy Texas! :) It is Friday once again and I am joining Mrs. 4444's at Half Past Kissin' Time for Friday Fragments! Hope you all had a good and crazy week... Boy I know I did. : / So sit back, relax and enjoy... Then stop by Mrs. 4444's because you are sure to take a smile away!

* I think it may be time for me to purchase a good old fashioned dictionary. This week between my two boys, I have been looking up definitions or explaining what words mean almost every day. What does "mortal" mean? What does ___ mean? I think it is time to have the dictionary out on the school cart so they learn not just the meaning, but how to look it up. :)

* I got a kick out of a status posted this week from my friend, Karen. He status said, " My 8 year old just came in and told me his throat hurt and his angina." Now, being a nursing student... I am just thankful that it isn't just my kid that says things like this, because just after reading that status, my oldest son came in and said, "When I stretch my tummy muscles hurt. I think it is a mortal (see above) sign that I am dying because I stabbed myself in the chest with a pencil today at school." Errr... My reply was Nope, you are okay other than stabbing yourself at school, why would you do that? Response: I was just playing around. Okay...

* I start bi-weekly NST appointments next week. I am not looking forward to that...

* Made a major decision today... I stepped down from out PTO. :( It is sad, but I really feel like it is a good decision for me. I just have too many things in the fire and need to refocus on me and the fact that my baby is due in 6 weeks!!!! Yikes!

* When my dryer buzzes it sounds like the "X" sound in Family Feud.

* I celebrated 10 years with my hubby this week. He was away, but it's okay. Check out the link to the right to see us then and now. :)

Well, my friends that is all I have this week, and I need to jump in the shower to warm up! Brrr... It should NOT be this cold in Texas!!! Or this overcast!!!! I hope you all had a great week!!! And I look forward to viewing YOUR Fragments! See you next week... Same time same place! :)

Happy Anniversary to the Love of My Life

It's my 10 year Anniversary today, and of course the Army has called my DH to duty. It's okay though. I married into the Army, so I knew what I was getting into. ;) Here is what it looked like 10 years ago...



January 20, 2001


We were married on post by my husband's unit Chaplain, and had our reception down the road at the Officer's Club. It was a magical day surrounded by friends and family. I don't think either one of us really knew what was going to lie ahead of us that first year...

Here are some statistics from the last 10 years:
* We have lived in 2 countries and 3 states, visited 10 countries, and too many states to count
* We have experience 9/11 (4 days before our honeymoon) and the Iraq War/ Afghanistan Operation
* We have owned 6 cars
* We have/had 11 children to include pets (if you name it, it becomes family) and kids
* We have been through two major deaths of loved ones.
* I have lost track of all the deployments and TDY's we have been through

All in all it has been great fun! :) I wouldn't change it for the world! So here we are today:



Fall 2010
Picture courtesy of Angela Breckenridge Photography. Any replication. distribution or printing of this photo is violation of the artist's copyrights.

 This is part of our 11 children. LOL Our two boys and  a baby on the way. Neither one of us would have thought that our lives would bring us here, but we are blessed and God has truly looked out for us. 

Here's to many many more anniversaries!!! I love you, M!

Hodge Podge Wednesday

Woo Hoo! It's Wednesday ALREADY! We are halfway to the finish line of the week and to be honest I am READY! M has been very busy at work and I am hoping for some down time with him before he gears up for another busy week next week. Phew!

I'm joining Joyce From This Side of the Pond to share my zany answers to Hodge Podge Wednesday! :)

1. Do you like your name? Were you named after someone? If you have children how did you settle on their names?
I do now, but I can remember when I was younger I didn't. :) My name is Shannon. It's a beautiful Irish name, and can be used suitably for both a male and female. I hated it when I was younger for just that reason. It seemed like there were more boys names Shannon than girls, and all my friends had trendy names like Jennifer or Tiffany. I wanted a trendy name that came on all the stickers and pencils and yes, those mini bicycle license plates. I wasn't lucky enough for that until I grew older and they didn't matter much anymore.

My first name is 100% mine. When I was born, my Mom was fully prepared to name me, Katherine Quinter (I don't know HOW she came up with that and never really asked. Ha Ha Ha), but my dad held me for the first time and said, "She is most definitely a Shannon. Small, but wise" So that is how I got my first name. Now I have a family name as my middle, and I guess it adds insult to injury about the above mentioned boy connotation mentioned above, and with that I shall keep it to myself. ;)

2. How do you define success?
Oh... Success is something (I feel) is defined on many levels. It isn't cut and dry. I believe that I am successful... I went to a great college, married and great man, have two and half beautiful children that are turning into great young people with values I admire, and have had a successful career and working on another one. I call it successful, because I have no regrets. Every path I have take has taught me something whether it was hard, sad, easy, enjoyable, etc. I have taken something away that has made me grow. Even failures are a success if you learned from them.

3. Wheel of Fortune or Jeopardy?
Jeopardy, but these days I am intrigued by the game show Are you Smarter Than a 5th Grader. Some of the stuff they need to know even in 1st grade is not so easy! :)


4. If you could own any single object that you don't have now, what would that object be?
Hmmm... A toughie, but a goody. I don't know just sitting here at the moment. I did enjoy the ring I saw on the Rachel Zoe Project that was 5.8 million. LOL I just can't think of anything right at the moment.


5. What is something that inspires you?
People who work hard and aren't afraid of failure, or they fail but they keep going. I think they inspire me to keep going even when the going gets tough. I met a man in the Wounded Warrior Program... He was in his early 20's with a young wife and a baby and he had lost both of his legs in an IED attack. He wasn't using a wheel chair to get around... He was determined to use prosthetic legs. Did he fall? Yes! Did he cry from pain? Yes! Did he have an idea of what he wanted to be when he grows up? Yes! He told me that he was inspired to be a Nurse just like I was learning to be. He wasn't going to quit just because he had a disability. I was inspired after hearing that because while I have my own obstacles I can work on them one at a time just like he did.


6. Meatloaf-yea or nay? If its a yay how do you make yours?
Yea!!!! I don't make mine in a bread pan like most. I like to make mine in muffin pans. I find that my family prefers the "crispier" edges, so the muffin pans allow for everyone to get an "end" piece. I also use a Rachel Ray recipe... It's out favorite. ;)


7. Which is more admirable-the ability to organize and be methodical or the ability to adapt and make do?
Can you have a 50/50 trait here? I am an organizer. I like to have everything planned out just exactly right and have everything go according to plan. BUT I live in a world that throws curve balls, so I know that sometimes you have to adapt and make do. So while I tend to fall more on the organized side of life ( and wish others did too), I still think that rather than crying over spilled milk or something that didn't/ won't happen you make do, find a new plan and start planning from there.


8. Insert your own random thought here.
Why is it that when you take too many things on, the pot boils over and you end up with a mess? I did just that I think, and I really know better. I am 34 weeks pregnant with SPD and gestational diabetes. I attend on average 4 doctors appointments a week not to mention run a cub scout den and I had to take an online class to keep my Nursing Degree active and not lose my spot, and I am trying to find a nanny for my 3 kiddos so I can finish my Nursing Degree.  I also took on a Bike Run for my sons' school and Box Tops Chairman. While I have been trying to manage all of this, slowly things are slipping. I feel horrible, but I have made people aware. I have pushed my myself for my kids, because they are my kids and I don't want them to do without, but doing it as a single parent I have found is exhausting. I'm not complaining... I just don't know what to do? It seems that no one wants any of the above, and I can't say I blame them. And when I try to do something, I fall short and disappoint. And this is making my stress level shoot through the roof. :( I need suggestions... I know the long term one will be NOT TO OVER DO IT, but I need a bandaid one right now.

Friday Fragments

I'm trying to get back into my Friday Fragments, so I'm joining Mrs.4444 at Half Past Kissin' Time and sharing my weekly Fav's!

I do not like artillery shells going off all day and then all night with the impact area so close to my house that every time the guys do a good job my glass in my cabinet say, "Cheers!" This is most irritating when you are already getting up 10 times to go to the bathroom.

I don't know about the Northern people (Sorry Mrs.4444's), but in Texas we should not have 19 degree weather without snow! This week alone, I have counted at least 4 neighbors whose sprinkler system exploded into a geyser of wet icy mess, and they were covered. I wonder if the water company is loving this or hating this? I mean after all they have to turn the water off and then on, but then people have to pay for their messes.

I am 33 weeks pregnant this week and I'm ready to reclaim my body as it was prior to pregnancy. I am tired of backaches and sciatic nerve issues... And of course the SPD flare ups and the glucose checks 4x/ day... I am ready to meet this little one, and yes I know she needs to bake a little more to be healthy, but can't time just speed up a little? Please?

NEVER NEVER NEVER comment on a theological perspective unless you truly want to "Bring it on!" I did that and it didn't fair well for me. :( BUT I am learning (which is what God would like me to do) that everyone views His plans and teachings very differently. And I have my communing with God just like everyone else has theirs. And know I don't practice voodoo or witch craft, so neither one of us was off base... We just had different view points.

On a lighter note, I heard this today while volunteering at my sons' school... "I wonder what is wrong if my daddy comes out wearing something other than shit kickers and ball huggers." Now being 8 month pregnant, I might just have to pee from laughing so hard after I do a double take to make sure I heard that correctly! Life is good!

Have a great week my friends!!!

Have I Turned Wimpy?

I must say that I really do have a compassionate OB doctor. And today he must have sensed it because I came about 2 seconds from crying and he was awesome! Let me tell you how this appointment began...

I am officially 33 weeks as of Tuesday! Woo Hoo! Almost to the finish line! :) But at the 33 week appointment that triage nurse made me step on that stupid scale that I have come to officially loathe! Today it topped out at 195 lbs! (Yes, ladies.... 195, and looking back with pregnancy number 1 I only gained 13 lbs and was back into my clothes a week after C was born! Being pregnant in your 30's SUCKS!) Anyway, I was already upset with that and texted M that he and I could now officially be equal. Only 195 looks way better on him than me as his way more muscle and mine if tummy and butt! :( No word back to tell me complimentary things like it's all baby, you're almost there, think of baby A... Nope... He's officially busy with work. :(

So I waddle into my appointment with the weight on my shoulder of having this horrific weight, I'm tired, I don't like to waddle (the SPD is affecting that), it takes me too long to do tasks that once took me half as much time to do before, I miss my Nursing buddies... The whole swarm of emotions that I have been keeping pent up until that flipping 195 on the scale had to push everything out... The tears hadn't quite started when Dr. H came in with his, "How are you doing to day?" And my response was a gloomy, "I'm done!" Followed by all of the above dumped out on this poor man with both laughter and tears and an apology. I loved it because he looked at me a reassured me that most of my weight was indeed baby weight ( and her could tell that by looking at my hands and face that the weight wasn't really me, but other things) and that most of that would soon disappear after Baby A graced us with her presence. The remaining he said would take some effort as I am in my 30's and it is a little harder to lose weight, but that with diet and exercise he had 100% faith in my that I could lose whatever was left... And thus we had the discussion about being biologically one age versus the psychological age we thing we are. He then proceeded to tell me that out of all his patients this morning I was the least complicated one; which made me feel a little better. :)

As I walked out, I sort of felt relieved, but wished that I could have talked to my Mom to get a second opinion just to be reassured. I don't remember feeling this way with baby 1 or baby 2, and wonder when I became wimpy and grumpy? I think I'm ready for February now, and return to normal. After you have a baby, you do return to normal, right? :)

Hodge Podge Wednesday No.2

What a week this has been. Busy busy busy... This weekend alone required a trip to the Babies R Us where I underwent a horribly scary reality! : ( Baby stuff is EXPENSIVE! I am frugal for those that think I am complaining about having to buy new, but seriously where I live people on Craigslist selling stuff have just completely flipped their lids! Why in the world would I buy something used for $100 when I can buy it new for $119? And yes, I scouring Freecycle, but rarely do you see baby clothes. :( So sad... So alas, I resort to Target and Walmart and Babies R Us.

Anyway... On a lighter note, I've decided to try Hodge Podge Wednesday again. :) So I am joining Joyce from The Otherside of the Pond. Check her out! I like her light hearted blog! :) Here are my thoughts:

1. Every January 1st since 1976 Lake Superior University has published a list of words they'd like to see banished from the Queen's English. Words may be banished due to mis-use, over-use or just general uselessness and they receive over 1000 nominations. Here are the fourteen words/phrases they'd like to see banished in 2011-viral, epic, fail, wow factor, a-ha moment, back story, BFF, man up, refudiate, Mama Grizzlies, The American People, facebook/google when used as verbs, I'm just sayin', and Live life to the fullest.

What word or phrase would you like to see banished from our everyday vocabulary in 2011? You can choose one from the 'official list' or you can get creative and come up with your own.

 

Okay, so my vote is for Mama Grizzlies. Yes, I am protective as a parent, but I am no bear. I do not attack people... I simply defend my kiddos. But perhaps the real reason I vote to get rid of this phase is because I simply don't know what it means.

2. Do you consider opportunity something that comes to you or something you create for yourself?

 

I believe that opportunities arrive from a combination of the above. Sometimes I think we are in the right place at the right time with the right experience and the opportunity works out for us. BUT on the flip side, you have to have the right experience and know where the 'right' time to be somewhere. If I sit at home and don't put myself out there how can the opportunity know I exist? You see... It's a combination.

3. Since we're all eating healthy this month, ahem, what's included in your favorite salad? Is there dressing?

 

I like all kinds of salads! My favorite right now is a Greek salad with Feta, greens, beets, Greek olives, pepperonchinis, and of course just a little Greek dressing. Yes, I like to add a little bit of dressing for just the right "Bam." Toss and then yummy! : )

4. The fourth Monday in January is said to be Blue Monday...aka the most depressing day of the year. The date was calculated using many factors including weather, debt level, time since Christmas, time since we've failed at our new year resolutions, low motivation and feeling a need to take action. Do you get the blues this time of year and if so what is something you do to lift your spirits?

 

Oh... I did not know this! I guess I don't get the blues then. I do feel kinda let down just after the holidays when all the decorations are put away, the cards are put away and they mail returns to junk and bills, and the baked goods begin to cease. But this usually occurs right after the New Year.

5. Do you wear a watch? Any other everyday jewelry essentials?

 

Could not live with out my watch!!! I use it for so many things!  I also wear my wedding set, my anniversary band and always always my medical alert bracelet! I cannot wait to give that bracelet up!!! :)

6. What is something useful you learned in high school?

 

Studying by note cards!

7. Do you use an accountant when completing and filing your income tax returns or do you attempt to muddle through all by yourself?

 

Our taxes are always a little complicated, so we let an accounted look it over and work it for us. :) It just makes it easier on everyone.

Hodge Podge Wednesday No.1

I am trying out a new thing... Well, not really new perse. I found a blog I thought was fascinating and thought I would try it. So here is my First ever Hodge Podge Wednesday. If you want to try it check it out Joyce's Blog: From This Side of the Pond.

1. What three words would you use to describe 2010?

blessed, busy & thankful

 

2. If fear were not an issue what is something you'd like to try?

Skydiving. I just think it would be such a rush to just float down from above. I've also seen my husband and several friends try it, and it looks amazing. Unfortunately, I have a new found fear of heights, and the thought scares me a little, but is certainly looks like something neat to try!

3. What do you add to your coffee or tea?

These days I usually add just one packet of Splenda and rely on the taste of the tea. IT gives me heartburn now too, so it isn't something I crave often. When I'm not pregnant I crave good old sugar and a lemon! What can I say? I'm from the South!

 

4. What historical sporting event would you like to witness?

Ugh... This is so tough because I'm really not a sports fan. I think I would have liked to see NC State play in the hay day of Jimmy V. I know he was not exactly legally recruiting players, but seriously... I think he was just "caught". Or I would have liked to see Kay Yow coach. Hmmm... Life is too short and you should never take advantage!

5. What is one piece of advice you would like to give your sixteen year old self?

You're on the right track and I'm proud of you!  

6. Are you a planner or do you prefer to fly by the seat of your pants?

Oh dear me, I am a planner! I would plan everything if it were possible! Always in control is my motto and it isn't always possible which makes me nervous. I am getting better though. I plan the things I can plan and leave the rest to God on how I should handle those things that just pop up. So far it is working out. :)  

7. What is one thing you are looking forward to in 2011?

The birth of my baby girl. I am so excited!!! I've blogged so much about this so I will spare you all the details. 

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I need a good remedy for getting rid of heartburn. I know, eat Tums, but geesh, one can only eat so many tums! Any help out there?

My New Year's Resolution - Invest!

Do you think I'm nuts? I don't! I have most certainly decided that investing in stock for things I probably should have long ago is OVER DUE! What you say??? What could I possibly be talking about? Well, first of all I should have invested in McDonald's stock a long time ago! As much money as I've put out to them over the years... They should be earning it back for me! And what about the baby market? You name it... The baby industry rebounds even if they have 100 recalls on their products! Let's face it, are you going to put your child in a laundry basket like used to do long ago? I don't think so.

Seriously though, after looking over our family books I think it is far time to expand our horizons and invest a little more this year! People think we are nuts because M and I do invest and hold stock. Yes, stocks are risky, but we don't trade daily and we don't go wild. Any financial advisor will tell you that everyone should invest about 10% of their earnings in some form of investment whether it is a savings account, 401K, retirement plan, stocks, etc. Do I recommend stocks for everyone? No... Stocks are risky, and most of the time you can rebound if you can wait it out. So would I recommend a 70 year old to invest in stocks? Depends... Can you afford the loss if the stock plummets and nothing  is made? If yes, then sure... Go for it. If you are unable to risk that much maybe you need to be more conservative in your investment. I personally still think a 70 year old should invest. Now opposite end of the spectrum... Looking at a 20 year old... INVEST IN STOCKS! You have plenty of time to regain your losses. Again, I would gamble all of my money away, but find an appropriate amount for you and INVEST... TAKE A RISK! It will work out in the long run!

Don't think you'll be a millionaire in a year, but it's nice when things work for you! And over time it will pay off. :) I highly encourage people to at least look into it!

My New Year's Resolution: INVEST!  And listen to God a little more closely. :)