Tag - I'm it. Here goes, Helen.

Helen tagged me, so here goes. I am supposed to share 7 random things about myself and tag some other people. So here goes. 

1. I love to organize. Anything. I am constantly cleaning out drawers, closets, etc and re-ordering them. I like everything to have its place and anything I can't find a place for goes immediately to the garage sale bins in the garage. My clothes are all hanging by type - even my "junk drawer" has small compartments/trays in it that hold the tape, various computer wires,  pens, etc. 

2. I get motion sick at the movie theater. I cannot watch action/adventure flicks without taking dramamine. I left the theater and to lie down on a bench in the lobby during United 93. I spent most of "The Bourne Ultimatum" sitting by a stranger in his 40's with my head in my hands trying not to throw up. 

3. I wish I could sing. I really wish I could sing. I would karoake all the time if I could sing. I always ask Everett if he is going to attend my concerts in Heaven. Since I will be perfected, they should be good - so you can all come, too. Until then, I will continue to make my joyful noise or lip sync.

4. I eat dessert every day - at least once, and it almost always includes chocolate. I should be 500 lbs but I guess chasing my very active toddler keeps the pounds off. I am trying to work on it because if she ever slows down, I think I might swell up :) 

5.  I read extremely fast. I started reading for fun as soon as I could read (at least by the 1st grade) and I seem to have a knack for it. I have read 6 books in the last month. I love to point this talent out to Everett. Sometimes we will read at night, and I always ask him how many pages he read and I have usually read at least twice as much. I think I do this because I can't beat him in anything athletic...

6. My friends with whom I spend the most time are teenagers. I can text message with out looking at the keys. I know all about facebook and I relive someone's boyfriend breaking up with them or some huge fight with the parents almost weekly. I am notified often that my clothes are out of style, I am getting old, or I am acting "like a mom."

7. I cannot swallow pills. I have gotten better but but I often gag just after swallowing them and most of the water I used to take the pill comes up. When I was pregnant, the doctor had to call me in chewable prenatal vitamins. I think I have a small esophagus, but I have been told that "really, you are just acting like a baby"

I tag Leanne, Kendy, and Anisa. 

Signs your toddler's affection for Dora has reached obsession

1. When you ask her who her friend is, she replies "Bapaaa" (Backpack)

2. No matter where you go, she asks you "Where's Doda (Dora)?" (It is amazing how Dora is always doing what we are doing "Dora is eating lunch" "Dora is on her way to school" "Dora is taking a bath" )

3. For no reason at all, she will just start talking about the "Matt" (Map)

4. Real tears and screaming present themselves any time Dora is not on the screen (even if you are watching Dora but the Map, Backpack, Diego or Boots are hogging the screen)

5. Before bed or a nap, she feels the need to say "Night, night, Doda" 

Life Lessons from Ellie

1. If you lose your Aqua Doodle pen, don't worry. Tee-tee also turns the mat blue and your picture lasts longer.

2. Pink boots, purple butterfly pants, and an aqua t-shirt with popsicles on it is not a "cute outfit", no matter what your Daddy tells you.

3. If you want to make sure there will be no little brothers or sisters running around any time in the near future, do a few (or all) of the following.

A. Wake up at night - a lot

B. Color with purple crayon on the hard wood floor

C. Whenever it's time to get dressed, refuse. Kick arms, legs, and lie on the floor.

D. Take your diaper off in your crib and just let go - it's so freeing.

E. Push other kids at Mothers Morning Out. (Note: you might have to do this repeatedly and endure a few time outs, but eventually they will call your mom)

F. Make a huge scene any time your mom looks at or holds another, smaller baby. 

G. Save your worst behavior for restaurants. Throw food, annoy neighboring tables and scream until someone has to take you out and it ruins the night. 

H. Be sure to "undo" whatever your mom is doing or just did - crush crackers on the carpet as soon as she vacuums, unfold the folded laundry, smear food particles in discreet places in your high chair and/or on any nearby walls. It's a good idea to wipe whatever you are eating in your hair. 

Happy Anniversary... to us!

Hard to believe that four years ago today we were taking pictures in the sand and getting ready for our Seaside wedding. I will always remember how beautiful the chapel looked by candlelight, how amazing the music sounded, the excitement on Everett's face, and the moment we knelt in prayer. What a beautiful day and commitment the Lord has given us. 

To my hubby -

You are so fun to live life with. Daily, you make me laugh, encourage me, point me towards Christ, exhibit extreme patience with me, pray with me, teach me... I am thankful for you and the last four years.... and you ain't bad lookin' either :) Here's to another year of laughter, love and life together. I love you.