{i'm QUEEN of the world!!!!!!!}

Ahem....let me change that to princess. I'm not quite old enough to be a queen. In fact, I still want to be a princess when I'm 92. Not a queen. I leave that title to my MIL.

Okay, to the item at hand. I just completed a plethora of exercise. True, actual, non-contested exercise. Actually, it was the #3 combo - but, still, it counts. I just walked/ran/biked a total of 3.27 miles. I won't tell you how long it took me, but it could be broken down into a two-day exercise requirement. And, I won't tell you that I had to walk beside my bike at times. But, it still registered 3.27 miles. That's all that matters to me. I detest sweating and I did it well. And, that was even in the wind gusts preceding the storm. In fact, let me make that a #4 combo with the wind resistance - that should count for something.

Oh.my. I will not be able to move tomorrow. I am determined to do three consecutive days at least. And, I want to throw in my new Kettlebell in somewhere. She's still in the box.

And, no that is not me in the above picture. To be me, you would have to have cows in the background.

Until tomorrow..............

{pictures please}

I'm not certain what an addendum added at the beginning would be?

Okay, so I added another picture because I don't look quite as dead as I did in the last one. But, for the life of me cannot get it in the place it should go. And, really don't have time. So, I'm not.

But, I look a little more awake. I hate smiling now because of the braces. It's a very strange feat. And, I was sleepy. Very, very sleepy. Notice the "tan" that is quite old now. It's much better. Oh, yeah - these pictures also made me decide I definitely need Botox. Picture credit goes to TH! Yep, I stole this one too.

Had a wonderful lunch with the g-friends today. Wow, you have NO idea how I needed that. And, now, I am patiently waiting for them to post pictures in order for me to lift them! I may be very loosely known as somewhat of a photographer, but, I was about the only one at the table who did not have a camera.

Also, I wanted to take this opportunity to say one more time, Stacy I ADORED your super-cute purse. And, tell James I said so! ;) That is the funniest thing I've ever heard. Will definitely be adding that to my arsenal. Scott won't know what hit him. ;)


Okay, I've started lifting and by the number of cameras present today I should have at least two more nabs. (if you mind girls, please let me know) Picture credit for three below goes to HG! I totally stole them from her blog.

But, the above is Suzanne and Tara. Seriously, too beautiful - need I say more? But, super-sweet too. It makes it even worse. Both have 3 boys - so envious! :)

These are sweet Stacy and Heather! Beautiful too! You know, if you didn't love them, you would love to hate them types? But, I love them! Am super blessed to have them. And, one more time, for the record.....Stacy LOVED that purse. I'm helping out here Mr. Carter! ;)

And, let me just use the adjectives beautiful and sweet once again. But, seriously? These girls could give you a complex in a major way - but, I love them dearly! Always such a good time together.

Okay, later! I'll see who I can nab next. You know, for different perspectives and all. ;)

{out with the old, in with the new}

Well sort-of, for the season that is!

Up and down the attic stairs with bins of spring and summer clothes. I'm a little afraid of packing away all of my winter clothing as the minute I do, we will get 4 feet of snow. But the last two days of sun have made me ready to get it all out.

Of course, I am realizing I am missing one new skirt I bought at the end summer last year. If I have keyed in on that, what else is lost? There is no telling what is up there?

So, my washer will be running steadily as I have to rewash everything. Stupid, I know.

Soooo looking forward to lunch with friends tomorrow, a 3-day weekend with the kiddos, a date night with Scott and Easter services with the family.

{thanks, Stacy!}

My friend Stacy placed a link to an incredible song on her blog. I wanted to share it as well. As sad as this is for me to say, I've heard this song so many times on Air1 and absolutely did not "hear" the words. It's amazing. Thanks for sharing Stacy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OAKBXBXz1fo&feature=related

As one comment said on Youtube: A great reminder. Reminding us how important GOD is in our lives and the lives of our family especially in these hard times.

{one down}

Evan is sick with tummy trouble. Hope he recovers quickly and the rest of us stay well! He is furious because he is missing practice. Again. We are not doing so well this season. :(

{fancy delivery?}

Who needs FDA when you have sweet little boys who bring you tree branches, weeds, leaves and roots? Honestly, as simple as it is......this is one of my very favorite things about being a mommy. (clarification: "Mom" to one, "Mommy" to the other :) Seeing these truly brings tears to my eyes. It always takes me back to the days when I didn't know.......if I would ever experience these little joys. I am so incredibly blessed! Particularly with the branches, sticks and weeds.......and, all that is in between!

I wouldn't trade these for a 100 bloomed roses........

Notice the leaves? LOVE it!

and, the roots.........

In this one, he drowned them in a cup of water. They are swimming!

My devotional day was quite fitting.

"The Growing Times"

Enfolded in love, let us grow up in every way and in all things into Him Who is the Head, [even] Christ. Ephesians 4:15

If you look back over your life, you will see that you never grow during easy times; you grow during hard times. During the easy times that come, you are able to enjoy what you have gained through the hard times. This is really a life principle; it is just the way it works.

Hebrews 12:11 "For the time being no discipline brings joy, but seems grievous and painful; but afterwards it yields a peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it."

To be truly victorious, we must grow to the place where we are not afraid of hard times but are actually challenged by them. Because it is during these hard times that we grow.

{self-tanner update}

I am still a streaked-up, blotchy pumpkin. I am beginning to wonder if it is a permanent concoction?

However, I received some emails/posts re: what type I had originally used {that I love, love, love} prior to the bright idea of going store-brand.

It is Fake-Bake, spray-on. I do absolutely love it - no complaints at all. It looks very natural and I have never had an problem with the application. Obviously, after this last bout it is clear that I am application-challenged in a very big way.

But, it can be purchased at Ulta. I usually have to get two cans at a time as it pretty much stays sold out. And, it is $31 per can or something close. I think the one I substituted was $4.50. Enough said.