I'm availaable...IF you need me....even though I KNOW you NEED me.

So, I was talking to my husband today....not really a good thing on just about no sleep, coupled with the social, personal, and educational responsibilities that keep me going like a plane on auto pilot.Anyone that knows me knows I am a night owl. but I tend to take that term to the enth degree...as in hardly no sleep.
My theory is that so much can and should be done at night!!!
Banking, Christmas shopping, school...everything should be available at night...once my kids go to sleep....ALL of THEM....even "a Jenae" as she refers to herself; when people ask how many children I have...I respond five kids and she says...."and a Jenae"
The thing is... I am available to so many people throughout the day, that by the time, I'm not needed or wanted..it's pretty late....Now of course I can and do make myself available, but not with action.Meaning I am available...but I'm not interested and am not going to watch you jump on one foot while singing the latest show tune you made up, or listen to one more story that leads into another, or look and this, fix that, sign this and taste...or smell THAT!!!

That leaves me motionless...BUT I'm available....THAT makes me feel good...:)

Like when I put on my earbuds ...blast smooth jazz and leave my door open for kids to come in, looking up, smiling and nodding....unaware of their real needs...uninterested for the most part.Unfortunately...the person...usually the youngest and his sister the drama queen......gets my attention enough to where I take ACTION and remove my earbuds...and lend my full attention.

OK...so back to my first though....availability, conversation with husband....LOL....I'm focused...I'm focused!
So God commands his people to : Go, prove,seek, test. try, study, pray and a whole list of other VERBS that require action and a position of action in one state or another.
For some reason, many people have the notion that we are to be available...and they leave it right there..." I'm available Lord", " Use me lord...I'm here" are a few thing we hear all the time.
The truth is...God is waiting on YOU....to Go, teach, tell, serve, pray, DO...DO....DO!!!!
This takes us from the first position...that mirrors what I described above..... but really...how effective am I when I KNOW they not only need me to be available...but to meet a need or want.

As I type this, losing my train of thought...( 2 hrs of sleep will do that )..Contacts dry...just got finish teaching a ZUMBA class...tending too the kids, putting air in the tire,praying for my husband, finding the universal remote...and losing the codes paper, listening to Allyn tell me about..something....Allowing the Wii to be played...one more game....and getting a peek a boo like " Hi Mommy " from Radiant..Cerah asking to hang out in my room, telling her no, then feeling bad...ALL in the last hr...I want to challenge you to not only be available...but get into action...for your family, friends, community, and most importantly God.
Someone needs to hear/read this and at the least...this is my space in cyber space ...so I get to yap on as much as I like....:)
Saying you're available sounds real good...and looks good on paper...BUT what are you doing to make a difference in ONE person's life...that you KNOW has a need...or a want?

DISCLAIMER: Let's not over complicate this and super size it spiritually..(McDonalds fries on the brain....I passed them up today...I miss those things...)..This may simple mean,,helping a neighbor, calling a friend, writing a letter,, giving someone money or just listening.....it's the little things you do to show how much you care...and it's the little tings that shine the most

I've always been mindful to look for opportunities to be a blessing to someone else.NOT that it always happens...but for the most part..I am VERY mindful and take action....it is a thankless position to be in...with MAN...but I know where my reward is
So folks....Yes, I'm THAT lady in the store that butts into your conversation to answer your questions like, "where's the bathroom, or how does this look...and I've even settled marital tits in stores..(Let him get the IPAD....I got one..it works well!!!.....LOL...yes...THAT"S ME"-As the old folks use to say, I never meet a stranger....

Happy Wednesday.....With Jesus, you're over the hump!!!

Wednesday are called hump day, old people are stereotyped by a hump, camels are known for their humps and unfortunately nothing too positive is associated with a hump... even a day of the week.Wednesday, "hump day" is what most Americans call this day of the week that is after Monday and Tuesday...hmm What makes Wednesday so different???
Wednesday is treated like that one piece of chocolate in the box with the pink mystery filling, or the sock that is left over from laundry; tossed from room to room on any given day, at any given moment.Wednesday is tolerated like THAT one friend that has jokes that no one understands, or Chemistry 101.....at JCC...and its labs.... Poor Wednesday.....sheesh.....people are conditioned to regret Monday's, accept Tuesdays, and struggle through Wednesday.Well, I have a different mindset about Wednesday, everyday for that matter!Wednesday is another day on this earth, to love, to live and to share Christ with my life!!!
Taking into account that we all have days or moments where we just don't feel like it, or as I say," don't feel like being bothered."These are days when my husband proclaims in a questionable tone," yall better leave your Momma alone now...LOL"( yes, he laughs in the end...hence me questioning his intent...LOL).
OK!!! Back on subject!!
Except the days that just aren't filled with emotional fireworks, Skittles, smiley faces,Jesus t-shirts and armbands, why would we set ourselves up on Tuesday to have a mindset of defeat on Wednesday?Life offers unforeseen challenges, disappointments and struggles, so why do people choose to place themselves in position that is inferior....hump?
To be in a hump, or humped over is not a posture of superiority, and to approach Wednesday with the mindset of "humping" through the day, is emotional defeat; before the day begins!!!People just kind of get through Wednesday...instead of TGIW or HAPPY WEDNESDAY, or even planning parties on Wednesday....lol....I encourage people to see the days of the week differently-
The mind is a terrible thing to waste,and is also a route to your spirit.So if we say Wednesday is hump day, instead of " (Wednesday) is the day that the Lord has made, I WILL rejoice and be glad in it"Psalms 118:24, then we are setting ourselves up for defeat.It's like someone determined to be mad, you know that person!I was that person from time to time....the grudge holder....silent treatment!Why are we giving Wednesday the silent treatment?Wednesday does not stand a chance to be a good day in many people's lives, because of the preconceived notion of " humping through the day."

I challenge you, like a good round of wrestling, to see your days on this earth differently.Rejoice in life, and the fact that you are living!Even if life is not what you want it to be, perhaps if you change your mindset about the simplest things, such as the days of the week, you might be inspired to change! With Jesus, life is not without struggle, but with him, we've already won.So if that's the case, we have no humps to get over....so why give ourselves one???
So while America is wishing people well on their "hump day" I am happy it's Wednesday!!!As I type this, I am watching classic Sesame Street with my youngest and oldest sons.Guess which one is humming along with the music?Life is not perfect, but I am full of joy and peace...and choose to love all the days of the week.....:)

Life interrupted and disrupted!!

Wow...it has been a long time sense I blogged.I've had a time in life sense my last post.In short, life was interrupted to the point where it seemed to be disrupted.The Bible says to count it all joy when you fall into diverse trials and temptations.My favorite thing is knowing that ALL things work together for the good of them that love God and are called according to his purpose.I know that everything I've experienced in my life has not only made me stronger, but increased my love for my heavenly father!!What happened you may say????Well there is more to come in this blog as well as the other blogs that willbe created!

Soooooo I want to rename the blogspot...hmmmm what shall it be???I may just keep this one though

My husband and I will be creating one call He said...She said......biblically based encouragement for men and women!!Filled with practical knowledge and humor..with the mission to shed light on things often left unsaid, misunderstood or ignored in the life of people that are single, engaged and married!

Avoiding the necessary

So....I have to prepare to meet my husband in a few days .Much...much earlier than anticipated.We THOUGHT he was coming in June..We had it all planned:
We were going to steal away for the night, then return home in the wee hours if the night.The kids will not have a clue that he is home.THEN in true Vannell fashion, we were going to have vannell begin to cook breakfast and sing with joy, as if he never deployed.We knew the kids would think they were dreaming, and or going crazy...
Well that plan got nixed for a different one.So now I have to pack, not knowing how long I will be gone for.Thank God my mother is here...and Glynnis make sure you check too..
The thing is, I know exactly what I want and need to pack...I just don't feel like it.
So I am just sittin here waiting till I get the phone call, then imma do the Flinstone shuffle to get the hell outta dodge to see Mr.Until then I will reinvent my list in my head...over and over again.
I am, however , excited about seeing Mr.I cannot wait to see his smile, hear his laugh, and smell his cologne...he always smells soo good.I thank God for a pretty boy on most days....getting ready for church can be hell though...lol.
SO as my journey to Walter Reed unfold, I will try and keep you that follow this blog posted.
Thankfully, he is not in critical or immediate danger.Thankfully, whatever is the problem was found before it became an even bigger problem or became fatal.
I am happy he is coming home, but as we say, wish it was not on these terms.
It's funny, because knowing what I am gonna have to face gettin him all cared for, I am thinking of ways as to how I can make a difference in the lives of soldiers that will be, and have been there for a long time....talkin about selfless(not to toot my own horn...just want to make a difference)
With that being said, I thank God for his love, because he saw pass what he was going to loose and gave us his son, so we might live.That's love, and with the same love that is shown to me and my family, I want to give back to other men and women in the military...including my husband.

Bloggin' Keeps Happenin' in My Head

*sing to the tune of Raindrops are Fallin' on My Head*

I seriously think that this day and age of internet social networking is never going to come to an end.Unlike the Members Only Jacket, Swatch Watch and the Pet Rock, the various social networks are evolving daily into this beast of education, recreation, fights, fueds, love and hate....to name a few things that occur on these sites....lol.
I will admit in a hurry that I participate in a few of them...ok several.I always have, even when it was unpopular.I have always had the group of people, some I never met, some, I have a common bond of the military with...others train as hard as I do...a nd some eat the way I do....I have at least three from high school, Homeschooling, stay at home moms...ohh the list goes on...
I said all that to say that I have "literally" been bloggin this post ...in my head ....virtually...for weeks.I have been meaning to come here to update my blog...and to my distracted mind, I have been busy online with my other sites, I have neglected my blog...lol.*Insert violin music here*
Then when I hit home page, I keep seeing the last post was April....the begining there of...lol....sad.
So in a nutshell,this is what has happened as I remember...
Well we had Spring break, went on vacation to waterpark...weather has broke...it has been great..Kids got flu...church is church...Vannell is fine...sent at least 4 boxes since last post...yadda yadda......my life as I know it is the same...virtually and realisticlly.
I have already vowed not to join another social networking group...UNLESS I get rid of one that I already have...lol.
It is addictive, yet fun, and entertaining...
So as I post this I am wondering about a tweet, whether Myspace has new messeges...have I been invited to yet another mafia...is there a quiz to take...

Spring Has Sprung

April Showers bring May flowers...Rain Rain go away...
and any other saying one can think of, resembles the crazy ,unpredictable and inconsistant weather we have here in Watertown/Fort Drum NY.We are not sure which saying applies to our weather.As soon as we say one...another situation happens.
So we went from lower thirties last week to sixties yesterday, to rainy fifties today.
I remember when I was younger in Miami, and when it was in the 60's we practiclly had to close school.One was definately wearing boots and a jacket......at least till 12:00pm , when the weather promised to be well above the degree that displayed earlier that am.
So it was funny and like an out of body experience, when we checked the weather Wed.Night(as you HAVE to here.,....one never knows if they are gonna get snow or hail here in NNY)anyway, we check the weather, and you would have thought we all hit the lottery!!!!
60 degrees!!!!!!!!!and possible higher!!!!!!!
Everyone that was able to plan an outfit/ day did.I mean I saw the iron, and capris and shorts...it was hilarious.
Even Radiant , the lone homeschoold one, ran and got her books, in order to do the next days work, in hopes to spend(what she so slickly requests on a weerkly basis)"Mother daughter time..... at the MALL"....lol.
So as the ironing was takin place, and acessories organized, Radiant sat there and did all her work for the next day.When she was done, she handed it in for me to grade/ check....and of she went....first two fingers of the right hand in their common place.....she ran to get her outfit together.
Where she was going...IDK?!But she was going as well.
Need less to say, it was a nice day....nice...very nice.
We went out and hit the mall,Walmart, the park and had lunch at Pondersosa.It was a nice refreshing day!

All that, and to wake up to gloomy and rainy skies today;(
There is no wonder in my mind as to why everyone is hackin and coughing all over the place.I am tryin to avoid it all, like the plague.
I have my spray hand sanitizer, my gel hand sanitizer,Lysol and bleach.I feel like MONK right now.I really don't like to be sick, nor am I fan of sick babies.
I guess nature is telling us, that we must take the weather as we get it.When summer finally comes, we don't enjoy it full because we are anticipating the winter.After this winter, I think I am going to bask in all the sun, warmth and mild weather we get!
The good news is that MrB will be home this winter!
good timez

To Whom Do I Owe This Honor

It is 9:47pm, Wednesday March 25, 2009....and ALL My Children are sleep...and have been for a minute.
*angelic harp music*

ahh calgon take me away........................far

Why do you RUN to a KIT KAT when life is so BUSY it makes you SICK and all you want to do is SLEEP??

So as usual when you confess to having a busy life, the laws of nature makes you live up to it!
The past weekend was a mess of Bronchitis, sniffles, upset stomach and diarrhea....and its not ova.I guess with a family this size, it takes time to float from person to person.
So My weekend started off ok...
The usual...until I felt like I was gonna throw up and fall off the Eliptical on mile five...So at first I thought, maybe I was over doing it.Impossible...when I have been working out at this pace for awhile.I felt a wave of nausea for about three days prior.
So then I continued my workout, hit the sauna...and left my safe haven....heading back home....the jungle.
So anyway, I decided to stop by and get some food, since I didn't feel like cooking.
I ate it, and in about 5 minutes FLAT...I was hovering over the toilet in pain....it was a mess.
SO needless to say, I was in bed from Sat to Monday.In the mean time, number 5 decided he wanted to retry the Bronchitis symptoms...So I was up with him AGAIN.
Now it's Monday, and I ended up having to send one of my daycare kids home ....the runs....
Well now it's Tuesday, and number 5 is still sounding like ...Don Corlioni(The God Father) and number 4 decided she wanted a "run" for her money.....She actually was quite proud of her participation in the "run".....proclaiming with excitment as I walked in the door this evening...."Mommy, i'm sick..../I had di-a-weea"...GREAT.
So I will have DON Corlioni and Princess Runny Pants at home tomorrow!!!!Good times!
On top of all that, as Global Warming and leap year would have it...my cycle is doin it's own thing...I swear I am hearing from other people...at least 3 other people that they are getting their cycles twice a month.Sooooo I GUESS that's why I HAD to stop at the shoppette and get a KIT KAT .....after coming from the gym...I HAD to have it!
If I have not mentioned it this week/ month....I miss my man...RR can not get here fast enough.Imma sleep for a day.
Glynnis you KNOW I can do it....rotflol.
SO life as I know it continues.I am working on about 2 hours sleep...I am feeling my high subside.SO my goal tonight is to sleep....nothing more or less.
Until the next time...I bid all readers of this blog whether purposfully or through thing mega giant called google.....good night!

5 Miles of FuN

As the day of the Shamrock run approached I began to get excited.I was not sure what to expect.I had not done something this challenging in YEARS.Never to this magnitude.I was uncertain about the weather.I prayed the sun would shine at least.
I continued to train even when I went on vacation. It was always on my mind.I continued to eat well, and excersize.I was NOT about to get my booty handed to me as a result of letting it all hang loose while on vacation.So while I did eat and drink things I normally pass on....I did not over do it:)
So the night before the race, I encouraged my team to stretch and stretch some more.I layed my clothes out.(sign of excitement)and headed off to sleep.Surprisingly enough I awoke to one of my team members/ children taking a shower, preparing for their day.(wow...they were as excided as I was!!)
Camera in hand, eating a banana,cell phone, and ipod in tow...I headed off to get the last memeber of the team.(oh yeh..I did have water...important things first though...lol)
We got her about 8:00am(if you know me you know that was impressive for a Saturday...aaannnd it was not shoe sale related)...anticipating a long line of people checking in.The military wife in me would have it no other way.
(One thing MSG Wifey forgot to do...very important....RECON route BEFORE the race....details to come)
We checked in, and got our numbers and was set to go...only problem was that the race did not begin until 10.But as we waited and stretched, we were happy we showed up early and beat the long line that was forming.
So what did we do???What anyone with a camera and a facebook/ ,myspace account would do...PICTURESSSSS!!

me all smiles BEFORE the run.
Pam all smiles...as usual


Gemini

Allyn....silly as usual


So it was finally time to head out in the 40 something degree weather to line up for the run.We saw some people that impressed us before the run even began.I mean they were ready!They taught us novice a thing or two.The gear, the gadgets and the get ups were impressive.I mean they were set.We headed off, unsure...but READY.Confident..aand all smiles.
So while we waited.....yes....more pictures!!
Allyn trying to present his "im a serious runner look"


That's that Northern NY wussup through the mitten...

wow....wuddduuupppp????

Pam and her " G"...pose

It was cold....

And the stretch and play before the horn sounds...


As instructed the fast runners made their way to the front of the pack.Those of us that were doing a little walking and running were behind them.The stroller moms followed us.So yeh...in true organized run fashion...The horn sounded.And like a lightening bolt...they were off...only thing was that we underestimated the amount of runners, so we were actually in the pack of fast runners.In order to avoid getting trampled or cursed out...we ran....and kept running..I was like ,"what the heck???"Now.... we had anticipated running, but not off bat....I was NOT ready for that...it was hilarious....run or get ran over.As serious as those runners were...I choose to run....The air was cold, my running song was not on...I was a mess.So we jogged as far as our bodies took us...long enough for the show offs...I mean fast runners... to get well ahaead of us.
We maintained a brisk pace, and as cold as it was, we began to grow accustom to the cold.
So we walked...and walked....then we saw a mile marker...YES!!!!.The thing is that the majority of the people chose to do the 2 mile run...we were among those that chose the 5 mile.So as we saw them turning around....heading back...we had to keep on to our turn around point.As they smiled as us, and waved, because they knew their run was almost over.Even when we were on the 5 mile route it was impressive to see the fast runners already heading back.It was pure encouragment for me!We cheered them on...and kept our eyes on our goal.My main goal was to get my time and not come in last.
I chose the 5 miler because I wanted to push myself to do something I had never done before.I knew I could do it...and I wanted to prove it to the part of my brain that said "duuuude....no way".
I never workout in the cold,not much for hanging out in it for that matter, so it must have been shocking to my system to breath in the cold air, because I had a lil "snot issue" from jump....lol.On top of that...as stated before MSG Wifey did not recon the route, so I was unaware of the many hills...beastly hills that led the way.And on top of that...when we suppose to be on flat ground...it was not.I discovered Watertown roads are not completely flat.
Pam and I mainatined our pace, passing those that were ahead of us, and looking back for noone...



Allyn would stay with Gemini, them sprint ahead of us...then I think he got mad and just left us all.You know the good kind of mad....like what am I doing?Let's knock this out.That rush!!!


I don't think Pam stopped smiling the whole time..She danced,skipped, hopped and cheered....are you kiddin me???(Her husband disclosed her secret later, she worked out that morning, right before we got there....so mentally she was ahead of our game...cheater...lol) but I was mad...lol.Mad it takes all this to get in shape...lol...mad at the cold..mad at the snot...mad at the roads...BUT I was loving every step I took towards my goal.I meant business.(this picture makes me look fat..I had a front pouch full of junk.



ahh....sweet Jesus....the end...the finish line.Where is the crowd of people...cheering???I guess they say you are on your own...it's cold!The main crowd was there to cheer the finishers of the 2 miler...and probably the first of the 5 milers.In their defense it was cold...People were there , but not like you see on tv...lol.That's ok..I was my own cheerleader...and Pam of course.



Still smiling....Are you kiddin me???Did she just do 5 miles like I did...


You see Pam?? Now have a look at me.I was mad...lol...not really...but my nose began to BURN real bad...real bad..and the mucus was outta control.Good news is, I finished...and made the time I wanted.AND I did not feel broke down afterwards.But do you see my expression....I might have been sayin, as I looked at Pam...What the hell is she on????


All in all it was a wonderful time.It was hilarious to see "Pumpy Pam" react as I let out my signature, "whooohooo" as we worked it out.My whoooo is like a hoooah or my personal cadence to keep me goin....that second wind.She was like...you alright?I was like yeh...lol....don't mind me....i'll "whoooo lawd" ya in a min. if I am workin out to my max.
Afterwards, we got refreshed and had a victory lunch in the 'Cuse...I craved Olive Garden salad...something fierce.
Well there is more in store for Team BeMoShanksWins.It was a good ride...looking forward to many more. I was impressed with myself the next day, and even now...not broke down at all...it actually pushed my workout to another level.
Things I learned:
*You just can't go from working out indoors to outsdoors in the cold ....hence my nose issue...been sneezin since.
*make sure my playlist in tact...when ur workin out that hard...fumbling with an ipod touch is not good
*I layered from head to toes very well
*recon the route if possible...always good to know where you are going...its a mind game to me...once I hit the turn around point, it was easier menatlly because I knew where the finish line was
*There is a hat that I can get that has a whole for my pony tail....cute.
*use my ipod arm holder thingy....convenient.
*get another pair of running shoes...these were bought a size to big...not good to have feet sliding..
*give Pam a sedative...or two.
*Cute went away real quick.What is that when you are working your booty off....you got a snot nose, it's cold, my hands were freezing and my butt was yelling at me to kill the hills.....lol

I want to say a special hoooah to my 2 teenage team mates.Allyn who finished ahead of us...a former tubby turned athlete...and Gemini....who finished for the team.We got worried there for a minute.We didn't see her behind us.I was going to go get my truck and follow the route until I found her...because all I could imagine was her in the middle of the road(they did not block it off to traffic...was not good...they drove like maniacs)Sitting there , stubbornly refusing to go a pace further.BUT....HOWEVER....To our surprise, she finished...for the team....big ups!!!!
Again, this was something I would have never guessed I'd do about 6 months ago.EVER...especially in that weather.It probably was good that I didn't recon the route, because I probably would have defeated myself from the start.
It speaks volumes of my effort that I completed the race,and was not broke down afterwards.I had my rest day on Sunday and restarted my workout on Monday!
Thank you Glynnis for the encouragement and compliments!
Thanks to my hubby....my number one fan....the dude said I motivate and inspire him....really??!!!....I am humbled!
And to my children , who I want to live as an example for more so than anything.Maintaining maximum health to be alive and well for a very, very, very..... long time!

Until next time.....Peace Love and Excersize!!!!

BeMoShanksWins

Well within the past week, I have managed to do alot of things.Some things I do on the regular, and one great thing I did was unprecidented.
I ran/ brisk walked a 5 mile run!!The Shamrock Run held here in Watertown.
I am so proud of Team BeMoShanksWins-We rocked....We finished!!!

I started this journey about a year ago.Determined to get the stubborn 50lbs off.I have been back and forth with that number since I had my last 10 pounder(yes...he was huge...no epi..no nuthin)I have never had a weight problem, just the weight from having a baby.I just never seem to let it go...lol.Well there was that time in Hawaii when I lost all of it....aaannnnd you guessed it....I got pregnant!
Anyway....as most women do,I put me on the back burner.I took care of everyone else, and everything else.Me on the back burner,well sort of.If you know me, you know no matter what size, imma be "right".Imma represent for the curvy ladies.(I can hear a song comin on)
*to the tune of Single Ladies*All my curvy ladies...all my curvey ladies....put your snacks up!!

*ok im focused *

Well after many headaches, and just plain and simply tired of being tired, I started the journey, just eating right.Staying away from the sweets, etc that are a guilty pleasure.
Anywho....as my weight loss began to steady, and it was drag inch by inch....I was encouraged, by an unlikely source (my cousin who is very much overweight/ yet will hit the gym in a heart beat)to excersize.I HATED to excersize.I was allergic.BUT I started....and kept it up.I found that the gym became an outlet for me to clear my mind of the days stresses.It became a place where I vented frustrations to myself, as the music I was listening to took me somewhere else.I found that my weight loss sky rocketed as I worked out.I went from once a week to three days to 6 days a week.its addicting now!!!From an 18 to a size 12(loose fittin)(and counting)...i'd say I ROCK!!!
My husband has promised to convert a room in the basement into a gym...I am afraid I will not like it...it's something about GOING to the gym....and getting out the house...leaving all the cares, frustrations, tears, and WHINING behind...for 2 hours...HEAVENLY!!!!(If he puts in a sauna...I may have to reconsider)
*I so can see the line of little and medium size people loitering at the door as I attempt to excersize*
They do it now, when I have to workout at home, all of a sudden the littles have pressing information they need to tell me.peering through my room door(glass)...whining about something...anything...Ilove how the older guys KNOW I have on ear buds...and comence to speak to me through the door...and I am clear on the other side of my pretty large bedroom....really???!!!
The good news is that the older children have really stepped up their game and begun to take care of their bodies.Joining me at the gym from time to time, and excersizing at home whenever they can.Snacks have been reinvented in my home, and if we HAVE to have a sweet...it is eating and that's that.Gone are the days of a cabinet full of sweets...Now it is filled with better choices.
So Team BeMoShanksWins-Myself,Allyn,Gemini, and Pam.We have created this team, and was determined to finish!WITH the anticipation of more runs on the horizon.

So the semi couch potatoe turns athelete.....health nut...as fit as I was in highschool.I have managed to inspire many,most of all the person that inspired me to loose weight.When I saw her Sunday, I told her of my run...she nearly cried with joy...and "bowed" with admiration as she has yet to knock out a mile without becoming ovewhelmed.
I did something I thought I could never do, and ENJOYED it....for the most part.(details in next post)
I encourage anyone reading this post that has a dream to do something POSITIVE .Go for it...the worst that could happen is that you don't try!!!

Stir Crazy

Woow...it has been a minute since my last post.My blog has been on my mind, and I probably have been bloggin in my mind...rotflol.
Not much has happened since my last post.
I did enjoy a week and a few days vacation in MIAMI.
I had a BLAST!!!
I acted like a married lady withour children:0
The weather was awesome......compared to here, I thought I was in Make Believe Land.I forgot it got that warm in the world.Sad part about it, I was excited for the family when I called hime and the said it was a "warm" 44 degrees...I know yall loss ur minds last week!
If it was strapless,a halter,sleeveless,flipped or flopped I wore it.I was determined to take in the warmth, and I did.
Well I am back to reality....my reality.
Came home and chores were done....not....rotflol.
So yeh, I am back to my life as I know it...not as I wished it last week.Warm weather, no limitations, and care free.(attached to the cell phone of course...have to keep in touch with Mr.B)
So I went from paradise and returned to mi vida loca!!!
Well i'm off to coax a certain someone to sleep(fat chance...lol.)
..she is laying down...so that's a start
peace

Ok...so life happens....and then I blog a week later.
My life went from Ground Hog day to the Ringling Brother's Circus it is know to be!
So on Friday, I got a call (while on my way home from Syracuse) that my little guy was very sick.So after playing phone tag and meet - up.I took him in , and he has Bronchitis....FUN!
Then I went to a Valentine's event on that Saturday, was not entertained...but was in good company.
I then became ill...with what seemed like the flu.Not yet recovered...but feelin better.I was in my bed all weekend...ringer off....thank God my mom was here to help bring in the rear...along with the older children.
So then came Monday..........WINTER BREAK!!!!!!
So right now I have all the kids home and we are doin us......whatever that is.
I am ready for a getaway...and am planning one as we speak.


In the mean time....As the World Turns , My Life is not that of one in 90210, I would love to be in Miami Nights, or Lost in Hawaii 50.
Some Give Me a Break and some expect me to be Entertainment Tonight....but regardless I am continuing to have the Best Week Ever!

The same things change more so they also remain different.

The More things change...the more they stay the same.I decided to google routine, and post the first image.This is what came up...lol.Very cute dipiction.

The more things change in my day to day life, the more they remain the same.....lol. It is like that with children.....with 6 children....and a family.And those of you with pets....*bows*.....there is a special place in the looney bin for pet owners.....lol.(you thought I was going to say heaven ....)....j/k....it is a special thing.The children's problems, needs and antics changes the course of MY day by the minute, but nothing is new...lol.

Who did what...who said what...who smells, who use to smell....who thinks it's cool to smell....farts, burps, bruises, whine, slip, sip, wink,slap, and a hit.....lol.

All possibly in THAT order.....Thank you Uncle Sam for the honor to referee the madness of it all sucessfully I might add....during a year long deployment.

When the deployment first started, I knew things would get challenging, stressful, blissful, peaceful and annoying all in the course of a year.And it has....on schedule....

Well my "Donut of Misery"tracker has us at about 36% completed....that's a plus.So with just a little under half of the time gone, I find us in routine.The saying at the bottom of the "donut"says..."Are we there yet?"

And that's how I feel....Are we there YEEEEEET....lol.

Is it summer,R&R is surely on its way.....right...????

I thank God for his presence in my life.Keeping us safe and sound while the man of this household is far away.I thank God for keeping him safe.

I am inclined to think that as much as God is a God that changes, but definately remains the same(one of my favorite things to say)....So is life ....The more things change....the more they stay the same.So perhaps routine is a way for us to get things right.....or in order.To learn what we need to learn in the MOMENT.To stop and smell the roses.Also, I find that routine also encourages us to step outside the box and create a new experience....for entertainment, for education, for any area in your life that needs to change....yet remain the same.Just the same with Christ.If you have God in your life, you know that there are times when the relationship feels routine.And as the scripture says, as the deer pants for water...my soul longs after thee.This is a great scripture to explain the thirst for change that it takes to seek God in a new, personal, and individualistic manner.As a result....change....yet things remain the same!

So as much as I feel like I am in an episode of Ground Hog Day....I KNOW that it is all good...for my good!I don't need drama, crisis, or some severe event to feel significant in life.I am ok with Ground Hog Day verses Nightmare on Elm Street.

Hibernation 101

Anyone that knows me knows I am a person that does not mind rest, or getting sleep.Quarterly, during deployments especially, I take weekend or weekly sabaticles away....far....alone.( I think I mentioned that before...lol)Anyway, thanx to the truck being fixed, it can be done, but will not happen this weekend, as I planned.Instead, I am going to make the best of the weekend in this order.

WARNING!!!:The following is subject to schedule change at my disgression

*Truck will be done soon*doing the happy dance*More so for the fact that my babies will get to go to school Monday!From one early childhood professional to another...My hats off to you MrsDonna
*Kids got to talk to their friends and teachers
*It's Friday-IT IS FRIDAY.I am so at the point where I have to do my quarterly get away.Its coming, delayed by the truck, but its all good.If you know my house and where my bedroom is,uh you know I am straight.
*Workout- yeh, I need to sit in the sauna ....doggone over worked neck muscle
*get my dang nail fixed.....just got fills 2 days ago.....
*Starbucks(see two up)...rotflol Tall caramel frap-(line cup with caramel please)whipped cream,and caramel on whipped cream!
*Buffalo Wings-(see two up...not that bad though...I get a salad instead of fries, and I make two meals out of it......so there*sticks tongue out*)they know me there....Is that as bad as being number 8 in the nation for Diner Dash?
*Good book-that's optional...The last book I read was a major disappointment, because it had such potential...then he added Sci Fi....WHY????
*Brief Maam-Laterally transfer all information pertaining to the forward ops of the household.(I am sure there is a mutiny planned as I write)
*LOCKED room door(if not, i'll get the constant influx of company.)I should mention curtains closed....as it is a favorite thing for ANY and all my kids to stand at my french doors...one may have a huge smile, the other just stands there,and says..."whaaaaaaaat" as only she know how, another is there leaning on the doors,about to break them....but she "doesn't know it.....her body just does it", then there is the one standing there with her fingers in her mouth, making the suckin noise, and if she is hungry she is going to hum every Gospel song she knows ...really hungry its gonna be the Jonas Brothers......Now the last two just bust in the room.
*Silenced phone....with the exception for one person...
*DVR review weekly recordings-need to watch 24 and HELL'S KITCHEN
*Absolutely no think zone-about ANYTHING......LOL.

I am not sure if we are suppose to get snow, but I am going to hunker down as if we were....lol.
Nothings wrong,I am actually doing well, but if you know me, you know me....nuff said.
Glynnis, I need to watch that video...I MAY send a reply...rotflol

This is a weekend of hibernation
p.s(Carrie if you are still on....they are now in the basement playing and laughing as if they are the best of friends.uh oh...."me dun wanna do dis one".....(reading a book together)Vannell coomplied, and turned the page......now we are counting....ahhh good timezzzz

Shoe Fury

Ok...So when the journalist threw the shoe....well shoes at Bush, I had a laugh.Then was concerned for his safety or lack there of that allowed the man to get off and throw not one, but two shoes.

Then the shoe revolt started here in the states.On the eve of his handover of the White House to his predecessor, protesters turned the Pennsylvania Ave dwelling into what looked like an assortment of shoes that had fallen off a Salvation Army donation truck.One protester said,"“We wanted to shoo and boo Bush on his last day in office,” (Ann Wilcox)

Ok, so I have a very fond and positive relationship with shoes,and it has never occurred me to use them as a form of protest.

I have on occasion used flip flop as a fly swatter.A good slipper makes for a great discipline aid.And heck a good ole wooden wedge makes a GREAT hammer!I do not recommend shoveling snow in heels , or trying to mow the lawn in sandals.If the shoe fits......use it!

But as a sign of protest?!I looked up the origin,and even as I am searching for pics, I came across so many incidents that involve throwing things as a means of protect and rage....especially shoes.

A local protest sparked this blog

ITHACA - A protester dressed in his 1950s-era military uniform threw his shoes at Mayor Carolyn Peterson and brought Common Council's Wednesday night meeting to an almost hour-long standstill, insisting that he wanted to be arrested in protest over the Council's position against the "immoral wars" in Iraq and Afghanistan

ok....so is the new form of protest here in America?Yall know when something hits our shores, it spreads like hips on a ...ok...never mind...you know what I'm saying though.

I will admit, it made me chuckle.But when you think of the intent behind the shoes being thrown, its like wow.....all I could think of is hate or disgust

Your USED shoe has walked on and been in many dirty, nasty, places.Touched many germy things....and biblically speaking sandals had a major symbolism in their daily interactions.From removing them to enter a home, or to have one's feet washed.To trading them as a sign of a contract or agreement.

So to toss one out a fit of rage or anger at someone,cannot be good.I can only imagine the incidents in America as the idea spreads.

Bored...you say????

Ok...I am learning never to say you're bored while dealing or going through a deployment.


I need to stick to browsing bored.com before I speak another word of boredom....



ok in the last 72 hours:

*My truck sound like it has the flu and a stomache virus while wearing a red hat flashing ABS.

*My car's ABS light is back on as well....and the engine light is back on after being serviced last week

*I had to do the climb on the hood method of reconfiguring the garage door ....again

*I got a 24 stomach head virus situation

*Someone hacked into my email account and deleted EVERY THING

*I'm in the whole...can't sleep at night rotation

and a whole other nit picky things that normally I would lol @ and keep going.But when your man is a hundred and 50 thousand(insert teenage drama there) million miles away.....in a combat zone....everything, and nothing ticks you off....even him.

The good news is that yes the truck situation is a pain, but I got it off to the dealer, and it should be fixed by next week.BUT I tell you what, come hell or high water, my two darling angels will be in school next week.While I am sure Sarah is enjoying having her buddies home.Cause they have managed to destroy my basement in a manner of minutes, all while managing not to fight.But how can they when they are forming a coallition against me...I'll call it the Cailou revolt....if I don't play Cailou at least twice a day for an hour straight....the Elmo doll will get it!

Then there is the attack of the Smilee...............they smilee face gummie worms.

I decided tonight on the way from that I will not complain.I told the kids that at least:

*Maam was here to follow me to the dealer as I dropped the truck off

*I am feeling better

* I am happy I can fix the things that break, or find a way to

*I am back in my account / emails not there...but i'm in

*I can't complain:

We are blessed,alive,full of joy,and healthy............................So on the days that I am bored, I may choose to say I am activity challenged....bored i'm not.

Specifically Spectacles

Ok...so Vannell Jr got his specs today.

He is such an old man....and now the specs add the final touch.

He was excited to put them on, and it was hilarious when he did, it was almost as if the world opened up....became clear.Like in that one movie(it will come to me...as I type....hopefully)....the one movie where the people went in the tv and lived a black and white life, til they decided to enjoy life, then color slowly started coming.

He got the glasses, put them on, and smiled a huge smile.Then he ran from person to person naming stuff....pointing and naming...lol....seriously....it was like Benny Hinn was in the room.

"Mommy has on glasses"...pointing at me....."Maam has on glasses"...pointing at maam....."Gemini ...oh Gemini has on glasses.".....then he just went around the room, naming stuff, people etc....hilarious!

Then it was on and off with the glasses.I bought him the handsome Superman carrying case.When (I suspect) he gets a headache from his eyes adjusting.He takes the glasses off, and says,"I'm donna safe my dalasses for tomorrow.

Its the cutest thing...

Here are some pics of the old man lookin older....

he's not into smiling much....when he does, it melts your heart.I know I am bias, but he has a beautiful smile!

Ohh....I never remembered the title to the movie....rotflmbooooooootyO

Coughs,Snot,Headaches ohhh My.....

So ....that's what my Monday was about.It is so hard to get a 3yo to spit the gunk out...lol.
Let alone take the nasty stuff.

My head ached ALL day.
Worked out
Had a crappy nutrition day....way too much junk.....stress?


I have the 8th highest Flo on the Go international score....should I be proud?...lol.


I need a vacation

I am bored=======chop my hair off....I am withstanding the temptation....braids work with the gym

Super Bowl Sundae

that's what I could use right now....lol.
Caramel with whipped cram.I love it...don't need it tho....and will not eat it.
But I tell you what, people say terrible 2's..oh I forgot about the terrible 3's.

yes....Jr. is at it again.
Before church....FIRST thing this am....
at least he was not yellin...
but he storms in my room....mommy...why we not doin to stool?.....huh.....well its Sunday we are going to church.Tan I tall my Daddy...um....nope....he is at work Man Man.....
Can I eat ....can I have a yogurt, Allyn not donna gedup....
Yes he is man man....go shake him....I don't want a baby shower(what we call the shower using the attachment)...I want my man's(dress shirt).....then the finally....well no the waited for church to begin for that.......I wanna nap, im sleepy...where is my Bible....
Then we had the If you don't stop fallin out imma BEAT your butt in ths truck battle in the garage...ok...that was defused...with the aid of parental assistance ...and a good ole fashion pop...

Theeeeeeeeeeeeeen we get to church.Front pew, back pew, with Glynnis,with Cerah.Facing the front, got all the Bibles.on my knees looking back...Hi mommy...Turn around.....no...oh really.....aaaaaaaaand he's off....im sleepy, I want Allyn(who is about to dance)....and yes....IIIIIIIwaaaaant mmmmyy dadddddy.
At this point...go...go to Iraq...find him....become one with him.
I had to do the crazy Medea move...swooped him up...of course he was not comin with out a fight...o a fall out at least(did I mention church had started , and we were at the annoucement part at this point(yes...it was silence)
So yeh,I helped him out a bit...lol.I had to chuckle after I popped him...I told him to dry it up...lol.What I meant to say, and did say was...I mean...stop yellin....Do you really think you need to yell while you cry?
So that was Sunday.....
No ordinary day in my life...I am going to get that book started one of these days.I am told we need to pitch the idea to TLC....Keeping up With the Berrien's....?....lol....
gn

Sunshine Saturday....scared to enjoy it....

ok, imma just post this one as if it is Sat.

So yeh, I woke up early this am.I am committed to go to a women's meeting...well an extention of our regular meeting.We met to work out...ok....So I do not like to get up early on Saturdays......it has to be something really good to get me up....and especially out of bed.
So yeh after convincing myself I needed to be there.Iwent....we worked out.Which was good because I didn't feel like it later.
wait...I am suppose to be writing as if its Saturday.Fat chance....its late....like 1 in the am...I cannot sleep, and my brain is not going to compute that at this hour...lol.

ok...so after the meeting....I got the truck washed....and um...headed home.
What did we do?I don't remember....lol.
I know it was not much of anything.I played online, checked email, im's etc....that was my Sat....give or take a few details...