The Way Out of a Funk

Sometimes, I get into "funks".
Anyone else??? (please say yes, please say yes...)
I get into a series of days where I feel just so BLAH . Then, usually it passes and things are normal again.

Usually, an upsetting event triggers it. Sometimes, an argument with a family memeber, others a situation at work that's bothering me. It's the middle child/peacemaker/perfectionist in me, I suppose.

This time, my Ipod being stolen from my car was it. (Oh, and did I mention it's the second one this year?) I barely had time to get attached to it.

**SIGH**, some criminal out the hopefully has discovered Christian and country music is not so bad.

So, I thought it was a good idea to focus on the things I like right now. The things that make me smile, even if some are superficial. (-:

My new earrings


Pictures from my 30th Birthday Party



Old Faithful


My Hubby, who rather than get annoyed with my when I am in my funks, tries hard to make me happy


Laura Mercer Mascara (if I feel fat, my eyelashes may as well be, too)

"Ladybug, Where Are You" (Zachary is constantly in search of a ladybug, or "Aye-ee-ugggg", and he gets too distracted by the video camera to show us his live cuteness)


I already feel better.

I Heart Saturday Mornings

Nowhere to be. Disney Channel. Pile of pillows. "Orange nuks". Messy hair. Perfect.

I Heart My Cell Phone Camera

Thankful that when I cannot grab our awesome but large camera that I can usually capture some fun with my subpar but very accessible phone!

Moms out there...do pursed-lip-pass-outs melt you like they melt me??


And how about those fun moments where you know you must strip your kid down so they can enjoy their favorite snack (oh, and pardon the randomness of my dinner table)?


Or times when the thing you absolutely don't need turns out to be just the thing they needed...

And, I've spent the better part of the last week with the image of Adam's smitten face at the sight of Santa at Walmart...
3 seems to be the magic age where Christmas means something to them.
It didn't hurt that he yelled 'Santa, I need a drum!" as we walked away.

I Heart Thanksgiving

So thankful for:
The "what did you do in school today" conversation that lead to this song:

And a moment of sort-of-stillness that allowed this to be captured:

Look alike/act alike father and son:

A no makeup and sweatpants kind of love:

Giant dogs:

Family who loves my kids like they are their own:

Cutie patooties:

Goofy tall uncles who are not afraid to have fun!

Looks of anticipation:

Being able to celebrate a new home

And more...

Am I Out of Ideas?

I feel I have reached a bit of a writers block...

Work has been stressful

The house has been messy

The kids have been handfuls

We have been busy!!


I have not been shopping much, I have not been Internet surfing much, frankly I have been in a bit of a funk....



I am currently reading



On Strike for Christmas
by Sheila Roberts (review to follow)












Self Magazine, November 2009 (p.s. - magazines at Sam's Club are 30% off or more everyday...)















I am currently loving





Aquaphor (lip saver, dry skin healer, little bum soother + more...)










Revlon Colorstay Liquid Liner in Bronzed Brown











Skinny Cow Chocolate Truffle Bars












70 degree November days that involve using the hose...











I am currently laughing at:


Zachary's hair











Adam response when asked "what do you want to be when you grow up".... "Um, Adam Vinkle" (so far I have no doubt in my mind that my son will always be who he is...)

The "I heart fall' series... volume two.

My apologies for the gratuitous photo display, but we had a fun day outdoors last week enjoying what may be the last warm day of the season (we will see, Buffalo can be quite confused).
Adam has gotten resourceful and uses the slide as his jumping board into the leaves. Zachary tries to follow suit, and is just not ready for that yet. Enter some tears, some wailing... but overall fun!!
Watch for more Fall fun when the rest of the leaves from the big trees fall!


He is midair! (enlarge to see)

The "I heart fall' series... volume one.

It seems like every Autumn, we have a little warm pop that results in an abundance of lady bugs. This year is no exception! The only difference is that the boys noticed. I wish I had the camera handy when Zachary was bent over staring intently at the ground at a little red spotted friend. I wonder if he made the connection to one of our favorite stories 'Five Little Ladybugs"...
I was able to catch these wonder filled moments, though! Enjoy....

I Heart Fall

Close you eyes and imagine... the taste of sweet cider and homemade chili, bright gold and radiant red leaves, carved pumpkins, crisp cool air... now if that does not make you smile, I don't know what will...


We took the annual trip to Becker Farm today and met up with some friends from church. It was a great time, and the perfect way to kick of the fall season!!

Zachary takes it all in...


Adam's apples (pun intended)


My world...


There are no words to describe that face!


My friends Amy and Melissa


Me and the boys


Z rides the pony


Adam's turn!


They were exhausted!

I Heart Jim Bob and Michelle

The Duggar Family. You know- the ones with 18 kids, and no plans to stop anytime soon...
I have heard everything from the highest praises to the most malicious insults in regards to their large family size, conservative values, and their entire brood sporting "J" names.
While you won't catch me having 18 kids, the more I watch of them the more I like. While unconventional, I can say that through my T.V., I see a real family with a real testimony, unwavering values, and frankly they are kind of funny! There is a genuine respect and admiration between the parents (no Jon and Kate shenanigans here), and what looks like more than enough love to go around. The live debt free, and seem quite financially savvy without being materialistic. Their kids are well disciplined, smart, hard workers, and the family runs like a well oiled machine. Their house runs smoother than mine, with just two kids.

Here's some info links, you decide!

http://www.duggarfamily.com/
Eating an Elephant
The Duggars Make Reading a Priority!
WikiAnswers - What religion are the Duggar family of the reality-TV show '18 Kids and Counting'