Saw this coming a mile away...

Have you ever just KNOWN something was going to happen.  So much that you just wanted to - with all your being - make it STOP.  And, maybe you could have? But, probably not.  Either way, it happened.  

I'm feeling that way over this depressed feeling I am having.  I am fighting it with all I can.  But, it is still happening.  I am absolutely feeling it.  Being stuck at home, sleeping a ton, fearful of social situations ~ these are things that most happen as RESULT of depression...not the other way around.  I think that's the reason I can feel it coming and have been able to mostly hold off the major troubles of it.  I do cry...but sometimes that is due to the pain in my joints.  I also cry because I'm humbled.  I'm grateful that I haven't had health issues before now....that it's not worse....that this will pass soon.   

Mono-logues

So I decided that my update yesterday could have been called vague....and that is surely not ever my goal.  I prefer to be clear, pointed and transparent.  So, let me seriously give you the lowdown.  

• I am tracking along with this illness.  (If you're just learning of my mono issues, you can see the old news here.)
• I can expect another 2-3 weeks of feeling bad....but hopefully will make the turn soon and be able to join the living again.
• For the next 6-9 weeks I will be especially susceptible to pneumonia, bronchitis, strep, colds and have the increased risk of hepatitis so my liver functions will be tested regularly.
• I have an ear infection so he gave me antibiotics for that, which of course go great with anyone's tummy right?  (Blah!!)
• Since I have a "weakened immune system", I am to limit exposure to known sick individuals and to go to the doctor if I have the teeny tiny beginning signs of a cold, sore throat or any fever.
• I am normal.  Several symptoms made me wonder if I was...and I am.  Not sure if I'm happy or sad about that!!!  
• The dizziness should get better over the next few weeks.  He is hopeful that it will not last the duration of this illness (which is about 12 weeks total).
• I should not be taking anything for sleep.  I asked because I am so off on my sleep patterns.  He wants me to sleep when I am sleepy and not worry about when that is.  

That's all, folks!  I seriously want to thank those of you who ask about me daily, who have called, emailed, texted to check on me, those who've sent things, those who have prayed.  I appreciate you all so much.  This has been more than I ever could have imagined so I truly am most grateful for one thing - PATIENCE.  I'm not really good at it....but I've learned more than ever who is...my husband has been so loving and patient through this, I can't even express how much of a difference that makes.  My sweet  mother has been especially kind and helpful.  My kids have been totally understanding and have seemed to enjoy doing little things for me and I have to tell you that their handmade cards are the most treasured.  My boss has been amazing and easy on me.  My colleagues have been absolutely wonderful and have picked up where I left off in a big way.  My employees have been receptive to the changes that they have had to endure and have stepped up to make sure things didn't fall through the cracks.  My friends and family have been sweet to check on me.  I have had cupcakes, spaghetti, lemon pound cake and flowers delivered....(ohhh thank you to my sweet cousin Diane Thomas for that spaghetti...it was timely and so so so so good!)...and I am so very humbled by the kindness of my loved ones and of strangers as well.  From people who have contacted me privately through my blog or people who have found other ways...I just can't say enough how much it means to me.  This has been a hard thing for me  for which I've had no control.  (Possibly that's the hardest part.)  Thanks to you guys for making it a little easier on me.  Love you all!!!

Update or notsomuch

So here is the update.  

I am normal.

(For someone in their third week of mono.)

That's all.  Thanks for playing.

Prayers for today!

If you've been following my mono progress...you will know that it's been almost THREE WEEKS.  Which, by the way, is tooooo long!  From what I have heard/read that's about normal, though many people (women, especially) do experience issues far longer than this.  But we are not going there.  Nope!

I have a follow up appointment with my Doctor this afternoon.  Pray that it goes well, I feel good enough to be there and that I don't fall out.  Being "up and about" has been the issue lately.  Getting up too quickly and getting dizzy or feeling hot and like I'm going to pass out - those are the things that keep me home.  Well, that and feeling like I need to sleep 16 hours a day.  During the day.  It's no fun, y'all!!!!

Thanks for the prayers so far...

Grateful Post 9-27-12

I have been doing these for a while and started sharing them on IG.  It occurred to me that not everyone is there and that I want to be sure I have them in a safe place!  I love looking back on them...especially on a bad day!  

Mono Teachings

Mono has taught me a few things.  I have listed some here.  I honestly could do one of these a DAY!!!  (Maybe there are more than a few here.  The rest are free, too, y'all!)

• You can actually feel like you've rested TOO MUCH.
• Beds are actually kinda boring after a few weeks in them.
• Online retail therapy is actually as satisfying as being in public.
• You can spend more than you make in a day on a down comforter.
• My hubby loves me more than I realize.  He has taken SUCH good care of me!
• Buying hairspray online is cheaper than in real life.
• I say "in real life" a lot, like the internet is FAKE.
• I really do depend on social interaction.
• Mono is worse than you think.
• Sometimes when friends/family say, "call me if you need something", they actually do mean it.
• Lowes Foods to go is the best thing everrrr.  (Okay, already knew that.)
• Short term disability is not just for pregnancy. (I didn't wanna. Nurse at Pentair said I should.)
• My boss is one of the most compassionate, understanding people I know!
• My employees are so capable of stepping up and taking on more in my absence.  Thought it probably but know for SURE now.
• Cards are really seriously one of my fave things.  I have gotten a few and I treasure them so much!!!
• Reading the Bible is so much better in a Bible study format.  I like instant reassurance that I know what the Bible is saying.

What's this blog for?

I hope that everyone knows that this blog is very personal to me.   I'm not a famous person, someone with a ton of blogger friends or even anyone remotely important.  I don't promote my blog, I don't talk about it outside of Twitter (where I have a handful of followers) and a few times on FB and that's just the way I want it.  Blogging is therapeutic for me.

See, I've always had this thing about something being in my head and needing to get it out.  Whether it was scratching an idea for work on a pad beside my bed at 4 am or calling someone RIGHT back to tell them something new that just popped into my brain five seconds after we just hung up - I am not a "mull it over" kinda gal.  I prefer to download it and be done with it.  That's what blogging is about to me.  Whether it's a big topic or a little one, something that has absolutely no importance outside of my world or something that could potentially make someone feel a certain emotion - I do it for me.  It's one of the FEW selfish things of my life.

I have tried really hard to continue to put things out there that are real, honest, and timely.  I enjoy that people usually contact me privately about things I say and we have a healthy dialogue about it!  I just never want anyone to say "who really cares what she has to say?"....because that would make me wonder the same thing, shut down and retreat.  I've fought with self-esteem issues all of my life and me putting myself out there is a big step.  I hope if you're reading, you'll feel good about that.  That you are reading something that I probably never thought anyone besides myself would read.  Thank you, thank you for allowing me to be me and to share a little piece of my life.

Guilty of a Happy Marriage

I feel bad from time to time about talking about how happy Mike and I are....and then, I stop.  Because I *am* happy and I don't think I should feel guilty about that.  I am blessed and I know it.  I'm appreciative and I thank the Lord for it every day.  Is it perfect?  No.  Do we argue? Yes.  Does it last for days?  NO!

I don't know how to explain it but we are both so very appreciative of one another that we just simply don't let time pass without letting each other KNOW that.  We are very careful to not sweat the small stuff.  We are open, honest, and truly try to make each other happy every single day.

And if you have a similar relationship - good for you!  And if you don't, I sincerely hope one day you do.

Either way, I won't apologize about my happiness.  Ever again.

Slow Down

Slow Down. 

So, I’ve never been really good at SEEING signs or UNDERSTANDING an answer from God.  Sure, I’d ask.  I’d pray.  I’d hope that I was doing the right thing and I’d eventually seem to get it right most of the time.  But, I wasn’t ever really sure.  Mostly, I’d lack the peace of feeling that my path was the right one.  I have also always tried to look at the good in every situation.  I’ve tried to pick things apart to feel like I could see why God would allow things to happen.  Even in a big picture kind of way, I’d feel like I had a vague understanding of a reason behind why a loving God would let bad things happen to good people.  It’s one thing to believe in God’s plan and another thing to trust it when it means that something bad has to happen to you or a loved one. 

I truly believe that I have been CHANGED lately.  I’m not sure if I am less stubborn or more faithful.  If I have more clarity or less ignorance.  One thing I know for sure….I asked for something.  God provided it.  Ever since I heard the news that I had mono, I have been a little down in the dumps.  I have had LOTS of rest and sleep and naps and laying around feeling terrible.  I have thought of good reasons as to why this happened now and not a month before or after.  I have also asked God why.  I have been patient to hear his answer.  I have been faithful in my prayer about it as well.  I believe I have my answer.  I almost feel like I’m breaking some confidence between He and I, because He spoke to me so privately, so personally.  But I have to share it.  I was talking about my issues with mono to a loved one and I said…”I don’t know if this was to tell me to slow down, but if so, I’ve done just that.”  At a later time, I wondered if that was it.  Could that have been the purpose of this hardship I’m enduring?  There are many times that I feel like I am running so fast but getting nowhere.  I feel like I’m trying to be the best mom, wife, daughter, aunt, employee, manager, friend – PERSON…that I fail at all of those things a little bit more over time because so many times one takes away from another.  Did I need to slow down?  Doesn’t that contradict getting more done, faster, in a shorter time, in order to please EVERYONE?   I should digress a bit and say that I also just started a new Beth Moore Bible study that focuses on living life to the fullest.  Hmm.  Related?  Maybe.  Okay, back to now.  So…I am questioning this in my mind, in my prayers.  And then, it happens.  I am working from home on Monday for a bit as to not totally lose touch.  I turn on my iTunes music to help me work (it helps me so much).  And a song that I don’t even remember downloading comes to life.  I actually look at the title because when it first comes on it says, “Alright, let’s rock it” and it’s unfamiliar.  The song title is “Slow Down”.  I decide to stop the email that I’m typing and do just that…slow down.  So I listen to Third Day belt out this tune.  The lyrics say:

 “Tell me to slow down, 

if You think that the road that I’m on is going nowhere, 

Tell me to slow down, 

if You know that I’m going too fast for my own good.”  

Tears stream down my face as I figure this out.  This is my answer.  It even says, 

“And, Oh, I don’t want to let go, 

of all the things that I know, 

are keeping me, 

away from my life.”  

Have I been so busy – too busy – to really fix things that are broken?  My faith?  My relationship with my Lord?  I have been reading all of my Beth Moore study even though I’ve not been able to attend and it’s working on my heart.  It is making me want to change and live a fuller life.  Is this one of the ways that I need to do it? To slow down?  Slow down in order to live a life more abundant?  I've been forced to do it.  I haven't had a bit of a choice in the matter.  My Doctor tells me to "rest, rest, and when you feel a bit better, go back to bed!"  But, how am I supposed to take care of my family?  Let them take care of YOU.  How am I supposed to be there for my employees?  Let them take the reins.    How am I supposed to get everything done?  You won't, and life will go on.  I can't even express in words how liberating this is for me.  I don't HAVE TO be everything or do it all or get it all done TODAY.  Because you know what?  There is a tomorrow.  And it will all be there then, unless someone else does it.  And if they do?  I'll thank them.  And if there's no tomorrow here on Earth.  I'll thank Him.  :-)

Small Town

I remember when I was little, when I would see Sanford on the news I would seriously feel like we were SO awesome!! Like we had MADE IT!!! it could have been that they were simply rattling off temperatures, it was just on a map or a story was actually from here. But, it didn't matter. If my little town got any air time...I was excited!!!

Now, I wish I didn't hear it so much on the news. Crime, murder, tornadoes, immigration woes...these are not the things you want attached to your town!!  Makes me sad.  Which, as you'll remember....will probably make me CRY!!  :-)

Avalaaaaaaanche!!!

So, we had one that looked like this:

That was June of 2010...and it was a great vehicle.  We loved that we had the same interior as my Tahoe but had the ability to haul some things (no, not as much as a REAL truck but we don't do a lot of hauling).  Well, fast forward to Sept of 2012 (or, now) and that truck had ALMOST

60 THOUSAND miles

I mean this guy burns the ROAD up!  Driving to work alone is about 100 miles a day!  Beach trips, golf trips, etc etc.  So, there is that magical time where you have high miles, a payoff that is not terrible and you can actually get out of your high mileage vehicle and SAVE MONEY.  That's what we did.  He went, put nothing down and came away saving money on our monthly payment.  We will always have a car payment, so I'm just all about lowering it.  IT worked!  Woo Hoo!  

So, today we have this:

It's a 2012 Avalanche in Summit White!  It has a few things on it that his older model didn't have, but overall is the same vehicle.  He's happy, we're saving around $150 a month on our payment...it was a win for us!!

I am who I am (From May 10, 2008)

So I found this journal nugget in my email.  I wrote it on Saturday, May 10, 2008.  Very interesting!!

The truth about the truth I am what am I.  And I'm finding that fact more and more hard to swallow at times.  If you asked me my strengths, certainly I'd mention the fact that I try to make everyone happy.....however, I'm finding, more and more, that it's a weakness too.  Who ever thought that trying to be sweet and kind and likeable would be a bad thing?  However, I believe it's led to many dismal relationships and several dysfunctional friendships.  I am that friend who tells you want you want to hear.  I listen without prejudice...I cry with my friends, I laugh with them, and I always let them know that I am there for them.  That sounds good, right?  Ha.  I've learned that maybe when I said, "hmm I don't know", I should have said, "ARE YOU CRAZY?"  That sometimes, when I said, "well, I understand that" I should have responded with a slight, "I can't believe you said that."  And overwhelmingly, when asked the question, "did I do the right thing?"  I should have been brutally honest.  I am just not that person.  I cannot be mean or cynical or "tell it like it is"....there are so many people that do that so well, but I am just not built that way.  I'm the nice girl.  The one who listens and smiles and takes you to lunch because you're having a bad day.  I take pride in the fact that I am that person, but I'm starting to feel like I've done a disservice to my friends and family.  There have been some major things that my friends have done that I totally did NOT agree with.  But what did I say?  Nothing.  I am obviously just so fearful that I'll make someone mad, I just let it go.  And what am I proving by that?  When someone does something that is SO SO SO against every piece of my being, and I say nothing, am I not appearing to agree with it??  That's what concerns me.  I'm really just trying to feel good in my own skin.  I absolutely have a wonderful life, a great family and so much to be thankful for.  So, to be quite honest, I am trying to be sure that I am being the best person that I can be.  The Lord has blessed ME with so much......I feel that the least I can do is be sure that I'm living my life to the fullest.  It's caused me to pray a lot, read His word more, and to evaluate all of my friendships.  I have really been thinking about this so much.  And I have talked to a few people about it.  My boss (also a great friend) has convinced me that I'm doing the best I can, that I am not the one to judge (which yes I agree with) and that I don't need to change.  But, my hubby sees the actual situations that I've dealt with and says, "why didn't you say this" or "why didn't you tell her what you think" and feels like I need to speak my mind, even when it runs the risk of hurting someone, just to be honest.  I really just don't know if it's worth it.  I hate hurting anyone's feelings....but then again, what if they just need a gut check and they would question a bad decision if I did open my mouth?  Hmm.

Friday Note of Praise

Guess what happened last night?  I went to sleep at 9:45 PM, EST.  I mean, BEFORE TEN PEEE EMMM.  WHAT?  I know, it doesn't sound like that early.  But for me, that's early for non-mono.  For mono, that's basically a day ahead of time.  :-)  I was up at 5:30 which is a tad early but I will take it.  I can't even express the feeling of hope that I have for today.  I still feel so silly for feeling so horrible with this thing.  When so many others are suffering from so much more.  I also know that this is my reality for right now.  The joint pain, the exhaustion, the sore throat, the brain-sluggishness - all those things are more than any symptoms to me.  They basically are abnormal.  They don't make me feel like Jamie Jones.  I happen to like Jamie Jones.  :-)  That's what I miss most.  Feeling like me.  I hope I find me again...really soon!

Green, yellow and red - OH MY!!

I feel like I seriously have post-traumatic stress disorder when it comes to storms!  I am freaked out by ANY storm but especially one that includes an "elevated" or "moderate" risk of tornadic activity.  Today is one of those days.

Photo from WRAL here:  Website

MJ's Birth Announcement

So I finally made one!  Woo Hoo!  I mean...she's only 4...so it's not TOO late, right?  ;-)

Mono y Mono

So in Spanish, that means "hand to hand" or denotes a fight between two people without weapons.  

I feel like that's what my body is doing to me!  Fighting me.  However, I feel like it might have weapons.  Like:

• fatigue
• dizziness
• joint pain
• back pain
• headache
• loss of appetite
• swollen spleen

I am just totally spent.  I feel like I've been run down.  Also?  It gets in the old noggin.  So, add depressed to all of that up there.  Thankfully, I'm smack dab in the throws of a Beth Moore Bible study and nothing makes you feel like a loved, treasured child of the King like the Bible.  So, I'm going to start on next week and try to ignore that bulleted list up there.  Night...err...mornin....

Pillow Talk

I need pillows.  I buy pillows at Walmart or Belk or Ross or wherever.  I don't invest a ton in them and then I end up replacing them way more often than I think I should.  I'm in need of a pillow personal shopper.

I found this one page on this topic:  Good Housekeeping Product Review.  I love Good Housekeeping and their articles but sometimes I do wish I had more of a friendly recommendation.

Hmm.  I guess this subject came up due to the fact that I've pretty much been in my bed more in the last week than in months.  Mono does that to ya.

By Philip Friedman/Studio D

Okay, back to bed.

Update on Baby (from 9-11-07)

Just got back from Dr a few minutes ago.....everything is going fine and the baby's heart rate was between 150 and 160.  Baby is about 12 ounces now and was insanely stubborn with feet in between the legs the ENTIRE time!!!!!  So, I have no more gender news.....just the news that two weeks ago it was 75% girl.  :-)  We'll see in the future I suppose! 

I'm doing fine, a little sick today but that's become quite normal.....and have gained only 6 pounds my entire pregnancy so far!  I'm shocked to be honest! 

We are picking up the crib tonight and that will be our next little project!!!  Wish us luck!

Thanks to everyone for your support and love and prayers!!!  We appreciate it so much!! 

I attached two ultrasound pics...

Jme & Baby

My Tender Heart

I've always been "tender-hearted"...I've always cried at sappy movies.  I've always teared up when there's a sad commercial.  (Folgers, Hallmark....whew!)  When I am in full-on worship, that's likely characterized by tears streaming down my face.  When Mike talks about our relationship, his love for our children or anything sensitive at all - I do the ugly cry more often than not.  It's funny that I just KNOW it now.  I have no idea what to do about it...if anything...but I know that it's just a part of me.  I've thought about meds because I am sure they would work, but again, I also feel that it's a part of me.  Sometimes I do get embarrassed by it, sometimes I am sure my family does too, but mostly - I accept it and so do they.  Thank the good Lord they do - otherwise, I might...CRY....

What soap is for the body, tears are for the soul.  ~Jewish Proverb

My first wreath!

I'm pretty excited about this!  My Mom has always made these and they are beautiful!  I didn't know I was even capable of making this because I am SO not the hands-on creative person.  I can think of it, make a spreadsheet about it and certainly delegate the duties necessary to create it....but DOING it, friends, is not my thing.  But...I made it my thing!  So proud of myself!  Can't wait to do another!

Memories

I remember events.  I remember things I feel like I should.  I remember most appointments and important dates and big deals.  But....when it comes to lots of small things...lots of young life things...I just frankly DO NOT REMEMBER.  It's not about one particular time period in my life (like tenth grade) or a certain person being involved (like a boy, perhaps).  I dare say that maybe there are hurts there...maybe pain...a bit of stupidity....maybe just silly-ness....that the good Lord just doesn't want me to remember.  I have no idea what the reason is, but I know it's there.  I've often even worried about it...like I was worried I had something really wrong with me.  Beyond what I already know....  :-)  But I don't worry anymore over it.  I appreciate the memories that I do have and I do crave to remember more.  When I find a picture or a blurb of something I wrote, I do what I can to figure out what piece of my life that was from....I am serious when I say that some things I have NO memory of.  I guess that's why I take SO many pictures now - and I try to write things down more often.  I make notes and write things in my calendars (which I keep every one of) and I hope to not lose fragments as the years keep going by.  Any ideas on better ways to document life?  I'd sure love to hear them!!

Blogs - Coming Soon

I have found myself recently starting a blog because there's something that I want to document whether it's a thought or event or discussion point....and then I don't finish it.  I have tons of drafts of things.  And maybe even some are because I want them to be private - which I made myself promise I wouldn't do with this blog.  So, over the next few days I am going to just finish them, or just publish them as is.  I just have to!  It irritates my teeny bit of OCD-ness to have so many drafts!  Ugh!  Okay...so you've been warned......

Watch this!!

My sweet, hardworking, high-maintenance husband is into watches. Like, think about how I'm 'into' purses. And shoes. Yeah, that's the level I speak of!! I've never bought him a 'luxury' one. Now is not the time, either, with the house hunting...obviously! But, I need a plan...a goal... I've bought him tons if Guess, Fossil, a Tommy Bahama...and they are all nice-ish. But, I want a WOW factor watch. Keep in mind I will be in the Bahamas again this December...so I will have duty free options. I just need to decide on one and try to budget, save and commit! I've shopped Tag, Breitling, Rolex (which is my least fave)....what am I missing? Anyone!?

Quick Beach Trip

We decided to have one last fling at the beach for the day on Saturday.  Our family of five + sun + fun + lots of driving + donuts + sand.  We left around 9 and headed out!  We decided to drive the "old way", HWY 421 all the way there.  It.was.long.  But, it was nostalgic.  Growing up, this was really the only way we ever went and it was neat weird nice to see how it all had changed so much.  I just realized I didn't take a pic of my hubby driving!  Wow!  A first!  :-(

As we came into Wilmington/Carolina Beach, we stopped at Buffalo Wild Wings.  Give the boys chicken and an abundance of televisions and they are happy.  (Mike is included in that, btw.)

The boys, waiting on yummy food.

MJ snuggles her Daddy every time she has a chance.

We ate, watched the beginning of the UNC - Elon game and then headed off to the Boardwalk at Carolina Beach.  Traffic was crazy!  (Yes, I know, it was Labor Day.)  However, the Boardwalk was not crazy.  There was a steady flow of people passing through but it was kinda sad to me how very deserted it looked.  Of course, this place wasn't deserted....

Then we walked on the beach for a short time.  A VERY short time.  The sand was burning my soles...I mean BURNING!  I guess this is why we go in the fall or winter.  However, my baby girl picked up seashells and that made her day!

Then, we rode.  We talked.  We laughed.  We slept.  It was nice to have all the kids captive and be able to talk...and listen.  I was afraid they were bored....they assured me they weren't.  They are all like Mike and myself.  The love to ride.  It's not even about where we are going.  Just being together, soaking up the moments that we are able to spend together.  Not working, not worrying about school or anything else.  Just being with each other.  Mike told the kids about how right after we got married we surely logged hundreds of miles going to lighthouses, different islands of the OBX and checking things out.  It wasn't really about any certain destination...it was just about hanging out with one another.  I'm so glad that my children are completely satisfied with just hanging out with us.  Oh.  And we sang.  Okay, me and MJ did.  We rocked out Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood.  Sorry, boys.  :-)

My Little Sunshine

So since the boys were playing golf this afternoon, MJ thought a fashion show was in order.  When I take picture of her though, it becomes about her FACE more than her fashion though.  I love that her personality comes through on her pictures....because it's one of my favorite things about her!!  Here are few of the many...

She really, really loves this dress!  (WIN for Mommy!)

I just love her sly little smiles.  So much.

Oh, the faces of MJ.

Those eyes.  I can't even edit them.

This is one of those that just totally screams her personality.  So well!!

For the record, I gave her no direction...she just posed her little self right away!!

And then, we did nails.  They lasted about an hour!  Record?

I'd like to quote my sister.  "Honey Boo Boo would be proud!"  :-)

Today's Fashion {Blog Challenge}

Challenge of the day ~ What did you wear today?

Here ya go!  I wore goldish sandals too....woo hoo!

My Body

So here is the direction for this one:  Your opinion about your body and how comfortable you are with it 

Hmm.  This is ironic as I'm battling diabetes (or, rather, trying to keep it away - and winning currently!  Yeah!)  and losing weight in the process.  I'm feeling better about my body...my health...life.

I am certainly not a size 4.  Though, I have been....  Back then I was young, silly and totally didn't think I was pretty enough, smart enough...or anything enough.  Mind you, my parents were awesome, I had good friends and I had somewhat serious relationships with boys.  I was not lacking people to TELL me I was enough, but as many young women, I just had a self-image deficiency.  I find it very interesting that in my old(er) age, as I've put on pounds and a few wrinkles and a stray gray hair or so....I feel more comfortable with ME than I ever have.  I am now sure that body image has less to do with body than ever before in my life.  I have a great life, I'm a Christian (who knows that I matter, because my Savior died for ME!), awesome kids, a husband that I never dreamed existed beyond fairy tales, parents who have always supported me and loved me (even when I was so very ungrateful for the things they did), a sister that is amazingly strong, an independent niece, a new adorable baby niece, amazing inlaws...friends that are fabulous and a rewarding job that allows me to try to improve experiences of my employees as well as our customers.  I am living the LIFE!  So why wouldn't I hold my head high and not worry about what everyone is thinking of my round face and freckled skin?  That is SUCH a small thing in the scope of the big picture.  I know that I have good intentions.  I try really hard.  I try to be a thoughtful person...say thank you...open doors for people...give back when I can...pray for anyone and everyone who needs it (and even those who don't know they do...okay, ESPECIALLY those).  So, I am WORTH IT.  I am worthy of people's respect and the admiration of my husband.  I am loved and I am so very, very grateful.  In return, I am PROUD of my life and my family and my freckles.  I am proud that I can walk in a room and know that I might not be the most skinny or flawless - but KNOW that I AM worth feeling like I am beautiful.  Because beauty can be a reflection of what you feel inside.  And what I FEEL - is jawdroppingly blessed...and ENOUGH.

Magic Matt, Mike, Mitt? What??

So the challenge is....list five guys whom you find attractive.

1. Roy Williams (as in, UNC Basketball coach)
2. Jesse Metcalfe
3. Harrison Ford
4. Vin Diesel
5. Luke Bryan

So you will notice that my husband is not listed.  Attractive sounds so....not enough for what I feel about Mike JONES!  He's my other half, my better half...my adorably sweet, amazingly patient, forever thoughtful, hot hubby!!!

Family {Blog Challenge}

So, this blog challenge title doesn't offer a lot of direction.   You could probably go one hundred different ways with this one but let's go with a bulleted list, because they are my fave currently.  When I talk about my family below...I am talking about all of us.  My mom and dad, sister, brother in law, nieces, aunts, cousins, uncles, hubby, our children, in-laws, step-family, outlaws, and even friends who are family.  I truly believe all of them are considered family and I am so very blessed with a great one.  I probably don't tell them often enough how fabulous they are...but I sincerely am amazed at the support, resilience, talent, generosity, consideration and pure love that members of my FAMILY possess.
So, in short...

My family:

is full of love
is mostly in Sanford
loves any reason to get together and EAT
is there for one another
has never let me down, when it really really mattered
just got a little bigger (new baby niece!!)
makes me happy
is not perfect
includes kids who are amazing and teach me so much
loves to laugh
is busy
loves to have down time
doesn't see each other enough
values each other
has overcome trials
is blessed beyond measure
made me who I am and still shapes who I'm becoming
is amazing

I love you all....so very, very much.

Music {Blog Challenge}

So, the instructions were this:

Put your music player on shuffle and write the first ten songs that play...

1. Casting Crowns - Already There
2. Third Day - Trust in Jesus
3. Natalie Grant - Greatness of our God
4. Taylor Swift - The Best Day
5. Fresh Beat Band - Another Perfect Day
6. Ali Dee - World's Gone Crazy
7. Golf Boys - Oh Oh Oh
8. Aerosmith - Crazy
9. Boys II Men - On Bended Knee
10. Kari Jobe - We Are

Oh how I love that Fresh Beat Band made the list.  And Golf Boys!  This makes me laugh because this is honestly a dream playlist right here, to me!!  Now I'm going to shuffle again, just for good measure...and the fact that I'm being forced to watch Good Luck Charlie.  ;-)

1. Lady A - Just a Kiss
2. Alicia Keys - No One
3. Blake Shelton - Red River Blue
4. Jason Aldean - Country Boy's World
5. Kenny Chesney - The Life
6. Natalie Grant - Desert Song
7. Rascal Flatts - Here Comes Goodbye
8. Matthew West - My Own Little World
9. Fresh Beat Band - Here We Go
10. Aaron Lewis - Country Boy

So, clearly, the only thing that really proved?  That I own the Fresh Beat Band complete album.  I'm going to cry in a corner now....

White Bean Chicken Chili Recipe

Here is the recipe for the chili I have raved to everyone about.  I have found many variations online but this is the one that is perfect for me and my family (and coworkers)!

• 1-1/2 - 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into "chunks"   
• 1 medium onion, chopped to your liking (depending on who is eating it, I might even mince)
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon canola oil
• 2 cans (15-1/2 ounces each) great northern beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) chicken broth
• 1 can (7 ounces) chopped green chilies
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 cup (8 ounces) sour cream
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• In a large saucepan, sauté the chicken, onion and garlic powder in oil until chicken is no longer pink. Add the beans, broth, chilies and seasonings. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes.
• Remove from the heat; stir in sour cream and cream. Makes about 7 servings.  
• It is fabulous with red pepper flakes!

Also – you can put all ingredients in a crock pot and cook that way – just don’t add the sour cream or heavy cream until just before you serve it!

How important is education? {Blog Challenge}

Education is so very important today.  It can be the differentiator in many ways when seeking employment.  I personally value experience just the same, but many corporations are putting greater emphasis on a person's degree or lack thereof.  I hope my children seek out higher education immediately upon graduation from high school.  I hope I can influence them to WANT that.  I wish I had.  Obviously, everything happens for a reason and my whole life would most likely be WAY different but I do wish I had placed more focus on it then.

It's SO hard.  I mean, really hard.  I mean, almost impossible to go to school when you have a job...and a family...and a life...  So, before you have all THAT....get some educational tidbits going on.

What I ate today {Blog Challenge}

Here is what I ate today, only it was yesterday - Sunday, August 12 -

bacon biscuit (convenience ruled as I was about to get sick #thanksthyroid)
around 3/4 a cup of my homemade white bean chicken chili (with one Ritz Cracker sprinkled in)

For reference ~ here is my chili in progress ~ 

half a container of yogurt
3 frozen grapes
small bite of cheesecake (totally not the worst thing ever - modified no bake cheesecake w/ splenda in crust and 2% milk)
2 frozen grapes
Small portion of hamburger (lean) steak, mushrooms, brown gravy (not REAL gravy, mind you), brown rice
another small bite of cheesecake (ARGH!!)
lots of water
diet coke

MJ's Fashion Show

Our local Belk (and maybe yours too) celebrated KidFest yesterday with an adorable fashion show for kids ages 4-11.  Since my Mom lives at frequents Belk, many times with MJ in tow, they definitely know her and her personality.  They asked Mom to give me the form to sign up and MJ was all about doing this.  I worried up until the time I saw her walking the runway if she would back out....but she was so into it!!!  She made me so very proud...

Here she is!  She was so crazy excited!!!  

Once I took her back to wait....I only checked in on her once.  She was doing great!  They were running WAY behind...so it was probably 45 minutes before it was underway. SO proud of all the kids and their patience!  The audience was definitely getting antsy so I know the 4-11 year olds were!  

Behind the "curtain"...they were figuring out the order so we weren't really sure where MJ would fall in line.  Turns out - she was FIRST!  :-) 

She was ALL smiles!

When she walked by, she was SO happy!  I wanted to just CRY, I was so proud of my little girl!

She totally rocked the runway!!!

After they walked individually, they came back around once more....

All the kids did a great job....it was definitely something we'll do again!

Five pet peeves {Blog Challenge}

Here are my FIVE pet peeves.....

1. Tardiness - meaning, for anything.   Work, lunch, church, bills.....just don't be LATE!
2. Misuse of words - like the whole your, you're...there, they're, their thing!  Oh so irritating!
3. The phrase, "That's the way we've always done it".  I'm too "process improvement oriented" to like that.
4. Disrespect of my time.  If you're going to be late (see #1), at least let me know it. (Basically, don't be late.  But if you can't catch on to THAT, call me.)
5. People who don't take responsibility for their own actions!!!!!

Grrrrrrrrr!!!!

My views on mainstream music {Blog Challenge}

So first, I wanted to be sure I did this properly.  Naturally, I needed to be sure I understand the definition of the subject matter.

So, Wikipedia says:

Mainstream is the common current thought of the majority.^[1] However, the mainstream is far from cohesive; rather the concept is often considered a cultural construct.^{[citation needed]}

The mainstream includes all popular culture, typically disseminated by mass media. The opposite of the mainstream are subcultures, countercultures, cult followings, and (in fiction)genre. Additionally, mainstream is sometimes a codeword used for an actual ethnocentric or hegemonic subculture point of view, especially when delivered in a culture war speech. It is often used as a pejorative term by subcultures who view ostensibly mainstream culture as not only exclusive but artistically and aesthetically inferior. In the United States, mainlinechurches are sometimes referred to synonymously as "mainstream."^[2][3] Also known as "straight" and "straights" for individuals. ^[4]

Well, it just got more confusing.  I honestly can't tell you what is the majority of the world listening to?  Country, pop, rap?  It seems like country is at least in the running...and I hear less on TV and award shows about rap than I ever have....but to be truly honest...I can't even tell you what radio stations are still even ON or what they are playing!  And with XM, I stick with one station or I listen to a playlist from my iPhone.  When I'm on the way to work, I mainly listen to Contemporary Christian music on XM 63 (The Message) - makes me feel like I've had church every day!  :-)  Wait...this is supposed to be my views on mainstream music.........

Okay, here goes:

Country is cool....more young people are into it.  It's bridged a gap between kids and their parents since they can both listen to the same thing and usually get by without editing the words or feeling embarrassed about the other party singing it!!!  Outside of country.......just saying....CALL ME MAYBE!!!  ;-)~

Things I want to say to an ex {Blog Challenge}

Like, NOT ONE THING.

Except maybe.....

Thermostat Poll

So what's comfy in your casa?  Here at the house of Jones....it looks like this.....

Don't adjust your monitor, that's actually a 66. Yeah, we like it chilly up in here!!!  What do YOU like?

Bulleted whole day {Blog Challenge}

Well, since it's NOW....here goes!  Started at midnight!

• listening to hubby snore, searching for recipes online, watching Army Wives on DVD
• woke up to tell Mike goodbye
• took thyroid medicine
• ACTUALLY got up
• showered
• dried hair
• makeup
• got dressed
• changed outfit once (only once tho!)
• Drove to work
• ate breakfast while I read copy
• sent mid-year review info to my team YEAH!
• contract negotiations
• caught up on emails from earlier this week
• reminded my hubby to snack
• more copy reading
• reviewed some purchase detail analysis
• talked to program manager at travel company about 2013 trip
• my snack time (100 calories woot woot)
• charged dealer credit cards
• wrote some procedures
• emailed thousands of people (or so it seemed)
• drove to lunch joint
• picked up lunch
• back at work and ate chicken salad sammy (note-started trying unsweetened tea...)
• figuring out why we spent too much money on one thing and not enough on another
• marketing stuff like.......what color shirt??? LOL
• snack time (not 100 calories - ugh)
• charged more credit cards
• approved claims
• reviewed menus for December trip
• reviewed itinerary for December trip
• put together new presentation for Australia Marketing team
• requested details about Miami meeting for Latin America team
• personnel stuff
• left work
• picked up kids
• Home again, home again, jiggity jigg?
• supper
• catching up on facebook, twitter, blogging while kids are playing PS3
• watching DVR'd PGA Championship at Kiawah (enjoying Charleston commercials)

That's all I'm doing........this makes my life look seriously borrrring! LOL  WHEW!

Going to Hawaii? Don't forget the volcanoes - and the kisses!!

So, I didn't even visit a volcano when I went to Kauai in 2009.  I did go to a canyon and a Roy's restaurant and other trendy Hawaii-ish things.  But what no one told me?  You can ONLY buy Hershey's kisses with macadamia nuts THERE.  I mean, I found them online after, but they ended up being around ten bucks for a bag that way and well, that's just silly.  I am not going anytime soon, but I wanted to be sure that if YOU do, you get some!!  My colleague just went and I gave HIM a heads up......so I thought I'd offer anyone else the same advice!  If you buy just a bag and get home and open them up - you will be booking another flight out there pronto!!  :-)

You're welcome!

~ Just Jamie Jones

Results are In! (Well, some....)

So, after all that has happened (his almost fainting, stroke like symptoms, general exhaustion, findings of liver and kidney function issues) and his appointment this past Monday at a hematologist (still awaiting all of the results from that)...we were looking forward to today!  He had a three hour glucose test last week and we knew we were to find out the results today.  (Never mind the fact the I went yesterday for lab work {Vitamin D} and saw the Doctor and he TOLD ME the results!)

First, we talked about the hematologist (who Mike loves) and his findings so far.  He wrote our PCP a dissertation on my husband.  Swoon.  It was about all of the issues and what he thinks might be going on with my sweetie's blood.  As of now, they are leaning towards a diagnosis of polycythemia.  You can find more information about THAT here.  Basically, his body is making too many red blood cells.  This can lead to complications since they blood flow may decrease and stress on organs can increase.  Obviously, this is a great concern to us and is wayyy up there on the priority list to figure out what's going on.  The hematologist took 13 vials of blood on Monday to test for all sorts of things, levels, genetic markers.  The follow up for that is in two weeks and I'm very anxious to see what that is!

Now, on to the PCP's test results of the three hour glucose test.  So, normally, a non-diabetic person should have a glucose level of 60-100 at most times.  Once they eat something, it should normally raise no higher than 160 (even if it's seven ice cream sundaes and four Sonic slushies).  So, 30 minutes after Mike started his test (and had drank that lovely stuff that all pregnant women get to experience)...his glucose was at 262.  Yes, TWO HUNDRED SIXTY TWO.  Yikes!  The interesting thing?  At three hours...it was 56.  So, he spikes WAY up and he drops WAY low.  The good doctor hesitated to label him "diabetic" (probably due to insurance if you want to know the truth) but is treating it as such.  Put him on a medicine (Januvia) and will see him back in 6 weeks.  He also let him know he needs to lose ten percent of his weight and gave him some diet tips and levels to stay within.

I am really hoping this is a wake up call for BOTH of us.  For ALL of us.  My family, extended family, friends, whoever might be reading this.  Bad habits are SO easy to fall into and SO hard to break.  We let our kids grow up eating whatever is easy for us all and then expect them to turn from those habits when it matters???  So silly and I KNOW this.  So, I started typing this when my hand started cramping from making menus and lists of things that are "safe".  We will not do this cold turkey, but we will make swift changes (already did for supper) that will affect our diet, weight and our LIFE.  We can't continue to live by convenience and just expect to feel good because it tastes good!  Also, boot camp on Saturday for me was not a one time deal.  Mike has even expressed interest in going so I am TOTALLY down with that.  I would love to show him up work out with him.  I have found myself trying to do push ups around the house too...from different elevations...to see if my upper arm strength is existent any better.  I just want to be able to know that he and I are doing everything we can to improve our lives.  I feel like a twelve step program could help though!!!

Okay...I'm wrapping this up, just wanted to update those who asked and were praying!  Thank you so much.  I serve a Mighty God and I know that He will bring us through this.  I have much faith in that!!