Day 'whatever number': My YGP

It was a busy weekend with Girlfriend Fridays, Saturday work days, Sunday Church days...but All I am thankful for. Although, I could do without the headaches that sometimes interrupt my fun...

But my post today is one that fits the 'you had to be there' criteria, so I won't get into many stories :o)

I started attending Willow Hill United Methodist Church youth group when I was in grade school. I became more involved when I was a freshman in high school. And would walk to church on Sunday Mornings because it was close. I wanted my independence... I could not have been more blessed to live so close to a place that would become my home, my family. The youth group became my core group of friends. Although many of us have gone different places in life, some of my closest friends began in this group.

Us with our Flamingos....2001. This was near the beginning of our crazy memories together

My first missions trip with my loves!!! We also went with our friends from Pekin United Methodist Church. Let's just say, the memories were plentiful and we did not do a very good job staying out of trouble. Summer 2001

Brittany, Me, Kari, Janine, and Amanda celebrating Brit's 16th birthday. Yes we blindfolded our sweet friend and took her to random places, made her do stupid things, and then she had to guess where we were. She was a trooper.

My last missions trip with WHUMC. I believe this was Summer 2003

We went on mission trips together, placed plastic pink flamingos in peoples yard as fundraisers, had the cops called on us, played sardines in the church every sunday, and could be found together at least 3 days a week if not more. There were quite a few of us in the family, but my closest friends who are my 'lifer friends' would have to be Ryan, Nick, Brittany, Howie and Beth, the Duffy Fam, and Kari (and her whole family). These are people I can go months without seeing and not miss a beat. Love them all dearly.

The bestest Ryan....My 21st birthday

Ry, me, Nick, and Janine...probably in 2005 at my brother house.

My Sweet Howie and Beth on one of our many dates. My guess would be 2006 or 2007

The YGP picture taken at my wedding somehow didn't include me...not sure how that happened. But I have one of my favorite 'big brothers' Nick and Ryan. 2008

Us at Ryan's wedding....Nick, me, Ryan, Beth, Howard

My beautiful Brittany...my twin, my bridesmaid. I am so lucky to have you as a friend, love you dearly.

Sunday I was blessed with a small reunion with a few from our group. Thank you Howie and Beth for treating us like the kids you never had. I can't speak for everyone but I know for a fact I would be lost without you both.

Youth group reunion/Howie's surprise 50th birthday party (Summer 2009)

I cannot begin to address the guidance I received from everyone, friends as well as youth leaders. From high school drama, to friends, family, college, and life...Howie and Beth, Kari, Kev and Cath, you have all be life savers. Love you all dearly.

Sweet Andy, a beloved member of our family, love you and miss you more than I can ever explain. Can't believe it has been over 5 years...you would however be proud of us.... It never fails you become a topic that brings smiles to our faces whenever we have reunions. We Love you and are blessed by the few years we got to call you family. Can't wait to see you again someday.

I am grateful for God placing me in this family and for the friendships that will last a life time. All of the best memories of high school (and still today) sparked from this group. Love you all and so glad I was able to spend a little bit of time with some of you on Sunday.

Day 7: My Best Friend, my Beautiful B

I am so blessed to be able to call Katie my Best friend. We may have started out on the wrong foot, but if I had it to do all over again I would not change a thing.

It all started on our family vacation my senior year of high school, where Katie's family was going to join us. I didn't know Katie's family but since I was getting a free vacation out of the deal I figured I didn't really care who we went with, as long as it was somewhere warm. However, I was not thrilled about their 'freshman' daughter who would be joining us...no I did not know her, but I knew of her and didn't want to be her friend. snotty yes. BUT I don't feel that bad because she felt the same way about me. Both of us begged to bring a friend along so we didn't have to entertain one another, but our parents both refused...and for this I am grateful. That week started one of the best friendships I could have ever hoped for!

We went from refusing to talk to one another to being attached at the hip. Shopping, eating, swimming, tanning, talking about boys, sitting on the computer together for countless hours, annoying my brothers, and just enjoying one another took up the WHOLE vacation. The rest is history...

Since that vacation Katie has been the one friend I can rely on at anytime. She totally gets me and most likely knows what I am thinking before it even crosses my mind. She finishes my sentences on a daily basis and I am grateful because there are many times we are talking 'code' and I can't always say what I want to say. So when she 'just knows' it kinda helps the conversation continue. Katie and I have always been at the same place in our boy world as well. Whether it be boy trouble, new boys, old boys, boy happiness, engagement, wedding....we are always on the same page at about the same time. Sometimes I worry about how similar our lives are....but I enjoy every minute.

Katie is the kind of friend you can be yourself around. There are no awkward moments, no conversation is inappropriate, no worries of offending the other with honesty, nothing goes unsaid...I like it that way. I have cleaned katie's room/house countless times (We won't even talk about the cheese incident), helped her move from house to house, even entertained her at wee hours of the morning in the ER, and of course the COUNTLESS 'unmentionable' memories together... Our friendship doesn't end with us, because her family is like my own and I am so grateful for them as well. I know I am welcome at any time, for any event...and their house is always open to me. When she still lived with her parents it was not uncommon to find me in the house with Katie no where to be found.

Katie has been there for me through difficult break ups, the loss of friend, family drama, you name it, she has been there. No one else could have filled the Maid Of Honor shoes in my wedding, nor would I have wanted anyone else to try.

She may be younger than me but she takes care of me :o)

I was Honored to be the Matron of Honor in Katie's wedding just 3 short months after my own.

We have lived as close as 1 mile and as far apart as opposite sides of the world, but nothing has come between us. She made the move back to IL a little less painful when we left California. This girl is my saving grace when it comes to clothes and shopping, no only does she shop with me constantly, but she also lets me shop in her closet :o) We have thrown each other bridal showers, starting the baby shower years now, celebrated birthdays...We are the queens of lunch dates and coffee dates. And, since her life (our lives) will soon be changing, as she has her first little baby in a few weeks, we have increased the number of dates to prepare for the days ahead of us when they are lacking. I cannot be more grateful for all the memories and girl talks. Thank you Katie for putting me in my place when needed :o)

Our most recent adventure was going to Fired Up for a last 'girls night'. And Chili's of course...future adventures are already in the planning process for once baby Gatlin is here. I cannot wait to meet my sweet little nephew when he arrives (December 1st is my guess) You can prepare for many more 'Katie posts' once the little man gets here. And Micah can plan to have a house to himself as I may move to Chillicothe to decrease my gas bill.

I love you Kate, bestie, Beautiful B, Katie Lynn....I cannot imagine my world without you (and your family). Thanks for you friendship and unconditional love!

Day 6: American Cancer Society

Today's highlight was my meeting with American Cancer Society...Love the organization, love the people who work for them, and love the people they help.

I have been volunteering with ACS since High School and my life is not complete without them! My college years were cram packed with studying....but my spare time was spent loving my extra curricular activities including my Chemistry and Biology honors fraternities, student government, Chi Omega, and whatever else I found to entertain myself. Next to Chi Omega, the majority of my free time was spent starting Colleges Against Cancer (CAC). This is basically an organization who's goal is to educate people on campus about various kinds of cancer, preventative measures that can be taken, and resources that are available to the general public through ACS. We also try to help raise support for the ACS. Since this organization was not present on campus before, it took a few years to get it up and running. Thank goodness for a WONDERFUL ACS staff partner, Jessica, and my sweet saving grace, Ashley, who bailed me out when it all became a little overwhelming. But we did it, and CAC continues to grow on campus. What a blessing! From CAC came Relay For Life of Carthage College. RFL is a community event that universities have made into a campus event as well... It is basically an overnight fundraiser in which everyone should take part! (really you will not regret it!)

My Sweet Chi Omega sisters at the first annual Relay For Life of Carthage College. Thanks for you support throughout the WHOLE process.

Once I graduated my life felt so empty without the responsibilities of CAC and RFL....so I decided to get back into the swing of things and volunteer at the Peoria ACS. Sweet Claire, my staff partner, (ironically the name of the person who was the reason I originally got involved with ACS in high school) has quickly embraced me and given me multiple opportunities to get involved. She schedules my 'rides' which is where you take people to treatments if they cannot gain transportation through family or friends (They are always looking for volunteers so feel free to contact me if you want to be a driver!). And these short trips are such a blessing as you get to enjoy conversations with the kind souls you you transport...Love all my passengers and am so happy they have all finished treatments! Celebration for them!

Claire has also helped me join the Committee for Morton's Relay For Life! I am already counting down the days until summer :o) Welcome to my 'Relay Tunnel' where it becomes impossible to understand how people have never heard of Relay or heaven forbid don't get involved, so I will apologize to friends and family as I bombard you all with Relay :o) Morton's goal this year is $111,000, so I am hoping we reach $120,000. And once things are underway you can expect many more Relay blogs.

But for now I am grateful that I can be involved! I am so thankful for people who spend every day of their life working for ACS, and for the people who help people like me get involved! I am especially thankful for each day I have with all of my friends and family who are battling cancer. Thankful each day for the memories of those who are no longer with us. And blessed to know that no matter what the futures holds, I will see you all again someday. ACS and Relay are just one way I can honor each and every one of you. You all hold a special place in my heart!

Day 4 & 5: 'til Death Do Us Part...

I have written and deleted this post about 4 times now, thus the reason it has taken me 2 days to post. It is one of those things you just can't put into words, because words just aren't enough to paint the picture. But, I shall try. Sorry that it is just random unorganized thinking, but you should be used to that after 3 years worth of 'random, unorganized thinking' blogs....

I am so grateful (total understatement) for my sweet Hubs... If anyone in this world deserves a prize for putting up with me and loving me unconditionally...Micah would win without the slightest competition. There is NO ONE else in this world who could put up with me on a daily basis, happy girl or not, so I appreciate the commitment dear hubby.

We may be 'newlyweds' by timeline, but we are an old married couple in life experience :o) Married for 2 together for 7...it has been a roller coaster to say the least (good thing I love roller coasters). We have been through hell and back, a couple times, since we said 'I Do', but the journey has only made us stronger. Micah has been a HUGE part of my life since high school, and back then I really didn't understand 'love'. And I am by no means a scholar, but I am pretty sure I have a better idea at (almost) 25 than I did at 18. Micah has loved me through the toughest times of my life, he knows every detail of my life, every fault, every like, every dislike, and he loves me despite everything. I know everything about me too and I find it hard to love me, so I can't imagine someone else finding the place in their heart for someone like me....but for that I am grateful and forever blessed.
Our world today looks at marriage as a 'til death do us part, unless you totally screw up before then' commitment, which is not how marriage was intended to be. Marriage is forever, no matter what one does that ticks off the other, there really is no excuse short of physical abuse that would justify 'giving up'. And even then, giving up is a last resort...But people do, everyday. And every time you give up, you give up a part of yourself and you are forever damaged. It isn't worth it. Marriage takes work, it is not fireproof unless you make it that way. And my favorite movie quote: "Fireproof doesn't mean the fire will never come. It means when the fire comes that you will be able to withstand it." So we ask ourselves daily if we are fireproof, and although we have our ups and downs the answer always seems to be yes. And I KNOW Micah will be there beside me until the day I die. Not because we are perfect and won't fail at times, but because we made that commitment and nothing can break it. Two years ago I posted This and This and my thoughts have not changed. I still challenge everyone to rent the movie or Read/Do the Love Dare (I have both to loan out if desired :o)

I went into this marriage thinking it was going to be all peachy, life would be perfect like in the fairy tales. I quickly found out that life can deal you a crappy hand and you just have to learn how to work with it. So we learned together, and I cannot begin to say how grateful I am for a husband who was patient with me. Now, as I sit a think back to how we were just over a year ago, I have absolutely nothing at all to complain about today. Life went from bad to worse to pretty darn good, and I am OK with that. Sure I find little things to complain about, but in reality it is not that he is wrong, he just isn't like me and that is OK. In fact, that is perfect because if he was anything like me we would drive each other up a wall within minutes and there is no way this would ever work out. But who am I kidding, if he was anything like me I never would have married him.

So, I am grateful for a Husband who is NOTHING like me. He does stuff around the house that I could never do. He does dishes because he knows I HATE that chore. I love that he teaches Sunday school with me and loves the kids as much as I do. I love that he is willing to drive a crappy car just because he knows an added loan would stress me out. I love that he cooks when I work late, and lets me be a grump on bad days. I love that he watches Dancing With The Stars, Grey's Anatomy, and Private Practice with me even if he would rather gouge his eyes out. He fills my car with gas because I don't like touching the gas pump. He gets me ice cream whenever I ask for it. He lets me go to bed at 9 and doesn't make fun of me for being an old lady. He loves me when I am unlovable and hugs me when I am a jerk. He deals with my OCD and tries so hard to change little things to make the day easier on me. He eats food that doesn't sound good to him just because he knows I like it. He lets me eat off of his plate whenever, even if I could have ordered that meal myself. He got me my sweet Cooper even tho he really didn't want a dog. He takes vacations to places he doesn't really want to go, just because he knows it will make me happy. He sacrifices buying all his 'toys' because he knows I am a penny pincher. He works hard at a job he doesn't like because he knows it is the only option right now. He lets me work crap jobs making next to nothing until i figure out what I want to do with my life. He hangs out with my friends when he doesn't want to. He is always the first to apologize even if I am in the wrong. He snaps me back to reality when I overreact. And he loves me despite all the crap I put him through. I praise God for him daily and am so blessed to have married such a wonderful man. I have seen so many changes in his life over the last two years and I cannot wait to see what the future brings.

So Hubs, thanks for putting up with me. Even if I am ungrateful and down right snotty sometimes, know that I notice the little things (and big things) you do for me every day, even if I still focus on the negative. No matter how negative I get, I do appreciate all that you do for me. I love you for all the sacrifices you make daily and cannot imagine life without you. Thanks for knowing everything about me, dealing with me daily, and loving me unconditionally. I love you to pieces and would not trade you for the world.

*Photographs compliments of our FAVORITE photographers: Reichman Photography*

Day 3: Sunday Blessings

It has only been a few days, but this 'blog challenge' has my mind constantly thinking about life and everything that I take for granted. I have become more aware of all the little things that are a part of my daily/weekly routine, things I would be completely LOST without. For example, mascara, without it I have no eyelashes. My eyes are small enough as is so you can only imagine how 'invisible' eyelashes make them look even smaller. So thank you inventors of mascara, I am forever grateful to you. Then you have other little things like the dish washing fairy who comes at night while I am sleeping and does my dishes...and while that silly little fairy seems to make messes throughout the rest of the house when he comes, I still appreciate him doing the dishes (thanks sweet hubby). I am still searching for a laundry fairy as well as the dusting, window washing, vacuuming, and cooking fairy, but I will try not to be greedy. I appreciate the mailman who kindly delivers mail (aka bills) right to my front door, thank you SO much mailman. And the garbage man who takes away my garbage before it gets all smelly.

I am thankful for internet access as it keeps me connected with all of my friends. Netflix, I love you. Gasoline, I am glad you get me from place to place but I would be more grateful for you if you lowered your prices about $0.50. Which in turn makes me grateful for my jobs yet again to pay for all of the mentioned 'little' things. While many of these 'little things' are quite petty, if they disappeared I can assure you I would notice...and I can 100% guarantee it would make for one of those 'grouchy days'. We are so spoiled!

Something much larger and closer to my heart that I take for granted weekly....My Church. I am so incredibly grateful for my church. I have attended many different churches in my lifetime and I must say that Liberty Bible is totally worth the 20 minute drive on Sunday mornings. Pastor Tom married us and we knew that as long as we lived within driving distance he would be the one 'teaching' us each Sunday. I (we both are) am so grateful for his guidance when times get rough, knowledge of the Bible, and leadership through this crazy messed up world full of 'religion'. I won't get out my 'soap box' about religion and the "a la carte" beliefs of our culture today, but I will say that it is nice to actually have a message each Sunday that applies to everyday life yet comes straight from Bible. No twisted interpretations that help us justify the ways of the corrupt world we live in today...just truth. Pure, honest, in your face truth.

The friends we have found at Liberty are very dear to our hearts. Seriously, we would be lost and lonely without them, as they make up 90% of the friends we hang out with regularly. We enjoy game nights, bible studies, food...lots and lots of food, fellowship, long chats, more food, and just simply knowing that we have someone to rely on at any time, day or night. We are grateful for our sweet 5th and 6th graders...Sunday school would not be the same without their stories, giggles, and innocent souls. We cannot wait to watch their sweet hearts grow as they get older.

My nursery munchkins (AKA birth control), no matter how frustrating it can get at times, nothing brings a smile to my heart like sweet toddlers. Which also reminds me how grateful I am for those sweet friends who bail me out when I have 10 toddlers and no helpers. Thanks Martha, you saved my life!

It is so easy to get into the habit of physically going to church each Sunday (and even easier to get out of the habit), but bringing an open mind and willing heart can be a challenge. Church is so much more than a building...it is a family, a support system, a group of people who hold you accountable for your actions daily....a safe place...a home. We LOVE our church home and are so blessed to be surrounded by people who Love God and live each day knowing that someday we will no longer worry about having grouchy days. How can you NOT be grateful knowing that this world is only a stop along the way....

Family

Mom had the great idea of going to a tea room and enjoying a sweet little lunch. I was a bit skeptical at first...I am not always the first to jump at the chance to go somewhere 'different' (not these days anyhow). I have a slight anxiety problem when it comes to the unknown...or last minute planning. Luckily mom gave me plenty of notice so I was prepared for the day :o) And my forced positive attitude made me follow through with the plans, happily. Which led to a wonderful day. Progress...

Such a cute little place that I would NEVER have found on my own. Mom heard about it from some girlfriends and decided she wanted to go sometime. So off we went to Dunlap. They seat people in groups so you cannot just show up for lunch without reservations (if anyone is interested). Everyone wears a tiara and is a princess or a queen (cheesy but whatever). Traditional English tea is served and you simply enjoy the company of your friends/family.My little Posse...Aunt Doris (not really my aunt, actually a cousin, but grew up calling her aunt so it sticks), G-Ma (she gets cooler as she gets older), Myself, and Mom.

The Table setting for Tea. Wish I would have been paying attentions and taken a picture with the background included as G-Ma was placing her tiara while Aunt Doris held the mirror for her. Bah ha ha....I love my life.

For my English friends....this was as good as real English Tea!!!! Not like the crap they serve here in America. Now you can all come to visit and not be disappointed by the tea you are served...as long as we go to tea parties every day of course.

The grub....yes this whole thing was for one person. I took home all my 'sweets' and was rude and refused to try anything with any sort of 'sauce' or condiment on it. Don't judge

I ate the chicken, celery, nuts, and dried cranberries UNTIL I hit some kind of creamy pudding type concoction on the bottom of the bowl. Just couldn't bring myself to try it...

The items I did eat were very good! And I was full in the end so it all worked out.

Best part of the whole day was wandering around the gift shop only to find myself surrounded by 100% English items. HEAVEN. Nothing can make me smile like a trip down memory lane. I love and miss my English family. But we have Skype and that keeps me sane until I can return. I refrained from purchasing any of my favorite sweets (pretty sure I gained 15 lbs in England: this is seriously no joke and I have pictures as proof), but now that I know they are readily available anytime I want....this could be trouble. Maybe after Christmas I will indulge, maybe...but I prefer to be in England enjoying the sweets.

And this great 'tea party' was followed by a short skype date with my favorite English love...because it would not be right to have tea without a real UK conversation...Hannah what would I do without you???

So, I am grateful for my Mom, G-Ma and Aunt Doris and our fun times together. Especially grateful for Mom as she is always available to listen to me on my grouchy days. Thanks for putting up with my random conversations, the constant 'poor me' attitude, and the many many many tears of frustration. Thanks for refraining from telling me that I am a moron when it is probably the truth. And thanks for loving me unconditionally, even if I was/am a wild child. I am so glad you journaled each and every unthinkable act the three of us terrors thought up as children....I think. It is quite possible that I will need to burn that journal, but for now I will thank you for it and the countless conversations that come from each entry.

Day 2: I could get used to this

Grateful for Sleep....so so grateful for sleep. Even if that meant that I slept in until 8 and didn't get all my OCD chores done. After weeks of tossing and turning, waking up constantly throughout the night, and not being able to sleep past 4 AM I finally slept more than 4 hours in one night. Celebration, I think so!

Yesterday was a great LONG day. Got some chores done before work and made it to work on time. Work went well, I seem to have my mind back and some of my motivation. Even if I forget how to do my job periodically :o) Of course I had a few moments of frustration and grouchiness but it was quickly resolved....I think. Stayed busy which helps pass the long 12 hour shifts. Then headed to the In-Law thanksgiving for a bit. Always enjoyable visiting with the cousins. And then home to annoy the hubby with late night chats as he was trying to fall asleep (he had to wake up at 430 to go hunting in the morning) SORRY love, now you know why I have trouble sleeping, my mind is always racing with off the wall thoughts. Great day!

I am so blessed...with a life full of great people! I could go on an on today with my list of things I am grateful for but I will only name a few so I can save some for the rest of my blogs.... Sleep, late night chats with the hubs, Starbucks, Stupid jokes, Phone calls from best friends, Skype Dates, laughter, my job(s), Grey's Anatomy, Private Practice, friends who 'get' me and love me anyhow, beautiful weather.....and the list goes on

(I am grateful Micah finally killed a deer, maybe I will not be a hunters widow much longer....thinking positive)