Random Things, Part Two

The fun part about cleaning out the basement is that I know that if something does not belong to me, it belongs to Brad. I am learning all kinds of interesting things about my husband!

Apparently, he really likes hats or funny things to put on his head (I wasn't sure if that beanie counted as a hat...). Or rather, he likes to purchase them, and then keep them in the basement.

Please allow me to show you a couple of my favorites :)

Good news - we finally found the matching hat to Brad's fabulous Nascar jacket! Actually, he had two very colorful Rusty hats (I wonder which one he should wear at the airport...)

One of Brad's first statements when we started the big clean was "I'm not getting rid of my Rusty jacket". It's like he could read my mind!

Also previously unknown to me, my husband owns a cowboy hat. Which lives in our basement.

Daisie feels that this one needs to go as it has not been worn in the last four + years.

As I have been picking on Brad a bit for his "basement treasures", allow me to share one of my own that was discovered just today.

These are very special crackers...because they come from my teaching days! I used to have a box of snacks that I'd keep by my desk for when I got hungry. That means that these crackers are...maybe 3 1/2 years old.

I must admit, I was tempted to try them to see if they are still good!

Keeping Me Laughing...

I love my dear husband. He makes me laugh in a way that no one else can. No matter what kind of a mood I am in, what we are doing, what we are talking about...he makes me laugh.

Take last night for an example.

After dinner, we headed to a church that was about an hour away for an adoption meeting. It was a meeting for all waiting families, and the topic was race awareness. It was really beneficial to us and brought up some things that we have not thought about before. We did some activities and met some new friends who are also adopting (some domestic, some international). I was especially excited to meet a couple who are adopting from Korea and who hope to have their baby home by Christmas!

Anyway, all of that was besides the point. It was just a great meeting so I thought I'd share!

On the way home, Brad and I were talking (once again) about if we should travel to South Korea or have our child escorted here (when the time comes - obviously we don't have to decide today!). We were weighing the pros and cons and thinking through different aspects of it. Then we started talking about what it would be like if we had them escorted and met them at the airport.

I asked Brad who he would like to have at the airport.

I expected some kind of response like, "Our parents" or "Our families" or something along those lines.

Brad, in all seriousness, paused for a moment and then turned to me and said "Rusty Wallace."

I am laughing again just thinking about it. He said it so seriously that I just sat there with my mouth open! (For those of you who may not know, Rusty Wallace is Brad's long-time favorite Nascar driver.)

But our families don't need to worry, he quickly changed his mind and said that Rusty's commentary of the event would be much too difficult to listen to!

And all my Nascar buddies are laughing because that is SO TRUE :)

Needless to say, we did not reach a resolution on the travel/escort issue!

Random Things, Part One

Welcome to my special blog series entitled, "Random Things Found in Brad and Rachel's Basement"!!

I give you exhibit A:

No, I did not find a crazy man in my basement!

That is actually my darling husband wearing his bright orange welding beanie (which apparently goes under a welding hat) that seems to go very well with his first pair of glasses!

In case you are wondering, Brad got those glasses in the seventh grade...which is why he felt the need to hold up seven fingers. Just in case you were wondering!

Stay tuned for more random items...

Why, Oh Why, Oh Why?

Why, oh why, oh why do we have so much stuff?

That is the question I have been asking myself for the last 3 years every time I went to do laundry in the "back room" of the basement. I open the door and see this:

And this:

And I think to myself, "Where on earth did this all come from????" The answer, of course, is that it is a compilation of my life, Brad's life, my teaching stuff, camping gear, decorations, books, toys, and other random things that never seemed to fit anywhere else in the house.

Brad and I have been talking for YEARS about sorting through it and organizing it, but it has always seemed so overwhelming that we've never done it.

Until now. Gulp.

Yes, we started the project. We knew it would not be a one day project, and we were okay with that...but after working diligently for hours on Saturday we still had barely put a dent in the pile! We have already gotten rid of a ton of stuff (or are planning to donate it) so that is good. Unfortunately, next Saturday is really the next time we have to work on it again.

And now every time I come down to the basement, I think to myself, "What have I gotten myself into????"

There is no turning back now!

Tomorrow I will begin a new blog series entitled, "Random Things Found in Brad and Rachel's Basement." I already have a good one - you will not want to miss this!

Meeting a Bloggy Friend in Real Life

This is the first chance I've had to blog about my fabulous Thursday evening...so if you read Rachel, Kristy, or Wendi's blogs I realize I am too late!

For months now, I have been reading a blog called "Bring the Rain" written by a lady named Angie. I can't even remember how I found it, but I am so glad that I did. Through her blog, Angie has shared her heart as she has walked through some very dark and difficult times. Her blog often makes me cry...and laugh out loud! She is truly a gifted writer who has such an obvious faith in the Lord. She has encouraged me and helped me to have a closer walk with Jesus time and time again. And all this without me even meeting her!

So imagine my excitement when we found out that she would be coming to a church that is only an hour away! You see, her husband is a singer with a fabulous group called Selah, and they were having a concert not too far away. Rachel, Kristy, Wendi and I decided that we were definitely willing to make the trip, so last Thursday our long-awaited girls night became a reality.

The concert was...amazing. I absolutely loved the music, the harmonies, the beautiful voices, the familiar old hymns, and the chance to praise God. It was truly a blessing.



Following the concert, we rushed around the church looking for Angie. There was a lot of giggling going on and even though we realized we were being a little "stalker-ish" we continued on with the hopes of getting the chance to meet someone who has influenced all of our lives in different ways. We got to meet the members of Selah, including Angie's husband, Todd, who was not all that surprised to find out that although we really liked his music, we were looking for his wife! Apparently this is not the first time that has happened to him!

A favorite memory - we found Angie in the foyer, but there was a line of ladies waiting to talk with her! So we stood right behind her, waiting patiently, and trying not to look too crazy...

That is Angie with her back to us and Wendi ready to burst with excitement!

We finally had the opportunity to meet Angie and to talk with her a bit, and she was so great! She was so real and even funnier in person than on her blog (and if you have never read her blog, you have to check it out - she is hilarious!). We had a great time chatting with her and she didn't seem at all freaked out by us, so that was good! I loved spending time with the girls and am so glad we had this opportunity. It was definitely a memorable evening!

Tuesday Tidbits!

Happy Tuesday....

I got this blogging idea from my new bloggy friend, Rachel! She tagged me a week ago but for some reason I've been having a mental block and couldn't think of 6 things to share!

Disclaimer: I did one of these a while ago so if I share the same things, please bare with me!

Here are the rules...

1. Post the rules on your blog
2.Write 6 random things about yourself
3. Tag 6 people at the end of your post (or however many you want)
4. If you are tagged, just do it, and pass the tag along!!

Here are my 6 random tidbits (notice I did not say they were exciting or anything like that!):

1. I love love LOVE salt and vinegar chips. I could eat a whole bag by myself (oh who am I kidding, I have eaten a whole bag by myself! Yes, in one sitting!)

2. I did not learn how to balance a checkbook until I got married. I think this was a bit of a concern for Brad but he was very good about teaching me and now I am the one who balances our checkbook :)

3. My favorite verse is Deuteronomy 4:29 - "But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find Him if you look for Him with all your heart and with all your soul." I still find it amazing that the God of the universe wants to have a relationship with me, and that I can know Him.

4. I love board games, card games, really any kind of games except the kind where I have to act things out or talk in front of people.

5. I married a non game player.

6. I have a lot of pet peeves that have to do with feet. Toe nails that are too long - ewww. Dry feet that get stuck on socks - hate it. Stepping in water with my socks on - sends me into a panic until I can get the sock off!

I know, I know. I'm weird.

I am tagging: Kristy, Renee, Angela, Tamara, and Megan.

Are You a Couponer?

I love love LOVE to save money! I don't buy big items unless they are on sale, and usually at the grocery store I go for stuff that is on sale. But for some reason, I have never been a "Couponer" (one who uses coupons). Yes, I made that word up. Well, I shouldn't say never - I always use the JoAnn Fabric and Michael's coupons :) But for grocery items, I never used coupons. I have some friends who use coupons and I always thought that it would be a good idea, but I never knew where to get them and thought that I'd just end up using them for things that I wasn't going to buy, which would cost me more money rather than saving me money!

My perspective on this, however, has been transformed! I saw a show about a lady who used coupons and saved tons of money, and she explained how she does it. She has a whole complicated process that I don't think I will ever do, but I have started to apply the basics and it is working! I got the Sunday papers last week and this week, cut out coupons of stuff I buy on a regular basis, and started reading the ads. Last week I made my grocery list and I ended up saving about $40.00! Not all of that was in coupons, though - some of it was from buying stuff on sale. I never thought about waiting until things are on sale and then using the coupon as well to get it really cheap. It's a bit like a game now - trying to match up coupons I have with things that are on sale!

My most exciting purchase was today (wow as I typed that I realized how lame that sounds! I have got to get a life!!!). I just ran out of body wash, and while looking through the ads I found a $1 coupon off a brand that I love :) So I got the body wash that was regularly $4.50 for under $2.00! Yes, I am cheap.

I wondered if there are other people out there who use coupons and if you have a system. Any money-saving ideas are welcome :)

This is Going to Be Interesting...

The good news is that I went to see the doctor yesterday, and the pain I'm feeling is in the muscle, not in the joint :) Apparently I am stressed out and didn't even know it! I am clenching my teeth even during the day and my jaw muscles really do not like that.

How to fix this? Well, I get to wear my bite plate all the time for the next 5 days. Today was day one of this, and it was interesting. My jaw did not hurt at all today, even when I ate! But on the down side...I do not sound too intelligent when I talk!

The doctor also gave me some pain killers and muscle relaxants. I only take the muscle relaxants at night, but they really work! Last night I slept like a log and when I woke up I still felt really funny. I spent the whole day in a fog and found it really hard not to fall asleep every time I sat down. I got home from work at 4pm, went to the couch, and promptly fell asleep for a brief 4 hour nap! I just woke up, have taken my medicine again, and expect to be back in bed within half an hour.

I'm a bit nervous about the next two weeks and being able to function...but at least my jaw doesn't hurt!

Dogs, Immigration, and Pain

Top Three News Items from the Hunts:

1. Last night when I returned from the grocery store, I found that a hurricane had come through our living room. Or perhaps it was a tropical storm, named "Sam and Daisie". Yes, the dogs had been left unattended while Brad worked diligently to get something fixed on our computer, and had decided that instead of reading one of my running magazines...they would see if they could replicate a shredder instead!

Note to self: Do not leave dogs unattended. :) Oh well, it made for a good laugh!

2. Our social worker called today - our homestudy has been officially approved and they are sending our forms to US immigration today! Now we wait to hear from immigration about having our fingerprints done. Yey for progress!

3. My jaw pain is sadly still around. I am tired of eating soup. I went to the dentist again today and have an appointment with an oral surgeon tomorrow afternoon. Yikes. Please pray that it is a muscle problem and not a joint problem. Thank you!

It was a beautiful day to be watching a 5k...but a warm one to be running in it! Yesterday afternoon's race was lots of fun and I am proud of myself because I know I went as fast as I possibly could. I finished in 33:36 which is not really any faster than any past times, but I know for sure that my first two miles were faster. I ran with my friend, Cheryl, and we ran the first mile in 9:30 and the second mile in 10:30. After that it was all downhill...except for the course, which seemed to be all UPHILL! There were just lots of little hills, and we'd get done one and realize there was another one coming right up! I think if I hadn't been with Cheryl I might have walked...or laid down and taken a nap! She kept me going and I was very glad to see the finish line.

It was so great having my family there to cheer me on. I never really was the "sporty" type so this is really the first "sporting event" that my family has all been at. I appreciated them cheering me on so much.

This picture below was taken after the race...I was glad that I had prepared my family and told them that I would for sure be saying things like "I'm going to throw up" and "I think I'm going to die". They told me they were glad I warned them or they would have been really worried - because I really did say those things (and I meant them!) when I finished the race.

Sleepover

For the next week, Daisie will have a buddy to play with! Sam, who belongs to Brad's brother (does that make Sam my dog-in-law?) has come to stay with us while his owners are enjoying a vacation. So far, I think Daisie is just getting on Sam's nerves. She has a lot of energy (she is still a puppy after all!) and is so happy to have him here. He seems to be, as of yet, undecided about his feelings in regards to this visit (see picture above - don't his eyes just scream "GET ME OUT OF HERE!!!"???). It promises to be an interesting week indeed!

The Fam is Coming!

I'm so glad it's the weekend! On Sunday, my Mom, Dad, and younger sister Sarah are coming for a visit :) My other sister Joanna lives nearby, and I am really looking forward to spending some time all together again. We always have so much fun when we are together, laughing and being silly and saying movie lines that we always say when we're together. It just never gets old, though! They are staying till Monday and I am SO excited!

On Sunday afternoon, I am running in a 5k race. I find it helps keep me motivated if I have goals and races coming up to keep training for. I ran yesterday and it was really hard for some reason, so I hope Sunday is better. It's supposed to be in the high 70's so maybe I'll even get to wear shorts again!

I'm looking forward to a fun weekend - I hope yours is great as well!

If Only I Weren't So Cheap...

It's been a long time since Brad and I could step foot in the baby department of a store. We had tried a few times over the last few years, as a way to look forward...but it often ended with us running into some beaming pregnant couple so excited to be buying baby items and me bursting into tears. You can see why Brad might be a little bit cautious about taking me to that department again!

Tonight, though, we did some fun looking :) I feel like I have crossed over from the grief part to the excitement part and I am just overwhelmed as I look forward to bringing our little one home. I don't know why, but tonight I just HAD to look at baby stuff! I wanted to buy everything I saw! Unfortunately, I am just too thrifty, so I made a list instead. But it was still so much fun! Can't you tell from all the exclamation marks???!!!

I did want to share about the two baby items that we have. The first is a very special present that was given to us by my dear friend, Tamara, as soon as she found out we were adopting. It is a sleeper, and it is really big because we don't know how old our child will be when he/she comes home. I love it!!!! And I love her for encouraging me and helping me to hang on when the wait just seems too long.

When we decided to adopt, I felt like I wanted to buy our child something so that one day I could tell them how excited I was to bring them home, and how long I had been waiting to have them with me. I decided on this little bear, and it sits on my dresser reminding me that one day our wait will be over!

Hurry home, little one! We cannot wait to meet you!

A Parade and Some New Flooring...

This weekend was so much fun! It was a weekend with perfect fall weather and lots of good times. On Friday, Brad and I spent time with his family. We went to a parade and football game at Brad's old high school (it was homecoming this weekend). I don't care much for football, but I am so grateful that I got to spend time with people I love! I find myself often thinking how blessed I am to have such a good "in-law" family.

This weekend, we also put down some new flooring in the sunroom. (There I go again, using the word "we"!!! Well, I did help move the furniture out of the room...). We were given some indoor-outdoor carpet FOR FREE (my favorite!), so we decided to take up the "stick down tiles" (no idea what those are really called!) and put down the carpet stuff. The tiles didn't look bad but we used to have a major leak in the roof of the sunroom so they were all curling up and coming un-stuck where they got all wet.

This is the before (I love this room! Especially in the spring)

He'd never put down carpet before, but that didn't slow him down one bit! His "fix-it" abilities never cease to amaze me!

Daisie's "fix-it" abilities...leave something to be desired! But still she always wants to help!

The finished result!

I am heading to the store today to get some material to make some pillow covers for these nasty looking pillows I got at a yard sale a few years ago. I don't sew...but I am going to learn!!!

Let the Names Begin!

I am very excited about today's purchase...

But really, do you think 100,000 will give us enough choices????

OH GOOD - it actually says 100,000 +

Glad about those extras!!!!

No, It's Not Because I Talk Too Much...

Aw, man!!! Tonight my heart was set on eating a Frosty with M & M's in it. I don't know why, I just really wanted one. After praise team practice tonight, Brad and I went to Wendy's on the way home. I took one bite and realized...I couldn't eat it. My jaw has been giving me trouble this week and eating has been difficult. Which is a shame because it is one of my favorite things to do. I sadly said goodbye to the Frosty and gave it to my sister.

Because of the pain I have resigned myself to actually wearing my bite splint at night (which I am supposed to wear every night because of my TMJ but haven't been...so I kind of feel like this is my own fault!). The dentist thinks it is in the muscle and has been caused by me clenching my teeth at night (Brad says sometimes it sounds like I am eating corn on the cob while I am sleeping!). He gave me some muscle relaxors which make me...happy! And relaxed! I got a new pillow too, so I hope that will help! I can't stay away from chewy things much longer!!!!