Getting to know you

1. If you had to choose a country to live in besides USA (or the country you live in), which would it be? Hmmm....well I guess that I would choose Germany. Mainly because a lot of my heirtage comes from there.
2. Which would be worse, wearing flip flops in the snow or wearing gloves in the summer? Flip flops in the snow. I cannot stand when my feet are cold let alone freezing!
3. Fried or Bake and why? Baked. Even though I do eat some stuff that isn't healthy for me, I like to keep our eating habits relatively healthy.
4. If you were an entertainment reporter, which celeb would you love to interview and why?I am not really sure....I don't really follow celebs all that much.
5. What was your favorite book as a preteen/teenager? Was I ever a teenager? LOL. You know I am not even sure. I read ALOT of books & they are all blurring together.
6. List your top 3 guilty pleasure television shows. Army Wives, Grey's Anatomy, Desperate Housewives
7. What bumper sticker slogan best describes you/your attitude/your life? Just do it!
8. If you were to join a circus - what performer would you be? I want to be shot out of the cannon!

Day 235 of 365

Anything you lose automatically doubles in value. ~Mignon McLaughlin

Fun with grammy and pappy.....

Day 234 of 365 (Welcome New Followers!!)

How is it that our memory is good enough to retain the least triviality that happens to us, and yet not good enough to recollect how often we have told it to the same person? ~François Duc de La Rochefoucauld

(This one is for you dad!!!)

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WELCOME to all my new followers!

I came home from vaction & was excited to see A LOT of new faces! Do me a favor if you are new leave me a comment with your name, your favorite food, and your favorite college football team. (I will see if you are worth keeping :-) Just kidding of course!) Even if you are an old follower you can do it too! It would be kind of fun to learn more about everyone!

I'm back! (Did you miss me?!) Friday memes

We just got back home from vacation in Pennsylvania. I must admit that PA still kind of feels like home but so does NC and every other place that we have been. It really hit home (no pun intended) that we were home when I saw some homecoming signs that a friend had up. So in honor of homecomings....here is the sign that I made for 10 week old Kendall to have for her daddy in 2006. It reads Daddy when you left I was this big (picture of her in utero) and then Come see me now! Happy Friday Photo Flashback!

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And...here we go!

1. This is what life does. It lets you fall until you realize that God is in charge then it picks you right back up!
2. Doesn't it make you want to drink in the beauty & appreciate the moment?
3. Upon reflection I probably shouldn't have said that!
4. I saw a lot of family this past week that I haven't got to see for quite a long time.
5. Later, you wake up in a good mood!
6. Let's sail away to the far and boundless sea.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to game night with great friends, tomorrow my plans include unpacking, straightening up the house, church, & life group and Sunday, I want to play it by ear!
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This week’s questions are:

1.What food reminds you of your spouse? Steak (we have had quite a few fun memories that revolved around eating it!), Greek food, Indian fry bread, eggs, brats, lobster & crab, fish
2.Who would you rather sit next to in a cross-country plane ride: an irritating non-stop talker, or a quiet stare-er? Non-stop talker. I can't stand when people stare at me!
3.What are your best tips on how to save money? Set it up so that it comes out of your paycheck before you get your paycheck & you never miss it! Ours is automatic so there is no dawdling or changing the amounts etc.
4.What is your favorite summer memory? Just being free to do what I wanted!
5.Do you believe in ghosts? NO

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1. Do you collect anything?Besides dust? Cough ok just kidding. I love precious moments, pictures of family, and a wide variety of other things. So yes in answer to that question.
2. Name 3 celebrities that you find good looking. Matthew McConaughey, Ben Affleck, hmmm...I don't know!
3. Do you have any scars? If so, what's the story behind it (them?)?Mostly on my legs from childhood craziness!
4. What is a food that you like to eat, but others might think it's gross or weird? Calamari
5. Have you ever seen a tornado in real life? No thank goodness!

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1. A very nostalgic place that reminds me of being a kid is the creek down by my parents house. I have very fond memories of jumping off the bank into the water.
2. If someone really wants to show me how much they love me they should probably hang out with me. Being with friends is one of my favorite things to do.
3. Lately I've been wondering a lot about if we are going to have to move & how the kids, myself, and Ben will adjust to it.
4. When it comes to saving money I am getting much better with age.
5. I'd prefer hugs over kisses any day!
6. I wish I knew how to photograph better.
7. I'm just waiting for Ben's orders to come through.

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Fun with friends in PA

Ben & I with our friends Michelle & Keith

With our friends Brad & Julie
Finally got to meet fellow blogger Stacey!

Our date night & fun with friends in Indiana, PA, last night!

Fun in PA

Howdy everyone!
I didn't get to post much before we left because of a time crunch but we are safely in PA at my parents house. I guess it will be another week off of blogging but I will catch up with y'all soon! I am missing all my bloggy buddies and see that I have quite a few new ones to check out. I am super excited!!
Hope your week is wonderful and blessed!

Kendall's Birthday

Kendall turned 4 on June 30th.

She picked out her own outfit & helped me make pink cupcakes with white icing for her birthday.

She opened presents from Grammy, Pappy, Grandma, PawPaw, Auntie Lou, & the McNaughton Clan.

Waiting for daddy to walk in the door with her surprise
So excited for her flowers and princess balloon

Pictures from her beach party are coming I promise!

Kendall's favorite gift

Making a wish

Cupcakes that she helped to make!

EEeekkkk.....it's Tuesday already!

This past week was the first full week we have had home together since school came to an end. I have been sick (found out today after 5.5 hours at "Urgent care" that I have bronchitis!) so my patience level has been lower than usual. I had to spank Isaac twice by 10. (He deserved more than that but.....) I am not sure what he was into but I told him from the kitchen if I had to come into the living room that he was "gonna get a whooping." I started loading the dishwasher to hear spanking sounds coming from the living room. I ran in there because I thought maybe Kendall had take it upon herself to spank him for me.

I screeched around the corner to see my son spanking himself and saying "bad boy, bad boy." It was all that I could do to contain myself. I am not sure if he thought that he would save me the trouble of coming in there or what! Gotta love those sweet kiddos!
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Top 2 Favorite Purchases this Year

1. My DSLR camera. (Canon Rebel XS) The pictures are SOOOO much better than the point and shoot!

2. I am about to purchase a bookcase for our bedroom. I think that it will be a favorite purchase because we are in need of organization in our room and I think that this will provide some much needed storage!

Day 233 of 365

A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." Proverbs 18:24

Completing Him Challenge-Admiration/Marriage Mondays

Pop quiz:

1) List all the flaws of your husband.

2) List all the things that you admire about your husband.

Grade yourself: Which question was easier to answer?

There will be some women out there who find it easier to admire their husband than list his flaws. But I would venture to say that most of us find it easier to list their flaws. It's a part of our sin nature!

So let's break out of that mold - go against the grain of the world and praise our husbands!!!

This weeks Marriage challenge is: Admire Your Husband. If you are a blogger write a post all about your husband and what you admire in him and then show it to him! He will smile! If you are not a blogger, list the things you admire about your husband in the comment section and show it to him!

Showing it to him is so important. You may THINK he already knows the things you admire about him - but I'm afraid we don't tell our husbands often enough how much we do.

Wouldn't you love it if he did this for you? Luke 6:31 says "Do to others as you would have them do to you." So here's your chance to selflessly gush about your man!

1. He is very funny/humourous/cracking jokes all the time. It makes my life interesting & I'd rather be laughing than doing anything else!

2. He is very talented in a lot of ways! He does woodworking, participates in triathlons, knows how to fix a wide variety of things,

3. He is a man of integrity. (It's missing in a large amount of the male population these days.)

4. He is a good Jesus follower & where he falls short he strives to be better.

5. He is crazy strong. Physically & emotionally. I admire that about him!

6. He loves me and our children in spite of our many faults.

7. Dependable

8. Trustworthy

9. Loyal

10. He is super smart!

11. He serves are country & hopes that our children learn to do the same.

12. He is a great sounding board. I come to him with just about all of my problems.

13. He is just Benny & for that I am forever grateful!!

For more check out Courtney at www.womenlivingwell-Courtney.blogspot.com/

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The garden of marriage is mixed with the beautiful alongside the not so beautiful. Sometimes we attack what should be left alone or allowed to mature in time, while we completely ignore real scoundrels in our relationships. We might see issues sprouting and listen to others who tell us we should really do something about them, attack them, and "nip them in the bud." You know, things like a husband leaving socks on the floor or forgetting the trash or refusing to ask for directions ... We can get so caught up in our frustration over what we think are big weeds that we miss real ones tucked in the harder to find places. If Satan can keep us thinking about what doesn't really matter or lure us into attacking good things, he can keep our attention off of the real needs in our marriages.
For more go visit Julie at http://comehaveapeace.blogspot.com/

Monday Mugs (Blue)

Disneyland 2004.....Love this BLUE!

A friend of mine took this at the air show this year. I love the blue on this!

Day 232 of 365

Satan trembles when he sees the weakest saint upon their knees.
William Cowper quotes

Scripture Sunday

Trying to be a Romans 12 Chrisitian
Romans 12:9-17
9Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
14Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.[c] Do not be conceited.
17Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

Getting to know you (Happy 4th of July!)

The questions..

1. What do you look forward to the most on the 4th of July? food and fireworks!
2. Are you a hugger? Yes, please!
3. What is your favorite BBQ'd food? Hmmm.....chicken. I am pretty boring!
4. Do you like to watch parades? Yes!
5. Who has stinkier farts..boys or girls? Does it really matter? They are both stinky! I would have to say our doggers take the cake for those!
6. Vampires or Werewolves? Neither!
7. Do you read your horoscope? Nope
8. What is your favorite flavor of ice cream? Toss-up between mint chocolate chip & chocolate peanut butter!

Day 231 of 365 (Happy Birthday America!)

This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave. ~Elmer Davis

Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom, must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it. (Thomas Paine)

It is sweet to serve one’s country by deeds, and it is not absurd to serve her by words. (Sallust)

We must be free not because we claim freedom, but because we practice it. (William Faulkner)

In the truest sense, freedom cannot be bestowed; it must be achieved. (Franklin D. Roosevelt)

Friday on steroids!

Friday Photo Flashback

February 2006

Right before Ben left on his second deployment to Iraq & my barely there baby bump of our first born.

For more flashbacks visit
Alicia at

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This week’s questions are:

1.Tell us about your dream job… one that you could do regardless of pay. Regardless of pay, I have had my dream job. I love working with oncology patients. Sound morbid? Most people think that it is but it restores my mind about humanity. My dream job was working one day a week so I could be home with the kids and still do nursing. I am sad that I can't do that anymore!
2.What is your most prized material possession (kids and pets don’t count!)?A toss-up between my engagment & wedding bands and my new canon camera. I have happy memories every time I catch sight of my rings on my finger AND I love recording our families history with the camera.
3.What has been your favorite duty station and why?Hmmm.....a toss-up between Jacksonville, NC, and Pensacola, FL. Both for a wide variety of reasons. It was definitely not Camp Pendleton!
4.What is your least favorite household chore?The litterbox, emptying the dishwasher, pooper-scooping the backyard, weeding the many planter boxes, Oh wait was it supposed to be only ONE?!?
5.If you could give one piece of advice to a teenager today (not specifically a MilTeen), what would it be?
Make the most of your youth (Seriously!) Don't wait until you are old COUGH ok maybe middle-age.
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1. What is one thing you miss the most about childhood?
Carefree days with no responsibility!
2. Are you still friends with your friends from high school?
Some of them thanks to Facebook!
3. Is there a catch phrase, cliche, or word that just drives you bonkers every time you hear it?
"This too shall pass." (Mostly while I am in the midst of a crisis while Ben is gone somewhere....seriously that is all you have? I just want you to listen to me!)
4. What is one thing that you think symbolizes America...besides "Old Glory"?
Eagle
Bumper stickers if you are in Jacksonville (just saying!)
5. What are your 4th of July weekend plans? Our normal weekend plans & a get together at a friends house for the 4th!

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1. This weekend for The 4th of July I will be going to JT & Kelly's for a little bit.
2. Fireworks are are beautiful!
3. Nothing says summer like the happy screams of my kiddos and splashes from the pool.
4. My favorite summer memory is spending ALL summer at the pool babysitting for one of my nursing professors. Seriously! Pool pass paid! Paid to watch 2 sweet boys in the sun! Who could beat that?
5. My favorite thing about sumer is lazy days with the kids that aren't over-scheduled with "stuff."
6. Summer in a word is WONDERFUL!
7. If I could choose to have summer or winter year round I'd pick hmmm....that's really tough. I guess I would probably say winter. You can always add layers but really cannot take them off!

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And...here we go!

1. When it's quiet I am normally looking for the kids to see what has gone wrong in the house!
2. My baby girl turned 4 years old in what seems like a month of time.
3. My heart is wrapped up in loving my hubby, kids, family, & friends.
4. I get to go home to Pennsylvania in July.
5. In the town where I was born, there is a small town love.
6. Integrity is something I really love about my significant other / friend.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to small group with awesome friends, tomorrow my plans include church in the evening and Sunday, I want to have a great picnic at Kel's!

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Day 230 of 365

Something that has always puzzled me all my life is why, when I am in special need of help, the good deed is usually done by somebody on whom I have no claim. ~ William Feather

Week 32 of 52 (Going straight for a day or two)

20 more weeks to go. (We won't mention that it should be much less than that but I have been a slacker at getting this up every Thursday!)

So I went to get my hair highlighted & cut on Tuesday. I normally have to rush out to get the kids but since they are out of school now, I was able to stay and let my hairdresser, Katie, straighten my hair. It is kind of crazy how different I look & feel :-) Not permanent thank goodness since Kendall cried when she saw me and said, "I miss your curlies momma!"
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Wanna play..all you have to do is post 5 things that have made you..

1. I was so very Happy to know that this week we would be able to hang out at the house & enjoy being "lazy" for the week. (After going non-stop for the past 3 to 4 weeks)
2. I was Giddy with excitement to see my hair straightened for the first time ever!
3. I was Joyful to celebrate my daughter's 4th birthday this week.
4. I am Excited that next week we will be traveling to PA to see family and friends. AND that our plans are firming up for our trip to TN to see my in-laws in August.
5. I was so Appreciative of all the help that my hubby & the wonderful volunteers gave for VBS last week!
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Ten Things to Smile About for June

1. Kendall's 4th birthday
2. My newest niece Lily
3. A successful VBS week
4. A wonderful trip to Highlands, NC
5. Having Benny home with us all month
6. Lots of rain (we have been under some bad drought conditions here!)
7. Pool and beach days
8. Lazy days with the kids & friends
9. Being able to sew a few projects
10. School out for summer!!

Day 229 of 365

How beautiful a day can be
When kindness touches it! ~ George Elliston

This video is so worth watching!!