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Sunday, July 29, 2012

I consider myself to be a professional at avoiding the sun.

So, in case you didn't know, I am a redhead.  And being a redhead comes with certain perks, like freckles, and certain pits, like sunburns.  Let's just say that I wish I knew then what I knew now.  And in an effort to make the world a better place I am going to teach you how to avoid the sun as well.

So, the sun is a good thing.  We need it to grow food and control the earth's temperature and all that.  But we don't need to expose our bare skin to it on a regular basis, at least, not with out protection.  You see, although you do need to go out in the sun at least once a day, to help regular sleep patterns and to keep you happy (being exposed to sunlight helps reduce happy hormones), there's really no benefit to exposing your skin to the sun.  Vitamin D, you say? Take the pill, no side effect of possible cancer.  Easy decision in my opinion.

So first of all, there IS  difference between sunSCREEN and sunBLOCK.  It's all in the name.  Sunscreen provides a screen of protection that allows some sun through.  Sunblock provides much more protection in an attempt to block the harmful rays from the sun.  I, as a fair-skinned person, use sunblock.  My more tan-prone friends prefer sunscreen.

Second, sunscreen/block doesn't work immediately.  It must soak into your skin to be effective, for at least 15 to 20 minutes. So if you're going to go out in the sun and you put it on when you get to the pool, or wherever, you will most likely damage your skin.  Don't blame the product; that's a user error.

Third, sunscreen/block is not a permanent/apply-once kind of thing.  Most outdoor events during the summer involve water, in the form of a pool or sweat.  And those remove the product over time.  So you must re-apply!  Play a sport outside for four hours and only applied it once at the beginning = sun damage! Not the product's fault; another user error.

Fourth, not all sunblock/screen is meant to go on your face.  It's worth it to buy one for the skin on your body and a smaller bottle specifically for your face (it will say on the bottle if it is face sunscreen/block).  It's just more sensitive up there and deserves special attention, in my opinion.  Can't find any or can't afford it? No worries, just use the regular stuff, but consider applying it more regularly as we often wipe our faces more often and remove the product quicker.

Fifth, use the spray.  It gets a better coverage, is quicker, less messy, and you're more likely to actually use it.  Don't waste your money on something you won't use.

Sixth, sunscreen/block EXPIRES! It should only be used for one summer because by the next year  it won't be as effective at protecting your skin.  Use old sunscreen and get burnt? Not the product's fault...user error!

Seventh, skin damage isn't limited to sunburns.  You can easily damage your skin even if you tan.  In fact, tanning is a form of skin damage.  You burn your skin and it turns brown; I burn mine and it turns red.  Either way, is is still burning.  Tanning is NOT healthy!!  Also, sun damage can turn up after you've left the sun. It's not always visible immediately.  So re-apply even if you're not changing colors yet.

Eighth, consider covering up.  Wear a T-shirt or shirts.  Buy a see-through cover-up to wear in the pool.  Buy a cute hat.  Any clothing you can wear to cover your skin will save your skin.  And there are definitely cute looks out there, even at Wal-mart.  I know, because I bought my swimsuit, tunic cover-up and straw hat all at Wal-mart for a grand total under $30.  And I can wear them again next year.

Ninth, skin-protecting products are hidden in every day things.  And this is mainly for women, but buy make-up with an SPF in it. Lotions too.  and Chap-stick.  Protect your skin everyday in every way.

Tenth, you can't avoid the sun completely, so don't become a hermit.  Just be smart.  You only get one skin and it has to last you your whole life.  This isn't only about vanity, because drying out your skin in the sun only make you look like leather over the years, but also about your health.  Your skin protects everything else inside you.  It's your first line of defense against disease.  Keep it healthy and you'll be more healthy over-all.

And just one more for a bonus, because I like your face, drink water!! Water keeps your skin moist and healthy too!

Ok, so that's all I got.  Ten Eleven tips to keep you safe from the damaging rays of the sun! Now its up to you! :)

Saturday, July 28, 2012

Possibly the busiest week of my life

It has been a very busy past few days.  I didn't take any pictures, though.  We very much so need to purchase a new camera.  I may have lost the old one. :(

On Wednesday we spent time with some people from my love's teenage years.  It was pretty much a reunion of old friends.  I must admit that I had some anxiety as I wasn't sure who all I would know, but it turns out I knew quite a few, so it all worked out.  Also, it was at Fuzzy's Tacos, which I had no idea was such a good place for drinks.

Thursday was Girl's Night.  Oh, how i love these ladies and spending time with them.  We had a craft night featuring many Pinterest-inspired ideas, which I would love to include the pinterest pics, but my computer is being a butt-head right now and I just don't have the patience to deal with it.  It was time well spent and I very much enjoyed it.  Looking forward to our next girl's night. :)

Friday night was the 2012 Olympic Opening Ceremonies and my sis-in-law hosted a wonderful evening at her apartment.  Before the party we ate dinner with my love's paternal grandparents.  It was so nice to spend time with them and catch up on all their recent travels.  The opening ceremony party was another great time spent with great people, although the opening ceremonies were confusing at times.

My favorite part of the opening ceremonies was when J.K. Rowling read a bedtime story to me.  Yeah, I said me.  A girl can be delusional if she wants to.  :)

Also we had fun trying to guess what the flag-bearers' sports were.  It got to be very funny although not at all politically correct.

Today, Saturday was a wonderful day as well.  I was able to spend time with two wonderful friends from high school, including my maid-of-honor and enduring bestie Michelle. :) LOVE HER!  We ate lunch together and caught up on whatever has been missed since our last weekly phone convo.  Also, there was an ADORABLE little redheaded almost-4-year-old who stole my heart! She is so precious!

Tonight was spent taking a nap and catching up on the Olympics.  Now, my love is playing COD and I'm about to go to sleep.

It has been blessing after blessing this weekend, and I am so very thankful for each and every person I was able to spend time with this weekend.

And its not over yet!

Tomorrow we are going to a local water park with my in-laws.  More fun on top of fun!

:)

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Throw Up Thursday

Throw Up Thursday: The one day a week you wonder, "guys still do that stuff?"  Yes, the good ones do. 


Most of my bad dreams involve him doing something that hurts my feelings.

Not only does he wake up and hold me when I ask him to, but he always apologizes for what Dream Teej may have done.


And I always forgive him :)

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Nerd Alert

Ok, so I truly believe that everyone, and I mean everyone, is a nerd for something.  There is something out there that you just geek for!

For most of my co-workers, its comic books.  For a lot of people it's music or movies.  And for some it's reality TV (you know how you are, lol).

And for me, it is Harry Potter.  Books, movies, fan fiction...you name it, I'm in.  And this most definitely includes Pottermore.

Pottermore, in case you didn't know, is a web-based game that is based completely on the books and includes TONS of extra information from the mind of J.K. Rowling.

You shop for your books.

You get a wand.

You are sorted into a house.

You choose a Potter-related user name.

You can duel.

You can brew potions.

You can explore moments from each chapter and learn new and exciting, I said it...EXCITING, details and never-before-told background stories to the whole world that is Harry Potter.

My username is LumosFelicis30399, I'm in Slytherin (we won the very first house cup!!), and my wand is made of Hawthorne.  I love to duel and I'm getting into potions.

I geek for Potter!!


What are you a nerd for?

Sunday, July 22, 2012

Priorities

As an actively serving Christian I'm often faced with decisions regarding priorities.

Family vs. Church Service
Which isn't even a real competition.  God is my highest priority at all times. Notice I said God, not  church service. There's a difference. 

Then some people would say that it should be Family, then Work, then whatever follows, but I disagree.  Now, I didn't come up with what I'm about to say on my own so I don't want to take credit for it, but it should be:

God first.
God first in my family.
God first in my church service.
God first at work. 
God first in whatever follows.

But even saying that, I still often feel a tension in our home regarding our service at our chosen church and our dedication to growing and maintaining our healthy, loving marital relationship. 

I am fiercely protective of our time together and I attribute this mostly to my high value of time in general and my understanding that our days have been numbered and could end at any time.  By the grace of God we have had this much time together and I don't take for granted any moment that follows.

We each work at least 40 hours per week, sleep 8-9 hours per night, and invest several hours at church each week.  We are both introverts who need time apart in order to feel full enough to give to each other.  So the few, although there are many more than three, it always feel like so few, hours we do have together are, in my mind, ours and I will defend them against any time-thief that dares to show its face.

Even the church.

There never seem to be enough people to serve.  Not in any church I've ever been to.  It's always the same people.  

And there's always more to do.

And here's the thing that seems to blow some peoples' minds: I don't care.

We serve where we are called and we invest in those we can.  We do what we are able and sometimes more.

But there must be boundaries! You can't run a few people ragged just because they are willing.  And I refuse to allow our family to become those people.

I have simple priorities.  God first in everything and in that list of everything, my family comes first above service to the church.

For where does the church begin, but in the home?

PostNote: These are internal struggles we face.  Not ones placed on us by our church or members of our church. 

Thursday, July 19, 2012

Throw Up Thursday

Throw Up Thursday: The reason Thursday is exciting.  Other than being the day before Friday. 




He loves to make me laugh.

And I love to laugh. 

Thursday, July 12, 2012

Throw Up Thursday

Throw Up Thursday: The one time per week this blog gets too sweet. 




Nine out of ten times he lets me pick the movie.

And sometimes ten out of ten times.

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Happy Birthday TJ!


This is my favorite picture of us.
And maybe my favorite picture of you.
Because I'm in it.
And so are you.
And we're together.
The way it should be.

I love you my dearest
My sweetie pie
My snookums.

You are my best friend
My shoulder to cry on
My enduring listener.

You are my first thought 
My biggest source of worry
and fear
Of losing you.

Here's the part
where you say
"Don't fret."
So I don't.

You are my husband
My lover
My encourager
My secret-keeper
My companion.

You drive because I hate to
You eat all the cherry flavored things
You share your pizza with me

and I am forever grateful
Because you chose me
And you've never turned back.

And neither will I.

Forever means forever.

I'll love you forever.

Happy birthday, 
young 'un.
How old are you again?



Monday, July 9, 2012

Pinterest Project: Plastic Bags To-Go

I know, I know. "Another pinterest project, Kelly?!" Overachiever... I get it.


So I'm a big fan of saving the earth and making the world a cleaner, better place for all the babies in my life.  I love to reuse things and one of the easiest things to reuse is a plastic bag, like the ones you get from walmart or target [or everywhere].

I mean you can use them to line a small trash can in the home [we do this in two rooms currently] OR as a trash bag in the car [my personal favorite] OR a quick lunch sack [we each do this every day] OR packing material for fragile items to be mailed [I've done this at least twice] OR using a bag to hold wet clothes such as a swimsuit [I will be using this a lot at camp this summer].


So when I saw this idea on the Pin Place, I knew it was one I would actually do.

Here's the idea:


It's pretty simple.  And it actually reuses TWO things - the plastic bags and the plastic container... Yay for you and saving the world!! :)

Here's a link to the original source: Embellished Grocery Bag Container at TaterTots and Jello

I'm not going to retype everything or show you my steps because I just did what it said.

Well, except...

I didn't decorate it.   So mine looks like this. 




Yep, there's one of those rolling around in the back of my car somewhere.  I put mine in the car because that's where I tend to not have a plastic bag handy. 

Oh, and if you actually check out that link, you will see that in step 6, she took the lid off.  I didn't notice this little detail and tried to push the dozen or so bags into the container....didn't work.  
Don't try it.

And here's the only downfall to this trick: it doesn't really fit anywhere in my car, like in a cup holder or in the door pocket.  So it's literally just rolling around in the floor boards of the backseat.  And sometimes its hard to find.

So there you have it.  A quick and easy pinterest project that uses things you already have, a few minutes of your time [seriously, it took like 10 minutes], and you save the world.  Yay you!!



What pinterest project are you going to do?

Saturday, July 7, 2012

Book 10 of 50: He Chose the Nails by Max Lucado


Book description:
"The wood. The thorns. The nails. Christ's sacrifice has defined the very essence of mankind's faith for the past 2000 years. And now, Max Lucado invites you to examine the cross, contemplate its purpose, and celebrate its significance with He Chose the Nails. With his warm, caring style, Max examines the symbols surrounding Christ's crucifixion, revealing the claims of the cross and asserting that if they are true, then Christianity itself is true. The supporting evidence either makes the cross the single biggest hoax of all time, or the hope of all humanity."

My description:
Ok, so the first Max Lucado book I read, When God Whispers Your Name, didn't quite live up the Max Lucado reputation.  I mean, it was about Jesus, and it was inspirational, but ... it just wasn't what I thought it would be.

So I thought I would give him another chance.

I really liked how this book took a deeper look at the various parts of the crucifixion.  There's a lot that can be missed when the small details are ignored.

But... I don't really know where he got these things.  He writes very eloquently and smoothly and uses Bible verses throughout, but I still felt that I was reading his interpretation of it all.  And what else is a book, even one about the Bible, except the author's interpretation?  So maybe it doesn't mean anything. I was just very skeptical and hesitant to accept it all as God's truth.  Someone else could look at these details and see some other symbolism.

It just wasn't my kind of book.

I didn't feel challenged.

And nothing really stood out to me.  Nothing stuck with me.  As I write this I barely remember the book.

So there ya go.

If you have a different opinion of this book, please let me know.  Maybe I need to give it a second look...

Thursday, July 5, 2012

Throw Up Thursday

Throw Up Thursday: The one time per week this blog makes you say "awww."


We have the best pet names for each other.

I call him Handsome.  And he calls me Beautiful.


And I believe him.

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Triplet Treats!

Ok, today might be a bit of a teaser.  I'm going to feature some of the GORGEOUS pregnancy pictures of my brother and sister-in-law.

These came from Elizalde Photography who is a very close friend of my SIL Anna.



Presh!


I've seen this idea all over Pinterest 
and I am SO HAPPY they did it!!


The onesies say Tic, Tac, and Toe.
Also, LOVE that they are holding hands :) 
So sweet!!



My brother is a police officer. 
How cute are the police onesies!!


SHOES!!


The blocks spell the babies' names: 
Jonah, Noah, and Leah
and its points to her tummy.
eek!



Oh. Em. Gee.  How cute!
[weirdest thing I've ever said about a picture that includes my brother...]



They are so happy
And we are so happy for them!





I just love every single picture!  I love the poses and props! I love the editing that was done! I love every bit of it!! 

Oh, and in case you're in the Texas area and need some beautiful photos, here's the link again :)


Monday, July 2, 2012

July Celebrations

Happy Birthday to my dear husband, TJ!

I love you dearest with all my heart. 
Thank you for all the time you have invested with me. 
Looking forward to the many birthdays to come. 
{P.S. That's a fake baby. No worries.}


 and


Happy Birthday to my wonderful dad, Carl!

I love you so much Dad and 
I'm so grateful to have you in my life. 
Thank you for all you do. 

I just had to include this pic of him in shorts, surrounded by snow!

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