Caffeinated Randomness: At Mama's on her Mac...

Yeah, woohooo... I'm caffeinated and ready to go. Really, really...I'm visiting my parents and they make coffee several times a day. I'm on like triple tank today! Hehehehe!!!
Thanks so much Andrea for agreeing to bring back the crazy zaniness that is Caffeinated Randomness. Even those decaf chicks (ahem) are fun too! I love the schedule and I'm filling with ideas for each week even as I type away.
Speaking of typing, I'm on my Mama's Mac Book...and let's just say that Bobbi's a very happy girl. Someday...someday...my Mac will come. *Sigh* It's so light and portable. Hmmm? Maybe they should check my bags when I leave this place. HA HA! Just kidding...nobody get excited.
Okay, seriously now...it has been a fabulous Thanksgiving. We've enjoyed the FOOD, the FAMILY, and the FELLOWSHIP...(you thought I was gonna say Football...but you were wrong cuz we're a non sports watching nerd family...remember)...
There is so much to be thankful for...but most of all...I'm thankful that God loved me and sent His son to die in my place, for my sins! AND...He's blessed my life over and over and over again! Praise His Name!!

Five Caffeinatedly Random Sayings

I've decided to use Moms Heaven Help Us as my Caffeinated Randomness today. It's a twofer!!

5 Bobbi Sayings

Gorgeous (GO-JEE-USS)- I say this to my kids when they are pretending or dressing up...What's really funny is they've started to say it to each other...and it sounds just the way I say it....hehehehee! "Oh, Cawub...you's so go jee uss!"

Goodness Gracious-often has a "sakes alive"...usually when I'm being silly about fake surprise. You know, sarcasm! I would never be sarcastic though...*snort...hehe*

Bugger balls- this one I'm working on not saying...okay, while working on this post I realized that even in our NONE cussing home...there are some things that need to be cleaned up around the edges. Er, ugh! These things are not fun to hear on the lips of your children. *cringe*

X irritates the "Liver and Snot" out of me- I say this alot...I have no idea where it comes from...I think it's one of my convoluted sayings that combines two, really. An example of its use... Caller ID irritates the liver and snot out of me. Either plan to answer your phone, or don't!

TAGID (TAH-GEED)--"This Ain't Getting It Done"-- This is my Uncle CJ invention, I think. This I say when I've been sitting down too long. I get up, groan and say, "Well, TAGID...better get the kitchen cleaned up and the dishwasher started.

Meme The Truth About Bobbi-ology!

The Truth About Bobbi-ology

I snagged this from Jennifer's blog at Through the Storms of Life. Get to know me better by reading down through here. Also, pay a visit to Jennifer's blog.

**********FOODOLOGY***************
What is your salad dressing of choice?
I'm loving my homemade Italian dressing...it's better than Olive Garden!
What is your favorite sit-down restaurant?
Yatz (Cajun/Creole Awesomeness)
What food could you eat everyday for two weeks and not get sick of?
Steak
What are your pizza toppings of choice?
Cheese, pepperoni, mushrooms, black olives and banana peppers.
What do you like to put on your toast?
Butter (well, maybe Nutella)
***********TECHNOLOGY***************
How many televisions are in your house?
Two--the one upstairs is only for playing the VHS of our wedding though! HA!
What color cell phone do you have?
Navy Blue
Do you have an Ipod?
Nope...but my Centro will do everything that an Ipod does and more!
***************BIOLOGY******************
Are you right-handed or left-handed?
Right, but I am becoming semi-ambidextrous as I teach my lefty daughter to do things.
Have you ever had anything removed from your body?
Two babies, three cysts, and my wisdom teeth!
What is the last heavy item you lifted?
I switched my dining room and my living room on a whim a while back. That was some heavy lifting/shoving!!
Have you ever been knocked unconscious?
Nope! Well, I don't remember it...hahaha! Wait...does anesthesia count?
************DUMBOLOGY******************
How many pairs of flip flops do you own?
Three...Aldi awesome flops! Seriously, they cost $4.99 and are totally awesome!
Last time you had a run-in with the cops?
Got a warning on the way to my parents on MLKJr. weekend. Don't speed in construction ya'll!
Last person you talked to?
My two and three year old as I put them down for naptime.
Last person you hugged?
My sweet Loverbrain
**************FAVORITOLOGY****************
Season?
Fall. It's beautiful and invigorating! Plus, I HEART SCHOOL SUPPLIES!!!
Holiday?
Advent and Christmas!
Day of the week?
Tuesdays...they are the days I plan playdates and bible studies, etc. My visiting days!!
Month?
October (it has Fall and my birthday)
***********CURRENTOLOGY*****************
Missing someone?
My Grandpa Sharp (passed away)...wish my hubs and kids could've met him.
Mood?
Introspective and a tiny bit hyped on caffeine. Finishing the pot since hubs isn't here to drink his coffee! HA...waste not, want not!
What are you listening to?
My own typing...and lawn mowers outside. Pretty peaceful around here at the moment.
Watching?
The computer screen...um, duh??
Worrying about?
Seeing as I try not to worry...and can only accomplish this through prayer....I prefer to answer what am I praying about...mostly the Koning Family and Stellan.
***************RANDOMOLOGY*****************
First place you went this morning?
To get my Sweet Boobah some milk and then back to snuggle him under the warm covers! Mmm!
What's the last movie you saw?
Fireproof. Yup, finally watched it. It was good. I can see how it would benefit both new and old marriages alike. It never hurts to get a new perspective on things.
Do you smile often?
Yup...sure do! I'm a very bubbly, yappity, happity sort of person. Ask anyone who knows me!
Sleeping Alone Tonight?
Nope...snuggling next to my Loverbrains...
***************OTHER-OLOGY*****************
1) Do you always answer your phone?
I'm trying to get better about just letting it go. I'm trying to view my kids as a full time job where I can't just answer the phone in the middle of work. I do always call people back. I HATE caller ID...so don't have it....so don't assume that I know it's you when you call. It bugs the "liver and snot" out of me when you call people who are obviously looking to see who it is before they pick up on the millionth ring...or don't pick up...making you wonder if they are avoiding you. TRULY IRRITATING. Okay, I'm done...for now!
2) It's four in the morning and you get a text message, who is it?
It better be an emergency cuz I pay ALOT for texting...
3) If you could change your eye color what would it be?
I like my blue eyes...but maybe brown...cuz brown eyed blonds are cuter.
3b) If you could change your hair color, what color would you change it to?
RED...like a real redhead! I've thought about just doing it sometime. HA!
4) What flavor do you add to your drink at Sonic?
Never been to one...sorry!
5) Do you own a digital camera?
Yes, and I use it alllllll the time!
6) Have you ever had a pet fish?
Yes. His name was Rhapsody. He was blue beta fish...get it...Rhapsody in Blue!
7) Favorite Christmas song(s)?
Silent Night, O Little Town Of Bethlehem, O Holy Night...and the little known, I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas...
8) What's on your wish list for your birthday?
Books or fabric...oh, just ask my Mom...she always gets me the best gifts!
9) Can you do a push up?
Absolutely...one!
10) Can you do a chin up?
HA! Doubt it!
11) Does the future make you more nervous or excited?
Excited! Jesus is coming back, ya'll, and I am going up!!! Are you??
12) Do you have any saved texts?
Like drafts? I have no idea what this is...a saved text? Sure, I have bookshelves full of saved texts! HA HA HA!
13) Ever been in a car wreck?
Was rear ended a few times...
14) Do you have an accent?
Not that anyone has ever pointed out...although I love languages and tend to pick up the accent of whoever I'm around...when in England...I sound British...etc. It's hard for me to stop myself. I can...but I sort of enjoy the feel of it on my tongue. Weird and fun...yes, I am!
15) What is the last song to make you cry?
He Knows My Name by Tommy Walker
16) Plans tonight?
Depends on when the hubs is coming home...hopefully, grill out and chill out!
17) Have you ever felt like you hit rock bottom?
God is always faithful to me!
18) Name 3 things you bought yesterday?
Thread, ribbon and a High Five magazine for the kids.
19) Have you ever been given roses?
Yes, for the births of my babies!
20) Current worry?
None...see above under Current-ology. Why worry when I can pray?
21) Current hate right now?
Squirrels...crazy, nasty rodents.
22) Met someone who changed your life?
Yes. Many people have had an impact on my life. None like my Savior, Jesus, though.
23) How did you bring in the New Year?
ZZZZZZZ! Give us a break...we have small children!
24) What song represents you?
He Is My Joy by Carter
26) Would you go back in time if you were given the chance?
Maybe...if I could be a Champagne Lady on the Lawrence Welk show!
27) Have you ever dated someone longer than a year?
Oh yes.
28) Do you have any tattoos/piercings?
Ears are double pierced but I let the second set grow closed.
29) Will you be in a relationship 4 months from now?
Um, in my Book marriage is for LIFE! So, unless one of us croaks off suddenly...yup, I'll be working on year number 6.
30) Does anyone love you?
I am well loved.
31) Would you be a pirate?
Maybe for a costume party...but only if I get to have a peg leg, patch and parrot!
32) What songs do you sing in the shower?
His Eye is On the Sparrow, O Happy Day, and Wake up and Pay attention!
33) Ever had someone sing to you?
Yes. It's kind of embarrassing!
34) When did you last cry?
Tuesday and Wednesday...
36) Do you like to cuddle?
Yes, but my babies are moving too fast these days. Unless they're sick I'm out of luck.
37) Have you held hands with anyone today?
Not today...yet!
38) Who was the last person you took a picture of?
My sweet kiddos.
39) What kind of music did you listen to in elementary school?
I loved playing my Mom's Carpenter's records...Ann Murray..Barry Manilow...Neil Diamond...etc.
40) Are most of the friends in your life new or old?
New-ish.
41) Do you like pulpy orange juice?
Semi pulpy. Ya know, some pulp but not enough to gag you! I have to be able to swallow my vitamins too.
42) What is something your friends make fun of you for?
Saying odd things. I'm a good one for making up hilarious words. I have a good vocabulary...but sometimes it just needs to expand to include my zany self!
43) If it were possible, would you want to know the day you were going to die?
Sure...maybe it would motivate me to get my act together in all aspects and relationships.
44) If you could change your name, what would you change it to?
Nope...I like Bobbi...it fits me!
45) Would you drink an entire bottle of hot sauce for $1000?
Well, I have some intestinal issues...and it could literally kill me. But, I'd ask if my hubs could do it...cuz who couldn't use that kind of money...and he likes hot stuff!

3's of me...

Three names I go by..
1. Bobbi
2. Bobbi Jo (family mostly)
3. Schmoe (only my Daddy)

Three jobs I have had...
1. Jr Hi. Special Ed. Teacher (it was hard)
2. Third Grade Teacher (loved it)
3. Mommy (still lovin' it)

Three places I have lived..
1. Cincinnati, Ohio
2. Hancock, New York
3. Racine, Wisconsin (don't remember it...I was a baby)

Three t.v. shows I watch..
1. 18 kids and counting...
2. Barefoot Contessa
3. Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives

Three places I have been..
1. Spain
2. England/Scotland
3. Germany

Three of my fav. foods..
1. Cajun/Creole
2. Chinese
3. Steak :)

Three things I am looking forward to..
1. Completing potty training of my son
2. Sleeping in Sat. morning (if you call you're in trouble)
3. Family time tonight

Happy Mother's Day to My Wonderful Wife!

Just to clarify the context, this is Bobbi's husband, Darren, writing the blog today to wish her a Happy Mother's Day.

I thank the Lord for my wife and all the years that we've lived, grown, laughed and sometimes struggled together in marriage. She's been a great blessing in my life, my children's lives and in many other peoples lives. We're similar in many ways, but also different in some aspects. She's very outgoing and always loves to be around and talk with other people. She tends be charged by interaction with others, whereas I tend to be recharged by quiet time alone or just with her. But more than that, she has a genuine heart for people. Not that this excludes a vibrant heart for other things (i.e. God, learning, reading, etc.), but this characteristic always stands out with me. Whether it's because I see signs of it daily or because I know that I need to develop it more in my own life (or a combination of these), I'm not sure.

She is a faithful mother with a great heart for her children that overflows with love. Her joy for our children has few bounds, and she always uses her gifts in teaching, music, cooking, crafting, etc. to help them grow and learn. I can't help but smile as I see her use these gifts that God gave her to help our children grow in God, knowledge, love and character. Certainly there are trying times with the kids, but she always sees past these with great love for the greater purpose.

Even beyond this though, she has a great heart for all other people in her life. She has a caring spirit that is in the same vein as a mother's heart; faithful in prayer, faithful in caring, faithful in honesty, faithful in integrity and openness to keep a growing & good relationship going. I've seen the marks of these characteristics many times, and the determination to continue even though there may be temporary pain.

All in all, she's a wonderful wife, mother, woman, and encourager to me, our children and so many other people. So today my children & I say thankfully: HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY BOBBI! We love you very much!

Foodie Friday...

Taco Burgers ala Bobbi

I had an epiphany the other day. I had tacos on the menu...and was thinking what a mess it would make of my floor...again! Yet, it is one of LoverBrain's favorite meals so it's on the list.

I like to make up all the meat in the package, season it all and save half for making fast chili for Wednesday night (prayer meeting night). It's saves me a lot of time...cuz I simply have to heat it all through and voila it's done!

Anyhew...we love grilling and it keeps the house cooler...so I made Taco Burgers. I seasoned the meat with chili powder, cumin, onion powder and salt...squished it into burgers...and had LoverBrain's grill them up.

Just for added fun I served them with a corn tortilla inside a taco shell (stability), and normal taco toppings. The grill gave it an awesome smokey flavor...the meat didn't fall all over the place...even for my three year old.

Are you impressed? I even remembered to take a picture...

FYI--the chili made from these smokey taco burgers was awesome...smokey and much richer than the normal chili I put out!

B, b, b....

Use the first letter of your name to answer each of the following questions.

1. What is your name: Bobbi

2. A four Letter Word: Brat

3. A boy's Name: Benjamin

4. A girl's Name: Bella

5. An occupation: Bus Driver

6. A color: Blue

7. Something you wear: Blouse

8. A food: Burgers

9. Something found in the bathroom: Bath towel

10. A place: Bolivia

11. A reason for being late: BIG accident

12. Something you shout: "Caleb BENJAMIN...don't touch that!!!"

13. A movie title: Back to the Future

14. Something you drink: Big steaming cups of Chai!

15. A musician: Barry Manilow

16. An animal: Bunny

17. A street name: Boulevard

18. A type of car: Bentley

19. Something scary: Boogie Man

20. Ice cream flavor: Brownie Fudge Ripple

For everyone feeling that I technically should have used R for Roberta...too bad! I thought about it...but nah!

HELP with road rage?

Okay, I need help. That's the first step--admitting you have a problem. Hi, my name is Bobbi and I have road rage. Not all the time but often. Soooo, I've been trying to surround myself with Scripture to deal with these various issues in my life. Listen to my following example of my issues and then please comment with the appropriate verses to carry in my car! I tape them to my dash.
Yesterday, I went out to deliver a meal to some friends and their new baby--yeah--and on the way home decided to stop off at the library. I knew Emma wouldn't be happy to go straight home without getting out of the van. She seems to feel jipped somehow. Anyhew, I'm going up a busy four lane road (County Line) around 3:30 and this dark blue minivan is tailing me. I get in the left turn lane as the arrow ends. The lady honks--I assume to tell me to scoot up and push the yellow. I can see her mouthing, "MOVE UP YOU..." I'm not really keen on doing this but I'm aggressive enough to pull it off. I scoot up and get through the orange and she went through the red--no doubts. She proceeds to tail me and I'm getting really hot under the collar. I've already shouted--"What? What is your problem?" Really loudly and know I need to get a grip cuz little ears are listening. So, I think--pull over and let her go. That's what my Mom always says. So, I pull off to the side and let her pass. She takes her jolly time passing and then I pulled in behind her and honked my horn--BLLLATT--just once to show my dislike of her, I guess. I know, BAD! So, maybe to spite me, she slows down to 20 mph and then turns left onto a side street. ARGH--I yell, "If that's all the further you had to go, what was the point? You have some serious issues, lady!" And from the back seat I hear my daughter yell, "YEAH--weally!" Oh no---that's not good. On the plus side I didn't swear but I don't want my kids to see me lose my cool like that and I shouldn't be allowing people to bother me to that extent.
When I started thinking of Scripture to aide me in my struggle I thought of "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do (or how to drive)." but that is waaayyy out of context. Just kidding! Seriously, I have my MomE blog verse Ps. 121:1 on my dash now to help me to remember that my help comes from God. That's BIG for me because I often think that I don't need help and can do it all on my own. How ridiculous and sad. Sooo, if you have wisdom to lend please share. I love ya'll's comments!