5 Question Friday

1. Groceries are high right now what is easiest way you have found to cut back?

Stop eating. (RIGHT.) Honestly I am trying to eat less, like less snacking. I use coupons too.

2. What are the top 3 things on your "bucket list"?

~Meet Michael Cuddyer, Justin Morneau, Joe Mauer, Danny Valencia.....okay any MN Twin. And yes, Cuddy is a Rockie now, but he's still my fave.

~Take my kids to DisneyWorld.

~Make it to every Major League Baseball stadium in the US. I've been to 20 so far, (mostly old ones) so I need to get moving!

3. Would you rather give up AC or heat?

AC. I HATE being cold. And I live in MN :-/ I rarely even run the AC in the summer anyway.

4. What's your favorite cocktail?

Sex on the Beach. It's fruity and yummy.

5. What was your first job & how old were you?

I started babysitting when I was 12/13, but started working at Target when I was 16. I loved that job. I met a lot of great people that I still talk to now.

It is what it is.

I know what you're thinking.

"Tina, why on earth are you spending time watching baseball, eating ice cream, and going to dog parks, when you should be focusing on getting your kids back? Don't you love them at ALL??"

Why? Because I need distractions.

I can barely even think about Jacob at this point. It hurts too much. I don't expect people to understand. I know he loves his dad. But he loves me more. When I think about the fact that he's sitting around being ignored by his grandparents day after day, I want to throw up.

My chest hurts.

I can't breathe.

I hyperventilate.

I get choked up and the tears start flowing.

Jacob doesn't understand what's going on. Nicholas and Emily do, but that doesn't make it any easier.

It's also somewhat of a waiting game when it comes to free legal aid in Hennepin County.

This too shall pass.

I know a lot of people don't know what to say when they see me at church. A simple, "I'm thinking of you guys" works. (or that you're praying, but only if you really are.) Sometimes all I need is a hug. And not just at church. I was able to spend time with friends this past weekend, and just sitting with them is comforting.

I'm very grateful that I get to spend time at my brother's house a lot. Scooter and Van offer many distractions, and they're just fun to be around.

I need to be patient.

I need to be strong.

I need to have faith.

It is what it is right now, and I just hope that eventually my kids won't ever doubt that I love them.

This wasn't my choice.

Silly nut. <3

Five Question Friday

1. Would you prefer having people over for dinner or going to their house?

Hmm. I'm more comfortable with my kids being at home (9yr old has Autism) but they are also more entertained when we go elsewhere. I stress a lot though, about what he may be getting into.



2. Favorite Bible verse and why?

I've 'adopted' Jeremiah 29:11 from my brother and sister in law. It was part of their wedding ceremony, and then when my nephew was born 10 weeks early, it was a source of strength for them. Lately I've had to keep reminding myself that God *is always there, and he does know what's in store.

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you, and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future."

I discovered Proverbs 26:11 in high school and liked it immediately. For obvious reasons.

 "As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly."

Proverbs 3:5-6

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."

I'm not very good at memorizing new ones though.


3. What was the first concert you ever attended, and the most recent one?

I love being a child of the 80s/90s. New Kids on the Block!!! Woot!!! I also went to see them in 2008 when they were here.

My favorite was Jonathan. And then Donnie. I still like Donnie. Ever seen Blue Bloods?? Whoah mama.

My most recent one was Big Time Rush at the MN State Fair last summer. Clearly, I'm all about the boy bands. I took my daughter, and we had an amazing time!!

And yes, I have a favorite. Logan. His dimples are absolutely dreamy.

(I also was able to take her to Taylor Swift last summer, and that one rocked too)

I've also seen Billy Joel, Paul McCartney, Garth Brooks, Reba, Brooks and Dunn, many other country bands, and a million christian bands...Newsboys, DC Talk, Audio Adrenaline...etc.


4. The year is 2025. What are you doing, and what have you done?

I'm 49. My kids will be 26, 24, and 22. (yikes!) I wouldn't mind being a grandma by then. I had #1 when I was 23, so it could happen. I'd like to be finished with school and working in the NICU by then.



5. What's your favorite Easter treat?

Three words: CADBURY. CREME. EGGS. The chocolate. The gooey center. The stickiness of it all. yum.

5 Question Friday

1. What giveaway would you like to do on your blog?

I don't ever do these, but something that has to do with breastfeeding, or Autism Awareness.

 

 

2. If you had to choose between natural artistic ability and natural athletic ability, which would it be?

Athletic!! I'm a born athlete and LOVE sports.

 

 

3. Do you ditch the coat the minute it becomes "spring" or are you a holdout for more cool temps?

I barely wear a coat even when it's winter!! Much less spring! :-D (and yes, I live in MN)

4. What would you do if you won the mega millions lotto of 1/2 billion dollars?

 

Buy a house, a new mini van, get more tattoos, and Twins Season Tickets.

 

 

5. You are at a hotel by yourself...what do you do?

 

SLEEP!!! one can never have enough sleep.

 

 

Empty.

I haven't seen Jacob but for maybe 2-3 hrs in the past 11 days. The first six I was on vacation, but now, his dad is an asshole, his parents are demons, and I'm the bad guy.


I'm empty.


I have nothing inside of me.


My babies are without their mom.


This sucks.

be yourself.

This is so hard to teach kids. With the world trying to be like sports figures, singers, actors/actresses, etc...It's difficult to explain to them how you DON'T need to wear something just because someone wants you to.

I grew up with a "friend" that teased me relentlessly for what I wore, what I looked like, who I hung out with, and things I liked. When we went on walks together, or went places with her family, she would make me wear her clothes and put make up on me, so I would look better. Why did I continue to be her friend? Because she was "popular". I figured that if I hung around her, people would like me.

Remind you of a certain movie?

It took me a LONG time to figure out that who I was, was okay. More than okay, even. I finally realized that the reason she picked on me, was because everybody else picked on HER. I never knew that. The funny thing is that I never picked on her. Ever.

I stress to my kids that they just need to be themselves. No matter what anyone else says. I know it's difficult though. Even when you're a grownup.

This is why I don't have issues with what my kids wear.

To bed.

(sister's pajamas)

Or to the store.

(Shield, chest protector, sword, and pink headband.)

Or to the mall.

One thing I'm trying to teach my kids, (all of them, not just the boys) is to not care what others think. Everyone is different. Not everyone will like you. Not everyone will be nice. Whether it's about your hair, your clothes, the music you like, or who you hang out with. But I want them to know that they need to be themselves.

I'm 36 yrs old. I'm starting over. I'm divorced. I just got a job at McDonalds. I don't have a car.

Or a home to live in that's my own. But dammit, I'm ME.

I love baseball.

I have my tongue and belly button pierced.

I have a tattoo.

And intend to get more.

I don't wear make up.

Or dresses.

I'm not shoe obsessed.

Nor do I think Channing Tatum is hot.

I'm funny.
Outgoing.
Caring.
I play softball.
I like animals.
And kids.
I eat.
I watch ESPN.
And Lifetime.
I love ice skating.
And Skee Ball.
And pizza.

Okay, enough about how awesome I am. Let's all teach our kids that no matter what someone looks like, the only thing that matters is who they are. And let's teach them tolerance and respect.

Five Questions, yo.



1. Will you run to the store or to pick up a kid looking a mess?

 

Sometimes. I'm a single girl, so you never who I'll run into ;-)

 

2. Do you finish a book if it's boring or you don't like it?

 

Always. It may get better, and I love reading so much that I don't care.

 

3. Beach or mountain vacations?

 

BEACH!!! I love hot weather, sunshine, and laziness.

 

4. What thing/event says "winter will end and spring is right around the corner" to you?

 

Spring Training!!! I love baseball. From April to October, I eat, breathe, and sleep baseball. Spring training means that's right around the corner!!!

 

5. Would you prefer couples or family vacation?

 

Depends on the destination. I would love to take my kids to Disney World, but would love an adult type vacay as well.