25 random things about me...

1. I'm addicted to Word Challenge and play it often, even ignoring my screaming kids (once).
2. I've read all of the Harry Potter books and cried while reading the last one.
3. Someday, I want to live in Italy in a little villa by the sea.
4. Thanks to Connor, I am an expert in all things Star Wars. (you should see me wield a lightsaber).
5. Once, I gave a speech in front of a few hundred people with my slip hanging about a foot below my dress.
6. I cried the first time I sang in public, at age 11.
7. Maddie keeps me in touch with my "girlie" side by reminding me to paint nails, or to wear lots of jewelry.
8. I like to cook when I'm not tired, which is hardly ever.
9. Teaching was supposed to be the thing I would do forever, but this school year has the distinction of making a job at Starbucks look good.
10. I still get nervous when I sing in front of people.
11. My husband is my best friend and I love him, utterly and completely. *sigh*
12. Music uplifts me when I'm down, soothes me when I'm stressed, and generally fills my soul. ( Was that too cheesy?)
13. I make a mean creme brulee.
14. Math is my worst subject and I only passed algebra because I begged my teacher not to fail me.
15. Sometimes, I have the hardest time speaking in public. (see #5).
16. My favorite food is Italian but I also love Mexican, Chinese, and sushi (just depends on my mood).
17. I have a love/hate relationship with my dog. Right now, he's cuddled up next to me and I love him. When he has an accident in the house or thinks my bra is his chew toy, it's somewhat different.
18. I hate scary movies and if I see one, I usually have to sleep with the lights on for at least a few nights.
19. Christmas is my favorite holiday and I love the smell of a fresh pine tree.
20. I'm too concerned about what people think of me and worked on this list for a little too long tonight.
21. I love to read and am always on the lookout for a great book that I'll probably read in one night.
22. I cry often and not prettily. I usually cry when I hear music, see a movie, read to my kiddos, read the Bible, release stress, tell my second-graders how much I care about them, read a book (see # 2).
23. I once backed into a brick wall while driving. (True story).
24. I never texted from my cell phone, not even once.
25. My heart's desire is to know Jesus more each day.

Too busy

"Mom," began my seven-year old daughter,

"I tried to tell you about this dream the other day but you were too busy and you didn't have time to listen to me."

Can I just tell you that nothing can hurt more than that! When did I stop viewing my children as the beautiful gifts they are and start placing them on my never-ending to-do list? I realize that I have to make sure my daughter knows I am the one person she can depend on, anytime, no matter what. If I'm not available now when she's 7, will she come to me at 17?

So, here's where you'd see a list of things that I should do in order to change. But, I don't have time; I'm too busy listening to my girl. We've got nails to paint.