A Must See

I stumbled upon GodTube.com which is a Christian version of YouTube. This is an amazing video I found on there. I wasn't sure that it was going to be good, but by the end Mom, Jessie, and I were bawling our eyes out. I hope you are blessed when you watch it.

Back By Popular Demand

Sorry for the delays in updating my blog...I have four really great stories to share.

Story #1:
Sunday night at Awana, one of our students had an accident and went potty in her pants while sitting on the floor (or so we thought). Tabby took her to her Mom, and then we proceeded to go to Story Time. When it was time to go back to our tables to say our bible verses, I sat down in a metal folding chair and thought to myself..."My, this chair sure is cold." Then, a few brief moments later I realized that I was sitting in pee-pee. I jumped up as Tabby began to laugh hysterically. I had to clean up as I dry heaved. I had to spend the rest of the night helping with the kids with wet, cold jeans. Ewwwww! Sometimes, it takes crazy things to happen to make you realize just how much you love the Lord and are willing to serve Him. ;-)

Story #2:
Sunday, I found that my ex-husband had dropped my kids off at his other ex-wife's house for her mother to babysit them. Needless to say, I was extremely ticked off. I believe that I was angrier than I had ever been in my entire life. Rob's ex-wife and her family are not the type of people that I trust to be around my kids, and I could not imagine what possessed him to fathom that this might be a good idea. While yelling at him on the phone about how he needed to get a clue, I said..."I'm so, so, so FREAKIN angry!" The people in my truck with me mentioned how proud they were of me that even at my angriest, I didn't use foul language. Again, this is something that months ago, would have been completely different. I wouldn't have hesitated to say exactly how I felt using whatever words popped in my head and out of my mouth. I think Robbie was even shocked that he didn't get a tongue lashing from me. We were able to work it out, and he promises to never, ever take my kids there again.

Story #3:
Each night I pray that God will put me in situations where I can witness and show people how I've changed. I had one of those days today. While sitting next to the owner of Heartland's daughter at lunch this afternoon, I picked up a menu that was on the table. As I started to look through it, I realized that it was an alcoholic drink menu. (I was hoping for desserts.) Corrie and I have ran around together in my past life, and she has seen the wilder side of me. She said something like "Are you going to have a mixed drink with lunch?" I told her, "I don't drink anymore." She laughed, and then the conversation at the table continued onto an unrelated topic.

After a few minutes of chatting, she looked and me and asked "Why don't you drink anymore?"

For a second, I thought that I might not get into details as to why I quit drinking, but then I realized that if I didn't tell the whole truth that it would be like I was denying that I knew God. I had prayed to be put in situations like this, and here I was doubting how to respond.

So, I looked at her and said "I'm going to church, and felt convicted to stop drinking." She just said "Hmm." I could tell that she was thinking it over, and was completely shocked for me to be so honest about giving up something that was just a way of life a few short months ago. I hope that a seed has been planted, and that I'm able to continue to conversation to explain more about the change in my life.

Story #4:
I admit it, I'm boy crazy. I love boys, and I love to flirt. Just because I'm serving the Lord doesn't mean that I lose or completely change my personality. ;-) Now, I just look for Christian boys to flirt with.

So anyway...I was shamelessly flirting with a guy at work today, and a new employee said "She's so crazy." My good friend Georgette (who I spent many crazy days and nights with in the past) said "If you think that's crazy, you should have seen her before she found the Lord." Even though she may have meant it to be a sarcastic comment, I really appreciated that people very close to me were able to see a change in my life.


So...there's my update. I hope that you guys enjoy this post! Continue to pray for me to grow in my faith and to walk closer to God. I'm a work in progress, and I'm far from perfect.

Cara

The Kiddos

I stole these pictures from my pal Heather's blog. ;-)

Lauren and Hailey

The Cutest Little Boy In The World (Landon)

Friday Night...From Depression to Bliss

Friday at work, I was relieved to have my no-kid weekend quickly approaching. However, I was ultra depressed that I would be spending my no-kid Friday all alone. Jessie was going on a date, Mom worked until 10, and there I was all alone. Jessie came over to my house to get ready for her date after work, and the entire time I keep saying things like..

• I hate myself!
• I'll be alone for the rest of my life!
• Why doesn't anyone want to date me?
• I'm going to drown my sorrows in this chocolate milk!
• Etc.

Jessie found all of this amusing, especially because I've only been divorced for about three weeks now. I had two movies that I had planned on watching during my solo evening, and low and behold, my DVD player wouldn't work. I then shouted things like...

• I hate myself!
• Why can't things go right for me?
• I'm a loser!
• Etc.

I decided that I would just try to find something on TV and paint my fingernails. What a sad existence. :( Shawn picked Jessie up around 8, and shortly after they left, I received a call from my good friend Beth. She said she was thinking about going to the NQC after Isabella went to sleep. (PLEASE NOTE: Josh was home...she was not leaving her baby all by herself.) After scrambling to find something to wear, I fixed my hair and put my makeup on. Beth picked me up and we headed to the LOU to get our fill of some southern gospel action.

The NQC was sooooo much fun! Beth and I walked around the different booths, and she told me about alot of the groups. She told me who sang the songs that I would recognize, and we bought a few CDs. There were lots of interesting people walking around, and we came to the conclusion that God must have a really great sense of humor. ;)

We ended our evening by grabbing some fair-type food (nachos, funnel cake, lemon shake-up) and watching the groups that were on stage on the huge screen by the food tables. We got caught up on Jessie's date when she called, and made sure to let Jessie know that she should conduct herself in a way that she wouldn't mind if her date night was recorded and played in front of the church on Sunday morning. She said that Shawn was acting like a perfect gentleman.

Finally, around midnight or so, Beth and I finally left. We shut the place down!!! I really enjoyed myself, and appreciated that Beth thought about me when trying to find someone to go with her to the NQC.

Once I got home, Jessie and Shawn returned, and we stayed up talking with Mom until 2 or so. Shawn asked if he could have a juice bag, and I informed him to never say that ever again. He put a hurtin' on the kids' Caprisuns over the course of the evening.

I finally excused myself and hit the sack a little after 2. There is nothing better than sleeping with the windows open when it's cool outside. I love the weather we're having, and wish it would stay like this year round! Mom's birthday is Thursday (9/20), Junior's is the following Monday (9/24), and then Lauren's is shortly thereafter (9/26). I've got lots shopping to do, and I can't wait to have their parties!!! I can't believe Lauren is almost 6. It seems like yesterday that I was pregnant with her, and now, she's a prissy, girly-girl that is the smartest child alive. I'll try to get some pics posted of her very soon!

Thanks for stopping by the blog...TTFN.

Recent Happenings

It's been a while since I've updated the blog. Sorry to keep everyone waiting. I 'll try to never let it happen again.

Recently, Lauren took a broom into her room to clean her fan. While she was on the bed, she lost her footing, and fell off. My mom and I were in the living room and oblivious to any of this. Lauren came into the living room and told us about the fall, and said that something caught her when she lost her footing. She looked us so seriously and asked us what had caught her and keep her from hurting herself. My mom and I looked at each other with wide eyes, and the only thing I could think to tell Lauren was that every night we pray for protection over Landon and Lauren, and God is watching over her. Crazy stuff!

A few days ago, my good friend Jessica Durbin sent me a text message with a challenge that she was facing, and asked me to pray. I felt privileged to be asked to pray for someone. It may not seem like a big deal to some people, but it made me feel great!

Special thanks to the Spencer crew for moving Jessie's stove and refrigerator to my house. They are a great group of guys. What would I do without the Spencers in my life?

TTFN.

My Co-Parent

I attended my Trans-Parenting Class tonight, which was the last step to complete before the divorce is final. It was lot of the same message for 4 hours, but I did learn that the new term for "ex" is "co-parent". After hearing some of the horror stories in the class, I felt fortunate that Robbie and I care so much for our kids. We have joint custody and no one pays child support. We split expenses 50/50, and we have it written into our divorce papers that we will agree to holiday schedules outside of the courts. The kids love their dad, and I know that he loves them, too.

My relationship with my "co-parent" has been tense lately. It's mostly my fault. I get ultra-emotional when it comes to the kids, and I am very defensive when I think that they may not be put in the best situations.

Robbie has said that there is no way that I'm a born-again Christian. He has been the one that doubts me the most, and while I try my best to convince him I've changed, he just doesn't buy it. It breaks my heart to have someone question whether I am serious about my Christianity...I mean, it really hurts.

I really want Robbie to see the change in me, but I don't help things when I yell at him. I pray for him every night, and pray that he will have peace in our situation. I hope that he finds a church that he really likes and starts going. He's a really good guy, and just needs to control his temper. I miss the "sweet" Robbie, but definitely fear the "mean" Robbie. I love him very much, but know with every ounce of me that we cannot remain married. When the relationship took a physical turn, it was time to pull the plug.

I'm definitely not one to seek marriage advice from, because we didn't follow God's command at any point in our relationship. It seemed doomed from the beginning based on the way that it started. We were blessed with two wonderful, amazing children that I thank God for. They are the best kids in the world, and I can't imagine my life without them.

A chapter in my life is getting ready to end, and I'm really kind of sad. Please continue to remember me and my family in your prayers. I really need strength and guidance in my life, now more than ever.

'Til the Storm Passes Over,
Cara

Recent Tests Thrown My Way

Who knew that life wouldn't be perfect after following the Lord's will? HA! Just teasing...

I recently found out that the smallest life events can prove to be a test in the walk of a Christian. When shopping at Walmart for school supplies, I picked up a coupke of t-shirts for Lauren. Later that night when unpacking and sorting through the bags, I noticed that two pink t-shirts were folded up together. After checking the receipt, I realized that I was only charged for one. I knew that I needed to go back and pay for the t-shirt that I had not been charged for.

A couple of days later, I went back to Walmart to pay for the shirt. The lady at the front door assumed I was returning something, and when I told her that I was actually back to pay for it, she looked at me like I was crazy. I did a little shopping, paid for the shirt, and also a pool with some extra floaties. When I loaded the back of the Expedition with the stuff I bought, I noticed that there were three floaties under the pool that I hadn't paid for. I couldn't believe that in trying to do the honest thing had resulted in the very same situation. I quickly handed them off to a lady pushing cars into the store and said "I didn't pay for these". She looked at me like I was crazy, but took them anyway. Before, I would have just chalked it up to being overcharged in past visits and kept all of the items that I wasn't charged for.

It's weird how my mentality has completely changed. The Lord is leading my footsteps, and I'm trying to not resist. I pray everyday for his direction and help in my decision making because I know that I can't trust myself to know what to do without His help.

Keep me and my family in your prayers. I don't mind to be on the "Sharing and Caring" prayer request board now. ;)

I've Been Through "The Change"

I am happy to announce that within the past month, I have rededicated my life to the Lord. It's true. I'm a new person. I thought about deleting out my old blog posts because they reflect a person I never want to be, and I'm embarrassed of the way that I was. However, I decided to keep them to show the true turnaround in my life.

In the last few months, I have been through some really hard times. As a result, I'm going through a divorce again. I've started attending the Christian University classes on Finance at Charlestown Independent Church on Wednesday nights. Now that I will have a truck payment and mortgage to pay all by myself, I need to make sure that I am spending and saving money wisely and ensure that my kids are taken care of.

Last Sunday at church, Jessie, Beth and I sang "Through the Fire". I've never been touched so greatly by a song as when I first heard that one. I was incredibly nervous, and it is a testimony in itself that I didn't pass out when I stood before the congregation. I think we did okay, and I know that people were touched by the message in the song. The CIC Chicks are busy looking for their next collaboration, and I think that we may have found it. I would tell you what it is, but then it would ruin the surprise. I guess you'll just have to be at church that Sunday to hear it.

I want to thank my grandma, mom, Jessie, Beth, and the countless others that have been praying for me over the last few years. I'm glad to be back. ;)

Happy Fathers Day!!!

It's Fathers Day everyone! Such a wonderful day. It makes me think about my father/s, and I want to spend a couple of minutes talking about each of them...

Roger - My Biological Father:
My mom got pregnant with me at a young age by a man several years older than her. I was a mistake. While I grew up knowing that I was adopted, it wasn't something that was ever discussed. When I was 19 or so I decided I wanted to meet Roger. The meeting was a little awkward. I mean, what do you say to your "real Dad" who never was in your life? After getting to know him and my two half-brothers, it still felt weird. I needed everyone on that side of the family to realize that I will never call Roger my dad. He wasn't there for me when I fell down and hurt myself, or when I was sad or happy, or anything. He was a nice guy that seemed like he had lived a hard life. I realized after meeting him how different my life would have been had he raised me. He has a completely different set of standards and view of life than my dad did, and I wouldn't have turned out to be the same person if he had really been my dad. I was appreciative to him for giving me life. I was glad that he didn't try to talk my mom into having an abortion. I was also glad for him staying away and not making me confused growing up. I hope the best for him and his family. But, he will always be Roger to me.

Steve - My Dad:
As an adult, I look back on what my Dad did when he adopted me at 2, and realize how tough that must have been. I wasn't his child, but he loved me like I was. Dad always instilled the need to be fair and balanced, and that the devil was in the details. I turned out to be just as stubborn and hard-headed as he is, and he made me the professional go-getter that I am. I owe alot to him, but I can't help but hold onto some hostility for the way that he treated my mom. He isn't a huge woman-fan. I don't speak to him anymore, and haven't seen him in years. It's unfortunate that the kids don't have a grandpa, but they have plenty of grandmas to go around. I do love my Dad, and hope he is doing well.

Dave - My Ex-Stepdad:
I wasn't a huge Dave fan, but he was a nice guy. He was willing to help everyone, and the kids loved him. I was relieved when Mom finally split up from him, because I thought she deserved better. I hope that Dave finds someone who will make him happy, as long as it isn't my mother.

Scott - My Mom's Boyfriend:
I like Scott. Scott is very sweet and very good to my mom. He works hard, he has good, strong morals, and he isn't a taker. I would welcome him to be my next Dad. It is kind of weird that he is the same age as my husband. I have a feeling that if he and my mom were to get married, I would see him more as a friend rather than a parent figure. I'm okay with that. Landon loves him. That makes me feel good too.

Rob - My Baby Daddy:
Robbie is a good Dad. I'm glad that I've given the kids a wonderful father figure. He is sensitive with Lauren in addition to being ultra-protective, and he snuggles with Landon, even when he is being very bad. He is wonderful to Gary and Amber (his other kids), and I love him for the way he parents. I'm hard on him to be a positive influence in the kids' lives, but I know that he does great on his own without my help. I think because his parents died when he was young, he has always wanted to have a big, happy family. He's got it! It's a circus around here with all the kids running around, but Rob takes it in stride. I love him more and more each day. I'm looking forward to the day when Lauren's first boyfriend comes over to take her out on a date. I sure wouldn't want to be that guy! Rob is going to scare the pants off of all of Lauren's dates, for sure!!!

Lawrence - My Grandpa Haymaker:
Grandpa is a good man. He's strong and good. Grandma and he are in love like a couple of teenagers. It's kind of gross, actually. In a sweet way, of course. Grandma tells the story about Brother Jones giving a sermon on "taking from the church" at Main Cross. Mike Doss dressed up like a burglar with a mask on to run into the church and pretend to rob it of the money in the offering plates. The other ushers had to hold Grandpa back from tackling the robber. It makes me so proud to have a fearless Grandpa who isn't afraid of anyone or anything. I love him, and I love having him for a Grandpa!

I've had a blessed life, and I am appreciative of everyone who has shaped me into the person I am today. Happy Fathers Day to you and yours!

-CGZ ;)

After the Long Wait...Updates~Finally!!!

Okay, so maybe blogging isn't my thing. Over the last few months lots of things changed...

I got married. Well, I guess I always was married. But, I renewed my relationship with Mr. Gaines. After all of the struggles with the lawyers over finalizing the property, I asked him if he would go out with me. After keeping me waiting a while, he reluctantly agreed to have "movie night" with me. We decided to get back together, and then he dumped his girlfriend. HA! She never had a chance with me in the picture.

Rob and I both changed in our time apart, and I think that we both realized that we actually want to be together. For a long time, it seemed like we didn't have a choice and were stuck with each other.

For the last few months, Rob and I have been moving my stuff from my apartment to our house. Sometimes I take my lunch break and pack some stuff or we'll move stuff over the weekends. There isn't too many things left at this point, and I think we'll be able to finish up next weekend.

I got picked to go on a cruise with work to Key West and Cozumel Mexico. Rob and I head out at the end of this month. It's like our second honeymoon. Aren't we just the sweetest. I bought a few new sundresses and (of course) a couple of new tube tops. I can't wait!!!

Jessie needs a date. I'm on a mission to find some single hottie to hook her up with. Beth says that she doesn't need to date missionary style. I was a little confused by that statement, but apparently it means that she should date someone who is already a Christian instead of someone not saved. I think it sounds dirty. Boring, but dirty.

Lauren and Landon are getting so big. Rob buzzed Landon's hair, and now he looks like a big boy. Lauren is going through a clumsy stage, and with all of the cuts and bruises that she currently has, I'm afraid they are going to think I beat her. But, if you know how I am with Lauren, she will never get a spanking from anyone. Landon, on the other hand, is a wild man. He's always yanking out handfuls of Lauren's hair and smacking/kicking her. His favorite word is "NO", and he is the most stubborn child I've ever encountered.

Okay, so there's my random thoughts at the moment. A current snapshot of what is going on around me is...Rob is running through the house teasing Landon by taking his popscicle, and Landon is screaming "NO!". Landon is now throwing his paci on the group, beating his chest, and yelling "MINE". My goodness, he's a handful. Lauren in laying on my lap, and singing a song from Barbie's Princess and the Pauper. Gary is playing XBox and just trying to get some alone time away from the other two kids. I'm typing this blog instead of catching up on work e-mails feeling guilty about slacking. Just another normal evening in the Gaines' household. Now, I should probably jump off of here and go play kissy face with my new husband. Or my old husband. Or whatever. I gotta go make up for lost time. ;)

Cara in da house!

Sorry for the long delay in posts. Quite a bit has changed in the last few weeks. Here's the quick run down...
George was mad at me. Now she's not.
Mom won a trip to Hawaii and took my Grandma Dee instead of me. I still love them both even though I was dissed.
We had a few changes in the Training Team, but as of March 1st, we will be fully staffed for 2007.

And the latest, most exciting news...
After almost a year of separation from Rob, I think we have finally decided on a Property Settlement Agreement. Woo-Hoo! I'll be moving back into my house within the next 2 months. I'm planning on staying there for many, many years! How exciting! I cannot wait to have my house back. Please carve out some time in your schedule in early May to help me move out of the apartment and into the Hizouse! I'm specifically looking for big strong men that don't mind breaking a sweat. ;)

"Sharing" The Gospel

I accidentally stumbled upon a Christian TV channel one evening where I was introduced to a seemingly sincere and humble group of singers called "The Crabb Family". I was blown away by the emotion and soul that comes across in their voices, but only caught the very end of their last song performed. Not being much of Christian music fan, I decided to do a little research on the group to see what their bigger hits were in order to download them to listen to the complete songs. I found that some of their earlier music is a little too hard-core bluegrass and wasn't really up my alley. However, some of their newer stuff was really appealing. I downloaded some tunes, burned a CD, and listened to it in my car, at work, and at home. I was slowly turning into a huge Crabb Family fanatic!

Last night, I was checking out their website www.thecrabbfamily.com, and I somehow stumbled onto an older article with a quote from Jason Crabb regarding a Supreme Court ruling that upheld the unlawfulness of piracy and downloading/sharing music files. Jason says "I commend the Supreme Court on their stand to protect individuals who draw their income from the music and film industry with today's ruling. I pray the world takes time to educate themselves on the subject of 'file sharing' and the depth of its effect on the world of music. Most people think when they 'file share' it only takes the standard $15 out of the Crabb Family's pocket, but they don't think about my father, who mainly writes our songs, our mother, our wives, our husbands, our children, the dedicated friends who run our office, our bus driver, and so on. This is our life, as well as our livelihood." (Article can be found at http://christianmusic.about.com/od/musicnews/a/aagmasupreme.htm)

At first, I was really ashamed of downloading their music based on his "sob story", but then as I got to thinking, my mindset changed. First, I admit to downloading their music, however, this sin resulted in several album sales for them by me. The year I discovered The Crabb Family, I went out and bought three of their CDs, and gave them to my mother and grandmother for Christmas. I wanted to turn more people onto this group, and increase their fan base. (Yes, I know I am the greatest fan anyone could have.)

Secondly, I can't believe that folks like Jason Crabb and Steven Curtis Chapman are throwing their two cents worth in on supporting piracy laws. The institution of God has created an ultra comfortable lifestyle for many artists and evangelists. I would presume that if an individual feels a calling from the Lord to enter the ministry full-time, they aren't exactly seeing dollar signs. I know alot of full time preachers that make ends meet, but don't have the financial luxury to live extravagantly. Money doesn't always accompany a life dedicated to "sharing the gospel". That's the way it goes. It's not fair, but it's life. And like I love to say, "Sometimes life just isn't fair."

If the goal of people in the ministry is to share the gospel, then they should do just that. "Share" the gospel. If file sharing software like LimeWire and Napster are helping you reach people that you wouldn't normally reach from inside of a church, I would think this would be a good thing. Actually, it's a great thing. If a non-Christian isn't watching TBN or shopping at the Christian bookstore, maybe downloading a Christian song is just the thing to aid someone in turning their heart toward the Lord.

My last point is that most non-believers aren't going to spend their precious spread-thin money on a CD of Christian music when they aren't sure what they are getting. I would think that people that dedicate their lives to the ministry of doing God's work would want to openly spread the good news, not charge admission to hear it. Mark 16:15 (KJV) says: "And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." If music is a way to minister to every creature, why do the artists care if they get paid to do so. Wouldn't it make more sense to follow the Lord's command for your life, and trust in Him fully that he will provide what you need? Sometimes what we need isn't always what we want.

Perfect example is that I (the bad, despicable Christian music pirate) found a concert that the Crabb Family is doing in Louisville on March 16th, and in turn, told all of my friends, family, and coworkers about. So far, we've got around 10 people going, and by the time March rolls around, we will have many, many more. Chances are that the folks that attend the concert (based on me "sharing" the news of the performance) will be compelled to donate in a "love offering" to the Crabb Family, and will more than likely give much more than that $15 CD would yield in profits.

You never know, I might even buy a CD after the March 16th concert. Or I might just continue rocking my pirated CD, knowing that in my heart, I did not download the music with an intent to hurt any member of the Crabb Family, nor their father, mother, wives, husbands, friends, and tour bus driver.

Is this lawsuit really simply a ruling that this country will penalize someone for wanting to hear a song for free? Is today's file sharing any different than taping a song off of the radio on an 80s boom box? Don't Christians complain that the government is taking God out of our country by removing the 10 Commandments from courthouses and outlawing prayer in schools? In my opinion, Christians that don't want people downloading their music are aiding this country in silencing the believers. People, wake up. Sharing the gospel shouldn't come with a cost associated.

(This blog is copyrighted and protected under the blog piracy ruling. Copying or sharing of this post will result in fines and/or prison time.) Just kidding...I had to throw that in there. Live and love, friends!

That's Just Jessie

Since Jessie is on me all of the time to update my blog, I'm going to dedicate this entire post to her. That's what you get for being so pushy ;)

My sweet cousin, Jessica Shay Smith, is a good girl. We've been close since the minute that she was born. She's always been full of energy and has been very strong. We used to fight all the time, in a loving way of course. However, it was so bad at one point, my Grandma Dee refused to take us anywhere together. My mom wrecked her car into the basketball pole in the Main Cross Church parking lot one time because she was turned around reaching into the backseat trying to break me and my girl up from an especially brutal scrap session. I ran her head into the wall when she wouldn't clean. She nearly broke my thumb slamming the phone on it, and I tried to shove her into the crisper drawer of the refrigerator.

Ahhhh, such good times. She moved away for college. I moved in with Robbie. I had a kid and I got married (in that order). She moved back to Indiana. She got married and had a kid (in that order). She got divorced. She started dating. I got divorced. I'm still waiting for that first date. ;)

We're probably closer now that we've ever been, which is hard to imagine since I've always considered her to be my sister more than cousin. Even with our special bond and similar upbringing, we couldn't be more opposite if we tried. I've put together a little comparison below, and I hope she embraces and celebrates our differences.

1.) She wants to get married and live the fairy tale life with picket fences, butterflies, and puppy dogs. Probably a farm with lots of flowers and plants that she can tend to when she passes time. She wants to make sun tea and fried chicken and deliver it in a perfectly coordinated picnic basket to her hard-working man on a tractor in a field, while her kids are perfectly content cross-stiching their monogram into their pillowcases, just like she taught them.

I don't want to get married again, and love being single. This is the best time of my life. I wouldn't change anything at this point, and I'm not looking to be tied down by another man, ever. (Keep in mind that this single difference between Jessie and I cause the most drama in our relationship.)

2.) She wants lots of additional kids, whether she gives birth or marries her dream man whose wife died and left him with 6 young'ns to raise. She is excellent with kids and sets up special "Cookie Baking Day" parties, she buys the coolest snacks, and all of the kids in the family want to always go to Jessie's house.

I love my two kids, but don't want anymore to raise. My tubes are tied and cut, and that will never change. My dream man doesn't want kids of his own or has kids in their twenties. I would prefer to end up with someone without little kids.

3.) Jessie is very domesticated. She loves to make things. She sews, paints, makes crafts, cooks, cleans, and makes a mean gingerbread house.

I'm not very crafty, but I can cook when I have to. I would prefer to pull pre-made food from the freezer and throw it in the oven for every meal.

4.) She is a homebody that enjoys hanging out at her house watching movies and making homemade popcorn and sweet tea. It doesn't bother her to never go out on the town. She is perfectly content never having a babysitter on the weekends. She likes to go to bed early (before 10), and readily offers to watch my kids when I want to go out.

I only stay home when I have my kids, and once Landon has some age on him, I'll probably be dragging them out all of the time, too. I love staying out late on my "no kids" weekends, and dragging myself home around 5 a.m. I can have parties at my house, but I usually convince everyone to go out when they assemble at my place. I love mixing and mingling, and could be on my death bed, and still go out. (FYI - Jessie reluctantly agreed to go out with my on New Year's Eve, but then made me take her home at 11 p.m. Of course, I headed back out after grabbing my karaoke player and some CDs.)

5.) Jessie is 5'2" and blonde.

I'm 5'10" and usually a brunette. (People say we look so much alike, and we find that so amusing. I call her my twin.)

Obviously, we have lots of differences, but we both love to laugh, tell stories, and sing. I always have a great time when I hang out with her, even when we don't go out. And if even if she won't admit it, I think she has a good time when I drag her out with me.

I would like her to be more willing to kiss random boys, and not always think about whether or not they would make a good mate prior to doing so. I would like her to show off her assets a little more since she is very buxom and built like a brickhouse. I would like her to throw away every furry and/or fleece vest that she owns. I would like her to not forget about herself as she takes care of everyone else around her. I would like her to live a little before she looks up and realizes that her life has passes her by.

I really just want her to always be happy and to always be my best friend.

I love you, Jessica! You complete me.