Life's Luxuries

I don't go out of my way to indulge in unnecessary luxuries on a normal basis, but there is one thing that I just absolutely LOVE and that is pedicures!
Today I got my first pedicure of the warmer weather season because I've started wearing sandals again. Let me tell you, I feel like a new woman! The girl who does my toes even commented on how long it's been since I've been there.

I'm ready to show my feet to the world again!

Someone You Should Know.......my Dad

That's right, the first person that I think you need to know (if you don't already) is my dad, Doug Durick.

Here's SOME of the many reasons I love him and think you should too:

1) My dad has instilled in me a love of all sports. Some of my fondest memories are playing baseball, football, basketball, or hockey in the back yard or in the driveway as a child. He was always so young at heart and would spend HOURS playing with us. We'd play traditional games or he could always come up with the best ideas for new games (at least they seemed new to us). He is also one of the best coaches I know. I've never known anyone to say they didn't enjoy playing under my dad's leadership. He is wonderful at making any game fun.

2) He has such a passion for the Lord. He has always been a wonderful role model and someone I look up to. I respect his opinion and thoughts because I know he is wise and has a lot to offer me. He has taught me what a relationship with Christ looks like and that is a greater gift than anything else.

3) He's been a dad to Mark. He welcomed Mark with loving arms from the get-go. I picked my fair share of duds in the past but my dad saw that Mark truly made me happy he accepted him as family and included him in our lives. Mark loves my dad and he loves him back. I can not even explain how blessed I feel that these 2 vital men in my life love each other the way they do.

4) He always exhibits joy which has envoked many nicknames (Biggie Fry, Steamy, Mario, Papa Smurf, Big Papi, and Big Boy just to name a few). All of these names are given in the sincerest form of flattery and every one has a funny story behind it.

5) We are one in the same. This used to drive me crazy growing up because we have many of the same likes and dislikes, hold things in the same way, and we argue the same way (which made for unproductive arguments). I now consider this a truly special bond between my father and me.

6) He genuinely cares about things that are important to me. He supports me in all that I do and he loves and respects the things that I love. My dad loves my friends and treats them wonderfully. He especially loves Em and Jen and I think they would second the fact that he makes them feel comfortable at all times.

7) And the clincher (which really makes him extra special) is the fact that he calls me out of the blue just to tell me that he loves me and he's proud of me. No daughter could ask for anything better.

I'm sure my brother would give you some of the exact same reasons. Point blank, I grew up with an amazing father and it makes it so hard for me to even fathom how great my Heavenly Father will be when I already have such a great Earthly father!

Doug Durick is one person you NEED to know!

(...And that's the first of many....)

If I missed something, let me know!

New Idea

A little while ago I mentioned an idea to Jen and Em for my blog. I decided I wanted to do a shout-out to people I love and felt was crucial for others to know about as well. I have no formula that these will fit in. It's just going to be people I think you should know and I'll let you know why.

It took me a while to figure out who the first one would be, but I know now so look for it soon!

Cooking for a Cure!

This past year was very difficult for myself and my family as we watched 2 of our loved ones battle cancer. I've always been supportive of the American Cancer Society but only recently has it meant so much to me. This year, I have decided to participate in the Relay for Life. I'm on a team from school with Mark, Jen, my mom, and some co-workers (including Clint and Sarah). Our relay is Friday, May 16th and I'm getting very excited about it. My kids are getting very into it as well since we're doing a "Penny War" between all of the 3rd grade classes.

I would encourage anyone to research Relay for Life and get involved in an event near you soon. If you don't feel like actually participating in the event, but would like to contribute in some way there are some great opportunities to do so.

1) Pampered Chef has a "Help Whip Cancer" campaign where part of the proceeds go to the ACS. This would be a great way to give to a good cause while getting some of those necessary kitchen items you've been eyeing. You can let me know if you want to order something or you can go to this website.

Right now they have 3 specials available when you order. A pink mini scoop and measure for $5, pink kitchen gloves for $10, or a pink kitchen brush for $6 (obviously all pink for cancer).

Now, I'm not a Pampered Chef guru by any means, but I have bought a few things in the past that have been great in case you're looking for some cheap, convenient, and useful items.

The Classic Batter Bowl is $15
(great for mixing and storage)

Mix 'N Chop for $9
(great for chopping beef when making spaghetti or tacos)

Apple Wedger for $12
(This is my FAVORITE! It makes cutting apples really fun...the small joys in life)

ORDERS NEED TO BE PLACED BY APRIL 25TH

2) You can buy a $5 raffle ticket from me. You can buy as many as you want and your ticket goes into a drawing for a Pampered Chef gift certificate. You can e-mail me (mariabennett13@yahoo.com) if you want one and I can just fill it out for you.

3) You can contribute directly to our relay team. You can either just give me any donations at any time or you can make an online donation by visiting my Relay for Life home page. All of your money would go directly to ACS.

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I promise I will not turn my blog into a solicitation trap, but I did want to make you aware of something that means a lot to me and provide outlets for anyone who is interested in showing support in any way.

No Worries!

I'm still alive. We haven't had internet access while we've been moving things out of Mark's room for all of his renovations. This weekend I finally decided I could go without computer no more and I set it all up in our guest bedroom. Now the next thing I need is to find my camera cable in all of this mess so I can upload pictures from my spring break.

Here's a little video to get your week started off right. It's a short clip they showed on SNL and Mark laughed SO hard! Ashton Kutcher is in it. Enjoy!

Movies I Want to See

Maybe it's my love of football or my love of John Krasinski but I can't WAIT to see this movie!

I also think this movie looks so great. It's called Young At Heart.