Mainsteam Media: What We Missed In 2009

As I was reading FoxNews this morning I can across an interested piece. The media causes so much uproar all year long. But the media can't cover everything; so what did we miss? A lot of interesting stories. Take a look!

Giving

God has done amazing things to my life. One thing I noticed, especially around the holidays, is the excitement that comes from giving. This year Adam and I decided we would spend a little extra time deciding what to give everyone. We made a list and started to shop. To see everyone open their gifts was an incredible feeling; it felt so good to give.

Our next step is to donate. Jayden received more gifts then any 2 year-old should ever get. He has so many toys and clothes we can't even open all of his new gifts. So instead of putting them in storage we are going to donate the toys to a charity. Instead of doing this behind his back we will let him do it himself. Yes, it's going to be a small challenge to make a young child give away his things but I know he will feel "berry proud" of himself once he does.

Holiday Overload

Note to self: It is nearly impossible to make everyone happy especially around the holidays.

From Massachusetts to Vermont to New Jersey and back to Massachusetts we are finally done making our rounds for the holidays. However, our journey hopefully has not ended. Adam's agent has been talking to numerous teams overseas and we are praying for something to come through soon.

My Favorite Items: What is Christmas?

Trying to teach a 2-year-old the meaning of Christmas is very hard. When talking about Christmas t0 a young child the same questions are asked, "Have you been a good boy?" "Is Santa bringing you presents?" "Are you going to leave Santa some milk and cookies?" but that's not what Christmas is really about. Even though Jayden is only 2 it is important to us that he learns the real meaning behind the holidays we celebrate. For explaining the meaning of Christmas I have turned to a simple, cute book called, "What is Christmas?" Written by Michelle Medlock Adams. Of course Jayden does not understand the full meaning behind Christmas but he gets that, "Santa Claus and Christmas trees and presents are okay, but Jesus is the real reason we have a Christmas Day!"

Oh blog...

I am sorry I have neglected you. I promise to be back in action after the holidays.

To sum things up; we moved, found out Adam would no longer be playing for the Springfield Armor, and then moved again. All within a 2 week span. Thank God we have amazing friends and family who have been willing to help us with both moves.

For now we will enjoy the holidays and pray for a job across the pond.

My Favorite Items: Crystal Light

Let's face it, water can get a bit boring sometimes and in order to quench your thirst you need a little something extra. That's where Crystal Light steps in. Our family is completely sold on Crystal Light. I tend to water it down a little so that it isn't too sweet for all of us, including Jayden. It is perfect to bring overseas since it is so small and there is even to-go packets. It's easy on the wallet and big on taste!

Just a Thought...

If Jesus can give His life up for us then shouldn't we be able to give our lives to Him?

There are numerous people of my past that constantly complain. Many of them are looking for simply answers in life but are unable to find what they are looking for. There are times when I feel like I should offer help but I know the best help for them would be to give themselves to Jesus Christ.

"So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened." Luke 11:9-10

If you truly seek God's will, you will find it!

My Favorite Items: Tuck-Me-In Travel Bed

Living life as a nomad it is very important to us that Jayden always gets enough sleep. One way we've be able to do this is for him to have his own bed. Once he grew out of his Pack N' Play we were kinda stuck; but I luckily came across this bed: The Tuck-Me-In Travel Bed. It is similar to an air mattress but it actually has bumpers on the sides which makes it very hard for a child to fall out of the bed. The bed pumps up fast and it deflates nice and easy as well. It comes in a carry on bed that fits perfectly into any suitcase. When taking this bed with us on flights I typically put it inside of Jayden's car seat bag since it is a free piece of checked luggage. It retails for about $80.00 and is available online.

My Favorite Items: Pulmi Baby

Pulmi Baby is an all-natural cream that I would compare to Vicks Vabor Rub. It has the same scent but unlike Vicks this cream is 100% all-natural and directed toward infant/toddlers. Last year while in France Jayden could not get over a runny nose and cough. A friend of mind recommended putting Vicks Vabor Rub on the bottom on his feet before he went to bed but I was unable to find any at the pharmacy. So instead one of the homeopaths recommended Pulmi Baby. Within 2 days Jayden's runny nose and cough were gone. I have had our friends in France send over 2 tubs of Pulmi Baby within the last few months to help fight the cold season.

I should mention that I have not been able to find this product in the states or on a secure website within the United States. So for all my Basket Wives out there, you may be able to find it in the country you are in.

You Know You're a Basket Wife When...

You lose your first name. I am no longer Kearstin or Kearstin Bourbeau but instead Mrs. Harrington.

I have yet to decide if it is because Adam's teammates and coaches can't remember my name or if they are being more formal and polite. But I know one things, it happens every season!

My Favorite Items: The Crackberry

I am not even in the business world, well that's unless you considered being a hip, fashion Mom part of the business world, and I love my Blackberry. Besides using the phone for original purposes, i.e., phone, e-mail, sms, I am constantly using it to look up directions, jot down a note, calculate some figures and of course an occasional Twitter and Facebook update. I am beyond ashamed to admit it but it's safe to say I am "kinda" addicted to my Blackberry.

I should also mention I have not had the experience of an iPhone so any of you iPhone users out there I would love to hear your opinion.

Life for wives of pro athletes is "no fairy tale"

I woke up this morning to a great article that one of my fellow basketwives was interviewed for on CNN.com. Please check it out. It really relates to my post yesterday about the media.

(Congratulations Erin! How cool!)

It's depressing...

How depressing is it that on every news channel, website, the cover of every magazine and newspaper is the story of a golfer who has had an alleged affair. It makes me sick that the media spends so much time on dealing with events that are not beneficial to anyone in this world.

My Favorite Items: Carmex Lip Balm

To start the list of my favorite items I had to start with Carmex Lip Balm. I honestly can't leave the house with it. It is a lifesaver in the winter and although it only has SPF 15 in it, it still protects my lips in the summer. It is so inexpensive, around $1.00 - $1.75 and it lasts forever.

I have tried numerous lip balm in my life and this by far is my favorite. Now if only they would add a little color to the balm I would be all set.

Verse of the Day

I have to share today's Verse of the Day;

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Proverbs 31:30

What I really liked about the Verse of the Day is what was said next:

"Want to find a really good woman? Look for one who honors and reveres the LORD with all her heart, soul, mind, and strength. Appearance, physical strength, and ever personality can change and degrade. A woman whose heart is anchored and enlivened by the presence of God in her life will be a life-long blessing and a woman worthy of our praise, and the praise of her God."

After accepting Jesus Christ as Our Savior my confidence has grown and I find myself loving exactly who I am because that is how God made me.

December Preview

November is almost a wrap! It's on to my next segment. Since December is all about giving and Christmas I have decide I would blog about "My Favorite Items" each week. If some of you are stuck on ideas for gifts, hopefully this will be able to help you.

Happy Thanksgiving

To all my followers (yes, all 5 of you) I wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving. May you take time out of your day today to realize how great life is. Be thankful and grateful for everything you have.

What I am thankful for #1...

I am thankful for the gift of life. I would not be writing on this blog if I wasn't gifted my amazing life from God.

What I am thankful for #2...

I am thankful for our little family; Adam & Jayden. My life, my world, my everything.

What I am thankful for #3...

I am thankful that I have a roof over my head; a place where I can come home to.

First Impression

About a year ago Adam reconnected with his freshmen roommate from NC State; Carl Lentz. He told me how him and Carl used to be twins in college; those who know Adam know what I am talking about. But after a couple emails back and forth Adam had discovered that Carl was the same Carl expect that instead of being a baller he was a pastor, husband and father. He had dedicated his life to Jesus Christ.

Carl invited us to come hear him preach at Wave Church in Virginia Beach, Virginia. At first I was hesitant; one because it was my first time flying without Jayden and two because I didn't know anything about his old roommate or church. Well it turned out to be the best decision I have ever made. Carl, his family, church, and friends made it the most incredible experience in accepting Jesus Christ as our savior.

So what's the first impression title about?

Ever since we were able to get a feel of the Wave Church experience we haven't been able to find a church like that in our area. On Sunday while Adam was at practice, I decided that Jayden and I would go check out a different church. I chose the church because in the local paper it said, "inspiring music and relevant message." Well my first impression was not the best, no one welcomed us in or showed us where to go. After some great music I was excited to be introduced to the Pastor, however, he wasn't there and the Youth Pastor was leading the service. Within the first few minutes it was very apparent he was not used to speaking in front of a large crowd. Between every couple words there was also an, "umm...and...umm...umm...." I couldn't even concentrate on the message. So my first impression was not good but we will go back next week in hopes that the Senior Pastor will be there.

Thank you Carl and Wave Church for setting my standards so high!

What I am thankful for #4...

I am thankful for my family.

There is an old saying that goes, "You can choose your friends but you can't choose your family." God has a purpose for every one of your family members. I know not all families are perfect but there is a reason why they are in your life. One because they are your family and two God wants them to be. No matter what a family member has done keep them close to you. Someday they may be the only family you have.

What I am thankful for #5...

I am thankful for Wave Church.

Long story short, after visiting a new church this morning I have realized how thankful I am to be a part of a church that is absolutely amazing. Now only if we lived in Virginia Beach...

What I am thankful for #6...

I am thankful for clean drinking water.

If anyone has the chance (not sure if it is ever going to be released again) you should really watch the Hillsong United: We're All In This Together film. The film is a caused-based documentary The I heart revolution: We're all in this together which tells stories of justice, compassion and mercy around the globe. It goes into length about the number of countries that do not have clean drinking water. It was such an eye-opening film.

Be thankful for the tap and bottled water we have readily available to us everyday.

A New Season

With practice and two-a-days underway, it is exactly one week away from the start of a fresh, new season. This year Adam will be playing for the Springfield Armor which is part of the National Basketball Development League. Their affiliates are the New Jersey Nets, New York Knicks and the Philadelphia 76ers.

We are close to our hometown so there are a lot of people out there excited to see Adam play. It's been over a decade since Adam has played anywhere close to Western Massachusetts. Although this may not have been our first option, we know God is guiding us in the right direction. See you all a week from today when the Springfield Armor take on the Iowa Energy!

What I am thankful for #7...

I am thankful that God sees me through all of my past hardships; that He has never given up on me.

"Ask and it will be given to you." He said, "Seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened." Matthew 7:7-9

What I am thankful for #8...

I am thankful for technology.

With the use of the internet I am able to stay in touch with friends and family all across the world. The internet is an amazing tool!

My Love for Coupons

This is the first time I've said this, but I think I am addicted to coupons. Actually I know I am. I love them.

To make things easier on all of us, every Sunday night I make my weekly menu which consists of planning meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Once I come up with 21 meals (yes, 21 complete meals) I make a list of everything I need for the week to complete those meals. My next step is to shop around (via sale flyers) for the best deals between 3 supermarkets. And finally, I match the best in-store sales with my coupons and get ready to go shopping. Call me crazy but there is so much satisfaction that comes from looking at the sales receipt after I am done shopping and see how much I saved.

I tend to clip coupons for the Newspaper, magazines and online. There are numerous websites online that will give you free printable coupons as well such as www.wow-coupons.com, www.couponmom.com and www.freecoupons.com. For those of you shopping online, never check-out before searching, for example, "Eastbay online promotional code." There is always some kind of coupon out there with your name on it.

So by now you may be asking, why would I carry Louis Vuitton bags and clip coupons. Well it's just that, Louis Vuitton never goes on sale people, I gotta my sale fix somewhere!

What I am thankful for #9...

I am thankful for my Bible.

The Bible is God's word. Because I have accepted the Bible's message of faith He has promised me the gift of eternal life.

Lighten the Load

Today I decided to lighten the load a little and answer 47 questions. Enjoy!

1. WAS I NAMED AFTER ANYONE? No one.
2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME I CRIED? A couple weeks ago while watching the Hillsong United: We're All in This Together movie. What a powerful movie with an incredible message.
3. DO I LIKE MY HANDWRITING? Can't say that I love it but I don't mind it.
4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? I would have to say turkey or pepperoni; either or will do!
5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? I have one amazing little boy; Jayden.
6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? I think so. I try to think of myself as a good friend.
7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT? Sometimes.
8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? That I do.
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? Absolutely not.
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? I don't like cereal.
11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? Yes I do.
13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? I would probably have to say Cookies N' Cream. However, I also love vanilla and strawberry.
14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? Their height.
15. RED OR PINK? Pink.
16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? Probably my smile.
17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? I currently miss my sister. She is about to be 13 years old and going through important stages in her life. I wish I could be there for her for sisterly advice!
18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE ELSE TO PUT THIS ON THEIR BLOG? Sure, why not.
19. WHAT COLOR SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? Shiny grey flats.
20. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE? A gummy bear and let me tell you, it was delicious.
21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? Adam heavy breathing while he naps. Media Day totally wore him out this morning.
22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? A color that just catches your eye; not one that stands out.
23. FAVORITE SMELL? A fresh-out-of-the-bath baby.
24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? My Grandmother. Jayden and I took her to lunch. She loved it!
25. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? I "borrowed" it from Leigh's blog; I love Leigh. She is great!
26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH? Really? Basketball of course. I don't think I really have a choice. But during the off-season, tennis.
27. Hair Color? Dark brown.
28. EYE COLOR? Brown.
29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? That I do not.
30. FAVORITE FOOD? Probably Mexican.
31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? Happy Endings without a doubt.
32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? Hillsong United: We're All in This Together.
33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? A plain white shirt with cute sleeves.
34. SUMMER OR WINTER? How about spring and fall.
35. HUGS OR KISSES? Either or.
36. FAVORITE DESSERT? Anything unhealthy.
37. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? Well maybe someone will comment.
38. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? Not relevant.
39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW? Become a Better You by Joel Osteen.
40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? I have a MacBook Pro. No mousepad.
41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT? I didn't watch an TV last night.
42. FAVORITE SOUND? Jayden laughing.
43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? Not really a fan of either of them.
44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME? Israel, straight 12 hour flight from New York.
45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? Not that I know of!
46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Greenfield, Massachusetts
47. WHOSE ANSWERS AM I LOOKING FORWARD TO READING? Yours!

That was exhausting! Have a little fun on your blog and complete the survey!

Verse of the Day

Everyday I receive a "Verse of the Day" in my email account. Luckily I have email access on my phone so it is usually the first thing I read in the morning. Today's Verse of the Day was simple yet so brilliant:

Be joyful always, pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Whatever circumstances you may be facing; good or bad, He has a plan for all of us. Continue to pray, rejoice in his grace and be thankful for your blessings.

What I am thankful for #10..

I am thankful for all the men and women who are part of the Armed Forces fighting for our country's freedom.

What I am thankful for #11...

I am thankful for good health.

Good health stems from a number of things; all of which I am thankful for.

What I am thankful for #12...

I am thankful for Adam's career.

I could write paragraph after paragraph of all the joys that come from being a basketwife (of course there are some negative aspects but those are certainly overpowered by all the positives).

Adam dreamt about playing in the NBA and playing basketball professionally. His dreams came true and thankfully he is still living his dream. I am thankful that God was able to lead Adam to accomplish his dreams.

The Phrase "F.M.L"

Every time I log-in to facebook I see the status "FML" from at least 2 people. For those of you who do not know what it means, FML is a phrase that somehow gained popularity within the last year or so that stands for F*ck My Life.

I honestly cringe every time I read "John Doe says FML I have to work a double; or, FML my son won't sleep." Well at least you have one job or a child because I guarantee you there are millions of people that would do anything for stable job or a child of their own. Turn on the news, go visit a nursing home or a local hospital, think about the people who are fighting for our rights overseas. Your life won't seem so bad after all.

When I decide to write this post I couldn't stop thinking about the movie Dodgeball. Lance Armstrong makes an appearance at the end of the movie that sets the tone for the final match. He says,

"Quit? You know, once I was thinking about quitting when I was diagnosed with brain, lung and testicular cancer, all at the same time. But with the love and support of my friends and family, I got back on the bike and I won the Tour de France five times in a row. But I'm sure you have a good reason to quit. So what are you dying from that's keeping you from the finals?"

Next time you have the urge to write FML, turn to a family member, a true friend or open The Bible.

What I am thankful for #13...

(After some internet problems yesterday I am back up and running today)

I am thankful for my amazing friends.

I used to think that the more people I was "friends" with the better. As I've grown, I've realize it is not about how many friends you have but instead the quality of each friendship. By keeping my group of friends close I have found myself caring more about them and focusing on being the best friend I can be.

What I am thankful for #14...

I am thankful that I live a life dedicated to Jesus Christ. I have accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Savior.

John 8:12

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."

Be Thankful

Every November we hear about being thankful and grateful for all the blessings in our life. Sometimes we hear the word "thankful" so often that we get lost in the actually meaning.

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary the world "thankful" is defined as:

1. Conscious of benefit received

2. Expressive of thanks

3. Well pleased

How has God blessed you this year? What are you thankful for? For the next 15 days I will be writing at least one thing I am thankful for. Try to do the same!

Psalm 107:1

"Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever."