Fill My Cup

His Ways Are Higher

2010-10-18T01:41:00.001-04:00

To say that the past month has been a lesson in humility would be an understatement.
I've spent the past few weeks laying on the couch, in more pain than I've ever experienced in my life. Surgeries, sickness, and infections have been my unwelcome, but constant companions.

I'm not a very compassionate person when it comes to most illnesses. I don't bow to sickness, I plow through it. I've always had the mindset of "Put on your big girl panties, suck it up, and deal with it." But this time, God had a different lesson for me.

A week ago, I was supposed to be on a women's retreat with my wonderful church. While there, I was supposed to be teaching sessions on practicing graciousness and hospitality, including a few comments on being hospitable by being a gracious receiver. I'd had my outline ready, (at least mentally) and was ready to roll. Of course, I didn't end up going. While my closest friends were spending their first day of the retreat at the beach, I was pacing the house in the worst day of pain of my whole life. Instead of talking about showing hospitality to others, I was forced to the receiving end. And my, oh my - did God have some lessons for me.

Offers to bring meals starting pouring in from friends and neighbors. Although I'd normally thank them and say no, this time I was forced to start saying yes. This has always been SO hard for me. Why? Countless reasons, I guess. I'd believed the lie that it's always better to be the giver than the receiver. But this isn't what Jesus tried to teach us. When He sat at the feet of His disciples and washed their feet, He was serving them. He wanted them to willingly receive His blessing. If I want to be blessed, I have to be willing to receive it!

Another reason - the attitude of "I don't need anyone else." This is another lie. I think of the woman at the well, who was out in mid day getting water. Normally women were never out at that time in the heat of the day, but she was. I believe she didn't want to be seen by others, and that she found a false sense of security in her seclusion. Women are still like that now, don't you think? We believe that as long as we don't reveal our true self, our short comings, our neediness, that we're ok. What a lie! The old saying that no man is an island is true. It's not how God created us to be.

If I love being the giver, that means someone else has to be on the receiving end of my giving. How would I practice the gift of hospitality to others if no one ever let me give? These past few weeks, I've had to remind myself that people have been giving generously because they want to. I'll even go as far as saying that allowing someone to give me a blessing is a way of blessing them! Giving reflects the heart of God. It's His joy to bless us, and He wants us to joyfully receive. We glorify Him by receiving all He has to offer.

So the past few weeks have found me graciously saying "Yes, thank you" more than I ever have in my life. As with any new habit, the more I say it, the easier it becomes. The truth is, all these people have helped me get by. The meals have been a life saver. The prayers have pulled me through. All the help has given me an incredible reminder of just how many amazing people God has put in my life.

While I hope the lingering of my infections pass quickly, I hope the lessons I've learned stay around for a long, long time. Most of all, I've been reminded of God's goodness. He never leaves me or forsakes me. Praise the Lord, Oh my soul!

Psalm 103
¹ Praise the LORD, O my soul;
       all my inmost being, praise his holy name. ² Praise the LORD, O my soul,
       and forget not all his benefits-
³ who forgives all your sins
       and heals all your diseases,
⁴ who redeems your life from the pit
       and crowns you with love and compassion,
⁵ who satisfies your desires with good things
       so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
⁶ The LORD works righteousness
       and justice for all the oppressed.
⁷ He made known his ways to Moses,
       his deeds to the people of Israel:
⁸ The LORD is compassionate and gracious,
       slow to anger, abounding in love.
⁹ He will not always accuse,
       nor will he harbor his anger forever;
¹⁰ he does not treat us as our sins deserve
       or repay us according to our iniquities.
¹¹ For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
       so great is his love for those who fear him;
¹² as far as the east is from the west,
       so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
¹³ As a father has compassion on his children,
       so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him;
¹⁴ for he knows how we are formed,
       he remembers that we are dust.
¹⁵ As for man, his days are like grass,
       he flourishes like a flower of the field;
¹⁶ the wind blows over it and it is gone,
       and its place remembers it no more.
¹⁷ But from everlasting to everlasting
       the LORD's love is with those who fear him,
       and his righteousness with their children's children-
¹⁸ with those who keep his covenant
       and remember to obey his precepts.
¹⁹ The LORD has established his throne in heaven,
       and his kingdom rules over all.
²⁰ Praise the LORD, you his angels,
       you mighty ones who do his bidding,
       who obey his word.
²¹ Praise the LORD, all his heavenly hosts,
       you his servants who do his will.
²² Praise the LORD, all his works
       everywhere in his dominion.
       Praise the LORD, O my soul.

(Some of) What We've Done This Week

2010-07-09T16:11:00.000-04:00

Here's a little bit of what we've been up to the past week.

Ryan and the kids have been working on building a pizza oven. Here's the start...

Here's the first firing a few days ago

His first pizza. Pizza Hut has nuthin' on this guy........

Is it hot enough outside???

Trying to keep cool at the bookstore...

Little John Boy got a buzz... (I can't stop feeling his little head. It's the cutest thing I've ever seen!)

Farm Fresh Eggs from a little stand near the place we picked blueberries

And I have another new niece! Welcome baby Anna Evelyn!

God Never Intended For Me To Be A Pioneer Woman

2010-07-01T14:08:00.001-04:00

Hubby's been gone for about 10 days. Thankfully he doesn't travel often, and when he's gone I give myself a break from cooking and we eat ~~all the things I'd never get away with seving him~~ simple things like soup, sandwiches and breakfast foods for dinner.

However, I've been sick for five days. A couple of days later, little John got sick, too. The past few days John has ben so sick I've barely gotten off the couch, since he won't let me leave his side.
Thankfully, we have TV. And a fridge. My girls have survived on cereal, eggs, and sandwiches.

I can't even imagine what life would be like without all the conveniences we're used to. Every time the poor little guy threw up, I could start the washing machine. Cans of soup were heated in the microwave. The air conditioning meant that he didn't have to suffer in 100 degree weather with a 103 degree fever.

Can you even imagine living "back then" and surviving? I've found myself feeling completely run down. And then I was thinking about what it would be like if I was washing things by hand, cooking over a fire, hauling water inside. This gal was NOT meant for roughing it. As glamourous as living in a plantation house inthe 1800s sounds, I think I'll be glad God put me in the here and now.

And now, it's time for a Chik-Fil-A run.......

PS - I'm posting at Chic Critique today, so come visit me over there as well!

One Week In...

2010-06-17T17:23:00.002-04:00

One week since school ended, and all I've got is a list. Not sure I've been busy enough!
In the past 6 days I have.....

1) Organized a last day of school water fight and pool party.
2) Celebrated my 15th wedding anniversary. Yay me!!
3) Enjoyed dinner at a favorite restaurant, including fried green tomatoes with pimento cheese!
4) Been to the lake three times, two of which got rained out, and one time we didn't even get the boat in the water before it started thundering!
5) Visited with out of town family
6) Cleaned house
7) Fixed meals and dinner for visiting guests
8) Been to the neighborhood swimming pool 5 times
9) Shopped for daughter's birthday
10) Gone to church
11) worked two real estate transaction, and showed houses
12) Had ice cream for breakfast at Baskin Robbin's for my daughter Emma's birthday tradition
13) Out to dinner at Outback for Emma's birthday
14)Took Emma and two friends to the pool, to the mall, out to dinner, and for a movie
15) Had a teeny-bopper sleepover and demanded sleep at 1am
16) Fixed breakfast for sleepover crew and hauled 5 kids to the pool with snacks and drinks.
17) took a 45 minute nap. (I think the above list has worn me out!)

What have YOU been up to?

It's Here!

2010-06-10T09:07:00.000-04:00

It's the last day of school! Wooo hoooooo!
Tomorrow morning, I will NOT be waking up at 7am to make sandwiches!

It's a busy day today, and I've got a lot of running around to do. I'm still looking for those long, tube-like water soakers at the dollar stores, and no one has them. A few years ago, I started a neighborhood tradition. All the parents at our bus stop wait for the kids on the last day of school with water soakers, and we blast the kids as they get off the bus. We have a huge water fight in the middle of the street. The first year was the best because the kids were unsuspecting! Then we take the party to the pool and have lots of cupcakes, popsicles, snacks, and "mommy juice!"

I'm also still looking for a big roll of white paper. Every year I make a big "welcome to summer" banner and hang it across the front door to the house. The girls bust through it as the start to thier summer vacation. Where to go? Ac Moore? Office Max? Any suggestions?

I also forgot to get an end of year gift for Clara's teacher, and just realized it this morning :( Guess I'll be dropping something off at the school this afternoon..... What do you give as teacher gifts?

The countdown begins..... 7 hours to go!

What are you doing today?

Smell Me

2010-06-03T11:11:00.001-04:00

Really, I smell good right now. I do.
Last night I used a new lavender salt scrub, and it smells divine.

I blogged about it over HERE today - come visit and leave me some comments!

All the Colors of the Rainbow...

2010-06-02T09:11:00.000-04:00

It's a busy day here, and I'm taking off in a few minutes for the hospital. My MIL made it through her brain surgery yesterday and is doing well. Thanks to all you awesome ladies who prayed!

Today, I'll leave you with a "Clara Quote."
First, imagine the giant 64 pack of crayons with the built in sharpener.

Clara: "Mama, are crayons made out of ear wax??"

Have a nice day!

Tuesday Tantrum

2010-05-31T23:56:00.000-04:00

Do you look at the caller ID before you answer the phone?
I do.
For a reason. It's called "telemarketers," and I avoid them at all costs.
For the past week, I've noticed an 800 number calling me, and not leaving a message. Today, I finally answered the unknown number, planning to nicely tell whoever it was to go away.
I answered the phone, only to hear a recorded voice tell me to "please hold, all available agents are on other lines."
Are you kidding me? You call ME, at MY HOUSE, on a HOLIDAY, and tell me to wait because you're busy???
I have a few good lines for telemarketers, when they are unwilling to take NO for an answer. My favorite was years ago, when someone called me on Christmas Eve. I sweetly asked for their home phone number, and told them I'd call them the following morning. haha.
Yes, I know these people are just doing their jobs. I actually worked doing telemarketing as a teenager. I know how tough it can be, and how awful people can act. I remember running into the bathroom crying after a particularly nasty man answered the phone. But having a calling system dial people's numbers, and thinking that whoever answers will sit there waiting for the telemarketer to get on the phone? I'd love to know who the brainiac behind that is.
Ok, I'm done. (smile)

Did you have a good Memorial Day? Do you have any family members in the service? If so, please give them an extra hug.

For a complete change of subject, can I ask for your prayers? My mother in law is having brain surgery in a few hours. Please pray for peace for the whole family.

So. What's going on in your neck of the woods today?

Amazing

2010-05-04T08:17:00.001-04:00

I had an awesome tea time yesterday morning. I love tea and all the cute things that go along with it, but what makes those times priceless are the friends that I share the time with.
I have to say though, that up until two weeks ago, I never imagined in a million years who I'd be sharing a cup with yesterday.

Eighteen years ago, I arrived at a small college in Illinois, walked into my first dorm room, and met my first roommate. Anitra and I were strangers, thrown together by "chance." Or so I thought back then. We had our share of ups and downs, most of which I attribute to being young and silly. After the first semester, she moved into a different room with one of her friends. Then I never really saw her again.
Fast forward to two weeks ago, in my little NC town. On a whim, I went to the dollar store. I smiled at the gal who was looking intently at me, wondering what could possibly be stuck in my teeth, or if my hair just looked that bad. As I was about to move my shopping cart around her, she asks if I'm Kristin. And tells me that she's my old college roommate, Anitra. I almost didn't believe her for a minute. What in the world are the chances that I would ever run into her again, half way across the country and 18 years later?

We started chatting, and after just a minute I asked her if she'd ever forgiven me for whatever ways I'd acted ugly back then. She raised her eyebrows, smiled, and said "Girl, I don't even remember any of that, so just let it go!" Isn't God so good?

We made plans to get together, and yesterday we had tea together. Not only did we have a hard time believing that God would have us cross paths again after all these years, but it turns out that last year she actually lived on the same street that I moved from a few years ago. We laughed, trying to imagine our responses if someone had told us all those years ago that we'd be sitting together over tea in NC 18 years later.

God tells us that "All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." Psalm 139:16. While each day holds something new, and sometimes surprising, it's no surprise to God. Not only did he know, back when Anitra and I roomed at Trinity, that we'd be friends again years later, He knew it before He even created me.

His ways amaze me. And His ways are perfect. He's had a plan for me since the beginning of time, and I can't wait to see what's next.

Makin' Me Happy

2010-04-29T15:35:00.000-04:00

I went around snapping some pics of the things that were making me smile today.
Here are a few.....

Some of my roses by the front steps..... who wouldn't smile at that?

John digging for treasure

Some plants springing up in the garden

The result of all John's "hard work". He's getting himself ready to have a campfire!

So, what's making YOU smile today?

My Day

2010-04-27T14:10:00.000-04:00

I've felt like this all day, too!

Meeting the Queen

2010-04-12T11:24:00.002-04:00

I met The Queen last week, for the first time.
You know which queen I'm talkin' 'bout.
One of my favorite bloggers, The Carpool Queen.

I was running only 2 minutes late, which was pretty good considering I'd just come from TJ Maxx, where I bought awesome zebra striped heels. I rushed into the Starbucks, and there was her famous self, looking all cute and stuff in a pink belted jacket. CPQ is a beautiful gal, and she has a sweet smile.
Plus, she liked my shoes. I told her I had PMS and needed to buy them, and she nodded in understanding.
And, she is tall.
Being almost 5'9" myself, I always expect everyone else to be shorter than me, and so I smiled when I didn't tower over her by 2 feet. I think she's the same height as me.
And she has a very gentle voice, which was fun to hear, given all the funny things that come out of her when she writes.
And, I keep starting sentences with And. So I'll stop.

I ordered coffee and a treat, and she ordered some kind of drink that I don't remember because it had like 7 names to it. I even asked her to repeat it for me, but I still can't remember.

She even came bearing a gift, a dishcloth she knit all by herself. I was thankful and jealous all at the same time, because I really, really want to learn to knit. She's funny, and she knits, too.

We chatted for a few minutes, and she snapped pics of my shoes. Then I showed her my favorite camera trick with my iPhone, called QuadCamera. It takes four consecutive pictures, like this one of CPQ drinking her fancy drink:

Pretty neat, huh?

A few minutes later, who should walk past us to get to the restroom, but a clown. CPQ started snapping pictures of all the clown stuff, while I laughed and commented that she really does take pictures of EVERYTHING. When the clown came out, she told us she'd be right back, although we weren't sure why she was coming back.
She told CPQ and I that we looked like joyful people, (the joy of new shoes must have been radiating from me) and she made balloons for us.

I can't wait to see what characters we encounter next time we meet up.

Sweet Perfume

2010-04-09T16:13:00.002-04:00

Last night it rained.
And that was a very, very good thing.

The past week, the pollen has been worse than I remember in years. EVERYthing has been completely coated in the yellow stuff. We even took pictures of our feet on Easter Sunday after walking through the grass barefoot. You know it's bad when the kids don't even want to stay outside.

This morning, we opened the door to let the dog out, and the sweet smell of spring came floating through the air. The rain had washed away almost all the pollen. The air smelled fresh and sweet, just the way a Spring morning should. I cracked the door open again and breathed in the fresh scent, and it lingered in the kitchen as I made the kids' lunches.

I was thinking this morning on the verse from 2 Corinthians 2:14 -- "But thanks be to God! He always leads us triumphantly by the Messiah and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of knowing him."

I also like the version in the New Living Translation, which says:
".... now he uses us to spread the knowledge of Christ everywhere, like a sweet perfume."

For me, it's a great word picture. Do I spread the fragrance of Him? What is left lingering with someone when I leave? Do I leave the sweet perfume of the joy of Christ? Or am I leaving others coughing on the yellow pollen, polluting the air with gossip, negativity or complaints?

I want to be a breath of fresh air, to spread Christ like a sweet perfume. Thankfully, when I mess up, Christ comes like the rain and washes all the yuckiness away, so I can start fresh like a beautiful Spring day.

Behind Bars

2010-03-10T10:56:00.000-05:00

Today my daughter Emma will be going behind bars, and won't get out for the next few years. She went to school this morning fully prepared to enjoy her last day of freedom. Actually, she's been preparing herself for the past few weeks, doing all kinds of things that she'll miss out on because of those bars. Eating Starburst, sugar gum, laffy taffy, popcorn.....

The scary thing is that if I don't comply with the rules, I may find my own self behind some bars, too. It's a "pay up or else" kinda thing. Bail is thousands and thousands of dollars. I don't prefer orange suits, so I think I'll pay up.

Emma prefers rainbow colors, so that's what she'll choose. She thinks she'll change it up a bit depending on the holidays. I told her ok, as long as she doesn't choose something gross like black and orange for Halloween.

She keeps saying that she SO does not want this, but she knows she'll be SO glad after she's released. Who doesn't love freedom?

Yeesh, I see so many analogies here this morning, but I haven't had my 12th cup of coffee yet. So maybe all the ideas in my head about choosing hard things because of the reward that follows will have to wait for another day.

I need to go run and get some pudding cups from the store. And supplies for chicken n dumplins. And some Tylenol.
This afternoon, Emma will be the proud new wearer of braces, and I will be the ~~despondant~~ ~~poor~~ proud owner of an orthodontics bill.

Not sure who will be needing the Tylenol.......

My Gilgal Nap

2010-03-09T09:06:00.000-05:00

Today, a nap is calling my name.
But Kristin, you ask. Isn't it only 8:30am right now?
Yes, ma'am. Yes it is.
How can you even think about a nap when you've only been up for an hour and a half? you wonder. Isn't that ridiculously lazy? Maybe you just need some more coffee.
WELL.
I understand your worries, really I do. And truth be told, not long ago I would have been embarassed to take a nap on a gorgeous sunny afternoon, let alone admit it to the world. There are dishes calling my name, sheets to be changed, clothes to be washed, and toys to be put away. And also today, a blood peeing dog that just had surgery yesterday and needs to watched.
But today, I proudly claim my nap.
Know why? I need it. I need my Gilgal.
GILGAL???
Yep. I read the first few chapters in Joshua last week, and was reminded of Gilgal, the place that Joshua set twelve stones after God parted the Jordan river for the Isrealites to cross over towards the Promised Land.
It was where the arc of the covenant returned to each day, after the men compassed the city of Jericho during it's seige. It was where celebrations took place. It was a place of rest.
God had a plan for his people, and there was work to be done. There was a Promised Land just waiting to be claimed. But He knew that in the midst of the work, there needed to be a place to rest and be refreshed. It was Gilgal.

Each day, we have work to do, too. Today, the Promised Land is God's plan for me - His best for me. There's work to do, but I also need the rest. A lot has been going on, and I'm just plain tired. Looking ahead this week, I know that today is the one day that I have a chance to slow down and rest. So I am CLAIMING my Gilgal nap today!

I don't know what you'll be doing this afternoon, but I hope it's something great. Do you have a Gilgal? A time of rest? Is it hard for you to stop and take time to be refreshed?

Looking Forward

2010-03-08T09:58:00.000-05:00

Well spring is springing and I for one am feeling slightly refreshed.
I took the winter wreaths off the doors today, as my way of telling Old Man Winter that he's no longer welcome in these here parts.
I may get even more bold and pack all the gloves and scarves away in the attic. Not sure how much I feel like tempting fate today.

It's been quite the start to the new year here at the Tea Time house. Not much that's been happening directly to me, but lots of big stuff that's been hard, and quite frankly, a huge weight on our shoulders the past two months. I've enjoyed reading other's blogs the past few weeks, and have even attempted to sit and write a few times. It seemed, at the time, a hill too huge to climb. When 2 million thoughts are swirling around in your head, how do you pick just a few? So I've been quiet, thinking on all that's going on, thinking about the past, and dwelling on the present.
And today I decided that if God can take the dreary, cold land and replenish it with sunshine, and the hope of Spring, then surely He is ready for me to move forward as well.

Yesterday we spent the day playing outside in the sunshine, and boy did it do a world of good for us all. Then my girls and I talked about all the things we LOVE about warm weather, and summer. It made me so excited, I can hardly wait for summer!

Right now, there's the hope of Spring. Each day, I can see it, hear it, smell it, feel it a little bit more. God is doing something new, I know it! He makes a way in the desert, and streams in the wasteland. (Isaiah 43:19) We may be drowning in unplanned expenses, have family members in crisis, seriously ill relatives, sick pets, and everything else. But He keeps giving grace each day. So while I live in the present, I will choose to keep looking forward. Not behind, not to the right of left. He is doing a new thing - Spring is coming!

While the Entire State of NC Makes Sandwiches.....

2010-01-28T21:04:00.000-05:00

So it's going to storm here starting tomorrow night.
I mean, a REAL storm. Ice, sleet, and S-N-O-W. REAL snow, supposedly. Not the 14 minutes of flurries that make our schools shut down early.
(If you are a Northerner, I'm sure the thought of schools closing because of a few minutes of flurries has you laughing so hard that you're about to pee your pants.....)

ANYhoo. Everyone and their dog has already been to the store to stock up on essentials. You know, MILK and BREAD? I heard that by early afternoon today, the grocery stores were wiped out, and there was no milk or bread to be had.
So I made a strategy of my own. I'm waiting until tomorrow morning, when they've gotten new shipments of bread in. And then, I will casually waltz in, and buy every last loaf of sandwich bread on those shelves. I will take those loaves home, and list them on Craigslist for $8 per loaf. And then I will go shopping with all the money that I made off of the crazy fools who bought all the bread.
Because apparantly, North Carolinians eat toast and sandwiches the entire time they are snowed in during a storm. It's the only logical explanation. Why else, upon hearing that you may be stuck indoors for the next few days, would one's first reaction be, "I MUST go get bread!"
Is there no chili, no stew, no roast to be found in these homes? No chicken 'n dumplins to be had? Who would eat sandwich bread with chicken 'n dumplins anyways? That's what biscuits are for, my friends. THAT is what biscuits are for.

And the milk? Is there no orange juice in their homes? No Coke? No tea? No Peppermint Schnapps to dump into the hot cocoa??

Do YOU run our for bread and milk before bad weather? If so, please explain. And, enjoy your sandwiches. I'll be thinking of you with a smile as I lick the last of my stew.

I'll Show You Mine...

2010-01-27T14:20:00.000-05:00

...My MAKEUP Bag, that is!

It's What's In Your Makeup Bag? week at Chic Critique!

I revealed all today with pics of everything in my cosmetics bag. So come on over and visit. Leave me some comments. And let me know what's in YOUR makeup bag!

The Weather Better Change or I Won't Fit Into My Pants

2010-01-21T15:01:00.000-05:00

Another day of crummy weather here in NC. Oh, how I loved the past few days of 65 degree gloriousness!
For the most part, though, the weather has been terrible! Cold, cold, and more cold.
Am I the only one whose cooking revolves around the weather? I mean, if nonstop 32 degree weather doesn't call for comfort food, then I don't know what does. I've made chicken-fried chicken and cream gravy, biscuits, bacon, chicken parm, soup, bacon, roasts, breads, bacon, stew, roasted chicken, bacon, and most any other comfort food you can think of. I'm kinda getting sick and tired of food. And I don't think my jeans think all the comfort food is all that comfortable. Who knew bacon could make the waist in my jeans tighter??
Sitting on the back deck, sipping a glass of something yummy, smelling all kinds of vegetable deliciousness on the grill..... sounds good to me. Springtime, you can't come soon enough.

To My Faithful Mini Van

2010-01-16T22:52:00.003-05:00

Dear Mini Van,
You've been there for me for 9 long years.You've certainly done your best for me, and I do so appreciate it. You've started up on cold winter days, and kept me cool in the 100 degree heat. You've driven three in kids in comfort and unabashed mom-style. You've played 1,989 hours of Barney, Disney Princess, and Taylor Swift, without a single thought as to what you wanted to hear. You've absorbed 35 gallons of pool water, and remained speechless as countless pounds of beach sand have been rubbed into your seats and floor. Like any good friend, you've tried your best to hide the Kool-Aid stains that have decorated the interior. Remember the giant sized McDonald's Orange drink that Emma spilled all over your carpet? Remember learning together that McDonalds Orange drink does NOT come out of carpet? To show my appreciation, I've tried to feed you well. Even right now, if you're hungry, you can still find a bunch of nuggets and fries somewhere in there. I'm sorry about the Chik-Fil-A fruit cup hidden in the back compartment that attracted all the fruit flies. It was nothing personal - really. Oh, so many years full of ~~whining~~ ~~tanrums~~ laughter, and you've been there for them all. We've had so many good times together, and boy are you a trooper. Remember the bottle of formula that got lost one scorching summer? Silly van. You should have told me you were hiding it. Bet you never realized a smell like that existed, did you?? Not to worry. The fermenting apple juice covered up the formula smell eventually. Or was it the vomit? Anyhoo... Even as you got older, you forged ahead. Did you know that as you aged you'd begin to lose body parts? Or were you trying to play tricks on me? When you lost your first door handle, I thought it was a little bit funny, you trickster. When you decided that you didn't want to open your back hatch anymore, well - that was a little annoying. But when you dropped the third door handle? Hmpf. What kind of trick were you trying to play on me? Was it payback for the fruitflies? I'll admit, it must have been hard for you the past few years, hearing how much the kids all hated you every time you gave them a ride. But me? You know how I love you. And because I care, I will be passing you on to someone who will continue to love you in your old age. It's time for the old folks' home, my little Sienna. Don't cry, really. Everytime you look around, you'll remember us. The crayon, the Sharpie marker, the Coke on top of the ceiling. And the Orange Drink. (Or maybe the vomit.) (Can you ever forget all the vomit?) No matter who drives you, you'll never really be able to forget us. We've left a permanent mark. And I'll never forget you, either.
If you have any advice for my new Sequoia, just let him know. He's a big boy, so I know he can handle it.
Goodbye, Sienna. It's been a wild ride.

New Year Stuff

2010-01-05T22:17:00.001-05:00

Ahhh, it's Tuesday. We've survived two days back to school.
Two whole weeks off for everyone, and for two whole weeks, I've been dreading the start of school! Mornings filled with breakfast making, and lunch packing, and snack packing, and homework signing, and glove finding, and unfortunately some grouchiness too. What's not to love? Honestly, I've never seen anyone that consistently has such foul moods in the morning as Clara. That kid just doesn't know how to wake up on the right side of the bed. Well, it's back to normal, I guess - is there any such thing?? I've heard that normal is just a setting on the dryer. ;)

I'm incapable of composing a cohesive post tonight. I blame it on the weather. My toes are cold right now - that's what I'm thinking about. It's absolutely SO gosh dern freezing here. Our fireplace has been running nonstop. Methinks we'll be having some excitement when the next gas bill arrives.

So, on an exciting note..... I'm working on character development. Last week I became ruthless. Something I've wanted to be for a very long time. I spared no feelings, I tossed aside. I gave no thought to sentiments. Yes, I could get used to that. No holds barred. I went through all three of my kids' closets, and we got rid of almost everything!!! Even the playroom is done. If we didn't absolutely need it, it was GONE. I think we singlehandedly contributed to almost half of the town landfill. AND, we gave 28 huge bags full of clothes to Goodwill. That is a.l.o.t of crap, y'all. And oooh boy does it feel good!
Seriously though, I think that's my resolution this year. To get rid of crap. No, that doesn't sound good. To be ruthless. No, not that either. How 'bout this? I resolve to continually get rid of anything we don't need. It's either trash, or there is someone else who could use it.

It's been an interesting start to the New Year so far. I'm anticipating what God will have in store for me this year. No telling. If I had my way, I'm sure I'd mess it up royally. Every day that goes by, I see more and more clearly that His ways are NOT my ways, and His thoughts are not like mine. Thankfully, His mercies for me are also new every morning.
I've been thinking on this verse for the past few days - Acts 2:42. I hadn't read it anytime recently, but it's been on my heart lately. "They devoted themselves to the Apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, and to the breaking of bread and to prayer." I think this will be one of my verses for the year. Even just the prayer part - the devoted word makes it a pretty stong statement, doesn't it? I want to be that woman - the devoted one.

How 'bout you? What are you resolving this year? What are your goals?

Can It Be?

2009-12-31T09:58:00.000-05:00

So I've slacked on the blog, and it's been two weeks. I can't believe tomorrow is 2010!
Christmas came and went in whirlwind fashion.
We've had lots of family time, and I'm sad that it's ending soon. I think one of the kids' favorite things we did was our Christmas lights tour. We all put on pajamas, grabbed blankets, popcorn, and thermoses full of hot cocoa. Then we piled into the van and looked at lights. Daddy wore a Santa hat, and belted out Feliz Navidad. (There may or may not have been a little peppermint schnapps in my cocoa.)

Emma has never been so thrilled with her gifts. Yes, we caved and got her a cell phone. I still can't believe I'm saying that. And, she got clothes from Hollister, which was her dream come true. AND, she got Ugg boots from Grandma. So all in all, she thinks she is one REALLY COOL teeny bopper.

Does anyone think it's funny that when I asked Ryan for some Burt's Bees products, he bought me wrinkle cream???? Moving on.......

We have a big New Year's party here tonight. And yet I'm sitting here on the computer. Must. Get. Off. My. Butt.

Happy New Year!!!

(btw, I'm also posting at Chic Critique today....... visit me over there!)

Wendesday Night Whine and Wine

2009-12-16T22:00:00.000-05:00

I'm feeling the need to whine a little bit.

I am SO STINKING TIRED!!!
I've had a bad cold for well over a week now, and I just can't get rid of it. My face hurts, my eyes hurt, my ears ache. I'm tired of blowing my nose and clearing my throat.
I've gotten so little sleep the past week it's ridiculous.
I don't normally pack every day full of things to do. But last week and this week have been nuts. I've had stuff going on NONSTOP, from the rump-crack of dawn, till midnight each day.

I'm not done shopping yet, and haven't even started wrapping. I let the housecleaning get away from me the past two days, and now I'm paying for it. Dontcha hate those days when you don't want to even come home to your own mess? (really, how many pairs of socks can my kids leave on the floor in just one day? I picked up 7 tonight......)

I'm torn tonight between the soft comfy bed that's calling my name, and the glass of wine and ~~fascinating~~ worthless television watching that will allow me some quiet. Tell me I'm not the only one that purposely stays up late, just because the kids are asleep and it's quiet? I mean, I love sleep and all. But I can't enjoy a quiet house if I'm asleep, right? I knew you'd agree.

And now for the most random jump from one topic to the next.....

What is with that stupid song that I hear every time my daughter turns the radio on? It's called Firelies, by Owl City. It's so weird, I had to look up the name and read the lyrics. Call me whatever sweet thing you will, but I have no idea what that guy is talkin' 'bout. Apparently he'd like to make himself believe that planet earth turns slowly...... umkay........

Moving on.
Where is my glass of ~~whine~~ wine?

John had his Christmas program at preschool this morning. He looked SO goshdang cute. He wore grey cords, a pinstripe button down shirt untucked, and a loose tie, with his hair spiked up. The most GQ little 3 year old EVAH. He frowned almost the entire time he was on stage, and kept yawning. At the end, when the audience clapped, he joined in and clapped for himself. :)

Ok, bed..... or tv. Bed? TV?

Good Night, Y'all.

Tea With the Coffee Gal!

2009-12-14T16:03:00.001-05:00

For the past few weeks, I've been looking forward to my very first face-to-face meeting with a bloggy friend.
AND, especially excited because I was meeting Kellie from La Vida Dulce, who is one of my very favorite bloggers.
AND, we were meeting for tea! Could it get any better?

Having never been through an In Real Life meeting, I really didn't know what to expect. I've read Kellie's blog for a year, and just knew I'd love her even more in person. But what if she didn't like me?? What if there was nothing to say?

My worries were for nothing. She was so sweet, even as she walked in and we saw each other for the first time. I've seen plenty of pictures of her, and knew how pretty she is. But truly, she is even prettier in real life!

Just look at this lovely table. Isn't it the perfect setting for new friendship and good conversation on a cold, rainy day?

The food was so yummy. (Except for the deviled egg!) We tried everything, and laughed when we couldn't figure out how to eat the tapioca pudding in a chinese soup spoon. Are there rules on these things??

The scones were warm and so good. And the tea was just right. Doesn't Kellie the coffee gal look right at home with her cup of tea?

One thing I really love about Kellie is that she has such a sense of calm and peace about her. She's gentle and sweet, and it only took one minute of conversation to see why everyone loves her so much. Plus, she loves to shop!

Those 2 1/2 hours went by too fast.
Thanks Kellie, for a wonderful afternoon! I can't wait to do it again!

I've Officially Started Shopping in Ultra Annoying Stores

2009-12-10T13:51:00.000-05:00

I found myself in a Hollister store the other day.
I KNOW! What was I thinking, right?
I will just tell you this: I did it out of love.
For my 11 going on 18 year old daughter.

Last week she asked me again why she coudln't shop at Hollister. After all, she's the ONLY ONE OF HER FRIENDS (haha) who doesn't wear Hollister or Abercrombie everyday to school.
(Do you hear me playing the world's tiniest violin?)

She didn't bother asking about Abercrombie. She's been good about it, and she understands perfectly well why she isn't allowed to wear their clothing. She knows about their advertising, and agrees that she'd never want to promote those images.

But the Hollister thing? Well, I admit - I've just assumed it was just like Abercrombie. I looked around on their website, expecting images of pretty much nude teenagers - but I (thankfully) didn't see that. I decided I'd just have to go to the store and check it out myself.

There are so many battles to pick these days. I didn't want to choose this one, if I didn't have any valid points. So I packed it up on MY FREE MORNING, and went to Hollister.

I no worries about finding it in the mall. I just followed my nose. Have you SMELLED these places? P.U.

After 30 seconds, I'd had enough. I'm not kidding you! They are all about atmospehere over there, those classy folks. The music was SO FLIPPIN loud that I couldn't even think. My sense of smell was in overdrive, from the equivalent of 19 bottles of cologne sprayed everywhere. The bass was so strong that my poor little heart kept trying to leap out of my chest.

And my eyes, oh my poor eyes! What exactly is it about a store that's so dark you can't see that is supposed to be appealing??
I'm not joking. I had to keep stepping away from the shelves and holding up the price tags to see the prices in a little smidgen of light. I. COULD. NOT. SEE.
It's not like I'm 98 yrs old people! These 35 year old eyes couldn't see squat.
I lasted more than 30 seconds in there, though. Know why? I didn't see anything that I objected to. No naked guys on posters. No trashy clothes.
I spent about 40 minutes in there, gasp! And I got Emma a few new things for Christmas.
Know what's funny?
The kid at the register had to keep stepping back and holding the price tags up to scan. Because it was SO DARK EVEN HE COUDN'T SEE!
I politely suggested to him that maybe a spotlight would work wonders back there.
He didn't think it was funny.
He just thought I was old.

Here There and Everywhere

2009-12-03T14:58:00.000-05:00

A random list of thoughts today....
Whew. A week past Thanksgiving.
I survived a house full of 19 people.
We've finished decorating.
I got to visit with my grandparents from Florida.
I'm getting some Christmas shopping tackled.
The stomach flu came and went in just one day here.
Looking forward to seeing friends this weekend, and going to a party on Saturday.
How about you??

I'm also blogging at Chic Critique today....... come visit me there!

Give Thanks

2009-11-26T10:15:00.001-05:00

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

May your cup be overflowing today!

GIVE THANKS

Give thanks with a grateful heart,
Give thanks to the Holy One,
Give thanks because He's given
Jesus Christ His Son.

And now let the weak say "I am strong."
Let the poor say "I am rich."
Because of what the Lord has done
for us
Give thanks.

Out of the Crate

2009-11-19T11:08:00.000-05:00

This morning John and I were sitting in the van, waiting to go into the grocery store. One of my favorite songs was on the radio - Mighty To Save.

I used to sing that song to him every night while I rocked him to sleep, and he knows the whole chorus by heart. We were rockin' out in the car singing, and he asked, "WHY did Jesus conquer the CRATE? Was it Chester's crate? What did He do to it?" (btw, Chester is our dog...)

I laughed and told him that the Jesus conquered the grave, not the crate. "WELL, " he proclaimed, "I heard that song tell me that he conquered the crate, and that's what it TOLD me."

Ok, three and a half year old. Whatever you say.

The crate, the grave, call it what you will. But either way, Jesus conquered it. My saviour? He is Mighty To Save.

Click HERE and listen to the song for yourself. I promise your day will be a little brighter if you do!

The Best of Times, The Worst of Times....

2009-11-17T09:31:00.000-05:00

I'm talking about shopping on BLACK FRIDAY!!!
It's such a pain to shop early on Black Friday. The crowds, the early mornings, the lines that wrap around a store 18 times.......
But it's a tradition with my mom and sisters. And the deals - OH, THE DEALS!!!

My sister send me a link to Black Friday ads. I've googled this a millionty two times, and this is the best link I've found. http://www.2009blackfridayads.com/

What I learned this week? The sales this year are even better than last year!
There are some great deals!
Check out the ads at ToysRUs, Walmart, and Target.

I'll be heading to ToysRUs for the $39.99 digital camera, and the $29.99 Leapster. Amazing prices! They also have $10 Nintendo DS games.

By the way, has anyone scored big by finding those silly ZhuZhu pets anywhere? I bought the funhouse and a hamster on ebay a few months ago, and paid more than twice the price. Now I'm kickin' myself.

Do you head out early in the morning to shop on Black Friday? Where do you find the best deals? Have you found a better website listing ads? Do you skip Black Friday shopping altogether? Dish. I wanna hear all about it!

To read more about what others have learned this week, visit Jo-lynne at Musings of a Housewife!

Oh Break My Heart

2009-11-12T21:31:00.000-05:00

It's a sad, sad night......

Tonight my story will probably make anyone reading this think I am a terrible terrible mother :(
Let me rewind first, back in time.....
A few years ago, Clara asked me if the Easter Bunny was real. Not really thinking, I told her no. At the time, both her and Emma believed. They were sad, and couldn't believe the news. I asked them if they really thought a 6ft tall, live bunny bought gifts, hopped into our home, and filled their baskets. They sat with a glazed look, and admitted, "we just never thought about it like that."
Well DUH - of course they didn't - they were little kids!
After a few sniffles, Clara said "I wasn't ready for you to tell me that."
Well break my heart, why doncha.
I felt bad, but it didn't seem like that big of a deal - we'd never made much of the Easter bunny, since it really has nothing to do with Easter.

It should have been a lesson learned, RIGHT? RIGHT???

Tonight, Emma lost a tooth. Of course being 11, she long since stopped believing in the tooth fairy. When Clara, (who is only 9) saw the tooth, she said "Momma, is the Tooth Fairy REAL?"

Now this was the point at which I should have paused, and remembered the Easter Bunny incident.

Shoulda, coulda, woulda.....

I am dumb. And forgetful. And stupid.
Because I looked right at her, and said "NO HONEY, SHE ISN'T REAL."

She stared at me, waiting for me to say "tricked ya!"
Then she put her book in front of her face, and cried.
I just about cried with her.
But honestly - I thought she WANTED to know. Yeah I know - stupid me.
As I tucked her into bed, she sadly whispered, "It was a fun thing to believe in...."
AND SHE CRIED HERSELF TO SLEEP.

Hearing her sobbing after I left the room just about broke my heart.
And that's all I have to say about that.
Let me know when my Mother-of-the-Year Award is ready.

Endurance

2009-11-12T00:39:00.000-05:00

Have you heard of the Iron Man Triathlon?
Yeah, those crazy people that swim a few miles, then bike 112 miles, and then run a marathon.
Nothing less than insanity.

And my bother-in-law completed it this weekend.

We went down to Wilmington to cheer him on a few days ago. I couldn't even believe he entered the race. He only started training for it a few months ago. We were there when he finished his bike ride, got off the bike, and started the marathon. It was amazing to see him, and all the others that were competing. I mean, my legs and feet hurt when I've been shopping too long, for heaven's sake.

There were men there that must have been in their early 70's. I watched as they finished their 112 mile ride and started running. I don't know how they managed to not collapse right there. But they just kept on going.

No one forced them to keep going, they chose it. And what an inconceivable choice - at least to me. They knew that 26 miles were still ahead of them, and they didn't have to finish.

But there were hundreds of people cheering them on. And for most, there were probably a few special people there cheering just for them. As supporters, we couldn't run for them. We couldn't pick them up and carry them - they had to do it alone.

Seeing this race really moved me, and I've been thinking about it for the past few days. It's such an amazing lesson in endurance, and determination. So much like life..........

No one can run our race for us. Sometimes the path takes us places we'd rather not go, and the road ahead is still so very, very long. We don't know exactly what's ahead, but God does. He knows we should finish. Sometimes we choose to stay put, because we can't fathom going on another mile. And then we hear our faithful friends and family, our "supporters," cheering us on. I can't imagine competing in an Iron Man without anyone supporting me and cheering for me any more than I can imagine running the race of life without faithful, godly friends and loved ones by my side.

How determined are you to run your race well? To hear "well done!" when you finish?
The more time goes on, the more I realize that my race takes purposeful training. Sometimes it hurts to take an inventory of exactly what my "training" consists of. Shopping, reading, talking on the phone, reading blogs, browsing the internet......... ok in small amounts, but not really getting me the results I want. I'm not going to turn into a woman of grace, perserverance and wisdom all of a sudden.

Sometimes it seems as if I'll never finish - never become that woman I want to be, never make it through the desert spell. I'm sure my brother-in-law must have felt a lot of those same feelings during those 12 imcomprehensible hours.

But he did. And I will. It's His plan for me - and I know it's a great one.

Reverse Blessings

2009-10-28T23:11:00.001-04:00

Sometimes I'm quick to learn a lesson. But usually it's weeks, months, or years before I manage to catch on.
Tonight I was cleaning the kitchen, and trying to rearrange some things in my tea cabinet. Yes, I have a whole cabinet just for tea and tea treats! Anyway....
While I was putting everything away, I realized it's been a few weeks since I had someone over for tea, and thought back to the friend that I brewed the last pot for.

She had come over to help me with something that I just didn't know how to do for myself, in the midst of her crazy, busy day. After the work was done, we sat and had a simple tea party. I brewed two of my favorite teas for her and her sweet little girl, and put out a few cookies and fruit. The scones I'd frozen ahead of time didn't bake up well, so there was nothing special I'd put out, and I'd been wishing that I had something nicer for her. We chatted and relaxed, and she said "Really, you didn't have to go to all this trouble!"
"Oh no," I protested. "I love to do it!"
"I know," she smiled. "That's why I let you."

I have no idea why that didn't resonate with me the second she said it. But the more I reflect on that simple, gracious statement, the more I appreciate it.

I was trying to do something nice for her because I appreciate her. But she did something nice for me, by letting me.

What a great, simple lesson - Bless someone else by allowing them to bless you!

So, this has got me thinkin', (oh, no!) about some stuff that I need to change.
I'm not one to readily accept help. I tend to live by the "put on your big girl panties and deal with it yourself" motto. There's a time and a place for this, but it's not ALL the time. I enjoy helping others, so why shouldn't I give my friends an opportunity to do the same?

How about you? Do you allow people to be a blessing in your life? Do you accept help? Do you have friends that let you do things for them, because they know you will enjoy it?

Well, that's what I've learned this week. To read more of "What I learned This Week," visit Musings of a Housewife!

The Beginning of the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

2009-10-22T15:42:00.002-04:00

I started Christmas shopping today.

Unintentionally.

I tried to find a cute sweater for John for picture day, since the boy has grown out of everything he owns. But I ended up in Aeropostale. John pulled tags off of shirts, harrassed customers, dumped a dozen pairs of sweatpants on the floor, and misplaced all the sale signs. I ~~went hog wild~~ bought Christmas gifts for Emma. Can you beat $5.99 t-shirts?

When Emma was a toddler, and Clara just a baby, I felt like all the Christmas gits were getting out of control. So for many years, (until last year, actually) we had a three gift limit. Santa Claus would leave one big gift, and Mommy and Daddy would give each child three gifts - one for each of the three gifts that the wise men brought to baby Jesus.

In the beginning, it was tough. I had to get over the nagging feeling that giving my kids only three gifts (technically 4, since Saint Nick has yet to actually pay for something out of his own pocket) was mean. I was almost embarassed to tell anyone what we did. But you know what? It made things so much easier! They still got little prizes in their stockings from Santa. But it forced me to really think things through before making a purchase. The kids had happier Christmas mornings. They loved what they were given, and they weren't crabby or exhausted from opening too many gifts. Ryan and I felt content too, knowing we hadn't gone overboard.

Since the girls have gotten older, I did away with the three gift tradition last year. Emma only wanted clothes and music, and I couldn't see giving her only 3 shirts. I still stuck to a budget, but the shopping was actually harder for me!

Now I'm sitting here, looking at the purchases I made today for Emma. So far, three t-shirts and a zip-up hoodie. I don't even know what else I'll be purchasing for her, but I DO know that I miss the three gift limit. I guess it makes me feel like I'm falling into the trap of excessiveness again.

The excessiveness at Christmas frustrates me. It seems almost everyone I know goes nuts with the amount of stuff they buy their kids. Electric scooters, game systems, cell phones - you name it. (Don't EVEN get me started on the "kids with cell phones" thing!)

So I wonder, when does it stop? What's next??

For the 11 year old with the iPhone - what's expected next? And what happens when these kids are in the "real world" one day. What exactly is it that they'll think they're intitled to? And what is it teaching them, to surround them with hundreds and hundreds of dollars of gifts, when there might be a child in their class that doesn't have a warm coat? Now I'm rambling....

SO. How about you? Do you find ourself going "overboard" with your kids at Christmas? If not, how do you keep yourself from buying too much "stuff"? I'd love to hear about it!

Wowee Zowee Gotta Have It

2009-10-20T10:16:00.000-04:00

This week I learned that it might be possible for me to enjoy mopping my floors.

I know, sick and twisted isn't it?

See, my kidlets are piglets. With a capital P. The stuff I sweep up each day boggles the mind. And the yucky, crusty stuff all over the wood floors? Let's not mention that.

This weekend I borrowed a steam mop from my neighbor, and went to town tackling the kitchen floor. Holy this-mop-pad-is-solid-black-from-the-filth cleaning job!!

Must. Get. This. Mop.

It's this bad boy, right here.

The Euro-Pro Shark S3501 Deluxe Steam Pocket Mop.

This baby can CLEAN!

All you do is fill it with a cup of water. Plug it in, and wait less than 1 minute. Push, and steam comes out. It cleans everything way better than the Orange Glo I usually use. It even gets up the unmentionable crusty stuff. No chemicals involved, no running out to the store when you're out of cleaner.

I think I might have even giggled a little bit when I looked at the cloth cover and saw all the filth.

Who knew a mop could change my life???

Run and get one for yourself - right now!!!

What have YOU learned this week? To read more, visit Musings of a Housewife.

The Best Medicine

2009-10-14T09:54:00.001-04:00

After I wrote yesterday's post, which included my weepy story about having glass dug out of my foot, I spent the rest of the day on the couch, with my foot in the air.

When Clara came home, she felt terribly sorry for me. She asked me over and over if it hurt, and became angry at the doctor for hurting me and giving me a shot. After snuggling with me for a few minutes, she disappeared upstairs for a while.

When she came back down, she gave me a big smile, and handed me this.

The picture of course is me, shopping at Marshall's with a hurt foot. (Which is why she says I am sticking my foot out in the picture.) The girl knows that nothing would make me happier than Marshalls.

The other side of the page had this:

Apparantly, I rock! And I fix mistakes, and I love marshmallows. Oh, and also - I'm the best!

That kid loves me. I love her so much.

Isn't that the best medicine of all?

What I Leaned - Ouch! Ouch! Ouch!

2009-10-13T15:08:00.000-04:00

Let's see. What Have I Learned This Week?

Last week, my goal was to make it all the way to Washington DC and back on our family trip, without a vomiting incident from little John. I took him to the Dr. on Friday, just to make sure there was nothing else wrong with him. Zilch. Nada. Nothin'. The Dr. gave us Zofran. I faithfully administered it to him during our trip this weekend, and our entire weekend was carsickness and vomit-free. Oh Zofran, how I love thee. I was almost sent home from the Dr. without anything at all. What I learned was to be a little pushy with the doctors if I feel I need something. I'm glad I did.

Have you ever broken a glass, and then freaked out about no one walking near the pieces or stepping in it? Uh, yeah. I personally found out why it's such a big deal. I stepped on a little shard of glass Saturday night. It hurt like crazy, but I couldn't see a piece of it. It killed to walk on my foot. I hobbled around for 3 more days, even walking up a mountain to pick apples on Sunday. I finally gave in and went to an urgent care today. An x-ray showed glass in my foot, and I had to have it dug out. I'm grimacing just thinking about it. So I'm sitting here with my foot elevated, wishing I'd just gone and had it taken care of right away. Lesson Learned.

One other bit of randomness. While in DC, we went into the Smithsonian American History museum. I got to see the real Star Spangled Banner - the flag that inspired our nation anthem. Did you know that flag is over 40 feet wide? Crazy!! It was amazing to see it in person. Sorry, no pics - it wasn't allowed.

And for my final lesson. We stayed with my cousin this weekend at her home near DC. I haven't spent time with her for 20 years. I'd never met her kids. My huband had only met them once. But as soon as we arrived, we fit right in. We laughed and talked and joked about old memories. I wished I hadn't waited so long to catch up with them. I learned that I shouldn't put off seeing people I love. And I also learned that for the people who matter, it's never really too late.

So how about you? What have you learned this week?
To read more, visit Jo-lynne at Musings of a Housewife!

Made My Day

2009-10-07T15:36:00.001-04:00

And they say customer service is dead...

Yesterday I stopped by the ~~Whole Paycheck~~ Whole Foods store for a few things.
After last week's shopping trip there, I was hesitant to go back. I brought home rotten strawberries, and stale tortilla chips.
I didn't get a chance to go back the following day, and had thrown out my receipt. I decided yesterday that I'd mention something to the manager, just in case I could get the items replaced.

The manager didn't care that I lost the receipt. She said she wanted to take care of me right away. She gave me an extra bag of chips, and gave me a gift card with double the amount I'd paid for the strawberries. I thanked her for doing so much. She said "It's not too much - it's how we always do things."

Well. Just pick. me. up. off. the .floor.
Maybe shopping there does take almost an entire paycheck.
But I'll hand it over for some good, old-fashioned customer service.

Come and Find Me!

2009-10-01T17:29:00.000-04:00

Come and Find Me!

I'm blogging at Chic Critique today. Come on over and leave me some comment love!

Just click right HERE!

Not The Skills I Enjoy Practicing

2009-10-01T07:56:00.000-04:00

I'm not the world's greatest picker-upper. Or the greatest cleaner-upper. Not that I mind.
But someone seems to think I need more practice.

And I'm not thinkin' it's so funny anymore.

Why? Well, because it keeps involving v.o.m.i.t.
(I had to spell it because I can't even say the word anymore.)

My little guy has been getting carsick. Sometimes he'll start crying, and I have to quickly pull over and let him throw up. (Like what happened here.)

That happened last week.
Then, he actually got the stomach flu. He got sick 5 times.

Yesterday, I went to deliver a contract to another Realtor's office, and I had John with me. 5 minutes into our car ride, he started whining about his tummy. Inside the other agent's office, I found her cleaning a huge soda explosion in her fridge. I laughed and said, "Oh, I'm an expert at cleaning up explosions. I have three kids."

Well thank goodness she didn't take me up on my offer of help. 30 seconds after pulling out of the parking lot, John threw up. ALL. over. the. inside. of. my. van.
And I ~~freaked out and almost swerved off the road from the smell~~ remained calm.

Let me just officially say right here that I am so sick and tired of vomit!!!!!!!!
I mean, come on! 7 times in less than 2 weeks? I think I've proven my vomit cleaning skills are second to none. Can we just move on to bandaging wounds, or something???

I shouldn't have said that. That guy Murphy, with his silly law, is probably listening, And I don't like him one bit.

Stuck On You

2009-09-21T21:43:00.001-04:00

A few days ago, I was talking with Clara about God's unending love for us. Sometimes it's so hard to grasp, even as adults, just how wide and deep and unfathomable His love for us really is.
Like anyone else, she was struggling with the idea that she could come before Him with all of her thoughts - the good, the bad and the ugly. We talked about how far away God casts those sins after we've been forgiven - as far as the East is from the West. I told her that there was nothing that she could ever do that was unforgiveable, and nothing that could separate her from His love. I explained, word by word, that "neither life nor death, angels or principalities, things present nor things to come or powers, nor height or depth, or any other created thing, would be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus, our Lord." (to read about that for yourself, go to Romans 8:38-39)
I finished explaining those verses, and wondered if she "got it", and if I had explained it to her in a way that would really make sense to a 9 year old. She stared off for a minute.
And then she smiled, and said, "So, it's like I'm stuck to Him!"
I smiled.
Stuck to God. How perfect.
I think God smiled, too.

All In a Day's Work

2009-09-16T22:26:00.001-04:00

It all started when I left the house last night to meet my friend for coffee. After an hour of chit chat, I hopped in the car to head home. Glancing at the clock, I noticed that it was only 7:30.

7:30 means ~~stores are still open for an hour and a half~~ I'll still make it home to help put all the kids to bed. Much to my dismay, right at that very second, I passed a Steinmart. So, I did what any reasonable woman would do. I cut across a lane of traffic, and did a u-turn into the Steinmart parking lot.

I walked in, breathed the scent of new clothes, and started wandering. First, I found an amazing belted trench coat with brown zebra stripes. The arms were too short. Drat.

Then all of a sudden, I heard voices singing, and lights were shining down and guiding me towards racks full of jeans. (I think it was divine intervention. But there is a slight chance it was just the radio and overhead lighting.) ANYway.

It was my lucky night. I scored 3 pairs of Seven jeans! I quicky drove home to tell my husband how much money I had just saved him!

Fast forward to this morning. John was not cooperating. He didn't want to eat. I still managed to get three kids off to three different schools at three different times. (I just said three, three times.) I had people to see, places to go, wearing my new jeans of course.

After running out of Target with some new silver ballet flats, ($6!!!!!!!!!) I went to pick John up. They told me that he was complaining of a tummy ache all morning. So I made it better by taking him to Chick-Fil-A. We met a friends, he played, ate, and drank a very large cookies and cream milkshake. On our way home, he started crying and saying his tummy hurt again. I may or may not have said something that sounded like "I told you not to drink that entire milkshake." The crying got louder, and I realized that he was probably about to throw up. And I ~~remembered that he was wearing a brand new, white Ralph Lauren shirt~~ felt really bad for him.

So again, I did what I knew I must do. I swerved across another lane of traffic, and onto a side street. Throwing the car in park, I jumped out of my seat, grabbed him, and turned him away from me with only one arm. Is it bad that I was thinking about not wanting puke on my new jeans as he vomited into some poor, unsuspecting person's yard?

I'm proud to say that there is no vomit in my car, I saved his shirt, and my jeans stayed clean. All in a day's work.

What I Learned - Come and Find Me!

2009-09-16T21:37:00.000-04:00

Joining in (a little late!) with What I Learned This Week at Jo-Lynne's

WELL.
What I learned this week is this: Every other Thursday, I will be blogging over here, at Chic Critique!

Woo hoo! I'm so excited! Please find me there, and leave me some bloggy comment love!

What have YOU learned this week?

In Which I Attempt to Describe Myself...

2009-09-13T13:51:00.004-04:00

This weekend, I had to write a short bio about myself. Not just any bio, but one specifically related to fashion and beauty products.

I thought all the way back to childhood days, and laughed at all the memories. I mean, how often do you ever sit and think about how to explain yourself to others?

It got me thinking. (scary....) If had to actually write my entire boigraphy, or even just a shortened version, how in the world would I describe myself??
I could list all the things that I do...
"Bathe, dress, apply makeup. Pray. Make breakfasts, lunches and dinners. Shop. Check homework. Pray. Eat chocolate. Shop. Drink tea. Talk on the phone. Shop."

Or, a description of my likes and dislikes....
"Loves lavender. Hates vanilla candles and bath products. Loves a good bargain, pulling tags off new clothes, and cute boots that don't hurt her feet. Dislikes mushrooms and red wine. Likes watching The Office. Hates when people chew with their mouth open. Loves the sound of her kids laugher, and the feel of a good neck massage."

Maybe describing all the things I don't do would clue people in to the real me....
"Does not scrapbook. Does not even print out pictures for the scrapbook that she does not make. Does not always do dishes, or consistenly keep up with laundry. Does not get her money's worth from her gym membership. Does not buy only organic foods. Does not always send field trip permission slips in on time. Does not care if her toddler occasionally drinks Coke from a sippee cup."

Or my appearance?
"Crazy head of blonde curly hair. Blue eyes. Freckles. Two wrinkle lines on her forehead. Not the same size as when she graduated high school. Would never be caught dead in mom-jeans. Or a turtleneck. Or sneakers if she is not working out."

I have no idea how many of these things my friends know about me and see in me. In reality, none of that stuff really matters, does it? (well, except for the mom-jeans part. I need people to remember that I never cracked under pressure.....)

I think I'll spend a few minutes pondering what it is I want to be remembered for. But in the meantime, how would you describe yourself???

Boomerang

2009-09-04T13:28:00.003-04:00

I have a lot of sayings that I use with my kids.
Some are funny, and some are serious.
For instance, I get teased a lot by my family for always saying to my kids, "You are responsible for your own fun!" And years ago when the girls were really little, we'd tell them that it was "time for their butts to go to bed." It eventually got shortened to "It's Time For Your Butt!" And to this day, they know what it means!

Some things end up getting said more often to one particular child. In my middle child's case, we have some issues with obedience. Somehow, after 9 years, she still sees obedience as being optional. (But don't we all, sometimes?)
I'm sure she doesn't like hearing it, but my saying to her has become this: "Your job is immediate obedience!" And I have to say it all. the. stinkin'. time.

A few days ago, I may have lost my cool. (Maybe just a little bit.) I heard myself asking her, in exasperation, "WHAT DON'T YOU UNDERSTAND ABOUT IMMEDIATE OBEDIENCE??? WHAT IS SO HARD ABOUT THAT???"

And suddenly, it hit me like a ton of bricks. My question had been flung out to my daughter, but it came hurling back toward me. I heard God asking me, "How do YOU feel about immediate obedience?"

WELL.

You see, sometimes that might be a teensy problem. Or sometimes a big one.

Here's a big shocker: I don't always obey. And if I do, I can't honestly say that it's always immediate.

Here I've been, flustered at my 9 year old's lack of comprehension about obeying immediately. And here I am, 35 years old, expecting it from her but not giving it to my holy God.

I'm trying to imagine what my life would be like if I took my own advice. Immediate Obedience. Every. Single. Time.

I am SO THANKFUL that His mercies are new every morning...... Great is Your faithfulness Lord, Unto me.

This 'N That

2009-08-26T13:54:00.002-04:00

A few random gripes and smiles today, because that's all my stuffed-up head can handle.

Oh wait, that was gripe #1. Yes, the day the girls went back to school, I came down with a whopper of a cold. I had a crappy night's sleep last night, and I feel even worse today.

But on a positive note, I had a lovely time at tea with friends this morning. Good tea, treats, and conversation. And my parents even watched John so I could enjoy my sipping kid-free.

Unfortunately I don't think I'll be feeling better by tomorrow, which by the way, happens to be my birthday. Ugh. (35 is sounding a lot older than 34.)

The SMILE is that Ryan just emailed me and said he's taking the day off tomorrow to celebrate. He said the world is my (stuffy, sneezing) oyster. Hmmm, what to do, what to do.....

I came home to dog poo a little while ago. Someone needs to explain to Chester that it's not the gift I was hoping for.

On a brighter note, my sweet friend Amanda brought a scrumptious chocolate birthday cake to tea this morning. And Su fixed a wonderful African tea to go with it.

When I arrived at my mom's, my belly sloshing full of tea, I was told that my son has been spreading rumors about me. Yes, the cute 3 year old with a smile that lights up a room, told Grammy that "Mommy does BAD THINGS." GASP! When Grammy asked for more juicy details, she was told that "Mommy yelled at me." Ahem. Me? Yelling? Moving on......

And there you have it. The past 12 hours in full detail. I think I should keep countin' my blessings, cuz my little gripes aren't looking so bad. As a matter of fact, it's a pretty sneezy, I mean sunshiney day!

Unexpected Tears

2009-08-25T10:27:00.003-04:00

After 11 years of being a mommy, I've been through a lot of firsts with my kids, like walking, talking, teeth, big bed, and first day of school.
Last night, in preparation for becoming the mom of a middle schooler, I had an unexpected first.

Emma layed all her clothes out, showered, dried her hair, gathered all her things, and recited her locker combination 10 more times. But after her shower, she decided that she needed to have her legs shaved before walking through the doors of middle school. Yes, this is a first. And nope, I wasn't really ready for it.

Have you ever shaved someone ELSE'S legs? It's kinda weird. Especially when it's your own kid. And especailly when I don't think I am old enough to have a kid who shaves her legs!!! (because it's all about me, right?)

I politely told Emma that I would help her shave once. (It's pain enough to shave my own legs, and I'm not reallly in the market to be shaving two pairs....)

My eyes got watery as I finished. So stupid, I know! Crying about a leg shaving ceremony.

This morning we were up at dark-o-clock. I fixed her breakfast, prayed with her, and sent her on her merry little middle school way. And I got teary again.

So I guess I learned a few things this week. 1) I do not like shaving other people's legs. And 2) My little girl is growing up. (sniff sniff sniff....)

What have YOU learned this week? To read more about what others have learned this week, go to What I Learned This Week at Musings of a Housewife.

Out of the Mouths (of kids...)

2009-08-22T15:04:00.002-04:00

I had such a huge laugh yesterday, I just had to share!

Last night a friend was over with her 6 year old daughter, who I will call Sally. We were all sitting on the couch, and Clara was sitting and listening to all the conversation too. My friend was laughing at how she always tells her daughter that when she was born, she "shot out like a football." (Ok, ignore the TMI...)

She started telling a very quick birth story, and it went like this: "Right before she was ready to be delivered, I felt so sick. I kept telling the nurse that I had to throw up. The nurse told me to just get it over with. So I did. I threw up, and when I did, Sally shot right out."

We laughed together about it. Clara's eyes got real big. With her mouth hanging open, she asked, "Sally came out of your MOUTH???!!!"

Sorry, but that is just too funny!
Enjoy your weekend! :)

What Does That Make Me?

2009-08-19T12:00:00.003-04:00

This morning, I drove my lucky little girls over to Grandma and Papa's house, so they could go to a waterpark together. On the way there, I heard them discussing the Jonas Brothers.

A recap of the conversation:
Clara: "Did you know Kevin Jonas might be engaged?" (really? says who??) "I mean, he's like 22 years old!"
Emma: "Oh my gosh. He's like old as dirt!"

Allllllll-righty then. So what does that make ME??

Well, I guess I learned this week that I'm even older than dirt. To read more about what others have learned this week, visit Musings of a Housewife!

When Worlds Collide

2009-08-17T22:10:00.002-04:00

I went to get the mail today, just like any other day.
I walked up the steps, tossed the mail on the ottoman, and continued my online search for the perfect Vera Bradley purse for Emma to carry with her to Middle School next week.

I was getting aggravated because I wasn't finding what I was looking for. And the one I liked was a few dollars more than I preferred to spend. And for goodness sakes, what does an 11 year old need with an expensive pocketbook, anyway?? I found a cute one for only $35 dollars, but it wasn't the perfect color.
Sigh.

Then I opened the mail.

I had a letter, and I just love getting lettters. This one was from a little boy named Sam. He lives all the way across the world, in Uganda. I couldn't wait to read what he has to say.

You see, even though we've never met, he loves me. And my family. He tells us so every time he write to us. He prays for me. And he thanks me for everything I do for him. Every. Single. Time.

What breaks my heart is that I don't think I really do all that much for him. I write a check for $37 each month. I pray for him. And I occasionally send him a letter. Just $37 measly dollars - the amount that I would toss away so Emma can carry a purse she likes better than the multiple purses she already has.

I read Sam's letter today. He told me that he thanks God for me every day. He is joyful. He goes to school Monday through Friday, and on Saturday he goes to "the Centre." He said he loves that, because he always eats a good meal there. He wanted to know if I also live in a grass hut.

Was it even possible that just moments before, I'd been irritable over a purse?

He asked me to pray for him, because he would like wisdom.

Oh my, how I desperately need wisdom myself. So much more than this precious little boy could ever understand.

I long to hold him. To live just one day in his shoes.
To see the world through his eyes. To see my God the way that Sam sees Him.

I can put him out of my mind if I choose, for a time. Sometimes I do that, although I'm not proud to admit it. And then our worlds collide, and his reality unfolds before my very eyes through his letters.

I can never be the same. And I pray that God will continue to stir my heart, so that I never want to be blinded again.

I wonder some days if I am really the blessing to Sam, or if we are a part of each other's lives because God knew that I would need him.

If you don't already, would you consider sponsoring a child who desperately needs your help? It's so easy.... just go to www.Compassion.com

If you already sponsor a child, or if you've just decided to, tell me about it!

This Supermom is Still Recovering

2009-07-30T10:03:00.006-04:00

Last week I became a supermom.
Despite all the things I've done for my kids over the past 11 years, nothing I've previously done for them has qualified me for that title. (apparantly...)

My girls have spent the past year gazing at their teen idol Disney Channel stars - Selena Gomez and Demi Lovato - plastered all over their bedroom doors and walls. Dreaming of what it would be like to actually see them in person.

Last week, with the click of a button, I bought tickets to the Demi Lovato concert. (Because my dream has always been to attend a teeny-bopper concert.) Emma was so excited she was almost in tears. They couldn't believe that in one short week, they would actually be in the same room as Demi Lovato!!!

Yesterday, while the girls made posters to cheer Demi on, I popped a few Advil. And packed some earplugs.

Like any good soon-to-be-supermom, we picked up two more friends and their earplug-packin' mamma. The demands for blasting the new Demi Lovato CD started before we were out of the neighborhood.

Two hours later, we were there. The girls lugged their massive posters, positive that Demi would see them.
(Have you ever heard thousands of tween girls screeching and shreiking at the top of their lungs?)

We saw Jordan Pruitt (who IS she??)
Then David Archuleta. Remember him from American Idol? He was actually really good. I was kind of impressed!
Then finally, almost two hours later, Demi came out in all of her glory. Actually she rose up through the stage in clouds of smoke.... anyway.....

My friend and I had to keep most of our giggles to ourselves that night. And we had to try and not keep staring at the girls - they were watching us to make sure that we weren't watching them, and to make sure we didn't embarass them. But we kept waving our glo-sticks in the air.
I'll admit, Demi Lovato gave a really good concert. She's actually very talented, and she has a great voice. It was pretty darn fun.

The hysterics didn't die down during the hour and half car ride home. My girls said "Thank you SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO MUCH!!!!!" a millionty-two times. The kids staggered into bed. I took some Tylenol PMs.

I laid in bed and thought about how much fun it is to make my kids' dreams come true.

And this morning, I took some more Advil. I'm pooped! Might ears might even still be ringing. I want to lay around in my pjs all day.
All in all, mission accomplished. I've had my amazing-mom-moment of the summer. I think it was worth it. :)

Fun N Games

2009-07-28T14:30:00.002-04:00

Today is Ryan's birthday.
I won't say exactly how old he is. But the great thing is that no matter how old he is, I'll always be 3 years younger!! Ha Ha!

Ryan loves his birthday, and as a matter of fact, he celebrates birthday week. Yes, a whole week.

He's been outside this morning since 7am with 17 pounds of pork butt on the smoker. YES, we are having people over, and won't be consuming that much bbq ourselves.

I just made what is supposed to be a copycat version of Macaroni Grill's chocolate cake. And we've been playing around outside. We bought him Corn Hole for his birthday. For those of you who aren't rednecks, it's two wooden boards with a hole cut out. You toss corn-filled bags into the holes. I KNOW. We are very fancy around here.

But it's fun. AND, I found out that I can kick some booty playing it. I'm talented like that.

Not bad for an ordinary Tuesday!
What are you doing today?

Summer Nights

2009-07-14T20:40:00.003-04:00

I've been thoroughly enjoying the sounds of summer the past few weeks.
Of course I like the smells, and the sights. But I love the sounds.

If I close my eyes and imagine summer, it's filled with so many of my favorite things. To me, it's kids shouting and calling out to each other during a game of flashlight tag. Laughter. The squeak of the hammock swinging. The slam of the back door. The tick-tick-tick of the sprinkler. Giggles at late night sleepovers. The squeals of kids and the jingle of the tags on the dog that's chasing them. The crackle and pop of firecrackers, followed by the ooohs and ahhhs of the kids sitting on the driveway watching them. The thump of the soccer balls being kicked in the street. The screech of bike pedals - eight kids all riding in a row. The croaking of tree frogs, and the chirping of crickets.

Isn't that what summer is all about?

My kids have all been going to bed ridiculously late this summer. But I just can't bring myself to put them to bed at a reasonable time. I mean, half the fun of a summer day happens after dusk, doesn't it? That's when the games of tag start. The firecrackers. The popsicles that get passed out to half the neighborhood. The chatter and laughter of the parents standing around in the street.And it's so much more fun to swing and slide and cuddle in the hammock after the sun goes down!

The sweet sounds of summer - I wouldn't trade it for the world.

What does summer sound like to you?

We Did It!

2009-07-10T17:49:00.005-04:00

After months of talking about it, we got the boy a "big boy bed" yesterday.

AND, he wore underwear for the first time, too. I KNOW, what was I thinking, right??

He was so proud of those underwear. They had tractors on them, and his life basically revolves around tractors and other heavy equipment. Last night as we were out in the driveway washing down all the furniture (bought off Craigslist!). There were a bunch of neighborhood kids hanging around, and in the middle of the driveway, he just pulls those britches down and tries to start peeing. I laughed so hard - he had no idea there was anything wrong with it. When I told him he couldn't pee in the driveway in the middle of other people, he just pouted and said "But I wanna pee outside like a man!"

Ryan and I hauled the bed upstairs, and then freaked out when we couldn't find the gate for his bedroom door. Call me crazy, but the thought of a 3 year old running around the house in the middle of the night doesn't sound so good. But there was no turning back, so we told him that if he got out, he would have to go back in the crib. It was 11:00pm by the time he was tucked in. We prepared ourselves for a VERY long night. And prayed.

When we checked on him half an hour later, he was in the exact same place we had tucked him in. He slept ALL night, and even called me to come get him when he woke up at 8am!

This here is one proud (and non-sleep deprived!) mama!
Here's the big boy bed. (covered in tractors, of course...)

Boy Stuff

2009-07-08T09:50:00.003-04:00

Boys still confuse me.
Is that normal, since I've been married for 14 years? And I have a son?
It's the little guy. This boy thing thing just baffles me sometimes.

Why does everything in his life have to do with farts? Or butts? Or poo? Or pee?

Why has he created his own super hero named.... brace yourselves...... Butthole Man???? (yes, I so badly wish I was kidding about that one, but alas - I am NOT kidding. How embarassing...)

He tries to chainsaw and drill the dog. When he runs around naked (still potty training) he threatens poor Chester with "I'm gunna PEE on you!!!"

I have to constantly tell him, as he runs around naked, to keep his hands away from his bottom. I guess I've cemented in the fact that his bottom has germs. So now he uses that knowledge as a weapon, of sorts. He's figured out how to swipe his bottom, and chase his sisters with his finger pointing out at them, yelling "Butt Finger!!!"

He had a meltdown at church this weekend, because he wanted to take his gun out of the diaper bag. (WHY was that thing in there in the first place??)

He thinks he's going to live in the Bat Cave when he grows up. He tells me that I can live there with him. But he says I will NOT fit on the motorcycle with him. Aww, MAN!

AND, he melts my heart. He squeezes my neck with all his might, and tells me he loves me so big. I tell him to pucker up, and he gives huge kisses. He wants me to rock him before bed, and he strokes my hair as we snuggle. I asked him the other day how much he loves me. He said "Two." Huh? Then I realized that when I say "I love you, too" he's thought I was saying "Two." But last night, he said he loves me "three." I guess his little heart is loving me even more.

Right now, I just overheard him proclaiming: "I'm goin' commando, baby!" (Oh be still, my heart....)

Any insight into BOYS???

The Perfect Ending

2009-07-06T08:40:00.011-04:00

I've got a cup of coffee, and the laptop on the couch.
The dog is snoozing next to me.
And I'm listening to....... ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!!!!
HaHa! Jealous??
It's cool and overcast this morning, so the a/c isn't even making any noise. All I hear is the tap tap tap of my fingers on the keyboard.

How do I achieve this blissful silence? Let me tell you how.

Send the kids to sleep at Grandma's house!
Yes, normally I like it when they stay over on a weekend night, because then hubby and I get to spend a kid-free morning together. But this...... Ahhh. I didn't realize how much I would enjoy it.

I can't believe the whole holiday weekend is over. We went to the pool, out for breakfast, to a Durham Bulls baseball game, horse riding, blueberry picking, out to the lake, fireworks, church, and grandma's house. I loved every minute of it!

And now... It's all over. Daddy is back to work. The festivites are done. What normally feels like such a let down when the holiday is over has ended in the perfect way.
Some unexpected quiet. What a great weekend!

Happy Friday

2009-06-26T13:20:00.003-04:00

I'm glad it's Friday.

Today has been kinda crummy. I woke up way too early. Everyone has been crabby today. Clara doesn't feel well, and Emma has a headache. John has been a little stinker today, dumping bowls of soup all over the kitchen, spilling my iced coffee all over the couch and carpet.....

Hubby woke me up at 6:40 to tell me that deer had eaten every one of our tomatoes - probably about 25 at least. (we have 14 tomato plants this year!) I think they also ate the cucumber plants. Not a great start to my too-early morning.

I've been SO excited to start picking some of them in the next few weeks. I've had big plans to can them and make huge batches of marinara. I'm SO bummed! Trying to look on the bright side..... I guess maybe there will be some more to pick in another month or two??? :(

I think I might take the kids to the farmer's market tomorrow morning. Raleigh has a huge farmers market. I just love going there and seeing all the gorgeous colors and shapes of the produce, and browsing all the plants and flowers. NC peaches are so delicious! I'm planning on getting a bunch and trying my hand at canning some peach jam. Or maybe strawberry-peach. Anyone have a good recipe?

The kids are looking forward to July 4th. Our tradition is that they always get to have a rootbeer float for breakfast that day! It always makes for cute pictures.

Going to a girls night dinner at a friend's house tonight. Is it 7pm yet???

Today is Donut Day..... every Friday in the summer! I still haven't bought any. I think we'll have to make it an after-nap treat today. Sprinkles, anyone? :)

Happy Friday!

Random 10

2009-06-25T08:57:00.003-04:00

All I'm capable of this morning is a random list, so here goes....

1) I saw A Philadelphia Story with Katharine Hepburn last night with some gal pals. Great movie! I was suprised. It was a good picture of a critical spirit, how others view someone with a critical spirit, and what happens once someone really starts accepting others and "feeling". If you haven't seen it, go rent it and watch it! Plus, Cary Grant and Jimmy Stewart are in it, too!

2) Emma got the worst sunburn the other day. She wouldn't listen when I told her to reapply her sunblock before I left the pool, and she stayed on with friends. She came home much later than I expected, and she was scorched. I felt terrible! Her face looked like a tomato, and she had a rash all over her chest. How long does that last? She says it still itches.

3) I love going to the pool, but sometimes it seems like such a hassel! The amount of pool gear just seems to build every day. And I'm getting tird of washing towels already. Would it be mean to give my kids one of those car wash thingys that sop the water up and you can squeeze out? Hmmm...

4) John has been sleeping till after 8am most mornings!

5) And I'm glad he's been waking up later. Because I've been going to bed so ridiculously late most nights. I'm on another reading streak. I need some good books to read. Any suggstions?

6) We've had our new dog almost 3 weeks now. Chester is 1 1/2, and he's a Shih Tzu/Maltese. He's very sweet. But he doesn't go potty outside very often. And he STINKS. He's had one bath here, and last week we had him groomed at PetsMart. He smelled again within a day. I feel bad, but I don't want to be very close to him because he smells so bad. I don't know what to do. And I'm worried that my house will start to smell like dog. Again, any suggestions?? Help!!!

7) I still have a large box of individually frozen Tilapia filets. I made some last night with roasted red pepper, olives, sundried tomato and feta. It was yummy. But I need some other new ways to fix it. Any great fish recipes out there?

8) The kids want to reinstate a summer tradition from last year: Ice Cream Mondays and Donut Fridays. Maybe part of the tradition should be heading to the gym right after Dunkin Donuts....

9) The girls have been really good about their chores this summer. Ryan decided a few weeks ago that instead of us remembering to check up on them, it would be their responsibility to come to us and have their list signed each night. If they don't have it signed, they don't get credit fot it. So far, so good!

10) Is it sad that the most exciting thing happening around here is that "The Princess Protection Program" premiere comes on Disney tomorrow night???

What's on your mind today?

Disposable Is Indispensible

2009-06-24T12:57:00.003-04:00

There are so many things I love about summer. The pool, the relaxation, not having a schedule. I LOVE not making school lunches every morning, and not running around like crazy trying to get everyone out the door. I love not having to shop for all the typical school foods and snacks. It's a relief to know that sometimes I can just pop chicken nuggets in the oven instead of packing sandwiches. But sometimes I feel like a short order cook while all the kids are home. And I HATE the mess that it makes!

So a few years ago I came up with my summer time solution for keeping a relatively mess free kitchen. At the start of each summer, I go to a warehouse club. I buy huge amounts of paper towels, cups, plates, bowls and utensils. For most meals, at least breakfast and lunch, we use disposable stuff. Do you know how nice it is to have paper bowls? Little things make me happy....

But it has seriously cut down on the amount of dishes and mess. We even use it once in a while for dinner. Things seems to get messy so quickly during summer, this has been an awesome way to cut down on mess and stress. It works for me, and I love it!

What works for YOU?
For more Works For Me Wednesday, go to We Are That Family.

My Weekly Crack-Up

2009-06-23T09:39:00.002-04:00

Time for What I Learned This Week.... hosted by Musings of a Housewife!

Some of my most amusing times are listening to my two girls discussing something with each other. At 8 1/2 and 11 years old, their conversation is always peppered with interesting tidbits. Ususally it comes from 8 year old Clara, who is always making me laugh. This week I've got two new phrases, courtesy of Clara.

Scene one: Emma and Clara, arguing in the back of the van. I guess they couldn't keep their hands to themselves (WHEN will that end??) and Clara was sick of it. Emma threatened to pinch Clara. Clara, with her fist in the air, proclaimed "Well then, my hand will just go on an adventure to your face!" An adventure?? Ryan and I did everything we could to keep from busting out laughing. Is it ok to laugh out loud at physical threats??

Scene two: Me, Emma, and Clara in the hammock. Clara: "Emma, you're going to be a teenager soon. Now you have training bras, but pretty soon they will get really big and you'll wear cup holders!"

There ya go.... what I learned this week.

So what have YOU learned this week? Have your kids said anything that cracked you up?

To read about what others have learned this week, visit Musings of a Housewife!

Somthing Special

2009-06-19T21:53:00.002-04:00

Well, the birthday celebrations are finally over. Emma had four days of nonstop partying.
I'm exhausted! Yesterday we had 12 girls over to the pool. They swam, had pizza and snacks (thank goodness for $5 pizza from Little Cesars!) made crafts, came to our house and had presents and cake, and then went outside for a campfire. Hubby, who is an only child, had his ears plugged half of the time. The noise was close to unbearable! I couldn't plug my ears - 11 year old conversation is just too interesting! ( I know, I have an exciting life...)

It was really interesting to sit and observe all those little girls. I could see very quickly who was bossy, who was shy, who was an attention-getter, who was helpful and who took charge. It was a good group of girls, but they each definitely had their own personality. All her friends brought gifts that I knew they put some thought into. Emma loves things with the peace symbol on it right now, and many of them bought her peace tote bags or peace earrings. There were a few girls who really stood out to me. One was super sweet, and even made sure to try and include little John. She helped him gather his toys, and found him a spot to sit during gift time. Another stayed back in the dining room, and started clearing all the cake plates that the rest of the girls left behind. Another special friend put hours and hours into knitting and felting a special little jewelry bag. That touched me the most out of anything. It's not often these days that kids are selfless enough to devote a whole day to doing something special like that for someone else. Emma said it was her favorite gift of all.

I'm so proud of Emma for choosing her closest friends so wisely. She is really something special, and so are those girls.

I Think They Need A Scoop

2009-06-16T11:03:00.003-04:00

Joining in the "What I Learned This Week" Carnival at Musings......

Today is Emma's 11th Birthday. Yay, Emma!
We have a birthday tradition for the kids. They get to go have ice cream for breakfast on their birthday. We started it a few years ago, and it's been so much fun! I love seeing the looks on their friends' faces when they hear about it!

Speaking of looks on people's faces.... We went to Baskin Robbins/Dunkin Donuts this morning to celebrate. Emma had a friend with her. At 9am, there were my kids, lining up at the ice cream counter, trying to decide what to have for breakfast. I was calling out "Say Cheese!" and snapping pictures. No offense to older folks, I love 'em to death. But to some of them out there -- Loosen UP!!! I mean seriously! You should have seen some of the looks we got this morning. I think their hearts were bleeding for my poor kids, who were stuck with a mother that shoved sugar down their throats in the morning. Give me a break!!! The first few times I just ignored the looks. Then I changed things up a bit. We sang Happy Birthday to Emma. (maybe just a little bit loud.) And then I made full eye contact with the gawkers, and smiled a big, sweet smile.

Cuz you know what? My kids were eating ice cream for breakfast, and I was proud of it. What I learned was that maybe some other people need a few scoops in the morning, too!

Do you have any fun birthday traditions?
What did YOU learn this week? To read more, go to Musings of a Housewife!

4 Big Words

2009-06-15T21:51:00.003-04:00

My little guy likes to sqeeze my neck, really hard, when he hugs me. The other day he hugged me tight, smiled, and said....
"I Love You BIG!"
Oh, some of the sweetest four little words I've ever heard. :)

Moving Up

2009-06-13T22:49:00.008-04:00

I hit a milestone this week. Well, actually it was Emma's milestone, but that makes it mine too, right?
On Tuesday night, I watched my first baby walk across the stage and receive her certificate for completing the 5th grade. They called it a "Moving Up" celebration. I cried as I watched it all. And I also felt a little confused. Like, how did I get here? How did she get this old? More importantly, how did I get this old??? I looked at Ryan while we were sitting there, and said "What are we doing here?" He said he didn't know. I sure as heck didn't know either. But the Moving Up was happening.

I mean, when did I get old enough to have a kid going into middle school? No one seems to know. A few months ago, right before Christmas, Emma announced that she wanted to wear clothes from Aeropostale. Huh?? How did she even know what that store was? So I went in there a few days later to look around. At that point, I was still confused. What should I buy? What am I even doing in here?? So I looked at the poor little boy working in the store. And I said to him, "Do I LOOK old enough to have a KID who shops here???" Do you know what he said? He said, "Umm... No, Ma'am." Oh Lord have mercy, he called me Ma'am. He may as well think I'm 90.

Clearly I have issues with aging. The 35 I'll be turning this summer is feeling a lot older than my current 34. But I'm tellin' ya, this middle school thing is making me feel OLD! Maybe it's not so much that I can't believe how old I am. Maybe it's that life keeps moving on, and my kids keep growing up, whether I'm ready for it or not. It's not that I don't trust Emma. She's an amazing young woman, and she is ready for middle school. She is capable of so much! I think it's ME that I worry about. Am I ready for this? Will I be all that she needs me to be during this new phase of her life? Those are some of our deepest fears as parents, aren't they? I guess I just need to trust that God will continue to make me who He wants me to be, and that will be enough. I'll keep pressing on, running my race. Because no matter my age, I'm still Moving Up, too.

A little more me

2009-06-13T22:38:00.003-04:00

A month since I've blogged last. Well, I don't know what to say. I thought about blogging, many times actually, as I read funny and sweet and clever posts written by so many ladies out there. I even had numerous times where I thought "oh, I should blog about this or that, because I don't want to forget so and so story..." But I didn't. I guess I was just busy doing a bunch of stuff. Fun stuff, boring stuff, exciting stuff and bittersweet stuff.

I realized a thing or two during my month of not blogging. The first is: I don't need to blog. If I never wrote another word in my blog, and also if I (gasp!) never even read another blog, I'd be just fine. Really, I would. But here's another thing I learned: it's good for me to write. Even if I never write anything super funny or super interesting. I realized that even though I was just fine the past month, I gave much less thought to my own feelings, thoughts, and ideas. And let's face it - you lose a lot of your "self" when you're in mommy-mode. After 11 years of being mom, (the best job on earth!) I think I'll reclaim that little bit of self again, thank you very much!

Abundance

2009-04-15T11:14:00.002-04:00

I seem to be spending a lot of my days lately "just getting through the day."

I know it's normal. It's almost the standard mommy-mantra. Just make it through another day.

But I've been thinking on this, and here's the thing: I'm not really ok with that anymore. Everyday that I trudge through, waiting till the kids' bedtime, is another day that I will never get back. I know we all have those days. But they should be the exception, not the rule. What I've discovered is that when I live this way, I lose myself.
The me that was created with a purpose by God. When my Maker formed me, He did so with huge plans for my life. A life that no one else can live but me.
I know that at this stage in my life, one of my biggest "divine appointments" is to be the very best mommy I can be to my kids. And I LOVE that job. But, there is more to being me than just being Mom.
You know those hopes and dreams that are hidden in the back of your heart, the ones you don't think about too often because, well, you're busy being a mom? Yeah, I have those, too.

But I don't think God put those hopes and dreams and glimmers in any of us, only to be ignored. Yes, some days all I can see is the circus I'm directing here at home. But in the midst of that, I am filled with the spirit of God, who says that He can do "immeasureably more than anything I can ask or imagine." A God who wants me to dream big. A God who wants me to live a life of abundance. A God who does what He says He will do.

I tell my kids that God wants them to dream big, to strive for greatness. I think I'm going to start taking my own advice.

Do you have any dreams that you've not given much thought to lately?

You'll Never Look at Pizza the Same Way Again

2009-03-31T09:21:00.004-04:00

Remember my little guy, the one who has named a woman's cleavage a "neck-butt"?

He climbed up on me the other day, and started pulling down my cowl-neck sweater. He managed to pull my bra away, and said "Oh! Is that your pepperoni?"

So, that's what I learned this week. If I ever need to discreetly use the n word at some point in time, I've now got a new term.....

So what have YOU learned this week?
To read more, go to Musings of a Housewife

How To Be Famous: Roast Your Own Coffee

2009-03-26T21:58:00.007-04:00

There are a few things in life that I think are always better homemade.

In my little world, we always have home baked bread, homemade marina sauce, and home roasted coffee. All three of these things are ridiculously easy to make.

But today we will talk about COFFEE.

I'll bet you aren't able to function in the morning till you get your cup o joe.
And the Starbucks baristas know you by name, right?

Do you secretly wish that you could be a coffee snob in every sense of the word? Do you wish for your friends and neighbors to be in awe of you?

Let me help you make your dreams a reality. I will tell you how to be famous with all your coffee loving friends. Just learn how to roast your own coffee. You will gain the people's ovation and fame forever. (or maybe that's just the Iron Chef...)

If you've never tried homeroasted coffe, you don't know what you're missing. The coffee that you drink everyday was probably roasted months ago. But Starbucks doesn't tell you that coffee is at it's peak within a week of being roasted. Or, that they over-roast their coffee till it's almost burnt. Actually, there is a lot about coffee that you will come to appreciate by roasting it yourself.

PLUS, did I mention that the cost of unroasted beans averages only $5 per pound, compared to at least $12 per pound for Starbucks? Guilt-free indulgence.

If you can spare just a few dollars, you can give home roasting a try. My husband is obsessed with coffee. He has multiple coffee roasters. Even a huge drum roaster that goes on our grill. But to get started, you don't need much more than.....

...... a popcorn popper!

It's true. Go buy a hot air popcorn popper at Target for about $15. Get a big bowl, and a colander. Then order some green coffee beans. How about trying some Mexican? Sumatra? Colombian?That's it.

Well, not exactly, but it's almost that easy.

I've had a bunch of people online ask about roasting, so my sweet hubby has helped put together some basic information on home roasting using the popcorn popper method.

Click HERE for all you need to know to get you started.

I'd love to hear from you if you give it a try. Email me with any questions at kzwahr@yahoo.com. And of course, leave me comments!

New Anatomical Discovery

2009-03-20T13:21:00.003-04:00

I seem to be writing quite a bit lately about JB. (John Boy) So I figured I may as well keep at it.
Plus, who isn't in the mood for a good laugh?

A few weeks ago, the family had just finished dinner. I was still sitting at the table, doing my ususal. Which is trying to get John to eat. John was under the table, doing his usual. Which is not eating. As I went to reach for him, he jerked out of the way, and cracked his head. He started crying, and I pulled him up onto my lap and he rested his head on my chest.

After a minute, he looked up at my chest, which was clothed in a v-neck sweater and cami. He smiled real big, laughed, pointed at my cleavage, and said "HA HA!!! I see your NECK-BUTT!!!!"

Uh, yeah. It took us a few minutes to get up off the floor laughing.

Three weeks later, he still insists I have two butts. Obviously he doesn't understand that the ONE butt I do have is more than enough for me!

Have YOU learned anything new this week?
To read more, go to Musings of a Housewife.

Just For You, Buddy

2009-03-17T23:14:00.003-04:00

I've mentioned a zillion times that I'm keeping my almost 3 year old little boy a baby for as long as possible. One of the things I haven't given up yet is rocking him before I lay him down to sleep. Since it's gotten cold out agin, he's been wearing sleepers. And he still sucks a pacifier in his crib. So when I rock him, I've got this warm little person, all snuggled up on me, sucking his paci and stroking my hair.

Tonight I was rocking him, and he said "Why do you have shoulders?"

"Uhhh, well, it's because...." ??? How do I answer that? Especially when I'm almost completely asleep myself?

"So I can lay down?" he asks.

Yes, buddy. That's exactly why God gave Mamma shoulders. That's the best reason in the world.

What Trumps a Kiss?

2009-03-17T10:51:00.002-04:00

WHAT I LEARNED THIS WEEK

It's one of my greatest joys as a mom..... snuggling my little one, laughing, tickling on the bed, smothering him with little kisses all over. Including those soft, shiny little lips.

These days, I almost feel like a silly, nervous girl on a date when I'm with my little John Boy. After having my kisses turned down several times, I still haven't given up. Will he let me kiss him? Will he say "eeeewwwww!" Will he relish every kiss and ask for more? At what point will I get my last sugary kiss on the lips?

The other day, we were laughing our heads off, snuggling, giving each other butterfly kisses. The shiny little smiling lips were beckoning me. I just couldn't resist. I leaned in, got him right on the lips, and made a long, sqeaking sound, then proclaimed... "I SMOOCHED YOU!"

He thought this was the funniest thing he'd ever heard.
And. He. Wanted. More.

MORE!!!

Apparently in an almost 3 year old's mind, there is a huge difference between a kiss and a smooch. Umm..... ok. You can bet you won't hear me complaining!

So what have you learned this week?
To read more about what other moms have learned this week, visit Jo-Lynne at Musings of a Housewife.

What I Learned This Week

2009-02-25T14:23:00.002-05:00

Happy Wednesday!

The past week I have learned......

* That an almost three year old can sniff out candy from a mile away. There is nowhere I can hide the stuff without John finding it.

* Some cashiers don't like it when my toddler screams "Jingle Bells, Your butthole reaks" to them in the checkout line. I don't know why....

* To trust my mommy-instincts when it comes to my children's health.

* That there is no worse feeling than having a child that's in pain, and not being able to do anything to help her.

* That the advice of wise "older" people is worth more than a million bucks.

* That my 8 year old secretly wore the same socks to school for 4 days. Yuk.

So, what have YOU learned this week??

For more lessons learned this week, go visit Jo-lynne at Musings of a Housewife.

Souper Saturday!

2009-02-21T14:38:00.002-05:00

SOUPER SATURDAY!

My friend Janel at Dandelion Dayz is hosting the last Souper Saturday until next fall.

So here is my best, most famous soup for you to enjoy. I've been surprised at how many gals I've met that have never made homemade chicken soup. It's one of my kid's very favorite meals. A slight variation makes it chicken and dumplings, which IS my kids very favorite meal! You can always substitute the dumpling noodles with rice.
Enjoy!

Chicken Soup

1 whole chicken, 3-4 lbs
3 stalks celery, sliced
1 onion, sliced
1-2 cups baby carrots (or a few large carrots, cut up)
chicken boullion
1 package frozen dumpling noodles (Anne's or Mary B's brand, in freezer section by biscuits)
salt and pepper

Rinse the chicken, put in large stock pot. Cover with water. Add celerey, onion and carrot. Turn on high, boil, then turn heat down. Cook about 1 hour, till chicken is done.
Remove chicken and veggies. Add enough water (and a little boullion if needed) to increase broth so that there's enough to boil the dumplings. Bring to boil, add dumplings, boil a few minutes then simmer for about 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, debone the chicken.
When noodles are done, add chicken and veggies back to pot. Salt to taste. Simmer a few more minutes all together.

Here is another VERY kid-friendly version...
Chicken and Dumplings
Follow same directions for soup. After dumplings are cooked, add only the chicken back in. Remove a few cups of the broth. Then stir in a large can of cream of chicken soup. Cook for a few minutes all together. This is very yummy - tastes like Cracker Barrel's Chicken 'n Dumplings!

For more yummy soup recipes, go to Dandelion Dayz!

Cleanest Fam on the Block

2009-02-19T14:04:00.002-05:00

Kids are always asking for a story. Sometimes it's hard to think of one.
So today, I will tell a tale called "Our First Family Butt-Vacuuming."

Let's assume it happened last night. Not that this ever happened. But, if it did, it would have happened like this.....

"Honey I need the vacuum!" Hubby calls.

WOW! I think, he must want to clean. OR, toddler has spilled crap all over.

So I rush the vacuum in.

"I need to vacuum Emma's butt," Hubby proclaims.

The story unfolds before my eyes...

He pulls out the hose attachment, turns the vacuum on, and dives for Emma on the couch. Emma screams and won't budge. Ryan tries to tackle her off the couch, and shove the hose on her (fully clothed) bottom. Clara and John are both laughing and screaming.

He dives for the other two kids, and starts going after their butts, too. Then he moves on to the toddler's head, and stomach.

I turn away in disbelief, But there is more to come......
When I turn my eyes back to the room, husband is standing in front of a window, vacuuming his own butt. The room is in an uproar.

I can't believe he didn't realize the window isn't covered.......
I start making mental plans to move to another state IMMEDIATELY......

Hubby kneels on floor and tells kids, "Watch the canister to see if anything comes in!" And then sticks the attachment in his belly button.

(Is there possibly even just ONE other man on this planet who thinks he might have enough belly button lint to see it fly into a vacuum cleaner???)

The kids vacuumed their heads and stomachs. Then they went to bed.
There have never been cleaner kids that showed up at school.
Well, at least there wouldn't be if this had ever happened. :)

My 25 Things

2009-02-05T17:44:00.003-05:00

Well, I've been "tagged" about 10 times on Facebook to write 25 random things about myself.
So I thought I'd post them on here, too.

Honestly, it was a little weird speding this much time thinking about myself. How often do moms do that???

So here are the awesome things that you didn't even know you don't know about me!

1) Celery is the worst taste I can think of.
2) I used to do competative gymnastics, and I also did ballet, and danced on pointe for a few years before giving it all up in high school to be on the pompon squad. I didn't really enjoy my pompon years.
3) I also played piano. I'm not real good anymore, but still like to play sometimes. My piano used to be my step-grandmother's when she was a child.
4) I've bungee jumped three times. Once I became a mom, fear took over and I've had no desire for dangerous thrills since.
5) I used to perm my hair years ago, but haven't had one in over 8 years. My curl is natural. But I've been straightening it the past few months.
6) I love tea, and collect tea cups, teapots, and tea accessories. My china cabinet is full. I have everything I need to throw an awesome tea party.
7) I love coffee. Since Ryan started roasting his own coffee beans years ago, I can now tell the difference between Colombian, Kenyan, Sumatra, Sulawesi, Guatemala, etc. I am a true coffee snob.
8) I've been a mom for over 1o years, and have 3 kids. The older I get, the more I understand that there is not only one right way to parent, and find myself having little tolerance for people who are judgemental.
9) I believed in God from a very early age, and don't remember ever NOT believing that he was my Saviour.
10) I can't stand noise. If I'm talking with someone, and music is louder than talking level, it will drive me insane. I attribute this to being the oldest of 4 kids, and always having a napping kid in the house.
11) I don't really enjoy watching movies.
12) I love to read. I usually finish a book in one day, and stay up all night. This isn't such a good thing.
13) I hate the scent of vanilla candles.
14) I am not an animal person. I know you think your pet is great, but I can guarantee that I won't like it. This dislike for animals has really come back to bite me in the rear. My girls are animal crazy, and I take them to a horse farm for riding lessons every week.
15) I like to cook, and am really good at it.
16) I like gardening, but haven't put much time into it since we have lived in this new house (3 years...). I grow great herbs and flowers, but don't do so great with most vegetables.
17) My heart is burdened for children who are hungry. Did you know that with just $35 a month, you can sponsor a child, and change their life? Go to http://www.compassion.com/
18) I think one of the biggest mistakes parents can make is giving their child almost everything they want. The last thing our world needs is another generation that expects everything, yet appreciates nothing.
19) I believe that people should give extravagently. If we took care of our true NEEDS first, and then gave till it hurt, imagine what could be accomplished in this world. Unfortunately, lots of people take care of their needs, then all of their wants, and then only give if it's convenient.
20) I sometimes dream of running a tearoom. And Ryan and I have talked about running a bed and breakfast when we retire.
21) There is also part of me that would like to sell everything we have, and move our family to another country to serve people in need. Maybe we will do that one day. Until then, my job is to help right where I am.
22) I am thankful for my good friends. I love girl time, and having friends that know me inside and out.
23) I think everyone needs good friends. Sometimes friendship needs to be pursued. If you find yourself without the friendships you crave, be the one to make the first step.
24) I enjoy visiting big cities, but after one day, I feel clausterphobic and need to get out. I could never ever live in a city.
25) When i'm gone, I want people to remember me as someone who loved God, and loved others.

If you have a link to a "100 things" on your blog, or anything else like that, please leave the link, and I'll read your list!

It Can Be A Good Thing

2009-01-29T09:22:00.000-05:00

Last night I had a Southern Living Party at my house.

We had fun conversation, yummy food, and great drinks ;)

At the end of the evening, conversation turned to small businesses, and home businesses, and how difficult things have been for everyone with the state of the economy.

Of course I did my fair share of moaning and groaning, and made sure to let everyone know that I spent 6 months worth of work that all went down the tubes last year when none of my house listings sold.

I'll also admit, though, that I seemed to maybe be the only one that doesn't really think the state of things are such a bad thing for the poeple of our country. I am by NO MEANS saying that this economy hasn't had some serious or even devastating consequences for some people, and I don't mean to diminish that.

But in my corner of the world, the main effect I've seen it have on people is just that it's making them watch their spending a little bit more. Maybe things are tighter than they've been in a while. I understand - it's that way for us right now, too.

Even though I'm not thrilled with the fact that there isn't *extra* money to be spent in our family, I just don't think it's a bad thing. Our country's expectation of what normal should be is so far off from what I hear it was just one generation ago. People actually saved money for years to take a vacation. They saved and saved and saved to finally be able to buy that new sofa. New floors or counters or vehicles just weren't a part of normal, everyday life. And I guess recreational shopping wasn't considered the norm, either. (Can you imagine???)

There's part of me that wants this recession to be over - like, right now.

But there's another part of me that hopes it lasts a while. Maybe just long enough for most of America to get used to doing without, and to be ok with it. Can you imagine how it could change the state of people's hearts - to actually be CONTENT with what they have? (And believe me, I'm including myself in this, too.)

I read this little poem somewhere, at some point in time, but don't remember where:
"Use it up,
Wear it out,
Make it last,
Or do without."

Yikes!!! I SO do not live like this. Do you??
But I do wonder what other parts of me would change if I adopted this attitude.

Whew. That's enough thinking for me on a Thursday morning.......

I can't BELIEVE what I did.......

2009-01-22T21:28:00.000-05:00

I cannot believe what I agreed to this past weekend.

It all started a few weeks ago.
My husband says: "I have an idea. But I don't want to tell you because you're going to think it's crazy."

Uhhhhh.......

Me: You want to move????
Hubs: "NO"
Me: You want another BABY???
Hubs: "Well, along those lines...."
Oh, Lord have mercy.........

You guessed it.......
A DOG.
Isn't three kids enough???

Here's the problem. I am not, Not, NOT, NOT an animal person.

My mother raised me to think I would get rabies from touching a bird feather.
(and I am SO not joking.)

If I come to your house, and you have a dog, I will smile and exclaim how cute and sweet he is.
And, I will be lying.
I don't like your dog. Or your cat, or your stinky hamster that I smell from downstairs.
(SO sorry........)

The fact that both of my girls not only want to be vets, but ride horses every week is hard enough. They have been begging their whole gosh-dern LIFE for a dog.

(I will NOT mention the fact that we got a puppy a few years ago and GAVE HIM AWAY a few months later because he was such an idiot.......)

(Animal lovers, please just let that comment pass........)

ANYhoo.

Back to the story.

After Ryan picked me up off the floor, and gave me glass of water, I listed to his explanation.

He wanted to do something really WOW for the kids.

Yep, that's WOW, all right.

Here's where the problem comes in.
My ladies group is doing a book on marriage. We've been talking about things we can do to bless our hubbys.
Could my husband have asked for a clean house, a back rub, a nice dinner? Lingerie?
No, he wants a stinkin' dog.

And I obliged.

After looking for the perfect dog for a few weeks, we adopted a sweet, 5 yr old dachshund/chihuahua mix named Chaz. Ryan surprised the girls on Saturday, and an hour after we told them, he was delivered. He's so quiet, and he snuggles all day. I have to admit, he's not that bad.
Actually, I kinda like having him around.

So on Tuesday morning, when my friends are talking about the new recipe they fixed for their man, I will show a picture of a canine......
Who woulda thunk it????

Is it really OVER?

2009-01-03T22:10:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year!

I'll admit, this is the very first year that Ryan and I have EVER had our decorations put away before New Years. We had our second annual "family friendly" New Year's Eve party again. With 60 people that rsvp'd, I felt like I HAD to take everything down to make more space!

I've actually heard some people say that they take their tree and decorations down the day after Christmas.

SERIOUSLY??? I would love to know how they explain THAT one to the kids.

Christmas night: Tuck the kids in bed, give hugs and kisses, kids go off to bed dreaming of all the presents they found under the tree that morning.
Wake up: BAM! Sorry kids, Christmas is OVER!

To each his own, I guess......

Not that I've ever had issues with wanting to extend the Christmas season.
Nope. Not me.

Because I surely DO NOT have a picture of Ryan and I, in front of a Christmas tree, holding a sign that says "February 2nd, 1996 - Christmas is OVER!!!"

No, I most definitely do NOT. :)

DEAR SANTA

2008-12-18T14:42:00.000-05:00

EDITED 1/3/09: To any Readers out there...... I just wanted you to know that I did not write this letter myself.... if you know who the author is, please let me know! But I DO agree with every last sentence! Enjoy!

Dear Santa:
I've been a good mom all year. I've fed, cleaned and cuddled my children on demand, visited the doctor's office more than my doctor and sold sixty-two cases of candy bars to raise money to plant a shade tree on the school playground.

I was hoping you could spread my list out over several Christmases, since I had to write this letter with my son's red crayon, on the back of a receipt in the laundry room between cycles, and who knows when I'll find anymore free time in the next 18 years.

Here are my Christmas wishes:
I'd like a pair of legs that don't ache (in any color, except purple, which I already have) and arms that don't hurt or flap in the breeze, but are strong enough to pull my screaming child out of the candy aisle in the grocery store.

I'd also like a waist, since I lost mine somewhere in the seventh month of my last pregnancy. If you're hauling big ticket items this year I'd like fingerprint resistant windows and a radio that only plays adult music, a television that doesn't broadcast any programs containing talking animals, and a refrigerator with a secret compartment behind the crisper where I can hide to talk on the phone.

On the practical side, I could use a talking doll that says, "Yes, Mommy" to boost my parental confidence, along with three kids who don't fight and three pairs of jeans that will zip all the way up without the use of power tools. I could also use a recording of Tibetan monks chanting "Don't eat in the living room" and "Take your hands off your brother," because my voice seems to be just out of my children's hearing range and can only be heard by the dog.

If it's too late to find any of these products, I'd settle for enough time to brush my teeth and comb my hair in the same morning, or the luxury of eating food warmer than room temperature without it being served in a Styrofoam container.

If you don't mind, I could also use a few Christmas miracles to brighten the holiday season. Would it be too much trouble to declare ketchup a vegetable? It will clear my conscience immensely. It would be helpful if you could coerce my children to help around the house without demanding payment as if they were the bosses of an organized crime family.

Well, Santa, the buzzer on the dryer is calling and my son saw my feet under the laundry room door. I think he wants his crayon back. Have a safe trip and remember to leave your wet boots by the door and come in and dry off so you don't catch cold. Help yourself to 20 cookies on the table but don't eat too many or leave crumbs on the carpet.

Yours Always,
MOM

P.S. One more thing...you can cancel ALL my requests if you can keep my children young enough to believe in Santa!

(Santa has asked that this gets passed on to all the mommies you know, feel free to copy and paste onto your own blog!)

My Christmas Favs

2008-12-17T14:27:00.000-05:00

My Favorite Christmas Songs

I'm in a Christmas-y Mood Today! Also, I'm playing along with my friend Janel, at DandelionDayz, who is listing her top 10 fav Christmas songs. So here are some of my favorites!

1. O Holy Night (any version. But I especially love it when Jeff Nielsen sings it on Christmas Eve at church! And I love Josh Groban's too)
2. Carol Of the Bells (instrumental and with vocals)
3. Gloria (Michael W. Smith) LOVE this!!!
4. Breath of Heaven (Amy Grant)
5. Strange Way to Save the World (4Him)
6. Mary Did You Know?
7. What Child Is This and Angels We Have Heard on High (Third Day)
8. Wexford Carol (instrumental)
9. Don't Save it All For Christmas Day (Clay Aiken)
10. Most Wonderful Time of the Year (Point of Grace)
11. Most instrumental Celtic Christmas music, especailly when the fireplace is on!

Don't recognize some of them? Then look 'em up on Youtube and have a listen. I think you'll love them too! What are your favs? To see Janel's list, go to http://www.dandeliondayz.com/. She got the idea from Jo-Lynne, at http://www.musingsofahousewife.com/, so check that one out too!

Funny story about "Angels We Have Heard On High." Years ago, when Emma was only 2 1/2, we were at church, and everyone was singing this song. Since it was Christmas Eve, she was in the service with us. Never thinking to explain the words, there she stood on her chair, singing with all her might: GLOOOORRRIAA, "Pulling Jessie's Tail All Day!" We never did figure out who Jessie was, or why she'd be pulling his tail.......... haha :)

Merry Christmas!

Light

2008-12-11T13:59:00.000-05:00

It's dark and rainy here today.

It would be a perfect nap day. But I have such a bad headache, I can't fall asleep.

So I went tip toe-ing (is that a word??) into my bedroom to put some things away while John is asleep. Not much light was coming in the windows, so I turned on the lamp to see better.

But it didn't do much good.

There was just enough natural light in the room already so that the light from the lamp didn't really make a difference. I turned the other one on, but it didn't really help either. It aggravated me for a second, and I finished up and walked out.

It doesn't seem to make a lot of sense...... a lamp gives light, and if I turn it on, it should make the room lighter. Had the room been really dark, the lamp would have worked wonders.

I guess God speaks in strange ways sometimes, when I'm least expecting it. Cuz I sure wasn't expecting anything while putting socks away today.

But this is what I started thinking about.....
I had "just enough" light in my room today.... enough to do what I needed, and carry on, whether that lamp was on or not. And in life, sometimes it's easy to go along with what we think is "just enough" God, too.

Just enough of Him doesn't really make any sense. But I guess people trick themselves into thinking that. We get so used to going about our business that we can't see Him in the little things everyday.

The lamp is on, but it just doesn't seem to make a big difference.

Until the sun goes down. And it's dark, and we are desperate for light.

We turn the lamp on, and it illuminates the room.

And in those times, that light is the only thing that allows us to see.

......just thinking.........

Thanksgiving Thoughts

2008-11-26T22:38:00.000-05:00

My random Thanksgiving thoughts........ about thankfulness and abundance.

Thankfulness
I'm thankful for my childrens' laughter. There's nothing like hearing my 3 kids laugh so hard that they're almost crying!

I'm thankful for our fireplace. Love, love, love snuggling the fam by the fire with hot cocoa.

I really am in love with my flat iron right now. Do you understand how amazing it is to make a curly head of hair shiny and straight??

I'm thankful for disposable diapers. Obviously.

And for children's Benadryl. That stuff can really knock a kid out. (ooops, did I say that?)

I'm thankful for mascara. And I'm sure my friends and neighbors are thankful that I use it.

I'm thankful for God's love, and forgivness.

I'm thankful that I can go to the grocery store, buy more food than we need, and even have enough to splurge on Starbucks while I browse the aisles. I know that's completely incomprehensible to much of the world.

And I'm thankful that God gives us opportunities to use what He's given us to help others. And I'm not just being sappy cuz it's Thanksgiving. Really, truly..... I know that I don't even comprehend the extent of what I have.

Take for example, what most of us think of as "problems."

Here are some of my recent problems:
I don't have enough cupboard space, or room in my pantry.
The fridge is full of old food.
The laundry is piling up.
I want more closet space.
I can't stand sorting through all the kids clothes each season.
There is no room in the attic to store all the off-season clothing for 5 people.
The toy room is always a mess.
I want to lose ___ pounds.
What in the world am I going to buy everyone for Christmas?

I'm seeing some similarities here.......

ABUNDANCE.

So many of our so called problems stem from the fact that we have SO MUCH. We can't keep a clean house because we have so much stuff. Too much laundry to do, because we have so many clothes. It's hard to take off the weight, because we can eat all we want. We have enough financial resources to buy so many gifts that we can't figure out what to buy.

And yet people all over the world live on such meager amounts as $600 a year. If they are fortunate enough to have a home, they most certainly aren't worried about having so much "stuff" that they can't fit it all. They worry about providing just one meal a day to their family, not about the willpower to stop eating so much. They worry about having something to wear, not about finding the time to weed through closets and donate to Goodwill.

My point is this: God has blessed us so much that I think we don't realize much of the time what we really have. I want to have a thankful heart. I am blessed beyond measure.

Souper Saturday

2008-11-22T22:59:00.000-05:00

My friend Janel has cool blog, and she has started "Souper Saturdays." She even has a really cool button and logo to go with the name.

But I'm technically challenged, and couldn't figure out how to copy her button and post it on my site. Sigh.

ANYway, I'm playing along, and posting a soup recipe here.

You will LOVE IT. Go make it. Now!

And take a look at Janel's blog........ over here..... http://www.dandeliondayz.com/

Have a Souper Saturday!

Maryland Crab-Sweet Corn Chowder
1 1/2 cups frozen whole kernel corn
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp oil
1 14oz can chicken broth
1 cup whipping cream
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp white pepper
1 cup peeled and finely chopped potato
1/4 cup finely chopped bell pepper, any color
6 oz fresh or frozen cooked crabmeat
fresh parsley (optional)
red sweet bell popper strips (optional)

In a saucepan, cook half of the corn, the onion and garlic in hot cooking oil till onion is tender but not brown. Carefully add chicken broth. Bring to boiling, reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 10 min.
Stir in whipping cream, salt and pepper. Simmer uncovered for 10 min. remove from heat and cool slightly.
Pour the cooled mixture into a blender container. Cover and blend till smooth. Return to same saucepan, keep warm.
Meanwhile, in small covered saucepan, cook remaining corn and potato in boiling salter water for 2 minutes. Add chopped sweet pepper. Cover and cook about 1 minute more or till tender.
Drain.
Stir the drained veggies into the soup. Add the fresh or frozen crabmeat, heat through.
If desired, garnish each serving with parsley and red pepper strips.
Makes 4 1/2 cups.
259 calories per serving.
Enjoy!

Manners

2008-11-17T14:38:00.001-05:00

Emma is done with Cotillion for the year, and we all thought it was fabulous! SO, here are my thoughts.......

Let me just say right off the bat that Cotillion should be mandatory, at several different points of life.

I'm SERIOUS!!!

First, at Emma's age. The girls must wear dresses, and white gloves. (of course, I could take or leave the gloves. The Queen herself doesn't even wear them anymore, does she??) What girl doesn't love seeing herself all dressed up?

The boys have to wear suits and ties. How refreshing to see those grubby little hooligans dressed up for once!
Just kidding........ mostly........

After the elementary/middle school age, it should be required again in High School. Enough said about that.

Next step: During pre-marital counseling.

Then again 10 years into marriage.

Call me CRAZY......

but my guess is most people could sure use it by then. Remind men to escort a lady into a room, offer her a chair, get her refreshments......
How to make polite conversation, that does NOT include burping the alphabet......
NOT FART AT THE TABLE.......

Or remind the ladies that is really is ok to put on a dress once in a while, even though you're usually covered in spit-up.....
That being twirled around the room will still make you feel like a princess........

I was a proud Mamma two weeks ago during Emma's last class. She was gorgeous in her new dress and gloves. She was excited, and confident, and glowing on the dance floor. Seeing her dance with Daddy at the end was precious. She's a lovely young lady with a beautiful heart.

I'll post pictures soon!

.

In Christ Alone

2008-11-09T23:07:00.000-05:00

There has been so much stuff written about the election I almost can't stand it anymore.

Really, there is nothing new under the sun that hasn't been said already, on either side of the political fence.

So I'll just say my little piece and be done with it.

NO PRESIDENT is going to be the one that changes our country. Yes, I was disappointed at the election outcome. However, there is nothing magical about either John McCain or Barack Obama. Truly, there is not.

I know there are millions of people who really think, in their heart of hearts, that Obama will bring about change that they so desperately desire. They are placing their hope and trust in this man.

And see, that's the problem. He is just a man.

Not that there is anything wrong with being excited or hopeful about a leader. I fully believe that since God has allowed Barack Obama to take the position of president, that we should support him, and pray for him. I hope that great things happen in our country.

But instead of placing hope in Obama, I hope that the people of our country will choose to turn to God, to seek His face, and to put their ultimate trust in Christ alone.

Instead of "Yes We Can," let it be "Yes God Can."

The lyrics to this song say it perfectly:

In Christ Alone
In Christ alone will I glory
Though I could pride myself in battles won
For I’ve been blessed beyond measure
And by His strength alone I’ll overcome
Oh, I could stop and count successes like diamonds in my hands
But those trophies could not equal to the grace by which I stand

In Christ alone
I place my trust
And find my glory in the power of the cross
In every victory
Let it be said of me
My source of strength
My source of hope
Is Christ alone

In Christ alone do I glory
For only by His grace I am redeemed
For only His tender mercy
Could reach beyond my weakness to my need
And now I seek no greater honor
in just to know Him more
And to count my gains but losses to the glory of my Lord

In Christ Alone
I place my trust
And find my glory in the power of the cross
In every victory
Let it be said of me
My source of strength
My source of hope
Is Christ Alone.

AMEN.

It's OVER!!!

2008-11-02T16:04:00.000-05:00

After 9 months of planning, the What Not to Wear conference is OVER!!!

I guess I'll post more about it later, but here are a few quick thoughts...

1) Shari and Patti are great, and so much fun!
2) My phone has stopped ringing with calls for last minute tickets.
3) I can now sleep without waking up at 1am, thinking of things I need to do.
4) God is so awesome. (which is really the number one point...)

After nine months of planning, and ups and downs, and frustrations, He worked it out perfectly. I know that every women that He wanted to be there, was there. There were just enough seats. Just enough food. Hundreds of happy women.

We had a lot of guests, from all walks of life. Shari shared her personal testimony at the end of the program. What a story! It's such a blessing to everyone who hears it. My favorite part that all of the guests heard was that every woman is beautiful, and exactly how God created her.

Finally, I want to say how blessed I was by planning this event. Yes, it was very tough. And there were so many obstacles. But the prayers that were poured out by all the beautiful women I know flowed freely, both for the event and for me and my family. It was like getting a hug from God every time someone would call or send a note. I know that God wanted this event to happen. And being a part of that was amazing. Because we have an amazing God.

treasures at your fingertips

2008-10-04T14:41:00.001-04:00

You know that acronym for CHAOS? Can't Have Anyone Over Syndrome? I decided quite a while ago that I wasn't going to live like that. Gone are the days of not inviting friends in because I have a sink full of dishes and toys are all over the house.
Y'all can just come on in!

(Just watch your step, and don't trip on the toys!)
(And hopefully you won't need to use the sink, cuz there's no more room in it.)

There's a lot to be said for living this way.
So I'm gunna brag a little on all the benefits I offer to someone who comes over and relaxes on my couch:

Hungry? Food is seconds away! Just reach down into the couch cushions! 100 bucks says you'll find M&Ms, potato chips, cheez-its, ABC gum and popcorn. A feast, I tell you!

If you'd like a new hairstyle, just reach down there and have your pick from 7 different hair clips.

If conversation comes to a lull, don't despair! Better entertainment is to be had! Right underneath your bottom is a headless, naked Barbie doll. The possibilities are endless......

Thirsty from all the treats? Now this time you need to reach a little further. Pass the couch cushions, and reach all the way down to the bottom, underneath the couch. That's right.... you are just inches away from your choice of 3 thirst quenching flavors of juice boxes. I promise there will be at least a few drops left in each box. Forget the formality of straws, just squirt it right on in.....

A visit here will save you money, too - because you don't even need to take your daughter to Target on the way home. A (kind of) clean pair of Beauty and the Beast panties are right next to you, underneath the toss pillow. Go ahead, take 'em.

I just love to spoil my friends.

Any Time, Any Place

2008-09-28T20:26:00.000-04:00

Little John has been sick.

And if you're a parent, you know that when you have a sick toddler, the time ticks by V. E. R. Y. S. L. O. W. L. Y.

To make matters worse, I've been sick, too. So my patience has been wearing a little thin.

Desperate to make the time pass, and desperate to sit for just a few minutes, I ran the tub and stuck John in it. He thought it was a blast. I sat there watching him smile and laugh, and it made me smile, too.

All of a sudden, he squeezed his little two year old eyes shut, and said "Dear God, thank you my friends, and granny, and grandpa, and tractor."

Then he picked up his pirate toy, and kept on playing.

Melt. My. Heart!!

How absolutely precious to hear his two year old little self being thankful for his favorite things, in the midst of a mundane day. He didn't wait for "prayer time." He didn't wait until we were talking about friends, or family, or toys.

His little heart was just plain thankful, and no matter where he was, or what he was doing, he stopped to thank God for it.

That's how it should be always, isn't it? Any time. Any place. For reasons big and small.
Just come and talk to Him.

Eat THIS!

2008-09-23T14:07:00.000-04:00

Have you SEEN this new book???

I bought it at Borders the other day. It's called: Eat This, NOT That! For Kids!

WOW.

Did you know that your kiddo is better off eating a peanut butter chocolate chip granola bar, than a Nutri-grain bar?

Listen to this: You know that healthy-lookin' cereal called Smart Start? It has 7 different sweeteners in it. More than any other cereal at the supermarket. It's just 3 grams of sugar shy of a Hagen-daz bar.

Now, get ready to be SICK.....
Let's say you go to Chili's. Your kids order the usual - chicken nuggets or tenders. Chili's has Chicken Crispers. If they eat the 2 chicken strips and french fries, with ranch dipping sauce and ketchup, they will have consumed 1,110 calories, 82 grams of fat, and 1980 mg of sodium!!! (this doesn't even include the Coke or sweet tea that they will down with it...)

Oh. My. Freakin. Gosh.

Seriously, y'all.

Go Buy This Book.

You will be absolutely amazed by what's in it. It not only goes through all the good and bad choices at restaurants, it gives color pictures of all the things you'd normally buy at the grocery store, and gives surprising answers to what you should be picking for your kids.

It's seriously making me take a good hard look at what I feed my kids, and even pack in their lunches.

What do you feed your kiddos most of the time? What do you pack in their lunches?

I'd love to hear your comments about this!

Wisdom in the Word

2008-09-21T16:39:00.000-04:00

Sunday Scripture:

"I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me."
Revelation 3:20

"Call to Me, and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know."
Jeremiah 33:3

QUIET

2008-09-20T11:19:00.002-04:00

Picture THIS.
Mamma is in the kitchen cooking. Dishes are everywhere. 3 kids are annoying her. Hubby is laying on the couch sick. Ridiculous cartoons are playing so loudly, that Mamma has visions of strangling that stupid Sponge Bob.
The phone rings.
It's Grandpa.
He wants to know if.....get this....

we want him to come pick up the kids for the night!

GASP!
"Oh, no," I say. "I couldn't last a night without them."

Are you kidding me? What I actually said was...

"ALL THREE OF THEM??"

Sure enough, an hour later, Pa came to get the kids.
I left the dishes in the sink. We watched a movie. We decided to go out for coffee in the morning. I went to bed earlier than usual.
I went upstairs, looked in the 3 empty bedrooms, and felt a little sad.

Something about seeing that little crib with no one in it...

I could close my bedroom door, all the way! and there were no kids to listen for. When Ryan got up at night to use the bathroom, I cringed when the toilet seat made a loud noise.
Oh yeah, there's no one to wake up.
I didn't even know what to do with myself when I didn't get woken up by a crying toddler at the butt-crack of dawn.
It's almost noon now, and no one has been whining for chicken nuggets. It's Q.U.I.E.T. here.

Almost too quiet..........
When are they getting dropped off???

That Darn Fairy

2008-09-18T07:42:00.000-04:00

She did it again!
I don't know what's wrong with that darn fairy.

Last night a little girl could barely contain her excitement as she put her tooth in a box and wrote a note to the tooth fairy. The tooth fairy knew the tooth was there of course.

But did the tooth get taken? Did she leave $1?

Nope. Nothin but a sad little girl was in that room this morning.

So what's up with that fairy chick? (I think she must have fallen into bed exhausted last night...)

Now mama is trying to convince Clara that sometimes the fairy gets backed up. I'll bet she gets $2 left for her tonight since she had to wait so patiently!

It could have been me...

2008-09-14T21:15:00.000-04:00

A change of perspective can be an enlightening thing, can't it? What looks to be one way can quickly appear another way in a split second.

Take, for instance, my weekend.
It started Thursday evening.
With the stomach flu.
I was up all night, and totally exhausted on Friday. Could I count the hours till hubby got home to help me? NO! He was gone fishing for the whole darn weekend. Yes, that left moi to fix meals and drag the kids to Toys R US for birthday party gifts that were needed for the next morning. Saturday was spent shuttling kids to parties. Sunday, I was so tired, we didn't even make it to church. I had a sinkful of dishes, the house was messy, and I had a sitter coming over because I had to go do an open house for a client. After shopping for goodies, and lighting candles, and doing everything I could to make a nice open house, guess who came?
(go ahead, guess.......)
NO ONE.
Not one single person came.
My head was killing me, and I was so irritated that I'd wasted my afternoon.
What a lousy weekend!

Here's another perspective:
Hurricane Ike came through Texas this weekend. Thousands of people were told to flee from their homes. Some of those people were our family members and friends. The Galveston area is where Ryan is from, and other than his parents, his whole family still lives there. We got email updates from friends who were leaving their homes, knowing that there may not be anything to go back to. We worried about the family business - a fish farm - that it would be devastated.
Sunday we got the news that the family was all fine. The fish farm had been damaged, but was not ruined. One of our friends lost her home. Tons of other people are still waiting to be rescued.
That was their weekend.
It could have been me.

How would I have coped? What would it be like to leave my home, and all my belongings, knowing that there would be nothing to return to?
Take a quick look around you right now. (GO ahead......look!) Are you sitting in a comfortable chair? Surrounded by family pictures? Toys scattered around, a fridge full of food, a closet full of clothes? Imagine that, in the blink of an eye, it was all gone. Difficult, isn't it?
Please pray for all the people who are dealing with this unimaginable disaster.

Meanwhile, the sun was shining here today. My kids didn't get sick. I get to sleep in my own bed.
I think I had a pretty good weekend, after all.

expectations

2008-09-10T21:38:00.000-04:00

One thing happening around here is that Emma is getting all excited to start Cotillion in a few weeks.
Don't get me wrong, I'm excited too. Because, in my mind, I've always planned on my girls doing this anyway. So I'm glad she wants to, and that she's excited.

HOWEVER.

Exactly how many dresses should I be expected to purchase???

Sunday dresses and white gloves are required, of course. I eased up on my requirements for what she wore to church this summer. So she really only has one dress that will be appropriate.
And, silly mom that I am, I mentioned that to her tonight. Just something along the lines of "Hey honey, you have that pink dress..."
Her response?

"UHHHHH! Mama, I am so not wearing that!!"

Me: (speechless, of course........)

W.H.A.T.???

Does my little pre-debutante really think she's entitled to a new dress for each class?

WOW.

More to come............

No Tears

2008-09-07T16:04:00.000-04:00

I DID it!

I sent my baby off to preschool last week. My third child. My last child. The little boy who has claimed my heart.

I've thought all summer long about how I would just bawl the first time I dropped that little guy off. (And I've also thought about the fit he'd probably throw when I left....)

Well, last Wednesday was the BIG day. Here's how our morning went:

John wakes up at 5:45 am. (2 HOURS earlier than normal...)

He won't eat breakfast.

We run out of diapers.

Everyone runs around like idiots trying to get ready.

I can't find the shoes that go with his outfit.

We get a ridiculously cute picture of him.

Arrive at school 20 minutes late.

I notice the bags full of supplies that all the moms have sent with their children.

John has a backpack with 2 MASSIVE, size 6 diapers left over from the neighbor. (because remember, we ran out?) Nothing else. No wipes, no change of clothes, no smock, tissue, folder, sanitizer. Nothin. Zip. Nada.

Screaming two year olds are all over the room. Ryan sets John down at a table with play-doh. We say "Bye!" and walk out the door.

John didn't cry. And........ neither did I!

I don't know why I didn't. I fully expected to be in tears. I felt sad, but not overly emotional. I knew he was fine. And as much as I want to hold on to his baby years, and not let him go, I know that there will be joy in each and every step that we go through with all of our children.

SO, take a look at the cutest picture you've ever seen. That's my little school boy, all dressed up in his Ralph Lauren duds. Can it get any cuter???

Season for Everything

2008-08-25T21:07:00.000-04:00

Yep, there is a season for everything.

And my favorite includes late nights, sleeping in, Donut Day Fridays, the swimming pool, the lake, ice cream Mondays, and popsicles.
You guessed it - it's summer.
And ours is officially O.V.E.R.

The girls went back to school this morning, and I was not ready for it. Truly - just give me a few more weeks of summer, and I'd be so happy! I know most people are kinda anxious to send their kids packing. But I've loved having the girls home this summer. I like being around them. John loves having them around. And I like the laziness and freedom of summer.

And I am SO NOT READY to start having crazy mornings getting everyone ready, destrying the kitchen making multiple lunches and snacks, and spending each evening with homework.

We spent last week packing every last bit of fun in. We went on the boat. We had multiple play dates. We went for ice cream. Had sleepovers. Went swimming. Shopping. You name it, we did it.

Yesterday, we started the real preparations of going to school. Like shopping for all the food that will fill their lunch boxes. And ironing the official first day of school outfits.

We took our usual pictures of the girls with their backpacks on the front steps this morning. And I always drive them to school and walk them to class the first day. Once John and I got back in the van, it was so quiet! He missed them terribly, and didn't understand why they were gone all of a sudden.

So, we will eventually get back into the swing of things. My little girls are back to school. If I'm getting weepy at that, just wait till next week when I send my baby boy to preschool for the first time!

G.N.O.

2008-08-13T08:47:00.000-04:00

Last night was GNO!

(That stands for Girls Night Out, according to Hannah Montana.)

(And Hannah Montana had everything to do with last night, FYI.)

The girls and I planned a GNO last night. We started off at the mall, looking for first day of school outfits. Words that flowed from Emma's mouth consisted of "Oh. My. GOSH, Mamma." "This.is.to.die for." "Oohhh! I. Have.to.have.this!"

Clara just skipped around, holding up cute pink dresses. After trying one on, she declared "Yeah, mamma, this just isn't really me."

Ryan met us at the mall to pick up John. We were parked next to each other, so when we backed out, the girls started blasting the "Girls Night" song by Hannah Montana with the windows down, so Ryan could hear it. When Hannah started singing "It's girls night, it's all right, without YOU!" the girls and I pointed to Ryan and then sped off. The girls couldn't stop laughing - it was a very big HAHA moment in their minds. (never occurred to them that daddy wanted NO PART in girls night!)

We ate a quick dinner, went to see the new American Girl movie, then we went bowling, then we went for ice cream. By then, my pocketbook was empty, and it was 10:30pm.

It was nice to spend some time with them, without the little guy tagging along. They had a great time, and fell into bed exhausted.

When they woke this morning, they wanted to know what other adventures we'd be having today!

Funny Moments

2008-08-12T08:54:00.000-04:00

A few of my favorite comments from the kids the past few days:

SCENE ONE:
On Sunday, Clara excitedley ran up to me with a "gift" in her hands. She handed me a small heavy object that was covered in a piece of printer paper. "Open it!"

Inside was a small ceramic box (that I already owned). "No, that's just holding your gift, mama. It's inside."

So I opened the box. Inside was............ my DENTAL FLOSS.

"Oh, wow! That's great!" I exclaimed.

She sighs a content sigh. And smiles big.

"I KNEW you'd love it!" she proclaims. :)

SCENE TWO:
John (who is 2) falls asleep sobbing after throwing a massive fit about a popsicle.
I go in to get him when he wakes up.
First thing he says is: "Can I have popsicle?"
Me: "If you eat your lunch, then you can have one."
John: "Do you understand me? I just want a popsicle!!!"

SCENE THREE:
I'm laying next to Clara, putting her to bed.
"Umm, mama? What day is it?"
"It's Monday, honey."
Quiet.
"Oh," she sighs, sounding defeated. "I have Wednesday undies on."

Food for Thought

2008-08-11T08:40:00.000-04:00

Saturday morning, I stopped at the grocery store to get milk and garbage bags.

When I turned in to park, I noticed a bunch of moms and teens standing outside the two entrances. I quickly figured out where I could walk to try to avoid them. I really wasn't in the mood to be feel forced to buy popcorn or magazines to help support another marching band.

So I did my best to walk far away from the group of women. But sure enough, one trapped me. She quickly started talking, and I started trying to cut her off. But then a phrase caught my attention: "impoverished children in our county." They were volunteering for an organization that I have only heard of, and admired.
A few posts back, I casually mentioned that I'm blessed enough to never worry about not being able to feed my kids, and that we don't have to rely on free school food to fill their tummys. These women and teens outside the store were trying to make sure that hundreds of other children can eat, too. They help collect backpacks and food. Then, on Fridays, they fill backpacks with crackers, peanut butter, cans of soup and applesauce. And send them home with hundreds of children each weekend so that they can eat while they are away from school.

What an awesome thing to do.

I went in to the store, grabbed the two items I needed, and filled the cart with food for the backpacks. And for whatever reason, I was fighting back the tears as I shopped.

So many people in this area complain about what's called "busing." Our school system takes thousands of children from low income families, and buses them across town to schools in wealthier areas. Most parents in our area are not in favor of busing. They want their children's school to have lower "free and reduced lunch" ratios. I won't even get into why they think lower ratios have anything to do with their children, or why it matters.

But here's what hit me, as I pulled out of the store parking lot Saturday. If none of these children, who are so needy, were brought to our schools, then who would be there filling backpacks and making sure that they had enough to eat? Shouldn't we be greatful that we have the chance to serve and give back a tiny portion of what we have? Isn't that what God would want us to do?

The Climbing Tree

2008-08-03T16:47:00.000-04:00

When I look out my back windows, I see something that I appreciate very much. But before I say what it is, I will say that it's something that I wasn't always happy about.

3 years ago, Ryan and I were waiting anxiously for our new home to be built. After some trees in the backyard were bulldozed, we walked around back to get an idea of what our new yard would be like. We loved that we had some flat yard, and then woods. As we looked around, we saw something that upset us. A lot.

One of the trees right where the grass and woods met was leaning over. Not slightly, mind you, like the leaning tower of Pisa. Oh, no. This tree was at least at a 45 degree angle. The roots on one side were pulled out of the ground, and sticking up. The "top" of the tree was hanging way over into the back yard.

Our first thoughts were ones of slight anger. How dare the builder leave that almost dead tree hanging over into our yard? It's dangerous! Why does everyone else get perfect trees, and we are left with something that we'll probably have to pay hundreds and hundreds of dollars to have removed? The visions we'd had in our head of our perfect new backyard were getting very muddled. It seemed that everyone else had what we wanted. And we were left with the disfigured, problem tree.

It figures, we thought to ourselves.

After we moved in, we took a further look at that tree. It really wasn't dead at all. And not far from the base of the tree, there was another tree stump, perfectly positioned to give support to the big tree, and hold it up. The huge roots that stick out of the ground were alive and well. Ryan thought it was alive and sturdy enough to hold some weight.

So a few weeks later, on Christmas day, we hung a tire horse swing from it. And in the spring, we added a hammock. Because of it's angle, even little kids are able to climb it. Clara started gathering friends to follow her up the tree. Then the girls started sliding down it. It's become a neighborhood favorite. The girls call it their climbing tree.

Honestly, if that tree wasn't there, we wouldn't have a good place for their swing. And the kids wouldn't have a tree that was safe and easy to climb. Of all things, we ended up being........ THANKFUL......... for that tree!

What we thought was so terrible ended up being a blessing. Who would have thought? In the begining, it appeared to us that we were getting a bad deal. But it turns out that what we perceived as being unfair was actually to our benefit.

So when I look out my back windows, I see the climbing tree. And I'm reminded that what may appear to be a disappointment, may actually be a blessing in disguise.

I think life is full of these. If only we could take the time to look at problems with a different perspective, I think we'd be pleasantly surprised. There just may be a silver lining.

Blessings and Backpacks

2008-08-01T13:06:00.000-04:00

I did a super big "Oh, no!" yesterday, and I feel terrible about it.

Our church is sponsoring a Bookbag Buddies program. Last weekend, we picked up the name of a little girl who is 9 or 10 years old. Like any other child, she needs a backpack and school supplies when she starts school in a few weeks. But she's depending on the kindness of strangers to get them for her.
We were excited to pull her name, and the girls started talking about what they would pick out for her. I went to Target yesterday, and all the school supplies were out. So I thought I'd pick a few things out, and wait for Emma and Clara to get the rest. Only, when I went into my purse to get the list, it wasn't there.

OH. NO.

In between meltdowns, John had been messing with my purse. He must have pulled it out and dropped it somewhere. I couldn't find it. I reassured myself that maybe I'd been mistaken, and left it on the kitchen counter.
Today I searched everywhere possible, including the van. It's nowhere to be found. I wanted to cry.

We are supposed to turn the backpacks in this weekend. And some sweet girl won't be getting what she needs because of what happened. I'm hoping that somehow, somewhere, that list will turn up.

I can't even imagine what it would feel like to not be able to buy my kids the pencils and notebooks they need for school. Most of us, thankfully, will never know that feeling. Hopefully, none of us will never have nights where we pray that our kids can get through the night without dinner, just waiting for them to be able to fill their tummys with breakfast when they get to school the next morning.

When I shop with my kids for school supplies, their biggest worry will be whether to pick pencils with Hannah Montana or High School Musical. What an incredible problem to have.

I'm praying today that God gives me a way to get that little girl her needed supplies. And I'm saying an extra thank you for all of our blessings.