Soap Operas and Bon-Bons?

House Rulse

2010-10-12T11:20:00.000-05:00

"Rulse" to live by, folks!

date of origin: unknown
author: unknown (but I have my suspicions)

Fall Mantel Party

2010-09-29T07:15:00.000-05:00

If there is one thing this season of my life has taught me, it’s that it doesn’t have to be elaborate to be beautiful.

That is a slight personalization of

The Nester’s mantra.

How would that same thought apply to you?

Is it your mantel?

Or your table?

Or your front door?

Or something else altogether, like your heart?

This party is hosted by The Nester.

Join us, will you?

Orange you glad it’s fall?

2010-09-27T13:53:00.001-05:00

I am!

Fall is my favorite time of year. And it’s the only time of year that this house full of Aggies has a forbidden color in abundance. Which is mightily convenient for Debra’s next assignment:

orange.

close-up collages

2010-09-26T22:02:00.000-05:00

a little challenge from my friend debra: to take close-ups of my kids.

all pics are sooc*, and only a fraction of what i actually shot. it’s very hard for me to pick which pictures of my kids to use in frames and collages and Christmas cards. i never want to delete any of them…i want to use them all! but i also know that my audience probably prefers it this way. that’s okay. these are only pictures.

i have the real things in front of me every day.

what an amazing blessing.

times 4.

*sooc=straight out of camera
(i sound like i know what i’m doing if i use catch-phrases like that one) (right?)

Tot School: August-September 2010

2010-09-26T20:52:00.001-05:00

With all that I have to keep up with for school,
I thought I’d join the Tot School link up to help keep ~~myself accountable for~~ you all up-to-date with what the Littles have been doing.

TOT SCHOOL
with the 3 year old

Circle Time

We go through our prayer, pledges, and songs,

calendar math with patterning and counting

(including place value, graphing, weather, and money),

sequencing and reading.

(a side note: circle time is mostly for the benefit of my Kindergartener, but it’s a great way to sneak in some higher skills for the Littles, not to mention having them take an active part in our daily school routines, as well as a great review for my 2nd grader.)

Tray Time

We practiced drawing our Letter of the Week: the letter ‘A’… and then some.

We sorted pom-poms by color.

We transferred beans from one bowl to the next,

using spoons to scoop, and just pouring straight from the bowls.

Blanket Time

with her choice of books and a quiet activity.

Computer Time

with Starfall and her baby brother.

TOT SCHOOL
with the 22 month old

Circle Time

He had his turn leading our daily start-off.

Tray Time

(he prefers to work on the floor)

Working those fine motor muscles by putting Capri Sun straws into the top of a coffee creamer bottle

and a bonus activity when he dropped them on the floor and got to play 24-straw pick up.

He loves to put fuzzy pom-poms into this domed container. Ours originally held some fresh basil, but a top and cup from a shake would work, too.

Pouring beans using a measuring cup and bowls.

Blanket Time

Kid is ob.sessed with cars!

Game Time

She got Uno Moo! for her
birthday and it has fast become a family favorite.

This post is getting long, so check back for a specific post on this game later, and hopefully more Tot School, too!

Check out more ideas for schooling your tot here:

“Comic,s”—a guest post

2010-09-11T16:01:00.000-05:00

An Interview with the Cartoonist,

‘R2D2’ (his pen name):

What grade are you in? I’m in second grade.

What made you decide to draw this comic? Because I wanted to draw comics and this was just in my head. I just thought of it.

What is your favorite comic to read? Well, when I was reading comics on a newspaper, they weren’t really funny, but the best one was the one where there was a boy in a pool and he made whirlpool and he was imagining he was jumping into it. And he also imagined that he ended up out of a toilet.

How did you learn about comics? I learned about comics…um, well…either from a newspaper or on the computer. Or it could have been Doc Doc. Who is Doc Doc? My Grandpa.

What is your favorite food? Let’s see…hamburger, especially the one I had at Bo’s house. That was pretty good. Who’s Bo? My other Grandpa. What else? Well, I really like hot dogs. Another favorite is brownies.

What are your hobbies? I used to like to play the Wii. I like to play pawn wars. Is that like chess? Yeah, except it’s only pawns, and you don’t trap anything. And you have to get to the end of the board (one of the pawns). I kinda like swimming.

What is your favorite thing to do on a rainy day? Either I would stay inside and do anything, or play in the rain.

What is the last book you read? Well, I haven’t finished it. It’s a Happy Hollister book: The Happy Hollisters and the Swiss Echo Mystery.

What do you love about your family? Sometimes I get into “cutie baby” mode, which means that I like my little brother. I like that we get to share a room. I like when we all ride in our boat together, like at the bay. I like it when my mom says we can go outside. I like it when my mom lets us bake cookies.

Is there anything else you want to tell us about yourself? I have two great-grandmas and one great-grandpa.

Thanks for the interview, 'R2D2'! Can't wait to see your next piece!

more incredible insights from the Compassion Bloggers

2010-09-11T09:06:00.002-05:00

This post titled 'Joy' from my new friend, Amanda, inspired us to sponsor one of the children she listed. There are four more on her list, but hundreds more awaiting sponsorship. Who will you choose?

This post from Lindsey, written as a letter to her sponsored child, left me in tears. The last picture is what Jesus is all about.

Lisa-Jo's post had my fingers "itching to pick up a pen" with her reminder that "Our letters are more important than our money. Our words more valuable than our automatic withdrawals. And we can change the course of history by investing in the person instead of just the payment plan."

That reminder was followed by a prime example in Patricia's discovery of treasures.

And this post from Shaun is what every American minister needs to read. And to that I would add a phrase our own pastor reminds us of frequently, "Every member, a minister".

Now, go and minister, so our sister, Ann, is not "left alone" in Guatemala.

**more to come---in the meantime, you can follow the Compassion Bloggers team on Twitter

a list of must-reads

2010-09-10T09:26:00.000-05:00

run, don’t walk, to these links to read and be ye changed:

The One Question You’ve Got to Look in the Mirror & Really Ask

A Tale of Two Hurricanes

Lies We Tell

On Discovering a South African Song in Guatemala

Holding Joshua

Two Enemies of Children

and because one picture is worth a thousand of the above written words,

Here are a zillion more words unwritten

now, go here to change a child’s life.

and then be ye changed some more.

What's Quackin'?

2010-09-01T05:00:00.001-05:00

Quack.

Quack, quack.

QUAAAACK! quack, quack.

Quack.

Quack, quack, quack…

QUAAAAAACK!!!

And so it begins...

2010-08-29T22:31:00.000-05:00

School, that is.

Well, technically we started in July. I needed a few weeks of trial runs to get the kinks worked out in my one-room, home-schoolhouse so that ~~my family didn't have to get out the straight jacket~~ our schedule and routines could work in sync as much as possible.

And I'm so glad I did!

Not only was I able to find a balance so that I wasn't running back and forth between kids to help them, my children were able to adjust to the new routine, learn our procedures for workboxes and tot trays, and just get used to all 5 of us working in one room together.

And after we took a break to spend time with Daddy while he was off work, they had no trouble jumping right back in where they left off.

So, yes, school has begun! This is what I have been waiting, working, and praying for. This is what God has been pruning me for!

In my 6 years of teaching in public and private schools, I don't think I've ever been more excited for a first day of school.

Nor have my students!

And so, we begin!

always--sometimes--never

2010-08-27T15:39:00.000-05:00

thanks to debra for this idea (that she got from her friend)--i'll be making more of these lists in my head for weeks to come~

i always--
   drink my coffee before i make breakfast
   do my laundry in three big steps
          (wash/dry day, folding day, put away day)
   look forward to date night

i sometimes--
   don't make the bed
   ignore the crying
   sing in the shower
   eat ice cream and watch reruns of
          everybody loves raymond instead of folding laundry

i never--
   tire of hearing my kids laugh
   get enough sleep
   learn lessons the first time
   like to say good-bye to my man

wordless wednesday--childhood wonders

2010-08-25T06:07:00.002-05:00

don't mind me...

2010-08-23T13:53:00.001-05:00

i'm just updating my little list:
(updates in purple) ;D

me:
~~make~~ ~~and freeze~~ ~~granola bars~~
~~make and freeze waffles~~
~~freeze bacon~~
~~freeze berries~~
make and freeze soaked whole-wheat tortillas
~~make yogurt~~
~~season and freeze chicken~~
~~season and freeze ground meat~~
~~make and freeze meatballs~~
make and freeze lasagna
~~make and freeze chicken fajita burritos~~
~~write up a menu~~
~~make laundry soap~~
do the laundry
(yep; still need to get to that!)

kids:
~~make a mess~~
~~have fun~~
~~play outside~~
~~make up games~~
~~make up stories~~
~~watch movies~~
~~play in the water~~
~~clean up the mess~~
~~(and now they're laughing!!)~~

~~up at 6:30 a.m. for family devotions~~
~~do chores~~
~~eat breakfast~~
~~finish chores~~
~~lock us all out of the hallway bathroom~~
~~start school~~
(guess who's laughing NOW?!?)

a sampling of my clientele:

2010-08-22T07:11:00.009-05:00

(courtesy of our church photographer)

i should probably ask for a raise.

our 'weekend-before-we-resume-school' to-do-list:

2010-08-21T15:01:00.000-05:00

me:
~~make and~~ freeze granola bars
~~make and freeze waffles~~
~~freeze bacon~~
~~freeze berries~~
make and freeze soaked whole-wheat tortillas
make yogurt
~~season and~~ freeze chicken
season and freeze ground meat
make and freeze meatballs
make and freeze lasagna
~~make and freeze chicken fajita burritos~~
~~write up a menu~~
~~make laundry soap~~
do the laundry
(no one better be laughing!)

kids:
~~make a mess~~
~~have fun~~
~~play outside~~
~~make up games~~
~~make up stories~~
~~watch movies~~
~~play in the water~~
clean up the mess
(and now they're laughing!!)

Maybe we should take this show on the road...

2010-08-16T09:36:00.000-05:00

Be sure to watch it to the end for the Grande Finale.

Larry, Curly, and Moe--with a side of Shemp from Sugar Mommy on Vimeo.

zaza zoom

2010-08-13T13:16:00.000-05:00

my man, my beloved.

he loves me.

more than i deserve.

the day it rained and the kids got bored....

2010-08-12T06:00:00.007-05:00

momma put on the music and…

all began to dance,

and shake,

and kick,

and dip,

and swirl,

and make a wild ruckus on the living room floor.

and there was peace in our world.

Mommy Van Winkle

2010-08-11T23:00:00.000-05:00

Yowzah!

Seriously?

It's been since MARCH that I've posted? It honestly seems like last week that I ventured, solo, into the Rodeo Arena with all the kids (for which I feel I deserve a platinum medal, because, hellooooo!? I left with as many kids as I’d shown up with, and was only down one pacifier--which is a goal I’ve had for this year anyway and can now cross off my list! WOO-HOO!)

But, where has the time gone?

I somewhat feel like I’ve been asleep all this time. Only I couldn’t have been sleeping because I’m not feeling all that rested!

My calendar shows that life actually happened, but I hardly remember any of it-just a blur of activities and doctor's appointments, piano lessons and ballet recitals, baseball and gymnastics, BSF and enrichment classes, church stuff and family stuff, and, let’s see, what else??........oh yeah, HOME SCHOOLING!!!

To tell you the truth, I’ve just not been able to make the time to write on my blog, much less drum up the energy. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, life has gotten really good as of late.

You see, God has (finally) gotten my attention (again) (why do we never really LEARN?) and because I’m now paying more attention, I can better see His will for my life; at least for my life right now.

I’m not one to say that I’ve got His plan all figured out and my life mapped out for the rest of my days, but I CAN say that I’ve seen the direction in which He has intended for me to go, and, more than that, I see how He has equipped me to go there.

And, more so, I see how He is changing me.

It is a change of heart, of focus, and of mind.

Change is never easy. It’s hard work. And while we can sometimes see how, ideally, it is good for us, change is not always what we really want to deal with.

But the Lord has gently (and sometimes severely) convicted me greatly in many areas of my life, not the least of which is the legacy I’m leaving for my kids; in fact, I’d say that has become the catalyst for this change.

At one point in the middle of this past Spring, I came to find myself living two lives.

My first life was planned out on paper, with big goals and ideas, schedules, calendars, and to-do lists. I was in charge of this and that, a contributor to those and these, an overseer of much, a doer of more; and all in the name of education, church work, volunteerism, serving others, 'me time', and, quite sadly, Jesus.

The other one, the REAL life, was what my kids (and my Dear Husband) actually saw: a life of chaos, frantic rushing here and there, raising of voices, impatience, frustration, the calling of babysitters, my face time with the computer, my voice time on the phone, more babysitters, excuses, fatigue, temper tantrums, and very little fun.

Blessedly, God provided a wake-up call (well, it was actually a series of calls on which I kept hitting the snooze button. You name it, I heard it, but I pretended NOT to. I muffled it, pounded it to shreds, or shouted back at it to ‘hush already!’.), and I awoke to find myself in the middle of nowhere on this journey that I felt God had clearly laid out before us two years ago. And I had to really take a hard, honest look at whether or not I had truly committed myself to it.

And what I found was that I hadn't. I had just said, "Okay, I'll do this if You want me too.", without actually applying the best of my abilities.

Legacy.

That's the word that kept floating around me and finally hit me in the head.

Legacy.

What was I showing my kids about life?

Legacy.

What images of myself were I leaving for them to remember?

Legacy.

What attitude was I teaching them to have?

Legacy.

What am I leaving them that they will want pass on to their own children and grandchildren?

Legacy.

Yes. It was time for change. A change of my heart. A change of my focus.

One thing I love about God is the beautiful gift of confirmation that He often gives us as we charge ahead, with our tasks laid out before us, even as we are called "crazy", "ill-equipped", "misguided", "idealistic", or (my favorite) "unqualified".

Twice in these few short months of summer I've been given confirmation that dropping my "responsibilities" was absolutely the right thing to do (not that I don't have ANY responsibilities anymore...we are just more purposeful in choosing them and in attending to them).

The first was through my summer Bible study on the book of Ruth. Title of the study book? Ruth: Loss, Love and Legacy. Apropos, no?

The second was through this post written by a fellow homeschooling ~~soldier~~ mom. In it she shares a Bible verse that sums up exactly how I feel.

That's another thing I love about God. Everything I want to say, but can't quite express? He's already said it!

Such a large crowd of witnesses is all around us! So we must get rid of everything that slows us down, especially the sin that just won't let go. And we must be determined to run the race that is ahead of us. {Hebrews 12:1}

I think I'm going to download the audible version of that verse and add it to my Blackberry as my alarm clock wake-up ring.

Who wouldn't want to rise and shine with that as a wake-up call?

Van Winkle

I took all four of my kids to the rodeo by myself and I only lost one of them…

2010-03-13T10:01:00.004-06:00

but I found him about 30 seconds later. And since he was wearing a yellow shirt, that really shouldn’t have been hard.

Unfortunately, though, it was school-field-trip-day and there was a whole gaggle of kids wearing the same color of yellow shirts. So really, it felt like 30 minutes. Especially since I had rounded a corner and gone all the way down the aisle before I realized he wasn’t with us and was immediately struck with the image of his precious face plastered across the 5 o’clock news with shots of the cowboy search crews combing the rodeo grounds while his mother commenced with the wailing and gnashing of teeth at the horror of losing a child on her own watch.

The scream. It was rising up fast and strong into my throat.

Ever wondered how fast you could push a double-stroller carrying 45 pounds worth of toddlers, with an additional 5 year old in tow, who, if she didn’t keep up, would also be the subject of the 5:00 news?

Well, I found out.

The answer is REEEEEALLY fast!

By the time we made it back to our previous stopping point, where I knew he was last with us, I could see him, beyond the line of yellow shirts, running back and forth, looking for us through the openings of the mutton-bustin’ tent.

I began yelling his name (so loudly and urgently, in fact, that several people turned to see the crazy lady behind the mad and frantic booming voice), while simultaneously thinking, “Why is he looking in there? Does he really expect me to be riding sheep? Without him?”.

Finally. FINALLY. He heard my voice above the ~~annoying~~ mutton-bustin’ announcer and the ~~roar~~ happy chatter of the ~~devil incarnate~~ yellow-shirted school children. ~~who couldn’t wait until spring break next week to come see the rodeo? Really? Don’t they have a TEST to study for?~~ And as his eyes found me, we both breathed a sigh of desperate relief, and then he trotted over for his welcome-back hug.

It was a miracle!

A Rodeo Miracle!

And then we went on with the rest of our day, which, surprisingly enough, we managed to get through without any major meltdowns AND without the aide of a particular pacifier, that we discovered was lost upon our arrival to the big Rodeo Center. Thinking that it surely was covered in a variety of farm animal poo, with strands of hay and saw dust, I quickly scouted out all exit points, gift shops, and snack stands so as to find either a colorful and noisy object or a satisfying and edible particle to substitute if it became necessary (and I also began to mentally scout out the location of the back up pacifier at home, upon which we are surely forced to rely, now, or face a multitude of sleepless afternoons and nights). Thankfully, there was no need for any emergency food distractions or toy purchases, and fun was had by all throughout the day.

Except for about the above mentioned 30 seconds.

Ahem.

And now, a few shots of our day at the Always Grand, Always Fun, Always Educational and sometimes over-crowded with school children who really do have a big test coming up and who really should be at school studying for it, but I guess they’re entitled to some fun and educational off-campus experiences, too, Houuuuuston Livestock Shooooow aaaaand Rodeoooooooo!!

P.S.—If you stick through our boring pictures and my lame commentary, you’ll be rewarded with news of a second Rodeo Miracle. One that’s actually more miraculous (though not as heart-stopping) than the first!

Pony rides

(via the Blackberry…please forgive)

Milking Parlor

We learned where the milk we (sometimes) drink comes from…Elsie, the Borden Spokes-Cow of course!

And Beauregard, Elsie’s sweet little calf, reminded us how important it is for us to drink our milk.

And also that calves are cute.

But they still smell.

But we also learned that Borden has done some cool things with milk, like add our favorite flavors such as chocolate, strawberry, and even orange!

They had a special going on the Orange Milk…2 for $1 and free cookies. So we thought we’d give it a try. We (I) decided it tasted like an Orange Creamsicle. Yum!

But a better thing they have done recently is offer organic milk for those of us trying to avoid artificial hormones and drink milk from cows that eat real grass.

We like that, and our bodies will thank us many years from now for making that healthy choice.

(Well, for choosing it MOST of the time…let’s just keep it real here.)

Birthing Center

The mama cows were ready to pop, to say the least. All were due the day we were there, and one was over due.

They looked much like I felt during the last 2 months of each of my pregnancies.

I feel your pain, Bessie!

(Wow, look at that udder! That’s gotta hurt!)

Oh, to have been able to lay around and eat all during labor, like you, Meg. You don’t know how lucky you are!

Your previous calves have all grown up and left the farm, so alls you have to take care of is yourself.

Plus some humans to help. Yep. You’re a lucky gal, cow.

Hmmp. I’ll bet you’re back in your pre-first pregnancy jeans the next day, too, huh? Psshhh!

Moooooove on with your hay eatin’ self.

Well, helloooo, Dolly!

Could you please turn around, Dolly?

Who do you think I am, Dolly?

Your bovine midwife?

Introducing Coral Brady and her new bunch:

awwwwww!

Tilly and the Honkytonkers:

(somebody is soooooo creative **eye roll**)

Oh my goodness! They were just born early that morning, so you’re looking at ~~future bacon~~ baby piglets not even 12 hours old.

Here’s hoping they live a life worthy of Wilbur!

Just in case you were wondering:

Twin sheep, Patch and Penny (a boy and a girl), 10 pounds each,

which couldn’t have been an easy birth!

Little Tyler, born that morning, was up and running around already.

My kids had fun imagining a baby being born to us who is able to run around the first day.

I’m so glad I’m not a sheep! (for many, many reasons, not the least of which is a new baby running around while I’m still recovering from labor and delivery!)

Hatchery

This little chickie broke free from the chickie warmth huddle to check out my little chickie.

They couldn’t get enough of each other!

Tom.

Tom the Turkey.

'Nough said.

Bee Colony

This poor bee colony was kind of stuck over to one side, and wasn’t included in any particular section like the Hatchery, Birthing Center, or Milking Parlor, even though they lay eggs that hatch and they also produce the other half of the Glorious Heavenly Food.

(You know…milk and honey. As in the land of milk and honey?).

But who can blame the organizers? I mean, do bees really have friends outside the colony? They’re really kind of abrasive and are known to act rashly and out of fear and anger. Which is foolish, because then they just die, and how is THAT productive?

A lesson for us all.

The queen bee (marked with the white dot on her back) is the big one surrounded by her loyal servants. She does absolutely nothing but lay eggs all day. And all the other bees are busy bringing her food, cleaning her, painting her nails, giving her facials and massages, etc.

(I might have even seen some sort of tropical drink being brought to her on a silver platter).

Every woman deserves to be the queen bee. Especially if she’s expected to bear all the children in the family. (I’m just sayin’!)

You go, girl!

Rabbits

I had no idea there were so many different varieties of rabbits.

I mean, I should have known. I’ve been to the Rodeo before and seen them with my own two eyes. I even took biology! So, expert I should be, right?

Well.

Anyway.

Here are some of the most adorable creatures on the face of the earth, petting and observing a few others that are pretty cute, too.

In fact, they are close seconds (in my book).

Here are a couple of my favorites!

The English Lop

Look at those ears!!! Floppy-Loppy ears! Love them!!

Oh soooo cute and cuddly!

And accommodating…see?

He turned around for an over-the-shoulder-shot. He’s muggin’ for the camera!

Your basic English Lop bio:

The Flemish Giant

Aptly named, wouldn’t you agree? He’s a big ol’ boy!

Wow. I want one of my very own. And I will hug him, and squeeze him, and call him ‘George’.

~~George’s~~ The Flemish Giant bio:

Tractors

Things that go “vroom-vroom” are always a hit with our kids.

Especially if it has buttons.

And a big ol’ wheel to turn.

(Thank you, Rodeo organizers, for not offering real tractor rides. My faintly beating heart truly thanks you.)

After a busy morning, we took our party outside.

A Rodeo Picnic (with our Borden Orange Milk)

Rodeo Carnival Rides

The Human Airplane

(yes I am making these names up, but you get the idea)

The Dragon Coaster

(Why do the rides that kids are attracted to seem a little creepy to me?

Sure! I want to climb aboard a fire breathing dragon and go for a spin!)

Flying Pink Elephants

(Can I interest you in a scary dream?)

Aladdin’s Carpet Ride

(yet another sweat-inducing dream sequence)

And lastly….

The Piece de Resistahhhnz-uh!

The Looong Awaaaited-uh, Mmmuch Anticipaaated-uh, Sure-Fire-Crowd-Puuhleeeasin' Event….

thuuuu Houuuuston Liiiivestock Shoooow and Rooodeoooo’s very ooooown....

PIG RACES!!!!

(raaaahahhhhhhh!)

Aaaand they’re off!

Racing out of the start gate,

for one Olympic effort around the loop,

hoping to be…

the first little piggy to get the Oreo on the other side.

And while we beat OU and Texas Tech by a whole hog, once again the t-sips win and our beloved Aggies trailed by little piggy nose. It made us all a little bit sad.

Except that everyone was thrilled. THRILLED. that Uncle Seth and Aunt Lara’s team won. Again.

Traitors.

MAROON! We bleed maroon, kids!

And if you don’t, then your Daddy and I can’t make any promises about paying for your college.

We are not raising you up in the righteous path, only to have you wear the head of a dead cow on your shirts.

Remember that.

That, and the fact that I kept you ~~all~~ ~~completely~~ safe and secure at my side ~~at all times~~ while we were at the Rodeo.

~~And your pacifiers, too.~~

Which brings me to our Second Rodeo Miracle.

We had arrived at the Rodeo gates at 9am, whereupon the Rodeo Parking Pass Lady explained to me that we had to be gone by 3pm to make way for the Night-Time Rodeo Crowds (different tickets, apparently), and in my mind I said, “Won’t be a problem. I’ll be lucky to make it until noon.”

Well, lo and behold, we had a great day, full of education and fun, with no meltdowns or tantrums. And the next thing I knew, it was 2:30 and time to head out. With a final stop at the restrooms, first.

But then I realized just how far we had to walk from Rodeo Center, past Rodeo Stadium, and through the Night-Time Rodeo Carnival grounds to get to the Rodeo Parking Lot.

It was at this moment that I became the Exit Nazi, pushing the 100+ pounds of toddlers and stroller and gear at break-neck walking speed, yelling over my shoulder for the big kids to run to keep up and to stop looking at the sights and you dropped the map? Don’t worry about it, and I’ll tell you later what your bee bio cards say, and no you cannot trade your consolation prized-dragons from the ring toss—you get what you get and you don’t get upset--and LET’S GO, ALREADY! WHY??? SO WE DON’T HAVE OUR CAR TOWED AND ARE LEFT TO SEARCH FOR ANOTHER VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH 4 CAR SEATS OF THE RIGHT PROPORTIONS JUST TO TAKE US TO THE CAR IMPOUND, AND THEN GET STUCK IN TRAFFIC BECAUSE SURELY THAT LITTLE DETOUR WOULD EAT UP A GOOD TWO HOURS SO THAT WE LEAVE DOWTOWN AT RUSH HOUR!!!!!!

“I’ll explain what car towing is on the way home. Now, stop stopping! COME! ON!”

“But Mom!”

“Just go!”

“But Mom, I…”

“NO! No talking! I said ‘GO’!”

“BUTMOMIFOUNDTHEPACIFIER!!!!”

“What?” (stopping dead in my tracks)

“I found the pacifier! He must have dropped it here, on our way in this morning!”

I look around. We’re just outside the carnival grounds, a hundred yards from the Rodeo gates, right in front of Rodeo Stadium.

“He dropped it HERE??? Right by the entrance? On the unadulterated, un-pooed sidewalk? This WHOLE time, it was HERE??? All day?? And it’s STILL here???”

Alas.

A second, blessed Rodeo Miracle.

(that was promptly tossed in the Rodeo Trash Barrel).

Amen.

Dear Canada,

2010-03-12T07:35:00.004-06:00

Thank you for your bacon.

It saved the day in the House of Sugar.

P.S.—My eggs got cold while I focused on bringing you the latest information from our breakfast table.

I am nothing if not sacrificial for you, my friends.

You’re welcome.

So, I might have over shot it on the bacon this morning…

2010-03-12T07:25:00.003-06:00

Ya think?

stretched beyond

2010-02-23T06:40:00.006-06:00

Ever have one of those days?

You know...when you've pushed through, and pushed through, put out fires left and right, problem solved after problem solved, head down and barreling through it all just to get something accomplished.

And you've thought all day (or just all morning), I can do this. This is not a problem. I can do it! I AM ELASTI GIRL! IIIII CAAAAAAN SSSSSSTREEEEETTTTCCCCHHHHH!

And then one small thing--
a tiny mishap (like a dead car battery on a Sunday morning--OY!)
or a thoughtless word from someone else --
snaps your elasticity in your face.

And you are left in the state of an old, useless rubber band, and thinking to yourself, Why did I even try? I wouldn't have even wasted my time caring if I had known it would come to this!

I've had a few days like this recently. Adding up to several weeks, actually. I feel like I've been stretched beyond. Way beyond. For others' benefits. For the Greater Good.

And it's all snapped back into my face and I've been left with my extremities dangling like they've been shot up with Novocain, completely numb and lifeless. If only my head felt the same way, then I wouldn't have to feel it.

But I do feel it.

And it's up to me to make the choice to pull myself together and move on.

And that's hard when you're shot up with Novacainian emotions.

So I'm going the easy route. I'm making a list of gifts given to me for the sole purpose of drawing a smile to my face. (again).

Because I really need to smile.

Again.

1) sunshine on a cold day

2) four kids in a bathtub

3) Sonic, America's Drive-In's website and their Tater Taunt (don't ask--I don't have an answer for that)

4) the tooth-less grin of my 7 year old

5) a pre-bedtime hug fest between baby brother and his two big sisters

6) a text from my Man

7) mismatched hair bows

8) finding a $5 bill in my coat pocket

9) finding the last piece of gum in my purse

10) playing hooky from my to-do list

11) knowing I am loved no matter how life-less my heart feels

What gifts have you been given that make you smile?

Linking up with Emily at Chatting at the Sky.

The Lamp That Mommy Built—the DIY story of a blue-and-white lamp on the cheap

2010-02-15T21:00:00.003-06:00

This is the lamp that Mommy built.

*******************************************************

This is the page

From Shades of Light

That inspired the lamp that Mommy built.

*******************************************************

This is the vase,

That beat the price,

Of the lamp on the page

Of expensive lights

That inspired the lamp that Mommy built.

*******************************************************

This is the wood

(Without its coat

Of dark wood stain)

That sits afloat

The neck of the vase

That beat the price

Of the expensive piece

Of blue and white

That inspired the lamp that Mommy built.

*******************************************************

This is the hardware,

That came from Lowe’s,

That fit together

Just like so,

With the wood, that was stained,

On top of the vase,

That beat the price

Of the expensive piece

Of blue and white

That inspired the lamp that Mommy built.

*******************************************************

This is the shade

From the discount store

That balances perfectly (forevermore),

Atop the piece

Of blue and white

That inspired the lamp that Mommy built.

*******************************************************

This is the bit

That drilled the hole

For the cord of the light

Atop the vase

That beat the price

Of the expensive piece

Of blue and white

That inspired the lamp that Mommy built.

(That would have been

All tattered and torn

And left a girl all forlorn

If she had drilled it herself.)

*******************************************************

This is the felt

That was put into place

To raise up the base

So the cord could plug

And light the vase

That beat the price

Of the expensive piece

Of blue and white

That inspired the lamp that Mommy built.

*******************************************************

This is the Daddy, all shaven and shorn,

Who kisses the Mommy, no longer forlorn,

And who drilled the hole,

And threaded the cord,

And placed the felt,

And the wooden board,

And twisted the hardware,

And balanced the shade,

And tightened the finial,

So it wouldn’t fade,

Atop of the vase

That beat the price

Of the expensive piece

Of blue and white

That inspired the lamp that ~~Daddy~~ Mommy built.

Total Approximate Cost (because I bought all the stuff a long time ago and can’t remember exactly):

vase from Hobby Lobby: $15

lamp kit and parts from Lowe’s: $20??

lamp shade from Wally World: $10??

TOTAL=$45 (give or take)

**This post was inspired by The House That Jack Built, of which no one knows the author, but I wrote these words you see here, so they are mine and you can’t have them. Please write your own.**

And I'm also posting this at Kimba's DIY party:

and

and also

I hear ya, Muggsy!

2010-02-02T08:55:00.002-06:00

I have a new favorite mug.

Which is big, because I'm particular about my mugs.

They have to feel good in my hands. I like them to be substantial and solid...no rinky-dinky tea/coffee cups that you have to hold between your thumb and forefingers.

I must be able to wrap my fingers through the handle and around the mug, cradling its body in my palm, allowing the warmth of its contents to spread through out my chilled hand.

I only have two mugs that I gravitate too.

Well, not only that. I love them so much, I will dig them out of the not-yet-run dishwasher and wash them by hand just to sip my beloved java.

See what I mean?

Perfect bowledge. She conforms to my hand.
Yes, there is a crack in her. Not to worry. She's 5 years old, and has had that crack just about as long. She's been through the dishwasher and microwave countless times and has never leaked a drop of comfort.

And also too....

I have 3 more just in case.

And this one?

He's thick and strong. Always dependable.
Like my Sugar Daddy
And also like Bounty, but non-absorbant.

BUT!

I now have a THIRD choice!
Say 'hello' to my lit'le friend...

Not only does she fulfill all requirements for my blessed morning event, she makes me laugh while teaching others correct language usage.

A teaching coffee mug.

*sigh*

I love her.
And the blog from whence she came.

And that ~~crazy-haired, cat~~ lady who writes that blog makes me laugh, too.

random things that make me smile

2010-02-02T07:17:00.000-06:00

1. waking up next to my man

2. the automatic coffee pot that perculates whilst I still sleep

3. International Delight's many, many flavors

4. watching AFV as a family

5. listening to my children sing the word of the Lord on these cds

6. hot rollers

7. girls' night

8. June

9. June's mug

10. a certain nekkid 14 month old

11. pink pansies in my front-walk pots

12. Sugar Daddy's boat (that still needs a name...any suggestions?)

13. my camera

14. Christmas

15. the quiet of the morning with just me, my creamed-coffee in my mug, and His Word

16. listening to my 7 year old read to my 2 year old

17. listening to my 5 year old read to me

18. painting my girls' toe nails

19. snuggling with my boys

20. empty laundry baskets

This is not a meme, but I was inspired by BooMama's list. And then I linked up with Emily at Chatting at the Sky for her Tuesday Unwrapped. Please post your own, too, either in the comments or your own blog with a link for me to go read.

7:57 (or there abouts)

2010-02-01T07:59:00.000-06:00

So, June asked her readers to show her what we were doing at 7:57pm on January 27th. As per usual, I am behind schedule. {Hate me.}

Instead, I am showing you what we were doing at 7:28AM on January 31st. I tell you, I am nothing if not punctual!

She also asked us to keep it real; "Just get up and commence to photographin'", she said. So I did.

Your retinas will ~~kill~~ thank me.

Sugar Daddy started breakfast (oh, how I love that man!).

Next, I fueled up.

"Ah, my eyes! MY EYES!"

Shut. Up.

Then I set it down to "work" on the computer, got called away,

and came back later THAT AFTERNOON!

Really, no one should question why I am late to anything because

4 kids+lack of coffee(+or-a husband)=real life

Click here:

2010-01-17T14:08:00.006-06:00

HELP HAITI NOW!

Get your own banners and widgets here for your blog, Facebook, Twitter, etc and help even more!

Here's where your money will go (from an email that Compassion sent to me):

HOW DONATIONS WILL BE USED: All funds raised in response to the Haiti earthquake will be used immediately to provide for Compassion-assisted children and families affected by this crisis. Any funds raised in excess will be stewarded by Compassion for additional and future disaster relief efforts.You can provide immediate relief today.

• $35 helps provide a relief pack filled with enough food and water to sustain a family for one week.

• $70 gift helps care for their needs for two weeks.

• $105 helps provide relief packs filled with enough food and water to sustain two families for two weeks.

• $210 gift helps care for two families' needs.

• $525 helps provide relief packs filled with enough food and water to sustain 10 families for two weeks.

• $1,050 gift helps care for 10 families' needs.

• $1,500 helps rebuild a home.

• $2,100 helps supply 20 families with the basics for three weeks.

"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'--Matthew 25:40

more wet pants

2010-01-13T19:24:00.004-06:00

a few more I forgot yesterday (are any of you surprised about that?):

10) wabble (waffle)

11) Pan Cake (her friend, Anna Cate)

12) running down the hall after her big brother and sister, exclaiming, "No! I IN CHARGE!"

13) to her baby brother (who was crying for me and trying to climb on to the couch next to me, while I'm holding her, trying to console her while she sobbed), "No, you not crying, IIIIII crying! NO! YOU NOT CRYING, IIIIII CRYING!"

Lord, help us.

stuff that is so cute you will pee your pants*

2010-01-12T20:00:00.000-06:00

I know, I know, I KNOOOOOOW!

I am seriously, crazy over-due for updates here, but that term "seriously, crazy" is the exact definition of this season of life for me, so what do you expect? Just be glad you no longer have the word 'mammogram' blaring at you from my front page.

Oh. Sorry.

Where was I?

Yes, I will get back and update, but for now I just HAD to save this for posterity while I was thinking about it. Because I DO forget to do stuff, from time to time, you know. It's the one thing I do consistently.

Like that time, you know, uh....that time that I was supposed to, uh...you know, when I told you I would...uh...

Oh never mind!

Here!:
2 year old-isms (translations below...see if you can guess them)
1) "Rhinanofersrus"

2) "Hippopomus"

3) "Pa-pack"

4) "Meniece da-de-dah!"

5) "Merwy Chwrismus!"

6) "Ciminimum rows"

7) "Aunt Wawa "

8) “Heh! I wook weird, Momma. I a duck ‘kack, kack’!”

9) "Acricuf "

translations:
1) rhinoceros (okay I totally ~~did not just~~ had to look up the spelling for that---SHEESH!)

2) hippopotamus (SCORE! Yes, I'm a teacher. Why do you ask?)

3) backpack---or rather, Backpack

4) Feliz Navidad! (Bienvenidos a Houston, Texas!)

5) She still says this to me when I kiss her good-night. It is January 12th. I hope it never stops.

6) cinnamon rolls (to-die-for recipe here)

7) Aunt Lara (the sweet, ~~unsuspecting~~ newest member of our family)

8) In bathtub, dunking her head in the bubbles and water...the actual "Heh!" is what cracked me up the most. Oh, and what TWO year old knows the word "weird" and how to use it correctly? MINE! She's aaaallllll mine!

9) Africa--also said: "Daddy's in Acricuf, Mommy? He go on a hairpane? Are does cows in Acricuf, too? Ter maybe Acricuf cows?)

*my grandmother just rolled over in her grave with that classy title

Is it sad that my mammogram was the best part of my day?

2009-12-06T09:37:00.010-06:00

Sooooooo~~

I scheduled our sweet photographer to come out to the house yesterday, to take pics of the kids for our annual portraits, and perhaps for our 2009 Christmas card.

Bless her heart.

It was the morning after our Southern Blizzard. We had an overnight low of 25 degrees. That's cold for December down here, and so there was ice on the roads, frost on the cars, and fog when we breathed.

And she left her new baby girl at home (supervised, of course) to drive all the way through the ice to be here at 10a.m. for our photo shoot.

But none of that is really why I felt sorry for her.

I felt sorry for her because she walked in to what looked like was going to be an easy, relaxing job. The stockings were hung, Josh Groban was singing his Christmas cantata, coffee was brewing, not one toy lay on the floor, and all was quiet, as the baby was taking a nap and the other 3 were watching The Polar Express, waiting patiently in their fresh-pressed and coordinated outfits...quite lovely it all was.

And then...

AND THEN...

Well, did I ever show you what happened last year?

No?

Sorry. Let me get you up to speed:

Not sure why I thought this year would be better, or easier, or...successful!

I mean, what photo-op is complete without the red-faced toddler screaming at every suggestion made to accommodate her in between picking her nose, the baby crawling after you the minute you set him down, the 6 year old slumping his body and looking at the camera all bug-eyed, and the 5 year old squinting her eyes, scrunching her nose and gritting her teeth in an attempt at a 'cute' smile, while the photographer talks in funny baby voices, and you are jumping up and down behind her in an attempt to make the kids all look and smile in the same direction, thus burning more calories in a span of two hours than a week's worth of advance boot camp at your local YMCA?

None, I tell you. None!

So when ~~the war~~ it was all over, and the ~~embattled~~ photographer left saying she will try to find any shot that might be salvageable, and the ~~war-zone~~ house was cleaned up from the ~~bombing~~ chaos (including all my pillows off my made-up bed!--WHEN did they go in my room?!?!), and my sweet sister-in-law arrived to sit with the kids, I went to my appointment.

It took me the whole 3 miles/15 minute drive of drinking a bottle of water, listening to Christmas music, and deep breathing to not feel like I needed to curl up in a ball and suck my thumb.

And so, when I walked into the imaging center, it was SO quiet and peaceful, I felt relief. I know it sounds weird (and sad, really), but in a place that would drive most women to worry, fear, and anxiety, I found a much needed respite. From the receptionist who spoke so kindly and in such a sweet, quiet voice, to the technician attending to me who was just lovely and helpful and kind and respectful and who listened to what I said and answered my questions.

AND I got to dress and undress privately. Without anyone asking me, "What are those?" or saying, "I have to touch your belly", or grabbing a hold of my knees, throwing their head back and wailing at me to pick them up.

*sigh*

Alas, I did not want to leave.

I wanted to stay and have more mammograms.

There is something seriously wrong with my head, isn't there?

(an aside--I learned a few things about mammograms that I'll share later, but for now I will just say for the record--DO NOT LISTEN TO THE RECENT GOVERNMENT RECOMMENDATIONS. GET YOUR GIRLS CHECKED OUT!!! IT COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE!!!)

(and I will hopefully post an update on our Christmas/family portraits)

(here's to wishful thinking!)

Everything You Always Wanted To Know About How We Celebrate Christmas **

2009-12-03T19:06:00.010-06:00

**but didn't care enough to ask***

***and I swiped this from Missy's blog because she said I could****

****and I copied some of her answers, too, because I am also "Fat and Lazy"*****

*****and I'm hoping this puts me back on the blogging-bandwagon.

1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? Egg Nog*. And let's just say a prayer of thanks that it is not readily available year-round. That would be my thighs doing the thanking. *Why does the spell check say that's not right?

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? Santa is a fat lazy man. Unwrapped. (COPIED from Missy!)

3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? White. But fat lazy Santa is also seriously considering not putting up lights outside this year. (DITTO, Missy!)

4. Do you hang mistletoe? No. I guess we are Scrooges.

5. When do you put your decorations up? When Christmas is over, of course. I get them out a few weeks before.

6. What is your favorite holiday dish? Sweet potato casserole with mini-marshmallows on top.

7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child? I can't remember at the moment. But I have lots of favorites with my own children now.

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? I learned that Santa is fat and lazy circa 2003 (RIPPED right off Missy's page!)

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? Sometimes yes, sometimes no. My oldest son once found a gift in a stocking on December 5th, because SOME ELF couldn't wait until Christmas. That's a fun explanation.

10. How do you decorate your Christmas tree? I take an ornament, a put a little hook on it, I hang it on the tree. (TAKEN from (you guess it) Missy!)

11. Snow! Love it or Dread it? Love it. But we get ice here, which I dread. Until today! We had our own Southern Blizzard for about an hour. Not one flake stuck.
Yet.

12. Can you ice skate? Yes. But I haven't since I was 10. And I'm not gonna try now. Unless I have lots of egg nog to provide the padding.

13. Do you remember your favorite gift? No. (Have memory issues, much?)

14. What's the most important thing about the Holidays for you? Oh, I guess if I were really pressed, I would have to say THE BIRTH OF JESUS CHRIST(BEST ANSWER EVER! Thanks, Missy!)

15. What is your favorite holiday dessert? Divinity. It's...divine! Need I say more?

16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? Baking cookies with my kids.

17. What tops your tree? My husband.

18. Which do you prefer, giving or receiving? Giving. First, I love to shop! And, second, I love to listen throughout the year to what people want. Most of the time, they forget that they even said it, and they are so surprised at Christmas. I love the looks on their faces.

19. What is your favorite Christmas Song? A lot of them, but there are a few I could live without. (Again with the Scrooging.)

20. Candy Canes: Yuck or Yum? Bah, Humbug!

21. Favorite Christmas Show? The Polar Express is my new favorite, but I live for the claymation Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer every year. And also It's Christmas, Charlie Brown! And of course there's The Christmas Carol. A classic for Scrooges and Cratchets alike!

22. Saddest Christmas Song? Are there really sad Christmas songs? Christmas isn't supposed to be sad. All Christmas songs should be happy songs. Some, however, are quite annoying. (see #19)

Join us in the ~~Scrooging~~ Christmas spirit! Post on your own blog, or just leave answers in the comments here. (If there's anyone even here reading this, that is.)

(Probably not.)

(It's been too long since I last posted and I'm afraid that my one reader has given up.)

(*sigh*)

politically incorrect---my thoughts on the flu

2009-10-24T11:44:00.006-05:00

I have recently become a reader, and fan, of Jo-Lynne at Musings of a Housewife, and came upon this post she wrote about staying well during the flu season (based partly on this post where she polls her readers on their thoughts about the flu shot). I was going to comment there, but my comment got sooooo long I thought it best to just post it here, instead of taking up space on her blog page.

And so, you, lucky ~~people~~ person you!, get to read my thoughts on this issue.

You're welcome.

I had never really thought about getting the vaccine vs not getting it; I've always figured it was something that the elderly, very young, and chronically ill people needed, and I didn't feel it was right to take a vaccine that was more needed by others.

I never had a flu vaccine by my own, adult choice until I was pregnant with my 2nd child. I also had one with my 3rd, but not my 4th (by that point I was more keen to question what goes in my body). I've only had the flu twice in my life...once as a child and once as a teenager, and I wasn't officially diagnosed the second time--we just assumed, since I threw up once and just felt miserable the rest of the day.

Since having my 3rd child, I've become more aware of what is actually in vaccines, how much the government, well meaning doctors, and our society all just tell us what to do without really making an effort to educate us about ALL of the risks OR our other options. Or let us know that we actually have choices in these matters. We're just made to think that everything deemed "medical" is for our own good, so we do it.

(And for the naysayers of holistic health, home birth, and the like, I know this is an unpopular view, I know you think I'm a hippie, but I don't care. So if you have something to say to the contrary, you can go on with your blah-blah-blah about it...I don't care that you want to do what you've always done in the past without question...I'm always going to question validity! ALWAYS!!)

Please excuse that soap box.

I'm not against vaccines...I'm against anyone forcing me to get them, or making me feel guilty about not getting them when I don't feel comfortable putting certain things in my body or in those of my children.

Just because someone doesn't want a vaccine, doesn't mean they are throwing caution to the wind and are being irresponsible. I firmly believe you should weigh the risks and benefits of any course of action before making any decisions where your health and safety are concerned. If I choose to not take a vaccine or not to have them given to my children, it's not because of fear; it's because I've researched and read and made a thoughtful decision based on my findings.

We are hand-sanitizers and washers.
We cover our mouths with our arms, not hands, when we sneeze and cough.
We clean doorknobs, shopping cart handles, and table surfaces we touch.
We are careful to stay home when we're not feeling well, both in consideration of others' health and also our own (you can't make a full recovery if you are exposing your weakened immune system to more irritants; so, if one of us has a fever, we take more than the recommended 24 hours to get back into the public).
We are sporadic about vitamin supplements, but we eat well...lots of protein, vegetables, and fruit...to boost our immune systems naturally.

My kids were all born either just before "flu season" or right in the middle of it, so whether or not to get the flu vaccine is a question that I have to answer every year. I think I did cave in and have the kids get it once or twice, but we haven't gotten the flu either way. Or really anything else, for that matter.

**correction**I just remembered my second one got the flu just before she turned 2 months old. We came home from my grandmother's funeral in La and she woke up at midnight with 103 temp. I took her to the emergency room where they did a battery of rule-out tests (including a spinal tap--AWFUL to watch!), but couldn't find anything wrong. They kept her loaded up with antibiotics until the fever went down. She was released after 3 days, and then, after we got home, they figured out she had the flu. At which point, we did nothing because she was so young and had no more fever. And it wasn't a big deal. And it was even in rsv season.**

Now...I have been pondering the H1N1 vaccine, simply because my children have not been around that type of flu and most likely do not have any natural antibodies for it. I actually had the original swine flu vaccine when I was 2 or 3. I don't know if those antibodies have stayed with me or if they have been passed along to my kids at all, but I would be interested in finding out if that is possible.

I did finally decide that when the H1N1 injection became available, that we would go ahead and get it. This was based on the fact that it has been used in the past and therefore has been tested for reactions and complications, at least enough for my satisfaction.

I just wasn't too keen on putting a live virus in my kids' bodies with the nasal-spray vaccine. I figured if it wasn't safe for babies under two years old, pregnant women, and those with a history of respiratory illness, then it's probably best to avoid that one. Here, the risk out-weighed the benefit for me.

Until now, however.

My 11 month old, the one person in our house who isn't in a lot of contact with other children (like daycare or school) and the general public (like grocery stores) is the one who comes down with the flu. Go figure!

It is mild for him, probably because I took him in to the doctor on the second day of his fever--which is odd for me to do, especially since it only got up to 100.4. But he was more cranky than when he usually gets a fever, and he already has all of his front teeth, so I knew it wasn't teething pain. He nose had started running that morning and by noon he had a little cough. So I figured it was either an ear infection or a cold, both of which I wanted to get knocked out asap for his comfort and my own sanity.

After ruling out an ear infection and a throat infection, the doctor took a blood sample to test for a virus. After that came back positive, he did a nose swab to test for flu, which came back positive as well. However the line was VERY faint, and they could NOT tell which type of flu it is, thus indicating that it is a mild case.

I discussed the vaccine at that point with our doctor, and decided to go with his recommendation of the nasal spray vaccine for my 2 and 4 yr old. I figured since they had already been exposed to the live virus in our home, then they might as well have the live vaccine to head off an actual infection and to help keep it from spreading to others, since they attend preschool, gymnastics, and ballet. Here, the benefit out-weighed the risk.

My 6 year old still has to wait for the injection because they are reserving the live, nasal-spray one for those in the 24-59mo age range. I still don't really think my girls NEEDED to have it, but like I said, they had already been exposed, so we might as well take the immediate precaution.

As for the baby, he is in the injection-only group, which isn't available, so vaccinating wasn't even an option.

Interestingly, no matter which flu strand it is, the treatment is the same: tamiflu (as soon as possible is best), lots of rest and fluids.

That alone tells me that: a) the threat of the swine flu has been hyped up more than it should be--even the name "swine" flu sounds disgusting; for some people, you'd think that we're dealing with scarlet fever or the Ebola virus-- and b) the regular flu has been around so long that many people don't take it as seriously as they should. Therefore I do think it's good that awareness has been raised as to the dangers of the "regular" flu and hopefully people are taking more precautions, such as getting more vitamins, frequent hand washing, avoiding public places when they have symptoms, etc.

So, in summation (if you're still here reading this!):
1) Yes, people are dying of H1N1. Yes it is going around like it's going out of style. HOWEVER, the seasonal flu is just as harmful; so if you are going to worry yourself over H1N1, be sure to give the "regular" one equal attention.

2) Always, always, always weigh the risks and benefits of any medical course of action. Most doctors are good people who are serious about helping others; they are smart and educated; respect them, use their services. However, your doctor is NOT you. Do your own research, ask questions, find answers, and make an informed, educated decision.

3) Do what you can to not only avoid the flu and any other sickness going around (hand-washing/sanitizing--extra cleaning of doorknobs, shopping cart handles, and tables--staying away from others if you're mucous-y), but also to boost your immune system naturally (good nutrition--which is does NOT include highly-processed, sugary, or unnatural oil-fried foods--natural vitamins, etc.)

4) We have some sort of flu here. Don't come visit until next week.

after dressing, before cookies*

2009-10-19T19:36:00.002-05:00

4yr old: "Wow, that was fast! Did you go in double-motion?"

6yr old: "What's 'double-motion'?"

4yr old: "It's tha opposite to slow-motion."

6yr old: "Oh, I think I used regular motion."

4yr old: "Well, I used double-slow-motion!"

*previous link reference

overheard immediately after bath time tonight~

2009-10-19T19:24:00.006-05:00

4 year old to the 6 year old: "Tha MORE fast we get our jamas on, tha MORE fast we get to eat our cookies! So, get dressed NOW!"

So, what motivates you?

Potty Training 101--Lesson 1: The Push

2009-10-13T17:52:00.004-05:00

2 year old girl: "I haf poo-poo, Mommy."

Me: "Really? {checking diaper} No, no poo-poo in there. Do you need to poo-poo in the potty?"

2 year old: {giggling and nodding} "Yes, poo-poo in da poooottttyy!"

Me: "Okay, let's go!"

We march upstairs, pull out the potty that doubles as a step stool, open it up and the two year old acends the mini-throne while I perch on the big one {lid down!}

4 year old girl, upon entering bathroom: "Is she going to the potty?"

Me: "Yes, she is, but let's not distract her. Just sit here quietly with me."

2 year old: {smiling, but no progress}

Me: "Do you feel the poo-poo coming out?"

2 yeard old: "uh-huh"

Me: {checking} "Nope, not yet. Keep trying."

2 year old: {silence}

Me: "Sometimes you have to push...like this--{mimicking 'the push' with a scrunched up face and a little grunt}."

4 year old: "Yeah, you have to push. Push like when you push a baby out, right Mommy?"

Me: {stunned} "Yes........that's......right."

2 year old: "Okay, I push!"

********************************************************************
AAAAAAAAAAAnd there you have it, Ladies and Gentlemen!

File that one under 'Good to Know'.

redeemed

2009-08-28T08:37:00.012-05:00

A couple's shower for my brother and his bride-to-be.

I had planned it out so well.

I would greet my guests at the door, escort them through the living room to deposit their gifts for the bride and groom on the coffee table, and then out the back door onto the porch to pick up a plate of appetizers and a drink. We would stand around, visiting and laughing, in the backyard that overlooks the neighborhood lake, surrounded by the flickering flames of the tiki torches.

We would sit down to dine at round tables conducive to conversation, and enjoy a feast of the best dolmades, hummus, and spanikopita in town, while making new friends and hearing stories about our couple of honor.

All of my ducks were in a row: my RSVP list was checked and double checked, the food was ordered, the house sparkling clean, rented tables and chairs delivered and set up, decorations ready to be set out, the present wrapped, childcare arranged.

And then it rained.

And then it poured.

And then it stormed.

No rain, not even a drop, in our part of town since April. And it rained on my day.

My ONE day to plan an outdoor party.

MY. ONE. DAY.

It rained.

And I cried.

And it came down in sheets.

And I moaned.

And the back yard became little islands amid pools of water and mud and mire.

And I cried some more and ate some chocolate.

I was stopped dead in my fast-moving, check-everything-off-my-list pace. I had no idea what to do next.

I didn't have plans for a mess.

And then my parents arrived and took over. They rearranged, moved, changed, flexed, and bent my plans to save my party from destruction.

And I breathed a sigh of relief and thanks as I got myself back on track with the list checking, all the while chiding myself for panicking; for not seeing the solution as easily as they did.

And the night went on, not as I had planned. Actually, truth be known, it was better than I could have imagined. It was...

more personal,

more beautiful,

more intimate,

more meaningful.

And isn't that always the way it is with Him?

We go through life with plans and ideas of how it's all going to be, how it will all turn out.

We construct our plans and set goals to accomplish them.

We march down our check list of things to do and we rate ourselves by how much we have checked off that list.

And then, in the midst of our list checking, it rains and it pours and it storms.

And our list checking is halted, and we are forced to change, to move, to bend, to rearrange, to flex.

And we wonder how are we ever going to make something out of this mess; out of this mud pit created by a downpour of sorrow.

And then He's there, and He shows us in our blindness the way to bend, flex, and change.

He gives us the plans for our rearrangement and asks us to move. And He promises to walk with us along the way.

Sometimes we do so readily. Others, more stubbornly. Even more, not at all.

But if we do move according to His leading, if we draw closer to Him during our storm, at any point in that storm, we find that our life has become...

more beautiful,

more personal,

more intimate,

and more meaningful than we could ever have imagined.

And as I have reflected on that night over the last month, I have come to see the lesson He had me live through that storm and change of plans.

My plan...a good plan, but flawed and subject to destruction.

His plan...a good and perfect plan, though I must often come to it via the pit of mud and mire;

His plan...not easily seen or understood, but if I follow by faith, understanding comes.

His plan...not always in my timing, but always on time.

His plan...one that redeems my destruction.

He redeemed my soul from going down to the pit, and I will live to enjoy the light. Job 33:28

in short...

2009-08-12T07:45:00.005-05:00

planning a party for 2yr olds...

keeping up with summer reading...

my kitchen...

where my kitchen threw up...

and also here...

...obviously, no time to blog!

(Next week, the kitchen reveal...and a cleaner house!)

two is you

2009-08-04T08:14:00.037-05:00

Two

is what you are today.

In two, I could never have imagined

the beauty,

the joy,

the laughter,

the wonder,

the tears,

the attitude,

the smiles,

or the sweetness we have received.

It's hard for me to wrap my head around two.

But, two suits you.

And in two, we have found ourselves

blessed immensely

with yet another baby sister,

who quickly became a big sister.

Yes,

my beautiful,

sweet

baby

girl,

two

is so

you!

my yesterday in pictures

2009-08-03T04:00:00.001-05:00

So, June wanted to see what a typical Saturday is like for us and I agreed to play along with this little game she ripped off.

But then I forgot to take pictures on Saturday, although, I did make up for it on Sunday.

However, it was not a typical Sunday, so I'll probably fail this assignment. You know, if I were being graded.

But I'm not.

Which is good.

I'm totally hating the Blogger-picture-upload timing, so I put my pictures in a slideshow (which is worth extra credit).

This also allowed me to add some video (which was completely not asked for, but you're getting it...which is more bonus points, so I should come out smelling like a rose on this assignment, right?).

Please enjoy my atypical Sunday.

In pictures.

And video.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

my day in pictures...tomorrow

2009-08-02T22:50:00.004-05:00

so, yesterday, i was supposed to capture my day in pictures, as per june, but i forgot. i did it today instead, but i'm too tired to upload them (blogger is stupid slow) and tell you about them all tonight.

so i'll do it tomorrow.

and i'm too tired to care about proper capitalization, too (in case you were wondering).

I forgot about my day

2009-08-02T08:44:00.003-05:00

For those of you coming from June's place, yes, I forgot to take pictures of my day. I warned her, though.

I have four kids. I spend all of my mental capacities making sure I don't forget one of them.

The ironic thing is, 3 of my 4 are spending the weekend with Nana while I gave a party Friday night and went to a concert with a friend last night, so you'd think I'd have the fortitude and time to capture my day on "film".

Not so, my friends, not so.

I will try again today; in fact, I've already started (thanks for the tip of leaving the camera by the bed, June), so maybe by tonight you'll see what a typical day in our lives looked like.

Except that this day is not typical, since my kids aren't here, and when they come home later, I will probably forget.

Just warning you.

gone awry

2009-07-31T14:19:00.010-05:00

So, it's rained twice here at the house since April.

Twice.

And those two times have been in the last two weeks. A week apart from each other.

Now, the rest of Houston has gotten a bit more. I've prayed for rain over my brown grass and dying flowerbeds, all the while watching those dark clouds roll on by us and into town.

Not a drop here.

So, planning an outdoor party for my brother and his bride-to-be for tonight would be a safe bet, right?

Wrong.

Oh,

very

wrong.

Only one thing left to do.

Ahhhh. That's better!

DIY--hanging basket watering system

2009-07-29T21:57:00.011-05:00

Earlier this year, my sweet, handy Man rigged up a system to allow me to water our hanging baskets without taking risking my life by trying to climb 5 feet up a ladder while wielding a dirty, slippery water hose and aiming it at a target with a 9" diameter that is another 5 feet above my head.

What I'm sayin' is, those chickies are high and I can't water them without drenching myself in the process.

This DIY project was ALL him {seriously, I think he man-grunted from when I first mentioned it all the way through to the finish}...my only job was to pick out the cute baskets and pretty flowers.

Because that is how God intended it to be, praise Him!

I have no idea how he did it or what all the parts are called, but I'm gonna give it my best shot to explain this project. Remember, I'm not in charge of the mechanics around here...just the aesthetics.

Okay, here goes...

First, you have a double-faucet ma-do-hickey that allows you to water the yard AND the hanging baskets without schlepping the hose from one end of your kingdom to the other OR taking a spontaneous outdoor shower while trying to remove the sprinkler head.

The green hose goes out to the yard sprinkler, the smaller translucent hose goes to the baskets. Each hose has it's own 'on-off' thing-a-ma-bob so that you don't have to water both areas at once. You turn off the yard hose, turn on the basket hose, and then turn on the faucet, if you just want to water the baskets.

It's a long way from the faucet, on the side of the house, to the hanging baskets on the front porch {and did I mention that they are high?}, so he had to use several lengths of the mini-hose to run from the faucet, up the side of the porch and across the top. He connected them with that little connector thingy.

See how far it stretches? He used cup hooks to guide it across the wall and keep it from sagging.

Then he used this three-way connector do-a-ma-jibby {Be sure you use that term when you ask about it in your local home-improvement store. Bat your eyes when you say it. You'll get LOTS of help.}. This allows you to continue the flow of the water across to other hanging baskets while also watering the plant below.

Like so.

Here it is in action. See the water spilling out of the hose that is looped through the basket's chain to point directly at the top of the plant?

It's also streaming out of the bottom, which means it's time to stop taking pictures and turn the water off.

I apologize for the dreary looking pictures. I had to take them at night. I am not a professional photographer, much less a professional night-time photographer, so I was having light issues. And weird gecko issues. And also flying insect issues. I have spent this entire post typing while itching my arms, legs, and head because I SWEAR TO YOU THEY ARE CRAWLING ON ME!!!!

For more DIY ideas, head over to Kimba's place for the party. It's an indoor party so it should be bug-free.

Lucky you.

Unwrapping Summer part 2

2009-07-28T11:53:00.007-05:00

As I posted this the other day, I realized I had a true treasure that I needed to unwrap.

So, I am.

It was naptime. I was on my last thread of patience {another post, probably soon!}. I needed my own nap. My own quiet and rest.

And as I heard for the ump-teenth time through the monitor that my busy, head-strong toddler was NOT napping, my initial instinct was to march right up to her room, take the book out of her chubby little hands, and tuck her back into bed with a stern voice to "stay here and go to sleep".

But something stopped me.

Or rather, Someone.

Instead of racing up the stairs to put a stop to the "nonsense", I decided to cherish it. To enjoy this passing phase...one that I'll never get back. And I was rewarded with the sweetest sounds of my little girl singing, reading, counting, and just entertaining herself until sleep came to her.

And it did. I needn't have worried about that.

I would have missed the joy if I had.

The joy, and the reminder that our children are a heritage from the Lord; they are a reward from Him.

Indeed, we have been rewarded much.

So I chose to unwrap that naptime. And there, I found a gift.

One that I'll treasure forever.

What will you unwrap today? Find it and share it with me and others at Emily from Chatting at the Sky.

Continue in prayer over Stellan!

2009-07-27T17:47:00.003-05:00

They will be headed to Boston soon...

Here is a pic sent by his mama on twitpic as she is holding him.

Dear Jesus, come soon.

Urgent Prayers...

2009-07-27T08:05:00.004-05:00

Once again baby Stellan is not doing very well...the situation is grave, in fact.

Go here for the details and here for the most recent updates.

Please be on your knees in prayer that God will bring Stellan out of this awful condition, and that He will bring peace to his parents, Jennifer and Israel, and wisdom for the doctors. They are out of ideas.

what to do if you can't sleep

2009-07-26T06:00:00.004-05:00

1. Try singing to yourself. You can sing the words to Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, but any old tune will do. Don't worry about the ending; just fade out if you forget the words.

2. You could also read a book. Try to find one with pictures of animals and name their body parts, such as the mouth and head.

3. While reading that book look for things like flowers and ladybugs, and give them some directions, such as, "get in". Be polite when you finish reading by saying, "Bye, ladybug".

4. If you'd like, try counting to ten. It's okay to skip a couple of numbers while counting.

5. If all else fails, try taking the classic game of duck, duck, goose, and change it up a bit with "turtle, turtle, duck, turtle, turtle".

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Just a suggestion.

true story

2009-07-25T06:00:00.001-05:00

About 6-1/2 years ago, we had our first baby; a boy. We were so proud and so excited!

Unfortunately, after an extremely long labor, I ended up having a C-section, and so I not only had to recover from that long labor, I also had to recover from major abdominal surgery, which meant as little up-and-down movements as possible.

In order to aide me in my recovery, Sugar Daddy committed to getting up in the middle of the night to bring the hungry baby to me so I could nurse him. Then, SD would put him back to bed, staying up to rock him if necessary.

One night, some time after I had nursed my baby and had fallen back asleep, I awoke to hear him crying again. In my new-mommy, sleep-deprived fog, I wasn't sure what time it was or how much time had passed since I had last fed him, but I just assumed that it was time for him to nurse again, so I reached out to give Sugar Daddy, sound asleep next to me, a little nudge.

The next thing I know, he awakes with a jolt, jumps out of bed saying, "Oh my gosh!", and runs out of the room and down the hall towards the baby's room.

So I'm left there yelling after him, "What's wrong? What's. Wrong?!" and struggling to get out of bed with my stitched up uterus, while trying not to let the panic set in.

Is the house on fire?

Is the baby hurt?

What is happening?!?!

And then...

then my Sugar Daddy comes slowly shuffling back into the room, laughing.

LAUGH.ING!

Do you think I was confused? Maybe even still panicked?

Um. Yeah.

!

So I finally get the out words, "What happened? Is he okay?"

And between the chuckles, Sugar Daddy says to me...

"He's okay. He was in his bed."

"Well, of course he is! Then why all the panicking? Why did you run out of here like that?"

"Um. Well..."

"Yes?"

"I forgot where I put him."

And now, looking back, that story explains a lot about my marriage.

wiggle your wobbles away

2009-07-24T06:00:00.008-05:00

On Tuesday, I took all four kids to the library for Sugar Pie's first Toddler Story time with Mrs. V.

Yes, your read that correctly...ALL. FOUR. KIDS.

With just myself.

*Hence, the need for a miracle or two.

Or three.

Well, I asked and, lo and behold, I got'em. Thank you, Jesus!

Miracle #1--We got there in plenty of time to get a ticket and a good seat {there are three toddler story times, spots are first-come-first-served, and Mrs. V is quite popular, so you have to get there early if you want a spot}.

Miracle #2--We actually did it without a meltdown, though the baby had just about had enough until I gave him the camera to chew on.

Miracle #3--I had the presence of mind to capture some of the moment on film before I let the camera become a teething toy.

Feel free to "shake the sillies out" right along with us:

Make a Smilebox slideshow

{p.s. if you're at work when you view this, I double-dog dare you to do it loud and proud}

**updated to add...I meant to say that I had prayed for a miracle in between questioning my sanity, but I forgot to say that. I need some sleep!

today--11:00 p.m.

2009-07-23T23:08:00.002-05:00

made the chain--21 days left {give or take}

more rain again today {still in a drought, though}

stretched out that kink in my back at yoga therapy

now have a knot in my shoulders from the rest of the day

house was clean for about 10 minutes after gladys left

got attacked by the "i'm board" virus, so we:
read books
made dinosaur diaramas
watched 2 videos
and still had 4 hours left until bed time

burned the pizza

threw the kids at the sitter

went to love dare group

laughed a lot

missed my love

ate dessert

came home and ate more dessert

the end.

today--7:00 a.m.

2009-07-23T07:00:00.001-05:00

i've already: fed the baby, spent time with God, watered the plants, washed the dishes, washed some clothes

now:
toddler is whining for "cero and nuk"

six year old is fake sleeping in the recliner

four year old is mothering the stuffed toy frog

baby is asleep...again

other news:
we had another rainstorm last night--one of two since april

i'm totally failing the love dare

gladys comes today--hallelujah!

i'm going to yoga therapy again this morning--can't wait

we're going to make a chain to count the days until sd's return--hallelujah, can't wait!!

DIY Custom Curtain Rod & Panels

2009-07-22T21:00:00.002-05:00

See this?

It's nice enough for sure. And it's come a long way. See what it was before I got my hands on it? (behind the cutie in her first pig-tails)

I'm not complaining. I love my shutters and am thankful that we have them. But this wall of windows needed...something.

Something softening. Something warming. Something coloring....

It needed dressing!

Not just any dressing...stationary panels ('cause who'd want to cover the shutters?). And that called for one continuous rod.

Problem was, though, that because of the expanse of the windows---a whopping 18'!--I was going to have to have a rod custom made.

Have you ever priced those? Um, yeah. They START at $350! No! Way! That is more than I had budgeted for the entire project!

I was just going to have to get creative.

And sweet talk my Man into using his brawniness. {double eyebrow raise}

So, first I made him one of his favorite dishes...homemade jambalaya.

C'est Bon!

Then I flattered him a bit, and so he grinned and said, "I'll get my level."

Oh, Baby, you had me at "level"!

Then, when the pupils of my eyes returned to their normal state, I gathered the items I had picked up from the home-improvement store:

*three, 6-foot rods
*two matching finials (I like them to match, but you don't have to)
*four rod-support thingys
*clip-on rings for the curtains
*two double-end screws (not shown and I don't know the technical name, but they are screws or bolts with no screw heads---both ends have threads)

First he measured and hung the support thingys.

Then he measured again. You know--for good measure.

Then he sawed off one of the rods on both ends and drilled new holes, and inserted the double-ended bolts, like so:

Then he attached the other two rods to either end of the modified rod (he left the plastic wrap on to prevent scratches--now there's a man to keep!)

And then he slid the rings on the rod, set it into the supports, and made sure it was level.

Oh, the level.

While he was busy with the rod and his ~~toys~~ tools, I was busy with the fabric for my panels. I ordered it from Beautiful Fabric.com. It was a bit pricey for me, but I had looked high and low for the colors I needed (primaries) and pattern that I wanted (a horizontal stripe or check) and couldn't find anything that would look right until I found that store. So I bit the budget bullet and bought the bare minimum that I thought I needed, which wasn't much because I wanted them to be stationary, and to hang on either end of, and between, the windows.

I measured the distance in between the windows (6") and doubled* that for my fabric. I was dividing it into four equal panels, so I was able to use the full width of my fabric for all four. *In hindsight, I should have tripled or quadrupled that measurement for the fabric to make the panels fuller, but they're okay for now--until I can save up for a few more yards. :)

I rolled it out,

folded it in half twice,

and cut along the folds to get my four panels.

Then I clipped the top of each panel to the rings and hand-pressed the edges (one day I will go back and ~~hot glue~~ hem them...or not...I'm just doing it Nester-style for now).

And.....

VOILA!

A few panels of the right fabric, hung at the right height,
{by the right man}, really balanced out the room and warmed up the look.

Here's the before and after, again, for your side-by-side comparison:

before

after

Amazing what a little dress-up will do for your frame. Every ~~girl~~ window needs a personal tailor, right?

Grab a cup of joe and treat yourself to some other great DIY projects at Kimba's DIY Party and Transformations at The Shabby Chic Cottage.

Unwrapping Summer--part 1

2009-07-21T15:19:00.015-05:00

Summertime is...

watermelons,

slip-n-slides,

and soaking it all up!

Join me in the making of memories, with Emily at:

DIY--framed

2009-07-16T06:00:00.008-05:00

My idea for this week's DIY project party at Kimba's place was ripped straight from the walls of the Cinnamon Shore Southern Living Idea House that I told you about the other day. {As you scroll through the many pictures in that post, look for the shots of the stairway leading up to the 3rd floor and you'll see two black, open frames, each with a sea shell hanging by a ribbon, on the wall.}

I loved the way the open frames allowed for the wall color to mat the items being framed. I thought it really made the "art" pop. I also loved how simple it looked while making a striking statement.

It was a simple, striking statement, I guess.

I'm redundant, I suppose.

Since last week I wrote a story book with characters before you even got to the pictures of my DIY project, I will just get right down to it this week. I didn't take pictures of the individual materials or of me shopping for these things at Hobby Lobby {you're welcome}, so I'm just zooming in to show you the work.

First, you pick out a frame you like, an object to frame, and some ribbon on which to hang said object. In this case, I was a big fat copy cat and used a lion's paw shell like they did in the idea house {a starfish would work just as well--so would a silver baby cup--or a silver baby comb-n-brush set in two frames--CUTE!} .

Next, fold your ribbon to the length you want your shell to "sit" in the frame and hot glue it to the back of the shell. I glued mine at the top of the shell and at the fold of the ribbon. I also hot glued the ribbon to itself, behind the shell.

Then, hammer in a saw-tooth hanger at the top of the frame; I just went right through the ribbon so it would all stay together.

Since my frame was smaller than the idea house's, I didn't use much ribbon inside the frame. To add a little more of that pop of color, and to help balance the big-ish shell in my small-ish frame, I tied my ribbon in a knot and let the strands trendil down from the top of the frame. Here it is hanging on the wall...

and now zoomed out so you can see the whole space.

Easy peasy, lemon squeazy {or however that saying goes}.

And cheap. The frame was $15 {a ready-made, open-backed frame that was 50% off}, the shell was around $1.50, and the ribbon was $1-something a yard, which is all I used.

Total cost: less than $20 with tax.

If you were super frugal and super nimble and like to dumpster-dive, like Kimba, you could get a frame for a whole lot less...maybe even free.

So what are you going to frame?

Don't forget to check out the other DIY projects at Kimba's par-tay.

iHeartFaces--Sports in Action

2009-07-14T11:00:00.002-05:00

It's been a while since I participated in this, but I know I have a shot that fits the title, so I'm submitting it!

This was taken last fall during a practice of *Upwards soccer. He looked up right at me as he went around the end of the cone. What a great smile he gave!

*If you're looking for a great sports program for your kids, I highly recommend Upwards. They not only teach them the basics and give everyone fair playing time, they love on the kids, and teach them God's word and how valuable they are in the eyes of the Lord. We absolutely loved it!

Be sure to head on over to http://www.iheartfaces.com/ to check out all of the beautiful face entries this week!

House O' Ideas

2009-07-14T09:07:00.001-05:00

When we were vacationing with my folks in Port Aransas a few weeks ago, my mom and I headed over to the Cinnamon Shore Southern Living Idea House, which just happened to be about a mile down the road from where we were staying on Mustang Island.

Have you ever been to one of those?

No?

Am I the only dream home/idea house ~~stalker~~ geek out there?

Tell me 'no'.

Thank you.

For those of you who care enough to still be here, they really are just beautifully done, finished out from top to bottom with amazing ideas (thus, the name I suppose---I'm quick, aren't I?).

Believe it or not, {heh} I did come a way with quite a few ideas, including one that I've implemented in our home already and which I'll share with you in the next DIY party at Kimba's place this coming Thursday.

The house had been for sale, but, of course, was sold by the time we saw it. I tried to buy it out from under the "owner", but my $5 didn't persuade anyone.

Da-gum.

Oh, well. It's probably better that way. Did I really want a bunch of strangers covered in sand and beach sweat roaming through my dream house?

I think not.

Psh. Joke's on those buyers, huh?

Anyway, I must apologize...some of these pictures are quite blurry, and/or dark, and/or not straight. I was self-concious about snapping pictures inside so I was doing it as quickly and discreetly as possible. I don't know why. I had every right to be taking pictures, I guess.

I mean, it IS an idea house for goodness' sake! Are we supposed to remember all of those ideas without the help of our digital technology?

And now, if you're STILL here (thank you!), I'll take you on the virtual 5 cent tour!

(And, hey, if you see any pictures you like, feel free to copy and save them to your own 'idea file'. I mean, I took them and all, but they aren't of my things or my house, so it won't be like you're stealing or anything. Right?)

view from the South

view from the North

a garage, perhaps?

really more like golf-cart/kayak storage--galvenized buckets turned into sconces and...

two outdoor sinks---open that first door on your left and you'll find stairs leading up to...
the guest apartment, complete with in-room shower and sink
great pop of color with the red tile on the wall above the sink

back down stairs and looking back into the outdoor entry/porch area
that open door to the left is an...

outdoor shower (my husband is grunting a la Tim Taylor)
storage closet to the left has a side-rolling door

front entry/porch between garage and main house

with an outdoor grill (fireplace is opposite)
the bottom floor entry/mud-room area

laundry room...love those old Ball jars

(reminds me that I need to do something creative with my own)

two sets of washers and dryers--I love how they put the detergent in jars. This room had two solid walls of windows and so had great lighting
(but the configuration made it hard to take pictures)

1st floor master bedroom--I love the red in here juxtaposed with the gray colors!
(great word, huh?)

Look how they "framed" the art piece above the bed so that the wall paper shows through! LOVE IT!

Old barnwood frames make this photo collection it's own work of art.

master bath---I love me a good tub!

You can barely see it, but there are shells framing the mirror.

2nd bedroom's bath on 1st floor--I'm standing in the 2nd bedroom, but it wasn't decorated...it was being used as a vendor display area.

I loved the color of these cabinets; not your usual, boring, builder-grade wood or plain white.

And the line of color tile in the shower to match!

3rd downstairs bedroom--this was one of my favorites...
I just LOVE this color combination; so relaxing!

I love how they kept incorporating the old and traditional with the new and contemporary.

What a feast for the eyes!

These cabinets were painted green, but then antiqued with a glaze that was

brushed over and then wiped off.

stairwell between 1st and 2nd floors

2nd floor landing, looking into the kichen/dining/living area

the other side, looking out on the 2nd floor balcony
the kitchen--lots of ideas here; a very open space with lots of hidden appliances
and storage spaces

dining area, with built-in bench seating, immediately across from the kitchen in the previous picture--the table top is painted with chalkboard paint;
great place to write out the menu for your guests!

loved these old school-house lights

looking into the kitchen from one of the two seating areas in the living room

2nd floor master bedroom (Yes! There are 2 master bedrooms!)

cool sliding barn door to the bathroom---like the one outside for the storage room

another great tub

half-bath on 2nd floor---love this bowl-for-a-sink (that's the technical term)

going up to the 3rd floor loft area--again, as in the master bedroom, I loved that these open-backed frames allowed the wall color to come through and serve as a mat for the art. How simple and yet bold at the same time! Look at those sconces, too!

looking down from the third floor

3rd floor loft--great built-in beds!

and storage...down the "hall" is a bathroom and another bedroom

with another built-in bed that spanned the whole wall

the bathroom with that downstairs bedroom's color scheme repeated

looking back

the view of the gulf from the loft

looking down into the living area---the other seating area

Thanks for touring my the beautiful Cinnamon Shore Southern Living Idea House with me!

See anything you like? Any ideas you can implement in your current home? Any inspirations for your future dream home?

Sometimes, quiet can be really loud.

2009-07-14T06:00:00.000-05:00

My big kids went to spend the week with my parents. It's the first time they've ever left home with someone else to go far away.

It was hard not to feel the fear as they drove off, even though it was a bit unfounded. My mom is the safest driver I know.

But still.

And it's been hard to "turn off". I keep feeling like I'm not seeing someone that I should be seeing. Like those other eyes that I have are still supposed to be watching someone.

I've been looking forward to this week for a while, thinking of all the projects I can get accomplished, from start to finish, without interruption.

And I am being productive. Spending time alone with my two little ones, giving them my undivided attention. Spending time alone with my husband before he leaves. Cleaning out junk, clothes, toys.

And tomorrow, when m-i-l takes the toddler for the night, I'll be finishing the paint details in the girls' room. And then finally scrapbooking our Disney trip while watching the Lonesome Dove series that I've got saved on the DVR.

Yes, I've been looking forward to being alone at home.

But alone can be so....lonely.

Not Me! Monday

2009-07-13T10:15:00.007-05:00

I did NOT sleep to nearly 10am this morning and still feel tired when my sweet man finally woke me up. I did NOT think I could've slept all day, and then try to think of ways to "be sick" so that I could stay in bed all day and sleep.

I have NOT been completely worn out, hanging by my last thread of energy, for the last 2 weeks.

This is NOT due to Sugar Daddy's sudden change in schedule that had him working a "normal" schedule in the office and home every night like the real world.

And the he did NOT get a notice on a Friday that he had to leave the next day for Africa for a week.

While he was gone, I did NOT have to hire a sitter just so I could run my 53 errands that I couldn't get to during Sugar Daddy's "normal" work schedule.

He did NOT come home and say, "I've got to go back in one week to start our rotation."

I did NOT scream and cry like my two-year old because of the major unfairness of it all.

All I could think about was NOT how much stuff there is to do around here that I'll now have to do myself.

And I did NOT feel the guilt of the realization that we are completely blessed for him to have this job and it has given us precious time together already that a "normal" job doesn't.

Come to terms with your real self over at MckMama's blog.

DIY Plate-Scape/Living Room Wall Make-Over

2009-07-09T00:00:00.002-05:00

We've lived in our house for nearly 4 years and I've just now got my living room about where I want it.

Since we moved in, we've painted it from drab, celedon green to a bright, cheery yellow, bought a new couch (which, strangely, ended up the same color as the green walls!), new chairs, new rug and a new coffee table (which we've never had before), and we also added plantation shutters on the windows.

Here are some random before pictures with our old furniture, that is now upstairs in the game-room (note how old my two oldest were--13 mo and almost 3! WOW time flies! Also note the celedon green walls, no rug, and I obviously had no idea what to do with the piano).

By this time, we had at least gotten a rug. Thanks, Sister-in-law! You know, for getting married and not needing it in your newly-wed home. ;)

I rearranged the furniture a couple times and then painted the room yellow. Here are mid-way pictures. New paint, new couch, new rug (old dog ruined the other one; dog is gone, too.)...it's getting better!

Moved the piano, but still don't know what to do above it.
And, lastly, we had the fireplace re-faced and added built-ins. Here's a before (that was taken before we moved in...I was making a file of the houses we were looking at and I can't find another one).

Here it is now. So much cozier and a better use of space. And no more God-forsaken mirror-with-no-point above the mantle!! (and the piano is now anchored with that framed piece, from SD's grandmother, that I just love!)

So all that has been left to do, besides the window dressings (coming soon!), was pretty up the wall above the couch. I had had a mirror up there (which you might remember from this post), but when we switched the sideboard with the couch and two end-tables, it wasn't centered on the wall and it was too tall and narrow for the visual space of the wall.

(Does anyone else have a room where the centers don't line up? Our fireplace/built-in area is shoved all the way down the front wall to the left side, because of the stairwell on the right, but the windows on the back wall stretch all the way across. Makes it very difficult to figure out how to center your furniture! GRRRR!)

Anyway, the mirror was off-center and too narrow for the space, as I said before, so I took it down. And all that was left was a big ol' blank, yellow wall.

Too much yellow!!

I knew I needed something. Artwork? Pictures? Another mirror? Something funky?

And then I saw some pretty "plate-scapes" over at The Nester's, and I knew I needed my own. I had planned to go antiquing to fine some pretty white plates and platters, along with some blue and white transferware, to hang on the wall over the couch.

But that really wasn't realistic seeing as how I can barely get to the grocery store, let alone an antique shop.

And then I saw someone's (can't remember!) post about painting plates to match her decor. Find a cheap plate with pretty lines, add a coat of primer, 2 coats of paint and voila! Instant accent for your wall or shelf.

But that's not realistic either, since I'd have to shop for the plates and paint, and then actually paint them.

So, I got to thinking...our everyday dishes are all white (Mikasa, French Country). We never use them all at once. If we have company, we use disposables or the china.

Well, why not?

So then, I got out my white serving platters, added a few salad plates and dinner plates, and laid them out on the floor to play with the arrangement. Then I added some fun colorful bread and butter plates (those I'll miss--I used them a lot--I'll get over it!) to give my "plate-scape" a little color, bought some plate hangers and commenced to hangin'.

Funny thing, though...I laid them all out on my floor, took pictures, moved them around, took more pictures, decided on an arrangement, and then ,when I started hanging, they ended up in yet another arrangement altogether.

But I think it turned out great anyway. In fact, after I had the whole thing up on the wall, I felt it needed more, so I added 2 soup bowls, which indeed balanced it out better.

And here's the final look.

(Here's another shot of the whole living room...you can see to the left where the sideboard finally ended up, and the piano is to the right of the fireplace)

What do you think?

I love it!

In fact, this whole plate-scape project turned out so much better than I had even imagined it in my head. I love how the red, green, and blue colors of my b&b plates really pop on that yellow wall, while at the same time picking up the colors in the throw pillows. Not planned at all. In fact I was totally set on the blue & white look and felt like I was settling by using the ones I had.

I'm glad I did though. I can't stop looking at it (that will wear off soon, though, seeing as I have children I'm supposed to be watching).

Just goes to show that if you purchase what you like (style/color-wise), then throwing your seemingly random things together (i.e.plates meant for food in the kitchen are now hanging on a living room wall like art) will work well in most cases. AND it saves you money, too!

Thanks for wading through this incredibly long and rambling post to finally see my DIY project!

And "thanks" to Kimba for hosting this DIY party. Be sure to head to her place and check out everyone else's DIY projects this week. I've got a couple more projects up my sleeves so I'm looking forward to working on them and sharing them with you.

4th of July morning activities

2009-07-04T13:02:00.010-05:00

ready for the bike parade

let the fishing begin!

our first catch of the day--right off the bat!

this guy was about 11"

a few others

popsicles helped cool us off

yum!

this catch was just in time--about 5 min before they closed the contest

12-1/2" long--the prize winner!

2nd place

The other kid got 1st (with an 18"er--WOW!) and 3rd...which I think is weird. There were more than just two participants in this age group; someone else who could have received 3rd place, but whatever. They didn't ask me and I was not in charge. Thankfully!)

Happy Independence Day!

Port A.

2009-07-03T21:06:00.000-05:00

What size?

2009-07-03T09:30:00.002-05:00

Ever have one of those days that you feel like a shoe?

I feel like a shoe today.

A really big one.

Busted

2009-07-02T07:00:00.001-05:00

So Sugar Muffin started crawling yesterday. He's still a little bit wobbly, but he's making good tracks. Unfortunately he made some tracks over to the wood floor and then promptly knocked himself silly on it.

Poor guy.

He cried like he was scared for about 30 seconds, then he cried like he was mad for about 5 minutes.

Then he laughed and he looked like a hockey player.

With a bat in the cave.

And some dried chicken and veggies on his nose. (He's saving that for later.)

I would have totally freaked out, except now it's all becoming old hat for me.

Rewind about a month, and we have Sugar Pie's run-in with the corner of the kiddie table. That one was scary...the gash inside her mouth was a big one. Blood everywhere. Serious bleeding; momma's about to pass out, kind of bleeding.

Half a roll of paper towels later, and it's still flowing like a faucet. I run outside to get a few neighborhood mom opinions, because I can tell I'm about to lose it emotionally and stomachly.

And then, to make it more fun, the outside starts bleeding just below her lip. So then I'm perplexed...Is it cut all the way through or just cut on both sides? Do I call the doctor? Do I take to the ER? Why does everything look blurry? Do you see those spots or is it just me?

"I hurd, Mommy!"

"Oh. A tosisule? Otay."

And then there was the time when a certain he-who-shall-not-be-named was enforcing bedtime while positioned on the recliner during 24 and, guess what? Bedtime got outta hand and Sugar Plum's tooth got out of her mouth. Just half of it actually.

Now there's a fun phone call to mom while she's on a scrapbook retreat 2 hours away. And just one hour after she arrived.

OH! and THEN!

Go back 3 years and you will find Sugar Bear's unfortunate run in with the cross bar on the back of the stroller as we were out delivering Easter treats to the neighbors.

Yup, that makes us 4 for 4!

What. IS. it with my kids and falling on their faces?

to lose is gain

2009-07-01T13:07:00.023-05:00

Last week, you only had two teeth.

You cried a lot,

And you woke up early and often.

I wondered how much sleep I could afford to lose.

Last week, you screamed.
Non-stop screaming, unless you were chewing on something.
And you screamed until my eardrums rang.

I wondered how much hearing I was losing with each tympanic vibration.

Last week, you were just rocking on your hands and knees,

Then, jumping from your knees to your toes, and doing one-handed push-ups.

And then, pushing up to sit, all by yourself.

I wondered exactly when I would lose my freedom.

And then there was today...

Last week I could only see what I was losing.

But, today...

Today, I can only see the smiles.

Smiles full of teeth.

And, with each of thses milestones, I have gained much.

Happy Birthday to my Beloved!

2009-06-29T21:46:00.006-05:00

Wish you were here to be smothered in our kisses and hugs.

We miss you.

{and your Sugar Babies}

Not Me! Monday

2009-06-29T15:10:00.004-05:00

Be sure to go to confession at MckMama's. Or not. You know; if you have nothing to confess. Like me.

I am an adult, capable of holding adult conversations, wherein I use appropriate vernacular in my discussions. I am able to adequately adjust my vocabulary depending upon my audience, be it adults or children.

Therefore, the other night while sitting on the couch with my Sugar Daddy while we watched some mindless, late-night TV, I most certainly did NOT look at him and say, "Are you ready to go nite-nite?"

To do so would be silly and not at all romantic for my man.

It would also be silly, nay, juvenile, if, while standing in a group of adults at church, discussing interesting and thought-provoking topics, for me to suddenly announce to said group of adults that, "I need to go potty". That would just be ridiculous.

I'm so glad it was NOT me that did that!

Because that would be just embarrassing.