My Answered Prayer

Merry Christmas

2010-11-23T18:35:00.001-06:00

Merry Christmas!

Joy Love Story Holiday

Christmas cards and holiday thank you cards by Shutterfly.

View the entire collection of cards.

Before and After

2009-09-25T16:13:00.003-05:00

This is my husband before....

This is my husband after....

That is 35-40lbs lighter. I'm so proud of him...He worked all summer long and is keeping it up!!!

And you know what...he did it for us...so we can have him around here a little while longer...E, I love you to heaven and back!!!!!

Confirmation...It's a God Thing!

2009-09-08T21:47:00.002-05:00

I've really been struggling with whether or not to send A to her pre K class. It's a great program but we've had a really good thing going with our schedule....Get up do school, work around house, run errands, pick up L. Now it's Get up, do school, work around house, take A to school, come home, go pick up L and pick up A. I know it doesn't seem much different but it's 30 mins of just taking her to school and coming home.

It's a wonderful program and only $125 a semester, yes you heard that right! She was in the same program last year and her literacy teacher had to find extra stuff for her to do b/c she was ADVANCED(at 3 in the 4 yr old program)....as they would tell me. (Not trying to brag...just a proud mamma).

So we've been doing Abeka Math, reading, writing and phonics (K5) and she loves it and is doing stuff my 1st grader is doing. I was really concerned that she would just be bored with school. I talked to her main teacher but didn't know how seriously she took me but today, as I was grumbling working on my 1st graders Campaign Posters...that's a whole another post in itself!, I met his literacy teacher....She's adorable! and She was Homeschooled and she used Abeka! So she knows the literature and knows how advanced it came be over public schools. She even wants to see what she has been working on!

I'm so excited and the more I think about it....IT'S A TOTAL GOD THING!

She's Loving It/I'm Loving It

2009-09-05T21:24:00.004-05:00

So are schedule is working out pretty well right not...

Boys off to work and school by 7:30

School with girl starts around 7:45...we are fully dressed and ready for our day.

We do bible time (A devotional out of God's Little Princess Devotional Bible) and pray, we then do writing and phonics and then her favorite MATH! She is my girl and her daddy's girl...we are just a MATH nerd family. I even take her math worksheets with me when we are running errands to keep her occupied.

She is flying...we are through the Christmas lessons in Math...I've bid on the Math Curriculum for 1st grade...yes I said 1st grade for my 4 yr old...and I'm going to order her workbook next week.

She's doing ok in phonics and she was doing great in writing up until she got to the "M's". She just can't master it.

I'm loving it...she's loving it....I can so see how homeschooling can benefit students...especially those who are excelling...My 1st grader is BORED!

He is doing review stuff right now and it's stuff sweet girl is working on. I feel like he is being held back from doing what he is capable of doing b/c of "No Child Left Behind". He hates doing homework b/c it's just review stuff from K. It's just time consuming and causing a lot of fights.

I'd love to bring him home but just don't think that he would like that b/c he's my social butterfly....even though we could experience a lot of adventures and excel him further.

What to do...pray, pray and pray some more...that's what I'll be doing?

Fever

2009-08-17T20:50:00.003-05:00

I have to admit I have the fever...the homeschool fever....I know it's just because my besties are doing it but it's ok for me to get into what they are into even if it's not all the way...right?

I have my concerns about our school district. My concerns, I believe, are valid but they don't start for at least another 2-3 years. So far my son has had a great experience...he's in 1st grade! I will say that his self esteem is usually the highest when he's with the kiddos of the besties mentioned above.

So you ask...half way...how do you homeschool half way? I have bought the reading and math K curricum from A Beka. I'm going to teach my 4 yr old to read and add. We are also going to have structure, bible time (that's been lacking---my fault---and not a good think to be lacking), story time, homemaking time, etc. So we aren't going in full fledge but I'm going to do enough to know whether I could do it full time-if the need arises.

I have been thinking alot about the pro's lately and they are beginning to out way the negative but I can't say it will ever happen...so I'm just going to live vicariously through my besties!

Misunderstood Words

2009-08-15T22:13:00.002-05:00

So I talked to the Mom of the friend from the previous post. I wasn't going to but something came up in a conversation and I felt like I needed to tell her. It really bothered her. We talked...she got off the phone...had a talk with her son...and called me back.

He had gone to all the lifeguards asking WHY? Why can't L do this? Why can't L do that? He's 7!!!!!!!!!! He's strong and not afraid! WHY?? This friend just wanted L to be able to do the same things he was doing. So he was just voicing his frustration to me but I didn't understand by what he said.

Both me and his mom felt so much better!

My son is the oldest of most of friends but the shortest....I sure hope he doesn't get my genes!

Why is parenting so hard?

2009-08-12T18:53:00.002-05:00

My boy had a hard day! It's sad for me when he has such a hard day. We went to the waterpark with some of his close friends from school. Sweet Boy doesn't swim well but loves the deeper end...he also wants to slide so bad. I made him wear a life jacket if he went to the deeper area...not good for a 7 yr old ego. He also is only 47 7/8 inches and you have to be 48 inches....all his friends are much taller.

He came over to me and said ____ pushed my head under water. I went and talked to the boy b/c he could have really hurt my sweet boy. I told him not to do that anymore b/c L isn't as good of a swimmer as the rest of them. I was nice...this is one of the boys that I feel like I can say things to if need be...he proceeded to tell me that Logan can't do anything and he's 7. Momma just walked off b/c it broke her heart.

Hopefully his heart won't break like mine did!

Doctors Should Make a Lot of Money - Huckabee - FOXNews.com

2009-08-08T22:39:00.002-05:00

For those that know me, you know I can't put things in words very well. This is very well said...Thanks Governor Huckabee!

Doctors Should Make a Lot of Money - Huckabee - FOXNews.com

Posted using ShareThis

Summer is Almost Over

2009-08-07T21:49:00.003-05:00

This has been one awesome summer!

We've been to Nashville with friends, Disney with the family and Mexico just the 2 of us. I've spent many a day working out,laughing and gabbing at the gym with my Besties. We've had fun at the Waterpark and just hanging around. Now we officially have 1 1/2 weeks until school starts.

We've bought school supplies and get our teacher letter in the mail tomorrow so it's upon us. I'm ready...L is not ready....A is ready but she's also just in Preschool.

I've got plans to be disciplined this year with my time...I have a goal to have Addison reading my the end of the year(she so wants to be able to read)...I've also committed to being PTC Vice President...and continue working out with my Besties!

And MOST importantly....More Time for me in the Word with My God...More time in the Word with my kids...More quality time for me and my Man!!!!

Those are my goals for the new school year...we'll see how they go!

Hope you all had a great summer and have a great school year

Happy Birthday Sweet Boy!

2009-07-13T17:40:00.002-05:00

Yesterday was L's birthday! He turned 7!!! I can't believe he is 7...that means in 3 years he'll be 10 and in 9 yrs he'll be driving...in 12 years he'll be getting ready to go to college....ugh...a mommy doesn't need to think that much just enjoy the time we have.

So we've been waiting on the UPS guys all day for this...

and this...

Sweet Boy is now Happy Boy!

No Camera=No Pictures

2009-07-11T19:21:00.003-05:00

There are been some precious moments that I would have like to caught on the camera but each time I think about it I think about our dead camera. It died the first day at Magic Kingdom...yes we were at Disney and it died...luckily my parents were with us and Eric took my mom's camera hostage.

Well I have really wanted this camera....

But instead got this camera....

What's the difference you ask....about $500 and a lot of features I wouldn't know how to use. My husband convinced me that we don't need the ole fancy smancy camera b/c how often would we use all those good features that we have no idea how to use. This camera has great reviews and can't wait to get it and learn all the manual settings too. That may be a good thing to do while laying on the beach on the Riviera Maya.

Thanks, Amber for rescuing me today. She took pics of my sweet boys 7th birthday party.

P.S. I know I've only done 3 days of disney but I'll get back to it...It wears me out just thinking about it.

How You Live

2009-07-06T11:00:00.000-05:00

I love Point of Grace! I first got to know their music when I was in college. I actually saw them in concert when they were Say So when I was in HS. The first concert of theirs that I went to was at OBU (where they went to college). Our small town was hit by a F4 tornado in 1997 and they came and did a benefit concert. I've been to at least 2 more of their concerts and they continue to impress me.

This song really hit me hard when it came out. I don't do a good enough job living my life to it's fullest and to me that is what this song is telling you to do. I want to live my life to glorify God, to honor my family and to be a good friend.

Click HERE to see a video of this song from the 2008 Dove Awards. Below are the words....Just reading them makes me want to do more in this life.

Wake up to the sunlight
With your windows open
Don't hold in your anger or leave things unspoken
Wear your red dress
Use your good dishes
Make a big mess and make lots of wishes
Have what you want
But want what you have
And don't spend your life lookin' back

Chorus:
Turn up the music
Turn it up loud
Take a few chances
Let it all out
You won't regret it
Lookin' back from where you have been
Cuz it's not who you knew
And it's not what you did
It's how you live

Verse 2:
So go to the ballgames
And go to the ballet
And go see your folks more than just on the holidays
Kiss all your children
Dance with your wife
Tell your husband you love him every night
Don't run from the truth
'Cause you can't get away
Just face it and you'll be okay

Chorus:
Turn up the music
Turn it up loud
Take a few chances
Let it all out
You won't regret it
Lookin' back from where you have been
'Cause it's not who you knew
And it's not what you did
It's how you live

Bridge:
Oh wherever you are and wherever you've been
Now is the time to begin

Verse 3:
So give to the needy
And pray for the grieving
E'en when you don't think that you can
'Cause all that you do is bound to come back to you
So think of your fellow man
Make peace with God and make peace with yourself
'Cause in the end there's nobody else

Chorus
Turn up the music
Turn it up loud
Take a few chances
Let it all out
'Cause you won't regret it
Lookin' back from where you have been
'Cause it's not who you knew
And it's not what you did
It's how you live

'Cause it's not who you knew
And it's not what you did
It's how you live

Day 3-Epcot

2009-07-05T19:39:00.010-05:00

I'm not real good at putting things in order but here are the pics anyway.

Logan, Gran and Pops

Logan and Addison in Bruce's Mouth (from Nemo)

Daddy, Mommy and Addison riding Nemo

Pops, Gran and Logan riding Nemo

Honey, I Shrunk the Audience...Addison covered her ears the whole time again

We just happened to look up when we were leaving to go back to the Condo
and look who we saw!
Daisy and Addison

Logan and Stitch

Test Track...Logan and Daddy's favorite

Addison's favorite part...
Minnie giving Addison a kiss

Pluto and Addison

Mickey and Addison

Goofy and Addison

And the fireworks to end the day!

The hats that we bought Addison and Logan

Addison and Daddy

Logan and Addison

Logan and his hat

Day 2- Animal Kingdom

2009-07-05T09:15:00.000-05:00

It has taken me a week to do this so I'm just posting picks in no particular order.

This was the coolest playground located in Animal Kingdom in the Dinosaur area. There was also a dig site but we were hot and sweaty and just didn't think that was a good combo for sand. Addison and I hung out here for a while waiting on the others to finish a ride. My kids loved the playgrounds just as much as the other stuff. They are so funny!

This was Expedition Everest. My dad, Logan and I rode this and had a blast.
We couldn't get E or my mom on it.

Eric was the official photographer...He stole mom's camera when ours died.

Daddy and sweet cuddly girl!

This is when we knew it was time to head home.

My mom and dad!

Mommy and Logan at Rainforest Cafe!

Addison did not enjoy the noise...you'll see her covering her ears a lot.

Here we are about to ride Expedition Everest again!

It's a Bug's Life was a cute 3-D movie...Logan with his $17 fan (it was worth it)

Logan and Mommy

Logan and Mommy on the Safari

The Safari was incredible!

The crew at Rainforest Cafe!

Animal Kingdom was by far my favorite park!!!!!

Finished Project

2009-07-04T21:00:00.005-05:00

Click on picture to see full view!

Here is the finished project of our trip to Hot Springs.

It took us a couple of hours Wednesday night to water seal, an hour or so to sort the wood on Thursday night and about 12 hours of good, sweaty labor on Friday. My dad came down and helped Eric and I and my mom came and watched the kids. We only messed up a couple of times and only had to run to the hardware store 3 times(my fault).

But it's done and the kids love it. This one was so much easier to do than the first one we did.

Dear Mr. Walmart Store Manager---

2009-06-30T22:28:00.004-05:00

Dear Mr. Walmart Store Manager--

I am writing this to let you know I will be waiting on you at 7 a.m. in the morning when you walk through the door so just beware when you see a Lobster Red short girl that looks like she just rolled out of bed.

Here is my situation...
My husband (who works very hard and doesn't have 4 hrs to waste on other people ignorance), myself and my 2 kids (who all 3 of us were completely exhausted from a long day) piled into the car and went to pick up a trailer to use to pick up a new playyard. This playyard was not offered at our local WALMART so we had to drive 45 minutes in a horrible rain, wind and lightning storm to your store or pay $150 in shipping which is a rip off when you could just deliver it to our local store but couldn't do that. We arrive at your Walmart and the playyard was waiting on us b/c I called 45 minutes to an hour ahead time to make sure it was available and told them we were coming.

We arrived and a very sweet girl checked us out very quickly. She then had a young hormonal boy take it out to our vehicle...he was more concerned with flirting than doing his job. It is then loaded onto the trailer by husband and hormonal boy while flirting girl and greeter man watches on.

We then move the trailer so we can strap everything on. We discover we have a low tire and move the boxes to the other side...as we do one box falls apart with everything in it. We then load the Jeep with all those parts...get the others strapped on and head up to the WALMART gas station to air up the tire.

We call Amber to check the weather and guess what it's storming....we make it most of the way back without rain but when we got to town it started raining. So with the rain and the water from the road and humidity in SO Arkansas those boxes proceeded to disintegrate when we unloaded them...at which time I realize that the bottom to boxes said BOX 1 of 2 and BOX 2 of 2 and said Sunchaser...uh we bought the Meridian that has 3 boxes b/c the other box that is the back of the Jeep says Meridian BOX 3 of 3.

DH begins to have smoke coming out of his ears and head...I wish you could have seen it....it was a sight. I call the Walmart and talk to the manager on duty b/c no one was in the Garden Center. She gives me to someone in Sporting Goods. They put me on hold and talk to her to only find out that they will give us a $25 Walmart gift card for our gas but that's it...He was very nice and helpful but she should have been the one to handle it and tell me that not push me over to one of HER employees when ultimately it was her decision to make!! I proceeded to find out the manager on duty's name and the General Managers name...I was not happy with the offer b/c I have wasted 4 hrs of our time.

I go outside tell fuming DH and we proceed to try and load up the boxes as they disintegrate. We then took everything out of these boxes and put them in my van. So the van is loaded and ready for me to see you at 7:00 a.m.

I hope you understand me and my families frustration in the situation!

Sweet Dreams,

THE SHORT LOBSTER THAT JUST ROLLED OUT OF BED

p.S. I talked to A on the night shift and he got the correct boxes out, measured them for me and has them waiting for me in the morning! He deserves a RAISE if I do say so myself!

By the way this is what it should look like...I would show you a better picture but it shows too much cleavage and don't want to give you the satisfaction!

Who Cares?

2009-06-21T19:41:00.001-05:00

So we were driving down the highway system to Disney...which is nicer than the highways in Arkansas...go figure...and I decided to ask a question.

Me: Who pays for these roads...The state of FLORIDA OR DISNEY?

4 yr old in Back Seat: WHO CARES?

That ended that conversation because we were laughing so hard!

Day 1-Magic Kingdom

2009-06-21T06:46:00.003-05:00

Can I just say...I'm tired!!!!!!!!!!!

We started the day at MAGIC KINGDOM. I think the kids were excited. We started in Fantasy Land and hit the Dumbo ride, then Snow White's Scary Adventure (which Addison cried and didn't want to go on), we went to Mickey's PhillarMagic Show which Addison cried some more and covered her ears...it was a great show. We went in the Haunted Mansion and didn't even try to take Addison. She cried in line for It's a Small World but then like it when she got on...I think that FIRE IN THE HOLE has tainted her view of rides. They rode the carousel also. When then ate lunch and headed on over to Liberty Square and rode the Riverboat. We were disappointed because the HALL of PRESIDENTS was closed for refurbishment.

We went on over to FRONTIERLAND...this may be one of my favs. Mom, Dad and Addison went to see the Country Bear show and we went on over to get in line for Splash Mountain. The line was long and we didn't have the tickets to do FASTPASS so we just waited in line. We met some great people who had a little boy that talked more than Logan...that made time go by a little faster. Logan absolutely LOVED it! We got off and there was no line so Eric went to go find Addison and my parents and Logan and I got in line again...it went much faster....He wanted to go again but I told him we would do Big Thunder Mountain. Addison got to watch the parade while we were in line the first time and she loved it! We got a FASTPASS this time for Big THunder Mountain and headed over to Tom Sawyer's Island. Addison didn't really care for the cave go figure even though she did great in the one in Branson. We finished up there and went back to BIG THUNDER MOUNTAIN RAILROAD. Dad, Logan and I walked right on in to this ride and had a great time. Great little rollercoaster!

We found Eric, Mom and Addison under some shade on a bench...we were all completely exhausted so we decided to go get ice cream and sit in some air conditioning but there were no seats so we headed to the car...the car that we can't help but find!

We came back went swimming and then went to eat at TGIFriday's. Came back, planned our next day and CRASHED. We are going to Animal Kingdom today.

We're having technical difficulties with pics...Our camera decided to die on us :( and mom's battery died on hers. Eric used his phone to take some pics so I'm going to try to get them on here but if I don't I'll get some later. Guess we might be getting that Rebel sooner than we thought.

Logan and I on Splash Mountain...

Mom, Addison and I on the train.

Are we There Yet?

2009-06-20T07:23:00.003-05:00

Wow!!! What a day we have had. It started about 7:15 this morning when we headed to Little Rock to meet my parents. We then headed to Memphis to catch our flight…you all may think we are crazy to drive to Memphis to catch our flight but it was well worth it having a non-stop flight with 2 kids.

I don’t know how many times we heard…when are we going to be there?

When are we getting on the plane?

When will we be in Florida?

We ate lunch at the airport and finally were able to board the plane….the kids were super excited…they have never flown and I was super excited to see their reaction…It was priceless!

We arrived in Orlando and picked up our LUXURIOUS rental car…hehe…at least we won’t be able to miss it in the parking lot it’s BURNT ORANGE if you can’t tell from the picture.

Our resort is great…it’s even better when we figured out how close we are to Disney. We could stay here and never leave the resort except to get food. It has so really neat amenities I’m sure I’ll get to sometime this week.

We went to Wal-Mart to pick up breakfast, snacks, water, stroller, etc. Oh my goodness….I’m so glad I live in a small town…this was Wal-Mart gone mad….but I do know where to go to get cheap Disney souvenirs.

I’m off to hit the sack…looks like we are getting up early to work out….I can’t let vacation get me out of wack.

Logan thinks we are already at Disney…boy is he going to be surprised…Tomorrow we are off to the MAGIC KINGDOM.

Nashville Day 2 & 3

2009-06-17T19:13:00.006-05:00

I got to sleep in...late...10:40. I probably would have slept later if it wasn't for Amber's text asking if I was up. We got up and went down for breakfast. I will say I got my money's worth at the buffet...my plate was full of eggs, bacon, hashbrown and more eggs. I could eat eggs with every meal.

We then decided to go to downtown Nashville since CMA Fest was going on. We saw some interesting things including this guy...

Notice the tent behind Kirk and Wes...

We also decided to stop at Panera's...I so wish I would have gotten something to eat but after eating my buffet breakfast I just couldn't go there.

We headed back to the hotel to get ready for the wedding. (The whole point in the trip). The bride was beautiful and the groom was pretty spiffy himself.

Our guys looked pretty good themselves.

We even got to dance...we don't get to do that very often!

We then headed back to Nashville, changed again and went down to see about getting a cab. There weren't any cabs but we could get a limo for $10 more...who wouldn't take the limo. It was fun. I haven't been in a limo since Senior Prom. Our poor limo driver...I hope we didn't traumatize him too much.

We headed to the Wild Horse and listened to some good music...did the YMCA and had a great time!

Day 3---Pretty much boring. We dropped Amber and Kirk off at the airport for their Super Fun rest of the week as we headed back home. Amber and Kirk we have decided are the life of the party!

Can't wait for our next couples trip!

My own little Scooby!

2009-06-15T11:35:00.002-05:00

My son was comparing himself this morning to Scooby and Shaggy...he decided he was more like Scooby.

Reason #1: He likes to eat a lot and so do Scooby and Shaggy!

Reason#2: He can talk like Scooby!

Gotta love this boy!

Music City Fun! Day 1

2009-06-14T18:15:00.002-05:00

So if you remember from our Branson trip, Amber beat me to the punch blogging about it so I just linked to her. So here it is... OUR TRIP DAY 1 by Amber.

My commentary...

Loads and Loads and Loads of Fun!!!! I don't think I have heard the hubby laugh so much in a long time!

Emerson Drive is HOT!!!! Collin Raye's guitarist is HOT!!!! There is just something about Cowboys!!! Was disappointed that Diamond Rio didn't show!

The Aquarium had the most awesome steak and mashed potatoes!

We were driving around looking for someplace and found the "Florist and Casket Shop". It's a all in one stop. We didn't think of taking a pic until after the fact and the men folks wouldn't turn around and take us back just for a picture.

Learned a lot and learned a lot more about our PEEPS...FO SHIZZLE!

Hold on just a minute.....

OK I'm back .... in less than 2 minutes.... give me a high five on that one!

Heart you Amber and Lisa and men! Had a blast!

My fun new purchase

2009-06-11T12:40:00.002-05:00

Look what just came in the mail...I'm so excited about my purchase!!! I bought it off Amazon for $60 that included shipping. I said I would never get one but the others just don't work like a CHI...and for 1/2 the normal price...I couldn't pass it up!

UP

2009-06-08T19:59:00.003-05:00

Last Friday, Amber, Jen and I loaded up the boys and a sweet cuddly girl and headed to the movies. I was so excited I haven't been in a while!

Have you seen this movie? It's great! I haven't laughed that hard in a long time. It's a great story and life lesson for all of us. Take tissue!!! You don't expect it to be sad but there are parts that are.

Life Lesson that I learned...even if your dreams and life take you in another direction you can make new dreams and may even get to influence others while you are at it!

My Dancer

2009-06-04T17:48:00.002-05:00

Here is Sweet Girl at her first dance recital....sorry for the dark pictures but she was beautiful and the 3 girls did a fantabulous job! They are the sweetest little friends. I just love the bottom pic!

Ronald McDonald

2009-06-03T12:56:00.003-05:00

Ronald McDonald made an appearance in our town today. As a philanthropy project our school collected pop tabs for the Ronald McDonald House and we awarded the student that brought the most pop tabs. I called him last week and he was able to make it today to give a certificate to the boy that brought the most and to tell the students about the Ronald McDonald House.

While he was here he stopped by the local restaurants for breakfast and lunch. We went for breakfast with our good friends L & L. A had a great time. Above is a picture of A with Ronald.

Phones...Home, Cell or Both

2009-06-03T12:02:00.000-05:00

We both have cell phones and we have our home phone. We have had the same number since I was in college. We've tossed around the idea several times about going all cellular and getting rid of the home phone line.

I know it would save us around $30 a month and that there should tell us what to do. It's not like we live in a big town where people wouldn't be able to figure out how to get a hold of us...this is small town Arkansas where pretty much everyone knows everyone.

Give me some input...what do you guys do?

I struck a chord!

2009-06-02T11:10:00.000-05:00

Thanks for all the comments on "For Women Only". I needed as much help as I could get. I've tried really hard on my own and it's just not working. I also figured out that I have several more friends that need to go. So....just remember....I'll be hounding you until you bring me your written note from your dr stating that you have been checked out! Love you guys..I wouldn't do this if I didn't!

The Day After

2009-06-02T08:22:00.002-05:00

I'm sore....well let's just say I hurt.

My thighs ache!!!!!!!!!

I'm walking funny b/c I can't walk right.

Hubby worked out this morning and his trainer said I did a good job.

That make me feel good and Hubby is really proud of me.

That makes it all worth it.

So tomorrow at 5:30 I will be headed to the field for workout #2.

Boot Camp...

2009-06-01T11:02:00.004-05:00

So I started boot camp today. It's a 4 week program (3 for me b/c I'll be gone the 4th week) held by a former marine and his wife. It was at 5:45 a.m. in a open field with a lot of dew on the grass. I did fine running and doing the stretches but when we started the other stuff I felt like I was going to puke. Yes, Lisa, the guys aren't lying!

My husband and Lisa's husband have been doing a 12 week program with the same guy and are in the 5th week. They are doing great!

I didn't sleep well last night b/c of a sunburn...stupid me forgot to spray my back when we went to the waterpark so I'm fried. I have slept most of the morning and now I'm just laying around. Hopefully Wednesday won't be so bad. YES I'm going back!

For Women Only

2009-05-31T18:15:00.003-05:00

I'm going to get into trouble real fast for the post but I'm going to hound and hound until I get under some skin!

So I want opinions....how long has it been since you've been to the female dr?

I'm faithful....every year....I go. Not becuase I like to go but because I know as a women it's just what you do. Now I have a friend that points out that I have to go in order to get my refill but I would go regardless b/c I don't want to be one of those women that stops going after I have kids and then ends of with cancer that's to far advanced b/c I didn't get checked annually.

So I have some friends that haven't been in several years...I have offered to keep their kids so they go...twice and they really have no excuse but they just ignore me.

So mean ole me has told them that when I'm driving them to chemo I'm going to tell them I TOLD YOU SO!!!! I know that's harsh but I love my friends too much!

Come on girls help me out on this!

Making My Home a Haven

2009-05-28T09:33:00.000-05:00

I have been struggling lately as a SAHM, Housewife, Peace Keeper and Household Manager. I think we all go through this and if you don't please share your secrets...even if you do...share your secrets also.

I have learned some things from Joanne and Toben from their blog "Our Crazy Marriage" even though we don't struggle with illness like Toben has. I have learned that I need to make my home a Peaceful Haven for my family. What does Peaceful mean for my household in particular...laundry done and put up, ironing done, meals cooked, house clean, dog fed and watered, kids not arguing with each other and other things I can't think of right now.

How am I doing at making my home PEACEFUL?

NOT GOOD...Not Good at ALL. I've been off work for a year on the 1st and I haven't accomplished hardly anything that I want too. The house is a wreck, laundry needs to be done, did I say the house is a wreck, I'm overspending, the kids are always bickering, projects are not done. I put off the things that take a long time or aren't fun for me and that's not fair. DH works hard and he can't let things fall behind or there goes our income....so why should my job be any different.

So what am I going to do about it?

Not Sure! I'm hoping I can get on more of a cleaning schedule and workout schedule, get down to no more than 2 Walmart trips therefore helping to curtail the spending, help the kids no what healthy disagreements are like and do better with the discipline. Any suggests from you all would be helpful.

My Goals....PROVERBS 31

2009-05-27T18:20:00.002-05:00

Taken from The Message...Proverbs 31

Hymn to a Good Wife
10-31 A good woman is hard to find,
and worth far more than diamonds.
Her husband trusts her without reserve,
and never has reason to regret it.
Never spiteful, she treats him generously
all her life long.
She shops around for the best yarns and cottons,
and enjoys knitting and sewing.
She's like a trading ship that sails to faraway places
and brings back exotic surprises.
She's up before dawn, preparing breakfast
for her family and organizing her day.
She looks over a field and buys it,
then, with money she's put aside, plants a garden.
First thing in the morning, she dresses for work,
rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started.
She senses the worth of her work,
is in no hurry to call it quits for the day.
She's skilled in the crafts of home and hearth,
diligent in homemaking.
She's quick to assist anyone in need,
reaches out to help the poor.
She doesn't worry about her family when it snows;
their winter clothes are all mended and ready to wear.
She makes her own clothing,
and dresses in colorful linens and silks.
Her husband is greatly respected
when he deliberates with the city fathers.
She designs gowns and sells them,
brings the sweaters she knits to the dress shops.
Her clothes are well-made and elegant,
and she always faces tomorrow with a smile.
When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say,
and she always says it kindly.
She keeps an eye on everyone in her household,
and keeps them all busy and productive.
Her children respect and bless her;
her husband joins in with words of praise:
"Many women have done wonderful things,
but you've outclassed them all!"
Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades.
The woman to be admired and praised
is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-God.
Give her everything she deserves!
Festoon her life with praises!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I actually saw KBell's post about this and it's been something I've really, really been thinking about and struggling with.

Her husband trusts her without reserve,
and never has reason to regret it.
Never spiteful, she treats him generously

I'm not good at this...I tend to put E on the spot too often which he doesn't like and I know that and should respect that.

She shops around for the best yarns and cottons,
and enjoys knitting and sewing.

I love to shop and knit and sew and I like nice stuff but I don't think that this is what it means.

She's up before dawn, preparing breakfast
for her family and organizing her day.

Friends are you laughing as hard as I am!!!! I love sleep and rest way to much! I pray to have more energy and to be able to get up but I don't. I even had my alarm set for 6 this morning so I could get up and get going around the house before I had to leave for the day. Did I get up...nope!!!! I'll try again tomorrow! Breakfast...my family fends for them self for breakfast and organizing my day...HA! I try but just doesn't happen.

First thing in the morning, she dresses for work,
rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started.
She senses the worth of her work,
is in no hurry to call it quits for the day.
She's skilled in the crafts of home and hearth,
diligent in homemaking.

No hurry to call it quits...HAHA...I want to quit before I start! And crafts of the home...would that be cleaning...not so good at that either.

She's quick to assist anyone in need,
reaches out to help the poor.

If you need anything, I'll be the first to offer the shirt off my back. (Maybe something I'm doing half way decent)

When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say,
and she always says it kindly.
She keeps an eye on everyone in her household,
and keeps them all busy and productive.

I try to say things worth while and say it kindly but sometimes I fail...ok a lot of times I fail. And as far as keeping my family busy and productive--do you consider sitting in front of the tv busy and productive...I didn't think so.

The woman to be admired and praised
is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-God.

Oh how I wished this described me...I love my God and my Savior but haven't been a good friend to him.

So I have a lot of work to do and honestly not sure where to start...yes I do know where to start...prayer, petition, time with my Jesus!

Slow Down...Whatever!

2009-05-27T09:25:00.000-05:00

So it had been 20 days since I had posted until yesterday's post. I was doing better but life just came at me like a whirlwind and I wasn't expecting it!

Sweet Cuddly Girl's birthday party was the 11th...we had around 20 kids running around our house b/c it was too wet to play outside.

I've been doing stuff at the school, working out, going to Walmart and reading the Twilight Series....Oh...I just figured out my problem. I was totally engulfed with Edward and Bella!

We went to a wonderful wedding this past weekend...I think it may have been one of the neatest, sweetest ceremonies ever! I'm sure R & A's will surpass that though! We went to my parents after that for the weekend.

I don't know where the time went...ok I do...Edward and Bella had my time.

This week continues to be busy but school is out next week!!!! Woo hoo!!!! We have Field Day, Zoo Day and Assemblies.

I'm so ready for Summer but June is busies than May..maybe just maybe July will have some relaxtion to offer!

Girl Day Out!

2009-05-26T20:41:00.002-05:00

We had so much fun today!!!! Amber, Jennifer, my sweet cuddly little girl and I went shopping for swimsuits, dresses, coverups, and things on our list that we can't get in our small town.

We started at

and then went to

and then to

and can't forget

I'm hungry....It was good!

Sometimes I hate being small...not that I'm as small as I once was but I couldn't find a swim skirt in my size. I know, I know, everyone would love to have that problem and I shouldn't say anything but it's frustrating sometimes! I finally settled for one but may try and find another one that fits better. At least it's black...I should be able to find something...somewhere. The only thing on my list that I didn't get was a Scooby Doo cake pan...guess I'll have to google it!

2009-05-06T21:12:00.002-05:00

My heart is going out to so many people right now. I'm struggling in what to do for them. I'm a doer and want to show them how much I love them but just don't know what to do.

My husband is trying so hard to do this training and diet and I think it will be great for him once he gets through the tough part. I just don't know what to do for him. I'm trying to have healthy snacks and chicken grilled and to be supportive and I know there is more I just don't know what.

Amber-I'd love to go help her do laundry but since she lives in Timbuktu...that's not going to happen plus I know she wouldn't let me touch it :) She is so supportive of me I want to do something for her.

My friend L and her husband-I'm praying for healing but want to do more...she lives out of town too so I can't go help her at her house.

What to do?

Things kids say!!!

2009-05-05T21:13:00.003-05:00

My son: Mom how much more will it cost for us to go to Disney World?
Me: I don't know right now. I'll have to figure it up.
My son: Can we GOOGLE it to find out
Apparently they GOOGLE a lot at school and he is just in Kindergarten.

My daughter: How long until we go to "Mickey's World"?
Love it!!!

There was another that was so good but now I don't remember it....that's what I get for waiting a day!

Have I told you about my son trying to cheat on the Highlights Hidden Pictures. He got online trying to find the one they were doing at school the next day so he could beat his teacher...He didn't find it just like she said.

I've been busy AGAIN!

2009-05-03T18:16:00.002-05:00

So we had our big yard sale this weekend. 6+ family yard sale that is. (I'd post pictures but I'm too tired to go download them). We had packed up everything from our sale last fall and put it in our attic for our spring sale. Well lets just say that it is all being donated now....not going back into the attic. I felt like we got rid of a lot. We made close to $1000 total between all 6 families and had a great time visiting and meeting people...even the crazy lady that gave my kids money just because.

Sweet Cuddly Girl stood at the road holding her sign and would yell "Come to our yard sale" and "We have customers". K was our great salesman...no telling how much he helped us make.

We prayed for the rain to hold off and it did. We started packing up at 11:30 and it started sprinkling. The bottom dropped out shortly after we got everything in. We have half of our garage back and hopefully will have the rest of it back tomorrow.

Got the house clean(minus the kids rooms and my room and laundry) for the shower today. We had a great time celebrating the upcoming marriage of some friends...we are so excited for them.

Now that all that is over I can relax for a little bit at least....AAAHHH....and both my kids took naps today...can you believe that!

Protein, Complex Carbs and Vegetables

2009-04-28T21:19:00.003-05:00

I don't know much about the 3 things in the title but I learned a little today. I know that chicken has protein and fruit has carbs. I know that my husband needs a lot of protein for his boot camp that he has joined but other than that I'm still pretty stupid when it comes to all this dietary stuff.

Lisa you can help me out anytime if you got the stuff better than me.

I am so proud of my husband...he has hired a personal trainer and has started working out twice a week and we are having to totally change our diet. I say WE loosely b/c I'm modifying my diet but will be able to enjoy things more than E. I had my last coke today. I've known I needed to stop but just haven't. There is just something about that carbonated Coke....man I'm drooling right now! It's actually going to be easier for me to cook I think...GRILLED CHICKEN....GRILLED CHICKEN AND MORE GRILLED CHICKEN.

E and Lisa's husband are doing this together. I think it's going to be really good for them because they both are highly competitive...did I say highly? I meant HIGHLY competitive.

Well we'll let you know what the progress is....Hoping to be down 20lbs at least when the 12 weeks is up....I wouldn't be surprised if he is down 40 lbs. Me...I want to lose 15...I know people don't think I need to but they don't see me without my clothes on...I do! I'll still be about 15lbs more than my pre-baby weight but I needed to gain.

Well off for my total lifestyle change!

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun...and Pretty Toes!

2009-04-28T21:12:00.004-05:00

We had a girls night Saturday night and let me tell ya...it was a much needed girls night! Amber, Lisa and 4 others went to eat at Chili's. It was really good but really slow! I enjoyed by chicken tenders and corn...they have some yummy corn on the cob and you could tell I enjoyed it in my smile!

Well after we left Chili's we headed to the mall to get pedicures....They had 5 chairs lined up for the 5 of us...that was perfect. Boy did I enjoy that massage chair but reaped the consequences the next day(Amber, Lisa and I all felt like we were hit in the back in the same place). Here's a pic of our pretty toes...Ignore my dirty kitchen floor...I hope I get to it tomorrow!

We then went to Books A Million and closed it down....I don't think I have laughed that hard in a long time. Love my peeps!!!!

What have I gotten myself in to?

2009-04-23T09:26:00.002-05:00

Ok....CALL ME CRAZY NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm having a yard sale next week...well we're (Amber, Lisa and others) having a yard sale. We're doing it next Friday and Saturday. We decided that we would do in Friday afternoon and evening instead of Friday morning. It was just too much work getting it all out and set up on my own.

Also, we're having a shower for some friends next week too on Sunday AT MY HOUSE!!! So what does that mean? It means that I've got to get ready for a yard sale and clean house and do my everyday stuff next week. I also have something Friday-Tuesday night of this week and next.

I think I can, I think I can....I'll just repeat that non stop for the next week.

My little athlete and other randomness

2009-04-21T20:39:00.002-05:00

Today has been a busy day. It started out with us getting up at 7:00, making sure sweet boy wasn't running fever. Getting everyone but me was ready and my husband says...aren't you going to take a shower...you're going to be late. Well I was going to go work out after my sons mile run at school so no reason to take a shower...his response was "Have you seen your hair?" I did look rough so I went and tried to do something with the hair and brushed my teeth. We were out the door at 7:20. That's pretty impressive for my bunch...but sweet boy was so excited about his day!

We got to school about 7:30 and went and set up his science project. I forgot to take a picture today but will tomorrow. He didn't place but that's ok...he got 50 pts for just doing it.

We then headed to the high school track to wait for the kids from his school to get to the track to do their mile run. Yes you heard me right...Kindergarteners doing a mile run. We thought he was going to be there at 8:00 but no such luck. Sweet Cuddly girl wanted to stay b/c one of her favorite moms was there. I decided since I didn't get to go to the gym that I would run and encourage the kids to run. So off I went and sweet girl too. She ran and ran and ran and ran....By the time the morning was over I had lost count of her laps but I do know she ran 2 1/2 - 3 miles. And yes she is only 3...well almost 4. It's hard for me to get a mile in. MY LITTLE ATHLETE! Sweet boy got there and finished his mile in 13:14. He could have done better but he was busy socializing.

We got home at 10:00 and sweet girl says...

"Mommy my legs hurt"....hmmm I wonder why!

We head to a birthday party and then to school.

I forgot I was supposed to meet with her literacy teacher today. I was super excited to hear what they had to say. My 3 yr old is working on Kindergarten level things. They are supposed to work for 10 minutes once a week. She wants to do it twice a week and sometimes up to 30 minutes. Oh...I hope this continues until she is out of college! I owe it all to her brilliant older brother.

I then ran a couple of errands, ran home for 10 minutes and back to school to pick up the boys for Warrior Training (I'll save that for another post)

After Warrior Training, we had a baseball game and home about 7:00. It's now 9:00 and I'm about to get the kids to sleep. Can you believe that Sweet Cuddly Girl is still awake?

See you all soon!

Third Time is a Charm....I hope!

2009-04-20T18:12:00.003-05:00

It's Science Fair time in Kindergarten...Yes you heard me right Kindergarten. So all of us mommies have been conversing over the past couple days about our kids projects that are due tomorrow.

Well I started a month and a half ago on sweet boys project. We planted tomato seeds and we put one in the shade and one in the sun. We were going to see which one did the best. Well let's just say that project flops b/c we couldn't remember to water it. Plants are not my best friends.

Project 2-started last Wednesday. Planted Bermuda seed in top soil and potting soil. Said it would take 2-5 days to grow. Well nothing and today was day 5. So what do you do when you are in this situation?

So we started PROJECT #3

We set up 2 tracks using some of our Thomas the Tank track and books. We put small skateboards, golf balls and thomas trains on the track to see which would be faster---the track that was higher or lower.

So we spent the afternoon (he was home sick) cut, sticking and handwriting our science fair project. All in All I think it turned out pretty good for our first one. Needless to say we won't be waiting until the last minute next year. Also we won't be using dirt or seeds next year either.

I should have been a travel agent!!!!!

2009-04-18T13:14:00.003-05:00

I love planning trips...only if I get to go though.

We've got several things lined up for this summer. One of them is a trip to TN to attend a wedding of some dear friends. Well this trip was going to be me and my husband and then a girl trip for the others. Well something happened to make it a 3 couple trip. I am super excited!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We're going to NASHVILLE!!! I've been but it's been years ago....8th grade I think. That was when they still had Opryland. I pricelined our hotel and just order our tickets to the GRAND OLE OPRY. If you were in high school or college in the early 90's you can't help but "heart" some good ole country music. Right now it's not really someone that we want to hear but they say they don't know for sure until 2 weeks before. So I'm hoping we get to hear us some GOOD OLE COUNTRY!!!!!!!!!!!!

Man I should have kept my boots from high school!!!!!!!!! Just kidding. I've got a cute little outfit picked out for the night.

Where is the owner's manual!!!!!!!!!!11

2009-04-17T20:28:00.003-05:00

Why don't kids come with owners manuals? I love my kids but sometimes the just try me so hard. We went to Pizza Hut with Amber and her boys tonight courtesy of Book It! I don't know how many times I told them to stop, sit down, and eat your food. Well when I saw a lady I highly respect turn and look at the kids I knew it was time to get out of there. My sons excuse was "But I have seen THE BOYS in so long". Um excuse me you saw them Sunday. Wait. No. You saw them Tuesday.

So I'm reading this book...

So far I am enjoying it but it's also confusing me. I want to make my kids mind for the right reason but how often do I get on to them because I want them to act right so it makes me look like I'm a mom that has it together. Well I've decided that I've got to get this discipline thing down. Just when I think that they are getting better I have a night like this. UGH!!!!!!!!!!!

I really enjoyed visiting with Amber...we don't get to do it often enough. We mainly communicate via email and the blog world because life is just crazy like that. So guess what we decided we need.....................

GIRLS NIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What's in store...

2009-04-15T10:45:00.002-05:00

I went to bed at 9:30 last night...yes that's right...9:30. That's early for me. I was exhausted from babysitting a friends little girl, Warrior Training (a boys bible study we are doing), and Tball last night. I picked up Burger King for supper last night and sat in the recliner watching American Idol as soon as I could.

Well today I have been cleaning out my son's closet and room. That's a huge endeavor....did I say huge....I meant HUGE!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm hoping I might be able to do some painting to his room soon. Wednesday's are my days without the kids in the afternoon so I've got Walmart, house cleaning and more to do today. I haven't had much success b/c Sweet Cuddly Girl keeps wanting to help.

I hope you all are having a good week and by the way HAPPY TAX DAY!!!!! This is a holiday in our household since my husband is a CPA.

Randomness

2009-04-13T21:30:00.004-05:00

My friend went to the Dr and it was nothing serious...PRAISE THE LORD!!!

I found out today that a very sweet lady that loved the Lord died yesterday. She was one of the sweet ladies that I would sit by at church when I was in college.

I know this sounds weird but I actually enjoy going to visitations because I get to see people that I don't see very often. In our little town alot of people typically come out for visitations. I will say the visitation is the hardest part for the family though (speaking from personal experience) but it's nice to see how many people care.

I got to see some precious friends today and their 3 sweet kids. We lived next to them for 6 years and they moved last year. It was so good to see them. We were so close and still are. We had keys to each others houses and knew we could let ourselves in at any time to borrow something or retrieve something that was borrowed or left behind. I got several phone calls..."I just borrowed a cake mix (milk, etc) hope that was ok". They were also the ones that were there for us when we had deaths in the family and the birth of both of our kids. I love you guys!

We've got a fun weekend wedding trip planned for this summer and I'm super excited. It turned from being a weekend away for E and I and a girls weekend for some other friends to a couple weekend for the 3 couples. I think we're going to have a blast!!! Can't wait! I pricelined our rooms so we got a very good rate!!!

Our science project died so I/we have to start over. It's due next Tuesday...ugh!!!

I haven't sewn in a couple of weeks and I'm having withdrawals. I haven't read any fiction in a couple of weeks either...I'm having even bigger withdrawals.

Well hope you guys have a great day tomorrow...I'm planning on it!

Waiting and Praying

2009-04-13T11:30:00.002-05:00

I'm not a patient person. I'm sitting here waiting for a phone call or email to find out if a friend is ok. She asked me to pray for her and told me her situation. It has me really worried. I've gotten a lot accomplished this morning trying to keep my mind off of things. I'll continue to pray until I know she's ok.

I'm starting to FLY

2009-04-12T21:18:00.000-05:00

I have discovered FLY LADY thanks to my BFF Amber.

I don't feel like I live in CHAOS (Can't Have Anyone Over Syndrome) but sometimes it gets there. So I've figured out what my Hot Spots are...shined my sink once and tried to focus on the daily tasks.

My friends Kate and Becky kept immaculate houses and I just can't live up to the standards that they have set for their home. Especially Kate who mows too!!!!! I'm trying...I'm taking baby steps. Working on laundry every day...working on Zones and practicing the daily routines.

Last night I worked on a grocery list...I'm so excited about putting this into use. I detailed what I buy most of the time and put it in sections by the grocery store layout. I think this will make life alot easier.

I also couponed this week and saved $20. I was so excited. I SPAVED...Spend to Save. Deodorant coupons (Buy 2 get $1.50 off). I've got a drawer full of Deo. TP was on sale and had coupons. It took me about an hour to put everything up. YIKES!

I've started using my calendar more and a note pad...it's helping me stay on track. Looking forward to starting the week more organized and hopefully with a partially clean house!

3 more days until Normalcy

2009-04-12T21:00:00.002-05:00

My wonderful husband of 11 years is a partner in an accounting firm here in town, so he has been working his heart out for our family for the past 4 months. He pretty much starts buckling down the middle of December and goes non-stop from there. April 15th is Wednesday and it couldn't come any sooner. What is normal for our life though...I don't have any clue. I have become very accustomed to this and the kids and I have learned to do our thing for the past 4 months.

I think the hardest tax season we had was 2 years ago when E's grandmother passed away. She past away 4 or 5 days before tax season was over. I was working with a 2 and 5 yr old, trying to visit the nursing home as much as possible. I basically made most of the decisions myself for her funeral...that had to be the hardest thing I have ever had to do. Luckily people understood and our friends were wonderful!

So the project list will begin...
Prepare yard for play yard, purchase and install
Clean kids rooms and paint
Get in shape for vacations this summer

That's just the beginning and what I can think of...I know E will come up with some other things soon!

Susie Homemaker

2009-04-10T21:12:00.002-05:00

I definitely lived up to the name today.

Drug Walk 9:00

10:45 Took a friend of A's home with us, fed them, took a quick shower, started supper then took them to a store to see Duck's, Chick's and Geese. Took them to school.

12:30 Went to Brookshire's (with coupons, ad and list in hand)

1:00 Went to Walmart with coupons and list in hand. List consisted of normal stuff and Easter basket items. Of course that took a while and I ran into several people...should have known that would happen. Got out of Walmart at LR after 2:00.

Went home unloaded groceries and put stuff in fridge and freezer and flew out the door AGAIN!

Got to A's Easter Party that started at 2:00 at 2:30. Picked up Logan and friend at 3:00. Went home and put up groceries, made 2 dozen cupcakes and cake, boiled eggs for easter egg hunt in the morning.

7:30 ate dinner (Chipolte Pot Roast-good but spicy...too spicy for the kids)

9:15 Have a wired child that took a nap at 6:00 PM another one that is tired but just doesn't want to give in to sleep. MOMMY is exhausted and DADDY is even more exhausted. Looks like I'll be up late.

GOOD NIGHT!!!!

More Spring Break Pictures

2009-04-01T20:07:00.006-05:00

Spring Break...We're still ALIVE!!!

2009-04-01T19:03:00.007-05:00

Tuesday...
We traveled on up the road to pick up Amber and the boys praying that L doesn't get sick and that the storms hold off. We meet them and head on up the road knowing that there are tornado warnings in MO. My DH told me to go and not piddle and we should be able to make it. We got to MO and I turned on what I thought was the road I needed and soon realized it wasn't so we turned around and proceeded to go back to the HWY. I soon found the correct turn and so we were on our way until I realized I could see the hwy we were just on...so I proceed to turn around again!!!! I forgot there was one other turn to make. My dad calls to see where we were....so I figured that meant the storms were getting close. We make it and get unloaded just as the bottom drops out! So we make it to our condo that my parents were so gracious to let us use. I'm so spoiled. Condo travel is the only way to go with young kids....especially 5 young kids!

Well I'm going to let Amber tell about the rest of the trip b/c she has already blogged about it and it'll save me some time....plus she's a better writer than me.

Click here to see Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Here's some pictures I took. Hope you enjoyed your spring break if you got one. This is my first one since having kids!!!!

Swagbucks

2009-03-29T23:28:00.002-05:00

Check out Swagbucks.

This is a online search engine that you earn points by searching through it. You can redeem points for gift cards from amazon, target and starbucks among other things.

PRAYER FOR SANITY

2009-03-22T21:01:00.000-05:00

Pray for Sanity for Amber and I. We're doing something crazy this week for Spring Break. Stay tuned for details coming next weekend!!!!!

How God Works

2009-03-21T20:52:00.003-05:00

God has blessed me so much! So how can I give back to him in return....A few weeks ago at church I felt God tugging at me to use my sewing as a resource to minister to others. My business is steady and I have time to throw together a dress here or there out of inexpensive fabric. The problem was....where do I send these dresses...who could use these....

So Friday after I picked up sweet cuddly girl from school I saw a sign for an estate sale. I thought I'd go check it out and see what was there....you never know what you might find. Well I recognized the vehicle in the yard and knew I had to go in and say hi! As we were talking, she asked if I had gotten an email from someone about sundresses. I said YES I can help! Problem is she needed them by Sunday. She was going overseas to visit a relative and wanted to take some sundresses to the girls in the neighborhood. She won't be there long so I'll have to find someone else to ship them to but I now have someone to send them to.

I went home and went through my inventory. I found 2 dresses that I had made that I knew wouldn't sell and a few of sweet cuddly girls dresses. It felt good to give away some of my hard work knowing that it might bless a child.

Needless to say if I wouldn't have seen that sign I would have never had this opportunity.

Lemonade

2009-03-20T21:13:00.004-05:00

Sweet Boy’s first school play was this week. I ended up making 4 costumes. Here they are. They weren’t great but it worked. I was kind of strapped for time on a couple of them.

The play was called “Lemonade” and was about finding Joy in everyday life through the ups and downs. It was a good for both the adults and the kids. My sweet boy was Humpty Dumpty….boy was that a doosie to make!

Here are 3 of the costumes I made...

Shepherding

2009-03-20T20:56:00.003-05:00

I was visiting with a friend the other day about our kids and how hard is raising them. I know it doesn't get any easier. She mentioned a book and said it really changed the way she thought about parenting.
I've read the first couple of chapters and can't wait to jump in deeper. I've never thought of parenting as shepherding but it makes a lot of sense. Some of the first thoughts in the book were about how we parent to take care of behavior but not the heart. The heart is what we should care about as parents and if the heart is in good shape behavior should follow.

Also, authority is mentioned in the first couple chapters and how parents have lost a sense of authority with their kids. I see it in my kids and I see it in kids at my sons school. They just don't listen. I'm hoping it's not to late but I've started talking to sweet boy about how Jesus would handle situations and I can see he is really grasping it.

We had a situation come up Tuesday. Sweet boy and 2 of his best friends were playing and they told him that they weren't his friends anymore. Well of course this hurt his feelings but I just blew it off. Well his teacher said something to me about it and then one of the moms asked if I knew what was going on. Come to find out sweet boy told other boy he was mad...well he was mad at him b/c he was told they didn't want to be his friend (by the way it was over a stick). Well other boy had forgotten all about day before just like most kids and didn't know why sweet boy was mad. I talked to sweet boy today and told him that Jesus loved people regardless of what they said or did to him. People were mean to Jesus and said nasty hateful things to him so we should in turn just love them like Jesus would. He got it and I think things are fine now....The kindergarten drama...what are we in for in Jr High and these are boys we are talking about.

Has anyone read this? Let me know what you think.

MY DAY

2009-03-17T20:10:00.003-05:00

Phone rings at 4:22 AM....have to go to ER.
Home by 5:30 AM
Everything was OK!!!!!
Thought about going to gym on way home from ER..not going to happen.
Take things to consignment sale an hour away
Eat good Mexican food
Go to Hobby Lobby and Hancocks
Stopped at road side produce stand and bought two beautiful Kimberly ferns
Pick up A
Go to friends house to discuss bible study for sons
Get home at 6:30 pm
Fix supper for family
Watch NCIS while knitting and eating dinner (not at same time)
Ready for bed but it's only 8:15

How was your day?

Sermon I needed to here

2009-03-15T17:33:00.003-05:00

I love my church...the people are wonderful, the preaching is wonderful and it's just about everything we could have hoped for in a church. Our church consists of 3 different pastors and that rotate preaching or as I would say teaching each week. We even have guest teachers quite often too. Several are religion professors at one of the local universities. It's been a huge blessing! It's the first time in along time that we feel like we have gotten meat and not fluff. This is one of my favorite pastors we have ever had at our previous church. It's been about 5 yrs since he's been our pastor and he was so wonderful as a pastor and friend!

This morning, Jackson preached from Amos and how God doesn't want just part of us he wants all of us and he wants us to not be half hearted but whole hearted in our worship and in all we do. He talked about the poverty level of the world and it broke my heart to think about all the people in the world who don't have food. He also gave figures on how the US spends their money and how much we give to world hunger etc and it was astonishing....which I know it's the US government and who knows what they are spending our $$ on.

He talked about conservation and how we need to conserve. I'm not a very GREEN person but I'm trying. We don't have many options for recycling in our community but this past week I called to see what they would pick up....Newsprint and Aluminum Cans. Well we don't drink aluminum cans so that leaves Newsprint. I'm going to check out another option.

How can we help?? He mentioned Compassion International along with World Hunger through the Southern Baptist Convention. I'm going to check those out. It would only take a couple of times eating out to pay for a month of food for someone. We are so RICH by many peoples standards. Maybe not by US standards but by World standards we are very very wealthy.

Another thing I thought about doing is making dresses to send to 3rd World Countries....that's a way to use my talent. Anyone know of organizations that do that?

How can you help? What ways do you conserve?

The Lazies...

2009-03-11T15:33:00.002-05:00

Oh how I would just love to lay down on the couch for just a few and snuggle in the blankets...It's 40 degrees out (yesterday it was 80) and rainy...just one of those days.

I'm trying so hard not to be lazy. I have so much to do...

3 costumes

sheep
cat
Humpty Dumpty

Get items ready for consignment sale

make a lot of hairbows

Maintain house
Update books and file sales tax report

I know it doesn't look like a lot but right now it feels like a lot. So how am I dealing with this? This verse from Proverbs...

"She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness"

Gatorade

2009-03-09T17:25:00.003-05:00

My son was "Star Student" this week in his class. Basically that means he gets to take pictures and some of his favorite things to school to show. I packed the pictures. He packed his sack of other things....that won't happen again and this is why...

Here is the email that I got from his teacher today...

Do you know what he shared today with the class as part of his Star Student stuff???????

An empty gatorade bottle....I was like, can you tell us whey you brought that to share....................are you sitting down????

He said, if you drink 4 bottles of it it will turn your poop GREEN!!!!

Only your child!

So now it's turning into a science project....Next weekend he has to drink Red Gatorade instead of blue gatorade. What's a mom to do?

Can I do it?????

2009-03-06T18:34:00.002-06:00

Well several of my friends have been taking time to UNPLUG. Well I'm going to do it or at least try to do it for the whole weekend. That's going to be a challenge for me. ((Amber please call me and let me know who is on the team))

I've been reading some books about the Amish by Wanda Brunnsteter. They live such a simple life...no computers, no tvs, no cars and no electricity. Now I don't think I could do without a lot of these everyday necessities in our eyes but I'm going to challenge myself to UNPLUG. So friends if you need me, you'll have to pick up the phone!

Why do I walk with tall people?

2009-03-04T21:44:00.003-06:00

I haven't felt well this week and wasn't going to go to the gym today and didn't. My friend S called today cause she knew I needed to talk (sweet little boy was in trouble at school again--twice in one week-not normal for him). I went to her house and we started our walk that includes lots of hills and we walked and talked and walked and talked....it was really good! We got done and I realized what time it was...I couldn't believe we walked that long so I decided to drive it to see how far we walked...we walked 4 miles of hills. Wow...for those that know me that's amazing. It helps to have someone to walk with.

We lived in the most wonderful neighborhood and moved to a new neighborhood (bigger house) 2 yrs ago. We lived on a circle that was a 1/2 mile around. I had great walking buddies and we'd walk quite a bit...Miss you guys!

My husband asked me tonight why all my walking buddies are tall....I have no idea but it makes me work harder!

I'm 5'2" (that a stretch too)
S is at least 5'8"
K is at least 5'10
Sh is at least 5'10 and
my gym buddy L is close to 6'
Also my roommate in college was close to 6'

I love my tall friends even if I feel about 4 ft next to them!

Springtime in Arkansas

2009-03-03T16:12:00.004-06:00

I love Spring in Arkansas! This one is for you....Meredith and Stephanie!

I've had to drive through campus a few times over the past several weeks and I love how it blooms so fast. I'll probably make a drive through a couple more times this week just because!

UUGH

2009-03-03T15:48:00.003-06:00

My friend Amber just posted that her son was sick today. Well now mine is!!! He had complained of his stomach hurting at school. I went to check on him and he seemed ok and I figured it was because he hadn't eaten breakfast this morning. (I'm trying to get him to make his own choices)

Well I picked him up, we went to the library. He said he was ready to go because he had to go poop. Yeah, I know too much info but most of you are moms I'm sure and understand. Well I get home we talk and begin to realize that he probably needed to poop all day and that was his problem. (He will only go at home!)

Next thing I know he is tossing his cookies....There goes perfect attendance and MY Wednesday afternoon. Oh well, I shouldn't be so selfish but I had a lot planned for tomorrow. Nothing that can't wait for my sweet little boy!

Cleaning Out

2009-03-03T14:23:00.007-06:00

BEFORE

Since I've been home (almost a year now) I said I would work on getting things organizing, cleaning out, throwing out, etc. I've done a couple of projects but now enough. I can't remember where I saw something similar to this with the baskets and spices in the drawer but I loved it. I didn't have quite enough room in the drawer so I put the spices I use all the time in the drawer and put the rest up so I can get to them easier. I had duplicates of stuff I never use....I don't know why. I feel like I accomplished something today...YEAH!

AFTER

Waste of Money???!!!!!!!!

2009-02-26T10:25:00.003-06:00

We keep getting these political flyers in the mail....I've seen at least 3....that saying something like this...

"THANKS TO CONGRESSMAN MIKE ROSS, 11 MILLION CHILDREN NOW HAVE HEALTH INSURANCE"

We got one for Blanche Lincoln too. This seems like it's a waste of money. It's Paid for by Families USA, Service Employees International Union, The American Cancer Action Network and America's Pharmaceutical Research Companies. Ok PEOPLE....let's get our acts together and stop politicing at a time like this and use our resources more wisely. There are people out there that our going hungry and need essentials and don't care about these flyers. Donate some $$$ to the Red Cross or Food Banks or any other place that can HELP. Who cares who got the children the health insurance....Don't get me wrong...I'm glad they did but our $$ needs to be spent more wisely.

Also, it's a waste of our postal workers time!!!!!!

A Feeling of Inadequacy

2009-02-25T16:11:00.002-06:00

I am feel a little inadequate....ok so not just a little A LOT.

I should be able to perform all the duties of a SAHM with efficiency and grace but I just can't hack it. My laundry is pretty much done but my kids rooms look like a tornado has hit them and has for the past several months...ok pretty much 2 yrs since we've move here. I still haven't painted them like I've been saying I would. My room is a mess. There is a dead animal in our shower floor. (my hair that is). I need to work on the flower beds and just stuff.

That's just the house....now to the kids. We play way to much Mario Kart. They don't brush there teeth on a regular basis(C I hope you aren't reading this and Jennifer please don't tell her). My daughter doesn't sleep in her bed--she sleeps on the couch. They do have clean clothes and get a shower every other night. My very bright 6 yr old made a 71% on his spelling test....I was furious. He missed NOT, HOP and TUB. He knows them he was just in too big of a hurry. He got on Blue at school yesterday b/c he wasn't following directions and didn't pass his reading counts test. He doesn't want to do school work when he gets home. I guess most kids are like that. I'm trying make him learn on his own b/c he doesn't like to fail. I've got to get my stuff together b/c that's what I feel like that I'm FAILING!

Failing at being a WIFE, MOM, MAID, ETC. I will tell you what I'm good at. I can read a book in no time flat! I just tune everything else out and focus only on the book. I'm also good at Knitting and Sewing. I love spending time withe FABRIC and YARN.

My sweet husband works so hard 60-80 hrs a week and what do I give him in return...NOTHING! This time of the year I just do my own thing and it's not fair to him. He works so hard to provide for us but I'm not fulfilling my end of the bargain.

I've read some books about the Amish and I think....Wow! How do those women do it. They did it all!!!! Little House of the Prairie is another reminder of that. I want to be MA. She did it all! I just can't seem to get the hang of it. Am I too lazy? Not disciplined enough? I think it's a combination of both. So know that I've laid out the problem for all to see I have to find a way to fix it.

I apologize for being so down....it's a gloomy day out and I didn't sleep real good on the oversized chair from 3:00 on b/c my daughter woke up and had soaked through her pullup.

I need to focus on this verse when it comes to being disciplined...

WHOEVER LOVES DISCIPLINE LOVES KNOWLEDGE, BUT HE WHO HATES CORRECTION IS STUPID. Proverbs 19:24

I know that I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHO STREGTHENS ME!!!

A Beautiful Day

2009-02-18T20:08:00.005-06:00

It stormed a little last night but today was absolutely gorgeous....70 degrees and clear skies. I went out to check the mail and thought I had to do something today and not stay in the house. I put on a cute little outfit including flipflops...yes flipflops in Feb and I decided to head to a little town about 30 minutes from here to pick up some fabric that I had ordered.

I wished I would have had my camera b/c it was absolutely gorgeous (except for the clear cutting)!!!!!!! We have alot of PINE industry in this area.

I just love driving when it's pretty like this. I rolled the windows down...not quite the same effect in the minivan as my little car I had in college but times change....turned on my favorite radio station...KLOVE and PRAISED THE LORD for a glorious day and a great life.

Did I mention that I wish I had my camera?? I had our GPS with us and it took me a different way than I had ever been and as I topped a hill the County truck in front of me stopped for some dogs that were doing a little hanky panky in the middle of the road. Can't really say I've ever had that happen before.

As I was PRAISING THE LORD, I was also praying for some friends and their families. I realize how lucky we are to be healthy, be financially stable and have wonderful friends and family. I know I've talked a lot about my friends lately but where would I be without them! (Meredith---as I was driving it reminded me of the trip we took to Fayetteville to the game that weekend. Eric still talks about that....I think that was an eye opening trip for him!)

Enough with my rambling...I hope that you all had as good of a day as I had!!!!

To Garden or Not to Garden...???

2009-02-17T09:31:00.002-06:00

I've been debating doing a garden in our backyard but...I don't have any idea where to start. I'm a little city girl at heart :) And those that know me are now laughing because I grew up in a town that is only about 50,000 people or so....I know not big but pretty big for Arkansas.

Here are a couple of questions I've been throwing around...
Do I till up a plot or just do a raised garden out of landscape timber and top soil? I'm going more towards the raised garden on this.

Would it be worth the time and money since we don't eat alot of veggies?

Here are the veggies we eat...
Corn
Mashed Potatoes and hashbrowns (I could prepare and freeze the hashbrowns)
Tomatoes for tomato sauce (would it be ok to freeze for a yr or so?)
Purple Hull Peas

Fruit...
Strawberries and Blackberries
Apples
Bananas
Oranges

Bananas and Oranges would definitely be out b/c of our climate but hum I wonder about an Apple tree...the kids would love that.

Also when do you start planting????

See I told you I was a little city girl that doesn't have a clue!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm trying to save and cut out as much as possible but don't know if this would be cost effective or not. I'm sure it probably would but want others opinions. HELP!

2009-02-16T19:49:00.002-06:00

We studied the book of Job last night in small group at church. Well as much as you can in a 2 hr period. I think it's really interesting to see how different people and personalities deal with grief. I personally cry a lot and need a friend. It's during those times that you truly know who your friends are. We've dealt with several family deaths in the past 8 yrs. The hardest had to be my husbands parents and grandmother. I have had some wonderful friends that were always there for me despite most of them moving away. You know someone loves you if they are willing to come scrub your kitchen floor for you! I miss you K!

I will have to say that over the past couple of years, Amber and Lisa have become great friends and I know they are here for me through whatever. I want both of you to know how much I love you guys! Lisa's family is going through a very hard time right now and I just ask that you pray for them. I can't imagine going through what they are going through.

I know this is a bunch of rambling but last night made me really think about our time of grief that we have experienced and those that have helped us through. I'm not going to start listing because I don't want to leave anyone out but I want you to know that your friendship and love has been greatly appreciated even if you moved off and left us!!!!

A little bit of this...a little bit of that

2009-02-09T10:39:00.003-06:00

I've been here but just haven't had much to say...I did post 3 posts last week on my sewing blog though...so I guess that tells you what I have been doing.

I have a confession. I didn't do to well in the January Challenge. I ordered fabric to start my quilt and that was quite a bit. I did eat out a couple of times with friends that I don't see much anymore. We had a couple of counseling/chat sessions :) It was good to see them. I did cut out the...let's just run get a milkshake or coke...sonic runs but since January I haven't done well in that area. I'm trying really hard to cut back and looking at it I've done fair but there is plenty of room for improvement.

I did do really well a couple of weeks ago in the meal planning category. Stephanie and Meredith both have some really good tips on meal planning. I got 5 lbs of ground beef and made taco meat for taco ring, spaghetti meat for pizza spaghetti bake, pizza sauce for homemade pizza. and chili. We spread it out and ate on those along with misc other stuff for 2 weeks. I'm going back to the store in a little while and going to try and do the same but probably won't have time. It was nice to just be able to defrost something and it basically be ready.

I've started a list of things to do each day so I can feel like I accomplished something. Also, that way I won't forget what I was supposed to do...so easy for this Mommy Brain to do. That's working pretty well.

I realized I've got a big day ahead of me and already behind me...Here's a day in the life of me...

7:30 send boys off to work and school
8:30 Gym (when I'm good)
9:15 A's hair appt
9:30 home/shower/laundry/blog/email/etc
11:00 fold clothes iron and watch Y & R :)
12:00 take A to school/Walmart
2:30 pick up L & A
3:30 dance (time for a little knitting:) )
4:30 home

And somewhere in there I'll eat and sew a little and work on picking up the house.

Tomorrow I've got to make white chocolate suckers for the kids class parties and Wednesday make cupcakes for L's party. So I stay busy sometimes I just don't know what I do with all my time but I know I'm busy.

Check out this blog from my friend Amber....she is one of the most real people I know....and I feel the same way she does many a days!

Hope not to stay away too long in the future just have to think of things to say...my life is pretty boring!

Have a wonderful week!

It's a Love/Hate Relationship....

2009-01-28T14:21:00.002-06:00

There is this thing I have to do every week. Sometime more than once a week....and I just hate it...unless I don't have the kids and then I can sometimes enjoy it....

WAL-MART

Our small little town has 2 grocery stores besides Wal-Mart. One of them is too expensive, the other I will go to get meat and some other items when I'm in a hurry and on that side of town (5 mins across town....how spoiled am I)

Things I love about Wal-Mart...
2 minutes from my house
Can get most everything there
Best prices in town
We still have our fabric dept :)
They have cute clothes that fit me
The Pharmacy...three of my friends work there so I feel like I could call them day or night!
Did I say cheap prices

Things I hate about Wal-Mart...
puts the little man out of business
Never enough checkers
Something always goes wrong in the checkout line....today the satellites weren't working for debit and credit cards....ugh! Luckily I had a check!
Taking away fabric depts in stores...please leave ours:)
Other Walmart have cuter clothes and more things than ours.
Takes all my $$$$

I guess I just need to get used to it...it's about all we've got!

Pop Tabs for Ronald McDonald House

2009-01-22T20:31:00.004-06:00

Do you ever think that there is nothing you can to do to help people because you don't have time to volunteer or don't have the money to donate....

There is something simple you can do to help families that take refuge at the Ronald McDonald Houses. You can begin collecting pop tabs from aluminum cans. Check out this website to see what it's all about.

We started this as a philanthropy project at my son's school. The kids get so excited to bring their bags of pop tabs. According to the Ronald McDonald House Website a gallon of pop tabs is worth about $1. 49 but I look at it this way....It's something that you were throwing away so why not keep it and do some good from it. If adds up over time!

You never know when you or someone you know might need to use the Ronald McDonald House. For more information about the Ronald McDonald House Charities click here.

How Comfy do I look?

2009-01-22T17:19:00.001-06:00

We ran errands after school today...selling tickets to the chili supper at school, library, etc. A was wired....I don't know what they fed her at school but man she usually doesn't have that much energy after school. In fact, my kids are usually pretty good when we go into a friends jewelry store with lots of breakables but not today. A game of chase proceeded! Thankfully nothing broken!

Got home around 4:30. Instead of hearing the kids fight over what they wanted to watch I let A go into E's office and watch NOGGIN...her favorite. She hollered at me to get her a drink and it took me a few minutes...usually she'd ask again but didn't hear anything. I went to check on her and this is what I found.

I think that she is just a little bit sleepy!

The Letter "M"

2009-01-20T11:21:00.002-06:00

Here's the deal:
If you want to play, leave a comment on this post letting me know, and I’ll assign you a letter. You write about ten things you love that begin with your assigned letter, and post it at your place. When people comment on your list, you give them a letter, and the chain continues on and on..

Meredith has assigned me the letter "M"....thanks Mer for the easy letter.

Things I love...

1. My Family!
My Family is awesome! Yes I may gripe about them but who could ask for more. My husband is wonderful and takes good care of us. My children may fight too much but they are healthy and sweet and loving and smart....
2. My God!
Where would I be without him...He has been with me all my life and takes care of me. He has given me everything on this list...I only wish everyone knew my God and my Savior Jesus Christ!
3. My Friends!
I have some of the best friends...You guys support me so much and love me even when I'm not my best. I love my new blog friends too...It's fun making new friends!
4. My Church!
We have a great church....We have a rotation of bi-vocational pastors so we get the benefit of learning from several great teachers. The worship is awesome...I left this past Sunday in awe of God's power.
5. My Home
We've lived in our home for the past 2 years. We didn't buy this house the first time around but 6 months later when it came up for sale again we knew God was telling us it was time. It's perfect for our family.
6. My Town! Read this to see why I love my town
7. Mexican Food
I love Mexican food especially EL MARIACHI!!!!!!!!!!! It's a little mexican restaurant in our town and my new favorite Jose's in HS.
8. Michael Miller Fabric
I love me some fabric and Michael Miller is one of my favorite designers. This outfit is made of Michael Miller favorite.
9. Making Things
I love to sew, knit and just come up with new things to make. Visit my other blog to see what I've been doing in the craft/sewing world.
10. Meredith
Visit Meredith here. She's one of my dearest friends. It made me so sad when she and her sweet family left our town. She was my rock when I had my first baby. I would call her crying and asking for her advice...she had just had her 3rd. We've been able to reconnect through Blogworld. I miss her so much!

Like I said I got any easy letter....let me know if you want to play along.

Please Pray

2009-01-16T22:13:00.002-06:00

I have been following Kelly's blog for about 2 weeks now. She is a woman of profound faith and has just delivered her first baby girl, Harper. Harper is having some problems breathing and they have transported to another hospital 3 hrs away (which is a wonderful hospital). Here is a link to her post requesting prayer.

I've been tagged!

2009-01-16T21:14:00.001-06:00

Lisa tagged me with this....

Here's what you do:

1. Go to your 4th folder where you store your photos.
2. Select your 4th picture (no exceptions)!
3. Post the picture with an explanation and link it back to your tagger.
4. Tag 4 people to do the same!!

This is Halloween 2007. My kids love Veggie Tales and I found these costumes so of course we had to have them. A is Bob and L is Larry. My kids decided they wanted to be Bob and Larry again this past year...didn't bother me at all...No cost and no thinking!!!

I'm not going to tag anyone but if you want to do it let me know so I can take a look at yours too!

Fundraising Fun

2009-01-15T20:06:00.000-06:00

One of the reasons I wanted to be home so bad when my kids got to school is so that I could be at the school to help out with whatever needed to be. Well all I can say is...I've got my hands full or should I say...my table full.

This is what I got when I went up to the school this week. This is about 2 weeks worth of box tops, pop tabs, Campbell soup labels, coke lids, and Tyson chicken labels.

We collect Box Tops through the Box Tops for Education program, Campbell Soup Labels for the Labels for Education program, coke lids for the My Coke Rewards program and Tyson Chicken labels for Tyson Project A+.

We get $.10 for Box Tops, points for the soup labels, 3 points for every coke lid or 10 pts for the code off the box and $.24 for the Tyson labels.

All these things are things that people would normally just through away so the frugal mom I am decided to be the coordinator for these programs. So far we have earned at least $300 through box tops...not sure about all the rest of the programs but will figure it out this week. I know $300 doesn't sound like a lot but it was just going in the trash before.

I've also been known to walk up to someone that has a coke box and ask for it...hey it's worth 10 points. Some ladies that are collecting pop tabs for us even found someone that has 3 gallon ziploc bags full that he is going to give us.

Pop Tabs you ask...We're collecting these for the Ronald McDonald house. One of the local tv stations is having this contest for one county in the state. They may open it to the rest of the state next year so we decided to do a little philanthropy and be ready for the contest if it is opened up to us next year. I have counted over 3000 pop tabs so far and have about 10-20,000 left to count. We give each kid credit and the one that gets the most will get a prize at the end of the year. Next year there may not be an incentive so we don't have to count :). I counted the first few thousand by hand but I think that I'm going to use a scale and my mathematical skills for the next batch.

I also have a friend whose school collects plastic sacks. When they fill up a 60 gallon sack with sacks then they get $5 from Walmart. How hard is that? I'm trying to get our school signed up for that too.

So you see what I will be doing for the next week...what does your school do for fundraising?

Taking out the Trash and Duck Hills....

2009-01-14T12:46:00.006-06:00

My kids are so funny! I shared this one with some of my friends and I debated on sharing it with everyone but decided that I would...

My six yr old was using the bathroom the other night and I asked if we was done pooping. His reply was "No, I'm not done taking out my trash". Where he got that from I have no clue.

My 3 yr old asked me the other day..."Mom do I have Duck Hills?" I thought Duck Hills, Duck Hills, what are Duck Hills...then she proceeded to show me what she was talking about...."Oh you mean GOOSE BUMPS!" I definitely see where she got that from!

Blahhhhh!

2009-01-14T10:14:00.002-06:00

My husband asked me last night what was wrong...

I just haven't been able to get into the swing of things since the Christmas break is over. The house is a disaster. Laundry is not put up (I keep forgetting to buy more hangers). And I just don't want to go anywhere. I just want to stay here and not leave the house.

Am I depressed? No...Not that I know of.
It's cold outside but not as cold as those of you north and west of AR.
I just don't seem to be able to get enough sleep...that's kind of normal though.

Well I'm trying really hard today to get going....I've gotten a load of laundry done...not folded though. That's the next project. Dishwasher is unloaded. About to iron and pick up the living room and playroom. I probably need to vacuum too.

I have plenty of TIME to get everything done...just not the motivation. I'm trying!!!! My husband is so good to us and that should be motivation enough. He is starting his busy time of the year. The next four months are going to be very stressful for him so I should be able to do the little things I do around here.

So enough rambling on my part...if nothing else I have cooked dinner quite a bit the past several weeks!!!

What keeps you motivated around the house?

Rex- A Book Review

2009-01-11T15:27:00.000-06:00

I just got done reading Rex by Cathleen Lewis. This book is a great book for anyone. I normally would not have picked this book out for myself but something about it intrigued me. I absolutely loved it!

This book is a journey through Rex's life as written by his mother. It will make you smile to see Rex's successes. It will make you cry when Rex regresses and it will make you want to reach out and hug Cathleen, his mother and author of the book. Rex was born blind and also battles other neurological issues including autism. Through a simple gift, a piano, Rex's life takes a unique turn. The piano gives Rex an outlet for learning, escaping and eventually socializing with others.

Cathleen also took a journey of faith throughout Rex's life. She began praying for healing and ending up realizing all she needed to do was "Walk by Faith, Not by Sight". Rex was truly a blessing from God.

As a mom, reading this book made me realize how good I have it and how petty things are that bother me. Cathleen makes you realize how difficult autism and other disabilities can be on parents financially, emotionally and physically. As a first time author, she did a fantastic job pulling you into their lives as you are reading this book. I highly recommend this book!

The Challenge

2009-01-09T10:47:00.002-06:00

The January Challenge from Meredith is challenging to say the least....

I was going to go eat with a ladies group yesterday for lunch but A fell asleep so I couldn't go...well I could have but she was so peaceful...Guess God gave me an out.

I did buy some fabric at Walmart b/c when Walmart gets cute fabric you jump on it or it will be gone. I got an order yesterday using the fabric. Yeah!

My son also wanted me to make him a scarf since I was making my daughter one so I had to get more yarn to make his and I got more to make a scarf that I wanted to make. Then I found a sweater I wanted to knit so I needed even more yarn. But they were having a big SALE so I didn't pay full price on any of it... and I'll have a sweater for less than $20 that is handmade.

So all in all I have done ok...no trips to sonic or any other place that has milk shakes or quick lunches but I can always do better...

Lovin Where I Live

2009-01-05T13:30:00.000-06:00

My friend Meredith did this on her blog several months ago and thought I'd steal her idea. Here are the top 10 reasons that I love where I live. I hope I can come up with 5!!!

1. Love being able to get anywhere in 10 minutes...except for Amber's house :( (Wish you lived closer)

2. Not much shopping therefore not too much temptation to spend money. E's glad for that.

3. Our waterpark...I don't think we realize how lucky we are to have it here.

4. Having the resources of 2 Universities is wonderful especially as my kids get older.

5. We have a great sports complex for our kids.

Top 5 things I don't like about my town.

1. Not much shopping....it keeps me out of trouble though.
2. Not many restaurants...also a good thing b/c we don't need to spend the money to eat out.
3. Not a lot for the kids to do besides parks but that's ok...we love our parks.
4. We make friends and they move...bad thing about a University town. At least 4 of our closest family friends have moved in the past 5 years.
5. Gas prices. They are always at least $.10 higher here than any of the towns around. I don't get gas here unless I have to. They don't realize they are hurting our towns economy more.

I'm An American Frugal Housewife

2009-01-04T13:00:00.003-06:00

I just love Joanne. She has the most encouraging post. After reading Meredith's post and joining the band wagon I read this post from Joanne about ECONOMY. I've never really thought about ECONOMY in the scense of her post but she really clarified a lot of things. I've always thought of the ECONOMY as well just that the ECONOMY...not how we spend our time and resources and spending them wisely. This also can be put into practice in our households.

What does this mean for me?
**More time with God- I thought when I quit work 6 months ago this would be one of the things that I would make priority. Well to be quite honest I haven't. While I'm being honest, I might as well say that it has gotten a lot worse. God has given me a good life and I haven't given him the time of day lately, so my focus has to change. One thing I wanted to do was pray over my calendar and list for the day first thing every morning. I heard that once at a conference and definitely see how that God wants us to do that and we will be putting him in ever aspect of our lives.

**Focus more on cleaning and organizing of our HOME-Home is supposed to be a place of contentment and relaxation. Well I haven't done so good on that part for my wonderful husband. He has made so many sacrifices for me and works so hard for us and I'm not living up to my part of the bargain. The house is not a place of contentment and relaxation for him because I do not get the things done that make him relax and enjoy his time at home. I'm going to try my hardest to change that.

**I'm going to try to curb spending this year-Couponing and ad shopping will become more of a focus for me. See this post for more about this.

**I'm also going to try and use the resources I have on hand more wisely. I've got shelves of food, paper, ribbon, fabric, etc. I need to use all that I have before buying more. That will mean going through cabinets before I go shopping. I'm also going to try and make most of my gifts this year. Those to me are the most special gifts anyway. I got a pillow for our wedding and a blanket for the birth of our first child, the blanket is beautiful...well the pillow not so much but I still have it and won't get rid of it because Mrs. L gave it to us and she was so special to us. My husband wanted to get rid of it and I told him no and why and he understood completely.

**I'm also going to try and do more ebay selling and consignment selling this year when I go through my kids cloths and other household items.

**I'm going to focus more on sewing for my daughter than my business. If people want things great, but my daughters wardrobe will be by me. Check out my other blog to see what all I make.

**Time is of the essence and I will try and use it to the fullest to please and spend more time with God and my family and friends.

Thanks Joanne for the encouragement!

By the way...I really think it would do our government some good to think about ECONOMY in this way and be more resourceful instead of throwing things away!!!!

Frugality....Can I do It?

2009-01-03T17:17:00.001-06:00

I can be frugal when I want to but then I go shopping and see a sale or November is here and all the Christmas decorations and ornaments are in at the local stores then I just can't resist and it all is just out the door. (I found some really neat ornaments this year)

Well my friend Meredith has issued a challenge for January. Her challenge is to not spend anything other than groceries, household items and gas since we end up spending so much during November and December. So I'm going to try really hard. We live in a small town so there is not much shopping but boy Walmart can really get me...especially the fabric section.

I don't know of any birthday parties this month but have 4 baby gifts that I need to make. Luckily they are all girls and I already have all the fabric I need. So can I do it? We'll see...Let me know if you will do it to and we can hold each other accountable.

By the way Amber and Lisa...this means no eating out for us on Sunday!

Also, I'm already thinking about next Christmas and gifts I can be making or bartering. For those who know me well know that this is normal for me. So happy shopping, couponing, etc to those who want to accept Meredith's challenge along with me.

Book Reviews

2009-01-01T10:56:00.003-06:00

I got so excited after reading this post from StephaniesMommyBrain. I have signed up to do book reviews for Thomas Nelson Publishing. All you have to do is read the book in the entirety, post a 200 word review on your blog and on a retail site and you get to pick out the books from their site to read. I can't wait....I love the kids books that they have.

The first book I'll be reading is Rex by Cathleen Lewis. It's about a blind autistic boy and how music changes his family's life.

I have a problem with books though so I'm going to have to be careful. When I get into a book...I get into a book and can't put it down. I pretty much leave all my duties behind and become engulfed in the book. Some of my favorite authors are Karen Kingsbury, Dee Henderson, Terri Blackstock and Francine Rivers. One of my favorite kids authors in Sheila Walsh...I just found her. She has written Gigi-God's Little Princess and Will-God's Mighty Warrior. Both of these make great birthday gifts.

Advent Calendars

2008-12-31T10:00:00.000-06:00

Do you have an Advent Calendar? If so, I'd love to see pictures.

I found this and I think I may try it. I've got plenty of time to get it done before Christmas...I think. I'm so ready to start sewing again but have to get the house in order first. I've got a growing list of things I want to work on...I'll save that for another post.

Have a Happy New Year!

Feeling Attacked

2008-12-30T18:35:00.003-06:00

I hope I'm not alone when I say this but I really feel like Christians are being attacked. I thought we were supposed to be a FREE Country where we could speak what we believe. Apparently not! I have been appalled by all the news this CHRISTMAS season about the attacks that people are making on CHRISTMAS. It doesn't just have to do with Manger scenes, etc it is now to Christmas lights and buttons.

I heard one news segment about a lady that got fired b/c she was wearing a pin that a customer gave her that said "It's called Christmas for Christ's sake...click here to see the video from FoxNews.

It just all makes me sad. I believe that Jesus Christ was born the son of God and was placed on the earth in order to pay for our sins. Through his death and resurrection we can be made new and live eternally with him in Heaven. I know that's not what everyone believes and I respect that but I feel like Christians should also be respected for what they believe.

Sorry but I just needed to vent....

God With Us

2008-12-19T17:37:00.002-06:00

I bought the new Point of Grace Christmas CD over Thanksgiving. Even though I don't think it's as good as the first Chrstmas CD, I'm growing to love it. I have been a huge POG fan since the mid 90's and love how they incoporate stories into some of their songs.

The other day on my way to the big town to do some shopping I had my CD in. I had to reverse it several times to be able to hear the whole song and the whole story. Emmanuel, God With Us is the song I'm referring too. Real the lyrics below, enjoy and don't get too teary eyed.

Merry Christmas!

Point Of Grace
Emmanuel, God With Us

She lit a candle in a downtown cathedral
Quietly confessing, counting all her blessings
She looked as if she had nowhere to go
I could see her weeping
Hands together hoping you would hear...

This is the time of year
We hold our families near
But God let us be a friend to the hurting

Oh Emmanuel, God with us
Spirit revealed in us
That we may be your hope to the world
Oh Emmanuel, God with us
With a light to break the darkness
That we may show your hope to the world
Emmanuel, God with us

I moved in closer just so I could see her face
Maybe she was a mother
Someone's only daughter
Her silver hair shimmered like the snow
Christmas bells were ringing
Now beside her kneeling I asked her name

(And she said)
This was the time of year
I had my family near
But they've all gone and I have been so lonely

Oh Emmanuel, God with us
Spirit revealed in us
That we may be your hope to the world
Oh Emmanuel, God with us
With a light to break the darkness
That we may show your hope to the world
Emmanuel, God with us

So with my family that Christmas day
A girl of sixty years would laugh and play
And as we watched her dance our eyes were full of tears...

Gingerbread Houses

2008-12-15T20:49:00.004-06:00

Sunday after church we came home and made gingerbread houses. Before you think that I'm super mom just know that these are store bought kits from Walmart. If you haven't tried doing this with a 3 yr old and 6 yr old you should try it. L did great with his....it actually stayed together. I can't say the same for A's. It ended up in a heap of cookie and candy. All she wanted to do was lick the icing anyway. This will probably become one of our traditions...yes we like messy!!

Our Three Trees....

2008-12-14T16:10:00.005-06:00

In the past we have always had only one Christmas Tree that was full of a hodge podge of ornamanets that we have received or bought since we've been married (10 yrs now). I also inherited all of my grandmothers handmade ornaments since I was the only granddaughter. She made them out of felt and sequins. They were mostly disney characters so my kids love them.

Last year we added a tree for the kids to decorate and yes you can definitely tell they decorated it. They love it!!!

Well this year we are hosting a big family Christmas at our house and when we found an extra Christmas tree in our attic my husband said let's put it up. It was left over from our multi family yard sale we had back in the fall so I called up my friend Amber and asked her if there was anything wrong with it. There was nothing wrong just a little sparse....nothing a little bit of tulle couldn't fix. So this was supposed to be my snowman tree but the kids have added things so it's becoming a hodge podge also.

I love my trees...they are cute, not pretty like my friends Lisa and Aaron. Mine are more sentimental like my friend Amber's. It's fun to see how everyone's personalities come out in their trees. Have a MERRY Christmas!!!!

Have I ever?

2008-12-13T20:45:00.004-06:00

The things I've done are in bold. My comments are in red

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars does camping a tent or camper count?
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland/world
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea (from the beach)
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables tried and failed
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill wanted to but never did...guilty conscience
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse I think I have
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run maybe? I hit a home run at a yard sale this week :)
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke back in the college days
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain probably
53. Played in the mud mudding on the 4 wheeler was always fun!
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business Addie Mae's Closet
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check buying an anniversary card for my parents when I was in college...balanced my checkbook wrong. The check was all of $2.13...that was one expense anniversary card.
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy Cabbage patch kids
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt Joined the Quilter's Guild to learn how
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car even bought one without my husband using his POA
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper too many times to count unfortunately...the effects of living in a small town.
85. Read the entire Bible made it through the New Testament...the Old is just tough to get through.
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox Jr year of HS
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous maybe but didn't make that big of impression to remember...that really doesn't do anything for me.
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby two
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee

Thanks, Stephanie. Anyone else want to play along? Be sure to let me know in the comments.

Black Friday Shopping

2008-11-30T13:18:00.002-06:00

I was one of those Black Friday shoppers. It's the first Friday in 8 yrs I haven't had to work. My mom and I went into Conway and shopped starting at 5:00. The sales were great and we weren't out to just get the latest and greatest...we were just out having a good time trying to get her Christmas started/finished and I was picking up stuff that we needed or would need in the next couple of months. I got a $10 gift card at Belk...they were giving them away to the first $250 cutomers. E got some shoes on sale. L got new jeans $8 each. I got some pants. We got new luggage for our trip coming up next summer. So I did get a few fun things....Point of Grace's new Christmas CD, a book for A "GiGi's Christmas" and a DVD for the kids "A Really Woolly Christmas".

Then it was to Hobby Lobby....that's where i get into trouble. I got ornaments to do for L's class at school and fabric...fun new fabric....check it out here.

I've got 2 more presents to get and I'll be done....I'm so excited. Will I do Black Friday again??? Who knows it was fun but I was worn out.

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-26T08:48:00.001-06:00

Hope you all have a wonderful time with family and friends this Thanksgiving! Drive safely and don't eat too much :)

Check out my new blog

2008-11-23T15:36:00.002-06:00

I've started a new blog for my home based business... Addie Mae's Closet

Check it out sometime and if you'd like to place an order just email me. Also check out a couple of my friends that have home based businesses also.

VGR Designs
Nola Mae
Pet Panache

The SHOTS!

2008-11-07T17:09:00.003-06:00

Our county health dept was having a drive-thru flu shot clinic with FREE flu shots. Convenient and free who can beat that. After a little Zumba this morning the kids and I decided to head over to the health dept...well I decided...the kids had no idea where we were going. I turn on to the street get in line and stop...and here it goes. "Mommy where are we going"..."just somewhere"..."Where are we going Mommy!"..."To this place down here"..."what place"..."The health dept"...somehow along the wait they figured it out. "oh no....I'm not getting a shot...I don't like shots" said the older, not so brave, big brother. "I don't like shots either...I don't want a shot" said the younger, follow my older brothers lead, little sister.

Well we eventually got to the end of the line...yes, you guessed it...the SHOT! First of all I didn't dress any of us to pull up our sleeve so that was one hurdle...the easiest hurdle. I got my shot...no big deal. A's turn. She runs to Bubbies side of the van but I manage to get her and get the shot taken care of with out much of a scene.

I get her back in the car and get ready to get L out. He's not in his seat...he's in the back of the van, shaking his head "No!". He moves back to the middle and I try to coerce him out....remember there are a lot of cars behind us. Finally he gets out, gets his shot and gets back in the car...CRYING. "It hurts, I can't buckle".

We go to the park but still hurts so we head home to recoup at home. Now I have one down for nap and the other is playing with a friend and they hardly remember this morning. The things that we go through for our kids!!

Loads and Loads....not necessarily fun!

2008-11-01T20:49:00.003-05:00

My friend Meredith has been talking about her household systems and how to improve upon them. Knowing Meredith there is no need to improve but I know we always think we need improving. Well here in my palace I need help...lots and lots of help! I just can't seem to keep up with it all. I know I'm not the only one because I had this conversation just this past weekend with friends.

I decided after reading Meredith blog on her laundry system that I was going to put a plan into action. I knew that I couldn't do what she does and do it first thing in the morning before the kids are gone to school because I'm barely up and about by then (My wonderful husband takes my son to school). Here is what I decided to do....

1-2 loads a day alternating lights, darks and whites. Throwing towels and sheets in with the white. I'm trying to fold and put up as soon as they are done. That has always been my struggle. I even finished ironing today.

So what does my laundry room look like right now? There are a few of the kids clothes hanging up that I need to put up. Laundry basket in my bed room is empty and the baskets in the laundry room are pretty much empty with a load in the washer. To me that is exciting...to start my week caught up.

If I can just continue on I'll be doing good in the laundry area. What do I conquer next? The kitchen, the kids rooms, the game closet, my bathroom, my room?????????
I need to paint the kids rooms but have to clean and organize first so I think that will be my next place to conquer. If anyone has tips on keeping their kitchen clean or kids rooms organized pass them on...I feel like I'm constantly picking up!

Loads of Fun!!!!!

2008-10-30T19:56:00.002-05:00

We have had such a fun week! We started out last Friday going to the Pumpkin Patch with a group of moms and kids. We then went to the Diamond Mine on Sunday with some of our best friends. We had a Halloween Party today, Halloween Hayride tomorrow and Engagement Party on Saturday. Oh and I forgot a Cookout for Church on Sunday! I think I'm ready for a slow month... oh November what do you hold for us?????