What I'm Diggin' Wednesday Blog Hop! Link up!

                                                           

This week is going by way too fast.  The kids are at camp for the 2nd week and I had planned on having the house clean as a whistle before we left on our family vacation this weekend.  So far, I have:
1. Cleaned out my 9 yr old's closet...while looking for and finding a pair of shorts she needed to pack. 
2. Created a huge pile of clothes to donate from said closet.
3. Shopped at Target for our travel necessities....you know the important stuff..... like toys to surprise the wild man with when he gets restless during the 12 hour road trip.
4. Organized my pantry and thrown away a load of things we never used or never will.
5. Cleaned the toilet while bathing little man....while showing him why Mommy has to clean it so much....because she has 3 boys in the house.

So......I'm not too great at sticking to a plan.  That leaves me under pressure (insert Queen song here) to get the house vacuumed, bathroom cleaned (again), the kitchen floor mopped and the front living room dusted.  The front living room is where my oldest plays his video games.....which makes it a place I try not to go into for more than a few minutes at a time.  And the dust is there. Waiting.  For me.  Laundry....and especially when the kids get home from camp is a no brainer. 


So...what am I diggin' this week other than slacking on my chores???

This -------> Burt's Bees Peach and Willowbark Deep Pore Scrub!  This stuff works!  I have been having a major issue with my pores lately.  I'm pretty sure it's hormones, yeah, let's blame it on hormones.  Last night I grabbed this to try out while I was in the shower.  It exfoliated so well....my face felt so smooth and clean and the pores were visibly smaller and most you couldn't even see anymore.  I would recommend this to my friends and family for sure.


Amazing stuff!

Now that you know about my large pores and cleanliness habits....let's get on with Q&A!

Simple stuff here: just copy and paste the Q&A into your own great What I'm Diggin' post! Answer away and don't forget to link up below so we can get this thing going. 

1.  Library or bookstore?

2.  What is the one thing you and your spouse/partner disagree about?

3.  What one meal could you eat at least once a week? 

4.  Do you buy organic?  What are your must-haves for organics?

5.  Best summer movie so far?  Haven't been yet...which one are you dying to see this summer?
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1. Library or bookstore?





I heart the library.  I am the weirdo who love how books smell and I love walking into a library and the smell of old books and the simpleness of it all.  The quiet doesn't hurt either.  That said, I do love bookstores.  Especially the coffee I buy and sip on while wandering around for hours.  Being as cheap as I am though, I am all about the library, especially for kid's books.  Every week we get about 20 books (or more) for the kiddos and it gives us something new to read everyday.  I have my NOOK now, and I am even borrowing books online from the library...but they really need to update their collection.









2. What is the one thing you and your spouse/partner disagree about?


Hmmm....probably the kids.  I feel like he is a nagger so that usually gets me going.  And if he's being grumpy.  I'm a pretty positive person....I don't get the Negative Nelly of any group.











3. What one meal could you eat at least once a week?






Tortilla Soup!  With chicken and avocado.  Mmmmmm. 







4. Do you buy organic? What are your must-haves for organics?








I definitely buy organic and the must haves for organics for me are:
apples
strawberries
lettuce/spinach
cilantro
milk

I live in a super small town, our 1 (!) grocery store has a teeny weeny organic section.  I can maybe grab a few apples and a tub of baby spinach, and some milk from there.  The rest I better grab while out shopping somewhere else. 



5. Best summer movie so far? Haven't been yet...which one are you dying to see this summer?


There are so many I want to see and that I am excited that are coming out.  I really wanted to see Bridesmaids but......I took Griff to see Kung Fu Panda 2 the last week and it was great!  Since then Mr. Social has also seen Mr. Popper's Penguins, Green Lantern and Cars 2. Lucky.




LINK UP time!!!! 

Ending Slavery, Empowering Women and Girls

I am one of those people that feels I need to read, watch and learn about every injustice out there.  Even if I am weeping uncontrollably and can't bear the thought....I still make myself learn about it all.  Masochist?  Maybe.  It's really more about feeling a fraction of the pain that some of these others have. 
A few years ago, I felt compelled to learn about the sex trade in Cambodia.  I read a lot of different articles and then found Somaly Mam's book, The Road of Lost Innocence, where she describes her life as a former sex slave and her now amazing role as rescuer to girls that are in the same situation.  I was shaken to the core by her story and by the untold story of thousands of girls that are enduring that life of torture everyday.  As a mom with a daughter I can't help but put my daughter's face on these girls when I read about them and imagine how hard I would fight for her.  Reading about the sex trade in Cambodia was not something I saw connecting me with others.  Yet it did.  One of my great friends, Jennifer, is in Cambodia right now along with her family and the rest of the Compassion 4 team doing amazing things for these women and children of Cambodia.  This is not the first time they have been, just last year she and her family lived in one of the poorest parts of Phnom Penh next to one of the brothels where the sex trade is alive and working all day and night.  While there last summer, for 5 weeks, Jenn met the wife of their driver, she was a seamstress and obviously like everyone in Cambodia, needed work.  So.....what did she do?  She decided to start a clothing line, Compassion is Cool, where the women and girls that need work get paid fair wages to do so and 100% of the profits are going back to Cambodia!  I have one of the button up shirts, and I love it....I love even more knowing that I am helping someone just by buying a simple piece of clothing. 
While in Cambodia, they spend tons of time loving the kids at the Hope for Cambodia orphanage and helping anyway they can.  They are doing a lot for the clothing line while they are there, as well....it has taken OFF in the past year....there is no doubt that God has big plans for this.   I am in awe and amazed by the ways that one family, one group of friends, one person....can make a difference if they just listen to what He has to say.  I would love to be able to fly to Cambodia and love on those kids myself, to be able to look into their eyes and tell them myself how amazing they are and that they are on this planet for a reason....and that reason is not to be objectified and treated like they were. 
Last night, I watched the special on CNN, Nepal's Stolen Children, it was amazing!!  I know that some people might not take these things seriously because a celebrity was the main one involved on the screen, Demi Moore, but in these situations sometimes that star power is what is needed to get the attention these issues deserve.  I have read about Nepal and the trafficking that goes on there....you should definitely pick up Little Princes.  Poverty is the main reason why children are trafficked because there parents are duped into believing that they are going to a school or to get work in a city.  There are of course, those cases where the parents sell the children themselves, and know exactly what is going to happen.  But in Nepal, a lot of women and girls are trafficked along with their children.  The traffickers and pimps use their children as leverage to get the girls to do what they are told.  I can't fathom the emotional damage that both the women and children have from this, along with the physical scars and damage.  On Nepal's Stolen Children, you hear the first hand accounts of some of these devastating stories.  Sometimes just seeing something like this or reading the books will encourage a person to do SOMEthing.  Whether that is buying a piece of clothing, a book or maybe even traveling around the world to take care of these women and girls themselves.

 Last year, before my friend left for Cambodia, she and her family created the Compassion is Cool page and they documented their trip.  They have since decided to have all of the news, pictures and updates on the Compassion 4 page on Facebook and the website.  But please go check out her pictures from last year if you want to see some amazing children and their journey they took. 
Now....head straight to the Compassion 4 Facebook page , Twitter page and website and take a look around at their trip so far this summer!  You can even purchase a t shirt....who doesn't love a good t shirt?!
If you want to check out Somaly Mam and her wonderful works then head to her foundation's website and Facebook page and Twitter.
The most you can do for these women, girls and children that are living this way or have been affected in some way?  Pray for them.....

Five Question Friday and the kids are home.....

The big kids made it home from camp yesterday....we picked them around lunchtime and their mouths haven't stopped yet!  I have heard every single detail of camp from the paddle boats to the dance (swoon!).  This was Rhys' first year and I was nervous but for no reason because she did great.  She said she slept well the whole time and only woke up once wondering where she was.  She has a bit of anxiety and being a introverted kiddo I kind of figured that she would need these next few days to recoup before heading back again Sunday afternoon for another week.  She needs to be alone or just really chill to re energize (read Raising Your Spirited Child!  It has been a lifesaver for me, especially because Rhys is an introvert and I am an extrovert.  Has really helped me understand her needs much better).  Last night we had a couple of "incidences" of her getting quite irritated....but I am going to incorporate some positive thinking along with my "discussions" with her and she will get better before heading back Sunday.  Tyler had an absolute blast, of course.  He is an extrovert and when we got to the camp yesterday to pick him up he was surrounded by a gaggle of girls.  He had phone numbers out the wazoo and I heard his phone going off until 10:30 last night, when I told him enough was enough. 
We are heading to visit my family in Alabama with some stops in Florida to play the week after next, 2 days after the kids get back from camp for the second time.  I am excited and so ready.  I have also been trying to clean like crazy because I refuse to come home to a dirty house.  The bad thing is when I start to clean I also start little projects....last night I filled a collage I had sitting here with about 15 pictures.  I am determined not to clean out my closet though...that's just opening up a whole new can of worms. 
Now, for the 5QF with My Little Life!  Head over and link up!  Just copy, paste and repeat. Well...you get the picture.
1. What is your current favorite tv show?


TV?  I don't really watch a whole lot of TV.  HAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHA!!!
I totally watch TV and usually my DVR is my date.  I watch way too much Disney channel with the chirren.  Let's just say I'm up to date on Wizards of Waverly Place and Phineas and Ferb (by the way, there's a Phineas and Ferb TV movie coming very soon!)....see? Know too much.
But those are not my fave TV shows, even though P&F is one of the smartest cartoons ever invented.  My favorite shows are pretty much all on hiatus right now.  Bothers and Sisters (according to Facebook...which is totally reliable...this show might be cancelled and that makes me sad), Project Runway, Top Chef, Army Wives, Grey's Anatomy, Private Practice...there's a few more but I don't want to seem like a total loser.



2. What's the worst haircut you ever got?


Worst haircut is hands down when I was in 3rd grade and I begged my mom to let me get my hair cut.  I guess my hair was about to my shoulders, maybe longer and we went to a local salon and she hacked my hair to bits where I looked like a boy.  Nice.  To make things better....we thought a perm might help.....I guess give that boy 'do a little volume?!  Horrible.  Just bad.


3. What was something that you did as a child that you thought you were so cool for doing?


The other day my dear best friend posted this jewel of a picture on Facebook:

Where should I begin?  The high waisted shorts that may or may not be showing my arse?  How about the clear belt?? That's right, clear belt.  How about the sunglasses that were blue tinted, by the way...hanging off my waistband?  And there's the huge pimp chain hanging around my neck which was my thug life boyfriend's (who is now my husband...guess he wasn't a thug for life).  I had fake nails and hair (check out those highlights!).  This was at our Graduation practice...circa 1998.  I thought I was the shiznit.....now that picture is just a good laugh for my kids and my sister in law, who just graduated high school and thought it was HI-larious that my tank top was (GASP!) tucked in. 

4. Do you have any GREAT frugal family fun tips?

Local, local, local.  I say this as we prepare to drive to Alabama soon.  So not local.  But we do plenty of local things for fun.  Our local aquarium was a blast and we go to the movies a lot.  Matinees of course.  I don't coupon.  Most of the things I buy don't have coupons.  But I really shop clearance sales for clothes.  I rarely buy a full price item. 



5. Would you drive across country if you had the money to fly?


We moved to Texas when I was 6 and all of my family was in Alabama so we had road trips a LOT as a family.  12 hour drives with the family cause a lot of different emotions...you go from feeling all warm and fuzzy that you're all in this together, truckin' across the states until someone farts or inches closer to the other person's side of the seat.  Then it.is.on.  I honestly love road trips though.  Even though I have 3 testosterone riddled males that feel the need to pass gas any way possible....it's still fun to load up your car and head out.  Plus, you can bring home as many goodies that will fit in your overstuffed car.
If I had the choice to fly though, I can't say I wouldn't take it.  After all, I've experienced many road trips in my life....a cross country flight isn't going to kill me.  But, if the question was traveling in one of those fancy schmancy Winnebago's where we could hang out and drive leisurely...then heck yes!  I'd drive.

What I'm Diggin' Wednesday Blog Hop!

I am diggin' the big kids being away at Summer camp!  I really do miss them and I'm wondering what they're up to....but I gotta tell you it is quiet around here.  And Griff is having a blast being the one and only.  Yesterday, we lounged around and played in our lavish kiddie pool, complete with plastic bowls and action figures (who needs a waterfall?) and today, we took off and headed to the movies to see Kung Fu Panda 2.  We stuffed our faces with butter and a little popcorn, Twizzlers and Sour Patch Kids.  We then strolled through the mall and squeezed into one of the photo booths in the middle of the mall and cheesed our heads off.  We scored some sale stuff in Dillard's....mostly for him but I did snag a pair of sunglasses that were on clearance.  Tomorrow, I'm dragging him to Feed My Lambs to help prepare lunches and deliver to the kids in our community who need them.  Tomorrow nght.....GIRL'S NIGHT!  Hooray to having grown up conversations (some not so grown up), a Bellini and plenty of carbs and don't forget the girl bonding! 

3D Chic!

I am also diggin' on some great shopping!  I had totally forgotten about Hanna Andersson and just today decided to check them out again.  Totally scored because they were having one of their twice a year sales!  So I grabbed Rhys a bathing suit, there were a ton of cute options to mix and match.  They had the cutest little sundresses too, they pair them with leggings but to me they seem great as just swingy little sundresses or cover ups.  The Mini Social also has some really great events going on. 

Now for the Q & A!!  If you're new....and you probably are, here's the simple, no nonsense rules. 
1. Be a follower of Staying Home and Staying Sane (I know, that was a given)
2. Are you feeling overly generous this week?  Then snag a button from my sidebar and share away, my friend! 
3. Copy and paste the questions below and blog away sista' friend. Blog away.

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1. Where do you volunteer?  If you aren't yet, then where would you like to help out? 

2.  How did you meet your spouse/partner?  And how soon did you know they were the "one"?

3.  Do you let your kids play video games?  If so...what rating do you ban from your house, if any?

4.  Do you collect anything?  Do you display it or hide it?

5.  Do you have Nights Out where the hubby/wife/partner stays home to take care of the kids/hold down the fort?  What do you do and who are you with?


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1. Where do you volunteer? If you aren't yet, then where would you like to help out?





Like, I mentioned earlier, I volunteer with a program called Feed My Lambs during the summer where I head to a local church and help prepare sack lunches for about 200 kiddos that would be receiving a free or reduced price lunch at school during the school year.  I started last year and my only regret was not starting sooner.  I enjoy it immensely, and it  is something that all the kids can help with.  Whether it's putting napkins or mustard packets into the sacks, putting hot dogs in their buns or helping deliver lunches door to door.  It really lets them see with their own eyes that there are people in need and we can do something about it.








2. How did you meet your spouse/partner? And how soon did you know they were the "one"?


The video store where I worked where he would come in and continuously ask me out while I was in a realtionship.  I was smitten with him for quite a while but kept it a secret.  When I finally saw him outside of the video store and I was not in a relationship it was an immediate connection.  Let's just say....we were married 3 months later.










3. Do you let your kids play video games? If so...what rating do you ban from your house, if any?




My 12 year old is really the only one that plays video games.  I usually don't let him play anything with a Mature rating....although I will go ahead and admit that I let him get Mortal Kombat.  I know, I know....but I played it when I was a kid and I'm pretty normal.  I guess. 








4. Do you collect anything? Do you display it or hide it?


We have a lot of shells in this house.  I love the beach and I bring shells home whenever I go.  I keep them in little bowls or trays in random spots in the house. My favorites are the Olive shells we picked up at Panama City Beach last summer.













5. Do you have Nights Out where the hubby/wife/partner stays home to take care of the kids/hold down the fort? What do you do and who are you with?






Yes. Definitely.  It is healthy and good.  I need my girl time.  I would like it to happen more often and but as it is it's usually once every few months.  We usually head to the best Mexican restaurant in our area and nosh on chips and hot sauce with margaritas (extra salt please).  Lately, it's an Italian place with AH-mazing food and super Bellinis.  I would like to fit a movie in each time but it's usually just dinner.  Maybe I can talk the girls into Bridesmaids tomorrow....hmmm.  Hubs is usually supportive and fine with it....I have feeling tomorrow will be even better because we are down to 1 kiddo.  All he has to do is play action figures all night.
 
 
Now link up, quick!  And spread the word!  If you are linking up, please do the Q&A and copy and paste it into your blog...that's the fun part!
 

i heart faces photo challenge~Let's Hear it for the Boys!

This is my first time entering anything in a photo contest....but one thing I know about is boys so I figured it was worth a shot. 
This pic was taken when we had just arrived at our local Aquarium.  He loved the statue and wanted to play beside it for a while.  Very fitting that he gave me his little fish face. Love my little Griff, 4 1/2 years old going on 18.

I hope to remember to link up to this each week! 

You can link up here!

Summer Camp on Father's Day

So, we drove the kids up to Summer camp yesterday afternoon.  I have to tell you that while they are there I can't help but think what they are doing at certain times of the day.  This is Rhys' first time heading off to Summer camp and she is a shy sort of kid, not one to put herself out there.  At, 11 pm, when I finally made into the shower, all I could think about was what she was doing at camp.  Was she already asleep?  Had she found a friend to sit and chat with on her bed until they were told "lights out"?  Had she pretended to read Black Beauty while others sat and talked?  I guess I won't know until Thursday, when we pick them up.  Tyler has been to camp numerous times and always loves it.  He is one of those people that has fun wherever he goes, never one to meet a stranger.  This camp is one that I appreciate for its no frill look on camps.  There are 2 bunk houses, one for girls, one for boys.  They are wall to wall bunk beds and then a spacious bathroom with plenty of stalls for showers and toilets.  The girls bunk even has bright polka dots painted on the walls.  There is a lake, a simple pool, and a dining hall where they also meet up for an old fashioned talent show and dance.  They have a moonwalk slide as well, to keep them busy all day.  
I never went to Summer camp, my parents never mentioned it to us as an option really, I honestly thought all the kids up North did that, not us.  Our family vacations were always great, a lot like the ones I have now with my own family.  We always visited our family in Alabama which also meant trips to Panama City Beach and my aunt and uncle's lake house on Compass Lake in Florida.  My mom recently told me that she never brought up the option of camp because she couldn't imagine us being around water without her, not safe in her mind.  So, I remind my kids how lucky they are to get to pack up and head off to Summer camp and be free of their parents for a while and relish in being a kid.  Even as I worry about Rhys, I know that she will get a lot out of this experience.  She will grow from being away without us and this in turn will help her in other parts of her life. 
We try to head with friends to camp, following one another the 2 hours to camp.  Yesterday we did the same, following our friends who kids go every year as well.  On the way, about 15 minutes from our destination, our friends were cut off and had a fender bender.  It shook everyone up, especially the kiddos that were in the car, but thankfully, everyone was okay.  We loaded all the kids...and luggage, into our car and checked everyone in at camp while our friends handled the car wreck incident.  We picked them back up on the way home and even stopped off to have a much needed margarita. 
We celebrated Father's Day early because we knew we would be loading the kids up on Sunday.  So, Saturday Bryan and Tyler headed to the Dynamo game where I had bought surprise seats for Father's Day.  Excellent seats,  I must say.  They had a blast and got plenty of autographs to add to their already extensive collection.  Father's Day morning, we woke up and told Bryan  Happy Father's Day and that was about it.  We had camp to go to!


I wouldn't mind spending a few days here with no electronics




Griff touring the grounds




Tyler and his bud




Heading to the cabins to change after their swim test. That's the boy's bunk house to the right




Rhys all fixed up at her bunk, it was deemed uncool for us to take pics of the Tyler and his bunk this year




On the way to camp, my friend's pretty car all smashed up




The view for Father's Day!




And, Tyler's view....he always ends up with a picture like this every Dynamo game. Hmmm.



5 Question Friday and Father's Day Love

It is Friday!!!  That means that B can take over with the kids for while, right?!  Oh, wait...it's Father's Day weekend.  Okay, so no quick escapes for me Mom this weekend. 
Father's Day is always so hard to buy for.  I didn't want to get him an Academy gift or Bass Pro Shop gift card, underwear or t shirts.  He really needs those last 2 things but I wanted to think outside of the box.  Although, making a bouquet of undies and t's did pop into my mind I decided to think a little deeper.  We are all huge Dynamo fans, Tyler and Bryan seem to be more than fans...they're a tad obsessed.  He's always wanting to buy Season tickets for the Dynamo but because I am such a cheapo, we haven't yet.  Well...I didn't do season tickets but I did buy 2 tickets for this Saturday's game.  A father and son Father's Day Eve event. I found some great seats and think he will be pleasantly surprised. 
I sat and visited with my dad last night for a few hours, can't believe he's already heading back to work soon.  He'll be leaving Sunday to head back to Atlanta and I will miss him once again. 

The Baby Daddy

My Daddy circa 1985

My favorite Dads!


Now for 5QF!  Link up with My Little Life and join in.  Just copy and paste the questions into your own post. 

1. What is your favorite summer time activity?



Beach, beach, beach!  I also have a love/hate relationship with road trips....I love them, until we get on the road.  But back to the beach....soon, as in July 2nd, we will be headed off to the land of Roll Tide and War Eagle (WAR EAGLE!) and after visiting with the fam for a week we are headed to Panama City Beach for about 3 days of squeaky clean white sand and the prettiest water I have ever seen.  


Jealous, yet? 




Don't be....there's always this part to endure on the way there and back :)

  





2. Do you have one laundry soap you stick to, or do you buy whatever's on sale?


Yes!  I am a laundry detergent loyalist....for Method.  You can't go wrong here, it's a pump so no scooping or pouring and all the scents are fab.  Buy it. Now.






3. What is your favorite dinner to make in the summer?




Summer dinners can be sporadic for some reason, I guess because we are out and about so much.  It would have to be Bryan's FAMOUS hamburgers.  They're only famous to us, but that's okay.  They are so stinkin' good they make you want to slap your mama! 





4. Do you have any talents?




I have always joked (sort of) that my main talent was breastfeeding.  I mean, hey...I was pretty good at it!  My kids would never take a bottle so it was me, myself and I taking on the feeding battle and I won. Everytime.  Even though I was a young mom I made absolutely sure to breastfeed and read everything I could about it to do it right where I would stick to it.  And I did.  Okay but other than bodily function talents......does doodling count?  I'm pretty good at it, the kids always loved the little notes I sent in their lunches with pictures of themselves illustrated inside.  Nothing else is popping up in my head....unless you count having a kick butt, super loud laugh.  I say it's a talent because a lot of people have a "public" laugh and then a "home" laugh.  I laugh loud with my head thrown back and my mouth wide open.  You either love it or you hate it....but I don't really care.  ;)





5. If you could instantly be an expert in something, what would it be? Why?


Theology! 

High on Life Thursday~the little things

This is my first time linking up for High on Life Thursday because lately I haven't had a free Wednesday night to write a post. I am so glad to be able to link up tonight.  If you want to join in, head over to either Some Kind of Wonderful or My Silly Life and stick the button somewhere, whether in your blog or your post and let the world know what makes you smile and gives you inspiration!  I love that these ladies are making me woman up and focus on the good rather than the boring, mundane things that we all tend to worry about. 
I thought that my inspiring post would be a well thought out post about my volunteer work today. I am going to tell a bit about it because I think it is an amazing program but the inspiring part of my post is coming from our nightly ritual of bedtime books.  Who woulda' thunk it, right?  But about the volunteering.....last summer the kiddos and I started helping a local church prepare and deliver lunches for the kids in our small community who would be benefiting from a free and or reduced price lunch or breakfast during the school year.  A wonderful woman in the church came up with the program about 7 years ago and I am amazed at how well oiled this process is and how many kids it helps.  There are many volunteers from the prep and delivery to the food donations and coloring page copiers.  After subbing at our elementary school for half of the school year I noticed the absolute poverty that exist that we all tend to ignore or just live with.  There are kids who need food, nutritious and complete meals, every day, 3 times a day and a lot of kids are not getting those.  So, instead of talking about it I decided to grab the kids and go help.  We loaded up and asked what we could do.  We took to preparing and delivering.  The kids enjoyed it immensely, being able to help someone in that way and see the reaction for themselves is amazing.  We helped all summer, every Wednesday, unless we were out of town or one of the kiddos was sick and knew we wanted to get right back to it this summer.  With all the medical issues with my dad the past month, we were finally able to get back to the church to help today.  I had T babysit G because he was being what we call a "tookie tail" and R and I headed out to help.  It felt wonderful to be helping out in that small way.  Delivering lunches to kids who need them is something that will never be a finished job.  The program we help with is called Feed My Lambs.  Jesus commanded this of us.

Something more inspiring than that?  Well, it's a different kind of inspiring.  Tonight while we sat on the floor with all of our new library books spread out in front of us, Griff had a moment of extreme clarity.  He has these all the time, moments of absoluteness, where he knows more than anything what he will do, say or be when he grows up.  He usually has the moments a few times a week and they come in declarations of what he will be for Halloween, which he obviously thinks about a LOT.  This time, was a "when I grow up" moment which for all parents is fun to listen to.  We were reading a book called, ZooBorns.....all about actual newborn baby animals in zoos around the world.  G is a animal lover anyway and loves to read, watch and know about all animals, especially strange ones that others seem to forget.  His favorite at the moment is a hyena.....I haven't been able to stop sneering at them from The Lion King....he loves them and wants to have one as a pet.  So, we're reading away and oooing and ahhhhing at all the cute wittle babies and we get to the last page where there's a bit more detail into each animal and their endangered rank.  I explained all of that to him and then he asked why they're going extinct.  (Thank you, ZooBorns, just the conversation I was looking for a wind down story time.)  Being the weird parent that I am that feels we must not shield our kids from some things but rather light a fire under them to make a change in the world as they grow, I explained a bit about poachers and then explained about sanctuaries and rescue centers for animals that are in danger.  Well.....the fire was lit successfully and he got animated!  He was so fired up and ready to go, telling us in detail how we would be a Undercover Animal Rescuer and he would wear a mask and a cool costume with fire on it and that he would probably carry a sword.  He even went on to say that he would probably end up working at HEB so that no one would suspect anything, he wouldn't "wear his mask", he told me in a whisper.    By the way, he's looking into having a spotted hyena and a hippo for sidekicks.

That is what inspires me.  To see the glint in his eye and the happiness that his little fantasy created just makes my heart swell.  He truly believes in himself and all that he can do.  I can't help but think that has to do with the confidence we have helped instill in him.  Watching a kid's dreams replay in thier minds is truly a gift and I am so happy and inspired that I have kids that are willing to break the mold and think outside of the box.  They inspire me everyday....they also drive me batty but I guess that's their job. 

Congo...here I come!

What I'm Diggin' Wednesday Blog Hop

                                                                            


I'm diggin' Summer!  Even though I battled a seriously harsh stomach bug the other night, I am determined to recover so we can get back in the swing of things. My big kids head to camp Sunday and will be gone through Thursday.  They go back again the next Sunday because we paid for a second session, and come home that Thursday.  When they get back we're off to Alabama to visit my family for a few weeks, so who knows what this poor little blog will look like in between. 
I'm putting a few pics of our fun weekend at the Downtown Aquarium and then it's Q & A time!


On our Shark Voyage




Saw Fish...super cool!




Trying to point out the crazy Manta Rays in the Aquarium Restaurant




My soon to be 7th grader (eek!)




They were finding all the fish from Finding Nemo, of course.




T petting Sting rays




Ewww!!




Check out R's farmer's tan! ;)




B taking G for a ride on the carousel

Q & A Time!!

Pretty easy to join in on the blog hop:
1. Copy and Paste the questions below and create your own What I'm Diggin' Wednesday post!
2. Snag a What I'm Diggin' Blog Hop button (conveniently located on the top of my sidebar ----->) and share away!
3. Enter your blog on the link and make sure you're already following me.

See...easy. 

1. What 3 things do you use everyday? No matter what?

2. Coffee or tea?  And how do you take it?

3. Where do you shop for your wardrobe favorites?  What about for your kids (if you have any)?

4.  When you were a kid, did you go to Summer Camp?

5.  What trait in your spouse/partner drives you nuts but you couldn't live without it?
...................................................................................................................................

1. What 3 things do you use everyday? No matter what?





1. Aveeno Daily Moisturizer Spf 15
2. Coffee Maker (which means half and half and Splenda come right along with it, which is not cheating....)
3.  Paring knife....we eat a lot of apples around here!












2. Coffee or tea? And how do you take it?




Definitely coffee!  And I already mentioned the creamy deliciousness of half and half (extra fat and calories be damned) and the Splenda (yes, yes, I know....so not natural).  I do love tea, just not hot.  So the only way I take my tea is....sweet.








3. Where do you shop for your wardrobe favorites? What about for your kids (if you have any)?


You know, I am high class so my fave would be Old Navy.  Next up, would be Gap.  My sister recently warped my brain by taking me to Anthropologie  and showing me all the things I could never buy unless there was a 75% off sale.  I did find some amazing things...on sale of course....2 pairs of linen pants in gorgeous colors and a cute pair of navy shorts all for $97!  That's right....the queen of cheap can find a sale anywhere...even in River Oaks. 


My kids are the same as myself...Old Navy and Gap.  This is because I find really great deals online, and that's really the only way I shop anymore.  I also love Tea Collection for the gorgeous selection that they have and their prices are so good for the quality of the clothing.  They are having a great sale right now as a matter of fact.






4. When you were a kid, did you go to Summer Camp?


I did not. (insert sad, deprived face)  I honestly thought only kids up North did that, I must have seen a TV show or something, who know.  My mom told me she never mentioned it to us because she was too nerous to let us go somewhere around water without her or someone she trusted.  We did take long vacations to my grandparents and stayed there by ourselves.  I do make sure my kids go to Summer camps though.  T has been going since he was in 3rd grade and loves it every summer.  He goes to a few actually.  R has her first summer camp experience this summer.  They leave Sunday and are staying 2 weeks with a few days break in between.  I am not sure how G will behave with the "big kids" gone.  (he'll probably be ecstatic!)










5. What trait in your spouse/partner drives you nuts but you couldn't live without it?




my best friend, The Working Momaholic, was the creator of this humdinger......
I could live without his snoring, but not if that meant he wasn't sleeping with me.  Okay, he could not be sleeping with me because he is a super snuggler as I am a side of the bed hugger who wants to be left alone...but I wouldn't want him like out of the house or anything.  Okay, think positive, cute, snuggly stuff...
Does his hair count?  Because I constantly pick on him about his hair, just the sheer poofiness of it really, but I really do like it.  Especially when he pushes his sunglasses on top of his head and then he gets a very 70's vibe.  So, I like it...even though we have taken to calling him Poofy, Poof Daddy and numerous other names.  We also call him Cee Lo and he's not short, bald or black.  Family love is a love like no other.


Now time to link up!!  Spread the word so we can get some people involved!!!











Other great blog hops to check out on Wednesdays!




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Soda Stream {Review with pics..}

I was sent a Soda Stream a while back and can honestly say I was surprised by how much I liked it! I am not a soda buyer.  It feels funny saying "soda"....I am from the South and we don't really say "soda".  We call everything "Coke".  Is it a liquid that fizzes and tastes really good?  It's a Coke.  Doesn't matter if it's Dr. Pepper, Pepsi (but, why?), Diet Coke...it's just Coke to us...we only specify when ordering.  I guess I can't really call it a Coke Stream....that would mean they would owe Coke a lot of money.  Soda Stream is good though, it makes sense to all you Yankees.  So, as I was saying I am not a "soda" buyer.  I don't buy it because we really just drink tea and juice around this house.  When we do buy 2 liters it is for a special occasion or get together where I need to satisfy a lot of people.
I guess you would like to know if I liked this Soda Stream contraption (goin' real old school). 

Things I love about the Soda Stream:

• not buying 2 liters of anything
• all natural flavor choices
• unique flavors that satisfy grown ups too
• sleek design
• environmentally friendly
• quick
• easy
• you don't have 12 packs covering your pantry floor anymore!  (or in my case, my kitchen floor because I don't have a big pantry)
• color choices for the Soda Stream to match any kitchen

Things I could do without:

• my small kitchen with zilch for cabinet space.  This isn't Soda Stream's fault, how were they to know that I needed a fold up and put away version? Wouldn't have been able to store that either, to be honest.  I already have to shove my coffee maker, crock pot and Sno Cone maker on the surface of one poor little baker's rack.  Why a Sno Cone maker? Because, I live in Texas and it's hot. Without the Soda Stream though, I would have even more space taken up by ugly 12 packs of Coke.  No good. 

We reviewed the Soda Stream while at my friend's house for an impromptu get together.  Just a few adults were there but because we are an extremely fertile group....there was a LOT of kids.  The better to use for my review....MuahHaHaHaHa (that's my evil laugh).  I let the hubs take charge of the review so you could enjoy his luscious head of hair that he can't seem to get trimmed.  Enjoy.....



D was nervous about trying something new.  T though has already drained his cup. :)




We even let the baby have some before bed...she had to be included!




Seconds, please!





G gives Soda Stream a Thumbs Up!




R really loved it!




The grown ups had to have a try too!




Our resident phone man even used the pinkie technique

The flavors are all great, I especially like the Black Currant and Pear!  And we even tried some of them over the shaved ice from my handy dandy Sno Cone maker and it was FABULOUS!  I would definitely recommend Soda Stream for families and anyone who buys sodas.  They also have a whole set of flavors for water and my husband loves the Lemon Lime.  I need to try this since I am not a water drinker but need to be.  There are over 30 flavors to try and everyone in your family will have a favorite.  I was so happy to see some sugar free options because my husband is Type 1 Diabetic.  Anything that can add a little fun to sugar free helps.
Go to Soda Stream and check them out!  Tell them I sent you (it won't matter but you can still tell them).  You can find Soda Stream at thousands of stores now and just imagine all the plastic bottles and aluminum cans you will be keeping out of landfills!  What other product asks you to use tap water?  That's right....the stuff that comes out of your faucet.  Not the bazillion water bottles you have hidden in your house that come from a special spring somewhere...just your normal, every day tap water. 
Here's an interesting tidbit to illustrate how you are reducing your carbon footprint by using Soda Stream:

Think about how many useless bottles or cans would be cluttering your kitchen rather than the 2 other options.  You would be reducing your carbon footprint each time the Soda Stream was used. 
You can find Soda Stream on Facebook and Twitter...they have some fun stuff to see. 

5 Question Friday and a whole lotta hullabaloo....

So, it's already Friday.  As a stay at home mom during the summer honestly the days all run together.  I realize it's a weekend when B is in bed when I wake up one morning.  It is H-O-T in Tejas....as to be expected.  I'm used to it which is why when at T's soccer scrimmage yesterday evening I was extremely comfortable under a shade tree and didn't have one drop of sweat.  You become accustomed to the heat....and to the humidity.  I've lived here since I was 6 so when you think summertime....you think HOT, so hot you might feel like your face is melting off and your thighs could be permanently stuck together (mine pretty much are already). 
Had a fabulous dinner out with the girls last night at a quaint little Italian restaurant.  Had 1 Bellini and that was plenty, could already feel my ears turning an unflattering shade of red.  Enjoyed stuffing my face and having girl talk immensely.  We are an extremely close group, we meet weekly for a "book club/Bible study" and share probably way more than we need to.  Love my ladies!!  One of my friends is leaving in 7 short days to Cambodia.  This trip is not the first and will not be the last.  I have to tell you that I am so wishing I could go!!  Maybe when G gets a bit older.  Until then, I totally live vicariously through her.  You should really check out her Facebook page, Compassion is Cool.  They started it last summer, when she and her whole family (including her 3 kiddos) headed to Phnom Phen for 5 weeks.  While there, she started a clothing line by the same name, Compassion is Cool.  100% of the profits go back to Cambodia and to help people in need.  There's been some wonderful things happening with this line and you will know about it, believe me.  If you want to follow their journey while in Cambodia, you do I promise, head to Compassion 4 Facebook page, this is the official charity that is the father of the clothing line.


My friend, Jenn and her youngest, last summer.  My Youth Group did a book drive and all the kiddos at the orphanage loved it!


Now on to 5QF!  If you're not familiar with 5 Question Friday, you link up with My Little Life and copy and paste the questions into your post. 

1. How close to your childhood dreams is your life now?





I always knew I wanted to be a mom.  I played dolls all the time and didn't stop until Junior High when I realized no one else was. :)  I did think I would have a career.  Of course, that career was a marine biologist or a fashion designer.  Big goals, big dreams.  My career was a little off base but I am a mom and I am happy to be one!





2. What is one must have item for the summer?


Sunscreen!!!  My parents have had many things removed already and I do not want to be in their place later on.  Plus, I'm a big weenie when it comes to pain or needles....so sunscreen it is!  Aveeno Mineral Block for the face and Water Babies for the body.  SPF 50







3. Do you have your kids stay up on school stuff during summer vacation? (Or, if you don't have kiddos, did your parents make you keep up on school stuff during summer?)


Summer is summer.  We might have learning experiences along the way but we're not doing tutoring or anything.  I guess if they were behind in school we would but they're not so...whew.







4. Do you can or freeze fresh produce?




I am not that good at being a Susie Homemaker.  I do not can, scrapbook, meal plan, have a garden, or sew. 





5. Do you get ready for the day first thing in the morning?

I am in my PJ's now and it's 10:28am.  So, no.  I do not.  Unless I'm going somewhere, I try not to get dressed until around 11:30.  Slacker?  Probably.  Am I okay with it? Definitely.  I even take the kids to school in my pajamas, going through the car rider line with no shame.