Staying Home and Staying Sane

Oh, the lives we lead...Day 14 and 15

2012-01-29T15:16:00.000-06:00

Why is it that when B works nights everything gets 10 times busier? I have had to call in the troops (i.e. my in laws) for reinforcements many times in the past few weeks to help. This is when I am happy we all live nearby, what would I do if we moved to a different state? I guess I would deal, like my mom did all the years that she lived away from her parents and in laws and my dad worked out of town. Although, I have hoped and prayed for a change from Texas....not to get away from anyone but just to experience some place new and have the kids have that experience as well. Doesn't look like it will happen anytime soon, and thank goodness, because I am not sure where I would've been these past few weeks without the help.
T's basketball schedule should be winding down now, finishing up in a few weeks...taking away the stress with it. I have to say though, last game there were some BIG improvements in team work. It made a much easier ride home, that's for sure. When they feel like they've been able to play and show who they are on the court and enjoy themselves, it improves their attitude by leaps and bounds.
G's Tae Kwon Do has been so fun to watch, and I will have to call in help again tomorrow to get him to class while I am at T's game. Things are much easier when B is here and we can tag team parent like the pros we are. He hates missing everything too....and I know the kids are really missing seeing him at regular times of the day, like bedtime.
Luckily, R is not involved in anything right now....but Spring soccer is upon us, so this might change.
This weekend has gone by in a blur....so stinkin' fast, I wish we had one more day. I think I say this every Sunday. B is off tonight before heading back in Monday so we will be enjoying having some normalcy this evening....together.
Yesterday after T's basketball game, my friend Michelle, her son and T went all around town and took on Ellen's Dance Dare. Hilarious stuff!! The boys had a blast and they all turned out great. I really do hope that it makes it on the Ellen show, although I know it is a long shot. But, feel free to check out all the videos and share away because they need all the love they can get.
Check out michellekingfamily channel on YouTube! All 7 videos are hilarious.
Since we have had such a busy weekend, I think the kiddos are a little burned out....which leads to the always exciting sibling fights in the front yard! Needless to say, they were both sent to their rooms to clean for hours and seem to be in better moods all around. R is finally released and able to go ride on her scooter and T was playing with G. Love it.
Obviously, I am behind on my Project 365...again.....

Day 14:

G was home sick Thursday...so we made brownies!

Day 15:

Are you happy, Mom? I'm playing with my brother....

Keep on keepin' on.....

2012-01-24T21:07:00.000-06:00

Epic fail on the 365 project. It is okay....I will play catch up. But other than that, today has been pretty great. Got out of my little rut....or as others might call it..a routine this morning. A great friend of mine invited me out to lunch and to make a stop at a farmer's market. Usually Tuesdays....I am cleaning all day to prepare for small group on Wednesday nights. Thank goodness, I stepped out of my little box I call "home" and got out for a bit. A little girl talk does the brain well.
I really think that if I allowed myself to, I could be one of those women who never left the house. I am already that way with the grocery store. I mean, really.....how often do you actually see people you want to see there. How wonderful is it to stroll down each aisle and try to visualize the list that you left on the counter at home? Ugh. Hate the grocery store. Yet, I do have to leave the house, there are games to attend and bills to pay. So, it was nice today to get a break from the norm, which as you can tell, I haven't had a whole lot of since B has been on nights.
At the farmer's market today I snagged squash, strawberries (3 cartons because my boys are strawberry addicts), green beans, onions, and pears. Beautiful produce, I tell you. G had a plateful of strawberries for dessert and then a pear for his dessert after his dessert.
So, on with Project 365:
Day 12:

Hubby and T playing Xbox before he has to go to work...

Day 13:

Farm fresh goodness...

Positive thoughts...

2012-01-23T12:10:00.000-06:00

I don't know many people that wake up and say, "YES! It's Monday! I've been waiting all stinkin' weekend for this day!" Even as a stay at home mom, who doesn't have to get all gussied up and head out the door to work, I don't look forward to Mondays either. So, I wonder if it has ever been documented that Mondays are the most negative day of the week...the day of the week that we all find the negatives in every moment instead of the positive. I have a feeling it is.
I try so hard to tell my kids to be positive. Especially my daughter, who has the personality to dwell rather than move on and has the ability to find more negative in a situation than any positive. I am not sure how many times a day I encourage them to think more positive and to BE positive, but I truly wonder if they can sense that behind my words.....I dwell on negative too. I worry, ponder, think deeply, and analyze many situations through out my day. When it comes to kids, I want them to think positive, because I am sure that I have enough the negative down for all of us. No practice needed.
My daughter has been bullied most of the year by a girl she's known since pre school. I tried taking the positive route....now I am done. Even after switching classes and having it handled at the school, she still finds ways to make snide remarks to my daughter. Lord, help me, sometimes I wish I was a 4th grader and I could head to school with a handful of smart little comebacks for this little girl. Alas, I can not.So, instead of dwelling on it....I try to make solutions. Of course, I can not "fix" someone else's child and definitely not the parents. But I can teach my daughter right from wrong. I can teach her how to stand up for herself and not be treated like a doormat. I can remove her from any situation as I see fit, like not parking my car anywhere near the girl's mother after school, so that R can walk to the car without hearing her name in the little girl's conversations behind her. I also can not fight every battle but I have found myself what some might consider a "helicopter" mom more times than I would like to count this year. Especially, when it came to threats at my son's junior high. Is it any wonder that I am pretty much done considering sending my youngest son to our public kindergarten this year?
See...all of that negative thinking. So, to repair my thought process I am going to make a list for myself of positive thoughts.

All 3 of my kids are healthy
I am married to a man who has watched me grow from an 18 year old girl to a 31 year old wife, woman and mother....and still loves me.
I have been able to stay at home with my children, albeit a few fun part time jobs to shake things up a bit every few years.
My children all still love to show me affection.
My almost 13 year old son still tells me he loves me when he hangs up, even on the athletic bus on the way to games.
My husband loves me. He truly loves me.
I love him. Deeply.
I still have one living grandparent and he is amazing.
My father had a heart transplant! A heart. Transplant. Miracle!
I am blessed with family. Biological, step and extended.
We own a home.
I can walk.
I can pray....freely.
My sister...she's the greatest.
My mom has taught me so much.
My youngest son loves to grab me by both sides of my face and kiss me smack on the lips and tell me he loves me.
My husband is the best father I have ever met. He is involved with the kids in every single way and wouldn't have any other way.
I have food in my refrigerator and pantry.
I have heat when I am cold and air conditioning when I'm hot.
My daughter loves to leave me notes on her whiteboard.
I can read.
I have clean water.
I live in the United States.
I have health insurance.

There are so many more......but this way when I start drifting into the Sea of Negativity I can come back and look at my list....and maybe even add some more to it.

HAPPY MONDAY! And if you must....fake it til you make it.

Source: oakridgerevival.blogspot.com via Elizabeth on Pinterest

Project 365: Day 10 and 11

2012-01-21T14:42:00.000-06:00

I think G must have been up pretty early this morning with anticipation for his first Tae Kwon Do class. He was bright eyed and bushy tailed this morning at 7, as he opened my eyes with his little fingers and said-Mom....can we get up yet??
The class went perfectly and I really can't wait until the next one. I am so happy he has found something else to keep him occupied and as much as he likes to play ninja at home...I have a feeling that this will be a good fit for him.
Last night, R went and stayed at the in laws with her cousin so it was just the boys and I hanging out....which leads to the Day 10 picture...
I'm starting to think he might be more comfortable on the living room floor than his own bed...

And my little Tiny Tiger after class....too cool to smile..

You Made it to Friday!

2012-01-20T08:31:00.000-06:00

It doesn't feel like Friday to me.....I'm not sure why. I can only imagine that it is because B is still on nights 7 days a week, so everyday is about the same. I will get to sleep in past 6 am though.
Last night, was T's basketball game. Brutal beating, once again. We have 3 boys on the team who pass back and forth to each other only. So, the rest of the team, to get their hands on the ball, need to score a rebound. Pretty frustrating, as a parent watching. Teamwork doesn't seem to be a word in a lot of people's vocabulary. I can only hope that it will improve when he gets to 8th grade....and the coaches really coach and pump the boys up.
Okay, I'll get off my hovering, parent soap box.
Exciting news in our house....G starts Tae Kwan Do tomorrow! He is beyond excited and I can not wait to get pictures of him in his spiffy uniform. T told me that I better get used to washing that uniform every few hours because he doubts that G will ever want to take it off.
My Project 365 : Day 9 picture, yes, it is blurry but I love it. You can see that T is happy to be playing.

I could really use a getaway or an escape or really just a day of complete isolation....so in honor of me feeling like this.....my favoite pins that I want to crawl into and live.

Source: flickr.com via Elizabeth on Pinterest

Source: vintagerosegarden.tumblr.com via Elizabeth on Pinterest

Source: 7beaches.tumblr.com via Elizabeth on Pinterest

Have a fabulous weekend, my friends.

Source: Uploaded by user via Elizabeth on Pinterest

Project 365: Day 9....

2012-01-17T21:22:00.000-06:00

....and let's just be honest probably Day 10 too. Wednesday's mean Small Group night in my house. Around 10-15 pre teen and teen boys and the leader. That's a lot of movement. And a lot of chili to cook. So, if I don't get around to it.....here's two pictures for my own sake.

Now, you see, the poor girl is just trying to do her homework....and then you have these two buffoons that want to play war. Poor kid.

Project 365: Day 8....and a belated Wacky Day post

2012-01-16T21:19:00.000-06:00

It was a sunny 76 degrees here in Texas today. The kids played outside the majority of the day until we brought them in for an early movie date. Dolphin Tale, popcorn, Coke for a treat....we all piled into the family room with pillows and blankets. Great movie, amazing story. Yes, I cried.
It was nice to spend time together until B had to head into work. I now have all 3 of the kiddos in their beds.....and I plan on hopping in the shower....oh, the luxuries of motherhood. A quiet shower? Score.

Just another normal day at the Dodds' household.....

I never posted about G's Wacky Day at school.....
We've discussed his.....well, lack of being flexible. Which makes Wacky Day, a bit hard for him. The only mismatching his does is by complete accident. Like I've said before, it comes packaged together or if it was on a mannequin together at a store and comes home with him....then it will stay to.geth.er. He was able to agree on mismatching his shoes and mussing his hair up quite a bit but if you didn't look closely, you wouldn't have noticed much. So, here is The Boy in all of his wacky-ness.

You may unshield your eyes now....I know that craziness was a lot to take.

Project 365: Days 6 and 7

2012-01-15T20:12:00.001-06:00

So....my camera battery died last night...which means there's a 2 for 1 special today!
I was alone most of the night anyway with B at work, T at Monster Jam, R staying at a friend's and G escaped to his Pop and Gran's again. I read my book, Winter Sea, which turned out amazing. And played Words with Friends...I am addicted. B and I are 3 for 3 right now....why are we the most competitive with our spouses?
Tonight, after my throw together dinner that was inspired by a pin....Country Club Chicken...we goofed around at the table and G stole my glasses. Yes, I warned him that he would have a headache or go blind....he didn't care.
Day 6

Seriously, how funny is this?

Day 7

My kiddos are out of school tomorrow.....and the hubs will be sleeping to go back to work tomorrow night....pray for me, people. Pray for me.

Project 365: Day 5...all tuckered out

2012-01-13T23:11:00.000-06:00

For little man, today must have been a long one. He didn't have school but he woke up around 6:50am and start getting sleepy this afternoon. Never wanting to miss a thing, he did everything he could to keep himself awake. I was lucky to get his teeth brushed before he passed smooth out....

In his fave robe/pj combo and after he watched the whole Disney movie.....

This was going to be my picture of the day...

Hope everyone has a nice, relaxing weekend. T is off to the Monster Trick Rally? Races? tomorrow night with a group of kiddos and a dads. My only hope for the weekend......for G to sleep in...like until 9. With all that beauty sleep every one of these crow's feet should be gone by Monday. Here's to hoping.

Project 365: Day 4....A Texas Sunset

2012-01-12T19:35:00.000-06:00

The week is almost over! Whoop! Whoop!
I have to make myself remember to do my picture everyday this weekend....wish me luck. I tend to lost track of time on the weekend. The kiddos are off Monday, as well. 3 days of sleeping in....I will try to get the memo to G.
Dinner tonight was a success....fantastic Shepherd's Pie you can find over at The Hungry Housewife. I doubled the recipe and baked it in a 9x13 pan. We always need plenty to share or for B to take to work for his dinner. The kids that eat normally....all loved it! If it's not PB and honey, G doesn't like it, so his vote does not count. I also used Shiner instead of Guinness...come on we are in Texas.
After eating, the big kids had a pick up game of basketball and G rode his Rip Rider around, mostly trying to run over the big kids. I took lots of pictures of them playing together...because they weren't fighting (Whaaa?!). The star of the show was turned out to be the sunset. There's nothing quite like a Texas sunset. Pinks and purples light up the sky. And even crazy kids stop to watch God's masterpiece.

And proof that the kids can play and not fight.

Nice socks, by the way.

Project 365: Day 3

2012-01-11T23:48:00.000-06:00

20 minutes before midnight totally counts!
I almost forgot about my precious Project 365...and we're only 3 days in! I took a few pictures this morning...but I'm going with the picture I just took of our sweet, dachshund, Leni. She is spoiled rotten....and when B is working nights...even more so. I never thought I would be a small dog kind of person. I am. Love her.

Project 365....Day 2

2012-01-10T17:39:00.000-06:00

Today started out pretty rough. R, my 10 year old daughter....had a...let's call it a "moment"...this morning. She is what you would call unpredictable; one day she's as happy as can be getting up and then the next she wakes up and you feel like you might have been cast in another Exorcism movie. Lately, it's been the Exorcism set...which really starts your day out perfectly. It usually stems from somewhere and I can only guess that this morning wasn't the best because today was Class Picture Day. Problem? She couldn't decide what to wear. Even though I woke her up 30 minutes earlier. She stood inside of her closet and stared at all of her clothing choices for those 30 minutes. I offered my opinions and she scoffed like I was some complete loser (which I guess I might be in her mind). I told her just wear jeans and a cute top....her reply: " I don't have any jeans to wear!". At this point at looked into her closet...at the 12 pairs of pants and jeans she had on the shelf...and laughed. You know the laugh, the maniacal laugh of all mothers after we've had ENOUGH. She is not one to listen to your rant and then put her head down and walk away. She fights back. Like a frickin' Mama Grizzly bear.
I'm sure you get it by now, that we were both in tears by the time she finally got to school this morning. Me out of frustration and anger. Her out of anger and....confusion, because she always claims to have "done nothing wrong".
I didn't even call my mom and tell her about our little conundrum today. I honestly didn't want to hear an "I told you so" or "You were just like that at her age." which I am sure that both would be adequate. Sadly, I am grudge holder. I know, I know....let it go. Be free...blahdy, blahdy, blah....but that's what I cleaned like Martha Stewart on crack today...okay, I wouldn't go that far. Maybe just like me with more coffee. I cleaned and dusted, and scrubbed the bathroom floor on my hands and knees. And it worked. I got over it. Mostly. She is grounded from TV tonight because of the ugly things she said during her rant this morning. Which led to my picture for today. She was outside by herself and happily drawing hopscotch all over the driveway and skipping away.

Yes, I know, she's cute as can be. I agree....but I must say I'm a teensy (and by teensy I mean immensely) worried that if class picture day causes this much of a freak out....I am NOT looking forward to the teen years. If you would like to join in on Project 365 or you are already doing your own, please share the love! I want to see all the cool pictures!

The beginning....of Project 365: a picture a day for a year

2012-01-09T15:25:00.001-06:00

I was inspired by a pin I saw the other day on Pinterest....a woman who happens to be a mother and photographer, realized that she wasn't taking pictures of the moments everyday that her family would cherish in the future.
Don't we all do that? We have the pose in front of the Christmas tree, the smiling, happy children pose with Easter outfits on, the Birthday picture by the cake....but we forget the moments that come and go so quickly.
I am not a photographer. My love of pictures comes from my admiration of others' photos and the inspiration it gives me to click away. I figured I could handle a picture a day, and what better way to document our day to day lives than with simple shots taken each day? Yes, it would have been ideal to start this adventure on New Year's Day...never being on track with everyone else...I am starting my adventure today. January 9, 2012. It's a Monday, so at least I have that going for me.

Picture #1

It has been raining here all day. I'm talking downpours, tornado warnings, thunder and lightning. I love the rain, I love a good storm and I think I have passed that love down to at least two of the kids. G and I have been at the window back and forth all day watching the rain. It had finally slacked off and the sun peeked out and I snapped this shot of him kissing the window with his biggest kissy-lips possible.

You can find the pin that leads to the post that inspired me right here.

Source: iheartfaces.com via Elizabeth on Pinterest

To be honest (or not).....when your kids ask you the hard questions....

2012-01-07T20:15:00.000-06:00

I have to admit, I've been a little less patient than normal lately. Probably has something to do with being a woman and that whole once-a-month-I'm-a-raging-you-know-what...but also because I'm just stretched a little too thin.
You know how that feels. You're a little short with others, especially The Others who happen to live with you. Sometimes I feel like I am running a indoor zoo, trying to herd baby chimps into some sort of organized line. It can also feel a bit like Groundhog Day, hated the movie but love being able to refer to my off days as "UGH! I feel like I'm LIVING Groundhog Day!".
It can be easy to feel that way....I'm a mom. I do pretty much the same thing every day, given the minute to minute changes in moods, drama of the second, and sport of the day...my days can seem interchangeable. It's in those moments though that things happen we all forget about. I wish I was one of those mothers that actually remembered to take my camera everywhere and snapped beautiful photos of my kids in that fuzzy, sentimental-I'm a photographer AND a mom way. Just snapping pictures of the normalcy of our day. But I don't, even though I have a ridiculous amount of pictures.
Today, was another normal day. B is on nights, which automatically turns the kid's "Let's Fight" buttons on and also magnifies their voices. Weird, I know. I wanted to get them out of the house today basically to make the day easier on me, to avoid being the Queen of Shh! We loaded up and went to the movies! On the way there, T, who will be 13 in March sat up front as usual while R jammed out to her iPod and G watched Frosty the Snowman for the millionth time. The best conversations happen in the front seat of the car. Especially with boys. I've noticed this with T....and with his friends who have pushed T to the backseat to get shotgun. I have a feeling that it is because I can't really make eye contact when they're chatting with me and I'm driving.
T's conversation of choice during our 25 minute drive (we live in Texas, to get anywhere it's about a half hour), was drinking. Yep, alcohol. He was talking about people drinking who are underage and then I could feel his eyes burning holes in the side of my head....." Mom, did you ever do that?" I tried to buy some time, I messed with the radio a little, cleared my throat, but I knew that I couldn't avoid it. Many possible answers ran through my head. Should I answer honestly or flat out lie? Well, I went with the truth. I told him yes and explained how stupid it was...he agreed. He questioned me because he rarely sees me pick up a drink now, other than a margarita once in a blue moon. He also knows I can't stand the taste of beer. I guess in his pre teen brain, he though that was the only alcohol at parties that I went to...which was cute. I didn't go into too many details....don't want to create a rerun of my life here. Hard liquor wasn't mentioned...but wine coolers were. I told him how they are sickly sweet and make you feel like crap. Literally. Every time I had Fuzzy Navel wine coolers, I spent more time with the toilet than I did the rest of the party. He laughed at me, enjoying the fact that I was so stupid. He told me how he hopes he never acts like that when he's a teenager. I told him not to worry, that things are different for him than they were for me. That it's all about choices. You make bad choices, you deal with the consequences of your actions. Good or bad. I also reminded him that I wasn't in a church family when I was his age, having left the church I grew up in behind when my parents divorced when I was 14. He is in a church family and is involved with the youth there, as are we as a family. He asked about drinking and driving. Once again, I had to 'fess up and told him that, yes, unfortunately I did drink and drive as a teen and I was lucky to be alive because so many things could have happened to me or to others. I reminded him of living the life God wants you to live.
Our conversation ended as we pulled into the mall parking lot. We saw Alvin and the Chipmunks-Chipwrecked (it was okay...) and then made our way to Target where I could get my whole herding the chimps fix. One million dollars and 5 gray hairs later, we were back in the car for the 25 minute ride home. We were listening to music and enjoying the popcorn fullness of our bellies, about 15 minutes from home, when T turned in his seat and looked at me and I thought, Oh, crap...please Lord, don't be another question I really don't want to answer right now. But he said, "Mom...will I be like you when I'm older?" And I honestly thought he meant...Am I going to be as much of as a screw up as you were as a teenager.... so I told him again about choices and wise decision making. How when you know better, you do better (totally stole that from Oprah, y'all) but he just looked at me kind of funny. So I asked him what he meant....like me in what way? He looked right at me and said, "Like you....like a good parent."
Seriously?
I could have cried right there.
I love being a parent. Even if I am half crazy on a good day and getting gray hair and crow's feet at 31.
Now, I will get back to getting my hair "styled" by my 5 year old...who thinks doing my hair means combing my hair down and then twirling the comb around in circles. I guess he's into 80's 'do's.
Happy weekend, people. Enjoy your normalcy and chaos. I will.

And so another year begins....shouldn't we all be living the Jetson's lifestyle by now?

2012-01-04T09:40:00.000-06:00

2012
Of course, we've all heard it...the Mayans believed this would be the end of it all. I don't buy it. It does bring up the age old question: If you knew the world was going to end....what would you do? Where would you go?
Obviously, the world will end one day.....2012 just isn't it. This pretty wise fellow....known as Jesus, once said, " But the exact day and hour? No one knows that, not even heaven's angels, not even the Son. Only the Father knows. " (Matthew 36, MSG). But playing the "what if?" game couldn't hurt. I stumbled upon someone on Pinterest the other day who had an Apocolypse board...filled with preperations like differents kids of chickens and what they were good for. I found it funny, not sure if the person was being cheeky or serious, entertaining nonetheless.
If I knew the world was going to really be kaput this year.....
I would keep the kids home from school and make memories and experiences count
I would travel, anywhere and everywhere I possibly could and bring the whole family along
I would visit with my family as much as possible, in town and out of town
I would pray....a lot
I would learn something I never thought I had enough time to before....maybe knitting
I would skydive
I would experience all four seasons the "right" way
I would swim with dolphins
Go whale watching
Help someone everyday
tell all of my closest friends how much I loved them and why
tell my family how much they mean to me
not get on Facebook
live on the beach

I'm sure I've got about a million of those left.
Since the world isn't ending today here are some of my fave moments from Christmas break...

Making salt dough ornaments....if you want to try it at your house, I used the recipe over at Growing Up a NJ Wife. We made ours a little too thick...but the fun making them is what counts and they will now be treasured ornaments...even though my tree might fall over from the weight of them.

Random family fun

Our Pinterest inspired Santa Key...this one thanks Santa for stopping by while we celebrate the birth of Jesus. Try to ignore the dirty doorjamb, the one thing I forgot to clean and I took a picture of it. Smart thinking.

Heading out to the Christmas Eve Eve service at church

My dad. He is up and moving around and feeling good....not even 3 months after a heart transplant! God is good!

Spreading the magical reindeer food on Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve

With Hubby

Buddy waiting for his ride home to the North Pole

All the kids with the pumped up kicks....

R and her fave present....her name is Taylor Jane

So smooth....

My mom and sister with the kiddos on Christmas morning

An exciting New Year's Eve...

He had his own fun on NYE....Xbox

So, here's to another year. Make some memories. Make a list of your what ifs ....and actually do some! I plan on it.

Particular or Peculiar? The Unofficial Guide to My 5 Year Old

2011-12-28T15:27:00.000-06:00

This crocheted clad ninja would be G, my 5 year old, who rules the roost around here. He is "the baby"...poor thing will probably always be referred to this way....and we all tend to let things slide when it comes to him. I am not sure if it is our extreme satisfaction at everything he does (Good job!) or if he was just born with an insane amount of self confidence.
He is all around different from his brother and sister, our first hint at this would be physically. He was born with the most royal blue eyes I had ever seen...those are now blue-gray eyes that can change to green in a heartbeat or change of a shirt. His brother and sister both have brown eyes, one the color of a muddy river you would love to dip your toes in...the other as smooth as melted chocolate.
He did look quite a lot like both of his siblings, a funny mixture that depending on who he is sitting by, he looks like them. I continued to see the differences...his teeth didn't come in until he was 11 months old and when they did...it was the top. And only one tooth hung there by it's lonesome for over a month, making him look like a mini hillbilly. We now know that he's actually missing quite a few of his teeth...even the grown ups that were supposed to be waiting in the wings.
He's now 5 years old and the differences are still there but he's really created this whole persona that is really a force to be reckoned with. I would say that he is particular but others might see it as peculiar. Let's just say that he's not the kind of kid that can just pick up and go along with whatever is planned for the day.
He can be fearless or full of fear. If an pajamas came together, they must stay together. No mixing tops and bottoms or just wearing a t shirt and pj pants to bed. For instance, we got him a robe for Christmas. It is not Christmas-y, I made sure of this so that we could avoid the situation but it didn't work out the way I wanted. Once he opened the robe he put it on over his Christmas pj's he opened the night before and now he just can't seem to put the robe on with another pair of pajamas. He gets a little OCD about things....just like the whole pajama thing.....he also gets fixated on one pair and I will have to wash them everyday so that he can have his favorite pair ready...he literally wore holes in the feet of his favorite "footie" pajamas and they looked like they might have been inhabited by a family of squirrels from all the wear and tear.
His diet is another thing. I have finally thrown my hands up and started giving him PediaSure...even though I felt like a total failure doing so. I mean, what mother can't force/guilt/tempt food into the mouth of her children? Obviously me. He used to eat like a champ. He breastfed for 16 months and ate everything we ate at the table. He has gone through phases where all he wants to eat is hot sauce and chips (he is a Texan)....sometimes he will only want pickles all day. He eats apples everyday. He exists on peanut butter and honey sandwiches. When I make dinner, I have to make sure that anything I decide to put on his plate looks almost exactly as it did when I bought it. He'll eat carrots like Bugs Bunny might have invaded his body and he enjoys noodles. Cinnamon toast, a breakfast of oatmeal every once in a while. Yep, very limited. Just try to put a casserole in front of him. He will almost gag and not like in a bad episode of Supernanny, like a genuine gag reflex from seeing food mixed together.
Let's move on to playing with G. Feel like grabbing some Lego's and building freestyle? Sorry, that is not allowed. We have to keep the books that come with them so that he can see what they are doing in the picture. I have had to look up the spells from Harry Potter so he can use the "right" ones with his Lego Harry Potter people. It's not that he doesn't have an imagination. His imagination amazes me sometimes. I guess he just puts order where he needs it.
It's actually good to have a kid who keeps you on your toes. He is kind hearted and so loving it would blow your mind. He knows exactly what to say and cracks us up pretty much all day. Yes, he may only wear white socks and likes his sandwich cut a certain way (circle cookie cutter, used everyday) but he is sure of what he wants.
What I have learned from my 5 year old:

Slow down
Be who you are with no regrets or apologies
Embrace your laugh and your parents and you will have a good life
Don't be afraid to say what you don't like
Love fearlessly (God, people, pets, your stuffed animals...)
Lounging in your pajamas all day is not such a bad thing
Every once in a while, it's okay to live on fruits and cheeses
Popcorn is always good
Movies are even better
Spend time with your grandparents
Believe in possibilities
Break dancing is a way of life.

I am sure that if someone felt like writing a blog post on me (please don't) they would have plenty of idiosyncrasies to list that I don't even realize I have. I crack my knuckles about every 5 minutes, annoying I know. While in a department store, I will touch almost every single thing I walk by. I am a slow eater and a fast talker. I tend to interrupt. Major procrastinator and laundry lover.
We all have our odd quirks. Thank God.

Raise your hand if you envision yourself and your kids living in the PB Teen catalog...

2011-12-19T11:33:00.000-06:00

Me! Me! Me!
My goodness, as I thumb through the any of Pottery Barn catalogs I totally put myself in them. The gorgeous rec rooms with everything any kid could want, beautifully decorated bedrooms...with beds that are made! The gadgets and gizmos that would keep your kids busy on any day during Christmas break, when they usually say "I'm booooored!"
How about those picture perfect kids, decked out in festive attire and smiles on their faces...that is totally my kids! ~~Yeah, right~~. Speaking of The Wild Ones, they have confiscated my newest issue of PB Teen and circled, dog eared and crumpled it to pieces. If you are looking for last minute ideas you still have time to order from PB Teen and get it by December 23rd!
Here are my kid's faves to help you out with the pre teens and teens on your list:
For your niece who adores sleepovers....Puffer Sleeping Bag and Pillowcase set

For your spa-licious daughter....a classic PB Teen robe

How about an even cozier sleeping bag set? A Sherpa sleeping bag and pillowcase set would be great for a girl or a guy!

This is one of my favorites and my daughter loved it too.....Classic Jewelry Box....covered in pebbled faux leather...so classically beautiful.

This Flip Clock is the perfect gift for the steam punk inspired teenage boy that is perpetually late.....which would be every teenage boy.

We are in love with these On the Go Speakers!

These speakers are great....hook them up to your gadget du jour and blast them! They can be portable or you can plug them in and they produce some monster sounds. We really enjoy these....even the Eminem songs that find themselves piping through the house. Okay, maybe I don't enjoy those sounds but I can hear them through the house regardless if you like the music being played or not. I dig that the ear buds are not stuck in the ears, I swear he will be deaf by the time he's 18 with the amount of time his ears are plugged up with the iPod ear buds. The On the Go speakers are the perfect gift for any age kiddo, boy or girl, young or old. You could even use it yourself and enjoy some Christmas tunes in the kitchen before the kids steal it back. They are lightweight and come in the black shown above or more girl friendly colors. Your ears may not thank you but your kids sure will.

I am warning you....if you log onto PB Teen's site you might as well give yourself a few hours....you will be sucked in. Make sure to check out their gift section! Check out PB Teen on Facebook and keep up with the best deals and up to date trends...here, they have some pretty fab contests. Don't forget to follow them on Twitter at @potterybarnteen!

We loved the On the Go speakers and did receive them to review.

Sleepover + crafting = busy kids

2011-12-11T10:15:00.001-06:00

This week is like the Wednesday of the month.....we're in between, people. Next Friday the kiddos are out of school for Christmas break so I needed to get a lot done this week without them. This is how much I've accomplished:

Zip. Nada. Zilch. ZERO.

Not.a.dang.thing. I have luckily gotten a few gifts in from the lovely brown truck that makes home deliveries. When I say a few, I really mean....literally a few, 2 presents. I need to get some shopping done but I hate when I start focusing on that. As a parent, it seems inevitable to zero in on shopping and wrapping and pretty much everything else under the balmy, winter sky. I have been trying to slow down and enjoy things a little more this time around.

Our Advent train had a bit of a makeover that has helped carve out family time. I totally ripped the idea off of Pinterest but used the train we already had. In each box on the train I added a folded up piece of paper that tells the kids something we can do that day.

Drink hot chocolate with any meal today

Put the tree up and decorate while drinking homemade hot chocolate
Say a special prayer for someone today
Bake something
Watch ELF together
Open a new book and read together as a family
Buy a sibling a small gift for Christmas (I'm talking like $5 here)
Pick a movie out together and enjoy it
Bake/make something for someone else

You get the idea.....the kids have been loving it so far. I only have a few things that involve buying something and they're things we would be buying anyway but this way it's fun and involves the kids. We've also really been enjoying our first year with Buddy Lightning the Elf. Yes, the big kids wanted to name him Buddy but G wanted Lightning. Needless to say... we don't call him by his nickname Bud Light. Classy.

Last weekend we had a sleepover for R's 10th Birthday. Luckily, the city where we live hosted the Christmas parade last Saturday so we had an activity without even planning for it....and that didn't cost a thing. So, after sliders for dinner, the parade with cookies and hot chocolate we came home and watched that new Good Luck Charlie movie and the girls were finally ready to get crafty. R and I shopped for everything at Hobby Lobby and got some pretty good deals.

Here is our party in pictures:

Burger time

I could have done without the owl that looks like a 5 year old might have created it....but the tie dye looked good and it tasted good.

Oo-la-la! The scarf from her BFF

Buds

10 candles!!!

Eating cake in their PJ's

Our materials for ornament #1...Yarn Wreaths

Me, in my lovely ensemble of top knot and Willie Nelson t, giving instructions on how to start their ornaments.

G getting started with his "snow"....epsom salt

Cracking up over a glitter mishap

I love this

Finished product before putting the top back on...the girls went with a feather, snow and pinecone technique instead of the natural "terrarium" feel I had in mind.....

out....

Friday Fever!

2011-12-02T09:12:00.000-06:00

So, if you were not already doing a happy dance about it being Friday, you may go ahead now. In my neck of the woods it is another early dismissal day. Our high school football team is in the playoffs and tonight their game is almost 4 hours away.....so of course, everyone is getting out early to head out to cheer our team on! I live in Texas....what did you expect? In Texas, on Friday nights....it's all about the football. B is traveling to go watch them tonight but I will be staying home with the kiddos and getting ready for R's Birthday sleepover on Saturday. She's not into large groups....so lucky for me.....there's only 3 extra girls coming over. I'm trying to decide if I'm going to be overly ambitious and do a craft time with them or not. I've been on Pinterest but I'm too busy fawning over all the Christmas decorations to focus on one craft.
Since it's Friday I am going to share my fave pins of the week that will hopefully inspire me to get crafty......

Source: the36thavenue.com via Elizabeth on Pinterest

Source: unconfidentialcook.com via Elizabeth on Pinterest

Source: speckled-egg.blogspot.com via Elizabeth on Pinterest

Source: christopherandtia.blogspot.com via Elizabeth on Pinterest

Source: michelemademe.com via Elizabeth on Pinterest

I just love the idea of making decorations from what you have....or what you can find in nature. Have a wonderful weekend!

Source: livingwithlindsay.com via Elizabeth on Pinterest

Dinner Conversations

2011-11-18T08:49:00.000-06:00

Last night is one of the first nights in a while I've actually been able to join the family at the dinner table. With my dad in the hospital still recovering from his heart transplant sometimes I don't make it home until they are already fast asleep. So, last night I made pasta with Italian sausage and ground beef in a fabulous, so not homemade sauce, and we sat at the dinner table and gabbed. I decided to bring out a page I ripped out of a magazine months ago to start some conversations. TV was turned off and we had a great time. I thought some of the questions would be over 5 year old G's head but he had some great answers along with the big kids. Here's a little taste of our Q&A session:

Name 5 things you would take on a deserted island.

G (5 years old): 1. Drinks
                             2. Food
                             3. Towels ('cause you know I would need a bath)
                             4. you guys
                              5. and a massage person 'cause on my island there would be someone to come and massage me and it would turn into Hawaii where they would serve me food and everything.....

R and T both totally cheated and chose Food, Drink and Shelter for their top 3 too....I told them they were too old for that and had to pick again. They still stayed super practical, matches (in a baggie), cell phone with solar charger (in a baggie), inflatable raft.

If parents could switch places with kids and kids could switch places with parents...which one would you be? We said that you would have to remain in that person's body. So, if you were Dad, then you looked like Dad.

T (12.5 years old) had the best answer for this one.....he said that he would be his dad. Then he went on to describe what he would do....
I would go to Dad's work and I would declare it Poofy's Dance Party Day and I would get the whole refinery to break out in dance.

Niiice. Not sure his Dad's work would go for it.

If you could be anyone in history, including people alive today, for one hour who would you be?

T said Mark Zuckerberg
R (almost 10 years old) said Selena Gomez (hmmm....wonder why....maybe a little thing called Justin Bieber)
I said Ellen (because we would be BFF's for sure if we met so I might as well be her for an hour, and it wouldn't hurt to be her during one of the 12 Days giveaways)

Those are just a few but it was a blast....it's interesting to see what everyone comes up with. I'll leave you with the rest of the questions so you can steal them for your own dinner convos.

If you could have only one of your senses, which would it be?

Parents can visit one of their kids at some point in the future; kids can visit their parents at some point in the past. Where would you go and what time period would you choose? (This is my favorite and we missed it last night! Would have loved to hear these answers)

You can go get anyone from the past and bring him or her to the present for one hour. Whom would you bring and what would you do with them?

If you had the ability to transform into an animal, which animal would you choose?

Name 5 places you want to go in the next 10 years. What 5 things do you want to do there?

You can't time travel, but you can send one object back to anyone you want. What would you send them and whom would you send it to?

What is the one thing you wish you had discovered?

Have fun!

Monster Bash.....a party in pictures

2011-11-04T11:49:00.000-05:00

Our little monster turned last week much to my dismay. I tried putting a brick on his head, giving him coffee like no body's business and living in denial. He still turned one year older.....which means the baby of the house...is actually a big kid now. Yes, G will always be referred to as the baby and I've got no problem with that....he does....but who's asking. \
So, this past weekend we had a Monster Bash for his party. It turned out wonderful, the weather was amazing and plenty of his little buds showed up. I am by no means crafty so thank goodness for Pinterest and the ability it has to inspire me to do more than just order a cake and invite some kids over. I did order cake...let's not get crazy here....but we had our little theme and really had fun with it.

Enjoy!

The invites were simple! Neon printer paper, white paper, googly eyes, and a permanent marker to make them however you please. I just cut out various types of "teeth" and folded the invite where the monster could have an overbite or under bite...hee hee. Inside it said:
Our little monster is turning 5!
Come and have a SCARY good time with us at a MONSTER BASH!
insert your info and you're good to go.

Meet our monster for Pin the Mouth on the Monster! I free handed him the night before on a piece of neon poster board and secured him sticky tack. I drew all kinds of mouths on more of that great neon paper and cut them out. I knew that we would have girls and boys and this party so I made sure to make some plump lady mouths as well as scary monster mouths. The kids really enjoyed this. We used sticky tack for the back of the mouths as well and gave everyone a prize of crazy fingers! So fun. You will also need a scarf to blindfold your little monsters, I spun them around as many times as their age.

Some of our tables before the food. I found this great blue pumpkin at the local grocery store and it was just creepy enough to use as decor. I almost painted an eyeball on the pumpkin to make it a monster but decided against it. We used the cheap but oh-so-fun vampire fangs for table decorations and craft paper to cover tables. I always snag the vampire fangs from Target, you get 30 of them for just a few bucks. They go a long way. Decor, favors, etc. I found the cute spider tins at the Dollar Spot at Target. Perfect for all of our plastic ware and goodies!

This would be our Green Goop punch! It is super creepy with the swampy look the sherbet gives it. All you need: Lime Sherbet, Sprite or 7 UP, frozen limeade concentrate, frozen lemonade concentrate. This was crazy sour, which the kids dug but I could've dealt with a little less punch. If you want to do this for a grown up soiree just add rum. And don't forget the gummy worms for effect! B found this great "cauldron" in the camping department at a local store. Worked out perfectly.

I am kicking myself right now for not taking a picture of the actual monsters in the boxes! I was in such a hurry to have the boxes put together that I blanked on that. Epic fail. I will have to take one later of the one that G adopted. My 9 1/2 year old daughter took on the Adopt a Monster booth. I let her make the poster for it and decorate all of the monster boxes. Inside the boxes we had:

little stuffed monsters that my lovely and crafty friend made for us. There was such a variety of colors and facial expressions...all the kids loved them!

a Birth Certificate of sorts. I just made a little card that asked for the new name of the monster, the kiddo who was adopting it, and the monster's fave food that I filled in for them.

I also squeezed in the box the other favors, hand tattoos, pencils, etc.

This was HUGE hit. The kids loved taking their turn at the booth and naming their new creature to take home and take care of.

Cake Time!!

For the monster munchies we only made a few things....the party was from 2-4 so not really a meal time. I adapted my Twirly Whirly Pizza into Pizza Bites. Served with marinara. If you would like the recipe for the Twirly Whirly Pizza it can be found on my blog here. I filled these pizza bites with kid friendly things, turkey pepperoni on 2 of the "loaves" and turkey pepperoni and mild sausage on 1 "loaf". These are easy and great for parties or weeknight dinners paired with a salad.

The mummy dogs were big hit and pretty darn yummy! I used turkey dogs (with no nitrates!) and crescent rolls. We vetoed the idea of the mustard eyes because we were dealing with 4 and 5 year olds. They are blind mummies.

I also didn't take a pic of my Monster Munch but it was a great addition to the table and also for the G's pre school Pumpkin party. I served the concoction in small, clear, plastic cups and here is what you will need:

Chex Mix

Plain M&M's

Crunch and Munch

Mix together, you will need to do this in small batches or use 2 big bowls and transfer. Looked great in a huge bowl with a ladle for scooping at the parrty.

and presto! You have a fabulous mix that is terrible addicting for kids and grown ups alike.

I hope this can help someone else in their party planning!

Until There Was You {Book review} and amazing Q&A with Kristan Higgins

2011-11-02T14:34:00.001-05:00

I might be one of those women who only read what others consider thought provoking. I might have been one of the snobs in the library or bookstore quietly judging your book with a high heel on the cover. I might have been one of those chicks that dubbed everything with a romance title "chick lit". Then, I started discovering amazing authors like, Elin Hilderbrand and Jodi Picoult and realized that not every plot has to be so intense to be a great read. I loved the female characters that were written and how they were so easy to relate to and actually fun to read about. So, after getting my feet wet, I moved on to Emily Giffin.....and loved every book. Then, on my Nook, Kristan Higgins was recommended as an author I may enjoy. So, I tried out one of her books and feel completely in love with her writing style.
Kristan Higgins writes female leads that are in depth and flawed and also hilarious and quirky. She has male leads that make you truly want to get into her head and see who she had in mind while writing them. The family bonds and intricate details of the towns she moves to for each book are just huge bonuses in a wonderful piece of fiction. Her sense of humor is impeccable and truly makes me laugh out loud while reading in a room by myself...which is an accomplishment because you know we all like an audience when we laugh. She is one of about 4 authors that I wait for each new book to come out and snatch it up as soon as I can.

Her newest book, Until There Was You, will evoke in most of us the awkward teenager we were. Posey, a pixie of a woman, has an endless stream of family and friends to keep you interested and tagging along to see what might just happen next. In my mind, she seemed very Lucille Ball, always on her toes but teetering just the same. Whether she is gabbing with her flamboyant and gorgeous brother in law or working at her architectural salvage yard...she is busy. Staying busy comes in handy when someone moves back to town.
Liam, Posey's high school crush, comes strolling back into town, complete with his black leather jacket. This time, he has a teenage daughter in tow and a reason to stay.

Liam will make you swoon and growl at the same time....and not in the good way. In one minute you love him to pieces....single dad of teen daughter (bless his heart)....but the next minute you want to thump him on the head for not noticing Posey for the amazing woman she is. Liam seems to think of Posey as an annoying piece of the town's history but when he does ask her out....you wonder if she should go with her racing heart or stick to her guns. Does Liam really feel for Posey or just need a distraction during this transition time in his life?

Reading Until There Was You, the reader will fall in love with each character in their own way. From the big, lunk of a Great Dane to even the German restaurant Posey's family owns. Even in your despise of some characters, like all great books, you will find some positive traits to bounce back on. Kristan Higgins really knows how to grab your attention and make her characters so believable and so charming that you want to read each of her books and then pass them on to friends.

I was lucky enough to be have a little Q&A with Mrs. Higgins and can't wait to share it with you!

1. Which characters from your novels so far, do you find yourself relating to the most and why?

It’s funny…I relate to them all on some level. There’s always a certain theme to a character, though I might not know it at the time: Posey from UNTIL THERE WAS YOU wants to feel chosen; in TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE, Grace wants to make everyone happy. Harper from MY ONE AND ONLY wants to feel safe. I could go on, I guess, with why I relate to every one of them. But when my husband read ALL I EVER WANTED, he said he liked that book was his favorite, because Callie reminded him of me (he’s a prince, that guy!). Callie feels responsible for the happiness of everyone around her, and I guess I do, too. Doesn’t every mother?

2. What are your must-haves for a successful writing experience? Perfect place? Absolute quiet? Craziness of your house? Family far, far away?

I like to have my dog with me (my colleague, I call her); I like to have quiet; I like to have some Hershey Nuggets close by . To paraphrase Stephen King, the only must-have feature is a door that closes. I do have an office now that’s just down the street from my house. It’s a tiny attic apartment with lots of light, a microscopic kitchen and no Wi-Fi. Heaven, in other words!

3. Where do you get your inspiration for the settings of your books? Which is your favorite setting so far? As a Southern girl, I wouldn't mind seeing more settings in the South....what do you think?

All my books are set in places I’d like to live. I grew up in a small town, and I love their intimacy and familiarity (and nosiness!). It’s so comforting to picture those snug little towns, the café where the counter people know how you take your cuppa joe, the guy at the post office who flirts with you every time you come in. I think CATCH OF THE DAY and THE NEXT BEST THING had the settings that I loved the most…places that I could picture so clearly I felt like I was living there. (Just so you know, next spring you’ll see both those places again…!).

As for setting a book in the South or the West, you never know. My sister lived in Georgia for a while, and man, there were some gorgeous towns down there! A few years ago, my family and I drove across country, and I fell in love with a number of places…Kansas, Montana, Oregon…But I think I’d have to spend some time there first, getting a feel for the culture and rhythms of speech, stuff like that. I always want my books to feel authentic, and that’s definitely true for the setting aspect.

4. I love the humor and wit in your characters, especially the female leads, I find I relate to the sense of humor. Do you think of yourself as a funny person or does that come out more in your writing?

Thank you so much! I’d say I’m fairly funny live and in person, but writing is a gift, in that we get that extra time to think up the great comeback or snappy answer.

5. The flaws in your characters are always evident but lovable. My favorite character so far has been Grace, who doesn't love a history buff teacher that just happens to be a Civil War reenactor?! Do you have a favorite character so far or do you find they are all too much a part of you to pick?

I think I love my heroes to an unhealthy degree. It’s a good thingsecure man and B) those guys are imaginary. I loved Grace too, especially when she’s pretending to die on a Confederate battlefield. Malone from CATCH OF THE DAY remains a special favorite (I think he has a cult following), and Nick from MY ONE AND ONLY. But wait till you meet Liam and Posey. Those two are special, I think. I hope readers will feel the same way!

Thank you so much for the opportunity to do the Q&A!

It was absolutely my pleasure! Thank you!

See? I told you she was great. Is there a bad thing about a new book coming out from a fave author? Yes, a long wait until the next great book.

What I'm Diggin' Wednesday.....

2011-10-26T09:06:00.000-05:00

The week is once again flying past.....and I really need it to slow down. G's 5th Birthday party is this weekend and I haven't been able to get my stuff together. I do have all of the party favors....even my Adopt-a-Monsters are ready to go, thanks to an AMAZING friend who made them for me and sent them with love from Pennsylvania. I just love crafty people...especially generous, crafty people. I will definitely have to post pics after the par-tay. We are having a Monster Bash and he can't wait!
So on to what I'm diggin' this week:

Field Trip Memories:

This time my husband got to join us for the Dewberry Farm fun so we all had a blast. If you are in Texas, you should definitely check this place out....we love it! Dewberry Farms in Brookshire, Texas.

Daddy and G on the hayride

Mom and G :)

Slide Mountain!

Corn Maze!

Jumping on the giant "pillow"

Daddy helped out on the zip line

So much fun

All the cool moms are doing it...

B even had to join in on the train ride

I am also diggin' this amazing charity:

As I mentioned in yesterday's post, my dad is awaiting a heart transplant, and on the radio in Houston every morning this week has been talk of Taylor's Gift. This is a charity that started after a teen, Taylor, does in a tragic skiing accident. Her parents donated 5 of her organs and now 5 people can go on and live. They are in the running right now to win $150,000.00 from Cadillac and all you have to do is go to their Facebook page and click on Vote. Easy peasy and you could have been the deciding vote....it is running extremely close right now. You can also find the voting on their website.

It's Red Ribbon Week at the big kid's schools! I so remember this from when I was a kid. T hasn't wanted to participate in all of the days....you know, now that he's in 7th grade he is WAY too cool for that. But R has loved it all. And if you don't know what Red Ribbon Week is.....it is a way to incorporate Just Say No into schools in a fun way. "Peace out" to drugs, etc.

Crazy Hair Day

G had an early Birthday celebration at his pre school yesterday! Who doesn't love to watch their cupcakes be devoured by pre schoolers?! He loved it. He is getting a real treat...Thursday is his real Birthday and also the day of his school's Pumpkin Party.

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Miss me much?

2011-10-25T16:39:00.000-05:00

It has been weeks since a post and I can honestly say it's because there simply hasn't been time. My dad has been back in the hospital for 2 weeks now and as of tomorrow he should officially be on the list to receive a heart transplant. This has been a long journey for him, his first pacemaker or defibrillator as long ago as 1991.
The most recent scares have brought to light many things for me. First of all, with congenital heart failure being as close in the family as my dad, I know I need to go to a doctor and at least have a check up. Second....organ donation is a very real thing. Of course, I've thought about organ donation and I can't say some of it doesn't scare me or freak me out a little. Now that it has hit so close to home, I couldn't tell the rest of my family fast enough that I wanted to be a donor. My dad has lived a pretty amazing life....he has traveled and worked all over the world, he has had 4 children and 2 step children, he has 4 grandchildren and a wife who loves him and loves to take care of him, and more than friends than most people I know. He has been blessed beyond measure but I we need a heart for him to continue living his blessed life and enjoying his family and friends.
It is hard to pray specifically in this matter for me. I know that I am praying for all of our faith to remain strong under the pressure that we are all under, for the doctors to have compassion and empathy, for my dad to remain calm and sure of his faith and place in the world. I pray that he will be stronger than I've seen him in a long time and that he will look back on this as a trial he had to endure to get further in his faith.
So, now that you know WHY I have been gone from the blogosphere so long, I can get back to blogging and posting pictures of all the fun stuff we've squeezed in along the way.....including another class field trip to Dewberry Farms, this time for Fall fun!

What I'm Diggin' Wednesday {linky open} Hiawatha's got nothing on our little Tiger Lily

2011-10-05T08:47:00.001-05:00

Wednesday already?? That means I need to get vacuuming before small group tonight! But while I stall.......
Last night the hubs had to go to T's football game and I went to R's 4th grade Texas program. So, even though I missed an almost interception by our football player I enjoyed the program. Love watching these things....it always reminds me of a movie I used to watch back in the day...about a Christmas pageant gone awry. Kids giggling when they shouldn't be, off key singing, camera flashes....it's all part of it. R did so good....she luckily wormed herself out of her solo speaking parts because she becomes a nervous wreck so she had a few group lines and then enjoyed hamming it up with her buds.
So, I am diggin' Native American costumes this week because she looked stunning in her get up and let's face it....that's all she cared about anyway.

My niece, protesting the length of the program

R loving the attention of her 2 grandmothers. My mom (right) even crawled out of her bed to come, her allergies have been horrible! On the left is my step mom. :)

I am also diggin' Monster themed Birthday ideas because I am a procrastinator, I'm sure we've covered that at some point already, and little man's Birthday is the 27th. Agh! So, here's what I'm pinning for inspiration....and I even have the cake and moonwalk ordered so score for me!!! In your face procrastinating gene!!! Nevermind....Pinterest didn't seem to want to work with me this morning so you'll just have to visit me over on my boards. The Follow button is on the right sidebar ------->

Now link up and share what you're diggin' so far this week.....

Friday Night Lights.....Homecoming in the South

2011-10-04T13:38:00.000-05:00

Depending on where you live, Homecoming might or might not be a big deal. Here, in Texas, it's a big, stinkin' deal. I moved here when I was 6 and I immediately was in love with the idea of Homecoming. First of all, Friday mornings in our elementary school meant that we could buy Spirit ribbons to pin on our shirts....for $1 each. And yes, real pins. Nowadays.....that would not happen. I'm sure there would be a breaking news story about some kid being stabbed in the eye with some one's Spirit ribbon pin. Back then, we were just excited to buy the ribbons, they always had fun slogans about beating the team our football team was playing. As I got older, I wanted nothing more on Homecoming than a Homecoming mum. Have you heard of the mum? Of course, you've heard of the gorgeous flower......but have you heard of the ribbon clad, huge fake flower of a Homecoming mum, complete with trinkets and bells.
Last weekend was Homecoming and it was a blast as always. I have a 7th grade son and a 4th grade daughter....our 4 year old decided he did not want to participate. Even the boys usually jump in the tradition, the girl they take to Homecoming buys him a garter. Which is basically a smaller version of the girl's mum but worn on the arm. T, our 7th grader went solo this year and didn't want Mom and Dad buying his garter for him. But he did love the mustache and hot lips photo props I created.
So, just a little insight before the Homecoming pictures.....

My goofy child

What I'm Diggin' Wednesday!

2011-09-28T09:33:00.000-05:00

It is odd to me how the weeks seem to be flying by but the days go by slowly. I look up and it's Wednesday......this family of 5 is always busy, especially with 3 kids involved in sports and church. Sometimes, it feels as if I am never home to enjoy the moments that we should be enjoying. Last year, before T moved on up to Junior High, it was easy to sit on the living room floor everynight and have a little devotional time with the kids. This year it has become something that I am yearning to do yet realize the next day that once again we didn't "have time". How can I not "have time" to teach my children the Words they should be living their lives by? Laziness? Maybe. Chaos? Probably. I know for a fact that if I would MAKE the time to have that devotional each night, that my days would go much more smoothly.
My patience with people has been out of control lately. I've been tired, like super tired. That's not like me. I can't help but think if I gave my schedule a God makeover that my heart would calm, patience would come easier and I would have energy to spare. It is hard when we get home from wherever we have been, which is probably a football game or soccer practice, to not look at the clock and turn into Turbo Mom. Getintheshowerbrushyourteethmakesureallyourhomeworkisdonebenicetoeachotherhurryandgetintobedsowecansayprayers.
Have you been that parent? What is an extra 10 minutes where I can sit with my kids and go over a chapter, a section, a sentence....in the Bible? It is more important than my bedtime deadline. I need to get out of this funk I've created and get with the program.
So, sorry for the vent session....I guess I can get on with What I'm Diggin' this week. If you want to link up....and please do!....go for it.

Since I spaced out again and forgot to link up to Pin It Tuesday and because I am completely obsessed with Pinterest I am going to combine my vent session and Pinterest with what has been helping lift me up this week via my pins. Enjoy. And if you would like to follow me on Pinterest....you can find the little tab to the right of this page.

Source: laureola.tumblr.com via Elizabeth on Pinterest

Source: designworklife.com via Elizabeth on Pinterest

Source: tumblr.com via Elizabeth on Pinterest

Source: 2.bp.blogspot.com via Elizabeth on Pinterest

Source: janefarr.blogspot.com via Elizabeth on Pinterest

And for fun's sake.....

Source: artprojectsforkids.org via Elizabeth on Pinterest

Source: almostunschoolers.blogspot.com via Elizabeth on Pinterest

Source: lemonademakinmama.com via Elizabeth on Pinterest

Link away.....

What I'm Diggin' Wednesday....{linky} #pinning! You're going down, Sheen!

2011-09-21T09:19:00.001-05:00

Halfway through the week....would it be wrong of me to say that I'm not ready for the weekend, yet? The life of a mom, working or not is hectic. Then it's the weekend. You know, that break that comes on Friday night and last until Monday morning? My "break" this weekend will include:
Soccer pictures for G at 7:30 am. Yep. 7:30. A.M.
2 soccer games at 8:30am on Saturday. Yep. 8:30. A.M.
Birthday party to chauffeur T to at 7:30 that night
Celebration for my nephews that night as well....one is turning 18 and one just became a Marine. Amazing milestones.
Sunday....church, of course.
Another Birthday party at 1pm
T's soccer game at 3pm....an hour and 15 minutes away
So.....my "break" of a weekend is awfully packed. I am grateful though to have them involved in sports and have the friends they do.

What I'm Diggin' this week.....link up and create your own WIDW post!
#pinning! Aren't you so sick of Charlie Sheen and his stupid catchphrases??? Let's change it to #pinning! and just be happier in general.
Since I didn't link up to Pin It Tuesday....I am having withdrawals and decided to put my faves this week in my WIDW. So here you go....

Source: slutgrrrlinternational.tumblr.com via Elizabeth on Pinterest

Source: compassion4.org via Elizabeth on Pinterest

Source: thecreativeplace.blogspot.com via Elizabeth on Pinterest

Source: kkart.deviantart.com via Elizabeth on Pinterest

Source: etsy.com via Elizabeth on Pinterest

My #30 at last night's game

Scripture of the day:

Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting you'll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need them throughout your life.

Ephesians 6:13 (MSG)

What are you diggin' this week??? I can't wait to find out.

What I'm Diggin' Wednesday {blog hop linky} and sports goodness (plus a super cute baby)

2011-09-14T09:39:00.001-05:00

This week has been a whirlwind already, it honestly doesn't feel like it is only Wednesday. We've already had 2 soccer practices, 1 football game, and small group tonight. So, on to what I'm diggin' this week.....feel free to create your own What I'm Diggin' post and link up!

This is T....and this picture was taken by a friend at his first football scrimmage. I love this picture for numerous reasons. In this picture, you can see the hint of the young man he will soon be because of the way the shade and light are hitting his face. My heart swells and breaks because of that glimpse that you look for their whole childhood and the fact that it seems it's all happening so fast. When he hit Junior High, I am pretty sure that he walked through some sort of crazy time warp that made time speed up.
So, to make a long story even longer.....this picture shows that I am diggin' the whole school sport thang.....it really is a ton of fun. Sitting with your friends in the stands all cheering for each other's kids and being ridiculously loud and embarrassing about it helps. And the kids totally dig it. Plus, we are in Texas...hellooo? Friday Night Lights? Although, T's games are Tuesday nights and the sun is still shining bright. Now, that he has made the move to be a team player for the district I really need to be schooled in football. I have never been a fan....yes, I know, I will probably be asked to move. Hopefully, I'll run across a copy of Football for Dummies soon.

My niece, Baby B, how precious is that face? Don't you want to hold her and cuddle her and love her forever?? Me too. Which is why I find it inexplicably hard to not drop in and steal her everyday. This picture was taken at R's soccer game.....I thought she needed to get her first taste of futbol!

My one and only, favorite 9 year old girl in the whole world.....totally showing Hope Solo how it's done in the goal this weekend. She loves it and I really hope she sticks with that position, powerful girls rock!

I'm diggin' U6 soccer. Is this not the cutest thing ever?? G man and one of his teammates hugging in the goal. They then played tag on the way down the field. Love the innocence and silliness of this age!

What are you diggin' this week??

Pin It! Pin It real good.....s-s-s-salt and pepa...sorry, it's Pin It Tuesday!

2011-09-13T13:36:00.000-05:00

I linked up with Mommy Head Adventures last week for this and since I am ~~mildly obsessed~~ really into Pinterest I'm sure I'll be linking up each week. If you are not on Pinterest....get out from underneath that rock and I will gladly send you an invite. And if you are on Pinterest, let me know! Would love to follow all of your crafty, DIY, foodie, home decorating, mecca of a mama ideas.

Here are my fave pins of the week...no theme, just my favorites....enjoy.

Source: weheartit.com via Elizabeth on Pinterest

Source: None via Elizabeth on Pinterest

Source: diyideas.com via Elizabeth on Pinterest

Source: etsy.com via Elizabeth on Pinterest

Source: vanessachristenson.com via Elizabeth on Pinterest

Source: houseinteriordecor.com via Elizabeth on Pinterest

Now, you may go ahead and finish singing the song Push It by the amazing Salt and Pepa.....because you know I got it in your head. Push it real good!!!

i Heart Faces Weekly Challenge---Back to School

2011-09-12T09:15:00.000-05:00

I'm always so happy when i Heart Faces has a challenge I feel like I can actually enter....and back to school shots are something I definitely have. Not professional but still oh so cute.
This picture is of my daughter on her first day of 4th grade this year. She had a major growth spurt over the summer and looks so different than her picture from last year.

Enter your own back to school photo over at i Heart Faces this week....and check out the great photos of others.

Easiest and most delicious Taco Soup

2011-09-09T18:54:00.001-05:00

It's not chili.....it's not really soup......more of an in between. We'll call it a "thick" soup. That's right.....it's soup with a little junk in the trunk.
So good, so easy and everyone in your family will love it. Unless, of course you have a 4 year old who has decided early on in life to be a vegetarian. Yep. 4.
Just a little upfront info, we're cooking this my way so.....you will be using your palm for measuring your spices. And don't flip a lid if you use a little more or a little less, it will be just fine and taste wonderful just the same.

Here's what you will need on hand, most of these things you probably already have in your pantry:
1.5 lbs. ground beef
28 oz can petite diced tomatoes
(Palm full) Minced onion or 1/2 of a small onion
(Palm full) Chili Powder
(Palm full) Ground Cumin
Garlic Powder
Onion Powder
1 packet Ranch salad dressing mix (not the dip mix!)
Paprika
1 1/2 c. vegetable broth
Taco blend shredded cheese
Tortilla chips (I happened to have the Scoops on hand...use whatever you like or none at all)
Cooking Spray (100% olive oil)
You can also add kidney beans or pinto beans...I just didn't have them on hand.

I used my big, enamelware dutch oven and I am using a gas stove.

1. Heat your pot on medium high with the bottom covered with a 100% olive oil cooking spray. Drop the ground beef in the heated pot and let sit....don't touch it until it gets a nice browning on the bottom and seals those juices in. About 2 minutes. Brown meat with the minced onion.

2. Once browned, add spices to the meat. Sprinkle the onion powder and garlic powder all over the meat, then add the chili powder and cumin. Add a large dash of paprika. Next, the ranch salad dressing packet. Stir until all meat is covered evenly.

3. Next, add the veggie broth and stir. Turn the heat down just a smidge and leave it to boil for about 5 minutes, stirring to keep from sticking.

4. Once boiling, turn heat down to medium low and let simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring when you think about it.

5. Fill large bowls, top with as much shredded cheese as you want and arrange the tortilla chips the way everyone likes. On top, on bottom, on the side, whatever floats your boat.

6. Enjoy the satisfied grins and full mouths!

5 Question Friday.....

2011-09-09T09:04:00.000-05:00

Does it seem like this week was just as long even though it was a short school week? I am exhausted. I'm guessing it is the non stop running around, carpooling, cheering on, and cooking for the family. I was also at one of the best hospitals in the world on Wednesday while my dad had his thyroid removed. My sister, step mom and I were too afraid to leave the waiting room during the surgery and recovery due to his other health issues so we sat all day. I got home about 10 that night and B took over small group hosting. I'm assuming he did a good job seeing as there were no broken windows or ambulances called to our house during the time that 15 7th graders were here. I would like to say that now that the weekend is here we will enjoy sleeping in and relaxing but we are one of those families that is into soccer.....that means early Saturday mornings that will probably last all day. Now that T is playing Division 2, his games are on Sunday. I haven't figured out another solution to the church/soccer issue except for heading to the earliest church time and then heading out to his games.....which are mostly in Houston....an hour away.
Now, for some mind numbing 5 question Friday.....

1. What ringtone do you have on your cell phone?

Florence and the Machine......Dog Days Are Over
Love it, love her.

2. What is your favorite memory from this summer?

Definitely our "big" vacation that we take as a family. To see the family in Alabama then on to Florida where we soak up the sun, walk on sugary sand, watch dolphins on Shell Island and eat AMAZING food at Uncle Ernie's....ahhhh.....I want to go back....like now. Out of all that, I'm going with our day on Shell Island as the best memory. 10 hours sitting in the bay...snorkeling, swimming, searching for amazing sea life, spending family time where the kids weren't fighting and just loving being alive.

3. Paper books or ebooks?

I heart paper books, I like the feel of them in my hand, the look of them all over my house, the smell of old books....everything. Yet, I own a Nook....so call me a trader (okay, really don't, because that would hurt my feelings) but I do read my Nook everyday and I have a library of about 70 books on the Nook. It is super handy and I'm trying not to feel guilty everytime I see a bookstore closing....but I still do.
I love "real" books though and will continue to buy them as well....and definitely take advantage of the public library (I mean, really.....those books smell the best). And of course, Half Price Books....because there is no better book store.

So, now that you know I have a weird "smelling" issue....we'll move on.

4. If you could have one home upgrade what would it be and why?

Only 1?? I have a small, older house. So, there is much to be done. How about a top 5 list?
1. 2nd bathroom. Yes, there are 5 of us in this house....and 1 bathroom. Pick your chin up off of the floor.
2. Turning this weird space that was a bar in the 70's I'm sure but is now a "closet" for my husband's work clothes and baseball card collection into a walk in pantry! Oh, how I would love that.
3. Closing our carport in and turning into a sunroom.
4. Making a "real" backporch that has a roof that doesn't leak.
5. A beautiful flowerbed in the front of the house.

5. When was your first serious boyfriend/girlfriend?

Oh, lawd......I was nutty about boys from a very young age. I remember my boyfriend in kindergarten.....sad, I know. I had one boy who was also one of my best friends but we would be boyfriend and girlfriend throughout elementary school....I think we counted at one time we had "gone out" about 25 different times. He was really just a BFF....but we did hold hands...and probably stole a kiss or 2. But serious boyfriends.....hmmm....as a girl I thought each one was serious but I'm going to go with junior high.

Now....go...enjoy your weekend.....and if you want to link up head over to My Little Life.

Pin It Tuesday! oh, Pinterest, how I love you.....

2011-09-06T11:12:00.000-05:00

This is my first time linking up to Pin It, Tuesday and I am already stoked about it! If you would like to link up and share your last 5 favorite pins....please head over to Mommy Head Adventures. If you are not on Pinterest but would like to join, let me know and I'll send you an invite! And we can follow each other and live happily ever after.....okay well, we can just follow each other and get inspired.

Here are my last 5 pins from 5 different boards...

So much better than a comment or suggestion box and a nice way for the kids to get their prayer requests in if they don't want to voice them.
Source: 6dukes.blogspot.com via Pinterest

Making stamps out of denim scraps...amazingly simple and brilliant. My daughter can do this all on her own.
Source: http://www.craftingagreenworld.com/ via Pinterest

Love this! Etsy always has the best finds...this genius just happens to be from Texas...knew it!
Source: http://www.etsy.com/ via Pinterest

I am in love with this. I say "I miss your face" a lot, this sounds even better!
Source: theglamlamb.blogspot.com via Pinterest

Amen.
Source: http://www.etsy.com/ via Pinterest

Labor Day weekend madness...soccer, more soccer and crazy weather and parents

2011-09-05T20:43:00.000-05:00

We headed out to Houston for my oldest son's weekend long soccer tournament on Saturday morning, bright and early. This is our first time playing Division 2 soccer and he's always played up but never this far. He is playing for a U-15 team....which means the kids that are playing pretty much have mustaches and body hair while T has.....well, he's 12 1/2! You get the picture. As long as we've been involved in soccer....since T was around 3.....I have seen many different types of parents. The good, the loud and the downright ugly. This weekend topped it all off though. In our last game yesterday we unfortunately witnessed the worst kind of sportsmanship. These guys and their parents were nuts....the parents were yelling at our boys from the sidelines. Picking them out individually and letting them have it. Cussing, yelling, the whole shebang. Ridiculous. I've heard that the parents of Division 2 players can get a little....ahem....competitive. This is just uncalled for. I am truly hoping that was the worst we will ever have to be a part of the rest of the season. We haven't even started regular season yet...that was our 1st tournament.
To make it even better.....the wind was outta' control and my eyes have never been redder. The sand and dust flying everywhere....I've never seen that. And the poor boys had to play in it. It did make it much cooler on Sunday, we were just caked in dirt. And I mean caked, we could draw pictures on our skin. Disgusting. Made the shower when we finally trekked home all the better.
We got home and I know I fell asleep before 9....laying on my bed with the little one. Today we were lazy but I did decide to celebrate a day off of regular routine and headed to a movie with a friend.
The Help was ah-mazing!!! The book was better...but what book isn't? I loved the casting, the costumes, the touches of the South that others might miss was all impeccable. Loved it, recommend it, will want to see it again.

Houston Dynamo's mascot, Diesel, was in love with B's hair and kept fluffing it. Then he decided to strike a few poses.

Mr. T the red and white in the middle. This was the team that was so mean in the yellow.

This morning....after getting my Pinterest fix which happens pretty much all day off and on (let's be honest), I found some more cute DIY ideas. Got inspired by the recycled t shirt crafts and found my own that I loved. No sew, of course, because I am the opposite of a crafty mom. We went with 2 colors instead of 1 and went with our high school's colors...maroon and white! Super cute and easy and we even made a braided bracelet/hair "bow" with the scraps of the recycled t shirt we stole from the hub's closet. We were inspired by This Old Dress. I am now a follower of hers and will be visiting the site again and again. She is a treasure trove of DIY info! If you are an amzing DIY-er and especially with recycled stuff, please find me on Pinterest and let me know.....my Pinterest button is to your right -->

Braided necklace made from recycled t shirt, modeled by her Highness of Morning Hair

The finished product....so cute. Can't wait for Friday night!

It's Friday....and not the annoying song....just the day of the week. Plus, 5 Question Friday

2011-09-02T09:03:00.001-05:00

What a week it has been.

I now know what moms talk about when they list chauffeur in their job description. With three kids, in three different schools....I feel like I am always in my car. It wasn't as bad when the big kids were in the same school...with the same arrival and dismissal times....now I am running the roads from 6:30 am until 5:30 pm when I pick T up from football practice. And that's just days when there isn't soccer practice....those days we aren't home until close to 8...sometimes later with T's team.
I keep telling myself, this is normal, all moms are doing this same exact thing. And I am totally understanding why it always seemed like my mom and every other mom I knew seemed to be in a constant state of PMS during our teen years. You get to a point where you stop and look around and realize that you have not sat down before 10pm, or you haven't had time to run a simple errand for yourself, or you probably haven't had enough time to go to the bathroom.....and you want to cry.
Does anyone notice the tears in your eyes? Probably not. But chin up, Buttercup! You have this to look forward to for the next (insert years until age 18) years....and then you get to help with grandkids when your children are hopefully college educated, gainfully employed and happily married to a spouse who loves you.
Yay us.

So, I've got to run and grab my sanity before I pack for a weekend long soccer tournament in Houston for T. Wish us luck! And enjoy your weekend. It's Labor Day weekend for goodness sake! I am hereby giving you permission to throw the "I brought you into this world" card and go to a movie, go have a cup of coffee or three or throw back a delicioso margarita! You were in labor for how long??? Totally counts for the holiday.
And now onto 5QF....if you'd like to link up....head over to My Little Life and link up to your heart's content.

1. Shoes in the house - yay or nay?

I am not going to have kittens if I see someone wearing shoes in my house....unless of course you are tracking in mud....I mean, come on. But, I never wear shoes in my house.....and I am known for not wearing them in my driveway either. Someone stops by, I walk outside to chat and....I notice I didn't put any shoes on. No biggie. I heart being barefoot. So, whatever floats your boat...wear them or not. The huge pile of shoes constantly by my door tells me...we do not wear them inside.

2. What do you call them- flip flops, slippers, thongs, etc?

Uh....flip flops. Duh. They are my shoe of choice at all times. Living in Texas we only really need "real" shoes for a few months. I have a year round flip flop tan line.

3. What song are you almost embarrassed to admit you know all the lyrics to?

this is tough....because I should probably be embarrassed by many lyrics I know to many tacky but wonderful songs.
Anything by New Kids on the Block
Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre, anyone??
How about a little Ice Cube?
TLC, Salt and Pepa? Push it real good......
and one of my faves, and one that my children all know (judge if you must).....
Sir Mix a Lot-I like big butts and I can not lie....no other brotha can deny...when a girl walks in with a itty bitty waist and a round thing in yo face you get sprung....
yep. I know.

4. What is the best quality to have in a friend?

How about a few combined qualities?
Sense of humor is a must
Loyalty
Ability to have wonderful conversations and be tolerant of my conversational ADD
there's like 10 more but there goes the ADD....

5. Do you know what you want for Christmas?

a new cell phone contract.
I have been a Blackberry loyalist....but it has become a piece of crap and I would love an iPhone. There is only so much Instagram envy a girl can deal with. Fo shizzle.
an iPad wouldn't be bad either.
or a trip somewhere wonderfully tropical and far, far away.

Happy Friday!

Miscellany Monday.....

2011-08-29T10:59:00.001-05:00

This is my first time linking up to Miscellany Monday so pardon if I'm doing it wrong...or just sit back and enjoy the train wreck. And be sure to head over to lowercase letters and link up. So glad I found her blog, I will be a returning visitor, for sure.

1. This weekend we had an abundance of good and bad. My husband and one of our closest friends were out in the yard way past midnight....up to their knees in dirt....yeah we'll just say dirt.....because the clean out was completely plugged. They tried every snake they could find and poured everything imaginable down the toilet and clean out trying to flush something, ANYthing out. To no avail. Since Hubby's a pipefitter, plumbers and the like can only be called after he has exhausted everything he possibly knows to do. It happened. I called and sweet talked a guy to come out and use his mega snake to help us out. Turns out, we still don't know what it was. He said it felt like a water bottle.....hmmm. It's working now, so I'll move on.

2. We had small group this past week for the 7th and 8th graders...this will continue through the year. I had the room all nice and ready for them.....I really wish I would've gotten a picture of it completely full of kiddos.

Looks cozy, right?

3. Last night after a day full of a baby shower (and shopping for that shower first thing in the morning because I'm a chronic procrastinator), stressing over the plumbing issue, and shuttling T where he needs to be.....I went out to visit with my dad who works in Georgia and I'm glad to have home for awhile. My gorgeous niece just happened to be there....darn the luck. Holding a newborn....is there a better time? No.

Trying to get a burp out of sweet baby

4. T will be in his first tournament as a Division 2 soccer player this entire weekend. He is super pumped and I'm glad. My brain is also running overtime thinking how I will keep G entertained (and cool) the whole weekend.

5. Small group again Wednesday......as the host, I will be making the meals each week. Buying pizza every week is just not plausible, way too expensive and I would love to give these kids a good, stable meal each week. This week will be Tacos!

Well, that was fun. Now, on to the rest of my day. I think I can hear my laundry calling me from the hamper....or maybe it's just walking off on it's own.

Beach Baptism!

2011-08-27T20:24:00.000-05:00

I was baptized at the age of 6, in the Methodist church my family and I started going to when we moved to Texas. It was a sprinkling of water and I really don't remember it....and I had left my church long before having Confirmation classes. My parents got divorced when I was 14, I don't really remember going to church after that except for holidays or special occasions. I probably should have been there....I could have avoided a lot of heartbreak if I would have remained in a church and close to God.
But....I didn't. I took for granted that He would always be there for me in the End and I probably didn't have to worry about much up until that point. Then, I got married and had a child, God became something more to me then. We started getting involved in the same church I was baptized in. When #2 came along, we were going pretty regularly. #3, yep, still involved but drifting....felt kind of monotonous. And my husband wasn't going as much with us, he just didn' feel like he belonged.
I craved more and wanted more for my family. So, I started rededicating myself to God and reading the Bible more, studying scriptures a bit, and getting into an amazing group of women who I can't thank enough for their help in our journey. We have now found the perfect church home for our family and I don't feel like I am going to church on Sundays just to...go to church. It's about what He has to say to me when I'm there, about the people that are in that church and how I feel when I walk through the doors.
We were baptized today by immersion. And it really was awesome. Our oldest went through a class and has accepted Christ on his own....so he was included today and we got to help with it.

Happy Friday!....finally linking back up to 5 Question Friday

2011-08-26T10:18:00.000-05:00

Friday! Friday! Friday!
This week has been a humdinger, for sure! T has to get up at 5:45 now to get ready for school so we can leave by around 6:30....yep, a.m. I am used to waking up right before I have to wake the kids up, which last year was 6:45. A whole hour earlier? Ugh. Wish I could say I'm a modern day Donna Reed who just looooves waking up before the sun, making coffee and breakfast for her man and getting decked out in heels and chic outfits before taking the kids to school. But let's get real......not happening. I drag my tired butt out of bed when the alarm goes off, disturbing my serene waves, shuffle into the kitchen with one eye open and turn the Life Saver on (that would be my coffee pot). Then wake The Boy up and get his breakfast started while sipping my Saving Grace and mumbling about how darn early it is. Once we get in the car....I'm still in my PJ pants and t shirt. Yep, sure am. Judge away, my friends, judge.away.
Our small group started this week along with school. On Wednesday I had 14 wild and crazy pre teens and teens crowded in my living room. It was amazing.

Now, on to 5QF. If you want to link up just head over to My Little Life, copy and paste the questions and link yourself up!

1. Did you make any fun purchases this week?

I bought 6 pizzas for small group. Don't know if that counts as a "fun" purchase but it counts as a purchase anyway. And there only 2 pieces of pizza left out of 6 pizzas. No waste!

2. If you could go to any musical concert, what would it be?

Adele. Definitely Adele. Love her.

3. What is your least fav/ most fav house chore?

Least Favorite: bathroom.
Most favorite: people have a most favorite house chore???!!! What the crap. I don't like any. But I do them. I guess the one I do without to much complaining would be laundry, I find it strangely therapeutic.

4. Would you prefer new appliances or clothes?

I just bought a new fridge and that's something we really needed. So, I'll go for clothes now....I really need to revamp this wardrobe.

5. Miracle Whip or Mayo?

Mayo. Enough said.

What I'm Diggin' Wednesday {Blog Linky}

2011-08-24T12:31:00.000-05:00

A little late....by about half a day....but I am getting my house prepared for a whole mess of kids to come over for our first small group of the year. Cleaned yesterday, vacuumed today along with picking up here and there. I am also having a ridiculously hard time deciding how many pizzas we should order for their oh-so-nutritious dinner. 4? 5?
So....what am I diggin' this week?

Book I read this week:
Too Good To Be True
Kristan Higgins

I love this author. Her characters are so flawed yet hilarious and wonderful. Love them.

Favorite song of the week:

This song speaks to me in so many ways and I love the message it send to people of all ages. Makes my heart melt everytime I hear it. Tenth Avenue North....You Are More

What I've been up to:

Try and ignore the bare light switches and walls....that is my project for this weekend. And the unmade bed in R's room....I need to be more of a stickler but I'm not right when they start back to school.

The walls are killing me because they're so bare.....but I love the antique mirror my aunt gave me!

Our lime green cabinet that is housing ALL games to ALL game systems, turned out funky just like we wanted, it used to be white.

These curtains block out so much heat and light and I got them for 1/2 off at Kohl's! Paired with my Target lamp, I like the pop of color. And the bowl? It's for the cell phones during small group tonight.

My favorite little section of the room, my beach shelf. All of the sand is from my favorite beach, Panama City Beach, and so are some of the shells. The calm in my storm.

R's room. Baby blue walls sprinkled with Peace signs and her masterpiece of a hand painted mirror.

Yes, that is a wall of Bieber and Taylor Swift...more to come I'm sure.

So, what are you diggin' this week?? Let me know.....and link up!

Another First Day......I might need to become a Red Bull drinker according to this schedule.

2011-08-23T19:38:00.000-05:00

Today G had his first day back to pre school.....he goes to the most wonderful pre school in all of the world. No, I'm not exaggerating, his teacher is amazing and she knows how to teach any and every personality. He wanted to stay when we went to his "meet the teacher" day where he just saw how the centers were rearranged, so I didn't have any anxiety about dropping him off this morning. Until.....one of my friends who's child is also attending the pre school said "have a great last first day of pre school!"......doh! That hurt, I didn't think about it that way. His very last, first day of the pre school he has been going to since he was 2 1/2. The next step is Kindergarten (gulp!). Not sure I'm ready for that and I gotta tell you that I'm not quite sure I will send him. Texas isn't doing so swell in the Education department right now.....32 kids in one class is not something I want for my little guy. Anywho.......
Today was T's 1st day of football practice! He came out smiling and not puking so I guess that's a good thing. He had a blast and is pumped about the mouth piece....not so much about the jock strap so I'm having to rush to the store tonight for slider shorts. Yay. I was in a car rider line 5 different times today.
1. Dropping off T at the Junior High
2. Dropping off R at the Elementary school
3. Picking T up from Junior High.....until he called me 1 minute (exactly!) before the bell rang and tells me he does have football practice. So I got out of the line I had been in for an hour (2nd in line too!) and came back to pick G up from his school.
4. Picking up R from the Elementary
5. Picking up T from football practice

Then, I had to make it to an Athletics meeting at 6....oh, just 30 min. after I got out of the football practice line. No biggie.
So, this is what it's like. I was used to soccer practices and running everywhere but now that T is school sports I can already tell how nutso it will be. I've never had an energy drink in my life....but it might have to find it's way into my car for all this Taxi driving I'm doing.

Here is G for his 1st day!

My big 4 1/2 year old!

Yep, that's my 7th grader. He finally got his "tree" picture we do every year and turned it into a silly photo shoot.

Back to School......are you jumping for joy or crying into your laundry?

2011-08-22T11:42:00.000-05:00

Well.....I woke up at 5:30 this morning, my relaxing waves replaced with the annoying beep-beep-beep of the alarm. 1st day of school for T and R. I made cinnamon rolls and cut up some fresh strawberries and made myself a huge pot of coffee. Our summer is now long gone, only to be remembered by the vacation pictures I tend to revisit at least once a month. I have to tell you, friends....it was tough dropping my now 7th grader off at junior high. He just seems to small to be walking into that school full of hormones and Honors classes. R is headed to 4th grade and will be in the same school she's been in since Kindergarten. I'm completely at ease about today for her...she even has a teacher she's had before....and we adore her. It's still a new year though and with girls the social aspects can sometimes be harder than the academics.

My prayer for the first day of school:
God, please guide and protect my children all school year long.
Please keep their minds and hearts open to new friends, new places and new things.
Help them always carry Christ in their heart and represent Christians the best they can.
Let them feel secure and safe in themselves and confident in their point of views.
Please help give them calm hearts and minds and let them be a catalyst in whatever they do.
Give them the compassion and sympathy they need to make it through this school year with their integrity.
Help me let them walk on their own two feet and be their own people.
Amen

Tomorrow is G's 1st day back....more pictures to come.

What I'm Diggin' Wednesday! {Blog Hop Linky}

2011-08-17T09:42:00.001-05:00

School starts next week for all three of my kiddos. This is bittersweet. T will be heading off to junior high, where I am determined that he will not find it as horrible as I did in 7th grade. R will be making her way to 4th grade, I have no worries here academically or behavior wise. She does what the teacher asks, she makes excellent grades....I just worry about the girl drama. Oh, the girl drama...are you with me girl moms?? It's just horrendous and it doesn't seem to matter what age the girls are anymore. I know a lot of this stems from mama drama and just trickles down to the girls but it's still brutal. I hope and pray she finds a group of good friends this year and not a lot of the little sneaky girls that you know act differently when parents aren't listening. G is going back to his pre school, to the teacher I love for him. I am so glad he's not heading to kinder yet, I am so not ready for that.
Yet, I've always loved back to school time, even when I was a kid. It's just a buzz in the air of expectations and fresh starts. Today we will be heading to get T's haircut.....so long to Bieber hair....even though he has said for years that he had the haircut first. We had Meet the Teacher at the junior high last night and it went well....he opened his locker on the first try and I guess now his only worry will be how to shower discreetly (but proudly) after athletics. Should be interesting.

Yep, 7th grade...aghhhhhh

My soon to be 4th grader!

My little guy

I'm diggin' makeovers this week! I would have had some pictures here of our living room we painted orange and the lime green cabinet that is now housing all of the video games but I have 2 boys conked out on the floor in there so I can't get a good picture. I'll try to get one later today. We also painted R's room baby blue and she now has peace signs all over her walls and her Bieber and Taylor Swift mecca is back up and displayed nicely. Again, she is still passed out so pictures will have to be later today. Yes, I should've been more prepared but that's so not me.
In honor of makeovers and fresh starts....a friend of mine sent me an email this week about this blog post. Not sure if I should have been offended or not due to the subject......kidding, she knows I hate to clean. Hate it, I tell you. She sent me this link to Curbly where this chick blogger tells you the easy way to clean but to do it correctly and where you avoid it forever. Simple steps for the slackers like me who hate to clean. This gives really great tips and honestly motivated you to go clean your house! I have a feeling this will come in handy next week when school starts because all summer I feel like I haven't had a deep clean, I've just been having to clean around people.
So go check out Curbly, a wonderful DIY blog, she has some amazing tips and posts!

Movie of the week (and no, not a tacky Lifetime movie, an actual movie):

Soul Surfer!

I loved this movie so much! R and I snagged it at Redbox and I am so glad I didn't wait for it on my Netflix queue. It was amazing and I sobbed like a baby probably 10 times. The family in the movie is Christian and I was so happy to see that family showing their faith unabashedly. If you haven't seen it yet, see it!

Song of the week:

In honor of Soul Surfer, one of my favorite songs from church,

Now, please let everyone know what you're diggin so far this week! And link up!

i Heart Faces Photo Challenge {Eyes}

2011-08-16T15:04:00.001-05:00

This week's challenge on i heart faces is....eyes. Eyes can tell you a lot about a person can't they? The wrinkles around some one's eyes might be a sign of all the laughter they've been fortunate enough to have in their life. The brightness in some one's eyes might show you how content they are with their life. I just happen to have three kids with beautiful eyes! (Doesn't every mother feel that way?) My oldest son has dark brown eyes and amazingly long eyelashes. My daughter, has brown eyes as well, but they are so different, they remind me of the color of a muddy river, movement everywhere. My youngest son was born with the blue eyes in the batch. I have green eyes and my husband has the same color eyes as my daughter so it's not a surprise to me all the colors in our family. Mr. Blue Eyes has eyes that reminds me of my my dad's, they change from bluish green to gray at any moments time.
All of the kids have amazing eyes, the color is great but their expressions are priceless. I can tell their emotions in one glance from their eyes.
The picture I chose for the entry is of my 4 year old son, while we were on vacation and at my grandfather's house. He was being extra goofy and jumping in front of the camera non stop. His eyes in this picture are pure gray, and remind me so much of my dad, given his mood at the time, I now see why. I had another really great picture of him looking up into the sunshine, his eyes blue green and sparkling, but that just seemed way too serene to represent him lately.

Jarritos {Review} Mexican soda? Yes, please.

2011-08-16T11:20:00.000-05:00

How many of you have had a mexican soda? I can say that up until a few weeks ago, I hadn't either. Once I received my case of Jarritos, my whole family popped a top and tried one. My 4 year old, who is a sugar-aholic, loved these! His favorite was Fruit Punch. My husband, a type 1 diabetic, was not supposed to try one.......but I can tell you that he loved the Grapefruit. I tried the Mandarin and it was excellent! Who doesn't love an orange soda?? These were a big hit with kids who heard about the review as well....and were lucky enough to get one before they were gone. Jarritos all have excellent flavor, made with 100% natural sugar. My kids don't get sodas unless we are out to eat somewhere, and they might have a caffeine free soft drink, but for this review I totally let them try to their heart's content.
Jarritos has been around since 1950 in Mexico, where it is the official soft drink. Now in the US, it has a cult following of people wanting to recreate their childhoods or just have that taste of Mexican culture. With 11 flavors, every flavor seems to have a following of people claiming it to be the best.
Toronja/Grapefruit
Tuti Fruti/Fruit Punch
Tamarindo/Tamarind
Pineapple
Mango
Mandarin
Limon/Lime
Jamaica/Hibiscus
Guava
Strawberry
Lemon Lime
Their actual top flavors are Mandarin and Tamarind.
Jarritos has a lot of cool stuff going on on their Facebook page, You Tube and Twitter. Just a little revolution called Jarritos Nation! Everyone has the chance to be seen and heard and let the world know what flavor they are. Also, great prizes, scavenger hunts and events all over the US. I love how much fun Jarritos is as a company and how they want to connect with their customers.
You might pass Jarritos up in the store if you had never tried a Mexican soda but just try one. They are so flavorful, refreshing and a great treat for the end of summer. There's also Club Jarritos, where you can enter points that you find on the bottle tops and win amazing stuff! Including up to $100,000.00!

And if you are wondering what the ingredients are for Jarritos Mexican sodas take a look (this is specifically for the Mandarin flavor):
Carbonated water
Real sugar!
Citric acid
Natural flavor
Sodium Benzoate (as a preservative)
Yellow 6
Red 40
I know for a fact, that most soft drinks have high fructose corn syrup....Jarritos does NOT! Score 1 for Jarritos!
So....I leave you with this.....try something you haven't before. Jarritos were really great and now that I know more info on them and know how great they are, I might keep some on hand for a nice treat that doesn't have any high fructose corn syrup and is made with real sugar!
Quick...use the store locator and find one near you!
Just a quick tip: have a bottle opener at the ready! I felt like such a badass popping the tops.

Junior High....does it ever NOT feel awkward?

2011-08-12T10:07:00.000-05:00

Raise your hand if you ever felt awkward in junior high? Yep, that's everyone.
Yesterday, I dropped T off at the door to head into his "orientation" for a few hours and then I came back at 5 for the parent meeting. They introduced the staff, went over rules, including the dress code...which has gotten much more strict since I was there. We sat there and listened to the principal, who just happens to have been my science teacher back in the day.
As a sat there, with some friends of mine behind me, listening to her talk and shush the incoming 7th graders (let's face it, they're all motor mouths)....I felt just like I did in junior high....like I didn't want to get busted talking. Yet, I still did....seeing her eyes land on me every once in awhile. Same feeling of dread, same feeling awkwardness. What is it with that junior high gym?
My kids will be in the same school district I was in from 1st grade through 12th....luckily they are in brand new schools...you know, no aspestos and lead paint....it's the little things. Fortunately, because of that, I didn't have too many horrible flashbacks when I walked in the gym...with it being a new school. I can still remember that feeling of dread combined with excitement and anxiety about starting junior high. The schedule that basically decided my friends for the rest of the year and my stupid 1st attempt at a locker. I can still remember my combination from 8th grade (I didn't use my lock in 7th grade, scared to death I would be tardy to class trying to open my locker) 36-34-36. 7th grade was my absolute most socially awkward year....I was made fun of everything from my flat chest to my braces that I received the summer before. I remember the fear of wearing white shorts or pants because of the urban legend that all junior high girls know of....and constantly checking with your friends to make sure that urban legend wasn't happening to you. "Am I okay?" "Can you see anything?" Ugh. So glad I know better now. When you are a 7th grade girl, you worry about everything from if you have a booger hanging out for everyone to see (and torture you over later) to if you like a boy that one of your friends might have liked at one point in time when she was in kindergarten and now he is officially off limits.
7th grade was also the year that I was bullied relentlessly by another girl. On the bus, at school, in the neighborhood we grew up in. That is something I never want other kids to go through, but I know that they will. Bullying has reached a whole new level now....cyber bullying adds to the horror of the bullying. Scares the crap out of me, to be quite honest, but I feel that I will have to worry much more when R gets to this age. Boys just aren't as.....well....evil as girls when it comes to that sort of thing. Thank goodness!!!
So, here's to a school year where everyone can get along. Hey, a girl can dream.

What I'm Diggin' Wednesday! {Linky OPEN!}

2011-08-09T22:09:00.000-05:00

It has been a looong day. I walked into my 9 1/2 year old daughter's room today before lunch and came out...oh, about 4 hours later with a tub full of clothes that she has outgrown. I am definitely a bargain shopper....I rarely pay full price, as I've established many times....yet, I still spend a ton of money on clothes for the kiddos. Why can't they be like me and just rotate the same 7 shirts, 2 pairs of jeans and 4 pairs of shorts every day? So, now I have $1 million worth of name brand (as name brand as I get, hello! Old Navy and GAP) clothing sitting in tubs waiting for their new owner(s). I am giving them away because of the Back to School high I'm on instead of trying to get 50 bucks on Craigslist.
Pro: someone will be very well dressed for the ENTIRE school year. Hoodies, jeans, dresses, shirts...
Con: I will be broke like a joke replenishing my little darling's wardrobe....thanks for growing, kid.

Sorry, it's dark..but you get the idea. This is the amount of things she could NOT wear in her closet.

This week, I also registered my oldest for Junior High. He is now officially a 7th grader. I can honestly say I am not sure how I will be the first day of school. Think he;ll mind if I walk him in and kiss him in front of his friends? How about choking on my sobs? No? Dang.

What I'm Diggin' this week other than cleaning out closets and my kids getting older.....which I don't dig by the way.

Song of the week:

This song came on the other day and I sang my heart out....much to the dismay of my loathsome pre teen....seriously, I could've won a major karaoke award with my version. And if I'm not mistaken...this song was on the soundtrack of the Legend of Billie Jean (one of my favorite movies...ever). If it wasn't, it totally should've been.

Book of the week:

I am still reading my Sister Freaks book in the morning for my morning devotional. I also just finished reading another Kristan Higgins book. All I Ever Wanted. I don't even want to hear it all chick lit haters....because I am one of you yet I am friends with both sides. I used to not pick out a book if there was a cute dog, lady in high heels or anything that might look like a made-for-TV movie....but I love this author. She is funny and witty and has great story lines, even if they might be predictable. Plus, they are one of the cheapest selection of books in my Nook shop at around $5 each. So...there.

Product I am loving this week:

Paint (Olympic Premium low VOC's of course)
and brand spankin' new curtains.
I made the impromptu decision to redo one of our living rooms the other day on the way home from church.
I'll post pictures after we're done because right now I would be embarrassed of all the crap you would see that I own stuffed in the middle of the room.

What are you diggin' this week??? Link up now and tell me....and share the love (and the button) while you're at it.

And....it's the weekend

2011-08-05T18:57:00.000-05:00

It is Friday and I can tell you that it doesn't really feel like it. This weather has me in the dumps. I know I live in Texas. I know that it is supposed to be hot. This knowledge does not help me from feeling like I will wilt and die in my driveway. This is not dry heat, this is not normal heat. This is straight out of Texas-melt your face off-pit out your shirts heat. So....it's pretty dang hot.
I had good intentions and even had a solid as Jello plan to go to a waterpark tomorrow. I have since talked myself out of it (no, I didn't have to work too hard). I decided that even if water was directly in front of me that the evil sun would be too much to bear and that my children might have the irrevocable damage of seeing their mother have a heat stroke...and in a bathing suit...in front of strangers. Staying put is a better plan. And since everyone arond here has the grumpies I think I will make plans to go school shopping.
I used to LOVE when it was Back to School time, not because of the actual "school" part but because I got a brand new wardrobe and school supplies which back then we got to label everything with our names, not like now where it pretty much goes in a stockpile. I loved writing my name over and over on my school supplies in my huge, loopy handwriting. My favorite back to school item ever was the pencils my mom would order, personalized from Lillian Vernon.
So, I will find solace in the A/C of the mall and Target this weekend. But until then...here are some super cute pics of G before his first soccer practice this week. And by the way....that dirt factory...used to be my front yard with nice, green grass. Thank you drought.

What I'm Diggin' Wednesday Blog Hop! {Linky open!}

2011-08-03T09:08:00.000-05:00

So far this week has been a blast. I have had the Durango piled up with kids everyday this week. Like I mentioned before, this week is Youth Week for our former church. I am so glad that we have been able to be surrounded by Christian youth everyday this week. We have had an amazingly fun scavenger hunt and we headed to Downtown Houston yesterday and rode the light rails and visited the underground shopping, which really turned out like a mall, and the kids wondered why we couldn't tell we were underground. But Jason's Deli was amazing and riding the light rail with the kids was a trip. I was so scared that we would get off at our stop and see one kid still on the train. Luckily, they all got off in time and were able to wreak havoc on Houston. Today that group is heading to the ASPCA to volunteer, which T has already said will be tough after losing our sweet Doberman this past Friday. And tonight we are going to OUR church's summer youth group, Summer Nights. Great music and even better company while they praise God. And I get to grab a coffee with my friends. I'd say that's a good night. So...on to what I'm diggin' this week.

Book of the week:

This book has stories that really make you think and reflect. Love it.

Song of the week:
Who doesn't love One Republic??

It IS a Good Life!

Picture of the week:

Riding the Light Rails in H-Town

What are you diggin' this week???
Link up and tell me!

Simple rules of blog hop:
1. Follow me. :)
2. Follow who follows you if you pick up what they're throwing down.
3. Spread the word and share the hop.

Ecomom {review} On the Go products

2011-08-02T22:16:00.000-05:00

I have many websites that I trust with the best advice and products that are Eco friendly. Ecomom is one of them, with ecomom Approved products you can trust that the products are the healthiest options for you entire family. Within ecomom you can find everything from organic food to clothing and accessories, you can feel good about what you are spending your money on.
I personally love the Play and Learning section where you can find great Melissa and Doug and Mudpuppy puzzles and games to keep the kiddos sharp. I like the huge Eco friendly section as well....plenty of things to choose from to please anyone in the family. Parents have a very simple way to delve into the world of smarter and safer choices with ecomom. They also have a super cool Daily Deal! If you sign up, everyday you will receive a Daily Deal in your inbox, and there are some great deals out there. Today, for example was a Melissa and Doug Jumbo Numbers Puzzle for $10.
I received an "On the Go" pack of samples to try out and was very happy with everything. In my On the Go pack I was able to review:
Supergoop-a SPF 30 (yes, I said 30!) lotion that packs a powerful moisturizing punch. This will be in my purse until I've squeezed every last drop out of there. I know it's under the kids and babies sections but....come on, I think it's universal!
Nature Babycare wipes- a wonderful addition to any diaper bag or SUV console. I have also used these to clean hands of kiddos and when it's been a long day and the kid passed out on the couch from exhaustion....we've also used it on feet before tucking him in. Great to know that they are not going to harm your kiddo if they find the way to that curious little mouth.
Revolution Foods Mashups: G loved this!! I am totally wishing we received more than 1 to try. We reviewed the Tropical flavor mashup which provides my little vegetarian with tons of nutrients and they're organic too! They are free of high fructose corn syrup, trans fats and artificial ingredients. These need to be on every kids' breakfast tray in every school! Real fruit puree and so yummy, I tried it and they really are great.
Clean Well all natural hand sanitizing wipes: Super handy individually wrapped wipes are great for your purse, diaper bag, car or anywhere else you can stash them. I'm not usually a germ freak but they do come in handy sometimes. Zoo trips, field trip, PUBLIC BATHROOMS. These have you handled.

Ecomom is amazing website with priceless information and trusted products you can use throughout your home and with every family member. Be sure to sign up for the Daily Deal and they do reward their loyal members, if you are an Ecopass member you receive free shipping (always), 15% savings on every single product, Sneak Peeks, Exclusive offers and promotions, and a preview and opportunity to get the Daily Deal before others. Score!

Head on over to ecomom and browse around, I promise you will find something you love for your family. And if I were you....I'd definitely buy some Mashups for Back to School...time to get that lunchbox ready!

Good morning, good morning! (insert happy morning song)

2011-08-01T08:54:00.000-05:00

Today is the beginning of Youth Week at our former church. T has been going to both youth groups, the one at our former church and the one at our new church home. In my opinion, that doesn't hurt a thing, the more church and fellowship time with Christian kids, the better.
Since we've been home from vacation it feels as though I have been on the road with T taking him places or picking him up. I guess this is the age it starts, 7th grade. They are old enough finally for the youth activities at church and old enough to have a tad bit more freedom. Wednesday nights is the night at our church where the kids get together and have music, fellowship and a great lesson with wonderful speakers. A few parents and myself have been taking the kiddos, we have a boy car and a girl car, because there are so many kiddos in their group. This has been beneficial to me.....our church is 25 minutes from home, so I do not go home while the kids are in church for an hour......I go have coffee! There is never a wrong time for coffee with friends. Last week, my friend Paula and I enjoyed the newest coffee place in town...and had an amazingly delicious and sinful as heck brownie called the No-No Square. I am so looking forward to another one of those. And after we pick the kids up from church we head to Cherry Berry and get some fro-yo complete with yummy toppings, which is where we sit away from the kids while they try to be cool.
So, today I have volunteered to pick up a group of crazy kids and take them to Youth Week where they will do all kinds of fun stuff for the week while learning how important it is to serve. It will be loud and crowded but it so worth it. I am happy to be able to be with the kids as they enjoy their time with each other and sharing the love of Christ along the way.
On another note.......
It
Is
Shark
Week!!!!

I heart Shark Week. When I was a kid and I had high expectations for myself, I wanted to be a marine biologist. Really, I just wanted to be a Sea World beluga whale trainer....but I knew I had to have some sort of a degree first. I am amazed by sharks and how huge and beautiful they are......and yes, how absolutely scary. Are you a Shark Week devotee too?

Holla!!! What I'm Diggin' Wednesday....is back!

2011-07-26T21:33:00.000-05:00

I was a total slacker on vacation....didn't post once and I definitely didn't host What I'm Diggin' Wednesday. I know, some of you over achievers write post days in advance and post even while on vacation.... well, I have never claimed to be an over achiever. I figured that today I would get What I'm Diggin' Wednesday back to hoppin'. I have eliminated the Q&A portion of the hop because....well.....I just got tired of coming up with the questions and it really wasn't making a big difference in who joined in on the fun. So, this hop is even more simple!
These blog hop rules are simple:
1. You wanna' share what you've been diggin' this week? Go ahead! Whether that's a new recipe you found that your whole family (finally) loves, what book you're reading right now, the movie that you saw this week or a product you can't live without.....let us know!
2. Leave your link and if you feel in the sharing spirit.....snag a hop button and let the world know about this little corner of Blog Land.
3. If you're new here....leave me a comment and I will be happy to return the love.

This week.....although it has just started....went from blah to *HappyDance* fast. This is the reason:

That beautiful little girl is my brand spankin' new niece, Bailey. Isn't she the cutest? 7 lbs. 2 oz of pure innocence. My step brother and his girlfriend had this sweet baby this morning and you can bet that she will soon be spoiled rotten by us all. My feeling of blah went out the window when I saw this little girl. There is no doubt in my mind that God knows exactly what he is doing with newborns. Perfection swaddled in a blanket.

I'm such the proud aunt *swoon*

Could you not just kiss these feet?!

The proud papa with his little girl

Was that enough bragging? I am probably far from done but I'll move on to what else I'm diggin' this week.

What I'm reading:

Some people never read about the things that make them angry, I do. I research and read the heck out of it, so that someday, I just might be able to change what I find wrong with the world.

Just started this today because I read the Message Bible and love it, so far this seems perfect for me for daily devotion time

Found this at Hastings....USED, my favorite kind of book.

What I'm listening to this week:

60's, 70's and 80's Hits on Pandora. The best. Especially the Motown hits. I can not get enough of them.

Random weekly obsession:

My crockpot

And now it's time for you to link up!!!!

Sorry I couldn't resist....one more.

Now it's time to link up and don't forget to spread the word so the hop will grow.

Monday?

2011-07-25T14:45:00.000-05:00

It's Monday and it totally feels like one.
I
Can
Not
Get
Motivated

This weekend was wonderful except for my A/C deciding that the fan motor just wasn't kickin' it anymore. So, thanks to B's friend that just happens to do A/C work on the side...we have been rigged up all weekend with it mostly working. This afternoon when they get off work, it will truly be fixed and all will be right with the world. (yeah, right) Had a great time this weekend though on a date night....you know that's when you find a babysitter and head out with your spouse.....preferably to have a adult beverage with some fun friends. We are lucky enough to have a great place that just opened up the road. I didn't go to bed until around 2 am and my body didn't know how to react to that. Luckily the kids were staying the night off and we were able to sleep in.
Today I have accomplished a few things...I put in a load of laundry, put dinner in the crock pot and ran to the insurance guy's office to sign forms he did wrong the first time. I also made some fantabulous S'mores Cookies....

R made her own lunch and it was a towering work of art......

So, here's to Monday and hoping everyone can make it through the day. I am contemplating how I could sneak in a nap while G watches the rest of Arthur.

Bathtime Interview

2011-07-20T22:03:00.000-05:00

Lately I've noticed little things that 4 1/2 year old G says that kind of get under my skin and then I realize that the things he's saying reflects what he sees in his little 4 year old world. The other day, he told me that there were no "mommy jobs" only "daddy jobs"....well, my feminist hair on the back of my neck was standing at attention when I realized that he was innocently talking about what he sees everyday.
He wakes up and Mommy is here at home, where I take care of him all day then his daddy comes home from "work". He doesn't consider my Stay at Home Mom title "work". So, I needed to explain to him about women and how they can do pretty much anything men can do but that Mommy and Daddy decided that I would stay home and take care of things at home and the kiddos all during the day and Daddy would go to work-work and come home and help out too. After our casual conversation I decided to interview him once again just to check in.....and that's always entertaining. And remember, he's 4 1/2.

1. What do you want to be when you grow up?

An animal rescuer but I will work at Bucee's (this is a local chain of gas stations with a beaver as a mascot....Google it) to keep my other job secret.

2. How much will your jobs pay?

Well, when you come in, Mom you can buy a whole lot of drinks for only $1.

3. Why Bucee's?

um...because I like Icee's

4. What does Mommy do for work? (and remember....we had our whole conversation about what moms do and girl power and all of that beforehand)

Fold clothes, clean the toilet and do laundry

(thanks, son.)

5. What's your favorite thing about Mommy?

Sometimes you buy my ice cream....but sometimes you don't.

6. What's your favorite thing about your brother and sister?

Nothing. I just like you and Daddy. Sometimes, they be mean to me, Mom and if they pick on me......I pick on them.

7. What's your favorite smell?

I can smell things very far away......like Icee's and slushies

8. What's your favorite sound?

I can hear stuff very far away too......like a coyote and hyena fighting.....really, Mom, I can.

Yep, that's me and the nut. And all I do is laundry and toilets. :/

Happy Anniversary and beach pics!

2011-07-18T11:10:00.000-05:00

13 years ago today.....I was a fresh faced, brand new high school grad, barely turned 18 year old and I was absolutely sure I had found the love of my life. I would like to say that everyone else agreed but let's get real....I had turned 18 less than 2 weeks before my wedding day and my soon to be husband was 21. Our parents were not too happy...I don't know of many people that were except for his grandmother who I guess was a hopeless romantic like we were.
There have been ups, downs, and all arounds. We have been amazingly blessed with 3 healthy and gorgeous kiddos and needless to say our families warmed up to the idea of marriage. We have lived every part of our vows.....better or worse, richer or poorer, sickness and in health.....and I am still able to throw my head back and laugh so I guess you can say it's all worth it!
Happy Anniversary to us! Is anyone else hearing Boyz 2 Men singing in the background?

And now for the rest of the vacation pictures...mostly from the beach. I want to be back there....like now.

One of my favorite things to do on the beach...we chase crabs! Think flashlight tag with crabs.

Found one!

Daddy found a starfish! Griff loved seeing it's little "fingers" moving

A dolphin friend stopped by for a little show

Relaxing on Shell Island....if you go to Panama City Beach definitely take the Blue Dolphin Tour!

Rhys having a blast

Tyler's turn

Warning: extreme use of pictures ahead

2011-07-17T14:46:00.000-05:00

Just some fun from our vacation! Beach pics to come next....

Oh, Auburn University how we love you

The sweet boy

The Rocky Brook Express....a train I used to ride when I was a kid

The pre teen caboose

Meeting their aunt and uncle for the 1st time!

My Aunt and Uncle :)

Happy 4th!

Boys will be boys

Dance Party in my Papa's office

Hi-YA!

Tyler with my Papa

Peace with Papa

I'm back......did you miss my ramblings??

2011-07-16T23:59:00.000-05:00

So.....I am back from what has become our annual family vacation to Alabama and Florida. Very reminiscent of y own vacations as a child....very. Same places, same beds, same people. And I love it. Most of my family is in Alabama so I don't get to see them much. This trek we make as a family when we can is pretty much it. This time we decided to make our last leg of vacation a 5 night stay in Panama City Beach, Florida. Again, this is exactly what we did when I was a kid and I still love it. These are the beaches I grew up on and I want my kids to have these memories as well.
Our first stop was at my dad's alma mater, Auburn University. As in most families.....we have all inherited the love of one college. In our case it's Auburn. War Eagle! My oldest son has become slightly obsessed with the college and is totally positive he will be going to college there....which I fully encourage. After a late start and a stay at the Hampton Inn in Mobile, we made our way to my aunt's house and stopped off at the University. Such a great experience. Tyler had a blast and the look on his face as he stood in awe of the stadium was priceless. We headed to my aunt and uncle's house after that for a few days of family fun and then on to my grandfather's and then Panama City.
I had such a good time watching my entire family interact. I am so blessed with amazing family and friends.....pictures to come soon....I will try not to go overboard. Although, if you are my personal Facebook friend, I apologize in advance.
Sorry for the lack of posts.....family bonding took precedence for sure. But here is one family pic from the beach.

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

2011-06-29T08:58:00.000-05:00

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!!!!