Thursday, September 30, 2010
Gotta Love Dollar Tree
Okay so the Dollar Tree, best store ever. My friend down the street clued me into these great finds. So you will need any of the several different sized vases (of course $1), then buy the candle stick holders down the candle aisle ($1), any clear glue (I just used super glue). Take the vase attach to the candle stick wala look how cute. Then fill it with anything fun and stick around the house. Group together for a cute touch, and you can change the contents of the vase for different holidays. CUTE!!! Dollar Tree also has tons of cute glitter skeletons, so go check it out. I saw at a craft show they had attached the sketeton heads to a candle holder. Mine is a bit big for the head but you get the idea. So head on over to Dollar Tree (I suggest without the kids)!
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
AND THE WINNNER IS.........
JULIE JOHNSON!!! YAY JULIE! We are so EXCITED for you...and even a little jealous (we ALL want this bag!) We hope your little one LOVES it!!!!
AND for those of you who didn't win this time...stay tuned, MANY more GIVEAWAYS to come!
mary poppins visits the urgent care
5 visits to the urgent care in the past year have me thinking...they really should come up with a better name for that place. i have a few suggestions...doc's not in a hurry care. waiting room care. let's keep that mom in panic mode care. or my personal favorite...entertain your 2 year-old in an exam room for 3 hours care.
that last one's coming from personal experience, don't you know. ellie and i spent our friday night in exam room #5. just us and the contents of my ill-prepared purse. i know, i know...what in heaven's name is a mom of 5 doing out in public minus her magic bag?! no one wonders that as much as i did on friday night.
first we counted cars in the parking lot. she doesn't care so much about cars, i found out.
cry. whine.
we admired the farmyard mural on the north wall of the room. nice. cute. there are 4 baby chicks. there is a rooster, but no hen. hmmmm.
we sang songs. we made up songs. songs about turtles and hairbrushes and cupcakes.
ellie wanted a cupcake.
cry. whine.
an inspection of my purse did not produce a cupcake...however, we did take up a fair amount of time putting on chapstick. berry flavored glitter doesn't taste so hot the 11th and 12th time around, just so you know.
about this time i was wishing for a spoonful of sugar and a talking umbrella...but alas, we had to settle with sunglasses and a piece of gum.
cry. whine.
let's look at all the old appointment cards, business cards, and punch cards in mom's wallet! she found my driver's license..."oh my gosh, it's you!" she says...cute.
ellie does "homework"--scribbles on the back of a grocery list--and i decide it's time to de-stress with sudoku on my phone.
sudoku is boring, as it turns out, so i text. remember that i love texting?
cry. whine.
ellie could have really gone for a singing mirror, pretty sure that could have lasted for hours.
the doctor finally came back in. she talked to us for 1.2 seconds...no break, ellie's arm was fine.
"i'll fill out your discharge papers and we'll get ya right outta here! that wasn't so bad, huh?"
if i could have pulled a big coat rack out of my purse...i'd have hung her up on it.
ellie does love her hospital bracelet, though...
that last one's coming from personal experience, don't you know. ellie and i spent our friday night in exam room #5. just us and the contents of my ill-prepared purse. i know, i know...what in heaven's name is a mom of 5 doing out in public minus her magic bag?! no one wonders that as much as i did on friday night.
first we counted cars in the parking lot. she doesn't care so much about cars, i found out.
cry. whine.
we admired the farmyard mural on the north wall of the room. nice. cute. there are 4 baby chicks. there is a rooster, but no hen. hmmmm.
we sang songs. we made up songs. songs about turtles and hairbrushes and cupcakes.
ellie wanted a cupcake.
cry. whine.
an inspection of my purse did not produce a cupcake...however, we did take up a fair amount of time putting on chapstick. berry flavored glitter doesn't taste so hot the 11th and 12th time around, just so you know.
about this time i was wishing for a spoonful of sugar and a talking umbrella...but alas, we had to settle with sunglasses and a piece of gum.
cry. whine.
let's look at all the old appointment cards, business cards, and punch cards in mom's wallet! she found my driver's license..."oh my gosh, it's you!" she says...cute.
ellie does "homework"--scribbles on the back of a grocery list--and i decide it's time to de-stress with sudoku on my phone.
sudoku is boring, as it turns out, so i text. remember that i love texting?
cry. whine.
ellie could have really gone for a singing mirror, pretty sure that could have lasted for hours.
the doctor finally came back in. she talked to us for 1.2 seconds...no break, ellie's arm was fine.
"i'll fill out your discharge papers and we'll get ya right outta here! that wasn't so bad, huh?"
if i could have pulled a big coat rack out of my purse...i'd have hung her up on it.
ellie does love her hospital bracelet, though...Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Open Letters (part 1)
Dear Downstairs Neighbors,
You live in an apartment complex. I'm almost positive you seem to forget that on a daily basis. BLASTING your music at 10:00 at night, on a weekday when my kid has school in the morning and when my man has a real job and when he has to be there by 8am, is NOT the most considerate thing to do! You suck! And so does the base in your car...
Signed,
Your annoyed upstairs neighbor that has dark circles under her eyes from your terrible choice of music that you seem to think is awesome enough to turn all the way up!
********************************************
Dear All Terrible Drivers,
Get off of the road! Do us all a favor and don't come back until you learn how to properly drive. I don't care how much your daddy paid for that Lexus! He should have paid to teach you how to drive before buying you that car!! I don't care that you are a truck driver. You are not the king of the road. You don't scare me. Riding my tail actually makes me laugh. Unless my kids are in the car. And if they are, you can bet that I have prayed that your wife or mother burns your holiday dinners and desserts! And that should scare you because my prayers are always answered!
Sincerely,
The woman that will write down your license plate number and call the cops on you!
********************************************
Dear Volunteer Mom,
Thanks for helping out with the Book Fair! You rock for that! However, you do NOT *I repeat* do NOT rock when you raise your voice to children and tell them to leave. You also do NOT rock when you complain about EVERY fundraiser that we are doing. And then when we tell you that you have the option of being in a higher position you tell me you don't have the time to do it. If you can't be positive and encouraging then keep your pie hole shut! If you lack the time to be the President, Vice President, Secretary, or Treasurer, than you also lack the time to complain. Oh, you didn't know that? Well, now you do! Don't get me wrong, we appreciate suggestions, but not your negative attitude!!
Thanks,
The PTO Vice President that volunteers her time and talents to help your kid's school out!!!
********************************************
Stay tuned for Part 2...
You live in an apartment complex. I'm almost positive you seem to forget that on a daily basis. BLASTING your music at 10:00 at night, on a weekday when my kid has school in the morning and when my man has a real job and when he has to be there by 8am, is NOT the most considerate thing to do! You suck! And so does the base in your car...
Signed,
Your annoyed upstairs neighbor that has dark circles under her eyes from your terrible choice of music that you seem to think is awesome enough to turn all the way up!
********************************************
Dear All Terrible Drivers,
Get off of the road! Do us all a favor and don't come back until you learn how to properly drive. I don't care how much your daddy paid for that Lexus! He should have paid to teach you how to drive before buying you that car!! I don't care that you are a truck driver. You are not the king of the road. You don't scare me. Riding my tail actually makes me laugh. Unless my kids are in the car. And if they are, you can bet that I have prayed that your wife or mother burns your holiday dinners and desserts! And that should scare you because my prayers are always answered!
Sincerely,
The woman that will write down your license plate number and call the cops on you!
********************************************
Dear Volunteer Mom,
Thanks for helping out with the Book Fair! You rock for that! However, you do NOT *I repeat* do NOT rock when you raise your voice to children and tell them to leave. You also do NOT rock when you complain about EVERY fundraiser that we are doing. And then when we tell you that you have the option of being in a higher position you tell me you don't have the time to do it. If you can't be positive and encouraging then keep your pie hole shut! If you lack the time to be the President, Vice President, Secretary, or Treasurer, than you also lack the time to complain. Oh, you didn't know that? Well, now you do! Don't get me wrong, we appreciate suggestions, but not your negative attitude!!
Thanks,
The PTO Vice President that volunteers her time and talents to help your kid's school out!!!
********************************************
Stay tuned for Part 2...
Monday, September 27, 2010
A FEW POLICIES ON PARENTING...please sign your life away at the bottom
NO PHONE ZONE
CLOSED DOOR POLICY
When the door is locked to the bathroom/bedroom/closet.. it is an immediate invitation or challenge to open it, especially if you are on the other side. If they are unsuccessful you see little fingers poking through the bottom of the door all the while crying...real tears, as if you taking a few minutes to take care of business by yourself has totally turned their lives upside down.
GOLDEN RULE
PRIVACY ACT
They have radars attached to their little bodies that alert them anytime mom and dad may be getting a little too close and it seems to be their duty to interrupt this process. From a hug or a kiss to something a little more intimate (see closed door policy above). AND these acts of love will be considered GROSS. You may even hear the words "Ewww" coming from their little angel faces. In this case, kiss your husband again.
FREEDOM OF SPEECH
The freedom of being able to say what you want to say when you want to say it?...It will be out the window. Solution: You may try to spell things out...or whisper...or not say it at all. They are listening ALWAYS listening.
My friends...you have all been warned/reminded. Please for the safety of all that you are:
PROCEED WITH CAUTION
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I will be drawing for our GIVEAWAY on Wednesday the 29th...you have just a little under three days to become a follower and have a chance to win the CUTEST trick or treat bag EVER!
Also!!!! Check out the new BEAUTY TIP...posted in the "beauty tip" tab at the top of the page!
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Need a quickie?!
Here is a fast, simple, and delicious recipe that your family is SURE to love!!
Chicken Pillows
Ingredients:
Pack of boneless, skinless chicken
1 package of cream cheese
1 cup shredded cheese
Garlic salt and pepper
Package of crescent rolls
Melted butter
Bread Crumbs
Boil chicken.
Shred chicken.
Add cream and shredded cheese.
Add garlic salt and pepper.
Take a spoonful of ^all that^ and put in middle of unfolded roll.
Fold roll like a pillow.
Roll in melted butter.
Roll in bread crumbs.
Place on cookie sheet.
Bake as directed on roll package.
Dip in spagehtti sauce or melted cheese!!
YUMMY!!!!
Chicken Pillows
Ingredients:
Pack of boneless, skinless chicken
1 package of cream cheese
1 cup shredded cheese
Garlic salt and pepper
Package of crescent rolls
Melted butter
Bread Crumbs
Boil chicken.
Shred chicken.
Add cream and shredded cheese.
Add garlic salt and pepper.
Take a spoonful of ^all that^ and put in middle of unfolded roll.
Fold roll like a pillow.
Roll in melted butter.
Roll in bread crumbs.
Place on cookie sheet.
Bake as directed on roll package.
Dip in spagehtti sauce or melted cheese!!
YUMMY!!!!
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Top 10 FALL Family Activities
I love Fall. I think it is my favorite season! I love the changing of the leaves and the cooling of the winds and how everything just seems to be calming down. I also love wearing pants and long sleeved sweaters... (and every girl has to get new sweaters each fall, and that may be my real love with this season ☻)
Anyway, I was checking out some awesome things to do in the fall season and thought I would give you a little preview:
1. Fall Festivals : these normally vary by area but in Topeka,KS we have Cider Days and the Apple Festival.
2. Pumpkin Patch/Apple Orchard : super fun times for kids to go out and see how pumpkins/apples grow and be harvesters. There are also normally lots of other activities there, like hay rides, corn mazes, 4H galleries, and fresh kettle corn and cider at the Pumpkin Patch.
3. Haunted Houses : there are many varieties of these...hardly scary, kinda scary, and pee your pants scary! I personally don't go to the pee your pants kind cuz, well, it is just too easy to get me to pee my pants now a days! So, I stick to the hardly or kinda scary. You can find these kind at Pumpkin Patches, Churches, or other kid friendly community areas.
4. Boo at the Zoo : now I am not sure about other cities but our Zoo in Topeka puts on this Halloween activity every year for kids and parents to come to the zoo and see the animals, do simple crafts, meet local famous people (like the local weather person!) and get candy. Check your local Zoo too.
5. Picnic : many people think of summer time as picnic time but I love a good family outing in the fall. Less bugs, cooler temperatures, and you want to spend more time outside because it is just so nice! Many times I don't even make it complicated...pack up the fam., put a blanket in the car, go to a drive through of you favorite take out place and eat dinner at the park. (my son LOVES these kids - husband included in that # -of dinners)
6. Family Photos : this is a great time to think about family photos for Christmas greeting cards or end of the year and news letters (cuz really, who whats to read your news letter if they don't get to see a current photo too...) Even if you don't go to a professional, make a date with another family and take each other's photos. Then follow it up with a picnic (look at that, activity combo!)
7. Outside Movie : if you are lucky enough to have a projector...hang up a sheet outside and project your favorite movie on to it. Make some carmel popcorn balls and hot apple cider for snacks and have everyone bring out their blankets. If you don't have a projector, move your TV to the closet window and watch from the outside in. (this might require you to clean your windows...) Or, play the movie on a laptop. Get creative!
8. Family Planting : with the changes of the seasons comes a whole new set of garden possibilities. Go to your local garden store and pick out some fall flowers like mums. Then bring them home and plant them.
9. Decorate : there are lots of fun, easy things that you and your kids can make to decorate the inside and outside of your home for the upcoming holidays. Begin with Halloween and start a tradition of making and putting up the decorations together.
10. Nature Scavenger Hunt : create your own kind of scavenger hunt filled with things that your family would love. It could be themed, like a treasure hunt, or just as simple as finding and naming plants and animals in nature.
Regardless of which of these you choose to do this year, take time to enjoy nature! Don't forget to take a deep breath and spin around under falling leaves. Winter comes quickly.
Anyway, I was checking out some awesome things to do in the fall season and thought I would give you a little preview:
1. Fall Festivals : these normally vary by area but in Topeka,KS we have Cider Days and the Apple Festival.
2. Pumpkin Patch/Apple Orchard : super fun times for kids to go out and see how pumpkins/apples grow and be harvesters. There are also normally lots of other activities there, like hay rides, corn mazes, 4H galleries, and fresh kettle corn and cider at the Pumpkin Patch.
3. Haunted Houses : there are many varieties of these...hardly scary, kinda scary, and pee your pants scary! I personally don't go to the pee your pants kind cuz, well, it is just too easy to get me to pee my pants now a days! So, I stick to the hardly or kinda scary. You can find these kind at Pumpkin Patches, Churches, or other kid friendly community areas.
4. Boo at the Zoo : now I am not sure about other cities but our Zoo in Topeka puts on this Halloween activity every year for kids and parents to come to the zoo and see the animals, do simple crafts, meet local famous people (like the local weather person!) and get candy. Check your local Zoo too.
5. Picnic : many people think of summer time as picnic time but I love a good family outing in the fall. Less bugs, cooler temperatures, and you want to spend more time outside because it is just so nice! Many times I don't even make it complicated...pack up the fam., put a blanket in the car, go to a drive through of you favorite take out place and eat dinner at the park. (my son LOVES these kids - husband included in that # -of dinners)
6. Family Photos : this is a great time to think about family photos for Christmas greeting cards or end of the year and news letters (cuz really, who whats to read your news letter if they don't get to see a current photo too...) Even if you don't go to a professional, make a date with another family and take each other's photos. Then follow it up with a picnic (look at that, activity combo!)
7. Outside Movie : if you are lucky enough to have a projector...hang up a sheet outside and project your favorite movie on to it. Make some carmel popcorn balls and hot apple cider for snacks and have everyone bring out their blankets. If you don't have a projector, move your TV to the closet window and watch from the outside in. (this might require you to clean your windows...) Or, play the movie on a laptop. Get creative!
8. Family Planting : with the changes of the seasons comes a whole new set of garden possibilities. Go to your local garden store and pick out some fall flowers like mums. Then bring them home and plant them.
9. Decorate : there are lots of fun, easy things that you and your kids can make to decorate the inside and outside of your home for the upcoming holidays. Begin with Halloween and start a tradition of making and putting up the decorations together.
10. Nature Scavenger Hunt : create your own kind of scavenger hunt filled with things that your family would love. It could be themed, like a treasure hunt, or just as simple as finding and naming plants and animals in nature.
Regardless of which of these you choose to do this year, take time to enjoy nature! Don't forget to take a deep breath and spin around under falling leaves. Winter comes quickly.
Friday, September 24, 2010
WIN this BAG
Our first S@HM GIVEAWAY!!
Don't miss your opportunity to win this cute Halloween bag created by our own S@HM Charlotte. It is perfect for a little trick-o-treater or even to hold the treats you will be giving away!
to Enter: become a Follower of this blog and then post a comment below and make sure to put your email.
the Winner: a drawing will take place on Wed. September 29th! S@HM Sunny will email the winner.
Don't miss your opportunity to win this cute Halloween bag created by our own S@HM Charlotte. It is perfect for a little trick-o-treater or even to hold the treats you will be giving away!
 |
| bag dimensions 9"x12"x2" |
to Enter: become a Follower of this blog and then post a comment below and make sure to put your email.
 |
lining on inside of bag |
the Winner: a drawing will take place on Wed. September 29th! S@HM Sunny will email the winner.
Make sure you email this link to all your friends so they can join in the fun!
And just in case you are not the winner,
have no fear, other giveaways will be here. ☻
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Halloween Candy Braclets
Things you need:
Halloween Candy
Floss
Needle with a big eye
Ribbon
We took this Halloween candy and strung it on floss with the needle. This was super easy and the kids loved it (except when Cannon poked his finger with the needle). Kind of fun like a candy necklace. yum yum
Halloween Candy
Floss
Needle with a big eye
Ribbon
We took this Halloween candy and strung it on floss with the needle. This was super easy and the kids loved it (except when Cannon poked his finger with the needle). Kind of fun like a candy necklace. yum yum
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
let's pretend i'm oprah
ya know how every woman (that i know) would give her right arm and a cheesecake to be in the audience of oprah's "favorite things" show? well, today is your lucky day! i mean, sorta your lucky day...it's time for my favorite things!!!!!!! i am sure--super duper sure--that you'll love them all, too!
in no particular order, may i present 10 things that make my life happy...
hooks...absolutely my favorite organizational/space saver item in the universe! we have hooks like this all over the house, in the bathrooms and bedrooms and by the door. i love getting the junk off the floor...backpacks, purses, jackets, hats, towels, swimsuits, aprons...hooks have proved to be a lifesaver as i try to make the most of the space in our house. hooks rule!
chips & salsa...hands down, my favorite snack! always hits the spot...we eat salsa on just about everything here, it's the condiment of choice for sure! really a big fan of fresh salsa, all chunky and spicey...mmmm
dr. pepper...yum! it's like my little happy place...i am drinking less of it these days, but i pretty much enjoy when it's running through my veins.
shout...not only is it named after my favorite household sound, it helps my spill-prone kiddies keep their clothes an entire season! i know, it's pretty much a magic show all wrapped up in a spray bottle. neat stuff.
texting...this, in my opinion, is the greatest invention ever in the history of anything ever. :) how many times have i not been able to answer the phone because someone is screaming? lots of times, that's how many. let's me multi-task like never before! i can have a conversation and watch "say yes to the dress" at the same time :) beauty!
dishes from ikea...more perfection! perfect size for the little kids, love the colors, and cheaper than you could guess. go ahead, guess!!!! 12 bowls, 12 plates, 12 cups, 12 spoons, 12 knives, 12 forks...$12!!!! this is not a joke. and we love them.
body spray...i'm not really a perfume sorta girl, but i'm also not really a stink-liking kind of girl. enter body spray...wa-la! current favs are "love spell" from victoria's secret and "cherry blossom" from bath & body works.
no tangle spray...i have girls. 3 of them. they have hair. lots of it. highly recommended by every female in my house.
clothespins...these are a fairly recent "discovery" at my house. i bought a large bag to hang up the kids' artwork in the playroom...and they got all used up before they even made it to the ribbon on the wall!! we have used them for several crafts--they are fun to paint and glue stuff to--but my very very very favorite thing to use them for is bag clips in the kitchen. i never had enough of those "chip clip" things to go around!!! but now...:) love love love clothespins!
ziploc bags...the possibilities are endless!!!! i use these all over my house, for just about anything you can imagine. every size, every type...we've got 'em!!
what are some of your favorite things?
in no particular order, may i present 10 things that make my life happy...
hooks...absolutely my favorite organizational/space saver item in the universe! we have hooks like this all over the house, in the bathrooms and bedrooms and by the door. i love getting the junk off the floor...backpacks, purses, jackets, hats, towels, swimsuits, aprons...hooks have proved to be a lifesaver as i try to make the most of the space in our house. hooks rule!
chips & salsa...hands down, my favorite snack! always hits the spot...we eat salsa on just about everything here, it's the condiment of choice for sure! really a big fan of fresh salsa, all chunky and spicey...mmmm
dr. pepper...yum! it's like my little happy place...i am drinking less of it these days, but i pretty much enjoy when it's running through my veins.
shout...not only is it named after my favorite household sound, it helps my spill-prone kiddies keep their clothes an entire season! i know, it's pretty much a magic show all wrapped up in a spray bottle. neat stuff.
texting...this, in my opinion, is the greatest invention ever in the history of anything ever. :) how many times have i not been able to answer the phone because someone is screaming? lots of times, that's how many. let's me multi-task like never before! i can have a conversation and watch "say yes to the dress" at the same time :) beauty!
dishes from ikea...more perfection! perfect size for the little kids, love the colors, and cheaper than you could guess. go ahead, guess!!!! 12 bowls, 12 plates, 12 cups, 12 spoons, 12 knives, 12 forks...$12!!!! this is not a joke. and we love them. 
body spray...i'm not really a perfume sorta girl, but i'm also not really a stink-liking kind of girl. enter body spray...wa-la! current favs are "love spell" from victoria's secret and "cherry blossom" from bath & body works.
no tangle spray...i have girls. 3 of them. they have hair. lots of it. highly recommended by every female in my house.
clothespins...these are a fairly recent "discovery" at my house. i bought a large bag to hang up the kids' artwork in the playroom...and they got all used up before they even made it to the ribbon on the wall!! we have used them for several crafts--they are fun to paint and glue stuff to--but my very very very favorite thing to use them for is bag clips in the kitchen. i never had enough of those "chip clip" things to go around!!! but now...:) love love love clothespins!
ziploc bags...the possibilities are endless!!!! i use these all over my house, for just about anything you can imagine. every size, every type...we've got 'em!!what are some of your favorite things?
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
...time to DIET...again!
"We are His children, and if we ever got that through our heads thoroughly, understood that completely, we would never do a small thing, we would never say a cross word, we would not use bad language, we would not criticize anybody, we would love everyone the way the Savior loves us."
...Marjorie Pay Hinckley...
--------------------------------------------
This serves as a sweet reminder of who we are.
Of what we really should be standing for.
Of what our purpose in this crazy life is.
This is a way to model our lives...no matter how busy, how dysfunctional, or how impossible!
This is my new diet plan!!! =)
Yup! That's right!! My new diet plan!!
Or should I say another diet plan!!
Why do I seem to start every Monday at breakfast and finish by lunch?!
Anyway, this is what I'm doing!!
YOU are welcome to join me! I'm starting TODAY!
This is the start of a spiritual diet as well as physical!
I'm going to track my progress publicly...right here...for you to see!
I'm not going to do a small thing...
I'm not going to say a cross word...
*note: it says nothing of thinking a cross word!*
I'm not going to use bad language...
I'm not going to criticize anybody...
*note: this may be the hardest part for me!*
I'm going to *TRY* to love everyone the way the Savior loves us!
I'm going to indulge in my personal scripture study and strengthen my relationship with the man upstairs!
*note: Yes, we do live in an apartment, but it's the top floor, so no worries!*
With all that being said, I'm also doing the Special K Diet!!
*Props to Kellogg's*
I'm going to follow it perfectly!!
Yup!
NO CHEATING!!
NO EXCUSES!
NO COMPLAINING!
What good is a strong spirit without a strong body to carry it?
However, you will not know my starting weight! ;)
That's right, I said it!!
I'll never tell!
However, you may find out my ending weight! ;)
If I'm happy enough with it!!
I want to be a S@HM that is strong for her children.
That can carry them physically and spiritually through this life when they are too weak to do it themselves.
I want to be one the Lord can rely on.
I want to be a daughter He can send any of His children to with no worry or doubt that they will be taken care of.
I have a long way to go and I'm excited to share this with you!
So stay tuned for results!!
I hope that some of you try this with me!!
You can do it!! We can share this special (k) moment together! =)
It's time we live how we were always meant to live!
Strong!
Healthy!
Happy!
Powerful!
I once heard, "Our hell will be when we finally realize our full potential"...
...Marjorie Pay Hinckley...
--------------------------------------------
This serves as a sweet reminder of who we are.
Of what we really should be standing for.
Of what our purpose in this crazy life is.
This is a way to model our lives...no matter how busy, how dysfunctional, or how impossible!
This is my new diet plan!!! =)
Yup! That's right!! My new diet plan!!
Or should I say another diet plan!!
Why do I seem to start every Monday at breakfast and finish by lunch?!
Anyway, this is what I'm doing!!
YOU are welcome to join me! I'm starting TODAY!
This is the start of a spiritual diet as well as physical!
I'm going to track my progress publicly...right here...for you to see!
I'm not going to do a small thing...
I'm not going to say a cross word...
*note: it says nothing of thinking a cross word!*
I'm not going to use bad language...
I'm not going to criticize anybody...
*note: this may be the hardest part for me!*
I'm going to *TRY* to love everyone the way the Savior loves us!
I'm going to indulge in my personal scripture study and strengthen my relationship with the man upstairs!
*note: Yes, we do live in an apartment, but it's the top floor, so no worries!*
With all that being said, I'm also doing the Special K Diet!!
*Props to Kellogg's*
I'm going to follow it perfectly!!
Yup!
NO CHEATING!!
NO EXCUSES!
NO COMPLAINING!
What good is a strong spirit without a strong body to carry it?
However, you will not know my starting weight! ;)
That's right, I said it!!
I'll never tell!
However, you may find out my ending weight! ;)
If I'm happy enough with it!!
I want to be a S@HM that is strong for her children.
That can carry them physically and spiritually through this life when they are too weak to do it themselves.
I want to be one the Lord can rely on.
I want to be a daughter He can send any of His children to with no worry or doubt that they will be taken care of.
I have a long way to go and I'm excited to share this with you!
So stay tuned for results!!
I hope that some of you try this with me!!
You can do it!! We can share this special (k) moment together! =)
It's time we live how we were always meant to live!
Strong!
Healthy!
Happy!
Powerful!
I once heard, "Our hell will be when we finally realize our full potential"...
Monday, September 20, 2010
because he is worth it...
Taking time to adore him today. The man that works so hard to "keep" me at home. It's his birthday and this is how we will, and have celebrated:
1. Four day getaway...just the two of us, to see some of his favorite guys
2. Tickets to Blue Man group in Chicago ( we laughed so hard our faces hurt!)
3. Decorating his office today ( balloons and streamers;)
4. Koppama and Tzatziki for dinner (this is a delicious family dish our friends shared with us and his fav!)
5. Yellow cake with chocolate frosting ( NOT yellow cupcakes with choc frosting.."it's not the same")
I hope we all can remember our guys...especially on their birthdays, but even throughout the year! There is more to being a S@HM than our offspring, it's taking care of and nurturing our relationship as husband and wife and giving our children the healthy example of love and friendship through one another.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Warning: You May Be Stunting Your Childs Development
Well, I dont know about you but when I found this informational sticker I was at first very concerned...and then found myself screaming Amen by the end!
Some think that I am nuts but I like to do things like watch QVC in my spare time and listen to the John Tesh radio program when ever I am in the car. Go ahead and laugh...but I learn many things from those two programs! Right now I want to talk about the later.
I was driving home from a photo session and had Mr. Tesh on, of course, and I was very intrigued about a book he was reading from called Fifty Dangerous Things (You Should Let Your Children Do)
. In it he read a part where the author was talking about the hormone testosterone. Apparently, one of the uses for the hormone is to enhance the brain's ability to problem solve. Now, this is why men are more naturally gifted at taking things apart and putting them back together. So, Gever Tully suggests to allow your children to have at old appliances and such to strengthen these connections in the brain. For example, before you junk and old dishwasher or electric mixer, supervise them while they tare them to pieces and then encourage them to see if they can make them work again.
Now, I personally, think that this is true and fabulous! My son has lots of 20 year old toys that I had when I was a child. He also had old plastic containers and metal juice can lids that he bangs together and then puts inside the containers. All of his 'toys' reside within a cardboard box that he frequently climbs inside and loves to be pulled or pushed around as if it were a car. And I am sure most children have a drawer in the kitchen where they get to pull out bowls, measuring cups, muffin tins, hand mixers and beaters and those are the things that they spend the most time with.
I think that is great! I know that there are tons of really cute and fun looking toys out there that promise to educate your child but I just think, why would I give my son a plastic set of rainbow colored keys and expect him to be able to help me when I say "Mommy needs help finding her keys". Unless, I spray painted my silver colored keys bright colors and made them 3 times their actual size...I am pretty sure that he is going to have a hard time finding them.
This one I think is SOOOOO FLIPPING TRUE! Did you read that last line!?!?!! "Studies have shown that these toys...produce uniformly under performing children who later become credit card abusers" !?!? I know several of these people!
Now, I am not saying that no one should ever go buy a cute and fun looking toy for their child. I do think there are lots of good toys that teach a child well. However, I think that we as a society and we as S@HMs need to think more about what we are giving our kids and allow them to have the very best in development. Even if it comes by way of playing with an old dishwasher.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Girlfriends Halloween Gala
Okay I saw this on Studio 5, a Utah Talk Show the other morning and thought it was great. I tried to embed the video but couldn't get it to work so you will have to click on this link and watch it on their website. Now if I can find time to pull this together it would be so fun.
http://studio5.ksl.com/?nid=71&sid=12357937
5 Steps to a successful Halloween party for girlfriends:
1) Choose your theme and colors, and the mood you want to achieve.
2) Use a great invitation
3) Involve your guests
4) Make the decorations unexpected and memorable
5) Send a party favor home that can be used or displayed in the future
6) Offer awards for costume and food
THEME AND COLORS
I love my girlfriends, and thought it would be so fun to throw a party just for them. I wanted them to feel when they walked through the door that the party was not for kids or couples, just for girlfriends. When throwing a party just for girls of any age, you can‘t go wrong with pink! I decided my colors would be hot pink and black. I wanted my friends to embrace the little girl inside, and just have fun!
INVITATION
The invitation sets the mood for the party, and is kind of a preview of what to expect at the party. I wanted this to be sassy and sophisticated, and still girly, with a little bit of bling. I have a Silhouette by Quick Cutz, and found the silhouette of the girl for the front of the invitation there. I spent a fair amount of time working on these, but it was worth the work! I heard over and over again how cute they were, and I think it helped people really want to come. The invitation included asking the girls to dress up, and bring a food dish to share. I told them there would be a costume and food competition, with awards to follow.
DECORATIONS & PARTY FAVORS
I wanted everyone to have a clear view of each other on the table, so I pushed four long tables together, and covered them with black plastic table cloths from the dollar store, and decorated the center of the table. I used scrapbook paper for placemats, and went with paper plates, which is more economical when hosting a large crowd, but I did make fabric napkins in 8 different prints, from zebra to damask. I knew I would use them over again, and I have. I tied each with a pink organza ribbon, and placed an inexpensive spider ring in the middle.
I tried to take inspiration from everyday life, and put a Halloween twist on it! Tulle skirts are SO popular right now, as are big flowers. I was wondering how I could make a skeleton more whimsical and less creepy, and came up with the ballerina girl. I carried the theme throughout.
Idea #1: Ballerina Skeletons
These small ballerinas are what I gave for party favors. They are super inexpensive to make, and only take a little time.
Supply list:
1) Skeletons from Dollar Tree. 4 for $1.They also have them at Michael's, but they are $4.99 for 4.
2) Black spray paint from the home improvement or craft store.
3) Jewels - any craft store. I used small silver ones I got at the dollar store that were originally for blinging out your cell phone. They had adhesive on the back.
4) Tulle and thread
5) Nail polish - bright pink
6) Flower beads from any craft store.
7) Glue - I prefer E-6000
Instructions for making the skeleton favors:
1) Spray paint the skeletons. It usually takes two coats.
2) Attach eyes by dabbing a small amount of glue on the back using a pin and tweezers, or using the kind that are sticky on the back.
3) Cut tulle into 26" by 4" or 5" strips.
4) Baste stitch down the center of each strip.
5) Gather the strips to the desired length.
6) Tie around the back of the skeleton on the hip bones, not the waist. Remember these are stylish ladies, and we want the skirt to hit in the right place J Skirt will be two layers.
7) Place a small dab of glue on the back of the skirt for extra reinforcement.
8) Give your skeleton a pedicure. You can give her a mani/pedi if you let it dry before hooking the skirt on. It will take a few coats depending on the polish you choose.
9) Glue the bead in place
10) Tip: This is more fun with friends. I had three cute girlfriends that helped me do this, and it was so fun that way!
Idea #2: Girlfriend Mummies
What you'll need:
1) Plastic Skeletons (Dollar Tree)
2) Pink spray paint (or any color you choose)
3) Small jewels for eyes (Any craft store)
4) Glue E-6000 (Craft store)
5) Muslin (Any fabric store or Wal-mart)
Instructions:
1) Remove skeletons from packaging, and spray paint
2) Hook jewels on eyes
3) Rip muslin in ½ inch strips. Cut or tear out a triangle for the bottom of the dress. Glue the bottom (underside) of the dress on.
4) Glue a muslin strip on, and start wrapping around the body of the skeleton. Glue the final piece in back, and cut off the excess. Tie a small strip around the head for the head wrap. Cut off the excess. Glue where necessary.
Idea #3: Black Crows
What you'll need:
1) Black Crows (Dollar Tree)
2) Witch Hats (Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft store - $3.99 for 6, or use coupon!)
3) Optional - 2" circle or scalloped punch (Michael's), paper of your choice, including glitter paper. Any ribbon or embellishments you choose.
4) Cotton Balls
5) Ribbon
6) Twigs from the yard
7) Glue and glue gun
Instructions and Options:
Option 1) Stuff hat with cotton ball, and glue in top. Glue the other side of cotton ball to the crow's head.
Option 2) Punch out a 2" circle of paper. Stuff hat with cotton ball, and glue in top. Glue the other side of cotton ball and rim of hat to the circle of paper. Glue to crows head.
Option 3) Punch a 2" circle out of paper. Use knife to cut two small slits 1/3 of an inch apart in the middle of the circle. Thread the ribbon through the circle. Stuff hat with cotton ball, and glue in top. Glue the other side of cotton ball and rim of hat to the circle of paper. Glue the hat to the crow's head, and tie the ribbon around the neck in a bow. Glue the bow to the bird so the ribbon looks nice.
Note: If you like, you can attach the crow to a twig and place on the plate, or napkin. You could also attach a small note to the foot as an invitation to the party, or as a thank you for coming. You could attach them to a centerpiece, and give them away when the party is over.
AWARDS
I had two categories:
Daringly Dressed Devilish Diva. I was worried people wouldn't want to dress up, but they totally did, and it made it more fun!
Most Dashingly Delish Halloween Dish. I knew my main concern for the party was the décor, and I wanted to focus most of my energy and money on that, so I asked the girls to help out with the food in four categories: appetizer, main dish, drink, and dessert. I asked them to call in advance and tell me what they wanted to bring so all the slots would be filled properly. I was worried about asking them to bring food at first, but they had so much fun with it! I have a collection of Halloween magazines I have collected over the years, and told them if they needed to, they could borrow them for ideas. They totally delivered, and it was SO fun to see all the creative things they brought!
They placed their votes in this dish I decorated by taping ribbon from Hobby Lobby around the perimeter. The award was this mummy that I made by spraying the skeleton pink, hooking in pink eyes, and wrapping her in torn muslin. I then glued her to this spray painted 2X4, and put an award label that I printed on the front. Again, this was super unexpected and so fun! I passed out little gifts with the trophies as well.
This Ghoul's Night In Was The Best There's Ever Been!
http://studio5.ksl.com/?nid=71&sid=12357937
5 Steps to a successful Halloween party for girlfriends:
1) Choose your theme and colors, and the mood you want to achieve.
2) Use a great invitation
3) Involve your guests
4) Make the decorations unexpected and memorable
5) Send a party favor home that can be used or displayed in the future
6) Offer awards for costume and food
THEME AND COLORS
I love my girlfriends, and thought it would be so fun to throw a party just for them. I wanted them to feel when they walked through the door that the party was not for kids or couples, just for girlfriends. When throwing a party just for girls of any age, you can‘t go wrong with pink! I decided my colors would be hot pink and black. I wanted my friends to embrace the little girl inside, and just have fun!
INVITATION
The invitation sets the mood for the party, and is kind of a preview of what to expect at the party. I wanted this to be sassy and sophisticated, and still girly, with a little bit of bling. I have a Silhouette by Quick Cutz, and found the silhouette of the girl for the front of the invitation there. I spent a fair amount of time working on these, but it was worth the work! I heard over and over again how cute they were, and I think it helped people really want to come. The invitation included asking the girls to dress up, and bring a food dish to share. I told them there would be a costume and food competition, with awards to follow.
DECORATIONS & PARTY FAVORS
I wanted everyone to have a clear view of each other on the table, so I pushed four long tables together, and covered them with black plastic table cloths from the dollar store, and decorated the center of the table. I used scrapbook paper for placemats, and went with paper plates, which is more economical when hosting a large crowd, but I did make fabric napkins in 8 different prints, from zebra to damask. I knew I would use them over again, and I have. I tied each with a pink organza ribbon, and placed an inexpensive spider ring in the middle.
I tried to take inspiration from everyday life, and put a Halloween twist on it! Tulle skirts are SO popular right now, as are big flowers. I was wondering how I could make a skeleton more whimsical and less creepy, and came up with the ballerina girl. I carried the theme throughout.
Idea #1: Ballerina Skeletons
These small ballerinas are what I gave for party favors. They are super inexpensive to make, and only take a little time.
Supply list:
1) Skeletons from Dollar Tree. 4 for $1.They also have them at Michael's, but they are $4.99 for 4.
2) Black spray paint from the home improvement or craft store.
3) Jewels - any craft store. I used small silver ones I got at the dollar store that were originally for blinging out your cell phone. They had adhesive on the back.
4) Tulle and thread
5) Nail polish - bright pink
6) Flower beads from any craft store.
7) Glue - I prefer E-6000
Instructions for making the skeleton favors:
1) Spray paint the skeletons. It usually takes two coats.
2) Attach eyes by dabbing a small amount of glue on the back using a pin and tweezers, or using the kind that are sticky on the back.
3) Cut tulle into 26" by 4" or 5" strips.
4) Baste stitch down the center of each strip.
5) Gather the strips to the desired length.
6) Tie around the back of the skeleton on the hip bones, not the waist. Remember these are stylish ladies, and we want the skirt to hit in the right place J Skirt will be two layers.
7) Place a small dab of glue on the back of the skirt for extra reinforcement.
8) Give your skeleton a pedicure. You can give her a mani/pedi if you let it dry before hooking the skirt on. It will take a few coats depending on the polish you choose.
9) Glue the bead in place
10) Tip: This is more fun with friends. I had three cute girlfriends that helped me do this, and it was so fun that way!
Idea #2: Girlfriend Mummies
What you'll need:
1) Plastic Skeletons (Dollar Tree)
2) Pink spray paint (or any color you choose)
3) Small jewels for eyes (Any craft store)
4) Glue E-6000 (Craft store)
5) Muslin (Any fabric store or Wal-mart)
Instructions:
1) Remove skeletons from packaging, and spray paint
2) Hook jewels on eyes
3) Rip muslin in ½ inch strips. Cut or tear out a triangle for the bottom of the dress. Glue the bottom (underside) of the dress on.
4) Glue a muslin strip on, and start wrapping around the body of the skeleton. Glue the final piece in back, and cut off the excess. Tie a small strip around the head for the head wrap. Cut off the excess. Glue where necessary.
Idea #3: Black Crows
What you'll need:
1) Black Crows (Dollar Tree)
2) Witch Hats (Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft store - $3.99 for 6, or use coupon!)
3) Optional - 2" circle or scalloped punch (Michael's), paper of your choice, including glitter paper. Any ribbon or embellishments you choose.
4) Cotton Balls
5) Ribbon
6) Twigs from the yard
7) Glue and glue gun
Instructions and Options:
Option 1) Stuff hat with cotton ball, and glue in top. Glue the other side of cotton ball to the crow's head.
Option 2) Punch out a 2" circle of paper. Stuff hat with cotton ball, and glue in top. Glue the other side of cotton ball and rim of hat to the circle of paper. Glue to crows head.
Option 3) Punch a 2" circle out of paper. Use knife to cut two small slits 1/3 of an inch apart in the middle of the circle. Thread the ribbon through the circle. Stuff hat with cotton ball, and glue in top. Glue the other side of cotton ball and rim of hat to the circle of paper. Glue the hat to the crow's head, and tie the ribbon around the neck in a bow. Glue the bow to the bird so the ribbon looks nice.
Note: If you like, you can attach the crow to a twig and place on the plate, or napkin. You could also attach a small note to the foot as an invitation to the party, or as a thank you for coming. You could attach them to a centerpiece, and give them away when the party is over.
AWARDS
I had two categories:
Daringly Dressed Devilish Diva. I was worried people wouldn't want to dress up, but they totally did, and it made it more fun!
Most Dashingly Delish Halloween Dish. I knew my main concern for the party was the décor, and I wanted to focus most of my energy and money on that, so I asked the girls to help out with the food in four categories: appetizer, main dish, drink, and dessert. I asked them to call in advance and tell me what they wanted to bring so all the slots would be filled properly. I was worried about asking them to bring food at first, but they had so much fun with it! I have a collection of Halloween magazines I have collected over the years, and told them if they needed to, they could borrow them for ideas. They totally delivered, and it was SO fun to see all the creative things they brought!
They placed their votes in this dish I decorated by taping ribbon from Hobby Lobby around the perimeter. The award was this mummy that I made by spraying the skeleton pink, hooking in pink eyes, and wrapping her in torn muslin. I then glued her to this spray painted 2X4, and put an award label that I printed on the front. Again, this was super unexpected and so fun! I passed out little gifts with the trophies as well.
This Ghoul's Night In Was The Best There's Ever Been!
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
overrated
if you have enough conversations with me, you'll hear this phrase more than once..."it's overrated!". what might i be referring to, you ask? things like this:
1. a clean house
2. a college education
3. home-cooked meals
4. being popular
5. being thin
6. kids in matching clothes
7. folded laundry
8. dusting
9. vacations
10. bedtimes
11. drinking water
12. knowing how to play the piano
13. the beach
14. working out
15. whole grains
16. cleaning behind your ears
17. being on time to church
18. savings accounts
19. making the bed
20. dancing in the rain
...just to name a few!
not overrated...good bbq and good friends! :)
1. a clean house
2. a college education
3. home-cooked meals
4. being popular
5. being thin
6. kids in matching clothes
7. folded laundry
8. dusting
9. vacations
10. bedtimes
11. drinking water
12. knowing how to play the piano
13. the beach
14. working out
15. whole grains
16. cleaning behind your ears
17. being on time to church
18. savings accounts
19. making the bed
20. dancing in the rain
...just to name a few!
not overrated...good bbq and good friends! :)Tuesday, September 14, 2010
How my prayers are answered...
"SHE'S COUNTRY! FROM HER COWBOY BOOTS TO HER DOWN HOME ROOTS! SHE'S COUNTRY! FROM THE SONGS SHE PLAYS TO THE PRAYERS SHE PLAYS! THAT'S THE WAY SHE WAS BORN AND RAISED! SHE AIN'T AFRAID TO STAAAAY, COUNTRY!"
(here's the song if you ever wanna listen!)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2AZLUohDCGo&ob=av2e
*That's my 2:20pm alarm that goes off every day to remind me that I have 5-10 minutes to leave and pick my great big Kindergarten boy from school!!*
**That's also my great big Kindergarten boy's FAVORITE, I repeat, FAVORITE song of all time!**
Back to the story...
Sorry...
I slip into some flip flops and bribe my 3 year old princess to slip into hers...
We head out the door and down the steepest steps in the world...(we live on the 2nd story of an apartment building)...
Then BAM!
The sun slaps me across the face and I instantly start sweating...(that's livin' in NC for ya!)
I get in the muggy hot nasty humid car and think for a split second how stupid I am for doing my hair!
Bribe the princess to buckle her seatbelt...
WHAT?! How is this possible?! MY CAR ISN'T STARTING!! It's not even making one of those "I wanna start, but I just can't start" noises!
The sweat gets worse!
I feel sick...
We live about 3 minutes from the school *driving*...
However, we've walked it and that takes about 20 - 30 minutes depending on how happy the princess is...*COUGH*and how out of shape the mommy is*COUGH*...
Tears are forming in my eyes because the bell rings at 2:45 and every kid is gone by 2:53...seriously!
There is NOT ONE PERSON to be found!!!!
The husband works 25 MINUTES on a good day AWAY!!
I call him crying and telling him to leave work NOW and SPEED but don't die to the school!!!
He questions me about leaving a light on in the car!
*PSHT! Like I'm that absent minded! How rude!*
I of course *very energetically* tell him NO! I'm not absent minded like that! DUH! How annoying!
*It's now about 2:33*
As I wipe my tears a 1990 (give or take 5 years) rusted Conversion van pulls up...into our parking lot...they are just sitting in on of the spots...
About ten seconds later some dude walks out...in complete "gangsta" apparel...Since I'm gangsta *or like to think I am* I ask him if he could jump start my car...
I almost asked if he could jump me...and that in "gangsta terminology" just isn't a good thing...
He says he doesn't know because it's not his car...
*I'm thinking, it's a van, but whatever!*
Then walks into the apartment building next to ours...
*I'm thinking what a jerk, but whatever!*
Then the van backs up and pulls in the spot next to mine. The passenger window rolls down and this lady is CLEARLY drunk...good thing the dd was sober!!
I THINK she asked if I needed help...still not sure what she said...
The driver (an older man in his late 60's) just assumed I did and popped his hood and immediately started helping me!
Good thing I had jumper cables!!
*It's now about 2:45*
My car started and he smiled...
Closed his hood...
Nodded his head...
Got in the van...
Rolled up the passenger window...
Gave me a crooked smile...
And was on his way...
God bless that sweet angel man!!!
I called my hubs and told him he could turn around and go back to work...
He wasn't too happy with me...
Told me to check the lights in the car...
I get annoyed and tell him for the last time NO I DID NOT LEAVE A LIGHT ON!!! GOSH!!!
Then I hang up on him...
*then I realize that I left the headlights on because of the rain that morning*
Yeah, yeah, yeah, blah, blah, blah, yada, yada, yada...whatever!!!!
I got to school just in time...
My great big Kindergarten boy hopped in the car and slung his bookbag onto the front seat. I asked him how his day went...
His eyes started to swell with instant tears.
My heart started pumping overtime.
He said,
"Mom, my feelings got hurt real bad today. At recess a kid from the other class called me a jerk. I'm not a jerk mom, huh? I didn't cry at school, but I wanted to. He really hurt my feelings."
I said,
"Son, do you know him? Were you bothering him?"
He said,
"No mom. Me and my friend were playing and then he came to us with his friend."
*So I'm thinking I wanna beat this kid up and his parents*
Then, before I could answer with, "What a little brat!! I hope you punched him in his face and told him to shut his mouth or you would kick his butt!"...my heart softened and I replied with...
"Well, sweets, maybe he was having a bad day, ya know?! Sometimes, we all say things that we don't mean. Sometimes, we all have bad days, and maybe today he was having a bad day. Maybe Heavenly Father needs you to continue to be a good example to him. No matter what he says or does, stay strong and the Lord will bless you, I promise. Heavenly Father will watch over you and He will make sure that your heart is okay. Do you understand?"
He smiled and said, "Yeah, mom. But you know what? My best friend at school stood up for me! He got infront of that boy and said, 'Hey! Leave my best friend alone and don't talk to him like that!' And then the mean boy's friend tried to kick my best friend. So then I said to the other boy, 'Hey! Don't kick my best friend! Don't be rude!' Isn't that what friends are for mom?"
I smiled and said, "Yes, son! That's exactly what friends are for! I'm so super proud of you!"
God bless that sweet best friend!!!
***********************************
Every day, I pray that the Lord will put others in my path that I can serve. That I can be open and sensitive to what the Spirit is directing me to do. That I can live each day to serve my Father in Heaven...with love and joy. I've actually been praying like that for years...practically my entire life.
Almost as if it's a scripted prayer.
I never really thought of leaving it out of a prayer because I actually do mean it.
I think that I'm usually thinking on a higher scale...you know, like, helping someone move into a new house, or helping someone that just had a baby, or visiting someone in the hospital...
I don't ever think of helping someone on a smaller level...like a smile, or a note, or a ride...
One morning on our way to school, my son screamed, "HEY MOM! Look! That boy is in my class!!"
I look.
I see a mom that looks tired...pushing her son, that looks bright eyed and bushy tailed...in an umbrella stroller down the sidewalk...
For a moment my heart went out to her.
But I had to get homeboy to school so he wouldn't be late!! We are out of the district and if he is late...they kick him out!
I went to the next place I could stop and turn around at.
If I'm driving and gonna be late...then she MUST be running late too...
AND she's walking...and if she is coming from the same place I'm coming from then she MUST be OUT of the district as well, and her son could be kicked out of this school just as easily...
I jumped out and asked if I could give her a ride.
Reassured her that our boys were in the same class.
She shamefully accepted the ride. Grateful the whole time. Couldn't stop thanking me!
I was feeling pretty good about myself.
I mean, I was pretty amazing for picking up someone less fortunate.
I deserved to pat myself of the back!!
I could have been a jerk and kept driving...after all, she had no clue our kids knew each other.
I dropped her off with the kids at school. *She gets a ride from some other lady to get back home*
Kissed my son.
Gave her my number and told her to call if she needed a ride!
I'm just sweet like that, I guess!!
I was super proud of myself.
Since then, I've given her about 4 - 5 rides to school when I see her walking...Her car is in the shop...
Well, we were running about 2 minutes late this morning...
I didn't see her walking...
Got homeboy to school and headed to the apartment...
On my way home I drive east, toward the sun. So it's super bright!
I was squinting...then I saw her.
She was borderline running. She was definitely definitely gonna be LATE!!!
She saw my car and just locked eyes with me, almost yelling, "I NEED A RIDE!!"
So, being the beyond awesome person that I am, I stopped and turned around and gave her a ride...
She said, it's just hard for her to wake up and her son doesn't want to wake up...
I'm thinking of ways to tell her how to better mother her only kid...my gracious, it's not that hard!
I drop her off...
As I leave, I pat myself on the back for being wonderful!!
Then, all of a sudden...
My heart hurts...
I'm so ashamed of being so prideful.
I cannot believe that for one second I was so blind.
Even though I don't tell the world of my good deeds, I boast in my mind about it.
What was I thinking?
My heart was humbled...I thought of my prayers...every day...every night...
I pray to be of service.
I pray to be an example of my Savior.
At that moment I realized that I was not an answer to her prayers, but that she was an answer to mine. That she was what I have been praying for. She is my blessing. She is helping me become more like Christ. She is helping me return home.
How I've been so prideful really hurts my heart.
God bless that sweet hardworking single mommy!!!
I pray that each of us SAHM's realize the answers to our prayers...
Whether it be a man that just randomly happens to be in the right place at the right time to jump your car...
Or that little boy that thinks your son totally rocks enough to stick up for him and get kicked...
Or that sister that could have been one of our friends from our pre-earth life, that we promised we would help out in mortality...
Our prayers are truly answered in ways we don't even notice...
Let's take the time to notice them...
And to be ever grateful for them...
(here's the song if you ever wanna listen!)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2AZLUohDCGo&ob=av2e
*That's my 2:20pm alarm that goes off every day to remind me that I have 5-10 minutes to leave and pick my great big Kindergarten boy from school!!*
**That's also my great big Kindergarten boy's FAVORITE, I repeat, FAVORITE song of all time!**
Back to the story...
Sorry...
I slip into some flip flops and bribe my 3 year old princess to slip into hers...
We head out the door and down the steepest steps in the world...(we live on the 2nd story of an apartment building)...
Then BAM!
The sun slaps me across the face and I instantly start sweating...(that's livin' in NC for ya!)
I get in the muggy hot nasty humid car and think for a split second how stupid I am for doing my hair!
Bribe the princess to buckle her seatbelt...
WHAT?! How is this possible?! MY CAR ISN'T STARTING!! It's not even making one of those "I wanna start, but I just can't start" noises!
The sweat gets worse!
I feel sick...
We live about 3 minutes from the school *driving*...
However, we've walked it and that takes about 20 - 30 minutes depending on how happy the princess is...*COUGH*
Tears are forming in my eyes because the bell rings at 2:45 and every kid is gone by 2:53...seriously!
There is NOT ONE PERSON to be found!!!!
The husband works 25 MINUTES on a good day AWAY!!
I call him crying and telling him to leave work NOW and SPEED but don't die to the school!!!
He questions me about leaving a light on in the car!
*PSHT! Like I'm that absent minded! How rude!*
I of course *very energetically* tell him NO! I'm not absent minded like that! DUH! How annoying!
*It's now about 2:33*
As I wipe my tears a 1990 (give or take 5 years) rusted Conversion van pulls up...into our parking lot...they are just sitting in on of the spots...
About ten seconds later some dude walks out...in complete "gangsta" apparel...Since I'm gangsta *or like to think I am* I ask him if he could jump start my car...
He says he doesn't know because it's not his car...
*I'm thinking, it's a van, but whatever!*
Then walks into the apartment building next to ours...
*I'm thinking what a jerk, but whatever!*
Then the van backs up and pulls in the spot next to mine. The passenger window rolls down and this lady is CLEARLY drunk...good thing the dd was sober!!
I THINK she asked if I needed help...still not sure what she said...
The driver (an older man in his late 60's) just assumed I did and popped his hood and immediately started helping me!
Good thing I had jumper cables!!
*It's now about 2:45*
My car started and he smiled...
Closed his hood...
Nodded his head...
Got in the van...
Rolled up the passenger window...
Gave me a crooked smile...
And was on his way...
God bless that sweet angel man!!!
I called my hubs and told him he could turn around and go back to work...
He wasn't too happy with me...
Told me to check the lights in the car...
I get annoyed and tell him for the last time NO I DID NOT LEAVE A LIGHT ON!!! GOSH!!!
Then I hang up on him...
Yeah, yeah, yeah, blah, blah, blah, yada, yada, yada...whatever!!!!
I got to school just in time...
My great big Kindergarten boy hopped in the car and slung his bookbag onto the front seat. I asked him how his day went...
His eyes started to swell with instant tears.
My heart started pumping overtime.
He said,
"Mom, my feelings got hurt real bad today. At recess a kid from the other class called me a jerk. I'm not a jerk mom, huh? I didn't cry at school, but I wanted to. He really hurt my feelings."
I said,
"Son, do you know him? Were you bothering him?"
He said,
"No mom. Me and my friend were playing and then he came to us with his friend."
*So I'm thinking I wanna beat this kid up and his parents*
Then, before I could answer with, "What a little brat!! I hope you punched him in his face and told him to shut his mouth or you would kick his butt!"...my heart softened and I replied with...
"Well, sweets, maybe he was having a bad day, ya know?! Sometimes, we all say things that we don't mean. Sometimes, we all have bad days, and maybe today he was having a bad day. Maybe Heavenly Father needs you to continue to be a good example to him. No matter what he says or does, stay strong and the Lord will bless you, I promise. Heavenly Father will watch over you and He will make sure that your heart is okay. Do you understand?"
He smiled and said, "Yeah, mom. But you know what? My best friend at school stood up for me! He got infront of that boy and said, 'Hey! Leave my best friend alone and don't talk to him like that!' And then the mean boy's friend tried to kick my best friend. So then I said to the other boy, 'Hey! Don't kick my best friend! Don't be rude!' Isn't that what friends are for mom?"
I smiled and said, "Yes, son! That's exactly what friends are for! I'm so super proud of you!"
God bless that sweet best friend!!!
***********************************
Every day, I pray that the Lord will put others in my path that I can serve. That I can be open and sensitive to what the Spirit is directing me to do. That I can live each day to serve my Father in Heaven...with love and joy. I've actually been praying like that for years...practically my entire life.
Almost as if it's a scripted prayer.
I never really thought of leaving it out of a prayer because I actually do mean it.
I think that I'm usually thinking on a higher scale...you know, like, helping someone move into a new house, or helping someone that just had a baby, or visiting someone in the hospital...
I don't ever think of helping someone on a smaller level...like a smile, or a note, or a ride...
One morning on our way to school, my son screamed, "HEY MOM! Look! That boy is in my class!!"
I look.
I see a mom that looks tired...pushing her son, that looks bright eyed and bushy tailed...in an umbrella stroller down the sidewalk...
For a moment my heart went out to her.
But I had to get homeboy to school so he wouldn't be late!! We are out of the district and if he is late...they kick him out!
I went to the next place I could stop and turn around at.
If I'm driving and gonna be late...then she MUST be running late too...
AND she's walking...and if she is coming from the same place I'm coming from then she MUST be OUT of the district as well, and her son could be kicked out of this school just as easily...
I jumped out and asked if I could give her a ride.
Reassured her that our boys were in the same class.
She shamefully accepted the ride. Grateful the whole time. Couldn't stop thanking me!
I was feeling pretty good about myself.
I mean, I was pretty amazing for picking up someone less fortunate.
I deserved to pat myself of the back!!
I could have been a jerk and kept driving...after all, she had no clue our kids knew each other.
I dropped her off with the kids at school. *She gets a ride from some other lady to get back home*
Kissed my son.
Gave her my number and told her to call if she needed a ride!
I'm just sweet like that, I guess!!
I was super proud of myself.
Since then, I've given her about 4 - 5 rides to school when I see her walking...Her car is in the shop...
Well, we were running about 2 minutes late this morning...
I didn't see her walking...
Got homeboy to school and headed to the apartment...
On my way home I drive east, toward the sun. So it's super bright!
I was squinting...then I saw her.
She was borderline running. She was definitely definitely gonna be LATE!!!
She saw my car and just locked eyes with me, almost yelling, "I NEED A RIDE!!"
So, being the beyond awesome person that I am, I stopped and turned around and gave her a ride...
She said, it's just hard for her to wake up and her son doesn't want to wake up...
I'm thinking of ways to tell her how to better mother her only kid...my gracious, it's not that hard!
I drop her off...
As I leave, I pat myself on the back for being wonderful!!
Then, all of a sudden...
My heart hurts...
I'm so ashamed of being so prideful.
I cannot believe that for one second I was so blind.
Even though I don't tell the world of my good deeds, I boast in my mind about it.
What was I thinking?
My heart was humbled...I thought of my prayers...every day...every night...
I pray to be of service.
I pray to be an example of my Savior.
At that moment I realized that I was not an answer to her prayers, but that she was an answer to mine. That she was what I have been praying for. She is my blessing. She is helping me become more like Christ. She is helping me return home.
How I've been so prideful really hurts my heart.
God bless that sweet hardworking single mommy!!!
I pray that each of us SAHM's realize the answers to our prayers...
Whether it be a man that just randomly happens to be in the right place at the right time to jump your car...
Or that little boy that thinks your son totally rocks enough to stick up for him and get kicked...
Or that sister that could have been one of our friends from our pre-earth life, that we promised we would help out in mortality...
Our prayers are truly answered in ways we don't even notice...
Let's take the time to notice them...
And to be ever grateful for them...
Monday, September 13, 2010
What would you do?
 |
| Patriot...seriously best roller coaster EVER! |
I looked away and tried to distract Belle...and myself. I couldn't help but feel totally enraged. I was mad at this daughter. How dare she speak to her own mother that way???
After finishing up in the restroom I walked past this mother and daughter on their way INTO the park. The mother was on the phone with someone and said "we are here, we will wait for you". I could NOT believe my own eyes. She didn't leave with her daughter like she claimed she would do. She was even smiling on the phone as her daughter stood next to her.
 |
| My Mom... leaned into my ear and said...... |
"what would you have done?" Of course I had the answer immediately. "She wouldn't be wearing those shoes, carrying a cell phone or have a strand of hair left on her head if she were my daughter!!!". As for the mom...it was very apparent to me that she created her own monster of a daughter.
So the question is....in a situation like this do you ever say something when you hear a child disrespecting their parent?...especially when it's in front of YOUR kid?
Sunday, September 12, 2010
sunday treat
banana cookies
1 cup shortening
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 cup mashed bananas
1 1/2 cup buttermilk
1 tsp. vanilla
3 cups flour
1 1/2 tsp. soda
1/2 tsp. salt
cream shortening, sugar, and eggs. add mashed bananas, buttermilk, and vanilla. sift in flour, soda, and salt. sometimes i chill the dough for an hour, sometimes not...drop by spoonfuls onto cookie sheet and bake at 375 for 8-10 minutes.
these cookies are a super-fav at our house...kinda like banana bread, but better!! hope ya like 'em. :)
1 cup shortening
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 cup mashed bananas
1 1/2 cup buttermilk
1 tsp. vanilla
3 cups flour
1 1/2 tsp. soda
1/2 tsp. salt
cream shortening, sugar, and eggs. add mashed bananas, buttermilk, and vanilla. sift in flour, soda, and salt. sometimes i chill the dough for an hour, sometimes not...drop by spoonfuls onto cookie sheet and bake at 375 for 8-10 minutes.
these cookies are a super-fav at our house...kinda like banana bread, but better!! hope ya like 'em. :)
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Things Planned...and those Plans Changed
I found a wonderful FREE family activity to do this weekend! For those of you who live near Topeka,KS there is a community activity called Huff n Puff. It is a private Hot Air Balloon group that gets together and launches several balloons all at once out at Lake Shawnee. I hear that it is very beautiful and it has been happening for 35 years, yet, I have never gone. And so, I decided to take my 10mo old son to go and see them last night.
I was very excited to ride on a tethered balloon ride (for a $5 donation that benefits the Ronald McDonald House). However, my son had other plans. He is cutting more teeth and ended up getting a fever and only wanted to lay on Mom's chest and try to sleep it away. So,......that is what we did.
But, I was able to get some time to finish putting up the decorations in his bedroom. As I thought about it, if we had not done it already, one of the decorations would be a great "stay at home" family activity!
pictured are all the letters in the alphabet
(just mixed up to make it more challenging and interesting)
As a family, we all got together one day and picked a few letters and painted them the way we wanted. It was a lot of fun and gave each of us the chance to be creative. We purchased all different sizes and shapes of letters (most of them found on clearance) from places like Wal-Mart and Hobby Lobby. Then we got acrylic paint and sponge brushes.
this letter has the hand prints and foot prints of my little guy. we put his name and date they were done as a personal touch since the letters would be hanging in his room.
this is the finished project
(crying baby not included)
I had lots of fun putting them up and he has lots of fun looking at all the fun letters. I can wait to see how he learns the alphabet! :)
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