Kid Funnies

Quote heard as Peanut and T-man were playing nicely in her room today.

Peanut: Barbie, you're a hot mess!

Quote

Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us
show the truth by our actions. 1 John 3:18 (NLT)  -God

Deeper Purpose

Anne walked home very slowly in the moonlight. The evening had changed something for her. Life held a different meaning, a deeper purpose. On the surface it would go on just the same; but the deeps had been stirred. It must not be with her as with poor butterfly Ruby. When she came to the end of one life it must not be to face the next with the shrinking terror of something wholly different--something for which accustomed thought and ideal and aspiration had unfitted her. The little things of life, sweet and excellent in their place, must not be the things lived for; the highest must be sought and followed; the life of heaven must be begun here on earth.  

Excerpt from Anne of the Island (#3 in Anne of Green Gables series) by L.M. Montgomery

Kid Funnies

This is the sign my son created while his sister had a friend over today. It is supposed to say "No girls".

She promptly crumpled it up and threw it in the trash. You can imagine what happened next. Sigh.

Substitute teaching again....sort of

So I got to try out substitute teaching again this time at my children's own preschool. Only I was helping with the terrible 2's. Well they weren't that terrible, just exhausting. I was the bonus (3rd) leader to 12 tiny tots and we unfortunately could not leave the room for the four hours we had them. Honestly, they were fun and super cute and I am glad I got to help, but again, man do I have a lot to learn. It is one thing raising one or two tiny tots but having twelve at one time? Of course there were three of us, but K-woman, or "superman", as I should call her, seemed like she had eyes in the back of her head, out her shoulders, and from her knees! The woman knew who was hitting who, who was stealing a toy from who, or why someone was crying at any given moment, not to mention she changed all the tots diapers......twice. Not only that she has a quiet strength about her not to be matched......or messed with. Hats off to you K-woman!!!

I'm in love with...

these:

Tostitos Artisan Recipes Fire-Roasted Chipotle. They are addicting. If you are a chiphead like me, you will not stop. They reel you in with the "9 grain blend" and "100% natural ingredients" but I think they really put crack in there because I. could. not. stop. 

If you are calorie counting I would will yourself past the endcap at Target with these on sale, ahem, unlike me. 

Kid Funnies

After eating a banana chocolate chip muffin given by Mama, early in the afternoon....

Girl: Mama can I have a snack?
Mama: You just had a muffin for a snack.
Girl: That wasn't a snack, that was dessert.

Kid Quote

After getting out a wreath to play a game on a snow day, unprompted...

Boy: Mama, God's love is like a wreath. It has no beginning and no end.

Melt a Mama's heart. I don't know where he got that, but I am so glad :-)

Good News of Great Joy

Luke 2:10-11 (New International Version, ©2010)

¹⁰ But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. ¹¹ Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.

Flash Mob

I am so adding flash mob to my bucket list! Love how it grows and then fades, starting and ending with that one little girl. Too cute. This one is in St. Louis in front of the Fox! Don't forget to pause the music at the bottom.

Prayer

Dear God,
   There are just not enough hours in the day. Would you please add a couple more? That or please help me focus on just the things you want me to focus on today. I am overwhelmed. Thanks, Me

P.S. Can you get Target to make more of my favorite products in generic brands, you know the ones. Double thanks.

Kid Funnies

Peanut (to Momma while giving big hugs): You are my special one that God gave me.
Papa: What am I over here chopped liver?
Peanut: Yes you are.

Quote

"Do you know", said Anne confidentially, "I've made up my mind to enjoy this drive. It's been my experience that you can nearly always enjoy things if you make up your mind firmly that you will. Of course, you must make it up firmly. I am not going to think about going back to the asylum while we're having our drive. I am just going to think about the drive.  

-Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery

I just love Anne!

We are ready

I think buying the candy today was a bad idea, especially the Twix.

Quote

God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all. 1 John 1:5

Shout out to the sisters!

Today I just wanted to thank my beautiful friends who:

• Make me laugh 
• Save me from wrecking another car, and still let me drive
• Watch my kiddos
• Let me share in their cullinary delights 
• Listen to me ramble while I am on a hormonal high/low rollercoaster
• Don't worry about picking up before I come over
• Pray for me
• Know I am not perfect but still love me anyway

And of course my wonderful friend and hubby who brought me home a pink cupcake today just for me. I ate it before dinner!!!

I am so lucky to have friends who share their lives and their faith with me. Hugs to you!!!

Now Playing....

"Love You Madly" by Cake. Dedicated to my Mom and Step-Dad for 10 happy years of marriage today (+7 more of togetherness)!

Happy Anniversary, I love you guys.

Cheer-me-up

Sometimes you just need something fun. So here ya go:

I think I need to count some flowers right about now...

Thank God for good music!!!

http://www.jango.com/stations/262537461/tunein?song_id=50814

Peace Lyrics
Artist(Band):Weezer

More and more I can't say no,
So afraid of letting go.
If there's something I can grab,
You can bet I'll pay the tab.

Counting all the flowers,
waste the precious hours,
I need to find some peace.

All these problems on my mind,
make it hard for me to think.
There is no way I can stop,
my poor brain is gonna pop.

And I don't have a purpose
scattered on the surface,
I need to find some peace.

woah-oh-oh-oh. (repeated)

And all the broken tethers,
we can bring together,
I need to find some peace.

woah-oh-oh-oh. (repeated)

I need to find some peace. x 2
woah-oh-oh-oh.

Back in the Saddle

Well yesterday I got back in the saddle. I pressed my clothes and made my lunch Tuesday evening. I woke early Wednesday to shower, dress, blow dry, do makeup, eat breakfast and have coffee and..............I went to work.  I finally (or actually quite quickly) got to try out substitute teaching at a public school about 15 minutes away. Luckily Papa took off work and got the kids ready and to school so I didn't have to worry about that on my first day.

Beyond that, it didn't feel like a saddle at all. Actually this animal wasn't even a horse or a beast. It was something completely different and much better than when I worked before. I was functioning on adrenaline, since I couldn't sleep much the night before, but I think I actually liked teaching. A lot. I taught computer lab and had at least six classes rotate through from K-5 grade. They worked simple programs learning typing and the functions of the mouse, so it was easy to help. Besides being a bit loud and energetic at times, most of them were bright and well-behaved. I really enjoyed interacting with them. Some of them even wanted to give me hugs. I know I have a lot to learn, some of the teachers have those kids reined in like nobodies business. I could also tell kids test the waters a bit with subs, especially since the subs don't know who all of them are, but I want to try again and I am praying to see if even more teaching  might be in my future.

Little People

I have started to notice I can relate to the children in ways I never before imagined. It's fun watching them develop into their own character but also sweet when they take little pieces of us with them. For example, T-man has taken up rollerblading. He started goofing with my old rollerblades in the basement and before you know it, he is fast and furious "better than Mama", he says, on his own rollerblades. I can't wait until we can go to the park together and have some fun.

Peanut has a great sense of humor and loves to crack jokes like her Papa. She also likes to have her feet rubbed, "that's good" she says. Definitely her Father's daughter. Today she said "Mama, can we lay down and watch Food Network together". Are you kidding kid? YES!

We have also started reading chapter books together and it's fun to hear them repeat back details or discuss the story, and even more fun for us. They are growing and becoming more independent but this new "Little People" stuff gives me hope that even though our relationship will change, it will still be close.

Kid Funnies

Quote becoming more and more common, especially when wrestling with the children.

Kid: You want a piece of me??????

Coming from a pint sized little girl and little boy, it is pretty cute.

Heeheehee

Ramona

Since we have been reading T-man "Ramona the Brave" we were intrigued by the new movie Ramona and Beezus and went to see it last weekend. It is one of the cutest, sweetest family flicks I have seen in a long time. It's G-rated and now playing at Kellar which is $3 before 5, $4 after (3 and under are free). I highly recommend it!

Stillness

This week I confessed to a dear friend that sometimes I crave being alone, most simply because 1) Being alone is hard to come by these days and 2) When I am alone is when I most feel like I can BE with God. I do realize the irony that someday I will crave the people and the busyness and I will have GADS of alone time but I digress.

God heard me. This morning I took the children outside to play and brought along my bible and a book hoping to soak in something to get me through the week. They did play and I did read but before I knew it they had vanished inside with their Papa and I was alone. Not only that but I had dove into a book that spoke God's word so eloquently (especially in my right here, right now moment) I could cry.

Psalm 46:10 (New International Version) ¹⁰ "Be still, and know that I am God;  

Thank you God for answering my prayer, via the Holy Spirit, because my prayer life has been pretty stinky lately and for pointing me to Nicole Johnson's "Fresh Brewed Life" this morning. I normally wouldn't review a book until after I finish it but I know this ones a goodie. I saw Nicole's acting and speaking at Hearts at Home and she is truly a woman after God's own heart. 

Fresh Brewed Life A Stirring Invitation To Wake Up Your Soul by Nicole Johnson

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Love this, love this, love this!



View all my reviews

Kid Funnies

Newest, not-so-random phrase the kids are using:

DUH!

Boy: Duh means everybody knows that Mama.


Lord help me.

Good books

She's Gonna Blow!: Real Help for Moms Dealing with Anger by Julie Ann Barnhill

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


After hearing Julie speak twice and reading "One Tough Mother" I am a fan. She is very relatable, funny, and had good advice. I think every mother of small children should read this book! In addition to Mommy anger she talks a little bit about Mommy guilt, another biggie.



View all my reviews

New Do

Courtesy of Papa.

Kid Funnies

Me: What is your brother doing?
Peanut: He is babysitting my baby.

Preschool Dance Party

One of my favorite things is to find a really fun song that you just can't help but dance to. So, if your speakers are on, you are listening to the song "Suzy" that the kiddos and I have taken up a new pastime to, preschooler dance party! It's a great ten minute exercise and you can't help but smile.

Just picture lots of jumping, head swinging, circle running (holding hands with lots of direction changing), hip wiggling, bobble heading, and of course twirling twirling away under Momma's arm. Such fun. Though, those above thirty can expect some weakened ankles too :-)

Don't you just LOVE it when...

you make a last minute decision for dinner and you have ALL the ingredients! Yes! The planets must be in alignment, I mean it's lucky to have the main ingredients in a recipe, or even most of the ingredients, but all of the ingredients? Then, even though you haven't made it before, it turns out great and is super yummy! Air five!

This recipe isn't super complicated but just home cooked enough and healthy enough too. In my quest to cook (I don't count our weekly sandwiches, frozen pizza, and nuggets as cooking) three meals a week, it was a keeper. Thank you Betty Crocker :-)

The best part of this recipe is inspiration for other recipes: steamed veggies with just the cheese sauce, omit the tuna and veggies for homemade mac n cheese, switch the tuna for chicken, omit meat and just do veggies, I mean the possibilities are............at least half a dozen!

Tuna Casserole
1 1/4 cup cooked pasta (suggested is elbows or shells, I used rotini/spirals)
1 cup frozen peas or 2 cups cooked broccoli (you could really do whatever veggie/amount you want here)
2 cans tuna (or salmon or chicken)
2 cups milk
2 tbsp plus 1 tbsp butter
2 tbsp flour
3/4 tsp salt
1 cup shredded cheese
2/3 cup bread crumbs/corn flakes/crushed cereal, etc.....they even suggest cheerios.....interesting

First preheat oven to 350 degrees. In saucepan over medium heat melt 2 tbsp butter. Then add flour and salt and stir constantly until smooth and bubbly. Turn off heat and gradually add/stir in milk. Turn heat back on and stir frequently to boiling. Boil one minute then stir in cheese. In ungreased casserole mix pasta, veggies, tuna, and sauce. Bake covered for 25 minutes. While cooking melt 1 tbsp butter and mix with crumbs. Sprinkle on casserole and cook for 5 more minutes (30 total).

Partners in Crime #14 - Watermelon Slush

So the kids talked me into buying a watermelon this week. I have had a hankering for sweet stuff lately (hence the ice cream, oreo, and pretzel m&ms purchases, which are super yummers, but I digress)..... so I caved. Yesterday they were wanting some but THEY wanted to slice it. AS IF (they always ask to slice things and I always say NO). However, as I am trying to be more fun and loving with them I decided to give them each a big hunk and a little scoop/baller thingy and go to town.

I am embarrassed to admit I was in the room and only realized an intervention was needed when they were getting ready to dump LOTS of cinnamon on the slush but we all have our moments I suppose and these kids are movers and shakers if you know what I mean. They were reenacting a Sid the Science Kid episode where Sid and his buds make applesauce. Only this was watermelon..........slush.

I wish I had a picture of the plate/table of slush. At least they had fun and I, though firm, was not angry at them or the sticky floor. Hooray!

It's All Monopoly Money

So don’t be impressed with those who get rich and pile up fame and

fortune. They can’t take it with them; fame and fortune all get left

behind. Just when they think they’ve arrived and folks praise them

because they’ve made good, they enter the family burial plot where

they’ll never see sunshine again. We aren’t immortal. We don’t last long.

Like our dogs, we age and weaken. And die. (Ps. 49:16–20 Msg)

God owns everything and gives us all things to enjoy. He is a good

shepherd to us, his little flock. Trust him, not stuff. Move from the fear

of scarcity to the comfort of provision. Less hoarding, more sharing. “Do

good . . . be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share.”

And, most of all, replace fear of the coming winter with faith in the

living God. After all, it’s just Monopoly money. It all goes back in the box

when the game is over.                   


-Excerpt from Fearless by Max Lucado

Quote

Philippians 4:6 (New International Version)

⁶Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Kid Funnies

The kids have a new favorite phrase they announce at random throughout the day. It is...

AWKward!!!!


Don't ask me.

Lounge Lizards

This morning as I snuggled up with the kids watching cartoons and eating pop-tarts I thought that it was nice to be able to do that on a Monday morning and maybe Papa is right, I am the less stressed of the two of us (even though he is managing people not even related to us, but I digress).

Then I realized in less then a month, we won't have much opportunity for snuggling and lounging in the morning, until next summer (expect for sickness and holidays). This year both kiddos are in preschool/pre-K...... and daily one child (not both) will need to be chauffeured to school by 8:30. Yikes! Yes, I know the rest of the world gets up and goes somewhere everyday and I am totally spoiled. I get it. However, I suddenly realized (once again) that the days clicking by are precious and I need to savor them.

Quote

If we weren't meant to keep starting over....God wouldn't have granted us Monday.

More Summer Fun

Vacation Bible School

Well 2010 Vacation Bible School has come to a close. I had a lot of fun volunteering and met some really special new friends. Most importantly, I got to spend some time with my son before he gets too old and too "cool".

Your Purpose

Our pastor sent us this devotional recently from Rick Warren (author of The Purpose Driven Life). I really like it:

Choices control your calendar

Sunday July 25 2010

Posted by Rick Warren

We are each responsible for our own conduct. Galatians 6:5 (NLT)

"You have just enough time to do God's will while you're here on earth."

Your choices control your calendar and, as a result, your lifestyle. Your choices are far more powerful than your circumstances. You may not like how complicated your life has become yet, with very few exceptions, no one is forcing you to keep your life complicated.
You have the power to simplify your life.
The Bible teaches, "We are each responsible for our own conduct" (Galatians 6:5 NLT). To me, that means God expects us to assume responsibility for our lives and to carefully choose how we spend our time.
That's why I've spent years teaching people to discover why God placed them on this planet: What is your purpose for being here?
Ultimately, it will be the donation of your life that will count far more than the duration.
In other words, it's not how long you live - or even how much you cram into how long you live - it's really about how you live.
Here are three essential steps to simplify your life:

• First, figure out your purpose, and then let your purpose guide the goals of your life.

• Second, organize your activities based upon your purpose.

• Finally, harmonize your schedule with your purpose; that is, bring your activities into agreement with your goals.

You have just enough time to do God's will while you're here on earth. You've been given just enough time to fulfill your purpose. When you try to do more than God planned for you, it's only natural that you'll find yourself constantly out of time or stressed over your schedule.
If it doesn't fit the purpose of your life, God doesn't want you doing it. In fact, he may be overjoyed that you finally got the message and stopped doing meaningless activities. He may even want you to add "rest" or "have fun" to your to-do list.
My prayer for you is that you will find relief from stress and a new sense of satisfaction as you do only the things God created you to do.

Rain Rain Come and Stay. Do Yard Work Some Other.......lifetime.

Dear God, I am tired and it's only Tuesday. I REALLY don't want to do yard work in the heat this weekend. Would you send some rain my way? A LOT of rain. Thanks. -Me

Here's your sign Friday

Partners in Crime #13 - My tee shirts

For some reason the boy is fascinated by my tee shirts. It started with the Weezer ones, he is a rockin' kid after all, but now I think he likes to just dig like he's looking for a buried treasure. Honestly, organization in this house is lost cause, as a friend once told me it's just "damage control" at this age but do they already have to be in my stuff? Sigh. Today the boy had to have a Halloween shirt and the girl found an old Nike wringer. I guess I can spare them, I do have a whole drawer full of old tees. This pic is during a couch jumping session (sigh again). They do look cute though!

Sign Sunday

Kids Ruin Nothing

So we are in the van and I was putting on some chapstick and mascara and the Peanut says to me "Mom, I want some lipstick!". So I proceed to hand her the chapstick. After I finish applying mascara I look back to find she is digging chapstick out with her finger for no apparent reason, to which I grab it and snip "Ugh, you kids ruin everything!"

So then Hubby says it reminded him of the time, when he was a kid, that he broke a Star Wars glass they had gotten from Burger Chef and his Mom said to him "I can't have anything nice!"... and did I realize I was upset over something that costs less than a dollar (insert big eye roll here). 

I know I know. Their little hearts are much more precious then my $1 chapstick..... or even my curtains (holes...from the dog......right),  couch cushions (limp from jumping fun), clothes (stains from little hands yanking on them), kitchen chairs (that have been glued, re-upholstered, cleaned, and still need much much help). Oh, and my husband MUST have forgotten the $30 bicycle pump he discovered they broke and his iTouch speakers that were even more that he threw a fit about...... but I digress. 

Did my chapstick, or any of the aforementioned items matter that much............well, no not really. I will still try to teach them to take care of the house and will probably get upset when I find something broken (God, please let it not be the elliptical) but I will do my best to treat them that they are MUCH MUCH MUCH more important than any thing I could ever have. Plus, you are only a kid once and there is such a beauty in that, I will try to remember that too. 

Check out this Baby Blues in relation to the subject matter (heehee): http://216.174.43.130/babyblues/s-749578-105714

This just about says it all sometimes...

http://www.babyblues.com/archive/index.php?formname=getstrip&GoToDay=09/05/2009

Can you kick it?

National Dance Day is July 31st and SYTYCD choreographers Tabitha and Napoleon created a "sick" routine. I am going to learn it (at least I want to).

Summer Survival Update

• Library trips - first one yesterday and we joined the reading club
• Zoo trips - to my amazement we have been twice, and a 3rd time to Forest Park for a free kids concert
• Free movies - non yet, but the kiddos got to see Toy Story 3 on Father's Day with Papa
• Pool - once at a rec center and a couple of times in the back yard
• Tea - Check!
• Crafts - not yet
• Work books - not yet, but saw some cool ones at Borders, just waiting for a good coupon
• Wipeout starts again tonight and SYTYCD is in full swing, yay for Mama!
• Gymnastics is in full swing and the kids LOVE it
• Exercise class - still going great and hoping to continue, thank God for air conditioning
• Girls Night Out - one last week and another this week, woohoo!
• NAPS - well I give up, the kids win on this one. They have done some "quiet" (if you don't count the 100 times they ask "Can I get up?") time in their room for me but no sleeping

It is like a heat box outside. I am dreaming of that cool, breezy California weather. I wonder if it's still like that there. 

The Monkeys Know How to Stab the Heart

The flying monkeys are smarter then I give them credit for. For example, when in big trouble they will say "You really hurt my feelings". Sometimes that stings and makes me question my parenting. Other times it makes me think they have become excellent manipulators.

It's not all bad though, for instance, they know that we like it when they get along. So almost daily they will give each other a knock-you-down bear hug, complete with a cheesy grin, ham it up and say "Look Mom, we love each other." To which I respond: "that makes me very happy". Then they say "Can we have a treat?". Sigh.

So they are smart, but not evil, just learning. I guess it's my job to teach them sincerity and pray that they get it someday.

Quote

Laugh as much as you breathe, and love as long as you live.

Quote

God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world,
but to save the world through him.

John 3:17 (New Living Translation)

Things are not always as they seem

I finally saw the musical Wicked at the Fox today. It was very cute. The moral of the story, things are not always as they seem, even the "wicked" things.

This got me thinking about people in general. I judge others and make assumptions about others often, even though I try not to. I think most people do this. Most of the time, not only do I not know the whole story, but things change. People change. I change.

So I will continue to try to be as open-minded and loving as possible, even though it's not human nature to be. Most especially because this is how I want others to be about me.

Luke 6:31 (New Living Translation)

³¹ Do to others as you would like them to do to you.

I think I have overdosed....

on chocolate. Making anything with melted chocolate, bad idea. Also, found out how easy chocolate covered fruit (i.e. strawberries) is to make, again not sure if this is a good thing.

All I can do is pray

I am overwhelmed by the prayer list and hurting needs right now, and honestly who am I to be overwhelmed. I wish I could take away the pain or ask God "why?", heck I wish there was even something I could DO for all the people in my life that are suffering. I don't understand why things happen the way they do but I know they should not diminish hope and that if people have to hurt as part of the grand plan for good, then let it be for God's glory and not in vain. 

Romans 8:26-28 (The Message)

 ^26-28Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God's Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don't know how or what to pray, it doesn't matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That's why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.

Quotes (courtesy of Aunt Christine)

"Guard me as the apple of your eye, shelter me in the shadow of your wings."  Psalm 17

"No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted."  AESOP, The Lion & the Mouse

Bring the Joy!

Kid Funnies

Peanut: Mom my booboo is still alive, it weally huwts.

T-man: Do you mean it's going to be a great day? (in response to his father saying "It's not going to be a good day)

Today I am thankful for...

1) Coffee (I should probably capitalize it or say it twice!)
2) Books (There are just two many good books to read, I may pull a muscle putting too many in my carry-on)
3) IPod (ahh....modern technology brings me the Soundtrack to Eclipse!....and some Chip I. podcasts)
4) Travel pillow (to rest my aching back from carrying all the books)
5) One great hubby (how did I get so lucky?)
6) Two great kids (I don't deserve such great blessings!)
7) That absence makes the heart grow fonder.....even before you are absent

Heading off to say goodbye to a special lady.

God Saw You Getting Tired

God saw you getting tired
and a cure was not to be
so he put his arms around you
and whispered,
“Come to Me”

With tearful eyes we watched you
and saw you pass away
and although we love you dearly
we could not make you stay.

A Golden heart stopped beating
hard working hands at rest.
God broke our hearts to prove to us
he only takes the best

Kid Funnies

Peanut: Mom, my knee weally huwts. I need a Dowa bandaid and some spowin.

The Daily Grind

So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take
your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating,
going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it
before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for
you is the best thing you can do for him.

Romans 12:1 (The Message)

Quote

If joy is a disease, little kids are the carriers. -Sherrie Schroeder

Summer Survival Guide

Yes, I know, this time is a blessing with the children and I should savor it....yadayadayada.

I also know I am going to have to make a plan if I will keep my sanity this summer. So here's a start (let me know if you have more ideas):

1) Keep the ice tea flowing (occasionally that new yummy green tea from Bread Co)
2) Library visits
3) Pool visits
4) Free movie Wed & Thurs (www.wehrenberg.com)
5) Books, books, books (for Mommy :-))
6) New music (am lovin' the new Muse song from Eclipse!, should be playing now)
7) Dance aerobics class (thank God for that!)
8) Letter and numbers workbooks for children to do
9) Hobby Lobby visits for an occasional craft
10) Some girls nights out
11) NAPS - as painful as this may be

So far that's all I got.

Hubby Started a Blog

www.dearyesterme.blogspot.com

New Word Courtesy of Peanut

"Yesternight"

Road Trip Anyone?

http://www.parade.com/celebrity/2010/05/bringing-the-world-of-harry-potter-to-life.html

Here's your sign Friday :-)

Eight Eyes

Hopefully my kiddos will inherit their Dad's perfect vision. However, in case they don't, here's a preview:

Goodbye Sweet Aunt Christine

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (New International Version)

⁴Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. ⁵It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. ⁶Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. ⁷It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Dear Aunt Christine, I will miss you. You embodied the words above. Though I am sad, I was reminded by Mom yesterday, we should be overjoyed for you.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 (New International Version)

¹³Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. ¹⁴We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.

Companies do care

I have had the thought "I wish companies cared about people as much as they do profits". Then I heard about the new St. Louis Bread Company Cares in Clayton. It is basically a non-profit restaurant where people pay what they can, and if they can't pay they sign up to volunteer at the restaurant. The profits are donated to the local community. So neat!!!

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/business/stories.nsf/7dayview/story/D9C03634B7438ECB8625772600641AD8?OpenDocument

Kid Funnies

Zoo hugs

Tornados brewing
Dawn bubbles
Cheeky monkeys
Bubble head
Storms

Partners in Crime #32,956..ok #12 blogged "Damage Control"

I don't know how they do it, they are so fast they are like two little tornados. Exhibit A (picture) the contents of their rooms, including bed pillows (YUCK!), squashed into the bathroom. A friend recently told me when you have preschoolers, you don't clean, you just do damage control. Since I don't like to clean, and this week it feels like I have two walking destructobots, I would have to say AMEN!

Better Life

I am still reading Jillian Michaels Master Your Metabolism and am getting a lot of good tips. The latest of which is a cosmetics database where you can find out if your cosmetics and soaps are hazardous or not. You can find it here: http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/

I have heard a million times, "everything causes cancer" but if that's really true, why wouldn't I want to reduce some of those carcinogens by eating better and buying different products for my family when I can.

I also recently read about some new safe/green cleaning products that were invented and manufactured in St. Louis. They are called Better Life (http://www.cleanhappens.com/) and I believe can be found at Walgreens and Schnucks. In the news article it says the creator of these products demos the safety by spraying them in his mouth!

One more Jillian resource for families is: http://healthychild.org/

Wipeout

Conversation at breakfast this morning

T-man: Mom, is today June 1st?

Mom: No, it's May 17th.

Last night my son saw a preview for the show Wipeout which starts June 1st. Wipeout is a wacky obstacle course game show that we watched as a family last summer, and it's coming back! It was one we all enjoyed and was fun for us to watch together. I think the funniest part is the commentary by the "sports" announcers. What I can't decide is if some of the contestants are actors or not. Some of them were so strange, but I guess that added to the hilarity. I also wonder whether I could do the obstacle course. It looks pretty fun but I am pretty sure I would wipeout too. The kids like to pretend they are on Wipeout in the living room sometimes, little monkeys!

Anyway, anything we all enjoy doing together, well I am excited for too.

Here's your sign Friday :-)

Partners in Crime #11

Dog treats. Half a bottle of Paprika and Garlic Salt was dumped out on some dog treats. When questioned about the crime...

Thing #1: I just wanted Noah's dog treats to taste better.

Quote

Once you realize how strong you are physically, it will transcend to every other facet of your life.

-Jillian Michaels (30 Day Shred)

Blast from the past

this is one of my favorite pics:

Kid Funnies

T-man: Don't flush it till I see it.

separately

Peanut: Do you pwomise me (you will be more careful when using a knife Mom)?

Vacation

Best parts of our vacation:

• Riding bikes on the beach
• The sunny high 70s, low 80s weather
• Double fudge cookies from Piggly Wiggly and margaritas by the pool
• Singing campfire songs and being silly
• Seeing the kiddos jump in the pool and go under with excitement
• The Shannon Tanner show, SO FUN, what a joyful human being!
• Living through the storms on the drive home, I really thought I might meet my maker Friday night

Hubby and I talked about how to be in "vacation mode" at home. It's tough minus the beautiful scenery and great food but it can be done. As long as we "check-out" for the day and just enjoy each other's company, we might have a vacation day at home soon.......maybe.

Love is

sharing your dessert with Mommy when she already ate all of hers :-)

Cool Kids

I met some cool kids at Glennon's Costas Center today. If you have a moment please pray for them:

Trenice, 16, pray for her to bring her grades up before school's out

Tevin, 16

Chloe, tiny 5 year old, was very sad today

Holly, 17

Cody, 8

Amber, 23, recovering from surgery

Ally, 5

Tiffany, 8, had a surgery today

Christopher, 11, the coolest of the cool, came as a helper today!

The kids (and parents) really inspired me. Most of them were upbeat and smiley even though many have been enduring a long haul. Of course, it might have been because Kurt Warner was paying them a visit too but I doubt it.

Love Bugs

Little paleontologists....Sweet (Cardinals) hand-me-down...

Prepping for vacation....