Just CarrieMeeAway Please!

Book Review: Outlive Your Life

2010-10-03T11:20:00.000-07:00

Outlive Your Life by: Max Lucado is yet another great book written by a great author. In this book, Lucado takes great detail to show how the early church was on fire for God as shown in Acts. When I saw the cover of this book a picture of a young child by the sea side, it seems to represent the potential of what a child can do to make a difference in this world. A childs view of the world is simple and innocent. This book is about not giving up and helping others to grow. Pray for wisdom and guidance, God will make it happened. Nothing is impossible through God. With challenging chapters this book gets you to look at your own life and see where you can change in thinking and in action. Lucado's writing is always down-to-earth, conversational, relevant, and enjoyable to read. In my opinion I give this book a rating 5 out of 5. Once you start reading it, no putting down.I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their Booksneeze bloggers program. I was not asked to write a positive review and thus, the book review is 100% my own opinion.

TRYOLOGY!

2010-07-20T14:11:00.000-07:00

Nothing like getting free stuff! I found this great website where I receive well-known name brand products in the mail for me to review! WHOO HOO! Check it out!

Autumn Activities!

2009-10-17T16:25:00.000-07:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

FIREMAN...er boy....in training!

2009-10-13T06:23:00.001-07:00

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

A Little Impromptu!

2009-07-13T06:27:00.000-07:00

There is nothing that can spell out summer more than an impromptu game of baseball on a cool summer evening with litte neighborhood boys.

Last night, we visited my family for dinner, and then decided to hang out on the front porch. What started as a little hit and catch with Ted and Aidan, ended in a 5 man game of baseball; with a cheering section to boot! We even had the "Rock Pile" across the street filled with neighbors.

What made it most enjoyable was watching/teaching these neighborhood boys how to play a real game of baseball. Many of them didn't know what bases were, where to run, or how to hold the bat. Once that was taught and shown, we went on to the pitcher's mound and the catcher's responsibility. Once that was "mastered" the outfield was added by some neighbors.

Even if the hit was a foul, the cheering section cheered the player on to run the bases; albeit in a zig-zag formation most of the time which included the pitchers mound, a couple of circles, and definitely not staying in the baselines, but who is counting! The boys were so excited and enjoyed themselves, especially when the older of the boys slide into home plate...NOW THAT WAS TOTALLY AWESOME! (as Aidan so excitedly expressed!) Now all the boys wanted to hit the ball and slide into home plate. What a hoot!

The game ended, and we went inside for some icecream, another summer treat, and went home.

I think impromptu activites like that are the best. Because no expectations were had, no one had feelings hurt because there were no shows or who weren't invited. Just good ol' plain neighborhood fun that involved laughing. I miss those days where neighbors hung out in their front yards enjoying company and spending time with family and friends. I pray that Aidan and Luke will get to grow up with that. We are still praying for a house, but for now, we'll take surrogate neighborhoods for now.

Enjoy the summer everyone!

4th of July

2009-07-07T15:21:00.001-07:00

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Nothing to blog about

2009-07-01T06:31:00.000-07:00

I have been on hiatus way too long. So many things have happened, but as I sit down this morning, writers block seems to have jumped in my way. Aidan and I have been spending our days either at the pool or the lake. Mainly because of my "threatened" bed rest from my doctor. Although Baby Luke comes on October 20th, my doctor is taking every precaution with this pregnancy as I have 5 babies in heaven already. I'm thankful for that, but nonetheless...IT IS SUMMER! How do I "take it easy" with a 3, almost 4 year old...IN THE SUMMER???? Hence...my nice tan. MEH! What are ya gonna do.

Hopefully, I can get back to bloggin' again. It seems that almost everytime something funny, noteworthy, or just a plain ol' memory happens, I think to myself...Hmmm..what a great post I could do with that...I even think up of a catchy little title...all to forget it by the time the weeks roll around and I sit down to write it out. Alas...my writer's block will soon be lifted...soon...right?

First of Many Fishing Trips

2009-06-09T08:30:00.000-07:00

Make a Smilebox scrap pages

Geez! Where Have I Been?

2009-05-22T12:39:00.000-07:00

Okay, so really no excuses, but I have totally slacked in blogging...man...glad I don't get paid to do this! For those of you who do...KUDOS!

Anyways, today was Aidan's last day of Preschool...not really because he'll be back in the fall...but hey...

Here is a Smilebox of that...

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

And...we will be having a baby in the fall! WHEW! We've been busy...*wink...wink*!
It's a boy! We are naming him Luke Alan...Luke...such a calm name...Ahhh....

What's In A Name?

2009-04-01T08:06:00.001-07:00

As I'm sure there are many of you who have little nicknames for your kiddos as they have grown through the ages, we have a "few" for Aidan. When he was about 2 months, at each late night feeding, he would make this sound that resembled a small bird waiting for its mother to bring back a juicy morsel of worm. This noise would only follow a gaseous explosion, as if he were preparing his little tummy for more food...hence the name..."TURDYBIRD". This name has stuck...only in a loving term! As he grew older, a friend of mine noticed that his big, bald head with only a few combed-over hairs showed him to be a likened image of Charlie Brown...hence the name..."CHARLIE BROWN". I've heard a vast array of nicknames ranging anywhere from little peanut, princess, yada. But for us, "TURKEYLURKE" just kind of slipped out one day...and thus, "TURKEYLURKE" was born. Just recently, Aidan has been watching "MARTHA" on PBS...a story of a talking dog. A line in the theme song says, "YO JOE! WHAT DO YOU KNOW?" So, that has been slipping out of my mouth when he would come waltzing in to the room...probably asking for a snack.

As the story goes, I've sweetly spoken one, if not all, of these nicknames to Aidan, such as "Yo! JOE!" Which he promptly responds with hand on his hips..."I'm not JOE! I Aidan!" Well, okay then!

Wal-Mart seems to be my place of doom in toddler stories...so of course, I'm in Wal-Mart, not having the best of times with my little "TURDYBIRD", and I say that nicely. When at the checkout stand, a sweet older lady who tried to keep him occupied while I helpe bag, asked Aidan what his name was. This was his response:

"I Aidan, Turdybird, Turkeylurke, Charlie Brown...and now I Joe!"

My head dropped into my hands, eyes rolled into my head...and a sigh of astonishment expelled from my heavy chest! The sweet old lady, laughed and smiled at me and said, "Well, at least he won't ever have an identity problem!"

Oye-vey!

Spring Snow

2009-03-28T08:16:00.000-07:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Being Mommy

2009-03-23T07:22:00.000-07:00

Just recently, I found out how attached I am to being a mommy. This weekend, my little guy was at my MIL's house having a blast with them and his cousins. When Sunday morning rolled around and getting ready to go to "work", aka...ministry...we got the dreaded call that parents loathe to get when their kiddos are away. My MIL called and said that he wasn't feeling well and wanted to come home! WHAT? TODAY? But...I have to go to work! My DH is teaching for me...what? That is 1.5 hours away...okay...okay...what do I do? It was this time where I had to not be super mom and rely on others to help me out. My husband drove to get him, my mom came over to take care of him, while we went to church and ministered. The whole time I was franctic about my little guy and the fact that I couldn't be there with him. I think this was when it hit me...I love being a mommy!

So today, with the cooler weather, I decided to stay at home and be a mommy. I'm gonna hang out with him, he is feeling much better by the way. Maybe in my own way I am making up for not being able to care of him yesterday, but in reality...I think I just missed being a mommy and needed a fix.

Snugglebug

2009-03-10T07:22:00.000-07:00

In all of the rushes of my life, I simply cannot express the joy that comes from having a snugglebug morning with my little guy. This morning, all of us woke up late...so chaos ensued. Thinking of the crazy-hecticness of the morning, I was not excited to get started. As I staggared to my coffee pot to pour myself a cup of ever-living-energy...darn half-caff...I noticed a white blanket on the evergreen bushes out my kitchen window! It snowed! YEAH! Finally some relief to the dryness here. Anyways, as the morning moved on, all my little guy wanted to do was snuggle! He got his Thomas the Train blanket I made for him at Christmas, and drug it over to me and said, "Mommy, can we snugglebug?" WELL OF COURSE WE CAN! So we snugglebugged together on the couch, watching kid-shows, reading his new books, and talking! What a morning! Then, looking up I realized that we were going to be late to EVERYTHING today...no matter...I cancelled some stuff...you know...due to the 1/2 inch snow on the ground ;)...and Aidan and I have planned out our morning together...
Ahhh...I should totally do this more often...take time away from my "TO DO" list and do something on my "NEED TO DO" list!

The Concert

2009-03-09T10:12:00.000-07:00

When the house lights dimmed and the concert was about to begin, the mother returned to her seat and discovered that her child was missing! Suddenly, the curtains parted and spotlights focused on the impressive Steinway on stage. In horror, the mother saw her little boy sitting at the keyboard, innocently picking out "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star." At that moment, the great piano master made his entrance, quickly moved to the piano, and whispered in the boy's ear, "Don't quit." "Keep playing." Then, leaning over, Paderewski reached down with his left hand and began filling in a bass part. Soon his right arm reached around to the other side of the child, and he added a running obbligato. Together, the old master and the young novice transformed what could have been a frightening situation into a wonderfully creative experience.

The audience was so mesmerized that they couldn't recall what else the great master played. Only the classic," Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star."

Perhaps that's the way it is with God. What we can accomplish on our own is hardly noteworthy. We try our best, but the results aren't always graceful flowing music. However, with the hand of the Master, our life's work can truly be beautiful.

The next time you set out to accomplish great feats, listen carefully. You may hear the voice of the Master, whispering in your ear, "Don't quit." "Keep playing."

May you feel His arms around you and know that His hands are there, helping you turn your feeble attempts into true masterpieces. Remember, God doesn't seem to
call the equipped, rather, He equips the 'called.'

Life is more accurately measured by the lives you touch than by the things you aquire.

I saw this in an email years ago. I thought it was appropriate to say exactly what I and probably many other moms are going through!

Invisible Mom

2009-03-03T13:47:00.000-08:00

It all began to make sense, the blank stares, the lack of response, the way one of the kids will walk into the room while I'm on the phone and ask to be taken to the store. Inside I'm thinking, 'Can't you see I'm on the phone?'

Obviously not; no one can see if I'm on the phone, or cooking, or sweeping the floor, or even standing on my head in the corner, because no one can see me at all. I'm invisible. The invisible Mom. Some days I am only a pair of hands, nothing more! Can you fix this? Can you tie this? Can you open this?? Some days I'm not a pair of hands; I'm not even a human being. I'm a clock to ask, 'What time is it?' I'm a satellite guide to answer, 'What number is the Disney Channel?' I'm a car to order, 'Right around 5:30, please.'

I was certain that these were the hands that once held books and the eyes that studied history and the mind that graduated summa cum laude-but now, they had disappeared into the peanut butter, never to be seen again. She's going, she's going, she's gone!?

One night, a group of us were having dinner, celebrating the return of a friend from England . Janice had just gotten back from a fabulous trip, and she was going on and on about the hotel she stayed in. I was sitting there, looking around at the others all put together so well. It was hard not to compare and feel sorry for myself. I was feeling pretty pathetic, when Janice turned to me with a beautifully wrapped package, and said, 'I brought you this.' It was a book on the great cathedrals of Europe . I wasn't exactly sure why she'd given it to me until I read her inscription: 'To Charlotte , with admiration for the greatness of what you are building when no one sees.'

In the days ahead I would read - no, devour - the book. And I would discover what would become for me, four life-changing truths, after which I could pattern my work: No one can say who built the great cathedrals - we have no record of their names. These builders gave their whole lives for a work they would never see finished. They made great sacrifices and expected no credit. The passion of their building was fueled by their faith that the eyes of God saw everything. A legendary story in the book told of a rich man who came to visit the cathedral while it was being built, and he saw a workman carving a tiny bird on the inside of a beam.. He was puzzled and asked the man, 'Why are you spending so much time carving that bird into a beam that will be covered by the roof, No one will ever see it. And the workman replied, 'Because God sees.'

I closed the book, feeling the missing piece fall into place. It was almost as if I heard God whispering to me, 'I see you, Charlotte. I see the sacrifices you make every day, even when no one around you does. No act of kindness you've done, no sequin you've sewn on, no cupcake you've baked, is too small for me to notice and smile over. You are building a great cathedral, but you can't see right now what it will become. At times, my invisibility feels like an affliction. But it is not a disease that is erasing my life. It is the cure for the disease of my own self-centeredness. It is the antidote to my strong, stubborn pride.

I keep the right perspective when I see myself as a great builder. As one of the people who show up at a job that they will never see finished, to work on something that their name will never be on. The writer of the book went so far as to say that no cathedrals could ever be built in our lifetime because there are so few people willing to sacrifice to that degree. When I really think about it, I don't want my son to tell the friend he's bringing home from college for Thanksgiving, 'My Mom gets up at 4 in the morning and bakes homemade pies, and then she hand bastes a turkey for 3 hours and presses all the linens for the table.' That would mean I'd built a shrine or a monument to myself. I just want him to want to come home……!! And then, if there is anything more to say to his friend, to add, 'You're gonna love it there.'

As mothers, we are building great cathedrals. We cannot be seen if we're doing it right. And one day, it is very possible that the world will marvel, not only at what we have built, but at the beauty that has been added to the world by the sacrifices of invisible women.

GOR-ILL-A

2009-02-14T16:07:00.000-08:00

For reasons unknown...we own a gorilla costume. Don't ask me why, but it is in our repetoire of costumes!

So last Sunday I brought it to church to drive home a point for the kids. When we took it out of the trunk, we realized that it doesn't have such a "friendly" face and that we should keep it hidden from Aidan until he's older. He's already having enough dreams of being scared...I don't want to add this to the dinosaurs and the like to his list of frights.

After church we put it in our room to hide until he was taking a nap to put it away. BUT! He found it...and LOVED it! Here are some pictures!

Perfection...My Enemy...

2009-02-10T13:57:00.001-08:00

Okay, so I started this new job. It's nothing new. I've done this type of work before. But why am I wigged? Perfection seems to be my downfall. I'm not perfect. I know that. But why do I try to do things perfectly? After all...I'm a mom! I'm luck if I wear stuff that matches...or get out of the house with everything I need, although, it may not be pretty...I'm out and I've got everything necessary...right?

It's like I'm sitting on the cusp of something awesome, but I am freaking out because I feel that I'm not ready. Not ready for WHAT? That's my problem...I don't know. This new job is going to be great! I can't wait to see what God is going to do! I get to be apart of it, but inside, deep down, I'm wising He would call someone else up. The battle on the frontline is difficult. The gospel is being attacked. The church needs to become excited about seeing people, kids even come to a saving relationship with Christ! But the task seems daunting...because I am doing it on my own...OYE VEY! How do I step back and let Him take the reins and I just follow?

Anyways...I have found the greatest song by, Francesca Battistelli...mouthful eh? Awesome, just awesome. It pinpoints my faults but exalts the fact that not being perfect is just what the King ordered.

Take a listen!

3 Hours?? What will I do with myself??...w/video

2009-02-02T14:03:00.000-08:00

Okay, so part of the "contract" with Aidan to get him potty trained was for him to go to preschool. That day came today! He was too excited and I, well I was a mess! I originally had a meeting planned, but that fell through due to the recent crud going around. I had it all figured out! For 3 hours I would have my mind concentrating on something else other than him! His first day at school! I could handle it! Right!? When the meeting was cancelled, I was stuck with the thought of being by myself for 3 hours! I know, many of you are wondering what is the big deal! I would LOVE to have some time to myself, let alone 3 hours! Mind you...my baby went to PRESCHOOL today...I must not think about him! On our way to school, he was sitting in his new booster chair, looking very grown up, looking out the window daydreaming, I'm sure, of all the wonderful things he is about to embark on. A huge smile was plastered across his face! He was too cute! Nevermind the emotional wreck who was sitting in the driver's seat! AHHHH! After droping him off, I was able to do some errands by myself and actually got to read a book at Barnes & Nobel while sipping on some coffee....it was a good morning.

Now, he's passed out sleeping...going on his 3rd hour...whew! Preschool wore him out! HEY! HOW COME I DIDN'T DO THIS MONTHS AGO???????

Shameful....

2009-01-30T07:11:00.000-08:00

It seems that I have been on a hiatus from blogging...where did January go?????

Well, thankfully my blogging buddies have encourged me with awards! However, I am so ashamed that my post was to long ago to remember...! SORRY!!!

But Mom of One gave me this wonderful award...you're too kind...I promise I'll keep up my posts! HA!

So I have to list 5 addictions so here goes.....

1. Coffee...I mean who isn't!?

2. Law & Order: SVU! I don't plan anything on Tuesday nights at 9:00 pm! Really...I have no life...

3. Sleep...I don't get enough of it, but I'm addicted to it!

4. Yoga...I really love it, but it is super hard to concentrate with a 3-year-old hanging off of the Triangle Pose and a hubby watching you wondering how on earth can his wife move that way!

5. My hubby...*Collectively the crowd says....AWWWWWWWWWWW*

Now to pass on the love to the blogs I think are fabulous:

I Wasn't Born a Soccer Mom

Moseley Musings

The Jumbled Thoughts of Janet

Cheaper Than Therapy

I also have this assignments from Nancy at One Stop Boy Shop blogging moms.

I am to go to MY PICTURES folder and choose the 4th picture. And this is it...

This is me an my friend celebrating her bday this month!

Here are the rules:

1) Choose the 4th folder where you store your pictures on your computer
2) Select the 4th picture in the folder
3) Explain the picture
4) Tag 4 people to do the same

Here are my tags:

Ali- The Home of the Lazy Dog

Valinda - The Krazy Kennedys

Mom of One

We Are That Family

Check these blogs out! Leave a comment...why not? Isn't that why we all blog? Just to get comments?! LOL!

Double Header...

2009-01-17T12:55:00.000-08:00

So, Aidan's first soccer game was this morning...scratch that...his first 2 games were this morning, that's right, a doulbe header...HE'S 3-YEARS-OLD! AHHH! He did really good and although he was scared of the big kids, he held his own very well! With 2 goals under his belt, I think he is well on his way to the MLS! Kidding...but it would be nice to retire on your kid's talent! Kidding again...but I know many of you think it! HEE HEE!

Anyways, here are a couple of shots and videos of Aidan's big day!

Organized Chaos = 3 year old soccer practice...Edited

2009-01-16T08:26:00.000-08:00

So, in order for us to be successful in potty training Aidan, we hung playing "soccer ball" over his head. We told him that big boys who play soccer do not wear diapers. Having an accident on the soccer field would be a "no-no." Anyhow, victory occured and the result...ORGANIZED CHAOS! I really do not think his coach knew what hit him...we'll see if he shows up to the game on Saturday...HA!

EDITED...
Because I just have to...here are a couple of videos...

Is this what happens when he is unsupervised...?

2009-01-08T06:31:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I told Aidan to go play in his room by himself for a bit while I cleaned up the house a bit. He was not in his room for by himself for more than 15 minutes. My mommy ears were on high and I heard noise coming from his room, in fact, I could tell you exactly what toy he was playing with when it made a sound! When I just so happened to walk past his bedroom door, my peripheral vision caught something that required me to take a second glance. With cat-like reflexes, I turned on a dime to return to the opening of what seemed like the never-ending abyss of toys...This is what my eyes saw and caused my mouth to drop to the ground, which by the way, didn't get back to its normal position until well into the evening...

Hello, 2009! MUAH!!

2009-01-03T06:37:00.001-08:00

In our life, 2008 was a challenging, transitional year. As for many, we were affected by the economy greatly. We moved, changed jobs, and then found a whole new life...again! Talk about a mid-life crisis! But, with the changing of the calendar, I feel a sense of anticipation of a new leaf changing over!

I'm not sure how I feel about New Year's Resolutions, as those tend to go by the wayside for me by February 1, or more like January 4...but I digress. When I awoke this am, my quiet time with God wasn't earth-shattering...if fact...it was down-right dull, but I did walk away with some enlightenment that has helped me put things into perspective. I get the sense that 2009 is going to bring our family opportunities, great friends, challenging lessons, relief in some way, and an incredible time of closeness with God and each other. I guess there is something about a good cry that helps wash things away and allows you to begin to start anew. Maybe this is what a New Year's Resolution is all about. Starting anew. Starting fresh. Wiping the old away. There are so many things that I desire or want for me, friends or family, but when I sit back and take a look at all of those things, I being to wonder if I believe that if I just had those or did these things, or looked a certain way, that I would be happy and I would be able to check off a "Resolution" off of my list. That is not how I want to live; I'm a list maker by nature, and by all means...it is not natural. Living by lists can squander even the most adventureous of spirits.

So this morning, I guess my quiet time with God wasn't so dull after all. Walking away feel fresh, inspired, new and whole again is exactly what I needed to start a new day, a new month, a new year.

So, Happy New Year everyone! I pray you feel freshly inspired to start a new year with a clean slate! Get "crack-a-lackin'!"

Evidence that Santa still does exist...

2008-12-27T07:31:00.000-08:00

My brother and his girlfriend came back for a visit from Prague this Christmas. We took them up to Keystone for an afternoon on tubing. What a hoot! This was also the first year that Ted and I had the honor of being apart of what parents all around the world get to take part of..."Operation Santa!" We left evidence of Santa being in the house and the reaction that we got still brings tears to my eyes...Yep! Evidence that Santa still exists...if we all just believe...(Polar Express). Enjoy!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Sleding in the house?????????

2008-12-21T18:04:00.000-08:00

This weekend we had Christmas at Ted's parents' house. It was a riot! This was just the first of the many Christmas gathers we have in the coming few weeks!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

From 32 Third Graders and One Class Bunny...

2008-12-18T11:28:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I have been reading a book by Phillip Done, a tenured teacher, about little quips that happen in a classroom. Thank you to the handful of you who blogged about this book and championed it as it fell into my hands! Now I can't put it down! Although I have been out of the classroom for a bit, I found this chapter on "Interview Questions" to be HYSTERICAL!!!!! See for yourself:

"The other day I was thinking about the time when I interviewed for my very first teaching job. It's hard to believe that it has been twenty years.
I can still remember my first interview questions: What is your philosophy of eduction? What is your classroom management system? what is your discipline plan?
God if I knew.
This was my first interview. How in the world was I supposed to have an educational philosophy? I didn't even know what that meant.
So I made up my answers and tried to sound like I knew something. I guess I fooled them pretty well. I got the job, and they haven't fired me yet.
I still remember my responses to those first interview questions too. Boy, would my answers be different today, if I were asked those same questions.
Here's what I said then and what I'd say now:

Question 1: If I walked into your classroom, what would I see?
Answer at first interview: You would see children working collaboratively in peace and harmony, praising each other, and sharing their supplies happily with one another. You would see children thinking critically, helping their classmates, and encouraging one another.
Answer today: You'd see Brian hiding the soccer ball between his feet, Peter connecting markers together to make a really long one, and me looking for my coffee mug.

Question 2: What are your strengths?
Answer at first interview: I'm energetic and enthusiastic and extremely hardworking.
Answer today: I can pull off a Band-Aid so it won' hurt.

Question 3: What are your weaknesses?
Answer at first interview: I need to learn to not work so late at night and on the weekends and on all my holidays too.
Answer today: I steal apples off kid' cafeteria trays when I'm hungry.

Question 4: What is your philosophy of discipline?
Answer at first interview: I believe in giving children lost of positive reinforcement, and praising and encouraging students throughout the day, always working to build their self-esteem.
Answer today: Take away recess.

Question 5: What would you do with a difficult parent?
Answer at first interview: I would call the parent and listen to her suggestions. I would work closely with her because we are a team, working together for the success of the child.
Answer today: Say, "Get a life."

Question 6: What would you do if a child threw a chair at you across the room?
Answer at the first interview: First I would make sure that all the other children were safe. Then I would try to calm the student down. Next I would talk with the student and try to figure out what was bothering him, and help him explore his feelings. Together we would set up a behavior modification contract in which I would allow the child to set his own goals and choose his own rewards.
Answer today: Throw it back.

Question 7: What is a teacher's most important tool?
Answer at first interview: Love.
Answer today: Candy.

Question 8: What would your PE program look like?
Answer at first interview: Children would have the opportunity to develop multiple skills through a variety of individual and team sports where good sportsmanship is emphasized in a noncompetitive environment.
Answer today: Heads up seven-up.

Question 9: How would you meet the individual differences of your students?
Answer at first interview: I believe in giving students a variety of choices. For example, when the children are practicing their spelling, the more visual child could draw pictures of her spelling words with different colored pens. The more kinesthetic child could write his words in sand or Jell-O pudding or ketchup or shaving cream.
Answer today: I believe in giving students a variety of choices. You can do your spelling now or you can do it at lunch.

Question 10: What is your view of constructivist education?
Answer at first interview: I think it is great. I think it is fantastic. I believe in it wholeheartedly. Is there any other way to teach?
Answer today: What the hell is that?

Question 11: Where do you see yourself in five years?
Answer at first interview: Teaching at your school and working towards a masters in education and participating in curriculum review and leadership training, and organizing the school's fundraisers and selling wrapping paper for the band.
Answer today: Under an oak tree in Heavenly Gardens.

Question 12: Why should we hire you?
Answer at first interview: I like kids.
Answer today: I like kids.

So, to those of you who are educators out there, either in the classroom still or not, pick up this book! It is great!!!!!

Potty training...I'd rather pull off a Band-Aid

2008-12-16T06:14:00.000-08:00

For the past week, we have been potty training Aidan. WHEW! He's a tough egg to crack! Although he has got the potty thing down, the poops is a whole other story. We set the timer, and he takes off like a horse in the races to the toilet. He does great and tries really hard, but some of these quotes he gives are just too darn funny to pass up!

"My peepee is hiding mommy! I won't come out!"

"How about I just try later!?"

"Hmmm....I think that later is a better idea."

"Mommy, I look like Papa on the potty!"

"I need a book like daddy!"

"I'm a big boy now, I can go to school and play soccer like the big kids!"

There are so many more, but this last one that was said last night as we attempted to encourage him to go poops on the potty was a class act!

Ted put him on the potty and said that if he went poopy on the potty that we could go to McDonald's to get icecream. Looking at Ted, I said, and you're going to take him out in subzero weather?! LOL! Of course he would take him and I would go too, but in response to this comment, Aidan said:

"Daddy, I don't think my poops will come out, it must be tired!"

Oh my goodness! Ted and I were rolling! His poops was tired!!! That is too much! If you know Aidan, if he doesn't want to do anything, then he is tired or the toy is tired, or the food is tired so he can't eat it. The kid...what are we gonna do with him?

Chai Spice "Girls" Cookies

2008-12-08T11:35:00.000-08:00

OKay, so I found this recipe in Better Homes & Gardens magazine. I made these for a cookie exchange for MOPS and YUMO! I can't keep away from them! The only thing I wish I did different was to use a girl cookie cutter instead of a boy. That way I could have really called them Chai "Spice Girls"! LOL! Kidding...sort of... :) Enjoy!

2 - spiced chai-flavored tea bags
3 - cups all-purpose flour
2 - tsp. pumpkin pie spice
1-1/2 - cups butter, softened
1 - cup sugar
2 - egg yolks
2 - Tbsp. molasses
1 - recipe Powdered Sugar Icing

1. Remove tea bag contents (3 teaspoons); discard bags. In medium bowl combine tea, flower and pumpkin spice; set aside.
2. In large mixing bowl beat butter on medium to high for 30 seconds. Add sugar; beat until light and fluffy. Beat in egg yolks and molasses. Beat in as much of the flour mixture as you can; stir in remaining flour. Divide dough in half. Cover and refrigerate 3 hours or until easy to handle.
3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease cookie sheets or line with parchment paper. On lightly floured surface, roll half the dough at a time to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut dough with cookie cutters.
4. Bake 12 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Cool on cookie sheets for 2 minutes. Transfer to rack to cool completely.. Decorate with Powdered Sugar Icing.
POWDERED SUGAR ICING
In medium bowl combine 1-1/2 -cups powdered sugar, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, and 4 teaspoons milk. Stir in additional milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, until piping consistency.

Christmas Traditions! ~ Or soon will be...

2008-12-04T13:39:00.000-08:00

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas...

2008-12-01T12:26:00.000-08:00

This weekend was a blast getting ready for the Christmas Season! Although, I wasn't feeling very well, we did have a ball! It started on Friday when Aidan and I decorated the tree and house for Christmas!

Aidan found a reindeer headband and a Santa hat for us to wear! We even sang jingle bells to boot!

Then on Saturday morning, we woke up to a wonderful snowfall! Time for tobogganing! Daddy even took the day off from side jobs just so we could have some family time! What fun!

Finally, it was back to the house to make Reindeer Treats and a Gingerbread house! We had nice hot bowls of Chicken and Dumplings while the fire roared in the background and Christmas music filled the air!

And to top it all off, we viewed The Polar Express on Sunday evening while eating popcorn and drinking "HOT CHOCOLATE!"

Our family is praying that you find Joy in the True Reason for the Season, Jesus Christ! Merry Christmas!

Who Needs Pockets!?

2008-11-28T07:17:00.000-08:00

A friend sent this to me via email, but I had to share it with my fellow bloggers because it is too funny! A little girl gets creative in bringing frogs she found, home. I laugh at this only because I had an episode like this not too long ago with Aidan, but his fellow friends were of the worm-like-kind, this summer! So, WHO NEEDS POCKETS?

How about a Turkey Leg?

2008-11-25T06:26:00.001-08:00

Just recently, Aidan's friends came over for a visit and because the three boys are nothing but HYPER together, we decided to do a Thanksgiving craft that would be edible...and of course loaded with sugar...WHAT WERE WE THINKING? It was a lot of fun! We made rice krispie treats and helped them to shape it into a turkey drumstick. Then they smeared more marshmallow cream on the top and then coated it with Cocoa Puffs Rice Krispies...they turned out so cute! Take a look!

Then, they came over again and of course, why not hype them all up on sugar again? So we made Turkey cupcakes! With candy corn as the feathers, legs and beak...too cute for words!

And who says men can't cook...err...bake? We had a ton of fun! So, what things do you do with your kiddos around the "GOBBLE, GOBBLE! Holiday?"

Be Happy!

2008-11-24T17:49:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I know that it has been way too long since I posted on this here blog, but believe me, it has been too crazy to even mention! First, we moved! And for those of you who know us...that is one time too many! But that is besides the point.

So, moving into a new place we need, of course, FOOD! Aidan went with me to gather up all the stuff that is desperately needed to make a house a home...CHOCOLATE! Okay, kidding, Serious...but kidding. You know, I as I type this, I realize that the last post I wrote about was at the store...Hmmm....maybe Aidan should stay home...but I digress.

ANYWAYS! Aidan had to bring his Little Einstein's Leo Conductor Wand. This, is by a long shot, the most annoying toy that anyone could ever get a child...THANKS AUNT CAT AND UNCLE CHUCK!!!!!!! It talks, saying things like, "Conduct with me!" "Music by George Bizet!" and "Take a bow!" All the while playing music and being all around obnoxious. But hey! It kept him occupied and I didn't have to continually take out items that he continually added to my cart.

It was about the 9th aisle when I leaned over and whispered into Aidan's ear saying, "You know, that toy is a fantastic toy and it plays music to my ears, but some people may not appreciate our taste in music! How about we turn it off and we'll listen to it some more in the car." Well, I was about to get the lecture of my life! Aidan turned and looked at me with the most seriousness of voice and said, "Mommy, I just want to make people happy!" Ha! Happy! I'm sure people leave the aisles when they see me turn the corner! This toy was soooooooo annoying, but maybe it was because I had been listening to it non-stop for that last 45 days!

Just in front of us was an older lady who struggled to turn around, but when she did, she looked at Aidan with the most loving eyes and said, "Little man, you have made me happy, you just keep singing and playing that most melodious music!" To my surpirse, Aidan turned to me and said, "See mommy, I just want to make people happy and I just did!"

Wow...guess I just ate my shoe for lunch!

So, do you just want to make people happy!?

Christmas Giveaway From a Mrs!

2008-11-13T12:28:00.000-08:00

12 Days of Christmas Giveaway
Thoughts from the Mrs is having an ultimate giveaway! She is offereing a 12 day giveaway! That means getting free stuff and winning even more.

Here is the link! You can also get there from my Easy Button on the side! Good luck!

Take Me To My Christmas Giveaways!

"Price Check on Aidans, Bob...Price Check on Aidans..."

2008-11-13T11:29:00.000-08:00

This week, in trying to get myself together before we moved into a new place this weekend, I was at Walmart getting all the "Let's move into a new home"-stuff. Of course, Aidan is being Aidan, but I have to admit, he was pretty good. He helped me with coupons and discarding those which didn't work...yada...

Anyways! When I got to the check out lines they were full! I distinctly remember seeing the commercial that Walmart put out that they will be opening more lines for their customers come this Christmas season...yeah right! There were hardly any checkout lines open and they definitely were not playing the holiday jingle on their lights that they so artistically display on their commerical, but that is besides the point.

When I decided that I had no more than 20 items in my basket, I respectfully decided to enter into the Self-Checkout line. What a mistake! When Aidan realized that the register made a "beep" each time I scanned something, he wanted to make things scan too! So he proceeded to empty the contents of my cart onto the conveyor belt. When the cart was empty, he too wanted to "beep" the items. I'm pretty sure that I was charge twice for something...but who knows. When that was all done, I tried to put in my coupons, which, mental note, if you have coupons, DO NOT go through the self-checkout line at Walmart...they do not like coupon clippers...AHHH!!! People were now lining up behind me, of course, not a lot of lines open...! As I tried to talk to the clerk to help me, I notice out of the corner of my eye, two tiny tennis shoes that I distinctly remember being on my son's feet! What? Aidan had climbed out of the cart during my frenzy attack on the coupons and proceeded to ride the conveyor belt backwards on his hands and knees! AHHHHH!!!!! The lady behind me was laughing and the clerk giggled wondering what isle I picked him up in! Needless to say, he wanted to "beep" too!

In all my flusterdness, I had to laugh too because he was just being curious! He saw things ride this thing and he wanted to too! Oh my goodness gracious!

So now, when we go to the store, we have to go through the whole schpeal! Aidan, when you and mommy go to the store, you need to stay with mommy, hold the cart, a donut after we are done and only if you're a good boy, and NO RIDING ON THE CHECKOUT LINE'S RIDE!"

Oye Vey!

I found a use for a treadmill!

2008-11-11T07:58:00.000-08:00

I knew there was a use for treadmills other than what they were made for...ugh!

With the weather changing outside, it makes it harder and harder to get out to get some energy out of Aidan! But with the use of a treadmill, I have found the ultimate way to get his wiggles out without having to bundle him up and myself included! Check it out!

Check out the video!

I know you mommys out there have a great head on your shoulders...what do you do with energetic kiddos on cold days to get out their wiggles?

Whoo Hoo! I've Won An Award!

2008-11-11T07:05:00.001-08:00

Yeah! I'm so excited that I won an award! I would like to thank my managers, my publicity team, my producers....ahhh who am I kidding! This is just cheap therapy for me! Thank you Janet of The Jumbled Thoughts of Janet for this honor! I will surely pass on this great award!

Here are rules:

1) List 5 things you love
2) Pass on the Award to 5 fellow bloggers
3) Please link back to my blog

Here are the 5 things that I love:
1) My God
2) My family
3) My quiet time in the mornings
4) A hot cup of coffee
5) My fantasy of a vacation

Check out these 5 blogs!

1) Jen of Cheaper Than Therapy...Musings of a Mom of 3
2) Angie of Moseley Musings
3) Maggie of Life With Boys
4) Helene of I'm Living Proof That God Has A Sense of Humor
5) Amy of Thoughts From The Mrs.

Check out these blogs! They are great! Thanks again Janet!

Ghoulish Halloween...Kid Style...

2008-11-10T07:19:00.000-08:00

As I said before, bombardment is about to commence!

Over the Halloween weekend, we were staying at my SIL's house. We had such a great time! We carved Jesus pumpkins, had a "ghoulish" dinner complete with spiders, spooky worm jello, mummies (hotdogs and crescent rolls), which fingers (carrots with dip on the ends to look like fingernails) and oh so much more! She did a great Smile Box of the event, so I thought I would take the easy road and just post it instead of making my own...Thanks Sarah!

Halloween Smile Box

Welcome Home Daddy!

2008-11-10T05:41:00.000-08:00

For the past two weeks, Ted has been out-of-town for business. During that time, we visited my precious sister-in-law and her two wonderful girls for a couple of days. Her husband has also been gone on business, but much, much longer than mine! He comes home on Friday! YEAH!

Anyways, I thought I would do something special for Ted when he came home, but I didn't know what. I really don't have a lot of cash on hand to dole out, so I went to the Good Will and found an old sheet. Perfect! And, it was 50% off! Even better!

Aidan and I went back home and found some paint. Of course, they are all Halloween colors since I just bought them...so we used them anyway. This is what we did...

After painting it, we taped it to the bottom of the garage door and closed it. Then when Ted opened the door, it would slowly raise up for him to read it and surprise him. Here is the video of it.

It was a good surprise and I think Theo liked it too. Which got me thinking, do you have any ideas on how you surprise your hubby with things like this? It could be romantic or just something you do with the kiddos!?

Music To My Ears

2008-11-08T14:00:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I am finally back online! Only after a couple hundred dollars later and a new computer...but enough whining! I have at least a week's worth of stuff to type about, so I apologize for those of you who follow this blog in advance about the bombardment that you are about to endure, so please bear with me! Okay...NUMERO UNO! I love to sing, however, those who know me would probably say not so much that they like to hear me sing. But the Lord has blessed me with a songster in Aidan. Those on the songlists are, Twinkle, Twinkle and Happy Birthday! Don't ask me why! But he loves to sing these! For your listening pleasure!

And this one...

Any of you have any songsters out there?

Cookies Anyone?

2008-11-03T11:24:00.001-08:00

Computers...Emergency Rooms...Ugh...

2008-11-03T08:26:00.001-08:00

Well, it has been awhile since I have poured out my feelings...only because my computer is on the fritz! I'm at the library now using the computer because mine has been in the shop for almost a week! And they still don't know what is wrong with it! I have so many pictures to put up, storied to tell and share that I can't stand it!

We went to visit my sister-in-law and her little girls over the Halloween weekend while our hubbys were away for work. It was awesome! We had so much fun and had girl-talk time after the kiddos were in bed with a nice glass(es) of wine to round off the days! I'll have to share some stories later.

But the highlight of our trip to Grand Junction was the Emergency Room. On Saturday, the 5 of us took a hike to energize ourselves after Halloween the night before. Aidan, of course, was his usual self by running down the mountain trails with rocks jutting out all over the place! I was just sure that he would trip and fall and crack his head open. NOPE! He was just fine, it was his momma who's blood pressue was up! LOL! I need to chill out...that's another story, I'm sure!

Anyways, we went home to have lunch. While we were making lunch the kiddos were outside playing on the playground and trampoline...just like usual. When one of the girls came inside with Aidan trailing, totally hysterical. He had fallen off of the trampoline or playground and did the pinball effect between the two. He busted his lip open, bit his cheek, bruised and scraped his chin, bruised one side of his head and got a small head wound on one side of his head. At first we were just going to stop the bleeding, only after we told him he couldn't go back outside to play...which he was hysterical about that! When I picked him up he layed his head on my shoulder and began to get really sleepy. Granted his nap time was about this time, but with a head wound, I feared a concusion. We rushed to the Emergency Room and they did a look over, and he was fine. They put Durabond on the wound and helped clean him up a bit. Giving him a couple rolls of SMARTIES helped too to keep him distracted. WHEW! Thank heaven for Halloween candy, eh?

Anyways, we are home now and he is fine...just as onery as ever, but it was a great weekend, one filled with memories and experiences!

Now, if I can just get my computer back, we'll be back to normal...errr...is there a normal?

Friday Vs Monday

2008-10-27T13:12:00.000-07:00

Mondays...Mondays...Mondays...

Don't you wish sometimes that we could just skip Mondays and go straight to Fridays?

This is how I feel about the whole thing...! LOL!

Pumpkin Carving and Toasted Marshmallows

2008-10-26T14:12:00.000-07:00

The other night, we carved our pumpkin, took out our chiminea and roasted marshmallows! It was such a great night! Sipping mulled wine and watching Aidan catch his marshmallows on fire! It was a hoot! I was so proud of Ted because he didn't even get ONE power tool out to carve the pumpkin! He did it all with steak knives! He definitely was the only one getting into it though. Aidan was to busy learning how to blow bubbles with his Nana!

I however, was able to enjoy a nice hot cup of mulled wine as I sat by the roasty-toasty chiminea watching my family!

"HERE'S LOOKIN' AT YOU...KID!"

Ahhhh...I love this time of the year!

Fall Leaves with Nana!

2008-10-25T07:13:00.000-07:00

Aidan and his Nana enjoyed the crinkling of the fall leaves on the ground the other day! It was so awesome to see the two of them enjoy one another!

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

No one to dress up with? Why not a pumpkin?

2008-10-24T12:25:00.000-07:00

Since it is just Aidan and me hanging around the house all day long...we got tired of dressing each other up, so we dressed up our pumpkin who will be carved by this weekend, I'm sure!

Doesn't he look great? His name is "CHARLIE"...from the movie...Great Pumpkin...Charlie...Brown...get it? LOL! We raided our closet to find funny things to dress him up as!

I love this picture! You can see Aidan's intent face while he is trying to color in the pumpkin's smile in the reflection of the sunglasses! It's is AWESOME! Just thought I'd share!

Gettin' Crafty!

2008-10-24T12:13:00.000-07:00

I love seasons! I love all seasons...actually! But the fall or autumn season seems to get my crafty veins-a-pumpin'...that and having kiddos!

Aidan told his first joke the other day. He said, "Mommy, they call it FALL because the leaves FALL off the trees! HAA HAA!" Well, in a 3-year-old way, it was VERY funny!

With that in mind, we made a picture of a tree with leaves falling off of it. I gave him brown construction paper and had him rip strips and asked him to put them on the glue lines that I secretly put down in the shape of the tree. He was amazed at himself that he made a tree! Next, I brought out red, yellow, green and orange stamp pads and had him dab his finger on the pads and touch the paper to make leaves. He had a ball! First, it started with one finger, then two, fingers, then three fingers, and the next thing you know all 10 fingers are in the ink and making trees! AHHH!

Then, with the pumpkin holiday just around the corner, we decided to take the same idea with fingerprints and make a pumpkin! It turned out SOOOO cute!

Because my Fall decorations are few-and-far-between, I decided to head over the the local Good Will and find some cheap picture frames ($0.50 to $1.00 each), and frame them to be forever memorialized! They will now and forever will be a part of my Fall decorations!

Man! I'm feelin' crafty! Any ideas out there from you "crafty-type", of things to do with kiddos this season? I'm up for it!

Just Random Rants...

2008-10-23T15:13:00.001-07:00

I found this video on a friend's facebook page...Judge for yourself...what do you think?

Leaves are falling...time to rake

2008-10-23T06:52:00.000-07:00

A few days ago, Aidan and I went out to play in the leaves! There was a slight breeze outside where just a few leaves fluttered to the ground...a perfect autumn day. So I bundled us up, got out 2 rakes and we raked up the leaves together...for one reason only...to jump and roll in them. Granted, there were not a lot of leaves on the ground yet, but there were just enough for Aidan.

My favorite Super Man dive!

After doing this, we came in and had some hot chocolate and snuggled together reading a good book! Doing this got me thinking about what other mommies do with their kiddos during this season. Got anything you'd like to share? I'd love to hear about them!

SCARY spooky or SILLY spooky?

2008-10-23T06:40:00.000-07:00

Doesn't the word, "SPOOKY" have a confusing meaning to a 3-year-old? Aidan has been saying it a lot lately and relating it to so many different things! Recently, spiders have been SPOOKY! So spooky that they are waking him up in the middle of the night "crawling on him." So, to remedy my sleep deprivation, I decided to do something about it. We made our friend, SPOOKY the SPIDER. We talked about how some things are SCARY spooky and how other things are SILLY spooky! SPOOKY the SPIDER is definitely SILLY! We even made a web for him to hang on!

So now, Aidan talks to SPOOKY the SPIDER all day, every day! He tells him about his day, what he ate, what he is thinking and now, I have to talk to him like his new best friend! What have I done! LOL! I will say this though, he no longer is scared of spiders because his new friend is SILLY not SCARY.

Hugs, Loves and Snugglebugs...

2008-10-20T14:55:00.001-07:00

That is a saying that Aidan and I say when we just want to snuggle with each other. Today after his nap, which I might add was not a very peaceful one, he came into the office where I was working and climbed into my lap and said, "Hugs, Loves and Snugglebugs" to me. Then he proceeded to sit there while I chatted with a friend on IM. Then we sat in the chair, rocked and snuggled with one another. I was so tempted to keep on working, typing with one hand, but I had to stop myself and enjoy the moment because I knew that these moments would be few and far between in the coming years.

We stayed there for a good 20 minutes like that, when he slowly began to drift into sleep. But then, of course, something woke him up and now we are getting ready to go out into the yard to rake the leaves and then roll in them! I don't want my baby to grow up, but I'm glad that I took the time to enjoy him growing up!

"I Wish"

2008-10-20T07:21:00.000-07:00

by Susan Tuggy

I wish I could keep you from getting hurt...
no cuts,
no bruises,
no tears.
I can't.
But I CAN...
give you a neon orange bandage,
or put some nice cold ice on your owie,
or hug you tight enough to squeeze the tears out.

I wish I could make every day sunny and warm...
no storm clouds,
no cold winds,
no smoggy air.
I can't.
But I CAN...
give you an umbrella,
or find your warmest jacket,
or do something fun with you inside our home.

I wish I could cook only your most favorite foods every day...
no spices,
no squish squash,
no funny fish.
I can't.
But I CAN...
have you try one very small bite,
or put ketchup on it,
or serve it on your favorite plate.

Oh, how I wish I could keep you from getting sick...
no runny nose,
no chicken pox,
no tummy ache.
I can't.
But I CAN...
help you blow,
or rub lotion on your spots,
or rock you in my arms till you feel better.

I wish I could say everything just right...
no cranky words,
no hurt feelings,
no bad days.
I can't.
But I CAN say...
"I'm sorry,"
or "Please forgive me,"
or "Will you ask Jesus to help Mommy?"

No THAT I can do!

A Little Family Fun

2008-10-19T06:53:00.001-07:00

Last night was a perfect end to a perfect day. After going to the pumpkin patch and then having dinner on the outside patio, the family decided to make "pumpkin bats." Aidan was so excited and I've got to admit, I really didn't think that Ted was going to be all that pumped about doing something "crafty." If any of you know Ted, it is power tools or nothing!

So, I gave him a can of black spray paint to appeal to his "Tim The Tool Man" side...

Next, we proceeded to cut out the wings and glue them on with a hot glue gun, which Aidan was pretty adamant about no one touching because it is "TOO HOT!" After gluing on the bat's wings and the bat's eyes...

I was able to catch the photo of Aidan's excitement and amazement of his mommy and daddy's pumpkin bat creation...

Ahhh...the end to a perfect day...Nothin' like good ol' fashion family fun!

Puzzles...They puzzle me...

2008-10-17T06:32:00.000-07:00

Lately, Aidan has been so enthralled with puzzles. To me, they are relaxing and I enjoy doing them...WITHOUT A 3-YEAR-OLD! So, I have found cheap, dollar store puzzles of 25 pieces that Aidan can't go a day without doing. He loves them! They are almost better then books in my "time-fillers" bag. He had to go to the doctor the other day to get a flu shot and I brought one of the puzzles! He was so good waiting for the doctor to come...sometimes I think that Docs make you wait just to see how frazzled mommies will react to out-of-control kiddos...but I digress...

ANYWAYS! He did so well! I was so proud of him! I think I have finally found a "trick" that helps him to calm down, to slow down and to help stimulate his brain! WHOO HOO!

From now on, this is one thing that will be in my "Mommy Bag" from now on!

The Hawaiian Chair!

2008-10-14T12:47:00.000-07:00

If this is what it takes to get my abs in shape...SIGN ME UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A Walk-About

2008-10-13T04:22:00.000-07:00

Lately, it has been cold, rainy and just miserable outside...BUT!!!!!! If you have an active child like mine, that won't stop you from playing out in it! On Friday, we decided that since it wasn't too bad yet, weather-wise, we would go for a "hike"...which really wasn't a hike...but to a 3-year-old, it was AMAZING!

Make a Smilebox photobook

In the Stillness

2008-10-11T05:43:00.000-07:00

This morning, God gave me the best gift ever! The sound of stillness! At precisely 6:18 a.m.!...Ted left with Aidan to go to Greeley to see his Grammy! To give you a better picture, imagine a mommy...all alone...in the stillness of her own home...without ANYONE ELSE! I did the happy dance in silent that only a fly on the wall could appreciate! What joy I experienced that I don't think I have experienced in quite some time...

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH......

ROUND 3!

2008-10-10T14:16:00.001-07:00

Okay...last video today........I couldn't pass this one up! Ted had to get me up off of the floor!

WHOO! Who's Up for Round 2?

2008-10-10T14:12:00.001-07:00

OKAY! So throughout my day, I kept watching the video that was posted below, and low and behold I found one from the David Crowder Band...Ohhh too funny!

Jesus is my Friend...Jesus is a friend of mine!

2008-10-10T07:40:00.000-07:00

I found this video on a friends blog...www.buildingstrongerfamilies.net! What an inspirational...er...song?...and to think...Christian music started here! Thanks Joel!

TWINKLE, TWINKLE...

2008-10-07T04:45:00.000-07:00

Oh my goodness...kids will sometimes just bless your heart, just by being kids! Last night after a wild bath and pajama-puttin-on...Aidan finally settled down into bed. As Ted and I laid in bed in the next room having our "talk-time", we suddenly heard the sweetest sound...Aidan was singing, "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" to himself! This went on for what seemed like 5 minutes! It was the cutest thing we ever heard. We couldn't stop giggling! Oh my...what it would be like to be a kid again!

Aidan Turned 3!

2008-10-06T08:26:00.000-07:00

We had a great birthday party on Saturday with friends and family! My oh my! Aidan is 3! Where has the time gone?

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

I Wonder Why...

2008-10-02T16:18:00.000-07:00

Ever have those days where you just wonder? Wonder why things seem to be so tough? Why decisions that need to be made just are too big to comprehend to make? Or you are so tired that even getting up out the chair or bed seems to be the biggest task? Or you wonder when things are going to get better? Or you'll have enough energy to make it through the day? Or enough patience with others to get through the day? The saying goes, "HE MAKES ALL THINGS GOOD"...and God does...but during the midst of trials, it is human to wonder and question as to WHEN...guess...I'm in the WHEN part of my pressures and trials...This song encourages me to calm down and to be peaceful in the storm while my answers come...

Okay...so a second laugh....

2008-10-01T05:09:00.000-07:00

I saw this after I posted the MomSense Video...

Ted...needless to say...agreed with it because, of course...he says that Dads get yelled at if they don't do this! ;) Ahhh...baby...I still love you!

Sometimes, you just need a laugh...

2008-10-01T05:01:00.001-07:00

I have seen this clip many times and still refer to it when I just need a laugh! I had to watch it again this morning before Aidan and the house got up, just so I would have a sense of humor before this long day began!

Enjoy!

My Heart Has Been Blessed...

2008-09-28T19:40:00.000-07:00

Tonight, after bath time, books, hugs, loves and snugglebugs, Ted, Aidan and I held hands and bowed our head to pray. Only this time, Aidan prayed! Out of the blue and on his own with no prompting!

This is what he said...

"Jesus, thank you for Nana, Papa, Mommy, Daddy and my new playground! Amen!"

OH MY GOODNESS! My heart was blessed to hear praise and thanksgiving from the mouth of a babe...My babe!

God knew just what I needed to start my week tomorrow!

The Way I See It...

2008-09-27T13:44:00.000-07:00

Potty training is a monster in all of itself. Aidan, who is so stubborn and wants to do it his way ALL OF THE TIME...(eh-hem...,wonder where he gets that from...) will probably be in diapers until he is 20! I have brought out all the tricks from my bag and still...nothing! He's gone a few times at church, and once at home for me...but then quickly put his pull-up on, ran out to the tree in the yard and stood perfectly still for at least 3 minutes...without a doubt relieving himself in the comfort of his own mess in his britches...grrrr.

Potty training in front of the T.V. or on the "big boy potty", it won't make any difference if this little boy does not want to go. So, I said to myself..."SELF! Just put big boy pants in a special place. Tell Aidan that when he is ready to wear big boy pants and go do his business in the big boy potty, this is where they will be for him to put them on. SO SELF! MOVE ON!"

So, this little pretty self has moved on from potty training...AHHHHHHH...Oh what a relief it is!!!!

Family Day at Turkey Creek

2008-09-27T13:30:00.000-07:00

Some days are best just done being candid! After realizing that we got up the Turkey Creek to go hiking, we were all wearing red, white and blue...I know...not the correct colors for the fall season...nonetheless...what a great color coordination for pictures! I guess I just couldn't pass this opportunity up!

Make a Smilebox photobook

Eccentric or Extrordinary?

2008-09-23T06:51:00.001-07:00

Okay! Second day in a row to my new way of living! It wasn't as hard to get up this morning! But it helped that this neighborhood is the loudest neighborhood at 5:00 in the morning! At 4:45 the diesel truck next door started up and "warmed up" for 30 minutes, the neighbor across the street's sprinklers came on...VERY LOUD!!!!!! The newspaper boy had his car radio turned up super loud...it was okay because it was Casting Crowns playing...Then, of all things...a raccoon was strutting his stuff across the roof just below our window...OYE VEY! So needless to say, by 5:07...I know an odd time to set an alarm...but hey I am an odd duck myself...it wasn't hard to get up. However, note to self...close window before going to bed at night to cut down on the morning traffic...plus it was FREEZING out from under the covers!

Today was an awesome time spending with God! Today I realized that I desire to have an Extraordinary Spirit. One that stands out in the crowd as a sore thumb! It is the day in age where people who are Christians are often times looked at as eccentric, not extraordinary. I want to be extraordinary! Not just for Aidan and Ted, but for those around me! I guess that is why it is hard to continue living on one income, no credit cards, little debt other than car and student loans...don't get me started on those...and raising our kid!

Well, off the soapbox...I just wanted to share with those who are stay at home mommies to continue doing what you're doing and for those who have to work...continue what you're doing because your extraordinary spirit my be affecting the lives of those you work with!

Have a great day! Whoo Hoo! It's Tuesday! I know...eccentric~

Cherokee Seasons

2008-09-22T13:15:00.000-07:00

Someone sent this to me via email and it just seemed that it came at the right time!

CHEROKEE SEASONS
The pictures above are of the same place but taken in different seasons...This is a lesson on life...

There was an Indian Chief who had four sons. He wanted his sons to learn not to judge things too quickly. So he sent them each on a quest in turn to go and look at a pear tree that was a great distance away.

The first son went in the Winter, the second in the Spring, the third in Summer and the youngest son in the Fall.

When they had all gone and come back he called them together to describe what they had seen.

The first son said that the tree was ugly, bent, and twisted.

The second son said 'no' it was covered with green buds and full of promise.

The third son disagreed; he said it was laden with blossoms that smelled so sweet and looked so beautiful. It was the most graceful thing he had ever seen.

The last son disagreed with all of them; he said it was ripe and drooping with fruit, full of life and fulfillment.

The man then explained to his sons that they were all right, because they had each seen but only one season in the tree's life.

He told them that you cannot judge a tree, or a person, by only one season, and that the essence of who they are and the pleasure, joy, and love that come from that life can only be measured at the end, when all the seasons are up.

If you give up when it's Winter, you will miss the promise of your Spring, the beauty of your Summer, the fulfillment of your Fall.

Moral:
Don't let the pain of one season destroy the joy of all the rest.
Don't judge life by one difficult season.
Persevere through the difficult patches and better times are sure to come.

Live Simply. Love Generously. Care Deeply. Speak Kindly. Leave the Rest to God.
Happiness keeps You Sweet, Trials keep You Strong, Sorrows keep You Human, Failures keep You Humble, Success keeps You Glowing, But God keeps You Going!

2008-09-22T12:37:00.001-07:00

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Aidan and I were to paint a landscape for his Choo-Choo train table that his PaPa made him...well...it ended up being a Picaso painting...It is up for sale on EBay if you are interested! ;)

I found an extra 1-1/2 hours!

2008-09-22T06:59:00.000-07:00

This morning I found an extra 1-1/2 hours! It is amazing! Still the same 24-hours, but this time, I found some time in the morning. Setting my alarm to 5:00 am, I was able to get up, drink coffee that is actually still warm, spend some time in the Word, reflecting in my journal, get Aidan up and snuggle with him, change his clothes, make a Lego plane for him, make pumpkin pancakes, send out a few emails, grab 4 subbing jobs, sell a stock, and take a shower and get ready all before 9 am! This is crazy! Now I wonder what I am going to do today! LOL! Just kidding!

Let's hope this habit continues! See you tomorrow!

Too busy to reflect...

2008-09-21T14:47:00.000-07:00

Recently, I have been knee-deep in boxes, diapers, papers, bills, curriculum, applications, emails, letters and bday invites...all of the things that mommies are entrusted with once a bundle of joy bombards your life. I had a blog once...once...I can't seem to remember my log in info, nor was I any good at updating it! So, I started a new one...and if those of you who find my blog page, in addition to this one, please let me know so I can delete it! Many of my friends have a blog, an active blog, keep up with scrapbooking, journals of their kids and picture albums. But me, I can barely find time to take a shower. What am I doing with my time? Everyone has the same 24 hours in the day, why does mine seem so short? Or more importantly, why do I continue to do the things that are not as important as they seem to be at the time? Magazines bombard you with new ways to make your life easier, when they just make them more hectic! How many sites do I log on in one day just to update? I don't get it! Why can't I just pick one and stay with it!?

Just this afternoon at lunch, I wanted to find a closet and scream! Just scream! I felt so overloaded that I couldn't even function! Maybe it is because my son is SOOOOOOOOO active that I can't possibly keep up with his energy, or the fact that my medical transcription is not making the money it needs to be worth sitting in front of a computer screen while my kiddo plays by himself? Or is it the load of laundry that I have to wash, AGAIN, because I left it in the washing machine for too long...AGAIN...Do you hear what I'm saying? I'm TOO BUSY! But with what?

Just like a diet...I'm starting on Monday to not be busy. Who knows what that will look like, but apparently...I won't be busy....

Until next time....

PS... I have written down my info and put it in a safe spot so that I can do some more reflecting... :)