Six More Weeks!!!

Can I survive it? Will the kids live to see the start of school? At this point I'm not sure if Caleb will ever experience kindergarten or beyond. The outcome doesn't look good.

I remember, as a kid, looking forward to summer vacation. But now that I'm a stay at home mom, a part of me really dreads it. And now I am left counting the days until school resumes. Six weeks.

Actually, once this weekend hits then the rest of summer should skate by little easier. My parents will be in town as well as my brother and his family. We have a few things planned and that will help a lot. After that, then we will go camping. When we get home then we have about a week or so before VBS. After VBS I am thinking about making a trek to Modesto for a week. Then the following week school begins!

So if I can just make it to this weekend then I think we can survive. Maybe. We'll see.

I Heart 'Craig'

I love Craigslist. I just love it! I love being able to get rid of things and make a few extra bucks. The emails may be one of my favorite parts of listing things with 'Craig'. I post my item then wait for the suckers people to bite and send inquiry emails. I get giddy just thinking about it! My other favorite part is when I make a profit off an item. I did that last year when I bought, then sold, a desk. hee hee hee Look at me!....I'm getting giddy all over again!

Tuesday was another one of those days. Remember when I mentioned that Isabel is no longer using a stroller? Well, I tried to sell our jogging stroller at our garage sale last weekend but there were no takers. So I listed it with Craig. And the first person to respond came to look at it and bought it. We bought it back in Michigan for seven bucks at a neighbors yard sale. And I sold it for twenty!!!

Now, Ryan thinks I ripped the lady off. Me, on the other hand, I say she made an informed choice. It's not like I made her buy it, or that I forced her to put it in her van and give me a twenty dollar bill. Nuh huh, nothing like that.

My listing had details of what it had, what it didn't do, as well as pictures. It's not my fault that she didn't read the listing that the stroller didn't fold up. It's not my fault that the she didn't like the little rust spots on the wheels or the stain on the material (I did point out that the material easily comes off with the handy little velcro straps and can be washed). But she kept asking for a lower price, and I kept insisting that I would not accept it. I had only listed it that afternoon and she was the first 'looker', so I didn't feel I had anything to loose. She even went as far as to walk toward her van while asking one more time for the lower price. And yet I was unmoved. The lady walked to her van and opened the passenger door and figured out a way to put the stroller inside. Then she paid me and left. See? Informed decision!

Now I look around the house for more unused items to add to my list of things to hand over to Mr. Craig. I love you Craigslist!!!

Random Acts of Kid-ness

I was tagged by Amanda for a meme. And as I haven't done a meme in a while, I thought this one was easy and wouldn't take much brain power to make it work. Also, I've hit a wall when it comes to things to blog about. So, here's a list of seven random things about my kids:

1. Mae was a thumb sucker up until last year. We gently tried to get her to stop, but it took the dentist telling her, and showing her pictures, of the damage that thumb sucking can do to get her to stop. (why does it sometimes take someone other than mom or dad to get kids to do, or not do, something?)

2. Isabel is a thumb sucker too. But she only sucks her left one, never the right.

3. Caleb got scratched by Isabel yesterday, poor guy! She scratched him on his face and left a Locke-like wound (think of the gash John Locke had after the plane crash). Of course it doesn't show up too well on camera, but yesterday you could really see the scratch on his forehead above his eye. Anyway, Isabel is no girly girl. She can hold her own, that's for sure! Oh, and Caleb, well, he's sort of a sensitive guy.


4. Isabel can, and often does, do the taco tongue. When in the truck the other day, she says 'Wook mommy! Wook!' I turn around and there she is sticking her taco tongue at me!

5. Caleb confessed to me yesterday that he was thinking about bad things. Bad things like kicking and hitting, because he thinks those things are fun. (he's five and I'm still not used to having a boy! what's up with that?!)

6. Mae is just like her mother, she's a pack rat. I sold her desk last weekend at our garage sale so I could get her a smaller one to fit the room better. Now that she has a 'new' desk with smaller drawers, she is having a hard time fitting all her stuff inside. And throwing things away is not an option. *sigh* (note: I no longer consider myself a pack rat. moving six times in ten years had a way of bringing out the purge in me!)

7. Mae and Caleb are different in their approach to things that they don't understand. Mae will ask incessant questions until she gets it. Caleb, on the other hand, will think about it until he thinks he's figured it out, then he will explain it to you in what we call a proposal. His proposals aren't always correct, but you can tell that he's thought it out. Here's an example....'airplanes have wings so people can walk on them'. See, he's thought it through, but unless he's thinking of a wing walker on a bi-plane, then, well, I don't think they were intended to be walked on.

There! That wasn't so bad. Thanks Amanda for the tag and reason (or the idea) for a post! Now what shall I post about tomorrow??.....

June Movie Review

Wow, we watched eight movies last month! Considering that we only watched four the month before, I'd say that's quite a feet! Although I know why....our regular tv shows are on break (but here's the odd part, aside from Lost I can't remember what the shows were!). Anyway, here are the movies we watched last month:

1. Much Ado About Nothing - This was the 1993 version with Emma Thompson and (her then husband) Kenneth Branagh, oh and let's not forget (Mr. Wonderful!) Denzel Washington! Anyway, I've always enjoyed this version of Shakespeare's play. It's one of his humorous plays and is fun to watch (once you get into the groove of listening to old English speech). Of course I recommend it!

2. Twelfth Night - Another Shakespeare play. The synopsis on Blockbuster Online said it was a humorous play, but we didn't quite get the humor. The main plot line is about mistaken identity, about brother and sister twins that are separated during a storm while at sea. As I said, the humor escaped us. It was more strange than funny. Let's just say, I don't find humor in a woman thinking she's attracted to what she thinks is a man but really is a woman disguised as a man. Ewe. Overall the movie was ok.

3. A Midsummer Night's Dream - Yep, another Shakespearean play. But the trend ends here. We have seen this on an actual stage and I read it back in my high school drama class. It was entertaining in it's strange way of storytelling. What else can I say? It's Shakespeare with big-name actors!

4. In America - This one caught me by surprise and Ryan and I both liked it. It's about a family of four that immigrates to America from Ireland and end up in New York. They struggle to find housing and jobs as the couple raise their two girls. The family meet colorful characters in the building they live in and people they work with. I enjoyed the character developement and storyline. I would recommend this one. (although I did have to glance away from the screen for one scene - so you've been warned, if you choose to see it).

5. On Golden Pond - A classic! I had never seen it but always heard it was good. Didn't it win awards the year it came out? I'm sure it did, it was good. I always enjoy a film that developes its characters so you feel like you know them. I enjoyed watching Katherine Hepburn and Henry Fonda. Their characters were like watching a real couple bicker! But the movie isn't so much about thier relationship as the one they have with thier daughter who purposely stays away as much as possible. So the daughter shows up with her boyfriend and his son. Let's just say that Fonda's character makes it difficult for anyone to get along with. Well, I'll just leave it there, you go see the rest to find out what happens (if you haven't already seen it).

6. The Count of Monte Cristo - Ahhhh....good movie! I've seen the older version with Richard Chamberlin but thought I'd give a more updated version a try. I'm glad I did. This one had James Caviezal as the main character, and I think I like him. It's about a man who is betrayed and locked in an island prison never to be seen or heard from again. This happens right before he is to be married to his love. How tragic! After a few years in prison, a tunneling would-be escapee takes a wrong turn and ends up in Caviezals cell. They join efforts to tunnel out as the other man educates him (sword fighting, reading, reasoning and just plain makes him smart). Meanwhile, unbeknownst to him, his fiancee marries his best friend! The plot thickens after his narrow escape. After that....well, you'll just have to rent the movie to find out!

7. Everything Is Illuminated - We saw this movie back in October of 2006, remember? It was one of those movies where we picked up a couple humorous lines and repeat them to each other to make the other laugh. We felt it was time to see it again. It did not disappoint.

8. Definitely, Maybe - **Caution, spoiler ahead** I thought this would be a lighthearted romantic comedy. No harm in that, right? By industry standards that is what this movie was, and although it did have humour and romance, in the end I fail to see any of it. Basically, the movie is about a father (who is recently divorced) telling his daughter about how he and his now ex-wife (the daughter's mother) met, fell in love, got married. He decides to tweak the story a bit and changes the names of three ladies he dated as well as a few details so that his daughter would not know who her mother was in the story. He makes it a mystery for her and she has to figure out who she was/is. After he is finished with the story and doesn't tell her which of the three ladies he married, the daughter figures it out. Just when you think that maybe the retelling of the story will soften his heart to his ex, he walks away from his daughter and his ex (a custody drop off of the child situation). Later, the daughter decides that her dad really loved another woman all along, so she helps him seek her out and mend the broken relationship and all is happy. The whole time I'm thinking/hoping that the movie resolves itself with a restoration of the marriage. It doesn't. And they say that the daughter is happy about this. This is so far from reality. I don't know what child would ever be happy in a situation like that! Divorce is destructive and hurtful to everyone in the family, especially children! In reality the daughter would be angry with her father for loving another woman, let alone having a possible step-mother in the future. It's wrong and a load of crap! Ok, I'll just stop with that, because I could go on and on. Do I recommend this? Um, no.

On that happy note, this is the conclusion of our June movies. Hopefully July will be a more uplifting month. Stay tuned!

YouTube Tuesday - Robo Kids

This last Halloween, my brother made the costumes for his two boys. They were robots and my brother did an awesome job with the costumes! Steven also enjoys his video camera and likes to tweak the videos into something even more fun. Here, take a look at his latest project, Robo-Kids:



I'm not sure, but I think Steven may have had more fun than the boys!

You Know When.....

...you're watching too many reality game shows when your dreams have you in the final two contestants in a singing competition (the other?...you're husband!), and then another in which you are miffed at another contestant for sabotaging your food after you've already plated it for the next round of judging.

Good, Bad, and Saving On Gas

Today I received a call I was waiting for.......Caleb will be in full-day kindergarten next year!

The school district that we are in made the decision to start moving the kindergarten classes to full-day class. The elementary schools have two years to make it a part of their system, so that means that some schools won't be ready in time for next years classes to be full-day.

I heard the 'rumor' of full-day classes a couple of weeks before school let out and it had my hopes high! Although I see this in two ways. The good and the not so good. Here's the good:

* I can be a part of the Tuesday morning ladies bible study at church (since the release time for half-day kinder interfere with bible study times).

* I can attend other mom events at church (again, the release time issue)

* Think of the gas I'll save by knocking out a drop off/pick up at school!

Then there's the not so good:

* This district seems to push the students hard and expect more than they should (in my opinion)

* Less time with my boy.

Overall I'm sure it's a good move. But still! This means no slow move in to school days. He'll be a full fledged school going boy. *sigh* I'll focus on the positive and help Caleb when he needs it. And for now I'll just say......Thank you School District for moving kindergarten to full-day....you'll be saving me tons in gas!

Well-Done

I am done. As in well-done. As in I've baked too long in the sun over the past two days.

Today the kids and I spent the day at the park with friends like we usually do on Thursdays. However, today was a bit different. This time we met at a different park, and this one didn't have a whole lot of shade.

I didn't really think about the lack of shade until several hours after I got home. Now I'm seeing a whole new shade of red and it hurts to scrunch my nose. Ouch!

Tomorrow I think I'll stick around indoors and enjoy the sun in a more indirect sort of way.

Don't Forget the Sunscreen

Dear Friend,

When you think you are tan enough to not require much sunscreen, think again. If there isn't enough sunscreen coverage you can still get burned. Trust me on this one.

Your friend,
Red Hot Mama

Doh!

While at Costco the other day, Ryan found an alternative to the Starbucks Mocha Frappachinos. It's a can of a coffee drink mix (with chocolate chips!). Basically Ryan uses it for making iced coffee (the yummy girly kind!). All he does is put a scoop or two in the blender along with milk and some ice cubes then blend away! Next comes the best part.....he serves me some. *big grin*

Sunday was a very hot day over here so Ryan made a batch to alleviate the uncomfortableness of the heat. After giving me a small portion, he put the rest in the fridge for later. Later, as I was putting the water pitcher away, I knocked over the iced coffee yumminess and it spilled all over the kitchen floor!!!

I was devastated and torn between crying in the misery of losing it all or throwing myself on the floor to lick it up!

After the shock had worn off, I dutifully cleaned up my miserable mess. I did, however, sip the leftovers that landed in the lid and what was still in the bottom of the blender (that's where all the chocolaty bits are anyway!).

I console myself with the fact that I now I have a clean kitchen floor. (but in all honesty I'd rather have a nice tall glass of iced coffee girlyness)

A Spectators Sport

This evening we sat down and watched a little of the women's gymnastics Olympic trials. There were quite a few conversations about what the girls were doing as well as explaining what exactly the Olympics are. Caleb had his own observations about what we were watching....

Caleb: That's not very hard. I can do that.

Mae: No you can't, let me see you try!

*don't you just love sibling rivalry?

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

*this was my favorite of the night

Caleb: I like her. I think she's beautiful.

Me: (after I'm done inwardly laughing) Why do you think she's beautiful?

Caleb: 'Cause she's got sparkles.

Too. Hot.

Man, it's just stinkin' hot here. I think it got to 105 today! All I can say is, I'm melting!

We tried to beat the heat by going to the beach today, but I forgot the sunscreen so we only stayed for an hour (and Ryan still got a burn!, boy do I feel bad now!). Later, after resting on the couch for a bit and watching a little of the Olympic trials for mens gymnastics, MaeLeb and I went to the pool for about 2 hours. I think we will all sleep well tonight. It may have been a record going-to-sleep for those ones tonight!

I tried to find a great 'I'm melting' clip from The Wizard of Oz on YouTube to describe how miserably hot it is here. But there wasn't one to be found (well, not good enough for my blogging standards anyway, whatever that means!). So I'll just leave you with this......in your minds eye, recall the scene with Dorothy and her friends in the Wicked Witch of the West's castle and she has just thrown the bucket of water on the witch. Then the camera follows the Ms. West as she descends into the floor saying....I'm melting, I'm melting, I'm melting....

That. My friends, is how I feel in this yucky, terrible, no-good heat.

But I thank the Lord for allowing man to invent air conditioning!

The Short Film

Today I took the kids to the free movies. It didn't go so well and I'm bummed. I thought this would be a great way to get us all out of the house this summer. Guess I'll have to scratch it off the list and try again next year. I didn't really expect it to work out, but I was hoping against hope that it would. Isabel is why it didn't work.

In anticipation of being crowded out of the theater, I got ourselves there a good 20 minutes early. We even got seats in the front of the second/back section (which means that Isabel could stand up and walk around without getting in people's way and yet keeping her contained). However, being there that early may have been my downfall. Once the movie started Isabel only lasted another 20 minutes or so.

Isabel started out sitting in her own seat and was content to stay put while eating a free sucker that came in a little baggie from the theater (along with a tattoo and a hand held ball/hoop game thingy). After the sucker was eaten, and lips were blue with evidence, she then sat in my lap while a pre-movie cartoon played for a few minutes. Our neighbors to the left didn't last but five minutes once the movie started, so after they were gone that gave Isabel free access to the isle. Of course she took full advantage of it and started to climb up and down the stairs. I got her and brought her back. Then she played with the seats (because they are so much fun to pull down and climb into. actually, I was surprised that she didn't get sandwhiched and get stuck!) By that point she told me she was 'all done' and headed back out of the row and toward the door.

Mae was not happy that we had to leave, but I did try to prepare them that it was a possibility. In the event that this would happen, I had brought our Blockbuster-online movies with us so I could run by the video store for a free swap on the way home. So that's what we did and were able to get the movie we had started to watch (Doogal). Add in a little microwave popcorn and called it good.

Now why is it that Isabel could sit still at home and watch the movie? Maybe it was the popcorn.

Agony

Many a time have I wanted to break out into to song while in the midst of a toddler meltdown or when chasing one down in the store, or goading the child with words such as 'would you just hurry up!' while trying to make it up to the cashier so we can get on with our day.

What song would I break out into, you ask?

This one, but I don't get much farther than 'agony!'

Father's Day 2008

Yesterday was Father's Day, and although we didn't do anything spectacular, I think Ryan enjoyed his day.

I began preparations the night before by making him some homemade cinnamon rolls for the next morning (and I think this was my best batch to date, if I do say so myself!). After the delish breakfast was inhaled, it was off to church. Later, when we got the kids from their Sunday school classes, they each had a craft of some sort to give their dad. This was my favorite, made by Miss Izz herself;



Isn't it cute?! It's a cut-out tie attached with yarn. Ryan put it on but Isabel wanted to hold it. She did make it after all.

After lunch Ryan took a nice nap as his slow cooking pork was on the grill. (his choice to 'cook' on Father's Day, not that I complained!) Then it was time to go to the pool! I took the video camera so I could get some footage of the air that the kids get when daddy launches them in the water. But the batteries were dead. *sigh* I tried. It would have been great, trust me.

The bbq pork sandwiches were awesome and Ryan was quite pleased with himself. The kids and I got him a bbq tool/grill set that came in a nifty case, but due to poor planning on my part (and not knowing ahead of time that his bbq was going to be a 'slow cooker' and therefore starting in the early afternoon) he did not get the new set in time to use it. Next time for sure, and he's quite excited about it too!

Later, after dinner, it was time to go to Coldstone for a little after dinner treat. Ice cream is one of Ryan's favorite foods. If it were up to him, ice cream would be in it's own food group! So suffice it to say, Ryan ended his day in one sweet way!

Ryan tells me that it was the best he's had. I am relieved...but I think he said that last year!

Unlikely Places

I had a dental appointment this morning. It was to be a routine cleaning, no 'procedures' or anything that would require Novocaine. However, it matters not what the reason for the visit or what will occur while I lay prone in 'the chair', I just don't care for dental visits. And today was no exception.

Like I said, today's visit was just a cleaning, but I've been having sensitivity in one tooth and it caused me concern (concern for future 'procedures' and the use of Novocaine). Leading up to my appointments I am always in much prayer for the best of dental reports and easement of fears.

This morning I prayed. I prayed a lot. And surprisingly I was not stressed and my tummy was not in knots as I sat in 'the chair'. The hygienist was kind and gentle, and she even gave me a glowing report on the state of my oral health.

As I received praise for the health and state of my teeth and gums I was turning it right around and praising the Lord for such reports! I am thankful for His protection of my teeth (as I am convinced that I am not worthy of such a report of good health in regards to my teeth and such). This morning, as I prepared to go my appointment, I had planned to distract myself with praying for other people, but I found myself offering up more praises than supplications.

Who knew that praise could be found in a dental chair!!!

And So It Begins....

Summer that is. Today was Caleb's last day of preschool and I'm a little sad. It's a combination of his growing up and his no longer being in preschool as he starts Kindergarten in just a couple months, coupled with knowing that summer is here and the kids are all out of school.

So I'm just a bit sad today.

Summer, for me, is officially here. I've got several things lined up and thought out to keep us all busy and in each other's good graces. Here's what we've got going on:

* I bought a daily devotional for the kids and I to use every morning. It is my hope that this will help feed their desire to know the Lord more as well as give us all a good focus and start each day.

* starting next week Mae and Caleb (affectionately known as MaeLeb) have swim lessons starting next week for the next two weeks.

* a camping trip with friends has been set for mid July, and our family will be extending the trip for just ourselves by a few extra days.

* MaeLeb are also signed up for our church's VBS for the first week of August.

* Other things we can do each week are swim at the neighborhood pool, go to the library, then we can also go to the gym (good thing the kids love going!) oh! and I just saw this morning on another friends blog that Regal Cinemas offer free movies twice a week for kids, so we are so doing that! (thanks Becca for the tip!)

What plans do you have to keep the kids (and yourself) entertained this summer? I'd love to squeeze in some other activities here and there! (hint hint with the ideas!) *big grin*

Overheard....

The kids were busy putting away the clean dishes as I walked into the room. And this was what I heard.

Mae: I want to be like Mommy. I want to be skinny.

Caleb: I want to be like Daddy. I want to be white and nerdy.

A New Fair Lady?

I just read this little article that stated that there may be a new My Fair Lady movie in the works. I'm not sure how I feel about that. Especially since Keira Knightly is slated to play Eliza Doolittle (Knightly played Elizabeth Bennett in the newest version of Pride and Prejudice and I wasn't impressed with that remake either).

I take that back. I do know how I feel about it.......terrible! I don't see how it can be improved upon. Truly, why would anyone think that a re-make could be better.

It should be touched. That's all there is to it!

What say you?

Chores Are Expensive

Remember the other week when I bought new dishes? Remember the reason why I had to buy them? Well, Caleb is at it again!

I am now down one less drinking glass, and I didn't have a whole lot to begin with.

I'm tellin' ya, good help is hard to find. And in the mean time it's costing me in wages and replacement purchases!

I think I see in a trip to the Crate & Barrel outlet store in my near future.

I Growed Up!

One of our recent trips to Costco gave us a nice supply of Starbucks Mocha Frappuccinos. In the past I have frowned upon them as Ryan drank them all. I have never been one that adores Starbucks, or coffee in general (unless it's coffee cake, but that doesn't usually contain coffee). The only time I ever really liked (or drank) coffee was when we lived in Michigan. On a too-cold winter Sunday morning, in our Sunday school class, Ryan would make a girled-up cup of coffee and I'd drink it, but really it was only to get warm.

But the other day I grabbed one of these little yummies out of the fridge and tried it. I had a little then decided it needed a tad more milk. Then I downed the whole thing!

Guess this means I'm a real adult* now. I drink coffee!

However, I think I'll stick with my non-coffee vanilla frappaccinos when ordering anything at Starbucks. There's still a part of me that says 'ewe, coffee'!

*if the word 'adult' is said slowly, it sounds more like 'a dolt'

Another Phase

We've slowly been phasing out of baby stuff. Last summer I sold off most of the baby clothes, furniture, and toys. And over this past year I have been trying to get myself out of the habit of using the umbrella stroller or shopping carts for Isabel. I still don't like having her roam (or run) free when we are in a store. I'm trying to get used to that, but when it comes to Costco she is still cart-bound. Aside from that, I think it's been a good month since we've pulled out the umbrella stroller for anything.

However, when it comes to the walks we take around our neighborhood, we still bust out the jogging stroller for The Bel. I kept thinking that we'd be done with the jogger this fall. Well, the time has come.

The other night Isabel did not want to go in the stroller, and Ryan, being more patient than I, decided to let her walk. I was surprised on how well she did! We didn't have to hold or carry her too often and she was quite content to run ahead or lag behind. I'm thinking that our stroller days are done. *deep, sad, sigh*

As it is nice to be phasing out of the stroller, I am still a little sad that we won't be needing it anymore. Just one more reminder that she isn't a baby anymore.

But doesn't she look happy to be stroller-free?

So Very Much Excited!!!

Last night a friend and I met at Starbucks and began our summer bible study and I feel like a little kid with the excitement over it. My friend emailed me the bible study lessons we had to choose from and as I looked at them I just wanted to do them all! How could we choose just a few to go over these few months of summer? My mind began racing with ideas.....if we do this one and that one, then maybe I can do this one on my own! I couldn't take it anymore, I printed out the first lesson then promptly went to work on the first day, then found myself going beyond into the second day. I've never quite felt this way about a bible study before. I'm not sure why though.

So last night, my friend and I began working out the plan for our summer study. We haven't quite began our actual study so we spent the rest of our time talking about our lives, the things we've done, the things we struggle with in daily life, and the things we want to grow in. I look forward to being able to encourage and challenge each other, as well as having a routine and having someone holding me accountable.

Again, I'm not sure why this all excites me the way it does. It's not like I haven't done a bible study before. Maybe it's the meeting with another believer with the sole purpose to talk about what we are learning in The Word? Or maybe it's the opportunity to be encouraged in my walk with the Lord and the chance to be the same for another? It could be that I look forward to getting out of the house, away from kids, and having an adult conversation. But I think it's probably a little bit everything!

Whatever the reason, I am excited and ever so thankful for this opportunity. For years I've wanted to do a summer bible study with a small group of ladies, and this year is it! I can't wait for next Monday night! I'm so excited!

**if you live in the area, feel free to join us!

Worth A Thousand Words, Or Maybe Just A Smoothie

Saturday I took Mae and Caleb to the library and got them signed up for library cards (thank you Mr. Benjamin Franklin!). They were quite excited about having their very own cards. My plan is to use them a lot this summer to help pass the time for us all.

While we were there, I checked out some of the things they've got going on this summer. In addition to a reading program that gives them a neat little package of goodies once they've read ten books, I also noticed they have a photo contest. Basically, the kids are to take their own pictures of insects or bugs (ewe!). First place prize gets a $10 gift card for a bookstore and the Honorable Mention receives a book bag from the library. So, we have been taking the camera with us when we go on our regular walks, in hopes of finding a bug to capture on the camera. So far Mae has taken a picture of some kind of beetle.



And Caleb took this one of a swarm of bees making a hive on the eave of a house.



Neither pictures are the greatest, but I don't think it is fair to do any editing on them since they are to be done solely by the kids. However, I am saving their pictures on the computer, and when the time comes then we can see which are the best and submit those ones. But I think Caleb is waiting to spy a 'praynis manis' for his picture! (his words, not mine. but how stinkin' cute is that?....'praynis manis', I love it!)

Not a bad little summer project for the kids. I think it would be so much fun for them if they were to win. If not, well, then maybe Mama will have to take them to Jamba Juice for their own little prize.

May's Movie Review

I feel like our recent movie watching has dwindled over the past couple months. Last month we watched a total of four. Haven't we watch more than that in a typical month?? I also think that with the summer programs that are now starting up, that we won't be watching as many movies with our Blockbuster Online account. Between 'So You Think You Can Dance' and 'The Mole' that's three week nights right there! And Ryan is usually fried come Friday night and is not up for watching a full length movie. I guess that leaves us with two to three nights a week for movies. Oh well, that's the beauty of our Blockbuster account, we keep the movie(s) until we are ready to watch them, then return them later.

Anyway, here is what we saw last month:

Kite Runner - I had heard good things about this movie and was not disappointed. The story is fictional but has the feel of one that was true. It has it's deep/disturbing issues but overall it was a great movie. It's one of those that after it's over, you sit back in silence and just think about what you just saw. I enjoyed watching the main character develop as it followed a young boy in the beginning of the film then picks up his life later as a man in his 30's. I don't think I can do a good job of reviewing this movie.....I just don't feel like going over all the intricacies of this film. I do recommend it, however it is not for the faint of heart as it is a more deeply emotional movie set in the modern times of Afghanistan.

Persuasion - Ahhhh, I just love Jane Austen movies, and I think this one if my favorite (with P&P and Sense & Sensibility at a very close second!). It had been a while since I had seen it so I felt it was time to see it again. It is a must-see for anyone who loves Jane's books and made-into-movie films. What more can I say.....Captain Wentworth is a great example of a woman's hero for love! I'm swooning even as I write this.

Little Women - I grew up watching the Katherine Hepburn version of this movie, and when the newer version (with Wynonna Rider) came out in the mid 90's I didn't think much of it. How does one compare Hepburn to Rider? You can't, it's simply not possible. But it's been ages since I've seen the older version, so I thought I could now watch the newer one and enjoy it. And I did! Hepburn was no longer clear in my mind and I was able to watch Rider portray Jo without really seeing Rider. Does that make sense? Alas, I enjoyed the movie and ever so glad to see it again (it doesn't hurt that Christian Bale is in it either!).

Cloverfield - Ok, this was a strange one. The basic premise is that an alien is on the rampage through the streets of New York with people running away as craziness ensues. Not an original concept in the film industry. However, the difference was in the perspective of the storytelling or view of the audience. The entire movie was shot through what seems like a persons video camera. You can hear the person holding the camera and talking with his comrades, as well as the comrades talking to the camera/cameraman. It is complete with shaky camera handling. At first I wasn't thrilled with the concept, but it grew on me and was able to watch the movie without a whole lot of distraction from the film making. Overall it was a creative and entertaining movie. I would recommend it IF you aren't afraid of a thriller/mystery sci-fi movie. I hear they are trying to do a sequel, although Ryan and I are not sure how they will be able to pull it off (if you've seen the movie you'll know what I mean).

**Our queue is dwindling. Suggestions are most welcome! (hint hint)

In Love With Peanut Butter All Over Again

About a year and a half ago Isabel showed signs of a peanut allergy, twice. Then later it was confirmed in a blood test for allergies. Her reactions were always minor so I had hoped that in time she would out-grow the allergy. I was told by the doctor that it was a possibility, and I've been holding onto that hope ever since.

A few weeks ago I got my wish.

We were at the park with friends and I always pack a simple lunch of pbj's for Caleb and I as well as an alternative sandwich for Isabel. When I wasn't looking, Isabel had climbed up to the picnic table, got into the bog-o-lunch and ate half of my pbj! At first I was alarmed, but since I had a one-dose thingy of Benedryl in the truck I decided to wait it out and see if Isabel had a reaction. I watched her for about 20 minutes as she ran around and played, and nothing developed.

The next day I decided to try it again, this time in a controlled environment (at home with Benedryl at the ready). By Ryan's request, I made her a smaller sandwich than what she had had the day before. Again, nothing ever occurred.

Do you know what this means??? It means that I can now add the most basic of kid staples into her diet! A peanut butter sandwich!!

Who knew such a little thing could bring such joy at a pbj?

Thank you Lord for the unnecessary, but totally appreciated, blessing of the dissappearance of the allergy!!!

Incentives

The kids have really been getting into helping out around the house, which is great but they so totally have an ulterior motive for doing so.

Money.

I must admit that it is a nice incentive and I don't mind giving them a couple quarters to unload the dishes. Not one bit.

However, when one kid is playing around as the other is doing the unloading, then things can get,well, messy. This is what happened the other day and a bowl got broken. You see, it was being used as a shield (or so the story goes).

Mommy bought those dishes when she was engaged to Daddy (and got a great deal by the way). She bought two sets so she would have a complete set of service for eight. Well, that was like 12 years ago, and with the passage of time also comes breakage and loss of said service for eight. Mommy is now down to service for a handful of adults and a few kids (but hopes they don't mind sharing the one cup that matches the leftover service for 4.5 adults and 3.6 kids).

Now that there are only 4 bowls left, what is Mommy to do? Really, now. Mommy lives in a home of five people. What is she to do when she makes stew or soup and needs 5 bowls but only has 4? I'll tell you what Mommy does......she heads on over to Ross and gets two sets of dishes for a steal at a total of thirty bucks!

Ha! How's that for resourcefulness?

But kiddos, please stop horsin' around when doing your chores. I'll give you more money if you do!*

*This blog, and it's author, does not approve of bribery as a means to motivate good behavior.

Working On My Work-Out

I've been going to the gym on a sort-of semi regular basis (if a on-and-off schedule can be considered 'regular'). When I go, I tend to do a few reps on a weight machine (look at me using gym lingo like 'reps' in a sentence properly!) then I head to the stationary bikes with a book and cycle around for 20 minutes or so. But recently I've ventured over to the treadmill instead. Often I would have liked to have a friend join me in my work-out adventures (or misadventures). I think I would go more often if I had someone holding me accountable and expecting me to be there.

I may have gotten my wish yesterday. When I had the ladies from my bible study over I discovered that one of them goes to the same gym. Who knew! AND she offered to go to a class with me. She even went as far as to let me decide which one.

I wonder if there are any classes like this....

Post-Party Blues

Summer is coming and today I am really feeling it. And not so much in a good way either. Today I hosted a little gathering at my house for the ladies in my bible study group. Last week was the last session of the season as we break for the summer. And in attempts to stretch out meeting with the wonderful ladies in my group I came up with the idea to have one last social gathering before we called it quits for the summer. Now I really have to face the fact that it's over. It's really really over! No more weekly bible study lessons and discussing the things we learned or encouraging each other. No more. None.

Now I'm just a little bit sad.

However, I must admit that one new friend (from the bible study group) and I plan to meet each week. The idea is to do some informal bible study so that we can stay in a routine of being in The Word as well as praying for each other and encourage and challenge each other as needed.

So I suppose I can't be too sad, now can I?

Dance.....Dance.....Dance

Ryan and I have a favorite TV show, it's So You Think You Can Dance. This show was a huge reason why we caved and got cable late last year (we missed it last year because we don't get Fox without cable). So you may imagine our anticipation and excitement now that the show has begun its latest season! Thursday night was the big kick off and we were not disappointed. At all!

The episode that aired this past week had everything we were longing for. You know.....the good, the bad and the embarrassingly terrible. We love the great dancers as well as the ones that think they are. Ryan and I are not experts in dancing by any means, but for some reason we just enjoy watching the show. However, even though we can't dance, that doesn't mean that we don't try a few moves that we see on the show! (no injuries to report. yet.) They really should post the disclaimer 'do not try this at home'.

Here is a clip of my favorite dancer of the night. I was blown away by his ability and the craziness of his style. It is people like him that make this show worth tuning in to.



I loved loved loved this guys performance! I look forward to seeing how he does in other dance genres. He's totally got street dancing (or whatever it's called!) down, but it will be interesting to see if he is able to do other things. He's one I'll be keeping track of when the show moves past the auditions.

Yep, I Did It Again

I couldn't help myself. I just couldn't. I had to change my template, again. The main reason being because my navigation bar (at the top) was missing with the previous template and it just bugged me to not have its convenience when writing a new post or tweaking things in the sidebar. SoOoOoOoOo, I went looking for yet another template. And it had to be free ('cause I'm just cheap like that).

When searching, I went here and found lots and lots of templates that were just amazing. When I saw the first one, I knew that I'd find one I liked. And I did. This one! Isn't it pretty??! I love the texture of the background. I think that is what sold me on the templates. That, and this one had just the right touch of red to set it off, but you already knew that I'm a sucker for red!

So if you're in the market to freshen up your blog template, go check out Leelou Blogs! But don't forget to come back and tell me so I can see your new look!

That's My Boy!

Lately Caleb has been, well, a little punk. He is 5 and a half and does things that make me wonder where my sweet little baby boy went. I suppose it's no big deal, he's just being a boy. But that doesn't make me feel any better about the passage of time that is making my little boy into a bigger boy and one day a man (gasp!).

Caleb likes to watch superheros and no longer likes Bob the Builder. He'd rather play with his transformers than with Thomas the Train. And he'd much rather wipe off my kisses and throw them away than give me one of his own.

But then there are times that I see a glimpse of the sweetness that is still inside.

The other day I leaned over and gave him a little kiss, and with a sweet smile he looked at me and said I'm gonna keep that one.

He may be a punk, but he's my sweet little punk!

Busy Birthday Weekend

Mae had her 7th birthday on Sunday. Yes, my first baby is S-E-V-E-N!!!! Unbelievable! To kick off the celebrating, Mae had a friend stay the night on Friday night. Her friend Daisy came over late that afternoon, just in time to join us at the pool (actually, I was hoping that would help tire them out so they'd sleep good that night. nice try mama!). After swimming, we all walked down the street for pizza then it was back home for a movie night (that nights feature was Alvin and The Chipmunks - Mae's choice of course). I stayed up late making homemade cinnamon rolls for the morning. Both girls were out by 11:00. Not bad. However I began to hear them by 5:30 the next morning.

The cinnamon rolls were eaten and enjoyed Saturday morning. Then it was time to pretty up some girly hair! One can not get a pedicure without being presentable, right? I busted out the curling iron and went to work. Mae has sOoOoOoOoOoOo much hair for one that young! I think it took me a good half hour to do the job. Daisy, on the other hand, she has thin hair so it only took me, like, 10 minutes. After that it was off to the pedicure place! This was Mae's first time and I think she enjoyed it. Of course this now means that she will want to accompany me every time I get a pedicure. Good thing it is only something I do on occasion.

pretty girl with pretty (thick!) hair

sittin' in the easy chair!

Pretty toes, complete!

The rest of Saturday was spent recouping from the night (and morning) before. Although I did not get a nap. Mae was able to enjoy opening a gift or two that came in the mail that day, so it wasn't a total loss of an afternoon. *big grin*

Sunday was the day! Mae was very excited about being 7. But I kept telling her that she wouldn't be 7 until 1:44 that afternoon (the time of day she was born). She's a smart girl, that one. She didn't want to believe me that she would have to wait until that time, and I didn't think she really would, until she got super-excited once 1:44 had come and past! Whoops, I'll try not to do that next year.

After church it was up to Mae if she wanted to go to the beach or to the community pool. She opted for the pool. Good choice considering it was a mighty hot day. So we enjoyed the coolness of the pool for a couple hours then came home to rest. After dinner she opened a couple more presents then blew out the candles on her cake.

blowing out the candles on birthday cake #7
-don't look at the cake too closely, Ace of Cakes I am not!-

Mae says it was her best birthday yet, but can't wait to turn 8!

I can. I can totally wait. I'm not sure if I'm completely rested up from the weekends sleepover let alone think of next years birthday events!

**maybe next year I'll be on my game and do a birth story post. Too late now, sorry!

Oh Yeah, That's Why!

Last week, while at Costco, I picked up a box of Honey Nut Cheerios. Now it had been quite a while since I had bought that kind of cereal. Why, I couldn't remember. It didn't take long for it to all come rushing back to me....

1. I don't like to eat Honey Nut Cheerios. I've reached my intake limit. For life. Seriously, I could live out the rest of my life never again partaking another bowl of the stuff. I'm done I tell ya. Done!

2. The cheerios get all over the floor and they either stick to my feet or get crunched when stepped on.

3. Because they are on the floor, ants like to make trails all over the house in efforts to take them back to their home. I'm not fond of finding little snaking black lines of ants anywhere, let alone in my house.Costco will you please give us some more options in the cereal department? I would like a little more variety. Thank you!

It's a Love-Hate Thing

For my birthday my mother sent me a recipe book that I had asked for. I can't believe I wanted it. I don't like cooking and try to avoid it whenever possible. But this cookbook planned out meals for a whole year, sort of. It has four meals a week for 12 months, one of which is most always a crock pot recipe. The clincher, for me, was the shopping list that it comes with. What can be easier than have meals planned out AND a shopping list to go with it??! So I said I wanted it and my mother obliged me (thank you Mom!).

I must admit that I love this recipe book and have often told family and friends about it. The recipes are easy and most of time quick to prepare. I've only come across a few that I've refused to make, because I knew that Ryan would not like it (he doesn't care for meatloaf so why bother making it and seek his approval?!). Then there have been a couple that I've made and then crossed off the list so as to never make again. But so far the book is loaded with great NEW recipes that my family really likes.

The other night I came across a recipe for a roast and then was surprised to find that the next day called for the use of the leftovers! The past two nights we enjoyed both of the new-to-us meals, and I thought I'd share them with you (for those who crave good, easy, and quick meals)

Roast

2 lbs roast
1 onion
3 bay leaves
salt and pepper
1 cup water

Place ingredients in a crock pot and bake on low for 6-8 hours (or for me, I put it all in at 2:00 then cooked on high for 4 hours). You can add potatoes and carrots half way though.

Barbecue Beef

2 cups ketchup (Mae used to call it chup-chup! hahaha)
2 cups water
salt and pepper to taste
1 tsp dry mustard (prepared mustard can be used)
4 tsp chili powder
6 Tbsp brown sugar
2-3 cups cooked roast, cut in small pieces

Mix all ingredients together in a pot, cover loosely and cook until sauce thickens. You can also add sugar until sweetened to your taste. Then add your cut up roast beef.

Super-limited Knowledge

I had a conversation with my son who is lately obsessed with superheros. It started when he informed me who Spiderman is. He told me it's really Peter Parker. Then we began questioning each other on superhero identities. Here is our conversation;

Me: Do you know who Batman is?

Caleb: No.

Me: Bruce Wayne. Do you know who Superman is?

Caleb: No.

Me: Clark Kent. Do you know who Iron Man is?

Caleb: No.

Me: Tony Stark.

Caleb: (getting a little tired of my asking the questions) Do you know who Wonderwoman is?

Me: Yeah. Linda Carter!

It's Park Day!!!

Today is Thursday!

The kids are up, dressed and fed.
I've showered and made myself pretty (as much as is possible for me).
I've made lunches and I'm all packed and ready to go!
Go where? To the park of course!

Goodbye, I'm going out to play......

To Buy or Not to Buy, That is the Question

A couple weekends ago I sold some things in a garage sale, then last week I sold a few more on Craigslist. Now I have a nice little growing sum of money. I have an idea of what I would like to spend my little wad of moolah on. It's this!


Doesn't' that look like fun? I know my kids would love it, not to mention myself! Just think, I could use it as a part of my exercise regimen. Ok, so I don't currently have a 'regimen', but I could if I had a trampoline!

I mentioned my brilliant idea (the trampoline, not the regimen) to Ryan the other night and I was surprised to not get his approval. He has valid concerns that I completely agree with. Like what insane, unwise things that our crazy son would try while on the trampoline. Not to mention the accidents that could occur during even the non-insane moments.

*sigh* What's a girl to do? What are your thoughts? Do you think it's safe? Would we be courting certain disaster if we bought one?

We have not decided against it, yet. We're still in the 'thinking about it' phase. But if we don't get one, I wonder what else I may get instead. Any ideas??

For now I will continue to sell my crap stuff on Craigslist and add to my little stash-0-cash!

April Movie Review

We didn't see many movies this past month. In fact, as you can see, we only saw 3! That's just crazy compared to the 9 we watched the month before. Oh well.

This is what we did watch:

1. Howards End - This movie wasn't exactly what I thought it was going to be. I thought I remembered hearing someone say something not good about it back when it was released. Maybe they said it was boring? Well, whatever it was that I heard turned out to be wrong (in my opinion). I enjoyed the movie. I like a little mystery with good character development. Anthony Hopkins is an actor I enjoy, and he did not disappoint.

2. Dan in Real Life - I must admit that I was apprehensive about seeing this. Steve Carell is one of those actors that makes me nervous. By that I mean that he is funny and can be enjoyable to watch but I never know if he is going to be offensive or not. But Ryan had seen this movie on one of his long flights and since he enjoyed it then I wanted to see it too! And I really like it. Although, Ryan skipped over one scene (some family conversation in the laundry room). I was curious as to what I missed, but I never asked Ryan what it was. What's the point in skipping a scene that was offensive in some way if I ask about it later? So I left it alone. Anyway, the movie was good and I would recommend it!

3. End of the Spear - This was about the missionaries that went to the Amazon to tell the Waodani indians about Christ and were then murdered by them. Actually, it was more about the son (Steve Saint) of one of the missionaries as well as the leader of the tribe who killed the boys father. It was an amazing movie! I love the story of forgiveness and seeing it play out and how this humanly tragic event was used by God to draw this people group to him. I was also struck by God's love. John 3:16 says 'For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.' God so loved these murderous, evil people that he made a very distinct point to make sure they heard about Him and to have the opportunity to be forgiven and enter into a relationship with him, to spend eternity with him. I am awe struck. God is so amazing and unpredictable in his ways. I'm out of words of expression. What more can I say? God is great! See this movie!

Substitution

I was signed up to bring the treats for our home group (bible study) last night. Since I only had one child yesterday (for a bit anyway), I made my way to the store and got what I needed to make a yummy fruit dip as well as some grapes and delish strawberries to go with it. I already had a box of brownie mix at home, so that's all I needed at the store. However, when I went to mix up the brownies I discovered that I did not have any vegetable oil.

Hmmm, whatever shall I do?? Typically when in silly cooking situations like this I call my mother. But she's out of town! I did the next best thing. I called my sister in law. My brother is always raving about what an awesome cook Carrie is, so it only makes sense to call her. So, call her I did.

Carrie suggested substituting the vegetable oil for olive oil. Hmm. Really? It won't taste weird? What does the oil do for the brownies anyway?

I didn't have many other options (none to be exact) so I used the olive oil, albeit a little less than what was called for (I was still apprehensive). The brownies turned out just fine and I couldn't detect anything strange about them, and people ate them. I ate them too, and seeing how I ate 'more than I should' I suppose that the olive oil passed the test.

So, here's my question: what does oil do in these recipes? Are there other things that could be used for substitution? Butter maybe? I know that applesauce could be used (Carrie told me that too, but I was fresh out) but again, what does that do in for the recipe?

I'm a cooking idiot, can you tell?

**Thank you Carrie for your advice!!!

Stinkin' Pink Eye!

Today is the day that I've looked forward to all week. Remember last week?, the new friends, the park, the happy kids?? Poor Isabel has unknowingly thwarted our happy park plans. She came down with pink eye yesterday. You know what I'm thinking......PHOOEY! That's right. I said phooey, and I mean phooey! Phooey.

Phooey on pink eye. Phooey on no park. And phooey on no fun times with new friends. Just plain ol' stinkin' phooey.

That's all I have to say 'bout that.

**but one of my new friends has offered to take Caleb to the park with them! At least one member of this family can enjoy the park and friends. For that I am thankful. Today isn't such a loss after all!

So Much For the Opposable Thumb

Mae has lost another tooth, but this time she lost it in a very unconventional way.....

This tooth of Mae's has been wiggling it's way out for about six months now, and by the latter part of last week it was getting to the 'ewe, would you just pull that thing' phase as it was hanging quite precariously in its half-twisted way. Up to this point, Mae has pulled her own teeth (thank you very much. seriously, thank you Mae!) but this time she asked her dad if he would tie a string to it and close the door. I must mention that this method was tried on her first tooth but it never worked, so both Ryan and I didn't think it would actually happen, but she asked again anyway and Ryan obliged her.

Ryan pulled out the dental floss (about two yards of it, that should be sufficient, yes?) and tried to tie it around the loose tooth. After several attempts, Ryan finally was able to get the floss secured to the tooth. And he did a good job too! In fact, he did such a good job that when Mae decided she didn't want to go that route, the floss would not come off!

I came into the room at this point, with the video camera, only to find Mae freaking out and crying because the floss was tied tight and there was no removing it with the tooth intact. I gently looked at it and decided I would cut the floss as close to the knot as possible. However, I had no sooner turned my back on my crying child to get the scissors, then I heard laughing.

Laughing? But she was in the pit of despair, like two seconds ago!

When I had turned my back, Mae was on her way down the pit and was leaning/falling backwards in her despair, when the loose end of the floss got caught on her foot. When there was no more slack left in the floss the tooth came out! And presto change-o Mae went from misery to a gleefully happy girl!

So much for the tie-the-string-close-the-door trick! Maybe next time.

What Goes Around Comes Around

When I was growing up I often heard my dad jokingly say to me 'You can't date until you're married'. I'd either give him a little laugh, or if I was in my teen years, my typical reply would have been a roll of my eyes (sorry Dad!). Now that I have kids of my own, it's my turn to pass along the age-old phrase.

The other night Mae was telling us about a boy in her class who had invited her to his birthday party.

Mae: Matthew has been acting weird lately like sitting by me and stuff, like he likes me.

Me: (not wanting her to get freaked out -or myself- and not wanting to make a big deal of it, I said) Well, you can't date until you're married.

Mae: (with a deep sigh) I know, I know.

Oh good! Disaster averted......but did I detect an eye roll there?!

Housecleaning Hurts!

Seriously. I have a blister on my hand to prove it! How can this happen? I only vacuumed the entire house (taking me approximately 45 minutes). That shouldn't result in a blister, should it??!

But on the bright side, I found my missing pair of earrings!

Score: Housecleaning-1, Me-1

I Love Thursdays!!!

All week I've been looking forward to today. No, it's not because Lost returns tonight (although that does carry it's fair share of anticipation)! Today is when my kids and I get to gather at a park with new friends!

A week or so ago, a small group of moms from Caleb’s preschool class decided to get together every Thursday at a park. We get there shortly before lunch and stay until almost nap time or when we need to be home for our school age children to return. I love it! We are all in a similar stage of life with kids the same ages and genders. It’s great to finally have some friends that I can connect with. Who knew that these lovely ladies were in my ‘garden’ all this time? God is so good to bless me with these new friendships!

Actually, I should also be thanking God for my son. Caleb is the outgoing, happy guy in his class and everyone seems to be his friend. I wish I was as outgoing as he is! Maybe I would have made friends sooner? But the Lord is sovereign and is providing me with friendships in His own time…..and thankfully that time has come!!!

So with that I say Hallelujah, it’s Thursday!!!!

Sues!

In a previous post this week, I mentioned that I was in the market for a new pair of shoes, and then in yet another post with subsequent comments, it was brought to light that Ryan has a cool pair of 'sues' too. So I have two reasons for this post today.

Number one is to announce that I did not purchase the shoes/sandals that I said I was going to. After spotting said sandals, I went to my local REI to buy them only to find out that they don't actually carry that brand in their stores. I could only purchase them online.

Bummer, I wanted to try them on first!

Well, as I was waiting to be helped, I did what any self-respecting woman would do in my situation, I looked at the shoes they had on display. I even slipped one on. When I did I thought 'these are comfy'. But I promptly took it off and put it back. After all, those shoes were not why I was there, I had come for another. After returning home I kept thinking about the shoe I slipped on. So I went back to the store. But this time there were way more customers than there were sales people and I had my three kids with me. Not a good combination. I did manage to get two pairs to try on but they were not the right size and I could see that getting another round of help was not in my future. So I left. Later, after much thinking and many views of both shoes online (many, many, many views to be more precise) I decided to purchase the shoes I tried on in the store. So I returned this afternoon and bought them. Although they are not red as I was looking forward to, they are a cool burnt orange. And that makes me happy!

The second thing on my agenda for this post was to show you (mainly Jenn) Ryan's 'pimmy sues'. Now, before I show you the picture (but you looked already, didn't you? I know you did!) I wanted to set this up. These shoes of Ryan's aren't what would typically be refered to as 'pimpy'. They're just, what we think, are cool shoes. But because we are probably more nerdy than cool, we call them pimpy. That's all. Just snazzy shoes with the wrong name by the wrong people. But they are pretty cool, really!

So without further ado, here are our shoes........


Aren't we just the epitome of being wicked sic gansta yo?! (wait, don't answer that!)

Isabel's Words

Isabel is really taking off with talking. She says new words all the time. Of course this is another fun stage to be in. Ryan and I love it when the kids say new things and when they say them in ways that are not quite correct. Cute stuff! That's all I gotta say.

Here is a ever-growing list of words that Isabel says (and the meanings):

Bow - Isabel
Cae-Lah (and later) Kah-Lah - Caleb
Cam-ma - Grandma
Cam-ma - Grandpa
beekee bug - lady bug (my personal favorite)

gug - hug

kick - kiss (who doesn't need a good kick every once in a while?)
c-d-d - dvd
fwhy - flower
drink - orange (color or the fruit)
drink fwhy - orange flower (of course!)
duice - juice
watey - water
gock - sock
meee - please
cyco - motorcycle
cyco-mama - look mama, a motorcycle! (gee, thanks Isabel.)
sue - shoe
pimmy sue - pimpy shoe
tootie - turtle (what did you think it meant?)
liney - lion
may-mo - rainbow
pidey - spider
I did-ee - I did it!
dinney - dinner
gway - yogurt (isn't that what Miss Muffet ate....curds and gway?)
what-choo - bless you

A Perfect Weekend

My mom returned home yesterday (sniff sniff). I miss her already, but at least I have some good memories and great pictures to remember the time we had while she was here.

Friday we went to a flower plantation to see the beautiful display and gardens. This was the perfect place to visit with my mother. Caleb was not with us for this excursion as he was at a birthday party for one of his friends. So it was just us girls who walked the gardens, found our way through a flower maze with Mae as our leader, enjoyed a wagon tour of the flowers out in the fields and took lots of memorable pictures.

Then on Saturday we took Mom to the beach. It was on her list of things to do while she was here on her visit. So we could not disappoint her, that would not do! As there were no complaints about going to the beach, we all got back into the truck for an afternoon of sun, sand, and ocean! Mom brought her camera and took some pictures of our outing. I'm glad she did too, she took some good shots! (thanks Mom!) When we got back home I plugged her flash card into the computer and snaked some good shots and copied them onto ours! (thanks again Mom!)

I enjoyed having my mother here at my house, I always do. My only hope is that she won't mind coming again (even if that means enduring the long road trip to get here, but hey, that's what airplanes are for...right?!).

**The slide show also includes a few pictures of when the kids and I were in Modesto last week. I had to squeeze them in too because I, well, just had to! (big grin)

My Next Pair of Sandals......

Aren't they cute??! I haven't bought them. Yet. But like the Proverbs 31 woman, I am 'considering' them. I know, I know, buying a pair of shoes can't quite be compared to purchasing a field, but my point is that I'm not being impulsive. I'm going to think about it and hopefully in the end make a wise choice and spend my money well.

I've been looking for a new pair of sandals and these have many things going for them. For instance, I like that they are leather, and RED, have a rubber sole (easy on feet when being on them all day!), as well as being easy to take on and off, and I think they will go well with both shorts/capris and jeans. I found them on REI's website and they have them in red and brown, but come on, how fun is brown when they can be had in RED?!

Like I said, I haven't bought them, yet. Maybe if I save up my Craigslist money and do well with selling stuff in an upcoming garage sale.......then I'll get them! What do you think? Are they me?

Home. Alive. Barely.

The kids and I returned home today. This time my mother joined us for the journey home. It was great to have her help on the long drive (thanks Mom, you're the bestest!).

The first thing I can say about being home is; I'm soooo very glad to be home after that long drive. The second is this; Ryan had better be thankful he still has three kids (they almost didn't make it!). I'll tell you what, those kids sure know when they've had it with being on the road. The only difference between me and them at that point is that I have a smidge more self control. But that's is, just a smidge.

The ride up to Modesto did not go this poorly. In fact it's almost like I had a whole different set of kids with me. What happened?? Actually, I think I know. On the way up everyone is excited about going to Grandma's house and doing all the things we've been talking about doing when we get there. Going back home is no fun. Nothing fun ever happens at home (even if Grandma is along for the ride, apparently).

Trips like this make me pause when thinking of making this trip by myself again. But aside from the last hour and a half of the trip with all the behavior that gave new meaning to the word perseverance, our Spring break trip was great. I enjoyed seeing good friends and spending time with family I don't see that often. The Lord is good to bless us with the opportunity to live closer to family, and for that I am so very thankful.

As for the remainder of the Spring break we will be entertaining my mother with a field trip to see a plantation of blooming flowers and a day at the beach. And I've only got two days left to do it! I will now banish all thoughts of today's road trip and focus on the remaining time with my mother. But if I ever mention doing another solo road trip with the kids again.....will someone please shoot me?

Oh the Wells Fargo Wagon Is 'a Comin' Down the Street.....

The mail man has been busy making deliveries to my door this past week. Last Thursday I got this:



Did I really order that?

Nope, I didn't. I won it! Remember when I was a part of the Ultimate Blog Party last month? Well, they had about 100 'door prizes' and I won one! One of the things on my list of 'would like to have if I won' was a personalized lunch box. At first I was thinking 'oh great who am I going to let have it? Mae or Caleb?', but Ryan said they were kinda girly, so I let Mae have her pick (you can go here to find them and other neat things). And surprisingly, Caleb hasn't said one little peep about 'why didn't I get one?!'. Good call Ryan - thank you!!! I think it's cute, and Mae is happy with it. Besides, I can't complain....it was free!

So, anyway, that was delivery number one. The other delivery I received came last Saturday. Remember last week when I posted about the necklace I purchased on Etsy? Well it's here and I love it! I think I will change out the chain for a thinner more delicate one and make it a bit shorter too, but I am quite pleased with it! Sorry, I don't have any new pictures, but it really does look like the one I posted earlier. The lady did a very nice job of making it and even shortened it for me when I asked (I could have had it made shorter, but I was afraid it would be too short, but this gives me the opportunity to do it myself). If you like the necklace or would like to see other things she has made you can check out her Etsy store here.

I had another package come the other day, but I can't say what it was because it's a birthday gift for my mother (and she reads my blog....hi Mom!). I am so happy to be able to hand deliver her gift in just a couple days! The kids and I are driving up to see our family during Mae's and Caleb's Spring Break. So if you don't hear much from me over the next week that's why (not that I do a smashing job at posting with any regularity).

So there you have it! Three deliveries from my friendly neighborhood postal worker!

**Just as a bonus....the title of my post comes from a movie, can anyone guess which one? And as a double bonus can you name the actor who delivered it?

March Movie Review

Here's the list from last months movie queue!

1. Becoming Jane - First off I gotta say that I loved this movie! It is a biography of Jane Austen. Anne Hathaway played Jane and I thought she did a good job. To be honest I wasn't expecting much when I learned she was playing the part, no reason why, I just didn't think it would work well, but I was wrong. Before watching the movie I had no idea of what Jane's life was like or what happened. So the ending was a little shocking and sad. I totally recommend this movie!

2. Nicholas Nickleby - A movie adaptation of Charles Dickens book of the same name. I didn't care too much for it. I've seen other made-into-movie books of his and liked them immensely (Oliver Twist and Bleak House, to name a couple) but this movie is the exception to that rule. The guy who played Nickleby was too modern looking and just seemed too Hollywood Pretty Boy to me. Hathaway was in this movie too, but her performance was much better than his. The story was good but the acting wasn't, which is too bad. If BBC can get their hands on it then maybe it'll be something worth watching.

3. Meet the Robinsons - A family movie night flick, and a great one! I could see myself watching it over and over (kind of like Cars!). I laughed and enjoyed the characters and storyline. I highly recommend!

4. Wild Hogs - Not good. At all. Oh there were a few funny parts, but some of the humor was off-color and not appreciated. The story was not exactly what I thought it was and the acting, for the caliber of actors that were in the film.....not good either. I do not recommend this to anyone. Ever.

5. I Am legend - Not a bad movie, actually a bit better than I anticipated. If you like tension filled thrilles (is there another kind?) then you'll like this one. But don't be surprised by the bit of gore and smidge of violence (that part I don't care for, just let the record show).

6. Enchanted - Love, love, loved it! It was cute and funny and just plain made me laugh! Ok, so it was a bit on the cutsie side, but I don't care....I loved it!

7. My Brilliant Career - I didn't know it, but this movie was based on the autobiographical novel of the same name (author was Miles Franklin - amazing what one can discover via Wikipedia, isn't it?!). This was an Australian film and done some years ago, 1979 to be exact. I enjoyed it, even though I thought it was just a story until the end when it gave a little update on the happenings of the character. In some ways it was not unlike Becoming Jane in the way the writer grew through older teen years and how love effected her life. I liked the movie and don't mind recommending it.

8. Rendition - Another tension filled movie. Does the US really allow 'rendition' as legal?? Scary to think that it is truth. This movie was not based on a true story, however it is disturbing to know that it's probably not too far off base.

9. Michael Clayton - Again, not my type of movie, but it wasn't too bad. It did have it's fill of language that I thought unnecessary (which, for me, always is). The story line was interesting and the way it was drawn out was done well, the acting was pretty good too (and I'm not much of a Clooney fan, he always seems to me to be trying not to smile or laugh, but not so here). Overall I'd say it was ok, but I wouldn't recommend it.

My favorite movie of the month is a toss up between Becoming Jane and Enchanted. Maybe I'll go with 'Jane'? And that would only be because it was based on the life of Jane Austen. But then again....I did really enjoy Enchanted. Ahhh! I don't know! You watch 'em and let me know what you think.