Done!

Your looking at the cookies I made for the cookie exchange.  All 102 of them.  Turns out that I didn't have to make 240 cookies after all since some ladies backed out of the exchange as well as others opted to make only 1/2 dozens instead of full dozens.  So, my final count went down to 126 (including two dozen to be eaten at the party).  I'm looking forward to the party, but I am so very glad to have the cookie making part over with.  Whew!

It's been a busy week.  Including the cookies, I also made two batches of carmel corn and two batches of chocolate pancake mix.  Those batches of holiday goodness equated to 12 small personal gifts and one large container of carmel corn (for Ryan's co-workers and the larger one for Mae's teacher).  The pancake mix made four large containers full of mix for the other kids teachers and a couple of my friends.  

Being a perpetual procrastinator, I am very proud of myself for breaking my pattern this week.  I worked on one project each day, instead of the typical rush at the end of the week to get it all done in one night.  There was only one point in the week when I got stressed, and that was when I had to make an appetizer/side dish for our couples bible study gathering, which meant I had to cut 15 roma tomatoes in half and core them and make a stuffing mix and, well, stuff them.  I was trying to make just a few more dozen cookies while starting my side dish.  But other than that, my week was pretty stress-free considering all the things that needed to be done.

Needless to say, my kitchen has seen a lot of me this week.  I think we need to start seeing other people, you know, take a break for a little while.

Brought To You By The Letter F

Isabel is learning to read and part of that process is recognizing letters.  The other day she and I were playing a game while we drove around town running errands.  A letter would be chosen, then we'd each say a word that began with that letter.  It was an impromptu game that I thought worked out rather well for my homeschooled kindergartener.  Although, it didn't take too long for me to see that we still have some work to do!

Isabel - Let's do letter F!

Me - Alright.

Isabel - Fan!

Me - Finger.

Isabel - Fumb!

Big Week

I don't have a whole terrible lot going on this week, but it will still be a busy one.  Mainly because of the cookie exchange I'm going to on Saturday.  Did I mention that I have to make TWO HUNDRED AND FOUR cookies??!?!?  And let's not forget the teacher gifts I've decided to make this year (chocolate pancake/waffle mix!).  Oh, and also there's the 12 gifts of carmel corn that I'll be making for Ryan to give to his coworkers also.  That's all.  No biggie.

Yeah, right!  Did you read the part about the TWO HUNDRED cookies??

But I refuse to freak out and be stressed.  I'll save that for Friday night, when I'm literally hours away from having to need those cookies!

I did knock one thing off my baking list yesterday.  The teacher gifts.  I'm so excited about them!  I hope the teachers like them as much as I do.  How could they not?  Just look at how well they turned out!

Three gifts down and 12 packages of carmel corn and two hundred cookies left to go!

Moments That Make Me Smile

There are many moments that make a day.  Some make me smile or laugh and others, well, not so much.  It's those pesky latter moments that make me want to throw up the white flag and surrender.  But it's the sweet ones that cause me to pause, smile and keep holding on to make it through one more day.

Today one of those moments happened.  The ones that make you stop and take note of the good and fun times.  The kind that make you push aside any grievance one may have about rearing children.    The sort that make you want to choose the good that the Lord has in your day instead of dwelling on the mundane or tedious.

I was sitting in the living room as Isabel came galloping down the hall and came to a stop right beside me.  In a whisper, she said "I'm trying to fly!", and then was off again.  I watched her as she took off at a run back down the hallway to her room, and just as she came to her room she leaped into the air.  And for just a moment she had lift off!  Instead of calling after her to tell her to not run in the house, I did something different.  I giggled.  I thought of what Isabel must be thinking as she flew down the hall in hopes of true flight, and I decided to enjoy the moment and to smile instead.  Besides, it never hurt to let the child fly, now did it?  And it didn't hurt me either, as I let her imagination soar interrupted by commands of mothering.

Sometimes it's just good to sit back and let life do a little fly by.

Keeps Me Laughing (and on my toes!)

Isabel.  She's may be five, but she's still saying cute and funny things.

"Only cats get hair bombs."

"What you call cheese that's not yours?  Notcho' cheese!"

When at the zoo, she saw "pokeypines" and "gir-a$s".

What does this imaginative girl want for Christmas??  A jet pack.  Well, I'll just go down to The Jet Pack Store and get one.  Easy peasy!

Gift Idea

Every year it seems that while I'm busy getting gifts together for family and gathering my thoughts about where we're going to spend our time celebrating, I forget about the kids' teachers.  Last year I happened upon some cute little container-type ornaments at Ikea, and even though it was October and Christmas was two months away, I snatched some ornaments and was ready to fill them with holiday candy and give them to the teachers.

But that was last year.

However, this year I found this idea.  It's a chocolate pancake and waffle mix that the kids and I can mix ahead (minus the wet ingredients, of course) and fill in cute air-tight containers.  I plan to make festive holiday labels for the instructions to be placed on the containers as well.  I think it's going to be a great teacher gift this year.  I can't wait to get started!

Speaking Of Cookies....

I found this video and just had to share!  Enjoy!

Christmas Cookies

It's that time of year, time to bust out my awesome Kitchen Aid mixer and cookie sheets!

Every year I make snickerdoodles at Christmas time.  It's a tradition, I suppose.  And Christmas just wouldn't be the same if there weren't any snickerdoodles.  I've always liked the light sugar cookie texture they have, and coupled with the cinnamon and sugar that the cookie was rolled in before baking gives it the perfect touch of sweetness.  I always like my snickerdoodles to be soft, so I bake them just long enough to cook through then I whip them out of the oven so they don't dry out.  My dad, on the other hand, likes the cookies to be crunchy, so I usually do at least one cookie sheet just for him - crunchy.

Last year I stumbled upon a recipe for pumpkin-oatmeal raisin cookies.  I found it in a magazine and it was boasting that the it was a more 'healthy' cookie, though I don't recall why (it has a cup of sugar AND a cup of brown sugar!).  Maybe it's the oatmeal?  Anyway, I didn't buy the magazine but found the recipe online after doing a search.  It a light cookie (not rich or too pumpkin-y) but after making one batch I decided to add a teaspoon of cloves to give it a little more flavor, which totally worked and now is more of a holiday cookie than it was before.  I finish off the cookie with a light smash with a sugar-coasted fork (kind of like one would do to a peanut butter cookie).

My mother usually makes persimmon cookies at Christmas.  She adds golden raisins to her recipe, as well as a nice little swath of vanilla frosting on top.  With the frosting, they are perfect Christmas cookies!

Next week I will need to bring about three dozen cookies to a moms function at church and I can think of no other cookie to take than my fabulously delicious Christmasy cookie.  Then later this month I am planning to go to a cookie exchange and I'll need to take several dozen cookies, like, I'm talking A LOT of cookies, not just a few dozen.  So I'm not sure if I want to take my snickerdoodles, they take too much time to make into balls then roll in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, then bake.  So I'm not exactly sure if I'll go with the pumpkin or persimmon cookies.

Do you have a Christmas cookie that you make every year?  A tried and true recipe you'd like to share??

It's So Fluffy I Could Die!

I pulled out the artificial tree the other day, and now it's all assembled and lit!  Now all that needs to be done is to fluff out the branches so it doesn't look like the tree has been crammed into a box for the last 11 months.  And since Mae is home 'sick' today (really, she is sick, but it's amazing how quickly she recovers after I get home from taking Caleb to school.  ok, so it's not that quick, but she is feeling better and its too late in the school day to take her to school) so I'm putting her to work on fluffing the tree.  She doesn't seem to be getting the point.  I showed her this clip from Despicable Me to give her inspiration.



I want to walk into the room, look at the tree and say "IT'S SO FLUFFY!!!"  Is that asking too much?

Heebie Geebies

Is anyone else creeped out by this commercial??



Frankly, it does not make me want to go out and buy any.  In fact, it has the opposite effect.  I'm thinking the ad department went in the wrooooong direction on this one.

Ewe.

Oh No She Didn't!

**warning, some content may be considered harsh, untrue, and at times, vulgar.  descriptions and verbatim comments told here are NOT the views of this author and should not be considered as such.  read at your own discretion.

Mae is clearly not my child.  And if she is (which is highly doubtful after what she has said) then I disown her here and now.

The other day, the kids and I were making Christmas ornaments and even though it was just days before Thanksgiving, I thought it was appropriate to put on some Christmas music.  I opted for my very favorite, When My Heart Finds Christmas by the one and only Harry Connick Jr.  We decorated and talked all while listening to Harry C and his orchestra belt out some of my favorite holiday tunes.  We even sang along.

*stop reading at this point if you are of weak constitution

Later, Mae was looking at the cd case and commented on Harry's picture.  She then asked me (brace yourself, Harry fans!) if I thought he was strange looking. Of course I said HECK NO!!!  Mae disagreed and even went as far as to say that (prepare yourself!) he was kinda weird and (gasp!) freaky looking.

How can Mae, a child whom of which I brought forth into this world and given such love and care, say such things?

Where did I go wrong?

How could I have made such error in her upbringing?

Answer:  She's not mine.  Another sweet, pretty baby must have been switched at the hospital!  I can think of no other reason.

Night Out

Tonight I finally had a date with my husband.  It's been over four months since we last got out for an evening.  That's too long, in my opinion.  Life gets busy with small events here and there, then couple that with sitters that have busy lives themselves and that's how you go four months with no date night.

So, needless to say, we had a nice time out.  The evening was simple.  Just dinner and a movie (with thanks to a gift certificate that we got for our anniversary....four months ago!).

I only hope it doesn't take another four months to go out again.  Who knows, there could be a Christmas miracle for us next month!

Thanksgiving

We prepared food.

We ate food.

Then we had pie.

All with some family and friends.

Yep, it twas a great day.  

My favorite part may have been this morning when Isabel said "It's Gis-giving!".  I'm thankful for the cute little things that little girl says.

The Calm Before The Storm

This is my range.

Of which I just finished cleaning.

The day before Thanksgiving.

Which, also, will be the commencement of all kinds of spills and messy carnage that will occur on top and all around (and inside all kinds of nooks and crannies).

I don't know why I bother cleaning it.  For no one will see it in this state of cleanliness.  Except for you, my most loyal of blog follower(s).  But it gives us a great starting point for tomorrow!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!  May you eat, fellowship and give thanks to The One who blessed you with it all!

One Day Left

....to shop for Thanksgiving, that is.

I've got my shopping list together.  And Ryan has already purchased the turkey.  But I have, like, 50 other things yet to buy.  And only one more day to tackle it.

*sigh*

I hope that I'm not too late and that the shelves are still stocked with the things I'll need.  

A Rigid Search Has Ended

Yep, I did it.  I bought me some pretty red ruffley shoes!!!!

If you recall, the other day I found these perfectly priced pretties but couldn't decide if I should a) get them in size 7 and have them be a teensy big.  b) buy the 6 1/2's even though they were an itsy bit small. c) not buy either and keep looking for a pretty pair of red flats.

I went back to the store today and went with option A.  You see, I had a idea.  I can sum it up in one word - inserts.  Yep.  I put in a pair of inserts and now the 7's fit juuuuuust right.

Now I an tap my heels together and say "these red flats make me happy"!

Whoops....

....almost didn't make it today!  Whew, just in time too!

My major accomplishment of the day (aside from slipping this post in under the wire, of course) is I have two people taken care of for Christmas.  If I keep this up, then maybe I'll have extra time to play!

Goldilocks Looks For Red Flats

I've been a hunt for the perfect pair of red ballet shoes.  They can't be just any 'ol pair of red ballet shoes either.  I'm just picky that way I guess.  It all started when a friend showed me these

And that was when the bar was set.  The only problem is that pesky little thing called 'the price tag'.  These little beauties are normally about a hundred bucks.  Which is too much, in my opinion (or is it only because I don't have a hundred dollars to spend on shoes?  Doesn't matter, I'm not buying them. *sigh*)

Then today, I found a pair that might make me mostly forget about the above-mentioned/pictured-shoes.  Some very lovely red ballet flats with a few ruffles.  They kind of look like these

Only, the ones I found were a tad different, they have an extra ruffle.  On me they look like this

As awesome as they are, I didn't buy them.  Not yet anyway.  Normally I wear a size 7, but the 7's felt just a wee big.  And the 6 1/2's felt a teensy bit tight.  So I have a delima - do I buy the 7's and deal with the extra wiggle room?  Or do I get the 6 1/2's and hope they stretch just a bit?

*sigh*  

I just don't know.  Priced at thirty bucks, they're totally right!  But I'm just not sure.  Maybe if they are still there tomorrow, then I'll buy them.  Or....if they aren't there, then I'll know they were the ones!  Isn't that how it is, the one thing you're looking for is always gone?  Especially when it comes to shoe size.

To Be Continued.....

Too Tired

Long day.

Long night.

Must.  go.  to.  bed.

Completed Projects - The Dining Room

Completed?  Well, not exactly.  But it's a whole lot closer than it was when we moved it. So to me, that's progress!

Here it is, the 'completed' dining room.  (please overlook that there are not curtains, or rug, and also the light fixture isn't really our style and one of these days we may, or may not, replace it).  (also overlook that  I do not have a 'before' picture to show off the grand scale with which I have 'completed' the room).

I guess when I really think about what I put into the dining room, it isn't much.  I bought the tablecloth (that brings in the dark brown and turquoise from the living room).  And I bought the mirrors at Ikea and painted one turquoise, then arranged them just so.  So, yeah, there isn't too much there than what I started with.  But when I look over at my living room and see that the two rooms flow together, the dining room gives me a pulled together feel.  And that makes happy.

Preview

It's late and I'm having a difficult time putting words together for a decent post.  I've got one coming tomorrow, I promise.  In the mean time, here's a little sneak peek of what I'm working on.

The Other White Meat

I was digging around in the freezer yesterday and came across a package of pre-cooked ham slices.  I want to use what we've got, but I had no idea how to use the ham slices.  So I went to my trusty ol' computer.  I typed in "ham slices recipe" and among the results was this recipe.  I looked it over and printed it out.

The recipe was super-easy, I couldn't pass it up.  Including the ham, there were only three ingredients; cranberries, honey and cloves.  I must admit, however, that it sounded weird to me.  Honey?  With meat?  But then I thought about honey-cured ham and how tasty that is, so I figured it couldn't be too off-base.

So I whipped us up some Cranberry Ham Slices and served it for dinner.  And the crowd!.....went!.......wild! (insert crowd-pleasing cries here).

Ok, fine, so all I got was a 'this is good' for an accolade.  But I'll take it!

Burden Lifted

I completed a big project today and I feel elated!  A couple months ago we bought a Groupon for two photobooks for ten dollars each from Shutterfly.  I had over two months to upload photos and think about and put together layouts.  But why rush?  I had time.  Which is why I wait until there is, like, two weeks before the cutoff.  Actually, there is very good reason as to why.....

Can you say pro.  cras.  ti.  na.  tor.  ???

Yeah.  That's me.  I must work better under pressure.  Or, I must really really really like stress.  Because I do this to myself all the time.  For all kinds of reasons and occasions.

So, anyway, I just finished putting together the two photobooks.  Whew!  What a load off my mind!  But really, it's not that bad.  The cut off isn't until the 22nd.  So you see, I had time to spare.  Which makes me think that maybe I set a precedent for myself.  I got something done early!  Watch out America, Christmas shopping will be done ahead of schedule this year - by the 23rd, and not a day later.  Ah yeah!

Under The Wire

Dear NaBloPoMo,

I almost forgot about you today.  I'm about to turn in for the night and yet you have this ability to keep me from following through.  Speaking of following through.....this posting every day thing is getting to be a bit much.  Do I have to really have to post every day?  Seriously?  I know, I know, I signed up for it, it's not like you made me do it.  But I thank you for your persistence and keeping me on track for daily posting.  Kind of.

Alright.  That's enough for today.  Adios.  Goodnight.  See you tomorrow.

Regards,
D

Today

Saw a children's musical with the family.

Cleaned the leftovers from the fridge (gotta make room for Thanksgiving!)

Started house-wide laundry.

Vacuumed all the rooms of the house (even the kids rooms because they CLEANED THEIR ROOMS!!)

Went to Saturday night church.

Tucked kiddos in bed.

Folded laundry.

Sat on couch and started watching Notting Hill.

Full day, time for bed.

Completed Projects - The Living Room

One of the rooms that we have finished putting together is the living room.  This is the first house that we've had that has two living spaces.  Well, maybe that's not entirely true.  The rental we were in before this house had two living rooms.  We used our garage-sale-futon to furnish the second room in the rental, but I sold it before we moved, so when we got to this house we had no furniture for the front living room.  I had a rug, old storage chest, and a lamp, but that was pretty much the extent of the furnishings.  Over the months of this past year we have bought a few pieces of furniture for the living room.  And now that I have picked out the curtains for the room, I feel like the room is finally complete.


before

I've never really put a room together before.  But after watching too many HGTV design shows, I feel as though I've received an interior design education, of sorts.  While thinking of this room, I remembered the rules of design that Karen McAloon always talked about on Find Your Style.  Karen would talk with the homeowners about choosing the main color and metal/wood finishes for the room as well as what style to stick with when shopping for furnishings.  I knew what our style was -modern (clean lines, no foo-foo) and we wanted to incorporate dark brown since one of the walls had already been painted a striking shade of chocolate before we bought the house (I'll feature the brown wall later).  The finishes were an easy choice, chrome, since that's what we tend to like.  The only thing left was to choose an accent color.  Turquoise is 'in' these days, and goes well with dark brown, so turquoise it was!

So, after a purchase of a couch, lamp, side table and a few accents of color.....here is our finished room!

After buying three different curtains, I've found the ones I want.  Of course, now that I know what I want, I can only find one curtain and I need two.  Frequent trips to Target are in my future as I continue to check for updated stock.  For now though, my newly put together living room sports only one curtain (with two lovely graphics mums, I might add).

Wrong Number

Dear people who are calling for Kate So-n- So,

She does not live here.  Nor is there anyone at this residence that answers to that name.  We have had this phone number for over a year, and within the last few months we've received a lot of calls for Kate.  Next time you see her, can you please let her know that she's giving out the wrong number?  You may also want to mention that she needs to pay her bills.

Regards,
The Real Occupants of This Phone Number

Gingerbread Cake

First off, let me just say that I made the gingerbread cake last night for a church event that I was attending today. I'd like to say that it turned out well (buttermilk substitute and all).  The piece I had today was good.  But it wasn't mine.  You see, there are lots of ladies that bake for the monthly gathering of moms that we have.  There is a group of ladies that all make the same recipe, then bring it and share with all the ladies that attend the event.  The baking committee is a great way to serve in this large group of ladies.  I love it!   Anyway, the piece of gingerbread cake I had this morning did not come from my own making, but I'm pretty sure mine tasted the same.  At least, I hope so!  I guess I'll know for sure if I'm ever asked to serve in another area.

I made another batch this afternoon because there weren't any leftovers for me to bring home to my family.  I felt bad for them.  It's hard to sit by and watch baking loveliness being made, and smell the delicious aromas that fill the house but not be able to have any.  And it's just plain sad to watch my son scrape crumbs out of the pan so he can have a smidgen of a taste of what used to be.

It's an easy recipe and the outcome was pretty tasty.  I think it's a good addition to any holiday baking as well.  So I'd like to share it with you!  

Gingerbread Cake

1 box (1 lb) dark brown sugar

2 cups flour

1 1/2 sticks butter, cut into small cubes

2 tsp. cinnamon

2 tsp. ground ginger

1 tsp. nutmeg

1 tsp. baking soada

2 eggs, unbeaten

1 cup buttermilk

Place brown sugar and flour into large bowl.  using a knife or pastry blender, cut butter into mixture until moist crumbs form.  Remove 1 cup of this mixture and set aside.

Add the cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and baking soda to the bowl.  Add eggs and mix well.  Lightly stir in buttermilk.

Pour batter into ungreased 9x13 pan, and sprinkle the flour/sugar/butter mixture on top

Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes.

What I Learned Today

Did you know that you can make buttermilk?  Well, I had heard that bit of information before, so maybe I knew it. But I didn't know it enough to be able to use it  for a recipe when I realized I was lacking buttermilk (and it was late, and I didn't want to go to the store to buy some).  So what's a girl to do when she finds herself in such a bind?

Call her mommy, that's what!

But what can that girl do when her mommy isn't home (and her dad has not the information to correctly advise her)?

Google it!

Turns out, buttermilk can be made with one teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice and adding it to a cup of milk.  Let it sit for five minutes and wah-lah, you have buttermilk.

I can go to bed tonight with having learned something.  As well as a fresh baked gingerbread cake filling my house with lovely aromas.  But I don't advise forsaking ones mother for Google.  It's not an adequate substitution.

Completed Projects - The Bookshelf

As I've mentioned before, we've been in our house for a year now.  The house was in move-in condition and nothing 'needed' to be done.  However, we have taken on a few projects.  For instance, there is a built in bookcase in the living room, and Ryan took it upon himself to redo it.  Granted, it wasn't constructed very well.  So we dreamed of what we could do to make it better.  There were ideas of making it just plain, but where's the fun in that?  Then we thought of lining the inside back wall with cool graphic wall paper.  But in the end we decided to stain the back inner wall of the bookcase.  

Ryan took apart the upper bookcase and left the lower cabinets alone.  Then he thought about how best to go about reconstructing the shelves.  After figuring out his plan, we went to work.  Ryan measured and cut all the wood (sometimes more than once), while I painted all the (numerous!!!) pieces of shelving.  After the back stained wall was put into place, Ryan assembled the shelving system.

And wah lah, this is what we got!

A Day Of Rest.....

and so I'm 'resting' today.

From blogging, that is.

Enjoy the respite, for I'll be back tomorrow!

Name That Tune

What do these have in common.....

Row, Row, Row You're Boat


Who Let The Dogs Out?


Fire, Fire, Fire On The Dance Floor

They are all songs that we have heard being belted out by our son.  As he showers.  Pure awesomeness!

She Gave What She Could

Mae.  My nine year old.  She had her own way of contributing to my birthday the other day.  There was a lovely birthday message on her chalk board, which was also decorated with pom poms, and on the chalk ledge was a little metal tin and pencil.  The tin and pencil was my gift.  Mae gave much thought to my gift.  She knew that my favorite candy from her Halloween stash was the Reece's peanut butter cup.  So inside the tin I found a lovely handwritten birthday card/note, as well as two little milky way bars, a tiny Hershey bar and a Reece's peanut butter cup.  Bestill my heart, she gave me her last peanut butter cup.  Mae also gave me a beautiful pencil.  I know that she gave it to me because it was pretty (and unused) but I couldn't help but laugh as I read what was written on it.

"May is Mental Health Month"

Health and Human Services Agency

Behavioral Health Services

Access and Crisis Line 1-800-123-4567

I hope Mae isn't trying to tell me something!  Although, it is a lovely pencil.

The other thing that Mae did that day was sprain her ankle.  It was just one of those things that just happens.  Playing with friends and falling 'just right' caused the injury.  This required most of Wednesday to take her to the doctor, get x-rays, and a boot to wear for the next three weeks.  I am grateful that she did this on the day of my birthday and not the day before.  At least I didn't have to spend my actual day in the doctors office.  That would have been a bummer.  Of course I am also grateful that her injury wasn't worse and that she did not need a cast.   And let's not forget that the timing of this injury is pretty good as well.  It could have happened in the heat of summer, when swimming and beach going was in full swing.  

this boot was made for walkin', and that's just what she'll do....

**I finally figured out the problem I was having with posting pictures, so I was able to add the picture of me and my lovely birthday boa.  scroll down two posts and you'll find it. :)

Only Day 4??!?!

I'm not doing so well with NaBloPoMo, am I?  Here it is almost 10:00 and I'm only writing this so I can post it and meet today's deadline.  How sad is that? (don't answer that)

It has been a busy day.  Good, but busy.  I do have an excuse, or, um, reason for not getting over here sooner today.

Thursdays are good days for me.  It's day two during the week when Isabel goes to school.  This enables me to help in Mae and Caleb's classrooms, which I do, but it also gives me time to go out to lunch with a friend or do some shopping/errand running sans kids.  And that's what I did today - lunch with a friend (what were you thinking.....that I did something productive and crossed some errands off my list?  no, they're still there.  I'll get to them, hmmmm..... next week. Yeah, that's a good idea!).  After my Jamba Juice lunch, it was time to pick up two thirds of my kids from school (stinkin' early release day), and after chatting with a friend, it was time to get Isabel from her school.  And so begins the 'after school routine' of snacks and 'get your homework done!'  Before you know it, it's time to start getting dinner ready and then it's off to bible study.

So see?  I've had a busy day.  Not really bloggable stuff, but hey, it is what it is, and it's NaBloPoMo so you get what you get.  I do hope to have something of substance tomorrow.  Hope being the key word.

Then end.

The Day After

I had a great day yesterday!  It was filled with so many good things, including (but not limited to); numerous emails, facebook messages and texts wishing me a happy birthday, as well as a much anticipated bible study attendance, and lunch with good friends afterwards, a pretty pink boa (which may have been one of my favorite parts of my day, surprisingly!), a lovely slice of cake to go with lunch, dinner out, and my choice of lemon meringue pie for desert.  So many good and wonderful things, and in light of the video I posted yesterday - I jump in it!

Thank you for all those who wished me the best yesterday and made me feel loved and so very blessed!!!

Most Premium Day

Today is my birthday. Yep, 35 years ago today I began life here on this planet. And what do I plan to do on this most momentous day? Well, since everyone in my family is in good health, I will go to bible study! (which sickness has kept me from these past two weeks!!!) Then I plan to go out to lunch with a few friends. Technically I already have my birthday present (a pea coat from Costco that was purchased last month, however, it's too bad it won't be cool enough wear today) so I'm not expecting anything else, other than a night off from cooking (which I already know is coming my way....or am I heading there? (destination is still undetermined) :) But maybe it's not too late to ask for one more thing.....how about a tiny giraffe? Why not, it's my birthday?!?!!!

It's That Time Again - NaBloPoMo 2010!

The month of November is National Blog Posting Month, and I'm all signed up.  I've participated before, and some years I've done well and actually posted every day in November.  Other years (like last year, I think), I didn't.  But I tried though and that's gotta count for something, right?

Last year I tried to do a 'thankful' post every day, and while I liked that theme, I don't think I'll do that again.  Not every day anyway.  But I'll still be thankful!  So stay tuned.

Happy NaBloPoMo!  Who's with me??

Why It's Not A Good Idea

Dear Self,

Please remember how important a good nights sleep is.  It's really not worth it to stay up late reading your latest book because morning comes waaaay too early.  You know this.  And being a mother of three, you know it all too well.  Besides, you like sleep.  Sleep is a good thing (no matter how good the book may be).  However, next time the clock inches too close to midnight and you're still thinking that one more chapter is a good idea, please consider this; a child or person in your care may wake you up before the sun rises and steal you away from the little slumber that you gave yourself, so PUT THE BOOK DOWN AND GO TO BED!

Sincerely,

Your Self Who's Now Mad At You

ps...the book isn't that good anyway.

I Wish They Came In My Size (and fit!)

Earlier this week I posted about Caleb and his aversion to wearing pants.  Just about everyday since telling him that he's to wear pants this week, he's asked me, at some point, if he could either wear shorts or at least change into them (after school).  The answer has been the same, every time.  And frankly, I'm tired of him asking.  But that all changed yesterday.

Seeing Caleb's need for more pants (he only had, like, 3 or four pair, and compared to his copious amount of shorts, that number seemed too small), we took a trip to the store to get more.  I wasn't quite looking forward to the journey since I knew he wouldn't either, and so I braced myself against whines and complaints about said shopping trip.  However, true to kid-style, he threw me for a loop when he didn't have a bad attitude.  Instead he quickly asked, in excitement, if he could have skinny jeans.  After my initial shock, I told him yes, and we set out to find some.  Old Navy, my dear store-friend, has skinny jeans, so that's where we went.  And we walked out with one pair of skinny jeans and another pair of super-skinny jeans.

If I had known that was all it would take, I would have bought some sooner!  They are now my only hope of surviving this winter with minimal complaints about his wardrobe.  Caleb may just survive this cold season after all!

When I Was A Kid....

Modesto used to have a book-mobile that would come to our neighborhood once a week.  Basically, it was a bus loaded with books from the library that we could check out.  The book-mobile would come to our street and park right in front of our house.  I loved it!  I would return my books from the previous week, then peruse the shelves that lined the bus for more books to check out.

I miss the book-mobile.  I wish one would come to my house every week.  Then I wouldn't have to lug all our books to and fro.  And I bet my kids would love it.  Maybe it would become one of their fond childhood memories just as it is one of mine.

The New Mom Jeans

I went to Old Navy and got a new pair of jeans.  My old pair is showing it's age, or rather, maybe it's me who's showing age (or feeling it anyway).  As I looked at the selections and descriptions of the jeans available, I couldn't help feeling like I should be shopping in the Misses section.  Again, I find myself between sections.  I don't fit in the young adult area but I'm not quite ready to trade in the low-rise jeans for elastic waist bands.

Previous jeans I've purchased at Old Navy were called The Flirt.  They boast a low-rise and boot cut legs.  Old Navy has made it official, I've now moved on.  I purchased The Dreamer jeans.  They have a practical 'classic rise', boot cut legs, and have 'stretch' where needed (whatever that means. and seriously, I don't want to explore that category right now).  I'm not sure if I should be insulted or not.  I'm no longer a 'Flirt' but rather a 'Dreamer' - one who dreams of wearing such things that 'flirt'? *sigh*

Let it be known right here, right now, that I don't exactly approve, or like, the names that Old Navy puts on their clothes.  But if the jeans fit....

He's Such A Southern California Boy

Since it's been rainy and cool here lately, I told Caleb that it's time for him to wear pants.  For this child, putting away the flip flops and shorts is a difficult thing to do.  He lives in them! Oh the protests!!!  You'd think I asked him to sever a limb or something.  Which I haven't, I'm only asking that he cover them up.

Fall-ing

We've been having great Fall weather here lately.  It's gray and drizzly with lots of crisp coolness in the air.  It's great, I love it!  Especially since it's not typical for Southern California.  Besides, it's perfect for an outing to the pumpkin patch.  In years past we've made our trek to the pumpkin patch with lots of sunshine and heat. It just doesn't feel right to pick out pumpkins when it's blazing hot.  So, we had a great time on Saturday with the lovely traditional Fall weather.

I'm not sure how long the coolness in the air will last, or if I'll be able to bring out my Fall/Winter clothes for good or not.  But I'll enjoy it as long as it lasts.

We're Moving

We are currently living in our third house.  The other two houses we've owned, we have remodeled a bathroom.  It seemed that for each house as soon as the remodel was finished, we had to move and never got to enjoy it.  When we bought the house we're in now, I told Ryan that we would either have to remodel a bathroom right away so we could enjoy it, or not do one at all or until we were ready to sell.  With the recent report from the plumber that came the other day to look at a suspicious leak in our master bathroom, I'm thinking that I may have to start packing boxes soon as it has been determined that demolition of the bathroom is necessary.  *sigh*  At least I have a head start with those five boxes I still haven't touched.

Renewal

When we bought our house last year, it came with a one year home warranty.  As the year came to an end we were asked if we would like to renew it and pay for another year.  With as much as it has come in handy, our answer was 'yesiree'!

Over the course of this year we have called on and used the home warranty 5 times.  The first time was when the air conditioner failed to produce cold air during a heat wave.  Secondly, the hot water heater died.  And twice we had issues with the pool (twice denied, but that's not the point, I think.).  Then again this past week we used the warranty for a water leak in the master bathroom.

Never before during any homeownership have we had to use the home warranty so much.  For a few of the things I'm so glad that we had the option to call someone else to come fix things.  Makes me feel a bit like a renter again, but without the landlord stinginess.  Granted, not all things were covered that came up, but still, it was nice to have the option.  So yes, we signed up for the year extension.  But hopefully we won't need it.

One Year

This past weekend was the one year mark since we bought and moved into our house.  It's hard to believe that it's been a year already.  Do you know what else is hard to believe???  I still have five boxes that have not been dealt with. *sigh*  I wish they'd just go away.  Three of them are in my bathroom and filled mostly with things that we rarely use but still need from time to time.  The other two loner boxes sit next to my computer and one might think that I'd see them every day.  But I don't.  They mostly just sit there and don't say a word.  Maybe that's why they are so easy to ignore.  One of these days I'll go through them and make them go away.  Maybe by this time next year.

Aside from the silent, pesky boxes, life in our house has been great.  I have enjoyed our new home so very much.  It has been a great house for our family and we have had fun making it our own.  Maybe this week I'll actually post some pictures of a few things we've done this past year.  Or maybe I'll tackle a few boxes. Decisions, decisions.  Or.....maybe I'll do both!

Up Before The Sun

I'm not sure how well today is going to go.  A little being woke us up at two-stinkin-thirty this morning.  The claim was that her bed was lumpy.  Later I found out that she had just had a bad dream (about a lumpy bed??) and was afraid to go back to sleep.

After waking us up to the report of a 'lumpy bed', instructions were given to 'go lay down on the couch and watch tv if you have to'.  Now, I admit that being woken up before the sun makes it extremely difficult to be a good parent.  I don't recommend giving a 5 year old instructions to watch tv at 2:30 in the morning.  IF, said child is able to turn on the complicated tv and cable system, then there's no telling what she'll end up watching.  Turns out King of the Hill was on - another score for parent of the year.  Good thing she doesn't know how to work the telephone, who knows what would have happened if she had landed on the Home Shopping Network!

I'm just glad that today is a school day for this little girl.  I think I'll say an extra prayer for her teacher.  And plan for a nap when school gets home. 

The Weekend Squall

I find it odd that all through the week I am able to maintain a somewhat clean and presentable house only to have it completely obliterated by gale force winds on Saturday morning.

The other problem is that it takes all Saturday and Sunday to repair the damages.

Oh the joy of raising whirlwinds.

Always - Little Word, Big Impact

Rejoice in the Lord always.  I will say it again: Rejoice!

Philippians 4:4

I've read this verse many times in my life, and most times I get the thought of "Yeah right.  Always?  It's hard to rejoice in every situation!".  But there it is.  A command.  On the other hand......maybe Paul didn't realize what it would be like to be waiting and sitting in the Department of Motor Vehicles.

I have about a month and a half to get myself down to the DMV before my license expires.  Oh the joy.  I could only wonder at the hours of wasted time spent waiting in line with a bunch of unhappy people in a dingy crowded building.  And so today, I packed two snacks and a book and took myself down to the DMV.  After going to the wrong location, I finally found the building and stood in the long line just to get my number assigned to me.  I was number G115.  And they were on G093 when I sat down.  I had no idea what the other letters and numbers were for.  The big screen in the building was flashing up numbers like B109 and C063, with an occasional 'G' number thrown in for good measure, I guess.

After getting my number, I found a seat in the middle of a pretty much empty row.  I sat down, updated my Facebook status (what else is more entertaining that letting others know that I am waiting in the dungeon of doom with the rest of my city's humanity?), then I opened my book and began reading.  Soon a lady and her husband came and sat right next to me.  I was a bit annoyed as I casually looked around the room and saw that there was plenty of empty seats around the room and yet they chose to sit right beside me!  Then the lady began to fan herself and wafting her perfume directly into my breathing space.  Seriously?  Sit next to me and make me smell you also?? *sigh*

That was when I checked my email and saw a response to my Facebook status - I would LOVE to be sitting in DMV reading a book right now!.  I sat and thought about that little statement.  My friend was right.  How often would I love to sit somewhere and have nothing else to do than read a book somewhat uninterrupted?  My days have been filled, for years, with little beings constantly surrounding me, asking me for things, as the household requires errands and cleaning and host of other things from me as well.  And then I realized what a blessed day I was having.  There I was, sitting in the DMV and my children were all safe and happy at school and I am able to sit down and relax and read my little book in somewhat silence.

God be praised!  In the middle of the DMV!  Who knew?!

And so I sat and continued reading.  And my next door neighbor stopped fanning herself.  Then my number was called and within 15 minutes I was done and outta there!

Rejoicing.  It's a matter of perspective.  And choice.

All That AND The Kitchen Sink

Isabel says she loves me. She tells me all the time. Often she'll say "I love you forever!". And I kinda like it.

Today we had another talk about how much we love each other. It went a little like this;

Isabel - I love you one hundred!

Me - Well, I love you a thousand.

Isabel - And I love you a thousand a hundred!

Me - Oh yeah? I love you a million!

Isabel - *silence, as her mind works to come up with her next line. then her little face lights up as she says* I love you a lotta numbers!

Me too, little girl, you have no idea.

One More Reason To Love Target

Today I am thankful for Target's plastic bags. I have quite a lot of them and I use them for many things. They make for great bathroom trash can liners. Also, the bags are good for when I clean out the kitty litter.

But today I am thankful for Target's bags because they don't have holes at the bottom, like most grocery store bags. I am thankful for the hole-less plastic bag today because Isabel got sick and I needed something that wouldn't leak as I cleaned up the mess in the garage.

Yep. Target's plastic bags rock!

New Recipe!

I attended a moms event at church the other morning and in the newsletter I found a delicious recipe for Tomato Basil Soup. Yesterday was a chilly day so I decided it was perfect timing to have soup for dinner. Although I had my doubts as I was making it, it turned out great AND everyone liked it! I'll definitely add this new recipe to my dinner repertoire. Next time though, I'll make some bread to go with it. Can't beat homemade soup and warm bread on a chilly night!

~ Tomato Basil Soup ~

1 onion, finely chopped

3 carrots, shredded

2 16-oz cans stewed or crushed tomatoes

1/4 cup fresh basil

3 cups chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

2 Tbsp butter or olive oil

1 tsp sugar

1/2 tsp pepper

Saute onion and carrots in butter or olive oil until soft. Add tomatoes, basil, chicken broth, heavy cream, sugar and pepper until heated through, but no boiling. Next puree ingredients in a food processor or blender. Serve garnished with fresh bail and sour cream (optional).

Pool Table

On the other side of our pool we have a nice table and umbrella that came with the house. It may not look very big, but it seats up to eight people! The covered table comes in very handy when we have people over, either for a party as it gives extra outdoor seating, or as a nice far-away place for the kids to sit and eat as the adults enjoy their meal together. We have also used it a lot this summer for eating our nightly dinner.

When it gets really hot, having a place to eat outside has been great. The kids love it too. In fact, almost every night before dinner Mae will ask one of us if we will be eating outside. And if the answer is 'no, not tonight' then there is the inevitable disappointed sigh coming from her direction. (I have NO idea where she got that from!) But most nights will find us dining outside.

I picked up a nice-sized outdoor serving tray so I can stack plates and glasses and a side dish or two and carry it out to the table. Also, I have invested in some plastic plates and cups to help save our glassware and everyday dishes from the occasional drop off the table onto the concrete.

Having a place to eat outside has been so nice and it makes me appreciate the blessing of our house even more. So, if you're ever in the neighborhood, stop by and join us for dinner!

Isabel's First Day

Yesterday was a great day! Isabel was so excited to go to her new kindergarten class. In fact, here she is the night before as she was making her sandwich and packing her lunch. Can't you just feel her excitement?


I half expected Isabel to have either a hard time going to sleep the night before her first day or that she'd get up super-early the day of. I was wrong on both accounts. In fact, Ryan had to wake her up at 7:00 so she could get ready to leave. However, it didn't take her long to be WIDE awake and ready to leave!

Here she is as we were about to leave the house.


Then again walking to her class (I just love these shots!)


And here she is lined up with her class and rest of the school before the day got started.


Then she went with her class into the classroom, where she found her desk, put her stuff down, then came to the door to wave goodbye. I was strong and didn't cry. I wanted to. But I didn't.

When it was time, I went back to Isabel's school to pick her up. Where she had had a great first day!

Isabels says "I love kindergarten school!". I'm so glad that she does, but I hope she still likes homeschool days with Mom.

Top Ten Tuesday - All By Myself!

Isabel went to her first day at kindergarten this morning. She was beyond excited! And me? Well, I'm quite excited as well. In fact, here's what I am looking forward to doing today, my first day of all the kids in school!!!

1. have coffee with some girl friends

2. Go to Target. By myself

3. Go to the grocery store. By myself. No little hands touching things they shouldn't, feet running when they should walk, and no voices getting louder than they should!

4. Go to Costco. By myself. I'm especially looking forward to leaving the giant store without a smiley face being drawn onto the back of my receipt.

5. Maybe grabbing a Jamba Juice and not having to share.

6. Fixing only one lunch today. Or better yet, maybe the Jambe Juice will be my lunch.

7. Go to the post office. By myself.

8. Read some chapters in my book. By Myself.

9. Clean something. Maybe, if I feel like. No promises with that one.

10. Take a nap and not feel guilty about the kids fending for themselves or them watching too much tv while I do so.

Oh yes, there is plenty on my list of things to do and enjoy while all the kiddos are away at school today. But if I don't get it all accomplished today, well, I can always pick up where I left on Thursday when Isabel goes back to kindergarten! Yep. This is going to be a great year, I can just tell. :)

It Should Be Mae, But It's Not

The other week, after I returned from my weekend trip to San Francisco, I heard Caleb tell that his favorite drink was Dr. Pepper. This was news to me. Especially since we don't really let our kids drink soda, like hardly ever. If we go out to eat, I usually allow the kids get lemonade or, if I'm an exceptionally nice mother, root beer. But hardly ever ever Coke or another like-soda. But Caleb insists that Dr. Pepper is his favorite soda. Which only brings me to the conclusion that while I was gone, Ryan took them out to eat and let them get real soda.

He did.

And, he did.

Now, if you ask Caleb what his favorite drink is, he'll tell you - Dr. Pepper! (the world is coming to an end....my children have had real soda with CAFFEINE!!!! consider yourself warned.)

Out of all the kids, I would figure it would be Mae that would love it. You see, when I was pregnant with Mae, Ryan was borderline obsessed with my sugar intake. He tried to limit me. However, that Thanksgiving, after having one glass of my choice drink, Dr. Pepper, I wanted another. But I was seated at the table in such a way that I couldn't get up without three other people having to get up out of their seats to let me out, then back in. So I asked Ryan, since he was up and refilling his glass, if he would please refill mine as well. He refused, and offered to get me something else. Well, I didn't want 'something else', I wanted more DP! So my cousin, who also has a love for the drink, got up and refilled my glass. Much to Ryan's chagrin.

So, one would think that my Dr. Pepper desire would travel down to the child within. But I guess it didn't. Or maybe it did, but skipped to the next? Oh well, one less person to share my beloved DP. with. :)

A New Year, Another First Day

My kids went back to school yesterday. I can't believe that summer vacation is over. It feels like it went by quickly, or maybe it just seems that way from this side of it. However, I think we all have been looking forward to school resuming these past couple weeks.

To prepare for going back we got all our school supplies weeks ago (before the rush on supplies really hit, no crowds AND everything was stocked up!). Then over the weekend the kids picked out a new shirt to wear on the first day.

So, come Monday morning, the lunches were made, shirts were donned and backpacks were loaded and ready to go!

Wow. I have a 4th and 2nd grader. Time flies!

Next week will be a whole new beginning for Isabel and me. That's when we will start Isabel's kindergarten homeschooling. But until then, I only have a 2nd and 4th grader, oh, and I pre-schooler. (yes, I live in denial. don't spoil it for me) :)

A Curious Find

I was on the computer looking for a specific group of pictures when I came across a bunch of pictures that Mae had taken a few years ago. There were several shots of her stuffed animals wearing sunglasses and 'reading books', as well as an occasional self-shot. All were very random but not too surprising since Mae was exploring her inner photographer. However, I was a bit baffled when I saw this one....

....until I realized that she had spelled her name in pretzels. Ha! Of course, how genius! It's all clear to me now. I should not have been so baffled, no?

My New Favorite

Mae loves to draw and color. She always has. I don't think she really had a choice seeing how creative her parents are. And Ryan and I have enjoyed seeing the things she's made over the years.

Recently, Mae drew a picture of a bunch of pac-mans (pac-men?) going in a bunch of directions all over the page. I thought it was such a random thing for her to draw, and there was just something about it that I liked. So I took a picture of it, then decided to make it the wallpaper for my phone. Mae loves that I have her picture as my wallpaper. I think it makes her feel proud. She has since had me show several people my phone and newest wallpaper. And to be honest, I don't mind showing it off. I'm kind of proud of her too!

So here it is, my new wallpaper, or, rather, Mae's newest piece of art.

Top Ten Tuesday - SF Weekend

I haven't participated in Top Ten Tuesday in a very loooooong time. Seeing how I just came off a fabulous girl weekend in San Francisco, I feel like I can use the Top Ten as a recap. I'll try to be brief but still share my highlights (with out boring you all to death).

So, a good friend I and I flew into to San Francisco for just a couple days. The best things of our time included, but were not limited to, the following;

1 - Flying with no children and only carrying a backpack (no suitcases, just the clothes on our backs and a few necessities).

2 - Taking BART around the city with ease and not getting lost, turned around or ever going in the wrong direction.

3 - Having brunch at Neiman Marcus on Saturday. We had not eaten much for breakfast so that we would be hungry for our early lunch reservations. I ordered a delicious crab sandwich that looked waaay bigger than it actually ended up being, and it was fabulous!

4 - Seeing Wicked!!!!

5 - Staying at my friend's relative's house in Berkeley. Not only did it keep our travel cost down but I also got to see a part of the bay area that I'd never been to before. I loved the cute bungalows and craftsman houses, made me think of Portland.

6 - Dropping off our backpacks at MOMA on Sunday so we could walk unencumbered before checking into the airport and heading home. (which was totally free, by the way. we followed the don't ask, don't tell philosophy since we weren't actually going into the museum....they didn't ask, so we didn't tell.)

7 - Completing our 'things to do in the city' list by having a chowder bread bowl for lunch on Sunday. There's nothing quite like a San Francisco sourdough bread bowl filled with white clam chowder yumminess!

8 - Having extra bandaids in my backpack. I needed one after walking around the city for two days. My shoes were cute, but rubbed a bit too much.

9 - Having a great time with my friend, and taking silly pictures.

10 - Coming home to my family, whom were all happy to see me. It was the best ending to a fabulous weekend.

~~~~~~~~~~

Interested in more Top Ten's for this week? Go to OhAmanda and check out the list!

It's My Thing

I'm not much for cooking. It doesn't excite me. I cook only for nourishment, because it's needed. Now baking, that's something I can get into. That excites me.

At Thanksgiving I make a fabulous crumble top apple pie. And at Christmas I make snickerdoodles. Then there is always pumpkin pie, those are made during both holidays. During the other times of the year I like to make cookies and cakes and ice cream! However, I have not made meringue, and consequently, never a lemon meringue pie.

Until now.

My in-laws were visiting and I had lemons on the tree and I felt the need to make something delicious while they were here. So I decided to try my hand at the infamous lemon meringue pie. After a failed attempt at baking an empty pie crust (which is necessary for this kind of pie, but something I've never done because my previous pies have always been baked at the same time as the filling), I had a decision to make. I could scrap the whole idea of a pie altogether OR buck up and try again.

I bucked up. For I didn't want a baking failure on my record.

And wah-lah, made a super-yummy lemon meringue pie. Which received high praise for it's appearance as well as taste.

I love baking!

Conversations

Tucking Caleb into bed tonight, this is a snippet of our conversation:

Caleb: I have a hard time being nice to my sisters because they're a part of my family.

Me: (trying not to laugh, and not succeeding) What? What about Me and Daddy? Do you have a hard time being nice to us?

Caleb: Yes.

Me: Well, can you pretend that you don't know us? It might be easier for you that way.

Then we both couldn't contain our laughter any longer. That kid! He says the silliest things sometimes.

I'll keep you posted on how this theory plays out, but I have a feeling we'll be back to square one come morning.

Tips For Boogie Boarding

When one goes boogie boarding, there are a couple things that have proven to be helpful.

1). Wear a hat. This will keep the water from getting in the eyes. Now, don't blame me if some water splashes up into your face and therefore getting in your eyes, for it will happen but the hat will certainly keep most of the water at, ahem, bay.

2). An extra pair of sunglasses should be worn instead of the everyday pair. I have prescription eye glasses with transition lenses, but I also have at least one extra pair with the transition lenses and those are the ones I wear when boogieing on my board. :) The glasses not only keep the sun out (and help me see clearly) but they also help keep water out of my eyes also.

3). I love my board shorts. They give me more coverage in modesty as well as make boogie board riding more comfortable. Board shorts are a must.

4). And if you wear board shorts then a good tankini is a good option for the top half (of course!). When I shop for a tankini I am always looking for one that is longer than average because of my long torso. And because I get tankinies that are longer, this also means that I don't get a rash from the board rubbing on my tummy. I love my long tankini top!

5). A water-proof watch. When a mom hits the waves while her kids are at VBS, it's important that she keep track of time so she can be on time to pick them up*.

6). The boogie board. Maybe I should have mentioned this first. It's pretty essential to boogie boarding. But maybe that's just me.

*disclaimer - this doesn't necessarily mean that she will be on time, it's not the watch's fault if she's late, and she may get a talking to from the VBS ladies working the registration tables.

AKA - Boogie Boarding Week

Today is the start of VBS for my kids. Every day they will go at 9:00 and be done at 12:00. Whatever shall I do with myself for 3 hours???

Go boogie boarding with a friend, of course.

It's going to be a great week! And I bet I'll sleep great AND get good exercise. It's a win-win all around!

I love VBS week!