Friday Tradition

When I was growing up, my family always had pizza on Friday nights. It was our way of splurging I suppose. Our way of having something fun together. Well, now that I'm all grown up with a family of my own, I want to keep this weekly tradition.

When Ryan and I were first married I was intent on keeping the tradition the way it was, pizza every Friday. But Ryan needs variation in his life or he gets bored. So we kept the Friday night tradition but decided to branch out and eat at different places other than pizza joints.

Today, the big question when Ryan comes through the door on Friday after work is "where should we go for dinner?". Sometimes one of us or the kids has a place in mind, and other times we can't agree so the decision falls to one person. Many a Friday night we can be found at places like Rubios, Panera, Taco Bell, and sometimes at a local pizzeria (gasp!).

October Movie Review

It's that time of the month again! Noooo, not that! It's movie review time! Here's what we saw using Blockbuster Online;

1. Jumper - this movie is a classic example of something that I would not pay to see at the theater but somewhat enjoyed at home. It's a sci-fi adventure about a guy who discovers that he can jump, or teleport, anywhere he wants to go. He uses his 'talent' to rob banks and travel to all places around the world. Of course there is a group that doesn't like 'jumpers' and takes it upon themselves to eliminate them. The storyline is predictable from there. But it was entertaining and somewhat original, I will admit. The main character was played by Hayden Christensen (the guy who played Anakin in the last two movies, or was that #2 and #3? anyway) and he wasn't much better in this movie either. He was better than in the Star Wars movies but not by a whole lot. Anyway, I'd reccommend this one if you're into sci-fi movies and would like to see something somewhat new. (but I will warn you that we did skip through at least one bedroom scene...just an fyi, if you care about those things).

2. 21 - Ok, now this one fascinated me! Let me back up a bit and explain. First of all, the movie touts that it is 'based on a true story' of a group of students and a teacher from MIT who take their intellect and use it to their advantage in Vegas by counting cards. After doing a little reading on the world wide web, turns out that the tag line should read more like this 'factual accounts based on fiction'. Needles to say, there's more fiction than fact going on here. But that isn't what got me thinking. I was totally into the story as a mirror of human struggle between doing the right thing (aka obedience to Christ) and how Satan gently lures us in with innocence and 'safety'. I would be interested in hearing someone elses opinion if they've seen it. Other than that, the movie was ok, predictable but entertaining.

3. The Spiderwick Chronicles - Ryan and I watched this on Halloween, not on purpose, but it seemed appropriate. At first I thought I was going to regret watching it, thinking it was going to be too juvenile. But it wasn't, not too bad anyway. So, the story is about three siblings that move to an old family house that no one has lived in for 80 years or so. They happen upon a secret book that reveals the hidden life of mystical beings around them. Now that they've uncovered the book, there is an evil ogre that desires the book and its secrets for himself (and rule the world....mwahahahaha). The kids must protect the book while they find a way to destroy it. I found it highly entertaining and it kept my attention the entire time (although the ending of the ogre storyline was a bit anti-climatic). It's about time there's a movie out there that has entertainment without gore and s3x! I'll let my kids watch it in a couple years when they won't be super-freaked out by the goblins and the havoc they create.

So, we didn't see a terrible amount of movies this month, as you can see. It's hard to find movies that aren't full of, ahem, crap. I get tired of seeing people with loose morals and filthy mouths. I wonder how much longer we will keep our account with Blockbuster Online. If you can recommend anything that you find entertaining with out the filth, please let me know and I'll add it to our queue.

I Wish!

If I click my heels together three times do you think I can get me a pair of these???



I came across them while traversing blog-land last week. I'm not one who wears heels much, if ever these days (seeing how I'm only an inch shorter than Ryan), but I can wear them when not in his presence...right?? *sigh* I may scarcely wear a pair of heels, but there is something about a Mary Jane style shoe that gets my attention. And these lovely ladies are practically calling my name. I can envision myself wearing them with jeans or with a pretty dress. I can make them work for every day or for a nice evening out. I just know I can! Too bad they cost $150 big ones.

One thing that puzzles me about these beauties is that they are made by Crocs in a new line they call YOU (at least I assume it's a new line). But since they are made by Crocs, it makes me think that these shoes are probably very comfortable, which is pretty much an oxymoron when it comes to heels. I think I should try them out and let you know. Do you think Crocs will pass me a pair so I can do a product review??? Wish they would.

Just in case.....Dear Crocs, I wear a size 7, please email me for my address info. thanks!

Election Day

I'm not much of a political person. I don't follow the daily digs and speeches. And I'm certainly not one for debating the topics with others. I just don't care for it. But as much as I don't like it, I can't escape the fact that I need to vote. And so I do.

There are many things to consider with this election though. The candidates and all that they stand for and represent, as well as the other emotionally charged propositions. But these things are not so much on my mind today. For one thing, I voted a couple weeks ago, but mostly because I know that the Lord already knows who will win and what will or will not pass. How do I know this? Because He's God!

Romans 13, verse 1 says "for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God." So God knows who's going to win because He has already put them in place according to His plan and purposes. It may not be the one that I think best for our country, so I remind myself that that the Lord has said "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways" (Isaiah 55:8) I am not sure of what the Lord has planned, and so I rest in the fact that He knows what he's doing - because He is holy, and perfect, and no plan of His has ever failed! (and that's a track record I can stand behind!)

In conclusion, I am not overly concerned about today's results. I have done what I can, I've voted, now I can only continue to pray for my country and state and stand firm in the knowledge that the Lord is in control of all.

Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but (I) trust in the name of the LORD (my) God.
Pslam 20:7

Monster Winner

This is the picture that Mae drew and colored, and what started the whole challenge. What do you think of Mae's yellow fuzzy headed, googly eyed, striped shirt with a heart and red arms and legged monster with a bow and roller skates??! (whom she also named Koco Nut! hahaha)



We had several people enter Mae's Monster Challenge, and Mae and I had fun looking at everyone's interpretation of the monster. Everyone did a great job! Mae and I say a great big THANK YOU to those who entered!

Of course there can only be one winner of the bag o' candy corn. Mae was very diligent in writing down the names of each person who entered on little slips of paper, she even numbered them! Then she put them in a hat, and I shook them up real real good, then she pulled out one name. And the winner is....

Sarah! And here is her picture!


Didn't Sarah do a great job?! Mae and I loved how she cut out the paper and added a fuzzy ball for the head, and of course the googly eyes are the best!!!

33

Yep, it's my birthday.

All. day.

Actually, I like to think of it as my birthday month! Too bad no one else sees it that way. Bummer! Oh well. I will be thankful for the day I have and how my family and friends make me feel special.....and how one fabulous friend is watching Isabel tonight so that Ryan and I can go out to dinner (MaeLeb will be a Awana so they are already cared for!). So here's to another year of life completed on this earth....and the Lord willing, many more!

NaBloPoMo

What is NaBloPoMo anyway?

Glad you asked!

NaBloPoMo is National Blog Posting Month, silly! What did you think it was? All I have to do is post on my blog each day for the month of November. That shouldn't be too difficult, should it? I think I'm up for the challenge this time around. Last year I had thought about participating, but I knew I'd be gone over Thanksgiving and I didn't want to add that pressure on myself. But now I have a secret weapon. It's called auto-posting! *shhh, don't tell* At this point I have no auto postings up my sleeve, but if I have a sudden burst of bloggy inspiration then I can use that handy little option. If not (which most days will be the case, I'm sure) then my blog fan(s) will be subject to daily drivel as I scrape together a post for the day.

However, you are more than welcome to help me with my blog posts. The other month, when I hit my blogoversary, I asked my adoring fan(s) to ask me questions which I answered the next day in my following post. So, here's another chance to ask me any question you'd like (but please keep it clean, any offensive questions or remarks will be deleted.) And if (ahem, when) I get writers block then I'll pull out a question or two. How's that for keeping things exciting around here?!

So, today's the big day! My first post for November!!! It's not too late, go to NaBloPoMo and join in! Not bad for right out of the gate, eh?

Challenge Extension

We've decided to extend Mae's Monster Challenge for one more day. There is at least one family that is trying to get their monster drawn and entered, and since no one else has entered I thought that maybe if it was extended then maybe, just maybe someone else would enter too.

So, if you're still wanting to enter your (or your childrens) monster picture then you have one more day! How generous are we?!

Last chance.....the challenge will end tomorrow morning 10 am. Email or sign the Mr. Linky and enter!

Mae's Monster Challenge

Mae has a fun story to share with you all today. It's a story about a monster that she drew, and she has a special, fun surprise too! After you read her story, can you draw a picture of Mae's monster?? There will be a totally random drawing for the winner (drawing ability will not be judged). The winner's picture will be posted here, along with Mae's original drawing, and will receive a bag of candy corn (the new favorite in our house!).

Here's the rules of our Monster Giveaway:

1. draw a picture of the monster from Mae's story
2. post a picture of your monster on your blog and link back to this post using the Mr. Linky

* if you don't have a blog then you can submit a picture for the drawing via email - fragile.flower@hotmail.com

3. one entry per person (but is open to any/all members of a family/blog).

4. the giveaway is open to US residents and will close on Thursday, October 30th at 10:00 pm pst. The winner of the random drawing will be posted on Friday, October 31st, along with the picture they submitted. Oh, and Mae's original drawing will be posted too!

Ok, enough rules and non-fun stuff. On to the story!!!

~ My Monster ~

There once was a monster with a bug fuzzy head. It was a yellow head with antennas and had googly eyes, stripes on its tummy with a heart too. Red arms and legs, and bow. It also has roller skates.

Flowers were being eaten. And it was heading for town.

"Oh my! Oh my! There is a monster heading this way!"

And the monster, she ran away. "I only want to make a friend" the monster said in a sad voice. "Maybe I should find someone else to make a friend." So she went off to the bay.

"Ahhhhh! There's a monster heading over here!" a man yelled. And the man ran off with his friend.

"But I only wanted to make a friend. Maybe I should find someone else?" So the monster went to the freeway.

"Ahhhhh! There's a monster on the freeway! Drive! Drive!" and the people on the freeway went the other way.

"But I only want to make a friend. Maybe I should go to the beach?" She told herself.

"Ahhhhh! There's a monster! She is making waves! Call the police! Call the police!" And the people on the beach did, and the monster was arrested.

"But I just want to make a friend!" the monster told them.

"Really? Really? Ok, come out!"

~ The End ~

Friday Five

1. Ryan came home for lunch, even though he'd already had lunch, just because he wanted to see me! I am loved.

2. I just finished a lunch-size bag of Cool Ranch Doritos for lunch. I can't help but remember that I had an usual craving for them when I was pregnant with Mae. You'd think that Mae would like them too since I ate so many of them, but she doesn't. Maybe I had too many?

3. When I pick up the kids from school today, we are going to buy some cheapy popsicles that the school sells on Fridays as a fundraiser. Fun to eat popsicles after a long week!

4. It really has been a long week. Lots of stuff going on here in our home. Hard stuff, but in the end its all good.

5. I have to leave to get the kids from school now. Bye, have a good weekend!

Hand-Me-Downs

I love them! It must be the frugal side of me that enjoys a big ol' sack of clothes for my kids. Not much else can bring such joy!

Recently, I went through Mae's drawers and weeded out the things she can't wear anymore. Then I pulled out a pile of hand-me-downs that a neighbor gave me last year for Mae, and pulled out the things that finally fit. After doing this, Mae only needed a couple more things to finish off her wardrobe for the winter.

I have a couple great big storage containers that I use to keep Mae's old clothes in. I pulled one out so I could put in the latest bunch of 'too small' clothes from Mae, and at the same time I pulled out things that finally fit Isabel. In doing this Isabel's winter wardrobe is also complete.

This brings me to Caleb. He has nothing. No fun box of hand-me-downs to go through. Nothing. This makes me kinda sad. It makes me wish I knew someone that had a boy just a tad older than Caleb so they could pass along some hand-me-downs. He should be grateful that he gets new things and hardy a stitch of 'gently used', but being a boy I think the joy of new clothes just dosen't translate the same as it does for girls.

But not being one to be only a taker and not a giver.....I have also been enjoying passing things along myself. Just the other week I was able to give a sack of little girl clothes to a friend. This gives me a spot of joy as I do not have to store clothes I can no longer use and take up valuable storage space, or the time it takes to list things on Craigslist (I'm not even a bit sad over the loss of a few bucks I could have gotten for them either!). You know....the Lord does love a cheerful giver!

If only I could find someone to pass along some things in, say, a womens size 8. But I'll settle for the clearance racks at Target!

Doing Something Right

Last night as I drove Mae and Caleb home from AWANA we were behind a minivan that had a built-in dvd player. We could see that they were watching a movie and we were trying to figure out which one was playing (I wanted to yell 'hey, turn it up, we can't hear!', but I didn't). Our vehicle does not have a integrated dvd player, instead we bought a portable one and set it up only when we do road trips. This way the kids aren't asking to watch videos all the time and neither are they watching them constantly.

With this in mind, Mae asks the question 'why are some parents fun and others not fun?'. I instantly knew, without asking, which category Ryan and I fall into in Mae's mind. I asked anyway and my hunch was confirmed.

We must be doing something right. Right?

Bed Time Woes

We're having issues again in our house. Mostly in the girls room at night. Well, now that I think about it, it's all coming from their room and Caleb is pretty much an innocent party (for once!).

Why so much trouble, you ask?

Well, my girls share a room. I could stop right there and enough would be said and understood. But I won't. For I feel a vent session coming on (feel free to stop reading at this point).

So, as I said, Mae and Isabel share a room. Mae has her own twin bed and Isabel is still in a crib. Mae plays and talks with Isabel at night when she should be getting to sleep, and Isabel is all too happy to oblige. Or is it the other way around? It matters not. Take a look at a typical nightly routine...

Night Mae. Night Isabel. Mom and Dad close the door after tucking in and prayers have taken place, then they try to unwind from the day and relax a bit before going to bed themselves. Mom and Dad hear noises and laughter or screaming coming from down the hall. Then a few minutes later Mae comes out to say that Isabel is bothering her. Mom and Dad try to remain calm (for this happens every night!) and tell her to leave Issy alone, ignore her and go to sleep. This repeats itself many times before the girls crash or Mae ends up sleeping in Mom and Dad's bed (which they then move her back to her own room when they hit the sack).

It's exhausting I tell ya! Most nights we are both so fed up with it that the first time Mae comes out she gets the full force of wrath before she gets to the end of the hall! I have come to realize something about myself....I am surprised that I don't breathe fire. Then there are also times that I wish I could! Nights like this one described come to mind.

Isabel should be transitioned to her toddler bed by now, but I can't get myself to do it. I can only imagine what bedtimes would be like if she were allowed to get up and out of bed whenever the whim hit her. For sure she'd get out and play with things and/or bother Mae. In bed would not a place she'd spend much of her pre-sleep moments when the lights are turned out.

*sigh* What to do, what to do.

Me So Pretty

I know that a few of you out there would like to see my new glasses, and frankly I'd like to show them off! So I sat down the other night and took many pictures of myself, which isn't easy to do. And I took a lot. I mean, A LOT!

Did I like any of them?

Well, the ones I did like had bad lighting or were not in good focus. And to be honest, after viewing many pictures of ones self it's easy to loose that 'I'm so pretty' feeling. But from the multitude I did choose one to show you. This one...



I know, I choose one with bad lighting. But it does show off the new glasses (and hair cut, and cozy sweater I'm so fond of but can't wear again for a bit because the weather heated up, again!).

So there you have it. New glasses.

YouTube Tuesday - I Feel Pretty

I got new glasses last week, and I like them! I also got my haircut, and I liking it too! Plus, the weather is changing and I can finally put on a nice cozy sweater. For all these reasons, and maybe a few others, is why I'm feeling good. But maybe a little more than good....pretty, oh so pretty!

Happy Birthday Ryan!!!

Hope you have a great day, my love! And when you get home.....your favorite dinner will be waiting....Southwestern White Chili and homemade cornbread!!

YouTube Tuesday - Human Tetris

I have a new little addiction.

It's called Tetris.

I discovered it while on Facebook.

Then I found this video on YouTube, and it seemed like such a perfect video to share with you all today. I can't help but let out a giggle or three when I hear the beat box (sort of) song that goes with it! If your a Tetris player too then you'll know what I mean!

You Likey?

One of these things is not like the other. One of these things does not belong.....

What's missing from this picture?...



I'll tell you what's missing.......a nifty towel for Isabel! Last year I got Caleb's shark towel and Mae's lady bug towel from my friend Wendy. Actually, I did a swap for Caleb's then bought the lady bug for Mae. But I'd much rather do a swap. Now you're probably wondering what I used to swap with. Well, let me tell ya!

Recently, I made these for Wendy...

(I made two of each card)

And she made this for Isabel...













Isabel is just so excited to have her very own pink shark towel. She put it on right away and even let me take pictures! She kept saying 'Bow's towel?!', 'Bow's pink shark!' and when showing it off to her siblings, she asks 'you likey?!'. I love that she loves it (I was afraid she wouldn't want to wear it, and I'm glad to be wrong!). Wendy did a fabulous job in making the towel and am so pleased with how it turned out! Thanks Wendy, you rock!

So what do you think?...you likey? Do you think Isabel likes it too?



**who knows....maybe if you ask, Wendy may make one for you too! (I think she accepts cash or swaps....go ask!)

Thursday Thirteen

Yesterday was a scorcher where I live. And not being a fan of heat, it was difficult for me to remain in a good mood. But I managed, for the Lord is good. Here are a few things that I am thankful for, regardless of the heat;

1. I made it to the weekly prayer meeting to pray for my kids in school! It's hard to get myself moving in the morning, and especially when I don't have to be somewhere. But once I get there and am praying with friends about our children, it's always worth it!

2. Isabel is talking a lot more these days and has much to say, and I am enjoying her cute little voice!

3. A friend had guest passes to the zoo and invited Isabel and I to join her after we were done praying. Although it was stinking hot, it was so very nice to get out and do something different and be with a good friend.

4. My friend bought us a nice cool pink lemonade to enjoy during our trek around the zoo. Soooo refreshing (thanks Debbie for the zoo and the cool drink!) :)

5. I love air conditioning!!! And I am never more grateful for it than when it's yucky-hot outside.

6. Ceiling fans. Our home has three of them, and it's great on hot days like these to help circulate the a/c even faster!

7. Cool showers. When we were newly married and living in a tiny (non-a/c apartment) I would take cold showers when the weather got really hot. It helps relieve the heat and cools me down quickly. Yesterday the cold shower helped alleviate the heat while I waited for the a/c to cool down the house.

8. A nice little nap after my shower was appreciated too.

9. I had a crock pot meal all ready for dinner, and I didn't have to put much effort into it!

10. Although it was a hot meal, it was still good!

11. Isabel has the best giggle ever, and I love to make her use it!

12. Twister is a great way to spend some fun time together as a family.

13. The weather man says it should be cooler tomorrow and even more cooler the day after that!

September Movie Review

We didn't see too many movies last month, but that's ok I suppose. Our weekends seem so easily taken up with good things, so I'm not complaining. But here's what we saw....

1. Penelope - this was a fanciful and fun movie about a girl, Penelope, who has a snout for nose. Penolpe's family had long ago fallen under a spell that would make the next born daughter become ugly. The only way to break the spell is have someone fall in love with her as she is. The main story line is predictable, but I enjoyed it none the less. I'd recommend it.

2. 50 First Dates - the only reason I am even mentioning this movie is to say that I do not recommend it. I am embarrassed to admit to having watched it at all, for it was offensive. I don't care for movies that has the level of s3xual humor that this one had as well as the use of a few choice words over and over and over again. Why did I continue to watch it, you ask? Good question. It was funny. I know, how shallow is that?! But there you have it, a s3xual, funny, offensive film where a couple sleep together and it is categorized as entertainment.

3. Baby Mama - again, not proud to have seen this one, let alone tell the world that I saw it all the way through. it was predictable and all the funny scenes were shown in the previews. I think it had potential to be a good, funny movie but was ruined by how it was done. I suppose I could go on as to how it could have been better....but I seriously don't want to bother, it's not worth it. So, no, I don't recommend this one.

4. A League of Their Own - I know, this movie came out like 20 years ago. But, I never saw it and I heard it was good, so I thought it was time to see it! And I liked it. I always enjoy real stories told on film. It's about the beginning of the ladies baseball league in 1943. Most men were off fighting the war and there was a need for people to watch some good old fashioned baseball! So the movie documents the first season of the All-American Girls' Professional Baseball League. Now this one I recommend!

Here's a news flash....I'd like some recommendations to put in our movie queue.....got any???