2 for 1

Its a 2 for 1 weekend here!

Sunday is, of course, Father's Day....but it is also our 12th anniversary. I know I've mentioned before that we dated 5 years before getting married, but just writing that we've been together for 17 years blows me away...that is more than half my life now. Crazy!

I wish a Happy Father's Day and a Happy Anniversary to the best-est guy in the world! God gave me a wonderful gift in a man that loves me for the crazy person that I am. A wonderful kind of love with his whole heart. And he loves our children just as much!

I love you T!

Happy Father's Day & Happy Anniversary!

Silly Sewing Bug Bit Me Again

SewSensible's Twirl Skort pattern with her Hope Joy Bubble Top

Valances in Quintin's room

Valances in Elle's room

Valances in Colin's room

Wordless Wednesday

(yes, this is how she sleeps)

Tiny Talk Tuesday

Quintin has his pirate ship in his room and he enjoys spending the afternoons playing with it during his rest time. So, I decided to keep Elle's doll house up in her bedroom to play with a little before she naps.

Now, with Elle, we're getting to that point that if she naps too long in the afternoon, she'll be up til 11 singing in her bed...which isn't that bad since she stays in her bed, except we can still hear her when we're in bed!

The other day, she and Quintin were in their rooms playing and I had hoped they wouldn't take naps so we could put them to bed a little earlier at night.

As I took her up, she asked if she could play with her dollhouse til it was time to get up. I told her yes, but she had to stay in her room. I also said if she got tired, she could climb in bed and rest a little.

She assured me she was not tired and would play until I came in to get her.

Famous Last Words: "I'm not tired. I will just play until it is time to come out."

Here's what I found when I opened her door (it was just too precious that I had to grab the camera!)


Poor lil' thing. She's got a bruise on her chin from trying to pull a "stick" out of the ground - it was a root and snapped back down after she had just gotten it above her head!

And her shirt? "Tiaras make you taller!"

To read more Tiny Talkers, visit Mary at notbefore7.

Fish and ketchup

I was talking with some friends about how I prepare fish, now that we are trying to eat more of it. One of them asked if my kids eat it.

We have a rule around here - the "No Thank You Rule." You must try at least 2 bites of something before you can say "No Thank You." Usually after two bites, the kids realize it isn't so bad and they continue eating it.

Then we had fish. They ate their two bites and thought it was okay, but they weren't real sure about eating the rest. Until Daddy brought the ketchup to the table.

What is it about kids and ketchup?

At least with mine, they'll eat anything if they can smother it in ketchup. Even foods they like and don't normally eat with ketchup, they'll try and dip in. I've seen grapes, chips and countless other things from their plates go into the ketchup - and they still like it!?!?!

It made me think about how daring I might be if I had ketchup to go along with everything I am scared to try.

Maybe I could start taking a swig of ketchup before:
* heading into the dr's office
* driving on an unfamiliar road when its dark and raining
* stepping out in faith
* following where God calls me

I'm thinking I should have a good dose of ketchup every morning before we start school!

And then I thought about how much better my Heavenly Father is than ketchup. I don't need ketchup - I've got Him. And if I follow what He calls me to do, He will be there for me.

Forget 57 varieties...all I need is 1 - The One!

Wordless Wednesday

*Un*important Things Become Important

Many of you left questions in your comments on my Unimportant things post that I just felt I needed to answer them....see, I really am wordy!

First, I want to clarify that my stomach was growLing - not growing. As far as I am aware, my doctor did her job!! (tmi? sorry!)

As I've just hit the 4 week mark of being detoxed of Pepsi, I'll try to explain why.

Um, well....did you know that stuff really isn't that good for you? ;-)

Seriously, I wanted to change some of my poorer dietary choices, and felt it was something that could go. I don't even miss it. Actually, I think if I took a drink of Diet Pepsi now, I'd just taste all the chemicals in it.

I kept telling myself I needed the caffeine, but I really don't. I was feeling sluggish the first week and a half, but I think that was in part to my body adjusting to the lack of sugar dietary changes.

So, *I* would say it is going well without the Pepsi - you might get a different answer if you ask T or my kids - HAHA!

I've even started walking again in the mornings and that has actually given me more energy for my day. My walking time has become a perfect time to have my devotions too. I take a book with short devotionals and my prayer cards and I go to town.

So, here are the stats as of today:
4 weeks and 2 days without Pepsi (or any soda for that matter)
4 weeks and 2 days since changing my dietary habits
3 weeks and 2 days that I've been walking each morning. I started doing 2 1/2 miles and then went to 3 and now I'm up to almost 4 1/2 miles a day! WAHOOOOOO

Saving the best for last...

4 weeks and 2 days = 14 lbs less of Momma Roar!!!!!!!!! JAKERS! That is awesome! (I'm allowed to be proud on my blog, right? Or is that considered a faux paux?)

Now, onto the tea/coffee issue. You coffee drinkers, just settle down already!

I discovered the not-so-nice-throat-swelling due to tea when making meadow tea. Meadow tea is made from mint leaves which my parents had a bunch of and wanted to clear out. I took some knowing it was one of T's favorite drinks. I typically don't drink tea or coffee, but never really knew why (other than I think coffee smells awful - Be Quiet you coffee drinkers you!).

But after I made the meadow tea, it smelled so good. I took a few sips and my throat started to feel really tight. I was on the phone with my mom and told her. In her motherly wisdom, she told me to stop drinking it!! Aaaaahhhhh, yes! That solved the problem! So, no tea, no coffee, not even Pepsi....I just drink water - please don't bother to tell me how dull I am, I already know!

Did I miss anything?

How can it be June already?

June is gonna be a busy month around here - and I suspect it will be in many other homes too!

I had thought about doing a Wordless June...but, well, um, I am just too.....wordy!

My goal is to post pictures of some sewing projects, our vacations and just the everyday crazy stuff that goes on here! Along with some stories when I get a chance....I just want you to know that I'll try to post, but don't send out the search party if you don't hear from me in a couple days! ;-)

I've got a boy in my house that is growing up way too quickly and he's gonna be 6 in 3 weeks! :-O Where did the time go?

So, I may be here, I may not be....but I'll be somewhere...huh?

What are your plans for June?

Please vote

Parade magazine is running an article as to whether homeschooling should be illegal. Here is the article taken from parade.com.

In February, a California state appeals court ruled that unless parents have recognized teaching credentials, they must send their children to school. The judge, citing a state education law, said that “parents do not have a constitutional right to home-school their children.” Parents and politicians were outraged, and the court will rehear the case this month.

At stake is the education of the 166,000 California children who currently are home-schooled. But the court decision also could influence laws across the country. Nationwide, up to 2 million children are taught at home. Experts estimate that the number is increasing 7% to 12% a year.

“If upheld, the California ruling will send shock waves nationwide,” says Richard Kahlenberg, the author of a number of books on education. He says the case “pits those who believe parental rights are paramount against those who place a premium on well-educated citizens.”

Right now, only six states have strict regulations for home-schooling, usually requiring parents to have their curriculum approved, to show test scores and, in some places, to submit to home visits. Fourteen states, including California, mandate only that parents notify the state of their decision to home-school.

They are also running a poll: "Should parents need teaching credentials to home-school their kids?" Please go here to vote!

When this first happened, my brother/sister in law (T's sister, they also homeschool) sent this out, and I feel their words are so poignant that I wanted to include them:

California's ruling is a major power grab and victory for the public education system and teacher's union. Education is not the goal or they would embrace any method that works, public, private or home. Their goal is money, and power, and their next target is private school curriculum.

Even if you feel that home educating is not for you, remember that private school curriculum is the next thing to go (attempts are already being made in the courts to stop creationism curriculum).

This is a radical ruling and will have huge implications on the rights of all parents if it is not stopped.

Let's hope the court decides to change the ruling when they rehear it this month.

Friday Funny

I've been looking for a book for quite some time. And today I found it!!!

Back in college, I was introduced to an awesome speaker, Liz Curtis Higgs. She calls herself "an encourager." I think she is hilarious and a very Godly woman. It was ironic where I first heard her speak....at a convention for PSAHPERD (Pennsylvania State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance). She was the Keynote speaker at the winter convention in 1996.

I became hooked and started reading many of her books and getting her newsletters. In one of them, she asked for submissions from her readers for some "fall-down funny stories to fill your heart and lift your spirit" to be submitted for possible publication in her upcoming book, "Help! I'm Laughing and I Can't Get Up." I recalled the perfect story from years before.

You can read it below, and it can be found on page 37 in her book. (You can click on the picture to make it larger)

Hi Dad!!! I know you are gonna love me for posting it! But, I know it will bring a smile and a laugh to you and Mom as you read it!!!! :-)

Thanks to Ginger for mentioning Liz in her post and making me think of this treasure.

Hey JM! Does this mean I'm published?

6 Unimportant Things

Tara tagged me for this meme and the rules are:

1. Link back to the person that tagged you.
2. Post these rules on your blog.
3. Share six unimportant things about yourself.
4. Tag six people at the end of your entry.

Now that you are all on the edges of your seats, let's get started...

1 - I don't drink tea or coffee because it makes my throat swell (nice, I know!)

2 - I cannot ice skate - or even stand with them on...my ankles bend in with no hope of straightening.

3 - My belly is growling.

4 - I haven't had Pepsi (or any soft drink) in 3 weeks and 4 days.

5 - I had braces for 2 years when I was in Junior High.

6 - When I was younger, I wanted to be a veterinarian until my mom told me that I might have to put an animal to sleep.


Tagging 6 people (I know this is what y'all have really been waiting for!!)

1 - Just Mom 'cause I know she's in need of blogging material
2 - Mary 'cause she just needs a break from paint fumes
3 - Short Stop 'cause even if it is an 'unimportant meme' she'll still make it totally fun
4 - Morning Song 'cause she'll make me laugh
5 - Tropical Mexican 'cause I went to high school with her
6 - Lynn 'cause I went to high school with her too AND 'cause she *owes* me for the attack at JM's blog! ;-)

Spreading the meme-love in bloggyworld!!

Wordless Wednesday

Tiny Talk Tuesday

Elle was searching through a drawer that had various cups and containers for Colin. She pulled out a sippy cup and said, "This is my favorite cup. May I use this cup?"

I told her no, it was Colin's. She proceeded to ask, "May I use it when I'm a baby again?"

I answered, "Ok! Sure!"

She ran off smiling!


***
T and I were both in Elle's room saying goodnight. Before we left, she asked, "Do you guys play in our playroom when we go to bed?"

We both started laughing and answered, "Yes Elle! We do!!"

She just giggled and giggled!

***
Our neighbor asked Quintin if he wanted to see her new webkinz. Showing that he is first, all-boy and second, unaware of this new craze, Quintin answered, "Huh? Oh yeah, we have weapons!"

For more Tiny Talkers, head over to Mary's at Not Before 7.

I can't take it all in!

iHave a New Toy

iAlways said iDidn't need one. iDidn't have to be hip! Or, iAm still hip without one... (Is it still cool to be hip? Or is it just hip to be square?)

Then came the ads in the Sunday paper. Staring me in the eyes, a $24 MP3 player.

Hmmmm, iBegan considering some ways iMight use it.

One being that iStarted walking again in the mornings and iWould love to listen to various podcasts of local churches. A second reason being that iCould jam to some tunes while mowing (regardless of the looks my family or neighbors may give me). And third, iReally do just wanna fit in, be hip, or square...or you may call me a wannabe! ;-)

THEN....iCame across the "rewards" we earn with our credit card. iWas redeeming some for Quintin's birthday next month and there it was....an iPod. Oh Joy! iCould use our points to buy an iPod...My own iPod...at no cost (unless you consider what iPreviously had to purchase to earn those points...but really, it is free, isn't it?)

It arrived today - after just 2 days...they told me it would be 4-6 weeks. iWas all bummed thinking iWouldn't have it for the beach - but here it is...iEven had to sign for it. iHave never needed to sign for something at my door - that iCan remember, anyway.

And iThink iHave it figured out. iHad a few moments of being confused. But iAllowed myself to think positive thoughts like: iThink iCan, iThink iCan, iThink iCan!

iAlways thought iWas pretty computer savvy.

But iGuess if iCan't get it figured out - iWill just ask Quintin! ;-)

Oh, and iMight even share with T...since it is points from his credit card too...so yeah, iWill share...but only if he asks...nicely!

Wordless Wednesday

When hiring landscapers...

Make sure to check references and you can use our checklist as well.

- Access to haul lots of mulch.

They like to work.

(taken 15 seconds after mulch was unloaded)

- Being cute makes it more fun to have them working around the house!

- Make sure they have necessary tools as well as years of experience...

We're told the shorter one has been in the business since he was three...

(company file photo from May 2006)

- A concern for exercise and fitness is important for the strenuous work they perform.

- Also, make sure they don't mind getting dirty.

- Knowing that they like to have fun is also a big factor when hiring!

- Did I mention cute?

Finally, I offer one warning when hiring landscapers...be sure to check if they will work when it rains...this outfit doesn't.

But that's okay, I'd rather snuggle up with them inside!!

Hearts in 1 Accord

God has led Susan/Penless Writer to begin an online prayer blog. I have signed up and committed myself to a time to pray each day. We welcome you to join this blog if you're willing to commit to a time slot to pray. Your commitment needs to be workable for you - so it can be as short as 15 min or as long as an hour - just so we are committed to pray. Our hope is to have people praying 24/7!!

Visit Susan to learn more about "Hearts in 1 Accord".

You can give us a prayer request by clicking on the button at the top of my left sidebar. It will open up your email account so you can send us a message.

Wordless Week: Saturday