Mama Drama

The Final Chapter of Mama Drama

2011-05-23T10:29:00.000-07:00

Mama Drama has reached the final chapter of her life. It’s been a good one, and we have loved having you all along for the ride. However, for the sake of simplifying and condensing and for the sake of going in a new direction, Mama Drama will be laid to rest. I know. *tear*

Please pay your respects and say your goodbye…..and then join me over here at our new spot. Don’t forget to show the love and “like” me on Facebook and “follow” me on Twitter.

Be sure to join the KickOff Party in our new place for our week-long celebration of giveaways and fun! I will be looking for your over there.

Hava happy.

Change is Coming Soon!!

2011-05-20T08:59:00.001-07:00

….and, Change is good.

I have taken a much needed break from the blogosphere and online social networking, though I have missed it very much. However, there are only so many hours in a day, and I really needed to cut out something in order to prepare for The Big Launch. I mean, we are not launching any rockets over here anytime soon…but we are launching a new photography business name AND a new blog. And, boy, are we ever excited!

Those particulars were intended to be somewhat temporary until I made up my mind and decided in which direction to head with my photog business. I have now made up my mind….and when this girl makes up her mind, there is no stopping it! To say that I am over-the-top excited is putting it mildly. I go to sleep thinking about it, and I wake up to it churning in my brain.

That’s it for now, folks. I am off to tweak and design, but I will be back right here in this very spot to make the big announcement!

Thank you so much for your ever endearing support and presence!

Hava happy.

Sneak Peak ~ bolling406

2011-05-13T23:51:00.001-07:00

Some photog love for you. Beautiful family. Fun spirits. I couldn’t help but want to be a mouse in their house when they are all together.

Hava Happy.

An Amazing Giveaway!

2011-04-26T13:16:00.001-07:00

Check out this amazing giveaway!! I want to win and take the Mom-sabbatical I have been dreaming of!!

http://cravemyphotography.com/blog/world-wide-giveaway

Missing This Space

2011-04-19T18:58:00.001-07:00

Dang.

I have been missing my lil’ possy over here.

I have been missing writing and

reading in The Great Blogland.

A million times a week I post posts in my head

and come up with great blog titles and subjects.

I regret that I don’t have the time to write them out.

But.

Ha.

No time for this little space.

It brings out sadness from the depths of me.

I had to let it go.

Let this space go.

For a time.

And.

Even now.

I don’t know how long I can stay.

However.

Good things are happening.

Good because I changed my mind.

Changing my mind was a good thing.

Is a good thing.

So.

One dream at a time, I face the world.

One kid at a time.

One moment at a time.

One day at a time, I face the world.

Another Day Off of School

2011-02-24T23:04:00.001-08:00

This child is so dang precious….seriously. I have not met a more intelligent nor sweet 18month old. At least, not since the last one I had. Ok. I am done bragging now.

Trying to work while The Little Muffin naps….

….even though there are 3 other kids up and running around…..

…..ya. It’s pretty much a joke.

Whoever came up with the idea of “working from home”??

Are you freaking kidding me?? Working from home…Dumb idea.

Whatevah.

My mini-me and me.

I am a good kisser, if I do say so myself.

Rockin’ the Monster Look. Oh yeah. I want an office, and I want it NOW. Arrgghhh….

Rockin’ the pale winter whites and the frizzy winter hair. Nice.

What do you do when your kids have a four-day weekend?? And, please don’t tell me you bake cookies. Pretty please? I just got over the mom-guilt.

Hava happy.

Picture Post For The Boy

2011-02-21T21:50:00.001-08:00

This is what President’s Day, a.k.a. NO SCHOOL, looked like for us….except for the sad fact that I took zero pictures of the Eldest and the Youngest. They were involved and a part of the day. I promise. I just pulled out the Nikon Baby after Baby Girl left for a birthday party and while The Little Muffin was napping.

Had I even thought of grabbing the camera before noon…weeellll, let’s just say that there were zero zilch nada moments that I really wanted to capture. Unless, of course, you count the toast crumbs scattered across the island, me in all of my pajama-clad glory, the disastrous state of the house, the unmade beds, yadda yadda. And, just because I did pull out the camera in the afternoon, please don’t take me wrong. It was still the pj glory behind the camera, and, by then, those toast crumbs found their way to the floor. However, this glorious afternoon light came streaming through the windows and made the mess beautiful.

I couldn’t resist this face.

She couldn’t resist this one.

Piepie set up rest time with the puppy. She even got his own, tiny pillow and his blanket. Yes, those are Mocha’s very own. I know, right?!

She’s teaching Mocha about addition and counting.

We played Uno.

And Speed Stacks.

Pure Delight.

They are best pals. More Speed Stacks. Is this the rage anywhere else?? It was/is the rage at our school. My Mom would say “google it on you tube”. (Hey, give her a break. She has a Facebook account and texts.) There are some amazing records being set by some talented kids.

Amazing, I tell ya. Look at the concentration of That Foot! SCORE!!!!

Chips n Salsa and Dora Memory

*sigh* 3 Year Olds….they get ya e.v.e.r.y.time. Seriously. How much intense love and intense exasperation can you really take in the same.sin.gle.mo.ment.??? “…..gotta couple dents in my fender….gotta couple rips in my jeans…..”

True dat.

Sleepy pup. Ya. Me, too.

Two STARVING girls after gymnastics and showers.Subs and Sun Chips for dinner.

I promise pix of The Little Muffin and Baby Girl soon. :)

Hava happy.

Sneak Peak~simmelink401

2011-02-21T10:10:00.001-08:00

Beautiful family with eyes that are every photog’s dream! Love the life and creativity I found with them.

Hava happy.

Sneak Peak ~ keaton400

2011-02-17T23:29:00.000-08:00

Beautiful mommy and baby…and a joy to photograph! This six month old is crawling and pulling himself up. Wow. He’s gonna grow into such a strong young man. Thank you, Marissa and Keaton (and Grandma and Auntie) for the pleasure of spending the afternoon with you!

Hava happy.

Mama’s Bag

2011-02-16T23:08:00.001-08:00

Oh, give me a break. I couldn’t think of a better title.

Today I emptied out my bag. This is not the diaper bag. Diaper bags are no longer needed here. *sniff*iknow* This is what is supposed to be my bag/my purse. Somehow it ends up collecting everyone else’s crap. It’s a good thing that big bags are stylin’.

Here is what I found today:

*my purple waterbottle*

*2 kid cups for hot chocolate…one full/one empty*

*2-3 days worth of mail*

*a pack of spearmint gum*

*a bottle of peppermint gum* i know, right?

*bath n body hand sanitizer* we call it hanitizer. i know. we are efficient that way.

*my pink celly*

*my wallet*

*a small cosmetic pouch*

*my brain….a.k.a. my calendar*

*3 thousand and thirty-five multi-colored silly bandz* if i would have married for money, it would have been to the guy who invented those, but he didn’t have his game on 11 years ago. darnit. geez. we can’t check out from anywhere without having a whole dialog about the fact that there are 219 of those fun things stuck in the couch so noiamnotbuyingthosetoday let’sgodigthoseoutofthecouch.

*a leftover lip-shaped cookie wrapped in Kleenex from the kids’ VDay parties Monday*

*gym key card*

*a movie*

*one of the kids’s scarves*

*a pair of tiny undies* the kids’s….er-hum, i said TINY.

*a pint jar* ???? seriously.

*a beautiful card from a beautiful friend*

*a comb*

*a stray dollar bill* i earned from one of my kid’s who thinks it’s funny to make loud, rude noises…i charge to experience those. i don’t think it’s funny. well, maybe.

*my favorite pen*

*half a pack of tissues*

*a couple receipts*

*gym schedule*

*five hundred and ten of those “special club cards” every single store has*

*some loose change*

*crumbs. lots of crumbs*

*gum wrappers*

*a binky*

*Lansinoh lanolin* yes, leftover from breastfeeding. but, by george, that is the best stuff for chapped lips and hands. you should try it.

And I am sure that I have forgotten at least one or two more items. But there ya have it. The crap my bag collected in about two days. I heart big floppy bags.

Here it is in all of it’s cleaned up bliss:

*sigh* Much betta’. Thank you very much.

Hava happy.

Later Today

2011-02-09T22:06:00.001-08:00

Well. I didn’t intend to host a pity party over here earlier today, much less my own. I do appreciate the kind words and cyber hugs I received from friends. Thank you so much. I know you have my back no matter what. I think it is very important to cultivate and invest in these relationships.

And that was more or less the point of the post yesterday. Am I the kind of friend who has my friend’s back even when they are in the middle of messy but very real-life circumstances? Or am I the surface-y girl who is so concerned about keeping my outward appearance neat and tidy that I am totally inhibited with going below the surface where the dirt and grime is all too real?

The circumstances in the post were more or less true, and, yes, it pretty much sucked. However, I am so lucky and grateful to have more of the walk beside you through the valleys friends/family than I have of the other type. Or maybe I just tend to ignore those types more and not really realize they are there? I don’t know.

I was also speaking to myself in that post. I am challenged almost daily in this whether it be in relating to one of my four daughters or in relating to a friend or acquaintance. I know that because of experiencing the judgmental friendships I am more aware of being that way myself or picking up on it with others. Granted not every.single.person in our life is going to be a close walk beside you friend; however, many would be willing if time and circumstances called for it. I am specifically speaking of those who never go deeper than the cleaned up part of life. That pretty much is irritating to me. But then. That is just me. I realize that. :)

Not sure if this is clarifying or more confusing. ?? Good night. I am off to hit the shower. Maybe I need a cold one?? :)

Hava happy.

Just Wondering

2011-02-09T13:34:00.001-08:00

So. You can love me when I am the nice girl who attends Tuesday morning Bible Study and whose phone conversation goes like this. Hello? Oh, hi. How are you? Oh, that’s great. We are well, thank you. Aww. Well, it’s raining and very dreary here, but the Lord has blessed us and we want His will……yadda yadda.

But your love is tested when the phone conversation goes like this. Hello? Oh. Hey! What’s up? Not much here, but we are ok. I mean, heck, there are only twenty four cents in the damn checking account and what feels like 5 billion dollars worth of bills lying on the counter and no paycheck for miles around. But, ya. Other than that moment of stress we are well. How’s it going for you??

Because I cussed and because the job my husband has takes him away from his family for extended periods of time, you feel the need to address those issues when my actual sin is lacking faith and considering giving up. Really? Why? Because it is easier to paint the house rather than go inside and clean up the mess in there? Because it is easier to focus on the issues you have pat answers for rather than to dig into your heart and find empathy for the mess and the pain? Because it is easier and quicker to judge than it is to be a walk through the valley with you friend? Because it is easier to throw out the pat answer in order to avoid the sins of your own heart? Because all you can see is what I have done wrong in your eyes and not the person in me who is crying for just a wordless hug or an empathetic i’m sorry?

Just wondering.

Hava happy.

10 Principles of Aware Parenting

2011-02-01T00:29:00.001-08:00

Not trying to turn this into a blog of all Your Highness Serious Parenting….just need to jot these down somewhere where I can remember where to find them. Thank you for obliging me.

1. Aware parents fill their children's needs for physical contact (holding, cuddling, etc.). They do not worry about "spoiling" their children.
2. Aware parents accept the entire range of emotions and listen non-judgmentally to children's expressions of feelings. They realize that they cannot prevent all sadness, anger, or frustration, and they do not attempt to stop children from releasing painful feelings through crying or raging.
3. Aware parents offer age-appropriate stimulation, and trust children to learn at their own rate and in their own way. They do not try to hurry children on to new stages of development.
4. Aware parents offer encouragement for learning new skills, but do not judge children's performance with either criticism or evaluative praise.
5. Aware parents spend time each day giving full attention to their children. During this special, quality time, they observe, listen, respond, and join in their children's play (if invited to do so), but they do not direct the children's activities.
6. Aware parents protect children from danger, but they do not attempt to prevent all of their children's mistakes, problems, or conflicts.
7. Aware parents encourage children to be autonomous problem-solvers and help only when needed. They do not solve their children's problems for them.
8. Aware parents set reasonable boundaries and limits, gently guide children towards acceptable behavior, and consider everyone's needs when solving conflicts. They do not control children with bribes, rewards, threats, or punishments of any kind.
9. Aware parents take care of themselves and are honest about their own needs and feelings. They do not sacrifice themselves to the point of becoming resentful.
10. Aware parents strive to be aware of the ways in which their own childhood pain interferes with their ability to be good parents, and they make conscious efforts to avoid passing on their own hurts to their children.

Aware Parenting is based on the work of Dr. Aletha Solter.

Disclaimer: I am not saying that I follow these to perfection or even close to it. Neither am I saying that I have any one of these All Figured Out or that I would stand up for them to the death of me. Jus’ sayin’.

Hava happy.

Book Review: Tears and Tantrums

2011-01-26T19:17:00.001-08:00

by Aletha J. Solter, Ph.D.

Wow. What do you know? I have actually read in completion my first book of the year. And, that, folks, is an accomplishment. It’s not even the end of January yet.

Tears and Tantrums was recommended to me by a trusted, credible friend of mine. This book is written in a simple, easy-read format. Rather than give my full-blown opinion, I am going to quote from several places in the book, which I hope will stimulate thoughts and ideas. It was very affirming to me since I had already been thinking along these lines for quite some time. In my opinion, every parent should read this book because communication by crying is such a big part of infants and small children. It makes my heart ache to think of all the times I didn’t listen to my babies, but rather hushed them and thought that I was making the world a better and MORE QUIET place and, even more, TRAINING my kids. Couldn’t have been more wrong.

(Quote in purple. My quote box is not loading properly.)

There has been a huge misunderstanding about the meaning and purpose of tears and tantrums….

This book proposes an entirely new way of thinking about crying and raging, representing a breakthrough in understanding children’s needs and emotions. It is best if babies and children who cry are never ignored. Their cries should always receive a nurturing response. However, not all crying is an indication of an immediate need or want. Much of it is a natural stress-release mechanism that allows children to heal from the effects of frightening or frustrating experiences that have occurred previously. Children use tears and tantrums to resolve trauma and release tensions. It is therefore not the caretaker’s job to stop the crying or raging, because these behaviors are, in themselves, basic needs from birth on.

An understanding of the healing effects of tears and tantrums can have beneficial consequences. In addition to helping children resolve trauma and release stress, an acceptance of crying and raging can play a crucial role in preventing discipline problems and reducing hyperactivity as well as harmful behavior towards others (violence). Crying can also contribute to better physical and emotional health, attention span, and ability to learn. An added benefit of this approach is that it can help resolve sleep problems (without ignoring the child). Finally, supportive listening of children when they need to cry helps to strengthen the adult/child relationship.

Adults need to be aware of each child’s thought processes, feelings, and needs, and do as much as possible to make life tolerable and understandable for children…You cannot protect children from life itself, and learning and growing always involve some pain and frustration….My job as a mother was not necessarily to protect my children from pain, difficulties, or frustrations, but rather to help them learn to cope with the resulting emotions.

I know that is a very short excerpt….I barely knew where to start and stop, but I feel this part gives, at least, a summary of the jist of the book. The author gives a detailed explanation on the physiology of stress and crying, which I thought very intriguing, as well as great information on the sources of stress for children, helping children deal with traumatic events, and creating an emotionally safe place for children.

I feel very strongly that parents are under-educated in this subject. Maybe the rest of you aren’t, but I definitely am. It would definitely not fit into the culture’s way of training up a child that I grew up in. It seems like such a counter-cultural way to parent. Most likely in the minority?? I mean, just how acceptable is it to let your kid cry it out when it appears like they are just having a tantrum from not getting their way even though you, their mother, knows about the stress earlier in the day over a lost kitten?? I understand that we must choose the most appropriate place and behavior. I am not talking about just letting them scream bloody murder in the middle of a fine dining restaurant or even MickyDees. But it takes a lot of balls to take them aside (in public) and let them cry out their stress and grieve their loss while every.sin.gle. onlooker is giving you the stink eye.

Like I say, I am saddened for all those cries that I never heard. For all those cries that I disciplined in one way or another. For all those cries that I suppressed in my selfishness or self-righteousness or because it gave me the “theretheregoodmother” title. And I am saddened for all the suppression going on in the name of Jesus. What does the preaching of letting the little children come unto me mean anyway??

Yes, I know. I put myself on the line here. I am ok with that. Please feel free to share your thoughts and ideas. I would love to hear your imput.

Hava happy.

The Non-Stellar Day

2011-01-20T10:22:00.001-08:00

Today is one of those days. You know. Where you wake up feeling less than stellar. Actually, a LOT less. Too many late nights. Too little nutritional intake. Too little water. Too many times forgetting the vitamins. The result being a cough and a couple aches in the bones. It doesn’t help that the kickboxer lady helped me find my abs. I seriously thought the doc threw them out with the placenta when I birthed my last baby. It’s one of those days, where you kinda piddlefart around on your computer googling this and that and hoping the laundry will just do itself. When you get up to check, it gives you a soggy smile from the the washer. Darn it. It’s one of those days where the kids are still in their pjs. Actually, I am, too. At 10am, I still need to shower and apply some foundation at the very least. It wouldn’t hurt to wake up the eyes with some eyeliner and add a little eyeshadow sparkle. Thank God, the kids woke up semi-happy and not fighting so that they could take themselves to school. In my foggy haze, I heard Baby Girl helping Sweet Pea finish up some homework. Then I dragged myself outa’ my feather comfort and loaded The Four in the car for the minute drive to school. You’re right. Pjs and no bra. A couple kisses and some iloveyous. Grab some coffee from my Mom at the coffee shop. Back home to pretzels on the floor and a kid who wants to wear zero clothes. Hope your day is stellar! Gotta’ go change that darned laundry.

Hava happy.

Since my camera is still in The Repair Shop, I will leave you with This from January of Last Year.

Throw Out The Map. Get a GPS.

2011-01-14T00:47:00.001-08:00

I had a life map.

Drawn by me, of course.

I had a plan for where I was going.

And for how fast I would get there.

I had symbols and markings to indicate

the next mountain or valley or rest area.

I pin-pointed mile markers.

The route was carefully chosen and well-marked.

With a yellow highlighter.

But.

My map got tossed.

Out the window.

And now.

I have a GPS.

Whose voice is God.

Who tells me one turn at a time.

One maneuver at a time.

Who redirects the route

when I take a wrong turn.

Whose voice I listen to.

Who tells me when I am

on the wrong road.

And when I am on the right.

Toss your map.

Get a GPS.

Driving over the mountains on snow-covered roads to pick up The Boy in Seattle (November2010). Over the mountains and through the cities. I did not map out the route. I used a GPS. I followed that voice, one turn at a time. :)

Hava happy.

In The Right Place

2011-01-13T00:12:00.001-08:00

When I am on the road, I do a lot of thinking.

Occasionally, I load up the kids and go for a drive.

To think.

Today I was on the road.

A lot.

The Boy is gone To Sea again.

I thought to myself.

I can’t live with him.

And.

I can’t live without him.

I must be in The Right Place.

Hava happy.

The Devil Behind Me

2011-01-09T21:34:00.001-08:00

I am a perfectionist. I like…wait. No I am obsessed with Clean and Neat and Perfect. A place for everything, and everything in it’s place. I have been obsessed since before I can remember. My siblings called me “Miss Perfect.” Scornfully. This obssession is perhaps the single worst Enemy of my parenting. It’s what makes me yell at the kids. It’s what gives me The Mom Panic Attacks. Not noise. Not jumping and running through the house. Not arguing or fighting. But This Obsession with Clean and Neat and Perfect.

My kids help alot with the chores. They know how to do laundry, load and unload the dishwasher, bathe the babies, run the vacuum, mop the floor. But they get sloppy. And I lack the ability to keep on top of things 100% of the time. So when I open the cupboard with the cups in it; and they all tumble out in a pile on the countertop screaming, “Pick me! Pick me!”, I loose my cool. I swear. At the cups. At the kids.

Tonight, as I was helping the kids clean up around the house before bedtime, I opened the drawer where I keep all the little plastic containers and sippy cups. The odds and ends that don’t stack in cupboards. That drawer was a mess. I could barely open it. There were things in there that don’t even belong in the kitchen. The worst part about this was that not long ago, I had gone through all the kitchen cupboards and drawers and organized them. AND, very pointedly, instructed the kids that it really doesn’t take any more of their precious TV time to just put things away correctly the first time. Obviously, That piece of advice went flying over their heads.

I took a few minutes to just organize the mess myself while I muttered under my breath something about how it seems the little punks are always right behind me destroying my Neat and Clean and Perfect.

And then It hit me. This is how I live life. I long for and put a lot of effort toward Neat and Clean and Perfect. I get the messes in my life organized and redeemed and covered by grace in Neat and Clean and Perfect piles. I like it that way. When my life is stacked Neat and Clean and Perfect, I can see where I have been and where I am going. It feels….ahhhhh…Neat and Clean and Perfect. *happy sigh*

In the past few years though, it seems like (more than not) the Devil is right behind me destroying my Neat and Clean and Perfect. The hardest thing for me to understand is that God frickin’ allows it. I thought that He would like Neat and Clean and Perfect. I thought that was what He would delight in. Righteousness doesn’t sound very disastarous to me. Neither does Love or Self Control. Definitely not Peace.

However, way down deep within, I hear Him say to let go of my Neat and Clean and Perfect. I hear Him say that He wants to get down and dirty. That it’s all about me relaxing and letting Him walk beside me through the Valley(s) of the Shadow of Death, rather than driving the through in The Spotless Mamamobile. Life with Him is not stacked in neat, organized piles with a file name in a program. It is individual. It lacks formulas. It is His process.

Hava happy.

In other news, it seems like only two weeks ago that we were here at the Space Needle as One Big Happy Family enjoying a Grand Reunion. But, the holidays are over, and America is back to eating fish after all that ham and turkey and prime rib. So The Boy is headed out To Sea once again to take care of that for you all. Please tip your hats off to him. Cheers, Babe, for a safe and profitable season! Luv ya!

I Love New

2010-12-28T12:22:00.001-08:00

I have never been a collector of antiques or old things unless they have a personal meaning for myself. I have my Grandmother’s purse. It’s old. I love it. I will keep it because it holds many personal memories. But I don’t collect old things just because they are old or because I like them. Because I don’t.

However, I LOVE new things. New inventions. New clothes. New perfume. New ideas. New schedules. New houses. New ways of living. New packages. And ESPECIALLY a NEW year!!

2010 was an ok year for us. Better than 2009. Still hard. Still riding that rollercoaster in a lot of ways. But ok. Better. At the end of 2010, though, I am finding myself really excited for a NEW YEAR. For 2011. I have no idea why, except for the fact that I Love New. Half of me is hopeful for Better. For Easy. The other half of me snorts and thinks that it could just be more of the same. I am going to nurture the first half. The positive. The hopeful.

At the end of a year, I always find myself looking forward to the fresh, clean slate. No plans. No mistakes. No regrets. No pain. Even though I know there will be many, and I am ok with that, I Love the Brand, New Feeling.

And it makes me want to CLEAN. I CLEAN my laptop. Spotless. I CLEAN out the closets. Neatness. I spring CLEAN my house. In January. I CLEAN the garage. And the cars. I CLEAN out files. I CLEAN out the kids’ ears. I CLEAN out the frig. Never mind the fact that I will be needing to do all this CLEANing in less than 2 weeks again. But let’s start this year off right. I buy a fresh, CLEAN, new notebook and a new calendar/planner. I make new goals for the New Year. New resolutions.

So CHEERS for a NEW Year. For Twenty Eleven. I wish all of you a great

2011 full of peace, love and good memories.

Hava happy.

Feast or Famine

2010-12-03T10:07:00.001-08:00

I know. I post ev.er.y.sin.gle. day for about two weeks just to go on a blogging fast for two more weeks (or more). Pretty much is a picture of my life right now. Always trying to find the balance. Stopping. And going. Resting. And running. Spending. And pinching. A tortoise. Then a hare. Structure. And then free spirits. Feast. Or Famine.

The good thing is this. It seems to me that once you have experienced both extremes you are more equipped to find a balance. Taking your experience of wildly zig zagging from one ditch to the other to try to learn how to drive That Car right down the center of the road. Not that I am there by any means. In some areas, yes, I feel somewhat centered. But, doggonit, there are many times I find myself hopping in Those Other Cars and the ride is wild, to say it mildly. I must Buckle Up, Shut Up, and Hang On.

All that to say this. I promise I will be here soon. I am not promising a Feast. But. Maybe. There is a birthday post I want to do in honor of Baby Girl. And, of course, the Big Welcome Home post for The Boy. Not to mention Christmas thoughts and ideas swirling around this brain of mine. Mostly swirling. In the meantime, I wish you all lots of fun Christmas parties to attend. That is my favorite thing of the season.

one of my adorable nieces :)

Hava happy.

Birthday Wishes for The Boy

2010-11-14T20:31:00.001-08:00

To Daddy, with love,

from Sweet Pea….For

your birthday, Daddy,

I wish you a wonderful

day on the ship. Thank

you for working so

hard on the ocean for

us. I love you.

Dear Daddy,

I am in your heart.

I wish for you to come

home. From, Piepie.

Daddy, I wish for you

a satisfying day, good

fishing, and that you

wouldn’t get hurt. I

will always love you no

matter what.

Love, Baby Girl

       Babe, I wish for you a

         day full of happiness

       and contentment. I

       wish for you confidence

       and courage. Strength.

       Endurance. I am so

       excited to have you

       home again. I love

       you. Happy Birthday!

The girls and I made birthday cupcakes for you. We got out the flour, sugar, eggs, and frosting and sprinkles. We made a big mess in the kitchen. We put a bite size candy bar in the middle. Just for you. We talked about how much we miss you and about the things we love about you. We can’t wait for you to be home again. We saved some cupcakes for you. They might be freezer-burned til you get them. But we will celebrate all the same. The Little Muffin helped, too. And she says she loves you, too. At least, she nods her head when we ask her. She ate her cupcake as she decorated it. Mostly she tried to steal the sprinkles off of the other cupcakes and make her sisters scream. That is why there is no picture of her making birthday wishes. She still loves you.

Hava happy.

Baby B.

2010-11-09T12:09:00.001-08:00

Last week I had the sweetest pleasure of photographing a friend’s 3 week old baby boy. Seriously. What is not to love?? The whole experience made my uterus cramp and scream, “I want one of those.”

And then it hit me. I think I will always want more babies. More newborns. More breastfeeding. More diapering. More tiny, little outfits. I am going to want this up until my dying day. But I don’t think I want more tantrums, more drama, more kids needing bus services, more weddings, more proms, more shoes than we already have. It’s time for me to say good-bye to all the little baby stuff that I love. Good-bye to the Baby Magic and size Preemie Pampers and ca-UTE diaper bags. It’s time for me to say Hello to the big kid stuff. Hello to the tantrums and the bazillion snacks a day and the drama that goes on in 4th grade. I am sad. But when I thought of it in this way, I realized I am ready for it.

So a huge thank you to Jess for bringing Baby B over for us to cuddle and love on and photograph. I love love seeing first time moms! They are precious. Not worn out yet. Have no clue what to expect. Are embracing each little (or big) pukey moment. They have brand, new diaper bags packed to the hilt. Seriously. Us seasoned moms know they will never need half that stuff, and yet we remember all too well packing around all the goods because they are just so stinking cute.

Jess, you are a wonderful mother! It’s a huge learning curve for all of us where we never stop learning. The things that worked for baby #1 don’t always work for baby #2. It’s ok.

No matter what. No matter how easy or hard things may be for you, always ALWAYS remember that God gave YOU to your kids. He knows your weaknesses, and yet, He still chose YOU to mother Baby B. And He knows best.

And this time. This one time in your life, you get to mother the way YOU choose. YOU get to choose to demand-feed or schedule-feed. YOU get to choose to diaper with disposables or to cloth-diaper. YOU get to choose to breastfeed or formula-feed. All because God knew that YOU would choose the best for your baby. Don’t ever let anyone take that from you. By the way, Piepie keeps asking if she can call Jessica to tell her to bring her “yittle, baby boy over for me to hold.” As I am posting this, Pie sits on my lap saying, “i wub jessica and benton. they are so cute.” Thank you for being patient with her and letting her cuddle Baby B and for answering all her hundred and one gazillion questions. We enjoyed the afternoon with you, and I hope you did, too. :)

Hava happy.

Give Kids Their Space

2010-11-08T19:06:00.001-08:00

Last “quote post” for awhile. I promise. But again. I loved the message. The simplicity. Enjoy.

Being a parent is overwhelming at times. Endless schedules, teachable moments, messes to clean up, meals to prepare, laundry to fold, and moments to lose your cool.

Take comfort in knowing that you're not alone. Countless parents are in the same boat. And all of us are in this boat due to two things.

First is our own emotional reactivity. And second is the biggest lie many parents live by... more on this in a moment.

First things first, our emotional reactivity is our own worst enemy.

We all live within a system. Your family is a system. And each member feeds off other members within the system. Put another way, have you ever had a time when you were anxious about something and your kid's behavior escalated because of their feeding off your anxiety? Or your spouse has a bad day and you can sense it as you enter the house, even before you see them?

The simple truth is you probably spend a great deal of time trying to control things you can not possibly control. Your kid's reactions, their behaviors, their choices, even your spouse. I can't blame you for trying really. I've done it too.

There's a great deal of pressure with parenting today. We are bombarded with the messages of putting family first. Keeping our children safe. Being saddled with the idea of parents are the ones molding the future of our world.

It's overwhelming.

So rather than spending a great deal of energy on things you can't control, spend time working on the things you can. This starts, and probably ends, with you.

Second, there's a lie many parents live by.

It's this: you are responsible for your child.

Many parents have bought into the idea that it's our job to get our children to think, believe, feel, and behave like a good person. We are responsible for their life. After all, they are a reflection of ourselves. Right?

Wrong!

Hear me out. They are a member of our family and will act out our family patterns and beliefs, hence the importance of the first point. But ultimately, they are their own separate being.

We are much more responsible TO our children than we are FOR them. Our children have been granted the same power of choice as us. And if you think you can program your child to act, think, behave a certain way, you're fooling yourself.

As parents we do have tremendous influence on our children, but we have more responsibility to them than for them.

And the main responsibility to them? Being consistently cool in the face of ever present change. After all, the only thing you have control over is yourself.

-Simple Marriage, 1506 Greenville, #250, Allen, TX 75002, USA

Hava happy.

How To Steal From Your Kids

2010-11-05T05:12:00.001-07:00

In general, children in America have around 18 years to prepare for living in the real world. During this time, children have a certain number of teaching experiences that will help their preparation. It's these experiences, although sometimes painful, that will form a memory bank of cause and effect thinking. And it's these experiences that will help guide their future choices and behaviors.

Since there are a limited number of teaching opportunities, one of the best things you can do for your children while they're young is let them learn from these teaching experiences with little interference or rescue from you. The great thing about raising children is we get the chance to see them learn from the consequences of their choices as they get older.

Although it is tough to watch our kids struggle or hurt as they face life's consequences, it's easier if you remember this idea - while kids are young, the consequences to their poor decisions are relatively inexpensive.

For example, a young child's poor decision usually only results in them being cold for a short period of time, being hungry for a little while, getting a reduced grade on homework, or something else not life threatening. As the child grows there are more life and death choices - drinking and driving, drugs, sex, etc.

While a child is young, they get the chance to reap the benefit of as many real life learning experiences as they are allowed to experience. When parents over-protect their children, they in essence steal from them.

While our kids are young, and the price tags of poor choices are still inexpensive, let them learn as much as they can. This learning comes from the natural consequences associated with choices in life. And the consequences to choices will teach more than any threat, lecture, or directive.

A child who is allowed to learn from their mistakes also learns to think and problem solve.

Eventually our kids will not live with us, before they go out on their own, wouldn't it be great to know they've had a taste of the real world and are very capable of making life whatever they desire.

Simple Marriage, 1506 Greenville, #250, Allen, TX 75002, USA

This article was in my inbox recently and came from this blog. I love the simplicity of the way the article is written, but I also love the complexity it involves. I am not going to pretend I know how to do this. I don’t have all the answers. I have learned….am LEaRnINg….that parenting is as individual to the family as it is individual to each kid. We have to make allowance for that. However, I thought I would share, and I would love if you would share with me your thoughts and experience in this.

Hava happy.

Kim-Senior Shoot

2010-11-04T23:11:00.001-07:00

What a privilege to meet Kim and such great pleasure to capture this exciting time in her life. Kim did her homework and scouted out The Land and picked all of the locations. I must say that the locations she picked out were awesome and so much fun. I loved the candy shop! You did great, Kim. Thank you! You are a beautiful person inside and out. I loved connecting with you, and I wish you the very Best as you graduate and pursue your career.

Hava happy.

Post About Diaper Rash = Lots of Feedback

2010-11-02T00:36:00.000-07:00

{This morning I posted this status on FB and got tons of feedback, which ended up being awesome. }

Tonight after the Big Girls’ expensive babysitting gymnastics, I whipped the Mamamobile into Walgreen’s to pick up something for the poor Little Muffin’s hiny. All bright, red and shiny. Poor thing. I am pretty sure it isn’t a yeast infection because it gets a little better and then gets much worse with a dirty diaper. But, what do I know??

Back to Walgreen’s. I walk in and find the baby aisle hoping that they will have one of the ready to go solutions from my FB feedback….like PinxSav or California Baby. They didn’t. So I found a shelf stocker-upper and asked her if they had Bismoline medicated powder. She had never heard of it, but directed me to the Pharmacist. He didn’t either. But he wondered what it was for.

I explained that one of my friends instructed me to mix it with Vaseline for diaper rash. He wrinkled his brow. “One of your friends?” all hoity toity like. I was like ya and then rambled on about how I posted on FB asking for advice on diaper rash. He acted all sleepy and know-it-all-ish. I wanted to say, “Oh. Excuse me, Sir. These are all real live moms and most of them have had multiple kids. They all have a Master’s in mothering.” But I figured he was too sleepy. I am sure it was nearing the end of his shift.

Back to the search. I was literally cruising the aisles of Walgreen’s with my FB page up on my phone going down this list of options. The Sleepy Pharmacist was trying to find the products I was rambling about. Finally, I just wanted to loose him and ask another shelf stocker-upper. I think he was wondering why I didn’t just buy one of the 378 varieties of zinc oxide butt rash salve they already had. That’s not what I had in mind, Sir. Been there. Done that. Made it worse.

This is the rest of the story. Read down over the list that I cut n pasted from my FB page and then read my comments and find out why I decided on the Maalox, Aquaphor and Cornstarch Solution. You just might win a prize, Nikole.

Becky Yoder

anyone have any rEaLLy good solutions for a ReAlly bad diaper rash?? i have already tried different ointments containing zinc oxide (desitin-style), which seems to burn That Baby Bum and makes it worse. right now i am dumping Powder on, which helps with dryness. but i would love to find a Solution. oh how i need some good ole amish Pinx Salve....but there is nary an amish store within driving distance.
14 hours ago · · Comment · Like

Sandi Stoltzfus I used to make my own with vaseline and Bismoline medicated powder. Just mix the 2 together. I think you should be able to get the powder at Walmart or any pharmacy. It worked better than any other I tried.

14 hours ago · Like
*no Bismoline powder in the store*
Ruth Swartzendruber I always used olive oil on my babies and I never had any problem with rash. Don't know if it would help with taking one away..

14 hours ago · Like
*i felt like the rash was so severe that it would take something pretty heavy-duty…even though i am a huge EVOO fan*
Gloria Mehrer Whitman When My daughter had yeast infection. Doc told me to buy ratio - NYSTATIN. and keep it on hand for future rashes and it clears up rashes very quick. I am always surprised. Here I have to ask my pharmacist for it. but I don't need a prescription.

14 hours ago · Like
*have to have a prescription for it*
Gloria Hade Fuhrman A&D ointment was my solution! still use it for chapped hands and lips.

14 hours ago · Like
*tried this…like, i said….this rash is a pain in the butt*
LaDonna Joy Nice Let them run around without a pamper for a bit. That helps the most. Just make sure you do it right after they have made a mess.

14 hours ago · Like
*she is pooping like crazy because she is teething….this does not seem feasible*
Cindy Zook Gonzales Vit A and D is the key

14 hours ago · Like
*like i said, tried this*
Lisa Troyer pretty much anytime caroline had an outbreak it was yeast. uggh. but i have "silver shield" from natures sunshine, that worked like a charm every time. at the sight of the first dots of irritation i would apply it.

14 hours ago · Like
*don’t know that this is a yeast infection, but if i end up taking her to the doc and it is yeast, i will definitely try this*
Julie Beachy Auquaphor always worked well for my kids. We still use it for rashes that pop up in the winter. It's kind of like a medicated vaseline.

14 hours ago · Like
*my gut feeling was that the salve should be pasty and white….weird, i know*
Angie Hostetler lavander oil mixed with a little olive oil...works excellent...

14 hours ago · Like
*didn’t have time to stop at Whole Foods to buy the lavendar oil. bummer*
Amanda Rammage Perko be sure to let her bottom dry after you change her before a new diaper goes on. I used to use a hairdryer on cool or warm setting. I loved Aveeno baby cream.

13 hours ago · Like
*aveeno baby cream’s active ingredient is zinc oxide….she clenches her little hiny cheeks when i apply anything zinc-ey*
Amanda Nice Aquaphor works great for my kids! It works for any rash or dry, chapped skin, too. Generic brand works, too, but I don't think it works quite as quickly as the Aquaphor brand.

13 hours ago · Like
*like i say….pasty and white*
Melissa Johnston Brown I got my pinxsav at the local drug store...it was behind the counter though...maybe ask there?? But, she may have a yeast infection---go get some over the counter athlete's foot cream and put it on her bottom. Try it for a couple days and see if it works. Lotrimin...you can get the generic.

13 hours ago · Like · 1 person
*no pinxsav. and didnt really want to risk burning her bottom with foot cream. i am hard to please, i know*
Becky Yoder wow! thanx everyone. i am overwhelmed by the options. what kind of mom have i been all this time?? geez. :)

13 hours ago · Like
Virginia Swartzendruber I tried everything but the doctor told me to use vasoline and that cleared it up. Of course if it is yeast that won't do the trick. Put some cloves of garic in the blender with water and use the liquid on a cloth and put that on. remove it kind of quick so it don't burn, that should clear yeast up.

12 hours ago · Like
*not sure that it is yeast. it’s not bumpy or pimple-y. isn’t that how yeast-y stuff is?*
Valerie Glenn I'm a fan of Vitamin E! :)

12 hours ago · Like
*not pasty and white. sorry*
Sadie Hostetler I use California baby brand from Target. It healed my babys buns overnight.!!

10 hours ago · Like
*no california baby at Walgreen’s and no Target close-by. but this is on my list to buy since two of you recommended it*
Meg Martin I might try some of these suggestions, although i've tried many of them. Emma has a really bad yeast AND hives rash on her bum right now that';s she had for days... right after the last bout of it cleared up finally. She has ongoing troubles. Let us know what works for ya!!!

9 hours ago · Like
Jen Hume california baby for sure - love that stuff. use it for cuts & scrapes too

9 hours ago · Like
*like i say, on my list to buy*
Nathan Ennis Plain old A&D

8 hours ago · Like
*tried. failed*
Kay Schrock NOTHING worked for me. I hate A&D, Desitin, olive oil, and any host of other things. A bath after every mess was mandatory, and then if possible, some airtime. My kids dont struggle with it much, thankfully!

6 hours ago · Like
*doing the bath thing*
Tammy Swartzendruber Jata If she has had it and it wont go away its most likely a yeast infection. Nystatin works great. I always rub their little bottoms with liguid acidophilus as a bonus!

4 hours ago · Like
*where do you find liquid acidophilus?*
Susanna Mast Yoder Target carries Pinx Salve... at least in Ohio they did.

4 hours ago · Like
*will check there when i pick up california baby. doesn’t hurt to have options ready and waiting*
Lisa Troyer hmmm. let me see. i bet i can think of a few ideas. since you didn't get many suggestions. let us know if the little buns heal. maybe the one with the winning idea should get a prize. ha

4 hours ago · Like
*great idea, lisa. i just may go with this*
Nikole Garabrandt o my gosh i have the best stuff ever. straight from a nurse at akron children's hospital..a really sexy nurse:) mix corn starch, maloxx, and aquaphor. i just made some up last week and it cleared rush's up within a day and a half.

4 hours ago · Like
*ok…you win. 15 bucks later i am armed with generic aquaphor, generic maloxx and corstarch. if this works, i will send you a 15 dollar gift card for walgreens. do you have walgreens there?*
Nikole Garabrandt i used the generic aquaphor and maloxx too ;)

4 hours ago · Like
Renita Coblentz Aquaphor !!

3 hours ago · Like
*looking for the white and pasty*

Folks, I will be back sometime soon (I hope.) to let you know who you can raise your glass to.

Hava happy.

Happy Halloween

2010-11-01T00:49:00.000-07:00

It’s the rule. Parents are entitled to any and as much of their

kid’s candy as they want, crave, need, like.

It’s the paycheck for buying the costumes, carving Jack O’ Lantern’s, hosting parties, buying candy, paying The Dentist, taking kids trick or treating, dipping caramel apples, popping popcorn, making soup.

This year it seemed there was more chocolate than usual, which is more than fine by me.

My waistline does have an allergic reaction to the chocolate though.

It seems to cause swelling in the midsection.

Not sure what the antidote is for that.

Oh. I know.

Another lap around the track.

Hava happy.

A Post From a Year Ago

2010-10-29T03:13:00.000-07:00

…and my comments in parentheses.

Everyday Life

>> FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2009

It is a crazy life, but it’s our life!

The kids go up the neighbor man’s house several times a week. You see, he always has treats for the little kidders, I’m a tellin’ you. Yes, he does. And PiePie is all over that.

(Yup. They still go to Papa Clyde’s, and he still has treats for them.)

My Dad…fried green tomatoes is what he is cookin’ up. Scrumptious!

(No garden this year = no green fried tomatoes.)

Sisters relaxing together and just being all comfy in their pajamas.

(Now it usually goes more like this, “Move over. You’re in my spot.”)

Check out those yummy, schmooshy cheeks. I could eat them. But I won’t.

(I still want to eat her cheeks…but, oh my word, has she ever grown! I miss my babAY.)

Nothing like a good girl friend who’ll hang with ya in the restroom.

(Yup. Still hanging in the restroom together…only now, it’s on the big potty.)

This is what most of my mornings look like. Don’t look too close.

(Gosh. My hair has grown alot in a year’s time.)

Piepie snuck out of her bed and made her own bed on the floor under the rug. Poor, homeless-lookin’ waif.

(She still sleeps just.like.that.)

Yeeees, that is Mommy’s plate, btw. I love Bug’s Bunny.

(Now my meals usually consist of grazing off of the leftovers from the kid’s plates.)

And, this girl wants to join the wrestling team. Go figure! I can predict nothing! But, do tell me, would you let your almost-9-yr-old daughter wrestle?? And, why or why not?

(She still wants to wrestle. And this year, you have to let me, Mom, cuz you didn’t let me last year. *rolling my eyes…ok, go get beat up by some boy. whatever.*)

Hava happy.

Thomas and Leora

2010-10-28T00:00:00.000-07:00

a beautiful couple

a beautiful day

a beautiful ceremony

beautiful traditions

beautiful friends and family

a very privileged photographer

Congratulations to both of you and Best Wishes for a beautiful life together!

Hava happy.

Uber-super Healthy Smoothies

2010-10-27T09:52:00.000-07:00

Or. You could just call them Spinach Flax Smoothies. Or Fruity Flaxy Smoothy. Or whatever you jolly-well please. But here’s the thing. These smoothies are an awesome snack or an on-the-go-breakfast or a relax-in-bed-breakfast. They are healthy as heck and super yummy. My kids beg for them. I make two blenderfuls every week and put them in the freezer for quick breakfasts or a great side to…you know….mac n cheese. It’s called balance. Uh-huh.

I got the recipe from my friend Lisa. One day I texted her: hey girl could you text me the recipe for your spin smoothies plz thx. She texted back: plainyogurt honey blueberries banana spinach groundflaxseed. As simple and fast as that.

Scoop some yogurt into your blender. Squeeze in some honey. (If you use flavored/sweetened yogurt, there is no need for honey. IMO.) Throw in a generous handful of spinach. I use fresh. Lisa says frozen works as well. Add whatever fruit you have on hand. I always use a generous amount of blueberries since they really mask the green color of the spinach. I have added mangos, pineapple, and any other berries. I usually use mostly frozen fruit to give it that good, chilled smoothie feel. Add a banana or two. Bananas also give it added sweetness. Throw some flax seed in your coffee grinder and grind up well. Dump that in your blender, too. The more the merrier. Blend well. Serve.

Freeze in take ‘n toss cups that come with non-spill lids and straws. Remove from freezer the night before and refrigerate. Wa-la. Breakfast will be ready before you drag your tired bum out of bed. And these cups are safe and clean for the car…you know….if you must have breakfast on the go. Hava happy.

Justin Bieber Schmieber

2010-10-26T09:10:00.001-07:00

Justin Bieber Schmieber. Thanks for letting me use your line, Cindy.

Seriously. What is with girls and Justin Bieber? Ya. He’s cute and all. But what I really think he has going for him is that he has figured out how to sell himself. Or, most likely, his manager has figured out how to sell some Justin Bieber.

Now I can totally understand my big girls being all googly-eyed over J.B. And I am fine with that. But a couple of 3yr olds??? Seriously. And I kid you NOT. This is what went down yesterday.

After lunch I put Piepie and my niece, M, and the Little Muffin in the tub just so I could get the dang floor vacuumed. Plus, they needed a fun diversion and some relaxation before their naps.

Sit back. Relax. And get ready for some 3yr old drama. This entertained me for about 10 minutes. A fun diversion for sure. Ha.

I.kid.you.NOT.

Hava happy.

Halloween Memoir

2010-10-24T23:13:00.001-07:00

As a kid, I grew up in a religious denomination that taught against celebrating the Halloween holiday. However, my parents were brave enough to celebrate with us kids in a small way that left me with big and fun memories.

My Dad always carved us jack-o-lanterns. Sometimes we grew the pumpkins in our own garden. Sometimes we picked them up at the grocery. It didn’t matter. Us kids could hardly wait until Dad got home from work so that we could have dinner so that we could watch him carve our pumpkins.

I can still picture it. All five of us huddled around in the greatest anticipation, waiting to discover who this pumpkin really was. Did he have round or square eyes? What shape of nose would Dad invent? How many jagged teeth would there be? Dad always carved the best jack-o-lanterns. There were no fancy schmancy pumpkin carving knives. No printouts from the internet. Just Dad and a good ole’ kitchen knife and his creative imagination. And all of us kids in a huddle around him.

Geez. Since I am a mom, I know how hard it is to work on a project with all the kids’ noses in the way. But I never remember him telling us to back off. He just quietly carved with the greatest concentration ever. The kind that made his mouth move in all kinds of crooked concentrating motions. The kind of concentration that made him hold his tongue in that one certain position. The kind of concentration that created aspiring silence.

Finally, when the carving was finished, Dad would put a candle in Mr. Jack Schmack, carry him out to the porch, and light him up. That was the defining moment. The moment our Mr. Jack came to life for our Halloween. The moment Mr. Jack became real. I can feel the moment now. And Mr. Jack would grace our front porch for the week or two leading up to Halloween night.

We never really went trick-or-treating. That would have been pushing it. The religious part. Plus, I am sure Mom was just fine with us not bringing tons of candy home.

But. We did live in the front yard of our landlord, who was an elderly man estranged from his son; thus, took us in as his family. Grandpa George is who he was to us. He spent many a day sitting on his front porch and watching us play, fixing our bikes, taking us for tractor rides. And he always always bought us Halloween treats. And he always always expected us to come over and get them on Halloween night.

Us kids would create our own costumes. And every year they were a different variation of the same costume. A big, black garbage bag with holes cut out for our head and arms to wear like a poncho. And then a paper grocery bag that we decorated and cut out holes for eyes, nose, and mouth. We did get pretty creative and decorative and usually one of two of us would grab a broom or a mop to carry. OOOooooOOOO. Scary.

Across the yard we would stumble in the dark to ring Grandpa George’s doorbell and then chant together “trick or treat”. He would laugh that little chuckle of his. The chuckle that meant you just made his night. The chuckle that meant you felt like family to him. The chuckle that made everything right in the little world on Fall Creek Road. He would tousle our hair. “Atta, girl” as he tried to guess who was who and we took off the paper bags to reveal ourselves. More chuckling. More right in our little world.

Not to mention the fun little plastic pumpkins full of candy and all lined up on his dining room table. Couldn’t wait to get our sticky, little hands on those babies. And Grandpa George always always had this certain little, lidded glass bowl that he kept dried apricots in, which he passed around. We loved those, too.

Sweet, sweet Halloween memories. And, Grandpa George, if you were still living, I would recreate the moment this Halloween with my kids. For you. For me. I would drive them dressed in garbage bags and paper sacks the 100 miles to your front porch. Just to ring your doorbell and holler “trick or treat”. Just to hear that chuckle of yours. For more right in our little world.

Hava happy.

The Hens Run Wild and Free

2010-10-14T00:14:00.001-07:00

Hava happy.

Moooooommmmmmmmmm.

2010-10-10T21:25:00.001-07:00

I am dishing out consequences like candy on Hallow’s Eve. Bedtime gets moved earlier by 10 mins for each infraction, each talk back, each too wild in the house, each disobedience. Ya, Moms, that’s one way to get bedtime moved from a freakin’ 8pm to like da bomb Seven Thirty. Although, I am not gonna promise that it is a very harsh consequence making any headways in the Good Behavior Department. It’s mostly the I’m Lazy Way Out For Mom.

But.

Tonight.

I am not really physically tired as much as mentally tired of keeping up after the kids. I am pretty much failing in the Consistent Department and the Kind Voice Department; and, as of now, I couldn’t care less. Tonight’s not a good night for winning any Gold, Silver, or even Bronze medals in the Most Consistent Parent or Kindest Mother Voice category. I promise I would win hands down in the My Kids Are Driving Me To Drink category though. I am so over bedtime. Already.

The problem is. No one is sleeping. Nope. Nada. Nix. Nothing.

Moooommmm.
Moooooooommmmmm.
Moooooooooooooooooommmmmmmmmmmmmmm.
Go TO sleep.
But, Moooooommmm.
Ignoring.
Laughing and farting and then more giggling.
Moooooommmmmm. Cooooommmmmee heeere.
More ignoring.
Moooooommmmmm.
What!
Tattling and excuses and blaming and giggles and I have to go pottys.
Everyone just please do what you need to do and !GO TO SLEEP! I really don’t care if you need another drink or have to pee for the hundredth time. Just do it and get back in bed without making a big deal already.

Ring…..Ring…..Ring…..I am calling one of you gracious, thoughtful friends who offered yourselves….Will you please just come tuck my kids in and let me zone out with some bon bons and wireless? You really wouldn’t mind, would you? Thank you. I sure appreciate it.

Hava happy.

Kids Are More Fun These Days

2010-10-05T23:27:00.001-07:00

As I pull into that far-out parking space at Costco, I am habitually sizing up the situation as I turn down the radio. Quickly analyzing and creating my strategy of which part of the list we are gonna tackle first and which little girl is gonna cooperate with which big girl and shall we grab dinner first or can they make it until we fulfill our short list so that we can just grab dinner on the way out rather than navigating back through the exit and entrance once again and who just went pee and if I can wait until the whole trip is over……and, sweet bloggy friends, this is already the second leg of the town to-do list.

We had already had the hair-raising visit to the eye doc for Sweet Pea’s eye/contact/vision check-up. What Mom would schedule an appt like that at 4:20pm? Well, ya. It is after school and all, but seriously. 4:20pm is right smack before dinner time. What crazy mother does that? I am gonna have the Motha’ Manual reprinted over that one. Never. Ever. Schedule an appt where all kids are present at 4:20pm. It isn’t as practical as it seems. It doesn’t work. It is not a kid-friendly time. Oh please. The doctor and the gals in the office? They were angels. But my kids weren’t exactly. They banged the legos loudly. They choked on the candy sitting on the counter. They ran back and forth from the exam room to the waiting room. The baby cried. The 3yr old had a fit. And the eldest argued. Sweet Pea did her best and tried to concentrate on whether A or B was clearer. The Mom sighed. However, the office staff and the doctor and the rest of us survived.

Back to parking at Costco. As we are pulling in….Girls, could we please try really hard to cooperate and help each other so that we can get our groceries and dinner and then get home? Oh. And we are only buying what’s on the list. Pampers, wipes, frozen blueberries, dog food, and some veggies. Yes, we will look to see if they have tetherballs, but we will not be able to buy one today. Yes, maybe another day. I can’t promise when. Ok. Both little girls are going to go in the cart. Baby Girl and Sweet Pea, please walk right beside me but not right under my feet. The carts are very heavy and hard to steer, and I don’t want to run the cart over your toes. Are we all clear on what’s expected? Whoever does not cooperate does not get their priviledge with Papa’s iPad. Do we understand?

Yeeeessss, Mmooommmm.

Alright. Let’s hit the trail.

They did wonderfully. Only asked once if I was sure we couldn’t buy a tetherball, which Costco didn’t have anyway. We made it through our short grocery list and bought only one extra item because they were demo-ing it…frozen chicken burritos…all natural, etc….and they were yummy….and very good-priced. The babies were all smiley most of the time, waving and greeting the other shoppers. The big girls stayed right beside me most of the time.

However, this is what happens….People stop and stare…and we get a kick out of it. All of a sudden, Baby Girl pulled my ear down to hers, and said, “Mom. I know how we could be millionaires. Maybe even billionaires. We could BE a show, and we wouldn’t even have to rehearse!!” I am gonna have this T-shirt printed up that says “It’s 5 o’clock somewhere” to match my bloodshot eyes. The big girls actually start very sarcastically saying, “Hi. It’s a beautiful day, huh.” or “$10 to watch our show”….with the exact tone of the popcorn peddler at the baseball game. That gets people’s attention and puts a smile on their face. The girls laugh and giggle behind cupped hands. It’s very funny. I laugh with them. And I think it makes everyone’s day. Well. Everyone except the stern G-ma in the checkout line with bright Red Lipstick that knows It better not stick to Her Highnesses Coffee Mug. She thinks that people should not have this many kids; but if they do, they should sure as heck leave them at home with a sitter. That Lipstick even refuses the faintest smile. This is when I love to look her in the eye and say, “They sure don’t make kids like they used to, do they? Kids are more fun these days.”

Hava happy.

For Hubs

2010-09-30T20:08:00.001-07:00

Babe, this is for you.

From us.

We miss you.

We love you.

We can’t wait until you get home.

But we are doing well.

Growing bigger and stronger every day.

Hava happy.

Hot Dog Buns…

2010-09-28T13:07:00.001-07:00

…and Chocolate Salad.

Every day at nap time the 3yr old and I go ‘round and ‘round. She has the darndest cutest excuses for why she can’t sleep or for why she needs one more story and one more back scratch. I think we are nearing that phase where I am just going to have to give in and let go of That 3Yr Old’s Nap. I am addicted though. I hyperventilate and tweak out when ~~she~~ I don’t get that quiet break in the middle of the day. And I just don’t think I am ready to give it up altogether. I admit. I am still in denial.

Her latest and most frustrating naptime ordeal is this. She asks me over and over to wrap her up like a hot dog bun. I, for the life of me, can.NOT. figure out what this means. She keeps saying, no. like a hot dog bun. I try to be all tricky and say ooooh. you mean like this? and make up another way of wrapping her in the blanket in hopes that all of a sudden this dull motha’ of hers became brilliant and in hopes that it will strike a cord with her and she will fall for it. But. Noooo. Not like that, Mom. Like a HOT DOG BUN!! Finally, I give up and say Show me. She says I can’t. I don’t know how. I say Well, that makes two of us. Now just lay down and go to sleep…and I finish with this thought, so I can go have a piece of chocolate all.by.myself.

Which brings me to the part about the chocolate salad. Today I just didn’t have the patience to wait til Pie fell asleep to inhale a piece of the chocolate Hubs sent us. I settled in to surf ~~for super healthy breakfast recipes~~ Facebook and was just swallowing the last of the choc piece, when Pie came over with another excuse for why she can’t sleep. I am all coughing and swallowing and trying not to blow my cover by blowing chocolate breath in her face. Didn’t work. After she told me her lame excuse….she goes Mom, what were you eating. I was all I had salad for lunch. Which I totally did. She looks at me out of the corner of her eyes and with a huge Mom, you seriously think I am gonna’ fall for that? look…She says Mom, what kind of salad was it? I yell, Chocolate! You smarty pants. Now get your pants in bed!

Hava happy.

P.S. If any of you otha’ smarta’, more brilliant motha’s know how to wrap a kid like a HOT DOG BUN, will you please post a tutorial and enlighten me??

About Fitness and Diet

2010-09-25T09:00:00.000-07:00

This is my take on the subject.

The calories in the food you eat when nobody’s looking should be FREE. Every.single.one.of.them.
When you are running laps around the track….If you can run with one foot on each side of “the line”, that should count for TWO laps.
Scrubbing the hot chocolate off the ceiling of the Mamamobile should count for some kind of arm workout.
Any time spent reading a fitness magazine or diet book or surfing the net on all things health/fitness related should also count for something…Like, when I am searching Craigslist for an ab glider, my abs should begin their shrinkdown and tightenup.
Buy the 1/2 the fat varieties of ice cream…you can eat twice as much this way.

Hava happy.

Up A Cup

2010-09-24T12:56:00.001-07:00

Yesterday I heard on the radio that some doctor in Japan discovered a new way for women to get boobier and up a cup. He formulated a ringtone that included music and a baby’s cry. Some woman listened to it 20 times a day for 10 days and grew more than an inch bigger around (chest measurement). I had to laugh out loud when I heard it. I mean, heck, with my experience, I should be trippin’ all over myself. Since I’m not, I’m off to email the Japanese doc…dude, will you text me that ringtone?….thank you very much. Hava happy.

Heaven. Someday.

2010-09-23T22:17:00.001-07:00

Ok. This post is not what it sounds like it’s gonna be. It’s not a post about being an angel and singing hymns all.day.long. Oh. Wait. There is no night there. Well. I don’t know about you, but that sounds like the epitome of B.O.R.I.N.G. to me. So this is what I am hoping heaven might be like. Please pardon my materialisticness.

I would have a kitchen like this where everything sparkled and stayed clean. Meals would automatically role out of the oven. There would be a dishwashing ~~fairy~~…er…angel. And can’t you just smell the fresh, dewey, morning air that would come through that window with those gorgeous shutters.

These pretty towels would be so fitting because there would be no stains, of course. Yup. I am pretty sure Anthropologie will be Up There.

And this little workspace….caa-UTE chalkboard and decor. And. Yup. The Lost has been Found. So glad for internet There, too.

Looks like Martha has been busy again. Not Martha Stewart, silly. The Martha that did all the work while Mary sat. Hmm. I never thought of that before….Busy Bible Martha…Martha Stewart. Nice. And. I would love me a pretty picture like this…probably in the kid’s playroom. You know. The one that never looked like a hurricane went through….ya….I doubt there will be storms Up There either.

Love me a pretty sitting room…a pretty place to sit with friends…don’t you think this would be like sooo Esther and Dorcas?? I do.

Loooove this bathroom….I am very in love with all the shades of blue in these photos. So fresh and clean and yet softens the whites. However, I doubt that Buddha guy will be allowed. Even though he is white as snow. I am fine with that space being Buddah-less.

Another pretty bathroom/laundry area…..However, the laundry part doesn’t much make me long for Heaven….unless, of course, there is a laundry ~~fairy~~…I mean, angel.

Check out this adorable, little reading nook….I think I will just die and go Here. I bet Martha would even serve up some fresh, herbal tea. Last, but certainly, not least….an outdoor sitting/dining area. I am sure there is a pool around the corner. Who wouldn’t want to sit here and relax a spell.

Hey. I warned you about the materialism. One can always dream. Not? And if you really took me serious and are all spiritually worried…well…what can I say?? ….go have another cold one??

Hava happy.

P.S. I think all of the photos came from Restyled Home….a blog I just ran across where I could.not.stop.looking. at all her beautiful pictures of this beautiful place. A little vintage. A lot of blue. A lot of white. A little splash of color here and there. Yup. I could die and go There. Pun intended.

Quick Takes

2010-09-22T10:47:00.001-07:00

i love the Madeline movie…the accents…the girls…the cuteness…the imagination. it’s adorable and a must have for little girls.
my baby is growing by leaps and bounds these days…she is learning to talk…putting words together…knows how to hold her own against a kid years older than herself…the sweetest thing E.V.E.R…..gives smacky kisses and loves to cuddle…is teething and waking up at ungodly hours of the night. i still love her.
how is it that kids get ALL the energy and ALL the sleep….something is wrong with this picture….plus, i missed that part in the What You Need To Know Before You Decide To Become a Parent book.
i don’t think that i will ever be fine with the feeling of crumbs between my bare feet and the floor….in fact, this is the case most of the time…that we are wading in crumbs on the floor, but i do.not.like.it…makes the mood foul.
our school ROCKS, and i am ever so grateful for the teachers and community who invest themselves into it.
the girls are loving school this year, and i love that they love it. thank you, CES!
i miss Hubs and he misses us…but we are learning through this experience and that is a good thing.
i am so very proud of my big girls and the way they pitch in and help with their chores…they are mature beyond their years in this…and i know that if i have taught them nothing else, they will know how to do their own laundry.
i am so extremely thankful and humbled by the great support i have received from so many of you. know that you blessed and will be blessed.
my 3 yr old….awww….how can they melt your heart one minute and turn it to ice the next?

Hava happy.

Writer’s/Blogging Block

2010-09-20T13:32:00.001-07:00

This poor, little spot has been lacking. It’s not because I don’t have any good stories to tell or because my life lacks inspiration, and I probably could take the time to write. I even have a list of posts to blog in my head. I am just lazy and unmotivated. The less I write the harder it becomes to put a post together. One day melds into the next and the next, and, before I know it, the melded days turn into a week. Or two.

There are so many things I planned to blog about. Now it feels so past the moment. I keep telling myself that these posts do not have to be long or over-the-top inspirational or thought-provoking or heavy or weighty. In fact, the blogs I enjoy the most are the ones that deliver a great idea, thought or laugh in a quick and concise post.

One reason I blog is because of the way that it feels so good to me when I have written a piece for the day….brings ownership to the day and the moment. It’s captured. Recorded. Never to forget the good, the bad, or the ugly moments that compose a life. For me. For us.

Here’s to an attempt to inspire and motivate myself. Cheers! And I will leave you with some recent pictures. Please accept them as my “one thousand words”.

Mocha is the newest member of our family and has been a part of us since July. Last summer our kids were bEgGinG for a puppy. Since we just had a baby, we told them that maybe the next summer we could get them one. Puppies are just too much work and take too much care, and I just couldn’t see adding that to the responsibilities we already had. Gosh. That year went by so fast; but, as promised, the girls got their puppy. I brought it home from Ohio and surprised the kids. They shrieked and fought over Mocha immediately and it hasn’t stopped yet. We love him. He is called Mocha because he has all the colors of a mocha….black for the coffee, white for the milk, and brown for the chocolate.

“AwwWWwww. Mom, Mocha is hugging me. That’s so cuute.”

Hava happy.

“I Miss My Daddy”

2010-09-05T22:42:00.001-07:00

This was my conversation with Piepie tonight at bedtime. Yes, after I gave her a last drink and tucked her in. Only a couple minutes later she comes padding softly out to the living room where I was ~~cleaning up~~ surfing Facebook . Her tiny little voice whispers, “Mommy, I miss my Daddy when I try to go to sleep.” Being the softie that I am I picked her up and sat down with her. I told her that I miss Daddy, too, and asked her if she wanted to talk about him. Her curls bobbed up and down when she nodded her blonde, little head.

Me: Do you know where Daddy is?

Pie: Yes. At the airport. (which is where she last saw him)

Me: Ya. And do you remember where else he is?

Pie: Fishing.

Me: Yes. On a big ship.

Pie: What kind of ship? (everything is always about “what kind”)

Me: It’s called the US Intrepid. Can you say that? Say U-S-In-tre-pid.

Pie: U-S-In-tep-id. U-S-In-tep-id. Mommy, how many fish is Daddy catching?

Me: Ummmm…thousands…that’s more than you can count.

Pie: holding up her fingers and pointing to them as she counts) This many? One-two-three-pour-pive-six? That many?

Me: (yawning) Yup. That many.

Pie: I miss him.

Me: Do you want to pray for Daddy?

Pie: Ya, but I want you to help me.

Me: Ok. Thank you, Jesus, for Daddy. Be with him on the big boat. Keep him safe…..

Pie: Mom, Daddy is going to bring pive (5) pish (fish) home for me. Did you know that? And he is going to gwill (grill) them, and that is gonna be gooOOOd.

Me: Oh. Really? That does sound good. (though I am sure “pish” are the last things he is gonna wanna grill)

And off to bed she went. Another tuck-in. A sleepy yawn. And all is right in her little world. So precious. Our little Piepie.

Hava happy.

Stats and Stories From Yesterday

2010-09-02T08:57:00.000-07:00

Maybe this will bore you. Maybe it’s normal for you, too. Maybe it will exhaust you. Who knows? However, here I am. Just in case you are interested.

STATS:

-left the house at 7:45am and returned after 8pm…gone for more than 12 hours.

-buckled and unbuckled the babies a total of 16 times, at least.

-10+ errands on my list…stops to make, etc.

-900 phone calls on my list…ok. not quite. but close.

-unloaded approx. 18 bags/boxes of groceries.

-drove, at least, 100 miles total.

-drank more than two quarts of water (since i did the carpet faceplant yesterday, i figured out that i was dehydrated and hungry.) and 24 oz of coffee beverages.

-peed. lots.

-actually took time for a healthful lunch (since i also have been forgetting to eat).

-brain switched gears more times than i could count…billing, paying, diapering, lunching, kids napping, form filling, grocery shopping, couponing, snacking, drinking, pottying, helloing, goodbyeing, menu planning, sale hunting, kid pick-uping, mom meeting, hubs chatting, yadda yadda.

STORIES:

-Here’s the story of the day. After reading all of the aforementioned stats, maybe you get a picture of the type of day I wallowed in.

Typically, I have a day like this about once per month….packed full of errands, the car packed full of groceries, the diaper bad packed full of snacks, etc. One huge reason is because the town I where I end up doing the big once-a-month grocery shopping is 45 mins. away. Obviously, I do get in there more often for doc appointments, fun stuff, to visit my sister, etc. But I do not like to have to go in there for groceries very often. Thus, I plan a “business kind of day”….and bite the bullet. Everything is pretty much planned and thought out according to where I need to go and according to what is going to melt first and according to which stops are best before or after naptime. It’s very strategic and of great importance that you get it right. If not thought out well, you could end up at the shoe store where you are going to purchase shoes for the babies right during naptime. Which I did. My strategy is good. But not failsafe.

Now. What would all you really good mothers do? Both babies fell asleep right as I pulled up to Payless Shoe Source. This was my dilemma. My #1 Rule is when That happens, don’t under any circumstances wake It up. Even if there is a fire in their bedroom and That happens, you gently grab them from their beds and gently rush them outside and try your best not to wake It up. Now. Really. Leave me a comment and tell me what you would do.

I had to keep going with my errands because this was a tightly scheduled day. So this is what I did. There was a parking space Right Outside The Store. The Store Is Small. I Could See My Car From Any And All Of The Aisles. It Was Not A Hot Day. I Left The Two Sleeping Beauties Buckled In Their Carseats With Their Heads Nicely Propped. I Locked The Mamamobile. Set The Alarm. And Went Into The Store. I Went Down The Toddler Aisle To See If They Had My Daughters’ Sizes. (that morning I had already checked online to see what styles they had goin’ on and to see if they were running their buy one get one half off sale. yup. liked the styles. yup. sale is up and runnin’.) Grabbed Two Sizes For Each Of Them And Took Them To The One And Only Front Counter Where There Was No Waiting. I Asked The Nicest Salesgal Ever If I Could Please Take One Shoe Of Each Size Out To My Car To Try Them On My Sleeping Babies. She Smiled And Said Oh Of Course. I Was In The Store For Maybe A Total Of 3 Minutes. I Went Out And Tried The Shoes On. Too Big And Wrong Style. So I ReLocked Everything. Went Back In And Got Another Style And Another Size. Was In The Store For Another 2 Minutes Tops. Told The Salesgal What Was Going On And Went Back Out To The Locked Mamamobile And The Sleeping Beauties. Lo And Behold, A Cop Met Me At The Mamamobile With The Look On His Face. He Calmly Told Me That He Got A Concerned Call Regarding The Kids In The Car. Nevermind The Fact That He Could Have Also Taken Me For Shoplifting. Gosh. I Was Really In Trouble. Of Course, I Start Explaining And Rambling About How Glad I Am That There Are People Out There Who Watch Out For The Safety Of Our Kids. (makes it easier for me, ha.) I Assure Him That I Would Never Ever Leave My Kids In An Unsafe Condition. See, They Are Buckled And Sleeping Peacefully. I Even Told Him About How Nice The Salesgal Is In There. He Calmly Told Me That He Understands That I Might Be Embarrassed. (heck, embarrassment was the furthest thing from my realm of emotions. i was friggin’ scared. all i could think of was all the horror stories of parents getting their kids taken from them over things like this. neglect, you know. i was almost ready to launch into the whole Hubs-is-working-his-hiney-off-in-Alaska-pity-story. i didn’t need to, but believe me i would have milked that one if i would have needed to.) Back To The Cop. He Told Me That Everything Looked Fine. Asked For My Driver’s License. Did A Code 4-License Check Through His Radio. And Said That We Were Fine. I Was All ya, but what am i supposed to do now? i need to buy these shoes, and i really don’t want to wake That up after all this. He Was All oh, no. that’s fine. you go in and pay for the shoes. i will stay out here and watch your kids for you. I Wanted To Say dude, can you follow me around until they wake up. i could get everything done so much faster. Instead, I Said ok. thanks. that would be awesome. I Ran Back Into The Store And Bought The Cutest Shoes For The Cutest Little Girls.

It turns out that the law is very open-ended with the issue of neglect. The only way it’s deemed neglect is if something actually happens if the kids are in the car…theft, a fire, etc….or if kids are left in the car for too long and are screaming their heads off and hot, etc. I know this because he had to pull out his little blue law book and see for himself what the actual law is. Mr. Cop was very kind and understanding and we left on very good terms. I tootled off in the Mamamobile to finish my errands. The kids slept very peacefully and woke up cute and happy.

-Another story. This one is short. I promise. This happened on my second to last errand for the day-now-turned-evening. In the checkout line at the grocery, I swiped a debit card to pay for my groceries. One item didn’t get included, which meant another transaction. The item wasn’t entered into the system correctly and was ringing up way wrong. Of course, the manager had to be called. Gosh, I hate when that happens and there are like 3 impatient people waiting behind me. And the Little Muffin is sick of the cart and trying to climb out. What do I do? Hand the baby the debit card to play with. And then when the transaction is complete and the little swiper machine thingy is asking to be swiped, That Card completely disappeared. It was as if the kid ate it. Or the floor. Or maybe one of the impatient persons behind me. Couldn’t find it for the life of me. Just so happened that a guy from church was over in the next checkout line. He comes over and is asking if he should pay for me. I am all like no, it’s fine. i HAVE to find that card. And I very unintentionally in my tired focused frame of mind kinda blow him off. So sorry, Ben. I was grateful for your offer. Really. But I just couldn’t believe that that card disappeared like that. I just paid with cash then so I could get out of that line. Later, I found the card in a grocery bag. Safe and sound.

Well, now that this post is so crazy long, I am just gonna End It. Plus, I don’t want you all to be even more convinced of how crazy this woman is.

Hava happy.

Grace

2010-09-01T22:40:00.000-07:00

i keep reminding myself that if i were perfect, i wouldn't need grace...and, neither would

my kids. so here's to GRACE! cheers. this evening i had my own meltdown. a face plant in the living room carpet. crying. it was just too much. i forgot to eat much today. so all of a sudden i felt like i was going to keel over. so i just did the face plant. and cried. and then dozed. while the kids splashed water all over the bathroom and the baby came an did squats over my head. plunking down on my head for every squat. like i implied...it's what grace is here for. for me. and them.

Hava happy.

I Heart My Hobby

2010-08-31T14:45:00.001-07:00

*BEWARE* Picture post coming up. I have been super busy with my beloved significant other. My Nikon D80. Here is some of what we have partnered together to accomplish. I love him. He loves me. We are very happy together. (It’s pretty obvious how much I miss Hubs…all the love affairs I have going on. Just don’t tell Hubs.)

Sports Photog

Don’t you just love this team’s name? Sons of Pitches. Clever. Snappy. Darn good team, too. Btw, that’s my brother on the far right in the camo shorts.

Can it get any more American than this?

Take me out to the ball game. Take me out to the crowd. Buy me some peanuts and cracker jack. I don’t care if I ever come back. For it’s root, root, root for the home team….it’s 1-2-3 strikes you’re out at the old ball game.

Family Portraiture

My beautiful sister and her two daughters. I could photog them all.day.long. Precious. My nieces are two and four.

Child Portraiture

Another beautiful niece of mine. Don’t my sisters make the cutest kids? M just turned 3. She is 6 weeks younger than Piepie, and they are BFFs.

Senior Portraiture

Fashion/Model Photog

Miss Oregon International modeling for one of my favorite little clothing shops. Locals message me if you want to know where this shop is. I will put up a link as soon as the web shop is up. Beautiful model. Great styles. More to come.

More Child Portraiture

Piepie doing her level best to avoid eye contact with the camera. I have her outsmarted. I know that as soon as she hears the camera “click”, she will look at the camera….so I just have to be ready to catch that glance with another “click”. Ya. I wasn’t born yesterday.

My sweet, sweet Little Muffin. Loving the hammin’ sessions. She’s a sweetie peetie. Cutting teeth and all. Love snuggling with that babay.

Hava happy.

Launching the New School Year

2010-08-23T19:15:00.001-07:00

Ya. It feels all professional to say it that way. Launching. You know. That is how the big wigs do it. Launching this proposal and that project. Being the professional SAHM that I am, I have to Launch this and that, too. Last week we “semi-started” getting into a better schedule…this week will be a bit stricter. Watch out, kids. The Mama is prepping the Launching.

Today we are emptying the backpacks from last year and running them through the washer. Emptying them from last year? Yup. That’s how on top of it I am. Professional, you know. At any rate, last year’s backpacks are being recycled for this year. And, washing them in the washing machine is the best way to keep those gross school germs at bay. Never mind the fact that they sat around all summer long. From last year.

PE shoes will be washed as well and nestled down in the squeaky clean backpacks. That is, if backpacks could squeak.

Both kid’s teachers for this year purchase all the supplies…pencils, crayons, notebooks, folders, markers, scissors, calculators, etc….and we just pay a fee. I must say that I really like it that way. You don’t get that down-the-school-aisle-headache. One less headache for the year, and I am all over that. I do, however, miss out on those great stock-up-on-crayons-at-the-back-to-school-Target-sale. Oh well, it’s either forego the headache or 10 24-pks of crayons.

One of the moms from swim lessons shared from her way productive zucchini crop. Today I came up with this very healthful recipe for zucchini muffins in exchange for the pop tarts my kids would die to have. I am so not a fan of pop tarts, but I can’t say that I have never bought them either. Whatever. I thought since I am in the Launching mode…why not have some great breakfast material on hand. I am not the mom that gets up way early and spends an entire hour preparing a great protein-rich breakfast. But I do like to have other options than cereal and granola bars that are a healthful alternative. Here is the recipe.

Zucchini Muffins

3 c. wheat flour

1 c. white flour

1 c. oat bran

1 c. flax seed (ground)

3 t. cinnamon

1 t. nutmeg

3 3/4 t. baking powder

1 1/2 t. baking soda

1 t. salt

1 3/4 c. honey

4 c. shredded zucchini

1 1/2 c. milk

1 c. applesauce

3 eggs

raisins, optional

Mix wet and dry ingredients separately very well and then together just until moistened. If you decide to add raisins, stir in as many as you like. Bake at 400 degrees for 10-15 minutes, depending on the size of your muffins.

Yumm-O. I made tiny little minis. My kids wouldn’t stop eating them. Of course, I only had one. Or three. Or five. You could add choc chips to make them a bit more kid-friendly.

Stop in and give me some good brown bag lunch ideas. Of course, if you have any great breakfast ideas, I would love to hear about them.

Hava happy.

My Big Girl Britches

2010-08-22T23:08:00.000-07:00

Yup. You read right. Can’t you just picture them. Full-blown G-ma Fruit of the Looms. Size 20 with a ten inch side seam. Off white. And. Yes, I am wearing them. Well. Kinda.

About a month ago, Hubs attended a Fishermen’s Finest recruiting meeting and filled out an application. And he got the call. Two weeks ago. Tuesday. They accepted his app and offered him a job and a flight out Thursday morning. A week and a half ago. Fishermen’s Finest is a commercial fishing company who operates out of the fisheries of the Bering Sea. Yes. Like the Deadliest Catch. Yes. I watch that show. Yes. I know what it is. He will be gone for 30 days…maybe 60…maybe 90. Next time you eat fish, please pay your respects. To him. And me. :)

It seems incredibly crazy and sends my emotions on the wildest roller coaster ride EVER. However, I knew. With that intuitive part of my brain and soul. That he would get hired and that he would go. I support him 100%. The kids do, too. They were prepped. But it’s the frickenest darnedest hardest. One minute I am shaking in my flip flops. Scared. Angry. Not at him. Just…life. The next minute I am filling out those britches and conquering it. I suppose I can expect that for awhile.

When hubs called me to let me know that he got the call and had to commit by the end of the day, I was out grocery shopping and running errands with all the kids. Even though I totally expected that phone call, it caught me off guard. I got all hot and bothered and weak in the knees. The kids were hounding me with all the usual questions of how many more stops we have and can they buy this gum and that snack and well they have their own money so can they? please please? Inside I am screaming no, nO, and NO. Just shut up already. Screaming more about what our circumstances are than about the snacks and candy. I calmly tell them yes, buyallthedamncandy. whateveryouwant.

I could go into all kinds of details and whys and wherefores and what nots. But not tonight. I miss him too much. I feel like an army wife. I don’t know how they do it. Seriously. I have had two glasses of wine in their honor. And mine. They are brave. Courageous. The REAL unsung heros. And I will forever support them and have a very special place in my heart for them.

Anyway. I miss him. My Hubs. He’s so brave to up and DO THIS. He misses us. Alot. That comforts my heart in the strangest way ever. I know we will be stronger for all of this. I also know there are going to be days when those britches give me wedgies or they feel way too big. I will keep you posted. So far it’s gone well. The kids are doing well, and I have been ok. It’s gonna be one day at a time. Literally.

Hava happy.

Sweet Pea’s Birthday

2010-08-16T09:17:00.000-07:00

Sweet Pea, it has been so fun to watch you bloom this past year. I see your wings unfolding into the beautiful person you are. I am a privileged mother to get to stand by your side as you grow up and become a little lady. I love how you are coming out of the shadows of your big sister and beginning to be unafraid to stand alone. You are finding your voice, gently sweet but firm. You are loved and adored by your little sisters and you’re big sister’s best friend. You are beautifully artistic and creative. You are so brave and accepting of life. I love you and am so so happy to be your motha’.

Hava Happy.

And The Little Muffin Turns One

2010-07-30T22:52:00.000-07:00

Dear Little Muffin,

This birthday of yours puts me through all kinds of emotions. I am so happy and so sad all at the same time that my baby is on the threshold of toddlerhood. You are so grown up already, and I really would have wanted you to stay in the infant stage just a few months longer.

However, hours are hours that turn into days that turn into weeks that turn into months. And, here we are a whole twelve months away from that early morning that we hurried to the hospital. Twelve months from a wonderful birth and newborn experience.

I can still smell and feel you when I first wrapped you in my arms and pulled your tiny little body to my face to snuggle and breathe in. Such a beautiful, little miracle you were. I love to close my eyes and remember the way that I held you skin-to-skin as you nursed and we both fell asleep. Such a bundle of soft pudgies you were.

And, now, when I look at you and you look up at me, that sweet little face of yours breaks out into the most captivating, toothy grin. Those same soft pudgies wrap themselves around my neck for loves and cuddles and hugs. Those sticky, chubby hands that say “pat-a-cake” give me appreciative and loving pats on my shoulders.

Everyone laughs when you wrinkle up your face and snort your button nose. You love it. That tiny infant of twelve months ago now toddles around the house and the yard finding and discovering anything and everything in a little world all your own. You play chase with the puppy and lovingly torture the cats. You adore your big sisters, and they adore you. You have the most watchful and attentive eye and catch on to all the action and attitude. I love how you have found your voice and aren’t afraid to use it. You are friendly and shy all at the same time. You have brought many smiles to many faces.

Little Muffin, we love you. You are the perfect “baby” for our family. Happy 1st Birthday.

Love, Mommy

Hava happy.

Happy Birthday, Dear Piepie…

2010-07-01T23:24:00.000-07:00

…Happy Birthday to you. You are turning 3 years old, and I want to remember these moments with you as a preschooler forever. You were an angel baby from birth and the perfect third daughter.

I marvel at the purity of your life. Everything about you is sweet and pure and innocent. Untainted. I think about the way that you are a beautiful picture of what was going on in our life when you were conceived and born. A time of purely loving and enjoying life. A time of purity and sweetness. You are so guileless. Like a pure, white, confident lily. Defined. Peaceful. Distinct. The sweet aroma surrounding you is breathed in by everyone. Everyone loves you. You possess a peaceful confidence; which, oddly enough, is what gets you into trouble the most. Insecurity is definitely not a part of who you are.

You have watched the movie Annie countless times, and I wonder why you are fascinated with her. Do you connect with her confident and free spirit? Do you look up to her? Or are you simply fascinated with the adventure of her story?

I love cuddling with you at naptime and reading you stories. You are a wonderful listener and very inquisitive about everything going on around you. Heights do.not. scare you. Not one bit. Your sense of balance on the high points amaze me considering your clumsiness on the ground.

And as scary as it was for me to loose you twice in Target, I love that you can take care of yourself. That YOU knew what you were doing. Jus’ shopping and looking for candy, Mom. I love that about you. That you were OKAY.

You are truly free to be you, and if there is one thing I desire for you, it is that that freedom would never be taken away from you. Own it. Possess it. Go out and confidently be the person He created and planned for you to be.

I love you so much, and am privledged to be your mommy.

Hava happy.

Tonight…

2010-06-29T01:28:00.001-07:00

It’s quiet.

Except for FOX news in the background.

Hubs fell asleep on the couch.

Clean kids are sleeping peacefully in

their room full of Summer Warmth.

I was planning to work on some “internet,

money-making venture”.

It wasn’t a scam.

It was legit.

But it didn’t pan out to be what it

was cracked up to be.

Not surprised.

A little relieved.

There isn’t enough money.

And I am not talking about enough

for a vacation or new furniture

or to get the awful, grungy carpets cleaned.

But not enough to pay the bills.

Hubs has a decent job.

Thankfully.

But the economy is bad.

I am not complaining; rather,

I am grateful.

For the roof over our heads.

For the hand-me-downs.

For food.

For a vehicle.

Or two.

A wise person said to me,

“Think of this situation as Discipline.”

Not youareabadpersonyouneedaspanking.

But.

Training.

Discipline.

It’s all good.

Gonna be good.

***

Tonight.

I am up until the

wee hours of the next day

soaking in some quiet.

Doing a little work.

There are dirty dishes in the sink.

I used to never ever go to bed

with dirty dishes in the sink.

Going to bed.

There are clean clothes that

were once neatly laid over the back of the couch.

Now they lie on the floor in a heap.

I used to never go to bed

with laundry unfinished.

Going to bed.

There are towels in the dryer.

A load of clothes in the washer.

Going to bed.

Things lying here and there

and everywhere.

I used to never go to bed

without picking up.

Going to bed.

Toys scattered.

Projects scattered.

Things to do.

I used to finish my projects

before I went to bed.

Going to bed.

The dishwasher is full.

The stale aroma of dinner lingers.

I used to never go to bed

until the kitchen sparkled.

Going to bed.

The floors need scrubbed.

The pots need shined.

The trash is smelly.

I used to take the trash

out every night after dinner.

Going to bed.

Someday. I hope for peace and quiet earlier in the evening rather than early the next morning. I hope for clean carpets and laundry folded and put away. I hope for cleared countertops and squeaky clean floors. I hope for the scent of candles and incense. I hope I will get to GO TO BED on time. Tonight. I am going to bed. As is. And I don’t feel one bit bad for it. Someday. Sometime. But for now…

I am

Going to bed.

Good night.

Baby Food Jar….Upcycled

2010-06-15T11:10:00.001-07:00

Oh, Babay, were these ever fun and quick and super easy-peezy. I have lots of these Baby Food Jars, and I would definitely not consider myself a pack rat of any sorts….however, I did really hate to throw these Little Babys away and then regret it later in the case that I would come up with a brilliant way to upcycle them. Now. I will show you how brilliant I am. Er-hum. Whatevs.

All you have to do is remove the label and as much of the glue as possible. This was the worst part of the task, which is not really that big of a deal. Now you see how very simple this really is. And. Please. Don’t let this “tutorial” mess with your pretty little head convincing it that this is in any way a project only for the Talented and Experienced. Their Cuteness is the only thing that qualifies them for an actual tutorial.

Back to the How To Part.

Of course, make sure the Jars are clean and dry.

Spray some primer on the Lids and let dry well.

Then spray on 2-3 coats of Pretty Paint allowing to dry well in between coats.

Fill Jars with bath salts, hand/foot scrub, body butter, candy, or whatever delights your soul.

Attach Lid.

Label. I printed mine out from my computer. Handwritten would be adorable, too.

Finish off with ribbon or any embellishments.

Voila!

A sweet little gift or party favor.

LUUURRRVE.

But. Then again. It doesn’t take much to sail my little boat.

Hava happy. ;)

Our Summer To Do List:

2010-06-14T12:00:00.001-07:00

Swim lessons

Trips to the pool

Many lazy days at the Lake

A camping trip every month from May-September (even if it’s in the back yard)

Lots of hiking

Vacation Bible School with friends

Slip ‘N Slide Yard parties

An afternoon Garden Tea Party

Fishing

A Four-wheeling Adventure

Horse riding

Lemonade and Hot Dog Stand

Garage Sale

Biking….lots of biking

Co-Ed Softball

County Fair and Talent Show

Several 5Ks

Festivals

Floating the river

Afternoons at The Park

Gosh. When I look over this list…..I wonder….maybe I am more of a tomboy than I knew??!! Of course, these aren’t JUST my choices, but I do love them all! Summer, Bring It On!! I heart you, and wish you would stay with us fOrEvEr!! Happy Summer to All!!

Have a happy.

I Danced and Played All Night Long

2010-05-21T13:33:00.001-07:00

And. No. Hubs was sleeping.

It was me and the Little Muffin.

I danced the When Your Baby Is Teething Night Dance.

It is a twelve-step routine. The number of steps from our bed to hers.

In between the dancing, we played games.

The first game was Do You Just Need Your Binky, Sweet One?

A bit more dancing.

Then Of Course I Will Rock You.

Then Eyes Pop Wide Open When Being Laid Down.

Some more dancing. The twelve-step routine.

Another game. Take Your 9 Month Old To Bed With You.

In bed, we played Pinch Daddy’s Belly and

Make Him Roll Over And Hang On To His Side Of The Bed for Dear Life.

I drifted off.

Little Muffin played the next game by herself.

Pull Mommy’s Hair To Make Sure She Doesn’t Fall Into A Deep Sleep.

I got up. Fully awake and incredibly dizzy and pasty-eyed

from zero good sleep. Zilch. Nada.

A bit more dancing.

This time with purpose. And not too graceful.

The next game was my desperate choice.

Alright You Can Have A Bottle In The Middle Of The Night In Bed.

The last dance back to my bed.

And one last solo game.

Pull The Covers Over Your Head And Crash Till Morning Light.

Have a happy.

Women’s Top-to-Girl’s Top Tutorial

2010-05-18T14:28:00.001-07:00

A pretty long while ago….er….hum….a loooong time ago, I showed off some fun things I found at Goodwill. Well, I finally got a couple of them done. Actually. But why is it that it is so easy to shop and buy and that takes less time and effort than the actual “doing”?? Don’t get me wrong. I love piddlefarting around on little projects in my spare time. But. Ya. Haha. Spare time is the key phrase here. Very little of that golden and glorious stuff for me. However, like I was saying. I did get one project accomplished, and I luuuurve it. I could have shot photos like all.day.long. But Miss Grumpypants could barely squeeze out an okalreadyifIhavetoo face let alone a s.m.i.l.e. Geez. How hard can it be to smile and be all giddy over the new top yo’ momma just made you!!?? Oh. Well. Here goes with the photos I did get, and I will try my feeble best to give somewhat of a tutorial. However, if my ~~instructions~~ ramblings make no sense at all, ignore them, get another cup of coffee and figure it out yourself. You will do fine with or without me. I promise.

Women’s Top-to-Girl’s Top Tutorial

(I used a women’s sz M top and transferred it to a girl’s sz 8-10)

1. Lay shirt out flat with sleeve seams matching up as much as possible. Cut a slight curve (right on sleeve seam if there is one) for arm hole. DO NOT cut too deep as your seam will make the arm hole a bit deeper.

2. Next pin bias tape around arm hole on the front side of fabric leaving an inch or so at the ends and tuck in however it fits best to leave a nice finished edge. 3. Sew bias tape on and then “flip over” raw edge and sew again. You should have a nice, finished edge around the arm holes.4. (I forgot to take a pick of the ribbon ties pinned on, etc.) Anyhoo, that is the next step. Pin ribbon ties on and stitch in place.

5. Present to grumpy daughter and lecture her about how she should be feeling grateful and giddy over a new top.

Super, super easy peasy. Now if only the attitude adjustment would be that easy. But, alas….it’s not.

And, just so you know that Sweet Pea really does have a very nice smile….here is one to prove it. I am not really sure what convinced her to smile. Maybe it was the fact that she remembered the picnic lunch we packed for the evening or maybe it was because we were “almost done”. Most likely, though, I bribed her with something. Who knows?? Desperate times call for desperate measures. I was desperate. Because I did not want to have gone to all the bother of french braiding and curling hair for a bunch of grumpy-butt pictures. Scratch that pouty, whiny face and she is adorable! I love her.

Have a happy.

Dear Neighbor Lady,

2010-05-17T22:07:00.001-07:00

There was no school today due to student conferences. But I know you know that because your boys were outside playing and ~~flirting~~ chatting with my girls (who, of course, weren’t flirting back……er…hum….) over the fence that divides our yards. Funny that you have four boys. We have four girls. By the way, Piepie gets so excited when she sees M out playing on the swing or with the dog. She is always begging to go out and see M and G.

It was pretty warm and sunny. Beautiful, really. Not overly warm though. Just right. I really wanted to come outside more today and enjoy the sunshine and catch some rays. But whatever those awful, sticky things are that the trees are shedding all over everywhere and that stick to the bottom of your feet with that gooeynotcomingoffanytimesoon goo just made cleaning up the house and doing laundry more appealing.

However, my kids thought it was sooOoooOOOO hot out and insisted on setting up the sprinkler to play in. I know it probably barely reached more than 70 degrees, but I figured it wouldn’t kill ‘em. Plus, I am tired of saying “not today. it’s not warm enough.” So I decided to let them soak themselves in the freezing cold spring water and let them find out for themselves that it was too chilly, really. I just wanted to let you know that I didn’t really think it was the “perfect, hot, summer day for running in the sprinkler” and that I am not that way cool mom who lets her kids have fun abandoning all common sense. I don’t even know why it bothered me wondering what you were thinking.

Anyway, what did you do on this perfectly balmy Spring day?? How were conferences for your boys? Ours were wonderful! The teachers do such a thorough job and are so organized with all the information they have to share. I love it. The kids are doing great in school and have met or exceeded the end of year benchmarks. We are quite proud of them for all their hard work. They deserve it!

Well, I will let you get back to your family. I am sure they keep you busy. Thanks for being wonderful and sweet neighbors to us. Enjoy your day!

Love,

your next door neighbor.

The monkeys out on the deck drying off and WARMING UP while eating their lunch.

Beautimous, GIGANTIC strawberries from Costco

Just to show you how HUGONGOUS they are!! It says “eat THIS”

to that little point-n-shoot.

And they were every bit as tasty and sweet as they look!!

The Little Muffin begged and pleaded for this…..

…..rather than this. Can’t say that I blame her.

Have a happy.

Blowing Dandelion Wishes For A….

2010-05-08T12:21:00.001-07:00

Principles of Motherhood: (found over here.)

1. Motherhood ~~ If it was going to be easy, it never would have started with something called labor!
2. Shouting to make your children obey is like using the horn to steer your car, and you get about the same results.
3. To be in your children's memories tomorrow, you have to be in their lives today.
4. The smartest advice on raising children is to enjoy them while they are still on your side.

5. Avenge yourself ~~~ Live long enough to be a problem to your children.
6. The best way to keep kids at home is to make the home a pleasant atmosphere ~~ and to let the air out of the tires.
7. The right temperature in a home is maintained by warm hearts, not by hot heads.
8. Raising a teenager is like nailing Jell-O a tree.
9. Parents: People who bare infants, bore teenagers, and board newlyweds.
10. The joy of motherhood: What a woman experiences when all the children are finally in bed.
11. Life's golden age is when the kids are too old to need baby-sitters and too young to borrow the family car.
12. Any child can tell you that the sole purpose of a middle name is so he can tell when he's really in trouble.
13. Grandparents are similar to a piece of string ~ handy to have around and easily wrapped around the fingers of grandchildren.
14. A child outgrows your lap, but never outgrows your heart.
15. God gave you two ears and one mouth ... so you should listen twice as much as you talk.

16. There are three ways to get something done: Do it yourself, hire someone to do it, or forbid your children to do it.
17. Adolescence is the age when children try to bring up their parents.
18. You know the only people in this world who are always sure about the proper way to raise children? Those who've never had any.
19. Cleaning your house while your kids are at home is like trying to shovel the driveway during a snowstorm.
20. Oh to be only half as wonderful as my child thought I was when he was small, and half as stupid as my teenager now thinks I am.
21. There are only two things a child will share willingly: communicable diseases and his mother's age.
22. Money isn't everything, but it sure keeps the kids in touch.
23. Adolescence is the age at which children stop asking questions because they know all the answers.
24. An alarm clock is a device for awakening people who don't have small children.
25. Why is it that our children can't read a Bible in school, but they can in prison?
26. How do you cope when the apple of your eye becomes a bone in your throat?
27. No wonder kids are confused today. Half the adults tell them to find themselves; the other half tell them to get lost.
28. The persons hardest to convince they're at the retirement age are children at bedtime.

29. Kids really brighten a household; they never turn off any lights.

Thought these were cute and might be fun and light since every other blogger is posting serious mothering thoughts and tributes. Don’t get me wrong. I love my Mom and my MIL and my daughters. Just trying to keep Blogosphere balanced….aaaannnd, I lack the brains to come up with something cute and witty or thankful and serious.

Hats off to all you Moms out there…..My Dandelion Wishes for you are these: 1) Breakfast AT THE TABLE to avoid sloshed coffee on clean sheets. 2) Lunch out because Husband + Kids in the kitchen = one.huge.mess. 3) Flowers. 4) Beautiful worship 5) Cooperative and non-complaining kids. Most of all…if none of the above pans out….I wish for you celebration in your heart for the fact that YOU were given to YOUR kids to be their mother. YOU were the one divinely chosen. No matter where you’ve screwed up and what mistakes you’ve made, YOU are the mother that Providence blessed your kids with. Embrace that today and CELEBRATE!! Whether that means continuing on in the journey of being what He calls you to be or changing directions and beginning to learn what kind of mother He might be calling YOU to be for your kids.

Have a happy.

Garden Party GIVEAWAY

2010-05-05T09:46:00.001-07:00

Fantabulous Giveaway over here!

I am very inspired just by the idea and the photos. And so. Even if I don’t win, I plan to put together my own “garden party basket” full of supplies. And not only gather supplies, but I mean to be intentional with garden parties. For my daughters. My sisters. My friends. My nephew and nieces. We love yard parties. And summer. And fun in the sun. Today it is snowing. And I want to scream. Instead, I will think and plan summer yard parties!

Have a happy.

I Played Ree Drummond For A Day

2010-05-04T14:16:00.001-07:00

…minus the real cowgirl boots she wears when Out On The Ranch. Even though I wouldn’t really want to say that I want that to be my LIFE forever and always, it was so stinkin’ much fun for a day. And I would take another day of it here and there.

This past Saturday we took the kids to Antone Ranch for the day where my BIL works. Yup. Over the hills, through the forest, around the curves, and along the creeks we enjoyed a beautiful drive into the tooleys to this beautiful ranch out.in.the.middle.of.no.where. Words cannot describe the beauty and peace we experienced. However, I am going to sit down with a cup of my favorite brew (no. tea, silly.) and try to tell you all about it. Mostly, though, I will share pictures that I hope will fill in the blanks.

We were greeted to the Ranch by friendly people and bawling calves who wanted their mamas and mooing cows who wanted their babies. It was loud. Reminded me of my kids when they whine. Yet, it was much more peaceful than that. Probably had something to do with the fact that I didn’t feel guilty ignoring the calves like I feel when I ignore my kids. But here they are. Aren’t they cute? In a mean-looking way. That is also the look I get from my kids when I put my foot down about going to bed early.

And these cowboys. They were the real deal. Gorgeous horses and all the gear….er…um…tack? That’s how much I have to learn. Alot. Back to the real cowboys. It was like one big, happy reunion for all the characters in all of the Western novels I ever read. Yup. All out of story books.

My ctiy-slicker girls making friends with the real cowgirl. I tried to convince them to let me braid their hair for obvious reasons. It’s what you do At The Ranch. But they refused. Flat refused. Mom, that’s dumb. Oh. Is it?? Later, they sheepishly admitted that they wished they would have let me. I only rubbed it in a little.

Roping.

And branding. All day long.

Interesting and smelly.

Us bystanders, watcher-people were relaxed and lazy-feeling. Yup. We let the real cowboys and cowgirls do the work.

Papa even branded a few. Didn’t wear those cowboy boots out there for nothin’.

Right before we arrived at the Ranch, one of the gals had a bit of a mishap and was thrown off her horse. Life Flight found us by the orange smoke fire (that’s how “out in the tooleys” we were.) and flew her to a hospital about 2ish hours away. She returned later in the evening with her finance a little stiff and sore and thankful to have only a few scrapes and scratches and bruises. They are getting married in 3 weeks! Yeeee-haaaAAW!

And. Yes. This is where this picture comes from. Hubs bought me the hat, which I love! :) Sweet Pea took the picture. It looks way more serious than it really is. Yet. I know. I know. I swore I wouldn’t move Out West and become a cowgirl. And, I’m not. Yet.

Have a happy.

And The WINNERS Are…

2010-04-27T00:00:00.000-07:00

….*drumroll*….these lovely ladies! I am so very excited you are the winners! And you can thank Hubs….he is the one who drew the names. Yup. We do it the old fashioned way around here. It’s much more fun! :)

nuuuuummmmber

Amber from hutch5

- and -

nuuuuummmmber

Cindy from down-onthefarm

Amber, please message me one way or another (email, FB or xanga) and let me know if you prefer the mineral powder (and what shade) or the Eau de Toilette Body Lotion (and which scent). Once she decides, Cindy, I will message you and let you know which item is yours! Also, with your order, Cindy, you get to choose a lipgloss or an eyeshadow. Yay!! :) I am so super excited to be sending you both your loot. :) I will have to order the items as I don’t keep an inventory…so please give me a week or two to get your items to you. Congratulations, gals! Oh, ya. Be sure to leave me a mailing addy in your message! :)

Have a happy.

I Want to Hang Out With This Gal

2010-04-22T09:32:00.001-07:00

I know. Right? You do,too. I think we would laugh lots if we hung for a day. And I am so into laughing!! It is the best medicine. Have a happy!

P.S. Don’t forget to enter the giveaway and tell all your female peeps about it, too!

A Guest and a Giveaway on Mama Drama!!

2010-04-20T15:47:00.000-07:00

It is my great pleasure to introduce to you one of my dear friends, Marilyn Coblentz!! *drumroll* I probably met Marilyn approximately 10 years ago when I was invited to a Mary Kay makeup party. I was freshly married and a complete newbie in Holmes County. Which also meant that everywhere I went and with every person I met, there was potential for new friends. I love new friends and, especially at that time, I was hungry for friends!! I will never forget how unintimidated I felt around Marilyn that night. That was a big deal. Because, at that time, Holmes County and all who dwelled therein were over-the-top intimidating, and I was this little, scared rabbit who couldn’t stay in hiding for all the adventure there was to experience. I had many reasons in my little head to be intimidated by Marilyn. But, I just.wasn’t. She was so warm and sweet to all the girls there and treated everyone with respect rather than with a high and lofty attitude. Marilyn, you never knew this, right?? :) Since then I have always loved to stop by your house to pick up the various Mary Kay products I ordered or to spend some time with you in a personal consultation.

I have used Mary Kay products for more than 10 years. I love them! The biggest reason being that my skin doesn’t seem to react to their products. I have sensitive, dry skin that breaks out in eczema at the sight of skin care products. Something about MK is completely acceptable to my skin.

Soooo. I am off to ask Marilyn a few questions, and I invite you to brew your favorite hot drink, pull up a chair, and sit in on our conversation. It is fairly lengthy. If you have to come back and finish reading through all of it, please do! Feel free to leave your questions in the comment area. I will make sure that Marilyn gets them.
1) Tell us a little about yourself, your family, your hobbies, your career.
I was raised in PA. Moved to Oh for the summer; met Matt and never got around to moving back to PA! We've been married 12 years and have 3 kids. Emma and Mya are 6 (kindergarten) and Chase is 2.
Hobbies: I love a good open-minded debate; love reading books -late at night you would fine me online reading blogs. I love reading about others perspectives on life, theology etc. Whether or not I agree - I find it interesting.
Career: I've been a MK Consultant for 14 years....since I was like...uh...12! I love how MK has fit into every stage of my life. When I was single working full time, married working full time. Now as a work from home mom.
2) You are a Mary Kay Consultant (Do you have a different title now?). Go ahead. Give us your sales pitch. (Tell why you are loyal, why you love their product.) I am actually a MK SALES DIRECTOR! But you may say consultant :) I 1st got into MK because I needed some cash and the only other options (in my brain) was babysitting or cleaning and while that is all good and fine MK sounded more exciting! At the time I was waitressing and knew I didn't want to do that for the rest of my life. I didn't have an education and I so appreciate the "education" MK has given me. It has opened my world and taught me so many valuable life skills.
While the money, gifts, recognition, and cars that I have earned in MK is wonderful; what I value more is the personal growth I have had in my life and the Choices it has given me and my family. I truly believe that I can do whatever I want to do. I can take my dreams, combined with the values Matt and I have in raising our family and really truly achieve whatever I have dreamed of. The concept of accepting someone for who and where they are; but empowering them to be the best person they can be is HUGE.
I also appreciate the fact that I can offer my clients a Top of the Line product at a great value because it is less expensive to sell a product from my home then at the mall. I love that I can customize skin care for each client based on her preferences and lifestyle. And I love that I can invite others to work with me. I have the most AMAZING group of ladies on my team. They have taught me so much and have helped me grow. 3) What are some of your favorite, standby tips and tricks for skin care? Everyone needs a good cleanser and moisturizer. Seriously; its like brushing your teeth!! You need to use one twice a day! Your eyes will show your age the most quickly - invest in a good eye cream! My favorite is the Firming Eye Cream.
4) What are some of the most common mistakes women make with makeup? Not wearing any because it scares them! It washes off - it won't do any permanent damage - I promise! And the concept that it's somehow "changing who you are and hiding your natural beauty!" I don't know about you but at 6 am I really don't have a lot of natural beauty going on! And after you turn 30 it doesn't get better.
A few things that I encourage my clients to avoid is: 1. Using a foundation that is darker then your face. Foundation IS important. You will either be wearing Protection or Pollution on your face! But make sure you have the correct formula and type of foundation for your skin type. And of course the correct color. If you are looking for more of a tanned look invest in a bronzer.
2. Using an eyeliner on only the bottom lash line. I think it looks like you have 2 different eye things going on....and I feel confused looking at the eye. If you feel like its to dramatic to do both the top and bottom lash line pick a lighter color.
3. To much shimmer! You can get by with all the fun shimmery products until you are about 30. As you start "maturing" you really need to cut back. Pick more matte finishes and more bright colors as apposed to shimmer.
5) What is the one product that you would definitely splurge on? Microdermabrasion and an Eye Cream....I know, you said one!
6) What is in your makeup bag that you wouldn't be without? I have oily skin - so I never go without foundation and powder! My eyeliner brush, bronzer and lip gloss....and our new Tangerine Cheek Glaze!
7) What is a simple way to change up your look without getting a whole new makeover? Like, say for a special night out? Or even just for variety. An eyeliner can quickly make your look more dramatic. You can also use an eye shadow for a liner which gives you more options.
For eye shadow - mix colors together. I love to mix my Navy Blue eye shadow with the Chocolate Kiss. Or mix a Granite with the Sweet Plum. You can create new colors just by blending.
Our new Highlighting Cream will help brighten and freshen any look.
A couple extra layers of mascara can work magic!
8) What are your best tips and tricks for eyes? The same concept in decorating and wardrobe holds true in glamour. You don't want to match colors so much as creating contrast. Also, dark colors will push back while a lighter color pulls forward. So it does help to understand your eye shape when apply eye make up. Again, I think a good mascara and eyeliner can be your best friend; and don't forget to use an eye primer. The eye primer simply creates a base for your eye color to stick to. Your eye makeup will not crease or disappear when you use a primer.
9) What is your advice for dry skin? Oily skin? Dry Skin: Use a gentle cleanser....the 3 in 1 Cleanser for normal/dry skin is a great option. The Day and Night Solution will help prevent sun damage and wrinkles. Then of course a good moisturizer (the Timewise Moisturizer is amazing!) and a hydrating cream. A mineral powder foundation or even a tinted moisturizer would work great for you.
Oily Skin: I personally like our Cleansing Bar or the 3 in 1 Cleanser for oily skin. Again, I recommend the Day and Night Solution. This improves the texture of your skin and also help with sun damage or any scarring or wrinkles you may have.
Often if your skin is oily you will tend to have larger pores. The Microdermabrasion will become your favorite product!
Even with oily skin you will still need a moisturizer. If its more combination skin the Timewise Age-fighting Moisturizer C/O will be perfect. If your skin is really oily - like you are shiny by noon - try our Oil Control Lotion.
I have found typically with oily skin a liquid foundation seems to work the best; followed with a powder to set your foundation and absorb the oil your skin produces throughout the day.
10) Which new Mary Kay product is your favorite? I know I should say the new Toning Lotion - its WONDERFUL!! Gets your arms and legs ready for swim suit season. However my pick is the new cheek glazes and highlighting cream.....they are so fun!
11)Would you mind sharing your morning routine with us? Not the one that involves packing lunches and getting kids ready for school. :) But your routine...the time you give to take care of yourself. After having the girls I quickly discovered that if I didn't take care of myself - before noon - I wasn't going to survive motherhood and be the kind of person I wanted to be. And while I know "taking care of yourself" looks different to everyone - what I found I needed to do was after the twins 6 am feeding I would get showered and dressed - with my make up on. Then I slept on the couch till they woke up. Otherwise it didn't happen - and if I was planning on going away that day I was frustrated and ran out of time.
So to this day - my goal is to be up, showered, dressed, makeup, hair and coffee all done before the kids get up. Well who am I kidding - coffee usually goes till noon! Usually I get up - start coffee, grab some water and head back to my "solon". I get showered and dry my hair. Go get my coffee and its just me, my make up and coffee for the next 15 minutes. Somewhere in there I usually start a load of laundry.
When I am disciplined enough to follow this schedule - I feel like I have given myself the little bit of time and "pampering" that I need to get myself off to a good start. And usually if I am going away - the whole loading up process isn't as stressful.... for you that don't know - Loading up 3 kids can be like herding cats!!
Today I was out on the trampoline having a picnic lunch with my kids. I had to laugh at myself. Makeup. Check. Hair. Check. Sweatpants. Check. I can change my clothes in 2 minutes.....but I can't give myself those 15 minutes of quite pampering for the rest of the day.
You know: everyone has different levels of comfort with glamour. And that's OK! But I believe basic skin care is soooo important. Most things in life we replace....shoes, purses, furniture, houses, cars, whatever. Your face you are pretty much stuck with for life - take care of it, take care of you. When you as a wife, mother, friend feel like you have given everything you have without taking time for yourself it will drain you dry. And at some point you will feel like you have nothing left to give.
Tired eyes are OK. At some point everyone who is up with a kid 5 times in one night is going to experience that "look". Tired eyes can be a reflection of love. However, it doesn't have to be that way always. Allow yourself the privilege to take care of you.
I want to leave you with a quote from my favorite make up artist Robert Jones. "Please do not expect or try to erase what makes you your own unique self. Instead embrace what makes you special. You can be and are beautiful; you just need to embrace your personal beauty. Use your makeup to enhance what you love about your face. Remember; beauty comes from within, and your outward beauty is an expression of your inner beauty. Love and embrace who you are, today and every day."
This truly is my goal as a MK consultant. To help woman to feel confident and beautiful because of who they are. We all of things we don't like about our face or our skin - but each of us is beautiful in our own unique way.
Thanks, Becky, for giving me the opportunity to share on your blog. I have been a huge fan for a long time and I am honored! I love your heart and your commitment to love and accept those in your space. You have blessed my life in so many ways; in your thoughts, your vision; in your questions. You are so gifted and I value and appreciate your friendship.
-Marilyn

Thank YOU, Marilyn!! I love all of it!! However, I especially love the advice you give in #11 about getting yourself ready before the kids are up!! I know when I take time for this, I am much better prepared for the day!

And, now….for the GIVEAWAY!!!!

I, personally, love the mineral powder foundation for it’s lightness and healthfulness and have decided to give away one of these (your color choice). I will also give away one of the Eau de Toilette Body Lotion in the scent of your choice. The winner will be drawn from a hat by one of my kids, and the first person drawn will get to choose which item they want. The drawing will be on Monday, April 26th.

Here are the ways you may enter:
1) Place an order.
2) Blog about this giveaway and leave me comment with a link.
3) Facebook or Tweet about this giveaway and leave me a comment saying where you mentioned this.
4) Leave a comment telling us about your fave Mary Kay product.

I am planning to put in an order of my own by Tuesday, April 27th…one week from today. I always place a large order about twice a year and stock up for the next 6 months. I am inviting you to order something, and I am offering a FREE lipgloss or eyeshadow for any order over $15. FREE SHIPPING, too. Go to the Mary Kay website here, and check out the new as well as the old stuff. Please leave me your order either here in the comment section or through Facebook or via email. Thank you so much! Hope you enjoyed this as much as I!! Have a happy.

This Is How It Really Goes

2010-04-15T12:59:00.001-07:00

In case any of you somehow have the misconception that I am one of those supermoms or wonderwomen, this post will relieve you of that misconception and you will be freed to live your life without any pressure or judgement from me.

I was invited to a birthday party for a friend, which was last night. She is one of my Mom’s friends. I am friends with her daughter. You know. One big happy friendship. All of my sisters were invited. A couple of friends. We were going to meet at the restaraunt where my sister would be waitressing that night so that she could be part of the fun. A little. Not sure how much fun it was serving us. But we were happy to see her.

I was looking forward to this night all week long. Had fun planning a ~~measly~~ little gift that would be just right. Anticipated an evening out with other women celebrating our friend. Hubs was going to keep the little squirmy 8 1/2 month old and busy two year old home with him. I was even planning on taking my big girls with me and was looking forward to spending some “big girl time” with them and treating them to some special time out as “big girls”. Heels and one of those cute, little dresses with leggings and a tiny sweater and cute hair included.   I was gonna have the yummy grilled chicken taco salad, a cup of coffee and splurge on a piece of the German Chocolate Cake my Mom made and brought.

Now. This is how it really went. Hubs ended up having to work late; but with all the anticipation built up within me, I decided this was not going to keep me from the original plan. I would exchange the squirmy 8 1/2 month old and busy two year old for the heels and wear comfy, practical flip flops. The plan was for the guests to arrive 15 mins. ahead of the birthday lady so that we could surprise her.

I guess my Mom knows how it really goes because she calls me somewhere in that space of time where I am frantically barking out orders for Baby Girl to get Piepie in the car and buckled…I am doing a quick check to make sure I have a bra on and matching earrings…I am double checking and re-packing the diaper bag…I am hollering for the kids to quit fighting about who is sitting where and just get in the dang car and make sure everyone has shoes on…and, yes, I tell them to knock it off!…I am grabbing a jar of baby food (yes, a JAR…)….I am scanning the house and wondering if I should hang a “Warning: Disaster Zone. Keep Out.” sign lest someone should unexpectedly stop in and hurt themselves and then sue us….and I am touching up my all day makeup. All the while I am having this conversation with my Mom who really wanted us to be on time…”Yes, Mom. I am so sorry. I am running late because I have all the kids and because I had people here until about an hour ago and I had to get everyone bathed and ready and the house is a disaster so we can’t find anything. But, please, don’t wait on us. Just go ahead. Oh. Ok. Well, I will be right behind you then. Ok. Ya. Stop at the bank or something. Just give me a few minutes to get in ahead of you. Ok. Thanks.”

On the way, I am giving the kids instructions to please use their best manners and please be helpful with the little kids and please let’s all just have a good time together. And, please, can we just.not.fight??!! The kids were so agreeable and “suggested” that “we do that manner thing where you give us 50 cents if we use good manners”. I was pretty agreeable, too. Great! I am up for anything! You got it! So we tootle on into town, spare tire and all! Happy Mama. Happy Kids.

We arrive just ahead of my Mom and the birthday lady, and I mentioned to the kids that we should probably hurry a little so that we aren’t caught in the parking lot and spoil the surprise. I give instructions for who is supposed to carry the gift and who is supposed to help Pie out of her carseat and hold her hand.

All of a sudden this cry goes up from the back seat and Sweet Pea bursts into tears. “Mom! I don’t have any shoes along! I forgot my shoes! I was trying to help Piepie into the car, and I didn’t get my shoes! Mom! Let’s go back home!” I am all “What the heck?! Are you sure you don’t have shoes?? Did you look under the seat?? Oh, dear!! Now what??” She is begging and pleading to go home or go to Wal*Mart or please anything except go into the restaraunt without shoes. Her and I were both having a bit of a meltdown. Hers was full-blown with tears and all! I told her that she will just have to go in without shoes because by the time we go to Wal*Mart we would miss the party. Pretty soon Baby Girl is all “Hey, you can wear my shoes. I don’t care. I will go without.”   Save.the.day. I was so proud of her! Whew! and I’m thinking about what a good start we have.

We traipse in. This is what I am sure we look like. A Mom with four girls. Oh and one is shoeless and the other has holes in her jeans. Oh. A baby. How sweet. Oh, but she has no shoes either. They say, wow. she has her hands full. I smile and think to myself, little do you know!

We try, as quietly and calmly as possible with four excited girls, to find everyone a seat and get everyone settled. The Little Muffin really wants something to eat and is letting everyone know it. Whew! We are settled. Oh, yes. What would I like to drink? Ice water with a straw please. Oh. And, you know what? I will need a coffee please.

And then. I don’t know what happened. The kids tried. Really they did. However, they were just a little on the wild side. Not wanting to stay seated and color with the crayons there intended for that purpose. And maybe it just seemed worse because I was flying solo without Matt’s help. Then there was a hail storm leaving like an inch of hail slush in the parking lot and cooled down what started out as a nice, fairly warm, spring evening.    Think no heels, but flip flops and a child without shoes. There were all the trips to the bathroom. And the squeezing out waaay too much ketchup. However, we made it through without any spills, but no 50 cents for good manners. For anyone.

Again, the spare tire tootled us on home. Babies were jammied and put to bed. Mama showered and shaved. And then. This woman clocked.out.

There. Now you know how it really goes.

Goodwill Treasures and Projects

2010-04-01T00:16:00.000-07:00

I wish I had a killer April Fool’s joke for you. However, since I am the world’s worst jokester, I will spare you being fooled with this.

1. women’s shirt I found at Goodwill…too big for me, but has beautiful embroidery detail and is made of very comfortable cotton. So, this is my plan….transforming it into a pretty sleeveless long top for Sweet Pea. I aim to cut off the sleeves, hem and add shoulder straps…maybe out of pretty satin ribbon ties for added femininity? Won’t it be cute worn with brown leggings or jeans??

2. a sheet, a piece of fabric that is already fringed on two ends, and a vintage-y pillowcase…plan to create a variety of different pieces out of the brown and white sheet for the girls using the “elastic thread method of smocking”…mmm, adorable. Skirts. Long, smocked tops. The green, fringed fabric will be enough for at least one or two little summer skirts. The pillowcase?? Not sure yet. Maybe a pillowcase dress or top??

I think it will need some extra love to not be too blahsey.

3. chore charts for the big girls….Find these clear, magnetic, photo sleeves in the picture frame aisle of Wall*Mart. I used the 5x7 size and created the chore lists in one of my graphic design programs (Word would work, too.) and printed them out and voila! Chore Charts. The girls use dry erase markers to check off their chores as they do them. I printed out little photo magnets on magnetic paper and switch them around every week to mark which list belongs to which kid. Now I can sit and watch

TV while the kids work. Yeeesssss!

4. women’s top I found at Goodwill…that is a size L and too big for me...soooo brainfarty me says why can’t I remove the shoulder straps and slide down to the hip area…..and, yeeess! Score! It’s a skirt!! It has that “elastic thread smocking” at the top like I was talking about a minute ago….making it the perfect, comfy, summer skirt! I’ve got chocolate brown leggings to go with it and found a shirt on Target’s clearance rack for about four bucks that I am gonna modify for the perfect fit….well, we will have to see how perfect it is once I am done?? ha. shouldn’t count my chicks before they hatch. but it’s called vision, people.

5. the perfect green shirt….for my 2 yr. old to go with the skirt I make out of the green fabric in picture #2. I most likely will chop off the sleeves once the weather turns warmer. Slick, I am.

6. pretty, pink tulips….from the neighbor lady. She brought them over because her husband was experiencing an allergic reaction to them and was grouchy. Well, what turned one man grouchy, turned another woman happy. They were lovely.

7. before picture of #8…dresser badly needing a facelift….

8. after picture of #7….dresser with a new look….I gave this baby a coat of primer and about 3 or 4 coats of paint. I know. Right. But it was too much fun! When I am stressed, give me something to paint, Baby, and I will be good to go. I was stressed. You should have seen me get a move on with that roller.

The Little Muffin

2010-03-31T19:49:00.001-07:00

eight months

crawling

two teeth

ticklish

pulling herself up

babbling

2-3 naps per day

loves big sisters

giggles

reaches

steps along furniture

playful

watchful

active

kisses

cuddles

i.love.you.baby.

Technorati Tags: Little Muffin,mothering

Little Did I Know

2010-03-30T00:41:00.001-07:00

The other night…and the night before…and the night before that one…found me huddled up beside Hubs, once again at the foot of the cross, crying out to Him for answers…peace…wisdom…direction. And it got me to thinking. You know. This. This huddling up at the foot of the cross for real is an answer to my heart’s cry some 10 years ago. My heart’s cry all those years ago was that I would know what it meant to be lead to the foot of the cross praying with the love of my life for real.

Little did I know the kind of tough circumstances it would take to get us There. Little did I know. And sometimes I want to take it back. Sometimes this is what I want to tell Him. You know. Back then when I prayed that prayer. You know. The one about my husband and I praying together. What I had in mind was…You know….the scene where this nice, little, good, church-going, church-supporting, Christian couple kneels beside their bed every night and says…You know…that neat, little prayer of “Thank You, for giving us happy and cooperative kids. And thank You for the wonderful love we feel for each other. And thank You for all the financial blessings You have bestowed upon us. Bless our family and please keep us safe and in Your care. Amen.

Little did I know that to have the real deal you go through the real deal. That desperation comes with that need for prayer. Instead, Hubs and I are holding on for dear life, crying out for peace…answers…wisdom…direction for REAL life, hard circumstances, choices, situations. Little did I know.

Seasons

2010-03-25T19:50:00.001-07:00

Winter.

You have

been long.

Dark.

Barren.

Dead.

Cold.

Harsh.

Relentless.

I long.

I reach.

I hope.

For Spring.

New Life.

Green grass.

Flowers.

Rain.

Healing

rain.

Sunshine.

Warmth.

Hope.

And after

Spring,

Summer,

please come.

And stay.

Forever.

You are

where

Spring

lives.

And runs.

Breathes.

You are

freedom.

Blue sky.

Water.

Refreshment.

And, Summer,

please.

don’t

ever

leave.

*****

Several great reads I found recently….Egypt, it’s harsh…..great little kitchen table idea here…and a great song here.

Have a happy!

Blogging in the Works

2010-03-23T07:56:00.001-07:00

Hey, world! It’s Spring Break, and I was going to be all organized and have a week’s worth of posts all done and set to be automatically published every day this week. Well, good luck with that! Didn’t happen so far. So. This post is to let you know that I am not hiding. I am just ~~playing with the kids~~ yelling at the kids. Today is a play date with the cousins at the wonderful Bouncing of the Walls play place. Yup. They get to bounce and play to their heart’s content. Well, we have had a bit of a problem with contentment-or lack thereof….so we will see how that works out. But, anyway….

Here is what I hope to bring you sometime in the near future:

a series of Spring Cleaning/Organization tips and inspiration
some Easter schtuff
possibly a guest post with my Mary Kay consultant bringing us all the latest and greatest for spring/summer….she is wonderful. I promise!!
if that ^^^ happens…there will be a giveaway to go with….saaaWEEeeet!!
a wine bottle makeover….charmin’!!
a few other furniture makeovers….maybe
and more!!! (I have to add that in case I didn’t already list something you would be interested in. heehee)

Sooo….you have a blissful day ~~playing with~~ yelling at your kids, and I will too. :)

Precious. I know.