January's Photos

January N Review

January

What I'm eating/drinking: 
Tea! I mean I've already had 3 cups of coffee... so I switched it up.

What I'm wearing: 
T-shirt, jeans and socks... It's chilly.

My last Nook/iTunes/Audible purchase: 
On Audible: A Conflict of Interest
iTunes: Toot and Puddle (TV show)
Nook: Who Do You Think You Are

What I need to do today:
Remember to have patience.

What the kids are doing: 
It's a school night! Sam is finishing up homework. Louis is reading. Rian is making a mess in Louis' room. Shhh!!!

How I'm feeling:
It's a new year. I can start fresh.

What I'm listening to: 
Lover Awakened by JR Ward

Words to describe this month: 
Settling, we are getting settled into the house and the new routines.

Noteworthy: 
Wayne has his first full time job in Missouri!

What reading did I do this month? 
Son
Angels at the Table
A Lawman's Christmas
The Color Purple
A Discovery of Witches
Decision Points
Sanibel Scribbles

What entertainment did I watch/listen to this month? 
My brother and I have been on this... let's show the boys some old school movies.
The list included: Star Wars, Wizard of Oz., Harry Potter

What fun things did I do with my family and/or friends? 
The boys put on "The Show". Check out the specifics here, basically it consisted of Samual, Louis, Rian, a guitar and a flashlight.

What gifts did I give and/or receive? 
Thank you Pinterest for some great baby shower ideas! I'm sure I'll blog about them soon!

What special or unusual purchases did I make? 
Papa Mel's birthday was this month. The boys all got to pick out what they thought he needed.
Samual: a baking sheet
Louis: a cuddly blanket
Rian: Chick-fil-a gift card
It was so much fun to watch the boys get their present for Papa.

What illnesses or health concerns did I have? 
Praying for Baby Martin and Momma to make it to a full term delivery.

What were my accomplishments this month? 
We made it to 100 days of school!

What were my downers this month? 
I learned a lot this month. One of the downers was learning how much I was slaking on a lot of things. Cause let's face it we all want to be somewhat perfect, right?!

What new things did I try? 
I've been really trying to have dinner on the table and ready to go for all the boys when they get home. So far so good.

How did I do on my goals for the month?
I'm going strong on my resolutions. I really need to get my crafting area set up. Josh has been very patient with me on trying to get a nice table put together. 

Show and Share: Tooth

Sam lost yet another tooth on Monday. It was a little more dramatic than normal. He was eating a pancake and swallowed it. Yep. Gone. He went through many stages of shock.

First: Ouch!
Second: Ummm.
Third: I lost my tooth.
Fourth: There's blood.
Fifth: There's blood in my pancake.
Sixth: I swallowed said tooth.

At this point the tears and the arm flapping begins.

I had him wash his mouth out and sure enough that little tooth was gone.

So enter Tooth Fairy!

Not wanting to... wait for the return of the tooth we went ahead and wrote the Tooth Fairy a note. Just to let her know what happened.

Of course Pinterest has a million and a half ideas of what the good Ms Tooth Fairy can leave. There are tooth fairy pillows (that's one of those someday I'd like to make projects), doors, dolls, kits, boxes, tiny origami notes, spraying dollar bills with glitter, the list goes on and on. This is where Pinterest starts making me feel like a horrible parent.

As a kid we got a quarter, non of the other fancy stuff. I think we turned out okay. Wait! This is where I get to say... kids these days. Giggle. Josh says that they weren't introduced to the Tooth Fairy as kids. So this whole thing is new to him. I'm all for cultivating a healthy imagination.

Anywho I saw this and LOVED it. Main point... it's simple. I made it on Microsoft Publisher. Pretty easy to whip up : )

Thank you Tooth Fairy for visiting Samual!!!

Thundering Twosday

NORMAL two for twosday looks like this....
Two for Twosday: two thoughts/ updates/ photos/ something that I don't want to forget or am flat out oober excited about.
Yay! Right!

I have a memory... a story that is a little longer and figured I would just do one for today.

Thunder and lightning.

In Missouri thunderstorms are a pretty common thing. My Mom, a Missouri native, tried describing summer thunderstorms. You'll be at the park enjoying a summer day and all the sudden there is thunder and lightning. No rain, just a thunderstorm. You wont understand it until you experience it. It's just a Midwest thang, ya'll.

With three little ones thunder and lightning... lets just say every time a thunderstorm would strike it was a mad rush to Mom and Dad's bed. Josh and I tried so many different ways to explain to the kids that it's just weather. We tried games. We tried singing. We tried ignoring it. We tried explaining. Josh tried explaining it more than I did. He is way more intelligent in pretty much every subject than I am. Breastfeeding, I guess I have one up on that one. Anyway, we weren't really getting anywhere on trying to calm the boys down.

Backtrack, a few years ago my Grammie bought all her kids and grand-kids a copy of the movie "God of Wonders". She had an amazing talent with oil paints. So Grammie sold a few of her paintings in order to buy everyone a copy of this DVD. One night the boys asked if we could all watch it. It's a little more scientific than I thought they would be interested in. Turns out I was wrong. It happens to be one of their favorite movies and is now referred to as "Grammie's movie".

Towards the beginning of the movie there is a scene with thunder and lightning. The narrator (disclaimer,I don't know the exact words that he uses) says thunderstorms show God's might. That was exactly what the boys needed to hear to settle their fears. Thunderstorms are just a way of God showing us his power.

The boys don't fear thunderstorms now. They glow and proudly say, "Look at God's power!". As the thunderstorm continues to roll through today, I pray that my children continue to remember God's power.

Thank you Grammie for your gift. Thank you narrator for being a narrator. Most of all, thank you Lord for showing us your power, thank you for the thunderstorms.

If your interested in God of Wonders check out their website: God Of Wonders Video
You can take a look at the different chapters of the movie itself.

This is the video about thunderstorms.

{this moment}

{this moment} - A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

Book Log: A Discovery of Witches

A Discovery of Witches

By: Deborah Harkness
FOUR out of FIVE stars

my thoughts:
Fun read. I took a break from the whole witches, vampire realm for a while. I'm so glad that this was the book that I choice to read on the whole 'fantasy' world again. So you have this witch, lets call her Diana. She happens to be a Bishop. The Bishop family is one of the strongest most well known witch families. Anywho. Diana growing up made the desicion not to be in touch with the magical side. She went on to become a great scholar. As she is out being all smart she happens upon a book. Not just any book a book that strikes her deepest most covered up witching side of her. The discovery of said book brings witches, vampires and deamons out of the woodwork.

Of course it's forbidden for the witch and the vampire to fall in love and of course they do. What unfolds though is what this forbidden love has to go through. The trust that is put into one another even though it's something that is just not EVER done. Until now.


the run down:

Deep inthe stacks of Oxford's Bodleian Library, young scholar Diana Bishop unwittinglycalls up a bewitched alchemical manuscript in the course of her research.Descended from an old and distinguished line of witches, Diana wants nothing todo with sorcery; so after a furtive glance and a few notes, she banishes thebook to the stacks. But her discovery sets a fantastical underworld stirring,and a horde of daemons, witches, and vampires soon descends upon the library.Diana has stumbled upon a coveted treasure lost for centuries-and she is theonly creature who can break its spell.

Debutnovelist Deborah Harkness has crafted a mesmerizing and addictive read, equalparts history and magic, romance and suspense. Diana is a bold heroine whomeets her equal in vampire geneticist Matthew Clairmont, and gradually warms upto him as their alliance deepens into an intimacy that violates age-old taboos.This smart, sophisticated story harks back to the novels of Anne Rice, but itis as contemporary and sensual as the Twilight series-with an extra serving ofhistorical realism.

Five Minute Friday: Again

I'm joining in on Lisa-Jo Baker's Five Minute Friday. The rules are pretty simple. One word. Five minutes of writing. No editing.

Again

I sit down for a quiet moment and THE LIST starts running through my head again.
-Switch the laundry over
-Fold the laundry. I need to make sure and take that one Car shirt out of Louis' pile and put it in Rian's pile. The last time he wore it, it was a little snug. 
-Dishes, are these clean or dirty. Meh, run them again.
-Grocery shopping. Where's that list I started? Well, we need everything.
-Make the boys do their homework.
-COFFEE
-Did I sign that last form?
-Make the bed
-When did I sign up to bring snacks? I did... didn't I? Oh no. Now the other parents are going to think I'm not bringing snacks.
-Sweep
-Practice reading with the boys
-Think of some fantastic dinner that I could make, that inevitable I will talk myself out of making for fear it wont turn out right and we can't eat it. Surely I can find something on Pinterest that will strike my fancy. I do need to make curtains for the boys room... maybe I can find a way to make curtains, build a night stand AND make dinner under 30 minutes.
-I have to call Mom.
-Is that snow?
-Did I respond to that last email at work?
-What days do the boys have off school?
-Why are they off? Is there a holiday? Oh no... I forgot a holiday. There's no holiday, it's conferences... wait. When did I sign up for parent teacher conferences... DID I SIGN UP? Oh no... now their teachers are going to think I don't care to know how my children are doing in school. No, I signed up. Didn't I?
-Did I pay this months bill?
-I put gas in the car yesterday... no, I thought about putting gas in the car... so I'll need to do that this morning.
-Feed the dog.
-Why can I never find Martha Stewart's ingredients at the store? I think she just made that last one up. I'm going to look like a fool trying to say it to the store guy that I'll have to ask where it's at after searching for 10 min in the baking section. Forget it I'm not even going to make that recipe anyway.
-Exercise. Yeah. I walked up and down the stairs at least 10 times today. So I'll check that one off. 
-Drink water... or a glass of wine... It's noon sooo....
-OH, Diana Gabaldon is coming out with another book! Can't wait!
-Did I leave the garage light on?
-Take the garbage out.
-That shoe has been sitting there for four weeks now with no match. Should I throw it away? No, because I know if I throw it away I'll find the other one... I'll leave it there for another few weeks. Maybe. Probably.
-I wonder if anyone laughed at my last Facebook comment. High five me. That was funny. Giggle.
-Have the boys practice piano.
-Why is there a hot dog in the couch cushion? No. No. I don't even want to know. 
-We are making pizza tonight.
-Vacuum
-I need to get my highlights done again. I think I already scheduled it last time. Seven weeks so that would be about...
-Early release today. Have to pick the boys up.
-I have to get a birthday present for my father in law. What the heck does that man need? I should have Josh do it. He isn't going to do it. I'll do it. What do I get? Do I get him a card? Men don't really want cards though, do they? Will I look like I forgot his birthday if I don't get a card though? I'll have the boys make a card. Wait. Does that look like I made them make a card cause I forgot to get a card? Cause I didn't forget. Why are guys so hard to shop for?
-Take the past due library books back.
-Shower

The list keeps pounding in my head again and again and again. New things being added. New worries. New doubts. 

BREATH

I need to remind myself again and again and again... that the list will always be there. I seem to forget to be in the now. I need to remind myself again to not worry, to not doubt. 

Breath again

I FOUND THE OTHER SHOE!

The R-word

Retard.

I cannot tell you how bad this word makes my blood boil. I have had to step away from writing this post so many times.

This is what prompted me to write this blog.

I remember the first time someone said it to me. See I was that kid in elementary school that needed extra help with reading. I couldn't quite get the letters to stop wiggling around. Reading didn't come easily to me. So every other day when the "normal" kids got into groups and started reading I had to go to a different class. Where an amazing teacher would spend a little extra time with me on reading. I can remember the first time someone called me retreaded. I was in fourth grade. We had a substitute teacher and she had my name on a list to excuse me to go to the Special ED class. One of the "cool boys" shouted it out "Yep, she needs to head out to her special class. She's retarded". I remember how hurt I was, how ashamed I was. I remember hanging my head and not making ANY eye contact with anyone in the room. 

My brother has special needs. I don't feel like it's my place to describe his wonderful testimony. I can only imagine that this word has been said to him too. Growing up we were involved with Special Olympics. WHAT AN AMAZING PROGRAM! My brother was a Special Olympian in golf and bowling. He is by far a better golfer and bowler than I. There were and are so many challenges that he had to overcome to do what he did, then, now and everyday to come. We are so proud of him.

I remember the first time that I said the r-word in a derogatory way. I tried it out to describe a situation. It felt wrong. It felt ridiculous. But hey everyone else was using it. I was ashamed of myself. If I could take that moment back I would a 1,000 times over. 

Yes, mental retardation or mentally retarded is a medical description. However, if this word is used, tell me the last time the person using it was consistent with using any other medical reference. For that matter... when was the last time this word was used to actually describe a medical condition and not trying to put someone down with it. If this word is used as a medical reference then the person using it would also know that retard and retarded are slang words and are not medical conditions. IF it were being used as a medical term then the person using it should also know that the medical world has actually had to change the word to describe mental retardation to intellectual disability. The slang word has been so commonly used by society as an insult that they've had to change the word. Way to go us! Aren't you just so proud!

So I challenge YOU!
Stop using it. Now you know, now you can be part of stopping it. 

Maybe you don't use the word. To that I am so thankful. I challenge you to stop those around you from using this hurtful word. You will be amazed at how shocked people will act when you ask them not to use that word around you. Be strong. Be strong for you and for those that need you to be.

Join me and over 300,000 people that made the commitment to stop using this hurtful word. I made my commitment 1,385 days ago. 

"I pledge and support the elimination of the derogatory use of the r-word from everyday speech and promote the acceptance and inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities."

Find out more. Educate yourself. Be proud of what you are saying.

R-word, spread the word to end the word

Let me know if you took on the commitment! 


Organizations that support this challenge:
Special Olympics
Best Buddies
Over 200 other organizations...

Show and Share

With three boys we are always looking for cool boy stuff to do. No pink here!

Magic name

We are playing with white-space. Got this idea from my dear friend Lauren and her kiddos!!!

What you need:
-White paper
-Tape
   *We used painter's tape. You want something that you can stick on the paper and it will peel off easily.
-Crayons

Step one:

 Tape your name out on white paper.

Step two:
 Color EVERYTHING that is white.

Step three:

 Peel the tape off.

Ta-DAH!!!

Your name or image is there like MAGIC!

You don't have to do your name, Rian opted to add a smiley face to his. 

Once the boys got a chance to see what white-space was all about they started going wild with cool patterns and ideas.

JUST BE READY FOR A LOT OF THIS!!!

Two for Twosday

Two for Twosday: two thoughts/ updates/ photos/ something that I don't want to forget or am flat out oober excited about.

1. The boys and I had the most amazing conversation today in the car. Samual and Louis were filled with so many questions about God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. I am so... filled with joy that I get to be a small part in guiding their journey with the Lord. The most amazing thing is, sometimes when the boys spring questions on me, I'm not positive on how to answer them. How do you explain something so big so that a younger kiddo can understand? Also it was 7 in the AM and not one cup of coffee down so answers REALLY don't come easy to me. I was able to. The words that came and the explanations that were used... Thank you Lord for being in our car today! Hands down one of the greatest experiences EVER.

2. Rian: When I grow big I am going to be Dad.
Translation, when he grows up he is going to be just like his Dad. No not a Dad, I asked. He is going to be just like his Dad.

Five Minute Friday: Dive

I'm joining in on Lisa-Jo Baker's Five Minute Friday. The rules are pretty simple. One word. Five minutes of writing. No editing.

Dive

Sun reflecting off the water in the swimming pool. Feet set together. Toes just barley hanging over the edge. Hands together above my head. Shaking a little. Grama telling me to focus on what I was doing.

I remember so clearly the first time that I tried to dive. There beside me was my Grama. I knew she wouldn't let anything bad happen. I knew she wouldn't laugh if I didn't do it quite right. She let me try over and over and over. Each time giving me guidance. Each time never falling to cheer me on. 

Knees bent. Count to three. 

Every time I came up out of the water there was her smiling face. Over and over we practiced. Grama never faltered on putting her hand out to help me out of the pool so I wouldn't slip. 

SPLASH! 

Five Minute Friday: Opportunity

I'm joining in on Lisa-Jo Baker's Five Minute Friday. The rules are pretty simple. One word. Five minutes of writing. No editing.

Opportunity

I first heard about Camp Opportunity from my at the time friend, you all know him now as my husband, Josh. 

One week. One week abused and neglected children are given the true love that they deserve. One week of love. One week of finding friendship. One week of games and crafts. One week of bonding that makes an everlasting impact on not just the children but the counselors and staff. One week of tears and laughter. One week of giving yourself up completely. One week of utter exhaustion. One week of opportunity to bond with children that need it so badly. A week of opportunity for children to be children and loved as imperfectly perfect as they are.

I had the opportunity to be part of the staff at Camp Opportunity as an art director this past summer. My husband, Josh, was a pastor. We had the opportunity to give our love to about a hundred campers, counselors and staff. It was an opportunity that I will never forget. I have been blessed a thousand times over by the amount of joy and love that I gave and received. 

The opportunity to love and be loved by a child is without a doubt one of God's greatest gifts.

{this moment}

{this moment} - A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

Book Log: The Color Purple

The Color Purple
By: Alice Walker
FOUR out of FIVE stars

my thoughts:
Truth. That's what really seeps out of this book. I want to say how great this book is but it's filled with trials and terrible thigs that happen. It's great in the fact that it's written in raw truth. There isn't any sugar coating what happend in Celie's life. VERY raw. If you are easily offended by brutal words or physical acts, this book is not for you.

Celie absolutly shines to me. She is put through some terrible trials. She faces each day so bravily. She finds her talent and pushes on with it.  Along her journey she finds her talent and taps into it. Making her dreams that she never knew about blossom.


the run down:
Celie is a poor black woman whose letters tell the story of 20 years of her life, beginning at age 14 when she is being abused and raped by her father and attempting to protect her sister from the same fate, and continuing over the course of her marriage to “Mister,” a brutal man who terrorizes her. Celie eventually learns that her abusive husband has been keeping her sister’s letters from her and the rage she feels, combined with an example of love and independence provided by her close friend Shug, pushes her finally toward an awakening of her creative and loving self.

Five Minute Friday: Cherished

I'm joining in on Lisa-Jo Baker's Five Minute Friday. The rules are pretty simple. One word. Five minutes of writing. No editing.


Cherished

The alarm sounds and a new day begins. I don't like the noise that the alarm makes but it lets me know that I have another day. Another day to wake up the boys and get them clothed and feed. Another coffee cup of sanity. I have only a few moments to kiss my husband goodbye and pray he is kept safe and warm throughout the day. I have another day of driving the boys to school. We have only a moment to say a prayer in the car for what lies ahead. Oh how blessed I am to listen to the prayers that my children lift up.  We play a short word game and then the boys too I pray for a safe day. I have a moment to collect myself before I have to be at work. It's another day in all it's groggy glory. It's another day that I am so thankful for. It is just a normal day. It's another day that I cherish to have. It's another day that I cherish to share with my family.

Show and Share

With three boys we are always looking for cool boy stuff to do. No pink here!

This show and share is going to be a little different. It's not about an activity. It's not about a craft that we sat down and did. It's not about a scheduled event. It's not about a game. It is about time. It is about moments. It is about being thankful for each one. As silly, as messy, as random as they all are. Be proud of them. Share them. Rejoice in them. I have a tendency to want to make moments. Make a moment to do a craft. Make a moment to do an activity. Those are great, yes. Love the random ones that happen too. Those are to me the most special.

So for this show and share I want to share with you what the boys are proud of. The moments that thank goodness I wasn't too busy to pass over because yes that does happen.

Louis showing off his yellow car.

Rian with Woody and his Penguin Woody.

Samual with his self portrait.

What are your random moments that you are thankful for???