and adeline too....

2011-08-19T16:23:00.003-05:00

A while back I promised to give info on my "detailed" summer schedule....the summer started out with great intentions but as usual, daily life got in the way. At the beginning of the summer, we spent a lot of time at the library for Summer Reading, at our friends' house to play before they headed out to Russia to bring home their new sons/brothers, and a lot of time in our kiddie pool. I put together a basic daily routine to hang on the fridge, and made some magnets of extra activities that I could change around as needed. Though I haven't stuck really well to the routine, it has helped me when I get part way through the day and feel like I'm floundering...the last month has been wonky as I prepared to spend 8 days in Puerto Rico chaperoning a missions trip, was gone for 8 days, and then struggled to transition back to "real life". I'm really hoping to be back on track next week and help Goldilocks reach some back-to-school goals before school starts again...these goals include
1) shoe-tying
2) reviewing counting backwards from 20
3) reviewing writing out the alphabet
4) counting by 5's and 10's
5) writing #s to 100
I know she can do it, if only I can find a way to motivate her!

Here's an overview of our basic daily routine. I created a weekly table in Microsoft Word and illustrated with clip art.

Breakfast/Movie
Walk Dog (this hardly ever happens)
Help Mom w/Chores
Snack
Play Outside
Lunch
Quiet Time
School (this hasn't been happening much, either)
Snack
Play Outside/Swim
TV Time
Dinner
Bath
Bedtime

So Long...

2011-07-30T21:10:00.002-05:00

Sold my first "grown-up" car today...11 years ago my great-aunt bought me a '99 Ford Taurus for my commute to school...that car has taken me far in life...back and forth to community college, the commute to 3 different jobs of mine, 4 different jobs of Firebug's, Pennsylvania for our honeymoon, Yellowstone, the Redwoods, Arizona, up north, through blizzards and heat and fog...it carried our first two babies home from the hospital (at about 15 mph). It came to me with about 30,000 miles on it, and limped away with 214,000. It was surprisingly hard to watch it back out of the driveaway for the last time. Here's to hoping a new owner and a new engine will give it a new lease on life...Thanks for all the miles burgundy Ford Taurus!

Aimless Rambling...

2011-07-29T17:02:00.002-05:00

"Mama, I wish humans could fly...or I wish we were fairies...............are there real fairies?"

Just a snippet from today...as I sit here procrastinating on the mound of laundry to iron, fold, and put away, I feel I should share a little about what's going on in life.

Right now I'm supposed to be getting ready for a missions trip to Puerto Rico. But I'm having one of those moments where it all feels like too much...packing for 3 kids and the dog to stay at Grandma and Grandpa's, picking up all the last minute things Firebug and I need for the trip, packing our bags, getting ready for Hardware Hank's birthday party....right now all I want to do is sit on the couch enjoying the a/c...the humidity is definitely getting to me today. Don't hate me, but I am sooooo ready for summer to give way to fall. But I'm super excited to GET to Puerto Rico, to watch these 26 "kids" grow and amaze us...Firebug and I have poured our hearts into some of these students for 6 years and I can't wait to watch them put their faith into action.

Goldilocks and Addiecakes finished out the summer reading program and got their final prizes today...they each got coupons for free fries at McD's, free CinnaStix at Dominoes, and a free Blizzard and Sundae at DQ...plus a free book of their choice. Pretty sweet prizes! We celebrated by using some of those DQ coupons up:)

A minute ago Goldilocks and Addiecake were playing and having a blast....now they can't stand to be near each other...

Our dear friends are heading halfway across the world tomorrow to pick up their two sons...I can't imagine flying out of the country a family of 3 and returning a family of 5. It was surprisingly emotional to say goodbye, knowing that they'll be so far away for a month, then out of commission for a while as their boys adjust to a whole new language, culture, family, time zone, etc. Throughout the last 9 months, I've felt such a part of the process that it seems strange for them to take off without me! But the biggest emotion was the feeling of awe and thankfulness that God has seen fit to provide them with these two beautiful sons. That He has crushed seemingly insurmountable obstacles to get them to this point is such a picture of His love for us. For a couple who wouldn't give up on their dream of growing their family, for a 5 year old girl who will thrive on the companionship of younger siblings, for two brothers in Russia waiting for their forever family...I just can't wait to meet the little guys!

The Things I Got Today...

2011-06-25T22:11:00.002-05:00

...some much needed extra sleep while the girls played nicely together this morning
...haircuts for the girls
...sliders at Applebees *yummo*
...a chuckle over the misunderstood facebook status "heading to Super 8 with hubby this afternoon"
...terrible seats at the movie Super 8
...tears in my eyes during the movie
...Bambi, Backdraft, Lethal Weapon 3, Zombieland, and another movie I can't remember for $2.99 each!
...mosquito bites on my ankles from letting the dog in from outside

By the way, I really enjoyed the movie...if you have a chance to go I would recommend it. The perfect blend of comical, heartwarming, intense, and sci-fi...reminded me a bit of E.T....

Summer Softball

2011-06-23T14:51:00.006-05:00

Firebug and I have been enjoying youth ministry for about 8 (!) years now, and one of the greatest rewards is watching the boys grow from scrawny, annoying, cocky little 7th graders into young men of character....this summer Firebug has been having a blast playing on a softball team with a group of them. With 3 little ones, I've only made it to one game, but have heard positive gossip about the team from several sources in the church. I'm so proud of their team spirit, good sportsmanship, and focus on God...not to mention they are pretty darn good! Here's some pictures of "my" boys...I think Firebug blends in pretty well with those young 'uns (he smashed 2 out of the park last week!)

Giving thanks after the win

It's ok...

2011-06-22T16:26:00.002-05:00

...if your kids spent the day in dress-up clothes
...if the laundry didn't get done
...if you drank an extra Diet Coke or two to get through the day
...if your baby slam-dunked his head against a pointy object-again
...if your dog is outside barking while you blog
...if your menu plan consists of a few scribbled meal ideas on a post-it
...if the house got cleaned only to be messy again 2 minutes later
...if breakfast consisted of cold cereal eaten in front of the television
...if your dog ate the rest of the pizza out of the garbage

Because you also....
...gave your kids the creativity to express themselves through clothing
...took the kids to library Summer Reading instead of starting the laundry
...promised yourself you'd drink extra water later
...cuddled your baby when he cried
...helped your dog learn it's ok to be outside alone sometimes
...resisted the siren call of McDonald's and fed your kids a "nutritious" lunch
..."messed up" your clean house by setting up the Hot Wheels city
...limited morning t.v. to the one show
...minimized household food waste!

Catching Up

2011-06-21T17:06:00.005-05:00

I have all these blog posts rattling around, but I'm too lazy to get the pics that illustrate them on to the computer, so upcoming posts will include...

-how I turned an old door into a garden chalkboard
-update on the pantry organization (all that's left to do is label the jars, yay!)
-detailed plans for summer "unschooling" plus our daily schedule
-summer softball pics

In the meantime, a little update on this crazy thing I call my life:

Summer is going AMAZING...I worried like crazy how I would handle having all 3 kids home (especially since the kindergardener is my challenge), but should have known God had it all worked out. For the first time in mommyhood, I feel like my priorities are clicking into place-for the most part-and I'm looking forward to every new day as a mom. The first week school was out I sat down and made a summer plan...what our days would look like, what events we had on our calendar, ideas to promote learning, etc....the biggest change is that the day revolves around the kids instead of chores and housework. Strangely, most everything is still getting done, and what isn't, I'm not stressing over. Our days are spent walking the dog, reading books together and doing themed projects, playing outside in the yard and at the park, playdates with friends, and lots of time at the library for Summer Reading. I'm still working out the details on growing Goldilocks' math skills, but we're trying to spend time a few days a week on speech, and she is having fun with reading and writing nearly every day. I'm looking forward to enjoying the rest of this laid-back summer and am so thankful that God is working on my heart and my attitude--my newfound enthusiasm has definitely translated into more peace in our home.

In other news, Hardware Hank is dusting the floors as I type, and will soon be full out crawling. His favorite destination is the dog's chew hoof....although he's been known to enjoy a rawhide bone or two as well. He's growing up before our eyes, hopefully adding on some poundage to even out the first percentile weight/80th percentile head size discrepancy. Curls are popping up in the humidity, and he is learning to say "mum mum mum" "dadadad" and "yayaya" (Amelia).

Where All My Time Goes or....Why, Yes, I Believe I Do Smell Like Poo....

2011-02-11T15:36:00.003-06:00

I've been trying to figure out why this week has seemed more pointless than usual...I've felt like I'm spinning my wheels in the mud, and when I get out of the car to push it my feet get stuck...so this afternoon as I was cleaning up my nearly-4-year old's 4th(!) poo accident of the day, I realized where all my time is going...it's literally being flushed down the toilet along with the countless toilet paper squares and toddler wipes we've been barrelling through! Plus, Hardware Hank has apparently reached the stage of massive blow-outs every morning, resulting in complete wardrobe changes and full-body wipedowns...this epiphany has resulted in a decision to let myself off the hook. There are days when I have a handle on the poo, and days when the poo has a handle on me...besides it could be worse...we could have been at the library.

2011-02-04T22:07:00.001-06:00

Mama to 4 Blessings is giving away a $20 gift card to Abby's Lane...Hardware Hank is growing; he needs more fluffy diapers!

2011-02-04T20:43:00.001-06:00

Devotion Mama is giving away an adorable CEO tie tee for boys! Hardware Hank would look so handsome in one of these!

2011-02-03T19:30:00.003-06:00

I found a great post on pantry organization...go check it out at House of Smith. She has some really practical ideas for getting your pantry under control!

2011-02-02T14:44:00.010-06:00

I came across a blog post recently at the Pleated Poppy that really got my creatizational(in case you didn't know, that's my new word for creative organization) juices flowing...Lindsay shares my love of all things Mason jar and has posted gorgeous pictures of all the ingenious ways she uses her collection. Which got me thinking: I have tons of canning and jelly jars, and I also have things that could benefit from a little creative containment...

Before

After
The Other Cupboard: plastic bags, recipe binder, teas...

Over the Stove: blender, pastas, grains, raw cashews...
Sharpies make me happy

Sandwich Baggies for Amelia's Lunches

I Made Room By...getting rid of all this Kool-Aid...who wants it? Seriously...anybody want it?

2011-02-01T13:48:00.004-06:00

I've been away far too long, so I think it's time to make my way back! A few random things to help you catch up on the last few months...

1. I had a gorgeous baby boy!!! Here he is enaging in his favorite hobby...sleeping (this is a daytime-only hobby), but not just anywhere, it has to be in the car seat for maximum comfort.

2. We have had FAR too many friends move away (4 out of the 5 couples invited to B's birthday in May are now several hours, even oceans, away)...but this has forced us to strengthen family bonds, especially with our sibings...

3. For the new year, I decided to focus on a specific word for each family member. I will be praying these words for each family member, as well as trying to be intentional about encouraging each of us to grow in that area throughout the year...

Myself: PRIORITIES

Spiritually: time with God comes before a "perfect" house and "fun" reading or computer time

Physically: eat better...as I'm still exhausted from a baby who's up 3-4x a night, I'm moving slowly on the working out, but I will try to eat more foods in their natural state and less processed foods; more fruits and vegetables

Financially: meal planning to cut back on money spent eating out

Family: spend more intentional time with all the members of my family

My prayer is that God will work in my heart to make His priorities my own. I know my life will move more smoothly this way, and I will feel more confident in my roles as wife, mom, and homemaker when I'm organizing my life around God's timetable.

Hubby: LEADERSHIP

Because in today's society, husbands are being stripped of their God-given role as leader of the household...spiritually, financially, in discipline, etc....I pray that I will be a facilitator and not a hindrance as B continues to grow as the leader of our home.

Goldilocks: STRENGTH

...to control her emotions and sin-nature, to problem-solve and stand up for herself at school, to be confident of her abilities, etc...

Addiecakes: OBEDIENCE

...as she learns to obey the Holy Spirit that now resides within her, as well as obedience and respect of myself and her dad.

Hardware Hank: SECURITY

...that the foundation for a security in God the Father would be laid as he learns he can trust his earthly parents to care for his every need; security at night to sleep peacefully in his crib...

4. I've also been trying to get more on top of all the STUFF in my house! The toys are multiplying like dust bunnies and I'm so tired of feeling the burden of all the things surrounding me. So I'm trying to do something for a few minutes each day to corral some of the clutter. Today's project was the entertainment center and coloring basket. A few pics of the progress:

The basket under the entertainment center is way full...by the way, that's my daily dose of Rachael Ray on the screen...
The crazy jumble of plastic animals, McDonald's toys, Beanie Babies, etc...
All the stuff that's going bye-bye...

The pared-down basket...

should be much easier to clean up after Addiecakes dumps it out for the tenth time of the day...

Amelia's Birthday

2011-01-31T16:36:00.001-06:00

Bold Dots Thank You 5x7 folded card

Create personalized greeting cards and invitations by Shutterfly.

View the entire collection of cards.

2010-07-12T23:03:00.003-05:00

Sign up to win a SoftBums diaper package from My New Life as...Mom. I've never looked closely at these before, but if you check out her review, you'll probably want to try them too!

Encouragement from an Unlikely Source...Myself!

2010-06-02T19:52:00.002-05:00

I was flipping through my devotional journal the other day and came across this past entry...it really made my day as I've been having more and more days where I feel overwhelmed by all the everyday "clutter" of my life, especially as I get bigger and every chore seems to take longer. So here it is, I hope it can encourage other busy moms out there, too!

-Piles of dirty laundry means my home is filled with people I love.
- Meals to cook means we have food to eat.
-Toys all over the house means I have children who are able to play.
- Sibling fights means I've been blessed with more than one child.
- Exhaustion all day means I have new life growing inside me!

I'm sure there's lots more that could be added to the list...

Yipppeee!

2010-05-27T22:38:00.003-05:00

I'm excited (and slightly embarassed) to say that Addiecakes is actually getting the potty thing....FINALLY! I decided that it was time, at 3 1/2, to go cold turkey and take away the diapers (except at night) so I told her we were going to wash all the cloth and put it away for the new baby, and she was switching to underwear. The first day, there was lots of puddles on the floor, but every day has gotten better, and today she went 4 times on the potty all by herself, with no reminder from me! I've figured out that with her, I just need to put her in undies and let her do her thing...reminders frustrate and embarass her, she seems to prefer to sneak off and do her thing in private. The only accident she had today was at the store (of course), but she is still working on remembering to go when she's not near her potty chair, and figuring out how to use the big potty...I may actually get a month or two reprieve from diapers!

Can I Throw a Tantrum?

2010-05-07T15:43:00.002-05:00

I'm mad right now....I really shouldn't be, but there it is. I am anyway. Why? Here's my day:

I drove to a garage sale out in the boonies this morning, thus, no cell service. I was out of contact with the rest of the world for about an hour. By the time I got service again I had a barrage of texts and voicemails....where are you? I'm trying to get ahold of you....I have babysitters set to pick up the girls at 2:00 so we can do something tonight for Mother's Day...great! I'd love to do something with hubby for Mother's Day! Problem: I have a doctor's appointment 30 miles from home at 2:00. Which I almost always have an appointment of some kind Friday afternoons....so phone calls back and forth, can the babysitters wait til I get back around 2:45...throughout all this my phone kept dropping calls as I was in and out of network. So we decide I'll get through my appointment as quick as possible and call babysitters as soon as I'm done to see if they've left yet. I rush through an appointment that really shouldn't be rushed, run out to the car to call babysitters to tell them I'm on my way, I'll be there around 2:45...too late, they are ready to leave town and don't want to wait. I'm already on my way out of town, having skipped the shopping stops I was planning to make to stores our town doesn't have, and skipped the bathroom break my pregnant self desperately needed, and frustrated that the babysitters couldn't wait half hour for me to get there. So now we are doing nothing tonight, I didn't get everything done today that I needed to, and I'm mad that I got my hopes up only to have them dashed. Okay, rant over...I feel better now:)

SodaStream Giveaway

2010-04-30T21:15:00.001-05:00

I've entered to win a SodaStream home fountain machine at Thrifty Wifey. I especially like sparkling water, and would love to try making my own at home!

Today Wasn't Quite As Eventful...

2010-04-21T22:37:00.002-05:00

8:00 am: Roll out of bed, pour 3 bowls of cereal, 3 glasses of juice, turn on Dora.
8:30 am: Wrangle a fit involving Goldilock's computer and uncooperative lap.
9:15 am: Phone call from my friend Julie. She and her daughter Kelsey are on their way over. Straighten up house (including piles of pillows and sleeping bags from last night's "slumber party") and get everyone dressed.
10:00 am: Julie and Kelsey arrive. Visit outside while the girls play in the yard.
10:30 am: Walk to the park and play until Goldilocks gets an owie needing "immediate" attention. Had disappeared by the time we got home.
11:30 am: Consolidate car seats into one van and head out to get lunch.
12:30 pm: Enjoy our lunches outside at the new patio table (Subway for us), and continue playing. The sandbox and kiddie pool were the big hits of the day, other than the sand-in-the-eye incident.
2:30 pm: Julie and Kelsey head out. Settle the two sandy girls in the chair with a movie while I vacuum the house.
3:30 pm: Back outside, it's just too nice out to stay in for long!!! Back into the sandbox/kiddie pool while I flip through a shade gardening book.
4:30 pm: Inside to get dressed for youth group/shopping with Grandma, and reheat leftover spaghetti for supper.
5:10 pm: Out the door. Drop Goldilocks at Grandma's to go clothes shopping while the rest of us head to church.
6-7:30 pm: Youth group. Explored the difference between reputation and integrity, recited memory verses (everyone earned a treat at Super America).
8:30 pm: Pick up Goldilocks and her loot. (No school clothes, but lots of fun stuff, ie fanny pack, purple sparkly sunglasses, dress-up skirt, melted hot fudge Sundae....)
9:00 pm: Get the girls into bed. They pass out pretty quickly after the busy day.
9:30 pm: Hang laundry on the line. It's cold outside now!
9:45 pm: Shower
10:00 pm: Fold laundry and check email while watching "Criminal Minds"

We miss you, honey!!!! Can't wait to see you soon!

This One's For You, Honey...

2010-04-20T22:31:00.003-05:00

Our day today:

6:30 am: Alarm needlessly goes off and Goldilocks wakes me up and drags me downstairs for breakfast.
7:00 am: Addiecake stumbles downstairs and requests that the next show be her pick. Goldilocks gets upset because she wants to watch Beethoven instead and proceeds to throw hour long "I want daddy" fit.
8:00 am: Figured out that my phone was magically fixed, allowed Goldilocks to call daddy, all is well with the world again. Finished watching Addiecake's choice and allowed them to watch Beethoven together so I could sack out for a bit after an exhausted hour of tantrum-wrangling.
9:30 am: Quickly get ready for Moms and Kids, straighten living room, fly out the door.
10-noon: MAKS. Breathe sigh of relief as someone else gets to enjoy the little darlings for a while:)
12:30 pm: Stop by Neighborhood Service Center to pick up box of food, let the girls each choose one small item to purchase (a tiny pony and an Aladdin book)
12:45 pm: Play outside. I chat on the phone and text Brandon while waiting to get ready for the dentist:
1:30 pm: Everyone's getting hot and cranky. Head inside to rest for a bit and brush teeth.
2:10 pm: Out the door to dentist.
2:30-2:40 pm: Back to back dentist appts for the girls. Goldilocks does amazing and gets her teeth cleaned and xrays done. Addiecake doesn't fare as well. After much enthusiasm to get into the chair, she decides to clam up and the dentist can barely get a look. Goldilocks gets a Dilly Bar for her excellent behavior, Addicake cries because she doesn't get one (she knew the consequence when she decided not to let the hygienist clean her teeth).
3:00-5:00 pm: Play outside, enjoy some sun with Sheila and Ingrid. Girls decide they want to swim, so I set up the kiddie pool and they splash around until they get cold and want to go in.
5:00-6:00 pm: Girls play with Sheila and her Ingrid upstairs while I fold laundry and clean the bathroom.
6:20 pm: Pick up Sydney (along the side of the road) and drop the 3 oldest off at the tanning salon. Pick up my mom and brother to go to Taco John's.
6:30 pm: Tacos and burritos at Taco John's.
7:30 pm: Home, pjs on, teeth brushed, tuck the girls in (letting them sleep in my room...Addiecakes in bed, Goldilocks on the floor).
8:30-9:30 pm: Up and down the stairs twenty times in between cleaning the house to put girls back to bed. Maybe this wasn't such a great idea...
9:30 pm: Sit down to watch The Little Chocolateirs and Criminal Minds.

Missing you! I know there's no way your day was as fun as mine:) Tomorrow Julie and Kelsey will visit and Goldilocks and I have verses to memorize before Cubbies/Youth Group.

Just When You Think You're "Over It"

2010-04-19T23:20:00.003-05:00

Just throwing it out there that the next few weeks will be tough for me. I'm super excited for the blessings and miracles that my friends are welcoming this month, but it's bitter-sweet and emotional, too. So if you know me "in real life" bear with me. I've been dreading this month for 8 months, I'll get through it and be able to look forward again to my own happy blessing a few months farther down the road, but that doesn't make this month any easier...

Free Target Stuff!

2010-03-04T15:46:00.000-06:00

Couponing blog, printable coupons, restaurant coupons, frugal moms, Moms by Heart

If You've Been Procrastinating...

2010-03-03T10:33:00.002-06:00

making a pictorial schedule for your preschooler, don't wait, do it now now now. I've had this at the back of my mind for probably a year, but never got around to doing it until last week, after the most horrible day of parenting ever. I literally spent most of the day in tears, feeling like I was totally failing my 5 year old, who was totally out of control. Nothing I did or said could calm her down, she was being disrespectful, throwing things, calling me names, etc...and I just plunked myself down in the hallway and thought "There is no way I can have her home with me for another year. She's going to have to go to kindergarden just so I can survive, and her last precious months at home are going to be spent fighting." It made me think of the word "discouraged"...you could have put a picture of me next to the word in the dictionary and no definition would have been needed. I felt as if I had truly been dis-couraged...my courage had been completely stripped from me and I was terrified of what the next day, week, year would hold...

That night after she was in bed, I went online to look for resources and ideas for parenting a strong-willed child. I kept coming across the idea of making a pictorial schedule for their day, and being willing to try almost anything, decided to finally make one. The idea is that one reason or trigger for a strong-willed child is a feeling of lack of control over their day. When they have no idea what's coming next, or what their day will look like, they get very unsettled and emotional. I was skeptical, but figured, why not try it? I made a simple routine in Word, one for each of my girls since the younger one naps and the older doesn't. I used clip art to depict the activities, and wrote the words next to the pictures to aid in reading skills. Our schedule is very minimal, mostly without times, just a concrete order of our day. The next morning I taped the schedules up and showed Amelia how to use hers. It has been an absolute lifesaver. Every day she checks the schedule several times and lets me know what's supposed to come next. If she wants a snack but it's not "snack time" yet, I direct her to the schedule. She can see that it's not "snack time", but that after we finish "play time" she will get a snack. This has saved us so many fits, as she can see when "snack time" will be, and know that it is coming. We've also been able to get through many days in a row of preschool curriculum, whereas in the past three months we'd only made it through 6 or 7 days total.

Now bear in mind, I don't think this is an end-all solution. We still have our bad moments, and I know I'll still have days where I tear my hair out, but at least it's not every. single. day. There are days when I'm less consistent with the routine and the day falls apart a little. And most importantly, I paired our new routine with a lot of time on my knees (or in the tub, or lying in bed)in prayer for Amelia's heart and for wisdom and patience for myself.

Jeep Playyard giveaway!

2010-02-25T22:08:00.000-06:00

Minnesota Mama's Must Haves: Make Traveling With Baby Easier! Jeep Trek Easy Travel Playard Review & Giveaway!

I love that this playyard has a telescoping handle and pockets for baby's gear!

.50 Shopping Lists!

2010-02-23T22:24:00.000-06:00

Couponing blog, printable coupons, restaurant coupons, frugal moms, Moms by Heart

This is an awesome, amazing list of great deals, most are 50 cents or less!

Whip It DVD Giveaway

2010-02-10T13:53:00.000-06:00

Tiaras & Tantrums: Whip It DVD Giveaway

I haven't see this yet, so I'm not endorsing it in any way, but I thought it looked cute and funny and it's always out at the rental place.

Leg Huggers Giveaway

2010-02-10T13:49:00.000-06:00

annies home: Agoo Leg Huggers review and giveaway (2 winners)

I love that these come in true "boy" patterns. If I knew I was having a boy, I'd definitely get the "Wheels" pair!

Baby Sling Giveaway

2010-02-10T13:30:00.000-06:00

SUGAR POP RIBBONS REVIEWS & GIVEAWAYS: Rockin' Baby Sling Review & Giveaway

Enter to win a gorgeous baby sling from Rockin' Baby!

The Mom Reviews: Potty Training? Princess/Pirate Potty Books Giveaway!

2010-02-10T13:24:00.000-06:00

The Mom Reviews: Potty Training? Princess/Pirate Potty Books *Giveaway!*

I'm really struggling to potty-train Addie and am willing to try any new ideas. She absolutely loves books, so I think this would be a great resource. Check it out!

Easy Eco To Go.com: Take a Bite Out Of Plastic Bag Waste With Bite Bags {Review & Giveaway}

2010-02-08T23:04:00.000-06:00

Easy Eco To Go.com: Take a Bite Out Of Plastic Bag Waste With Bite Bags {Review & Giveaway}

Enter to win a set of cool reusable produce bags from Bite.

2010-02-08T22:55:00.001-06:00

The Style MD is giving away a really cool set of glass food containers from Kinetic Go Green.

If You Want Me To...

2010-02-01T23:28:00.004-06:00

On the way home from a long evening visiting family in the hospital, the song If You Want Me To sung by Ginny Owens came on the radio...as many of you know, the past six months in our family has been a roller coaster. An example of a low last fall is the death of my husband's Uncle Ken. His loss is still deeply felt, and no one has been more affected than Brandon's mom and grandparents. Today we visited Ken's dad, Papa Ray, in intensive care with complications from the same kind of cancer that Ken suffered from. While he is doing better tonight than last night, it's hard to see someone you love stuck in a hospital bed with a tube down his throat and machines all around...I'm so thankful for the ability to visit, and to bring the girls to cheer him up. It was Amelia who suggested we do a "Big Pray" and gathered us in a circle around the hospital bed to pray for his healing and comfort...anyway, back to the song. The Refuge played just the right music on the ride home. We were all pretty subdued, hoping and praying for a recovery and homecoming, but understanding the reality of the possibility of a different outcome. I was feeling sorry for myself, wondering why God would put our family in the position of worrying about yet another loss, when the song came on and redirected my focus:
The pathway is broken
And the signs are unclear
And I don't know the reason why You brought me here
But just because You love me the way that You do
I'm gonna walk through the valley
If You want me to

Cause I'm not who I was
When I took my first step
And I'm clinging to the promise You're not through with me yet
So if all of these trials bring me closer to You
Then I will go through the fire
If You want me to

It may not be the way I would have chosen
When You lead me through a world that's not my home
But You never said it would be easy
You only said I'll never go alone...

I don't know why God has brought us here, why He has chosen to put our extended family on this path filled with illness and uncertainty, but I know He has a perfect plan for us, for Ray and Grandma Dorothea, for Brandon's family...and even though there may be moments of sorrow up ahead, I hold tight to the hope that God will heal Ray and he'll have many more years to watch my children grow, and hold the one on the way. And I hold to the hope that Ray has in Christ, that whatever happens in this life, we will all be reunited in the next.

2010-01-26T21:13:00.001-06:00

Smart and Trendy Moms is giving away a gorgeous handmade onesie.

What's Keeping Me Sane Right Now...

2010-01-26T17:18:00.002-06:00

1) Norah Jones, Train, and Fernando Ortega in the CD player rotation.
2) the girls' 7pm bedtime creeping closer and closer
3) my Spice Spice Baby candle
4) wool diaper covers
5) the toy fire truck that's keeping Adeline occupied
6) freshly mopped floors
7) Amelia's at my mom's for the afternoon
8) Brandon will be home soon
9) I won some reusable training pants today:)
10) dimples

Why is my sanity in question today? Yesterday was really hard, and today my mom took Amelia for the afternoon to give me a break while the young ones napped. Did they nap? Adeline napped while Justice was up, Justice napped for thirty minutes while Adeline was up...translation: no nap for me...

Sometimes they really do hear me...

2010-01-23T11:22:00.002-06:00

There are sooo many days I feel like a failure as a mom, like I'm not teaching my girls enough, like nothing is getting through to them...but it seems that just when I'm getting really discouraged, God works in my children's hearts at just the right moment to lift my spirits.

I've been struggling to teach Amelia obedience lately. She so often has the attitude that she is in charge, and I get so tired of telling her something over and over, or fighting over every little thing I ask her to do....the other day I asked her to bring something upstairs for me. Her face started to get "that look" and I reminded her how important it is to God that she obey her mom. Her face changed and she said "Just a minute, mom." and disappeared around the corner. I was about to go after her when I heard her whisper "Jesus, please help me obey my mommy." She came bopping back around the corner with a huge grin on her face and did exactly what I asked her to do, with a cheerful heart!

If that's not proof that God exists, I don't know what is...

Freebie!

2010-01-20T22:58:00.002-06:00

Get a free frie and drink from McDonald's when you buy an Angus Burger. Print your coupon here.

2010-01-20T22:50:00.000-06:00

Katydid and Kid is giving away a custom silhouette artwork based on your family's picture. These are so cute and vintage-looking, I'd love one for my living room.

2010-01-20T22:41:00.001-06:00

Just for Me and You is giving away an adorable crocheted hat and diaper cover set from JoCo Couture.

2010-01-19T22:09:00.000-06:00

Natural Baby Goods is giving away a Halo sleep sack.

2010-01-19T21:46:00.000-06:00

Cheap and Creative is giving away an adorable burp cloth set from Trend Lab.

What I Love Right Now...

2010-01-19T21:34:00.002-06:00

1) my brand new slipcovers that have remade my basement
2) sparkling water (almost completely replaced my need for diet coke)
3) getting newborn diapers in the mail
4) Bones Season 3
5) afternoon naps
6) pants that still fit at 10 weeks pregnant
7) the most amazing frost I've ever seen greeting me every morning
8) snowmen in the front yard
9) my new dayplanner
10) my girls trying to figure out the whole "baby in the tummy" concept...for instance, Amelia says we have to be careful not to squish it or it will cry

Forward and Back

2010-01-04T22:40:00.002-06:00

I started blogging a little over a year ago, and though with the advent of a teen in the house and doing childcare for an infant four days a week it's fallen considerably by the wayside, it's nice to be able to look back on the past year and reminisce. I thought it would be fun to evaluate how I did on last year's "resolutions". So here they were...

*limiting the girls TV time to when they first get up in the morning, and right after nap--did ok most days, still working on it
*a planned activity every weekday (library story-time, arts and crafts, imaginative play, outside...something intentional that the three of us do together)--greatly improved but not where I want to be
*workbook time with Amelia on days she doesn't have speech or AWANA--ok
*some sort of work-out most days of the week (even 20 minutes on DDR, it doesn't have to be an hour-long ordeal)--did NOT happen and probably won't this year either
*take my vitamins every day--on track by the end of the year
*drink more water (I got a few stainless steel water bottles I need to use more)--check
*spend more time with God--very up and down
*plan and prepare healthier meals for my family, and be consistent about encouraging the girls to eat their vegetables--due to B's high cholesterol, I've worked really hard at this, and I think I'm doing great!

On the whole, I saw improvement in most areas, and I'm not going to let my perfectionism get me down. After all, 2009 was a rough year, full of change, hopes, losses, and growth...sometimes in the midst of life, your focus has to change for a while and you take a few steps back in certain areas. I'm looking forward to a better 2010, with more structure, less housecleaning and perfectionism, and an additional family member to shake everything up as soon as I start to figure things out.

So here goes, the goals for 2010...

Parenting:
*re-start the Answers in Genesis preschool curriculum and figure out if we should homeschool for kindergarden next year
*work on memory verses every day

Spiritual:
*schedule quality time with God every weekday

Health:
*eat more fruit
*rest when I need it, even if I haven't achieved the Holy Grail of housekeeping perfection

Financial:
*stick to an eating-out budget
*stick to our "money map" even when I really really really feel like remodeling the bathroom

2009-12-06T22:57:00.000-06:00

The Mom Reviews is giving away a children's coat of your choice from Rothschild.

Holiday Wish List Meme

2009-12-06T22:34:00.002-06:00

Mama’s Holiday Wish List Meme TodaysMama and Provo Craft are giving away a sleighful of gifts this holiday season and to enter I’m sharing this meme with you.

1. What 5 items are on your holiday wish list this year? a SodaStream home fountain pop machine, Flirt! perfume from Kohls, MukLuk slippers, anything from Tamar on etsy, and an antique lantern
2. What is your favorite handmade gift you have received? Either the homemade Cabbage Patch Kids my mom made me, or the dollhouse my dad made me
3. What handmade gift have you always wanted to tackle? I'd hoped to learn to knit gloves or mittens for this year's gifts but didn't get around to it.
4. What was the best Christmas gift you received as a child? books
5. What items are on your kid’s wish list this year? A gumball machine and Princess movies
6. What is your favorite holiday food? lefse
7. What will you be hand-crafting for the holidays? a scarf and a stocking
8. What is your favorite holiday movie? Elf! But I also love White Christmas, National Lampoons Christmas Vacation, and Home Alone
9. Favorite holiday song? O Holy Night
10. Favorite holiday pastime? decorating and wrapping gifts

2009-12-01T22:10:00.002-06:00

A Kindred Spirit's Thoughts is giving away a pair of Sanitas clogs worth $100

2009-12-01T22:00:00.002-06:00

A Kindred Spirit's Thoughts is giving away an adorable wooden mini-kitchen from Magic Cabin.

2009-12-01T21:52:00.001-06:00

A Hen's Nest is giving away a 12-month subscription to Relish! meal-planning service.

2009-12-01T21:44:00.002-06:00

The Mom Reviews is giving away a fabulous Hanna Professional Flat-iron!

2009-11-27T21:43:00.001-06:00

Dev's Favorite Giveaways is giving away a gorgeous pair of pearl earrings from Lisa's Lovelies.

...with a grateful heart

2009-11-26T10:40:00.003-06:00

"Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name."
1 Chronicles 29:13

The girls and I did a project earlier in the week to focus on thankfulness...I had them each make a list using words and pictures of the things they are thankful for. Amelia's number one thing she was thankful for was Jesus! Every once in a while she says something that makes me think I'm doing an ok job at parenting her:) The rest of her list was: kitties, water, Spongebob *blush*, Mickey Mouse, and KaiLan. Adeline's consisted of three magazine pictures: waffles, a cat, and Mickey Mouse. If I were to do the same project, my list would include:
* my family...the last few months, while difficult, have created closeness on both sides
* our exchange student Sheila, who has truly become one of the family
* our home...while we haven't been able to do the remodels I originally considered essentials (due to B's job loss last year), I've found an ability to be content and joyful in my home just as is!
* good friendships, both old and new
* God's ability and promise to turn suffering and hardships into perserverance, character, and hope
* our ridiculous Suburban with it's missing knobs, wacky windshield wipers, and terrible gas mileage...without it we wouldn't be able to fit Sheila and her friends in our vehicle so I choose to be thankful for it, even when it drives me crazy
* my relationship with Christ...without which I couldn't make it through even one day

2009-11-26T00:52:00.000-06:00

B Keeps Us Honest is giving away a pack of Bummas wipes for cloth diapers.

2009-11-26T00:34:00.002-06:00

Etsy it Up is giving away a gift certificate for handstamped jewelry from RHB Designs.

2009-11-26T00:28:00.002-06:00

Jolly Mom is having an incredible giveaway! Enter to win an HP Touchsmart Computer!

2009-11-26T00:22:00.000-06:00

Sweeps 4 Bloggers is giving away a bath and body gift set from Earthworks.

2009-11-26T00:16:00.001-06:00

Piece of Me is giving away a Lamaze Playhouse Gym. I just started watchign a 3 month old 4 days a week, and this would surely make my day easier.

2009-11-25T23:59:00.001-06:00

Leslie Loves Veggies is giving away your choice of scarf from Affordable Scarves.

2009-11-25T23:38:00.005-06:00

Seeryus Mama is giving away a mini maternity wardrobe from Moody Mama.

2009-11-24T21:15:00.002-06:00

Sweeps 4 Bloggers is giving away 5 copies of the book Hollywood Moon, a Soda Stream starter kit (I want one of these soooo bad), an organic cotton top from Doie Designs, and a gift certificate for jewelry from Charitable Creations.

2009-11-18T22:58:00.003-06:00

Sweeps 4 Bloggers is giving away your choice of reusable bag from Reusable Bag Depot. I'd choose the gorgeous Green Rose print! You can also enter to win a tea set, including a gorgeous red teapot, from Golden Moon Tea. 3 readers will win a body scrub from 100% Pure. Or a cool neoprene oven mit from Built.

2009-11-18T22:49:00.001-06:00

Katydid and Kid is giving away a holiday art set from Stubby Pencil Studio.

2009-11-14T23:44:00.001-06:00

Wetbags are an absolute essential when cloth diapering. Enter to win one from PlanetWise at the Me and My Boys! blog.

2009-11-14T23:35:00.002-06:00

Check out In Their Closet to enter to win one of two handbags they are giving away from Handbag Heaven!

Giveaways

2009-11-03T15:58:00.003-06:00

Sweeps4Bloggers is giving away an an eco-friendly kid's art set from EcoKids USA, 5 copies of the book 9 Dragons by Michael Connelly, a gift set of Jericho dead sea bath and body products, 5 gift packs of quality Zebra pens, 5 copies of Run For Your Life by James Patterson, and more!

My Favorite Things...

2009-10-26T21:58:00.005-05:00

1) "Chillin'" with my Danish daughter, and watching her play soccer

(Why is Adeline incognito? Because it's stinking cold out and she's burrowed in for warmth!)

2) Preschool projects every day: learning a letter a week, the Cubbies verse, and Firm Foundations lessons (that's the goal anyway!)

3) My rockin' playlist on Imeem, consisting of Remedy Drive, Group One Crew, Taylor Swift, Jordin Sparks, and Justin Timberlake...my day doesn't truly start until the playlist is in full swing.

4) "Prison Break"! Brandon, Sheila, my sis-in-law Julie, and I have been devouring seasons of this amazing show.

6) Daily quiet time: I've started the habit of having time in the Word and in prayer when I put Adeline down for nap, and it's been so satisfying.

7) "So You Think You Can Dance"...as soon as I'm done writing this, I'm heading downstairs to watch. I've been looking forward to it all day!

8) Fall colors: The leaves are gorgeous in Minnesota right now. The branches of my birch tree are laden with golden leaves, and the view out my picture window is amazing.

9) Women friends: I finally feel like I'm settling into some female friendships. I'm loving getting together a few times a month with my mom's Bible Study group, comprised of women with a lot more experience and wisdom than I. We really dig into the word, and have a blast visiting and going out for lunch after...My Friday morning Bible Study is reading "Youniquely Woman", which has been enjoyable and inspirational so far. We also keep each other updated on prayer requests via email... MAKS started again in September, and I'm finding it easier to connect with the other moms this year, especially as I see several of them every week at library storytime. I'm even hosting a playgroup for a few MAKS moms and their kids tomorrow, something I never thought I'd be brave enough to do!

10) Family: The last few months have been incredibly difficult for Brandon and I. We lost a much longed for baby in August, began hosting an exchange student the next week (which has been a wonderful experience so far), found out Brandon's dear uncle had aggressive liver cancer, buried said uncle not long after, and lost a long-time dear friend/future sister-in-law to a messy breakup, all in less than 3 months time. Through these circumstances, I've been so thankful for family that loves each other, isn't afraid to be honest and cry and be angry alongside you, reaches out with their time and shares their meals, and is always there with a listening ear, helping hand, or hugging arm. I'm so thankful God placed us where we are, a few blocks from all our family so we can support each other at a moment's notice when it's needed most.

Giveaways

2009-10-24T23:12:00.002-05:00

Potamus Prefers is giving away an art smock/crayon roll set from O My Darlin.

Contest Corner is giving away the newest CD from Harry Connick, Jr.

JuJuBeane Boutique

2009-09-29T21:35:00.002-05:00

Frugal Mommy of 2 Girls is having a giveaway for JuJuBeane Boutique's hotslings, but I love their Stella Toddler bedding set, too!!!

Giveaways

2009-09-29T20:59:00.005-05:00

Sweeps 4 Bloggers is giving away a copy of "Smoke" by Jeremy Chester, a tee of your choice from Fierce Organics, five copies of "Evenings at the Argentine Club" by Julia Armante, mineral eye makeup from Zosimos Botanicals, 5 copies of "A Separate Country" and more!

Leslie Loves Veggies is giving away lavendar bodywash from Russell Organics and cream perfume from the Cream Perfume Company.

My Organized Chaos is giving away a pair of Livie and Luca shoes of your choice!

Go Graham Go! is giving away a Britax Marathon car seat!

Prissy Green is giving away your choice of spa pack from Mermaid's Purse, as well as a combination pack of Yes to Carrots lip balms and glosses.

Giveaways

2009-09-23T22:22:00.002-05:00

Sweep4Bloggers is giving away five copies of the book "Dutch" , five copies of the true story "Detectives Don't Wear Seat Belts", a BabyStar baby blanket, five copies of "The Boy Next Door", "Make Ahead Meals for Busy Moms", and much more!

Life as a Family of Five

2009-09-12T22:46:00.004-05:00

So we've had our exhange student for a week, and things are settling down into a routine. Sheila has turned out to be a fantastic fit for our family so far, and B is already talking about how to get her to come back next year! Sheila had hoped to be placed in a home with snow (be careful what you wish for), and with small children (again, be careful what you wish for). The girls adore her, and she is learning to say "no" so that her free time isn't monopolized by Barbies and Candyland. B has been trying (unsuccessfully) to learn a few Danish words. I've had fun laughing at his attempts, and wisely declining to join in the effort. I think it's impossible for an American to pronounce anything Danish-sounding. Anyhow, we feel so blessed to have the opportunity to be Sheila's family for the school year, and are looking forward to soccer games, choir concerts (not to mention the required choir volunteering in which we will certainly be the youngest as it is impossible for us to have a 17 year old daughter), cheerleading, track, teaching her to bake Christmas cookies, celebrating holidays with a mix of Danish and American traditions, and whatever else Sheila decides to take on this year. We've already conquered the State Fair and the first week of school, and can't wait to see what the next months hold for us as a temporary family of five!

Giveaways!

2009-09-12T21:28:00.005-05:00

Sweeps 4 Bloggers is giving away a pair of Snuggle Luv baby legwarmers, a pair of Hyde yoga pants, a copy of the book "Spooner" by Pete Dexter, a Village Naturals bath set, a copy of Priceless by Lloyd Constantine, several Zevia natural diet soda packages, and Aphrodite's Feast facial restorative serum from Grateful Body.

Piece of Me is giving away a Relion touch thermometer, lingerie from Elle McPherson, and more.

Just For You...and Me is giving away a $40 gift card to circleline studio (wall vinyl), a handbag from amykathryn, a sodastream home soda fountain, any pair of shoes from musthaveshoes.com, and more!

More Giveaways from my new favorite blog:)

2009-09-07T20:56:00.002-05:00

Sweeps4Bloggers is giving away 3 copies of the book The Palace of Strange Girls, a cansolidator pantry organizer, 5 copies of the memoir Not That Kind of Girl, Baby Silk sunscreen towelettes from MD Mom, and a copy of Blue Collar B&B.

Giveaways!!!

2009-09-03T14:56:00.003-05:00

Sweeps4Bloggers is giving away 5 copies of the book In Cheap We Trust by Lauren Weber, a tea sampler from Two Leaves and a Bud, a gorgeous Fleur Di Lis filigree bracelet, 2 Safe Sporter stainless steel sports bottles from the trusted makers of the Safe Sippy, and lots more!!!

Thankful "In" but not "For"

2009-09-02T12:08:00.005-05:00

"pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
1 Thess 5:17-18

"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, 'He is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust.'"
Psalms 91:1-2

Pampering Giveaway

2009-09-01T15:31:00.002-05:00

Penelope's Oasis is giving away an awesome pamper prize package for her blogiversary, including items from Burt's Bees, Victoria's Secret, Belli Skincare, and more!

Giveaways

2009-08-25T15:41:00.002-05:00

Sweeps 4 Bloggers is giving away a $100 gift card to Zutano for infant clothes and accessories, a soft and snugly muslin wrap for your precious baby from aden + anais, Spoiled Mama natural and vegan pregnancy bath and body care gift set, Heaven's Alchemy perfume set, a gorgeous enamel tree necklace from Zedana, and a copy of the book The English American by Alison Larkin.

Freebie!!!!

2009-08-20T15:24:00.001-05:00

Movie Review: The Time Traveller's Wife

2009-08-19T23:14:00.003-05:00

I read the book The Time Travellers Wife about a year ago as part of a reading list I'm working my way through...I read a LOT of books, and because of the sheer quanity, not too many stick with me long enough to be recommended to friends and family...a year after reading this book, I'm still recommending it as a must-read. Not because of any philosophical message or deep spiritual content, but because the concept is so ingenious and the characters are so well-developed that they become part of who you are. I literally could not put this book down, and fell in love with both Henry and Claire and the unorthodox and challenging life they make together. So I was super-excited when I first saw previews for the movie based on the book...excitement quickly turned to anxiety. What if it didn't meet my expectations? Would it be a disappointment and forever taint the beauty of the book? After waffling on deciding to see or not to see, I took advantage of a rare kid-free day to see it with my brother's girlfriend...the verdict? I really liked it! Eric Bana and Rachel McAdams were Henry and Claire, and to the best of my recollection, the movie stayed pretty true to the book (of course, as a movie, things had to be left out or I'd be sitting in the theater still). However, I can't for the life of me figure out why the movie didn't end with the heart-warming and romantic final scene of the book!

Disclaimer: There is some rear-view nudity during time-travel, so don't see it if that's a deal-breaker for you. Because of this, I recommend the movie only for my older readers, even though it has a PG-13 rating. Also, it has been a while since reading the book, so if you read it and are offended by something in it, I apologize. I honestly don't remember there being anything objectionable in the book, but sometimes those details get glazed over with time...

Why I Love Being a Mom: Part 2

2009-08-18T22:57:00.002-05:00

Conversations like this:

"Mom, I'll be really careful with my lunch in the living room."
"No, we do not eat meals in the living room."
"But Mom, I'll be really---" *splat*

End of Discussion...for some reason Amelia no longer felt she had a valid argument.

Or this:

"Mom, I really want you to have a good day today"

Accompanied by a Big Hug...

Sin-Eaters, Scrapbooking, and Smelly Garbage

2009-08-18T22:39:00.004-05:00

I'm starting to put my week back together into a semblance of a mini-vacation...today I went to Bible study with The Ladies (aka my mom's 3 dear friends, also known as my surrogate mothers) at my parents', then we all went out to McDonald's. After a long lunch, I stopped and picked up five movies: The Last Sin-Eater (excellent, by the way. Everyone MUST see this movie, it really gives a unique picture of what an awesome Savior we have.), Catch and Release, In the Land of Women (not worth anyone's time), The Hulk, and The Duchess...and dropped the kiddies back at my parents'. I've made my way through three movies, scrapbooked my wedding album start to finish (impressed? because I sure am!), had Godfather's pizza with the inlaws (yay for living in the same town), planted onions and green beans (don't know if there's enough growing season left, but since harvesting gallons of carrots there's extra garden room so why not give it a shot?), cleaned out the kiddie pool, remembered to take the smelly garbage to the curb, weeded the driveway, and played a killer game of Farkle on Facebook. Tomorrow I'm excited to finally use the Day Spa gift certificate B got me "just because" a while back, and maybe check out a movie at the $3 theater. Also have plans to get together with my mom and my brother's fabulous girlfriend to watch movies later in the week. Poor B is stuck in 120 degree weather, sweating off all that yummy Chinese takeout. Sitting in his boss's guest room, missing his girls. Come to think of it, I'm missing my girls, too. Never mind that they'd be dead to the world right now, there's something about having your children snoring away in their own beds. Anyhow, wish you were here, babe....actually, I wish "here" was Fargo and we were enjoying the pool hot tub right now...but "here, here" would be great, too.

Disappointment City

2009-08-17T21:00:00.003-05:00

B and I were supposed to be heading out tomorrow morning for a business trip/mini-vacation...it's been years since I've had a few days away just for myself...it would have meant a nice roadtrip with hubby, a few days in a hotel to scrapbook, read, watch cable, and visit the hot tub, evenings out together...I'd even struggled through two days of untangling all the babysitting details...and guess where B is right now...on a plane (solo) to Arizona for the week on a last minute job (as in 6pm phone call, 10pm flight). I'm trying to keep my chin up, but I'm soooo disappointed. I'm so glad my family lives in town so at least I won't be alone all week, but what a bummer!!!

Giveaways

2009-08-17T14:53:00.005-05:00

Katydid and Kid is giving away a really useful, unique kid's drinking glass from Silikids. Silikids products are chemical-free glass covered in a silicone outer for protection. She's also giving away a bottle of Smelly Washer, a dye and fragrance free product designed to freshen your stinky washing machine. And a personalized name plaque from Annabelle at Home.

A Nut in a Nutshell (love that name) is giving away a gift certificate to Sew Much Fun boutique. I'd use mine to order customized art smocks for my girls!

Piece of Me is giving away a gorgeous tote from Kokopax.

Leslie Loves Veggies is givng away a six-pack of herbal flavored water from Ayala. I'm always looking for new ways to get my daily water in, and I love that these have flavor, but no artificial sweeteners.

Sweeps 4 Bloggers is giving away a set of Bummas cloth baby wipes.

Top Ten: Reasons I'm Proud Of Myself This Summer

2009-08-12T15:20:00.004-05:00

My blog has been really boring lately, which is good as it means I've drastically cut back on my computer time, but I suppose I'd better throw out a little tid-bit before I lose all my followers...so here's a random top ten list:

Top Ten Reasons I'm Proud of Myself This Summer:

1) Stripping wallpaper and painting a whole room while B was gone for the weekend.

2) Going a whole summer without air-conditioning.

3) Back on a bike after ten years of fear following an accident.

4) Figuring out how to manage a small business.

5) Finding ways to fit extra expenses into the household budget.

6) Giving up my favorite DirectTV channels to save some money.

7) Successful vegetable garden.

8) Deciding to host a foreign exchange student after several years of considering the possibility.

9) Learning to be more content with what I have: staying out of the mall and not tuning in to makeover and style shows helps!

10) Spending more quality time with my children, and less time on the computer and on household chores.

A Bloggy Birthday Party!

2009-08-12T15:12:00.003-05:00

Jolly Mom and Go Graham Go! are hosting a blog party starting August 24th. Head on over there today to find out how you can earn extra entries into each and every giveaway!

Why I Love Being a Mom

2009-07-31T14:05:00.002-05:00

Comments like this: "Mudder, I'm crabby. I stayed up too late. That not been a good idea." Followed my much tears...so honey, while it was awesome that you took Amelia out for some daddy time at the hockey game, we are all paying for it today;)

Why I May Name My Firstborn Son "Dyson"

2009-07-30T21:26:00.005-05:00

About a month ago, I pulled my vacuum cleaner down on my head. Well, to be more specific, my upper left arm and shoulder. This left me with a nasty bruise and an essentially non-functioning vacuum, and a little dilemma: purchase a relatively inexpensive vacuum and run the risk of having to purchase another one in a few years when I began experiencing the famous "loss of suction". Or blow all my hard-earned garage sale money on the raved-over Dyson. As you can probably guess, we went for a Dyson, the decision being tipped by a well-timed 30% off Kohl's coupon. So here's why I love my new toy:

1) My much-vacuumed living room carpet resulted in a full canister of crud my first time through. All that lurking in my carpet?

2) I can stand at the bottom of my stairs and thanks to the super-long and stretchy hose, reach the attachment all the way to the top...I have a 4-story house, which amounts to 7 separate staircases to vacuum. I can vacuum them all in about 15 minutes, as opposed to 30-45.

3) Super easy to empty the canister, and I don't have to touch any dirty filters.

4) The carrying handle is placed in a really comfortable spot...it's not so awkward to lug up and down those 7 sets of stairs.

5) The gorgeous vacuum cleaner lines criss-crossing my newly rejuvenated carpets.

6) It has a 5-year guarantee, and you can bet that if I do experience "loss of suction", that guarantee will be coming in handy.

And the Winner is....I Don't Know, But it Sure Hasn't Been Me!

2009-07-30T20:29:00.002-05:00

The Shopping Mama is giving away a really cool PishPosh Mommy purse organizer.

Annie's Home is giving away Skoy reusable paper towels. These are so cute and colorful, and do away with the waste and expense of paper towels! Plus, they work better. No more ripping and tearing!

MomStart is giving away a ringsling from Keiki Kuddlerz.

Pick Me Please!

2009-07-27T21:46:00.002-05:00

Sweeps4Bloggers is giving away:

5 copies of the book Fixer-Upper by Mary Kay Andrews. We're in the midst of remodeling ourselves, so I'd love to take a look at this book.

Organicare Fresh Fix hydrating facial spray, with the scents of lavendar and green tea.

5 copies of the fun chic-lit book Italian for Beginners.

Haircare or Bar Soap from Save the World

Etsy it Up is giving away a key fob from Sweet Irie.

Piece of Me is giving away your choice of Hapari swimsuit.

I Heart Giveaways!

2009-07-19T21:45:00.003-05:00

A Pocket Full of Buttons is giving away adorable and practical reusable snack bags from Birdy's Boutique on etsy. A reusable snack back is basically a fabric zip-lock bag, usually closed using Velcro. I love ours because they aren't the suffocation hazard that plastic baggies are, and they also work great for other small items, like hair ties and crayons.

Buy By Mom is giving away a chic bottlecap necklace by On a Whimsy. They also offer really cool monogrammed market totes.

Two of a Kind, Working on a Full House is giving away a booster seat from Mutsy.

Gobs of Giveaways is giving away a pack of Bummas cloth wipes. Our cloth wipes have gotten a lot of love, so we could really need some new ones.

Delaney's World is giving away a copy of the book Julia and Julia.

"Big Kid Room Blog Party"

2009-07-19T21:10:00.003-05:00

I love blog parties, especially when fun prizes are involved. I'm super excited about Jolly Mom and Go Graham Go!'s upcoming Big Kid Room Party, as we're in the process of redoing Amelia's room to better fit her "big girl" personality. I can't wait to check out all the giveaways and ideas! Check out the button on my sidebar for the link.

Giveaways

2009-07-15T21:54:00.002-05:00

Sweeps 4 Bloggers is giving away 5 sets of Putty Buddies swim plugs. I'd love to try these on Amelia, as she always has earaches after swimming.

Jamie's Precious Peas is giving away a necklace from one of my favorite jewelry sites, Twisted Silver. Their jewelry is unlike anything I've ever seen before, and is always on my wish list.

Giveaways of the Day

2009-07-14T22:55:00.003-05:00

Barefoot Mommies is giving away a wet bag from Planet Wise. Wet bags are great for cloth diapers, but also for wet swim suits, dirty clothes, etc...

Piece of Me is giving away a Maddison Ave soy candle. I love that their essential oil candles can be used as lotion or massage oil.

Pays to Live Green is giving away a really cool compost bin from Earth Machine. I already have a compost bin, but this one is sooo cool and easy to use. You can always use another composter, right?

A Caution and an Inspiration

2009-07-13T16:32:00.002-05:00

I periodically receive emails from the culture review site Plugged In, and the one they sent out today really grabbed my attention. Each email newsletter reviews new movies and video games, and features culture-related quotes to help its readers understand trends in culture that pertain to Christ and morality. I find the newsletters really handy when I'm planning a movie night with my youth group girls, as they go through movies step-by-step, pointing out positives and negatives along the way. Anyhow, today's featured the new movie Bruno, follow-up to the grossly vulgar Borat (which I have not seen, but the TV previews alone were sickening). Apparently, in Bruno, a real life youth pastor is duped into thinking he is counselling a homosexual man interested in finding a way out of the lifestyle, when he is in reality being filmed for the movie, in hopes of catching some humiliating footage. Plugged In conducted an interview with this youth pastor, Jody Trautwein, that I found really inspiring and hopeful. It seems that "Bruno" didn't get any footage that could be used to mock either Trautwein or Christianity; rather, the producers were amazed at Trautwein's patience and kindness, and the message of salvation comes across loud and clear in the clip. A thrilling example of God using for good what was meant for harm! While I do NOT recommend anyone see this movie, especially after reading Plugged In's review, I am excited about the possibility of millions of people catching a glimpse of the true Gospel in a completely new and unexpected context. I do, however, recommend you read the interview and pray for protection for Trautwein as he has been placed in the public eye for standing up for Christ, as well as for the hearts of the movie-goers going into a movie looking to fill their minds with filth, but surprised by a ray of truth.

A few Giveaways

2009-07-12T21:59:00.003-05:00

Sweeps 4 Bloggers is giving away 5 copies of the book The Film Club, a memoir about an unusual strategy an unemployed film critic takes to teach hi s son. They're also giving away copies of the book on CD Swimsuit. Also, Faces by Martina Cole.

Frugal Mommy of 2 Girls is giving away an adorable kiddie-styled cool air humidifier from Crane. I'd love to get the pig or frog for my girls!

Mom Reviews is giving away a B is for Bob reggae-style kid's CD.

Where Have I Been?

2009-07-12T21:48:00.003-05:00

1) Praying about hosting a foreign exchange student this year, then making phone calls and filling out paperwork in order to qualify for said exchange student! The whole family is super-excited to hopefully welcome Sheila from Denmark into our home next month. Amelia keeps asking when she's coming, and asked me when we were at an auction on Saturday whether we were in the "country" where Sheila lived...because we were out in the country.

2) Supervising the painting of our house...our painters surely don't need supervision, but I'm not missing out on the opportunity for adult conversation for a few short weeks! We decided to paint our old "farmhouse" light blue with white trim, and I'm loving it so far.

3) Outside in the kiddie pool enjoying my girls and the sunshine and trying to keep cool with no air conditioning.

4) Biking! I finally got back on my bike after a ten year break following a serious biking accident in high school. B and I have enjoyed biking around the lake and to Dairy Queen, taking turns pulling the girls behind us.

5) Various road trips...little county fairs, auctions, etc...in the summer I just get the bug to go driving!

6) Gardening...we have a huge yard, which means huge weeds. I've spent a lot of time on my knees in the backyard lately, it's never-ending. We also tried a vegetable garden again this year, and it is growing out of control! I'm so excited to soon be picking the tomatoes, peppers, and squash that are ripening as we speak, but I think the girls are most excited about the carrots and onions.

In the midst of all that, I've not been online much, which means that my life is pleasantly full of more important things...I'll try to post a little more often, but we'll see...

Tuesday Truth: Kites?

2009-06-30T08:00:00.001-05:00

Have you ever read the book "The Kite Runner"? I read it several years ago, and the thing that struck me was the glass-embedded kite strings. In America we look at kite-flying as a fun, carefree leisureactivity... in the Middle East, it's a vicious competition to cut down your opponent's kite by slicing through their string with yours. This results in slashed and bloody hands as the string plays through your fingers...as I was lying in bed with my daughter tonight, waiting for her to fall asleep next to me, I was mulling over how I felt about my life lately. Rather than feeling like the typical "mom" analogy of the juggler who can't keep all the balls in the air, I feel like the kite-flyer, except I'm fiercely holding onto dozens of tangled up strings, each one cutting into my palms as I grip them tighter and tighter in a futile effort to keep my precariously balanced life afloat. Each one threatening to slice through any of the others in an effort to reign supreme in my life. What I realized tonight is that while I'm the one gripping the bloody strings, God is the wind keeping the kites afloat, and Christ is standing behind me, also holding those same strings, trying to guide me into cutting the superfluous or inherently harmful kites loose. If I were to let go of the tangled mess, He would be there to untangle the lines and release me from the pressures I put on myself. Not only that, He's waiting in the wings to be my personal kite-runner; when I cut loose the wrong kite, He's there to run it down and bring me back the kite that He has restored and made new. The only way for me to untangle the mess is to hand over the strings, all of them, so that He can guide them into the breezes God has prepared for me. All I really need to do is grab on and run behind as He flies the kites ahead of me. Easier said than done...but I know I'm ready to loosen my grip.

Giveaways Around the Neighborhood

2009-06-29T21:19:00.004-05:00

Prissy Green is giving away your choice of adorable maternity shirt from Chicken and the Egg.

Sweeps4Bloggers is giving away a copy of the book Willow, and 5 copies of the book I'm So Happy For You. Also, Try Fear, a thriller/suspense/Christian book that I'd love to try!

My Organized Chaos is giving away a gift certicate to the clothing company Happy First. They have gorgeous, real-world wearable clothing that I would love to add to my closet. Also, a gift certificate the wall art company Belvedere Designs. There's a spot in my dining room, right above my computer nook, that I've been looking for a Scripture-based wall vinyl for, and Belvedere has the best Scripture selection I've found so far.

Musings of a Fat Chick is giving away a gift certificate to Auntie's Beads.

Jamie's Precious Peas is giving away your choice of child's skirt from Laken and Lila.

Boldly Going Where Everyone Had Already Been

2009-06-11T10:53:00.004-05:00

I am a huuuuuuuge Star Trek fan, have been since I was in elementary school and watched the classic reruns with my mom and my uncle. I have about 75-100 books based on the classic series, I've been to a convention, met Scottie and got his autograph, and have most of the original episodes, and all the movies, memorized. All that to say....I was the absolute last person in my family to actually see the new movie. I was hesitant at first because I wasn't sure I'd be able to handle the new actors playing my beloved characters, but was assured by my mom that they did a great job and that the movie was excellent. So I finally went yesterday afternoon with my mom....and I LOVED it! By the end of the movie, I was thoroughly convinced that I was truly watching a young Kirk, Spock, Uhura, Bones, etc...In fact, it's borderline supplanting X-Men as my all-time favorite movie. I'll have to give it a few more views to see if it stands the test of multiple watchings (my husband is skeptical that any movie will ever replace my coveted X-Men), but I highly recommend this movie. If you are a classic Trekkie, you will love the subtle mannerisms that so closely match the original cast. If you're not, you'll still love the special effects, action, and storyline.

Giveaways at Etsy it Up

2009-06-10T22:17:00.002-05:00

The longer I've been a mother of girls, the more girly I seem to get myself. Case in point: fancy hair clips...I used to think they were ridiculous, but I've lately become rather obsessed with them. My girls have the typical bow clips, which are super adorable, but tonight I came across a giveaway for the cutest and most creative I've ever seen. Check it out at Etsy it Up! They're also giving away a beautiful pendant from the Pretty Peacock.

WW: First Parade of the Summer

2009-06-10T07:00:00.001-05:00

B and Adeline

Hmmmm...is this full of candy yet?

Yep, they're both mine.

Hoping the rain holds off (it did).