Pajamas are Clothes

The envelope please...

2012-02-08T04:01:00.003-05:00

Did you get that subtle title-pun? No? Well, if you had grown up with a frenzied love of Michael Jackson, followed by an intense obsession with Prince, you would have watched every AMA and Grammy show you could, to get a glimpse of your crush and you would totally get that awards show envelope reference. Since it has now taken me an entire paragraph to explain that, I'll just move on. (*whispers... but I still love When Doves Cry...)

You know those ~~crooked~~ groovy hand-made envelopes I made the boys, I thought you might like to see what they have been finding in them each morning. Ok, I want to write it down or I'll forget by next month. So, in order of appearance, some with the SLR, and some with the phone camera, here we go...

Day one: Message Heart Candy. (Gag, they were already hard. Can't we get some chewy sweet-tart message hearts in the candy realm? Or, at least, there must be some chemical that would insure these stay softer, longer? Fabric softener maybe?)

Day two: M&Ms. I had to photo Alden's pretzel ones as the other boys took theirs in their lunch for school, and my Micah's mysteriously disappeared... hmmm.

Day three: Finger Laser Lights. The boys thought these were only available at the local camp they attend, so when I found them I knew it would win me some big mom points :) (Micah got a cigar, he is not really into the finger laser-lights... much...)

Day four: Hershey's Kisses. It's one of those candies you HAVE to get at Valentine's Day, ya' know. Plus I got the Hugs kind, which seem to bother Alden's dairy allergy less.

Day five: Scratch-Off Coupons. I made them. This was super easy, and my boys LOVED it. You can find the directions HERE. I have more of these coming for the envelopes. I put them together with some journaling cards I got off the internets, which I have no clue where to link to. Sorry, just google it.

Day six: Glow Sticks. I told the boys these were especially for the tub. Em was home from school with his wheezy breathing, and let me tell you... Glow Sticks in the bathtub is the BEST IDEA EVER! They played for like an hour, and the giggles I heard made my heart happy. Did the floor get a little wet, yes. Was it worth it... totally. Such a great memory.

There you have the first six days of envelopes. This has been much fun for me and my wild boys, and I think it may be helping me overcome my status as the Worst Tooth Fairy Ever. ;)

Valentine's Day Countdown...

2012-02-05T16:32:00.001-05:00

So we take Valentine's Day very seriously around here. This year I saw these adorable pottery barn envelopes you can velcro onto a chair.
I wanted them to do a "Countdown to Valentine's Day", but the price tag for scoring four for my guys was too steep.
So I got busy making my own. There are lots of tutorials on the www for these. I just winged it with a quick sketch and some felt.
Here they are: I sewed them with a zigzag stitch as my amazing quilt making friend Sarah had told me the zigzag was the most forgiving of stitches. If that's true, I am pretty sure the zigzag is holding a grudge against me.

But I got them all done and then hand stitched the hearts and used twine to attach them to the chairs. Let me tell you, my boys are LOVING this! I put a treat in their envelope each night, and they are so happy when they discover them each morning. In another post I'll share what I've been putting in them.

So glad that someone smarter than me thought of this great idea!!! (but don't tell my kids that, they think I am brilliant. Bwahahahaha )

Photo Canvas ala iPhone

2012-02-04T09:03:00.003-05:00

You all know I love photos.
I almost always have my phone with me,
so many of our memories get captured via
the iPhone.
I recently used a great app called "PostalPix"
to order 60, yes 60 prints from my phone.
They are 4x4.
I heart the throw back 4x4 size. Did you
ever have a camera that printed you a 4x4 and two smaller 2x2's?
We did, and I cherish those little bits of memory heaven.

So I got an idea, and a canvas, and some mod podge.
I got busy uploading some photos to PostalPix. Then... got to work...
(this is similar to the canvases I made for Christmas gifts. See those HERE. )

here is the canvas, yep, 24x36. Enough for 54 glorious photos.

Next you will need my friend and yours, Mod-Podge. We heart some mod podge round here.

Next choose your photos and lay them out the way you want them to look on the canvas. I sort of forgot to take a photo of this step, so use your imagination. Then set them aside in six little stacks of nine, in the proper order of the row. Oh how this made my little OCD heart grin.

Then, spread that whole bad boy over with some mod podge. While it was drying I painted my edges black. Make sure you "cheat" onto the main canvas area about ¼ in or so. I missed going far enough in on a few places, and had to break out a fine tipped paint brush to fix it.

Then, start your adhering... I don't advising trying to paint a whole row across with the mod podge, go photo by photo. and be patient... if you move to the next one too quickly, your hands will be playing a game of Twister to hold them down.

keep on trucking along. I should also note, the canvas may be a bit lacking when you get to that final photo. I almost freaked out on the first row, until I realized, the frame on the last few photos could all be trimmed, just a touch, to make it work. All canvases stretch just a bit differently, so you may not have to do this.

Once that is dry, you do the scariest step of all... mod podge over the top of all your precious photos. You need to work quickly.

This is also where you may ask your eldest son to snap a photo of you working, and then remember, he is 9, so warn him "No booty shots pal."

And... the finished product!

And someday this wall will be painted one of the groovy shades I have picked out, and this canvas will have a proper display of vintage goodness surrounding it. Until then, use your imagination and send a floor sander our way...

Ride the Wind Bullseye!

2012-02-01T11:19:00.001-05:00

This is my first try at iPhone blogging. We'll see how it goes, but there is no accounting for oddly placed photos and auto-corrected words.
Today I became a hero. Well... To Alden anyway. Bullseye had a broken leg. Why I had not already chucked him and his bum leg out, I am not sure. Today Alden brought him to me and asked me to fix him. I thought about explaining that most horses with a busted leg get shot, but refrained. "use your tape ma!" he begged.
I have a to do list a mile long today, and in my head I am thinking, tape ain't going to fix this china made piece o junk! But... I forged ahead and in the end tape AND some well placed rubberbands did the trick.
Alden was elated. "Thank you bootiful mommy! You are the best mommy ever!"
All that happiness and admiration for less than five minutes work and some tape.
Mamas, even if you know Bullseye will be busted again tomorrow, take a few minutes and fix him today... You might just be your little one's hero.
Now, ride like the wind Bullseye!!!

Worst.Tooth.Fairy.Ever.

2012-01-30T16:31:00.001-05:00

Apparently I have supremely failed at one area of parenting, and I thought it best to come clean about it now. I suck at being the tooth fairy. I cannot begin to tell you how many times I have forgotten, and seen poor Emerson come downstairs with a baggy containing one slightly bloody tooth, and a look of sheer disappointment.
Oh, I have been able to cover my mistakes before...
The first tooth he lost, when I forgot for the SECOND night in a row, I thought quick on my feet, and said, "Are you sure you looked good? Maybe the money got lost under all those dogs you sleep with!" Sure enough after a carefully planted dollar bill, and telling him he probably got to keep the tooth as a bonus for having to wait, he was all good. There have been similar incidents since, including one where Em lost two teeth in one week. I remembered the first one, but forgot the second. I told him I was pretty sure the Tooth Fairy would never think a kid would lose TWO teeth in one week, and to try again the next night. Yep. Mother of the Year right here baby.

Well, this week... the magic ran out. He lost a tooth Friday at school. He waited to put it under his pillow until Saturday night, and yep... you guessed it. The Worst Tooth Fairy EVER forgot. Again. So... he dutifully put it under again last night. I am guessing he just thinks the Tooth Fairy is one supreme slacker. So, at roughly 545am, I leapt from the bed and said, "Oh crap! Tooth Fairy!"
I grabbed a dollar and sneaked upstairs, made the exchange and snuggled back into my warm bed beside my Micah. I patted myself on the back for my ability to salvage another forgotten tooth, and the possible scarring effects it would have on my middle child. (in case you are wondering, Lincoln never for a moment believed in the tooth fairy. He thumbed that first-tooth-money and said, "Dad, are you the tooth fairy? Tell me the truth!" It was a fun 12 hours in the world of make believe...)

Enter Emerson, this morning, all wrapped up in a blanket, and peeking around the corner at me.
Me: Did the Tooth Fairy leave come last night?
Em: No YOU did.
Me: Huh? I, I...
Em: I saw your hand Mom.
Me: What do you mean?

He then went on to explain that he he knew it was me, because a friend had recently told him that he found out the tooth fairy was his own mom. I thought I was off the hook, since it was not technically my fault, until he said, "I knew that was at his house, but I thought at our house the real one still came. Until I saw your hand." Dangit.
So I asked him if he was sad about it, and as only Emerson can do he proclaimed, "Well, you lied to me this whole time..." Nice. Well played Em. Parent guilt level through the roof. I am pretty sure he will get a nice first car based on this situation alone.
Hopefully by the time Alden loses any teeth The Worst Tooth Fairy EVER will get her act together and not scar her child permanently.

Year in Review - GTs

2012-01-04T14:33:00.000-05:00

GTs... "Good times" if you aren't up on the lingo. This was a very hard one to pick photos for. I mean, our whole vacation was GTs... our girls weekend mountain trip was GTs... all of the daily funny things these wild boys do are GTs... but alas, the list had to be pared down. I also refused to use iPhone pics, that is a whole post of its own. So, if I missed a GT with you, don't be mad at me forever. Thanks.
Apparently, we did not have GTs in January. And also, those are on my backup already, so it is a pain to get to them and resize them for the blog. So, sorry January, you get dissed.

February GTs:
The Albright Knox Art Gallery and trip to the B-Lo. The full story on this is HERE.

March GTs:
Made with the help of a book for boys called "Weapons of Mass Destruction." That's right, that is the title. You know we are rolling out some real gentle lads here at the casa...

April GTs:
I had to ask for this hug for my birthday. I may get a punch this year for posting this photo. xoxo Sarah! ;)

This was a hike with friends. I just love this shot because it shows how my boys just go with my pals families like they are theirs...♥

May GTs:

June GTs:

July GTs:

Rootbeer Float Night.

Making Tie-Dyes.

Celebrating Hadji with his NY cousins. A big treat for him.

August GTs:

Pop Rocks.

September GTs:

October GTs:

Goin' Dancin'...

November GTs:

The arrival of the Christmas Toy catalog...

December GTs:
Wrapping a gift for his teddy bear.

Our yard was "gifted". Much better than being rolled...

The end.

Year in Review - Other People

2012-01-03T21:30:00.000-05:00

From time to time I take photos. You may realize this. Sometimes I take them of other people. Here are some of my favorite shots of other people that I took this year.

(circa: February)
This is Miles. I actually helped my dear friend Kerry through labor and delivery. Hands down, amazing. I was crying. And, maybe trying to convince Kerry's husband that they should name the baby Jude. :)

(circa: March)
And then a few weeks later, we took some more photos of baby ~~Jude~~ Miles. He is so cute. I call myself his Aunt. Is that wrong?

This is Kessler. He is ridiculously cool for one so young. He was playing at my house one day, and found the mud. Muddy boy = photo op.

(circa: April)

These are my neighbor's kids. She called me the night before Easter and said, "Ummm, my kids are all dressed in their Easter clothes, and I went to take some photos, only... my camera battery died." I grabbed my camera and ran down the road for an impromptu photo-shoot with her cutie kiddos. Yes, there are FOUR boys and then ONE girl.

(Circa: May)
These are from my pal Sarah's little girls first birthday party. We all heart the Anna-baby. Look at her, how could we not?

and some of the party goers, my pal Heather's girls, and below them is pal Jessica's daughter, Graelyn. (we call hers "toddlers behind bars" Aren't they all just the cutest!?!?

And here is Molly. Angelic, no? This was the day after she was born whilst I visited her in the hospital.

This is Jessica's (mom of the jailed girl above) sweet, sweet, sweet little boy Daniel. I didn't help deliver him, Jess is not comfortable with me doing her c-sections. Geesh, some people! ;) This boy's eyes are killer blue. Did I mention how sweet he is?

(Circa: June)
This one is intensely special to me. This is my amazing nephew Franklin. My sister and her husband deal with his autism with incredible love and patience. He rarely makes eye contact with the camera, and getting a smile is hard. You gotta' click fast. I was thrilled when I managed to snag this one, poolside, at his house this summer. When my sister saw it on the LCD screen, she was very happy, which made me happy. If this was the only photo my camera ever captured, it would be worth every penny. ♥

and Truman, the sweetest brother ever to Franklin.

Remember Anna-Baby? This is her cool big brother Ike. Ike as a ringbearer to be exact. Our friends Adam and Leah got married, they are cool, hence the ring-bearer got to wear converse. I heart them.

(Circa: July)
Meet Tru, and her mom and dad. Could there be a cuter family? No, I think not.

(circa:August)
Here is Micah being all "pastory". No, really, this family was super sweet and had a HUGE dinner to celebrate their three sons baptisms. It was awesome. Oh, and none of the wild boys jumped in the pool. A true miracle.

(circa: October)
Bud. My girl Martha's little man. A-dor-a-ble.

Maya... sometimes she just makes you smile. Isn't that a wonderful thing to be able to do for others? I think so.

(circa: december)
This "shoot" was fraught with the wild boys scaling walls, me yelling "Micah! Get them out of my shot!" and my nieces who actually smile and pose. Girls are SO different than boys... or at least, my wild boys. Aren't they so pretty?

You have no clue how many little butts I had to photoshop out of this shot... they were all climbing behind the scenes, and it was the end of the day, and wow... but a good shot of a sweet couple :)

the end.

Year in Review - Our Fab 5

2012-01-02T19:00:00.000-05:00

Today's photos are all about our little family. Just some favorites from the past year. Some months have two, because I couldn't decide.

January:

February:

March:

April:

May:

June:

July:

August:

September:

October:

November:

December:

Year in Review - Objects

2012-01-01T07:00:00.000-05:00

This is the time of year when everyone who blogs does a review of the year. I am typically not good at these. There is simply too much to remember, highlight, and make note of. So, in an effort to combine my love of photos with my slackness on this project, I am taking it in chunks. Seven days of review, all via photos.
Day One - Objects.

January:

February:

March:

April:

May:

June:

July:

August:

September:

October:

November:

December:

Stay tuned... I might just get the other six days done ;)

December 13

2011-12-13T23:54:00.000-05:00

Today was the day. I sat down with 100 Christmas cards, and a list of well over 100 people. Sad but true, I under-ordered on the card front this year. I hated realizing I could not send cards to everyone on my list :( We did a funny card again this year. I had a different idea, but getting my Micah to participate in my schemes is not always easy.
Here they are... all addressed and ready to go. Well, except for the ones I couldn't find addresses for, or thought I could hand deliver, etc. Please note the carefully blurred address. ;)

Tonight was also the night of Lincoln's school performance. The school lures parents to PTA meetings by having the kids perform after the meeting. It is a stroke of brilliant parent bribery on their part, and we get suckered in every time. Who would want to miss the potential for Hadji to ad-lib lines?

and that is all for December 13.

December 12

2011-12-12T20:00:00.000-05:00

A package arrived today. It was from my mom. We opened it. My boys shouted with extreme glee. It was a book. Not just any book... it was the Charlie Brown Christmas book. And not just any version... it was the recordable kind where my mom is reading it to them.

They
absolutely
love
it.

The boys sat down and read it three times in a row. Thanks Mom. Today's Christmas memory is dedicated to your thoughtfulness. It really made our day!

December 11

2011-12-11T22:27:00.000-05:00

Every year our boys look forward to hanging the German Pickle. My sister Sharon sent it to us when Lincoln was a baby, and it is one of our favorite ornaments. The tradition is that the pickle gets hidden deep in the tree on Christmas Eve, and the child that finds it, gets a special "extra" gift. Now, I always make the extra gift one they would all share... a game, a movie, etc. or let's face it... the wild boys would be wrestling the tree to the ground to try and get to that pickle first.
So, again, even if you are not German, you too can hide the Pickle amongst your boughs. O Tannenbaum!

December 10

2011-12-10T11:20:00.000-05:00

There always seems to be a great debate amongst the church crowd at Christmas about Santa. Frankly, I don't understand it, and here is why...
I find the topic akin to getting an epidural during child labor. Get one. Don't get one. YOU need to think, pray, research, and decide what is best for you and your baby and your family. But we like to make it a competition of who did and didn't, as if one makes us a better parent. Same thing with ol' St. Nick. We like to ask others and gauge ourselves of a higher standard accordingly. Do some reading on the actual story of St. Nicholas. You may be surprised what you find. No, I am not going to add in google links here. Research means YOU do the searching, not me. :)
I am also not saying I endorse telling your kids some fat guy in a red suit is watching them 24/7 and knows what they are doing. I will be honest, I think that is creepy. But so is letting your kids watch the Disney channel's kids soap operas and no one blathers on about them. (except me.)
I guess I get a bit weary when people, especially all who fall into the "church folks" category go all high and mighty on the subject. We see people get mad about stores not saying "Merry Christmas". We like to post things on all venues of social media about how de-Santafied our kids and home are, how we teach the true meaning of the holiday, how giving we are, etc etc etc.
Oh, and believe me... I am glad people are teaching the TRUE meaning of the holiday. BUT here is the thing... the TRUE meaning of the holiday, is not for us to blast song after song about Silent Nights and Mangers, or to teach our kids Luke 2:11b by heart, or dress them up as shepherds for the church parade. Christ was not born into this world for you to acknowledge it for one month of the year. He was not born for you to get on your soapbox about how full of Christ your celebration is, or to bake him a birthday cake. He was born to save sinners... of whom YOU and I are chief. He was born to show love, and grace, and mercy, and a kind of holy forgiveness I don't think we ever really understand this side of Heaven.
I think birthday cakes for Jesus are fine. I think memorizing scripture is awesome for kids... but don't get all "Jesus is Born" in December and fail to make much of his birth the other 11 months of the year. Don't bother with all this Christ emphasis if come January,your kids are hearing you gossip, worry about money, obsess with your new diet plan, criticize others, etc.
It's pointless if it is only for a season, and not year-round...
How about come February, you have your kids do some extra chores to donate money to a charity? How about in June we read a scripture every evening about Christ? How about we make this Christ-centeredness a lifestyle and not a holiday?
I know someone is going to ask, "Well, what does your family do?"
Our family does, what we believe is good and right for our family. So, take some time to think and pray and read before you toss out St.Nick and think that makes you a more holy Christmas family.
Just for the record though... I do not struggle in my faith AT ALL because my mom "lied" to me about Santa. I struggle with my faith at times because I am a sinner...

December 9

2011-12-09T23:30:00.000-05:00

Today was crazy. My to-do list was too long and my got done list was short. BUT... I had been wanting to make these for my kiddos. I saw them on the internets, and knew the wild boys would get a kick out of them. Now, I had a dilemma... The church staff Christmas Party was that evening, and I reeeeeaaaallly wanted to color my hair. So, there I was... at 1:35pm with a choice. My own locks or my kiddos special snack. I decided since I am so tall, my roots are up higher, and hence, less visible. So I got cracking and made these just in time for the boys arrival from school.

They.
Were.
Thrilled.

Totally worth my root rot for the evening. ;) To make them I used that Betty Crocker sugar mix that comes in a bag. Hey, don't judge. I had already laid aside my own hair pride, I was not making scratch cookies too. You just pat them into little roundish circles and bake. Let them cool, and then frost with white frosting. I used ½ pound of confectioners sugar, ½ tsp meringue powder, and about 5-6 tbs. water. For the eyes and arms, I used black cake decorating icing. it come in a glue like bottle. I stuck the marshmallows in a hot pan to melt them down a bit and then stuck them on the frosted cookies.

Now... About those carrot noses... Um. I was such a good mom this summer and never scrimped on the rainbow jimmy sprinkles in ice cream, so that when I went to find some orange ones to use as a nose, they were all gone. Not a jimmy to be had. Hmmmm... I needed an orange nose. I looked around the kitchen, and as I looked toward my office in jimmy-sprinkleless-despair, I spied the answer.
Yes, I took an orange sharpie marker and drew on those noses. Micah was a tad outraged. I was like, "Come on, its a 1mm nose! It's not like I'm drawing on the kids' tongues for goodness sake." So, there you have it. I shant be surprised when child services arrives on my doorstep.

And finally... a word from our own Frosty...

December 8

2011-12-08T23:00:00.000-05:00

Have you started to catch on that I am really writing these for me? I want to write down some of our December memories for my December Daily album, and last year the ol' blog proved very helpful come December 28th when I was playing catch up. As much as I love looking back at our DD albums, I refuse to let myself be stressed out when I don't have time to actually make all the pages in December. Today, in what has become a tradition for a couple of friends and I, we worked on some crafts together. We had glue guns, and needles, and thread, and enjoyed a lovely day. No faces are shone to protect the crafters involved...

and my dear friend Beth made my day... she sent me this lovely Christmas gift, wrapped so beautifully. She is thoughtful and kind, and it made my day. Here is my phone picture of it. Thanks Beth!!

December 7

2011-12-07T20:26:00.000-05:00

Today, I decided we needed a fun snack. S'mores was the chosen one, and lest you think I let the wild boys start a campfire in the living room, these are oven made s'mores. They loved them. A lot.

This may have also been the day when I realized, Alden was in desperate need of a Christmas haircut...

December 6

2011-12-06T19:58:00.000-05:00

"St. Nicholas Day... a good day to be the son of a German mama."

In case you have not caught on, I am German. Not "born in Germany" German, but my grandmother and all my great aunts and uncles were "boat people" who came into Ellis Island in the early 1900s. I love the traditions and German culture they gave me. One of my favorite German holidays, that we have incorporated into our Christmas, is Saint Nicholas Day. The kids leave their shoes outside the door (or in our case, by the door.) and Saint Nicholas fills them with candy... or twigs if you have been a naughty child. We don't play up the whole "naughty vs. nice" thing because I am not buying good behavior for one day with some candy laden shoes. We talk about the tradition, and such, but don't use it as a threat. Just our way. (Although when Hadji was a grump on the way home from school the 5th, Alden said, "Ooooh, Hadji! You is gonna get twigs in your Shoooooes!" Ha! Love it.
This year, the shoes were laid out carefully the night before...

And the next morning, after St. Nicholas' visit...

Emerson and Alden were up and ready. Lincoln decided to sleep was more important. He is my child~ he loves sleep :)

Lincoln must have heard the whoops and hollers of joy, he decided to join us... I knew he would.

Saint Nicholas brought hershey kisses and such, and a mystery lego man for each boy. Here they are, all assembled for breakfast. (I encouraged removal of candy from shoes. Stinky shoes are not a good long term storage option for edibles.)

So, we love some Saint Nicholas Day. You too can celebrate it... even if you aren't lucky enough to be German. ;)

December 5

2011-12-05T23:13:00.000-05:00

What does it take to make Alden happy?
Simple.
A felt "Iron Man" ornament for the Advent Calendar.

What does it take to make Jude happy?
Simple.
A concert by one of her favorite bands with some gal pals.

Well, and throw in some cool old stained glass windows at the concert venue. Excellent.

December 4

2011-12-04T22:56:00.000-05:00

Today we had a busy day. I shot some photos of a cute family, as a favor. (its a secret, it is part of their Christmas gifts) My favorite part of the day was watching Lincoln read the book of the day to his brothers again. You are probably tired of photos of my kids reading. Sorry. It ain't gonna get better anytime soon either.

The place we took the photos was a really cool old area of our city that was the original settlement. I love the old buildings. Take this door for instance. So cool.

Here is one where Hadji's exact words were, "Don't worry Mom. I'll get Alden across the street." Um, yeah. That pretty much translated into "Freak out NOW woman! I got your baby and I'm taking him into traffic!". I was behind an old stone wall though. So I took a photo instead. What? They WERE holding hands so sweetly after all...

and one more of the reading. Because I just can't stop.

December 3

2011-12-03T19:30:00.000-05:00

You know how you want every day in December to be chock full of Christmassy activity and such? But then you realize, things like laundry, dishes, and my arch enemy DUST keep happening. It really interrupts my December schedule of holiday themed days.
Today was a day of total chore related, cleaning up, laundry, and other boring stuff. I did however sneak in some time to start my December Daily. If you aren't a scrapbooker nerd mom like myself, you may not know that this is simply a scrapbook with at least one page for each day in December. I started doing it a few years back at the prompting of Beth and Nicole. Here is one of my first pages, just a little "filler" page. I have not bothered to take photos of each page, like I did last year, so this phone photo will have to suffice. (I blame the kitchen floor and its incessant need to be mopped for this.)

I also snapped a few pictures of Lincoln opening his first day of the Advent Calendar. I love this one, where I told him to just stand there so I could check my light.Knucklehead.

and the "real" pose...

All three boys' ornaments from the first three days. I am so happy that they are loving this, the books, and the Santa fluff. Hope you are enjoying your December, dust bunnies and all :)

December 2

2011-12-02T23:30:00.000-05:00

Two more ways we are counting down this year...
A Book A Day.
For the past few months I have been snatching any decent Christmas books I could find from the thrift stores, and putting them aside. I weeded through them all, choose the best 24, and wrapped each one. Then I got all crafty gal on those books, and date stamped, in a festive shade of red no less, white circle stickers and dated each book. They were placed in a ginourmous silver tin next to the tree, and voila!
Lincoln was first to open, and a vintage copy of Rudolph was our first book.

A wee bit blurry as it was a dimly lit iPhone shot, but Lincoln read the book to us before bed. I LOVE that he reads to us now too. Emerson was more than excited to follow suit tonight and read to his brothers. Since Alden still calls "G" "Number 3!" when asked, I think I'll just plan on reading when it is his turn for book day...

Number three:
We are puttin' the fluff back into Santa's Fluffy White Beard. I took a clip art Santa, and some cotton balls, added in a glue stick, and the third countdown activity was complete. After all that Advent calendar sewing, I needed something quick and easy!
Here are some photos from the first day, when it was Alden's turn. I am not sure why he keeps taking the hood off his winter coat and wearing it around the house, and I am afraid to ask. I no longer ask why he puts his shoes on the wrong feet either though... (and yes, that is leftover marinara sauce from dinner on his cheeks.don't judge.)

Please note the carefully planned out chart. I was not risking anyone getting their turn mixed up, and since I knew I would never remember, this made my slightly OCD heart happy. The little bag is where the 24 cotton balls are, as well as the glue stick for putting them up. Oh, and the perks of having the butt ugliest ivy wall paper ever in your kitchen? I tape all this kind of stuff right to the wall. (the ivy's days are numbered. )

So there you have it. The three ways we are counting down until Christmas Day.

December 1

2011-12-01T21:30:00.000-05:00

It is finally here... December. While Fall is my favoritest time of year, I also love Christmas. This year I wanted to have a few things to help the boys count down to Christmas Day. You know, because a house of three little boys with the promise of presents under a tree is not frenzied enough... So here is the first thing I made. This was a culmination of ideas from the WWW found by me and my pal Sarah.
Sarah also helped tremendously when it came to actual fabric measurements and sewing. I sat like a doofus in front of her high tech sewing machine and tried to pretend that I knew what a bobbin was. (Sarah sews amazing things, like quilts. Really stinking amazing quilts.)
Behold.The Advent Calendar...

I can just tell you... this was a labor of love. I blame my mother. Yes, its true. You see, when we were little she made these AMAZING and I mean totally unbelievably amazing ornaments. She had Noah and two of each animal and we strung them up from the huge dining room archway each Christmas. They were a hard dough ornament that she shaped, then painted, then embellished with everything from sequins (for the fish gills) to fluffy fur, and such. I loved... LOVED them. I was devastated when they were all ruined by a water leak. Perhaps this explains my obsession with rubbermaid totes in the attic. Anyhoo... I wanted my kids to have the same fun memory of handmade by mama ornaments. These photos are the little pockets for each day, and inside is a little stitched felt ornament. Rest assured, after all the hours of stitching, they will be stored in a bank safety deposit box until next year.

Needless to say, Hadji was pretty stoked about getting to be the first one to get an ornament out. His was actually my least favorite one I made, a dog. I'll post some more photos as we open each day, and our other two countdown activities.

How do you guys count down the days until Christmas?

Fire and Lightbulbs and Unity

2011-11-16T08:39:00.001-05:00

Boys.Love.Fire.
I know, that is one amazing discovery I have made eh? Being a mom of three little boys means that I am going to have shed any ideas about hours of crafty endeavors, shopping, and such, and be willing to get my hands a little dirty from time to time. I can't leave it all to Micah. And...

Boys
Love
Fire

Here is the thing... I hate smelling like smoke. There, I said it. Right now I have friends scratching their heads as they have listened to me moan about my fireplaceless house, and how much I miss summer bonfires. (it is way too hot here to even think of a fire in the summer) And I do. I love a good fire, I just don't want to smell like it. I know, that is weird and picky and odd. See what my Micah is up against? (yes, i want eggs to eat, but i don't want them to smell "eggy". see... tricky stuff.)
Anyhoo, Sunday afternoon my Micah was gone, and there were copious amounts of leaves in our yard. I looked at my boys and knew... we needed to do some raking, and jumping, and yes... even burning. Plus, I really didn't want to have to hear another sports commentator go on and on and on about the Bills game.

So... out we went. Those boys, all three, picked up rakes and went to town.
we raked
and raked
and raked

We had a ginormous pile of leaves, though our yard still looked like a fallen leaves carpet, so I said, "Nobody move!" and grabbed my phone/camera. Then, they jumped happily until they saw the matches. "A fire! A fire! let's start them on FIRE!!!!"
Photo op over.

I made a water circle with the hose around the edge of our pile. I figured that was a Smokey the Bear approved move. We burned happily, and as the smoke billowed through my freshly straightened hair, (tragedy folks. tra-ge-dy. getting only one day out of freshly coiffed locks. ) I let the boys ignite sticks, poke at the pile, etc. and we were all enjoying the fire until, the wind switched directions. All of the sudden I had a blazing inferno and was having garden flashbacks.

I felt like a doofus for not thinking about the wind, but then I looked at how quickly and cooperatively my kiddos were getting along in the midst of the fire crisis and... you know that scene in Despicable Me where he says "Lightbulb!". Yeah, I had that moment.
I declared, "Hurry with the hose! We don't want to lose the house!!!"

Hey, you breed unity your way, I'll breed it mine...

Home-Made Photo Canvas by crafty gal

2011-11-09T00:02:00.002-05:00

I spied this idea last year on the internets. I have been waiting until I had some good photos of us to make them. When we went on a trip to the mountains in October, I got a chance to snap some photos of us. Here is what I made:

Here is how you do it:

Step 1: Gather Supplies.

This will include modge podge (matte), 8x10 canvas, 8x10 photo, wax paper, strips of patterned paper, black paint, brushes, a clean towel.

Step 2: Modge Podge the canvas, even the sides.

Step 3: While that is drying (about 20 min) take you paper and cut it into 10in and 8in strips. Keep the width a tad smaller than the actual canvas. (You will cover the white parts up later with paint anyway.) You re-modge podge each side, and I also did the actual papers too, based on one tutorial's advice. Attach them to the sides, smoothing as you go.

Step 4: Trim about an 1/8 in off each side of the photo so it won't overlap the canvas. I forgot on my second and third ones, and it was a pain to correct later! Then, place the photo face down on the wax paper, and modge podge the back. Place it on the canvas, using your towel to smooth it. Let dry. (about 20 min.)

Step 5: Cover your photo with modge podge. It will feel weird at first, and you will think you are ruining the photo. You aren't. It will look milky white until it dries.(about 20 min)

Step 5: Paint the edges. I dabbed the paint on pretty thick, then went back over it with a dry brush to blur the paint into the photo's edge. Keep that brush DRY so it blends better! Let all this dry, and guess what... YOU ARE DONE! Here is the finished result:

Here is how they look all finished up :)

and I made some smaller 4x4s for My Micah's office, my mom and my mother in law as Christmas gifts.

Happy Crafting :)

Crafty Gal and the Old Window...

2011-11-08T23:00:00.001-05:00

So, I have this old window. It may not have been obtained under the most honest of circumstances. I shant go into detail, but suffice to say, when you are going to burn down an old homestead, especially one that holds so many childhood memories for me, I feel no guilt at "lifting" an old window. Yep. E-mail all your complaints to judewon'treadthis@gmail.com .

Above you will see the old window. I hesitated greatly about what to do with it for months. Paint it? Sand it down? In the end, I realized that I wanted it the way I got it. Chipped up paint and all from the house I loved. I also realized this method was of great benefit to my being a lazy crafty gal. So, I just got out the Murphy's Oil Soap and went to cleaning. I love me some Murphy's Oil Soap. The minute we ripped up the carpet I went out and got some to use on the wood floor.
Anyway, the next debate was which side to use? I decided on the wood, for now. In part because I love the old rusted latch and bits of green paint that you can see on it.

I knew I wanted to use the window for photos, and again, went back and forth over the use of clips, magnets, etc. In the end, my inner lazy-crafty gal came to the rescue again and whispered to my weary soul "Glue Dots. Use the Glue Dots you dummy!" So I did.

Just like that, I was done. Bam. I love it. More for the place it represents in my heart and the memories I have of where it is from more than anything else. I can't wait until we get our walls painted and get it up for good somewhere.(click photos to enlarge)

Overheard No. 43,256

2011-11-07T08:58:00.001-05:00

The "Overheards". AKA things I am ~~forced~~ blessed to hear from my offspring...

Scene: Hadji wants to light his jack o' lantern. I give him two new votive candles. Yes, TWO. Moms, for the love of pete, you sprang for the pumpkin, let that sucker shine bright for a few days. Give the kiddos two votives. He then asks if he can light them. I contemplate this situation, and decide to allow it. Why not? We buzzed off his hair, so its not like its going to catch on fire, and technically the inside of a pumpkin is wet, so...
Yes, I handed over a small book of matches to Hadji. Several of you who know Hadji are now questioning my sanity. You should be. About ten minutes later, in walks Hadji.

Me: Pumpkin lit?

Hadji: Yes, but there are no matches left.
Me: Emerson! That box of matches was FULL!!! What did you do?
H: proceeds to tell me in great detail how he and Lincoln burnt some dead leaves, but did so on top of wet leaves, and on the table... "Ya' know, just to be safe."
Me: (shaking head ) We do NOT play with matches Em.
H: Oh I wasn't playing with them. I was very, very serious.

Holy Hannah. This is my life...

Crafty Gal and the Teeny Tiny Shelf

2011-11-01T06:21:00.001-05:00

Whilst home in the B-lo this summer, my mother insisted I go look in her yard sale piles for anything I might want. (My mom has a propensity to yard sale cherished items, and save old tupperware bought from other people's yard sales. Yep, true story.) So, I was looking for my childhood photos amongst the piles, and spied this shelf. Sorry, I only snapped a phone pic of the total "before". You get the idea... old, stained brown, and really really really tiny openings. Apparently it was made to hold thimbles. I decided to take it home, and my mind started swirling with a plan for photos and the Teeny Tiny Brown Shelf.

** click on photos to enlarge
Last week, I finally got my idea going. Here are the photos of what I did, which was really quite simple.
First I removed the shelves, which just slid in and out, or I would never have done so. I also cleaned the shelf off at this point, as it was covered in dust and yard sale grime. I numbered the shelves so that I wouldn't be playing shelf puzzle later.

I also laid them out and numbered my fancy dollar store tablecloth drop cloth. See my set up? I had 260 popsicle sticks to spray paint for Hadji's class too, so I was doubling up on the crafty gal time. Crafty gal mulit-tasker.

Next up I spray painted a bit of aqua blue paint on the pieces. What?!!? yes, I wanted to have a wee bit of that blue peeking through later on when I sanded the shelf.

Next step: Spray paint that baby white. I did two good coats, since I didn't sand it before hand. What? Don't judge, I said I was a lazy crafter, and its not like this is a piece of furniture.

After that, you get busy sanding. I used a lighter grit paper, just to be careful. I just wanted to knock the "I just got spray painted shiny white!" look off, and give it more of a vintage vibe.

Onto the photos... I just resized photos to a teeny tiny 1in x 1.375 in. Yes, that is the measurement I used. I dropped them onto a 4x6 document and printed them up. Then, get your sharp scissors out and get cutting. I left a wee bit o' white border, since I knew it would blend with the white of the shelf. I just free-hand cut these.

Then take your lovely pile of teeny tiny photos, and a glue stick, decide where you want to place them, and get busy. I realized too, at this point, that I should have vacuumed out the shelf after sanding. The wipe down didn't quite get all the grit out, but I only got a little light headed blowing it out, so no big deal.

I staggered the photos, just placing them where I liked them, putting an object shot amongst the portrait ones. I decided the shelf looked a little bare, so I gathered some little "5's" from my collection. (that idea is from my pal Chrissy. I now seek out anything with the number 5 to add to my collection. Feel free to contribute at any time :) ) Here are the finished results. I am pretty pleased with them, as was my mom when I told her. So glad some thimble collector didn't find the shelf at her yard sale before I did.

Bonus, it already had a hook, and I had an empty nail. Welcome to your new home shelf. Project Teeny Tiny Shelf... Done.

october 30

2011-10-30T20:23:00.000-05:00

Day 30: Who are you?

In true Jude style, this will be a list. (And for the record, I think this question is lame, but it finished off this month long blogging gig.)

woman
wife
daughter
mom
friend
sister
care-giver
laundry wench
sister in law
shopper
photo-taker
enemy
volunteer
christian
pastor's wife
baker
crafty gal
sinner
listener
talker
planner
chip-lover
tea drinker
memory recorder
poker player
sarcasm lover
time waster
book lover

Ok, that is enough of that. If you have actually read all of this months posts, congratulations, I owe you a box of tissues for boring you to tears...

Onto November! Wait, where did October go?!?!

October 29

2011-10-29T09:30:00.000-05:00

Day 29: In this past month, what have you learned?

1. My kids love praise. I knew this already, but sometimes I forget to do it enough.
2. I really think Lincoln is trying to see if he can send me to the looney bin by not remembering to inside out his socks and put them in the dirty clothes.
3. Fall is always awesome. Always.

4. I never get tired of the clacking noise my typewriter makes when I use it.
5. Hadji thought, until last night, that babies were born with a diaper on, or even clothes. The look of total shock on his face was priceless when I told him, no, they are born naked. "WHAT?!?! So they are naked in the mama's belly? Gross!" Yes, I replied. Totally gross.

6. We are watching Little House on the Prairie every evening again. I love this. If it weren't for the outhouses, lack of deodorant, and having to kill your own meat, I would totally say I was born in the wrong era. Ok, looking at that list, maybe I just like to watch tv shows about the pioneer way of life...
(Ps, this is my boys whittling, yes, whittling with their pocket knives one afternoon. LOVE it.)

7. I tried Aibileen's match in the mouth trick whilst cutting onions. It totally worked.

8. Making my gramma's bean stew makes me happy and sad all at the same time.
9. Sometimes a two hour nap, wrapped up in an afghan knit by your great aunt is JUST the right thing to do.

10. Putting away the folded laundry is the most procrastinated chore I ever do. Or, don't do...

Day 29. Done.

October 28

2011-10-28T16:06:00.000-05:00

Day 28: A picture of you last year and now. How you have changed?

Another picture? Really? Ugh...

Last Year:
(this was the oldest one I had without going to my external hard drive.)

and this is from October 20th:

I am pretty sure I have just gotten older, flabbier, and crankier. I don't know, I'll ask my friends and hope they lie... ;)

Day 28. Done.

October 27

2011-10-27T15:58:00.000-05:00

Day 27: Why you are doing this 30 Day challenge?

I have no clue...
Hmmm, easiest day yet! Ha!

Day 27. Done!

October 26

2011-10-26T15:57:00.000-05:00

Day 26: What you think about your friends...

Friends. I have said it before and I will say it again... I have the best friends. I love that they bear with my oddities, laugh at my bad humor, and put up with my imperfect ways. They love me, they love my kids, they are just awesome. They have waded through some rough waters with me; my sister having cancer, Micah changing careers, and even my grandmother dying. Somehow, they know when to say nothing, when to reply, "that sucks" and when to say, "I am coming over." They have rebuked in love, encouraged in faith, and just plain "been there". One time my friend Jen said, "I understand what you are feeling, and would feel the same way. But, I cannot let you stay there." That's wisdom folks.

A few weeks ago, we asked Hadji, "who loves you Hadji?" His quick and immediate reply, "Miss Heather" (said more like "Hedder".) I like that Alden asks to "just be dropped off" at my friend Sarah's house. I like that Lincoln enjoys when my friend Jessica's 2 year old comes with us, because he likes to take care of her. I like that when I had to take Emerson to the ER this weekend for an asthma attack, I could comfort Micah (who stayed home with the other two boys) by telling him, "I'll call Ashley and Kerry. One of them can come sit with me if it is going to be a long night." and they did just that.

So, I think my friends are pretty amazing. I could never mention each of them here by name, and the stories are numerous and many of their genuine kindness, adventures of road trips, thrift store shopping and dinners out. If you don't have close friends ask yourself...

do I seek out others? (as in, am I friendly?)
do I invest in the friends I already have? ( the grass is always greener syndrome)
do I want friends only for social reasons? (somewhere to hang out on friday night? someone to facebook brag about? )
do I want to love someone even when they are going through hard times? (did you see what some of these gals have been through with me?)

Friendships are tricky. Some people feel like they have too many, not enough, etc. Just open your eyes. There are people everywhere who need and want love and friendship. Maybe you need to be the one to start it. Maybe you need to be the one who invests more upfront. Try this... try being the kind of friend you want someone to be for you and see what happens. Pray for your friends. I should also note, if you are married, your spouse should be your best friend. I have seen people ignore their marital friendship and folks, that is one friendship you MUST keep growing. I reserve the title of best friend for my Micah. Yet, I am ever thankful for my best friends...

Day 26. Done.

october 25

2011-10-25T22:00:00.000-05:00

Day 25: What I would find in your bag...

I love it when they can be done list style! Here goes:

iPhone
tissues
receipts from: grocery store, hardware store, and post office.
coupon holder
change purse
coach clutch. (it holds tampons. I want whoever steals my purse and thinks they scored with a coach clutch inside to suffer knowing it held feminine products.)
the book "Wreck this Journal". (yes, still. I am not very good at wrecking things apparently.)
handi-wipes
lipstick
chapstick
excedrin migraine
bobby pins and pony tail holders
pens. oh so many pens...
pocket size lysol (what? you choose your battles, I choose mine, and mine involve public restrooms)
wallet
keys
coupons for Costco and ruby tuesdays
epi-pen
benadryl
trident gum
sunglasses
old grocery lists

Not as bad or embarrassing as I thought. One time I did one of these and there were super hero undies in my purse.Oh the painful truths of motherhood...

day 25.Done.

october 24

2011-10-24T13:39:00.000-05:00

Day 24: A letter to your parents...

This would be hard to do. My Dad left when I was little, I only saw him a handful of times over the years, the last time being almost 25 years ago. WOW, that "25" looks longer in writing. Point being, I doubt I would write him a letter. Why? Oh, there is that Pollyanna side of me that wants to believe I cross his mind, and he regrets walking away from his wife and four children. I like to think that he googles my name, wonders how I am, and wishes he could know me. But you know what? He doesn't. He doesn't care, regret, think of, wish, hope, or google. So, no letter.

What would I write to my mom? Lots. Lots of emotions when I think of her, and that man in the paragraph above. He didn't just leave us kids, he left her too. I think the best way to say it is simply this...

day 24.done.

october 23

2011-10-23T21:06:00.000-05:00

Day 23: Something you crave for a lot.

I have a list for this one:
1. chips. I ♥ chips. horrible food, i know.
2. canon 5DmkII. total.camera.covet.
3. books. I love to read. I will ignore laundry to finish a good book.
4. apple pie.
5. fall.
6. date nite with my Micah.
7. snuggles with my boys.
8. more time.
9. big ginormous closets. oh, and a second toilet at the casa. (don't judge. its my crave list, i can crave a commode!)
10. world peace. (i just threw that in there in case Micah ever runs for president. they can say I pined for noble causes like world peace my whole life. well, that and Donald Trump's hair to be fixed... )

day 23.done.

october 22

2011-10-22T13:35:00.000-05:00

Day 22: What makes you different from everyone else...

Really? Aside from the obvious DNA and whatnot? I don't know, I don't think I am all that different from a lot of people in many ways. Ok, maybe not everyone ooohs and aaaahs over junk shops, old typewriters, hot tea on a cold morning, and such. But they should. ;)
I think that, though there are many things that make us all different, there is one that also makes us the same. Our human nature. At the end of the day, I am just another person, who has the same selfish motives as the next guy or gal. I want what I want, when I want it. Maybe you can relate???
We like to think though, that deep down, we are kinda' good. Surely we would not be like Casey Anthony or some fame hungry celebrity or even, some power hungry political figure. Really? You say "Not me. I would never do that." Think for a minute. Do you think it was Casey Anthony's greatest goal in life to kill her daughter and then get acquitted for it? Do we really think that was her best plan to become (in)famous? I am not by any means excusing her or mine or anyone else's wrong choices. (or the justice that needs to be served in relation to them.) I am just trying to get you to see that the phrase "But for the grace of God, there go I." Is. So. Very. True.

Ask yourself some what ifs...
What if I had a different childhood? parents?
What if I had smoked that joint thinking it would just be once?
What if I had lost that job and ended up doing anything to make money?

What if, what if, what if? We need to stop thinking we are good. We aren't. I'm not. You aren't. Until you have been put in the position, you cannot truly say, "Well I would..." You can and should have standards you want to keep and maintain, but don't confuse your desire to be holy, with actual acts of holiness.

You are a powerful business man, you are given anything you want to make you happy. Would you be able to turn down that girl they send to your hotel room? It's easier to say "YES!" when you work in a small office and your biggest temptation is to not steal the last donut. You are a talented singer, and get a rapid, non-stop shot to fame. Suddenly, you are THE hottest thing out there. Just a little nudity is all they ask for that next video. "Well I would never!" You cry. Really? Probably a lot easier to say when your microphone is your hairbrush and your audience is your dog.

I am just trying to say, and I hope some of you read this and understand... We are all more alike than we think. I thank God that one thing I am, is forgiven...

october 21

2011-10-21T11:39:00.000-05:00

Day 21: A picture of something that makes you happy...

Well, since I love photos and being happy, this could be a very long post. I won't do that though. I will choose the first one that popped into my head, and then one more that actually happened today.

This always makes me happy. My boys reading books. I bet when they look back at their childhood photos they will ask, "Why were you always snapping pictures of us reading?" My hope though, is that they will not have to ask... ;)

This was what my boys were doing this afternoon. Whittling sticks with their pocket knives. I love that they do this. They have also taken to pulling the chairs over into the grass and facing them toward the backyard. Then, they wait until dark to go out and whittle. I swear, if they start asking for pipe tobacco... I blame Pa Ingalls.

So, there are just two of the many things that make me happy.
Day 21. Done.

october 20

2011-10-20T04:30:00.000-05:00

Day 20: Someone you see yourself marrying/being with in the future...

I think we have already established the answer to this one, but I will do it anyway. Here we are when we first began dating many, many years ago. Just celebrated that "anniversary" recently. Did you know that my Micah knew the week we met that he would marry me? Yep. True Story. (and he wisely didn't tell me that for quite some time. I was a little commitment phobic, I admit.) Truth be told, I knew pretty quickly that this was not just another boyfriend. It was an indescribable feeling. I don't dare try to label it with "spark", or "connection" or any other cliche words. I just knew...

and here we are today...

This photo was taken by Lincoln. I was so proud. I told him what I wanted him to snap, and he did it. No small task for a nine year old. Who would've thunk it, all those years ago, that those two crazy teenagers would end up married and raising up three wild boys? Oh, my Micah did, that's who ;)

october 19

2011-10-19T09:56:00.000-05:00

Day 19: Nicknames you have and why you have them...

Nuckanew - given to be my sister Patti. I made this sound as a baby that sounded like the word nuckanew, so she called me that. And it stuck. It still comes out from time to time. I love my sister :)

Drunkfish - this nickname was not given to me for the reasons you are thinking. its a play on my maiden name, and it was given to me by my former youth pastor. it was a great time when he introduced me to some deacons as that...

Buddy - when we first started hanging out Micah and I were NOT the mushy, googly eyed type of couple. I called him buddy one day, and it stuck. Our first term of endearment. He is my best friend, and buddy. We even have a handshake, cause we are that ~~nerdy~~ cool.

I know there are more, but I am in a hurry, so three shall suffice.
day 19. done.

october 18

2011-10-18T21:35:00.000-05:00

Day 18: Plans, dreams, goals that you have...

I guess I am supposed to give you all my bucket list eh? Well, that list is entirely too long.
I would like to do a few things though...
1. grow old with my Micah
2. raise godly boys who are also just all around good humans
3. OK, I really do want Emerson to play in the NFL. I birthed that beast, and yelling "Hey Mom!" as he wins the Superbowl is all I ask in return.
4. I want this house decluttered. It is making me nutsy.
5. learn more about photography
6. write more letters. I am averaging about one a week. I am a firm believer in the beauty and art of penning a letter to someone. It means a lot to them, and you.

that's all. the end. there are more, but I gotta keep a few surprises...

day 18. done.

october 17

2011-10-17T09:21:00.000-05:00

Day 17: Someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why?

Wow. This is a loaded question... I assume they mean people currently living, and I am going to go with Donald Trump. Why? Not because of all the money, which is what the natural assumption would be. No... I would run that Trump butt to the nearest salon and get that hair fixed. After that, I would of course, generously the tip the stay at home mom -red-headed - mom of 3 wild boys- hair stylist that I went to. Yep. There it is. Maybe not the most noble of causes, but I think it works.

october 16

2011-10-16T19:03:00.001-05:00

Day 16: Another photo of yourself

This was taken yesterday whilst on a little day trip to the mountains with my Micah and the wild boys. It is totally 100% straight from the camera. No touch ups, no light fixes, no zapping a zit off my face or anything. I am pretty impressed with my man. (ok, I did adjust the settings on the camera, but he did all the composing, the setting, etc. And I am not a very photogenic person. At. All.) Thanks buddy. You done good.

Day 16. Done.

october 15

2011-10-15T23:48:00.003-05:00

Day 15: Put your iPod on shuffle. List the first ten songs that play.

Ok, here goes:

1. You Are Good - Matt Redman
2.21 Guns - Green Day
3. It's Love - Kina Grannis
4. Hold You In My Arms - Ray LaMontagne
5. Syndicate - The Fray
6. Portable Television - Death Cab for Cutie
7. South of the Border - Frank Sinatra
8. All the Wild Horses - Ray LaMontagne
9. Ghost in the Night - Christopher Blue
10. Coffee Girl - The Tragically Hip

This was the easiest day so far. Amen.
Day 15. Done.

october 14

2011-10-14T07:42:00.000-05:00

Day 14: A picture of you and your family...

Here we are. One Dad. One Mama. Three Boys. I love these humans. A whole lot. Even when they make me crazy. Even when I make them crazy. We are a team. A unit. This is my family and my life wouldn't be the same without them. I also realized we need to take more photos of all 5 of us. I have tons of me or Micah with the boys, but not very many of all five. Note to self: get the camera remote out more.

Day 14. Done.

october 13

2011-10-13T19:19:00.001-05:00

Day 13: A letter to someone who has hurt you recently...

Well, I am sneaking this one in just under the wire. I was on an all day field trip with Lincoln. That is a story for another time. This prompt perplexed me. I read it at the beginning of the month and kept waiting for someone to hurt me. Didn't happen. Annoy me? Yes. Hurt me? Eh, not so much. So I wrote this letter about just some general feelings of frustrations. It felt good to get it out, and as you can see, I just wrote and wrote on top of what I wrote and then wrote some more. I wrote about my faith intersecting with my frustration, and was brutally honest. Here is the letter. Please note the irony of my using the "Little Miss Fun" note paper.

And then I did what I felt would help me put to rest these feelings... I burnt that sucker.

Yep. No need to keep around bad vibes. I don't know that I would call this letter a prayer, in fact, I wouldn't. But by the end of it, I wanted to pray. I wanted to let God be in control of situations and people when I cannot. So I felt like burning it was a good way to say, Hey Lord, I am done with this. A little reverse burning bush if you will... is that sacreligous? I am not meaning for it to be.

I also had to laugh at the fact that the ONLY part of the paper to remain unscathed was Little Miss Fun's smiling face. As if to say, "See. Quit holding onto all that junk, and get happy. Be Fun." So, thank you Lord for a paper, pen, a match, and your quiet Holy Spirit whispering to me this evening...

Day 13. Done.

october 12

2011-10-12T08:55:00.002-05:00

Day 12: How you found out about Blogger and why you made one...

Well, I am pretty sure I was reading a scrapbooking message board, and people kept linking their pages to their blogs. They showed their work off. I thought, "Hey. I got pages. I can show them off too." Plus, I could not figure how to link a flickr photo to the message board at that point. So, I started a blog. It was solely for sharing scrapbook pages at first. Then... I wrote a "real life" post. You can read it HERE.
I think it was a bit therapeutic to be able to write about being a mom... a REAL mom. So, that is how it all started. And those girls in the photo on the last post? We met through blogging. Yep, true story.

Now, you get to suffer through all my mishaps whilst raising three little men.

Day 12. Done.

october 11

2011-10-11T08:03:00.000-05:00

Day 11: Another picture of you and your friends:

Ok. Apparently the writer of this list has lots of friends, or was running out of ideas. I can appreciate the "repeat" decision. I do that as well, but its usually with dinners. I went on a long stretch of being obsessed with having loaded baked potatoes for dinner. Over. And over. And over. Micah finally said one day, "So, how long are we doing the potato thing? I'd sure like to see some meat and another vegetable on a plate sometime..." Praise God that man has the patience of Job.

Anyhoo, photos of friends. Here we go...

Recent trip to see these amazing gals in Minnesota. (Beth and Nicole) Chrissy was missing. We were sad. I wrote a post about the trip, and forgot to publish it. oops. I should also note, Nicole took this photo.

Here is another. These are my girlfriends from college. Kelli and Beth. Two other pals, Amy and Jamie, couldn't make the trip. We have gone years without chatting, but when we get together, it is like we are back being giddy nineteen year olds serenading Micah over the phone. Did I just admit to that? Yes. Yes I did.

Blogger is making the photos all wonky again, and I have neither the time or energy to resize them. If you click on them they should be clearer.

Day 11. Done.

october 10

2011-10-10T06:14:00.006-05:00

Day 10: songs you listen to when you are happy, sad, bored, hyped, mad.

Okay, this is a weird question. I don't think I consciously get mad and say, "I am so mad, I am going to go listen to _____." Let me try and remember, did I turn on any music after my last Mommy Dearest moment? No... I usually let the silence of my insanity just hang in the air at those times...

Happy: Barton Hallow, Rumor Has It, Coffee Girl, You Never Let Go, I Saw Lightning, The Revelation Song, Good Life.
Sad: Enough for Now
Bored: ? I don't know. Bored? that's stupid. I am skipping this one.
Hyped: Isn't hyped close to happy? Maybe I step up to Purple Rain when I am hyped. Don't judge. Or anything by the Fray. I love me some Fray. I so overplayed them that Micah burned me a Coldplay disc and said, "Please. Please play something else in the car. ANYthing but the Fray."

In honor of my faves, the Fray, (who I might add are SENSATIONAL in concert) here ya' go...

october 9

2011-10-09T18:44:00.000-05:00

Day 9: Something you're proud of in the last few days...

I gotta' say it is this guy's boldness in just saying, "Hey I want to shave my hair all off!" No fear. No second guessing. No questions of if he would look cool. He has confidence. I love that. I am proud of that.

before

and after:

and of course we had some fun during:

and one more, just because he reminds me of the guy from that show, Prison Break.

october 8

2011-10-08T07:19:00.000-05:00

Day 8: A list of short term goals for this month and why:

I have one goal and one goal only... to get my excess scrap-crap sold on Craigslist. If I don't get that and all the baby clothes cleaned out of the garage soon, I may be sleeping out there with it all. (Um, my Micah may have been asking me to get this task done for a while. a wee bit o' time. a few, uh... months. )

So, in order to keep myself in his good graces, and ensure I am never on that show "Hoarders"...

I WILL GET MY JUNK OUT OF THE GARAGE!

(PS if anyone wants to buy a boatload of scrapbooking supplies, let me know... :) )

Pray for My Micah. This is the kind of thing I like to post on his FB wall.

Insert "garage" for house... yep.

October 7

2011-10-07T07:47:00.000-05:00

Day 7: A picture of someone or something that has the biggest impact on you:

Wow, this one is a loaded question! I could list several factors, things, etc that impact on daily basis. My husband, my kids, the weather, my friends, etc...
Mostly though, I would have to say, the biggest would be God, and my own sin. The one desires holiness, the other to keep me as far from it as possible. The one is pure in love and motive. The other, as self satisfyingly driven as possible. I know what kind of person I would be without God in my heart and life, and the thought... terrifies me.

"Behold, If any man/woman is in Christ, he/she is a new creation. Old things have passed away and all things have become new."

- 2 Corinthians 5:17

ps: I am pretty sure I get a "pass" for not having a photo of the Lord. ;)

october 6

2011-10-06T06:52:00.005-05:00

Day 6: Your Favorite Superhero and Why...

Here she is, my gal...

There is no cape for the one below, but its true...

I think the illustrations say it all...

October 5

2011-10-05T08:18:00.001-05:00

Day 5: A picture of somewhere you've been...

This is St.Michael's Church in Vienna, Austria. It was amAzing. Dead people, right there, is some freakish mummified state. Flowers still in tact, clothes, skin, etc. Everything was still there, just blackened. I stood inches from the face of a man who died in 1789. Since you weren't allowed to take photos inside, these are ones I grabbed off the internet. I think the best part was the tour only cost 5 euros, and it was just me and a sweet older german couple. (who I might add lived in the town my family came from in Germany!!)

October 4

2011-10-04T07:55:00.000-05:00

Day 4: A habit you wish you didn't have...

What? Me? A bad habit? Never...

I would say I wish I had never gotten in the habit of cursing as a teenager. Ok, who am I kidding, as a five year old is more accurate. It can still be a struggle sometimes to remember to not say "S*#T" in the heat of a moment. I remember being told as a teenager at church that I needed to stop saying even "Darn it" and "Oh my gosh". I believe my next question was, literally, "Well what the H#LL" am I supposed to say then?!?!" Bad. Habit.

October 3

2011-10-03T07:35:00.000-05:00

Day 3: A picture of you and your friends...

Here are a couple:

I am blessed to have lots of super sweet friends. It was hard to pick just one or two photos. There are some folks not in each photo, and there are memories of hiking, weddings, dinners out, birthday parties, holidays, cookouts, weekend outings, etc. that I cherish. ♥ you girls!

October 2

2011-10-02T07:02:00.000-05:00

Day two: The meaning of your blog name:
Pajamas are Clothes?
That's simple. Once I got to stay home, I realized it saved me laundry and gained comfort to just stay in my comfy pjs all day when I could. I declared them "real clothes" on days we stay in. Hence the title, Pajamas are Clothes. I am not sure making it the title of my blog was the best idea...

I am wondering, did this mean my name on my blog? If so, that is easy. it's Jude. That rhymes with mood. Dude. Rude. And even attitude. It is my name. Tricky eh?

October 1

2011-10-01T06:23:00.002-05:00

Hold onto your hats... my friend Melanie, posted a great list of things to blog about for one month straight. As in every day. I told her I would do it this month. If you are still here at the end, I should probably give you a major organ or something really grand. Let me call up Oprah and see what I can arrange...

Day One: A recent Photo of Yourself and 15 Interesting Facts About Yourself
The photo:

The Facts:
1. I hate the smell of red meat.
2. I have not eaten steak in 23 years. I think it is gross. Please reference number 1.
3. I think it is sad that my kids will never have to be told to make sure they have a couple dimes for the payphone when they go out as teenagers. Now I will just have to ask if their cell phone is charged.

4. A bonus to the lack of pay phones and surplus of cell phones... I will be on one of those mom track your kid sites monitoring their every move. Just kidding. Sort of.
5. I typed an envelope address last week. It made me extremely happy to do so.
6. Yes, I know that #5 makes me a major dork.
7. I filled up those vintage suitcases with cluttery stuff from my office shelves. They now serve a real purpose which means my Micah cannot toss them. Bwahahahaha...
8. I could eat cereal for every meal of the day.

9. I want to tear down our dining room wall and see if the old fireplace is still behind it. I don't even want it to be useable, I just want a hearth. Why do I live in an almost 100 year old house without a fireplace?!?!
10. I think if one more male species in this house puts their smelly socks in the laundry without insiding them out, I will go Mommy Dearest on them all. Its been a while since I have done so, and I would hate to foster any ideas my children may have of me being normal.
11. I think by number 11 you are realizing, I am not all that interesting...
12. Five. That is the number of packages that came to my door last Wednesday. Amazon Prime ♥. (I feel like I should be hashtagging "#winning" but... )
13. I let the one year anniversary of my grandmother's death go by without remembering. I think that was actually a good thing. I miss her terribly.
14. I just started crying.
15. Given the choice between a fireplace and a dishwasher, I would choose the fireplace. Hands down.

Fact:

2011-09-25T23:34:00.002-05:00

Fact: It is impossible to stay made at someone for peeing on the bathroom floor whilst they are wearing an IronMan costume.

Fact: I guarantee there will be some Jay Leno type who will ask me if that was Micah referenced above.
Fact: I am quite pleased with the Bills season so far. Please note, I am not "jumping on the bandwagon." I never left the bandwagon... I just hid under the dashboard for a few seasons...
Fact: I watched a woman get on the airplane last week wearing scrubs. Yes, like doctor-nurse scrubs. I suddenly wondered why I bothered to piece together my cute "Please pick me for a free upgrade to first class" outfit...

Fact: I put together a journal cover using iPhone photos, and I am way too excited about its arrival. Nerd. Yes. Don't care. Love photos.
Fact: I have not made a "real" scrapbook page in months. I have been keeping up with my Project Life though. And by "keeping up" I mean that I am getting ready to start August.
Fact: I have also been keeping up with my self photos every day. There is a sharp increase in the number of iphone photos at this point, and I am ok with that.

Fact: I love thrift stores and other people's old junk way too much. (PS. I got this one for FREE. Yes, f-r-e-e)

Fact: I read the book "Sarah's Key" in a ridiculously short amount of time, so that I could go see the movie before it left a small, local theater. I may have also convinced a friend to do the same. I love a willing accomplice...

Fact: I think organic meat in the grocery store is a huge crock of malarkey.
Fact: I have no clue what malarkey is, but I am trying to use the word crap less, so there it is. Malarkey.
Fact: I hope no one tells me to "just google" malarkey.
Fact: This list is done. Why? Because I just used the word malarkey in last three facts. Crap, make that four...

Funeral at the casa...

2011-09-20T13:56:00.000-05:00

This is a baby kitten.

Micah and the boys found it in the field behind our house. We figure it was the runt of the litter, so the mama left it behind. You can imagine how thrilled I was. I don't care for cats. I would use the word hate, but then someone will e-mail me about how cruel it is to say you hate the little felines. Moody creatures who poop in plastic box in my home, that I must then clean out? No thanks. In this home, I got the moody quotient taken care of, and really... we have the poop thing covered as well.
So... we don't want a cat.
Not.At.All.

Add to the above, my children's horrific allergies to them, and the deal is sealed.
But come on... I am not a heartless tyrant. So before you know it, I am dropper feeding the little furball. Hadji was of course attached from the moment he saw him.

Even the first night, I tried to warn them, the kitten might die. Insert crying here. Oh, and Alden, hands in the air, saying, "calm down, just calm down everyone. I is going to dream a little dream bout this kitty, and he'll be ok." (I think he considers dreams and prayer the same thing)
So we continued our dropper feedings, whilst Alden and Hadji pet the kitten with gloves on. Until Sunday night...
When the kitten died. Ugh.

So, Monday we break the news to them, they are sad. we console. not nearly as many tears as I expected. After school, it is funeral time. Here are some burial do and don'ts :

1. Try and recall or view the Cosby show episode where Rudy's fish died, and channel your inner Bill Cosby.
2. Immediately discourage any talk of a cremation. Yes, I was asked, and no, I did not oblige.
3. Use a simple box for a coffin. I chose an amazon box, and admit, I felt it a little tacky on my part to leave the shipping labels. Hey, maybe the cat will get free two day shipping to heaven?
4. Choose a nice spot, like under a tree.
5. Do not choose a willow tree. Apparently, their roots do not run all that deep, and we hit them every time we tried to dig. I had already given the glorious spot such a hard sell to the boys, there was no going back.
6. Have a name for your cat.
7. I let Emerson name this one, and he wanted to call him "4 White" because he had four white paws. I decided that sounded a little too skinhead, so we went with "4 Paw".
8. Bring tissues.
9. I did not, and at one point, I went from having three tearful boys, to two gut laughing ones, as the third blew snot on the ground. I believe Lincoln encouraged the snot spewing with the line, "Be a man Hadj, and just blow that snot out!"
10. At the point number 9 occurred, I was done with proper funeral protocol, and just said a little prayer and we were done...

Until Alden asked if we could dig the cat back up again. I hid the shovels just to be safe.

RIP Kitty.

Mean Movie Mama...

2011-09-07T20:32:00.001-05:00

Is it mean to purposely put movies in your netflix queue that involve animals and sadness, just because you know it will make your child cry? Oh, it is? Then, I think, that I am, technically, a mean mama. I didn't start off with this intention. I innocently put the movie, "Where the Red Fern Grows" in the queue last year. I had never even seen it, and guess what?

THE DOGS DIE!

Oops, I think I am supposed to yell "spoiler alert" before that. Too late.
Now, once I saw how my little toughie Hadji took the tragic movie, I was addicted. I mean, like a caffeine- addict- watching- the- pot- brew -addict. I found any movie with an animal and loaded it into the queue. Not all are tragic, but I admit... I think it is good for him to get in touch with his emotional side. NOTE: I said emotional side, not feminine side. Two very different things folks...

Anyway, I had no clue when I loaded the Velveteen Rabbit in, that it was SO STINKING SAD. I left the room for a minute, near the end of the movie, and hear sobs. I mean, audible gasps, sniffles, and maybe even a little gnashing of teeth. I walk in and Hadji is just bawling. Then I look and Alden is too. It was beyond pitiful. Apparently, they actually BURN the rabbit. (scarlet fever + germy stuffed rabbit = firepit )

Poor Hadji. I finally said, once the movie was over, "Well... did you like it?
His reply, "Well, I did until the end, when they BURNED him!"

I tried to make the best of it, "but look Hadji, he turns into a real bunny! A real live bunny!"
Tearful response, "Yeah, until a hunter shoots him..."

Alrighty then...

Practice what you preach...

2011-08-29T05:43:00.001-05:00

Recently as summer has died down, and siblings reach the squabblemaximus levels of being together all day, I have been drilling this into my boys' little heads...

handle the situation with kindness

It is easier said than done, and after one very poor display of mommy behavior, I was forced to realize, I don't always practice what I preach. Apparently, there is some new math in our home, and I was not prepared for the quiz.

1 carefully packed suitcase

+ 1 excited nine year old boy

+ one week at sleep away camp

= returning home with less than half of the clothes you sent.

I mean, I figured we would lose some socks (four pairs was the final total) and maybe a t-shirt, but when I opened Lincoln's suitcase to see 4 pairs of shorts and 4 t-shirts, as well as underwear, socks, goggles, a towel, etc. gone... let's just say, it was not my brightest parenting moment.

I was mad, flustered, flabbergasted, annoyed, impatient, and just plain ticked off about the situation. I did not handle myself or my son with kindness. Not.At.All.

Do you know how I knew I'd messed it all up? He texted me. From his room. Apparently all my lecturing, which was more harsh than instructive, and my clearly annoyed state, made Lincoln understand... there was no way out. No apology would appease, no regret would salve. Have you ever seen that saying, "If mama ain't happy, ain't no one happy." I have always hated it, and here I had become the poster child for it. The text simply said, "Mom, I am really sorry about the clothes."

That's when it hit me. The are clothes, just CLOTHES. It is not the end of the world. Annoying, yes! Frustrating? You bet! Worth making my kid feel like crap about... um... no.

I didn't handle the situation with kindness.

Kindness would have talked to my son about responsibility, the practical cost of losing clothes, the need to take care of what we have. Kindness would have allowed for him to express remorse, and learn a lesson.

I am embarrassed that I failed so easily. What was left to do? Call him back down, and apologize. Tell him I was wrong, and ask forgiveness.

Want to know the kicker? After all that bru-ha-ha... the camp had 3 of the four outfits in the lost and found. The remaining missing one... A $1 shirt, and $1.50 pair of shorts from the thrift store. Yep.

Folks, don't chew your kid out over a $2.50 cent mistake. And above all... handle the situation with kindness!

Signed,

Embarrassed, but forgiven Mama

Overheard #3673390

2011-08-22T05:48:00.008-05:00

I get to hear a lot, and i do mean A LOT of oddball conversations between my kids. I also get to have these conversations with them myself. When they occur while I am driving, it is a miracle I don't wreck. Here is a recent one from Hadji:

Lincoln: Mom, please explain cremation to us. Like, what do they do with the body, why someone does that instead of being buried, ya' know, tell us how it all works."

At this point I am already concerned with the direction of the conversation... but I plunge ahead. I explain ALL the ins and outs of cremation versus burial, and end with this...

"So, some people keep the ashes, say, in a vase, on their mantle. Or some people may have a favorite place, and ask for their ashes to be spread there."

After a brief silence Hadji pipes up with, "Mom, I have decided. I want to be cremated and I want my ashes spread over the dog pound."

Wow. I was floored, and once again whispered a little prayer that my boy would out grow his deathly allergy to dogs...

( As you can see, he has a dog or other animal with him at all times. )

Mom Collision

2011-08-11T08:07:00.000-05:00

You know, sometimes we have proud moments as parents. When our kid is the one who helps someone. When our child actually chooses to share, just because. When we see the effort of all our instruction finally pay off...

This is not one of those stories.

I actually laugh that now, the trend in mom blogs seems to be a theme of "Our life is not as perfect as you all seem to think!" Well, if you hadn't spent the past five years blogging about your perfect meals, your size two jeans that are too baggy, and your kids who just "gave away all their toys to be sweet" (yeah right!) you would not now need to convince us that you are in, in fact, normal.
So, I think we can all agree, I will never, ever, need to use the line... "I know you all think we are so perfect but..." because unless perfect means kids peeing in used starbucks cups on a roadtrip, or getting caught with hair color on your head more than once, or exploding chocolate... we are so far from perfect, it's not even on the radar.

And that is a relief.

It was not a relief to realize that my mom-pride and mom-fail experiences could clash and actually occur simultaneously. You see here is the deal...

Hadji got up early yesterday. He literally made his own eggs. Oh yes, it is the one thing in the world the poor kid is NOT allergic to, so he has fully embraced eating two scrambled eggs for breakfast every morning. Well, he may have come in and asked something about eggs, a pan, and all I know is...

I chose to snuggle my Micah, fully knowing my child was awake and in the kitchen, making his own eggs. Yes, yes I did. if you could smell my Micah's neck you would choose that too. Swoon.

Anyhoo, I finally woke back up from the neck sniffing induced cat nap and went into the kitchen. Hadji had already made his eggs, eaten them, and cleaned up the kitchen. My mom pride swelled. A lot. I thought, I am totally going to blog about this! SO proud of my little man, was I!! Then I looked over at the other cupboard, and in what seemed like a slow-motion movie seen, I took in a crumpled foil wrapper, an empty 'Nilla Wafer box, and Alden walking in the kitchen to declare, "I maked my own breakfast too Mom!"
"Uh, what did you make buddy?" I dared to ask, knowing that it involved my child scaling the cupboard to get to the top shelf.
"Cookies!"

Aw crap. Mom-pride and Mom-fail.... head on collision in the kitchen. So much for perfect, eh? Maybe next week we can pick organic berries somewhere and make paint out of them, or something amazing like that.

Road Trip

2011-08-03T06:24:00.000-05:00

So a couple weeks ago the wild boys and I ventured out on a road trip to the B-Lo to see my family. We had a grand travel time in the car, roughly 10 hours. My boys are excellent car travelers, if I do say so myself. Some snacks, some juice boxes, and we are good to go.

We were cheerful about going until Buffalo became the Texas of the north... 96°. NINETY-SIX. Holy Hannah. You do realize that they have no AC up there? What you may not realize though, is that my mother also has a fondness for small non-powerful window fans. I mean, really, a fly flapping its wings brings in more air than her fans. We were hot. Super hot. Hot, as in I made up errands to run so we could be in the car with its glorious AC blasting in my face.
So, now that I have all my whining out of the way, I will tell you about the actual trip. I will do this in list form, because paragraphs are boring me lately. Numbers are quick and easy.

1. My children were once again spoiled with elaborate home made breakfasts by my mom.... that is until I threatened her if she dared to turn on her oven in the house of heat. Here they are helping her:

2. Community Pools are pretty much the same everywhere you go. Great, big, giant pee-pots. Yuck.

3. I forced my children to do a photo shoot in the blazing sun. At high noon. Ya' know, cause that is the best time to photograph people. Here was Hadji's contribution: (click to enlarge)

4. Hearing my allergy laden children discuss their future plans to become farmers made me laugh. They agreed one of them would need to marry a nurse so she could heal them up and they wouldn't have to leave their animals alone to go to the hospital.

5. I scored at some yard sales. I will post all my vintagey goodness in a separate post, but suffice to say, packing was an art form. I would like to note, I didn't tie any children to the roof of the vehicle to make extra space though.

6. I laughed when we had our walls banged on by a disgruntled neighbor in the hotel. I was letting the boys jump from bed to bed and they were giggling. Party poopers.

7. Chicken Wings.

8. At the local five and dime my boys and their cousins all opted to get candy cigarettes as their prize. They were the gum kind, that blow a little smoke out. I was a little nostalgically proud...

9. This may be the end result of one lysol obsessed mama, who told her son to leave his shoes on the running board so she could spray them. I may have forgot about them, and they may have blown off along some random highway. Oops.

Exploding Chocolate

2011-07-18T06:44:00.002-05:00

No, that title is not to introduce a story about anything relating to a potty at the casa. I know, shocking. After a certain age, you just should not share other people's defecation stories. This story is about Crafty Gal, who tried to incorporate Cooking Gal into the mix. Oy-vey... it was interesting to say the least.
Cooking-Crafty Gal spied some dee-licious chocolate pudding cups on the itnernets. She decided to make them with her boys as part of their summer to-do list. (more on that later.) Well... I refuse to even link the site. Poor Bakerella should never know her brilliant idea was so poorly executed. Here we go...

First you start with some chocolate chips, and some small inflated balloons. I was rebuked for whining about my cheeks hurting by the two older boys. Hadji said, "Mom, you have to use your chest, not your cheeks to get your power." Wow. Just, wow.

Next, you make these cute little spots of chocolate on a pan. These will get smooshed flat (professional term there folks, e-mail me if you need further explanation) and those become the cup base.

Then you proceed to dip a small balloon into the melted chocolate and place it on the little chocolate circles. Now, this is where Crafty-Cooking Gal, did not implore her "I barely passed biology and only did so because my field hockey coach was my teacher." knowledge and think...
Hot chocolate + balloon = exploding chocolate. And I do mean, exploding. It was everywhere. My pink shirt, the cupboards, even the stove... and people (like you Heather.) know I like my stove clean. Very clean. Like, I take the knobs off and clean it with a Q-tip clean. It was choice time for this mama. Freak out and get mad whilst the three wild boys watched, or embrace the exploding chocolate. We embraced. I busted out laughing, and so did they.

After letting the chocolate cool off for 15 minutes we tried again. We got more exploding chocolate. Since we were already covered in chocolate we repeated this cycle until Micah got home from work. We kept at this until finally... an HOUR later, we had chocolate that was still melted and yet, cool enough to dip. At this point Hadji was not thrilled with the idea and doubted my 34th promise of "it will work this time, I just know it!"

So, after we finally got some dipped, (which Alden was too scared to even attempt) we had them ready to cool. Then pop the balloons, and voila... one messy kitchen and chocolate hair treatment later, you have Chocolate Pudding cups!

THE Chocolate Pudding Cup. Loved by one and all.

Beach trip via iphone...

2011-07-09T22:25:00.059-05:00

We got to go to my sister's beach house a couple weeks ago. It was awesome. She has it set up perfectly. She is also a doctor. And beautiful. I would like to know, did I miss that part of the family gene pool or something? If she wasn't my own flesh and blood, I'd smack her. Just kidding. I have smacked her. A lot. We were quite "feisty" girls growing up, and I have the scars to prove it. (she was a scratcher, I was a puncher. I think the worst fight we ever got in was three weeks before I went to Bible college. Jesus loves you, oh, and yes, those are my teeth marks on your leg...) anyway... back to the beach.
Here are some pictures. They were taken with... wait for it... MY iPHONE. Oh yes, after all these years of you three people who read this blog, listening to me belly ache and complain, my Micah surprised me with an iPhone last month. Let's just say, there are close to 600 photos on it already.. time to figure out how to get them off and onto the computer I guess. I have what is now called " iPhone newbie over photo-itis." It is real, and I have it. Stop! I cry... let me get a picture of that rock, we do not want to forget that it was here. Or "ok, everyone let me get your picture eating a circus peanut. Regular camera and hipstamatic too!" I am a loser. I don't care. I have photos. On my phone.

Here they are:

← We ventured out early, which means by the time we hit the highway, approximately 5 minutes from our home, I was asleep. Open eyelids were later sponsored by pepsi max.

Here is Alden. → He decided to draw on himself midway through the trip. When asked why, he looked at me like I was stupid and replied, "Ma, I am Tony Stark, these is my lasers." Duh...

We have a plethora of sunset and cool stormy cloud shots.

It was our anniversary while we were gone. I celebrated by showcasing via social media my former love for puffy sleeves and big hair. Oh, and untweezed eyebrows.

Poolside popsicles and sidewalk chalk...

We rented a boat and went across the bay to an island. An amazing, tropical, crystal clear water and white sand beach with ginormous seashells island. It was SO much fun. Best idea ever. (micah's... of course.)

More shots. I will stop captioning them all. I also have post traumatic witty-caption stress syndrome.

the end.

Crafty gal... sorta.

2011-07-02T05:09:00.000-05:00

Here is the latest in the crafty gal series. For the record, my definition of a being a crafty gal is this:

crafty gal (kr-af-tee gal) n. one who spies cute ideas on the WWW and adapts them to her own level of lazy crafting. (time, children, and the level of dust on household surfaces makes the lazy level a variable, not a constant.)
v. one who crafts, sort of. "I can't wash the dishes, I am crafty girling it."

So here is the latest project. I should dig through my files and find the original source so I can link it. But then the link turns purple, and we all know how I feel about purple. No, really, I will try and go find it and add it in. Suffice to say this is NOT my idea. I crafty gal copycatted it. Polaroid Photo Magnets. Its not a very catchy name, but there it is.
You will need:

That includes: scissors, glue gun, white paint, tray, and brush. white sharpie, paper glaze, magnets, chipboard, photos printed to approximately 1¼ x 1¼. (you can add in a polaroid frame in photoshop or just print with a enough border to trim them to look that way. I used a polaroid overlay thingy.)

Close ups of the Supplies, just in case my resize to appease blogger is not large enough. You will also note, I added in more supplies later, and didn't use some of these. That is because by george, if I was going to make a craft and actually take photos of the supplies, they were going on the blog. I will note the ones added and used as we go along.

Steps:
Trim photos, and adhere to chipboard. Cut them out to the exact size of your photo. You may need an exacto knife here.

Next, you will need to decide... does the brown edge bother me enough to paint it or not? I had out the sharpie, and the white paint. after trying both, I went with the paint.

Here is where we did some supply substituting. I read that sometimes paper glaze can warp photos, mess with the ink, etc. I was going to throw caution to the wind, when that voice from home economics in the 8th grade saying, "You really should follow a pattern" and the memory of a skirt I made that became a lovely bag came to mind. (the skirt/bag? i made it sans pattern, and sewed the hem shut by mistake.) So, I decided to try packing tape.

It worked perfectly. You just trim it with sharp scissors or an exacto.

When all that is dry, taped, and done, you add the magnets. More supply omission. I forgot that my magnet was the already sticky kind, so no need for the glue gun. Maybe I was just trying to validate myself to the crafting community by showing that I do, in fact, own a glue gun.

Finally the finished product. I hastily photographed them, and the photos are terrible. Lazy crafty jumped in and didn't bother with her flash bouncer thingy, so the ISO is cranked up which = grainy photos.

I am looking forward to making some from our beach trip. What beach trip? you ask... well, stay tuned. I will bore you with that soon enough. If you have made it this far, go have a cookie. Amen.

"Kill Me Now" she cried...

2011-06-10T04:35:00.000-05:00

Really, she did. And I should know because, I am that she.

It started last week when Hadji affirmed via, a large amount of pukage that we are, in fact going to be ripping up our carpet this summer. Yes, he had brought home that loveliest of all childhood illnesses, the puking bug. (usually accompanied by the diarrhea bug, but since we talk about poop enough on this here blog, let's suffice to say this bug covered ALL the bases.)

Hadji = good patient

Hadji was laid up for 4 days. He was pitiful. Poor kid threw up water, sprite, anything he put near his mouth.

Saturday night, it hit Lincoln. Now, my Lincoln, who broke his arm at age four and cried just a bit... he can be a bit more, eh, dramatic, about sickness, especially when pukage is involved. So when he came down at 130 am freaking out, and I do mean freaking out, and getting all "I just have to lay down, I need to lay down, don't make me go to the bathroom" and on and on and on... then literally tried to lay down on top of Alden, who was already on the couch with a fever, I almost had to pull out the Doc Baker on him. What is the doc Baker you ask? Well, if you are an avid Little House fan like I am, you know that, sometimes, the patient just needs a slap in the face and to be told to calm down. I was almost to that point. Not really, I did have to take him in my arms, and tell him to "Chill out. I already have one puker upstairs, and a fever on the couch. You can puke and be sick, but you cannot, CANNOT be hysterical like this."

Then, Sunday night it got me. Hard. Like, sorority girl done had too much mad-dog, hard.

So, sickness = List time:

1. Fish and Chips tastes alot better going down than they do coming back up.

Look at me. Sunday night dinner with friends.

Smiling. Having no idea what was coming in just a few short hours.

Fool.

2. You can, in fact throw up water.
3. Apparently, my body ran out of bile, because I threw up some blood too. That was special.
4. Hadji and I both lost 6 lbs. I am not gonna lie, that is the upside to the whole tale.
5. At one point, as I lay writhing in pain, my Micah came in and asked what he could do. I begged him to shoot me and put me out of misery. He declined. Today, that decision seems wise.

Alden added a fever to the party. We like to mix things up here at the casa, keeps it lively.

6. I really found it odd that Lincoln laid on the bathroom floor and would whimper and moan in his sleep. Once it hit me, I understood why, and I shant ever call him a drama queen again.
7. Also overheard, "I am crying because yes, I am in pain, but also because I am NOT this WIMPY! I would rather give birth ten times over than keep feeling like this!" Though I see the rashness of asking to be shot, I really would rather give birth than have this bug again.
8. A sweet friend went and got us some groceries. I am always the one who tells other people to ask for help, and you know what... you should, I should, WE all should! That is what friends are for, and it was a huge help!
9. My boys are a lot tougher than I gave them credit for. Neither of them asked to be shot, or give birth... though, the second request would have me worried on a whole different level.

The Bucket. My friend.

10. My Micah is a patient and wonderful husband, and I am glad he didn't shoot me.
11. This is my self portrait for Monday. Sad, but true. All of them are via the iphone so this will be a stellar week for the Project 365.

Just look away. It is scary, I know.

Crafty Gal, part DEUX...

2011-06-03T10:30:00.001-05:00

Ok, I am a glutton for photo frustration, so let's try this again. Another way. If this doesn't work, I give up, and this may become a photo free blog. My nerves and temper cannot handle this anymore. I am becoming the reason for gun control laws...

Here is the frame before. A charming shade of pink. I grabbed this off the clearance rack at Michaels. I saved the glass, and when I told Micah we could use it for say, replacing the playhouse windows that Hadji knocked out with a hoe. (oh, yes, tis true.) Micah looked at me funny, because I am pretty sure that neither of us a) knows how to repair a window or b) how to cut glass or c) will ever try to learn. I am saving that glass... for something, maybe.

Here is the after. I am pretty pleased. OK, I am lying... I LOVE IT! I initially just grabbed some 4x6 photos I had laying on my scrap desk. Then I decided to print off some smaller sized polaroid-ish looking ones, and liked that better. I grabbed a few random shots all from within the same few days in May. I think that is what I will do with this frame. Favorite shots of the month before.

This is my helper. He was fired for loafing around on the job, and sniffing paint fumes. Oh, wait... the paint fumes was me, and that was after trying to post these photos drove me to it...

Crafty girl needs staple gun...

2011-06-01T13:09:00.001-05:00

So I decided to get crafty last week. I had seen a couple of projects out there on the WWW and wanted to try them. I discovered a couple things...
#1 A stapler and a staple GUN are not the same thing. In a pinch, a stapler will do, but it does bring a certain redneck vibe to the crafting.
#2 If you bring out chicken wire, any and all testosterone bearing beings living in your home want to get involved and help.
#3 I ♥♥♥ spray paint.

Here is the first craft. It started out looking like this:

Yes, this is a framed set of photos... of a maestro.

I am not sure who he is, but poor guy, he had a $3 sticker from the Goodwill smack dab across his face.
See? I took it off for him.

Look much happier he is now that he can see!

Next up I removed all the hardware from the frame, and the maestro's photos. Don't worry, I cannot throw out a photo. I will find something to do with our musical friend. After removing the hardware, I broke out one of my BFFs ... the Clorox wipes. And yes, those hand photos, totally staged. I don't think the hand models of the world need fear though.

Now it is time for the fun part. SPRAY PAINT! There is really no advice or instruction here except that a few thin coats look better than a one thick drippy one. I sprayed, waited an hour or so, and then sprayed again, waited, and then went back for a final touch up. I also sprayed the back side area, since on this particular frame, it is visible.

Next up the Chicken Wire. Yes, I had to buy this ginormous roll, but I plan on using the rest in my garden, so I didn't mind. You should know, chicken wire is SHARP. The boys held the roll out for me while I cut the appropriate size. You want it large enough to be attached to the back, but not hanging over any edges.

Lest you think I was kidding about the stapler... I wasn't it. Micah has promised to upgrade me to a real staple GUN next trip to the hardware store. You basically just need to wind up the loose ends of the chicken wire and make sure they are not sticking out. Then, break out the ~~stapler~~ staple gun.

And now, for the finished product:

I am not sure if I will actually hang the frame or just sit it on a ledge shelf, but I am leaning toward a ledge shelf so that taking the earrings on and off is easier.

There is another craft, but goodnight I tried uploading photos via flickr this time, and WHAT A PAIN IN THE BUTT that is! You will notice the photos are not equally aligned and that is about to give me a nervous tick. Bloggers uploads are always pixelated though, so I guess I can offer up two options: properly aligned and blurry photos, or clear and misaligned ones. Either way, I just want to plunk photos where I want them in a post... is that too much to ask?

Orphan Sunday, 11/6/11.

2011-05-15T07:16:00.003-05:00

Orphan Sunday from DTJ on Vimeo.

I stole this from my friend jena's blog.
orphan sunday is 11/6/11.
folks, let's talk turkey.
we live in houses too big for us,
crammed with too much crap we don't need.
kids are dying
and hungry
and homeless.
stop. don't buy that coffee.
don't go out for that meal.
give to a charity like hopechest.
i am speaking to myself here.
shoe buying freak that i am.
or maybe...
its time to make room in your home... for one more bed.

Dear Daughter...

2011-05-05T05:08:00.023-05:00

Don't freak out, that is not some weird way of announcing that I am in a state of knockedupedness again. I have just been looking at our three little boys, whom I have been entrusted with ~~screwing up~~ raising up. It is humbling to think I have a future husband, father, employee, coach, etc. in my charge. As I realized how quickly almost 9 years have passed with Lincoln, I began to think of the future and the Lord really laid it on my heart to begin a more regular and specific time of prayer for their wives; my future daughters in law. These three are all so very different in temperament, habits, inclinations, and personality. I realized, a general, "Lord, help them marry someone nice" was just not going to cut it.

Lincoln, he is a giver. He can't have someone demanding, or he'll just give in to her all the time. He is also very empathetic and thoughtful, so he would be a good husband to a girl who needs reassurance, and to be shown kindness she may have missed growing up. He will pamper her in word and deed.

Emerson, he is... stubborn. He needs someone who will keep him on his toes, and know when to give in and when to dig her heels in. He is also a jokester, so he would be a good husband to someone who likes to laugh. Since he gets his feelings hurt easily, I think he would be sensitive to a girl who is like that as well. He would know when to stop the joking and when to give that sweet girl compliments. He will also be fiercely loyal.

Alden, he is so sweet. I mean, really sweet. He will be a good match for a girl who likes to be treated with kind words, and lots of hugs. He also knows when to turn on that charming smile, so his gal will need to be smart on her toes, and know when to give him the what for, and when to allow that sweet grin to melt her heart and anger.

So you see, since they are all so different, the prayers for their future spouses need to be too. I want to pray, not only for them to be good, godly men, but for specific character strengths. I also want to pray for these future daughters... for their character, their disposition, and above all else, that they love Jesus with a fierce heart. Christ first, my son, second.

All three boys know, and have this drilled in their heads regularly...
We don't care where she is from, if she is tall or short, what color her skin is, or if she is rich or poor. Our only absolute, is that she loves Jesus. So, in all this thinking and praying, and of course sobbing over the lightning speed with which these children are growing, I decided to write each of these sweet girls some letters.
I will keep them, and when they boys have their betrothed, those precious girls will receive the letters. My plan is to write them periodically, over the next however many years. I want the girls to hear funny stories, and how their soon to be husband accomplished things, struggled, and grew. I also want them to hear how I was, as the boys' mom, and gain understanding of my heart. I know, I do scrapbook some of these things, but since I won't be giving those away until I DIE, I want to give them something tangible.

So... sweet, future daughters, until we meet...

So long HGTV, sniff...

2011-05-02T06:36:00.002-05:00

Tis true, tis true. Back in March we made the final step in guaranteeing our children's future therapy needs by cancelling our satellite dish service. It is funny to me that people ask if it was a Jesus inspired decision. Well, yes and no. I did not spend a lot of time praying about it in the traditional sense, "Dear Lord, do you want us to upgrade to the gold channel package? Is this covered under the umbrella of Psalm 84:11?" We simply looked at what it cost us, what we got, and if we needed it.
It was soon realized that we would be saving $90 + a month, and the only thing we would be missing was the channel switch dash. The channel switch dash? What is that you ask? It is that lovely sport, wherein you are watching say, a cartoon, and all of the sudden there is an advertisement for erectile dysfunction cream. Seriously? Is this necessary? I am not even going to ask if its appropriate... at 1030 am... on a Saturday morning... to viewers of Batman.
And apparently, if you are in the fan base of anything on the history channel, your tampon needs are of utmost importance, as is a body wash that requires you to bathe in a forest, moan, and watch soap suds slide off your own buttocks.
There were other reasons we cancelled the satellite, aka child lazifier. Yes, another reason was the comatose stare and dazed, glassy eyed looks that came over my children, their lack of gumption to get up and throw a tissue in the trash lest they miss another hydroxi-cut commercial, and their inability to play. Inability to play? Really? Yes. Really.
When all your interaction with your siblings involves staring and sitting, you lose the ability to converse, cooperate, and even play. Am I really saying that too much TV made my children unable to play? Yes. Yes I am. I think it was stealing their imagination one couch potato day at a time. Whenever it was turned off we were met with confused looks, and questions of "What do we do now? " I realized we needed to cut the head of the beast right off when we pointed them to the mudroom toy shelves and they asked,

"What are these called again? " TOYS.
"What do we with them? " PLAY.
"Is there a show about this we could watch first to see how its done, this 'play' thing? " WHAT?!!?

Yes, I exaggerate a bit, but we really felt like we were letting the TV take over our time and our kid's little minds too much. Note, that operative word there... WE. As in, Micah and myself. We allowed the habit to start, and for own selves, we needed to just get rid of it. It was too easy to find something to watch on HGTV, and hello??? How can I not watch Tabitha's Salon Takeover? It is practically like continuing ed for me. Right? Eh, right???
So, yes...
*guilty of "not having time to get the laundry done" because I was too busy watching Kat Von Dee tat people.
*guilty of not being able to go to bed because I had to see what the chefs would do with that octopus and caramel in the dessert round on Chopped.
*guilty of yelling angry comments at parents on Toddlers and Tiaras... you get the picture.

The boys and ME, we had issues.

We did keep netflix instant streaming, and after over a week of a total no electronics of any kind fast, we loaded up some Super Mario Brothers (yes, the one from the 80s. it makes my heart happy. we are indeed "hooked on the brothers") Pink Panther, and Diego, we are good to go. We now give the kiddos 30-45 min a day of TV or wii or ipod time. Yep, they gotta choose between the three. We will allow a bit more on a rainy Saturday or when a babysitter is here. If you can manage the TV better, please understand, I am not judging you. I salute you. I am too weak... too house hunting, sister wives, and Lifetime made for TV movie weak.

It is amazing to watch things like legos, puzzles, pillow forts, and drawing happening again in our home. I mean, its not perfect, these are three boys. They wrestle over the crayons, and a fist fight can escalate over a game of rummy, but its still better. A lot better.

As for me, I am okay... until football season.

It's a List.

2011-04-26T07:42:00.004-05:00

1. When your 3 yr old takes a massive dookey, comprised of lots of small turds, and declares with a cute grin, "That was a family! They want to go to the party!" you realize, that $1750 you just spent to fix your septic tank was worth it. This is a lie. I am still bitter that I spent as much to hear about the "Dookey Family"as my new camera would've cost. I'll think bitter thoughts every time I look at that part of the yard; the $1750 hole in the ground. Did I mention it cost $1750 and that I am bitter about it... oh, I guess I did.

2. I started reading The Book Thief. I am worried that I am too stupid for this book. *eta: I am now well into the book and am happy to announce, I love it, and get it.

3. I love moments like this:

4. Amazon Prime has changed my world. I mean that. Sort of. I had to add the "sort of" because otherwise someone will send me an e-mail about how Jesus should change my world, and how someone could take this to mean I find all my happiness in Amazon prime. I guess sarcasm is a dead language for some. Not me.
(fyi : Jesus is first, always, then My Micah, then... well, I hate to say it, but that two day shipping is edging out the boys a little in ranking. Again, kidding. Sort of.)

5. Alden learned to climb a large tree in our yard. He has no fear, and likes only the thinnest branches of course. I will let you know where to send the get well gifts when he breaks his arm.

6. As if I didn't dislike MarieClaire enough, they went and put Miley Cyrus on the cover. Deal Sealed.

7.I just realized my first item was a whole paragraph... about poop and bitterness. Oh, and the $1750 dollars our crapper cost us... you know, in case you missed that.

8. I don't understand why self tanners can't smell better? Isn't there some sweet smelling chemical that change the color of my skin??? Sheeesh.

9. I ordered a groupon for some new pizza place, where you order the pizza but then you bring it home to bake. I am totally counting that as "cooking" dinner.

10. We no longer have any form of cable, satellite, antenna, etc. Guess what? I can still sleep at night without knowing who got voted off American Idol. (more on the no tv schtick later...)

That is all. Happy Tuesday.

Pen + Paper = Lost Art Form

2011-04-18T21:55:00.025-05:00

A couple of weeks ago, I opened my mail box and found an envelope. Inside was a piece of paper with lots, no, make that TONS of writing... huh?
Do you know what it was? A letter. That is where you write words on a piece of paper, with a pen or writing utensil of choice, and then put it in an envelope, and...wait for it...

MAIL IT TO SOMEONE!

I know, crazy. It had been so long since I received an actual, honest to goodness letter, that at first, I wasn't sure what it was. What was my dear friend from Alabama mailing me? Too small to be a book, too big to be a card of some sort... what could it be??? I opened it to find... an actual letter. A whole page, front and back in her beautiful handwriting. I was delighted. Yes, DE-LIGHT-ED. I went in the house, and sat down in a comfy chair and read the wonderful words. I laughed at some points, nodded knowingly at others, and when it was done all I could think was "Wow, that made my day."

So, I returned the favor to her. I took a piece of copy paper, because hello? Who owns stationery anymore? I folded it in half, thinking I would never be able to write a whole page's worth. Um, yeah... FYI: if you are a chatty cathy in real life, you are a chatty cathy in the written realm as well. I filled up all four halves, and could have done more. My hand started cramping, and if hands could talk, mine was having flashbacks to last minute papers written in high school. (yes, we used to write our papers. shut your mouths you babes of the computer age.)

Anyhoo... my point is this... This week, grab a pen, some paper, and take a few minutes to write someone a letter. Not a note, not a card, but a real, honest to goodness letter. I believe there is even some Biblical precedent/example here, in that the New Testament contains "epsitles', aka letters to the churches. I just think we need a lot more hand cramping and a lot less, "Didn't you know? I posted it on my facebook" in the world.

The B-Lo part 4... my mama

2011-04-16T08:08:00.001-05:00

Ah, the joy of going home to mom's house, where the coffee is hot and the creamer is from circa 2006. Oh, you think I jest? Check it out:

In my mom's defense, she never uses creamer in her coffee, though I still made sure to tease her incessantly about it. I am a nice daughter like that. I actually wanted to write this post because my mom did SO many nice things for us... so I am thanking her publicly, and uh, making fun of her a little bit at the same time ;) Sorry, old creamer brings out the mean in me.

Here are some "Home is..." tales...

Home is where this is awaiting your arrival... My mom's apple pie. Its' my favorite and The BEST EVER. Absolutely, hands down, amazing. I tried not to share it with the boys, but they too, love apple pie. Bums.

Home is where your mom even makes this pie, at your lemon curd loving request. Yes, it does taste as good as it looks...

Home is also where your mom does fun things like this with your children:

Sifting flour for homemade waffles. Oh yes, she didn't just make them, she had the kiddos all help her.

Washing breakable vintage dishes.

Homemade Donuts.

Have you noticed the theme here of HOMEMADE breakfast foods?!?! My mother got up every morning and prepared things like pancakes, donuts, bacon and eggs, and waffles. My children were a little in awe to find out that waffles don't always come from a box and go in the toaster. Micah was telling me to "take note" as my mom prepared him freshly ground and brewed coffee every morning. Which she served to him, along with the homemade breakfasts. I fired off some line about women's lib. When we got home Alden asked, "Mama, what are you making for breakfast? Waffles?" Alden, welcome home... I am "making" cereal.

This photo has nothing to with food. I am merely hoping that my mom will read this and take note of my extreme love for this vintage jar and decide to give it to me now, rather than waiting for her death. Yes, she told me would "Put my name on it." It was my grandmother's flour jar, so its not just the vintagey goodness I covet. Uh, Mom... are you reading this?

A Hadji photo to close with. The cats had to live in the mudroom due to the fact that Hadji and Alden were having trouble breathing. By the end of the week, Hadji came up with this trick to pet the cats. Yes, those are tissues. Oh Hadji...

Thanks for a super fun week mom... you're the best! (and I am not just saying that so you give me that vintage jar. If it helps that cause though... so be it ;)

Getting crafty...

2011-04-13T21:52:00.000-05:00

So, I have friends. Crafty friends. They make things like quilts, robots dolls, cupcakes with fondant owls, and other assorted awe-inspiring goodies. I like crafts, but would not call myself Martha Stewart by any means. I lack the patience for it. Yes, I love the idea of a quilt... but to learn how to follow a pattern and actually measure fabric? No thanks. The thought of pretty little fondant shapes atop cupcakes is indeed something I adore. The process of rolling out said fondant, and dying it, and all that mess... not for me.

I like to make jewelry. Earrings? 10 minutes and done.
I like scrapbooking. New layout to make? 15 minutes and voila... memory recorded.
I guess I am a fast food crafter. I want a drive through cupcake class or a quickly delivered quilt.

My friend Bridgette made me two camera straps for my birthday. Yes, MADE them. I mean, she literally got fabric, leather, and nylon and MADE these straps. I was in awe. (suffice to say Bridgette is also gorgeous, smart, an amazing cook, and has a spotless house. I informed her if she didn't get acne or get fat soon, we could not be friends anymore.) (stop. I am just kidding. I'll take chubby... kidding again.)

So, last week under the careful eye of Sarah (aka crafter extraordinaire) we made shirts. She figured out this whole cute freezer paper + fabric paint= cute t-shirt plan. Perk number one: crafty friends who figure out the craft ahead of time. I did not start off this craft very well. I needed a dog silhouette for Hadji's shirt. I googled. I, of course, picked a dog that contained a virus and before I could say "save photo" my computer was blinking and beeping and things like "VIRUS ALERT. TROJAN DETECTED!!" were screaming across the screen. Micah began the difficult task of de-virusing my computer, and asking why I didn't just go buy a shirt at the GAP. (hello. any mom can do that! I am trying to be a crafty mom!!) Here is the finished product :

I will not share any photos of the craftier mom's shirts. Suffice to say, robots and flip flops make my dog look... sad.

Here is my idea of a good craft:

Yes, it is a journal entitled "Wreck This Journal". I bought when I was still in the state of knockedupedness with Alden. It has had a lovely shelf spot since. The whole concept is that you... wreck, the journal. I am fairly confident I can do this one, and do it well. Maybe.

Click on that photo above. You see, you get all sorts of instructions on ways to wreck the journal. At the end, you mail it back to yourself. Lincoln has been quite enamored with it since reading the page that asks you to burn it... I may get him one.

Here is another craft I am able to do. it is called Project Life, and thanks to Corey and Nicole, and their willingness to answer my ~~annoying~~ ~~incessant~~ inquisitive questions about it, I took the plunge. You are basically documenting your everyday life, week by week for a whole year. I also ~~forced~~ ~~cajoled~~ encouraged Chrissy to do it as well. Woohoo for some positive peer pressure!

So, I have been trying to get my craft on. I may not be Martha Stewart, but I am tryin'...

10 on Tuesday

2011-03-29T08:30:00.003-05:00

Since I am still trying to figure out the new blogger and it's insane new photo posting ways, I decided to put aside the last two B-Lo trip installments and give you a list. You know the drill. Random. List. Sometimes 10, sometimes... not. Always sarcastic.

1. I stopped reading a blog I had clicked to the other day solely because the woman ended every! single! sentence! with! an! exclamation! point! I worried I could have a heart attack from all the excitement about what! cute! outfits!her! kids! wore! to! the! park! gag.

2. I played the game loaded questions last night for the first time. I love it. Lying, truth telling, guessing, competitive point keeping. I need to own it.

3. Last week, I chaperoned a first grade field trip. I learned that a 7 year old girl who shows her butt crack in her low rise jeans is just as wrong as when say, a plumber does. What? You moms think because there is princess peeking out it makes that crack cute? NO! Cover the Crackage! If I am ever the First Lady, that will be my "issue". I want t-shirts, CTC bumper magnets, and 5Ks to support the cause.

4. I gave up chips for Lent. I have eaten them, by mistake, 4 times now. (The 5th mishap was stopped by my friend Martha screaming, "NO JUDE!" Thanks Martha... I think ;)

5. Do we really need to talk about Charlie Sheen? I guarantee if you could access either his or his manager's hard drive sometime in the last six months, you would find them google searching charlie manson. Why? Because that is who is he acting like, and he knew it would sell. He may not have tiger blood, but he can smell a good news story a mile away.

6. I pulled up a calorie counter to see how many calories my favorite drink from Sonic is. A lemonberry slushy. YUM. I was elated when I saw a large only has 184 calories! Woohoo. Until I scrolled back up and saw that, no... that was the amount of carbs in a drink. The calorie count was somewhere in the neighborhood of 54,234 or so. No more happy hour for this girl. I hate technology.

7. I started this on Tuesday and never finished it. I don't know what it says about me that I can no longer even complete a list of 10 things in a timely manner.

8. I just found a recipe for Sponge Candy. I am elated. I tried it last night, despite the fact that I do not own a candy thermometer, and you need one for this recipe. I think I got impatient, and the end result was a mass of taffy-esque type stuff that would rip the teeth out of a hippo. I think I shall buy a candy thermometer.

9. In my quest for a Sonic replacement, I bought 8 pounds of strawberries. In my defense, they were on sale.

10. Its pouring rain, its spring break, and this sad, sad post is all I am capable of...

The B-Lo, part 3, the one about the art gallery...

2011-03-21T08:34:00.001-05:00

Our boys missed 5 days of school for our trip to the B-Lo. You can get these days "excused" when you ask, in advance, and have plans for "educational" time. Normally, I really don't concern myself with the worry of "unexcused absences." I hardly think that, when applying to college, they are going to pull Lincoln's 3rd grade report card and say, "Well, you were a shoe-in until we saw those 5 unexcused absences from 3rd grade. We just can't allow that kind of behavior in our institute of higher learning." However, since this year we had already missed days for sickness, we decided to do it.

I think next time I will risk the college rejection.

This piece of pop-art captures my feelings well.

First off, Emerson... he is NOT a fan of homework normally, so to make him stop whatever he is doing at "Gramma's House of Indulgence"... well, that just makes him all the more enthusiastic about it. All he had to do was his regular 20 minutes of reading, with a sentence about what he read, and a daily journal about what we were doing. You would have thought we asked him to read War and Peace and give a chapter by chapter summary. Typed. In french.

On the plus side, I affirmed that I should never homeschool.

One of the educational highlights of our trip was to go to the Albright Knox Gallery. I remember going there and loving it as a kid. There was this awesome room made of mirrors, and a "sculpture" of chewed gum in various colors. My mother was not appreciative when, as a kid, I bought gumballs with my birthday money and tried to replicate it by leaving my chewed gum on my bedpost at night. Some people do NOT appreciate the arts I guess...

Anyway... we took the knuckleheads. Now, here is where, in retrospect, I think... WHY? Why did I think it was a good idea to take three young boys, hopped up on sugar from Gramma's House of Indulgence, to an ART GALLERY? You know, where there are PRICELESS works of art, hanging, out in the open...

We paid roughly a small fortune to park and view the art. After informing the boys they could not, in fact, test out their "echo" voices in the long hallways, we set out. Oh, I put my best teacher foot forward, and we looked at the first few Renoir's and such. My children failed to grasp that "do not touch" also meant "do not stand so close your breath will touch". Then we entered a hallway with some sculptures. There was one of a nude, in bronze, but completely smooth... meaning, no discernible body parts. So Emerson chooses that moment to violate the no touch order, and pokes it in the crotch asking, "Hey! Where is its Unit?" Really? We are looking at priceless art, and my child is concerned with the "Unit" (or lack thereof) on a statue.

It was the beginning of the end. Here, in list form, are the rest of the highlights...

1. The awesome mirror room and gum sculpture? On LOAN to a museum in NYC. Great...
2. A new exhibit arrived, it was a series, a BIG, NEVER ENDING, series of nude drawings by Picasso. I just moved the tribes quickly through that room, because, unlike the bronze sculptor, Picasso did pay attention to detail. A lot.
3. This was our favorite display:

I had to tell the boys we were NOT allowed to borrow any spoons though.

4. A bunch of wood chunks on the floor in a circle, this does not equate "art" to a six year old. It screams, "Walk on me! I am a fun wood bridge!". (educationally speaking, after snatching him off, he did notice the AB pattern of said wood.)

5. Standing in front of a ginormous Jackson Pollack and discussing how some people either love or hate his work, will in fact prompt your 8 year old to make a paint brush swishing motion in the air and declare, with disgust, that he could paint this same thing. Please note, this will not garner happy glances from the snotty art lady with her fancy sketch pad and hand hewed jewelry.

6. A canvas covered in all red, yes, simply a totally red canvas, that will make that same 8 yr old declare, "What? This is NOT art! Its just RED!! Alden could do this!" Then while you explain that it is melted lipstick, you realize, he is right.

7. The boys were not sure why there was a "TV room" at the art gallery, and never could grasp the explanation that even video images can be art. They just thought someone put some soccer videos in to make them happy.

In the end, just admit you may not be an art gallery family (yet?), and praise God that the Cinema Mummy was not loaned out to NYC...

Here are everyone's picks for favorite piece of art...

Alden loved Cinema Man.

Lincoln liked this wire display. Perhaps his love of electronics, and disassembling them influenced his choice?

I was surprised that this was My Micah's pick. He really liked it though.

I have always loved this painting, its been my favorite since that first childhood visit. "The Marvelous Sauce."

Guess who? Hadji, of course...

My mom's choice for favorite.

And a few bonus photos, placed here because I cannot figure out bloggers new edit mode for the life of me.

The B-Lo part zwei

2011-03-14T17:08:00.001-05:00

Zwei is German for "two". It does not have the same ring to it as the french "deux"... but then, the German language is not exactly known for its ability to roll off the tongue. It is a little bit more like coughing up a hairball.

Anyway, back to part Zwei. We arrived. There was no snow. I was pretty miffed that a city known solely for two things - chicken wings and snow- was sorely lacking one of them. I should not have lost faith. Buffalo in February will see snow. And we did. We got 6-8inches overnight, which my mother called, "a dusting" and my children called "a blizzard."

So we went sledding. We went to the school where I attended high school... and middle school... and elementary school. Oh, small town living, I do miss you. You should have seen the look on my kids (and their cousins) faces when I informed them that the mountain we were about to sled down was what I had to run sprints on for soccer and field hockey. I think they were impressed, or shocked, that at some point, this floppy body they now see was once athletic enough to actually do said running.

My knuckleheads and their cousins. 5 boys+snow=fun.

I admit, I thought my little beach loving boys would shiver and whine to come in pretty quick. Um... nope. Just Alden did, and his Gramma was only too happy to oblige since it was only 18° with whipping winds. I pretty much observed, courtesy of my on-going pain from the car accident last January. At the two hour mark, I realized, we have a car just over there... with heated seats and satellite radio. Bye boys!

Alden in his super cute snow suit courtesy of my mom. Adorable. Oh, and so is that boy behind him. My Micah. Swoon.

This is me. Hiding in the warm car, enjoying the heated seats.

Micah took them a few more times, and then we all went at night. This time we went to a local golf course. I seem to remember feeling all "trespassing rebellious" as a kid going there, but now... now they have lights and it is roped off with walking lanes, tubing lanes, etc... man. I bet no one accidentally knocks over the tip jar in the lodge and steals some change. Not that I ever did that.

Anyway... night sledding, where it was a balmy 24° and felt downright warm. The sun had melted the hills just enough to allow them to refreeze and become icy catapults which we eagerly encouraged our small children to hurl themselves down, while sitting on a round piece of plastic. I sensed a disconnect with my parental safety self at this point. Alden loved it. Lincoln loved it. Hadji... Hadji luged it. Yes, he went down, repeatedly, luge style. I say we move to Jamaica so he can start training now for his Olympic career. It would be a sacrifice, but I am willing. If I have to sit on the beach and sip umbrella drinks whilst smelling of no-SPF coconut oil, and turning my skin a lovely shade of brown, reading books all day... I am willing. We parents, there is no end to what we give for our children and their dreams...
While night sledding, we saw a fox. It walked right across the bottom of the sledding hill. Lincoln wrote about it for his school journal. "We saw a fox. I wanted to kill it and eat it." First off, I hope his teacher is not a big animal lover. Second of all, I was a little surprised that it took only a few days in the B-Lo cold to turn my boys into the whole, kill-eat-survive-guy from Never Cry Wolf.

So, sledding... good. Luging Hadji... good. Eating Foxes...bad.

This is David. He lives across the street from my mom and dutifully plows her driveway every year... with his tractor. My children were nose pressed against the window watching in awe.

Stay tuned for the next installation of Adventures in the B-Lo...

The Trip to the B-Lo

2011-03-08T11:41:00.002-05:00

Well, you may have thought I entered into yet another season of blogslackedness... I did not. I was traveling abroad. Well... ok, not abroad exactly. We went to Buffalo, affectionately referred to 'round these parts as "The B-Lo." Now, for the next several days, I will wow you with exciting parts of the trip, and so that no one falls asleep and breaks their nose on their keyboard, I will do this over several days/posts. I want to include LOTS of photos, because, quite frankly, you will not believe some of what I will tell you without them...

First off, we left at o'dark thirty. We grabbed the three sleepy heads, threw them, their pillows and such in the car and hit the road. It was a joyous couple hours of silence. I think when it is still dark, they think they are not supposed to talk or anything. No one asked for food, a movie, not a peep until the sun came up. If it weren't for my love of tanned skin, I would consider moving to one of those countries where it is dark for 24 hours a day. Once they were awake, we found that a last minute decision to buy some lucky charms (ok, store brand "magic stars") was a smart one. Small hands digging for marshmallows for hours. My children had never seen the lucky charm before, and were quite enamored. Go team Sheltered Kids.)

There was coffee in the car... for Micah. I also convinced him that I read "somewhere" that eating an apple was like having a cup of coffee before we could find a Starbucks. Sucker!

Of course there was also texting. I almost didn't make it through the mountains where we lose coverage for a while. (names blurred to protect the ~~guilty~~ innocent.)

And, in keeping with my Project 365, I did, in fact take some self portraits in the car. Yeah, its not exactly, uh... flattering, but it is done.

There were also lots of pretty scenes along the way, and when I wasn't staring at the back of my eyelids, or texting like a 13 year old, I was zapping all of my Micah's iPhone battery taking pics. He was not nearly as appreciative when he needed to make a call, or when we got stuck with an extra $15 charge for using too much "data". Hey, what price can you put on these precious memories of my socks in the window? No one appreciates art anymore!

The best part... there were also three little sleepy boys, and my Micah and I enjoyed a blissful time of chatting, hand holding, and even the occasional smooch. (This has been perfected over years of road trips...you newlyweds, or start up roadies, you need to practice in the driveway, lest your lip locking causes an accident.)

Then, when you think you are almost about to lose your mind, and you have failed, yet again, to convince your spouse that an outlet mall stop IS a good choice, you will see this sign, and know... the end is near, and the adventure is just beginning...

Sweetheart's Dinner

2011-02-15T11:17:00.009-05:00

We loved with a love that was more than love. ~Edgar Allan Poe

Lest you think I am a bah humbugger about Valentine's Day, here is proof I am not. Last night we had a lovely dinner with our little brood. The Fab Five. We had a wonderful dinner with some of everyone's favorites, real china, candles, and lots of laughs. We called it the Sweetheart's Dinner, and it really was... yep, sweet. Each boy had a small gift, wrapped, and a handmade by mom-valentine at their place. (the cards even had a made up poem for each boy the back.) I think my favorite part was going around and telling each one, including my Micah, something I LOVE about them. When he asked them to return the favor, Hadji's responses had me wanting to cry one minute, and laugh the next. Typical. Here are some pics. I put the camera down at dinner. I didn't want to spend Valentine's dinner coaxing proper smiles. It was a good decision.

These are the doilies we painted and strung from the chandilier. I loved this. Loved that my boys all had SO much fun painting them. Loved how festive it made the dining room look. Loved sitting at the table looking at them turning as we laughed,ate, and made a memory. Plus, no one burped, hit, or used utensils as weapons at dinner. They must be magic doilies.I may never take them down.

This... Oh my word. Alden got his stool and gave the cupcakes a talking to. "Pupcakes, we gonna fwost you and EAT you!"

I think he felt bad, he gave them a goodbye kiss.

But he was still going to enjoy eating them anyway.

The Poor Cupcakes. Decorated by small hands, lots of love and spit went into those sprinkle decorations.

That is how we celebrated Valentine's Day with the wild boys. I love those knuckleheads.

Going Retro...

2011-02-14T09:19:00.004-05:00

It is February 14th. That means Valentine's Day. Lest you think this will launch into a narrative about my husband, and be some sentimental post about our love, well... it's not. I am here to ask... What gives with the kids Valentines?

When I was growing up, you decorated an envelope, or a large can if the room mother ate enough beans and corn, and decorated it. That was hung or sat on your desk, and at the appointed time, classmates dropped in little notes of sweetness, and in some cases, puppy love. I remember distinctly agonizing in the first grade over which card to give a certain boy. I graduated with that boy and I bet he never knew the 7yr old torture I went through. Anyway... cards in a bucket. If you were lucky there were a few scratch n' sniff ones. (see above photo)Then we had cupcakes, juice, and maybe some chips. Done. Happy Valentine's Day.

Now? Now guess what we get? Goody Bags filled to overflowing with candy, party favors, pencils, and more. Huh? I thought we sent Valentine CARDS. I have caved to the pressure in years past and given the boys lollipops to hand out with the cards. This year though, I was in Target and was overwhelmed at the packaging and card "plus" items available. Oh, you can give a spiderman card... and a small gift. I decided...enough. We would set the new-old trend... Valentine CARDS.

At home that night I realized though... we are being cheated. Where in the hades are the little white envelopes? They are no longer around! We are forced to fold over the cards and close them with heart stickers that are about as sticky as say... oil. LAME. No wonder these moms are sending all this crap... BRING BACK THE LITTLE WHITE ENVELOPES! Kids write the names on them, perhaps add a sticker or drawing. Then we can all rest easy, stop giving away starbucks gift cards and iPod shuffles with each Valentine, and get back to being... well, normal.

The point of Valentine's Day is, wait for it... THE VALENTINES!!!

That is it. Little white envelopes would make me happy. For today... ;)

I leave you with a relic of the cards I sent as a child...

Me and my BFF, Lysol

2011-02-08T11:17:00.008-05:00

I am not a mom who complains when her kids are sick. Until now. It started with Hadji, almost three weeks ago. The flu. We stayed home from church, school, birthday parties, and all other activities. He got better, and then... Alden got it. Not the flu, but some disastrous stomach bug that allowed for some violent toilet time. Yes, there it is, I said it. Violent, I tell ya'.
Now, it is Lincoln's turn. We went to church, because he was merely sneezing. I thought it was my fault for adding a chicken feather down throw pillow to his bed ensemble. Apparently not. And I hate that, because it is a huge pet peeve when people bring sick kids out. If your child is sick, stay home. Period. End of story.

So, we are now on week three of cabin fever, I mean, patient care. If my butt hits a chair, someone, somewhere, in this home, will need something. A tissue, a puke bucket, a sip of sprite, a video started, a snack, a new pillow, a new game, a toy, a book, a blanket, a brother removed, or something... In short, I am sick of being needed so much.

How does one remember to be loving and consciously make taking care of others, a pleasure? (1st Corinthians 10:31) Well, it is not by waiting and then snapping at your sick spouse when he wants some crackers. Not that I know that from say, personal experience or anything. Not that I may have begrudgingly made him some food while mine got cold and gotten all snarky and self righteous about it. Not me. Well... eh, maybe it was... I had to re-group.

Mom's Sanity Remedies:

1. Pray. Pray hard.

2. Remember how nice it was when your mom took care of you when you were sick? Do it.

3. Your child does not want to be sick, they didn't plan to drag it out, passing it along carefully amongst themselves through the weeks. Don't treat them like are doing so on purpose. (even though it may feel that way at times!)

4. Have at least four games of Words with Friends going at any given time. Trying to use that Q can be a great distraction.

5. Hot tea. Drink lots of hot tea. Scalding even. A burnt tongue is less likely to snap at sick children. I am on my second pot today, fyi. Just kidding. Sort of.

6. Try and get out of the house, even if it is just to the grocery store. Seeing other humans, that can make you feel less savage like when you re-enter the jungle of germs.

7. Lysol. Then Lysol again.

8. Allow yourself some drama. Crying out ala Mommy Dearest, "I SAID NO MORE TISSUES ON THE FLOOR!" really did make me feel better. My children looked up from their electronic daze and noted me with little concern. Maybe I play the Joan Crawford No-More-Wire-Hangers card too often???

9. Finds lots of amazing DIY projects and crafts online, and then relish in the legit excuse of your sick children for why you do not dye your own felt with vegetable juices.

10. For the love of all that is holy, do NOT even think about the fact that you are once again, missing date night AND the PECAN CRUSTED TROUT WITH BOURBON GLAZE! I may call and plead my case for take out...

Oh, make sure your self portraits document your tylenol laden journey. (even if you are wearing your old man sweater and have no make up on. Click it.)

Until then, I leave you to go bleach something... or someone...

For Martha...

2011-01-31T10:06:00.004-05:00

My dear friend Martha, who is gorgeous, funny, and sweet as can be, tagged me to do a list of seven facts. I am a boring person, so these lists are always hard for me, but since Martha is also growing a baby in her adorable little belly, I will attempt the list, just for her. Who can say no to a cute pregnant girl???

1. I have stuck with the photo-of-my-funny-looking-face-every-day-goal so far. Is it cheating if I let Micah take the photo sometimes? Last night Alden and I fell asleep together and before he woke up, I whispered fiercely for Micah to come snap a photo.

2. I have not had any salt and vinegar chips since New Year's Eve. I am an addict, and quitting cold turkey was the only way to go. Can you go through salt n'vinney withdrawal? Cause I am.

3. I finally found a place here that makes fish fry to rival Buffalo's. I have always missed that, especially during Lent. And yes, leave it to Buffalo to take a healthy food like fish and make it yummy and bad for you! Woot woot!

4. Micah threatened to take away my txting plan. Apparently, he is not a fan of my inability to pick up a phone anymore. I am a fan of a "conversation" via txt that can occur whilst kids are crying or bums are being wiped. (theirs, not mine.) I think that is a whole blog post in and of itself. Coming soon...

5. I finally bought a used copy of and started reading, "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn." Oh.My.Word. I love it. I am about halfway though it, and am already sad that it will be ending soon. That my friends is how you know a good book.

6. I tried to stretch the taco meat this week by adding black beans. I was very quiet and just made up everyone's tacos in the kitchen. I thought I was in the clear, when at the almost last bite Hadji picks a bean up and says, with great disdain, "What is this? A bug?"

7. Things I never thought I would say, but have... "Please, please do not come ask me any more questions while I am using the bathroom. Unless you, your brother, or the house is on fire, do not come near this door. " I also may have said that the house fire should be out of control before I am interrupted. Shameless, poor, mothering, tis true...

See, I am not good at these lists. Maybe you can get a refund on the 4 minutes you have invested here?

Confessions of a Date-In FAIL...

2011-01-19T10:14:00.009-05:00

Sometimes, you just have to know when to throw in the towel. After writing that lovely and positive post about the "Date-In", we attempted our first Date In of 2011. It was an epic failure.

It all started as a carefully planned evening out. We were going downtown to a lovely restaurant to feast on a pecan crusted trout with Bourbon glaze. It was the restaurant's special that night, and I had been dreaming of that yummy pecan crusted goodness for days. (only kim will get this advanced meal planning. you appreciate it don't you kim?)

Then we got socked with some snow. Snow topped with ice. Ice which meant we could not ask our lovely babysitter to come drive out here to the casa. It's ok, I tell myself, that despite the fact that we are on day two of school being cancelled, I can handle not leaving the house. I declare to my Micah that we will Date-In! I shower, I make up, and... then I broke the first rule of the Date-In. I put on long johns. In my defense, I was FREEZING, very freezing, and...I think I can rock some long johns. That my friends is not prideful fashion bragging... more like a confession of embarrassing long john love.

I try to think of what take out My Micah can bring home from work that will keep until bedtime... um, yeah...there isn't one. When we typically get take out, he goes back out for it after the little ones are in bed. I could not send him out onto the ice laden streets to satisfy my pasta needs.

So, I call him at work to chat. I offer snack and dinner options. Apparently, a husband who is very busy at work, he is not wanting to think about his dinner options. I need to remember... if I put hot food on a plate, he will be happy 98% of the time. So... we decide on nothing.

I am busy re-clothing the boys who are sledding, and searching for dry mittens, making hot chocolate, and whatnot. In short, I was quickly losing my planning focus for the Date-In. I had no candles ready, no romantic music keyed up, and no game/movie picked out.

I should also point out that someone may not have greeted her spouse in a perfect fashion upon his arrival home. I asked him to stop at the store and instead of saying "Thank you", I questioned his purchases. Oops. See, my Micah saw bread on sale for a $1 a loaf. And bought 10. Yes... TEN. That is 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10. Now, on another item, I would have been elated, but this picky gal has decided frozen bread is not good. It gets soggy when you thaw it. I don't care for it. So, instead of praising my frugal husband, I screwed up my face and questioned his shopping skills. This did not help set the tone for date in either. I should add, "Don't rebuke your honey on his way in the door" to the list of rules.

By the time we got kids fed, the news that school was cancelled the next day had slipped out. (I shant say which over bread buying parent let that cat out of the bag) Well, every mom knows, once kids know there is no school, due to snow, their ability to fall asleep quickly and quietly disintegrates right before your eyes.

The evening dwindled down...
The next morning we had a good laugh and both declared that once the TV had stayed tuned to The Biggest Loser, we knew it was time to throw in the towel...
Man boobs do not inspire romance. Ever.
The moral of the story is... know when to persevere, and know when to park it on the couch with a bowl of popcorn, and call it.

Snow day dos and don'ts

2011-01-13T12:02:00.004-05:00

Here in the south, we like to celebrate snow by declaring any appearance of snow, or even the threat thereof, a day off. We are currently on day four out of school. We got approximately 1½ inches... with some ice on top. Lest you think I am some whiny Yankee, I LOVE it. I love that everyone runs to the store and stocks up, I love that school is closed and people refuse to drive. I love to be "hunkered down" with my little men.
Here is what I have learned...

DO... allow your children some extra TV time. For your sanity and theirs. There are only so many games of WAR one mama can play.
DO... have lots of hot chocolate, and allow it to be made after every trip outside. I feel this is a right, yes, I said it, a RIGHT of small,snotty nosed, cold fingered children everywhere. If they are willing to go brave the cold to plunge headfirst down the neighbors driveway in sub standard winter wear, give them the hot chocolate.

DO... pay the 99¢ for a few fun dance songs and have a dance party. It is "Peanut Butter Jelly Time"...

DO... be prepared for a few inevitable squabbles. They are kids. It will happen. Just keep the rules simple... no teeth, no kicking, and no knives. I am kidding on that last one. Sort of.
DO... be sure and remind your spouse that these are the days when paying that $10 a month for netflix is totally.100%. Worth it.

and now, for the dont's...
DON'T... interfere in the sledding tactics of young boys. If they want to make a train, even though they fall and crash every time, resist the urge to tell them to stop. Why? They are showing perseverance. Plus, a trip to the ER for some stitches is a great way to break up the day and get out of the house. I am kidding. Sort of.
DON'T... skimp on the marshmallows in the hot chocolate. I want my kids to think back and be like, "My mom used to make the BEST hot chocolate on snow days with so many marshmallows they overflowed!" Not.. "Man, my mom saved an extra three cents by giving us all exactly 13 marshmallows." Come on moms! Chuck them in there... live on the edge! (yes, it is sad that over marshmallowing hot chocolate is how we moms live on the edge. Eh.)
DON'T... get angry when your husband has just gotten to escape, I mean, leave for work and you are summoned with the following... "Mama, come here! I pooped on da floor." Oh yes. It's true. Courtesy of Alden, total accident, but still. YUCK! Emerson was soooo helpful. He called Lincoln to come see the offending dookey, and then ran back to the living room only to yell, "Goodness Alden! What did you eat today!?!?!"
DON'T... go near a mall, a bounce place, and especially not Chuck e Sneeze. It is a proven fact that your child will pick up germs and then be home sick the following week. So that half hour of sanity you claimed while your kids played at the golden arches? NOT WORTH IT!

In short, have fun. Relax. Let the house get a little messy... and of course, if your child is like Hadji, document these moments:

Yes. That is my child. In his barefeet. In the snow. He doesn't even flinch. Maybe he has a future as a fire walker???