Warning! Danger Level Rising!

Monday: First Day of Spring Break
Log entry: 1
Weather: rainy and cold


8:30 am: We have a play date for my little guy over today. Well, who knew 2 little boys have so much energy this early? I have had one half cup of coffee and will need much more to survive.




9:30 am: My 7 year old daughter has escaped to the shower, "for some peace and quiet", she tells me. Shower - what a novel idea.

The boys are hungry. Mom is blogging. Dad is leaving for work.

"Please don't leave me here alone with these little people", I whisper in his ear. He laughs. What is so funny?, I wonder. I'm pretty serious.




10:30 am: I hear a crash, running, a door slam and mumbled laughs. Carefully, I enter the play room and find... water everywhere.

"We poured water on that robot." says my son " because he would not shut up."


I see that. And the floor, train table,many other toys, more on the floor, the chair and the table. Water water everywhere. "Water is not allowed in the play room."

"Okay, mom."


"Warning, danger level is rising!", the now wet robot garbles.

Yeah, tell me something I don't know, Mr. Robot.




10:45 am: After cleaning up the water, I start to walk down the hallway only to find my sweet little dog peeing on the floor.

Right. In. Front. Of. Me. Like I am just not even there. As if to spite me.

I guess if you ignore your dog's promptings to let him out long enough then, yes, he will just pee on your carpet.


What time is it again?



10:50 am: Too early for a glass of wine. (now now, don't judge me. I am kind of kidding) But another cup of coffee will get me through the next hour. I think. I hope. Now where did I leave that cup?




1:00 pm: We have made it through lunch. My days as a waitress really paid off today when remembering every one's orders.




2:00 pm: My daughter and neighbor friend appear at the back door soaking wet.

Hmmm. I kinda thought they were over at the neighbor's house.

Apparently, their coats and our playground slide make for a fabulous waterslide.

You are probably wondering where I was during this time. I was not blogging and I am stickin' to my story. I think I was making my bed or doing laundry. It all starts to blend together by this point in the day, ya know?




3:00 pm - Thank you, Disney. All children are settled in front of The Incredibles with popcorn that will inevitably end up on the floor, but at least I can count on the dog to be useful for something today. I now admit to blogging and checking emails.




6:00 pm: Well, back to just my two kids here at the homestead. Wow - this is easy. I should just go ahead and have two more kids since I survived today, right? Yeah, I don't think so.

No really, the two that were over were fun and provided much entertainment for my kids. They just helped make for fun blog fodder!


Sometime this evening - dinner (which included stuffing that was not too popular), baths, books, bedtime and "No, you absolutely may not stay up late tonight."


10:00 pm: Finally showered. Finished this post. Hubby finally gets home and now am going to bed myself.

I think day 2 of Spring Break will be taking place outside of my home.

Whew,

struggles, what struggles?

A fellow blogger, Digging For Pearls, is trying to gather information about struggles that Christian women face. Click here if you want to help her out!

The weekend

Friday night my hubby and daughter took off for their first ever camping trip with their Indian Princess tribe. It is so cool that they get to spend this time together. I said the other day that my husband and daughter have more planned "dates" than my hubby and I actually have. We might need to fix that! No, I do realize this time is short for them and want them to make the most of it before she is a teenager and only wants dates with her friends.

Our family is not much into camping. Well, not much means we have never been.

So, they had to borrow a tent from our neighbors and you can see from the picture above it is loaded in my hubby's nice sedan. When I think of going camping images of a 4-wheel drive come to mind, not a white sedan.

But they made do with what we have and had a great time despite the drop in temperatures and crazy winds that night. They built a fire, had s'mores and stayed up late telling stories. It was a great bonding experience for them!

Since it was just my son and I that night we decided that we would have a date, too! Being almost 4, he has definite opinions about what he wanted to do. Go to Wendy's, watch Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and buy a toy at the Dollar Tree. Cheap date.

The next morning was rainy and chilly, so we hibernated and cooked soup. It was a yummy day just hanging out with the fam. I love unexpected lazy days like this.

Sunday was busy with church and the concert!!! We met friends and had a great time. We really felt big time because they invited us in their company's box seats. It was a nice way to see a concert with more room to roam around. Casting Crowns put on a great show of course and it is always so cool to worship with that many people.

They had some very wise words about going from the altar to the door - the title of their new album. On Sundays (at the altar), we feel very strong in our faith as we worship in our churches surrounded by other believers, great music and pastors... and then we head out the door.

Mondays we will surely hit obstacles in our life and it is then when we want to feel strong in our walk with God, except we don't have cool worship bands and awesome pastors to encourage us along. It is just us and God getting through the day.

So, here we start another week. Just me and God plugging along. Well, and all of you!

Groove is in the Heart

If you have been reading my blog for very long you know that I like to volunteer. At church, at my kids school and in my neighborhood.


The crazy thing is that I really do enjoy volunteering. I enjoy being helpful and serving others and not getting a dime in return. I don't do it out of guilt but rather because I want to.


I actually have always been a "helper" - even before becoming a Christ follower. So, for me, it is really hard to understand why when a need arises somewhere that people aren't just tripping over themselves to help out.

I realize that much of the reason I volunteer is my personality and not everyone feels the same way about helping out or even really thinks about it. It is not as if their intention is bad, they just don't think about it.

I know others that really think that taking care of their family is about all they can handle. And for some it is. I just happen to be one of those crazy people that takes on a lot and gets my whole family involved! When I help out somewhere, my family is not exempt from being a part of that and honestly, I think it is the best thing I teach my kids. Take care of others. I mean, that is what Jesus told us to do, right?


Then there is the part of me that serves because...well... because God calls me to serve. Now if you have been called by God to do something then you get what I am talking about. If not, you can just think I am a flake of some sort, but I am hear to tell you that God speaks (Jeremiah 3:33) and I listen. Not audibly, but through others, through an idea that just won't go away, through scripture, a song, a story, an email - well, he'll use just about anything to get our attention.

So anyway this is where it becomes both simple and complicated to me. Jesus came to serve, not to be served, right? He tells us we should do the same. Simple.

So, we get up on Sunday morning to go to church to worship Jesus. And when we go someone leads us to a parking place, drives a shuttle bus, teaches our kids, ushers us to an empty seat, leads us in song, performs a drama, delivers a powerful message, makes us a cup of coffee, teaches a class or cooks a meal for our family to enjoy. Here we are - being served!!!! Over and over again, being served by the body of Christ. Now as a new believer or someone who is not yet a member of this body, then yes, yes, yes - come and be served.

But if someone is already in this body, then they should be serving too, right? Then why don't they? That's the complicated part for me to understand.

Plus, in my own experience, I have grown so much in my walk with God by serving, gotten to know more people at my church and had so much fun!!!! Okay, so that is my soapbox. I will come down now. It's not like most of you go to my church and those that read this probably already serve at my church. Mostly, I am just trying to gain some understanding of that whole deal.

This little rant was sparked by being at church today where they had a volunteer expo. It was so fun and colorful. And GROOVY...The leaders and volunteers were dressed from the 60's. Y'all - I am here to tell you that I go to a F-U-N - Fun church!!! Anyway, we are beginning a 4th service and need more volunteers.

When we walked in, I was so distracted by all the colors that my husband was quick to grab my arm and direct me to KidCity (kids ministry) to drop off our kiddos. I fear, and obviously he did too, that I would have wandered off into a sea of tie dye to sign up for more ministries!

I was telling my friend Russ that the last thing I needed was one more thing to do at church, but then after the service, I was stopping by booths to see what else I could do!!!

I have seen that saying on cups and plaques, "Stop me before I volunteer again!" That's me! (So, why can't I stop volunteering, but others can't even begin?)

But here is the thing - I love my church. I LOVE God. I want to be a part of what God is doing at my church!

So, my thinking is this - if God wants me to serve somewhere else in my church then we will work it out.

Hmmm. I have been here before.

This is the way my prayer goes, "Lord, where do you want me? Do I have room for one more thing? Will you help me sort out my current activities so that I can serve my community again? Or will you say no? Will you shut this door so I can focus on the ministry that I am currently leading, the family I am currently caring for and increase the time I need to spend with you? Show me, Lord. Lead me where to go!! I anticipate hearing your answer!"

Now the trick here is not running to fill a need before I hear my answer. I might need one of you to pray for that and would very much appreciate it. :)

Link Love

Some good posts I have read elsewhere.



Bessy's Banking My Milk Money at Potted Goose

Great post on the relationship between milk, grain, gasoline and just who exactly is making the profit on that extra money you are paying for milk.



Spanx and Assets at Chic Critique

Need to hide some of your "assets"? Wondering if these work? Check out The Sisters review.


Teaching Your Kids about the Presidential Election by Shannon from Rocks In My Dryer at BlogHer

Great post on how to teach older kids about what is going on in the election.


And this found at The Life of a Christian Housewife or YouTube.
Recycled Houses

Casting Crowns, Leeland, John Waller - I'm going!

Okay, I am pretty sure, about 98%, if I can convince my mom to babysit her precious grandchildren and my hubby to go out on a Sunday night that I am going to see Casting Crowns!!!



Excitement causes me to have huge run on sentences as you can see.



My friend has extra tickets and they are way cheaper than I anticipated. So, I think we are going to take advantage of that and go!!!



AAANNND - Leeland is there, too. Another favorite of mine.



AND this Dove best new artist of 2007 guy, which I also quite like, John Waller.



I am so there. Well, as soon as I work out the details.

Coupon Police

It is triple coupon time in my neck of the woods. Being a shopper at heart and hating to spend what almost equals a car payment on groceries every month, I am always game for some triple coupon days.

I am not sure about where you live but in my town walking around the grocery store with a 3-ring baseball card binder full of coupons is considered normal, savvy and prudent.

Now, of course there are rules to these coupon games. And many women are much better at playing this game than I. Unfortunatley, I just don't have the patience. For instance, 20 coupons at a time per family per day. This meant two shopping trips to the food store, two days in a row. One with my youngest child. Fun times.

So, I went yesterday and saved $28 - on stuff I will actually use.
And then I went again today and saved another $30 and it is also on stuff I will use.

My biggest pet peeve about coupons is they are often for over processed, overpriced junk food.
So, I clip them, but only the ones I need. I actually had a coupon for fresh fruit yesterday!

Today as I am finishing checking out, one of my coupons beeps and the register won't accept it.
This is where my lack of patience comes in.

Now, I am sure that during a normal coupon day, the cashier would have politely performed some override function for my 40 cent coupon. But since today that coupon is worth $1.20, well, now that's a different story.

Cashier: This coupon says you must buy 2 jars of this salsa.

Me: Oh, I did.

Cashier: It doesn't show it on the computer screen. (She has called the head cashier over by now)

Me: Well, let's look through the bags of food for it. Because, I am sure it is in there.

I proceed to dig through my groceries wondering to myself why exactly I was doing this for what a bottled water costs? Well, to prove a point, obviously.

I mean do I seem like the kind of woman who would be trying to take my local grocer for a buck twenty?

Me: See, it's right here.

Head Cashier: Oh, that is their specialty salsa and it is not pictured on this coupon.

I would say the coupon police were out in full force today. sheesh.

Lover, Not a Biter

So, since my dog, Buddy had 7 teeth removed last week and because I felt so much guilt over it, I decided he must have this t-shirt. (found, by the way, at Target for $1!!!)

Lover, Not a Biter

I am not sure he thinks it is so funny, though. He won't even look at me to take the picture.

This is why people have little dogs, so we can dress them.

Magic Fingers

Tonight as I was putting my daughter to bed, she asked me to rub her back with lotion. So, I did and she loved that. Then she asked if she could do mine. Well, her exact words were, "I insist, mom."



Okay, twist my arm.



Really, I guess I thought it would just be a little light touch on my back with some very cold lotion. I just thought I would be humoring her. You know, let her feel good about taking care of mom.



But, oh my stars! The girl is a born masseuse! I mean really, the kid is talented.



Every night my hubby puts her to bed and I wrestle our little boy to bed.
So, now I have decided that we are going to reverse this little set up.



Because who couldn't use a free massage every night?



Now this is why I had children.

Look who's blogging now

I don't know where you are politically and I am not trying to start a political debate here. I would lose in a minute.

But I thought this was pretty cool.
John McCain's daughter is a blogger, too! Well, her and a couple friends.

See her blog McCainBlogette. It seems like good insight into the campaign trail from a family perspective and a more personal side of him.

I shredded my Target card

Yes, I did.

I shredded my Target card.


My beloved.


The one with the hypnotic little silver targets all over it that beckons me to spend money on things I only think I need.


The worn out, over used, save my sanity Target card.

It's history.


So what, that they send me that ridiculous 10% off coupon to thank me for spending a million dollars? Woo Hoo! This only makes me think I am saving money and that I need to use the card in order to get these coupons. And it is not really saving me any money because I go there when I really don't need anything just to use the coupon! You reeled me in hook, line and sinker Mr. Target marketing guy. And the same goes for you Mr. Old Navy and Ms. Kohls. But I'm on to you now!


So, after last month's Target bill and my hubby's response, I decided the only way I could nip this crazy Target spending was to cut that card up and use only cash when I am in there.


**sigh**


I just really love that store.


So, as a matter of fact, I have now cut up every single credit card I have except one for emergencies only.


Why did I do this, you ask? Don't I just have enough willpower to not use them?


Well, in one simple answer - no.


And since they are not sending stay at home mom's big paychecks any time soon, my poor hubby, who prefers to pays for everything with cash, has to pay for my material girl ways. Well, I guess he could let me go to debtors prison, but I think he likes me too much for that.


Is there even such a thing as debtors prison anymore? Well, I don't want to find out.


Sweet understanding man that he is, has paid a lot of these bills for me. I guess, I just finally realized, I either have to get a job or get my spending habits into check.


I like my job as Stay at Home mom, volunteer crazed woman and now blogger, though - so...


First step. Cash only. Shred cards. Stay away from Target.


What is it with that store? Do you think the target really does actually have some kind of hypnotic powers that draw us into it? I mean even my kids suggest it when they are bored.

When the Sunday paper comes, the Target circular is really the first thing I look at. I know, I need to get a life, huh?

Second step - do not shop out of boredom. Clean my house. This is why there are so many posts about cleaning this week. No Target equals a cleaner house. I cleaned again today! 3 days in row- it must be a miracle. Luckily, it is getting warm outside, so I can work in the yard or better yet, play with my kids. I can write more blog entries! Just think about all the things I can get done...not shopping.

I think this is going to be hard. So, how 'bout it, can a girl get some sympathy here?

Matthew 6:19-20

A Whole Vegetable Carrot and Sportacus

This is my son.

The one on the right.

He is pretending to be Sportacus from LazyTown here and is very much into eating healthier these days.

So, who says TV can't be good for your kids?

The resemblance is really uncanny, isn't it?

And Sportacus really is a fit fellow, don't ya think?

So, yesterday morning, I was enjoying a cup of coffee with my hubby upstairs when my son, who was downstairs, called up to ask me if he could have a "whole vegetable carrot?"

Like there is any other kind of carrot, right?

Well, he actually did inform me a couple days ago when he was eating one that a carrot is a vegetable and not a fruit. He feels it is very important these days to not only name foods, but to tell us in which food groups they belong.

I tell him that I will be down in a minute to peel it. Because, it is about 8:00 am and I figure after the waffles he just ate that he can hold off while I finish my conversation with my husband and enjoy my coffee while it is actually lukewarm.

And yes, both of my kids eat carrots in their whole raw form rather than the baby ones. Don't know why, but they say they taste better.

So, I guess he decided he couldn't wait and I hear him getting into the drawer to get the carrot peeler, so I race down to help him out.

Because, you know, I'm a good mom and I don't want him peeling his little fingers right off.

He has the trash can out and is trying to peel the carrot himself.

I take over and he says, "Thanks Mom."

No problem, buddy. Anytime.

"You are doing a great job, Mom. Someday, you are going to grow up to be big just like Daddy!"

Oh a girl can only hope.

Pink - WW

PINK







For more great photos, go to 5 Minutes for Mom and Wordless Wednesday.

WFMW - Disposal cleaning

I did post this yesterday in my Tackle it Tuesday, but it may have been lost in all the words about Mrs. Meyers Clean Day. You can check that post out here.



This is my garbage disposal natural cleaning trick. It really does freshen it up!



All Natural disposal cleaning tip:

To clean and freshen up your garbage disposal, pour a half of box of baking soda in the disposal, and about a cup and a half of white vinegar.

Let it fizz up like one of those science project volcanoes.

When it stops fizzing, rinse. Your disposal will be all fresh.

True Jeans Giveaway

Oh, I am just finding all kinds of great bloggy giveaways tonight!!!

Hop on over to 5 Minutes for Mom for this awesome giveaway. $200 gift certificate to True Jeans!

Williams-Sonoma Giveaway

Click here to find out how you can enter to win a $50 gift card to Williams-Sonoma!

I am pretty sure it has my name on it, but good luck, anyway! ;)

Stop and smell the geraniums - Tackle it Tuesday

My Tackle It Tuesday advice today comes in the form of my favorite cleaner. I love this stuff!




I have been using Mrs. Meyers Clean Day cleaners since they had only two scents over 4 years ago - Lemon Verbena and Lavender.



Then they came out with Geranium and I swooned over this stuff. It smells sooooo good. I mean, if you are going to tackle some cleaning, you might as well use something that smells this good.





I love the counter cleaner, the window cleaner and the all-purpose cleaner especially. The big refill bottle lasts for, no kidding, 6 or more months. Which is good because it is not the cheapest cleaner in the store. But it is very concentrated so it last longer and you use less than normal cleaners. AND if you go now to many stores, they have a dollar coupon hanging from most of the products.




All natural, no chemicals, plant-derived and did I mention how good is smells??






They also have two new scents - Rhubarb and Baby Blossom scent. They just came out with a new line for pets and also a new scent diffuser! All natural! It might not be natural to get this excited over cleaning products, huh?


But you know what? I like natural cleaning products, but find they don't always work so well and they stink!









But this does not stink. Did I mention how good it smells?




So, I am sharing my love for this, and have not been compensated in any way to do so. I just purchased the dish soap tonight (which after the coupon was $4 and that is about the same price as some other name brand and not so natural dish soap) and it made washing my dishes just a little more enjoyable. Really, it did.

All Natural disposal cleaning tip: Speaking of dishes this reminds me of the sink and the garbage disposal. To clean it, pour a half of box of baking soda in the disposal, and about a cup and a half of white vinegar. Let it fizz up like one of those science project volcanoes. When it stops fizzing, rinse. Your disposal will be all fresh.

For a lot more really great ideas check out Tackle it Tuesday at 5 Minutes for Mom.

We interrupt cleaning my house for this very important message on housework.

Cleaning your house while your kids are still growing is like shoveling the walk
before it stops snowing. ~Phyllis Diller, Phyllis Diller's Housekeeping Hints, 1966

This house is really getting in the way of my blogging.



The laundry is taking away from my daily time on the keyboard.



The vacuuming keeps me from sharing the most insignificant of tidbits in my life.



And that is why I must take this break to just share these most random thoughts on cleaning my house.



Making the beds - why? In just a few short hours we will be back in them. Because it makes me feel good, I guess. I heard once that if you make your bed it will keep the population of dust mites down. Then I heard if you make it you are actually giving them a warm and cozy home, so you should not make it. So, which is it? Although, I really want to believe that dust mites live in the next door neighbors beds and not ours.



I tried to enforce a new rule last week. I told my little family that if their dirty clothes were not in the laundry hampers when I went to do laundry that they would not get washed. Except that I could not stand to see the dirty clothes hanging out all over the bedroom floors, so I broke down and picked them up. Oh,they know me too well.



On yet another day last week, when my kids did not pick up their stuff from the family room, I put their things away in the attic. I am such a tough guy, you know? They honestly do not even remember they are missing these toys because they have so many more.



I think I clean this house mostly for my own sanity. If it is cleaned up and neat, then I can find things and I feel good about being at home. When my house is a wreck, I start to take notice of what exactly I have been doing with my time. I notice that it is usually because I have not been home much.



As much as I complain about cleaning, I actually very much enjoy taking care of our home. I am thankful for my home. As a matter of fact, this is the longest I have ever lived in one house in my ENTIRE life. We are going on 9 years.



I often commiserate with other moms that my family really does not care if the house is clean.

But, I think they do enjoy it when it is tidy and they are proud to bring friends here. I know I am.



However, I count this as one of my many blessings: My husband does not say a word if this house is not cleaned, if there are dishes in the sink, if I don't make dinner or if he has to fetch his socks out of the dryer. He appreciates it when it is, but never gives me grief if it is not.



I have a childhood memory of my mom cleaning the house. She would always put on a Fleetwood Mac album, open the windows and clean from top to bottom. I absolutely loved walking into my house after school on those days. She would even clean my room!



So, maybe a clean home will be something my family remembers as my gift to them as they grow older. My gift to them - that's sweet isn't it? ;)



Until then, I found some fun quotes from the late Erma Bombeck to share with you if you are home cleaning and doing laundry or just need a chuckle.



There is even a special one for my sweet little boy and his carpet peeing incidents:

"With boys you always know where you stand. Right in the path of a hurricane.
It's all there. The fruit flies hovering over their waste can, the hamster trying to
escape to cleaner air, the bedrooms decorated in Early Bus Station Restroom."

My second favorite household chore is ironing. My first being hitting my head on the top bunk bed until I faint. ~Erma Bombeck

Happy Easter!

1 Peter 3:18 (NIV)
18 For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit

Whew! I am finally sitting down today. What a busy but glorious day. Cooler here in NC, but still the most beautiful blue skies and sunshine. We had our normal baskets full of goodies this morning and then off to church.

I just love our church! I love the dramas, the music, the messages but mostly I love the community. We fit in there so well and are so accepted. We are one crazy family and it feels good to be so loved, embraced and supported by other crazy people. I mean that in the most loving way, of course. I can't imagine our lives without our church and the very good friends we have there.

But mostly, I cannot imagine our lives without God and the peace that he has brought into our family. We are not perfect. We don't always have it together, but together with God we are okay. And that is a good feeling.

So, then we had some family and friends over for dinner. It was a quite enjoyable evening full of food, laughter and celebration.

I love to get the china out and the special crystal. I love to pour wine in those glasses so that we can bring them together in a toast of our life and love for each other. I adore the way my kids have to touch each person's glass at the table with their own. (filled with apple juice, of course)

Just for today, the world remained - close to perfect. We are a family. The phone did not ring with bad news for some. There was no worry for money for others.

The TV was not on the news but on basketball and golf.

The kids hunted fake eggs and were allowed to eat more candy than normal.

Just for today we rested in the joy of this world. We will take tomorrow when it gets here.

Happy Easter my friends. May God's blessings shower you this week.

Amazon

You will see a button in my sidebar from Amazon.com. It will feature some products I enjoy and recommend. I will add and change that periodically.



Again, I struggled much in the same was as I did with BlogHer ads and whether or not to place them on my blog. You can read all about the reasons I proceeded with both here.



But I use Amazon quite a bit when looking for books, music and product reviews. In a past Works for Me Wednesday post, I actually recommended it as one of my most used shopping websites.



So, the way this works is that it will be there in my sidebar and should not interrupt your daily reading of my blog. :)



If you should decide that you need something from Amazon, please come to my blog first and click on Amazon through my sidebar. I will get paid a small referral on whatever you buy.



Thanks so much!

Feed me

Oh my, it is a beautiful day in NC. I wish I could wrap a day like this up in a little box and take it out on those days when I need a pick me up.

I went to a communion service today at church and as I held the little cracker in my mouth I prayed this prayer.

I share it with you because I did not always understand what it meant to take communion. I did not know what it meant to be loved like I am the only person on earth. I did not understand the sacrifice of my God and the peace that comes with giving my life back to him.

I pray that on this Good Friday my desires would be the desires of the one who gave his life for mine.

I would be fed by the word of God. I would look to Jesus in how to lead my life. My focus would be on him.

Not shiny product filled stores.
Not man or the world. Just him.

Yeah, he owns this heart of mine. Thank you.

Because I can

Okay, moms of boys out there. I need some good ole' mommy advice.

I have this very funny 3, almost 4, year old boy. He has been potty trained for about a year now. He was actually very easy to potty train. Easier than my daughter. He had very few accidents after learning.

This is our issue. He is now purposefully, while awake, peeing on his carpet in his room. First of all, it was on his Pottery Barn rug. I finally removed that and cleaned it because he just continued to pee on it and I didn't want it completely ruined. Although, I fear it actually is.

I thought that would do the trick. I even punished him for it by removing some of his favorite toys from his room.

I thought we were past this stage until one night while tucking him in, my foot landed a little under his bed into something wet. Upon further investigation, I discovered it to be pee and several dried spots as well.

Okay, so it is happening before he goes to bed or just when he wakes up. The bathroom is literally across the hall from his room.

When I ask him why he is doing this, his responses are that of a 3, almost 4, year old.

"Because I didn't want to pee in my bed."

"Because I don't know."

"Well, I did, but I didn't want to."

"Because I can."

Because he can. I think this is the truest of all answers he has given. Well, that and because he is a superhero who just doesn't have time to stop to go to the potty to pee.

So, okay give it to me. Why is my seemingly normal little boy peeing in his room instead of the toilet across the hall?!!???

I am all out of ideas for discipline short of ripping up all the carpet in his room.

Running out of carpet cleaner,

Laugh it up!

This just tickles me to death. If you need some cheering up,a good laugh or just to see something stinkin' cute, then click here.

Date Night

This is a conversation between me and my hubby before going out to a party last Saturday night. We are talking to each other on our cell phones. He has the kids with him. I am in my car coming home from shopping.

H: "So, what are you planning for the kids for dinner?"

Me: "Well, don't you remember that we talked earlier about running by Wendy's on the way to my mom's house."

H: "Oh yeah, that sounds good."

More conversation takes place here about my mom and the upcoming party. I am telling him what I got as a gift because it is a 40th birthday party. By the way, why are all my friends turning 40? Weren't we all just turning 21? It is a little surreal.

So back to our conversation about food for our kids...

H: " So, should we just order a pizza for the kids to be delivered to your moms?"

Me: "Mom already ate and I thought we decided on Wendys?"

H: "Oh, yeah."

Me: "You know, I have to run by the store to pick up a bottle of wine to take to the party. Why don't I get some of those kiddie TV dinners they are always asking for and I never let them have?"

H: "Oh, yeah that sounds good."

Me: "Okay, so I will see you at home."

H: "So, do you want to order the pizza or me?"



By now, I am concerned because my children are actually at home with this man who cannot even seem to remember the last 2 minutes of our conversation.



Me: "Honey, repeat back to me what we just decided about dinner for the kids."

H: " Oh, yeah - Wendys."

Okee Dokee. Husband losing his mind or is he just really not listening to me?

Actually, this conversation took place after my husband had worked an insane number of hours for the last 2 weeks. He was exhausted and was humoring me by taking me to a party to begin with. I am sure he really wanted to stay home and watch the Golf Channel. Yes, the Golf Channel.

That man loves him some golf.

Anyway, so this week has been so much better for him. And me. I am just so thankful that he does not travel or is away a lot. It is not like I could not survive, but I think I would be whining about it all the time! Bless you ladies out there that run your households with your partners out of town, away at war or not there at all. You are an inspiration to me for sure.

My mom was a single working mom. I have so much respect for what she did. I know it was not always easy for her. Nor, did I make it easy, but she did it and we are all alive to tell about it!

So, yesterday, we took some time for a belated Valentines date and had couples massages at a local spa. Ahhhh. It was heaven for sure. Then we went to dinner. Alone. Uninterrupted by our 2 lovies. It almost felt like we were two real people! We are always asking each other at the end of a date why we don't go out alone more often.

So, we are going to try to get out more often each month.


How about you? How do you and your hubby have date nights? What kinds of fun things do you do? Keep it clean - this is a family blog. :)

Oh, stop.

No really. Please don't compliment me.

I find myself in this position where I have been complimented on the work I am doing with ministry at church.

Now you would think that being the extroverted, center of attention, kind of girl that I am, I would love this. But for some reason, I am not entirely comfortable with it.

I didn't know why until today. A friend came up to me and said I was doing a great job and that I was so real with the women. Yeah, that's me - real to a fault. Then she said that she could really see how God was working through me.

Ah ha. Now that made me feel good. That what God is doing through me is noticed - not me.

Several friends have told me recently to just take a compliment when given. It is like I want to explain it all the time.

"Nice shoes", someone says. I respond with the place I bought them, how they were on sale and that I had so much trouble figuring out what to wear with them. But you know, I just really needed a shoe in this color and when I saw them, I decided I must have them.

Or a compliment on my new hair color will ensue a complete dissertation on how I went back to my natural color and got soooo tired of maintaining highlights and oh how, I love my new stylist. Because you know I have been through about 4 in the last couple years and they just never know what color to put on my hair. But this one, I think she got it.

Okay, so what happened to just saying, "Thank You?"

How about you? How do you take a compliment? With a simple thank you? Or maybe you try to talk them out of the compliment. Or do you just try to explain it away like me?


Thank you, thank you very much.

Play along!

I was visiting my friend, Jo-Lynne, over at Musings and reading this Meme. She invited anyone who to play along, but especially if you needed blog fodder. Well, you would think that since I have been away from my computer for so long and not had an outlet to write that I would be full of things to write about. But I am not, so I am going to play along with this. You too!



What I was doing 10 years ago: We had been living in NC for about a year. We had a cute little 2 bedroom apartment. It was a blissful time in our lives. We were married for a year at the time, our new business was humming right along and we, for the first time in both of our young lives, were not completely broke. We were seriously enjoying being married and our new life together.



5 Things on My To Do List today:

Okay, I hate Mondays for this very reason. My "to do" list is huge. It is the entire week and I sometimes get overwhelmed looking over it. I will try to narrow it down to just today, though.



1. Call bookstore to make sure remaining 40 books for ladies small group study are in

2. Freak out if they are not OR my preference - Go pick them up if they are

3. Order a cake for a baby shower

4. Attend a meeting

5. Order a nuggets platter for son's Easter Party



Snacks that I enjoy: I love cashews, chocolate, cheese and crackers, chips with most kinds of dips.



Things I would do If I Were a Billionaire:

I don't know how much I would change my life. I would do things like: Pay off my house, pay off my moms house, add a sun room and redo my kitchen. Go on a great vacation. Buy everyone in my family dependable cars. I don't have any ambitions to change our lifestyle too much.

I would make a lifetime of giving my money to good causes, though. I think with that much money comes great responsibility. So, I would give a boatload to charities, church, sponsor a bunch of Compassion kids. Give a bunch of money to build wells in Central African Republic.



3 Bad Habits

Procrastination

Being Late

Short temper



5 Places I have lived:

England, Missouri, Texas, North Carolina - that's it!



5 jobs I've Had

Waitress

Sales Manager in a Hotel

Realtor

Restaurant Asst. Manager

Sales for Saladmaster

Oh, I have had many jobs. I could go on, but it only asks for 5.



So, that's the fun Meme! Tag, you are it! Play along if you would like, but let me know, so I can read all about you!

Very cool site

I found this very cool site on 5 Minutes for Mom.

Cool Moms Care - practical advice to help make our kids better people, us better parents and have fun doing it! Check it out.

Long time, no post

When I first started this blog several months ago, I posted very randomly. Maybe a couple times a month. Then it was once a week, then a couple times a week. I really don't know how it turned into blogging daily, but it has been an adventure.

Everything in my life becomes blog fodder. As a matter of fact, my family has now started to ask me if an event will be ending up on my blog. My 7 year old daughter has said more than once, "Don't put this on your blog, Mom!"

It has become such a great place to record a little diary of my family, my thoughts and make new friends. Since my computer has been down, I have missed it.

My sweet hubby bought a laptop for his office yesterday and is letting me use it some here at home. Hallelujah!

I have never worked on a laptop, though and it is hard to get used to. The mouse pad thingy really is touchy and the keyboard is smaller. So, I am spending a great deal of time getting used to all of that. But it is nice to be able to check emails and blog in my special evening, kids in bed, time.

My husband had a crazy 2 weeks at work for the last couple weeks and I am so very glad that is over. I did not realize how much he helps me even if it is just running the kids to school or hanging out with them while I run errands. I am so thankful he does not travel with his job.

My dog is having some issues. He had those teeth pulled last week and the little guy must have gotten some kind of nerve damage from the anesthesia or something because is having trouble walking with his little hind legs. They can't seem to figure it out and he seems to be getting a little better, but he is now refusing to climb any stairs. This would seem fine for most dogs except that my dog follows me EVERYWHERE that I go. So, if I forget him when I head upstairs, he barks to remind me to come back down and pick him up. Nice. Well, at least I am getting a little extra workout!!!

I had fun at the Bloggy Party last week even though I didn't get to participate as much as I would have liked with my computer down. I did meet several new friends and even won something from Working Momma 247! Isn't that fun? I have won more stuff by blogging than I ever do in the real world. Maybe I am just bloggy lucky.

No, I Do Not Brush My Dog's Teeth

My dog, Buddy, just had his teeth cleaned yesterday and thankfully, he is still alive and well after the procedure. But, he did need 7 extractions!

Am I the worst dog owner in the world or what?!?!!?

The vet showed me the pictures of his rotting teeth, handed me some doggy teeth maintenance paste and instructed me how to put this on my dog's little bitty teeth. (he weighs only 6 pounds). Of course, she also told me how this could have been avoided all together had I been

A. Brushing them on a regular basis

B. Paid every couple of years (to the tune of several hundred dollars) for him to have his teeth cleaned.

Now, before you call the SPCA on me, I want to state, here and now, how much I love this dog. And prior to having my 2 children, I actually did brush his teeth every day. Peanut butter flavored toothpaste - every day. He was my only baby and I had the time and energy to do this.

Yeah, so then I had two real babies and keeping them alive and entertained took priority over brushing my little dog's teeth. Imagine, that.

I tried to explain this to her. You know, mother to mother. She has one child. I thought she would understand.

She looked at me and nodded. And I might add that her expression and nod were a little condescending. "Of course, I understand." , she says.

Not really, she doesn't because she. is. a. VETERINARIAN!

She told me she puts that doggy teeth maintenance goo on her dogs teeth every week (her big dog) and she has a child AND runs a full-time vet practice. Well, she didn't say those last couple things, but I am sure she was thinking this.

I am sure she was also thinking, "You must be busy! Why you still have your workout clothes on and haven't showered, yet." Well, at least I worked out twice this week! I guess I should have been skipping the work outs and spending time brushing my dog's teeth. Again, she did not actually say this, but I really think she was thinking it.

Okay, as a side note here: I completely blame any blemishes in my appearance or any tardiness this week on the fact that I have one less hour. Say what you want, but that time change thing really messes with me.

Anyway, today he is healing nicely and I am feeding him his painkillers like a good mommy would. He was already on an antibiotic for a UTI. So, I am rolling all his meds in a little piece of chicken to make sure he eats them, is comfortable and heals nicely. I have a week to start the tooth maintenance project. But with all this guilt - I will happily add it to my list of things to do.

To check out a photo of Buddy, look at this post . I am not at my desktop computer - remember Computer Woes? So, I can't actually download his picture in this post.

Speaking of pets, you should read my new bloggy friend's post on her cat Oliver - it will make you laugh and the loss of her other cat, Chloe. I am so sorry for your loss, Queen B. I know you will DEFINITELY enjoy reading her blog.

Computer Woes

Well, I took my computer in yesterday for a little check-up and they told me it is going to take 2 weeks to fix! 2 Weeks!



I said, "Excuse me, but I am a blogger and I cannot be without my computer for 2 days, much less 2 weeks." "And there is a blog party going on which allows me to meet all kinds of friends, well, bloggy friends. So, I need my computer to check out their blogs and respond to all their kind comments." Yes, I did say this with total seriousness because, well, it is serious!



And yes, he did look at me with a blank stare and I swear said under his breath, "So what, you crazy lady." But he really said, "Sorry, that is just the only way it is going to get fixed." Bummer.



So, since the repair warranty is up on April 10 we are getting it fixed. I am checking emails and my blog daily but not nearly as much as I usually do. I REALLY appreciate all of your comments and would love to be spending time looking at each of your blogs, but I don't have a computer handy to do that. I will, though, as soon I am up and running again!



Hmmm. Maybe this is a sign. Remember me talking about stepping away from the computer?


Also, I wanted to link you up to my blog page designer, DCR Design! I feel famous to be posted here.

Did you notice my new little circles in the background?!?!?! So cool.
Thanks again, Jo-Lynne! I love it!

Computer on the fritz

I am taking my computer in to be fixed today. So, if I don't answer an email or comment, please forgive me. I should be back tomorrow - hopefully!

So everyone will know I love Him

This past Sunday was was one of those yummy days. Carolina blue skies, warmer and just happy. We had a day filled with laughter, family and joy.

I haven't posted this yet, because I wanted to post it with a picture, but my computer is acting all crazy and I can't download pictures right now.

B was one of 7 kids baptised this past Sunday.
She told me about 6 months ago that she was ready to be baptised. She informed me that she had asked Jesus into her heart and that she was ready to tell everyone about it.

So, this weekend she did it.

She was the last to be baptised and the youngest. The pastor asked her why she was there that day and she said,

"Because I love God. I want him to know I love him and I want everyone here to know I love him."

Amen. The End. That's all she wrote. Done.

The pastor even commented that we didn't need a sermon now!

Yes, I was in tears.

I am amazed at how such a young person can have such a simple straight forward answer to faith and baptism. She doesn't complicate the issue with religious doctrines. She doesn't question God. She just believes, obeys and celebrates. (Yes, we had a party)

I often wish I could just have a childlike faith like that.

I told her that night that I wanted all the best things in life for her. A great childhood, comfortable life, college, marriage and children, of course. I shared with her that while I wanted all these things I was not necessarily in a position to control what happened in her life. So, it was absolutely the most comforting and glorious occasion for me to live with the knowledge that she knows God. That she already strives every day to be more Christ-like. I feel safe in knowing he will be with her through all that life will bring her. It is a good feeling.

As if they were not good enough?

As if peanut M & M's were not good enough and hard to resist, they had to go an make them in dark chocolate, too. So, I ask you, how is one to resist this kind of thing?

Click here to read all about Dark Chocolate M & M's. Just in case you have nothing to do right now. Or don't read it if you prefer to live in darkness (dark chocolateness that is) about the calorie content.

Did you know that the majority of colors in your M & M's are blue and orange?

Really, read all about it.

Just keeping you updated on the really important things in life. There is CNN and then there is Dandelion Dayz. It's all about priorities, people. :)

Why is Easter so early?

A friend sent me this the other day. Interesting.

Easter this year is: Sunday, March 23, 2008. As you may know, (I really did not know this) Easter is always the 1st Sunday after the 1st full moon after the Spring Equinox (which is March 20 this year). This dating of Easter is based on the lunar calendar that Hebrew people used to identify Passover, which is why it moves around on our Roman calendar. This year is the earliest Easter any of us will ever see the rest of our lives!

Based on the above, Easter can actually be one day earlier (March 22) but that is pretty rare. Only the most elderly of our population have ever seen it this early (95 years old or above!). And none of us have ever, or will ever, see it a day earlier!

Here are the facts:
The next time Easter will be this early (March 23) will be the year 2228 (220 years from now).The last time it was this early was 1913 (so if you're 95 or older, you are the only ones that were around for that!).

The next time it will be a day earlier, March 22, will be in the year 2285 (277 years from now).The last time it was on March 22 was 1818. So, no one alive today has or will ever see it any earlier than this year

Sticks to Bricks

I have this friend and she wrote a poem for me and my blog.

Anyway, she is also one of my oldest friends from high school and I just reconnected with her after almost 20 years apart.

I just think she is such a special woman. She was so supportive and loving to me in high school. It has been a joy getting to know her all over again!

So, I want to encourage her in supporting this wonderful cause. Click on the above picture to find out more.

Get your party on!

Well, this is my first Blog Party ever! I am very excited to check out other blogs and make some new bloggy friends. This blogging thing was originally something I started to just get some musings out of my mind and record my family and faith journeys. It has since become very addictive and fun. I have met so many new friends and look forward to it every day. It has become a hobby for sure.


I have been married to a supportive, hard working and funny husband for 11 years now. He keeps me laughing for sure which is a great thing in marriage. We have our own business which keeps him very busy, but it is fun and rewarding.




We have 2 children: a daughter, age 7, and a son who will turn 4 in less than a month.
She loves her dance classes and he wants to grow up to be a superhero. For real.



I volunteer a lot at my church and with my children's schools. I enjoy being at home with them, although, we are seldom at home. They have been sick this week and while I hate that, I have enjoyed actually being in my home!


I am originally from the Mid-West, lived in the big D for 6 years and have finally settled in North Carolina. We love it here and plan to never leave! We are 2 hours from the beach and 4 from the mountains - why would we?


I like to cook and I love to read. I love spending time with friends and family and enjoy listening to as much music as I can. I talk a bit about new music and the books that I am reading. I occasionally post new recipes that I think are yummy and easy.


I only blog here, but am hoping to expand that soon. Check out my sidebar to learn more about me, read some favorite posts and check out more blogging friends of mine.


I am participating in the giveaway for this party too! It is my first giveaway!!! I am giving away your choice of one of these necklaces. Please read the giveaway guidelines for this here.



My friend, Lisa, is an amazing jewelry designer and I wanted to show off her goods. I have the necklace with the cross on it and you cannot believe how many compliments I get on it. She is redesigning her website which will feature her new designs as well as these. Until then, you can contact her at lisa-presence@nc.rr.com




Myself, I would love to win #54,(love these dresses!) #94,(need a book light, so badly) #92 (love pearls!)


Any of these would be cool, too. #38, #87, #63, #58

Please leave me a comment so I can visit your blog, too!

I wish you were really here, I would make us a cup of coffee and serve up some

Girl Scout cookies so we could sit and have a good chat.

Check out my new digs!!!

Yes, you see a new blog! Can you believe how beautiful this is??? I seriously let out a squeal right in my little home office when Jo-Lynne sent me an example of this header. I was just so excited that I would finally be a real blog!



I want to tell you my story about my bloggy friend Jo-Lynne. Early last summer, I sent an email out to my friends here in NC. I asked if any of them had any experience with blogs or knew anyone that did. A girl from my MOPS group introduced me to her friend's blog, Musings of a Housewife. I talk about that blog a lot. I love her blog!



I emailed Jo-Lynne at Musings and had a MILLION questions for her, all of which she graciously and excitedly answered. We had a wonderful email conversation about our mutual friend in NC and blogging. I instantly liked her and felt so honored that someone who did not even know me would take the time to help me get started with this whole blogging thing. She still continues to help me out when I need her and support me in this bloggy blog world.



Fast forward to 2 days ago. She is expanding her blogging to also design blogs! She emailed me to see if I would be interested in being her first customer!



Now, I have been on a wait list for some time with another very popular blog designer. I LOVE her work and think she is just an amazing person. I decided I was willing to wait to have her design my blog.



But when the opportunity arose for me to help Jo-Lynne out after all she has done for me, it really seemed like a no brainer. So, she did this!!!!!



I wanted something simple and fresh, just in time for Spring. She was fast and easy to work with. I had this in less than 2 days!!!! AND it was affordable! Where else can you get that? Timely work that is affordable.


If you do not have a blog design or are in need of a change,
please contact Jo-Lynne.

If you are not in need of a new design be sure to check out her blogs.
Musings of a Housewife - her main blog
Chic Critique - Reviews of beauty products.
American Idolist - she loves her some American Idol. If you are a fan, you will enjoy these discussions.
And here reviewing all kinds of products and books.

Her husband also has a podcast called The Handyguys Podcast.

Yes, she is a busy one! (also has 3 kids) Anyway, you will not be disappointed. I consider her a friend and I love to spread the love about my friends.

Thanks Jo-Lynne from the bottom of my bloggy heart!

Why?

Okay, you know I don't post many things that are not encouraging or that are too controversial. But this really just makes me mad.

There is Food rotting in ports to get to Haiti because of "red tape" and the Haitian people are eating dirt cakes.

Why? I mean, the article will tell you all kinds of reasons "why",(blah, blah, blah) but really why is this happening? Shouldn't people just be tripping over themselves to get food to other people that are eating dirt????