One of these things is not like the others..

Who can guess what is missing?

AAH Beautiful!

Dysfunctional Family

Now, I know you all want me to talk about the true dysfunction that stems from the Dahir side of my family, but I don't have that kind of time. I don't know that you can put that level of dysfunction into words. I will just focus on today's event where my husband took the kids on a bike ride around the block. He let me know, but because I am not the typical multi-tasker, being on the phone with the AmEx people caused me to not hear him clearly. He said something like- Addison is right here in front of you where I delivered her for he safety, and I am taking the other children on a bike ride around the block. I heard something like - kids will be gone, talk freely on the phone, bikes rock, block something or other. All this lead to Addison wandering aimlessly hunting for her daddy in tears throughout our neighborhood. Sigh. I am not sure I am ready for motherhood. Anyone need a good babysitter-keep looking.

Why I like Mike #16

Recently The Man and I celebrated our 12th wedding anniversary. I heart him. He bought me flowers and gave me a funny card. But that isn't why I like him this time. I like him because he giggled as much as I did at Dan in Real Life. He even wanted to rewind parts to laugh again, but we couldn't find the dvd remote. We really are M.F.E.O.

Reflection

While examining my perception of the issues around me, I was reminded of a teaching I wrote in case one day God calls me to be a grown up and share about him in front of others. Here is an excerpt:

You can find a reflection in many things- a mirror, a window, a pool of water, a prism, a diamond; after a big steak dinner, you can find your reflection in your steak knife and use it to make sure you don’t have anything in your teeth. Reflections can be very handy. They can also be very scary.

Recently, God revealed to me a little of what I am reflecting. I have to tell you folks, it was like one of the ugly step-sisters stole Snow White’s mirror.

Mirrors tend to reflect everything placed in front of them. If you were a mirror, what would you be reflecting? Picture yourself at home-chaos ensuing. Mine looks a little like this-feel free to close your eyes if you get scared:

I step out of a long peaceful hot shower with a grin. I am excited because I got to shave, shampoo AND condition my hair, and use body soap all in one interval. I step out into the living room and my husband who has been left in charge of our children, is vacuuming. I automatically assume he is trying to make a point rather than be helpful. Samuel, my one-year-old is covered in his own hair after my toddler decided to play “barber,” my six-year-old son is screaming hysterically in our front yard, but smiling so I am confused, Layla Grace, 5, is pulling on my towel trying to show me how much of my makeup she was able to fit onto her eyelids, and Isabelle is insanely barking and hopping up and down around my still vacuuming husband as she attempts to get the dog to attack the vacuum.

When I catch my reflection in the bathroom mirror…. I am snarling. As it turns out, I don’t think I am ready to have a dog.

1 Peter 1:7- Trials have come so that your faith-of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire, may be proven genuine and may result in praise, glory, and honor when Christ Jesus is revealed.

"Shine your light and let the whole world sing. We're singing for the glory of the risen king, Jesus."

For my friend who has chosen hope in the hardest struggle of her life. I love you Marie. Thank you for being a great example of a woman who puts her hope in God. You are my hero. And Baby Patience, you are a beauty with the squishiest, puffiest cheeks I have ever seen. I love you, too. I am comforted to know you are truly held by my Lord. My heart hurts that we did not get to know you longer.


For any of you who want to give to the Lear family, they can use your prayers most of all, but your money is equally as welcomed. Hillside Foursquare Church has set up a memorial fund for the Lear family to help pay for the unexpected medical bills. You can visit www.Hillside4.org to donate to the family.

(I totally stole this Psalm from my sister. I hope she doesn't sue me for plagiarism.)

this morning my heart is hopeful
in you, Lord, will i rejoice
i gaze out my window
and i see the sun
its rays bouncing off the morning frost
it is cold but shortly the sun will melt away the iciness
and so it is with my soul
the light of redemption is breaking
over the horizon
bursting through the darkness of winter
that wants to swallow me
renew me, my God
allow me to rest in your warmth
the road ahead is long, and i will need your strength
but for today
may i simply be warmed by your light.

Psalm #3 by Mel

When I Grow Up...

NO I can't wait that long. Recently, I have been in touch with the publisher of the RGJ (our newspaper here for you out of towners) (Jessie, this "town" has nothing to do with what you may be thinking). In January, Cory Farley retired from his spot as top-notch columnist, and I want to take his place. I don't so much want to fill his shoes as buy myself a bigger mouth in a real publication and be the new recipient of his paycheck. In my research about how to become such a person, I found out my new friend, Erin Harrison, was once the topic of one of Mr. Farley's column pieces. Apparently, when she lived here, she followed in HER mother's footsteps and became homecoming queen or something along those lines. I couldn't stop giggling, but then I got to thinking; "I want to be that guy!! I want to write about nonsense, happy family legacies, and why I think the protesters at the Olympic torch lighting ceremony are too disorganized and creepy for people to take them seriously."
In addition, I found out I have friends that have family at the newspaper, and I can't decide if I should play that card or not. So far, I am compiling my portfolio and waiting patiently for the Executive Editor to email or call me back. Mr. Ted Powers told me to wait patiently, so here I am. "Hear me God? Are you up there? It's me Margaret."
I am praying about God's timing and his amazing ability to say no when I shouldn't really do more. He has given me this desire, of that I am certain. I simply can't tell if he is calling my number just yet. I am willing to be patient, though I don't know if I will be any good at that game. As usual prayers are welcomed. Plus any advice you may have..ahem..David?

Sayings People Should Never Say

Recently I have notice an unintended cringe when people use certain phrases. This means if you are one of these people, you are causing me physical pain. Do you really want to be responsible for that? Help me out. Plus, feel free to add your own phrases.

*Been there, done that (Really?)
*Not! (Partly because only adults from Omaha use this saying through their still feathered hair, but also because white people feel the need to holler it while acting out the head waggle.)
*Get 'er done (Okay, seriously, that is the hillbilly version of "tap that". Any of you who have previously used this saying for something other than your expectations to get it on with "her" have my permission to reel. "AH CRAP! How DID I use that saying?")
*Help me help you (sigh. This one is just sad.)

And my absolute can't-handle-this-nonsense-phrase-because-it-causes-me-to-twitch saying

*It is what it is. (Who the heck are you, Confucius? Please, next time decide what IT is and just tell me. If I wanted fortune cookie sayings and obscure noun use I would go to a Chinese restaurant.)

Things to Do Before I Die (or get too old to do them)

*Graduate from college with at least a bachelors (halfway there and going strong).
*Read all of the books on my "Books I Wanna Read Before I Die" list. There are nearly 250 so far.
*Teach kindergartners to love school.
*Talk and pray with someone to receive Jesus (strangely this has never happened except counting me which doesn't count.)
*Be published as a regularly featured columnist
*Finish my scrapbooks.

*Take the whole of my family of seven on the Disney cruise with spending money.
*Master at least two instruments (preferably piano and the cello)
*Take voice lessons just cause.
*Date my husband regularly to out of town places.
*Become a skilled climber/rappeller/spelunker-er
*See things that may me go "wow!" ( I will cover these in another post as there are many)
*Learn to be compassionate.
*Become neater, but not to the point of freakish like the rest of you.
*Teach at a University or College.
*Save enough money to retire nicely with The Man with the possibility to easily enjoy my children and grandchildren.
*Lose my baby fat and have at least the beginnings of a six pack. I have mastered the pony keg; I think I am ready to graduate from this stage.
*Run/walk a half marathon
*Finish my book and get published.

I am sure there are more, but considering I have graduation as an upcoming goal, I figure should stop procrastinating and get started on my homework.

Movie Review

A little background before I get started: I am watching my DVDs in alphabetical order on the nights I am caught up on my homework or I decide to snuggle up with The Man.
So far I have watched up to the Cs with my last movie clearly being Chicago. (See previous post.) Yesterday the kids and I watched Cheaper by the Dozen, which always makes me cry. This movie is an oldie but a true goodie! Steve Martin and Bonnie Hunt are two of my chick flick family favorites. She also co-starred, wrote, and directed Return to Me. I will get to that movie near the Rs.

Cheaper by the Dozen is a total family friendly, have-on-in-the-back-ground-of-game-night kind of movie. It is based on an older movie of the same name. While everyone is clearly scripted, the happiness in the chaos reminds me of home and is sure to either make you want children or stop having them forever. When this movie first came out, I couldn't watch it enough. No real swearing, no real violence, no real issues with sex. My kids' favorite part is when Steve Martin's character does the "love dance" when he realizes his wife is checking him out as he walks away. Good stuff. If you havent' watched it yet, rent it- no, buy it. It is a must have.
I think this movie came out on DVD right near Addion's birth or at least when she was a baby. Once, after a few come to Jesus moments where we realized we actually were the unqualified parents of four children, we settled down to watch this movie. Mid way through, The Man snuggled up close and said he was glad we had a big family and "see, we could totally keep going. Let's try to beat them!" I was too scared to ask if he was serious, but I agreed if each of our children would stick to a written script and live in their own trailor, I would consider it. I am, after all, a giver.

Can't Say Why But...

I just love musicals. I know that will be painful for some of you to hear, but if you love me, you must love all of me.

Tonight I tucked my kids in to sleepy town, snuggled in with my green blanket and some orange juice, and put on one of my favorites, Chicago. So sadly I wasn't able to get my favorite song Cell Block Tango on here for your listening enjoyment. I love the recent musical movies like Moulin Rouge and Chicago for being brave enough to put musical numbers in the middle of a Hollywood production. And then another bravo for their stellar skills in finding some seriously surprising talent in the likes of Rene`e Zellweger, Richard Gere, Catherine Zeta Jones, Nicole Kidman, and my two faves John C. Reilly as Mr. Cellophane and Ewan McGregor who could sing me the phone book and make me swoon.


Of course I love the classics,, too. I love that my children (all of them) will sit and watch the entire two tapes of Fiddler on the Roof. Just happiness.

If you forgot about these gems or have never been brave enough to sit through one, I highly recommend one of the newer ones. Sometimes it is easier to handle something new when you know what to expect. Be brave! Take a chance! At least you can say you did this before you died. Don't worry, you won't really die from watching.

In the Mood for Funnies

Sometimes I just need funnines. If you also need some funnies, check out the link over there. See me pointing? The link is to a blog called Stuff White People Like. Ever since my refound friend Liz told me about it, I am addicted. And incidentally cracking up whenever I visit. Enjoy.

Oh, and Let's Be Real

IF Jesus HAD to choose, he would TOTALLY go to Hillside. Don't be modest Lou (not Louise)

My Life in a Musical

Seriously, I used to be amazed that people in musicals new all the words to the songs one character started singing and somehow they all magically knew the moves to the greatest dances ever! Now that I am grown, I just WISH my life could break into musical with willing participants around every corner. Tomorrow I am taking Layla Grace to the mall for her birthday. I wonder if our Hot Dog on a Stick lady will give us this same service!
Thanks to my friend, the speckled bird for showing us this improv group. They are called Improv Everywhere. I recommend the video where they mass froze in Home Depot and Grand Central Station.
Don't forgot to pause the music.

Feeling Great in 2008

I am truly a rockstar. Because you all have been catching onto what serious baby steps I need to accomplish any great physical goals, you will understand why I am so excited with my progress. At the beginning of this year I was working out about zero times and could hardly watch someone else exercise without getting worn out. In January I timed myself walking a mile and I checked in at a very sad 19 minutes and some seconds. Tonight I ran a mile in 15:37. Thought I wouldn't make it, but I did. I even stuck it out for a five minute cool down. Now I must shower because stank is eeking from my pits, but I will live you with this week's goal.

This one is awesome and truly all about me. My goal is to paint my toes and nails on Sundays to celebrate my sabbath. I am excited about this one because this gives me something to do just for me. It benefits no one but me. Am I selfish? Answer that when I wake up in the middle of the night to switch laundry for my husband, or make my daughter's lunch for her instead of exercising, homeschool my children and care for those other two instead of eating bon bons and watching my stories all day.

Sesame Street Favorite

On a Sesame Street sketch involving the sometimes controversial Bert and Ernie, Ernie was using a banana as an imaginary telephone. I was half listening to him attempt to convince Bert to give it a try. I cracked up laughing when Bert said, "Ernie, I am just not emotionally secure enough to do this."

On the Fly

In my attempts to keep up with a stronger, happier, healthier George Banks, I am wearing a pedometer courtesy of my friend Ms. Ridge. So far I have walked a whopping 3142 steps and it is still am! Yay! Who knew I chased kids as much as I do? In addition to this exercise awareness, I have started keeping my food journal again and am trying to be purposeful with my food. Last night I accused a friend of being pregnant when she just isn't (sigh. why do I talk?) and the only saving grace was my ability to point out my own baby fat in the shape of a beer gut around my middle. Hopefully she is inspired as much as I am and God will grant her time and energy to devote to herself. After all moms, this year is all about you!

Feeling Great in 2008

Next installment:
exercise- 20 minutes on treadmill-4/wk.
10 pushups/ 25 sit ups 3 days, drink two cups H2O/day
Seems easy enough, but I have been a rebel-dotty-a-loner when it comes to exercise. I can DO IT!!

Movie Review

Tonight I watched a movie with The Man, so I am clearly not hitting my 10pm bedtime. Time well spent though.
We watched Michael Clayton. Worth the rent. (Especially because we got the movie from one of those little Red Box renters. Love those guys.) The movie stars George Clooney and a number of other recognizable faces. Though the randomness came in spades, and I am sure I laughed at not-meant-to-be-funny parts, the story was interesting and most of the acting was excellent. And, well, George Clooney (Doug Ross, swoon!) He is definitely on my list of yummies. In fact, he may have moved up a spot because ole Heath pulled a Heath Ledger on us...wait; Jessie that doesn't really work for this situation. Anyway, I recommend the movie, and since I am the movie queen you must listen to me and watch it. Probably not a good purchase because I can't see us snuggling up to it again. My favorite part comes near the beginning when, without explanation, one of the semi-characters is seemingly leaning over a toilet, suddenly notices her pits are sweaty, and reaches her hand in said pit to check out the total situation. I have nothing more to say on that.
I give it 3 and 1/2 stars out of 5.
Swearing was medium to medium well on the steak scale.
Sex was none.
Violence was fairly minor as most violence was implied through interesting cinematography.

Let the Goodtimes Roll

Tonight Eli is having a sleepover at his cousins, Layla and The Man are going on a date, and Isabelle is having Jailie over for a late night movie: One Night with the King. The babies will go to bed early-ish, and I will snuggle up with a terrible book (required reading for my Humanities class.) I will talk more on that book later. For now, I am going to try not to get too excited over what life will be like when my kids go in many directions regularly. I am sure I will miss these times, but that sure is a pretty light at the end of the tunnel.

The Man

Today is The Man's 32nd birthday. He has to work, and he never reads my blog, but I thought I should "ode" to him anyway. As much as it hurts to be attached with someone when they go through growing times, I am grateful to have been part of the process of who my husband has become since we met in high school. Cause, remember when we used to sneak into the dark room together during photography class? Those were some good times. We have made some funny memories:
*Cahooting and actually making our photography teacher retire (she put our names on her resignation paper!)
*dating behind my best friend/your girlfriend's back (not our proudest moment)
*sneaking into the Jimmy Buffet after party
*being the only people under 40 at the Bad Company concert in Hollywood
*Me cracking up at you for not understanding Free Tattoos was the name of the band, not a free perk of the concert (sorry for mocking you so,but seriously YOU WERE WIDE OPEN FOR THAT ONE!)
*going on so many movie dates we actually had to wait for Hollywood to produce more before there was something new to watch
*New Year's kisses under the fire works and Disneyland
*Eating a silly amount of funnel cakes
*the time you told your grandmother I was suffering from nipple soreness (special)
*your willingness to pick up and move to Reno
*when you proposed and I nearly did cartwheels down my dorm hallway

These are a few of my favorite things. Happy Birthday, Babe.

Flat Stanley

I know I should be putting this on my homeschooling blog, and I will, but I wanted to see if anyone throughout the United States wanted to participate in our Flat Stanley/Flat Sydney project. We will be sending out our travelers near the end of the week. If you are interested, you only have to take one of our flat friends with you around town and take some pictures with hi during your adventures. You can either print out the pictures and tell us a little about the trip, or simply email us. We have local Reno friends, Vegas friends, Florida friends, and Auntie Mel doesn't know it yet, but the boys are our Virginia friends. Let me know. Thanks :)

Feeling Great in 2008

Week off- well, not really, but I am using this week to rework any resolutions that haven't been working for me. I am still in bed by ten o'clock and up on time. I have been sticking to a few good ones, but my exercising is seriously lacking. Feel free to pray. Bowling made me exhausted. Clearly I have issues with stamina lol.

Don't go Changin'

I am hoping you sang along heh heh. Anyhoo, as so many things have been changing lately, I find myself looking for stability. I feel like I have been in the middle of a long transitional day (almost like Groundhogs Day only without all the repetition). Of course life seems to continue to move with the kids' birthdays all happening, The Man turns another year older, and people post updates on their own blogs. The weird thing is, I feel like I am watching it all through a snow globe. I am not the one doing the shaking, but for different reasons, I am affected. I am working at changing my perspective. The longer I keep this focus, I fear I will find more things that feel out of whack. Instead, I am choosing God's peace. I want to be purposeful with my thoughts, so I am choosing to meet with God each day (as many times as necessary) until he restores my peace. I don't want to miss this time of year. I tend to get a little hectic because I want each of the kids to have a meaningful birthday, plus The Man, plus or anniversary, plus Easter which means a lot around here. I want to be the mom who remembers all those funny stories about her kids. To do that, I need to be available. To be available, I have to be focused. To be focused, I need God's peace. To know God's peace, I need to pray and read my bible. To pray and read my bible, I need to choose. Baby steps onto the elevator. I am IN the elevator. AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!

Catching up Through Pictures

Here are a couple that I was unable to post while they were new. Enjoy.

Daddy and Curious Sam at Halloween






Isabelle's artwork

A Boo Hoo Hoo

Why does getting an iPod have to be difficult? Sigh. My dad gave me his first generation iPod Nano, sweet! Only he lost the charger chord. Only, they don't sell them anymore as they are obsolete and before you mention eBay, I tried it all. We all did. I can't find a charger for that guy anywhere. SOO feeling badly, my dad took me to Circuit City to suprise me in buying me another, working iPod. They were out, but the man assured us the Sony MP3 player would be simple to use and compatible with the bazillion hours of iTunes music I have stored on my computer. Yah, well, he is a liar and if I were still in Las Vegas, I would tell him so. That big haired fruit cake. He just made stuff up to make the sale. BUT remember when he doesn't actually work on commission? Why does he care enough to make a sale to lie about the performance of a product? Stupid. SO, now I am waiting for George Dahir to find the receipt, so I can AGAIN purchase an iPod. For now, I must making Sam go to bed. I can tell he is tired as he will not stop making the yummy sound from Young Frankenstein.

Feeling Great in 2008

Baby steps and grace- I have had a lot of these lately. This week my goal seems simple enough, but I feel it will make a huge difference in my husband's disposition. Because he has "acts of service" as his love language, he likes me to clean. Because I think cleaning is overly tiresome, I struggle with fulfilling him in this way. So, I thought soley of him when I made this next resolution.

Make bed each morning, clean room for five minutes before heading downstairs to start my day.

See, I am a giver.

I Rule, You Drool!

http://www.virtualapple.org/oregontraildisk.html
Remember the game Oregon Trail? Yah, well, tonight I was online trying to find my kids some new computer games (one my genius son hasn't completely finished) and i came across this website that actually lets you play the old school Oregon Trail free online!! What!!?? I KNOW. I think you should all try it. The first round (yes, I played twice) I died from cholera, Auntie Mel died from the measels after getting lost and causing our trip to be delayed, Sam and Isabelle were poisoned by wild fruit, and Mike made it almost 1/4 of the way on the trail before being taken by the dysentery. shudder. I was able to etch something on his tombstone. I chose Mike, loved to fish. The SECOND time, i got to put my name in the hall of winners as contestent number four. OH YAH!! How do you like me now! This find almost makes me want to put a bunch of early 90s music on my selection over there. almost.

The Wise Words of Sam I Am

Dr. Seuss' bday is coming up. I believe he would have been about 104. Somewhere close to there anyway. Target is doing a reading of Horton Hears a Who and the bookstores always have greatness happening. The movie, of course, is due out soon as well. Because I love Steve Carrell and also enjoy Jim Carrey, we will be seeing that one. Here is our tribute to Dr. Seuss; this is our list of words Samuel Fisher can now say:

Mommy
Daddy
Layla
Bubba
Elijah
Isabelle
Doggy
Whoa
no no
and pretty, which actually comes out as titty, so we are discouraging that one until a little later.

GRRRR

I have to stop yelling so much. I yell when I am angry. Then, yelling makes me angry. Do you feel my vicious cycle? sigh

Feeling Great in 2008

I know I am a little tardy on getting this week's goal out there, but throw me a bone. My week seems to be getting more painful as the minutes tick by. I feel the prayers though; I haven't totally lost it. I am seriously looking forward to my friend, Erin, massaging me this weekend. I hope that still works out.

Here is the latest installment of Feeling Great in 2008:

Scrapbook once/week

You don't actually have to copy my hobby (although, why wouldn't you?). Fill in your favorite pass time and run with it. I love scrapping oh so much. Even if I only get one page done, I feel like I have accomplished something. I love the therapy scrapbooking provides for me. Nothing is better than displaying favorite or meaningful memories. I especially love when my pages make my husband cry. Good times.

Gotta Love it!

I am using this poster as a prop for my speech tonight. I thought it was awesome. My talk is about anti- antibiotics. The poster depicts the need for the drugs during World War II. I am just saying, you can never be too careful.

Dazed and Confused

melancholy

adjective
1. characterized by or causing or expressing sadness; "growing more melancholy every hour"; "her melancholic smile"; "we acquainted him with the melancholy truth"
2. grave or even gloomy in character; "solemn and mournful music"; "a suit of somber black"; "a somber mood" [syn: somber]

noun
1. a feeling of thoughtful sadness
2. a constitutional tendency to be gloomy and depressed



Do you ever have those times when things seem to keep going wrong and you don't know which emotion to act upon so you just sit in a dazed and confused state? That is me today and most of the week. I have been dealt layers of heavy news in the past couple of weeks, and I think my mind is rejecting the next stage of processesing. I keep sitting down to deal with it all, but that doesn't seem to work. I am in limbo; I am not really wanting to deal with any of it, yet I can't seem to concentrate on anything else. Then, I keep feeling like I want to talk to someone, but I don't really have anything to say. I am ready to move on from this season.

Feeling Great in 2008

Okay, we are starting a new week. I think I can, I think I can! Last week's goal proved a little challenging. I started off really well with going to bed at 10. I even got in a little light reading. Any of you in college know that almost never happens as there is far too much required reading to turn to fluff when we get a free minute. ( Free minute? What's that?) Getting up in the morning has been ridiculous only because I wake up an hour or so before my alarm. Don't be confused. I am not waking so early because of all the sleep. My body seems to be rebelling and waking three or four times each night. No reason, just to look at the dark room. Sigh.
This week, with my cold on the down slope, I am hoping getting back to exercising will give me the stress release and the exhaustion to keep me asleep. I don't feel these are large requests.
Anyhoo, this week's goal: dishes before bed, read Love Languages of Children and work on responding this way to my kids.
You may have some other chore you procrastinate at such as laying out your clothes, making lunches, or straightening the living room before bed. Just fill in your own slacker chore. Also, any book that will make you a new, better, and stronger you as long as it is not a diet book. I do not condone them. Just eat balanced, REAL food, drink your water, and move. Just give it a try.
Anyway, anyone have an update?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOOOOU!

Happy Birthday Melaroo!
For those of you who don't know Melissa, she is my sister. Because you don't know her, you won't be able to pick her out of this picture anyway. Those of you who do know her- I didn't actually have a picture of her and I didn't want to steal Jessie's from her blog. Plus, a lot of people think all black people look alike anyway so I just found a fake Melissa. In fact, I titled the picture "The Fake Melissa" when I saved the image to my computer. Anyway, I thought if I was using a fake Melissa, I would give her some fake accomplishments as well. Congratulataion on your graduation!! You look real smart!

*I totally stole this post from a speckley bird.
**The first time I posted this, I accidentally did so on David's blog. Sorry about that. It was even weirder to see that ethnic family on your blog, David. I was cracking myself right up!

I am Ready for Summer

Miss Layla- a beauty even when she is ruffin it

Mike getting in on some nice hot schmoes!


Eli- he is just too big. He was totally in his element!


These pictures are just a glimpse into the goodtimes!


Normally, I try to just enjoy the seasons as they take place. This year, while the snow hasn't been too deep, it is coming too frequently. For about ten days or so the snowshowers have just been on and off, continuously. While I love all the white, as much as I love waking up every morning and snuggling in front of my new fire place, and as much as I love watching my dog go crazy with love in our snow filled backyard, I am tired of being cold. I feel frumpy in my seven layers, and I think I would look slimmer if I could just go out in one shirt at a time. Here are some pictures from last summer's camping trip with our great friends, the Ridges, and our new friends Patrick (or Patlick as Addison called him) and LeAnn. We already have plans to repeat the trip this summer. The best part of it all is this lake is 20 minutes from our house! We can see the mountain every morning when we wake up in our new house. Mo and Jo...get your butts up here! Reno needs you.

Feeling Great in 2008

Week 5- in bed by ten; read book or magazine NOT school related, up by 6:30. I would love to see you how you are keeping up if you are joining me.

Can You See Me Now?

So, I went to the Eye Guy on Friday. It went well: the lady made me look at weird pictures and fuzzy lines, the lady blew air in my eye (could have done without that), the guy made me answer lots of questions. I guess the usual check up sort of stuff. Then the amusing part came when my doctor gave me my diagnosis. Apparently, my eyes are tired. ::scoff:: What was that? You made me pay you how much money to tell me that? Next time, how about we make it a phone visit to cover all the obvious information. Then, maybe it won't cost me so much. I have eyeball fatigue, which is causing my eyes to wear out before my day is through. I am good in the morning, but as the day progresses, my eyes begin to shut down making it difficult for me to see clearly. The bad news is I had to pay a lot of money I didn't feel like paying. The good news is I got the greatest pair of glasses: red and blue with flowers on the sides. They are the greatest throw back to the 60s. I will just like my mother, which is a compliment.

So sad

I can't even say how sad I was this morning when my alarm clock radio told me one of the yummies has died. Heath Ledger, on my top ten list of yummies died. Sigh. He was 28.

Feeling Great in 2008

So this is my own cheesy slogan for the list of things I have planned for this new year. My resolutions this year will be stretched out over a the 52 weeks of 2008. Each is a baby step, but I am hoping (and praying) by the end of the year at least a few will have stuck, and I will have developed some knew good habits. I will try to post each new one as I start it each week. I don't think any of them are too scary to share, but i can't say for certain. Some are physical, some spiritual, emotional, and others are just good habits to have. Feel free to ask me how I am doing with them; I welcome the encouragement. Stay at home moms don't get a lot of that. I will list my first few for January. I have already started them, and so far, I am doing pretty well.

January
Week 1- Night Routine and in bed by 10:30
wash face & FLOSS
Week 2- Bible and Prayer each morning, clean up bathroom before leaving it
Week 3- Morning routine & up by 7am
wash face & get dressed to my shoes and makeup
Week 4- Exercise 20 mins on treadmill 3x/wk. & drink at least 1 cup of water each day.

I know these all seem easy, but so far I have been challenged. I am working on not being so rebellious against doing what I know I should be doing. So each of these steps, while simple, have caused me to remember I am not invincible and I need to take care of ME. I do a lot of caring for others- mostly short people. This year is all about me.

What I wouldn't give

What I wouldn't give for a neighborhood elementary school that didn't suck. This morning I awoke at 6:45 to snow covering our streets. So much so, I can't tell where the side walk ends and the street begins. These are not good driving conditions, clearly. Because there is still a feud over who we belong to (Cold Springs apparently tried to become its own town because apparently we have our own ideas @@. whatever.) we are the forgotten streets when it comes to snow plowing, even though we usually get the most snow. With my daughter's school being near the church, they see no need to have a delayed start. Why would they? So I am here now, needing to have left 25 minutes ago to get Isabelle to school on time. I tried checking to see if we were on a delayed start, but there was no news anywhere: not on the radio, not on the school or district website, and not at the school as we have to leave 15 minutes before they open to get there on time. All of this information makes me sigh repeatedly throughout my day. By the time I got in touch with anyone, we were too late to leave to be on time anyway, so I now have to wait until The Man comes home with his giant snow tires and five feet of clearance before I can leave to take her. Who am I kidding? I am totally going to offer him favors in hopes that he will take her.
My point really, is I hate that we have to be zoned for possibly the worst school in our school district. One of the only over crowded elementary schools, one of the only elementary schools to have reported confiscated weapons, and one of the only schools in the district that has less than 1% black students. Call me crazy, but I am not interested in my children attending an all white school. And before you remind me of the Hispanic and Latino population, they don't really exist up here either. If I were a stranger looking in, I would guess Cold Springs is code for "Mormon Commune." The only people I know that have two or less kids, have just started and have plans for more! We are the norm up here. Plus, we never get those missionaries at our door. They must think we are already converted. Or they still have my name in their black book of homeowners that made a missionary cry. Seriously, one guy was so exasperated with me he put his head in his hands and leaned heavily against my house. I asked if I could pray for him and he threw his hands up and said sure. Apparently I was not getting his purpose. Good times.

Funnies from the Archives

I love finding lost funniness. While unpacking the past few weeks, I have come across a lot of memories. The following is a journal entry from sometime around 2004.

"Mommy! I have to go potty!" Eli said, holding out the "o" in potty. I jump to my feet to reassure my two year old that I think potty training this instant is as important as he does. Even though in my mind my eyes are rolling, my arms and legs are suddenly 40lbs. each, and I just know this is going to be another false alarm. Sigh "RUN! RUN! RUN!"
I swoop him into my arms and onto the potty. My bathroom is the closest so that is where he lands. This means I have to use his bathroom because of course the second he sits down, the dam on my bladder releases so that my Dr. Pepper is knocking at my downstairs door.

"I have to go potty, too. DON'T get up." I try to say this last part slowly so he recognizes I think this part is important, but watching his reaction, I don't think he has heard me at all.

I run to the kids' bathroom. The whole time I am gone, scenarios of what I may meet when I return stream through my mind: a puddle of pee, little brown streaks smeared across the toilet seats, or a mound of toilet paper quickly turning to cement at the bottom of the toilet.

I return to Eli standing in front of my toilet in his oversized jammy tee shirt. He is using one hand to grab at the side of his shirt; the other hand is reaching under his shirt in desparation. Eli furrows his brow, really grimacing.

"OUCH Mommy! Take it off. I can't get it off."

"Son, what are you doing? Did you go potty?"

"OW!! GET IT OFF! I DON'T LIKE IT!"

Once I get a little closer, I realize Eli has adhered one of my pantyliners to his entire naked nether region, front to back. After a very brave minute and a whimper and a tear from him, i am able to peeeeel it off.

"Son, don't touch mommy's things."

"oh" he says in true suprise, "these are your things?"

As I lean in to hug him, he reveals his other arm is nicely lined with a super absorbant, extra strength, maxi pad with wings.

Awesome.

Quick Funnies from Pearl the Squirrel (aka Addison)

First, this picture is of me wiping her nose with the inside of her shirt. She is three; this works for now lol. Again, I love that my photographer Jessica the Speckled Bird included this in my photo shoot proofs. Crack me up.
Funny #1
me: whoa! What was that noise?
Addie: my butt.
me: ew! What is going on over there?
Addie: it was my butt freak show. (Please know she was not calling me a name but naming her experience.)

Funny #2
ring ring- my cell phone rings to the sound of Kiss Me by Sixpence None the Richer when The Man calls me.
Addison: MYYYY HOTLIPS!!!!! (at the top of her lungs as she dives for the phone)

Funny #3
Addie: EW! UGH!! ARGH!! GROSS!!! MOOOOMMMYY!!!
me: what.
Addie: I went PUKE in the toilet. Come wipe my butt!! Don't smell in here; it is a-sgusting.

Ah the joys of mothering.

Pennies in my Pocket

This is more for the ladies than the mens, but I just love this website. Okay, she is my friend, but she just seems to have a nose for great deals. She is running a blog series of "Redecorate in 2008" that showcases super great decorating deals and ideas. Plus, she does weekly giveaways. These freebies are nothing to snerk at. My favorite was the free National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation on dvd. I have completely worn out my copy on VHS (VHS what the heck is that?) No fear; my new BFF sent it to me just before Christmas. I love her.
Anyway, today's giveaway is a set of ten really great gift bags from PennyLane Papers. Don't worry if you don't win the giveaway though! They are normally priced at only a buck a piece! WHAT!?? That is unheard of. Seriously they are great. Check out the Pennies in my Pocket website by clicking on the link over there>. Look for the pennies.

AND ACTION!

Yesterday was a hit. I was a little anxious about living life's new schedule with so many new factors. I enjoy change, but mostly when it is my idea and because I say so. This past year was one of those "totally out of my hands" years. I am happy to report that having babies wasn't one of the big events for last year, but we now have a preschool aged squirrel and a fish-faced toddler running rampant while we attempt to homeschool (with Isabelle in public school) and The Man finding his place amid the chaos of our daytime home. He really hasn't ever had a good glimpse of what we do here. He peeked in periodically yesterday but mostly kept his distance. He has to feel a little on the outside. We have had this giant rolling ball of homeschooling in progress for four years without his involvement. Any time he was off work, there was a holiday to celebrate, a weekend to enjoy, or a baby being born so we had a school break.
So, now we are on day two and The Man has left early to drop Isabelle off at school. If this is the only good change that comes from it all, I will be satisfied. Off to school..

So close to sanity

To all you loverly people who made the past few weeks easier, thank you thank you thank you so very much. God will bless you richly. We are finally in our new home...that we own. YAY. Now we are working on getting unpacked and settled in to our new house, new careers, and new neighborhood. This morning the kids and I enjoyed the warmer weather by running amok in the cul-de-sac, roller blading (yes I did it too), riding bikes, and plugging our ears when the potty mouthed construction workers started speaking. Overall, we are loving the new house. All are welcome to visit, but we are planning a house warming party near February the beginning. See you all soon.