Ok, I told you guys I had 5 readers! :) Thanks to those that shared their Easter plans! Sounds like there will be lots of egg hunting going on. I hope the weather holds out for everyone. We are literally on the road to St. Louis to celebrate Easter with my parents. It has been an eventful trip so far with an entertaining pit stop that involved my husband, a stranger, a door, and 2 smashed 44 ounce cokes. Good times.
And now for the good stuff! The winner of the giveaway is......AMY!! Amy is a full of spunk friend I have known since high school days. She has a fun blog at covetthedust@blogspot.com. Check out her adorable kids and amazing creative talent if u have time! Amy, message me your favorite scent and I will order the goods for you.
I pray that you all have a wonderful time of worship and fellowship with your family this weekend! As for us, we have so much to be thankful for, and at the top of that list is a loving God who bestowed mercy and grace for us so long ago that we might have life, and have it more abundantly! Hallelujah! He lives!
Friday, April 22, 2011
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
My FIRST giveaway!!
I am back and fully recovered from my whirlwind trip to Vegas! And what a trip it was! I cannot wait to share a few stories and pictures from my trip. I'm not sure I'll ever get to do Vegas the same way, so I definitely need to document it. It truly did take me a day or two to recover due to the 12 hours of sleep I got during the entire 4 days. :) However, we are already in re-packing mode, so the Vegas stories are going to have to wait until after Easter. Until then, I thought I would share 2 things that I am head over heels for this week.
ONE - myjobchart.com
This website allows you to make a customized chore chart for your kids. You assign the chores, they get a password and log onto their own pages, check off their chores, and shop for rewards. For instance, Mackenzie wants a new DVD. She shopped for it using the Amazon link at myjobchart.com and it calculated that she would need 1500 points for purchase. ($15.00) I assign her chores and her point value for each chore (making her bed - 15 points, etc.). She will log on everyday and mark which chores have been completed and can designate her points to a spend, save, or give bucket. I was skeptical because it sounded complicated, but oh. my. My kids have never been so excited about chores. They literally race home every day, fight to jump online first, and are begging me for more chores. The communication is fun too. I will get a daily email telling me what chores they have done and how many points they amassed for the day. They can also send me messages, so I have been getting a lot of MOM ROCKS coming in on my phone. Swoon. My 7 yr old loves it just as much as the 10 year old, so it doesn't have to be for an older kid. Check it out and put your kids to work! It's why we went through the birth process, right?
TWO - Mrs. Meyers free Earth Day shipping 
I first used a Mrs. Meyers product a few months ago and I am in love! I hate to do dishes, but it sure makes it more fun when it smells wonderful. It's kind of like wearing lacy undergarments to the grocery store. Nobody is really going to know or care except you, but it can put an extra spring in your step. These products are a little hard to find in our area, and shipping from the website is usually more expense than I can justify. It is, after all, just soap and my local Wal-mart carries plenty of Dawn and Palmolive. But in honor of Earth Day, Mrs. Meyers is providing free shipping for all products! Woo Hoo! This has inspired me to host my first giveaway! I am going to give away a bottle of the liquid dish soap AND countertop spray in the scent of your choice. To enter, just leave a comment telling me what your Easter plans involve. Are you going to a sunrise service? Lunch at grandma's? Hosting an Easter egg hunt? I'm curious to know how you celebrate! I think there are only about 5 people that read this blog and 3 of them are family, so the odds are pretty good that you may be the randomly chosen winner. :)
I first used a Mrs. Meyers product a few months ago and I am in love! I hate to do dishes, but it sure makes it more fun when it smells wonderful. It's kind of like wearing lacy undergarments to the grocery store. Nobody is really going to know or care except you, but it can put an extra spring in your step. These products are a little hard to find in our area, and shipping from the website is usually more expense than I can justify. It is, after all, just soap and my local Wal-mart carries plenty of Dawn and Palmolive. But in honor of Earth Day, Mrs. Meyers is providing free shipping for all products! Woo Hoo! This has inspired me to host my first giveaway! I am going to give away a bottle of the liquid dish soap AND countertop spray in the scent of your choice. To enter, just leave a comment telling me what your Easter plans involve. Are you going to a sunrise service? Lunch at grandma's? Hosting an Easter egg hunt? I'm curious to know how you celebrate! I think there are only about 5 people that read this blog and 3 of them are family, so the odds are pretty good that you may be the randomly chosen winner. :)I will end the contest at 10:00 p.m. on Thursday, so hurry and add your comments! (For clarity purposes, Mrs. Meyers nor myjobchart.com know a flip about me. They gave me no freebies, and I'm buying the prize with my hard earned stay-at-home mom salary!)
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Family Bingo Night
Since we rarely do the family game night thing around here, I though I had better document our Bingo night for when our girls start the "you never play games" routine. Now I have documented proof! See, according to this blog post from 4 years ago, we did indeed play a game and had a fun night of Bingo! Future guilt trip averted with one easy blog post.
By the way, if you think it looks like this girl posed her shot more than one time to get just the right angle of lighting and chin pointing, you would be right. It was 5 takes people. Sigh.
By the way, has anyone been to a real gambling bingo hall? Marty and I actually went for a date night during our first year of marriage. Those people are crazy serious about their bingo! People buy 5-10 cards at a time, have multiple dobber markers and little troll figurines that they rub for good luck. And they do it all while chain smoking in between number calls. Yeah, it was real classy.
We also took a cruise about 10 years ago, and spent the majority of our time not by the pool or the frozen margarita bar, but in the bingo hall that was set up every day at 2:00. It cost us $20 a day to play, but we're both pasty white people and you need a little afternoon entertainment on a 7 day cruise. I'm pretty sure it was us and about 15 elderly couples and wouldn't you love to travel with us? We are party animals.
Marty won all 4 games, and I'm pretty sure it's because he was calling the numbers and some shady action was happening. As a matter of fact, we're probably going to have to rematch soon. Maybe 2:00 next Sunday?
Monday, April 11, 2011
Say Cheese!
This week I am hitting the road for a girls-only trip! To say that I NEVER do these is quite an understatement. It's so difficult to plan time and money away just for myself, but I am so excited about it! I am joining a few ladies in my family for a celebration of my mother-in-law's 70th birthday. She has always wanted to see the Grand Canyon, so we are going to rough it in Las Vegas for a few days. Staying in a suite at the Wynn, taking a champagne lunch helicopter tour of the Grand Canyon, shopping, and a little Jersey Boys show to boot. That's a nice contrast to this past weekend which has been spent nursing double ear infections for my boy and a nasty sinus infection for yours truly.
Due to my sinus issues, I have needed someone to tell me when my boy needs a-changin'. (No, he is still not potty trained. I don't want to talk about it.) Tonight, my husband informed me that something was stinking and a clean up on aisle 3 was needed pronto. Knowing he has a, ahem, slight aversion to dirty diapers, I asked him if he was going to be able to handle all of the dirty changes while I was gone to Vegas. His response? "I've got it all under control. I'm going to feed him cheese. Lots and lots of cheese." :/ Seriously. He should write a parenting book.
HOW TO NOT CHANGE A DIRTY DIAPER FOR 4 DAYS!!
(a look at cheese and it's many functions)
by super dad Marty
No wonder he's a mama's boy.
Due to my sinus issues, I have needed someone to tell me when my boy needs a-changin'. (No, he is still not potty trained. I don't want to talk about it.) Tonight, my husband informed me that something was stinking and a clean up on aisle 3 was needed pronto. Knowing he has a, ahem, slight aversion to dirty diapers, I asked him if he was going to be able to handle all of the dirty changes while I was gone to Vegas. His response? "I've got it all under control. I'm going to feed him cheese. Lots and lots of cheese." :/ Seriously. He should write a parenting book.
HOW TO NOT CHANGE A DIRTY DIAPER FOR 4 DAYS!!
(a look at cheese and it's many functions)
by super dad Marty
No wonder he's a mama's boy.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
A year ago today
A year ago today, my family was happily celebrating my sister's marriage at her beautiful wedding reception, not knowing my grandmother would meet Jesus that very night.
A year ago today, I saw my father-in-law dance with my girls for the last time.
A year ago today, we were expecting to meet Lily, our unborn niece, in a few months time.
A year ago today, we did not know loss.
Today, on the year anniversary of my grandmother's passing, it is hard not to be sad. I have been sad throughout the year, but this day brings about a different emotion. I find myself longing for the day before. A day when our family did not know the difficulties we would face in the next few months. A grandmother's comforting voice silenced. A niece that would live for only 4 months. A father-in-law that would pass away after an immense physical struggle with cancer. A Christmas Eve that involved a funeral. I want the day before back when we did not know these emotions. I can imagine that is what heaven will feel like. An immediate erasure of pain. Erasing the pain of loss. Erasing the pain of regret. Erasing the pain of separation.
It has been amazing to see how God has provided ways of comfort over the last few months. For instance, on that very dreary, cold and rainy Christmas Eve, we were at the graveside services for Marty's dad. Because of the rain, we were crowded under the tent, and we closed in tight to make the most room. Grave side services are truly the most difficult part of a funeral, and when you are sitting so close to the casket with the family, you find yourself looking anywhere but at the casket. Since we were so crowded, I was actually sitting on the end of the row with my elbow resting on a tombstone. When my eyes began to wander, I took in the name on this tomb stone. JoAnn. The name of my grandmother. I couldn't even see her last name, only JoAnn. In that moment, I knew that God would give us the grace to see through our losses. I knew that God understood our pain, and cared enough to comfort us in the big and small ways that would see us through the next few weeks.
So many details orchestrated that event: my in-laws bought their plots years ago, it had to be raining, it had to be crowded, I had to sit on the front row, I had to sit on the end seat, I had to look. Now when we visit Marty's dad's grave, I find myself looking over at JoAnn and I know that God provided a place for me to honor her there, since I can't visit her actual grave. We truly are in God's hands and always at his mercy. I know this in an entirely more real way than I did a year ago today. And for that, I am grateful.
A year ago today, I saw my father-in-law dance with my girls for the last time.
A year ago today, we were expecting to meet Lily, our unborn niece, in a few months time.
A year ago today, we did not know loss.
Today, on the year anniversary of my grandmother's passing, it is hard not to be sad. I have been sad throughout the year, but this day brings about a different emotion. I find myself longing for the day before. A day when our family did not know the difficulties we would face in the next few months. A grandmother's comforting voice silenced. A niece that would live for only 4 months. A father-in-law that would pass away after an immense physical struggle with cancer. A Christmas Eve that involved a funeral. I want the day before back when we did not know these emotions. I can imagine that is what heaven will feel like. An immediate erasure of pain. Erasing the pain of loss. Erasing the pain of regret. Erasing the pain of separation.
It has been amazing to see how God has provided ways of comfort over the last few months. For instance, on that very dreary, cold and rainy Christmas Eve, we were at the graveside services for Marty's dad. Because of the rain, we were crowded under the tent, and we closed in tight to make the most room. Grave side services are truly the most difficult part of a funeral, and when you are sitting so close to the casket with the family, you find yourself looking anywhere but at the casket. Since we were so crowded, I was actually sitting on the end of the row with my elbow resting on a tombstone. When my eyes began to wander, I took in the name on this tomb stone. JoAnn. The name of my grandmother. I couldn't even see her last name, only JoAnn. In that moment, I knew that God would give us the grace to see through our losses. I knew that God understood our pain, and cared enough to comfort us in the big and small ways that would see us through the next few weeks.
So many details orchestrated that event: my in-laws bought their plots years ago, it had to be raining, it had to be crowded, I had to sit on the front row, I had to sit on the end seat, I had to look. Now when we visit Marty's dad's grave, I find myself looking over at JoAnn and I know that God provided a place for me to honor her there, since I can't visit her actual grave. We truly are in God's hands and always at his mercy. I know this in an entirely more real way than I did a year ago today. And for that, I am grateful.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Today
Today I....
.....laughed all day at the scene that first greeted me this morning. We have been having a minor issue with our neighbor's dogs digging under our fence to come visit our kids & pets. This morning, when Marty got up to let our dog out, he opened our bedroom patio door at 6:30a.m., wearing only his, ahem, skivvies, and was unexpectedly greeted by our neighbor who was retrieving his wandering dog. They exchanged a few embarrassed exchanges, he got his dog, and went on his merry way. But seriously, what was he doing in our backyard at 6:30? Weird Duck.
....spent a few hours in a room filled with 13, yes,THIRTEEN two year olds. Nine of them were boys. We learned that our son is very tall and bossy, he's not the only almost 3 year old that is not potty trained, and he is protective of his big sisters when his friends are wrestling them or trying to chase them. I think he even used the phrase, "I'll keep you safe, sissy." ahhhh.....There's a good heart lurking under all those temper tantrums he's been sporting.
....had some time to catch up on my backlog of magazines. The October issue of Real Simple had some great pumpkin recipes, but the "How To Wear a Chunky Sweater" article did me no good at all.
.....talked to my mom for an hour about little girl's shoes and dresses, laptop covers, and patio remodels. Every girl should have a mother or daughter with whom they can discuss such important things. Those conversations are one of God's greatest little blessings.
....finally feel like I'm turning the corner on this allergy/bronchitis/cold thing that has been hosting a party in my sinus cavities. I could talk all day long and only hacked and coughed for about half of my waking hours. If this healing trend does not continue tomorrow, I'm going to the doctor. I've got stuff to do man, and losing my lungs ain't one of them.
....have been toying with the idea of hosting a weekly ladies lunch/Bible study in the fall. Now, I don't want to lead the study, just host it. I'm feeling the need to use what God has provided for us (creepy neighbor aside, a beautiful home for entertaining), and maybe provide a way to foster closer relationships and deeper Bible study. Moms are usually so busy serving and mothering that it's hard to fit in some quality girl time. I know there are local MOPS groups, which are great, but I'm thinking something a little more intimate. If you take part in a study similar to this, I would love to hear about it! If you live in my area and have any thoughts and/or ideas or would pray about LEADING a study, please message me and let me know!
....stayed up too late. Again.
.....laughed all day at the scene that first greeted me this morning. We have been having a minor issue with our neighbor's dogs digging under our fence to come visit our kids & pets. This morning, when Marty got up to let our dog out, he opened our bedroom patio door at 6:30a.m., wearing only his, ahem, skivvies, and was unexpectedly greeted by our neighbor who was retrieving his wandering dog. They exchanged a few embarrassed exchanges, he got his dog, and went on his merry way. But seriously, what was he doing in our backyard at 6:30? Weird Duck.
....spent a few hours in a room filled with 13, yes,THIRTEEN two year olds. Nine of them were boys. We learned that our son is very tall and bossy, he's not the only almost 3 year old that is not potty trained, and he is protective of his big sisters when his friends are wrestling them or trying to chase them. I think he even used the phrase, "I'll keep you safe, sissy." ahhhh.....There's a good heart lurking under all those temper tantrums he's been sporting.
....had some time to catch up on my backlog of magazines. The October issue of Real Simple had some great pumpkin recipes, but the "How To Wear a Chunky Sweater" article did me no good at all.
.....talked to my mom for an hour about little girl's shoes and dresses, laptop covers, and patio remodels. Every girl should have a mother or daughter with whom they can discuss such important things. Those conversations are one of God's greatest little blessings.
....finally feel like I'm turning the corner on this allergy/bronchitis/cold thing that has been hosting a party in my sinus cavities. I could talk all day long and only hacked and coughed for about half of my waking hours. If this healing trend does not continue tomorrow, I'm going to the doctor. I've got stuff to do man, and losing my lungs ain't one of them.
....have been toying with the idea of hosting a weekly ladies lunch/Bible study in the fall. Now, I don't want to lead the study, just host it. I'm feeling the need to use what God has provided for us (creepy neighbor aside, a beautiful home for entertaining), and maybe provide a way to foster closer relationships and deeper Bible study. Moms are usually so busy serving and mothering that it's hard to fit in some quality girl time. I know there are local MOPS groups, which are great, but I'm thinking something a little more intimate. If you take part in a study similar to this, I would love to hear about it! If you live in my area and have any thoughts and/or ideas or would pray about LEADING a study, please message me and let me know!
....stayed up too late. Again.
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