Book Review - Cold Sassy Tree

Cold Sassy Tree by Olive Ann Burns is the current selection for my book club. I enjoyed this southern novel for the following reasons:

- It made me laugh out loud and tell my husband "you have to hear this!"
- I fell in love with the characters even though some I wanted to shake and tell them to smarten up!
- Rucker Blakeslee(Grandpa)'s heartfelt and unorthodox theology on pg. 363. Here's an excerpt:

"...faith ain't no magic wand or money-back gar'ntee, either one. Hit's jest a way a-livin'. Hit means you don't worry th'ew the days. Hit means you go'n be holdin' on to God in good or bad times, and you accept whatever happens. Hit means you respect life like it is - like God made it - even when it ain't what you'd order from the wholesale house."

- I loved the southern dialect and interesting turns of phrase.
- It was hard to put down. I stayed up waaaaay too late finishing it.

Thanks, Elsa for recommending it to the group! I think I might buy a copy for my son to read when he's old enough - in about ten years!Pin It

Encouraging verse

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Psalm 73:26Pin It

Wordless Wednesday

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Love 80s music?

Here's a quiz to test your memory of lyrics:

http://www.yetanotherdot.com/asp/80s.html

Just a warning, a lot of those 80s songs weren't very wholesome. The quiz is also pretty long.

My score: 78. I think I could've done better if the heat wasn't messing with my brain. :)Pin It

I couldn't believe my eyes

I went to Costco tonight (by myself, yeah!) and noticed something that had me doing a double take. Winter coats for kids. Down with fur-trimmed hoods. Did you know that it was 97 degrees at the Seattle airport yesterday?? Today the high was in the high 80s. Bizarre. I remember a few years back in the middle of July I was trying to buy a simple plastic patio table. I was told that the season was over.

Oh, I also noticed that Costco has stopped selling pools, playground equipment, camping gear, etc. and is now focusing on furniture. A sure sign of "fall." (eyes rolling). I got suckered into this whole madness. They were selling blanket sleepers and I bought some for my boys because I *know* they'll be gone by the time they actually will need to wear them - some time in November.Pin It

Today's arts and crafts project

I found a book of stencils that boys would like at JoAnn's for $1. Race car, fire truck, train, dump truck, tractor, etc.

I set A up with cut up sponges, paint paper (from Target), washable paints and paper bowls for the paint. He says he loves painting.

Not what I'd like to be doing when it is 91 degrees but its keeping him occupied while his brother naps. Can you believe it? No, not that his brother naps but that it is 91 here. I hope it goes back to normal soon. I'm not a big fan of hot weather.

We also saw these guys today. They were hilarious. A and C liked them. It was a big long for C's attention span but that's OK. A lot of the jokes went over A's head. "What's so funny, Mommy?" If you get a chance to see them - go!Pin It

Raspberry picking

I decided to be brave today and take the boys raspberry picking on my own. Normally we would go as a family but it didn't work out for us to go on Sunday and next weekend looks pretty full. I'm happy to say that it was a success. We went fairly early in the morning to beat the heat. We're having record-breaking heat this week. We only stayed about 40 minutes but that was enough for A. I think if I had brought along a little chair for him to sit in he would've lasted longer. Next time! We picked 3 pounds. C was eating too many so I put him in lock down (the stroller) after a while. I was able to park the car right next to the row that we picked from. Very convenient. The price for the berries? $1.25 per pound! I enjoy raspberry picking because you don't need to bend over.

I don't have any photos to share because I decided that I had enough to concentrate on without worrying about getting great shots.

If you're interested the farm is called Broers and is located in Monroe, WA.Pin It

I'm so proud

My youngest son (age 2) was taking a nap on my bed today - without me. I usually take a short nap with him but today I was making a salad. I went to check on him. He wasn't sleeping. He was very much awake and happily wearing my *ra around his neck. I laughed so hard that I had to go downstairs so I wouldn't wake his brother up. Yes, I got a photo. No, I'm not sharing it.

:)Pin It

Reading challenge

I've joined a reading challenge. It has a great deadline. :) December 31, 2007. I think that will work for me. More details of the challenge can be found here.

Here are my choices:

1. Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield
2. Snowflower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See
3. Kristin Lavransdatter by Sigrid Undset
4. (children's book) An Egg is Quiet by Dianna Hutts Aston
5. I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith
6. The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins

Thanks, Semicolon, for giving me this challenge!Pin It

Summer activities

So, Vacation Bible school/day camp is over and I'm panicking a little bit. What am I going to do with these 2 boys for the next 2 months????? My oldest son LOVES structure and constantly asks me, "what are we going to do now?" Argggg.

Well, I'm going to come up with a list of activities, both inside and out so I can look at it when I'm stumped.

Oh, A loved day camp after the first day. He asked today if we were going back next week. :)Pin It

Snack recall

I know lots of moms who love these for their kids.

Unfortunately, Veggie Booty has been recalled.Pin It

Some of the bookclub "rejects"

Here are the books that received only 4 votes and didn't get picked for the next few months. They may be reconsidered later.

The Spy Wore Red - My Adventures as as Undercover Agent in World War II by Aline Countess Romanones
The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri
The Other Side of the Sun by Madeleine L’Engle

There were a LOT of other books on our voting list. I only remember these:

Infidel by Ayaan Hirsi Ali
Fox's Walk by Annabel Davis-Goff
"my book" The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield
Daughter of the Forest by Juliet Marillier
Beachglass by Wendy BlackburnPin It

"Mommy cards"

Have you ever scrambled for a piece of paper to write out your phone number or e mail address for someone? Well, I have! Here's a great idea - business cards for moms. Momager Calling Cards.

They are giving a set away for free for one lucky person.Pin It

Bookclub tonight

I went to my (usually) monthly bookclub meeting tonight. Always a good time. Tonight we voted on our next 4 books after compiling a VERY long list of suggestions.

Here's our next 4 books we will be reading. These ones received the most votes.
"My" book - The Thirteenth Tale - only got one other vote, sniff sniff.

Cold Sassy Tree by Olive Ann Burns. I think we will be reading this one first since it is a light, summer read.

Witness by Whitaker Chambers - my husband has read this and raves about it. He now wants to attend bookclub but, sorry J, its just ladies. :)

What is the What by Dave Eggers - story of a "Lost Boy" in Sudan.

Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See - female friendship, foot binding in China and secret codes.Pin It

A's first Vacation Bible School / "Go camping!"

This week is VBS or "Day camp" as this one is called. This is the first year my son has been able to attend. It is held at an unfamiliar church and he only knows one child in his very large class of 18. She's a girl so he doesn't really care about her. :)

He had a hard time adjusting. He didn't want me to leave. He also wasn't too crazy about the t shirt everyone had to wear. Maybe its the colour? (Purple) Hopefully tomorrow will go more smoothly. His little brother was very upset that he didn't get to stay. He cried out "Go camping!" as we left. "Go camping, Mommy!"

While at day camp, A peed in the potty with complete strangers so that was pretty amazing.

C and I went shopping but we can't do that every day this week! :) I plan on exploring the local university campus tomorrow.Pin It

I love this photo of my oldest son

 

I've been doing some photo editing tonight.

This was taken at gymnastics drop in play time back in March.

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Works for Me - kids and eggs

This is my first Works for Me Wednesday!

My boys *were* very good breakfast eaters. Until recently. As a new strategy to get them to eat scrambled eggs, I decided to add food colouring. This worked! Their favourite is "salmon eggs" which is created using a little bit of red. (They love to eat BBQ salmon.) I've also made green eggs. I want to try to make purple eggs!

For lots of great tips, go to Shannon's blog.Pin It

Movie review - North and South

My husband and I have been staying up waaaay too late the last 2 nights watching North and South.

We used Netflix's watch it now (on your computer). It is no extra charge if you already have a Netflix subscription.

At first my DH thought it would be one of "your movies" which is what he calls my favourite BBC period movies like Pride and Prejudice, etc. He usually falls asleep half way through. He was pleasantly surprised to find it compelling for him to watch as well. He called it "a good couple movie."

The story doesn't dwell much on the slowly developing romance between the main characters (which I would have liked to see more of!). It includes interesting historical insights on unions, manufacturing, mills, finance, church politics, etc.

This was a very pleasant surprise. The book (by Elizabeth Gaskell) was on my "to be read someday" list so I was resisting watching the movie before the book. Oh well, I guess I have enough to read!

I give it 5 out of 5 stars.Pin It

Thomas recall

Here is a public service announcement. Some Thomas and Friends wooden railway trains have high levels of lead and are being recalled. We have a bunch of these so I'm rounding them up to mail back.

Details here.Pin It

Addendum to memo board instructions

I forgot to add something to the instructions for the French Memo board.

Before stapling down the fabric, you need to add some fiberfill to make it puffy. I bought "low loft" but ended up doubling it. I'd get medium if I was doing it again.Pin It

Getting crafty

I wanted to share some crafty goodness.

A while back after a particularly bad day of too many sippy cups and too much poop cleanup I escaped to one of my favourite craft stores Ben Franklin for some sanity saving time. I decided to make my own French Memo board.

Here are the directions.

Materials - one wood framed canvas 16 by 20 (or smaller, if you like).
One "fat corner" of fabric - sorry I don't know the exact dimensions but you can find oodles of these at any good fabric store.
Ribbon - I can't remember how many yards. Buy yourself 2 rolls and I think you'll be good.
Brads - 12 in a coordinating colour.

You need a staple gun for this. If you're lucky or have tendonitis like me, your DH will do the stapling for you - well after you do some and then whine about the pain.

First staple the fabric to the canvas. Then staple down the ribbons in a criss cross pattern. Next make holes at the intersecting places for the brads. I used a nail to do that. Then insert the brads. Voila!

I even made a second one as a gift for my mom. Unfortunately, my 2 year old discovered how to take the brads out before I gave it to her. It has been recreated and is now safely at Grandma's house.Pin It

Menu plan Monday

Here's a list of the meals we'll be having this week in no particular order.

Well, I think we'll have Jambalaya (Sausage and Shrimp)tonight with a side of green beans. The recipe is from Desparation Dinners which can all be made in 30 minutes or less.

Crockpot Chicken Curry and Roasted Zucchini.
recipe from Fix it and Forget It
Cheddar Chicken Skillet
recipe from Kraft's Food and Family magazine (free subscription here)
Tomato and Spinach Penne (I will use bow-tie pasta)
recipe from Kraft's Food and Family magazine
Veggie Burgers
My sons love burgers and my DH and I decided to try veggie burgers on them (guinea pigs!) and they thought they were just as good as beef.Pin It

Do your kids like Lego?

I just heard about a fun freebie. A free subscription to Lego magazine for 2 years.

Thanks to Free Stuff 4 Kids for the link!Pin It

Colouring pages galore

I spent waaaaaay too long at this site today printing out things for the boys to colour.

Load up on toner. :)Pin It

Peonies

Pike Place Market Peonies
Originally uploaded by abbey*christine

I wish I'd taken this photo, but things were pretty hectic.

We weet to Pike Place Market on Tuesday. "We" meaning my parents, the boys and I. We were hunting for pigs. Intrigued? More later on that.

I bought a gorgeous bouquet of light pink peonies and blue delphinium
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Beautifully written

Elise is a such a talented writer.

Go read this post about the bittersweet end of breastfeeding. I had many of the same feelings a few months back.Pin It

May in photos

Me and the boys on our train ride (antique coaches).

A climbing his first tree in our backyard with Daddy's help.
A's first trip to Build a Bear (his name is Teddy).
Unseasonably hot days, filling up the pool.Should I?
Mom, we really need a bigger pool.Pin It

Because I said so!!

Would you like a laugh?

Here's a 2 minute video every mother will enjoy.Pin It

Another sad example of our lawsuit-driven society

Florida hospital to ban photos during childbirth.

As one of my favourite bloggers Amy said "If everyone is "concerned" about homebirth safety, then this move will just push more women away from the hospital."

I'm happy to have the photos taken at A's birth by my friend Leah. She was so discreet that we barely remember her being there. Those photos are so precious. I wish I had photos of C's birth but he came VERY quickly!!Pin It

Birthday party

We celebrated C's 2nd birthday yesterday. The theme was Bob the Builder. We had a lot of fun. I made a Bob cake. I was happy to have the party outside. I'll post more details later. One of the presents was a bubble blower and its currently in use - kinda loud. :)Pin It

Children's book Monday on Wednesday

Busy, busy week!

My youngest son (2) loves the book - Sheep in a Jeep. I think I read it 10 times yesterday!


I think it is a good teaching book since it has great rhyming cadence. We got it at the library.Pin It

Crazy month of May

This month has been so full of activities. It started off with a trip to the ER, then we went to Victoria to celebrate Mother's Day with my parents. A great time was had by all. Our anniversary was this month as well but we haven't been out to celebrate it yet. :(

The boys and I went on a train ride which I need to share photos of.

I had a colonoscopy last week.

We've been getting ready for the big party on Saturday. C turned 2 yesterday and since it was Memorial Day weekend we celebrate it the next weekend. The theme is Bob the Builder. I'll be making a Bob cake. We have yellow foam construction hats for the kids and we have a wheelbarrow race planned. C's big present from us was this.

We're going to see a specialist tomorrow about my oldest son's potty issues. Encopresis-like problems. Not fun. If you are so inclined, I would appreciate your prayers. I'm very worn out from trying to convince him to do #2 on the potty and not withold. He's also slid back into not doing #1 on the potty which is very discouraging.

I'm REALLY looking forward to June. We will go strawberry picking and A will go to vacation bible school and that's it!Pin It

Survived the colonoscopy

The prep was pretty awful. What I had to drink was horrible-tasting. I was thankful to the nurse who recommended I chew Dentye Ice gum during and after. That helped a bit. I spent the evening VERY close the bathroom. It was hard to sleep the night before. I wasn't sure if I was done visiting the bathroom plus my stomach was gurgling. The day of the procedure I had to wake up at 6 am and drink that nasty stuff again. That was really hard. Empty stomach and all.

I was asleep for the procedure. The good news is they didn't find any cancer or polyps. I slept for 3 1/2 hours in the afternoon. I was a little unsteady for the rest of the day due to the drugs wearing off. Thankful to have J around.

I don't have to go back for another 7 years. J will have to have one in 5 years since his (deceased) mom also had colon cancer.

I'm enjoying my cup of tea today and a little chocolate, too. :)Pin It

Chowin' down on white bread and canned peaches

I'm having a colonoscopy tomorrow. No need to panic - it's just a baseline test since I have a family history of colon cancer and I turned an unnamed number a few months ago. (wink).

I have 10 more minutes to eat. After that, it's all clear liquids. Oh and a very strong laxative at 6 pm. Guess where I'll be spending the evening? :)

I'm stocked up on flusable wipes, books, magazines and I rented a movie - just for me.Pin It

Catchin' up with my blogging friends

I'm back. We went on a mini vacation to visit my parents for Mother's Day. A good time was had by all.

I'm catching up with laundry and in between that - reading blogs. 222 new posts while I was gone! I read 39 blogs on a regular basis.

I *though* I'd want to post while I was gone or maybe check my blogs. I didn't have that urge. I finished my CBS lesson *really* early in the week which is a first for me. Staying in a hotel room with the boys meant that my DH and I had to either go to bed when they did or hang out in the bathroom or take turns going to the hotel lobby. A couple hours spent in the quiet lobby and I was done my lesson!Pin It

Sickness update

C is doing fine. His breathing has been fine for several days. I can't believe its almost a week since we went to the ER.

A is coughing once in a while. DH is coughing. I'm coughing. Will it ever end? I sound terrible, by the way. Yesterday I tried to read Curious George stories to the boys but I had to stop because my throat hurt too much. :(

I gotta keep drinking water and using lozenges. You know things are bad when I don't want a latte.

Any tips for boosting my immune system? I don't want to be sick again for at least 6 months. Usually I'm pretty healthy.Pin It

Scissors and old National Geographics

A has mastered using scissors. He's happily cutting pictures out of magazines we got from the library for about 10 cents each.Pin It

Playing with blog settings again.

I think it worked this time. I'm not crazy about the colour but that's a task for another night.Pin It

Sand art is evil

I don't have much more to say than that.

A gets a monthly package from Bri*hter V*sion which is sort of a preschool in a box. He loves it. Every box has a craft in it. This month's was sand art. We just did the craft as per A's request. Not fun for me. The pictures were too small and we ran out of sand so we couldn't finish the second picture (which bothered me not him) I don't think *I* should be tested on *my* manual dexterity (it is bad due to tendonitis anyway) and tolerance for sand spread around my dining room. Coloured sand was also just too tempting for little brother.Pin It

"I don't need your card"

I have a funny story to tell. Well, I think its funny.

The other night on my way home from the hospital I really wanted a hot drink - decaf. My little guy was sleeping peacefully in the backseat. It was about 1:30 am. I went to the 24 hour drive thru Starbucks. There was a lineup. I was surprised. When I got to the window I said "I don't need a receipt." He was already handing me my drink. He said "I don't need your card." My mind was spinning. Huh? You don't need my card? You can call up my Visa using my license plate number? I come here so often you know me and have my Visa number on file? What kind of weird Big Brother thing is this? I just said to him incredulously,"You don't need my card?" He said "Yeah, at this time of the morning we give free drinks," or something to that effect. I was so confused and tired and stunned.

I just thought it was funny what explanation my mind came up with first.

No wonder there was a lineup. Maybe other people knew about this free drink thing. Mind you, no one is going to stay up until 1:30 am just for a free Starbucks drink. I think anyone who needs Starbucks at 1:30 am is either working crazy hours, has a big drive in front of them or is coming from the hospital.Pin It

Trip to ER

C and I spent 4 1/2 hours at the hospital last night. 3 1/2 of that was waiting in the waiting room. Yes, I managed to survive that long with a hyper 23 month old in a small place with very little to do. In hindsight I should've brought some toys but my main priority as I left in a hurry was changing his clothes so he wouldn't be wearing a onesie. Onesies are a real pain when the doctors/nurses keep checking his heart rate and also need to watch his chest.

Oh, he's fine, by the way. Asthma. Both my boys have had it at this age. We went to the ER because his breathing was too fast (getting near 60 breaths per minute) and he was working too hard to breathe.

Got home around 1:45 am. Today I feel horrible. I had chills in the night, didn't sleep long enough and I also feel weak. Flu, perhaps. Thankfully my DH worked from home part of the day. I'm so thankful that his job allows that. I don't know how I would've survived today alone.Pin It

Planted lupine and squash today

I planted lupine seeds and butternut squash seeds by the south fence today.

The sunflowers have poked through the ground so that is good.

My poor tulips are being chomped on. Time to get some slug bait?Pin It

Check out my new header

My hubby did it for me. It still needs some tweaking but it is fun to have my boys' picture there.Pin It

Funny little poem

I found this while surfing around today. Funny. Maybe the theology is bad, but enjoy it anyway. Do I dare teach it to my boys? :)

Which Loved Best? by Joy Allison (1917)

I love you mother, said little Nell
I love you more than tongues can tell.
Then teased and pouted for half the day
Till her mother rejoiced when she went out to play.

I love you mother, said little John
Forgetting his work, his cap went on.
Then he was off to the garden swing
Leaving his mother the wood to bring

I love you mother, said little Ann
Today I’ll help you all I can
Then stepping softly she took the broom
Swept the floor and tidied the room.

I love you mother, again they said
Three little children all going to bed.

How do you think that mother guessed which one really loved her best?

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Drowning in parenting/mothering books

I currently have the following books on my nightstand:
- Don't Make Me Count to Three!
- Love and Logic Magic for Early Childhood
- How to Make Children Mind without Losing Yours
- The Power of a Positive Mom
- Positive Discipline for Preschoolers

Most are from the library. I do read fast but this is ridiculous.

I've been having some challenging times with parenting so I've been searching out good books. Maybe I've overdone it? :) That's my usual approach to a problem - buying or attempting to read too many books. I suppose I should be praying more. Oh wait, I have that book, too. The Power of a Praying Wife. Maybe I need to get the Power of a Praying Parent. Ha ha. :)Pin It

Gymnastics today

We went to gymnastics drop in time today, as well as story time at the library. Whew. No wonder I'm tired.

C is getting braver at the foam cube pit. He had me throwing him into the pit today. Last time he was just beginning to want to go in.

A is getting very adept at using the scissors. He cut out some squares today and did very well.Pin It

Dirt under my fingernails

I did more planting today. My husband dug up more ground for me.

Planted:
- sweet peas
- pumpkins

I also finally put some purple ranuculus into a container. They'd been sitting around drying out, waiting for me.Pin It

Cute can be a dangerous thing

C was saying "I'm cute, I'm cute." I wondered what he was up to (he always surprises me). I went into the dining room. He was sitting at his brother's place at the table, stealing his smoothie drink. Hmmm, cute, eh?Pin It

Planting time

I've been planting lately. Well, most of the work is digging up the ground and adding better soil. We have clay soil here with lots of little rocks. My husband and I created some new beds by a chain link fence.

On Sunday I planted tall plants in hopes of covering up the aformentioned fence, well, at least making the view a bit better. I planted delphinium (boy, those are small seeds!) and sunflower seeds in that section. I also planted zucchini seeds in my vegetable garden.

Today I planted green beans.

I don't get much done on weekdays because someone is usually calling "Mommmmmmy!"Pin It

Suckin' his thumb, twirlin' his hair

Just another day in C's paradise. Sitting on the park bench in his happy place.

This WASN'T taken today. Today was a very bad day that I will blog about later. Suffice to say, there was a lot of p**p involved.

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The family that stretches together....

Sometimes I do a stretching DVD in the evenings. It helps my chronic neck and back problems. A likes to run around me while I do it - not good for my concentration. This time he decided to do the stretches with me. He did very well. He even did one move he made up but it looked like a yoga pose I've seen. :) My husband took some other funny pictures of us where you can see the dvd on the TV so there is context. I didn't share that one becaue you can see my messy living room and dining room. :)

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Menu Plan Monday

I won't necessarily have these on the days that I list but these are the meals I'll make this week.

Monday - Salmon and red onions (BBQ), Wild rice, zucchini fritters
Tuesday - Beef Stroganoff, Green beans
Wednesday - Quinoa Chili (meatless), corn chips, peas
Thursday - Chicken Noodle supper, salad
Friday - Sausage, beans and kalePin It

Children's Book Monday

I can't remember whose blog I was visiting but the following book was recommended. A Child's Book of Art by Lucy Micklethwait. I was able to find it at my local library.

I read it to my boys tonight and my oldest(3 1/2) ate it up! My youngest (22 months) responded to the animal pictures and of course, the train. What a great way to introduce children to art from around the world and over a huge time span. I noticed one painting from the 1980s and another was a Greek urn which likely dates before Christ. A wanted to read it again after I had finished. The descriptions are just a few words and words that he knows by sight.Pin It

A Christian Easter

My husband and I have been trying to teach our sons about the real meaning of Easter but we aren't "depriving" them of the fun of egg hunts and such. We bought Resurrection Eggs and have gone through a few of them but we think this is better suited for slightly older children. A leather whip, a crown of thorns, a nail are a bit intense for them right now. As a side note, one of our children's bibles skips Jesus' death on the cross altogether. A hard thing to teach to a 3 year old and an almost 2 year old, I admit, but it shouldn't be left out! We're glad our main children's bible includes Christ's passion.

I found this article today by Focus on the Family (thanks to Kimberly's Cup) and thought I'd share the link. I like the following exerpt.

Teach them about Jesus by talking about what a real Easter Bunny is

Use a rabbit picture, a stuffed bunny or even a real one (if you are adventurous) to teach some of the characteristics of Jesus that we should all try to have. By adding a Bible verse to each quality, you will create a true Easter Bunny.

Real Easter bunnies:

• are white as snow because Jesus takes all sin away (Isaiah 1:18b).

• are gentle, kind-hearted and forgiving (Ephesians 4:32).

• have big ears that are quick to listen (James 1:19).

• have big eyes to look carefully and choose what is good (1 Thessalonians 5:21).

• have no voice for complaining or arguing (Philippians 2:13).

• are quiet in prayer, but hop with thanksgiving and rejoicing (1Thessalonians 5:21).

• have big feet to go tell others about Jesus so they can be like Easter bunnies, too (Matthew 28: 19-20).

• eat what is healthy by filling up on God’s word every day (Psalm 119:11).

I think we'll try this tonight.Pin It

Planted today

2 bleeding hearts

1 foxglove

Gorgeous day here.

Funny quote from A - "I don't like playing outside. My hands get dirty." C would never say that!Pin It

A contest to win a free vacuum cleaner

OK, so it isn't the most exciting prize in the world, but everyone loves something free, right?

5 Minutes for Mom is having this contest for a free Dyson Slim.Pin It

Easter candy

My son C (22 months) was going through his basket from today's egg hunt. He called the little chocolate eggs footballs and counted them. I don't think he realized they were candies.Pin It

Never say never

It's official. I've gone over to the dark side. My boys are watching a Barney video. Ugg. A long time ago I said "no Barney in my house!" Ha ha. Well, there you have it.

Maybe it will be a phase. A short phase.Pin It

My birthday

Today is my birthday. Its a big one. One of those decades, that's all I'm saying. ;)

Its a bit hard to realize I'm that old. I used to think of other people as old if they were the age I am now. Yikes. I'm trying my best to have a good attitude about it. I realize that I'm pretty happy with my life right now. Of course there are things that could be better (stuff I don't blog about!) but I have many things to be happy for including my two beautiful boys and my amazing husband. Lots of people have told me I don't look my age and I guess that's the main thing that as a woman you worry about with aging.

How have we celebrated/marked the occasion? So far the following:
- dinner date with my husband this past Saturday night. We went to a Moroccan restaurant that has a very authentic atmosphere. We had "the feast."
- afternoon tea today with my boys and my husband. A bit stressful since C kept trying to grab the china plates and cups or bang on the glass table. Still a fun time.
- we did my kind of shopping today - garden store and a craft store. I picked out some annuals to put in the really nice ceramic pots I got cheap at WalMart last week.
- the sun came out and it was warm today. Thank you, God! I need that!

I am going to get a piece of gemstone jewelry (probably a ring) but I haven't found what I want yet.Pin It

Awwwwwww!

Polar bear cub "Knut" in Germany.Pin It

Poem about motherhood (comforting)

Learning mother, bending oh so low;
With heart that joy and sorrow overflows;
God gives to thee a work most hard and sweet,
Guiding little hearts and tiny feet.

Weary mother, by the sickbed sore,
Contemplating joys all gone before;
The Lord thy strength and helper still will be,
When life becomes so very drear for thee.

Heavy mother, now with child so great,
Thy gentle Shepherd with great kindness waits,
Thy faltering steps to settle in safe ways,
Thy every need supplying all thy days.

Worried mother of the wayward one,
Whether it be thy daughter or thy son,
The Lord great wisdom to thy need will give,
To teach them now for Jesus Christ to live.

Careworn mother, let God's joy and love,
Flood thy soul with blessings from above;
So as thy days thy strength from Him shall be,
With everlasting arms sustaining thee.

Praying mother on thy well-worn knees,
Thy faithfulness down through the years now sees,
Thy children raised upon the word of God,
Walking safe in paths the saints have trod.


-Mary Van Nattan "A Christian Mother's Life"

Thanks, Andrea.Pin It

I have a cold. :(

I am happy to say that I haven't had one in a while. I think I was lazy about taking my multi-vitamin and I wasn't getting enough sleep.

Anyone have any tried and true cold remedies? I'm not nursing or pregnant (for the first time in 2 1/2 years!) so I can take some drugs. Ha ha.Pin It

I live in a crazy area

Evidence here.
Legos were temporarily banned at a school because they promote private property. {eyes rolling}Pin It

Sunday quotes

My 3 year old said the following on Sunday morning:

We need to go to church quick. God needs us.

I'll take the Bible to Church. We need to do what God says.


No, he is not an angel. By any means. :)Pin It

My favourite movies

Since tomorrow is the Oscars, I'm thinking about movies. I decided to make a list of my favourites. [Note the English/Canadian spelling of the word favourite. :) ]

In no particular order because that's how I think!

1. The Sound of Music
2. When Harry Meets Sally. So many classic lines.
3. Rear Window. Grace Kelly and Jimmy Stewart - 2 of the best actors ever.
4. Pride and Prejudice - OK, so I recently saw the 2005 version and it is pretty good. However, I must remain loyal to the 1996 BBC version.
5. My Big Fat Greek Wedding
6. The Muppet Movie
7. Follow That Bird
8. Lady Jane
9. Four Weddings and a Funeral. Andie McDowell REALLY annoys me but this movie introduced me to Hugh Grant and I have had a crush on him ever since. Yes, I know he's a cad in real life.
10. Its a Wonderful Life
11. The Wedding Singer. I love Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler together. "Somebody kill me please!" I'll never forget watching this movie on a Saturday night with my husband and the next day those lyrics were running through my head during church!
12. Casablanca
13. As Good As it Gets. "Good times, noodle salad."
14. Out of Africa
15. Groundhog Day. Another movie that I love but I still can't stand Andie McDowell.
16. What About Bob? I love this movie.
17. Legally Blonde.
18. Princess Bride
19. Monty Python's The Holy Grail. I have seen this movie sooo many times but usually fell asleep in it! I used to go the midnight movie at this little indepedent movie house in Calgary. They often played HG at midnight. I loved that place! I'll have to ask my parents what it was called. For a while, I had friends who worked there so I could occasionally get in for free.
20. Dead Again.
21. An Affair to Remember
22. Enchanted April

Well, that's all I can think of for now. I'm sure I will add to this list.Pin It

Reading to my children

Sometimes I must admit that I get tired of reading the same books over and over. Or books that they prefer and I think are boring (my boys are young).

I found this poem today that is a good reminder.

The Reading Mother

I had a Mother who read me things
That wholesome life to a child's heart brings –
Stories that stir with an upward touch.
Oh that every Mother were such!

You may have tangible wealth untold
Caskets of jewels and coffers of gold.
Richer than I you can never be.
I had a Mother who read to me.

Strickland GillilanPin It

Firestation visit

My local mom's group went on a tour of a fire station this week. I convinced my oldest to go. He hated going last time.

Both boys enjoyed it. My youngest was actually a little scared which is unusual for his personality. A. climbed onto the truck and didn't freak out when the sirens went off.

One funny thing is we didn't get to see any cute firemen. Our tour was done by a woman and the men in uniform were busy doing simulations and actually going to a call. Members of my group had been joking for weeks about why we were really going - not for our kids sake. :)

Some photos are on the right in my flikr badge. I think C. needs a costume of his own.Pin It

Reading update

In the last week I've finished the following.

Jayber Crow by Wendell Berry. This is this month's choice for my book club. It was OK. I thought it was too "preachy" in that the author put so much of his own philosophy and opinions into the book that it took away from the story itself. I thought there was too much emphasis on (and repetition of) the main character's doubts about God and Christianity. I'm assuming the author has these same doubts. It is a sad book. It was well written, I will say that.

A much lighter read was The Secret Life of Becky Miller by Sharon Hinck. This is a Christian fiction book - a genre of which I've read very little. It is written in the style of The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. It was a fun read - a little preachy, too, but it is Christian fiction. :) I enjoyed the interactions of the main character with her small weekly bible study group and best friends. They are all such diverse characters - some are her best friends and pray and encourage and babysit for her at the drop of a hat. I was left feeling a bit jealous that I don't have such a group of my own.

What's next?

Well, I haven't decided. I've been skimming some books I have from the library but I wouldn't say I'm *reading* them.Pin It

BookMooch

I found this great link from I Have to Say. - a blog that I read frequently.

BookMooch is cool. I signed up. You list the books you want to give away. You look for books that others have - that you want. You mail books to people and get points. The only part I won't enjoy is going to the post office with my kids. :) I have a lot of books I'd like to get rid of. Taking them to a used bookstore is just asking for rejection. This week I took 2 bags of kids clothes in great condition to the consignment store and they took 3 items! I'm going to try another store, by the way.

The reason I'm not napping right now is that my youngest son has inherited my loud snoring and I can't sleep in my bed because he's there. My husband thinks it is sweet revenge. He has to listen to me all the time. :)Pin It

I got the bug

Yes, I'm the sick one now. My sweet husband worked from home today and watched the boys. A slept for 4 hours so that was helpful. C is back to his old self = into everything and laughing about it.

Last night was awful. Wide awake, hoping to get sick, stomach pain, etc.

Today I had a bad headache to go along with the other symptoms I won't describe.

Whiney, eh? :)

I'll post something fun next, I promise.Pin It

More sickness

Well, we're not out of the woods yet. Tonight my 3 year old decided to join the fun, right before supper. He was complaining that his tummy hurt but I didn't believe him. (Bad Mommy). J told him to lie down on the couch and then it happened.

Happened again before bed.

Just when I had caught up on the laundry.
I hope I don't get it. I'm the only one who has missed out - this go 'round.Pin It

An inspiring quote and an update on sickness

"What you do in your house is worth as much
as if you did it up in heaven for our Lord God.
We should accustom ourselves
to think of our position and work
as sacred and well-pleasing to God,
not on account of the position and work,
but on account of the word and faith
from which the obedience and the work flow."
-Martin Luther

I wish I could say that the quote above has changed my attitude and given me a new passion to tackle all the things that need my attention. Change my heart, God.

My youngest is STILL sick. Sigh. He went over 24 hours without puking. Last night around 12:30 am he woke up and did it again. He hasn't had much of an appetite, except for my oatmeal raisin cookies. :) Yes, I did find a successful recipe that didn't have Crisco in it. (See my previous post about throwing out cookies). He did it again at the dinner table tonight - thankfully just onto his high chair tray. My husband remarked that we have developed rock solid stomaches - that we could continue eating after C's episode. After we cleaned it up, of course!Pin It

Free drawing!

At 5 Minutes for Mom, there is a fun drawing for a cute necklace from Alli's Originals. You don't even have to have a blog to enter.Pin It

Books - short update

I finished At Home in Mitford. A fun book. I plan on reading the next one in the series. I recommended it to my mom. I hope she reads it since I think she'd like it.

Right now I need to start reading Jayber Crow for book club. My youngest has been sick with the stomach flu so I've been too tired at night to read. All that laundry!Pin It

Books!!

I decided to make a list of books, mainly so I can remember, but also so you can get to know me a bit better.

What I have read in the last 2 years.
This is an eclectic list. The majority of this list were reads for my book club and the rest are just ones I decided to read. B = Book Club

The Way We Live Now by Anthony Trollope
B - The Brothers Karamazov (well, I didn't finish it completely)
B - Expecting Adam
The Devil Wears Prada
B - The Bean Trees
B - A Severe Mercy
B - Old Men at Midnight This is my least favourite on the list. I don't recommend it.
B - Enders Game
The #1 Ladies Detective Agency
The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks
The Wedding by Nicholas Sparks
Stepping Heavenward
Beyond Gates of Splendour


What I would like to read (a short and manageable list, of course there are many more):

Cranford by Elizabeth Gaskell
Middlemarch by George Elliot
No Name by Wilkie Collins
The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins (a page-turner mystery)

What I'm currently reading:
At Home in Mitford


Next 2 books for bookclub:
Jayber Crow by Wendall Berry
Bold SpiritPin It

One of my favourite artists

Jessie Willcox-Smith. Seeing her work gives me a warm fuzzy feeling. An interesting biography can be found here. So interesting that she never had children of her own.

Here are some of my favourites:
Moonbeams
Sweet and Low
Books in WinterPin It

Another snow day

So, it snowed yesterday. It also hailed. Very cold overnight (for this part of the world).

All the schools were cancelled today (eyes rolling). Community Bible Study is cancelled whenever school is. So, I had to scramble to find something to do today. I couldn't handle the whole day at home. We went to Spartan Gym which has an indoor "playground." I called first to check it was open. We were the only ones there for the first 30 minutes! Another boy and his mom joined us eventually.

People are such weenies around here when it comes to snow. Yes, the roads can be slippery but just slow down and be careful.Pin It

I just threw out 2 dozen freshly baked cookies

No, I'm not on some radical self-deprivation diet. No, they weren't burnt.

Can you guess why? Well, since I have about 3 readers of my blog, I won't wait for guesses. :)

I made oatmeal raisin cookies tonight. I used Crisco in the ingredients (because it was listed in a Betty Crocker recipe and I trust those) and I think it was way past its expiration date. What a horrible taste! It also stunk up the house. Not like our house needs any new nasty smells (2 boys in diapers, need I say more)!

I will need a new recipe. Poor A will be disappointed. He helped me make the cookies and he was in the bath (then going to bed) when I tested the cookies. Too bad I couldn't get some delivered overnight.Pin It

Last movie I saw

It was so romantic. The best scene is at the birthday party when Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves dance and then take FOREVER to have a "stolen" kiss.

It was very clean. Just a couple examples of bad language.

I did have a hard time figuring out the time line (2 years running simultaneously).Pin It

Links to share

If you have some time to kill or just trying to keep your sanity while the kids play near you, check this out.

I also like this one
since I love vintage childrens' books.Pin It

Our New Years Eve

Went to a small party at Colette's house. Other families with kids there. A didn't like the rambunctious kids. C caused a bit of a stir when he unrolled the toilet paper onto the floor. I did get to talk to another adult for a while which was an accomplishment.

On our way out to the car the moon was shining brightly and we got C to say Night Night Moon. He kept saying it in the car and zonked out.

We got home about 9:45 pm and DH was able to take his coat off and transfer him into his bed without waking him.

DH and I watched lame TV. DH fell asleep before midnight. I woke him up to kiss at midnight.

We read the kids' calendars from last year this morning. (I write down their milestones or the things that make us laugh). Fun to remember all the things they did/said.Pin It

Happy New Year!

We're off to an open house at some friends' house. My 19 month old can say Happy Newear!Pin It

Dirty Tupperwares breed in the night

My DH just came over and said:

"I have so many dirty tupperwares in my car, too many to bring in, that I decided I'm going to roll down the windows and go through a car wash."

I laughed out loud.

I *am* thankful that he happily takes leftovers to work to eat for lunch. I just wish he'd bring them in, one at a time!Pin It

The fickle affections of a 3 year old

About a week ago, my oldest said "I don't love Mommy. I love Daddy." Ouch. A battle of wills ensued between my DH and him. DH got him to say he was sorry. I know its just a silly little tantrum but it did hurt my feelings. DH is the "it" parent around here.

A has spontaneously said "I love you" to me in the last few days.

Tonight while I was in a store and the boys and DH waited in the car, A said "I love Mommy. I miss Mommy. I don't want you (DH) to talk. I want to talk to Mommy."

I'm so insecure. :)Pin It

Favourite gifts

C - he plays with his brother's transporter truck.

A - loves his Rock a Bye Christmas DVD, the harmonica, Lightning McQueen car and his brother's garbage truck and his brother's Radio Control fire engine.

Funny how they ended up switching presents.

A also loves his Chutes and Ladders and Hi Ho Cherry-O games. Good thing he likes those games. I stood in line for over an hour at Kohl's on the day after Thanksgiving to get them for $2 each.Pin It

"A new book to rip!!"

That's what C is thinking!  Pin It

Christmas Eve service

A was holding the candle with Daddy's help. Look at my little angel. :)

Pin It

Christmas morning

A and C in their matching jammies, checking out their presents.  Pin It

Survived the big storm and power outtage

A huge storm blew in last night. High winds, thunder and lightning, heavy rain with lots of trees down. We lost power at 11 pm. It didn't come back until 3 pm this afternoon. A was the one who told me. I was dozing. Hard to sleep last night wondering when the power would come back and how I'd manage a day (or perhaps more) without it.

The house got pretty cold today. I took the boys to an indoor playground we like but it was without power and closed. I couldn't get through on the phone so I chanced it. We then drove to have lunch with Daddy. C managed to fix the fake fireplace in the lobby of J's building by pushing the button just right. Pretty funny.

I only had to do one meal without power. We used our camping (gas) stove for making scrambled eggs and hot oatmeal.

One of the trees in our backyard was uprooted. A smaller one than fell down during the last big windstorm. Hopefully it will be easier to put back up.

I'm very grateful to be back to normal here. J's boss (who has a young family) lives in an area that doesn't expect to have power for a long time and stores, etc. around them are also without power.Pin It

Christmas crafts

Addiction or hobby? You decide.

I've been making crafts both on my own and with my 3 year old. I decided this year that with a very curious and active 18 month old in the house to NOT bring out my white and Victorian-themed Christmas ornaments some of which are breakable. I decided this year we'd have a kid themed homey tree full of homemade ornaments. The only problem with this idea is that we're starting from scratch.

So far we've made felt gingerbread men, lacing card trees (much harder than the instructions in the December issue of Parents magazine), and craft foam snowmen. I've been stringing cranberries for a garland. Also on the go is a secret Christmas present for my 3 year old which involved painting. I completed a small scrapbook for my mom and I'm mailing it tomorrow. I did that project in November but I just finished sewing a simple bag/sleeve for it so she can put it in her purse and it will be protected.

Other craft projects I *might* have time for:
- Borax ornaments made with pipe cleaners
- angels made out of stiff felt. I need some pretty trim for this.
- paint a wood mantle shelf so we have somewhere to hang our stockings.

Fun stuff I'd like to do but won't have time for:
- a star garland made with wood stars with vintage Christmas paper decopaged on top. I saw this in a paper crafting magazine but I can't find it online to share with you. Michael's and Joanns are both sold out of wood stars right now anyway so its pretty much impossible. I guess I could order them but I'm not that motivated.
- glittered letters like this

So..... while I have fun making things I should also be buying some more Christmas presents and updating addresses for our Christmas mailout.

I want to clone myself. :)Pin It

Short bout of the flu here

The flu went through
it didn't skip two.
I didn't spew
but all others did.

OK, so that is a bit lame. :)

So, we all had the flu. It started on Sunday morning with C - his lasted about 4 hours. I got it that day but it was the achey, bone-tired, stomach ache variety. I laid in bed for most of Monday. My DH got it on Monday night. His was the not eating not drinking variety. He stayed home from work on Tuesday while he got to know the bathroom better. A had a very short bout - a few hours yesterday. We're all fine today.Pin It

The theology of an 18 month old

We have a Veggie tales birthday card up on the bulletin board (which I "received" from my 3 year old). C who is 18 months old pointed to Bob the Tomato and said "Jesus."

Yikes! Where did we go wrong? :)

I quickly went to the Christian bookstore and bought some stickers that have classic pictures of Jesus on them. I gave them to C and said "This is Jesus." Well, I know there's not necessarily accurate but under the circumstances you do what you have to.

Well, yesterday he was happilly putting them on the wall and saying "Jesus."

Whew.Pin It

Snow photo

C enjoying the snow falling last night. We had lots more today. My husband's commute home tonight was 3 HOURS! It usually takes about 40 minutes.  Pin It

Snow!

It snowed here this morning. My boys reacted in typical fashion. A was upset. He doesn't like change or new experiences. C loved it. We don't get snow very often here so it is sort of a treat.

We made paper snowflakes this afternoon. I did the cutting. A is just learning to use scissors.

I found a great pattern on Martha Stewart's site.

The snowflakes brighten up our windows nicely.Pin It

Happy Thanksgiving!

Pin It

I spent a morning with 8 preschoolers

It was my day to help in the childrens program at Community Bible Study. I asked to be in my son's classroom. It was fun but also tiring.

I learned a cute song for saying thanks for the food (snack).

To the tune of the Superman theme song:

"Thank you God, for giving us food
Thank you, God, for giving us food.
For the friends that we meet and the food that we eat
Thank you, God, for giving us food."

I told A. that I would be in his classroom today and he said "no" like he didn't want me there. He changed his mind pretty quickly. Hopefully he won't expect me to stay next time.Pin It

Author/Book let-down

I just finished reading a great book. Well, I thought it was great until I found out a few more details about the author. Sad details.

The book is Expecting Adam by Martha Beck. I read through the book in 3 days. I had a hard time putting it down. I wanted to read more about her son Adam (with Down syndrome) and their family.

I found out that the author and her husband are now divorced. They had such an amazing connection which is told in detail in the book. The even more sad thing is that he posted a review (on Amazon.com's website) of her latest book Leaving the Saints and corrects what he says are incorrect facts in her book. Her latest book is about leaving the Mormon church and about discovering s*xual abuse in her past done by her father.

She is still an amazing story teller.Pin It

Rain, rain go away!

OK, so it has been raining here for days, weeks. Flooding, power outtages, etc.

We still go out on most days. This morning we went to the library for pre-school story time. The theme was BUS - a big hit with my 3 year old.

Yesterday we checked out Imagine Childrens Museum. I had wanted to go there for quite a while. They don't allow strollers so I had to wait until C. was a confident walker. He is now, of course. He loved the water section. A. loved the trains and the farm section.

On the weekend there was a break in the rain so all 4 of us went to this park. We enjoyed playing in the leaves. My DH practiced his videographer skills. He did a funny one that was supposed to be from C's perspective, checking everything out.

I'm feeling tired of the rain today. Also tired of the short days. Its going to get worse I know since the shortest day of the year isn't until December.

I miss the sun.Pin It

A's first ever sucker

 
My kids have never had candy before so this was a new experience - Halloween candy.  Pin It

Horse on the loose

 

This is C trick or treating on our street.  Pin It