Nov. 16, 2007 - Raising Little Women.com Blog

This blog is set up for Homeschool Blogger registered users only. If you do not have a HSB blog, and would like to have the username and password to my raisinglittlewomen.com blog ~ please drop me an email ~ see sidebar or click on link above

Nov. 14, 2007 - A contest

Heidi has posted a fun little contest on her blog.

Visit her blog and post a comment and you could win (what looks like a great book) Splitting Harriet

Nov. 8, 2007 - AQUA DOTS RECALL

Aqua Dots recall for possibly containing date-rape drug

Click HERE to read

Nov. 8, 2007 -

I have set this blog up for registered users only.
If you do not have an HSB account you can visit me at
www.Raisinglittlewomen.com

Oct. 10, 2007 - Stomach Bug!

This nasty little bug is making its way through our family! Audrey was up Sunday night with it ~ Emily was up last night with it ~ and now Sarah has it!

Oct. 9, 2007 - Crazy Eights

Heidi had this up on her blog and I thought it would be a fun thing to do!

8 things I'm passionate about:
1. God
2. My family
3. Homeschooling
4. Church
5. Youth

6. Shopping
7. Vacation
8. Blogging

8 things I want to do before I die:
1. See the girls marry and have children of their own  
2. RV across the country
3. Learn to sew

4. Learn to knit

5. Go to England
6. Meet some of my bloggy friends
7. Get new living room furniture

8. Take a vacation with just David ~

8 things I say often:
1. I love you
2. Emily can you ………
3. Audrey will you….
4. Come here Sarah

5. Are you serious?

6. I can’t hear you
7. Time for bed
8. You just went potty

8 books I've read recently:
1. Divine by Karen Kingsbury

2. Love Comes Softly by Janette Oke
3. Charlotte Mason Companion

4. 12 Steps to Organization

5. Shepherding a Child’s Heart

6. Annie’s People by Beverly Lewis

7. Between (book for tweens with Emily & Audrey)  

8. Little House on the Prairie Books

8 songs I could listen to over and over:
1. In Christ Alone
2. Redeemer

3. He’s All I Need

4. She’s Everything
5. Remember When

6. What Hurts the Most

7. Disney Songs
8. Piano music

8 things that attract me to my best friends:
1. smile

2. silliness

3. kindness
4. thoughtfulness
5. fun to be around
6. forgiving

7. Happy
8. Christians

8 things I've learned this past year:
1. It’s hard to homeschool with a toddler

2. I have forgotten everything from my school days
3. I’m getting old

4. When going somewhere new I ALWAYS get lost (David has been telling me for years, just didn’t believe him)
5. It doesn’t matter what people think (still trying to learn this one)

6. Learning Bible verses is not as easy when you’re older

7. You can only say, wait a minute, to a toddler for so long.

8. Each child is different ~

8 people I think should do Crazy Eights:
The first 8 to leave a comment!

Oct. 7, 2007 - Thank You!

Thank you all for your sweet and encouraging comments!

We got home yesterday afternoon and I was just tickled to see the girls! I don’t think Sarah missed them at all though. She enjoyed having me & David all to herself!

Oct. 5, 2007 - Seven Things Meme

Mrs. Monise tagged me for this fun little meme! I am to list seven little known things about myself, and tag seven people!

1. I love to read Christian fiction.
2. For years I have wanted a laptop, and now that we have one, I really don’t care for it.
3. I hate to wear tennis shoes! I am more of a flip flop kinda gal
4. Most days I do not get dressed or make up my bed until after lunch.
5. I still use my fingers when multiplying by 9
6. I want this Amish dining room table.
7. I love to fish BUT someone else has to put the worm on and take the fish off.

I am tagging anyone that would like to do this ~ leave me a comment and let me know!

Sep. 28, 2007 - What I Will Be Doing Today

 See what happens when I try to organize. I make a bigger mess! (This is our schoolroom by the way.) I started working in here the other day trying to come up with something that would make schooling easier. Apparently, things did not go as planned. I am the worlds worst when it comes to stuff like this.  I was sitting in here this morning,trying to figure out what in the world I was going to do, but my mind is blank! I don’t even know where to start! So, here I sit at the computer blogging about it when I should be cleaning it. One of the last things David said to me this morning was ~ Schoolroom! I’m just glad that today was a scheduled teacher workday. I just wish I could spend it doing something other than this.

Update~ I went in for my MRI this morning only for it to be rescheduled for this afternoon. Our insurance company has to approve it before I can have it. I don’t know why they did not think to do this yesterday!    

Sep. 19, 2007 - Charlotte Mason

I am right in the middle of reading the Charlotte Mason Companion and was very excited this morning to find out about this blog, The Educational Life

Thanks to Candace of His Mercy is New for posting the tip on her blog!

Sep. 19, 2007 - Ramblings on Wednesday

For weeks now Emily & Audrey have been on the countdown to fall. They have their calendars marked and everyday they come and tell me how many more days. I don’t know what they think will happen on the first day of fall but they sure are excited!

We are finally having some cooler weather around here and it has really been nice. Although, I have found myself complaining that it is too cold! Too cold ~ Too Hot, never happy are we! The cooler weather means that I get to go out and do some shopping ~fun! I am in definite need of some fall/winter clothes. I had to run into Target the other day and they have some adorable little outfits! I just love this little sweater!

In other news, my brother and his sweet wife Crystal had their baby girl on Monday. We are so excited to have this new addition to our family! Babies are the sweetest little things and I just cannot hug and kiss on ‘em enough.  I’ll try to get a picture up of her soon.  The batteries in my camera died before I could get a good shot of her.  

Dora, Boots ~ Dora, Boots! Seems like that is all we hear these days. Sarah absolutely loves her. We had Monsters Inc. in the other day and Sarah thinks that Boo is Dora when Dora was a baby! She’ll bring you the movie and say, watch baby Dora ~ too cute! Well, looks like we will be buying a new Dora dvd! Emily was going to put it in for Sarah, and they dropped it in the process so now it is broken!  Sarah is now watching the next best thing THE WIGGLES! I think I have every Wiggle song stuck in my head and no matter how hard I try to get them out I can’t!! We have one of the tapes in the van and Sarah will ask you to push in the tape PaWeaz! Followed by Turn UP! And a great big Tank You (Daddy/Mommy)

Sep. 18, 2007 - Hollywood & God

Part Two

To visit the website go to Hollywood and God

Sep. 12, 2007 - Wordless Wednesday

 (they grow up too fast)

For more WW visit Tiany

Sep. 10, 2007 - In Christ Alone

In Christ alone my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song
This Cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My Comforter, my All in All
Here in the love of Christ I stand

In christ alone, who took on flesh
Fullness of God in helpless babe
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones He came to save
Till on that cross as Jesus died
The wrath of God was satisfied
For every sin on Him was laid
Here in the death of Christ I live

There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain
Then bursting forth in glorious day
Up from the grave He rose again
And as He stands in victory
Sin’s curse has lost its grip on me
For I am His and He is mine
Bought with the precious blood of Christ

No guilt in life, no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From life’s first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny
No power of Hell, no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His hand
Till He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I’ll stand

Sung by Adrienne Liesching & Geoff Moore (scroll down to see playlist)

Sep. 7, 2007 - Conversation Around the House

We are getting ready to go to the Science Center and while getting ready this conversation took place

Emily (8) - Mommy, find out today where the petting zoo is (we could not find it last time)

Me - I will Emily

Emily - Ask this time

Me - I asked last time

Emily - Well, ask somebody that works there

Me - I asked somebody that works there last time

Emily - Who did you ask?

Me - I don't know it was some lady

Emily - Well, ask a man today, they know everything!

Sep. 6, 2007 - Because I am a proud aunt........

I stole these sweet pictures of Natalie right off my sister's flickr account!

Sep. 5, 2007 - Wordless Wednesday

 For more WW visit Tiany

Aug. 31, 2007 - Craft Day Project

Here is the craft project that I will be working on through next week. I saw these cute little ornaments on Monica’s page, The Homespun Heart and thought they would look adorable on our Christmas tree this year. I am also planning on giving several of these away as gifts.  

Visit Chrissy's page for more Craft Day Projects

For instructions on how to make these please visit Monica's blog.  ~ http://thehomespunheart.blogspot.com/2006/07/feeling-crafty.html

Be sure to take a look around too!

Aug. 30, 2007 - Blogging Fun

You Are A Total Shopaholic!

You have a keen eye for spotting trends before they are hot And sometimes your credit rating takes a beating as a result Consider a job in retail to subsidize your gorgeous outfits Over time, you could become a famous stylist or designer!

I don't know if it's a good thing or not that two of these say I am able to get people to do things my way ~ heehee

Your Scholastic Strength Is Inspiring Others

You are great at developing a vision, and getting others to adopt your way of thinking. You are talented at leading, balancing tasks, and helping people work together. You should major in: Counseling Environmental studies Law Social work Political science Nursing

You Are a Yellow Crayon

Your world is colored with happy, warm, fun colors. You have a thoughtful and wise way about you. Some people might even consider you a genius. Charming and eloquent, you are able to get people to do things your way. While you seem spontaneous and free wheeling, you are calculating to the extreme. Your color wheel opposite is purple. You both are charismatic leaders, but purple people act like you have no depth.

Your Scent is Rose

Delicate, feminine, and soft Your personality is fresh and understated

Aug. 29, 2007 - Wordless Wednesday

For more WW visit Less of Me & More of Him (for some reason my link's not working ~ www.homeschoolblogger.com/tiany

Aug. 29, 2007 - Craft Day

Chrissy will be hosting a craft day on her blog Friday August 31, 2007

 Craft/Project Day August 31st!!!

Do you have a craft/project that you have been wanting to do or finish. Maybe it is a sewing project or scrapbooking, or doing your homemaker journal. Start your planning and gather your stuff ladies and share your crafts/projects on Friday, August 31st. Spread the word.

Aug. 28, 2007 - 13 Down 167 To Go

So far school has been going really well this year. We are still trying to figure out what works and what does not. Emily really enjoys doing most of her work on the computer. It was a struggle at first for her to get the hang of it, but each day we are making progress. We will be spending more time on History, Science and Bible because I will be adding to the lessons.  Audrey is doing really well too. She is so excited about being in the second grade.

Trying to occupy a toddler and teach school has been the most difficult for me. It seems that she only wants my attention when I am doing something. If Emily & Audrey are doing seat work and I go to play with Sarah, she tells me to go away. I am finding out that Emily & Audrey are a little like that too. As soon as I sit down to help one of them, here comes the other one. Oh, there is just not enough mommy to go around.

The other day I purchased the Prairie Primer off an email loop I am on. I am so excited about starting this and  hope that we are able to start in January. I have not read over many of the lessons because I have been busy preparing for our upcoming weeks. I did manage to read the part where we will need a pig’s bladder! Oh, my! This will definitely be a daddy project.

Aug. 28, 2007 - Excuse the Mess

Please overlook my mess! I am having the hardest time with my header, hopefully I will have it fixed up soon.  

Aug. 25, 2007 - Insomnia Strikes Again!

Insomnia Strikes Again!

Ahhhh! I hate it when that happens!

 I was tempted to fix up my template again but I decided to catch up on some blog reading instead. I even found a couple of new ones to add to my bloglines!

Oh, I also figured out that I could read all of my HSB friend’s blogs, off of my blog, again. I did not realize that you could still do it, you just have to do it a different way. You type in  http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/yourusernamehere/friends/

I love this feature because most times bloglines will not show you all the pictures. And if I want to comment all I have to do is click on the comment button and it takes me straight to the comment section on their blog. So I will most definitely be updating my friends list in the next couple of days.

Aug. 24, 2007 - ~ My first blog award ~

Thanks to my sweet friend Leah for passing the “Nice Matters” blog award on to me. In return I get to pass this award on to some of the “Nice” blogs that I visit!

A Crown to Her Husband (Mrs. Monise) She has such a love for her family and I always enjoy reading her blog.

In Beauty & Grace ~ This blog is full of wonderful ideas and tips for raising girls.

Heart of God ~ Ruth has to be one of the sweetest ladies I “know” we belong to a web group together and she is always so encouraging

After a Cup of Coffee or Two ~ I came across this blog a month or so ago, and Christy is such a sweetheart. Be in prayer for Christy, her husband serves in the Navy, and will not be home for another 113 days  

Learning to Love Many Roles ~ I just came across Chrissy’s blog last week, I believe, and I immediately added her to my bloglines!

Aug. 23, 2007 - Mom sells Pokemon Card on Ebay

Y'all just HAVE to read this!  And be sure to check out the winning bid ~

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130144061675&ru=http%25

Aug. 22, 2007 - The Story Behind the Song.....It is Well With My Soul

Aug. 21, 2007 - Winnie-the-Pooh

My friend Fee had this on her blog and you know me, I can never give up a cute little quiz ~

Take the 100 Acre Personality Quiz!

Aug. 14, 2007 - Mattel & Fisher Price Toy Recall List

I did not realize that so many toys are being recalled. Sarah was playing on the "puter" and brought up several different websites, one of those being the front page for Road Runner and I happend to look at it as I was closing it down.

I guess we will be going through the list and taking back some toys ~

Click HERE for the full list

This LINK will take you to Mattel's website ~ this one has pictures

Aug. 14, 2007 -

I made a new valance! That seems to be the only thing I can make without any problems. I picked this material up the other day and wanted to add it to our kitchen. I started out with this project, and next I wanted to take the doors off of the bottom two cabinets under the sink, and put it there as sort of a door. (I’m sure you have seen this done, I just don’t know what it is called) BUT we can not find the right size tension rods. I am trying to come up with another plan and need your help! Do you have any ideas of what we could use instead?

Aug. 14, 2007 - High School Musical

Emily and Audrey are counting down the days (4 more) until High School Musical 2 is shown on the Disney channel ~ Friday night we are going to David’s bother’s house to watch it with my niece. They have watched the first one so many times the past couple of days the songs are stuck in my head! Now I have them on my blog! Emily and Audrey were in here with me this morning while I was setting up a playlist, and we thought it would be fun to add them too!

** To cut the sound off, scroll down to the bottom of my page **

Aug. 12, 2007 - Test Post

I have been playing around with my template, again! Just wanted to check in with y'all and make sure you can see everything and that there are no funny looking symbols anywhere on my sidebar.

Aug. 9, 2007 - It's HOT!!!!!

We are having record breaking temperatures around these parts. Yesterday, the high was 100 degrees and today it is supposed to be 101 with a heat index of 105 ~ Normally on days like this we would just hang out around the house but we have NO air. Our air conditioner went out Tuesday night and it will not be fixed until Friday, possibly Saturday. Today we are going to hang out at my sister’s house and tonight we will be staying with David’s brother. Tomorrow we are going to spend most of the day with my sister-in-law. We might even head out to the pool!

Aug. 7, 2007 - Sarah's Newest Trick

A couple of times now, Sarah has ran up to me saying, Wook, wook ~ only to show me that she can stick things in her ear. Here is her latest a goldfish cracker =P

Aug. 7, 2007 - Audrey's 7th Birthday

For Audrey’s birthday this year we went to a local putt-putt park. (They also have bumper boats and go-karts.)

The birthday girl!

Emily driving the small go-karts.

(Audrey was not tall enough so she took a ride with daddy on the big ones)

The bumper boats.

I don't know if you can tell in this picture but Sarah is NOT happy.

After the boats.

Aug. 6, 2007 - Busy, Busy!

We are busy here with our first day of school. I hope to catch things up later on this afternoon and put up some pictures of Audrey's 7th bday.

Hope y'all have a great day!

Aug. 2, 2007 - Hard Water?

We have a terrible time here with hard water. No amount of chemical or scrubbing has been able to get rid of water rings and stains. Until Now!! Last night David came home with a scouring stick that a co-worker told him about. It is awesome! I worked on my toilet last night and for the most part the water ring is gone. I did not take the time to complete it because a little one was standing by me saying, my turn, over and over. I highly recommend this product to anyone that has water stains or rust stains.  

Aug. 1, 2007 - Wordless Wednesday

(sand)

For more WW visit 5 Minutes For Mom

Jul. 31, 2007 - My Cousin

Please be in prayer for my cousin Sarah and her family. "The McGee's"

 They will be leaving for Kenya on August 4th, 2007 as missionaries with Samaritans Purse.

Here is their blog address ~ http://mcgeesinkenya.blogspot.com/

Jul. 31, 2007 - Introducing

Miss Natalie Cate

Born July 6, 2007

Weighing in at 10lbs 11oz

Jul. 31, 2007 - Fishing

David and the girls decided to go fishing this past weekend with some of the youth from church. The funny thing is ~ David ~ my sweetie ~ was making fun of their fishing poles. In fact, I do believe he said they were not real fishing poles and that you couldn’t catch anything with them.  Yes, they are pink and yes, they are even the Barbie fishing poles. I told him that they were in fact fishing poles and that they have caught many a fish with them at the lake. You have to understand that I am NEVER right about anything around here. I always get it wrong and on the off chance that I do get something right, I tend take great pleasure in it ~ so here are the pictures to prove that I was right

Emily & Audrey fishing

Emily's fish

Audrey's fish

Close up of Audrey's fish

Jul. 30, 2007 - Sew Easy?

 Don’t think SEW! Before we went on vacation I started working on a pocketbook. I thought the pattern would be easy to follow since it was for beginners. No such luck! If I may say so myself, I did a good job getting it cut out and the interfacing ironed on. But once it came time to sew it together, I was lost. I ruined it before getting the first two pieces sewn together. I think I have enough material to cut out two new pieces but I don’t know if I will bother doing that or not. I have seen a couple of websites that give easy projects with a step by step video or pictures. I think I will start there, just have to find them again.

But for the meantime, I am working on another project. While we were shopping at the beach I saw these CUTE little crayon keepers. I think I remember them being $14.99.

They looked so easy to make so I thought I would try one out of some left over material. (I am only making one row on mine) Funny thing is, I find it very easy to do and I don’t even have a silly pattern to follow! I have a couple more spots to finish up and then find a ribbon to match and it will be finished. If this continues to go well, I am going to buy some really pretty, full price material and make each of the girls one.

If you have any sewing tips or websites for beginners I would love to have them!

I am planning on taking a class at the first of the year or our first school break. Until then I am on my own!!

Jul. 27, 2007 - Homeschool Meme

I saw this on Heidi’s blog and thought it looked like a fun little tag.

I started homeschooling ________ years ago (or year)

We officially started homeschooling 3 years ago when Emily started kindergarten.

I homeschool __ of my children

Two

 I teach my children to read at age(specific age or not?)

Emily was 4 when I started working with her. Audrey sat in on the lessons and started picking up the sounds

A few of my most favorite homeschool teaching resources are:

Internet , homeschoolblogs & magizines

Do you write out goals for school each year?

No, but it is something I should start doing =P

What time do you start school each day? Do you have a specific schedule?

Hopefully, this year we will start right away. With Miss Sarah it is hard to stay on any type of schedule!!

I have used ___ math programs. My favorite is:

2 math programs Saxon and Alpha Omega. My favorite so far is the lifepacs

I have used ___ science programs. My favorite is:

2 Science programs ~ I really have not found one that I like yet! This year Emily will be using SOS and we are going to give Creation with Botany another try.

I have used ___ grammar/english programs. My favorite is:

I have used 3 or 4 and my all time favorite is Learning Language Arts through Literature

I have used ___ history programs. My favorite is:

I have used two and my favorite is Beautiful Feet

During what months do you homeschool?

End of July/first of August until May

Favorite homeschool method?

My favorite method is Charlotte Mason and I would love to do this ALL the time. I try to throw as much of it into our schooling as possible. Last year we used textbooks and this year we will be doing SOS

Do you/plan to homeschool all the way through high school?

Yes

Have you noticed specific learning styles in each child?

Not really

Do you keep specific or general records? Or none, really?

At the end of each year we keep their end of grade testing on file. So, I guess you could say none =P

Do you teach Bible, art, journaling, phys. ed.?

Bible ~ we do but this year will be the first curriculum that we will follow

Art ~ Yes ~ we will be going back to How Great thou Art this year.

Phys. Ed ~ No ~ I just let them run around and play

Journaling ~ we will be getting more into that this year and the older they get.

Where do you like to shop for homeschool books and resources?

Internet

What resources have you been itching to try?

The Prairie Primer! I have wanted to do this for about 5 years now! I first saw it before Emily was even reading. I would also like to use Before Five in a Row with Sarah.

Do you use and/or like to use E-books?

I have not used any yet, but I have downloaded some to use during this school year.

Jul. 26, 2007 - Homeschool 2007-2008

**This was posted on my family blog today** Just wanted to post here as well!

I am looking forward to participating in the “Homeschool Open House 2007” that my friend Tiany is hosting on her blog. If you have not already checked it out go HERE. With school starting back up week after next, I have decided to start posting our 2007-2008 homeschool adventures on my HSB blog ~ www.homeschoolblogger.com/daddysgirls  ~ (this blog will still remain open as our family blog)  I am looking forward to going back. It was a hard decision to leave the first time but because of some of the changes that were made, I was constantly having trouble with my blog. Since then most of the problems have been fixed and it is running much smoother.  I hope that you will check in with us HERE to see how our school year is going. I will be posting about our days, (good and bad) homeschool finds and plenty of questions for all the veteran homeschool moms. That is one of the things I love most about this community!  Everyone is there for each other, ready to help, offer up advice and be an encouragement to one another.  

A little homeschool humor

May. 2, 2007 - Animal School

I ran across this video a couple of days ago and just wanted to share with you. No matter if we homeschool our children or they go to a public or private school, I think we can learn a lot from this little video. So many times I feel like I am trying to cram Emily & Audrey into this little box ~ that they just are not going to fit into. When it comes to learning they are SO different, what comes easy to one may be difficult for the other. Seeing this video opened my eyes a little bit more to realize that they are unique and they each have their own special gifts.

I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.  Psalms 139:14

I can’t get the video to show up here so you will need to click on the link ~http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wVxT4XO0ZuY

Jan. 3, 2007 - New Blog

Please click HERE to visit my new blog

Dec. 21, 2006 - Contest Update & Prize

Due to the holidays and some of my HSB friends still not being able to log on to their blogs. I have decided to extend the contest, the new deadline is Monday January 29 ~ with the drawing being held on Wednesday January 31 ~

The prize will be a $10.00 gift certificate to Amazon.com, sent via email. That way you can buy whatever you want!  

Dec. 21, 2006 -

A wise man once told me that what we do in moderation our children do in excess. I am finding out more and more how true that is!!  I am a hypochondriac, yes, you heard right. When I have an ache or pain I tell everyone that will listen and most times those who could care less. I am always trying to self diagnose myself looking up symptoms online, asking around and I have the habit of telling the doctor what is wrong with me. Most times there really is something wrong with me but nobody gives it a second thought because I whine ALL the time. When my back was out that was all I talked whined about. I know some (doctors included) thought I just had a pulled muscle and was being a big baby. But come to find out I had a ruptured disk.  So on top of being a hypochondriac I am a whiner. Well, somehow this gene has been passed down to Audrey and you know what ~ it is driving me crazy! I realize now what I have put David through the past 13 years and my parents the past 33 ~ Everyday it is something new. She’ll come to me with a new ache or pain and the worst is running through my mind. Until I realized she is a little ME!  Last week she came up to me complaining that her chest hurt and asked if kids could get pneumonia. Yesterday, she was complaining that her shoulder blade was hurting and could she have a kidney stone.  The list could go on and on.

I think I need to pick up on a few new habits that maybe the girls would do in excess, like maybe cleaning up the house or doing laundry.

BTW ~ the wise man was none other than my sweet hubby!

Dec. 20, 2006 - A Funny & A Contest

Boy it really has been a long time since I posted something! Sorry Tracey (heehee)

Christmas break for Trio Academy started yesterday!! We are only going to take the rest of this week through next Tuesday off since we have missed so many days due to sickness.  

Wanna hear a funny story? Do you ever have one of those “you have got to be kidding me” moments? Well, I have them all the time and this little ditty will give you a glimpse into what my sweet husband has to put up with most of the time. We have Sarah’s baby crib in our bedroom. It is on my side pushed right up against the bed. (She started out in a co-sleeper and I have just gotten used to her being by my side.) Plus, I am just a little lazy because I do not want to get up out of the bed to get her, this way I can just reach over and pick her up. Anyway, the other night she started crying and I put her in the bed with us and she started pointing at her blanket. So, I get her blanket out and hand it to her. She lays there a minute and she starts pointing and saying “Pooh” This is where it gets interesting and my laziness gets me in trouble. With her bed being right there I can just stick my hand through the rails and grab her stuff up for her. But on this particular night Pooh Bear was just a little too far over for me to reach.  I go in a little further, just a little more. Finally, I have pooh in my grasp but I can’t move my arm. I am stuck!!  I start pulling and twisting, all the while holding on to Sarah, finally I realize I am going to have to wake up David. I started whispering “David” again ~ nothing ~ so I have to start poking him and he jumps up (thinking something is wrong) only to hear me say “I’m stuck” The look on his face was priceless (at the time I did not think this was a funny situation to be in at 3:00 in the morning) Once he saw what I was talking about he started laughing! He pulled and pulled for a minute nothing. He finally pulled the rails apart, it took a minute but I was finally able to pull my arm out. Boy, it hurt and it is still sore!

Okay, I know I am not the only one to have these types of moments! I want to hear about them. Leave me a comment ~ Hey, I think I may even turn this into a contest! My first contest!! WooHoo ~ Post your “You have got to be kidding me” moment on your blog, leave me a comment and I will draw a name out of all the entries. The deadline will be Sunday December 31, 2006 and I will draw on Monday January 1, 2007 ~ I do not know what the prize will be yet as I just thought to do this! Once I figure something out I will let you know. For anyone who does not have a blog ~ email me your moment but just know that I will post here for everyone to read!!

Hope you all have a wonderful Christmas!!!

Love ya Michelle

Dec. 13, 2006 - Pictures

HomeschoolBlogger has been down for the past couple of days and I am finally able to log on!! 

Here are a couple of pictures of the girls that we took last week.

Incase I can not log on next time ~ hope ya'll have a wonderful week!!

Michelle

Dec. 11, 2006 - Test Entry

Dec. 8, 2006 - Flashback Friday

The Wuzzles

Click above to hear the song!

AND

Who can forget Achy Breaky Heart

Dec. 6, 2006 - Wordless Wednesday !!!!

Dec. 1, 2006 - Flash Back Friday

Video Games!!

Click HERE to play games from the 80's like frogger and pac man

and my all time favorite cartoon The Smurfs!!

For more flashback Friday visit Beckie's Blog

Nov. 29, 2006 - Check it out~

The author of the book Eragon (the movie will be out in December)  Christopher Paolini, was homeschooled. Here is the link http://www.alagaesia.com/christopherpaolini.htm

Nov. 29, 2006 - A - Z about me meme

My good buddy Jennifer posted this on her blog today and it looked like so much fun I just had to do it!!! 

A - Available/Single?  Married
B - Best Friend?   David ~ My sister and sister in law and my sweet cousin from Georgia

C- Cake or Pie? Pie

D - Drink Of Choice? Diet Pepsi with LIme
E - Essential Item You Use Everyday? Computer
F - Favorite Color?   Pink
G - Gummy Bears Or Worms? Gummy Bears
H – Hometown (born in)?
I - Indulgence? I can’t pick just one so I will say anything chocolate
J - January Or February? January   (my first baby girl’s bday)
K - Kids & Their Names? 3  Emily Mae ~ Audrey Renee & Sarah Jane

L - Life Is Incomplete Without? !
M - Marriage Date? May 20
N- Number Of Siblings? 3

O - Oranges Or Apples? Apples (with peanutbutter)
P - Phobias/Fears? Mice, Snakes, Spiders, Bugs, if it’s creepy crawly I am scared of it
Q - Favorite Quote? "My heart is singing for joy this morning. A miracle has happened! The light of understanding has shone upon my little pupil's mind, and behold, all things are changed."-- Anne Sullivan

R - Reason to Smile? My sweet family!! I just love ‘em to pieces
S - Season? Spring
T - Tag Four People? Emily & Audrey and Anyone else who reads this is tagged (WAYNE) put it in my comment box (heehee)
U - Unknown Facts About Me? I used to sell Mary Kay

V - Vegetable you don’t like?  Asparagus ~ Lima beans~green peas

W - Worst Habit?  Internet (heehee) always sticking my foot in my mouth

X - X-rays You’ve Had? Chest,back,knee

Y - Your Favorite Food?  A really good cheesy pizza and a new favorite food of mine is Grape Salad

Z- Zodiac Sign? Gemini

Nov. 29, 2006 - Layla Grayce

I ran across this website and I LOVE it and just had to share with all my girlie girl friends just incase you have never been to it either.

Check out these aprons! 

Nov. 28, 2006 - My Achy Breaky Back :o)

For those of you who do not know about 3 years ago I had to have back surgery due to a ruptured disk. (ouch) Since then I have not had any problems with my back and only notice slight pain when I have a fever or the weather turns really cold. Until today! This morning when I got out of bed I noticed that my back was really stiff and I had some pain in my leg. I thought that as the day went on it would wear off but by mid morning I was having shooting pains in my hips and leg. I went to the doctor and he seems to think that I have bruised/sprained my back in the area that I had surgery on a couple of years ago. So, he gave me a shot of pain meds and I started taking steroids and something to help relax the muscles in my back (which is why this is being typed very, very slowly and is probably full of more mistakes than usual) He gave me a list of restrictions to follow one of them being no heavy lifting ~ at first he said 10 lbs but I reminded him that I have a 20lb toddler at home. He said just be very careful! David and the girls are being such a wonderful help with things around the house and taking care of Sarah. I know you are reading this so THANK YOU!!! (love you)

All that to say this ~ if I happen to come to mind during your day please remember me in prayer.  I really would like to see this cleared up in the next week or two. If things get worse or do not improve he is going to send me for another mri and we will go from there. Well, I am headed back to the couch! I hope to be on tomorrow to catch up on all my buddies! I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and will “talk” at ya soon!

Love ya, Michelle

Nov. 24, 2006 - Under Construction

Nov. 21, 2006 - Blogging, It's a Famliy Affair

The girls are lovin’ their blog!  Emily will get on a couple of times a day just to tell me what she wants to add or take away from her template.  She is already asking to learn about html (oh my) We will let Daddy handle that one, I barley understand it myself! They are always checking to see how many people have visited their blog and love getting comments. I have always let the girls “visit” my blogging friends, up until yesterday I thought all they did was look at pictures! I was in their room making up Emily’s bed when she walked in and started talking about Abram & Roman and this neat thing that they have for their bunk beds. My first thoughts were of kids from the church, no, that’s not it ~ finally I have to ask her who she is talking about ~ her reply, Mrs. Trina’s sons!! (said like, duh mom)   She is standing there talking about the boys like she just saw them yesterday and they are the best of friends. (which by the way would be perfectly fine with me)  

Now I understand how David feels when he comes home and I start telling him all about my bloggy friends!

Nov. 17, 2006 - Two new blogs~

I have two new blogs that I would like to share with you ~ the first one is my friend Thresa who has a blog on blogger called Dream Big ~ we have been friends for years and she has decided to have a blog to keep in touch with friends and family as well as make new friends.

The second blog is that of my girls! Yes, Emily and Audrey now have a blog. They have been BEGGING for months now to have their own! I have had it set up for them since September and we picked out graphics last night. They are very excited!

Right now the name of their blog is Sisters , that may change in the next couple of days they are still coming up with ideas.

Hope ya'll have a wonderful Friday! 

Love ya ~ Michelle

Nov. 16, 2006 - Good News!

I’m going to be an aunt again! YAY! My sister called me last Saturday night and told me the good news.  I must be honest, I thought at first she was being mean!  After a couple of “are you serious” I said “if you are lying to me I am going to smack you”  It just totally threw me off guard~  They have been married a little over a year and I have wanted to hear those words for like eight months now and they kept saying in a couple of years ~ maybe!  Their boys are so excited!  I think they are pulling for a boy ~ me and the girls are pulling for a girl!  Either way I am going to love this little one to pieces and he/she has already won a special place in my heart!   You can never have too many nieces and nephews.   Right now Christy is just feeling tired and a little nauseous ~ no throwing up yet ~ her due date is July 9^th which I think has really relieved Emily because she has plans for the Fourth of July (heehee)

Congratulations Derrick & Christy

you are going to be wonderful parents

to this new little one!

A Wish From Baby

I have a little wish for you

for you my mommy-to-be,

this is a way for me to say

thank you for loving me!

I wished upon the twinkling stars

for you , my mommy to know,

that I can already feel

all the love you show!

How you rub your belly

and sing me a sweet song,

and how you ask my daddy

to join in and sing along!

Sometimes it is hard I know

to always do what's right,

like watching what you eat

to make my future bright!

You've already made me happy

my loving mommy-to-be,

you're not waiting until I'm born

you are already loving me!

You will know my wish came true

when you feel how much I care,

a little wish from baby

with so much love to share!

Copyright 2003

Christine Michaels

www.WelcomeBaby.com

Nov. 13, 2006 - What's your name?

HowManyOfMe.com

There are: 30 people with my name in the U.S.A. How many have your name?

Nov. 11, 2006 - 9 weird things meme

Jennifer did hers a couple of weeks ago, Lindsey did hers last week  ~ So without further ado here is 9 weird things about me!

1. I am scared to fly (I have never been on a plane) but for some crazy reason I would love to try sky diving (at least I think I do)

2. I have to pick apart chicken before I eat it to make sure I get out all of those tiny little veins

3. I can not stand to hear the sound silverware makes when you bang it together ~ I also can not use a metal spoon in a metal pot ~

4. I do not know why I do this ~ but I have to wash my hands after I take a shower

5. I can not drink or eat after anyone including David

6. I can not touch raw meat ~ I use latex gloves when needed

7. I will not eat raw cookie dough if I make it~ but will eat it out of the package from the store

8. I complain all the time (which I should not do) about the size of my house but would love to sell it and live in an RV for a year at the local campground

9. I am 33 years old and for the life of me I can not swallow pills

I am tagging a whole list of people!!!

Leah ~ Trina ~ Nicki ~ Kelly ~ Thresa ~ Heidi ~  Amy ~ Tiany ~ Fiffi ~Becky ~ Missy ~ and anyone that would like to play along ~

Nov. 9, 2006 -

Nov. 7, 2006 - Tuesday Ten ......................

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, I thought it would be fun to list 10 things that I am thankful for today.

~ I am thankful for Salvation!

~ I am thankful for a wonderful husband

~ I am thankful for my three sweet girls

~ I am thankful for my 1^st and 2^nd grade girls I have on Wednesday nights

~ I am thankful for my friends and family

~ I am thankful for joy & laughter

~ I am thankful for music

~ I am thankful for the freedoms that I have

~ I am thankful for God’s word

~ I am thankful for God’s grace

Nov. 3, 2006 - My Giving Bank Link

I failed to put the link for the My giving bank ~ Here it is .......

http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?item_no=502702&event=CFN

Nov. 3, 2006 -

In Lindsey’s post this morning she was asking, how we handle allowance, so after writing a book in her comment section I thought, hey, I could post this on my blog. I have had a hard time coming up with something to post and I do not have any new pictures to share.  Speaking of my friend Lindsey go check out her new Christmas Blog ~ I have really enjoyed reading over what she has posted so far...............

We started giving the girls an allowance of $10.00 per month about a year ago, at the time they were five and six.  David bought each of the girls a really neat “Giving Bank” it is basically one large bank with three different places to put money. The first is church tithes, which we always make the girls put in first.  Next they have to put their money into the savings bank and the remainder goes into the store part. (David handles this part with the girls, so I am guessing when I say it is $1 ~ $5 ~ $4.) Once their savings get built up and they are older, we are going to open up a savings account for them to manage.

I used to think it was crazy to give children (at these ages) an allowance. I mean you pay for their food, you put a roof over their head, you drive them back and forth from place to place, you pay for piano, soccer and the list could go on.  Another thing that always stuck out in my mind was, why should I have to pay them for cleaning up after themselves or helping out around the house. Well, first of all we do not “pay” our girls to do the things that are expected of them. It is for the things around the house that they do extra and for all the times they “baby-sit” Sarah for me so I can get something done. If they do not do a required job or one that is asked of them I have taken money out of their bank to "pay" myself for doing it.  So far, I have only had to do this once.

As a child I was not taught to save money and the reason being ~I did not have any!! How can we expect our children to save money and learn the value of a dollar when we do not teach it to them? How can we teach them if we do not give them money to do so? When I got my first job I did not know the first thing about saving money, and I will be really honest with you and tell you I have a hard time with it now. I personally think it is a high expectation when a parent thinks as soon as he turns 16 he will be money smart.  No, we have to teach them and like with anything else the younger they start the better.

David and I have talked and talked about this, we want our children to make smart money choices now and for the rest of their lives. We want to teach them, things that we both had to learn on our own and sadly the hard way.

These are some of the guideline that we try to follow ~

We provide ALL of their needs. If we as parents choose to go out to eat we buy ~ we do not make them buy their own dinner.  Now, there have been times on our way back home from town where they wanted to stop by McDonald’s for fries and a coke and I made them pay for it. We buy their clothes ~ my girls LOVE clothes and their have been times while shopping that they wanted a brand name item (not because of the name but because of how it looked) and I would not buy it for them but if they really wanted it they could buy for themselves ~ evidently they really did not want it ~ I know this will be one we deal with a lot once they are teenagers and I am hoping that by teaching it to them now it will save a lot of arguments in the future. We have even talked about giving them a reasonable clothing allowance once they are 16+ and anything above that they will need to take out of their money.

The place that we have noticed the biggest difference has been Wal-Mart! I was really bad about buying them a special treat ~ candy, gum or drink every time we went. They started expecting it so when I would tell them no, they became upset. Now the rule is if they want something extra they need to bring their own money. This is really hard for me because I do like to give into them every now and then.  

David always takes care of things when we go out as a family but if the girls want something more than what he is paying for they do have to pay for it themselves. Like, if we were going to the movies and he bought popcorn and drinks and they wanted candy to go along with it, they would have to buy their own (we do not do this much because it costs too much to go to the movies ~ we can buy the dvd once it comes out cheaper than just what the admission cost our family) Before we left for Disney the girls knew that David would buy each of them one souvenir anything else would have to come out of their pocket. It is amazing the things they can live without when they have to pay for it

The most important thing that we are teaching the girls right now is tithe and offerings. We always make sure this is the first thing that is taken out of their allowance. Right now they are excited about giving and I hope it never changes. I hope they always have a giving heart!  

Here is a cute little story about Audrey :o)

It had been a week or two since David’s bday and Audrey decided she wanted to make him a card. So, she worked on drawing him a picture put it in an envelope and gave it to him as soon as he walked in the door. Once he opened it, a twenty dollar bill fell out and after talking with her he found out that she had wanted to give him something extra for his birthday so she took it out of her bank to give him. After much hugging and explaining that he appreciated it he put it back in her bank.

Oct. 31, 2006 - You know your from NC when......

Oct. 30, 2006 - Growing Little Women by Donna Miller

I am thinking about getting this book for the girls and wanted to get some input from you guys. I have the Beautiful Girlhood book but they are not old enough to read yet and I wanted to go ahead and start something with them.

  Have any of you read this book? If so what are your thoughts.

If you have any other  books that you can recommend for girls between the ages of 6-10 please leave it in my comment box. Thanks

Oct. 30, 2006 - Conversations over lunch

At lunch time today Emily used a Graceland cup that David got when he was in Tennessee back over the summer.  Emily and Audrey started talking and asking questions about Elvis.  They wanted to know if he was alive when the movie Lilo & Stitch came out.  Did daddy see him when he was in Tennessee?   Then Audrey and her sweet self looks up as serious as can be and asked me “Wasn’t he one of the Presidents?”

Oct. 30, 2006 - My first & last turkey

When it comes to meat I am just plain weird! 

I blame some of it on biology ~ having to dissect frogs, pigs, fish and worms.  Then there is the fact that growing up my grandpa & daddy would slaughter pigs and cows.  It was not unusual for me to see their insides hanging out in front of the smokehouse when I walked home from school. The smell ~ oh, it was awful!  I can remember watching my mamma and grandma grind up sausage thinking I am going to puke!  Then of course, every time I ate a hamburger, I thought about the poor cow that used to live out behind our house.  My little brother plays a big part in this as well!  Growing up he loved to hunt!  I don’t know if it was for the actual sport of hunting or for the fact that he could chase me around with whatever he caught when he got home.  I have been chased around with deer heads, dead mice, squirrels, pig noses and whatever else I have blocked from my memory.  If he got his hands on it and it was dead, more than likely I would end up screaming! In all fairness to him he may have just been getting me back for the way we treated him when he was little.  Did I mention I used to put those hot pink curlers in his hair and make him play dress up?!

I tell you all of that so I can share with you my turkey story.  I was going to enter this into a contest my friend Leah was having a couple of months ago, about embarrassing moments, but I missed the deadline.  Today as I was thinking of something to post, I thought what better time to share this since Thanksgiving is right around the corner.

About four years ago I decided to try my hand at baking a turkey.  I had a friend who lived down the road who said it was easy.  She told me to just get a turkey breast and it would not be as bad as a whole turkey.  She basically said to unwrap it and put a little butter on it and stick it in the over for a couple of hours.  Up until this point I had never cooked any type of poultry on the bone and very rarely do I do it now.  I buy the boneless and skinless chicken breast; if it calls for a whole chicken I don’t cook it.  Anyway, I had planned to cook a really nice meal that night.  I opened the turkey and was kind of grossed out by the skin but I thought, hey I can do this.  Until I read the directions. I  can’t remember them in detail but I want to say that I had to pull the turkey neck, I can’t remember if I had to pull it off or pull it us from the breast.  So I  put on my big rubber yellow gloves and started pulling. Well, the stupid thing would not budge.  I was already grossed out by the fact that I had to look at this ugly thing and I now had to touch it.  What happened to just sticking it in the oven?  I pulled a couple times more and then I start crying.  Not just a couple of tears, I am talking CRYING snubs and all.  I happen to look down and there stands Emily & Audrey.  Emily is old enough to know that something is wrong and she gets all upset then Audrey starts.  So, we are all three standing in the kitchen crying and I am  pulling on this turkey’s neck (stupid turkey I think is what I was calling it)  and it starts making sounds and moving a little, by this point I have had it.  I give up! But I know that David will have a fit if I just throw it in the trash.  I pulled myself together and broke down and called him at work.  I can’t contain the tears and I start crying telling him about this “Stupid Turkey” and that sweet husband of mine comes to my rescue!  He drives 30 minutes home, does what needed to be done to the turkey, puts it in the oven and drives another 30 minutes back to work.  After he left I can remember thinking I acted like such a baby, I should have been able to do that, who gets that upset over a turkey for crying out loud!  Since that day I have not tried cooking a turkey and I do not plan on ever trying again!

Oct. 25, 2006 - Wordless Wednesday part 2

Sarah is eating a yummy fall cupcake ~ Since we did cake for her bday the Saturday before David brought home cupcakes for us to eat after dinner ~

She REALLY liked it too ~ can't ya tell

Oct. 25, 2006 - A Fridge Meme

I have been tagged by Lindsey @ Just Enjoy the Journey to play along in a fridge meme

I keep a memory board full of pictures on the front of my fridge (I love pictures)

Up under that you will see pictures of the girls that were taken at a birthday party back in August ~ Emily and Audrey are always drawing or coloring me pictures and they will stick a new one up every so often. Emily and Audrey also have lighthouse magnets with their names on them that my parents brought back form the outer banks.

Emily received the little stars for each level that she completed in our Word of Life program on Wednesday nights.

I don’t know how well you can see the top of the fridge ~ but if you will get real close and squint your eyes really tight you will see a candy vending machine that Audrey received as a bday gift this past year. She buys the mini candy bars herself and in order for us to get one we have to put a quarter into the slot. Let’s just say that she has made money off of us ~ Next to that is a bag of cornmeal that we picked up on our last fieldtrip that I have yet to use ~

Now I am tagging  Michelle  A Day in the Life ~ Kelly  A Spacious Place      & Missy  All Things Considered

Oct. 25, 2006 - Wordless Wednesday

Oct. 24, 2006 - Blogging Contest

My friend Leah is hosting a new contest ~ Just answer the questions she has listed on her blog and she will enter you in a drawing for a new header ~

Here are my answers to her questions !

1.       How long ago did you start blogging and why did you start?

It will be one year in November ~ I first started this blog as a way to post pictures

for family and friends of the girls ~ Now I blog because of the friendships I have made

2.       How did you come up with your username/URL address?

Since we have 3 sweet girls and they all love their daddy so much I thought it was fitting

3.       What do you enjoy most about blogging?

Making new friends and keeping in touch with all you guys

4.       What makes one blog stand out to you from all the others?

I love the personal ones ~ and I love looking at pictures

Also, the ones that are real and not someone who is making themselves out to be super mom

5.       On an average how long does it take you to write a post for your blog?

ALL DAY ~ (heehee) I normally have it in my head before I start typing ~

 it is just getting it onto the computer that takes so long~

 between my short term memory and the girls needing something it takes me forever.

6.       What has changed in your life since you started blogging?

I never thought I would be one to make friends on the computer.

I never thought I could care so much about people I have never met in person

7.       Does your family support you (if so how) or do they think you're a blog addict?

Yes, David helps me out all the time with html ~

 He creates my headers and bought me the url for Raising Little Women

Emily and Audrey LOVE IT!!!

They know many of you by name and Emily is always checking a couple of your sites daily!!

They are always asking “when can we go play with them” they do not yet understand how far away some

of you are.

8.       Have you ever gotten a negative comment?  If so, how did you deal with it?

No ~ I hope I never do ~

9. How often do you check your blog for new comments?

A couple times a day ~ usually Emily gets to it before I do

(I think we have ourselves a future blogger)

10.       Do you have a blogging tip you can share?

Be the Real you

Share your bad days as well as your good days

&

 Well, just have FUN

If you answer the secret question that's here but not written out, you get entered twice!

Oct. 24, 2006 - Praise Report

Thank you so much to all of you that lifted Sarah Jane up in prayer.  Her eye has been clear now for a couple of weeks and she will not have to have surgery on her tear duct!!!  She had her one year doctor appointment today and he said that all looked well with her eye.  This is such a wonderful answer to prayer and it really means a lot to me to know that you were praying! Love ya, Michelle

Oct. 23, 2006 - Our Disney Trip

We had a wonderful time on our trip to Disney!  All three girls did really well on the ride down to Florida.  Emily and Audrey got their fill of the Brady Bunch Season 2 and I must say that by the time we got home I was sick of hearing it in the background.

Once we got to Orlando and settled in our room we hit the pools.  The place we stayed at was a really nice resort; we could have spent the whole trip hanging out there.  They had waterslides, playgrounds, tennis and basketball courts, a game room and many more fun things to do.

We spent Monday at MGM and could not have asked for better weather.  I think the high was only 81 and it actually got a little cool that evening.  We went from show to show and rode a couple of rides needless to say we were worn out by the time we closed out the day.

On Wednesday we headed out to Magic Kingdom and we had the best time. The first couple of hours we did not have to wait in line for longer than 10-15 minutes after that we started picking up the fast passes.  I think the longest David and the girls had to wait was 45 minutes to ride Big Thunder Railroad.  Sarah and I were under a shelter keeping cool and eating yummy frozen lemonade.

It is hard for me to remember the details of our trip with two hungry girls begging for something to eat, so I will just sum up our trip with this last paragraph and a couple of pictures.

 More than any of the shows, more than any ride, I loved watching the girl’s faces while we where there.  To hear them giggle and the excitement in their little voices is what made the trip worthwhile and every penny spent worth it. 

Sarah on the trip down (4:30am)

Emily & Audrey waiting for the parade

The castle being worked on

David & Sarah

Emily & Audrey

All the other thousands of people who decided

to head to Disney

Me & Sarah Jane

Oct. 21, 2006 - There's No Place Like Home..........

Just wanted to drop in and let everyone know that we are back from our Disney trip.  We had a wonderful time!!  But it is sooo good to be back home!  I hope to post pictures and go into more detail about our trip on Monday.  Right now I have a ton of catching up to do!

Photo taken from http://www.disneysites.com/

Oct. 12, 2006 - Happy 1st Birthday Sarah

Oct. 11, 2006 - A "Funny" Wordless Wednesday :o) with help from Emily

Oct. 10, 2006 - ~~30 Days of Thanksgiving~~

Join me as I take up the 30 days of Thanksgiving Challenge

It is simply taking thirty days before Thanksgiving to let those around me know how thankful I am for them, one each day. What could be more comforting and edifying than knowing someone appreciates who God has created in you and what He's doing in your life?!

Visit Healed Waters for my information

Oct. 10, 2006 - Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness

For more information click the above link

Oct. 9, 2006 - Sarah's First Party!!!

Here's a couple pictures of Sarah from here first birthday party!! She will officially be 1 year old on Thursday but I wanted to go ahead and share these today!!

Baby's First Birthday

Oct. 6, 2006 - I Loved Her First

When I first heard this song I just cried thinking about a father's love for his daughter.  It is so sad that in this day and time fathers are made fun of , put down and made out to be just plain stupid. I thank God that I have a wonderful husband who is such a great daddy to his little girls.

I am not sure of copyright laws and such ~ I was just going to copy into this entry but you will have to click HERE to see the lyrics and they even have the song playing in the background!

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend with your family! We will be having Sarah's first birthday party tomorrow ~ I will try to post pictures sometime this weekend!

Oct. 3, 2006 - Catching Up

Thanks to everyone for your prayers and comments concerning Emily’s eye.  All is better now!  She only complained a day or two after we took the eye patch off that her eye was sore.  I must admit that a couple of times while putting the eye drops in I lost my patients with her and at one point told her she was acting like a two year old.  Which was completely unfair of me since I have only put eye drops in my eyes maybe once my whole life.  I had no idea the struggle it was for her to hold her little eye open. Until, a couple of nights later when I had to put some in my eye!!! When I opened the stove up a gush of heat came out and hit me square in the face, drying my eye out and making it so uncomfortable that I could not stand it.  Let’s just say I learned an important lesson that night.

In the next couple of days I will be posting this month’s weight loss challenge photo.  I completely forgot last month until it was too late to submit to Brandi ~ I have not lost as much as I wanted but I am getting there. 

School has been wonderful around here.  We are finally getting into a routine and if we do it just right we are finished up in about 2 hours.  I am really enjoying the different curriculums that we are using this year.  My favorite so far is Learning Language Arts through Literature ~ I am amazed at how much the girls are learning from this program and plan to use it again in years to come. 

Only a couple more weeks and we are headed back to Florida!! This will be our second trip to Disney and we are just as excited now as we were our first trip!  We are worried about the drive down since the past couple of days Sarah has not wanted to be in her car seat but hopefully all will be better before we go.

Hope ya'll have a great Tuesday !!

Michelle

Oct. 2, 2006 - Sending out a big Hello

Thought I would stop in and say hello to everyone.  Once again, I have spent my blogging time playing around with my template and trying to learn more about html codes. 

Sep. 27, 2006 - More Crock-Pot recipes

We have tried all of these ~ each time they have turned out wonderful

Macaroni & Cheese

1 (16 oz) pkg of macaroni noodles

1 (13 oz) evaporated milk

1 tsp. salt

½ cup of butter

1 tbsp vegetable oil

1 ½ cup of milk

4 cups of cheddar cheese

Cook macaroni noodles ~ drain

Grease bottom and sides of pot ~ toss in hot noodles

Add remaining ingredients

Cook on low 4-6 hours

Chunky-Style Applesauce

8 – 10 large cooking apples ~ cored  and sliced or cut in chunks

½ cup of water

1 tsp of cinnamon

½ - 1 cup of sugar

Put ingredients in crock-pot. Cover cook on low 8-10 hrs High 3-4 hrs

Crock-pot Baked Beans

2 (20oz) Bush vegetarian beans (drain sauce)

½ cup BBQ sauce

¼ cup of brown sugar

Mix ~ put in crock pot

Cook on low 3 hrs  

Crock-pot Broccoli Casserole

2 pkg frozen chopped broccoli (partly thawed)

1 can cream of broccoli

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

¼ cup onion

¼ tsp pepper

1 cup of butter cracker crumbs

2 tbsp butter

Spray pot with Pam ~ In large bowl combine broccoli, soup, 1 cup of cheese, onion, & pepper ~ pour in pot

Sprinkle cracker crumbs on top, dot with butter

Cover and cook on high 2 ½ - 3 hours

Sprinkle remaining cheese on top ~ Cover and cook additional 10 minutes

I have 3 or 4 spaghetti sauces that I will post when I get a chance

Sep. 26, 2006 - Crock Pot Cooking

For the past month or two, I have been taking advantage of my crock pots on Sundays.  I try to have everything cooking while we are at church and when we get home the entire meal is ready.  This is wonderful!!!!   I thought it would take up more time than our usual lunch which consisted of sandwiches, frozen pizzas or chicken nuggets.  Believe it or not it is actually quicker.  This is the meal that I have planned for this coming Sunday.  We have tried all of these recipes and they are very yummy!

Buttery Beef

3 lbs stew meat (trimmed of fat)

1 envelope of onion soup mix

½ cup of butter

Place beef and butter in crock pot

Sprinkle the onion soup mix over the beef

Cook on high 4-5 hours

Can be served over egg noodles

Slow Cooker Creamed Corn (The best)

1 (16 oz) package of frozen corn

1 (8oz) cream cheese

½ cup of butter

½ cup of milk

Salt and pepper to taste

In slow cooker combine all ingredients

Cook on high 2-4 hrs or low 4-6 hrs

(This doubles really well)

Creamed Potatoes

2 pounds red potatoes, diced with peel

¼ cup water

¼ cup butter

1 ¼ tsp salt (if desired)

½ tsp of garlic salt (I substituted with 2 cloves of pressed garlic)

¼ tsp ground black pepper

Place potatoes, water & butter in slow cooker. Season with salt, garlic powder & pepper. Cover and cook on low for 7 hrs or high for 4 hrs

Mash potatoes with masher or beater adding desired amount of milk or whipping cream

Sep. 23, 2006 - Our Little Patient

Emily is feeling much better this morning!! She can't wait to take the patch off of her eye, she says "it's driving me crazy" Can't say that I blame her.  Only a couple more hours to go.  Click here to find out what happend!

She is in here with me right now and wants to put up a smilie -

 StarWars is my favorite!!

Audrey, has to do one now!

They want me to do one for Sarah now

Okay, now that we all have of our smilies up, we are going to go clean up this messy house and maybe catch up on yesterday's school lessons. BUT most of all we are going to stay out of trouble - David is away again today

Sep. 22, 2006 - It's been a bad, bad day

We had “one of those days” today!!  And once again my husband is right.  Every time he is away on business or has something to do that he can not get away from, something around here goes wrong. He has made this comment to me several times and each time I say “Nothing is going to happen”  Several people from our church are attending a seminar today and tomorrow and David needed the van to drive everyone to the meeting.  He also took my cell phone because the girls and I had planned on staying home all day.  That all changed, it was not that I wanted to run out but HAD to run out.  Emily and Audrey were playing around this morning when all the sudden Emily started screaming.  We then find out that Audrey accidentally poked Emily in the eye.  She seemed to be doing better before David left for the seminar.  Fast-forward 2 hours - she is still complaining with it and it looks like it is a little swollen but I can not tell if it is from crying for almost 3 hours or the injury.  I tried eye drops, ice packs and Tylenol – nothing seemed to help with the pain.  I put in a call to the doctor and talked to the nurse who says she may need to go see an eye doctor because they would not be able to see anything in their office.  So, I have to call David. If I remember correctly I think the first thing I said to him was “I have everything under control” because I do not want him to worry about us, then I tell him Emily has to go to the doctor.  Now, remember David has my van and I now have to drive his small pick-up truck. It is the kind of truck that has the two little seats in the back, that is where Emily and Audrey sit and Sarah is in the front with me. (there is no airbag) Apparently, with everything going (Sarah crying, Audrey asking me a hundred questions and Emily screaming my eye, my eye - it hurts and the radio blaring some song off the kid channel) I lost the ability to think like an intelligent adult, forgot how to drive a straight, lost all sense of direction and became a road raging lunatic.  We finally get to the doctor and I have to fill out the paperwork since this is our first time to this practice.  Why in the world an eye doctor needs to know if she has a relative that has ever had a slipped disc I will never know. We finally get back to see him, after her exam he tells me that she has an abrasion on her eye.  He said that it should heal up just fine but we will need to put drops in it for the next several days and come back in a week.  He also went ahead and put a patch over her eye to help speed up the process.  At first, I think she thought it was pretty cool but it has started getting on her nerves because it is rubbing her skin raw.  She is doing better this afternoon, I think she is more tired now than anything.

Sep. 22, 2006 - A meme about ME

I have seen this on several blogs and thought it would be fun to do.

When you were a kid, what did you want to do when you grew up?

Teacher or Cosmetologist

What do you want to do when your kids grow up?

~Travel cross country with David in an RV

~Play with Grandbabies

~Buy all new furniture

List 3 favorite childhood foods:

~Pizza

~Tacos

~French Fries

Now they are:

~Homemade Mac & Cheese

~Homemade cookies

~Chips & Salsa from Monterrey

Name your top 3 music favorites as a teen:

This one may get me in trouble :o)

~Bon Jovi

~Def Lepard

~Aerosmith

Top 3 now:

~Mercy Me

~Selah

~80’s & 90’s Music

3 Interesting things about you then:

I don’t know if you would call these interesting but….

~I was very gullible and believed everything anyone told me. ( I really have not grown out of this)

~I colored my hair with pink Kool-Aid when I was 17 (it would not wash out)

~I bought a new Taurus in ’91 – it had no air, I had a 30-45 min. drive to and from work. It gets very hot here and I would have to stop about half way home during the summer and walk around the mall to cool off.  When David and I started dating we drove my car one night and he ruined a favorite shirt because it stuck to the back of the seat. Shortly after we married he bought me a new car.

~

3 Interesting things about you now:

~I am married to a wonderful Godly man

~I homeschool my children

~My aunt is also my sister in law

List 3 favorite books as a child (or teen)

~Anything by Judy Blume

Sep. 20, 2006 - My Guest Book

Sep. 20, 2006 - Wordless Wednesday

Sep. 19, 2006 - More Changes!!

I know, I know, I said I was not going to make anymore changes to my template since it took me hours to fix it last time. But I just could not help it!!

Sep. 15, 2006 - The TV is going out the window

When the newest PBS show A Big Big World first came on I watched one or two of the episodes and thought that it would be okay for the girls to watch.   My mind changed the day that I heard a conversation between two of the characters on the show.  I can’t remember exactly what was said but it was enough that I told the girls that they could no longer watch it.  About a week ago Emily asked me if she could watch it and I told her yes. (mistake) I was going to tell you how bad of a day I had been having and how Sarah had been fussing all day and on and on.  But that is just my excuse for being lazy that day and not making sure the girls had something else to do.  They watched it and even talked about it later telling me it really was a good show it teaches you about Science.  I started thinking maybe I over reacted; I did not hear the full context of what they were talking about and so forth. When they asked to watch it again I said yes.  They went outside and played this afternoon and when they came in they turned on the TV to see what was on. They  got board with it and went to play in their room.  I was trying to get Sarah settled down for a nap when I heard the word Spirit come from one of the characters mouth. They were trying to find out where the spirit of the trees live and were going around to each of their friends and asking them. The main character says not everyone believes it (or something like that) we have to let each person decide for themselves.  They go around to their friends asking them what they think the spirit of the trees is and where they think it lives. They all say something like the leaves or the bark.  I had to put Sarah down and when I came back to finish watching it, this main character is telling them that the spirit of the trees live in each of us.  Well, by this time I am really mad, turn off the TV and go tell the girls under no circumstances are they to EVER watch this show again.  I get the look, moms you know the one I am talking about, so I repeat it again this time very slowly so they will not miss a word.  I am so sick of TV right now I do not know what to do!!! We only have like 5 channels and it is so hard to protect them from what is shown on those channels, I don’t know I would do if we had cable or satellite.

Sep. 15, 2006 - New Contest by Bluebird Blogs

Yesterday I emailed Bluebird Blogs about creating me a new blogging template.  I have visited a lot of the blogs that she has redesigned and they are awesome.  I showed a couple of them to David to give him some ideas of what I wanted and to see if he could help me (he has created some websites and created my banner)  He told me just to email her about it and let her do it for me,  since I really really liked the ones she has done so far.  So I was very excited this morning to see that she is having a contest where she will pick two winners and completely customize their blog.  Here are the details   

Sep. 14, 2006 - Thursday Thirteen

13 of my favorite fiction books

1. Love Comes Softly by Janet Oke
2. Redemption Series by Karen Kingsbury
3. A Thousand Tomorrows by Karen Kingsbury
4. Abram’s Daughters Series by Beverly Lewis
5. Tales of the Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume
6. A Walk to Remember by Nicholas Sparks
7. The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks
8. Bells of Lowell by Tracie Peterson
9. Every Little Thing About You by Lori Wick
10. A Place Called Home Series by Lori Wick
11. Angels Watching Over Me by Michael R. Phillips
12. Prairie Legacy by Janet Oke
13. Tales of London by Lawana Blackwell

Sep. 13, 2006 - Wordless Wednesday (sarah's little foot)

Sep. 11, 2006 - Prayer Request

Please pray for Sarah these next couple of weeks.  She has a clogged tear duct and with her first birthday approaching we will soon need to go back to the doctor for a follow up exam.  We are really praying that her eye will clear up on its own so she will not have to have surgery.

Sep. 11, 2006 - Cinnamon Ornaments

We are going to start working on some ornaments for our little tree today. Here is the recipe for the first ornament that we will be making.

      Cinnamon Ornaments (makes 25)

2        cups cinnamon

1 ½ cup of applesauce

4 tbsp of white school glue

Knead about 10 minutes – roll out on board dusted with cinnamon  

Cut out with small cookie cutters

 by using a toothpick place a small hole in the of the ornament

Place on cookie rack and let dry for a couple of days turning in between

Thread ribbon through the hole and tie

These make wonderful Christmas gifts

Sep. 9, 2006 - Pictures

I guess I need to teach the girls that they should not take pictures of things they should not be doing. (after looking at them again, Emily may be trying to blackmail Audrey - there's that sisterly love again!)

umm Audrey should you be eating on your bed????

How many times have I told you "DO NOT put Sarah on your bed"

Sep. 8, 2006 - Gotta have shoes

We love shoes around here.  Between Emily and Audrey the two of them probably have about 30 pair of shoes. (maybe even more than that) They have many colors and styles of flip flops, Sunday shoes, tennis shoes, sandals and the newly added Aqua Ducks that they just HAD to have.  When you walk into the house more than likely you will pass by or have to step over at least 5 pair of shoes (we like them so much we just leave them out to look at – David calls it being lazy) Well, Sarah has now joined our shoe club!!  I bought her first pair of shoes, which were pink, about a week ago.  Then today while we were shopping I picked her up two more pair (which I must say, are also pink) I got her a pair of Nike play sandals for when we go on vacation next month and this cute little pair of All Star Converse. Each pair was only $5.00 which is a really good deal considering they sell for a lot more when they are not on the clearance rack.   I am still up in the air about what to do with the Converse because when I got home, I checked on eBay and a pair was at $26.00 with 2 hours to go.  So, I am thinking about maybe listing them but they are just too cute that I don’t know if I want to let them go or not!!! Oh, what to do!

Sep. 7, 2006 - The Forwarder's 12 step program

Sometimes friends have to tell you things you might not like to hear, but need to. If you are one of those people who like to forward every e-mail you get, please repeat the following ...

1) I will NOT get bad luck, lose my friends, or lose my mailing lists if I DON'T forward an e-mail!

2) I will NOT hear any music or see a taco dog, if I do forward an e-mail.

3) Bill Gates is NOT going to send me money. Victoria's Secret doesn't know anything about a gift certificate they're supposed to send me.

4) Ford will NOT give me a 50% discount even if I forward my e-mail to more than 50 people!

5) I will NEVER receive gift certificates, coupons, or freebies from Coca Cola, Cracker Barrel, Old Navy, or anyone else if I send an e-mail to 10 people.

6) I will NEVER see a pop-up window if I forward an e-mail! (If you do, you have a virus or trojan.)

7) There is NO SUCH THING as an e-mail tracking program and I am not STUPID enough to think that someone will send me $100 for forwarding an e-mail to 10 or more people!

8) There is NO kid with cancer through the Make-a-Wish program in England collecting anything! He did when he was 7 years old. He is now cancer free and 35 years old and DOESN'T WANT ANY MORE POST CARDS, or GET-WELL CARDS!

9) The government does not have a bill in Congress called 901B (or whatever they named it this week) that, if passed, will enable them to charge us 5 cents for every e-mail we send.

10) There will be NO cool dancing, singing, waving, colorful flowers, characters, or program that I will receive immediately after I forward an e-mail. NONE, ZIP, ZERO, NADA!!

11) The American Red Cross will NOT donate 50 cents to certain individuals dying of some never-heard-of disease for every e-mail address I send this to. The American Red Cross RECEIVES donations.

12) And finally, I WILL NOT let others guilt me into forwarding at email by telling me if I don't I am not their friend or that I'm a bad person.

Now, repeat this to yourself until you have it memorized, and send it along to at least 5 of your friends before the next full moon or you will gain twenty pounds in the next three months! (No, not really! If you believe that last statement, go back and read this message again!)

Sep. 7, 2006 - What type of Homeschooler are you?

What Type of Homeschooler Are You?

Salvador Dali Melting clocks are not a problem in your reality. You are an unschooler. You will tolerate a textbook, but only as a last resort. Mud is your friend. You prefer hands-on everything. If your school had an anthem, it would be Dont Worry, Be Happy. Visit my blog: http://www.GuiltFreeHomeschooling.blogspot.com
Take this quiz!

Quizilla | Join | Make A Quiz | More Quizzes | Grab Code

Sep. 5, 2006 - Moms for Modesty

Moms for Modesty Mission Statement

• As a Mom for Modesty I believe in common-sense modesty for girls and young women. 
• I believe in refraining from sexualizing our girls and young women. 
• I believe that it is unwise and unfair to taunt boys and young men by permitting my daughter(s) to dress in an immodest manner.
• I believe that true beauty comes from within and I strive to teach my daughter(s) this truth.
• I will loyally shop at retailers that provide girls' and young womens clothing that is modest, affordable and stylish.

Click the above button for more information & how this all got started.

Sep. 1, 2006 - Circle of Friends Part 1

In keeping with my previous post I though I would share with you some of my favorite posts by my blogging friends.... Hope you enjoy

The Rose Bush  Lindsey

I Humbly Thank You Trina

Lesson in Mommyhood Nicki

One Year Later Jennifer

The Spider and the Chicken Leah

Early Morning Quiet Time Tiany

I don't like Jack Lillie Pad

I will be back later with more

Sep. 1, 2006 - Why do you blog??

For me I am not doing it to see how many hits a day I get.  I am not trying to boost up my ego and I am definitely not trying to tell people how to be the perfect wife and mother (is there even such a thing)

When I first created this blog I had just had Sarah and everyone wanted pictures.  I could not figure out how to send them through my email (I have since figured it out) So I set up the account and sent everyone the link and posted a couple of pictures of the girls.  After a while I started reading some of the blogs and even started to get comments so I would comment back on their blog.  Then something happened that I never thought I would do- I started building friendships with people I had never met before over the internet.  I know more about some of my bloggy friends and *talk* to them more than I do some of my family.

Through many of your blogs I find encouragement daily.  Sometimes just reading and laughing about your hard day makes mine a little easier to bear because I know that I am not the only one out there trying to make a difference in my home.  I find so much encouragement from those of you who have a way with words and when I pull your page up it is like opening the pages of my favorite devotion and at times it was like it was written just for me.

So for me blogging is about friendship.  I laugh when you laugh and hurt when you are hurting.  There have been many a times the girls have come in and thought I had gone mad because I am looking at the computer screen with tears running down my face or because I am laughing hysterically at something you have posted.  There are even times TRINA when I am going on about my business that I think of you running and yelling River ~ that I just give in to the giggles.  Leah, every time I cook chicken now I think of you especially when I am eating it and pulling out all those yucky veins!!!! If you and I ever get the chance to meet, I say we head over to the nearest KFC and see who can eat a chicken leg the fastest (hehe)  Jennifer, I think about you daily and the sacrifice that your family will be making for our country.  I can’t even begin to imagine the emotions that you are going through, just know that you have a lot of us out here in blogland praying for you. Lindsey, it would be a down right shame if we never meet up being as close as we are!!!! Hey can me and the girls come over and play with your slot machine, I’ll bring the sweet tea and I promise NOT to make it with Splenda.

 I could go on and on….so I will leave with these last few words…..

I thank you all my sweet blogging friends for letting me have a little peek into your lives and for all the encouragement and advice that you have given me.

Hope ya'll have a blessed and wonderful day!

Aug. 31, 2006 - Thursday Thirteen

When Lindsey created her 101 things in 1001 days, I told her I was going to come up with one for myself.  Well, it has not happened yet!! So I am going to do a shorter version called 13 things in 13 days  

My start date is August 31, 2006

My end date is September 12, 2006

My 13 things in 13 days list

Aug. 30, 2006 - Wordless Wednesday

Aug. 29, 2006 - School Happenings

The light of understanding has shone upon my little pupil’s mind once again!!

Audrey is reading and of the two of us I don’t know who is more excited! Reading is something that she struggled with last year and basically she had no interest in it at all.  That all changed about two weeks ago, she was ready and there has been no stopping her.  

In math Emily has started adding and subtracting 2 digit numbers and she is not at all happy about it.  She keeps telling me “Momma, I’m a history girl” We have been doing a review of the addition facts and she is starting to work on the subtraction cards now.

For the first semester we are working on Science and will take a break during the second semester to do Beautiful Feet.   So far the girls have loved using the Exploring Creation through Botany Science curriculum.  The only complaint they have is that I have a hard time with some of the Latin words and have asked me a time or two if I have forgotten how to read.  

Even though we are not starting history until the fall, I do have the girls learning the Presidents in order.  So far we (notice the we) have the first 10 memorized and started on the next 10 today.  Once we finish with the Presidents we are going to move on to the states and their capitals. They know most of these but we need to work on locating them on a map as well.  

Aug. 28, 2006 - I'm a Prairie Muffin :)

I saw this badge on my friend Tiany's blog and just had to check it out. Boy am I glad I did. I love it!! I will be proudly adding it to my sidebar. Click here if you would like to read the Prairie Muffin Manifesto.

Aug. 28, 2006 - Tickled Pink

Pink is one of my favorite colors and any shade will do. I love to see sweet little baby girls all decked out in pink. I love to dress my girls in pink. I just bought David a nice pink dress shirt to wear to church. I love pink make-up, from eye shadows to toe nail polish. I have 3 or 4 pair of pink shoes and my all time favorite sunglasses (which I have lost) were pink. So as you can see, yes, I love PINK. So, what does this have to do with anything? Well, the other night while looking around on the internet I ran across my dream stove!!!! It is my dream stove because it costs about $4000.00 but David has assured me that if we are ever rich enough to spend that kind of money on a stove he will buy it for me. I would post a picture of it but since I am not certain about all there is to know about copyright laws you will have to click HERE to see it. You can even buy a matching refrigerator to go with it. I did find us a deal on eBay where you can buy a set for just under $10,000.00 -   So we may just have to go with Emily’s idea and paint the one we have.

Aug. 24, 2006 - 5 Things........

I've been tagged by my friend Leah (when the girls asked me what I was doing - I told them I was taking pictures for a game my friend Leah tagged me with on the blog - Emily said "she is one crazy lady, why don't she just come to our house and see them"

5 Things in my Freezer

1. Frozen Homemade Mac & c cheese

2. Stew

3. Boca Burgers

4. Twisters

5. Emily's wristband - that she is trying to freeze before her first soccer practice

5 Things in my Closet

1. My baby blanket that my great-grandmother made

2. My hand print that I made in Kindergarten

3. The flower I wore at Sarah's baby shower

4. A pocketbook I bought of ebay

5. My prepreggo shorts that I am trying to fit back into

5 Things in my car

1. a tape

2. Sarah's toy

 3. A diaper

4. Emily's pocketbook

5. Gum

5 Things in my Purse

1. Blow Pop 

2. Empty pack of gum 

3. Sarah's spoon

4. A pen

5. My wallet

5 Things in my wallet

1. Library Card

2. credit card

3. straw paper

4. Insurance Card

5. movie card

5 Friends I am tagging

Trina

Brandi

Nicki

Melissa

Tiany

Aug. 23, 2006 - Under Construction!!!!

I am making some changes to my blog layout and between Flickr and HSB going down it is taking a lot longer than I would like. Hopefully I will have it back up tomorrow.

Aug. 23, 2006 - Wordless Wednesday

Aug. 22, 2006 - My seasons tree

At the request of my sweet friend Trina - Here is a picture of my seasons tree. Each season I will try to make homemade ornaments to go on it. I may even do it for each holiday, depends on if I have the time or not.

Aug. 21, 2006 - How Nerdy Are You?

I ran across this cute little test (can't remember who's blog sorry) and thought it would be fun to take. I knew that I would not get a really high score but did not think I would get this low of a score. The 4 means only 4% of the people who took this test are even less nerdy than I am. It also said something like I must have been cool in school, I forgot to save the rest of my results.

I sent this same test to my hubby and a good friend of ours and told them I wanted their scores, I just did not tell them that I was going to post them

Here are David's results :

26% scored higher (more nerdy), and
74% scored lower (less nerdy).

Mid-Level Nerd. Wow, it takes a lot of hard nerdy practice to reach this level.

And here are Wayne's 

16% scored higher (more nerdy), and

Aug. 21, 2006 - Ready for fall

I am so ready for fall!!! So ready, that I changed the bow on my light box a month early. Next I think I am going to go through all my candles and put up the floral ones and put out the pumpkin spice and apple pie ones. Don’t cha just love the smells of fall and winter? One more project that I am going to try to complete is to make homemade fall ornaments for a seasons tree that I am going to keep out all year long. As we make our ornaments we will post pictures of them along with the directions.

Aug. 17, 2006 - Thursday Thirteen

13 things from the 80’s that I still do or would do if it would not embarrass my family

1. Big Hair – okay I love the big hair of the 80’s and not to long ago I was told that my hair was just a little too big all the while thinking, man I’m having a good hair day.
2. New kids on the block – Yes, I have some of their songs on cd and dance around the living room with the girls singing “You go the right stuff”
3. I still say duh, cool beans, sike, like, NOT 
4. A couple of months ago I stole one of the girls cool points and they looked at me like I was crazy
5. Blue Eye shadow and yes I still wear it and I will continue to wear it no matter what my sister says!!!
6. I taught the girls how to do the Eclectic Slide   
7. Friday nights at the skating rink – sadly I am too old for this now. It just would not be cool for me to get out on the floor and try to “bust a move” with all the teens, I just might fall and break a hip. I will just have to stick to home school day
8. I still get my nephew by sticking my hand out like I am going to shake his then pull it back over my head saying “Sike”
9. I love to wear overalls and  have been tempted a time or two to let one side just hang
10. Big Earrings – I kept one pair from my former big hair days (and they are really not all that big)
11. Video games – I love the old frogger - David bought me the frogger joystick game that is like the old Atari game    check out more 80 games at Classic 80's
12. I still wear stretch pants (we called them bubble gum pants back in the day) but more now out of necessity than anything else
13. I do not do this for fear David would disown me, but I loved rolling my jeans up and having like 10 pair of socks on with a pair of white keds. (He actually told me to stop doing this after we had been dating awhile)

Aug. 15, 2006 -

During the first two days of school last week, I had to constantly get up and down during lesson time to keep Sarah from harms way. A quick call to daddy and problem solved. Sarah is now in “lock up” during the first part of school and if we get really lucky she takes a nap the second half.

Aug. 12, 2006 - A new contest

I am entering another contest. This one will not be as easy as just leaving a comment!! I will actually have to get off my rear end and work at it and post a before picture.(oh my) Click here for the contest rules and the really neat prize (which I hope I win by the way)

So here is my before picture (taken last night)

I will be posting a new photo each month on the 10th - 

My goal is to drop 20 lbs by October

Update: August 12, 2006 - Total weight loss 8lbs

Aug. 11, 2006 - Favorite Photo Friday

Aug. 11, 2006 - Holly Hobbie gets a make over

Audrey had some birthday money that has just been burning a hole in her pocket, so when we went out to Wal-Mart to pick up groceries, we went to the toy section first. She looked and looked, would pick something out and before I could even get it put in the buggy she would change her mind. As we were looking at the baby dolls for the 100^th time, I happened to look up and noticed a blue box with Holly Hobbie written on it. I called Audrey over as I was getting it down and told her how I had one when I was little and if she had enough she could get one. Expecting to see a sweet little rag doll, I was shocked to see that she had traded in her sunbonnet and prairie dress with apron for a pair of hip hugging blue jeans and a pair of flip flops. There was nothing wrong with the doll, she was dressed modest and was actually kind of cute. But do they have to make over every girl doll out there to look cool and hip? And does Barbie really need that tattoo?  I don’t know maybe I’m just getting old and crabby!!!

Aug. 10, 2006 - I Love Homeschooling

I know from my previous post it probably does not sound like it, but really I do. There is nothing that I love more than being at home and teaching my girls. Someone asked me a while back wasn’t there something else that I would like to do, don’t I feel like I am missing out. I can honestly say no. I am very content being at home. Some women cringe at the thought of being called just a housewife, homemaker, stay at home mom, homeschool teacher but not me. This is who I am; this is what makes me up. I have no greater desire than to serve my family and make them happy. I think that is why when I first heard about homeshooling, well the second time my first experience with a homeschooling family was not a good one, I   immediately fell in love with the idea of it. Just like anyone else we have our bad days, but for the most part they are truly wonderful. One quote that I love is from Anne Sullivan “My heart is singing for joy this morning. A miracle has happened! The light of understanding has shone upon my little pupil's mind, and behold, all things are changed." I will never forget the day that I first read this. It was two years ago and I had been working with Audrey on short vowel sounds and letter recognition. Many tears had been shed, hers and mine, because she just did not get it.  I could not make her understand. Then one day it just clicked, and she knew all the sounds and she understood what I had been telling her. To see the look of joy on her face and how her little eyes lit up as she jumped up and down saying “I did it mommy” was priceless. Later that afternoon I was on the internet looking at different homeschooling material and saw the quote. I immediately copied it down and right then and there, I knew that no amount of money or job title would ever be worth what I had just experienced.

Aug. 9, 2006 - Wordless Wednesday Part 2

Aug. 9, 2006 - Wordless Wednesday

Aug. 8, 2006 - Only 178 days to go.......

The 2006-2007 school year officially started yesterday here at Trio Academy. 2 days down and only 178 to go. Yes, I am already counting the days!!!

I am always making out some type of schedule to get us on; rarely do I stick to it. Okay, I never stick to it. Most times I can not even find it after I spend hours making it out. I always shove it into a folder or stick it into a pile that I will “get to later” but never do. We had to move the couch a couple of months back and what should we find under it, a binder with a handful of chores and schedules that I made out for last school year. Did I miss it? No!! I did not even start it. So, why do I take the time to make out all of these schedules?  I think it’s because for me it is some type of therapy, my happy place. . When I am making out these lists, it is like I am in some sort of dreamland and everything is going run smoothly. I play it out in my mind – okay at 10:00 I will put Sarah down for a nap – Emily will do her required reading and I will work with Audrey on phonics – 12:00 Sarah wakes up from nap – Emily and Audrey are doing afternoon chores without fighting and complaining – I am in the kitchen cooking up a wonderful healthy lunch – Then reality sets in -  10:00 Sarah is screaming – Emily and Audrey are fighting while waiting for me to calm Sarah down – Sarah can’t calm down because I am screaming at Emily and Audrey to stop fighting and do their copy work – 12:00 Sarah is still crying because she is determined that she is not taking a nap – Emily and Audrey are sitting at table waiting for lunch and fighting because “she’s looking at me” “well, she looked at me first” (they are sitting right across from each other) – I am in the kitchen slamming cabinet doors trying to find something to eat for lunch and end up throwing (not really just what I want to do) a plate of cut up apples and peanut butter on the table with a glass of milk.  Thinking you’ve got to be kidding me!!!!  

There you have it that is how the first two days of school have gone for us!!!

Guess what I am going to do – Send the girls away and make out a new schedule for this school year (hey a girl can dream can’t she)

Here is the conversation that went on between David and Emily last night at the dinner table.

David - How was school today?

Emily - Fine

David- What did you learn about?

Emily- Botany

David - What was good about today?

Emily - Well, mommy got to take a nap

Aug. 4, 2006 - Audrey

Here are a couple of pictures of our sweet Audrey over the past 6 years.

(I hate that I do not have any baby pictures of her, I will try to get some scanned and posted)

this is one of my favorites, it is during prayer at a youth meeting

Aug. 4, 2006 - Happy Birthday Audrey !!!!!!!!!!!

Today Audrey turns 6 years old. We have a big day planned for the birthday girl. She has already headed out to a birthday breakfast with Daddy. I will have her get back on later and tell you all about her big day!!!

Aug. 2, 2006 - Wordless Wednesday

Aug. 1, 2006 - My Philosophy of Housecleaning

My friend sent this to me in an email and I thought I would share. It is too cute.

MY PHILOSOPHY OF

HOUSECLEANING! 
 

I don't do windows because ...
I love birds
and don't want one to run into a clean window
and get hurt.

I don't wax floors because ...
I am terrified a guest
will slip and get hurt
then I'll feel terrible
( plus they may sue me.)

I don't mind the dust bunnies because ...
They are very good company,
I have named most of them,
and they agree with everything I say.

I don't disturb cobwebs because ..
I want every creature
to have a home of their own.

I don't Spring Clean because ..
I love all the seasons
and don't want the others
to get jealous

I don't pull weeds
in the garden because ..
I don't want to get
in God's way,
HE is an excellent designer!

I don't put things away because ...
My husband
will never be able
to find them again.  

I don't do gourmet meals
when I entertain because ..
I don't want my guests
to stress out over what
to make when
they invite me
over for dinner.   

I don't iron because ...   
I choose to believe them
when they say "Permanent Press".

I don't stress much on anything because ...
"A Type" personalities
die young
and I want to stick around
and become a wrinkled up crusty ol' woman!!!!

A clean house is

a sign of a

broken computer

Jul. 27, 2006 - Pictures from the 4th (late)

Here are a couple of photos of the girls from our Fouth of July Picnic at my Uncle's house.   ( I am only a couple of days late)

Look at me Mommy

I don't want to go under!!

Now this is what I call the good life

Jul. 27, 2006 - Thursday Thirteen

Thursday Thirteen

13 things that annoy me

1. Baby teeth that take FOREVER to come in
2. The TV commercials they play during children’s shows
3. That there are not more family movies being made
4. The chickens that are constantly coming in my yard (the girls will not go out with them in sight.)
5. Slow drivers
6. People who do not call back, write back, email back or comment back
7.  Phone Systems (I hate punching in all the numbers before I can talk to a real person)
8. Getting in the shortest line at the store, and it taking twice the time of the longest line
9. When someone blows their nose, and I mean really blow their nose, at the table beside of you in a restaurant  
10. When you have to wait an hour past your appointment time at the doctor
11. The high prices and poor quality of toys
12. Stuffed animals (we have bags and bags)
13. Gas Prices

For more Thursday Thirteens click here

Jul. 26, 2006 - Wordless Wednesday

(I just realized there is a link to view more WW photos ....5 Minutes For Mom)

Jul. 26, 2006 - Works For Me Wednesday

What works for me is sugar, baby oil & hair conditioner.

I absolutely love the Bath & Body sugar scrubs, but unless you can catch it on sale it is kind of pricey for the amount that you get. (Isn’t everything) I take about a cup of sugar and add baby oil to it until I like the consistency then I add a small amount of hair conditioner to get a light scent. I just leave it in the shower and it usually lasts me a couple of days.  

Visit Rocks In My Dryer for other WFMW tips

Jul. 25, 2006 - Yankee or Dixie

My friend Leah posted about the Yankee Or Dixie test on her blog a month of so ago and I thought it would be fun to put over here as well. My score was 94% Dixie - I really did not need to take this test to find out if I sound like a southern or not. I know I do!!!  I just wish sometimes, not all the time that I could get the south from my mouth. When I was working I had to make calls up north and mostly they made fun of me or could not understand me. This guy in the office used to drive me crazy because every time I would ask him for a “pen” he would give me a “pin” He was always asking me what came after nine. You know the kind of guy you could just smack up side the head.  I don’t know if this is a southern thing or my grandma (who is 84) just says words the wrong way and I just happened to pick up on them growing up. When David and I first started dating he would constantly make fun of me because I would say things wrong. For instance we were talking about furniture one day and I said “Chester Drawers”  he was like What is that, so I went on to explain that it a dresser with drawers – After his little chuckle he told me that it is actually called “Chest of Drawers” so you can imagine how embarrassed I was. Then there is “Library” and “Liberry”  “Chimney” and “Chimley” and the list could go on and on.  I am starting to think that my grandma just says things wrong, because now she calls “Harris Teeter” “Harry Teeters”

click HERE to see what my  Southern Blawg would look like if I would type the way I talk (hehe)

(you have to click the dialectize button)

A merry heart doeth good like a medicine

Proverbs 17:22

Jul. 25, 2006 - The Count Down.....

  Just about everyday, and sometimes several times a day, for the past month Audrey has asked, “Not counting today, but counting tomorrow, how many more days until my birthday” As of right now there are nine more days until she turns six years old. The party planning has begun and the birthday lists have been made.  She is not bashful about telling you what she wants and one of those things is a Barbie Jeep. She knows that we are not going to get it for her and I have explained to her why. 1) because before her next birthday she will have outgrown it  2) we just do not have anywhere for her to drive it

But has that stopped her from saying “Barbie Jeep” when someone asks “What do you want for your birthday” NO!!  I had a little talk with her on Sunday after hearing her tell two people that is what she wanted them to get her.  I told David that we are never going to get Sarah one of those things. Can you imagine the grief that we would get from Audrey?  

David has always taken the day off from work to spend with the girls on their birthday. The birthday girl always gets a special breakfast out with daddy and then we spend the day together as a family doing something fun, that she has picked out.  In past years we have done things like bowling or Chuck E. Cheese. This year Audrey has decided that we are going shopping at Hechts to get her an outfit and then head to the mall to get her ears pierced. (my kind of girl) Emily is trying to decide if she wants to get hers done as well, but wants to wait until after Audrey, so she can find out if it hurts or not. What a sister!!

Jul. 18, 2006 - Wordless Wednesday

Jul. 18, 2006 - Works For Me Wednesday

What works for me is my Senseo coffee maker. I love this thing. It heats water and makes a cup of coffee in 90 seconds. I also use it to make hot tea, as well as oatmeal for Sarah. Here latley because of the heat, I use it more to make her oatmeal. It gets the oatmeal hot enough to cook but not so hot you have to wait forever for it to cool down.

Visit Rocks in my Dryer for other WFMW tips

Jul. 18, 2006 - 3 things.......

3 Things That Scare Me:
1. Something happening to my family
2. My hubby (not on purpose, I am a jumpy person)
3. Horror Films

3 People/Things That Make Me Laugh:
1. My hubby
2. My kids
3. Funny movies

3 Things I Love:
1. My Savior
2. My family
3. My church family

3 Things I Hate:
1. Bugs
2. Cold weather
3. Sports

3 Things I Don't Understand:
1. Gas prices

2. Why people talk about you behind your back  
3. Why they don’t make more G rated movies

3 Things On My Desk:
1. Computer
2. Hello Kitty CD

3. Camera

3 Things I Want to Do Before I Die:
1. Go to Europe

2. Watch my girls marry and have children
3. Journal More

3 Things I Can Do:
1. Cook
2. Keep a secret
3. Be on Time

3 Ways to Describe My Personality:
1 .Silly
2. Love to talk
3. Moody (heehee)

3 Things I Can't Do
1. Run
2. Ride roller coasters  (getting old)
3. Get up early

3 Things I Think You Should Listen To:
1. Classical music
2. Your husband
3. Mercy Me

3 Absolute Favorite Foods:
1. Sweet & sour chicken
2. Homemade chicken salad
3. Homemade mac & cheese

3 Things I'd Like to Learn:
1. Sew
2. Sign language
3. Cake Decorating

3 Beverages I Like:
1. Sweet Tea
2. Diet Pepsi w/ lime

3. coffee

3 Shows I Watched as a Kid:
1. Leave it to Beaver
2. Who’s the boss
3. Growing Pains

Jul. 18, 2006 -

Last night the girls decided that they wanted to write in their diaries. I was sitting on the couch helping Audrey and Emily was over in a corner just writing away. After a few minutes Emily came over to us and was telling me how she had a question that she wanted to ask me a couple of days ago but forgot.  She goes on to ask me, when she gets married does she have to change her last name. I explained to her that yes she would take her husband’s name the day she married. Her little eyes started tearing up and her bottom lip started quivering, and then she asked will I still be a (our last name). I told her that she would always be a (our last name) but she would need to take on her husband’s name and that she would always be our little girl. Well, by the time our conversation ended we all three were sitting on the couch crying.  Emily because I think she realized last night that she was growing up and one day would leave our home. Audrey because she is so tenderhearted, cries when anyone sheds their first tear. Then there was me, the mom, holding both of my girls crying like a baby, not wanting to let go.

Jul. 17, 2006 - We start them out young around here...........

Jul. 15, 2006 - How girly are you?

You Are 64% Girly

You're a pretty girly chick, and you're not ashamed to admit it (or wear pink). But you're also practical. You can hang with the guys, as long as they're not too gross!

How girly are you?

Jul. 12, 2006 - Works For Me Wednesday

What works for me is rubber bands. David gave me a necklace for Christmas and I wanted to wear it before we had a chance to buy an extension. So I looped a rubber band through the clasps in the back and have been wearing it ever since. I have just recently come to realize that when Sarah is pulling on it that it just expands with the rubber band instead of breaking. I have lost a couple of necklaces due to the kids pulling on them.

Visit Rocks in my Dryer for more tips

Jul. 12, 2006 - Wordless Wednesday

Jul. 11, 2006 - Sarah's new favorite food....

The other night at dinner we found out just how much she loves corn on the cob. If she would drop it or could not get any of the corn off the cob she would pitch a fit. She is already showing signs of having a bad temper, which she gets from David's side of course!!!! (We will not mention what she gets from my side )

Jul. 11, 2006 - Educational Quotes

While looking for books at the library today I ran across a book called Trust the Children. I have not had a chance to sit down and read through it yet, but I have been reading all the different quotes she has listed and I thought I would share a couple of my favorites with you.

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 Gillian

The Mother's heart is the child's schoolroom. Henry Ward Beecher

The object of teaching a child is to enable him to get along without his teacher. Elbert Hubbard

 We do not inherit the world from our parents, we borrow it from our children. Mahatma Gandhi

It is a happy talent to know how to play. Ralph Waldo Emerson

Jul. 11, 2006 - You know your getting old when.....

Your seven year old daughter looks up from the tv and says "Mommy, did they have tv when you were little?" 

Jul. 10, 2006 - Sister's Wedding Photo

smlltwnmmmy is trying to lose weight for her sister's wedding in January

Thought I would post a couple pictures of how I will forever be seen in my sister's wedding photos-

Jul. 1, 2006 - Happy Independence Day

Wishing eveyone a wonderful weekend and Happy Independence Day.

Jun. 28, 2006 - I am a germ freak

Hello, my name is Michelle and I am a germ freak!! I am constantly washing my hands and questioning the girls about the cleanliness of their hands. I hate public restrooms! I never let the girls go into the stalls unless I have inspected it and in most cases cleaned it. (Which David finds odd since my bathroom looks like a pigpen, but hey those are my germs and my problem is with everyone else’s germs) I do not like to shake hands, not because I am unkind or trying to be unfriendly, I just do not know where your hands have been.  It would be very rude to say “Did you wash your hands after you went to the restroom” so I suck it up and just wash my hands the first chance I get.

My mind comes up with the craziest things when it comes to germs and the older I get the worse I get. Like amusement park rides. How many of you think about all the sweaty people that have sat in the seat that you are about to get in? Let’s not even talk about the liquid that you stepped into while sitting down. That is just how my mind works, I can not help it. I do try, especially when it comes to the girls. I do not want them to always have this stuff in the back of their minds. A wise person (my hubby) once told me that what we do in moderation our children do in excess. So, I think I may have gone a little overboard the other day with Emily; it went down something like this.  

I am loading the groceries into the van, when I notice Emily licking the back of something. I pop my head in the door to see what she was doing.

ME: Emily, what do you have?

EM: It’s a magnet.

ME: Where did you get that?

EM: I got it when we were at the Lake.   (my parents are staying at a local lake in their RV)

ME: (heart pounding) WHAT ???

EM: what (looking at me puzzled)

ME: (breaking out in a sweat just thinking of all the gross stuff that could be on that thing)  Emily, someone could have been picking their nose and then started playing with that magnet, and you know what that means- It is just like you licking the inside of their nose!!!     

EM: (look of horror & trying to wipe off her tongue) Ewww Mommy

After I said it, I realized that was probably not the best way to have handled it. A nice little chat about not putting things in your mouth would have been better.  I think I need to practice what I preach to the girls “Think about what you say, before you say it”

Check out my fellow friend and germ freak Leah

Jun. 28, 2006 - Wordless Wednesday

Jun. 27, 2006 - I stand corrected

It is Tuesday June 27, 2006 the time is 10:52 and my sweet hubby just called to say that I was “BUSTED” My heart dropped and my mind start wondering, what on earth had I done now. But before he would tell me he wanted to wait and enjoy the moment, I call it just being plain mean. He had finally had enough fun and informed me that I was incorrect in the information I had put with my favorite #3 item. It was a gift much more special than a birthday gift.  He had it hid and waiting in our house for me when we returned from our honeymoon 11 years ago. It was his first gift to me as his wife and I had forgotten. I can not believe I did that. I am such a sentimental person. I hold on to everything and try to remember who gave it to me and when. When I use my hand mixer I always think of my good friend Renee, when I use my crock pot I always think of my mom, well you get the picture. So to forget something as sweet as what he did, oh the shame!!!! Especially since I give him grief all the time for not remembering every gift I ever gave him in the past 14 years.

Jun. 26, 2006 - Favorite Thing #3

Here is my #3 favorite thing

This is a gift that David  gave me for my birthday a couple of years ago, right now it is hanging in the kitchen over the stove.  

Jun. 23, 2006 - Take Time

Take Time


Take time to hold me on your lap,
To joke with me and make me laugh,
Take time, Mommy; this time will go so fast..


Take time to give me extra hugs,
To teach me a nursery rhyme or song,
Take time, Mommy; I won't be little long..


Take time to tuck me into bed,
To read me that story you know by heart,
Take time, Mommy; soon these days will part..


Take time to exclaim over what I color,
To admire the things I make from clay,
Take time, Mommy; I'm growing up and away..


Take time to imagine or make-believe,
To play some childish, silly game,
Take time, Mommy; soon it won't be the same..


Take time to let me help you work,
To teach me the many things you know;
Take time, Mommy; enjoy me as I grow..



<3<3~~~~~~~~<3<3

Written By
Author Unknown

Jun. 22, 2006 - Our Disney Trip (a post Emily Mae)

A couple of years ago we all went to Disney!!!!! We had lots of fun! We had fun on the rides The water slides and things like that!! Here are some photos !!!!!

EMILY!!!!!

The End

Jun. 21, 2006 - The New & Improved Bumbo Seat :)

A couple of weeks ago we sold the much loved Bumbo seat on e-bay.  Before Sarah was moving around, we would sit her in it so she could be down in the floor with Emily & Audrey. I was playing around with Sarah the other day and put her in the box that her diapers came in, Emily walked up and with the most serious look on her face said she wanted to keep the “seat” for Sarah so she would have somewhere to stay. The day has finally arrived, the one we have warned them about, Sarah is getting into THEIR STUFF. When we first talked about this with them a couple of months ago they were like oh it is no big deal, we LOVE Sarah, she is our baby sister, she can do nothing wrong. Well, that is until now. Ever seen a 5 year old and an 8 month old fight over a favorite coloring book, and the 8 month old win.

Jun. 20, 2006 - Just for fun :)

 If you get a chance go and see what you are worth

Mom Salary Wizard

Jun. 19, 2006 - photos

Jun. 14, 2006 - Getting to know me

Getting to know me ( I got this from Jennifer's Blog) If you do one of your own please link back so we can enjoy :)

1. FIRST NAME? Michelle

2. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? No

3. FAVORITE "ROMANTIC" SONG?  
4. WHEN DID YOU LAST CRY? Yesterday, when I was thinking about my cousin

5. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? Yes!
6. WHAT IS YOU FAVORITE LUNCHMEAT? Shaved Roast Beef

7. KIDS? 3 girls
8. WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? Yes!
9. DO YOU HAVE A JOURNAL? no
10. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT? Sometimes
11. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Yes.
12. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? No
13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? At the moment Lucky Charms
14. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? No
15. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? Ummm NO
16. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM FLAVOR? Strawberry cheesecake

17. SHOE SIZE? 7
18. RED OR PINK? Pink
19. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? I am no organized
20. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? My cousin Angie

21. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU? I hope others will fill it out
22. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES YOU ARE WEARING? Gray pants , no shoes
23. LAST THING YOU ATE? Blue berry muffin
24. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? Nothing

25. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? pink
26. FAVORITE SMELL? A fresh clean baby
27. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? My sweetie
28. THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE YOU ARE ATTRACTED TO? smile

29. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? I don’t know her personally but enjoy reading over her blog.
30. FAVORITE DRINK? Diet coke w/ lime.
31. FAVORITE SPORT TO WATCH? Ice skating

32. HAIR COLOR? Blonde
33. EYE COLOR? Blue
34. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? No
35. FAVORITE FOOD? Mexican
36. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDING? Happy endings
37. FAVORITE HYMN?  Victory in Jesus

38. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? Pink
39. PLAY AN INSTRUMENT? No
40. HUGS OR KISSES? Both
41. FAVORITE MOVIE? Little Women
42. WHO IS MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? Don't know but if you do leave a comment
43. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? Don't know.
44. WHAT BOOKS ARE YOU READING? Bible – Angel of Mercy ( I think that is the name of it)
45. WHAT'S ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? gateway
46. WHAT DID YOU WATCH LAST NIGHT ON TV? nothing
47. FAVORITE SOUNDS? Piano music, ocean, baby’s first cry

48. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? Stones

49. THE FURTHEST YOU BEEN FROM HOME? Florida
50. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT?  
51. WHEN AND WHERE WERE YOU BORN? 6-10 NC

52. SIBLINGS? 1 brother, 2 sisters
53. HEELS OR FLATS? flats
54. SWEET OR UNSWEET TEA? Sweet
55. SPEAK ANOTHER LANGUAGE? No

Jun. 8, 2006 - Favorite Thing #2

This is one of my favorite home décor items around the house, one that I will always treasure, and to think I made it all by myself!!

For Valentine’s Day 2005 David brought home 2 dozen roses for me. It was such a sweet surprise.  I put them on the piano which is next to the fireplace. The next day I noticed that they started drying out no matter how much water I added to the vase. With in a couple days the water started looking really gross and the petal started falling off. I had put it off long enough; it was time to throw them away. I remember walking them to the trash and being so upset with myself, it finally dawned on me what had happened (fresh flowers and a fireplace do not go well together)  I did not want to part with these flowers because every time I looked at them it reminded me of Valentine’s Day, the day we found out about Sarah. I decided that I would just cut off one of the buds and figure out a way to put it in my scrapbook. It was then that I noticed that they would be perfect for a floral arrangement. I started looking around the house to see what I could find. I found this old grapevine wreath that at the time had sunflowers on it. Once I got it cleaned, I hot glued all the rose buds on and filled in with the baby’s breath. I was amazed at the results, because I am not at all creative when it comes to stuff like this. But I just fell in love with those flowers all over again. We have this hanging up in what we call our “little” hallway.  It is a daily reminder to me of how blessed and how lucky I am to have a wonderful husband and such sweet babies.

Jun. 7, 2006 - Works for Me Wednesday

Head over to Rocks In My Dryer for some wonderful Works For Me Ideas!!

Jun. 7, 2006 - I won! I won !

Lindsey has posted the winners of her contest and believe it or not I won. Yeah!!! I won the Christian Modesty CD 

Jun. 6, 2006 - A few of my favorite things......

One of my most favorite things is the Bumbo seat. I love this thing!!! Sarah started sitting in hers at about 3 months and has just now grown out of it at 8 months. I highly recommend this to any one who has a new baby at home, especially if you have older children for them to just “sit” and watch. Since we are not having anymore little ones we have listed it on e-bay and I hate to see it go. I wish they were around with the older girls.

What's one of your favorite things?

Check out more @ Enjoy the Journey

Jun. 6, 2006 - Contest @ Enjoy the Journey

Lindsey is hosting her first contest over at Enjoy the Journey. All you need to do is leave her a comment to be entered into a drawing to win one of five cds from Vision Forum

The Blessed Marriage
Sleeping Beauty & the Five Questions
Christian Modesty and the Public Undressing of America
What's a Girl To Do?
How to Pass On Convictions to Your Children

Jun. 5, 2006 - Old Photo

I was going through some old photos on the computer and ran across this one. It  is one of my favorite pictures of the girls.

Jun. 5, 2006 - Tea Time

Last week the girls had a couple of friends come over for a playdate. Here are a couple  pictures of the "ladies" having tea.

Jun. 1, 2006 - Thursday Thirteen

I thought I would start doing  Thursday Thirteen - Right now I can not figure out how to put the code in - But I will keep trying

Thirteen of my favorite web sites

1. Choosing Home
2. Focus on the Family
3. Raising Godly Tomatoes
4. Titus 2
5. Girl Talk
6. Donna Young
7. Homeschool blogger (of course)
8. Ladies against Feminism
9. Enjoy The Journey
10. The Patriarch's Path (Godly Womanhoood)
11. Mom Of 9's Place
12. Biblical Womanhood
13. Hillbilly Housewife

May. 24, 2006 - Raising Godly Tomatoes

I have seen several blogs linking to  Raising Godly Tomatoes and I finally had a moment to sit down and go over some of it. What I have seen so far has been pretty interesting and I will go back and read more of it. I really enjoyed reading the part about babies in church. We started training Emily and Audrey at about 18 months (maybe even before that) and they both could sit in church with us with out having to go to the nursery by the age of about 2 1/2 - of course we had moments where we would have to head to the bathroom for some correction and would sometimes let them go in the nursery during an evening service if we had to be at church early for a meeting or choir practice. Some of the things that we did to help in this was to pack a bag for them with small toys, a couple of crayons with a pad of paper. Here is a picture of them waiting to go to church you can see their little backpacks on their backs. They are just too cute.  Oh they grow up so fast. Anyway, back on subject. Reading this has kind of motivated me to get started earlier with Sarah(not now just sooner for any of you wondering if I am going to try and make a 7 month old sit in church.) We have already begun teaching her no and she has had a few pops already nothing that will scar her by any means - *she laughs* - but it is just a way to start "teaching" her what she can and can not do. Like grab my glasses or bow her back things like that. We have never and will never discipline our children for just being children. But you do have to start training early on or you end up with a two year old that will not do a thing you say and who runs the house.

** On a much different note - Sarah's doctor visit went really well. He told us some things to do that should help clear it up. We will not have to go back unless her eye is still running when she turns 1, at that point he would want to talk about surgery. **

May. 24, 2006 - Baby Teeth and Star Wars

Emily has finally lost another tooth this week. It came out on Sunday night as she bit into a chicken nugget. You would have though someone was trying to cut her arm off the way she was acting. It was just hanging there and when David tried to pull it she started jerking away. He ended up having to put her in a headlock and yank it out. She still has two in her mouth that she is going to hold on to as long as she can.

I noticed yesterday that Sarah’s first tooth has broken through. I tried to get a picture of it but she kept sticking her tongue out. Emily and Audrey thought it was the coolest thing to be able to stick their fingers into her mouth and feel it. Please be in prayer for Sarah today she has a doctor’s appointment with an eye doctor. She has a clogged tear duct and we are going to see what he recommends. From what her pediatrician has said this doctor will watch her eye until she is a year old, by then if it has not healed she will have to have surgery to fix it.  

Right now Emily and Audrey are watching Star Wars. Have I ever mentioned that I can not stand Star Wars? I just do not get it. All I know is I saw the one that came out in the 70’s – I refer to this one as the first one and the girls are quick to tell me that I am wrong. Emily loves to draw and would always draw pretty butterflies or flowers & pictures of the family. Well that all changed when she was introduced to Star Wars. We were sitting in church one Sunday night and I look down and she is drawing some ugly creature, later I find out his name is Darth Maul (?) Instead of playing Little House on the Prairie they now play Star Wars!!! The other day they were out in the yard arguing over who was going to be Anikan (?)  

May. 23, 2006 - The Challenge

Lindsey has posted a challenge over on her blog, the challenge  being more feminine. I may come back and do this in a couple of weeks but right now I only have 2 skirts that fit and the dresses that I do have are not appropriate for everyday living. They would get ruined!!!!  I did take the kids to the park yesterday and I even wore a skirt but it was more for comfort than anything else. (it was warm here and I did not want to wear a pair of jeans) So once I complete my first task of getting back to my prepreggo clothes I will take up the challenge. If you decide to do this leave her a comment so she can link to your page.

May. 22, 2006 -

This past Saturday David and I celebrated our 11^th wedding anniversary. I have such a wonderful husband. I love him so much and each day that loves just grows.  One of the things I love most about David is that he always buys me practical gifts. Things I can use. Things that I might mention in passing that I might like to have. I am not big on jewelry or fancy things that just sit and never get used. For Valentine’s one year I picked out a set of pots and pans. One year he gave me measuring cups and spoons and this past Mother’s day he gave me a coffee pot. Well, for our anniversary he gave me two aprons, a pink one and a green one. I love them!  I was kind of surprised. I had started trying to sew one a couple of months ago and ended up just throwing it the closet. A couple of weeks ago I mentioned that I needed to finish my apron or get one because I was ruining all of my clothes with grease stains. Plus, I just think aprons look nice. I have proudly worn my apron since! He has even commented that he loves to see me in my new aprons. About a month or so ago I read a poem about an apron at Home & Hearth but for some reason I can not get their page to come up. Once I can get on there I will post for everyone to enjoy.

May. 17, 2006 - Only one more day :)

I miss my sweetie!!! He has been gone this week on a business trip and will be back tomorrow. I warned him that he better not try and surprise us and come home early because the house is a wreck. He promised that he would not but if he did he would not care what the house looked like he would just be glad to be home. I’m not to sure about that. I am a messie and he is a cleanie- So the house is probably 100 times worse than it looks to me.  So guess what we will be doing tomorrow –    Every morning Audrey has come to remind me how many more days it will be before he gets back home. I don’t think tomorrow can get here fast enough for her. You know your husband spoils you when you have to be the one to take out the trash or fill the ice trays up (ice maker is broken) that is just one thing I can never remember to do. (Emily and Audrey think I don’t know how – which makes me feel real good about myself) I had also forgot to take the trash out yesterday and I have been cramming everything in it and could not even get the bag out of the trash can. I am glad that Megan was here to help me.  When David is out of town I always realize how much I depend on him and how blessed I am to have him as my husband. He is so good to me and the girls. He has sacrificed so much so that I can stay home with the girls and teach them. I love him more and more each day. My sweet husband just called up until now (it is about midnight) I had only talked to him for about a minute. I miss him so much!!! I am used to talking to him a couple of times through out the day. But it will not be to much longer and he will be back here at home where he belongs. Well I am off to TRY and get some sleep.

May. 16, 2006 - Tag Board

Ok I just added a tag board to my blog, I think it is another way to comment on a blog but without going through a post. I don't know - I ran across it while reading friends4tea's blog so I thought I would give it a try.

May. 16, 2006 - Tuesday

We had a very busy day today and now the girls are all sleeping soundly. YES!! My parents are spending the summer at a local lake in their RV, so I took the girls over there early this afternoon. After I dropped them off I ran to the library and borrowed a movie for the girls and for myself I checked out Pride & Prejudice. I have not seen this and I am very excited about watching it ( the older one)

While downtown I even took a moment to look around in an antique store, I found a set of dishes that I really liked - they were only about $1500.00 !!!! So I left there and went somewhere that is in my price range - Would you like to take a guess Wal-Mart -I have only been there 4 times out of the past 5 days. Today is my dad's bday so I was picking up a couple of things for dinner. Once I returned to the lake, the girls filled me in on how they went fishing and even put their own worms on. I think they ended up catching a fish or two and they were very excited to show me one of the fish they caught. It was dead. I have a very weak stomach when it comes to stuff  like this, and everyday it seems my little girls are becoming more and more little tomboys. I am going to have to get over some of my fears (bugs,animals,frogs the list goes on) and all the things that I think are just gross - For instance the first question I asked after they told me that put their own worm on was "Have you washed your hands"  - I used to not be this way, as a child I remember digging for worms and catching lighting bugs, you know things kids think are fun. I don't know what happened but I am definitely going to have to work on it.

May. 16, 2006 - Grocery Bill

Ok ladies, I need some advice. I am trying to cut my grocery bill. I have read over some of the frugal websites and read a couple of books but I am just not ready to eat mac & cheese all the time!! If you have a great website that you have gotten GOOD information from or if you have any tips, please post it for me to look over.  I don’t even know if my grocery bill is considered high or not for a family of 5, with the way prices have gone up on everything and I have never had anything to compare it with.  Right now we spend about 120 a week. This includes getting Sarah’s formula(12.95) & baby food. It does not include all of the items like toilet paper, paper towels and washing powder that we buy at Sam’s. I do not know what that total would be off the top of my head. I tried the whole coupon route, but found that even with a coupon I could get the store brand for much cheaper. Plus, we had to pay for a paper that we really did not read anyway. I do plan my menu our before I go to the grocery store (we shop at the super Wal-Mart) The first thing I am cutting off my list is prepackaged items like snack packs and juice boxes. SO, if you have any other helpful advice it would be greatly appreciated.  Do any of you buy in bulk? Do you cook just from scratch or once of month cooking and does this really help?  

May. 15, 2006 - Napoleon Dynamite

 If you have not seen this movie and you like cheesy movies you will love this one. It is one of the funniest movies that I have seen. It is just a SILLY movie. Each time we watch it, it is funnier than the last. I think David has memorized the whole movie. Although this movie is put out by MTV, it is a very clean movie and does not have any language in it. ( I will say that they use gosh and dang alot so I don't think it would be appropriate for kids.)