wildaboutu

May is Made In USA Month!!!

2011-05-02T11:35:00.003-04:00

Im reviving my blog with my Month-long quest to buy US made items. Will I be successful? We'll see!!!
First purchase:
Last night I bought some seeds on line- American sown and organic :
ParkSeeds
Highmowingorganicseeds
http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif

2010 Christmas Card!

2010-12-17T00:37:00.002-05:00

Classic Script Wishes Christmas

Personalize the christmas season with Christmas photo cards.

View the entire collection of cards.

Adam and Katie 5-22-10

2010-05-31T10:56:00.001-04:00

2010-05-31T10:55:00.000-04:00

2010-05-31T10:54:00.000-04:00

Adam and Katies wedding pics

2010-05-31T10:48:00.000-04:00

Another Maggieism

2009-10-07T18:48:00.002-04:00

At lunchtime today, Maggie looked at her plate and said, " Mommy, whenever I look at macaroni and cheese, my knee starts to hurt really bad and I cant walk very well." Huh???? After asking her several times what she said and it was repeated the same way each time, the mac n cheese was removed from her plate and all was well with the knee. Hmmmm....

Photo Bop

2009-09-20T16:39:00.004-04:00

Taking pictures of kids always has its challenges. Ive found that a rather inpromptu gathering of children in an informal setting is less stressful than most and the kids can be rather helpful and cooperative...

My Favorite Hymn

2009-07-29T21:50:00.005-04:00

I have been wanting to write about this for a while. I think about it frequently because I absolutely LOVE this hymn and think the lyrics are so touching.
It was written by a woman named Emma Lou Thayne and the music was originally composed by Jolene G Meredith.

You can see a video of the MOTAB singing the hymn here

I do like the version you can get from itunes much better though.

THE LYRICS:

Where can I turn for peace?
Where is my solace
When other sources cease to make me whole?
When, with a wounded heart, anger, or malice
I draw myself apart searching my soul?

Where, when my aching grows?
Where, when I languish?
Where, in my need to know?
Where can I run?
Where is the quiet hand to calm my anguish?
Who, who can understand?
He, only One.

He answers privately.
Reaches my reaching.
In my Gethsemane, Savior, and friend.
Gentle, the peace He finds
For my beseeching.
Constant He is, and kind.
Love without end.

This is a hymn that speaks to our day. "When Other Sources cease to make me whole." As we look around and see how people (and maybe ourselves) try to fill the voids in their lives and fix the pain they feel by turning to other people, alcohol, drugs, sex, money, material possessions, etc. As Dr Phil would say, "How's that working for ya?" The Savior is the only one who can truly understand what we are feeling. He has suffered every agony, every misery and, if we go to him, he will provide the peace we need in these times.

I've always enjoyed learning about how songs were created. The story of how this hymn was written is an interesting one. In 1971, the author and composer were asked to create a hymn for a Young Womens conference. They were able to write the melody in one phone call to each other!

The text had a deeply personal meaning to Jolene Meredith. The words for the hymn came from a very troubling time in her family's life. She had 4 children under 17 who had needs, she was facing a spinal fusion which would put her career teaching at the University of Utah on hold, one daughter was ill, and her husband had become Bishop of a student ward.

In 1985, the hymn was published in the new LDS hymnal. At that time she recalled the feelings she had when writing the hymn and how vital they were to her even then. Five months after it was published, a crowbar went through her windshield on the freeway, fracturing 8 bones in her face. During this time she faced a prompting for the searching that this song talks of and is grateful for "the unbelievably timely resurrection of the song that has helped so much in my own recent resurrection, a resurrection of what I might never have known without the trial and without the granted grace of the impulse to reach."

"In my Gethsemane, Savior, and friend. Gentle, the peace He finds" I love these words. This text is quite possibly the most sincere, honest testimony I have ever heard in song. I am struck every time I hear it and tears well up in my eyes knowing the truth of these verses. That when we go through our own Gethsemane, what we search for can only be found through the Savior. "Who, who can understand? He, only One." I am so blessed to know that Jesus Christ is my Savior and Redeemer. He can provide me with the calm and peacefulness that I desire when I am troubled. I need to remember this and humble myself before the Lord when I need him. How great it is that our Savior loves us so much! I cant wait to meet him again!

I Know You're a Nurse...

2009-07-25T22:01:00.002-04:00

Tonight after Maggie and Alexander went to bed, Maggie threw a flashlight off the bed and clocked Alexander in the nose and cheek. Blood was pouring out of his nose when I ran back to determine was the screaming was about! As we three sat in the bathroom and Alexander held his nose, we talked about what happened. It was decided that the incident was a complete accident as Maggie didnt know that Alexander's face was where it was at the time. Hmmm. But she did say, "Mommy, I know you're a nurse so you could take care of it!" Im really not quite sure what to think of a statement like that from a four year old!

VACAY!

2009-07-08T22:55:00.005-04:00

We were so fortunate to meet Matt, Vikki and kids, Paula, and their friends Martha and Peyton, and Mom and Dad at Myrtle Beach this year! We had a blast! The kids really enjoyed the ocean. It seemed they could walk out in it a long way before it dropped off.
The weather was fabulous! Hot and dry. Good Beachin weather!
Here are a few pics from our trip!

Building sandcastles was quite the group effort and these cuties contributed quite a lot
of their four year old expertise to the endeavor!

I think this pic is soooo adorable! The girls were in the outdoor shower and
Andrew was trying to find a way in! LOL!

Vikki, we are in TROUBLE in a few years!!!

The four of us Efirds! Maggie DID NOT want her picture taken!!! Bet ya couldnt tell!

Our last day! Sitting in the golf cart with Mammaw and Pappaw, ready to go home!
Kayleigh and Uncle Matt have their backs to us!

Another Maggieism

2009-06-13T14:44:00.002-04:00

Yesterday I felt brave and took all three kids shopping and out to eat! I felt even braver to actually shop for myself!!! The kids have been working on using better words besides stupid, dumb, kill, etc... and Maggie caught herself while helping me shop yesterday. She started to say, "that's stup..." and then paused for a second and retorted "pendous!" I was so excited that a four year old could stop herself from saying one word and then come up with a great word like stupendous! Go Maggie!!! That is STUPENDOUS!!!

Rainy Days Are Made for Blogging

2009-05-26T15:29:00.004-04:00

And I thought I was gonna get better at this!!! I really cant believe that I used to blog almost every single day! So much has happened it's hard to think about where to start to update. I am now working as a staff nurse in the Critical Care Unit. The Education job ended. It's kinda nice to have less stress and actually take care of patients. That's where my true love of nursing is, although I really liked the education portion of it. Im still involved with committees,etc and I think that will keep me just busy enough (actually probably too busy).

Maggie's last day of preschool was last Thursday. She had her end of the year program and I took the camera but couldnt get it to work. Technology. I think its the lens because I had used it earlier in the day with the another lens and it did fine. I think I'll charge the battery and see if it helps.

Maggie and her friend, Emma on the last day of Nursery School!

Alexander is pretty excited about his last day of Kindergarten. They get out on the 5th. The kids have big plans for the summer and are excited about their time off! I'm thinking about first grade already and wonder what that year will bring for us. Since I havent been too thrilled about Kindergarten, I am really hoping first grade is much better. But Im not feeling too positive at this point :(

Andrew continues to be the sweetest, most loving, huggiest little thing around, that is when he isnt beating on somebody or something. He has a great little personality that is developing before my eyes. I miss him and the other two when I work. I usually dont get to see them at all those days. This weekend all three will be visiting Bob in Blacksburg. Yikes! What will I ever do with myself?

A couple of weeks ago we had a rabbit nest in our garden. I didnt know it until Bella (our dog) started dragging them out of the hole and licking them all over like they were little puppies! I heard the little squeals and couldnt even figure out what they were at first! So little! So for the rest of the day we had these two little newborn bunnies in our yard and I couldnt figure out what to do with them. Andrew went outside in the early evening and I could hear the squealing again but it really didnt register what was happening until Andrew ran into the house and started yelling at me to come see the "kitties". I ran out and by the time I got out there Andrew was trying to pick one of them up and got really upset that I wouldnt let him hold his "kitty". I then scooped them up with a plastic shovel and put them back in the hole. After all of the "handling" these little bunnies got I am not sure the momma bunny wanted them back. :( Here are some pics I took of them:

How are ya doing?

2009-03-30T15:45:00.005-04:00

Yes, it has been forever since I have written something even somewhat profound on my blog! I think I got blogitis or something! Just couldnt do it, but I want everyone to know that Im back in blogging mode!
How is everyone doing with their New Year's Resolutions? I really havent done much I have to say. Been better at reading the scriptures. When you ask yourself how you expect to receive the blessings that you ask for when you arent really doing your part to deserve them, it makes a difference in their importance! Also, I am preparing to get very organized. This may sound like procrastination, but I have this great friend who is a super organized person and she is going to help me get organized through daily planning!. I also just ordered this book, Getting Things Done by David Allen. I had been looking at getting a nice lateral file cabinet as well but my friend suggested that I read this book first because he writes a lot about the use of files. CAN'T WAIT! SO EXCITED! YIPPEE! So, that's pretty much my progress at my New Year's Resolutions. The photo things was pretty slow while it was so cold and blah outside but it seems to be picking up. I received my new lens which is super cool and I have some new filters to play with so, if anyone want their pics done, now's the time!!!!!!
Kid update: Alexander lost his first tooth last month. He was so excited! The tooth fairy came and everything!

Maggie is miss princess diva. Matt and his daughter, Ashleigh (who is also 4) came to visit earlier this month and they had a blast together!

Andrew is now 18 months and quite the busy little guy. He is still as sweet as ever but can be a handful, esp. when I am playing the organ at church (thanks Sis Fordham!)!

Oh, and it did finally snow a measurable amount this month! The kids had fun playing in it.

Cute Quote

2009-03-29T15:43:00.003-04:00

Maggie after her Sunday School lesson today: "Xander, we aren't cannibals yet because you are just 6 and I'm just 4." I think she meant to say accountable!

Quote of the Day

2009-02-07T10:14:00.001-05:00

Maggie, out of the blue: "Mommy, the next time you have a rotten banana in your purse, I'll give you my purse."

The 4:30pm News

2009-02-02T15:39:00.003-05:00

Bob taped the 4:30 pm News on Sunday evening. Let me know what you think of our production!!!
(You have to turn the sound way up to hear)

More Vaccinations

2009-01-21T22:07:00.002-05:00

I have been remiss in getting Andrew to the MD to get his regular checkups and vaccines. I missed the 12 month visit. He went today and in 3 days he will be 16 months! It doesnt help that we are on the Bob Sears Alternative Vaccine Schedule and only get 2 shots per visit. Now we are WAAAY behind. Of course this is okay with me. I detest what the pharmaceutical companies put in vaccines. I dont care that vaccines arent a big money maker with these companies. Ethically and morally they should avoid these terrible chemicals that fill up the vials our children's shots come out of. Today I chose the Prevnar against the Pnuemococcal virus and the DTaP (Diptheria, Tetanus, Pertussis). They are both inactive vaccinations but they both contain aluminum. If you havent read one of my past entries on vaccines, this metal is toxic esp to the brain. The DTaP vaccine also contains mercury (poison is you ask me) and fourmaldehyde (yes the stuff that preserved the dead kitties in biology class).

I have to say that I have learned a lot in the years that I have had children. Poor Alexander was the guinea pig I suppose. I didnt know much and therefore, he got all the shots in the order the American Academy of Pediatrics suggested. He probably received a dose of Tylenol before some of his shots and I just didnt think this was an option! WHAT WAS I THINKING????

There are a couple of reasons why I dont give Tylenol to Andrew before his shots. The first is that it can mask a possible reaction to the vaccine. I would prefer to know soon after he gets the shot if he is going to have a reaction than 3-4 hours later when the Tylenol wears off. The second reason is because Tylenol itself has "toxins" in it that have to be "detoxified" by the liver. In combination with all of the toxins the vaccines contain, a little body can be overwhelmed and not be able to clear these unwanted chemicals out of the system. So unless it is extremely necessary and Andrew is very uncomfortable, I dont give analgesics before or after.

Just as an FYI, you can give large doses of Vit A and C several days before your child receives his/her vaccines, feed them an organic diet, and push more fruits and veggies and vitamins to help your child cope with the ingredients of these vaccines.

I am not opposed to vaccines. In general they are good. I am against not vaccinating because of the risk it poses to the innocent. I dont know the details of this story but here is the jist of it: A family in the midwest a few years ago went on a trip to Europe and were exposed to the Measles virus. Upon returning they got together with their community home school co-op where many of the children were un-vaccinated. An outbreak of measles occurred and many were very sick. At least one of the children died. While measles is a not very common in America, it is in EVERY community and pediatricians have seen the most horrific cases of it which are branded in their minds, forcing them to plead with those of us who want to delay the vaccine a little while. Andrew's pediatrician would laugh at me right now because of the conversation we had today. Anyway, I know I have written this before, but just be educated about this stuff. Because I know I wasnt for a while and I wish I had been. Happy vaccinating!

Tagged!

2009-01-17T21:46:00.003-05:00

Five things I was doing 10 years ago:

1. Starting my final semester in Nursing school.
2. Corresponding with Bob through pretty much only phone calls (dark ages).
3. Living with my parents while in school.
4. Weighing about 2o pounds less.
5. Teaching piano lessons and working at Massanutten ski lodge.

Five things on my To-Do list today:

1. Kick some RMH a**.
2. Look for a new job and a babysitter.
3. Spend some time with my kids, esp Maggie.
4. Go to Target.
5. Wash the rugs in the bathroom.

Five snacks that I LOVE:

1. Hershey kisses! (Dont mind if I do, thank you!)
2. M & Ms
3. Martins BBQ potato chips
4. Homemade Chocolate Chip cookes
5. Chocolate, period (yes, I'll have another, thanks!)

Five things I would do if I were a Billionaire

This, surprisingly, is a hard one!!!

1. Pay for my parents to take a cruise around the World, then buy them new cars to cruise around in and then let my Mom redecorate her house (her favorite).
2. Shopping Spree for my friends and me (includes the Coach and Prada stores)! Then manis and pedis and a private Twilight showing with Rob Pattinson sitting right next to me!!!!
3. Build a charter school for this area and supply it with the best of everything, all the while donating money to the public school system.
4. Hire some peoples to help mes out (maid, trainer, prn nanny, organizer, etc.)
5. Start my own business and hopefully provide jobs to many.

Thanks for tagging me Jennie!
I tag Dianna, Allie, Deb F., and Sarah L.

The 6 o'clock news!

2009-01-15T21:18:00.004-05:00

We had such fun tonight at the TV station in Harrisonburg- WHSV! Val Thompson is in our Branch Presidency and he and his wife are so very cool. I told him that Alexander loves to report the weather and sports and news all the time, and that he printed off the list of news people at the station and pasted his picture in there with the rest of them! So, he invited us down to the station to see a LIVE 6 o'clock show and meet some of the tv personalities and some behind the scenes! It was sooo cool! We got to sit up next to the main desk and see everything as it happened! It was really neat! Did you know that the weather screens are not actually behind the weather reporter but that a green wall is? All of these things Alexander found very intriguing. He was a little nervous at the time, but gave the entire news, weather, and sports report in the car on the way home and has talked and talked about it ever since.
Thanks so much, Val (and all the rest of the WHSV team)!

Alexander the Sports Director shuffling his papers with Val!

Alexander on the monitor doing the weather report! I screwed up this
picture with my flash- DUH!

Tracey, the meteorologist with Alexander in front of the green wall!
Check out the monitor behind them!

Val, you guys hiring?

Finally Some Resolutions!

2009-01-10T18:43:00.003-05:00

I think I have finally come to the realization that resolutions are needing to be made and now is the time to do it. We hung out at home all day today. It was very cold and rainy so TV football was so much more appealing than the store, although I do get joy from driving around in my car (oddly and fortunately enough). Anyway, I think that the lack of hustle bustle had me thinking about sitting down and getting started on the resolutions. Better late than never!

1. As always, I need to be more organized. I am of the mind set that you can do anything if you are super organized! Since this is such a generalized goal, as my friend, Jennie said to me, you have to make smaller goals in order to achieve the big one (or something like that). So, subset organization:

1a. Find places for all of the toys. Toys have homes and preferably when they go home, I cant see them. I may need to purchase another toy chest for the mass these three have accumulated. Also, it's important that the kids know where their toys go when they go to bed so they can put them away efficiently.

1b. Figure out what to do with the papers. Does everyone else have this problem? Mail, school papers, bills, newspapers, receipts, art, magazines, etc... The magazines need to be gone through every two weeks and I will have an organization system for everything else with labels (thanks to my new DYMO). These will be in one of my baskets. I hope this works! I think this is probably my BIGGEST ORGANIZATION PROBLEM and will be the most difficult to conquer.

1i. Alexander's papers. I have to say this child is a maker of lists and a hoarder of paper items. He makes calendars and lists and prints out lists and schedules and all sorts of things and wants to keep it all. Never wants to throw anything away. Maggie is clearly not that way and thinks more like I do. Is this the Venus/Mars thing working so early? Anyway, we have employed many different ideas to deal with Alexander's paper/list/schedule fetish but I think the system we have now is working. We are just going to have to go through all these papers at least weekly and decide which ones he needs and which ones he can toss. This is probably not as bad as I make it sound. He has gotten the hang of making piles of "keepers" and "tossers" and has been tossing quite a bit lately. Go Alexander!

1c. Use my calendars diligently. I am the queen of "I'll write that down later" and then it never happens. I have a portable calendar/planner for work and one on the wall for the family. Combining the two can be challenging but is a must so everyone is wehre they need to be and also, that the kids have babysitting lined up. To my own credit I am pretty good at getting the schedule down. What I like to do with the calendars though, is write down the little things. Like an new tooth or a wiggly one, or what we did that day. This is what I need to work on. I just tend to forget when child #2 started eating baby food to sleeping through the night (did that ever happen?) if I dont write it down and it is sooo much easier for me than keeping a journal. So I need to work on this.

1d. Clothes: Why does it always seem like we have piles of clothes the kids have outgrown! I guess 'cause we do! I need to be getting rid of the clothes, have seasonal clothes available for the kids to pick out (at least the older two); matching socks, shoes that fit, hairbows, and all those accessories in one place and color coordinated. Also, the outfits need to be paired because when someone else takes care of the kids (like Bob) they have some trouble figuring out which shirt goes with a certain pair of pants and stuff like that. I like to match up everything when I put it in the drawers so this is rarely a problem.

1e. The garage. Man, I do NOT want to do this one. NOT AT ALL but it needs to be done. The only good thing about this goal is that I can wait until it gets warmer to actually begin to tackle it!
We have a large garage and right now our car cannot fit in it because it has a swingset in it, tons of bins of clothes and decorations, among other stuff. Just stuff. Need to go through it all and get rid! Anyone need some used laminate flooring? Got that too! In fact, she just let me know if you're looking for something because, we probably have it! LOL!

Wow! That's a lot! Do I need two resolutions? I can think of about 20 but number
2. is gonna be BE MORE PRODUCTIVE WITH THE COMPUTER! Yes, limit my facebook time. Check my email less frequently and give myself a timed computer time during the day. I LOVE the computer and have ever since I actually got on it and started doing design stuff in college. But a lot of the stuff I do on it these days is time wasting. And that, I dont need.

3. Become the spiritual person I want to be. This includes studying the scriptures daily, reading up in preparation for Sunday classes, saying daily prayers with family and personally without falling asleep in the middle, creating a better environment in the home, and going to the temple.
I'm not sure what the world holds for us but it isnt looking very good. I would like my family to be prepared!

4. AND, along the lines of preparation, I need to get my 72 hour kits updated and get our food storage organized. I like the list that my Dad has that tells you things to buy every month so that you arent overwhelmed when you think about all the items that you need to get a good 30 day supply of needs. I need to post this list on my fridge and be vigilent about shopping for them each month. I need to make a system of organizing all this stuff so that we can rotate the oldest and newest. I think a black sharpie will work wonders!

5. The last resolution I will make for myself this year is to refine my photography hobby! My goal is to post new picts that I have done on location every month! And I am always looking for guinea pigs so if you want your pictures taken for free, just let me know! Im trying to find my style and I have so much fun doing this!

OKAY! I did it! My NY resolutions before February or even Jan 15! Awesome! I am excited to get started with all of these goals and hopefully I can feel like I am accomplishing something and growing as a person!

Splashing lessons

2009-01-05T18:20:00.002-05:00

Me yesterday: "Tomorrow starts a busy year with school and piano lessons and swimming lessons!"
Maggie: "Do I get to take swimming lessons, too, or SPLASHING lessons!!!" (Bursts into laughter)

Loomis family (cause I cant spell Loomis plural)

2009-01-02T21:36:00.002-05:00

What a special opportunity to take some photos of the Loomis fam in their home Thursday!

Such a gorgeous family-inside and out

Christmas!

2008-12-26T21:56:00.005-05:00

Santa was good to us again this year! It was a lot of fun watching the kids open their presents, esp Maggie who was so excited by each one! Once she was done opening presents, she went around and kissed them all which I thought was such a sweet gesture on her part!
Alexander woke up at 5:30 with a croupy cough. I told him he could go out and watch TV until Maggie woke up. He would come in to the bedroom every so often and update me on the gifts that were waiting for them under the tree. Maggie woke up about 7:15 and immediately hit the living room in warp speed! Andrew was awake too so we all got up and went out to see what treasures Santa had left us. Andrew usually wakes up starving so he was all too pleased to just sit in a corner and eat some treats Santa had left in his stocking!

Santa baby!

Alexander posing with one of his gifts

Maggie and Mommy

We spent most of the day playing with our new Nintendo Wii and eating junk! FUN! It was nice to just stay home and hang out together without any other responsibilities. I did manage to get outside and enjoy the beautiful weather by taking Maggie and Bella for a walk around the neighborhood. Our Christmas dinner consisted of a rarity at our house: a beef roast with carrots and potatoes, served with mushroom gravy. Yum, yum!The kids are enjoying their time off from school and are already preparing their Christmas list for next year!

We are grateful to celebrate Christ's birth and to know He is our Redeemer. I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas!

Mommy and Andrew in a rare shot together

Matthews Clan

2008-12-19T21:56:00.003-05:00

I had the fortunate opportunity to take pictures of some great families recently! This is the Matthews family! What a good-looking group!

Gorgeous Sabrina

Beautiful Vivian!

Photo op

2008-12-19T21:50:00.002-05:00

The Wright family

I learned a lot about light in these picts.
How could you go that wrong with such photogenic people, though!

Mom, when you were little...

2008-12-16T21:26:00.000-05:00

Alexander: "Mom, when you were little, did you use leaves for toilet paper?"

Christmas Card Photos

2008-12-08T17:14:00.003-05:00

We had a power photo session at my parent's house yesterday! It was so cold but I am not a big fan of the indoor photo! The kids didnt mind. They were busy running around having fun!
Esp that little one. We had to coral them to the deck steps and three of us went crazy with "cheese!", "smile!," "Alexander!," "Maggie!", "Andrew!", "Look here!" and variations of all for about 3 minutes. Oh- and there were a couple "Don't choke him!'s too!"

Amazing how many pictures you can take in 3 minutes with this awesome freakin camera! I realize, that all of you with the D300, D60 and more technical Canon SLRs may laugh at me, but seriously, it's fabulous!

Had to have one with Pappaw!

Yes, it was very hilarious! At least I'm sure the neighbors thought so!

So this is what I came up with thanks to Photoshop! Luvin Photoshop! Thank you Graphic Design degree!

Happy Holidays!

Maggie's Birthday!

2008-12-06T22:04:00.004-05:00

I am sooo late in posting! My apologies! I think I was wiped out after the election and had no interest in blogging! One of my friends at work cracked me up the other day when we were reading the Daily News Record together. On the front page was an article about how much of a raise the University Presidents were getting in this area. The Pres. Of JMU was getting a HUGE raise and Bill said, "Now you've got something to blog about!"
Anyway, this post is for my precious daughter, Maggie and her crazy birthday weekend! (We were all exhausted)
Thursday was her real birthday and Andrew and I took cupcakes

we had made the night before, to Maggie's nursery school class.

They had a ton of fun eating them!
We had been talking to Maggie about giving up her "fratti" which in another language is "Pacifier" and so to replace it we had to take her to Wal-mart (where else?) and get her a baby doll to sleep with. We did this after we picked Alexander up from school. Then we met Shawna and her girls at CiCi's Pizza! After we got home she opened her presents! She received a play kitchen with some accessories! It took me most of the night to put the thing together! Woohoo! It was a full but fun day. Maggie was pretty mixed up though. She didnt really want to open any presents and by the time 3p rolled around she thought her birthday was over! I kept thinking to myself, 'Did I really get off this easy? Why did I plan a whole weekend's worth of stuff to do?'

The next day Bob came home and we had a family birthday dinner for Maggie (which she ate none of). Bob had made her requests- buffalo burgers, mashed potatoes and green beans. Saturday morning she had gymnastics and when straight from there to her big party at "You're A Star" in the Mall. What a fun time! It was great for me, too! You just pay this place a bunch of money and they take care of EVERYTHING for you! So worth it and Maggie and her friends had so much fun! She had a fairy party
so all the girls got to dress up like fairies and they got to make their very own fairy dust and play games, get their hair, makeup and nails done (huge hit),

and eat chocolate cupcakes!

Yippee! The girls were amazing for being just 3 and 4 years old. They took turns and waited and were so well-behaved and mannerly. Maggie decided after much debating that she would invite her friends from school because she had to keep the invitees under 6. Luckily for her there are lots more boys than girls in her class! We did miss our friends that we see often and wish we could have invited them, too!
Afterwards Bob, Alexander, and Andrew met us and I took Andrew and Maggie which me and Alexander and Bob went to see the new Madagascar movie. They both loved it! They came home and Maggie and I went back to the mall and "You're a Star" to get some coveted items there, compliments of Mammaw and Pappaw!
Sunday evening we went to my parents for another birthday dinner for Maggie! Maggie and I were definitely pooped after the 4 days of festivities, that's for sure! We had a blast though!
Happy 4th Birthday Maggie!

TWILIGHT!!!

2008-11-21T21:51:00.006-05:00

I can't believe today finally came! We've had our tickets for weeks and, like tween and teenage girls, giggled before, during, and after the show! It was a lot of fun! I was so excited to finally see the movie! But what did I actually think of it?

Def one of the BEST scenes!

It was entertaining-definitely funny and a little cheesy. Edward was incredibly hot, Bella was very beautiful but her acting was not all that great, I thought.

Rob Pattinson, who plays Edward, should work on his American accent a little. It is definitely different from the book. I guess they have to change it when it goes to the big screen. Just so we aren't sitting there forever. I need to see it again. The vibe was there. You could feel the excitement in the theatre. When we walked out girls, women were EVERYWHERE waiting to get into the theatre. I'll see it again, and probably buy it on DVD when it comes out. Not the greatest movie. But I just loved seeing it. The movie, like the books, are addicting. Can't wait for New Moon!
*** out of ***** stars

A great talk

2008-11-06T10:34:00.002-05:00

http://speeches.byu.edu/?act=viewitem&id=85

Post election words

2008-11-05T21:26:00.004-05:00

History was made last night! I'm glad that we have a new President elect! I hope that he does well for our country. I feel that he has sparked a fresh, new energy in Americans that we didnt have before with Bush's downward spiraling policies. People want to do good for our country and are excited about our future!
I'm sorry for those that wanted McCain to win. I remember being extremely upset in 2000 when Bush won over Gore. I felt that Bush was an idiot and would ruin our country. I was pretty close to right! However, the Church has told us to support our leaders, whoever they might be. And on that note, I say, the election is over! Why am I still getting emails about how bad Obama is? And I have received more than one! I realize this has been a heated election, but geez! It's over! I'm not sure what's true or not but I certainly dont need the stress of thinking we as a country made a horrible decision!
I may seem like I was totally gung ho Obama but I really would have been okay with the GOP being re-elected. The majority rules and if most Americans wanted them to win, I would have been okay with it. I'll admit I'm not always right, if I'm ever right, but I tried to educate myself about the issues that were important to me and pick the person who I felt would be the best on those issues. I hope I'm not wrong, but I might be. Who knows? Everyone thinks their party is right. Im not a Democrat but I picked Obama because I didnt think McCain had a plan any better than Bush did. I'm just thinking right now we need to drop the criticisms and try a little acceptance, and be a little less partisan as a people. Because that's what we expect out of our government. If we sit back and do nothing and expect our new President to fail, he will. If we give him our support and do what we can to make our country a better place to live and raise our children, he may not. We have to at least try!

Card Club Cards

2008-11-03T22:05:00.002-05:00

I thought I would post my card club cards to lighten the mood of the next 24 hours or so!!! This time we did "Just Because cards", "Baby cards", and "Christmas cards".
Here is my contribution to each category.

Baby criss-cross card

Just Because card

Christmas card

Church and Politics

2008-11-02T13:20:00.004-05:00

I realize that as the election winds up this week, it could get really ugly. I have already seen some REALLY ugly commercials the McCain campaign has put out. I am sure there are some from the Obama campain-I just havent seen them. There were a couple of things that bothered me recently.
Today in Fast and Testimony meeting someone stood up and said we should all realize that one of our presidential candidates received over a million dollars in contributions from overseas. I wonder which one he was talking about? I looked it up on Snopes.com. I wish people would get their facts straight before, well, I dont know how to say this nicely, but maybe I shouldnt say anything.
Anyway, I am also a little concerned about this new email circulating about why Sarah Palin would make a great Vice President. For starters, she is a woman (whoa- maybe I should run) and she doesnt believe in killing babies (another point for me but none of our candidates support abortion so that's really not that unique). She likes to hunt and she has a pregnant teenage daughter. She fired someone for divorcing her sister which was deemed an unduly use of power in office and she had a baby with Downs Syndrome.
I read through this whole thing and I didnt see one reason why she should be vice president of the United States over my next door neighbor! Where is the law degree (yes, it helps when you are dealing with the law), where are the great ideas for fixing our ecomony, establishing better foreign policy and providing better healthcare?? Yes, she has been governor of Alaska for 2 years. I think she likes the attack. She is going to support Israeli aggression towards Palestinians and say it's God's will. McCain is a little less as aggressive but she likes to say she has talked him into things, so maybe she'll try her best on this issue.
Why is she always attacking her opponents? Because she doesnt know what else to say? And to actually think of running for president? Let's vote for the issues and not gender. Because she talks about God every other sentence doesn't mean she is going to be the best for the country or even do God's will. McCain has admitted he doesnt even have a testimony of God and/or Jesus Christ. I still think McCain would have been so much better to have picked Mitt.
So getting back to the FAT meeting, our wonderful Branch President stood up and reminded us that the Church does not endorse either candidate or party and that we are to educate ourselves and pray about these things. Then, once elected we need to support whoever our leaders are and pray for them that they will do their best for our country. But, of course this is also not the reason we go to church. President Jensen is da bomb!
And my last comment here is just that. No matter who our President becomes, we should give them our support and do what we can do to make our country better.

Spooksters!

2008-10-30T22:07:00.003-04:00

Here are a few picts from the Halloween festivities so far this year! Only the real Halloween to go! The first three picts are from the Branch Halloween party last Saturday night. The fourth picture is from a costume birthday party Maggie went to last Saturday morning, and the fifth picture is from her class Halloween party today. Tonight we went to Mom and Dad's ward Halloween party (picts to come) which was a ton of fun and tomorrow is trick or treating with Daddy and Grammy! I'd say my kids got some good use out of their costumes this year!

The Princess Kitty in full costume!

Isnt that Sweet- the vampire feeding the bat!

The Adams Family... Doodoodoodoo click click

Superstar Maggie

Maggie's Preschool Class today after their Costume Parade!
Maggie is sitting bedside Snow White.

Barak the Rock Star

2008-10-28T21:46:00.007-04:00

Jennie Matthews and I headed to the Obama rally today, even though we heard there were already 1,000 people in line at 10am (it started at 5:15) and the convocation center at JMU only holds around 7,000 or so. The last time a presidential candidate visited Harrisonburg was back when Lincoln was running for president!
It was only about 40 with the wind blowing in gusts as well! Snow flakes were blowing around, but heck, why not brave the weather- and the crowd-

and see what we could see?
I had to pick Alexander up from school early, drop the kids off at my parents, and then head in to Harrisonburg. We parked over near the hospital and walked to the Convo Center. The line was CRAZY long! We pretty much knew we wouldn't get in but figured they would do something for all of us anyway. There were a couple of picketers

and there was a little musical group around us in line playing some tunes for us to listen to.
Some of the excitement consisted of the police with their dogs sniffing at suspicious packages and areas, people trying to cut in line and those that got mad about it, the wonderment of where the line was taking us and what we were supposed to be doing esp when people started screaming and running toward the soccer field at one point (an Obama look-alike was spotted).
Well, we didnt get in and it looked to be at least 1,000 people who didnt as well.

We decided to go around the other side of the building where they had the road blocked off and the cops were walking around. They backed up a Chevy SUV to one of the doors and we assumed this was where Obama was exiting
so we kinda hung around there for a while. Then we went back to other other doors facing the soccer field and heard Obama speak out of a huge speaker. Towards what we thought was the end, we went back around to the front to see if we could catch a glimpse of him (he is a rock star ya know) getting into his vehicle. The Secret Service agents started showing up and we knew the time was getting close. We were right in front getting smushed into the white line that we couldn't cross! Poor Jenny thought she was going to be severed in half! I knew it would be quick but it just seemed too fast-

there were a lot of people surrounding the vehicle and the passenger side back door was being held open and someone shielding him as he got in. I saw it and knew it was him as he ducked into the car. My picture is a little blurry as the people were pushing me from behind. As they slowly drove by he waved at us so at least we felt acknowledged for suffering through the cold and wind just to hear him speak and share a glimpse of him!
One thing that Jenny pointed out was all of the trash that was left behind by the crowd. How ironic that people who supposedly care about the environment would litter so much! I should have taken a picture of this!
There were a lot of people selling pins and t shirts, hats, bumper stickers, etc. I bought a pin for Alexander who is very knowledgeable about the election. I havent given it to him yet but I really think he will like it.
Overall, I am pretty disappointed that we didnt get in to see him speak (Gov Webb was there as well) but I am glad that we went. It was a good experience and I can say that at least I tried my best to see him at this very historic event!

Picts

2008-10-28T10:00:00.004-04:00

Here are some picts I took of my friend, Shawna's 3 beautiful girls:

We got a lot of "action" shots!

What a sweet picture!

Beautiful Grace

Check out those eyes!

Why I'm Voting for the MAN

2008-10-26T21:41:00.004-04:00

My cousin, Allie asked me why I was voting for the Obama/Biden ticket. Here are some reasons:

When I propose to give one candidate my support over another candidate, I decide what issues I feel are important to me and look at what type of person I want in the White House. There are just too many issues to see if I agree with EVERYTHING the candidates say. I DONT agree with everything either of them say (or any of them). So here are some of the issues or points that are decisive to me:

Morality: I think Barack Obama is the most moral of our candidates. I feel he will make decisions for our country based on high ideals and ethics.

Trust: Of course, these guys are politicians and they are also human and are allowed to change their minds about issues. But, I believe that Obama is honest and will keep his integrity intact and that the American people will be able to trust him to do what is best for out country.

Disposition: I think we can all see the differences in the two candidates dispositions. We need someone who is composed, calm, articulate rather than someone who easily riled up and frustrated; sarcastic. Sarcasm is not presidential in my opinion and yes, I DO think it matters. Our president can stir up the American people to want to do good for their country (JFK) or can make the American people feel that it doesnt matter WHO is in office. It's the lesser of two evils (Bush 2). And what do other countries see in our president?

Confidence: Along the lines of disposition, Obama seems so much more confident which makes him look better. This is kind of trivial.
Fresh: McCain USED to be a Maverick but he decided in the last year or two that he has sided with President Bush and his policies. I used to just love McCain but was very dissapointed when this change occurred. He's not fresh. He's the same old thing. We dont need that. I wish that he hadn't changed his maverick mind. But, he's no longer a maverick.

McCain may have been a possibility for me had he picked someone else for his running mate. Considering Cheney ran the White House for such a long time, I feel the VP position is very important. Many Americans are worried that something could happen to EITHER of our presidential candidates once elected and that is why we are all so interested in the VP. Palin is a charming, articulate woman but she is NOT ready for the White House, she DOESNT know what she is talking about half the time, is NOT presidential, and between her and Joe Biden, Joe wins by a wide margin. BTW- love JOE! I truly dont trust Palin and think she has her own agenda.

Also, I'm a little upset with McCain and his camp for choosing Palin and for the reasons behind it. I think everyone sees that he chose a woman because of his low standing on women's issues and also because he was trying to sway some of the Hillary vote. But I also see that he picked someone who claims she is a "people's people" and "joe 6 pack" kind of gal because she can relate to the American people. This is rather demeaning to me. Does McCain feel that most of America is so undereducated and slow-minded that he picked someone who could relate to us? Thanks, John. But no thanks. For my presidential candidate/VP-possible president, I want someone who is well educated, well spoken, knowledgeable about the economy (someone with a plan at least), knowledgeable about foreign affairs, someone who has a plan to get us out of this stinkin war, and someone who can get our country's morale up.

John McCain favors outsourcing and NAFTA which I feel takes good jobs away from Americans. He has also voted for these things. Obama does not favor these.

I am very, very against the way our educational system is set up and No Child Left Behind (sorry, Teddy) is a program that seriously needs to either be disbanded or completely revamped. I am not sure about vouchers but think that our public school system needs a lot more money, better teachers with better credentials, and better curiculums.

One of the big issues for me is the environment and whether you believe in Global warming or not, you have to look at what is happening to our environment, how people treat our earth, and how much waste is produced. Anyone see Wall-E? I've been told that "I'm not interested in that" by people with small children who SHOULD be interested if they want a better life for their kids. BTW- Oil drilling DOES cause environmental damage but if one is shallow enough not to care, DRILL, BABY, DRILL! Sorry- this really gets my goat. I love to have gas in my car as much as the next gal, but we need alternatives as well and more resources. Clean coal as well.

I dont think every Tom, Dick, Harry, and Jane need to be toting around handguns.

I support stem cells if they are not from aborted fetuses used primarily for that purpose. I think about what life would be like if my child were sick.

I do like the fact that Obama has a plan for getting us out of Iraq instead of just wanting to "win" the war.

Economy: I do like Obama's economic clean up plan. I dont think it's fair to give tax breaks to wealthy Americans while the rest of us middle or low middle classers pay close to half of what we make in taxes! As far as a socialist plan? Come on- the list of economic advisors backing Obama's plan is astounding. With people like Warren Buffet and Arthur Levitt backing him, I dont think that we could call the plan "socialistic". "Share the Wealth" was probably not the best choice of words to use. McCain's camp is trying to tell everyone that taxes are going to be raised on people making more than $42,000. That is just not true and here is where you can find the truth.
I have learned that you can't trust the other candidates to tell you about each other and the commercials are all counterfactual and deceitful. You also cant trust the talk radio programs like Air America and Rush Limbaugh. You really have to search for the real answers.

Anyway, this is just my opinion. There are certain issues that are more important to me than others and Barak Obama seems to have the right answers (for me) to those issues. It was probably more fun for me to actually prepare this than for anyone to read it. I am really loving this election! Oh and BTW- Obama is coming to JMU this Tuesday! Can't wait!

Delay

2008-10-25T22:18:00.002-04:00

Sorry about the delay but we had a very busy day and I wanted to add a few things to my political post.

Question

2008-10-24T22:52:00.002-04:00

Do you ever feel like you're in a black hole and nothing that you do or say is the right thing, your precious children are driving you crazy and all you can see is blackness? Weird? If you feel this way, what do you do about it?
On a lighter note, tomorrow is a big day for the ole blog! My answer as to why I am voting for Barak Obama and why exactly I'm not for John McCain. Tune in for some political blogging!

The Princesses!

2008-10-21T19:20:00.003-04:00

How could I forget all the princesses? This was Maggie's very favorite part of Disney! Check out the smile on her face!

Mulan

Minnie Mouse is a princess, isn't she?

The Princesses!

2008-10-21T19:13:00.001-04:00

Belle

Aurora

Ariel

Cinderella

Jasmine

Disney!

2008-10-20T14:21:00.003-04:00

13 of us headed to Disney World in 3 separate cars and 2 different interstates last Saturday a week ago! Disney was SO MUCH FUN! The kids did awesome even though they got little sleep and we ran constantly. The weather was gorgeous. It was hot and sunny (my kind of weather although I could do without all the humidity)! There is so much to see there. We tried our best to see the sights and ride the rides! Alexander cried on the way back home because he didnt want to leave. This morning as we got in the car to go to school he said, "It's so cold here! That's why I want to go back to Disney World!" My kind of kid!

On a sour note, I must have accidentally turned my camera on as I packed it in the camera bag before we left. The battery was dead when we got there so I had to use my old camera to take picts. That was a bummer but at least I had a camera!

Here are some of our memories:

Crazy kids at the Magic Kingdom

Two three year old girls spells TROUBLE!!!

Maggie in the teacups looking the way she did for most of the trip; with her hands over her ears!

The kids in one of the 3 awesome pools at our resort!

Some of our crazy gang waiting for the fireworks to start.

2008-10-20T14:06:00.002-04:00

Alexander and Nathan at MGM studios.

Maggie, Emilie, and Alexander before the most terrifying experience of their lives: Fantasmic!

Me with the kids waiting for Fantasmic to start

Andrew at Planet Hollywood

Maggie and Kayleigh at Planet Hollywood

Andrew's Party!

2008-10-05T10:38:00.005-04:00

Saturday we had Andrew's birthday party since his party last weekend was rained out. Lots of fun was had for the birthday boy and his siblings. The best part: Cupcakes!!!
I made a quick trip into Dayton for the annual Dayton Days festival and headed back in the afternoon to prepare everything for the festivities. It was gorgeous weather and the plants are all so pretty! I LOVE this time of the year! It's fitting that such a sweet boy was born the first fall day of September. Here are some memories:

Cute two-steppin

2008-10-01T23:09:00.004-04:00

Andrew really started walking this week! It's so cute!
Here's a sample from today: Note the car in each hand.

Happy 1st Birthday, Andrew!

2008-09-24T22:12:00.003-04:00

My baby is one! What a special day.

Before supper...
Bring it on!

Cupcake time!

After supper and cupcake time:
Happiness is a sugar rush!

FAVORITE word: "MAmA" and "ByeBYe"

Best TRICK: "Mmmmmmmmm" Kiss- I think Mommy VOTEd for this one!

BeST feature: My big, BRowN EYES

Favorite NAUGHTY trick: Throwing things off HIGH places- like the HIgh chaIR and grOCerY cart.

SeCOND favorite NauGHty Trick: Playing the Organ at CHurch- doesn't anyONe get that I'M a ToTal prodigy?

MoST favorite FOOD: Today it was LASAGNA

wHat MakeS me CRY: Fear of NoT beinG WITH my MommY!

What MAKEs me LAUGH: AleXAndeR and MaGgIE being SiLLy, or SOmeonE Else laughing- IT's ContaGious Ya KNow!

WHAT wakes me UP at NIGHT: My Blooming TEETH and my cold- someTIMES I just Miss My MOMMY.

Where I'm TICKish: Under my ARMS and around My RIBS!

FaVORITE TOY: MatchBox cars- I espECIALLy like AlexANDer's CARS ones.

How I GET Where I'm GOING: MostLY by Crawling, but more FrequentlY BY WALKing!

MoMMY's FAVORITE BRAG on ME: "BEST, SWEETest Baby in the WHole Wide WOrld!"
I love you, Andrew!

Sarah Palin is a likeable person...

2008-09-22T21:50:00.003-04:00

Sarah Palin is a likeable person- she's hip, has cool glasses, hunts and fishes, skins wild animals she's killed with her own gun (Ew!), has 5 good-looking kids, a good-looking husband and is a pretty lady herself. She's a supermom, holding a high-powered government position with a nice paycheck, meanwhile trying to balance the rigors of motherhood, raising her children, the youngest with Downs Syndrome.

Do American voters even care where she stands on issues that affect our nation? Do we care that she could be "one heartbeat" away from being the President of the United States? This likeable, well spoken woman who has been to 4 countries outside the US and never even had a passport until 2006? Do we care that she is pro-life but supports the (Holy) war in Iraq and is vague on what she would do about Russia and Georgia? Maybe it's just me but isn't killing, killing? And I have already voiced my opinion about the family thing to so many people. YES! Women are strong and smart and have so many talents, and can do ANYTHING! I truly believe that. But I have to wonder why our families are falling apart, why our children are not being taught morals at home (much less their ABCs), why childhood obesity is an epidemic, and why television plays such an important part of our "social" lives.

OK- I'm not mad at Sarah Palin and am truly not against her, although would never vote for her- I'm mad-well mad is kind of a harsh word- irritated maybe-that the fabulous, educated, talented women in our country are not choosing to raise our children, the next generation; they are choosing to WORK outside the home and let SOMEONE ELSE raise their children. Now, now simmer down. I know everyone has their own situation. I have mine, others have to work because there is no one else to work or no one else will work, etc. But seriously, do we think that we need to work in some great or not-so-great job, have a career, earn a ton of money because we have an education? Do we not have secure enough self esteems from being SAHMs? Do we really think that we become brain-dead as mothers who don't venture outside to the workplace?
And really, even if we do have to work, do we really need to work at a pace that keeps us up all hours of the day and night? Do we need to be that star on the top of the corporate ladder? Do we really need to be a governor? No- that's not good enough. Let's go for VP of the US.

Who is raising our children?

We need strong, smart, educated, talented, fabulous mothers to raise this generation of children. They already know more about computers at five than most adults know. They are amazing children and are absolute sponges. They will learn what is put in front of them- good or bad. What a waste that some aren't learning very many good things. The temptations, challenges and evils that they will encounter in their lifetimes are too great for me to even fathom.
I know, everyone is shaking their heads at me, ME, giving an insight into my very conservative views- evidently even more conservative than Ms. Palin. No, I'm not voting for the Repubs because I think Ms. Palin should be at home. That's a personal opinion and a personal choice for her. It's not because I dont like her hairdo or because she hunts (yuck)! It's because of some of her views and her lack of experience.

Here are a list of the main issues and where she stands on them and you can decide for yourself whether she is your VP candidate. Just remember that she is only the Repub Vice Presidential candidate (but a heart beat away...) and be an INFORMED VOTER.

Peek A Boo!

2008-09-17T23:41:00.003-04:00

As I sit on mixed feelings about Andrew turning one next week, I thought I would relish all of his baby moments. He LOVES peek-a-boo! And I LOVE him!

Just some picts

2008-09-15T21:17:00.003-04:00

I dont have anything really profound to say. I saw some cool blogs today. This one is really funny- you have to check it out!!! Well, this one is really funny, too, so if you didnt see SNL Saturday night, it's a recap!
Thought I would post some picts I took yesterday of the kids. I was being completely eaten alive by mosquitos at the time or I may have been more patient to get better poses. The kids are getting so used to being photographed that they just "do their thing"!

I cant believe my baby will be 1 so soon!
He's just the yummiest littl guy!

Maggie definitely shows her personality in pictures!
I love this one!

Posing by the apple tree at my parent's house.

The very first picture usually gets the best smile!

Blog giveaway!

2008-09-14T21:41:00.001-04:00

Check out this blog for a great scrapbooking giveaway!
Happy Sunday! Hope it was relaxing!

Ariel

2008-09-04T23:14:00.007-04:00

Ariel is Maggie's baby. Maggie believes that she has been pregnant for about 15 months now. Any day we are going to have to go the hospital so she can have this baby. She gets so excited when she talks about it. Her eyes light up and she speaks with a lot of animation. It's so sweet! She says when the baby "comes out" she gets to play with her!
One day she was really down because her Ariel still had not come out of her tummy. I told her we would to to the store and get a baby doll that would be her Ariel until the real Ariel arrived. She was game. We went to the store and got a very pretty doll that she immediately fell in love with. She is relatively content now with this Ariel doll.

A few facts about Ariel:
Ariel's other name is Honey Pie Pony.
Ariel shares Maggie's bed.
At Ariel's next birthday, she will turn 61!
Ariel still poops in her diaper and Maggie is upset with her for doing this.
Ariel loves her fratti (like Mommy, Like baby)
Ariel likes her dollies and she puts her hand on top. (not sure what this means but Maggie says,"That's what babies do, ya know." Hmmmm.
Ariel is going to be born "next month when the clean up monster gives back all our toys." This is an interesting comment as well since the clean-up monster has never taken any toys. Maybe she is planning ahead.

Maggie's first day of Preschool was today!
She had absolutely no problems whatsoever. It helps that she knows many of the kids in her class and had her teacher this summer for camp. She was all smiles when I picked her up today. She had a great day! Go Maggie!

Since this entry is mostly about Maggie, here are a few Maggieisms:

Me: Maggie, doesnt it feel good when you get your teeth brushed?
Maggie: No! They feel hard!
Me: Hard?
Maggie: Yes, Hard as a rock!

Me: Andrew, are you ready to sit in the cart?
Maggie: Maybe he wants to walk.
Me: Andrew can't walk, yet.
Maggie: (very serious face) Well, he needs to go to walking school. That's where I learned to walk.

New TV Show

2008-09-02T21:13:00.003-04:00

I'm not trying to be mean, but when I saw this picture, I thought it looked like a new TV Show publicity photo. I mean- the family dynamics!!!

What would the TV Show be named?
Anyone have any ideas?

Today's conversation

2008-09-01T21:13:00.004-04:00

I walk with some great-minded ladies in the mornings. I love having stimulating conversations that make me think about stuff besides all things medical. Makes me wish I was in school again. Anyway, this morning we bantered a little about the different types of governments. I thought about this afterwards and looked up fascism, socialism, and communism on the Internet. Kids these days have NO IDEA how easy they've got it-just look it up on the Internet! Never have to leave home and head to the library to find something out. OK- I digress. Now I sound like my parents...
I wanted to refresh my memory on all of these terms we use lightly now to describe someone who may not have the same political views we do! Fascists can go both ways. They are anti liberal and anti-conservative. I read a lot about Marxism and all the spin offs and, it got pretty deep. Then I found this website that just had it all spelled out so neatly in an easy to read format.
Here it is: I hope they dont mind me copying it. It is from this website:http://www.stutzfamily.com/mrstutz/WorldAffairs/typesofgovt.html
Looks to be a blog- a very educational one!!!

Descriptions of governments can be based on:

Economy - what provides the goods and services that are bought, sold, and used?

Capitalism (Russia)	Socialism (Norway)	Communism (Cuba)
In a capitalist or free-market economy, people own their own businesses and property and must buy services for private use, such as healthcare.	Socialist governments own many of the larger industries and provide education, health and welfare services while allowing citizens some economic choices	In a communist country, the government owns all businesses and farms and provides its people's healthcare, education and welfare.

Politics - how is the government run?

Dictatorship (Iraq)	Totalitarian (China)	Theocracy (Iran)	Monarchy (Jordan)	Parliamentary (Israel)	Republic (USA)	Anarchy (Afghanistan?)
Rule by a single leader who has not been elected and may use force to keep control. In a military dictatorship, the army is in control. Usually, there is little or no attention to public opinion or individual rights.	Rule by a single political party. People are forced to do what the government tells them and may also be prevented from leaving the country.	A form of government where the rulers claim to be ruling on behalf of a set of religious ideas, or as direct agents of a deity.	A monarchy has a king or queen, who sometimes has absolute power. Power is passed along through the family	A parliamentary system is led by representatives of the people. Each is chosen as a member of a political party and remains in power as long as his/her party does	A republic is led by representatives of the voters. Each is individually chosen for a set period of time.	Anarchy is a situation where there is no government. This can happen after a civil war in a country, when a government has been destroyed and rival groups are fighting to take its place.

Authority - who picks the government?

Revolutionary (USA, France, USSR etc)	Totalitarian (North Korea)	Oligarchy/Plutocracy (Pakistan)	Democracy (India)
The existing structure is overthrown by a completely new group. The new group can be very small - such as the military - or very large - as in a popular revolution. After a period of time, this 'becomes' one of the other type of government (unless there is another coup or uprising).	Rule by a single political party. Votes for alternative candidates and parties are simply not allowed. Citizens are allowed and 'encouraged' to vote, but only for the government's chosen candidates.	A form of government which consists of rule by an elite group who rule in their own interests, especially the accumulation of wealth and privilege. Only certain members of society have a valid voice in the government. This can reflect (but is not limited to) economic interests, a particular religious tradition (theocracy), or familial rule (monarchy).	In a democracy, the government is elected by the people. Everyone who is eligible to vote - which is a majority of the population - has a chance to have their say over who runs the country.

REMEMBER: nearly every country in the world is ruled by a system that combines 2 or more of these (for example, the USA is not a true capitalist society, since the government actually provides some services for its citizens). Additionally, one person's opinion of the type of government may differ from another's (many argue that the USA is actually a plutocracy rather than a democracy).

Much of the information on this page came from the following sources:
CBBC - Types of Government
Types of Government
How Canadians Govern Themselves
Political Systems Explained
Best Government?
Now that I have that clear- here's a news flash:
Sarah Palin's 17 year old unmarried daughter is pregnant. I feel sorry for her. Not that it couldn't happen to anyone, but with her 5 children, one of which is pregnant, and a 4 month old baby with Down's Syndrome, maybe she should have said "No" to McCain and to the Republican Vice Presidential nomination and "Yes" to her family. It sounds like they need her.

Done read that...

2008-08-30T22:56:00.002-04:00

I have to make this quick because I am T-totally falling asleep right now!
I must say I am pretty upset at whoever that person is who leaked the Midnight Sun manuscript to the Internet. I really could have waited... but since Stephenie Meyer published the 264 draft pages of the novel she had already written on her web site, well, I just went ahead and read it!

Fabulous of course. If you dont know, Midnight Sun is the book, Twilight,

from Edward's perspective.

Still very upset the rest of the novel is on hold, indefinitely. I may never get to read the rest. But it made my last Saturday in August a lot of fun!
Stephenie Meyer is Da Bomb diggy!

What I know

2008-08-28T21:38:00.004-04:00

I dont know much but this is what I know...

Whenever I have a bad day and develop a horrible opinion of myself, all I have to do is sing, "How Do You Know" from the movie Enchanted and I am a different person!

I am thinking that the Mamma Mia soundtrack is going to have the same effect!

What's up?

2008-08-25T22:43:00.004-04:00

Just thought I would share some cute picts of the kids.

Maggie has taken to the mandolin these days.

Andrew, at 11 months is showing off his first two teeth

and a cute pout!

Hope everyone is enjoying the beginning of their week!

First Day of Kindergarten!

2008-08-20T11:54:00.006-04:00

My sweet Alexander went off to his first day of Kindergarten this morning.

From the way things went this morning, I can tell that we are going to have to work on our schedule a little (or maybe a lot)! Actually were okay time wise. Just the stress of everything happening and trying to get everything and everyone in the car was a little much. It would have been nice to have some help! 'Nough said about that though.

Isnt he precious?

All lined up in the gym at school

Alexander didnt seem nervous or scared at all. I dont even know how excited he was! He is such a good kid. He is pretty chilled out. I told him to get dressed this morning and he asked where we were going?!? Funny.
I met some chicks at the park after we dropped Alexander off and we did some laps and then let the little ones play on the playground.

Maggie did a little posing for me at the park!

In the afternoon Shawna and I killed some time before the Kindergarteners got out of school (like we dont have anything else to do) and went to the mall. I saw a friend of mine I really havent seen since high and school, and Alexander got a pair of tennis shoes that were majorly discounted. Martha and Maggie rode the "vehicles" at the mall , which I really wished I had my camera for, and then we rushed off to our schools to get our kids. For a first day of school treat we headed to Klines for some yummy ice cream! Good stuff! Alexander said he had a "great" day and that his teacher was "soooo nice" and that he did "all kinds of fun things" and that "we are sooo smart" (meaning his class). He is going to love school!

Right of Passage: Kindergarten!

2008-08-18T20:24:00.004-04:00

Alexander and I spent the day getting ready for his new venture into Kindergarten on Wednesday. He had an appointment with his pediatrician and received 4 (YIKES)- yes 4 vaccines. The kids doctor rather smugly asked me what I wanted to do about the vaccines (which she always does with Andrew because he is on the alternate schedule) for Alexander. Of course, if he is going to kindergarten at a public Virginia school he would need them all. At least we laughed about it. Alexander took it very well- only saying "Ouch" after each prick of the needle. The only time he cried today was when I told him that I was NOT going to call the cable company and tell them that we wanted to get Nickelodeon at our house!
Mom and Dad got back from Kentucky and my brother's house today. They arrived early so we weren't here when they got to our house. We had gone to the church to drop off some cookies for the blood drive today. We ate some dinner and visited a bit before Alexander and I ventured off to his new elementary school to meet his teacher and check out the school. Alexander just happened to wear his Moscow shirt his daddy brought him from Russia last year. His teacher noticed it right away and spoke some Russian to him. I was very, very pleased about this- let me tell you!!! It might be a good year after all! His teacher was really nice and definitely loves kids! I think this whole school thing is going to take a little while for all of us to get used to. We'll do it, though. We'll make it through. He seems perfectly at ease and hasnt really said anything about being scared, nervous or anything. I think he will LOVE it.

Thanks, Ladies!

2008-08-17T21:34:00.004-04:00

My friends have definitely rescued me from becoming catatonic this week since Maggie and Alexander left on their vacation with their Daddy. I actually enjoyed the week! Besides everyone coming over on Thursday night to see the movie, Jennie L., Shawna, me and our kids (sans A+M) when to the Harrisonburg Mall friday night to do some shopping for- none other but-ourselves!!! Imagine that! Are we brave or what? Jennie and I got some adorable heels to wear (yes, the very same ones) and Shawna bought a very nice dress. We all sported our new duds today at church. It was funny how many people noticed our shoes and asked if we really were wearing the same shoe! People really do check out others' feet dont they?? Well, they are just the cutest shoes and we got them for quite a deal! I can't speak for Jennie but I didnt mind at all that we were wearing the same shoes! I just thought we could both say we had good taste! OK- this is fluff writing. If you are still reading this, you are probably bored by now. Fluff stuff is basically for me.
Speaking of fluff, I just cant put down the Twilight series. Unfortunately for me I only have Eclipse and Breaking Dawn so I have to read them over and over again. Not a bad thing, but every once in a while I want to reread Twilight again, and some parts of New Moon. I just can't decide which one is my favorite. I am also reading Eat, Pray, Love and Animal, Vegetable, Miracle. Strange how both the titles are 3 words. Is there a name for that? Besides coincidence. It's kinda like when I was reading 3 books that were all green. All the twilight books are black.
I think I will end my fluff entry with some pictures that I took of Alexander when I first got my new camera. He was an awesome subject- posing and everything for me! I just wish his shirt had been clean....

August Card Club Cards

2008-08-15T13:21:00.003-04:00

I am finally getting around to posting my card club contribution for this month.
Our technique was the Suspension Card.

Halloween
The witch is suspended in the circle with dental floss! I used my cuttle bug embossing folder for the circle background.

Thank You
This is a flap card but my magnets are in the van, which is in VA Beach so I couldnt really finish it. It serves the purpose, though.

Kid Birthday
This is my favorite. I love the textured SU! paper!

Painting Day

2008-08-14T22:12:00.003-04:00

I thought it would be nice to get my living room painted while the kids were away on their little vacation. Lucky for me, Erix was able to do it today! He did an awesome job and Andrew and I were lucky enough to hang out with Sarah and Amulek while Erix painted! I am really psyched about the new look of my living room! It seems to have really changed it, although I dont have anything on the walls. It was nice to get the drapes down and de-dust mited and everything dusted.
Here are some picts of our visit:

I see you, Mom!

Amulek playing with Sephie.

I just can't seem to reach.....

This evening I hosted a girls night out for a bunch of us! It was a lot of fun! Everyone brought something to eat and Shawna brought a cake (for Sarah's belated birthday) and we watched 27 Dresses which is definitely a girly flick. A big THANKS goes out to all of the men for watching their kids tonight. We definitely needed that!

I'm Back!

2008-08-09T13:44:00.004-04:00

Sorry for such a long stretch of nothingness! I have been very preoccupied! I read the entire Twilight series this week ending last night (well, early this morning) with Breaking Dawn, the fourth and final book. Talk about being overly obsessed about something! I loved this story about Edward and Bella, and Jacob (the other "man"). A love story about vampires and werewolves, and of course- humans- usually not my thing, but I really fell in love with the books! I seriously could not sleep or eat at all this week. All I wanted to to was read! So now I am in the "how could the books be over" stage, wondering what to do with myself. I think I'll read them again...

My new camera even came this week and I am just now getting around to opening it!
Isnt it a beauty? So excited about it! I havent even used it yet! I think my parents will be glad to get their camera back-it was a loaner since Bob took mine to Russia. Speaking of Bob, he will be back tonight! The kids are so excited! Next week they will be visiting their Grammy in Va Beach.

I have a lot to catch up on. Salsa and pickles to can, cleaning up the house, trimming the yard. It is a gorgeous day so I am pretty psyched to get outside. I also have some detoxifiers to hunt for on the Internet. I'll let you know their story later. Hope everyone has a great day!

Tagged!

2008-08-04T09:08:00.002-04:00

My friend, Jennie L. at SUMGREATER tagged me.

How To Play This Game of Tag:
Post these rules on your blog. List: 3 joys, 3 fears, 3 goals, 3 current obsessions/collections, 3 facts about yourself. Tag 5 people at the end of your post by leaving their names. Let them know they are tagged by leaving a comment on their blog!

3 Joys:
1. Being at home with my kids
2. Listening to music and dancing with my kids
3. The calm after the kids go to bed

3 Fears:
1. That I wont be good enough for my kids
2. That my kids will hate me
3. That I wont be ready for a disaster- manmade or natural

3 Goals:
1. To become a web designer
2. To have my own business doing something crafty or computer-y
3. To read more books

3 Obsessions:
1. Green living and detoxifying my kids environment
2. photography
3. My kids birthday parties (so Im a little OCD so this is easy!)

3 Facts about myself:
1. I am addicted to adrenaline rushes (hence my job as a CCU RN)
2. I love to bake- anything super yummy sweet but I am usually the only one who eats it because my husband doesnt like sweets very much
3. I love toille but cant figure out how to incorporate new earthy kitchen colors with my toille wallpaper and accessories.

Whew! Okay- now I am tagging:
1. Allie R.
2. Jennie M.
3. Vikki
4. Dianna
5. Sarah

Homeschooling

2008-07-29T18:48:00.002-04:00

For a while now I have thought about the option of homeschooling. I have a variety of reasons including not wanting to adhere to the typical CDC vaccine schedule required by Virginia schools, not truly a believer in the SOL geared, no child left behind education obtained by US students these days (although I wont have to worry about the SOLs for a few years), being able to teach the same material in less time and having more time for extra-curriculars, can't afford private school for 3 kids, wanting to teach my kids a variety of subjects not offered in public school, worries about them being bored, and just wanting my child home with me.

I think the biggest thing that is pulling me in this direction is the curriculum. No languages are taught until the children are much older. Age 5 (or before) is the perfect age to begin a language. I am not a believer in homework at such an early age, but they have it, believe it or not! After 8 hours in a school, one would think a young child would be set free to enjoy the rest of the day! Yet, after school they have homework, swimming lessons, soccer practice, piano lessons, etc. Poor kids dont have time to be kids!

I feel some of the drawbacks for homeschooling my kids is the dedication and time it takes, the organization and adhering to schedules, not being sure about the home school cooperative, not feeling adequate to meet my child's needs academically (esp as he gets older and we need the cooperative even more), losing out on all that free ME TIME, questionable social isolation ("all home school kids are geeks" [which is okay with me!]), etc.

With the first-born I think every mother worries, worries, worries whether she is doing the right thing for this precious first child. Then the rest of the children sort of follow suit. We are sending Alexander to Kindergarten this year. We'll see how it goes. I definitely plan to be very involved. He may totally thrive in that atmosphere. He definitely loved preschool after the first year. I hope it is exciting and challenging for him. We'll just have to play it by ear! At least it's good to have options.

I know most people have pretty strong opinions about this sort of thing. I would love it if you would share yours!

Pictures

2008-07-28T08:55:00.006-04:00

I really wish I could be posting my card club cards but, since I havent even started them, I guess that wont be anytime soon. Tonight my goal is to get one set of the cards done. I only have until the first so I really need to get started!

Here are some pictures from the reunion yesterday. I didnt do too well as a photographer, trying to keep up with Andrew and everything. But I did get a couple cute ones:

Abbie with Andrew (she didnt know I got her, too!)

Trey looking all grown up

Emilie and Andrew (he was crying for me to take him)but had
actually been playing with Emilie for quite a while!

Maggie and Alexander (waiting for the porta potty to empty)

Abbie and Jackson (do they look alike or what?)

Strengthening Testimonies

2008-07-27T22:11:00.003-04:00

We have had such a busy weekend with reunions! Fun but also very tiring and we got to be around a lot of our close family, and well, you know how that can be sometimes. Over all we had a great time. Saturday we went to Monterey to one of my Dad's reunions and that afternoon one of my Mom's reunions started in Franklin, WV. We were tired and Andrew was off schedule so we decided not to go to the reunion in WV until today. Arriving for lunch today we heard of the excitement that went on down the road from the reunion last evening.

Now, the place I am referring to is called Smith Creek. It is situated about 15-20 minutes from Franklin, in a gap between mountains, some of it being wider than other parts. Cell phones dont work. We are talking, rural. Beautiful, peaceful, but rural. Well, evidently it was around dark and the festivites at the reunion were coming to a close for the evening. The 205 people in attendance were packing up to leave, or had left already. My cousin, Adam and his sister's husband, Jim were pulling trunks or something with the farm tractor in the orchard at my grandfather's house. Jim had been on the tractor and told Adam that they werent doing it right and needed to figure out another way to do it. Adam jumped on the tractor and said that they just needed to go 'like this' and jerked the tractor some. The tractor then flipped completely over onto Adam. Jim said it was like slow-motion and he was helpless, not being able to do anything about it. The tractor landed on Adam's right leg. He had been "thrown" clear of most of the tractor although he says that he didnt jump, bystanders at the scene said that it looked like he had. Jim tried to pick up the tractor and pulled it up a little bit but Adam was caught by his jeans and couldnt get free. Jim couldnt hold it up very long and had to bring it down on Adam's leg again. Jim said when he did this, he could hear the bones crushing under the weight of the tractor. Adam screamed out in pain and thought he was going to pass out. He didnt know if he would make it though this unimaginable pain. Jim said he had to go get help, that he couldnt get this tractor off adam's leg by himself. He sped off in Adam's car down to where the reunion grounds are. This is about 1-2 miles down the road. He met Emilie (Adam's other sister) at the gate to the grounds and told her to get 4 big men. Adam's under the tractor. Emilie went running down through the field as fast as she could and the first person she saw was David Hartman, a wonderful friend, cousin, and priesthood holder. She said she could hardly speak but she told him that Adam was under the tractor and they needed men to help get the tractor off of him. Other people heard Emilie and one of them said, call 911! David and Leslie Hartman sped off to find Jim and Adam (Jim had already turned around and gone back to him) and Emilie, Abbie (Jim's wife, Adams other sister) and Charity (cousin) went hunting for a house that was open to call 911. My grandfather was at my aunt's house and his house wasnt open. But the house next to his which is also his but he rents out to another cousin, was open but the phone was all messed up. They had a ton of trouble getting the phone to work. Emilie finally got the phone to work well enough to get the 911 operator to pick up. She said it was so staticky that she could hardly hear anything. Emilie is an EMT and was "on call" that night so if there were any emergencies she would have to attend to them or "run" them in EMS services lingo. Nearly everyone in Pendleton county has a scanner and she heard on the scanner (someone else must have already gotten through to 911 but had the info wrong) that a pedestrian had been hit by a car near the Smith Creek Playhouse (in the same vicinity). So when the 911 operator picked up, Emilie told them what she had heard on the scanner and that they needed fire and rescue, that it was actually a tractor roll over and it was at Kermit Judy's place. The phone did not work again.

By this time tons of people had gone up to the orchard. Jim, David, Leslie, and another man whom I never found out his name, lifted the tractor off of Adam. He had to cut his jeans off of himself with a knife while someone else made sure he didnt cut himself (thinking his leg was numb). He was given a priesthood blessing in that field. I dont know what was prayed but there were about 50 witnesses I am told, that heard the prayer. They witnessed a miracle.

Adam was in a lot of pain. He rated it a 10 on the 0-10 scale. For those of you who have never used this scale or dont have a medical background, 10 means the worst pain you have ever experienced. Excruciating pain. The paramedic was able to give him morphine which alleviated a lot of his pain immediately. After arriving at RMH (an hour away) the doctor said, a tractor roll over? So it was a lawn mower? No one had ever seen someone get away from a tractor roll over with such minor injuries. He had a badly sprained right ankle and a contusion on one of his hips which his Mom said looked like a rug burn. Jim knew the tractor had crushed the bones in his leg. He had heard them crush when he had to lay the tractor back on Adm's leg. It is amazing that his injuries were not more severe. There were many people who couldnt sleep last night. Two of the men who lifted the tractor off of Adam, had fits of vomiting.

Today at the reunion, Adam sat in his lawn chair, surrounded by friends and family, keeping his ankle elevated, talking happily with everyone, looking good. Other than the wrap and brace on his ankle, no one would have been the wiser about the traumatic event that unfolded last night and ended with an absolute miracle. I feel so blessed to be a member of a family in which the gospel is so strong. That there was no searching for worthy priesthood holders to give a blessing to Adam. We are all so blessed to have either been there, or been witness to the story, and we are all so blessed that Adam continues to be alive with us.

Summer Camp

2008-07-26T21:33:00.003-04:00

We had a busy week this past week with Summer camp for Maggie and a Learning is Fun class for Alexander. Maggie's class was in the morning and Alexander's was in the afternoon so we did a bit of running. At first I didnt like it and wanted to be able to lounge around in the mornings and do whatever, but as the week progressed I really liked being on a schedule and am actually looking forward to the school year starting. Alexander took the Make it a Musical class which he actually loved! He cant wait to go back next year! Maggie did really well and played each day with the only other child she knew in class. She said that she did not know any of the other children's names so she couldn't make friends with them! Poor Maggie! I think she did a lot of swinging! When I dropped her off she went to the swings and started swinging and every day when i picked her up she was swinging!

Maggie before camp this week

Today we went to the Jones/Wilson reunion in Monterey, VA. I have never liked the trip- 4 mountains that always made me sick. This time I drove- which helps immensely and the trip didnt seem too bad. Very beautiful scenery and the kids were good. They were excited to see where Pappaw grew up and went to school. The reunion happened to be in the building where he went to school (yes, K-12) and my uncle Tom lives in the house where he spent most of his childhood and we were able to stop there. It brought back a lot of memories for me. On the way there, Mom went with us, and she told of the story when we slid down Jack mountain on the way home from Monterey one night. All I remember about it is that my brother and I were laying down (no carseats) in the back of our red stationwagon and my Mom told us to get down. That's all I remember. She said we would hit the bank on one side of the road and the snowbank on the other. I asked her what my Dad was saying and she said that all she remembers him saying was, "I have to keep the front of this car in the front." Wow. How scary is that? She said that when they got to the bottom of the mountain and used a pay phone to call Dad's parent's that they could hardly even stand up it was do icy. My grandmother got the salt trucks to come back to the mountain and my uncle Tom met them at the top of the mountain. Tom said, "I knew you would make it because Meg (Toms wife, my aunt) had the whole town praying for you!" So we spent another night in Monterey instead of attempting the next 3 mountains. That's a story for you, Jenny M.!

Alexander during his program the last day of class

Dianna's homecoming!

2008-07-23T10:05:00.001-04:00

I couldnt find a "just because" marker but just so everyone knows: Dianna will be home in a week!

Camera woes

2008-07-21T23:09:00.003-04:00

I impulsively gave my camera away to Bob, who wanted a better camera to take to Russia with him. Now I really miss it. He told me to buy a new one but I thought that the camera I really wanted (a lower end DSLR name the Nikon D60) was cheaper than it really is. I should have read into the fact that you have to buy the body and the lens separately. I could get a perfectly good point and shoot camera like the Canon S5IS. But it doesnt have RAW images and I am thinking this would be totally cool to learn. So if any of you folks who read my blog know anything about digital cameras and could give me some advice, vote on the poll to the right!
THANKS!

Good times!

2008-07-19T21:47:00.003-04:00

I can't believe that we went to the Bridgewater Lawn Party Wednesday, Thursday, Friday ,and Saturday and I dont have a single picture to show for it! There were some times when I could have gotten some awesome shots of the kids (big A and M riding in the cars, coming down the super slide, eating their snow cones) and I never remembered my camera! Now today I was determined to remember my camera, but I gave it to Bob for his trip to Russia. So, I decided that I would just borrow my Mom and Dad's camera but, initially couldnt find it anywhere. Finally found it and put in my bag. We got to the lawn party and there was no memory card in it! ACH! The pains of trying to take a few picts of my darling kids at their favorite lawn party!

Well, I will try to describe it for everyone who yens for that picture on the blog (like me): Alexander was so excited on Tuesday night. "Mommy, this is my favorite time of the year. I love the lawn party." Me, too. I can remember the fun: the thrill of the rides and the excitement of seeing friends from school during summer break. I remember laying in my bed at night, listening to the bands playing until what seemed like the middle of the night (that was before we had air conditioning). I dont remember the actual lawn party when I was Alexander's age but I do remember it when I was older. I loved all the rides. They were so much more fun that those at Kings Dominion, etc because there was always the risk that they would actually just fall apart! They were also pretty jerky which added to the thrill. We would pack 4 or 5 kids in the Octopus and try to get that thing to spin so fast! Good times-Ok- back to the here and now.

Wednesday night Alexander rode the swings for the first time. I got to ride, too! He loved them and laughed the whole time. Today he rode the Scrambler for the first time. What a dare devil. I dont think that I would have let him go by himself but I was on the carousel with Maggie and couldnt do anything about it. My Mom and I were making faces at each other (hers was guilt ridden and mine was an Oh my gosh face). I think that I have eaten way way way too many cheesburgers this week (but they are so good at the ole lawn party) and anyone that knows me, knows that I dont typically eat cow. I will be much better this coming week. My kids have had way way way too many snow cones, which they would refute, saying that no one could ever have too many snow cones!

Okay, I think that I have written enough about the lawn party. We rode a lot of rides, ate a lot of food, had a lot of fun, did a lot of sweating (it was hot!), and spent a lot of money! Good times! Oh, the big parade was Friday night. Other than the candy, it really didnt have a whole lot of substance. Has anyone been to a really good parade lately? The Treasure Mountain parade in Franklin, WV in Sept is actually a good parade.

I have to tell on Alexander a little bit. Since the lawn party has opened he has decided that we are going to make our own lawn party in our back yard. Today he decided that we needed a sign for the food options we have available, so he brought a pen and paper to the lawn party. He then decided that we needed to copy the menus from all the food stands and write them on this paper. I'll be he was the only kid at the lawn party to do that! That's my boy! Good times!

And he's off!

2008-07-16T22:24:00.001-04:00

I had trouble getting the video downloaded the other day so my newest post is below the slide show! Check it out!

Check out my Slide Show!

2008-07-14T23:23:00.001-04:00

And he's off!

2008-07-14T22:20:00.006-04:00

Andrew is definitely getting around these days- by crawling! He is so cute at it! I just love to watch him make his way around the house! He tries to go really fast and ends up falling on his little face which is a little bit funny and a little bit sad at the same time!
Oh, Andrew, do you really have to grow up so fast?

"Heavy Breathing"

Alexander is 6!

2008-07-12T22:02:00.004-04:00

Alexander and his Mommy- post party

My sweet boy is 6 today! I can't believe it! He is starting school in the fall (well, August) and is just growing up so fast! I remember holding him as a baby, attempting to trace every part of his little body and absorb it in my brain so I would never forget how precious he was, telling myself, ' you can never forget this. Remember what he looks like, remember what he sounds like, remember what he smells like. Just remember this moment.' As much as I tried, I dont remember every single detail. I remember a lot, but not everything that I wanted to. Why can't I go back there? One day maybe that will happen. I will be able to remember all of my days (just the good ones of course) like I am in the very moment.

Alexander and I are tight. We had such a strong bond when he was an infant. I knew I could never love anything, anyone more. After those 12 weeks at home with him, I had to return to work. I tried everything not to have to go. It was so hard. Those 12 weeks went soooo fast! The morning I went back to work, I woke up and nursed Alexander in the rocking chair and cried and cried. How many of us have done that? He wouldnt take a bottle for like 8 hours that day and then finally got hungry enough I guess. I was so stressed. I would have quit my job if someone had told me to that day. Life goes on. My hairdresser said, "You have conquered one battle, but the big ones are yet to come."

I have the best time with my Xander (Maggie gave him this nickname when she was one)! He is a lot of fun to be around and so loving. He likes to be around grown-ups and invited all of his teachers to his party! He's also very smart. Grammy says he knows things her 7th graders dont know. He is really keen on directions and can tell if we are going East, North, South or West, or a combination of any two. Geography is a hobby of his. Two of the biggest hobbies of his are making movie posters and adding to his songbook. We have movie posters all over our walls with dates and pictures on them. You would think we lived at the movie theater! And, he copies all of the songs that he likes out of our church songbooks either on my parent's copier, or by having someone (like me or Bob or one of his grandparents) be his scribe (he says we are better at writing than he is). He also loves to create his own music, prompting us to put him in a class doing just that this summer!

Alexander loves to read and is really good at it! I think that he will love school! As much as I dread him starting, I think he will be really happy. Preschool was so good for him. He was sooo shy and it really helped to bring him out of his shell. We didnt want him to go to school last year even though he was 5 when school started. I didnt feel that he was emotionally ready even though academically he was. His teachers suggested giving him another preschool year and everyone I have talked to who have done this have all said it was a great decision. We just wanted to him to mature another year so he could be a leader and not a follower. This was such a good, wise decision for us! He definitely matured and found so much confidence! I just love my little boy so much! I helps me with the baby a lot- and I appreciate it so much! Andrew loves him to death and gets so excited when he sees him. I think the feeling is mutual.

Right now Alexander is excited about the new pool he got for his birthday from his Mammaw and Pappaw Wilson. We set it up and filled it with water this evening. He couldn't stand to be out of it any longer so I let him and Maggie get in when the water was pretty near where it was supposed to be to be full. I think the water was pretty cold because they were shivering and had goose bumps but they STILL wouldnt get out of the water! Maggie threw a huge fit when I made her get out.

Yes, her bathing suit is on backwards. Yes, she is three.

We had a Sponge Bob themed party for Alexander's birthday today. Alexander had a great time with his buddies. We have the best friends. I am so grateful for them. It was a perfect, sunny and hot day for water games, which is what we had planned. We did squirt guns and water balloons and had a wet sponge toss which turned crazy and had me and some of the other parents squeezing water on the kids and the kids doing it to us, too! Man, I was hot so it felt good! We also had a relay with felt Krabby Patties. I made all these felt krabby patties. One side of the burger was pink (the rare side) and one side was brown (the done side). I put wax paper on the grill which wasnt actually fired up (when we started doing this Maggie asked if she was going to get burned) and put the pink side up. The child had to use the spatula to flip the burgers over to the brown side, come over to the prep table and get a bun, put the burger on the bun, place cheese on it, lettuce and tomato and then pretend to eat it!

We also had a Sponge Bob pinata and lots of Sponge Bob cupcakes, ice cream cones and Krusty Krab Pizza (whole wheat bagels with spaghetti sauce and mozza cheese), fruit and plankton sticks (carrot sticks), Sponge Bob Cheese-its and Typhoon Blue punch (Hawaiian Punch and gingerale). I saw that Edible Arrangements had a Sponge Bob arrangement for $59. I thought,'That's cute but there is no way I am paying $60 for some fruit,' so Shawna and I decided we could do that ourselves much cheaper! I think that it turned out way cute and the pail only cost a dollar on sale at Walmart! I just drew Sponge Bob's face on it.

Alexander, I love you! I'm so glad and grateful you're my boy ("the first baby" as he calls himself) and congrats on turning 6! MWAH!

Blowing out the candles!

First fruit of the garden

2008-07-08T20:12:00.002-04:00

I've picked my first squash this year and it is so rewarding! Actually seeing plants produce food is just so exciting! These plants are incredible at what they do. My corn is knee-high by the fourth of July and the tomatoes are coming on. The peppers are getting big, the radishes that Alexander brought home from school are about ready and everything is looking good. Hope it continues and we can get some good canning in this year.
Alexander got to pose with our first squash picked fresh from the garden. This particular one was promptly diced up and given to our Iguana, who thought he had died and gone to heaven!

For everyone who knows that all three of my dear children had the pukes, with just one having the runs as well, they are getting much, much better and were running around tonight like normal. Thank goodness! Poor little things! I have just been nursing Andrew as that is the best food for a baby to digest when they have sick tummies. By today he needed more so I started to feed him. The first feeding went right through him and his diaper, clothes, and high chair. The second seems to be doing much better. :-) The other two dont have much of an appetite. I hear this is normal with this little nuisance of a bug.

Happy birthday to my Aunt Barbara! Niece Kayleigh-yeah she's 12!! Lori Reid, and whoever else's birthday it is today! Hope it was great!

Judy Reunion

2008-07-06T14:46:00.004-04:00

My grandfather's (Pappaw Judy) reunion was Saturday! We had a great time at my great Uncle Gail's cabin and pavilion in Smith Creek, WV. It did rain a little bit but not enough to ruin the activities. We still had the egg toss and other activities. One thing about those Judys: they like to laugh and always have a good time together!

I am sad to say that I didnt get a lot of pictures taken but here are some of the ones I did!

Pappaw Judy and our family present

Pappaw his the oldest living of his siblings.

The siblings and their spouses

Audrey and Maggie at Jennie's. Audrey was showing Audrey her portable playstation.

On another note, if you are interested in BPA and phthalate free products for you or your babies, check out this website, www.safemama.com. On the left hand side, there are "cheatsheets" for toxin-free products. The website itself is just such a wealth of information. You can read about why certain plastics are bad for you and what happens in the body years down the road when exposure is high. In fact, you can read about all sorts of things. If you want to keep your kids safer from environmental toxins, it's a great website.

Happy Fourth of July!

2008-07-04T18:37:00.003-04:00

Hope everyone enjoys their day and night of fireworks! I think that we will relax at home and watch the fireworks from our front window (one of the benefits of living on a hill). Alexander is with my Mom and Dad tonight and these other two will go to bed early (I hope). Maybe I can have an evening to myself!

Just hanging out

2008-07-03T16:58:00.004-04:00

Today was a lazy summer day at the Efird household- well as lazy as you can be with 3 kids, two dogs, and a lizard to take of. Oh I forgot about the fish. The fish named Spongebob. I did get some work done outside, a lot of weeding and mulching, this morning. It was beautiful today, wasnt it? The kids and I spent a lot of time outside and just made some yummy cookies from the Deceptively Delicious cookbook which you can find on my bookshelf. They have garbanzo beans and oatmeal in them and Alexander just said, "These cookies are soooo delicious!" YES!

One of the special things that Alexander and I do together is sing our dialogue. It is a lot of fun. We get a tune in our head, change all the words to fit our conversation and sing it back and forth! He is really good at it. I try to make it rhyme, like the original song does, but not always. Today Alexander started singing that he wanted to go McDonalds and I sang back, questioning why he wanted to and he sang that he wanted to get Kung Fu Panda Toys and then I sang back that maybe we could get them on Ebay and he sang that he didnt think that they were on Ebay yet and I sang back that maybe we could find them on there. So I diverted the MCDONALDS, MCDONALDS, MCDONALDS!!! chant today. Yesterday it lasted about 5 full minutes. Ugh. "The answer is still no!" I love how the fast food chains entice our kids with their cool toys from these popular movies and then the kids beg their weary parents into going there and then they partake of the non-nutritious, humongo portions of chicken, beef and potatoes just to get that special toy (you like that run-on sentence?). The toy, the object of such hullabaloo is then looked at, played with in the car on the way home, and then left in the car until the next time the car is cleaned out. Then it is thrown away. Such is the life...

Well! I really didnt mean to go on about fast food chains and their toys. On a lighter note, here are some picts from today I found to be especially cute:

Alexander sat on top of the slide for a long time today, soaking up the warm rays, and evidently day-dreaming. He is so handsome, I had to take a picture of him.

Maggie was entertaining Andrew on the deck. I'm not sure what they were playing but I do know that Andrew was getting a little tired of the game. They are having fun in this picture.

Earth 911, etc.

2008-07-01T22:28:00.006-04:00

Do you want to know where you can recycle old batteries or electronics? Just type in Earth911.org and your zip code and it will tell you! Very cool and very green!

I have been super busy getting Alexander's Sponge Bob birthday party ready for next Saturday! I have a lot to do and have been busy getting invitations out and doing some shopping! Everything is online for me with these three kids. Speaking of kids, Andrew went to his 9 month check up on Monday and got his two vaccines (we're on the alternative vaccine schedule). He did great, slept 13 hours last night and has been happy all day! I hope it continues... He is so much fun right now. He has started to wave and it is downright adorable! He also loves our dog, Bella, and has started to say Bewwa every time he sees her which is so cute.

Here is the front of the Sponge Bob party invitations that we made:
I superimposed Alexander on the Sponge Bob pic using Photoshop. He thinks it's pretty cool!

My baby is 9 months!

2008-06-25T22:52:00.004-04:00

Andrew turned 9 months old yesterday! I just feel like he is growing up before my eyes. It is sad in a way and exciting in another. He is so thrilled with all the new tricks he can do now. He will get up on all fours and try to decide what to do next. He can do the army crawl and then roll to wherever he wants to go. He can definitely get around. Unfortunately he eats everything on the floor or in his path, so we have to continuously monitor his actions. I kept warning the older kids about leaving their markers and crayons all over the place, but Andrew got a hold of one and wrote all over the carpet the other day. Luckily they were washable ( I buy nothing but)! I think that I have one very curious little boy! I have to say the other two weren't like that. They never got into anything much. Am I due?

Andrew has to be the sweetest little thing. Whenever I pick him up I get all kinds of hugs and kisses. He just smiles that toothless smile and giggles! He is so happy! This is such a fun time! I just wish I could enjoy every little moment, soak it all up, and never forget it.

Recipe Monday

2008-06-23T18:31:00.003-04:00

I had some um, let me just say, very ripe bananas sitting beside my onions (did you know that onions give off some chemical that makes your fruit ripen really fast?) and decided to use them. I found this awesome recipe on All Recipes. com. It had like 3000 comments and the majority were good so I tried it! I have to say it is one of the best banana bread recipes I have tried.

I made a few alterations to the recipe. I made cupcakes (12) instead of a loaf and added a couple shakes of cinnamon and a few drops of vanilla (I'm not much of a measurer). I baked them at 325 degrees for 25 minutes. They are super yummy! Oh- and I finally figured out the macro setting on my camera! Pretty cool!

Sunday

2008-06-22T12:08:00.003-04:00

Okay, I not really playing hooky from church. Andrew woke up late and I didnt get to feed him, plus he was up a lot last night and nap time just happens to be in prime church hours, so I just brought him home to feed him and let him take a nap. So far so good.

WOW! I had forgotten what it was like to get everyone ready for church by myself (Bob is gone for the rest of the summer)! It's terrible! I end up not being the type of mom I would like to be, especially on Sunday morning. ugh. I was so tired this morning since I was up with Andrew a bunch, and I have to say, up late because a friend of mine invited me to her facebook site and so I had to join, got interested, and so on. I could stay on the computer forever!!!! When I was a computer design student at JMU, I would sit in front on the computer in the computer lab for 8 hours straight. It was crazy and I loved it!

Anyway, I am going to have to get up earlier on Sunday morning. We did make it to church early enough for me to play prelude! That was one miracle I didnt see coming this morning!!! And Alexander was so sweet as the reverence child. Maggie tried her best but her loud, incessant crying was not helping the reverence before Sacrament meeting, so I had her sit down. Bless her little pea-pickin heart. I have to say she looked especially cute this morning in her new little dress Samantha, next door, gave her. I was frantically looking for the bloomers that went under it this morning, but alas, to no avail. I could just see her standing in the front of the church with her dress over her head, showing off her panties to the congregation. ACH! Didnt happen- she wasnt up there long enough.

So I am here at home, it is peacefully quite. A and M are still at church. Little A is here taking a much needed nap. Oh, by the way, I have great help at church with the kiddos. Just in case you were wondering how in the heck I play the organ with 3 little ones. Sister Fordham always makes herself available and I so appreciate it! Since I know she reads this blog, THANK YOU! Oh and I also have eyes in the back of my head, so that helps.

Sister Fordham (Dubby is her blog name- oooh am I giving out secrets?) also told me today and you are able to take that shredded dollar bill to the bank and they will give you another intact one for it! Yippee for Maggie that her shredded bill is replaceable and yippee for me that I dont have to replace it myself! If you dont know what I am talking about, read the previous entry.

Maybe I will post some pictures later. I have to go back to church for choir practice. I think that I have decided that I need 10 hands and an extra body- I have to be director and piano player for the choir. If you feel sorry for me or just like to play the piano, let me know, and you can be our new choir accompianist! We have such talented people in the branch, just not many piano players. Hope everyone has a great Sunday!

It's just money...

2008-06-20T19:50:00.002-04:00

This is what Maggie thinks about the almighty dollar, I suppose! I found a shredded bill from her piggy bank (which she plays with every night when she goes to bed) on the floor of her bedroom. There was another one torn in half that I was able to salvage. I think I'll keep her bills from now on. She can keep the change....

Andrew's First Haircut

2008-06-16T19:01:00.005-04:00

Andrew had his first trip to the home hairtrimming chair (highchair) today. I had been putting this off even though he needed a trimming very badly. It just had to be right. I had to have the camera ready for the before and after shots, Andrew had to be in a relatively good mood, and it just had to be the right time, if that makes any sense. So I dont know if it was the right time, but it was time. He was looking pretty straggly. I just got the length off of his ears and a little from his bangs. I think he looks 100% better! Unfortunately, the poor little guy has a terrible cold and his nose runs constantly. And still no teeth!!!

BEFORE

AFTER

Shawna reminded me that I still needed to post a picture of Maggie's bear from the Build a Bear Workshop. You can barely see the bear in this picture but I was very lucky to get a picture at all! She is three, ya know. ;-)

We're back!

2008-06-10T20:56:00.004-04:00

We had a great time in Kentucky with my brother's family. Today as we were looking at all of the pictures we took there, Alexander said," I wish we could go there again today." We both lamented our missing them and wished that we lived closer so we could see them more often. Our last day there Vikki, Kayleigh, Maggie, and I went to the mall and did a little shopping. One thing we were looking for was a car adaptor for the DVD player that Matt and Vikki so graciously gave us for the trip back (it was a life saver). We happened to make a pit stop at the new Build a Bear Workshop store in the mall. I had never been to one but had heard about it and saw it on Oprah once. For those of you who have never been to one or heard of it, the Build A Bear Workshop is a super cool store where you pick out your own stuffed animal "shell", stuff it and make special wishes on it, and name it, put clothes on it, etc. You can special parties there and have tons of fun! I have to admit that I wanted to stop in. Vikki evidently did, too because she said that she would get a bear for Maggie's birthday (its not until November but that was really nice of her) and that the girls could go in and do the whole bear thing. Kayleigh and Ashleigh had been there before but Maggie was a novice. She got the hang of it pretty fast though and had an awesome time picking out the bear and the clothes and all of it! She named her special bear Juke and put a special sound inside the bear that sounds like a magical princess sound. Then she put a pink fancy dress on the bear which came with a special bear purse. The outfit was topped off with two white bows on each ear. Needless to say, Maggie loves Juke and she was so excited to do this with her special cousin, Ashleigh (who is also 3 and full of herself like Maggie is). Vikki was very sweet to get the idea for the girls to do this. She loves to make the kids happy. This is just one of her many virtues. She is an awesome person and a great mom. We had a lot of fun watching our girls have a ball with their new bears!
I dont think I have a picture of the bear! I'll have to take one and post it later. I took pictures on my phone but I dont have an adaptor for it.

We did get some great pictures of our family sans Bob. Matt and Vikki have a beautiful house and we were able to take pictures outside, and a few inside. We took pictures before and after church so everyone was dressed up.

This is our family. Mom and Dad, Matt and Vikki, Me,
Kyle, Kayleigh, Nathan, Ashleigh, Ryleigh, Alexander, Maggie, and Andrew

This picture is of Mom and Dad and the grandkids. I really like this one.

I love this picture of Andrew. He was patty-caking!

This was our attempt at getting my kid's picture taken together. At first Maggie wouldnt
cooperate. Then Andrew was a little upset (you can tell by the beat-red face). My sweet Alexander played with the grass and smiled the whole time!

Blue Grass Country

2008-06-07T15:04:00.002-04:00

We are enjoying our visit with Matt and Vikki and their family in Lexington, KY. It took us about 10 hours to get here on Thursday evening! We were so tired! It is so hot and humid. Yesterday we spent the afternoon at the pool soaking up some rays. Today has been mostly inside. Vikki, Kayleigh, Mom and I went over to Hobby Lobby (great store) and while we were gone we had the guys keep the kids. evidently they went over to a little neighborhood park and were there for all of 5 minutes before they all started complaining, "I'm thirsty, I'm gonna die of heat stroke, etc." The kids have been pretty good for the most part. Poor Maggie is homesick. We rarely spend a night away from home. She keeps asking when we are going to go home. here are some pictures of our trip so far:

Dad with Maggie and Ashleigh, the 3 year old princesses

Maggie riding the rescue boat at Paula's pool

Alexander hung out by the stairs until he was forced to "swim" a bit with a noodle. He progressed from the steps to swimming with someone with a noodle, to swimming just with a noddle, to swimming without a noodle (which freaked me out a bit, but he did great! Of course, as you can see, the life jacket is still intact)! He had a blast! We had to bribe the kids to get out of the pool! Great job, Alexander!

Uncle Matt got off work around 6p and grabbed the babies up right away. Ryleigh is on the left and Andrew is on the right. They are exactly 2 months apart!

Guess What?

2008-06-02T11:48:00.004-04:00

My Corn's Up!

I have been looking forward to the stalks poking through the dirt since I planted the seeds. I've never grown corn before but always got it from my parent's prolific garden. It is so exciting when something you have planted actually comes up! I love overseeing the garden on a daily and sometimes multi-daily basis, seeing how everything is growing and what needs to be done. This is a fun time of the year!

Here is a cute picture of Alexander and Andrew I took Saturday night while Maggie was taking her infamous bubble and Apple Cider bath (they were watching- it must be pretty entertaining).

My Diva

2008-05-27T21:16:00.005-04:00

Maggie lounging in her silk pajamas (thank you Nyusya) and matching slippers with (fake) fur, reading one of Mommy's books in the rocking chair, post relaxing apple cider vinegar with organic bubble bath bath. "Tis the life of a three year old diva. Mwahh!

Other notes:

We had a pretty successful family home evening tonight. Successful in that nobody screamed at anybody else, everyone sang the songs, and the two eldest children stayed put pretty much in one place while the lesson was being taught (it was interactive). Someone told me a story (cant remember who it was??) about their FHE's and how they were just out of control. They were complaining to one of the General Primary Presidency if I remember correctly. The Primary leader asked how long the family FHE's were and the mother responded that they were about 30 minutes. The Primary leader then responded that they were about 25 minutes too long! So when my very young children's attention spans seem very very short and they have all eyes, ears, noses and everythings else's on the activity, its time to call it quits with the lesson. The main thing is making it something that the kids look foward to each week, not something that seems like a chore. Tonight out activity was making chocolate chip cookies! Our family favorites! I usually put something healthy, like garbanzo beans, in the cookies, but tonight it was all tollhouse. Super yummy! Maggie wanted to help make the cookies and she did quite the awesome job of measuring the ingredients out for me! It is so nice to have my little girl want and be able to do a lot of fun things with me. She even wanted to do the laundry today. She said, "Now Mommy, dont pick those clothes up!" I need to cherish these moments. I am sure that it wont be too long in the future that I wont be able to bribe her to do the laundry with me!

We had to put in an underground electric fence for our dog, Bella this weekend. At the ripe age of 8 years, she learned to scale the fence in our backyard. It's not a very graceful leap. I'm surprised she hasnt hurt herself. We tried to train her but she was stubborn and would just lay down or roll over. Needless to say, she got shocked several times this weekend and then was afraid to go outside. However, somehow she scaled the fence and got out today. Bob is so mad about it. I know she really needs more training and I am hoping tomorrow is nice and we can spend more time outside with her. She just turned 9 and I am wondering how much longer she will be able to scale the fence anyway.

Andrew got a plate full of cheerios for the first time today! He had an absolute ball! He would try to get them in his mouth and then a few would be dropped along the side of the high chair. When he found out that he could eat them and that they were pretty good, he got really excited! He did a great job of gumming them. The kids said"he must have teeth because he's chewing them!" They think this idea of the baby getting teeth is really something! Andrew is 8 months now and still has no teeth. Not unusual for my family. I mean I was 12 months before I got any! I dont think Andrew is going to wait until he is a year to get teeth, but I am certainly not worried about him not having any now. He is getting so big and is loving being able to sit up and play. He loves to play "copycat". He will close his eyes when you close your eyes, and he loves to play pattycake and "claps" his hands alot! The kids love this. They have a ball with him. I love to hear his little giggles when the Maggie and Alexander are playing with him.

Summer is here!

2008-05-23T21:06:00.005-04:00

Summer is here! Maggie and Alexander had their preschool program Thursday night. Maggie's last day of school was Wednesday (since she is a Mon, Wed girl) and Alexander's was today! I am pretty excited about not having to get up and take him to school every morning, but the poor child is sooo upset. He was up crying last night about missing his teachers and friends. We will definitely have to do some playdates over the summer. He has become such a social kid! What a change from when he first went to Covenant and wouldnt talk to anyone!

Here is the video of Maggie's class singing "Two Little Seahorses".

Below is a video of Alexander's class singing Tooty Ta. I think of all the songs, it was the most entertaining. Alexander really got into singing these songs!**! He had been practicing for more than a week and I had to write and type these songs several times for him to put in his new songbook. This has been a source of frustration for both Alexander and myself because he has constantly been after me to write or type something, and I have other children with other needs as well! I hope since the program is over, he wont be quite as demanding.

For an end of the year present, we made a video for each of Alexander's teachers. He is singing a bunch of songs from the schoolyear. It's pretty neat. I made it with the moviemaker program that came with my computer. We also contributed, along with the other parents, to the end-of-the-year teacher fund. The money goes towards a spa visit for each of the teachers. I thought this was a great way to reward the teachers for all of their hard work and was glad to be able to contribute. One of Alexander's schoolmate's mother came up with this great idea. I think we should continue with this fund every year!

Bobs New Toy

2008-05-21T21:56:00.002-04:00

I thought I might write a little about Bob's new toy since I had let everyone know about my computer decision woes. He just got a new 19 inch Mac laptop that is super sweet. This thing is NICE. I keep wishing that I had gotten the IMAC but I do really like my new Dell. Bob let Alexander play on his Mac and Alexander came upstairs and said, "Mommy, I dont like that computer! I cant play a single game on it!" So maybe it is childproof for the time being. Oh- they just named David Cook as the American Idol winner! I am sooo surprised! I totally thought that it would be Archuletta! Oh well. I like David Cook, too. I cant help but be a little disappointed. I am sure Archuletta will find fame and fortune with his awesome singing voice as well, though.
Anyway, back to the computer. I was allowed to play on it and did a bunch of really cool things. Macs are super cool. They have such neat programs for design geeks like me.
Hope you have a super night!

Which Disney Princess are You?

2008-05-19T18:05:00.001-04:00

My Cousin, Allie had this quiz on her blog. It's pretty interesting- never thought of myself as Pocohantas! If you want to try it, click on the words, Which Disney Princess are You below.

You Are Pocahantas!

Free-spirited and wise. You have a strong passionate spirit that touches and changes all who know you. The wisdom and common sense that you have is really what guides you through life. Even so, you also have a very playful side that loves adventure and excitement.

Which Disney Princess Are You?

Park Day

2008-05-19T12:24:00.009-04:00

Maggie had a field trip to the park this morning with the Toddler Class from Covenant Preschool. We went to the "little park" At Gypsy Hill. It was sunny, but very windy and pretty chilly in the shade. I wore my winter hat!

We brought Andrew who had an awesome time on the swings! Maggie's friend, Emma liked to push him and I think that he liked her pushing him! He was all smiles!

Maggie said she had a "really, really, really good time!"

The Moms of the kids in Maggie's class are all very cool and we had a good time "hanging out" together at the park today. We got home a little after 11am and Andrew got a quick nap before we had to wake him to go pick up Alexander from school. I dont know what if Andrew wasn't as sweet and laid back as he is. I do know that I am truly blessed to have him though. He just goes with the flow.

Alexander got to ride the school bus today in preparation for kindergarten next year.
I was a little hesitant to let him. I am not a big fan of school buses. He really enjoyed it, though. Plus, he found out that his friend, Billy is going to school with him next year! Only 4 more days of school for Alexander- one for Maggie! Summer is coming!

American Idol Round 2

2008-05-18T15:16:00.004-04:00

Our ratings were very good for the premiere of Efird American Idol! Our contestants have once again proved they are a very talented pair. Here is Alexander singing the theme song from "Max and Ruby". Since our contestants dont know how to play any instruments and our budget does not allow for an orchestra (or even a piano player) since the piano player is the videographer as well, our contestants have to improvise and perform their own sound effects.

Maggie is singing "Popcorn Popping" from the Primary's Childrens Songbook. No one really knows if starting and stopping is acceptable if one forgets their lyrics, so try not to dock Maggie too many points for stopping and starting. I mean, Brooke White did it on the real American Idol and I would consider her to be a professional! Maggie, however, gets extra points for being so darn cute!

For everyone who watches American Idol for real, have fun watching on Tuesday as David goes against David- Go David!! As for which one, I am pretty much torn. I like them both!

My Gifts

2008-05-15T16:30:00.004-04:00

This is my kitchen window facing the backyard. All of these wonderful plants (except for the geranium which was given out at church on Sunday) were given to me by my wonderful children! They keep coming home from school with more plants! I especially like the one that Alexander brought me today. It is the second one from the right- the grass- note the face stickers on the cup it is planted in (You may have to click on the picture to make it bigger). It's way too cute! I love having plants in the window.

Speaking of plants, it is about planting season here! This is a very exciting time of the year for me. Getting the plants in the ground and seeing them grow is so satisfying! The hard work reaps so many rewards. What a great analogy for this life on Earth. Have a great day!

Baby time!

2008-05-13T13:13:00.002-04:00

This is Andrew sitting in, what has been called his cadillac of a high chair. It really is a nice one. I have used it for three babies now and it is still in great shape- and it has certainly taken a beating over the years. Maggie used to rock herself to sleep in it. We would know she was falling asleep from the banging noise. Andrew isnt doing that yet, but he is having his own fun in it. We call it the "taste test" when he tries a new food. So far Andrew has definitely preferred the fruits over the veggies. I hope this isnt a trend that continues! He is so funny- he will practically gag on a food but happily open his mouth for the next bite of it. He will make a terrible face and shudder all over but will try it again. At least he is agreeable! Then, I feel sorry for him and give him a bite of something that he likes- such as bananas. What a little cutie. Right now he is rolling around on the carpet, pulling at the computer cover that protects the computer from little hands (and vice versa). Oh, now he has rolled over the chair, cant turn over anymore and is letting out little squeals of frustration. I love watching him. Babies are so much fun!

Happy Mothers Day!

2008-05-11T14:30:00.002-04:00

Alexander wrote his very own song and Bob and Alexander came up with the music to go with it. Introducing our prodigy (and his Daddy) singing his Mother's Day song: 100 Little Fish

Efird American Idol!

2008-05-07T20:10:00.003-04:00

It's the first week of our Efird American Idol Show! I think both of our contestants passed the first round. Here they are: Maggie and Alexander!

2008-05-03T21:17:00.003-04:00

We had such a busy, but fun day! I have actually gotten to take Bella, the dog of walks since Bob has been home so much this week. It has been awesome and the weather has been great! I feel so much better having been able to get out and exercise- by myself no less!!!! Unfortunately, I wont be able to do it much very soon with Bob being gone almost all summer. BUMMER. At least the kids and I can get outside and have fun.
We are attempting to clear our storage building out. Bob is moving into his apartment on Wednesday and is taking most of the things (books and bookshelves) in storage. I did manage to find a lot of baby clothes that I wish I had found much sooner. Some really cute 6 month clothes that Andrew could have worn this winter were in one of the bins. Oh well. I put a 12 month outfit on him today and could barely snap his crotch!! Tonight, my mission is to wash up a lot of the 12-18 month clothes of Alexander's so Andrew can wear them.
About the computer: I had/have my heart set on the IMAC which I continue to lust after, but there is a great deal on a DELL that I just really cant pass up. Im not too excited about it but I am sure that it will be a nice computer with a nice 19 inch screen and all. It is half the price of the IMAC. I am just having a hard time spending all that money on something that I am not completely psyched about. Bob says to get the IMAC if that is what I want. He cant talk, he is getting a super cool MAC laptop from Tech. I am sooo jealous. "I'll let you use it..." he says. Well, I will probably get the DELL. It is much more economical and I really dont need the IMAC. It sure would be nice, though.
Maggie has a little virus/cold. Its not very bad. Everyone has been sneezing on and off. Allergies are in full swing right now and it was sooo windy today at the soccer game that I hope it wont contribute to anyone getting sick. Speaking of the soccer game, Alexander got some good kicks in. His team didnt make any goals but they played hard and I was proud of them all! They are such cute kids.
No pictures to post today. We are heading over to WVA after church tomorrow to see everyone there and celebrate Jennie's birthday. Hope everyone is having a great weekend!

My card club cards!

2008-05-01T14:29:00.004-04:00

For those of you who havent seen my cards yet, here is a sneak peek! If anyone would like recipes, let me know. They arent the best pictures- I am still trying to figure out how to do close-ups with my camera! Any suggestions are welcome!

wildaboutu

May is Made In USA Month!!!

2010 Christmas Card!

Adam and Katie 5-22-10

Adam and Katies wedding pics

Another Maggieism

Photo Bop

My Favorite Hymn

I Know You're a Nurse...

VACAY!

Another Maggieism

Rainy Days Are Made for Blogging

How are ya doing?

Cute Quote

Quote of the Day

The 4:30pm News

More Vaccinations

Tagged!

The 6 o'clock news!

Finally Some Resolutions!

Splashing lessons

Loomis family (cause I cant spell Loomis plural)

Christmas!

Matthews Clan

Photo op

Mom, when you were little...

Christmas Card Photos

Maggie's Birthday!

TWILIGHT!!!

A great talk

Post election words

Card Club Cards

Church and Politics

Spooksters!

Barak the Rock Star

Picts

Why I'm Voting for the MAN

Delay

Question

The Princesses!

The Princesses!

Disney!

Andrew's Party!

Cute two-steppin

Happy 1st Birthday, Andrew!

Sarah Palin is a likeable person...

Peek A Boo!

Just some picts

Blog giveaway!

Ariel

New TV Show

Today's conversation

Descriptions of governments can be based on:

Economy - what provides the goods and services that are bought, sold, and used?

Capitalism

Socialism

Communism

Politics - how is the government run?

Dictatorship

Totalitarian

Theocracy

Monarchy

Parliamentary

Republic

Anarchy

Authority - who picks the government?

Revolutionary

Totalitarian

Oligarchy/Plutocracy

Democracy

Done read that...

What I know

What's up?

First Day of Kindergarten!

Right of Passage: Kindergarten!

Thanks, Ladies!

August Card Club Cards

Painting Day

I'm Back!

Tagged!