Out of the Mouths of Babes

One of The Manimal's newest hobbies is jumping. As in, from one sofa to the other, down the stairs, from the ottoman to the floor. You get the picture. When he jumps, he hollers, "O-PAH!" As is the case with many Americans, my children have a variety of ethnicities in their family tree. Greek, however, is not one of them.

Both Sweet Son #1 and The Manimal have sweet, chubby, pinchable cheeks. The kind you want to "eat up". When I cuddled The Manimal and nibbled on his cheeks, saying "I'm going to eat you up!", he shook his finger sternly and said "Mom, I not food!"

Overheard from back seat of the family car: "Manimal, say 'you're a psycho!" And, of course, the reply, "SS#1, you a psy-cho!" Sigh.

Near the end of the school year, SS#1 was recapping his day. I asked what he had done in math class, and he got really excited. "Mom, we learned time today!" I was slightly baffled, and said "Didn't you learn how to tell time earlier this year?" He rolled his eyes and said "No, MOM! We learned TIME, like two TIME two is four!"

Being the second child, The Manimal speaks extremely well. Full sentences, big words, the whole nine yards. He only needs to hear a word once before it becomes a regular part of his vocabulary. He came downstairs on Saturday and informed me that he'd made GINORMOUS poop.

Motherhood is so educational.

I Heart...

Bloglines! I realized, when my blog reads hit 75, that I either needed some way to manage them, or I'd have to quit my full-time job and find someone who'd pay me to read blogs all day.

Check it out! :)

Sew What?

So I'm innocently going through my morning blog reads and ONCE AGAIN Lisagh has posted some absolutely adorable homesewn creations. Now, I realize these lovelies aren't HER creations, but Christy's. Still, I find this enabling behavior completely unacceptable, if only because it's not just her friends that are crafty with a needle and thread.

If you've not visited the Garage and seen Lisagh's own handiwork, stop reading right now and GO! You can see her embroidery here (FREEHAND, mind you--no pattern. This woman can do EVERYTHING!). An apron here--Hello, June Cleaver calling! A quilted pillow here.

Sigh.

I do consider myself a bit crafty, but sewing--real sewing, not just "let's reattach a button" sewing--is something that has escaped me. I keep saying that I want to get a machine and learn, but HELLO! Like I have time for this at the moment! Not to mention the fact that I tend to be a bit, well, obsessive with new interests, and, quite frankly, I can't afford a boatload of new fabric and notions.

In her defense, it's not just Lisagh that seems to be conspiring here. Recall my post from yesterday, and you'll see that Randi is in on the gig too! And those amazing homemakers like Anna and Lauren Christine who actually MAKE THEIR OWN CLOTHES! What's a girl to do?!

I suppose I'll have to break down and borrow the Mother-In-Law's sewing machine and let her teach me how to use it.

Because goodness knows I can't stand up to this peer pressure much longer.

I Am

Found on many blogs, Mrs. Decker's among them.

***

I am from books and potato fields, wallpaper paste and Norwegian painting.

I am from base housing and farmhouses, brick homes on the Cape and brick homes in subdivisions.

I am from the peonies and bird houses, hostas, roses and pine strewn forests.

I am from creamed herring on New Year's, octegenarian and nonegenarian women, from Hilja and Tuulikki, Alvin and Eugene, Justina and Sylvia.

I am from stubbornness and short legs.

From quiet Finns and sitting in the garage watching the thunderstorms.

I am from Schubert's "Ave Maria" and "Yes, Sister Mary Heliadora", May Crownings and "Remember, O Most Gracious Virgin Mary".

I am from Wisconsin and Germany, Bohemia and Finland, Switzerland and Minnesota, from pulla and kolaches.

From the saunas of Ely, Minnesota and the pride of the U.S. Air Force.

I am from painters and nurses, teachers and factory workers, and and a library janitor smarter than all of us put together.

I am from letters to a young mother from a father in Alaska and photos sent to proud family members hundreds of miles away, unconditional love and a German Mother's Medal stolen from the Nazis by my Great-Uncle during WWII.

I am love and life, music and silence, joys and sorrows, friendship and passion.

And me.

***

I am from _______ (specific ordinary item), from _______ (product name) and _______.
I am from the _______ (home description... adjective, adjective, sensory detail).
I am from the _______ (plant, flower, natural item), the _______ (plant, flower, natural detail)
I am from _______ (family tradition) and _______ (family trait), from _______ (name of family member) and _______ (another family name) and _______ (family name).
I am from the _______ (description of family tendency) and _______ (another one).From _______ (something you were told as a child) and _______ (another).
I am from (representation of religion, or lack of it).
Further description.I'm from _______ (place of birth and family ancestry), _______ (two food items representing your family).From the _______ (specific family story about a specific person and detail), the _______ (another detail, and the _______ (another detail about another family member).
I am from _______ (location of family pictures, mementos, archives and several more lines indicating their worth).

Don't worry about following form exactly. Can't wait to read everyone's!

Who are you?

Fresh Squeezed!

Oh, now I absolutely must learn how to sew and quilt. Fellow blogger Randi has opened a little Etsy shop called "Fresh Squeezed Fabrics". If you're a seamstress or quilter (or just a wannabe like me), go check her out. The fabrics are, well, absolutely fab!

The Simple Woman's Daybook--June 23rd

FOR TODAY

Outside my Window...an absolutely gorgeous blue sky, with temperatures in the seventies. A wonderful change from the crazy summer rains of the past few days.

I am thinking...that if I don't clean off my desk soon, I may never find the actual surface.

I am thankful for...my Venti White Chocolate Mocha from Starbucks--my Monday treat. I desperately needed coffee this morning. :)

From the kitchen...making something with the potatoes, tomatoes and onions I picked up at the fresh market this weekend. Baking brownies with SS#1 to sell at church this weekend to raise money for the Kids Helping Kids project to benefit New Life for Haiti.

I am creating...summer plans. But always trying to remember that I'm not ultimately in control of those plans.

I am going...to pick up SS#1 from camp at noon, then he'll spend the rest of the day "helping" me in the office.

I am wearing...black trousers with a dotted summer blouse and black sandals.

I am reading..."Persepolis" by Marjane Satrapi, the common reader for our incoming freshmen.

I am hoping...to really get some organizing accomplished this week.

I am hearing...the trucks and cars driving by.

Around the house...always laundry, but also some serious garage sale sorting.

One of my favorite things...is to go to bed with a really clean house.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...take SS#1 to the dentist tomorrow, attack the closets with a vengeance, baking and cooking. Oh, and working on Saturday :( as we have nearly 800 high school students on campus for a leadership conference.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you... "The Walk to Paradise Garden" by W. Eugene Smith. One of my favorite photos.

Hope you know the drill by now. Go see Peggy for more posts!

Rose Colored (and Raspberry-Scented) Glasses

I've noted before that our church is involved in New Life for Haiti, a mission organization. Our focus is the village of Marfranc, which is on the southern peninsula of Haiti, in the Grande Anse River Valley. Although I've not had the privilege of being on one of the work teams (yet!), I (and many of our community member) feel a strong connection and pull to bring God's love to these beautiful people.

If you've followed news over the past several months, you've probably heard stories about the devastating economic conditions of Haiti. The poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, the average family income is $300 (USD). Rice, which is normally a staple of the Haitian diet, has become so expensive, that many Haitians have taken to creating "dirt cookies", where they mix mud and let it dry in the sun. Evidently, there is some minimal level of nourishment in the dirt, which quells the hunger for a brief period of time.

I mention all of this because I came across a post on another blog that spoke to my heart. We in the USA are in the midst of serious economic issues. Food and gas prices are through the roof, home values are plummeting. And yet, in the midst of it all, most of us can still afford to put food on the table every night, and take a raspberry-scented shower...

"Well, I thought it was my imagination... I opened my new pack of ladies disposable razors before getting in the shower the other day, and could have sworn I smelled raspberries.
"Nah," I thought, but put the handle under my nose and drew a deep sniff anyway. Sure enough, it was coming from my razor handle. It smelled like raspberries.
Not real, fresh, edible raspberries; more like something scented like raspberries that has no business being scented like fruit at all- like Play-doh, or markers, or nail polish. More like a cross between rubber, paint, and raspberries. With wax mixed in.

I grabbed the package in confused astonishment and search for an explanation. I looked at the front, I saw nothing. I looked at the back- nothing. Just:
"Triple blade comfort."
"Aloe and vitamin E."
"Soft feel grip."
Then, in the corner where I had ripped the package open, as if put there as an after thought, it read: "New berry scent."

Now I've seen everything.

Apparently, Bic thought my bathroom needed yet one more smell. All the shampoos, all the conditioners, all the shower soaps, hand soaps and mousses and hair sprays- it just wasn't enough, you know?

It wasn't enough even when added to my deodorant and body lotion. And toothpaste. And all other manner of scents I layer on daily just in the process of normal hygiene. No. My razor handle should be -must be- scented as well. Because they are not in the business of selling a good shave anymore. They are in the business of selling a good shaving experience.

One razor company actually advertises that we should use their brand razor to "release our inner goddess."

Come on.

Sometimes a razor is just a razor. Or at least it should be.

All of this is right on the heels of the National Day of Prayer; traditionally for me the one time of year where I am quite sure the end must be near. I may not think of end-times all year long, but when it comes to this one day set aside to pray for our country and it's leaders, I get confused as to which direction I should pray.

I am caught between asking God to heal our nation and asking Him to "bring it on and Jesus come quickly." Grim, huh? I thought this blog was called "The Beauty of it All," Suzanne.
Yes, I know, but indulge me this one dark and gloomy post, if you please. You see, as I roll up my sleeves to plan out my children's curriculum for the coming year, I usually ask myself these two questions:

What would I teach my children if I didn't have to worry about reporting to the state? and
What would I teach them if I only had one year left with them?

These two questions serve to bring me back to what's most important, to simplify everything and to calm my concerns that I might not have the right grammar program or something.
This was combined with a disturbing piece of reporting I caught on the world food crisis- did you know we are having one? You might not, because America is busy following the democratic primary race and scenting razor handles.

But apparently, Haitians are eating dirt- and have been for a while. So long, in fact, that I'm not sure they're even complaining about it. I almost cried.

But even after the sobering report, the pundits went right back to their usual speculation about whether or not we will really enter an economic recession. I just sat there thinking, "It's Rome all over again."

You see, I would rather the best and brightest minds got together and found an alternative to foreign oil, rather than just try to out-do one another in disposable razor sales. But they can't, because our nation is drunk on it's own prosperity, to the point that's it's unaware of it's bankruptcy.

Don't get me wrong- I'm no stoic. I like a good chocolate bar and a long, hot shower just as much as the next person.

But I don't think I'll be having that great, shaving experience hoped for by my razor company. That raspberryish scent will remind me that someone, somewhere, is eating dirt. And I will wonder how we will avoid fainting should a day of adversity ever come to us."

Amen.

Live Well Wednesday

In five weeks, I will embark on my fortieth year. Well, I'll actually only turn 39, but the way I figure, when you turn 1 year old, you're actually starting your second year, so when I turn 39, I'm really beginning my fortieth year.

Anyway...

I just finished reading "Such a Pretty Fat" by Jen Lancaster. Her writing style is snarky, sarcastic and funny, and I loved her first two books. All three are memoirs of sorts. She chronicles how her life experiences have shaped her and influenced her relationships.

In this book, though, she specifically addresses her body and her health. The back cover of the book sums it up well:

"To whom the fat rolls...I'm tired of books where a self-loathing heroine is teased to the point where she starves herself skinny in hopes of a fabulous new life. And I hate the message that women can't possibly be happy until we all fit into our skinny jeans. I don't find these stories uplifting; they make me want to hug these women and take them out for fizzy drinks and cheesecake and explain to them that until they figure out their insides, their outsides don't matter. Unfortunately, being overweight isn't simply a societal issue that can be fixed with a healthy dose of positive self-esteem. It's a health matter, and here on the eve of my fortieth year, I've learned I have to make changes, so I don't, you know, die. Because what good is finally being able to afford a pedicure if I lose a foot to adult-onset diabetes?"

That is where I am now. I've struggled my whole adult life with my weight and food, and unfortunately, they usually won. But things have changed. My mindset is different. Although I'd like to lose weight to be able to wear different clothes, I'd also like to live a good, long, healthy life, and like both of my grandmothers, live to see my children become grandparents.

I'm at a different place in my faith as well. Now I want to become healthy because I believe it is a gift to God. A responsible use of His gift to me--my life. The human body is such a magnificient creation, and it is truly a shame and a sin to waste it.

So today begins a Wednesday habit: Live Well Wednesday. My quest to become healthier, live longer and glorify God. I'm always looking for running partners, anyone up to join me?

In My Ears

Heather introduced me to an up-and-coming Christian artist who is my current fave. If you're looking for a great worship and praise CD, you've got to check out Sheri Carr and her debut album "Fearless Now". She's a Southern girl from Georgia and her tunes are not only perfect for listening and centering, but also for background office music. Don't blame me, though, if you find yourself singing along...

I Remember Laura--Family Recipes

"When you haven't milk enough to have sour milk, however do you make such delicious biscuits, Laura?" she asked.
"Why, you just use sour dough," Laura said.Mrs. Boast had never made sour-dough biscuits! It was fun to show her. Laura measured out the cups of sour dough, put in the soda and salt and flour, and rolled out the biscuits on the board.

By The Shores of Silver Lake by Laura Ingalls Wilder

In Week Three of the "I Remember Laura" Blog-a-thon, Miss Sandy and all other "rememberers" will be sharing family recipes that have been handed down from generation to generation.

I have so many memories of my maternal grandmother's cooking. I am blessed that she is still alive so I can record as many of those memories as possible. Bohemian kolaches (not to be confused with Polish kolatchke) are soft, light danish-like rolls filled with a thumbprint of fruit, cheese, or my favorite, poppy seed. Pasties, savory meat pies, would make anyone's mouth water. Spareribs, sauerkraut and homemade potato dumplings are the ultimate in comfort food.

And then there is her strawberry freezer jam. Equally as delicious on vanilla ice cream as on a slice of homemade bread (especially warm Finnish Pulla, one of my paternal grandmother's recipes!). For years, a jar of that delicious jam was a hotly sought-after commodity after a visit with Grandma.

All these years, I pictured Grams slaving over a hot stove as she cooked the berries, added the magical ingredients, poured it into jars and froze the ruby red spread.

Now that her health is waning, I wanted to make sure to get her recipe, so I asked her about it last month when I visited. Grams was only too pleased to oblige, giving me tips about how I'd have to follow the recipe EXACTLY, or it wouldn't set up. I waited with pen and paper, only to find out, that all these years, my Grandma's famous freezer jam...

...came from the insert in the Sure-Jel box.

I made my first batch tonight, and I remembered the magic. It's not about where the recipe comes from, whether it's a homemade creation, passed down from generation to generation. It's about the love that goes into the food and the memories that go along with it.

It's All Good

From fellow blogger, Darcee's blog:

”When someone asks you to think about ‘what Jesus would do’, remember that a valid option is to freak out and turn over tables” — Unknown

The Simple Woman's Daybook--June 16th

FOR TODAY


Outside my Window...is a beautiful late spring/early summer day, with temperatures in the upper 70's.


I am thinking...where in the heck is June going?!


I am thankful for...Starbuck's on those mornings where I just can't get going (yes, I realize that's shallow, but I think God would like me to be alert at work). :)


From the kitchen...fresh bread this past weekend, and a brave attempt this week at some cheese bread.


I am creating...a real, follow-able calendar with consistent time for prayer and workouts.


I am going...to be busy at work this week catching up on things I missed being out for two days last week!


I am wearing...brown trousers, print blouse and brown shoes. Typical office outfit.


I am reading...finished "Such a Pretty Fat"--great book! Onward and upward!


I am hoping...to keep my sanity throughout the summer.


I am hearing...the hold music on my speakerphone. I'm waiting and waiting...


Around the house...lots of housework to do, sheets to be washed and vacuuming to be done.


One of my favorite things...is the quiet of being the only one in the office on a Monday morning!


A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...meetings galore, beginning to plan for the silent auction at the New Life for Haiti Gala in October.


Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

Sweet Son #1 and The Manimal playing with "simple" toys at Grandma and Grandpa's house!

As with other weeks, Peggy has lots more daybooks to enjoy...

So THAT'S Why They Don't Listen!

When SS#1 was a toddler, I asked the doctor to check his hearing. The doctor asked me to elaborate and I told him that SS#1 just didn't seem to acknowledge me when I spoke to him, even if I raised my voice. The doctor smiled kindly at me and said that he didn't think anything was wrong with my toddler's ears.

His diagnosis? Selective hearing. He assured me that ALL children developed this condition at some point. He was right. The Manimal has developed it as well.

Now, with SS#1 getting older, he seems to have developed brain damage. At least that's Bill Cosby's diagnosis.

I Remember Laura--Beautiful Buttons

"There were all the small buttons to sew firmly on, and the buttonholes to be made.

~Little Town on the Prairie, Chapter 5, Working in Town~

~Laura Ingalls Wilder~

Miss Sandy at Quill Cottage is hosting a series of activities during the month of June in honor of Laura Ingalls Wilder. Today's blog-a-thon entry is about Beautiful Buttons.

I believe it's been mentioned once or twice that while I completely appreciate the "arts of homemaking", I don't profess to be proficient in many of them, especially those having to do with a needle and thread. As far as buttons go, I can certainly replace one, but it's a task that takes me a significant amount of time, mostly because I don't have the supplies readily at hand.

That being said, I used to love going through my mom's button tin, especially while I was really into the Little House books. Somehow, sifting through those magical circles and bits of plastic, leather, metal and glass transported me back in time. I can vaguely remember being allowed to string buttons together. I was never sure what one did with a string of buttons, but since it was a "pioneer pasttime", I was all about that!

As we went through the buttons, my mom would say things like "Oh, I remember the dress/coat/shirt this one was on!" The most magical buttons were the metal ones that could be covered with fabric. They didn't look very good on a string of buttons, but the possibilities were endless with just one little button and a small square of fabric.

I don't have a button tin. My buttons are in my cosmetic drawer. You know, the little plastic-wrapped "extra buttons" that come with blouses, shirts and dresses? I'm sure you've got them somewhere. Of course, I think that my buttons must hide, because when I actually NEED that extra button, I can never find it.

Maybe they run and hide in someone else's button tin?

The Simple Woman's Daybook--June 9th

FOR TODAY

Outside my Window...a sunset with strangely beautiful clouds.

I am thinking...of the wonderful time I had on my mini-vacation, seeing my parents and my dear sweet friend and her family, and of my very busy and stressful upcoming week.

I am thankful for...the prayers of dear friends.

From the kitchen...looking forward to making bread in my new (to me) bread machine!

I am creating...my crafts for Miss Sandy's "I Remember Laura" Art Swap.

I am going...back to work tomorrow after four days off.

I am wearing...brown t-shirt, khaki walking shorts (traveling outfit!).

I am reading..."Such a Pretty Fat" by Jen Lancaster and "Believing God" by Beth Moore.

I am hoping...that everything goes well on Friday.

I am hearing...Husband and The Manimal playing downstairs.

Around the house...The Dog Who Thinks She's a Human is running around like a sugar-hyped toddler, so excited that we're home.

One of my favorite things...sleeping in my own bed.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...starting plans for our New Life for Haiti benefit gala, finding "just the right gift" for Husband's birthday.

Here is a simple picture thought I am sharing...With SS#1 spending the week at his grandparents, I'm down to this many children in the house!
Hope you know the drill by now--go see Peggy!

Because We All Need A Bit of Humor...

My fellow blogger at Add Humor and Faith posted this forwarded e-mail she received. True or not, I couldn't resist passing it along...

When you die, leave a forwarding address!

Be sure to cancel your credit cards before you die. This is so priceless, and so easy to see happening, customer service being what it is today.

“A lady died this past January, and her credit card company billed her for February & March for their annual service charges on her credit card, & added late fees and interest on the monthly charge. The balance had been $0.00, but now it was somewhere around $60.00.

A family member placed a call to the credit card company and here’s the exchange:

Family Member: ‘I am calling to tell you she died in January.’
Company: ‘The account was never closed and the late fees & charges still apply.’

Family Member: ‘Maybe, you should turn it over to collections.’
Company: ‘Since it is 2 months past due, it already has been.’

Family Member: So, what will they do when they find out she is dead?’
Company: ‘Either report her account to frauds division or report her to the credit bureau, maybe both!’

Family Member: ‘Do you think God will be mad at her?’
Company: ‘Excuse me?’
Family Member: ‘Did you just get what I was telling you — the part about her being dead?’
Company: ‘Sir, you’ll have to speak to my supervisor.’

(Supervisor gets on the phone):

Family Member: ‘I’m calling to tell you she died in January.’
Supervisor: This account was never closed, so the late fees and charges still apply.’ (This must be a phrase taught by the bank!)
Family Member: ‘Do you mean you want to collect from her estate?’
Supervisor: (stammering) ‘Are you her lawyer?’
Family Member: ‘No, I’m her great nephew.’

Supervisor: ‘Could you fax us a certificate of death?’
Family Member: ‘Sure.’ (fax number is given)

After they get the fax:
Supervisor: ‘Our system just isn’t set up for death. I don’t know what more I can do to help.’
Family Member: ‘Well, if you figure it out, great! If not, you could just keep billing her. I really don’t think she will care.’

Supervisor: ‘Well, the late fees & charges do still apply.’ (What is wrong with these people?!?)
Family Member: ‘Would you like her new billing address?’
Supervisor: ‘Yes, that will help.’
Family Member: ‘ Odessa Memorial Cemetery , Highway 129, Plot Number 69.’

Supervisor: ‘Sir, that’s a cemetery!’
Family Member: ‘What do you do with dead people on your planet?'

It's like Laurel and Hardy, I'm tellin' ya!

From my heart...

I Remember Laura--Quilted Memories

Miss Sandy at Quill Cottage is hosting a series of activities during the month of June in honor of Laura Ingalls Wilder. Today's blog-a-thon entry is about Quilted Memories.

"On Sundays Mary and Laura must not run or shout or be noisy in their play. Mary could not sew on her nine-patch quilt, and Laura could not knit on the tiny mittens she was making for Baby Carrie. They might look quietly at their paper dolls, but they must not make anything new for them. They were not allowed to sew on doll clothes, even with pins."
~Little House in the Big Woods, Chapter 5, Sundays~
~Laura Ingalls Wilder~

I have always loved the Little House books. I remember reading "Little House in the Big Woods" when I was in kindergarten. I received the boxed set of books for my 7th birthday and read them all cover-to-cover. I still have them, well-loved and oft-repaired.

I always wanted to live like Laura, and played "pioneer days" often as a child. I never picked up the arts of homemaking, though. I can do perfunctory clothing repairs, like replacing buttons minor hems, etc. Lately, though, I've become intrigued with quilting, so maybe I'll be like Mary and do a nine-patch quilt.

When my great-grandmother was alive, she made quilts. Whenever a new baby was born, or a couple was married, they received a quilt from Grandma. I still have mine as it (and I) nears its fortieth year. Unfortunately, some of the squares were polyester, so they have literally disintegrated over the years. My mom has been after me to cut it down to a more manageable size (it fits a twin bed) and just keep it as a memory quilt. I can't bear the thought of not having it, though.

My great-grandma was born in northern Wisconsin in 1889, and died in her late nineties. She was a schoolteacher in her single days, and didn't marry until well into her twenties (an "old maid" by those standards). She lived by herself after her husband died, and she herself died shortly after she was moved into a nursing home. She raised four children, and lived to see them all married with children of their own, and some of them having children of their own. During her lifetime, she was even blessed with a great-great grandchild.

Today, I not only remember Laura Ingalls Wilder, but also Mary Smetana Steffek.

The Simple Woman's Daybook--June 2nd

FOR TODAY

Outside my Window...is a gorgeous summery day. All blue skies and white, fluffy clouds--predicted high temps of 82 degrees today!

I am thinking...about how to work on our very tight budget for the summer. I just have to keep remembering that God will provide.

I am thankful for...my wonderful friends in our small group and prayers from Alex & Cindy.

From the kitchen...some yummy foccacia bread I made on Saturday and a new recipe I tried and adapted, Farfalle Pasta with Salmon and Fontina Cheese. Tasty stuff!

I am creating...the summer signage for work. Sigh...

I am going...to the dentist today. He's taking imprints for my bite splint. Stress has brought about a painful habit of teeth grinding. Hopefully the bite splint will help!

I am wearing...chocolate brown trousers and a green/brown summer blouse. Perfect office wear for the warm temps we're expecting!

I am reading...I'm actually headed to the library today looking for "Girl Meets God" by Lauren Winner.

I am hoping...that gas prices go down before we travel this weekend (hahahahahaha). We're currently at $4.12/gallon. Ugh!

I am hearing..."God With Us" by Mercy Me

Around the house...it's time to vacuum/mop the floors, and I absolutely MUST steam clean SS#1's bedroom carpet. Remember, dog + smelly carpet = ICK!

One of my favorite things...are finding 'faces' in the big puffy summer clouds along with my children

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...to finish laundry and be able to pack on Wednesday for our Friday trip to see Nana, Papa and my dear sweet friend and her family. We haven't seen each other in three children (two of hers and one of mine!). Her Firecracker Princess was about 8 mos old the last time I saw her, and now she's 3 1/2! :) It's bound to be a happening with SS#1, The Firecracker Princess, The Manimal, Chubby-Cheeked Monster and Look-Alike!

Here is a picture thought I am sharing for you...It is the "Quietly" figurine from Willow Tree. My Mom gave it to me for Mother's Day. It sits on my desk at work so "my boys" are always with me.

Go see more Daybooks at Peggy's site! :)

In Case You Weren't Aware

So I was in the shower this morning and had a coughing fit. The Manimal came into the bathroom and asked "Mom, you OK?" I assured him that I was, and off he went.

A minute later, he came in and asked "Mom, Pincess OK?" Since I hadn't heard the dog barking, coughing or puking, I assured him that both the dog and I were fine.

Two seconds later, he'd returned to the bathroom. "Mom," he said. "Pincess don't talk."