Tuesday, September 20, 2005

The List...

Oprah does it, a couple of other blogging friends do it, so I think I will too. My list of great things, gadgets, etc...

1. Some of my favorite scrapbooking paper is from Chatterbox (www.chatterboxinc.com). They have kits right now where all the money (not just the profit) goes to Katrina victims. Sweet.

2. My ipod. What's not to like. Music, my music right in my pocket or purse. My whole cd collection. Now that's fantastic!

3. Vera Bradley purses. (www.verabradley.com) Nothing else to say about that. Love 'em, collect 'em.

4. My Maytag front loading washer and dryer that holds tons of clothes in one load and dries as fast as it washes! Oh yea!

5. The movie Napoleon Dynamite. Possibly one of the funniest, quirkiest movies ever made (with maybe the exception of Raising Arizona). You have to watch it waaaay more than once to get the full effect.

6. DVRs. Possibly the best invention since the wheel. Whatever your show, you'll never miss it. How did I live without this?

7. Mint Medley hot tea. Perfect way to start the morning. Even better when my sweet 12dd surprises me and fixes it for me! She's a great kid.

8. Stampin' Up!s new punch box set. The best $39.95 a stamper or scrapper could ever spend. Coming 10/1 (but mine is coming Thursday!--oh the bennies of being a demo!). Ask me or go to www.stampinup.com for details.

Okay, that's all that's on my list for now. What's on yours?

Monday, September 19, 2005

Things to be thankful for!

I decided that Mondays are a great day to be thankful. So here's my list, right now, at this very moment. Subject to be added to at a whim.

1. I have the world's best husband who loves me unconditionally, through sickness and health, good times and bad and is a great protector and leader.
2. I have 3 great kids that I'm amazed daily that God has trusted their daily care and feeding to me. Unbelievable!
3. I belong to a fantastic fellowship of believers who have blessed my life on a regular basis. They encourage me to flesh out my faith and keep my priorities where they belong.
4. I have friends that I truly cherish and thank God for daily.
5. I have a great creative outlet (rubber stamping) that provides a little "me time" and that sometimes provides income!
6. I have family close by and if not close by only a phone call or letter away.
7. I have a 92 (almost) year old grandma. How cool is that?
8. I get to see my 1 year old niece almost everyday. Love the cuddles, kisses and snuggles. Not so much the fussin' and hollering!
9. I live in a country where I am free to worship as I please and say what I want.
10. I have a comfortable home and even though sometimes the walls close in, it is a secure and safe place. And it's ours!
11. God has always met our needs. Hands down, no questions.
12. I have a really cool truck that gets me wherever I want to go.
13. I am in good health and am able to physically do whatever I need to do to get me through the day.
14. My husband has a job that he enjoys and provides for our family without me having to work.

That's a pretty good start. I have much to be grateful for.

Saturday, September 17, 2005

Dang! We're Proud!!!!


It has been four very long years and lots of work, but Parker, errr... excuse me.... MR. D*($J is a black belt in Tae Kwon Doe. I get a little teary eyed thinking about it. I think Parker always believed he could do it. Me like a mom, I worried about it. We took him out of physical therapy 4 years ago to try a sport that seemed impossible. How could a boy who couldn't stand still with two feet on the floor without falling down ever master a sport that requires balance with only one foot on the floor? His instructors had vision to see him through. They adapted where necessary and worked hard with him. Little by little we saw improvement in Parker's physical capabilities and his self confidence as well. Here we are 4 years later and he has met his goal. Black Belt. I wish Mrs. Kathy his first P.T. could see him now. She'd be as proud as we are! So Parker... Here's to many more accomplishments. What ever you put your mind to you can do!

Thursday, September 01, 2005

Fun and Tears...

All in the same morning!

We had a great time at Cracker Barrel. The whole family LOVES to go out for breakfast. We decided to take advantage of Pete being off of work (from his surgery) and went out for a leisurely breakfast. Even Kendall had a great time. The girl can put down some oranges! The waitress even brought her extras.

Afterward, we decided to stop off and get the girls a haircut. Katelyn was ready for a small change and Lilli wanted "spikes" like her friend Jamie. I have a very liberal hair policy with the kids. Hair grows so I really don't sweat it. Whatever they want to do to their hair is fine. I was explaining Lilli's need of spikes to her stylist and trusted Katelyn to explain her wishes herself. That was my bad! Poor Katie! She told the stylist she wanted layers and shoulder length (that's a good 3 inches off-her hair was all one length). What she meant was LONG layers, no bangs and generous shoulder length. What she got was a drastic change. She was very upset, which in turn upset her dad! He felt so bad for her, I thought he'd cry too.

Personally I think her new do looks great! It makes her eyes sparkle. But that doesn't help when you don't get the hair you want! I so understand this feeling! The really sad part is that this is just a part of womanhood. I'm sure she'll cry over her hair many more times! We all have. But that doesn't make it any easier. For now all I can do is put my arm around her, tell her I'm sorry and that it will grow out. Bummer.

Here are the before and afters: