Photo Fun, Take Three I got this from Gwen. Here are the rules: 1) Choose the 4th folder where you store your pictures on your computer. 2) Select the 4th picture in the folder. 3) Explain the picture. 4) Tag 4 people to do the same - NO CHEATING! (cropping, editing etc.)

This photo was taken the other day.  I was in the kitchen and I heard Jude running around in the living room.  I peeked in on him and saw this.  He had his "Israeli Army" hat on that my mom got him in Israel and he was after "bad" guys.  No one else was home so it was all in his imagination.  He was crouching behind walls and corners.  It was way cute.

Family Photo Shoot with Ashley Langford from Jason P on Vimeo.

Wordless Wednesday

Notice the Tarzan move at the end.

Let's lighten it up a bit....

Noticed that my last few blogs were pretty "heavy." So, here is the cutest video ever starring my 2 year old and dh. What a ham!

WHERE HAVE I BEEN?

I guess I took the summer off for blogging. Didn't plan on doing it, but just kind of forgot about it. When I would think about it, I wasn't too interested. Plus, blogging, reading other blogs, and thinking of new blogs, was really stealing from doing what I am supposed to be doing.....being a full time mommy. Soooo, I am too tired to catch everyone up (all 2 of you) to what is new in my life, so I will just do a bullet point list: 1. My family plus my sister's family and my mom are all heading to the Tx Hill country on Sunday for a family vacation. We have rented a 5 bedroom house on the Blanco River. Picture natural swimming holes, tubing down rivers, hiking, eating, etc. 2. My husband worked his tail off at work to win us an all expense trip to Sandals in St. Lucia. It will be just the 2 of us. I AM SO FLIPPING EXCITED! We haven't been on a trip without kids in 7 years. We leave in Sept. Beaches, swimming pools, naps...YES! 3. I just got the new 3G Iphone. I hated it the first 2 weeks. I am tolerating it now, but still think real buttons are better. This high tech thing is totally wasted on me. I feel like an old fart. 4. My baby (youngest boy of 3) just turned 2 on Sunday. He is our last child, and so every new thing he does is so wonderful and yet kind of sad. 5. My kid goes back to school in like 4 weeks and I just realized we have done almost NO school work this summer. He has been reading a lot, but my plans of journaling and flash cards every night kind of went out the window. 6. We are trying to decide if we should sign 7 year old up for some sort of sport. We are reluctant to get that sort of thing started as we are very protective of our family time. We'll see. That is it. I will post pics. later.

Recent trip to KS

We got back last week from a 10 hour car trip (with 3 kids) to KS. We had a wonderful time with family. I just realized that I have no pictures with my brother in his cap and gown. My kids love going to KS. It is like a magical wonderland filled with tractors, open spaces, and hyper dogs named "Molly."

Here is DH being "artistic" with his new camcorder.  The joys of a long car trip.

Here was our dinner stop on the way there at Canadian, TX.  The kids were so happy to be free for an hour.  We had some good cheeseburgers at the "Fillin Station."

Here is the famous "Molly" dog.  The kids LOVED her.  I was not as impressed as they were.  

This was us waiting for our ride on the 4 wheeler.  Like our matching shirts?

When we weren't on the 4 wheeler, dad was giving rides in his new hi-tech tractor.  The kids think my dad is famous because he drives such a big tractor.  

Having some fun in the tree.  The brown headed kids are 2 of my nephews.  My dad's yard was made for little boys.

On the way home, Bam Bam decided he needed to be back with the big boys.  The big boys didn't appreciate the slobbery fingers in their face while they tried to watch Veggie Tales.

This is a normal view from any vantage point in western KS.  Looks like a dessert, but that is a field.  Not a tree for miles.  Strangely, it can be refreshing after being in the crowded city. 

Meme (because I am bored)

Where is your cell phone? In my purse. Your significant other? hilarious, hard worker, perfectionist, talented, competitive, sensitive, hot stuff! Your hair? pony tail day (every 3rd day) Your mother? loves unconditionally Your father? multi-talented & wonderful Your favorite thing? being with family Your dream last night? Don’t know Your favorite drink? My morning coffee w/ Hazelnut creamer Your dream/goal? get in shape/ be more productive The room you are in? Our office Your ex? I started dating dh when I was 16, so "ex" is kind of silly, but I don't know where he is or what he does. Your fear? heights Where do you want to be in six years? close to my family, living out purpose Where were you last night? watching "Raiders of the Lost Arc" and eating takeout with dh while kids slept ...HEAVEN! What are you not? detail oriented, good at reading directions, driven Muffins? this makes me think of muffin tops, which I hate....(darn 3 pregnancies) One of your wish list items? a decorator to help me finish house Where you grew up? KS The last thing you did? went to World Aquarium with my family What are you wearing? green shorts, white tee-shirt Your TV? waste of time, but I love it Your pets? I don't do pets. I have enough messes to clean up with 3 boys and a husband. Your computer? Mac something or other....sorry, dh, I don't know the name of your darling.... Your life? pretty great, un-busy (the way I like it), family oriented Your mood? lazy Missing someone? my dad, step mom, and brother Your Car? Texas Cadillac aka White Chevy Suburban (sorry, Al Gore) Something you are not wearing? socks, earings Favorite store? Reality-Marshalls Dream-Banana Rebublic Your summer? chill, go explore some cool part of TX with kids as our family vacation, and try to getaway w/ dh too. Playdates, swimming, sleeping in Like someone? I like lots of people. Right now, I am getting to know a bunch of new friends, which is nice. Your favorite color? Decorating=red, chocolate brown, robin's egg blue...To wear=Navy blue & kelly green When was the last time you laughed? today as my kids sang and danced to nerdy music that dh hated (they are SO my kids) Last time you cried? Thursday

Who will repost this? Not sure but have at it if you want to!

my first Techy toy

Me and dh's 12th anniversary is coming up and he already got me my gift. It was an Ipod Shuffle. I am usually not into techy gadgets, but I have to say that I am more excited about this gift than any gift I've gotten in years. He has an Ipod, so we already have Itunes and all. Just made my first playlist to add to it. I'm not going to get any "cool" awards for sure, but all of this music pumps me up. I'm going to get so buff working out now..... any suggestion?  I have more to add, but am too lazy to do it right now.  Here is my playlist: We Cry Out        Kim Walker Rain Down        Rita Springer In the Girl There's a Room       Sara Groves When the Saints        Sara Groves Song for My Sons        Sara Groves Medals        Russ Taff Vision        Russ Taff Silent Love        Russ Taff Break Free        Hillsong United Point of Difference        Hillsong United I Will Run        Misty Edwards Baptize My Heart        Misty Edwards Salvation Is Here        Hillsong United Shout Unto God        Hillsong United Paint The Town Red        Delirious? Now Is The Time        Delirious? Here I Am Send Me        Delirious? Fires Burn        Delirious? Our God Reigns        Delirious? Inside Outside        Delirious? Mountains High        Delirious? From the Inside Out        Hillsong United Came to My Rescue        Hillsong United

His Bann-uh - Over Me is Wuv!

Check out 5 minutes for mom for more Wordless Wednesday.

Things I can't do anymore since becoming a MOM

1. Watch the local news. Dh is with me on this one. Every child on that news program looks like one of my kids, somehow. I can get literally ill when I hear of a parent hurting an innocent little child. 2. Watch any type of "Save the Children" kind of infomercial. I almost had a breakdown the other day when "American Idol Gives Back" was on. I was so overwhelmed at how much suffering is in this world, and I felt so unable to help. I was especially moved (upset) when Annie Lenox went to an African family where only the children were still alive. The 15 year old brother was trying to take care of his younger brothers, but he looked like a baby, himself. The parents had died of HIV. The littlest one was barely 3 years old. It was a good reality check, though on how easy my own life is. 3. Watch any type of wild animal shows. I used to watch Animal Planet all the time. It was one of my favorite channels. Now I can't stand to see the animals hunt and kill for food. Secretly, I used to get a kick out of it. Now, it just really bothers me to see any type of suffering even if it is a part of the circle of life. Am I the only one on this??? 4. I don't judge other mothers like I did BEFORE having kids. Isn't it funny that I knew everything about parenting before I even had kids???? HA! I love it when I get criticism from people who have never actually parented themselves. I don't see discipline as black and white as I used to. I don't know why it becomes so blurry when it is your own kid. I mean, it REALLY is adorable when my 22 mo. old shouts "NO MOMMY" to me....isn't it???? 5. I don't enjoy McDonalds anymore. I used to love it. Now, it just tastes like chemicals to me. Same goes for most "kiddie" type foods i.e., goldfish, candy, sodas, french fries, etc.. 6. Go to bed early. I have to have kid-free unwind time. That means if the kids went to bed at 8:30, I need to have about 2 hours of no pressure time to unwind. 7. Get sick. Moms can't get sick. I had this realization the other day when my 4 year old was sick. He needed me to hold him and give him special attention. The world keeps right on going even if mom gets sick. There is no such thing as laying in bed all day without any interruptions. At least, I've never experienced it. That is all for now. Please let me know I am not entirely CRAZY!

Small playroom or what???

In our home, Dh and I don't believe in "spoiling" the children. In my day, we never had such a thing as a "play room." A pile of dirt and an old tractor tire for a fort was all I needed to be completely happy. So, we have tried to pass on this "Simplistic" way of life to our own kids. Hence, the fun in the closet..... ENJOY!

Wordless Wednesday....(kind of)

Just so you know....Our family has "Gone Green."

For More WW go to 5 Minutes For Mom

7 Things Meme

Elaine over at THE MISS ELAINE-OUS LIFE tagged me to write out 7 things about myself. It has been a long time since I blogged last, so this will be a good re-entry.
Here are the rules:

The Rules:
1. Link your tagger and list these rules on your blog.
2. Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.
3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs.
4. Let them know they are tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.
Here we go:

1. My favorite thing to say to hubby, sister, etc. is "Know anything new?" Translated this means, "Have any juicy information from the outside world?" DH hates it when I ask him this. This all started when I was in high school. My sister and I started asking each other if we "knew anything that our current crushes might have said about us." For instance, she would come home from school and I would say, "I'll tell you something Joe Blow (her current crush) said about you today in Algebra, if you know something that Hunk "My then crush" said about me in band. What we found out years later is that we both made up everything we said just to get information. The whole game was based on lies. The sad thing is I had her convinced this boy liked her enough that she asked him to the Sadie Hawkins dance. He said no, and she never forgave me for the humiliation she endured.
2. I have a very keen sense of smell. It is almost freakish. It is almost a curse rather than a blessing, depending on who I am with. I can tell if dhzz washed my kiddos hair even without putting my nose on their head. Dh sometimes likes to take shortcuts when bathing our children. He doesn't get away with it much.

3. I like to eat things most people don't, like the dark meat on turkey (with skin), dark chocolate, fatty pieces of meat, tomato juice, dark grainy bread. In school I was the only white milk order, while everyone else had chocolate.

4. I just cut off most of my hair. I've had long hair for 3 years, so this was a big deal. Dh actually loves me in shorter hair than long. Here is a picture

5.  I have to have my feet neatly tucked into covers.  Btw, dh loves his feet outside of covers.  Conflict has occasionally occurred.  

6.  I just turned 32.  I feel young and hip until I go to the mall and wonder why teenagers are even allowed out of the house after 5 pm.  There should be a mall JUST for teens.

7.  I am pretty frugal.  I just bought 4 new bath towels from Target, which meant to make room for them, I had to throw 4 of our old towels away.  We have had these towels for 10 years.  I actually was sad to put those towels in the smelly trash.  I tried to think of a good reason to hang onto them, but I didn't need any more cleaning rags.  It is hard for me to spend money on something for myself.  I love the "hunt" of a great deal.  
>I tag:


The Durham's
Gwen
nestingplace
Rocks in my dryer
Jennifer



and YOU!

Dishes Galore

I am WAY late on this one, but I thought it was fun. Check out Spur-Of-The-Minute Dish Carnival and join in. I loved looking at every one's dishes. It was like a glimpse into their personality.

We will be married 12 years in May. We registered for both our everyday dishes and our formal china.  I was amazed that we endedup with both complete sets.  I love my everyday dishes.  They are blue and white, but the blue doesn't show well in this picture.  I think they are timeless.  They are called Nikko Tea Roses:

I am sad to say I have only used my china twice since we've been married.  I am going to try to get them out more often.  I need some ideas for a tablecloth or place mats for my china though.  I got these because I knew they would be classic through the 

years.  However, I don't have any "gold" or "brass" in my home.  Any suggestions?  These are called Noritake Chandon:

Then of course, I have the "classic" plastic plates that my 3 boys use.  These do a great job at keeping the food from touching other foods.  You know how gross that can be for a 4 year old.  They are from Target:

 And here is the cabinet that houses my dishes.  I have always insisted on organized kitchen cabinets.  Our new house has small cabinets so this was a challenge.  I will say, my Tupperware cabinet is proving to be a bit more challenging.  

Refrigerate Tag

I was tagged by The Miss Elaine-ous Life to post a picture of my refrigerator. Well here it is in all of its messy glory. I almost straightened it up before I snapped the picture, but I thought, "this is real life." So I left it. I shot it far enough away so that the personal numbers and pictures couldn't be made out too well. On the side is a homework sheet for my 1st grader.  I have two digital meat thermometers that are being used more for the magnetic abilities.  The one paper on there that I do look at often is my "21 House Rules" by Greg Harris.  I will post them below.  On the front are many art masterpieces made by two older boys along with a few pics and an invitation to my brother in law's rehearsal dinner.  That is probably way more than you ever wanted to know about my fridge.

The 21 Rules Of This House
by Gregg Harris

1. We obey God.
2. We love, honor and pray for one another.
3. We tell the truth.
4. We consider one another's interests ahead of our own.
5. We speak quietly and respectfully with one another.
6. We do not hurt one another with unkind words or deeds.
7. When someone needs correction, we correct him in love.
8. When someone is sorry, we forgive him.
9. When someone is sad, we comfort him.
10. When someone is happy, we rejoice with him.
11. When we have something nice to share, we share it.
12. When we have work to do, we do it without complaining.
13. We take good care of everything that God has given us.
14. We do not create unnecessary work for others.
15. When we open something, we close it.
16. When we take something out, we put it away.
17. When we turn something on, we turn it off.
18. When we make a mess, we clean it up.
19. When we do not know what to do, we ask.
20. When we go out, we act just as if we were in this house.
21. When we disobey or forget any of the 21 Rules of This House, we accept
the discipline and instruction of the Lord.