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What I Know. . .

As Mother’s Day approaches, I made a list of ten things I didn’t know before I had kids . . .I like to think of it as developing my inner beauty as a Mom.

10. I didn’t know I’d clean my kid’s plates (and I’m not talking about with a dishwasher).

9. I didn’t know I’d eat my children’s Easter candy while they were at school.

8. I didn’t know I would lie, daily.

7. I didn’t know they would believe the lies.

6. I didn’t know that I’d get used to a messy house.

5. I didn’t know I would learn to appreciate the fine art of ‘arm farting.’

4. I didn’t know I would grow eyes in the back of my head.
3. I didn’t know I would sit down with my 8 year old daughter and talk to her about Miley
Cyrus being photographed without a shirt on.

2. I didn’t know my heart would break every time their’s is broken.

1. I didn’t know I would ache to keep them little, young, innocent, mine.

I’ve learned so much. I still have much to learn. My kids are great teachers and I’m honored to be their Mom. Dirty house and all.

What didn’t you know?


Kristen
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Don’t Forget to Flush

My 8 year old daughter and almost 6 year old son, share a bathroom, much to my daughter’s chagrin.

On a weekly basis, I hear my daughter complain about my son’s non-flushing habits.  
And hey- I can’t blame her, really.  It’s just something you never get used to.  But, lately, all her complaining about his failure to remember has driven me batty.
We’ve reminded my son, prodded, corrected, rewarded – bribed.  Nothing has worked.
So. My daughter took matters into her own hands.  After my kids left for school last week, I was straightening upstairs and this is what I saw:

and 
I laughed and I left it there.  Because, frankly, I thought it was brilliant and I wanted to see if it worked. 
The complaints ceased because there was flushing, people.  Much flushing.
We now have a true, card-carrying, flusher, thanks to my daughter’s idea.
Helpful Tip:  Put Masking Tape in the Perfect Place to Produce Perfect Potty Protocol!
I’m now applying tape to all sorts of places!  I just finished “If your going to wet your tooth brush, you might as well Use it!” Oh, and I’m not afraid to draw pictures on the masking tape for the non-readers in my home!
For more helpful tips, visit Works for Me Wednesday
And if you like photos that aren’t of commodes, visit Wordless Wednesday.

Photobucket

P.S.  I have a great Mother’s Day giveaway going on right now!  You still have time to enter before the contest closes tonight at 10 pm (CST.)     P.S.S.  It’s jewelry.  
Kristen
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Mother’s Day Giveaway!

Mom. Mother. Mommy. Mama.

We have one or are one.

Mother’s Day snuck up on me this year, just like Easter.

It occurred to me the other day, that I’d better tackle it! My mother-in-law is easy to buy for. My hubby picked out a hand-carved wooden biscuit-cutter for her awhile back.

Yes, she makes biscuits from scratch. On a regular basis. It’s okay to feel sorry for my hubby and children. If it’s not in a pop can, it’s not happening around here.

I wanted to add something to what every mom on the farm needs, a.k.a. biscuit-cutter. That’s when I stumbled upon some beautiful custom made jewelry.

Oh, yes, now I’ve got your attention. (You don’t fool me, I know you were thinking, THAT mom is giving away a biscuit-cutter for Mother’s Day? I’m so outta here.)

Dear friends, we’re talking jewelry here. Follow me, now.

Star bright Jewels has some lovely pieces. I ordered my mother-in-law a beautiful one-of a kind bracelet. I just received the bracelet in the mail and it is divine!  It’s gorgeous and high quality! Christine designs the jewelry and she is offering one of my reader’s a $30 gift certificate plus free shipping (to arrive by Mother’s Day).

So, go, look around at her store. Come back and leave a comment on this post and tell me what you would choose for yourse–, I mean, someone you love. I will randomly choose one winner Wednesday evening 10 p.m. CST.

The lucky jewelry winner will be announced on Thursday.

Oh, and Mom? I know you are reading this. That’s why I’m leaving your Mother’s Day tackle a secret.

For more great tackles, check out 5 Minutes for Mom.
Kristen
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An Open Letter to Mr. Heimlich

Dear Mr. Heimlich,

I’m writing this letter with a thankful heart. I learned your clever maneuver in 8th grade Health Education. As a pimply, permed girl with a bi-level, I never thought I would use The Heimlich Maneuver. I am glad I listened. Because I have used it twice.
This month.
A couple of weeks ago, my baby was munching on toddler crackers shaped like Big Bird’s head. I heard the unmistakable sound of choking. I turned to see my one-year old with a purple face. I scooped her from her high chair, wrapped my hands around her waist and applied pressure.
She vomited the contents of her stomach onto the kitchen table.

This is perhaps the first and only time you will find me thankful for such an occurrence.
And then yesterday, as my kids feasted outside on the BBQ’d spare ribs my hubby had tenderly cared for all day, my daughter ran into the house screaming, “He’s choking.”
We didn’t need to ask who. We turned to see my son, running into the house clutching his throat and gasping for air.
Mr. Heimlich, I must say, I thought of you immediately. You would have been proud to see the giant lump of pork that hit the tile floor, I’m sure.
My life has been crazy lately and I’ve learned to expect the unexpected. So, it is also a relief to know that if I ever find myself choking, I will be prepared:
Yours truly,
THAT Mom


Food for the Soul:
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross!”- Philippians 2:5-8

Kristen
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All You N-EVER Wanted to Know & More


Do not read the following unless you want the knitty-gritty of my life. It is perfectly acceptable for you to pass this by, it’s a lot of info, and I cannot imagine who really wants to know all this. Just a little warning. ‘Cause I’m nice. Bringing Home Ava and The Diaper Diaries tagged me for this Hubby & Me Meme:

How long did you date? 3 months. We were friends for a very long time, so don’t wag your finger. Plus, it stuck.

How old is he? OLD! 37.5

Who eats more? Depends on what it is. I can out drink him any day, as long as it’s sweet tea that’s being served. We usually finish up our meals with him gesturing, “You gonna finish that?”

Who said “I love you” first? Definitely me. I was wanton and chased him.

Who is taller? I’m 5’2. It’s just cruel to even ask that.

Who sings better? He sang a ‘surprise’ song at our wedding. I don’t know who was more surprised: me or my wedding-planning-Momma.

Who is smarter? Oh, our kids. That one was easy.

Whose temper is worse? It’s none of your business, ‘kay? (That would be me, let me just cool off for a second.)

Who does the laundry? The maid. Oh wait, you’re serious. If we want pink under ware, someone in our house is skilled. I’m just saying.

Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? Me

Who pays the bills? Me, ’cause I spend the most. That’s how we decided. Plus, I’m a major nerd.

Who cooks dinner? I wish I could answer this one differently. Because meal planning and preparing is NOT my gift. I”m a good eater, though. I’ve always cleaned my plate.

Who drives when you are together? Why don’t you just ask if he wears a skirt? He is THE driver. Don’t ever question that m’kay?

Who is more stubborn? Yes, you’re right. Me. This is my game. Be nice. Or I’ll write about you.

Who kissed who first? Oh, I could write a week of posts about THAT kiss. It was sorta a hug thing and 3 months later, we got hitched. Seriously.

Who is the first to admit when they are wrong? Usually me. I don’t like tension. And well, because, it’s usually me.

Whose parents do you see the most? Mine. They are blocks away. Literally. He’s a good man, ya’ll. Let’s me call my Mama all the time.

Who proposed? He did. (I wasn’t THAT wanton).

Who is more sensitive? Hmmm. He’s sensitive in a good man sort of way. But I get my feelings hurt more.

Who has more friends? We have two. Each other. Does that count? Really, we have a lot of couples friends, so we’re tied on this one.

Who has more siblings? Exactly the same number. Fate, I tell you.

Who wears the pants in the family? He lets me think I do. an style="font-style: italic;">He is nice, that way.


Want more? Oh, you are desperate for Sunday entertainment. Can’t you go grill or something? Okay, if you insist, here’s more life altering info about yours truly. Kisha at Proud SAHM tagged me:


Last Movie You Saw In A Theater: The Dr. Seuss Movie. Life changing, can’t even remember the name.

What Book Are You Reading: The Tea Rose by Jennifer Donnelly

Favorite Board Game: Othello, reaching way back here. But the rest of THE WORLD likes the games I offered in my little giveaway this past week. Apparently.

Favorite Magazine: Country Living. ‘Cause I want to. Live. Country.

Favorite Smells: Clean sheets, brewing sweet tea, cookies

Favorite Sound: Pizza man (doorbell) and my hubby’s keys in the front door

Worst Feeling In The World: Bad Mommy Moments.

What Is The First Thing You Think Of When You Wake? Tinkle. I’ve had 3 kids perched on my bladder. Do mother’s really think about anything thing else? Told you this was a lot of info. You can stop any time.

Favorite Fast Food Place: Places that offer Sweet TEA.

Future Child’s Name: That would be up to the NEW parents that adopt him/her ’cause this womb is closed!

Do You Drive Fast? Nope. Grandma driver, here. People honk at me all the time.

Do You Sleep With A Stuffed Animal? I don’t sleep with a live animal either. Although sometimes my hubby—never mind.

Storms-Cool Or Scary? If I’m inside, they give me a craving for a warm blanket and Chinese food.

What Was Your First Car? Shared with my twin. My parents were THAT nice.

Favorite Drink: If you seriously need an answer here, you need to go back to the archives, baby. I like informed readers.

Finish This Statement, “If I Had The Time I Would …..” Write a book. I was going to say catch up on laundry. But even if I had the time, I don’t want to.

Do You Eat The Stems On Broccoli? Yep. Affectionately referred to as ‘trees’ in my kitchen.

If You Could Dye Your Hair Any Color, What Would Be Your Choice? Seems I should have been born a redhead, what with the temper and feisty attitude. But I’m afraid of hair dye.

Favorite Sports To Watch: Gymnastics. Sometimes I even put on leg warmers. I can do a mean back bend.

One Nice Thing About The Person Who Sent This To You: She’s one of my original readers and always stops to comment. Bloggers like those little things.

What’s Under Your Bed? I dare not tell you. You would lose all respect.

Morning Person Or Night Owl? I’m kinda of a mid-day person.

Favorite Place To Relax: I like my bed. It’s new.

Favorite Pie: PEE-CAN. I’m a Texan, ya’ll.

Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Blue Bell-any flavor.

Anyone who wants to play along, be my guest!

Oh, and I got an award people! I mean, where else can you go, where perfectly perfect strangers give you something like this. I love you bloggy land!  Thanks Jen and Mel!  I’m passing it on to Beautiful Craziness and Bringing Home Ava, because they need their first award e-ver.

Kristen
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Motherhood

Last summer, my siblings and I surprised our parents with a 40th Anniversary party. I snuck into my parents attic, found my mother’s wedding veil and put it on her when she walked into the party. I have never seen her smile so broad, giggle so freely or kiss my Dad so much. It is a night I will never forget.

Thank you Mom, for marrying Dad 40 years ago. Thank you for teaching me perseverance. You have lived your life to be my mother, making sacrifices along the way. I hope 26 years from now, when my children celebrate this milestone with me, I look just like you: Happy.

Mother's Day 2008 - Giveaway Event

Proverbs 31:28
“Her 
children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.”

Kristen
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Lost

*Update*  Thank you so much for offering your opinions about this very touchy and difficult situation.  I have learned a lot about what you all have shared and you’ve given me much to think about.  The bottom line is we need to remember to pray for all involved.  That is the least we can do.  And that is a lot.  
http://www.metronews.ca/calgary/world/article/36750

I don’t normally talk about current events, politics, Hollywood. . .

Normally.
But I have such a heavy heart today. I thought I’d share my burden and you can share your thoughts.
What do ya’ll think about the polygamy group in Texas, more specifically, how it is being handled by the state? I’m all against cults, multiples marriage partners, you know, weird stuff.
I was reading the latest issue of People’s magazine, that’s how I stay informed, my friends, and the article on the polygamist compound broke my heart. The kids have been separated from their moms- One shelter for 100 people with two bathrooms, no change of clothes, some children have contracted chicken pox. Without their moms. Since most of these mothers were married as young girls to older men with multiple wives, aren’t they the victims too? These ladies don’t have many choices from what I have read.

I’m all about removing kids from abusive environments. I’m not exactly a fan of polygamy either. But couldn’t they have kept the moms with the kids while they try to sort out this mess?
It’s a terrible situation and there aren’t easy answers. The article quotes one child who woke up one night distraught, looking for his mother, scared. And I couldn’t help but think of my own five year old son.

Lost.

And that stayed with me. All night.
Tell me what you think.

Matthew 19:13
[
The Little Children and Jesus ]” Then little children were brought to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them.”
Kristen
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Secret FAITHBABY Giveaway for NEWSLETTER READERS ONLY!

*UPDATE* Congratulations to PunkinMama! Thanks y’all. Secrets are fun!

Hi y’all! Thanks for reading and being a part of my blogworld! I love that each of you are striving to parent like Jesus wants you too!


I love today’s giveaway. It’s sponsored by FAITH BABY!

Visit her great store and tell me what you’d like your faith baby to wear…One blessed winner will get their choice of a onesie or shirt.
If there was still a tiny tush in my house, you better believe they’d be wearing one of these:
This super secret giveaway won’t last long!
PLEASE IGNORE THE FIRST FEW COMMENTS ABOUT MOSQUITOS—I WROTE OVER A VERY OLD POST SO A NEW SECERT POST WOULDN’T SHOW UP IN EVERONE’S GOOGLE READER, BUT I COULDN’T DELETE ALL THE OLD COMMENTS FOR SOME REASON.
IF YOU’D LIKE TO WIN THE ABOVE GIVEAWAY, LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW!
Kristen
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Sincerely ‘Fro Me to You Carnival Guidelines

Thanks for your interest in this blog carnival.  I’m not a big rule follower, so I don’t have many rules. Just write a sincere post from your past and link up:

  • The purpose of Sincerely ‘Fro Me to You (every Thursday) is to link up a post about something from your past. You can reach back all the way to your childhood and bravely post pictures of your ‘fro or post something from last year and tell us about it.  I’m not picky.  We just want to read about something that will never see the inside of a scrapbook either because it’s not worthy or because you can’t find your fancy crinkle cut scissors. 
  • Please use a permalink that sends readers directly to the correct post.  
  • You can put the ‘fro button on your site, if you dare, but if you choose not to, it would be great if you’d include a link in your post just so others know how to join.
  • Have fun and can’t wait to see what you’ve got!  
  • P.S.  I don’t have a scanner to scan my old photos. I grabbed a big pile of ones that ‘spoke’ to me and used a Kodak photo machine at Walgreens.  For like $2.99, you can put the photos on a CD.  Don’t let this stop you, grab a photo from yesterday if you need to because that’s the past!
  • I’ll be putting up Mr. Linky every Wednesday evening, so grab the button and let’s get sincere! Here are some tips for using Mr. Linky if your new to this. (Shannon at Rocks in My Dryer explains it well).

Kristen
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Sincerely ‘Fro Me to You-The Big Twin

Thanks for joining me for my weekly flashback. Today, I dove deep into my photo box and pulled out a bit of history. If you want to read why I’m sincerely offering this ‘fro me to you, and just how sincere blah blah blah I am, click here.

I am a twin.

My sister was born five minutes after me. I am older. As a twin, this is important.
Growing up twins made my sister and I a little more unique than the average singleton. We shared a birthday, a room, clothes and sometimes we were nice to each other.

Sometimes. Notice I did not choose often. Stay with me.
I think the best thing about being a twin was always having someone with me, especially in difficult situations.
The worst thing? Those difficult situations: We could be scratching each other’s eye balls out in the privacy of our closet one minute and holding hands like the greatest allies, when we were caught by our parents in the closet scratching each other’s eyeballs out.
Oh, yes, we hid our wounds and quickly became best friends again. Unity is born in the midst of anger from the parental units.
We are not identical. Actually, we’ve always had our own look. She has green eyes. Mine are brown. As children, she was fair, I was olive.
And, not only was I the older twin, I was the bigger twin.
My parents always referred to me as the big twin, you know, to differentiate between us. I guess because saying, “the brown-haired one or the blonde one” would be confusing.
I have always been bigger than my sister, at least several inches taller. I was born at 5 lbs. She was only 3 lbs. and so, I guess it was natural from the beginning to label us by size. I grew up with the label.
It was like a trait. “Oh yes, she has wavy, thick hair. And she has straight, fine hair. Yes, she is tiny, isn’t she? Oh, and that one? She’s the big twin.”
During high school, we quickly migrated to our own interests. I loved sports, drama and journalism and my sister loved all things music. We found autonomy and it was good.
I will never forget the day I referred to myself as the big twin. I was in college. (Yes, I know it is sad that I still characterized myself this way.) Someone mentioned that I was petite.
I argued and others joined in, pointing their fingers and proclaiming me petite.
Well, never in all my 20 years had anyone ever used that word to describe big, ol’ me.
It was such a revelation, once I returned to my dorm room I called my Mom.
“Mom, did you know I was petite?”
“Of course, honey, you’re 5’2″.”
“But, I’m the big twin!”
Well. After my mom stopped laughing, she went on to explain that compared to my sister who was just under 5 foot, I was big, bigger, oh, um, tall, yes, taller.
Oh.
And that’s when it dawned on me that I wasn’t that big after all.
Of course, I’m still the older twin. And that’s pretty important.
Food for the Soul:
“It is written: ” ‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before me; every tongue will confess to God.”- Romans 14:11
Kristen
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Washing Clothes-BLOGGER STYLE

A few weeks ago, I taught the world how to Mop: Blogger-style. I have been bombarded with visits from people who actually googled “pictures of mopping the floor.”

Seriously.

I’ve actually considered getting a patent on my innovative idea. Who knew accidentally overflowing the tub would lead to such fame.

At the end of that post, which you can read here, I jokingly invited you all to come back and see how I “wash clothes -blogger-style.”

Fate is a funny thing.

Because about 9.2 days after I wrote that in jest, my toddler entered a new and exciting phase called, “Everything I see, I put in the tub full of water.”

“Hmmm. . . these could use some pre-treating.”

“Oh, yes the temperature is just perfect.”

“In they go. My Dad will thank me for taking care of his boxers-

And his shirt.”

You might find this little fact funny: That was the third time in three days she did this. I do not find this funny, in case you’re wondering. But I did decide to grab the camera and record it, you know, to show to the family therapist.

While I’m shooing her out and wringing out the wet clothes, she did this:


Yes, we have some water issues we will be dealing with this week. (This is where most of her hair accessories have ended up and yet, I keep trying. Why? I ask you?)

But at least I got a head start on the laundry.

Washing clothes: Blogger-style.

To see some great Wordless Wednesdays click here.


Food for the Soul:
“For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.”- Romans 1:20
Kristen
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Secret Post {for Newsletter Subscribers}

*Update* We have a winner! Congrats to Laurie (email laurie@qts.net)!!

Hi y’all!

I love secrets. Don’t you?
Thank you for being a part of my newsletter. I’m proud to see so many who are parenting on purpose!
Our kids LOVE family night! It’s such a great way to communicate, fellowship and just have fun! Usually we turn off the technology and just have some good old-fashioned fun.
Family Night Fun is a really great company that sees the value in family nights. They offer great ideas, fabulous products and they truly partner with parents. They sent our family a huge box of games art projects for many family nights to come. They also offered to reward one of you with the Armor of God Family Night Kit ($60 value). They sent us this board game and it’s awesome!!
Would you look around their shop and then leave a comment about something you think your family would enjoy?
I will send out the winner’s name in a special newsletter only email.
Kristen
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A New Southern Snack

Okay. So I’d hardly call it a landslide, but the “Have you ever heard of putting peanuts in your Coke” poll is in and 56% would call this act Southern.  I call it shameful.  I’m a big fan of leaving perfection alone.  Don’t put vanilla or even a cherry in my Coke, thank you very much.

And 52% think I should leave him!  (Just kidding, but you are on my side :D )  
The rest of you think I’m crazy.  True.  But not the point.  At all.
Well.  The tension has ended because he won.  I did learn a few more facts:
  1. It must be Coke.  (Not a substitute, like Pepsi or Dr. Pepper)
  2. The Coke needs to be in a bottle and it needs to be ice-cold.
  3. The peanuts must be salted.
One inquisitive reader asked if you swallow the peanuts with the Coke or if they collect in the bottom. . . truthfully, I do not know and I did not ask the hubby because I could not handle a monologue from the poll winner.
I also learned that there are some weird Southern people out there . . . cheese and crackers dumped in coffee, mayo and bananas, fritos and buttermilk . . . frankly, I’d like you all to leave the South.  My stomach just can’t handle it.
So, go on, grab a Coke and a handful of peanuts and MIX THEM TOGETHER.  I dare you.  Come back here and leave a comment.  I’d like to know about the long term effects.
Kristen
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Wrong on So Many Levels

I have mentioned my children’s fondness for tackling their loose teeth and for the The Tooth Fairy here and again, here.

My son, a fairly new member of the tooth-loser club had a wiggly front tooth.

This is seen as some sort of sporting event for my husband or at least a hobby.

Way past his bedtime, my son ran down the stairs screaming, “We have blood, people!” He held up the spotted tissue as proof.

My husband’s eyes glistened and dilated.

Let me just say that what happened next was wrong on so many levels. (Of course, my teeth have a low self esteem, so I may not be a qualified judge).

At first glance, dental floss may seem a harmless over-the-counter dental tool.

Not in the hands of my hubby, tooth-puller extraordinaire. 

This is what I heard:

Puller:  “I’m going to wrap this tiny string around your tooth.”

Pullee:  “Okay.  Why?”

Puller:  “It’s going to help me, help you.”  Give me a break.

Pullee:  “Will it hurt?”

Puller:  “That’s difficult to answer. I’m going to pull on the count of 3.”

And then I heard this:

“One-” yank

“Noooooooo,” from my terrified son.

“You did it!” from my elated son.  (Perhaps we have a bipolar thing going on here.)

This is what I saw:

 

Note how the tooth is still hanging from the said floss.

Like there were any other options for that tooth.

I’m sure this tooth pulling move will be outlawed soon.  It borders closely to child abuse or child endangerment, to say the least.

This is wrong.  I am ashamed to be a part of it.

I think teeth should fall out au’ natural.  You know in your food because they are hanging by a tiny thread of flesh.  This is the beautiful way. It’s a peaceful ending to the tooth’s life.

No.  Not here.  We pull and push and twist.  Apples are eaten by the handfuls.  We have tools, now.  The horror of it all. 

And I think this grieves The Tooth Fairy. I really do.

For more great tackles, visit 5 Minutes for Mom.

Kristen
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Can You Help Me?

My hubby left for work this morning.  There was a little tension in the air.

It started last night and continued thru the night.  Let me put it this way, we didn’t exactly spoon all night.
Uh uh.  Nope.
He shocked us by opening a can of Coke and dumping an entire package of peanuts into the can. 
This was done in a nonchalant manner.  My kids and I froze and stared at him.  He glanced up.
“What?” he said as if he hadn’t just dome something totally weird.
“That is disgusting!  Why did you do that?” my daughter demanded.
“Yeah, Dad.  That is gross,” my son piped in.  The baby grunted and pointed.  She was in dismay too.
And this is when the tension began:  ”Oh, that?  You guys haven’t heard of peanuts and coke? 
It’s a Southern tradition,” he explained as if he were Paula Dean.
Who is this man?  What did he do with my hubby?
“I am Southern.  I love traditions.  I have been married to you for almost 14 years and THIS, is a first.  Peanuts and coke, together?”  I said.
Well.  What do you think?  Please help me out.  For the love of all things Southern and good, can this faux hubby be correct?
There is tension, people.  I need your help.
Kristen
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Family Night-STAY FOR $140 Giveaway!

I love my family.                                                                                             

My hubby, well, what can I say?  Anyone who writes my name in mildew and takes pictures of my rear on purpose, ranks high in my book.
The children?  They are the reason I get up everyday.  Literally.  They pull and tug on my tired body until I have no other choice.  
They light up my world.
And of course, I’m the Mom. I’m the do-er.  I am the efficient multi-tasker.  If I’m on the phone, I’m also sweeping.  I can carry huge piles of laundry up the stairs while dragging a new bag of kitty litter with my toe.  
Oh, yes.  I’m that good.
We are homebodies.  The mall frightens my husband.  We can only dine at restaurants with outdoor patios, what, with the toddler we now own.  We go to church and school-together, but separately to our own classes.  
So somewhere in the mix of all that being together, we missed togetherness.  So, family night was born.  Family night consists of well, the family, cat and toddler included, locked up in our family room, together.  
Now, at this point I’d love to tell you we sit around without the interruptions of tv, phones, computers, etc, holding hands, sharing fond stories and end the night singing “cumh by ya my Lord.”
Hmmm. . . . Not so much.

A typical family night for us might include a Wii family bowling tournament or the latest Disney movie.  Lately, we’ve really gotten into board games.  I don’t even throw myself on the floor anymore when I don’t win.

By far, our best family nights center around old home movies of well, us.  We’re vain that way. 

My kids LOVE watching themselves when they were babies.  We had a big box of unlabeled tapes.  We’ve almost made our way to the bottom.  Each one has been a surprise. (One of the first ones we watched almost 2 years ago cinched our decision to have another child.  When we stumbled upon the ‘baby tapes’ I just cried my way thru them.  Who knew my kids were so cute? And that it would lead to a third?  )
Family night isn’t strict or structured.  There isn’t a manual.  

It just is.  
Because one day, it won’t be.
And so, in honor of my sixth month anniversary of blogging and our love of Family Night, I’m offering one lucky reader an enormous pile of brand new Family Night Activities valued at over $140!

  • Risk Transformers Board Game :: Retail Value $39.95   
  • Mall Madness :: Retail Value $39.95    
  • I Spy Preschool Game :: Retail Value $14.95   
  • Uncle Milton’s Ant Farm :: Retail Value $9.95 
  • Smart Lab Electronics Lab :: Retail Value $19.95   
  • Hannah Montana 26 piece Activities Set :: Retail Value $19.95   
  • Popcorn Bags (because would it be a Family Night without it?  We know the answer to that, don’t we?)

To be entered into this random drawing, just leave a comment.  Comments will close Friday night, April 25th at 10 p.m. CST.  Winner will be announced on Sunday, April 27th. (I am limiting this giveaway to the U.S. only.  I’m sorry, but I will have to take away my kid’s lunch money to mail it as it is, thanks for understanding). Oh, and please, only leave one comment.  I’m not the best counter and I confuse easily, so play nice, ya’ll. This is open to bloggers and non-bloggers!


I have a big storage closet where I stick games and toys I find on sale.  This is only some of the stuff ! One lucky reader will benefit from my deep-seeded shopping issues.  

Oh, and if giveaways are your
thing
, you must hop over to the Bloggy Carnival.  (I don’t know if specifically asking for God’s favor for the Random Number Generator works or not, but I’m going to try it!) Good luck!  Don’t forget to subscribe to my blog.  That will help you win something.  I’m sure of it.  Sort of.


Kristen
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From Zion, perfect in beauty, God shines forth.

Psalm 50:20
Kristen
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Best Of

Humorous Stories


Mopping the Floor: Blogger-Style

On Being THAT Family


Blogging


Inspirational Faith


Parenting Moments
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Just Good Stuff


Do It Yourself Projects (DIYP)

Click here to see list of complete list of projects:

Marriage:

Kristen
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Wedding Shower Lovelies

I’m old and I got married a long time ago.

Times have changed so much in the last 15 years, my wedding decor is laughable. 
But, I have hosted a few showers. 
And I’m all about the favors, cookies are my choice.
Here are some of my favorites:
(from Bake @350)
Wedding Monograms, Wedding Monogram Cookies, Wedding Cookies by Rolling Pin ProductionsWedding Couple Wedding Cake Cookies,  Wedding Couple Wedding Cake Decorated Cookies, Wedding Cake Monograms by Rolling Pin Productions
Let’s be clear, I’m all about cookies, for any occasion!
Check out Kelly’s for more fun!
Kristen
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Thank You

I started blogging around six months ago.  It was a whim.  It was a selfish act.  As a matter of fact, I didn’t even open it to comments for the first 4 months. 

I wrote.  For me.  
It was out of defiance, really.  I filed away another rejection letter from a Publisher, turned on my computer and rebelled.  Every post I wrote was an act of revenge, “Well, then, fine.  I’ll just publish myself.”
I’ve written about my kids and their fiasco’s.  My bad mommy moments have been on display.  
One word comes to mind:  selfish.  
I didn’t plan to allow comments.  I didn’t plan to meet other people.  I didn’t plan to be moved with compassion.  

I’m glad I didn’t plan.
And that’s why I want to say thank you.
In the past six months, I have traveled to Africa with Shannon and Sophie.  Tears have puddled on my keyboard as I have watched these two ladies struggle with their emotions and closely watched how they fit Africa into their everyday lives.  My family sponsored Bereket, a five year old Ethiopian child who lives in extreme poverty.  I think about this precious child every time I eat. Which is all day long. A giant lump forms in my throat each time my kids pray for him at bedtime.
Between loads of laundry and dishes, I have met and grown to love courageous women who are fighting cancer, like Heather J.  She makes me laugh everyday.  I glean from her strength.  And she has reminded me that I still believe God can heal.  
Reading through the grieving heart of a woman who lost her twins in utero has touched a place in me I didn’t want to visit.  Journeying with Lisa as she mourns the loss of a three year old cousin has moved me.  For days, I couldn’t wipe away the image of a tiny white casket from my mind or of a childless mother.  Thinking of her, I have whispered prayers over my own children and sat by their sleeping bodies and wept- from love, sorrow, guilt and thankfulness.
Following Happy Mommy‘s chronicles of her desire to have another child after her husband’s vasectomy reversal have been inspiring.  I love watching her life unravel and I can’t help but root for this lady who longs to grow a new life, again.  As I did last week, when Baby Mama, pushed out her sixth baby, at home.
I have dreaded the deployment of Kim’s husband that has left her a Situationally Single Mom. She is a hero and I can’t help but think of her empty bed when I snuggle up against my husband.
And these are just a few . . . 
My perspective has changed.  In just a few short months, my world has grown.  Blinders have been lifted from these shallow eyes.  
God has renewed my compassion for parts of the world I will never visit.  He has used the challenges of others to remind me that I have much to be thankful for.  In His Sovereignty, He is teaching me to blindly trust in Him, even when I can’t trace His hand, I can always trust His heart.
So, thank you.  Thank you for blogging.  You are making a difference.  
And, thank you for reading.  It’s my desire to remind moms they aren’t alone.  I pray through my silly, nonsense writing, you can see my heart and know that I am just a simple mom who has been changed by this bloggy world.  
And, by a very BIG God.
Kristen
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Sincerely ‘Fro Me to You-The Strangling

Last week I started a little weekly blast from my past.  I call it “Sincerely ‘Fro Me to You” because I’m fond of my childhood afro.  And because I’m sincere.

  
Very sincere.

The picture I grabbed out of my overflowing photo box that will NEVER see the inside of a scrapbook for obvious reasons is of my two children about six years ago.
A picture speaks a 1000 words, so the saying goes.  

And this photo is certainly screaming something: pain, struggle, ‘help me’ comes to mind.
This entire period of my life is a blur.  I remember snippets of it.  I think most of it has been blocked out for my protection.
My husband and I lived in Florida.  Our daughter was two and our son was a few months old. We didn’t have any money.  We didn’t have any friends.  We didn’t like the church we were Youth Pastors at.  We lived on love.  

When we could muster it up.
It was hard.  
I remember this day though. 
The morning started out terrible.  My little girl decided to ‘share’ Skittles bite-sized candies with her 4 month old brother.  I called 9-1-1 when I saw red ‘blood’ oozing from the corners of his mouth.  Let’s not even discuss that my TWO-YEAR-OLD WAS EATING CANDY FOR BREAKFAST.  It’s called survival, my friend.  Pure and simple.
Our nearest relative was a thousand miles away.  I felt so guilty they didn’t have any photos of our kids, especially the baby.
So, I dressed them.  Well.  Sort of.  I cleaned their sticky bodies.  I had postpartum.  They had clean underpants.  

This was no small victory.
I decided a picture was in order, you know, in case another disaster struck.
And so with my disposable camera and a burst of courage, I put my baby in my two year-old’s lap for a picture.  Not my finest moment.  
You know what’s funny?  I was so proud that I got them together in one photo. 
When I got around to developing that roll of film 2 years later, our lives had changed considerably, so had my perspective.  
That’s when I noticed it was a photo of an attempted strangling.
I was glad my relative never got the photo.
Cause now I can laugh.
Food for the Soul:

Psalm 30:5 “…Weeping may endure for a night, but Joy Comes in The Morning.”


Kristen
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My Rear View

I have more than 4,000 digital photos stored on my computer.  They are an unorganized mess.

A disaster of enormous proportion.
  
This makes me twitch.  A lot.

I set out the other day to attack this project.  As I was rearranging and deleting and organizing, 
I kept seeing these random, headless photos.  They were potshots.  
Interesting photos of uh, um, well, of -
My booty:

My bum:

My hiney:
My derriere:


Getting the picture? 

Kristen
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Sizzling Summer Vacation Spectacle Blog Carnival

Summer is just around the corner.  And I’m ready!  I can’t wait to don my swimming suit large coverup and get wet.  I’m also looking forward to our summer vacation:  7 days at Family Camp!  
I thought it would be fun to link up at the end of summer and share our Vacation adventures, blog carnival-style! Some of my best vacation memories are the unplanned, unexpected moments that had me pulling my hair out.  So, don’t be afraid to bare it all, well, keep the swim suit on, please, this is a family blog.  
If you have a 14 day World Tour planned, we want to turn green with envy.  If you aren’t planning a big vacation this summer, link up with a day trip post and pictures.  Whatever it is, share it!
Join the fun on Friday, August 29th.  (Mr. Linky will probably go up late, the night before).  
And, oh, I forgot to mention, every hour I will draw a random door prize winner from the Mr. Linky participants.  The door prizes will have a ‘vacation/travel’ theme to help you capture your memories or plan for your next trip (like a vacation journal, digital photo frame, picture frames, jewelry and more!  (If you’d like to get a little advertisement to your online store, contact me about donating a door prize.  I will link to all the donations.  Just email me if you’re interested.)


Kristen
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Loser, Loser

I am a loser.

A bon-i-fide, confirmed-one-hundred-percent L-O-S-E-R.
Now, before you put your ‘L’ shaped fingers to your forehead and say, “Loser-Loser” in a sing-song voice, let me clarify.
I’m not the “Looooser” kind of loser.  You know the ones who let their kids run bare foot thru a store, eat popcorn off the floor and hide in the clothes racks, scaring the willies out of innocent shoppers.  
Okay, my kids did this once.  Maybe twice.

But you have to go to the store and actually say to your kids, “Okay, go on, let me shop.  Have a snack from the floor and oh, there’s a nice lady you can scare. Now, go on and scoot,” to be labeled a true “Looooser.”  
When I say ‘loser”, I’m referring to my luck, or un-luck as luck would have it.
My daughter made this discovery.  Let me tell you how.
At bedtime the other night, she prayed:
“Dear God,  thank you for the day.  Help me not to have bad dreams.  And, I need to ask you something very important.  Can you please let me win the school raffle?  I really need a pink Nintendo DS Light because my mom and dad say it isn’t in the budget.  But I would also take pretty much anything.  I need to be a winner.  I reallllly do. Pleeeeaasee.  Pick me? Amen.”
Lovely.  Isn’t it?
I tried to explain odds.  And that they probably weren’t in her favor.  I also reminded her that God is SUPER BUSY.
She seemed to be putting a lot of stock in that prayer.  And technically, it was a prayer.  To God.
Well.  
My daughter did not win.
I thought she might be distraught.  I worried her faith might be shaken.  She looked at me and said, “It’s okay, Mom.  At first I just felt unlucky.  Like I have really bad luck.  But I think I’m just supposed to win something bigger.  God has something really big for me. And I think HE likes me to tell him about stuff.”
I was relieved she didn’t put stock in those kinds of prayers and I said, “You really don’t have bad luck. You just didn’t have good luck.”
Oh, the wisdom just oozes out of me in these parenting moments.
I even laughed to myself that she really thought a little prayer would put that toy in her hands. 
It was funny until I saw this, at Rocks in My Dryer.  A giveaway that I really wanted.

I also wanted The Cupcake Holder from a couple of weeks ago.  I put in my comment at Shannon’s and let the odds work.  I didn’t win.  
I was not about to make that mistake again.
It was time to get some help.  I approached The Thrown.  I couldn’t help it.  Maybe my daughter caught God on a off-raffle-winning-day.
“Dear God,  thank you for the day.  Help me not to have bad dreams.  And, I need to ask you something very important.  Can you please let me win Shannon’s giveaway?  I really need a pretty locket to put a picture of myself in because my hubby says it isn’t in the budget.  But I would also take pretty much anything.  I need to be a winner.  I reallllly do. Pleeeeaasee.  
Pick me? Amen.”
Well.
Apparently bad luck runs in the family.  I mean not good or bad, just in between luck.
See?  Loser.  I didn’t just lose two great giveaways, I lost something greater.
I lost my pride.  My little girl reminded me it’s okay to ask God for something small, even unimportant. I think if HE cares about the birds and what they are going to eat and wear, then HE cares about what I care about.  

HE’s that nice.  
No, I didn’t win. But that’s
probably because HE has something much bigger and better for me and I bet it has nothing at all to do with a ‘thing’.

For more great tackles, visit 5 Minutes for Mom.

Food for the Soul:

Matthew 10:29-31 “What is the price of two sparrows—one penny? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. 30 And the very hairs on your head are all numbered.  So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.”

Kristen
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A Crime Investigation

I heart garage sales.
I’m mad about estate sales too.
Thrift stores make my heart all-a- flutter.  The smell of ‘must and old’ make me giddy.  As a teen, I used to shop in second hand stores, for my clothes, because I wanted too.
And, I don’t even consider this a problem.
The town I live in is too good for garage sales.  The people around here don’t need old things that have been used, heaven forbid.  
They are rich.  
Even if I was rich, I would still long for the grime of a good sale.
They do have an annual flea market.  It’s their compromise to help people in less fortunate places, to come and glean from our fine things.
Well.  I go.  Of course.  Just the other day, as a matter of fact.
I found some great stuff.  I’m actually on home decor probation, so I shopped for my kids.
As I combed the sale, I looked for something I could take home that would be fun.
And boy, did I find it:  A complete (new in the box, to boot) CSI Crime Investigation Kit, complete with finger printing. Retail Value $99.00  I got it for $8 bucks.
My kids were over the moon.  And, I was pretty sure I was the best mom e-ver.
They were occupied for hours, you know creating crimes and then solving them.  It was a hoot.
I enjoyed it until they brought this out.
Oh yes, this kit came with a special light that detects liquid or bodily fluids, as my daughter stated.  
I know.  Just typing that made me shiver.

They donned their plastic gloves and protective eye gear and went to work.
ON MY HOUSE.
This is what I heard, over and over, “Oooooh!  Gross.  Look at that.”
“Oh, what til you see this!  That is disgusting.”
It went on and on.  And then it dawned on me:  They are not pretending.
Surely that toy light is not detecting something in my house?
And then I heard this, “She really needs to clean this house.”
I jumped up and did some of my own investigating.
I found my two punks in their bathroom hovering over ‘evidence.’
“Alright, alright, let me see,”  I said and grabbed the light.
“GAAASSSP!”  I shone the light onto the wall and exposed pee pee in a sprinkled pattern.  
I held it over the commode and yep, you guessed it, little illuminated dots.
“See, we told you,” they said in unison.  ”You really outta do something about this,” my daughter demanded.
I handed her the light and returned a few minutes later with an array of cleaning supplies.
“This is a true investigation.  Clues are pointing to you.”  I handed them a rag and said, “Since you’ve got your rubber gloves on, it’s time to clean up this crime scene.”
Not so much the best mom e-ver anymore from the look on my kids faces, but their bathroom glistened.  
At least until someone had to potty again.
Kristen
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Flowers of the Field


“So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.” Matthew 6:27-29

Kristen
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My Favorite Dish

I LOVE this meal! It’s so easy and delicious and everyone in my family adores it, including my toddler! Check out Kelly’s for more!

  • 1 box Ziti noodles
  • 1 Can Del Monte Traditional Sauce 
  • 1 Ricotta Cheese (16 oz)
  • 1 tablespoon of basil, 1 tablespoon of oregano
  • 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese
  • Parmesan cheese

Preparation:

Cook ziti according to directions. Put in 9″ X 13″ pan. Mix in Ricotta cheese and seasonings. Mix in Mozzarella cheese. Pour sauce over top. Bake in 350° oven for 45 minutes. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, serve. Delicious!

Kristen
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Answers to All Your Q’s: STAY FOR A GIVEAWAY!

I think I was tagged nine-hundred and forty-eleven times this week, I thought I’d do one big I’m “IT” post.  
I will tag five people at the end of this giant post.  Complete one or all.  This is my contribution to keeping it alive.
I’m feeling puny today, so it’s my best.  Which isn’t saying much.
THE LINKS MEME

Just copy paste THIS and everything below up until my Five links:

I thought it would be cool to have a meme where we post links. We can post up to five. Then we tell five more people to share their links. If we all share who tagged us, our links are sure to be seen!

They can be business links, favorite sites, affiliate links, whatever you want…

There are Five Rules:

1. MUST be clean. No R rated sites.
2. Only FIVE links.
3. MUST tell 5 people.
4. A link back to the person who tagged you

Okay.  So here are five random links I’d like to share:

Bringing Home Ava (This is my twin’s blog)

Frozen Smiles

Rainbow and Sherbet Boutique-love this swank

Caroline’s Mom

Pet Lovers


Next up is Mommy Pie’s tag: Five Classes I Wish They Would’ve Taught in School meme, so without further adieu, here are a few I probably should have taken:

1. How to Clean a House 101- I’ve had my house professionally cleaned by a housekeeper.  I missed something here because she pulled so much dirt and yuck out of my house -it was horrifying (especially since I had ‘cleaned’ before she came-you know, to avoid embarrassment.)

2. How to Fix Hair 101:  Yeah, I stink at this.  And, I have two daughters. They will NEVER get a french braid.

3. How to Cook 101:  I mean it.  Sad, ain’t it?

4. How to Remove Vomit 101:  This would have come in handy about 3 times this week.  Yeah, we got it again.  So lucky that way.

5. How to Avoid Weird Neighbors 201:  I just threw this one in-because WE GOT THEM!

This last one includes a giveaway, just for sticking around so long.  Leave a comment with your answer and I’ll draw a winner for a “How To Knit Kit” (Yes, I know it could very possibly change your life, but I can only award it to one person).

Happy Mommy and Truth in Soliloquy tagged me for this one:  Here are 6 things about me.  One is untrue.  I will then choose a winner from the comments, so don’t forget to leave a comment at the end of this terribly long post.  You know you want to learn how to knit.

1. I have an identical twin sister.

2. I have an old chippy paint door in my bedroom.

3. I played college volleyball.

4. I went thru 3 years of infertility.

5. My husband and I were on staff at a church for 10 years.

6. I have
vertigo.

Comments end Saturday night.  I’ll announce the winner on Sunday.

I’m tagging:

Beautiful Craziness, Valerie Lea, Toni @ It’s Nap Time, Child of the King and Michelle Hix

Kristen
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