2009 January — We are THAT Family

DIYP #32 Valentine’s Ideas

7:00 am Bykristen

Okay, prepare for the longest Valentine’s Do It Yourself Project post ever! Since it’s just two short weeks away, I thought I’d cram a lot into one post.

I don’t go overboard with Valentine’s decor, but I do enjoy adding a few touches to my predominately red house.

I love sticking seasonal items under jars:

My versatile wire tree:

The best part of Valentine’s is the candy! I love decorating with it too.

I’ve found the best way to keep the kids out of the candy is to make sure it tastes like candles:

I saw a really cute idea at Christmas that I didn’t have a chance to try. It was a wreath made from silver cookie cutters (the old fashioned kind). I found a large bag of plastic Valentine’s Day cookie cutters and thought I’d give it a try.

Since I was winging it here, I created a shape with the cookie cutters.

I tied them together with some small white ribbon I had:

A heart-shaped wreath may have been ambitious. I found that less is more, so that it will keep it’s shape.

I added some wide ribbon and a bow and I’m pleased with my $5 Valentine’s Day wreath:

I found these adorable Valentine’s gift bags at Hobby Lobby (set of 10 for 1.99) and then they were an extra 30% off.

I love old fashioned valentine’s. I really only needed a couple of bags for some teacher gifts. I couldn’t not use the others.

5 ideas for re-purposing Valentine sacks:

Frame It

This took 5 seconds with an old frame.

Dress up Dishes

I cut circles and pasted them into the center of the plates for a splash of red.

Make your own Valentine’s Cards

I love homemade valentine’s. I made this one for you. It says, “Do we click? Your my type.”

Decoupage It

My daughter (who might be more crafty than me and I mean that in a positive way) wanted to decorate this green wreath I got at the Dollar Store for her teacher’s door.

We just tore the paper into pieces and painted on Modge Podge with a paint brush. We’re going to add a big red bow as soon as it dries!

Gift Bag

I used a leftover cookie cutter and tied it onto the bag. Cute, huh?

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It’s In the Bag!

8:17 am Bykristen

Y’all.

There is some serious Kate Spade handbag love out there.

I didn’t know so many people needed a new purse.

Brings a tear to my eye.

I hate to see this giveaway come to an end.

I was getting used to all the begging. I will miss the groveling, the bargaining, the offers for a kidney. (I will be writing that name down. Just in case).

Before I make one lady very happy, I wanted to remind y’all about the S.W.A.K. carnival. It’s what helped me make the decision to give this bag away. I wanted to bring exposure to a carnival about honoring our hubbies.

Please save the date and link up your post on Feb. 11. As a bonus, I have 16 door prizes (valued over $500) to give away for participants. If you want to donate something, please email me.

And since the last 4 sentences have sounded like yada yada yada yada, I’ll just announce the winner:

Randomly chosen by Mr. Random Generator:

Marky!

Congratulations!

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I Believe

7:00 am Bykristen

I had something silly planned for today.

And maybe I’ll post it later.

Instead, I just wanted to talk. Is that okay?

For the last couple of days, I’ve followed links on Twitter.

And they led me to blogs dedicated to children. Very sick children.

I don’t know what it is about these kind of posts that make my world standstill. It’s as if nothing else matters in that moment. I am compelled to know. Sometimes I am afraid to read. Sometimes I can’t see because of the tears.

At the same time, I want to run away immediately. I want to distract myself from learning of an ill child. I don’t want to think of them missing their childhood and I don’t want to put myself in their place. I don’t want to imagine my child in their child’s place.

But I have to read and find out the how, the when and the where.

It’s the why I struggle with the most. Why do innocent babies and rosy cheeked toddlers and active children get cancer? Why do children suffer and babies struggle before they take their first breath? Why are some born with the heavy burden of a disease that cannot be cured? Why are my children healthy and theirs aren’t?

I don’t know.

I don’t understand.

But.

I believe God.

I believe He can heal.

Please read this post if you doubt it.

And although His healing may not always leave these sweet children in the arms of their parents, He does heal.

Last night, I couldn’t stop thinking about Cora, a tiny baby with Stage IV cancer or of Tuesday, a darling twin daughter who is fighting for her life. I whispered a prayer for Abby, a precious girl and of Parker, who is a strong fighter. I thought of Kayleigh who is nearly 7 months old and hasn’t left the hospital and of Harper who is winning the battle to go home.

So many.

But.

I believe God.

This post isn’t for Christians. It’s not just for people who go to church, who are religious or spiritual.

It’s for you. You are supposed to read this.

If it was your child and you were desperate, wouldn’t you try praying?

I wrote down their names in a notebook. Will you join me in praying for them? Will you read their stories, touch the face of their children and ask God?

I can’t help but think of the Mother’s of these babies. I’m asking for them.

Do you believe?

It’s a beautiful thing to care about others.

*UPDATE* Thank you for praying with me today and every day that you think about one of these children. Please read this comment from Parker’s mom. I think it balances out the sadness that we feel:

“I can’t speak for every family who has a child who is ill, or has special needs, or both. I can only speak for me and my family.

Parker is a total joy. He is faith in action. Each day this kid wakes up, smiles and faces the day with a determination that is humbling.

Parker is a master teacher. He is here not because he needed us, but because we needed him. Because of Parker our family has learned eternal truths that I don’t think we ever could have learned in any other way.

I would hope that when reading Parker’s story, people wouldn’t feel sad. I would hope instead that they would feel uplifted, inspired and armed with the knowledge that all life is worth living.

Through the love, support and prayers of others we are uplifted more than you can imagine.

Parker is a living testimony to the power of prayer. I am so blessed to be his mother.

I wouldn’t trade this kid for anything.

My insurance company on the other hand is a totally different matter.”

(I know there are many other sick children who need our prayers, please leave their names/links in the comments and add them to Mr. Linky below. This is the one time I use Mr. Linky that I’d like to see empty.)

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Dog*Gone It {Sincerely ‘Fro Me to You}

9:00 pm Bykristen

{Carnival Guidelines}

Once upon a time we were dog people.

That was before Alice and Ike (the cats who let us live here).

After being married a few months, some friends (I use that term loosely) gifted (again, various meanings) a one year old male dog. He was a full-blooded Golden Retriever. He was huge, strong, and wild. He was a beautiful monster.

A year passed and since we couldn’t scratch the baby itch due to infertility, we got a female Golden Retriever puppy.

And so we had two large untrained dogs living in our home.

1997

Good times.

But we loved them.

For years.

But do you know what happens to a male and female dog who are supposed to be just friends?

They live in sin.

Only they keep it an absolute secret from their naive and ignorant owners. (No wonder it took us 6 years to have our first child!)

Because um, yeah, about 48 hours before my dog’s water broke on my carpet, I thought her tummy looked funny.

Just call me intuitive.

We are the kind of people the Humane Society warns about.

Irresponsible pet owners.

I did have the sense to take my dog to the vet, where her pregnancy (duh!) and immediate delivery were diagnosed. Only we were especially lucky because she had medical complications.

Yes, our dog had an emergency C-section.

And we became the proud parents of some pretty cute, albeit messy and stinky puppies (7!)

(While our dog recovered in labor and delivery, my hubby whipped up this nifty dog playpen because our Albuquerque winter was harsh).

2000

It turned out okay in the end, the puppy sales covered all the unexpected costs and left us with enough money to buy a microwave.

We also put an end to irresponsible breeding (the dogs, not us).

(P.S. The ‘Fro will be put on hold Feb. 12 for the S.W.A.K. carnival. But that’s okay, right? Because I know all of my faithful ‘fro friends are participating!!)

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This Is As Close to Hugging a Tree As I Will Get

7:00 am Bykristen

At the risk of sounding flaky, I’m going to tell y’all something:

I’m pretty sure I’ve made a tree happy somewhere.

My toddler has skin issues. She has eczema and this time of year is so hard on her. The prescription she uses doesn’t help much during a bad flare up. Last week was really tough and her Mother’s Day Out teacher actually called me, voicing her concern.

Feeling sorry for my girl (and fearing my Tuesdays might be in jeopardy), I knew I had to do something.

And so I Googled.

I read and read and kept seeing the words, “tea tree oil.” I called GNC and bought my first bottle of essential oil.

Y’all. It’s like a miracle potion. Her skin has improved by 90%.

As many of you know, we also had another little problem at the same time. More than 100 of you confessed to your own experiences or lent some handy advice or unsubscribed to me. Whatever. But all of you convinced me that I wasn’t dirty. (thankyou)

I was amazed to read so many suggest a few drops of “tea tree oil” in the shampoo bottle.

Again, it did the trick.

My kids smell like a giant melaleuca tree, but their skin and hair is healthy. And I feel sorta bad for all my essential-oil mockery over the years, especially since at one point I kissed the bottle and praised God for it.

So, my tip? This stuff works. Here’s where you can buy it and here’ s what it helps cure.

Now, tell me, what other oils are out there and what do you use them for?

Not that I want to know or anything, I’m just asking for a friend.

Ahem.

Check out Works for Me Wednesday for more great tips.

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Stepping Out of My Comfort Zone

7:00 am Bykristen

I like my comfort zone.

It’s nice and well, comfortable. And I try to keep it nearby.

But I will be leaving it for a few short days (the first weekend of February) and that makes me very uncomfortable.

Um, yes, that would be a real live blogging conference. With people. In real life.

All by myself. Without knowing another person face-to-face.

Comfort zone? Completely obliterated.

I have a couple of really good friends (yes, I’m talking about you, Cheryl & Jen) and we take a girl’s weekend trip every year. I emailed them and suggested they attend the conference with me. They don’t have a blog, but both of my creative friends need one and I thought this would be the perfect start!

{See how nice and thoughtful I am to think of them?}

Except I wasn’t banking on the fact that these girls know me very well.

They saw my desperate plan and said, “We love you and we think that you should go alone. This will be good for you. You need to get out of your comfort zone. This will help you grow.”

So, now I have two openings for real life friends.

Oh, I kid.

As much as I hate to admit it, those girls are right! Just getting on that plane and actually showing up will be huge for me. Not to mention taking this introverted body and meeting other people I read in the real world.

I feel faint.

So, I need your advice. What’s the best two cents you can give me? I’m seriously nervous about the whole thing. And I’m resisting the urge for a full body makeover. {Can you get those on clearance?}

How often do you leave your comfort zone and do you take your favorite blankie?

Secondly, what does one wear to a blogging cocktail party? Is it the same thing I would wear to a sweet tea party?

And finally, would y’all pray that when I enter the plane, there are no birds in sight?

Because if I so much as see a feather, I might just get back in my car and spend the weekend in the fetal position.

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And This is Where I Give Away Something Really BIG!

12:01 am Bykristen

*Update* I’ve closed this contest down and am busy cleaning up the comments and will announce the winner today!

I’m going to forego all the funny business and skip to the biggest giveaway I’ve ever done on this blog o mine.

Through an unplanned turn of events, my hubby’s company awarded him some shopping points and we got this in the mail:

A beautiful pink Kate Spade Hobo Handbag, valued at $245.

And it’s just not his color.

Since I’m still toting the beautiful purse my hubby gave me last Valentine’s Day, I thought I’d give this one away!

{And let me add, this is a gorgeous purse. It’s big (13″ tall, 13″ wide) and roomy, with pockets and zippers. It’s a great shade of pink for the Spring with an adorable black and white polka dotted interior. I better stop or I will want to keep it).

So, if you’d like to win this designer purse that comes with a protective bag and lots of class, do the following:

How to Enter

Please leave a comment for EACH of the following for multiple entries (i.e. 2 entries, 2 comments). This will keep it fair! BUT YOU SHOULD NOT HAVE MORE THAN 5 ENTRIES TOTAL

The Couch Isn’t the Only Thing Floating

6:00 pm Bykristen

We’ve lived in our little corner of Suburbia for 5 years.

During that time, we have renovated most of our house. We’ve replaced the flooring, painted every room, reconfigured the floor plan and survived a kitchen makeover.

And we are still married and not completely broke.

But I’ve never moved my couch. It’s been against the one solid wall in our living room since we moved in.

Before

The other day on Twitter, I read The Nester’s tweet that she rearranged her furniture and moved her couch. I responded with couch-moving envy.

Before

I’m pretty sure she nearly fell out of her nest when she learned that I hadn’t moved my sofa in 5 years! (And I won’t go into detail about the items found under the couch. Let’s just put it this way: I should be ashamed and pictures will not follow).

So, with her encouragement and while my kids dug a hole to China in the backyard, I did it.

I moved my sofa to the center of the room (termed: floating), facing

the fireplace:

After

I grouped the chairs together and put the lamp table between them, next to the fireplace:

After

I used our table with toy bins as a sofa-table and put it behind the couch.

I love the way this little corner feels now:

Here’s a view from the second-story landing:

How about you? Are you a mad-furniture-mover? Or are you boring like me?

We do most of our living in our family room (former formal living room):

Don’t ask me how long that couch has been on the wall….

Hope you enjoyed my little living room tour! Check out Kelly’s Korner for more.

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THAT Family Tree Society-Issue 27

7:00 am Bykristen

{If you would like your blog featured, please email me the answers to the following questions}

Picture of the Week:

The Week in Review: My older kids decided to dig a hole to China. It worked out well since I was rearranging my living room furniture (pictures/post to come later today). The toddler got in on the excavation with baby wipes. Seems the dirt needed to be cleaned first.

Introduction into The Society: Dawn’s Diversions! Please go visit her (we all like a Sunday social call!) Plus, her answers are pretty funny……

1. Tell us a little about your blog (name/reason why you blog):

The name of my blog is Dawn’s Diversions. The reason I started bloggingwas because some of my friends were doing it. But, I soon realized that itso fit my personality. It is so SOCIAL! It is addicting. I tend to have an addictive personality and I’m very social. I now covet comments.

But, I have to say, I love talking about my girls. They are my favorite topic.

2. How long have you blogging?

I’ve been blogging since March of this year. But, it seems like much longer. I did my first give-away with my 100th post. That was so much fun!

3. How would you define THAT family?

THAT family is one that can laugh together at anything life throws at them.

4. When did you discover you were a part of THAT family?

Maybe when my first daughter was 20 months and trying to put in a tampon? Or, when at 3 she painted our dog orange? Or how about when I caught her squatting over the toilet and asked her what she was doing. She informed me that she was perching like a bird! Duh! Oh, yeah, what about when she decided to paint her fingernails red along with the carpet? Or when she told her k4 teacher at a Christian school that her grandpa doesn’t like mean SOB’s!?! AYE!!! Oh, yes, we ARE THAT family!

5. Where can we find your blog?

You can find me at http://dawnsdiversions.blogspot.com

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DIYP #31 Old Tin

7:00 am Bykristen

Have y’all heard of junk shopping?

Some call it junk-tiquing, others trash to treasure.

It probably should be called “I can’t afford real antiques.”

Call it what you may, but I enjoy it.

I like mixing old things in with new and my bedroom is full of both. Today, I want to talk about old tin. There are so many great ways to use these old ceiling tiles. Here are some great projects using old tin.

I found mine at a flea market for $2-$5 a piece. But don’t let that stop you. You can actually find some great affordable pieces on Ebay (buy old tin) Mine has the original white paint that is now chipping off:

I’ve seen picture frames made from tin and I thought this would make a cool double frame.

Please note: This rusty old tin is sharp!

Please also note: My hubby was very involved with this project.

Please note the above note: I didn’t want to get a boo-boo.

First, cut an X in the center of the tin. We used tin snips, but if you have a jigsaw or dremel saw, they work best. (And let’s just pretend I know what a dremel saw is, shall we?)

Next, carefully pull back the four triangles that make up your X. We used pliers.

My two favorite guys working on a home decor project: Beautiful!

This is what the tin should look like with all four pieces pulled back with pliers. (The picture opening on mine is about 5×5). I just taped pictures to the back of the ‘frame.’

And since I’m putting this unique frame in my bedroom, I thought it should hold a picture of me and my hubby.

When we were 10 years old. (Yes, that is my ‘fro picture).

Aren’t we darling? My kids laugh every time they see it. What is so funny?

I actually have some new stuff in my room too; it’s not all junk. Here’s a short tour.

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Turns Out We are Dirty People

7:00 am Bykristen

O. My. Word.

Do I have a Not Me story for y’all!

I started out the week telling you how my teeth have a low self esteem. And then I spent two hours in The Chair yesterday. I survived.

Well. I want my kids to have healthy teeth too and positive feelings about their dental hygiene experience, so I took them to their bi-annual visit this week also.

I find this nearly as bad as taking myself to the dentist.

Because you know who they blame when your children have cavities.

Oh goody, more Mom guilt. Thankyouverymuch.

In my wildest imagination, I prepared myself for 10 cavities each.

I said wildest.

I wanted to go there mentally, just in case. I like dealing with worst-case-scenarios head on.

So.

It was much worse than I feared.

I mean, so bad, I might need counseling or a beer. (Which is saying a lot, the beer part, anyway. Former Pastor’s wife, remember? And I get tipsy with Nyquil).

Oh, no, my kids didn’t have 10 cavities, they had……………….

wait for it…………………..

None. Not one. Totally clear, beautifully clean teeth.

But apparently that’s nothing because by the look on the hygienist’s face, I knew there was something else.

She quietly leaned in and said for adult ears only,

“Your daughter has lice.”

Let’s just let that nugget sink in.

Um, no thank you, my kids don’t get lice.

L.I.C.E.

As in little bugs in the head region.

Discovered by a dental hygienist.

Turns out my deep conviction that only dirty people get lice is not true.

Or is it?

Thank God for over-the-counter hair pesticide.

On the bright side, I’ve learned there’s much more to fear than a simple visit to the dentist.

And now it’s your turn to fill up my comment section about all the times your children have had lice. This will make me feel normal, less dirty and possibly make me stop scratching imaginary bugs. So, go ahead, tell me how you boiled your sheets, stood your family in a line like gorilla’s to check each other’s heads, used the tiny, fine-toothed comb….hello? Anyone there?

H-e–ll-ooooooo……..

P.S. We caught it very early and only had to fumigate my daughter. Turns out it was going around in her class. Who knew? But still, y’all: lice. Oooh.

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Playing House {Sincerely ‘Fro Me to You}

7:00 am Bykristen

I’m joining Hooked on Houses because I’m hooked on fresh starts. And here’s to a beautiful life full of color at The Inspired Room.

2002

I grew up playing with dolls.

I enjoyed pretending I was a Mommy.

I tucked in my precious babies every night, whispering sweet words.

I loved playing house.

And then I got a house.

With my own real babies.

Two in two years.

And then I wasn’t playing any more.

When I look at this picture, I see past the precocious toddler stuffing her long-legged baby brother into her doll bed. Playing, pretending.

I see the gray.

It was the color of my soul.

Our circumstances helped shade my world. We were working at a church that didn’t honor us, both of us working several jobs because the first wasn’t honorable.

My marriage held lies and secrets.

Loneliness was my shadow.

Depression my friend.

Money my need.

And then, God.

He became the light, the ray of Son to break up the darkness.

He delivered us from the dishonor.

He healed my broken marriage.

He met every financial need.

He colored my world.

And now red is so red.

Green is very green.

Have you seen yellow?

I’m still playing house.

Only this time, in color.

Food for the Soul:

John 8:12 “When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

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This is My Kind of Giveaway

7:00 am Bykristen

*UPDATE* Wow, you guys really turn out for paper products. I’ll have to remember that. I’d like to congratulate Homemaker Chronicles and Running Amuck!

Y’all send me your email and I’ll get it to Broadway Paper!

Don’t forget to check back in on Monday for my biggest giveaway ever!

Stick around, I’m giving away two gift certificates!

I’m a list-maker.

I’m a Type A list -maker. {I write down what I’ve already completed, just so I can mark it off}.

I know. Gross, huh?

{Pretty sure I need to be medicated for it}.

And that’s why I fell in love with Broadway Paper: The paper store with so much more.

Because they sell this Sanity-Induced Shopping List:

And this Mood Tracker Mouse Pad {cracks me up}:

And I adore this List Me, Doodle Me Notepad, for when words fail….

These are just three of hundreds of items in this delightful paper store. There are also planners and calendars, invitations and announcements, delightful personalized items, pretty packaging and fun office supplies, plus many more categories!

Broadway Paper is giving away TWO $25 gift certificates to anything in the store. Two random winners will be chosen on Thursday. Leave a comment and tell me what you like!

For more great tips, visit Works for Me Wednesday.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go mark down my mood.

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The Dental Chair

7:00 am Bykristen

I’m having some dental work done this week.

A word of silence, please.

Thank you.

I’m dreading the dental chair. I wrote the following as a guest post last year, but I thought you might like to read it, considering my current frame of mind.

Also, I can’t type well when I grind my teeth:

I found a new dentist for my kids. He’s nice and his office staff is friendly and helpful. It’s a family dentistry practice. So, he treats kids and adults.

There’s a children’s waiting room with video games and toys. I have to force my children to play.

My husband liked the office so much, he became a patient.

That’s nice. I wish I could.

Oh, I like everything about the dentist’s office. But I can’t join the rest of the family.

Why? My teeth have a low self-esteem.

It’s true. You might see me smile and think my teeth look nice. And, on the surface, you are right. But I have deep-seeded teeth issues.

As a child I was always the one with a cavity. My siblings would get their photos posted on the bulletin board because their teeth were perfect. Stupid bulletin board.

I didn’t lose my baby teeth either. So, in order for the tooth fairy to visit me, I had to have my teeth pulled at the dentist’s office. I remember once I had 8 teeth pulled in one day. There must have been a ‘pull one, get one free’ deal.

I brushed, flossed. It didn’t matter. I got braces and went through dental torture in my teen years. I wore a metal head gear to Jr. high.

I wish I was kidding.

So all of these factors probably contribute to my teeth feeling so inadequate.

I’d really like to change dentists.

But I won’t. I feel comfortable at my current dentist and that is saying a lot, considering my history. His office is dingy. He is old and doesn’t have any of the new equipment. His office staff is rude. It’s inconvenient and it’s hard to get an appointment.

And, there’s a bonus. He smokes. Yes, my dentist is a smoker.

So, when he takes a peek at my pearly whites, and moves in for a close up, I get quite a whiff. This makes me happy. I mean, my olfactory senses are offended, but my teeth?

They feel right at home.

I scoured the city for a crummy dentist. I feel comfortable opening my mouth and revealing my giant fillings and my splotchy teeth. I know he won’t expect much when he takes a look because between you and me, his teeth are nasty. We belong together.

The other day my hubby was raving about the ‘family dentist.’ Hello? Can he really be called the ‘family dentist’ when not all the family attends? He was encouraging me to switch. But I’ve seen his dentist. I’ve watched him work on my children’s teeth. He’s young. He’s handsome. And his teeth are beautiful.

I’d feel like such a tooth failure if I sat in his dental chair. One look in my mouth would tell him of my sad dental past.

When my current dentist looks into my mouth, do you know what he says?

“It looks good, I don’t see a thing wrong,” and he means it. He doesn’t want to change a darn thing.

And that makes me feel terrific.

How about you? Do you fear the chair?

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Just Send Me Your Therapy Bills

7:00 pm Bykristen

I think I’ve failed my children. {Not Me!}

You be the judge:

At breakfast this past weekend, something had obviously been bothering my son because in-between bites of scrambled eggs he said, “Mom, why didn’t you tell me I was a mammal? I didn’t find out until I was in Kindergarten.”

And considering he is now halfway through the first grade, I’d say he’s been holding this in.

For awhile.

If you were on Twitter, you probably followed this conversation. But I failed to mention my third grade daughter’s mammal input. She’s an expert.

“Well. It doesn’t even matter because You are not a mammal. You don’t feed your young milk from your body, do you?” she asked. “Plus, the dolphin is the smartest mammal.”

Well.

Strangely, that got me off the hook.

And no, I didn’t even correct her.

And it’s certainly NOT because I don’t know my mammal facts.

I do. Really. I think.

********************************************

The night before, my kids were playing with action figures and I heard some smashing and crashing.

And then I heard this: “Oh, no, he fell. He is really hurt. He is really suffering!”

“You know what this means, don’t you?”

“Yeah, we’ll have to put the guy out of his misery since he’s hurt so bad.”

And then I heard all sorts of frightening sounds.

Um. No, my kids did not just euthanize a parachuting action figure.

I’ll just add that talk to my to do list.

But just in case there are permanent effects to this recent behavior, I’ll have them send their therapy bills to me.

********************************************

And if all that isn’t enough:

The hubby and I took the kids to see Paul Blart: Mall Cop at the theatre. It was funny and fairly family-friendly. Well, as much as gun-toting mall thugs can be.

The highlight? My son proclaiming it “THE BEST MOVE EVER” and deciding to pursue mall-copping in college.

Pride. It’s all I feel, people.

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THAT Family Tree Society-Issue 26

12:01 am Bykristen

Picture of the Week:

The Week in Review: I finally found some good help. I figured since my 2 year old is always climbing and playing in the water while I’m trying to create a dinner miracle, I’d let her do both!

Introduction in The Society: I’m happy to welcome Angela into The Society!

1) What is the name of your blog?

I have two blogs: All That Naz, which contains stories about the lives of my family. Some stories are kooky, others endearing, and a few may even be deemed ordinary, but they all are all worthy of notation…because sometimes the extraordinary memories are buried within the ordinary moments. My other blog, Becoming Me, could also be titled, “How God Cleans What Angela Messes Up.” It’s a transparent look at lessons I have learned or am currently learning as I journey toward becoming the woman God wants me to be.

2) How long have you been blogging?

I’ve been blogging since September, 2007

3) How would you define THAT family?

Hmmm, I would define “That Family” as the family that thrives on love, humor, and the strength of each of its members despite it’s imperfections, mishaps, and array ofembarrassing moments that regularly invade everyday life, as well as cermonious ocassions. One thing that I beleive is not a part of being a “That Family” is shame. There may be red-faced moments, but through thick and thin pride swells in your chest when you think of your family unit…except for maybe that crazy uncle.

4) When did you discover you were a part of THAT family?

The first time I read your blog I thought, “Hey, I get this woman. I am this woman. My family is a lot like this family…just one less kid.” Let’s see… I’ve run into a lady while trying to manuever a racecar shopping cart, totted a screaming toddler out of myriad public places, clogged a toilet or two in a public restroom, and, I even had a very private melt down in a very public place called PetSmart! And if those items aren’t qualifiers, than the “Good Will” incident surely puts us in the ranks of “That Family.”

5) Where can we find your blogs?

You can find All That Naz at www.allthatnaz.blogspot.com and Becoming Me at www.becomingmethruhim.blogspot.com.

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DIYP #29 It’s TIME to Get Crafty

7:00 am Bykristen

I have a fun, easy project for you this weekend!

My hubby and I had a great time experimenting with a DIY clock.

There are so many great ideas out there. I love this Chalkboard clock:

Chalkboard Clock Instructions

As soon as I can find a globe at a thrift store, I want to make this for my son’s map-inspired room. It’s cut in half at the hemisphere lines!

Of course, I could buy this one at Etsy.

My Mom has this unique clock from Uncommon Goods. It’s a reindeer made from kitchen items like a loaf pan and measuring spoons. I love it, but I’d love it even more if I could make it!

Of course, I started with something easier.

That involves power tools.

Can I get a grunt, please?

Items needed:

Dinner plate (from my white dishes)

China Drill bit (these are also called Mason bits)

Clock kit (I got mine at the WalMarts in the craft section for under $5)

Numbers are optional. I am using metal scrap booking numbers I had in my craft cabinet.

My Plate and Supplies:

First, drill a hole in the center of the plate. Start slow and steady. I used a drill bit that would make a big enough hole for the clock kit to fit through. (There are different size clock kits, but I just grabbed the first one, so I had to get a drill bit the same size).

Once you have a hole, follow the instructions on the clock kit.

It was actually very easy and after I put a battery in, I squealed with the tick-tocking. I’m easy to please.

Isn’t this the perfect kitchen clock?

Instead of attaching the metal numbers like I planned, it dawned on me that my clock plate could also double as a dry erase area. The markers wipe on and off easily!

And this just goes better with my life:

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How Blogging has Given Me More Confidence

7:00 am Bykristen

I’ve never thought of myself as having a lack of confidence.

Or low self esteem.

Until I started blogging.

And went through the awkward first months of sharing my thoughts and ideas and hoping I’d have a comment or some validation from perfect strangers {smile}.

It didn’t take me long to discover that I like this world where no one really sees me or dislikes what I’m wearing or judges me based on my appearance. There are no preconceived ideas because of the neighborhood I live in or the label on my clothes.

I am comfortable in this parallel world because it is not based on appearance, house-size, position on the PTA or athletic ability.

And my comfort here has increased my confidence there.

Blogging has made me more confident in the real world.

It’s not about the way I look

Did you know that over 50% of women do not like the way they look? Demands of society have placed too much emphasis on our outward appearance. I’ve gotten to know women in this cyber world where vanity isn’t the ruler we measure by. I read words written by beautiful women whom I’ve never seen. When I bare my soul and read your touching comments, I feel beautiful (even if I’m lounging in sweatpants) and it has nothing to do with the way I look.

I have a voice

Blogging has given me a platform, a voice, a place to share my thoughts and feelings. I weigh in on issues I normally would leave alone. I research, read and educate myself more. Sometimes in my real life, my screaming voice is like a whisper. It’s lost in the roar of the noise around me. But I know I have a place to share my struggles, my questions and my resolve. And I feel heard.

I am bold

In the real world, I am quiet. I am not shy, but I am not vocal either. But I can say whatever I want on my blog. Because it’s mine. If it’s too personal, too private, too much of me, than the reader can choose to stay or go. I can be outlandish and quirky. I can find the extrovert inside of this introvert. This has effected my real life assertiveness. I find myself becoming more and more the bold woman you think I am.

I have a secret

Sometimes, especially in awkward situations when I’m uncomfortable, I find comfort in knowing that I have a secret corner of the internet. It’s like a home-away-from-home. I think it would surprise some of the people who think they know me. But I don’t tell everyone because I like saving it for people who really get to know me.

I am supposed to be doing this

Becoming a mother 9 years ago was the most amazing moment of my life. It left me fulfilled and isolated. I quit my job, transferred my energy to my home and tried to make the new little person happy. I got lost in motherhood and it took me awhile to sort out my identity. I longed for friendships and a community. Motherhood matured me, but nothing has completed me like writing. I was created to write. I am confident that I am supposed to be doing this.

I know who I am

Before I started blogging, I thought I knew me. And as a Christian woman, I know who I am in Christ. But I have learned that this journey has led to a greater discovery of me. Writing my thoughts about my children, my fears , my joy has solidified who I am. I’ve formulated opinions, dealt with deep struggles and stood my ground on issues of the heart. I know who I am. And I’m learning to really like her.

I know who I want to be

More than ever before, I am confident in who I want to become. I have met amazing women and been inspired in the blogworld. I have learned so much and I have goals for myself and dreams that wouldn’t have been birthed without being in this community.

I am being stretched and challenged. I feel creative and alive at my keypad. I am a better me.

Because of you.

Blogging has given me more confidence {even if no one leaves a comment on this post!}

How about you? Has blogging changed you? Enhanced you?

Food for the Soul:

Jeremiah 29:11 “I know the plans that I have for you, declares the LORD. They are plans e="font-size:small;"> for peace and not disaster, plans to give you a future filled with hope. …

Blogging is helping me see the real beauty. Visit The Inspired Room to read about more beautiful lives and Hooked on Houses to see what’s important to people.

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The Coffee Club {Sincerely ‘Fro Me to You}

7:00 am Bykristen

{Carnival guidelines}

My kids love going to the farm.

They jump the hay bales with cousins. They hide in the barn. They make houses built of Alfalfa.

They name the cows. They search for hungry ticks under their waistbands.

Oh, could I tell you some tick stories!

{But they certainly would NOT include a fat tick stuck to the nether regions of my then 3 year old son or of my joke-cracking hubby who threw himself on the bed and said, “Check me, I’m next!”}

But the highlight of their day occurs before the sun awakes most mornings. It’s coffee on the front porch with grandpa.

On our last visit, we snapped a picture of The Coffee Club.

I know years from now my kids will look back on these porch moments.

They will remember their grandparents……………..

………………where their caffeine addiction began and……………

Their first tick.

{Okay, y’all. I want to punch Mr. Linky in the nose. He’s not working and the site is down, so leave your links and I’ll take my violent tendencies and keep trying.}

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I May Need an Intervention

2:00 pm Bykristen

My daughter is a Girl Scout. She’s in the program to earn badges, build character, and change the world.

I’m all about the cookies {that are only sold this time of year}.

I start to panic when I think about RUNNING OUT.

I’ve ordered 15 boxes of these. Do you think that’s enough?

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Oh, Baby!

7:00 am Bykristen

*UPDATE* Congrats to The Musings of a Homeschooling Mom. You won! Look for an email from me. And the rest of you stay tuned, I’ve got some more awesome giveaways up my sleeve!

I love babies.

I love their sweet downy hair and smell of their milky breath.

I love their silky smooth skin and their tiny rosebud mouths.

I also love puppies.

But I’m not getting either.

Whew.

But there are a few baby girls on their way to my extended family and I can’t wait to sniff their necks.

And then hand them back to their Mommas.

I thought of these precious new babies when fellow blogger and Etsy shop-owner, Little Bella Bean contacted me about a giveaway.

Look what she sent: The softest, sweetest blankets ever!

Love Me Softly Minky Blankie in Chocolate Lolipop

Why it almost makes me want a ……. But I will resist.

And we are all about sock monkeys at our house!

Love Me Snugglie Lil Lovey in Red Sock Monkey

This very talented Mom has so many fun, unique items in her store. Like this Little Bitty Apron made from Vintage Hankies (maybe I could send her some of our family heirloom hankies!)

Go visit and come back and leave a comment if you’d like to spend $25 in her store! I will pick a winner Thursday.

Great, now, I’ve got babies on the brain.

I’m off to go smell some of that pink baby lotion. It always does the trick.

Shop Etsy!! Bookmark this great store, for all your baby needs! For more great tips, visit Works for Me Wednesday.

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S.W.A.K.

7:00 am Bykristen

My hubby and I have been married 14 years.

We have three children.

We’ve been thru a lot.

I think we have a great marriage. We communicate well. We fight fair.

But I want it to be even better.

And it starts with me.

Busy schedules, demanding children, job pressures and selfishness gives our marriage a beating. And we have to fight to keep it healthy, to keep it passionate.

I entered this New Year wanting to initiate more time for us. I want to capture moments to remind him that before all of this, there was just us. The two of us.

I was flipping through January’s Woman’s Day Magazine and a title caught my attention “Lock Lips with Your Husband.”

Reading the blurb, I learned that there is an actual chemical released when you kiss called The Cuddle Chemical. It produces a euphoric feeling. And an unplanned passionate kiss increases the chemical.

Now, let’s be honest. I kiss my hubby everyday. A peck here. A smooch there. But a knock-his-socks off K-I-S-S? Well, there’s dinner and a toddler pulling on my leg, a ringing phone, and endless homework. And not to mention the utter exhaustion I feel at the end of the day.

Well. You know. It’s hard.

So, besides entering the marriage challenge at The Diaper Diaries, (go check it out, it’s not too late to join and it’s off to a great start)

I’m issuing my own personal Kiss Challenge for myself. For 30 days, starting Feb. 1st, I’m planning to passionately lock lips with my hubby. To block out all distractions for a few minutes and lay one on him.

I think just this one simple act will speak volumes to my man.

{You can secretly join in too if you up to some serious smooches}

The days leading up to Valentine’s Day (Feb. 11-13), I will be having a little S.W.A.K. carnival. I want you to link up a post honoring your hubby anytime during those three days. It can be how you met, your first kiss, what you’re doing to celebrate Valentine’s Day, or about your own personal Kiss Challenge.

For several days, I will be sharing some of my marriage secrets, my fau paxs and what I’ve learned.

Grab the button and share it with your readers.

You might also want to stock up on some chap stick. I’m just sayin’.

P.S. I’m planning on giving away some helpful marriage books and items (you have to link up at carnival to be eligible) and would love to give away some Valentine’s inspired gifts during the carnival. If you have a store and have something that speaks volumes of love, email me and I’ll feature your store during the carnival. *UPDATE* I have 16 door prizes so far (including a gift certificate for $200!) So, keep them coming!

Tell me what you think….can we join together {on Valentine’s Day} to honor our hubbies in some way?

You DO NOT have to join the Kiss Challenge to link up to the Valentine’s Day carnival!

Food for the Soul:

Song of Solomon 1:16 “[ Beloved ] How handsome you are, my lover! Oh, how charming! And our bed is verdant.”

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Another Patent in the Making

7:00 am Bykristen

I know I amazed y’all with my first Patented project.

The Vented Chicken: It was awesome.

Well. Apparently my genius is not limited.

Because our last trip with our toddler, sparked a new idea.

We have a couple of rules in the car. Number One: Keep the toddler buckled. Number Two: Keep her happy.

The first one is non-negotiable. The second is more elusive. We all know the pain of a screaming child, so we try. We offer lollipops, toys, band-aids, DVD’s.

Even though we have been working on weaning the pacifier, at one point, it became our last resort.

But after dropping it into the abyss of our crowded mini-van countless times, I nearly lost my Salvation and broke an all-important bone, called My Spine, leaning over the seats searching for it.

We needed a miracle.

My hubby holds it in his hand (while driving carefully, of course):

We reached a new level of pathetic parenting with this, but it worked.

Rope tied to Pacifier: Patent Pending

In celebration of MckMama’s ‘Not Me’ Monday, I DID NOT do any of the above, it was only created for your reading pleasure.

Ahem.

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THAT Family Tree Society-Issue 25

12:01 am Bykristen

Picture of the Week:

The Week in Review:

I almost bought this swinging Ikea chair for Christmas for my son. I’m glad I waited until after the holidays. Because it was half priced. Finding a fun place for him to read is priceless. Here’s to hoping it doesn’t fall out of the ceiling.

Introduction into the Society: Please help me welcome Just Another Day in Paradise as the newest member of The Society.

1. What is the name of your blog?

Just Another Day in Paradise. . .It’s kind of a play on words. God has totally blessed us beyond comprehension. However, it’s my husband’s and my way of coping with the roller coaster we call life. Read more about it here.

2. How long have you been blogging?

Hi. My name is Rachel, and I am a blogging addict. I have blogged since July about everything from which toilet to use (the far one!) to kid issues to stroke issues. (I am a speech-language pathologist.)

3. How would you define THAT family?

Well, when you have to check out the hospital situation on vacation because you KNOW you’ll need one, that’s a good indication. If you go to the fall festival and are the ONLY family causing a disturbance and the only family where someone gets hurt (at Pin the Nose on the Pumpkin), that is a pretty good indication. If your child screams all the way through Wal-Mart and attempts to throw herself out of the cart–simply because you won’t carry her. . .If you’ve ever had a child break their leg by wrapping themselves in a curtain. . .If you’ve ever had a child that was in the ER 3 times in 2 weeks. . .If you’ve ever had a child that cut his head and went back to sleep (allowing the blood to dry and seal his eye shut. . .) If you’ve ever had to tell your overprotective
mother (at least she used to be) that your child ABSOLUTELY, POSITIVELY WAS NOT ALLOWED TO PLAY WITH MATCHES AT HER HOUSE! I would go on, but DHS is probably on their way now. I have a lot to do before they get here.

4. When did you discover you were a member of THAT family?

[sigh] I guess I have always been in THAT family. My dad used to ask (loudly, VERY LOUDLY) in public questions like, “Do you need to go to the bathroom before we leave?”. . .and I was 17 at the time. His idea of a good time was watching how many cars stopped or swerved to hit the dead snake he had placed in the road. . .My husband, on the other hand, married into THAT family. I feel for him. I really do, but between the yelling and the broken bones and the sicknesses, I really don’t have time to acclimate him to what being in this family fully entails.

5. Where can we find your blog?

http://kylerandkady.blogspot.com

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DIYP #28 Small Changes Equal Big Impact

7:00 am Bykristen

Do you remember the DIYP where I talked about repurposing old furniture?

You were all very impressed with my junky dresser turned entry table/ shoe holder.

Well.

Those shoes are unsightly.

And not quite as hidden as I thought they would be.

I dreamed of special pull out baskets to cradle the stinky shoes of my beloved children.

But have y’all priced the wicker container part of the world lately?

The basket people must be very proud of their handy work.

And so I waited and window shopped.

Until I found these last week for $10 for a set of four!

And it works out perfectly, since there are three drawers and three children. {Honey, we can’t have any more kids because I’d have to get a new dresser!}

Now doesn’t that look better?

Total Cost: $20!

And here’s a quick DIYP.

After Christmas I shopped the clearance at one of my favorite stores.

It’s quaint and I can’t afford a thing in the place (thus the clearance aisle).

But I love the quirky display ideas and the unusual items. I saw these simple picture frames, adorned with big stiff bows. The brooch in the center of the bow made the frame beautiful and unique. And expensive. (Someone was very impressed with themselves).

I hurried home and dug thru my leftover Christmas ribbon.

And my broken costume jewelry. (Helloo, I have a toddler).

I heated up my glue gun and made this:

Now the ribbon in the store was much bigger and finer and the brooch was shinier and more bejeweled.

But, this was free!

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This Girl has a Cool Mom

11:00 am Bykristen

I took my daughter for a haircut. Her now 9-year-old tresses needed a trim.

She left like this:

I wish I could share the audio of my hubby when he saw her.

And a picture of the look he gave me. Ouch.

He was so relieved when we let him in on our secret.

I’ll tell you too {it’s just a fancy pink-colored hair clip that looks very real}.

Heart attack avoided.

And cool Mom inserted.

Y’all have a happy weekend, okay?

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s razhdеstvom (or Merry Christmas!)

7:00 am Bykristen

Persecuted Church:

Christmas comes but once a year.

Unless your Russian, living in America.

And then it comes again on January 7 (Russian Orthodox Christmas).

Earlier this week, we joined our friends and celebrated Christmas, Russian-style. They put on a play for Russian children in the area (they are helping plant a Russian church in Texas).

It was a really cute program.

And it was entirely in Russian. At one point, my son leaned over and said, “This is so funny, Mom! What are they talking about?”

Why, here’s my confused son now, mixed in with Russian children, playing a game he doesn’t understand.

Igor (our dear friend from The Persecuted Church) made a stellar dancing deer:

My toddler nearly fainted when Snegurochka, the Russian Santa helper-equivalent (meaning Snow Girl) walked thru the door with a bag of presents. My girl loves gifts.

A girl after my own heart.

I loved seeing my sweet friend Katerina, dressed as a Snow Girl.

I’ve learned that our friends use our American word ‘interesting’ often in describing our ways, our food, our American lives.

My hubby must be listening to the Russian language CD’s I got him for his birthday.

Because I overheard him say in Russian that the Christmas play (which turned out to be about animals, including a rapping hedgehog and The Ten Commandments) was very interesting.

But his sounded more like this: интересный

That got him several slaps on the back and hearty Russian laughter!

My friends don’t have many earthly possessions, but they have a beautiful life. Their sweet spirits, gentle natures, and yearning for friendship have all contributed to our own family’s desire for a balanced life.

They don’t care about society’s rules or fads. They simply live for God. And that inspires me.

I’m celebrating a desire for a more balanced life with The Inspired Room.

Food for the Soul:

John 15:13

Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.

{Please note that I will be removing the photos of my friends within 48 hours of this posting for their protection.}

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