Funny Things are Everywhere

Moving AGAIN.

2011-02-15T19:17:00.000-08:00

No...we're not literally moving. I'm moving blogs. I wanted to be able to show bigger pictures and simplify everything else. So....introducing "Imperfect Bliss." Check it out by clicking here. I hope you'll still follow me! :)

8 months old...

2011-02-10T09:08:00.000-08:00

I can't believe our little Lovie is 8 months old! Can't imagine life without her. Look at those squishy arms! Yummy! (Better hers than mine!)

This is an unedited pic of those baby blues. Seriously. Love!

But wait...what's this?? A big black, furry guardian of the babe...

And it's getting closer...

Momma, how close are you gonna let him get??

Oh...I knew it! Dog slob...again!

Puppy love for sure.

But seriously...what's not to love??

Happy 8 months, baby! We love ya!

A Few Pics from Christmas

2011-01-24T09:29:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve...and thank goodness that beard is GONE!

Yes Virginia...your mother DOES need highlights. Who wants to babysit??

Christmas morning. "Woohoo!!!!"

The only gift the child wanted...the beloved DS.

Even Santa is enjoying this pink thing.

Happy baby with milk face.

"I'm higher than a kite. Thanks for the catnip, Santa."

"Wait...you make me wear this stupid red sweater and then party without me? So unfair."

Guess I really didn't take that many pics. Was busy enjoying the day!! Hope you enjoyed yours, too!

Coming soon...

2011-01-12T11:42:00.000-08:00

Christmas pics will be up soon...I hope!!

Get your Merry on!!

2010-12-22T09:35:00.000-08:00

Can you believe Christmas is almost here? Holy catfur!

We've been keeping up with our advent challenge...although some days it's been difficult to find time between soccer, school, grocery shopping, etc. But we've done it! We've made gifts for each other. Here is Sawyer making bling bling wall letters for Jackson and Finley. (Thanks for the idea, Design Mom.)

Glitter! Eeeeeks.

Presto!

We decked the halls. The boys pretty much did the entire tree...

...which explains why there are 4 ornaments on some branches and none on others.

We baked cookies from ~~scratch~~ a roll (hey, it's still baking!)...complete with icing and sprinkles.

(Love ya, Betty Crocker! You sure make life easier.)

And....we rocked out!!!

You what?

We rocked out.

Today, I'm inviting you to join in our advent challenge! Yes, you. (Play along.) Here's today's advent challenge. (We did it this morning...it's serious fun!)

Let's call it "Get Your Merry On." Here are the rules.

1. Scroll over to the right and turn the blog music off.

2. Turn off anything in your house that is making noise...the boob tube, the radio, whatever is in the background.

3. Turn the sound on your computer all the way up. Louder. I'm watching you...I said all the way up!

Please note...step 3 is very important. I had our radio up loud this morning...to the point that Jackson said, "That's too loud!" To which I responded...says who? (Which brought a big grin...as he realized something was up.)

4. Now, click on the video below...step away from your computer...and....

GET YOUR MERRY ON!!!!!

Do you see what I see?????

2010-12-18T12:05:00.000-08:00

No??? Well...take a closer look.

Waaaaaaaaahhhh! She'll be talking back before we know it...

Think about it...

2010-12-06T09:01:00.000-08:00

"We are all part of a broken system that has a pointlessness problem. So whatever you're doing--make it insanely meaningful."

--Umair Haque

Advent Challenge.

2010-11-29T14:13:00.000-08:00

In my current efforts to raise water for Living Water International, I came across a fantastic video. The video has an amazing theme of buying less gifts and giving more presence. Well...the past few days I have not been able to get this video out of my head....and I have been inspired to create my own advent challenge. The challenge being:

Give my children 24 days of Advent presence.

Yes. This year I am challenging, vowing, and committing myself to buying less gifts and giving more presence. After all, what is Christmas really all about? It's not about shopping all the best sales. It's not about decorating the house from top to bottom with the teeny tiny possibility that Martha just may show up and see how perfect your decor is and pat you on the shoulder. It's not about big. Shiny. Expensive. It's about the birth of Christ. Duuuuuh.

But maybe we have forgotten this? Maybe, just maybe we get too caught up in all the commercialism, consumerism and other isms this holiday season brings?

Enter Advent Challenge.

Everyday, from December 1st to December 24th I will spend quality time with my children focusing on Christmas. We will bake (and I will let them get super messy). We will make gifts for others (and I will let them get super messy). We will sit and read 10 books at one time. We will enjoy the season. Together.

And maybe when Christmas morning comes and they see less gifts (eeeeek!!!) they will not care...because they know what Christmas is all about...and they will have already received lots of Christmas presence.

Do you wanna join me? Even if you don't have kids (or kids at home) you can still be part of the challenge. Give the gift of Advent presence to your spouse, yourself...or a different person everyday!

Oh...and check out the awesome video. (Scroll over to the right and turn off the music.)

Disclaimer: I know advent started last Sunday...but my challenge starts December 1st!

Things I'm Thankful For...

2010-11-24T09:04:00.000-08:00

Family. Good health. Friends. Caffeine. Pets (usually). Music. A safe home. Rain. Sunshine. Jesus. Being happy. Food. Water. Education. Our jobs. Dr Pepper. Pilates. People with big hearts. Clean air. Technology. Hugs and kisses. Forgiveness. Pumpkins. Knowing we can change this world. Prayer. Fettucini Alfredo. Flowers. Hikes. Children (mine in particular). A strong marriage (also mine in particular). Red Orange Yellow Green Blue Indigo Violet. Pictures. Memories. Birthdays. Today. You. Laughter. Barefeet in the sand. Nature. Snow. God. Heat and air conditioning. Babies. Books. Old comfy sweaters. Yoga pants. Wine. Lightening bugs. Time. Snuggling. Bandaids on scraped knees. Being called "Mama," "Mommy," "Mom,"...even "Moooooommmmmeeeeeeeeeee!!!!". Crayons. Quiet time. Naps. Shoes. Love. Snickers. Smiles.

What are you thankful for??

CHRISTMAS CAN {still} CHANGE THE WORLD.

2010-11-17T11:03:00.000-08:00

In the past few weeks, there is one question that I've been asked quite often. I'm pretty sure you have been asked it, too. "What do you want for Christmas?" This is a typical question this time of year. In fact, most of us are quite used to this question. We make Christmas lists, shop the best sales, and stuff our homes with gifts for those we love. But you know what? This year is different.

This year I'm over it.

I'm done.

I'm not caving to consumerism.

This year I'm awake. Awakened. I've realized that we are rich. Okay...not "rich" in the American sense of the term. But good grief, we are rich! We are blessed with a wonderful family, friends, a safe home, a good school system, good health, food, clothing, pets, and water. I could go on and on. And truth be told...I bet you could, too.

I bet you also know that many people are not "rich." Many people are far from it. Many people are homeless. Hungry. Thirsty. And this is where the answer to that seasonal question lies for me this year. "What do you want for Christmas?" My answer....

Water.

Water? Yes. Water.

Did you know that 884 million people in the world do not have access to safe water? This is roughly one in eight of the world’s population.

Did you know that the average North American uses 400 liters of water a day? And the average person in the developing world uses only 10 liters of water every day?

Did you know that households in rural Africa spend an average of 26% of their time fetching water, and it is generally women who are burdened with the task?

These facts are difficult for me to grasp. If I want water, I turn on the sink. If I want water, I buy a bottle of it at the store. It I want a hot bath, I fill the tub! I just can't imagine not having clean water...can you?

So this Christmas season, I am teaming up with Living Water International and joining their Advent Conspiracy. They believe "Christmas can {still} change the world." And you know what...so do I.

So, if you are one of those people who have asked me what I want for Christmas...and I said "nothing" or "I don't know" or "I really, really want an iPad"...well...I've changed my mind.

I want water. Won't you help me give it??

Please take 2 minutes and watch this video. (Don't forget to scroll over and pause the blog music.)

212 Days from Living Water International on Vimeo.

And please help me give the gift of water. Even if you can't donate...please say a prayer for those who are thirsty.

Have I convinced you to help? Please visit my fundraising page and donate now.

And if you're not comfortable donating online...no worries. Contact me and I'll tell you how to send a check.

Thanks so much for taking the time to read this post. If you think this is good stuff...please email the info to your friends, post it on Facebook, tweet it....whatever! Just help me spread the word.

You all rock!!!!

Photo courtesy of Living Water International.

Trick or Treat.

2010-11-03T12:58:00.000-07:00

Of course I have to post the annual Halloween pics, right? But instead of just posting this year's pics, I thought I'd spice it up with some memories from Halloween's past.

Here is Jackson back when we lived in Chicago. Halloween 2005...he was one!

Halloween 2006. Jackson was 2...just 2 weeks before Sawyer was born:

Halloween 2007. Jackson is 3 and Sawyer is almost 1.

Halloween 2008. Jackson is 4. Sawyer is almost 2.

Halloween 2009. Jackson is 5. Sawyer is almost 3.

And drum roll please for Halloween 2010!!

Alright. So they are the same outfits as last year, but you know what they say. If the costume fits...

Oh yeah...and we had a little addition to last year's costumes.

Hope you had a good Halloween. We did! Well...in the words of Jackson: "It was the best Halloween ever!"

Go get 'em...

2010-10-29T13:01:00.000-07:00

"To live is the rarest thing in the world.

Most people exist, that is all."

-- Oscar Wilde

Project Simplify.

2010-10-19T12:19:00.000-07:00

My dad told me a few months ago that "you are consumed by what you own." Maybe he crafted these words by himself...or maybe he was quoting someone else...I don't know. What I do know is that I have been thinking about that quote quite often. Think about it...you are consumed by what you own.

These words are also resonating in my mind for other reasons. You see, recently, my brother started a new blog based upon living simply...and as Christ wants us to live. In his blog posts, he talks about clearing the clutter out of our lives and living in a Christian manner. I find it all a little "funny" (but not "funny, haha" as they say) that my brother and I are half a country away, yet yearning to do the same thing. To simplify. To help others. To reach out. To improve ourselves.

Through my brother's blog posts and tweets, I have been introduced to the ways of minimalism. I have done some reading on the idea and it is totally intriguing. I mean, wouldn't it be nice to not have so much stuff? To just have what you need? To find happiness in what is truly meaningful? And to not get caught up in wanting all the latest and greatest? (Although I still really, really, really want an iPad.)

Well, I think it sounds marvelous. Enter: "Project Simplify."

Project what??

Project simplify. I'm getting ridding of it. The clutter. The junk. El crappo. I'm purging, selling on EBay, donating, and trashing. Maybe you want to do it with me? Really. Try throwing out that unused stuff that has been sitting around your house for the last 6 months. It's freeing. It's gratifying. And it's going!

thx stock xchng

Another shout out...

2010-10-18T09:00:00.000-07:00

...to my kiddos.

Heard a song the other day while listening to my Indigo Girls station on Pandora radio. As soon as I heard it, I ran upstairs to check out the artist. Sometimes I am moved to do this...but usually I am in the middle of cooking dinner, ~~yelling at my~~ hugging my kids, and putting stuff away while my Pandora is playing....so I never get around to it. Anyway, the artist intrigued me enough to check out her website....she is amazing!

Turns out, Sara Groves (the gal singing the tune) is categorized as a Christian singer...of which I have never been into before. Maybe the Christian radio stations I have tuned into are just not that great...or maybe I am just a sucker for Lady GaGa (yes, the freakshow) and other smutty music. But hey, you gotta indulge somehow.

So the shout out already. It's called You Cannot Lose my Love:

"You will lose your baby teeth.
At times, you'll lose your faith in me.
You will lose a lot of things,
But you cannot lose my love.

You may lose your appetite,
Your guiding sense of wrong and right.
You may lose your will to fight,
But you cannot lose my love.

You will lose your confidence.
In times of trial, your common sense.
You may lose your innocence,
But you cannot lose my love.

Many things can be misplaced;
Your very memories be erased.
No matter what the time or space,
You cannot lose my love.
You cannot lose,
You cannot lose,
You cannot lose my love."

I also added it to my song list...so you can listen too. It's a good one, eh? (Come on...I know someone cried...I did!)

And I quote...

2010-10-11T18:26:00.000-07:00

"Everyday, think as you wake up, ‘today I am fortunate to have woken up, I am alive, I have a precious human life, I am not going to waste it. I am going to use all my energies to develop myself, to expand my heart out to others, to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all beings, I am going to have kind thoughts towards others, I am not going to get angry or think badly about others, I am going to benefit others as much as I can.’" -- the Dalai Lama

thx stock xchng

Picture(s) of the Week

2010-10-08T11:36:00.000-07:00

Ok...I know I said I'd post a "picture of the week" of something that has been keeping us busy. So far....haven't done it, eh? So here are several pics of the week to make up for it.

Play on, play-ah!

Awake.

2010-10-04T11:55:00.000-07:00

I never thought I'd say this. I mean, after all, if anyone could compete with Rip Van Winkle for hours of sleep required...that would be me. But I'm going to say it anyway. I'm awake. Ok, Master of the Obvious, stop cackling. I heard you. Of course you're awake...you're blogging, aren't you? But that's not what I mean. I mean....I'm awake. AWAKE. Or perhaps I should say....awakened.

I don't know what it is. I can't explain it. Ever since Finley was born I have felt completely different. Content. Complete. Alive. Not that I didn't feel all these things before....but now it's in such an energetic and spiritual way that it is difficult for me to comprehend. Maybe it's because we are done having babies. I mean, before Finley was born, I just felt like someone was missing. (Enter, Chopper. PS...it wasn't him that was missing. No offense, dog.) Knowing that our family is complete is a wonderful feeling. Let the next chapter begin!

Since I feel as though I am starting a new journey...I have decided to make a commitment to myself. You know, with commitments, it's better to share them. That way you have to live them out and not be all talk. So here is my new life rule and promise to myself.

I promise to nourish & strengthen my mind, body, and spirit.

In other words....I will exercise. I will eat better. I will be kinder. I will introduce others to God. I will volunteer. I will build a stronger relationship with the Lord. I will be a better role model for my children. I will read something other than People Magazine. I will simplify. I will rectify.

As you can see...I have a lot to get done. But don't we all? And I'm not talking about cleaning the house, doing the laundry, or going to the grocery. These things will all get done in time. I mean...I have things to get done!

Better get moving...

Vacation.

2010-09-26T13:06:00.000-07:00

We had a great time in the Smokies. Sooooo relaxing. Of course, once we got home, life quickly shifted back into high gear. We had great weather...couldn't have had a better week. Just gonna post some pics so I can keep forging on!

Already looking forward to going back!

ps....Happy 6th birthday, Jackson!!!

Addiction.

2010-09-01T13:33:00.000-07:00

Hi. I'm Sarah....and I'm a photoshop-a-holic.

I mean really. So much for getting anything accomplished these days. I've discovered how to add texture to my pictures and I am addicted. So....before I start organizing and packing for vacation, I thought I'd share some photoshopping I did using some vintage coloring as well as texture. Or, as I like to say...textchahhhh. (Say it with me now.....textchahhh.)

And one you haven't seen yet...baby textchahhh:

It's not something I'd want to do to all my photos...but it's pretty fun. Now I just have to find more textures to use! BTW....great tutorial here if you have Photoshop Elements and want to become addicted with me.

The Picture Game.

2010-08-24T12:28:00.000-07:00

I've decided that once a week I am going to post a favorite photo. I'm not about to call myself a "photographer"...for that would be quite an honor. Truth be told, I am just a girl with a DSLR camera and photoshop. And to be quite honest, I am far from mastering either one! So....all perfect shots aside....I am just going to share pictures. Weekly. No description. Just something to capture what is going on in our lives.

I hope that you will play along with me! Post a link to one of your favorite photos in the comments section. You don't have to do it weekly...just share a favorite photo.

So here is photo #1...enjoy!

(And thanks to Rita at the CoffeeShop blog for the inspiration!)

Kindergarten.

2010-08-19T12:35:00.000-07:00

I am so not ready for this. My first baby in kindergarten? No. I'm not ready for this at all.

Nobody tells you how you are going to feel as a parent...I guess it's different for everyone...but for me, I can sum parenthood up in one word...emotional.

I mean, really. The pregnancy test comes back positive...tears. You see your baby for the very first time on the ultrasound....tears. They smile, crawl, walk, talk....tears, tears, tears, and tears. I guess it should come as no surprise that on Jackson's first day of kindergarten I cried most of the day. I cried before I dropped him off, after I dropped him off...and even after he got home! Holy freakin' cow.

Even though I wasn't ready to send my boy off to ~~college~~ kindergarten, Jackson was ready. And he loves it. Thank goodness.

So, with every first day of kindergarten comes a "photo shoot." Here is our big boy. His official "first day of kindergarten" photo.

Now this next photo I call "the takeover." Sawyer just could not understand why he wasn't going to kindergarten also. (He is actually quite lost without his big brother at home.) Here is a photo of Sawyer butting in the "first day of kindergarten" photos...notice he never butts out. (And yes, he also is wearing a backpack.)

Now they're showing off their backpacks. Notice the mandatory i.d. tag attached to Jackson's so he doesn't get lost. (Good grief...don't think about it.)

See...they really do love each other. And poor Sawyer (and Mommy) have no idea how their lives are about to change. (My eyes are beginning to swell with tears as I write this....stop it, woman!)

Suddenly, Jackson got the feeling that we were going to be late and decided to run to the car. I'm not sure why he thought we'd be late. We're never late....ahem.

Now for the scary part. The bus. OMG will he get off? Will he be driving around town all day? Will I ever see him again????? At this point I am physically about to puke.

Wait for it...

Ahhh...the feeling of relief in my heart that my boy safely got off the bus. (So glad the 4th grader across the street made sure Jackson got off at the right stop!) Look how cute he is. So nervous. Walking carefully to the sidewalk.

At this point I think he is also relieved. He sees me and starts booking it. Mommy!!!!

Then he realized the "big boys" weren't as excited to see their moms...so he slows down. I'm cool with that. Because I'm a cool mom.

Needless to say, we are just about in "the groove" now. I just never knew how difficult this whole thing was going to be. So...if you're a parent and your kids aren't in kindergarten yet...here's your warning:

It's not easy when your kids go to kindergarten. Buy Kleenex.

Now...peace out, ma peeps.

The Little Prince.

2010-08-17T10:43:00.000-07:00

When I was in high school, I was introduced to a book that changed my life....The Little Prince...by Antoine de Saint-Exupery. I read it in French class, and I think my French teacher...aka "Madame"...cried every day that we read it. Now that I think about it...I think all the girls in the class cried, too.

Now that I am "grown up" with kids of my own...I can often relate to The Little Prince...and I wonder if my kids get frustrated with me.

The book begins like this:

"Once when I was six years old I saw a magnificent picture in a book, called True Stories from Nature, about the primeval forest. It was a picture of a boa constrictor in the act of swallowing an animal. Here is a copy of the drawing.

In the book it said: "Boa constrictors swallow their prey whole, without chewing it. After that they are not able to move, and they sleep through the six months that they need for digestion."

I pondered deeply, then, over the adventures of the jungle. And after some work with a colored pencil I succeeded in making my first drawing. My Drawing Number One. It looked something like this:

I showed my masterpiece to the grown-ups, and asked them whether the drawing frightened them.

But they answered: "Frighten? Why should any one be frightened by a hat?"

My drawing was not a picture of a hat. It was a picture of a boa constrictor digesting an elephant. But since the grown-ups were not able to understand it, I made another drawing: I drew the inside of a boa constrictor, so that the grown-ups could see it clearly. They always need to have things explained. My Drawing Number Two looked like this:

The grown-ups' response, this time, was to advise me to lay aside my drawings of boa constrictors, whether from the inside or the outside, and devote myself instead to geography, history, arithmetic, and grammar. That is why, at the age of six, I gave up what might have been a magnificent career as a painter. I had been disheartened by the failure of my Drawing Number One and my Drawing Number Two. Grown-ups never understand anything by themselves, and it is tiresome for children to be always and forever explaining things to them."

Well today, Jackson and I lived out a "Little Prince" moment. He was doing homework for his kindergarten class. (Yes...I know....first day of school pics will be posted soon!) He was working on the letter "M." The last part of the assignment was to draw things that begin with M. He drew a monkey, some meatballs, milk, a map....and Mars. Yes, the red planet. He grabbed a red crayon and drew a circle. (I was so proud.) Then he drew black squiggles around the edge of the red circle.

"Jackson," I asked, "I see that you made Mars red...but what are all the black things??" (Of course...to me it looked like a flower...but I wasn't about to tell him that.)

Jackson quite seriously replied, "Well, Mommy, those are all the holes on Mars. You know....where all the aliens live!"

Once again I'm saddened by reality....I'm all grown up and I've lost my childhood imagination. Thank goodness I have children to remind me what is really important in life...and to remind me how innocently our journey begins.

References:
Saint-Exupery, Antoine (1943). The Little Prince. New York, NY: Harcourt. Retrieved from http://www.angelfire.com/hi/littleprince/frames.html

Nuggie.

2010-08-02T12:18:00.000-07:00

I can't believe Finley is 2 months old. Yes...our little "Nuggie" is growing up! And for her 2 month birthday she gave me the most wonderful gift...sleeping through the night! She has slept 7.5 hours in a row for the last two nights. Keeping my fingers crossed that she doesn't regress. Even if she does...how could you be upset with this little thing??

Memories of Summer in the Holler

2010-07-30T12:39:00.000-07:00

I can't believe summer is almost over. I can't believe school starts for Jackson in 1.5 weeks. I can't believe my firstborn child is going to be in kindergarten! I can't believe summer is almost over!!!

I remember when I was their age...it seemed as though summer lasted forever. I have great memories of all those summers. You see, I grew up on the outskirts of town...in an 8 room farmhouse, baby. (Ok, it was a 7 room farmhouse...so close to living out the song "Cherry Bomb.") Anyway...those were the good ol' days. No, really. I don't remember doing anything super exciting. We just did normal kid stuff. I think we were outside playing from the time the sun came up in the morning until it melted back down on the other side of the world. We played in the barns, jumped off the chicken coop (which I swear is why I no longer have cartilage in my knees), and we ate vegetables straight from the garden.

I remember one summer, after watching mud wrestling at the Jackson County Fair (man, I love the holler)...my brother and I dragged the hose out to the garden and had our own mud wrestling contest. I remember the blue terry cloth outfit I wore and how it felt wonderful to be covered in the cold, refreshing mud. I also remember the fear I felt when my mom discovered us mud wrestling. I'm still amazed that she was ok with it. I also remember how cold it was being rinsed off outside with the garden hose before we were allowed to go back inside the house.

I remember learning to ride a bike on a little old red and white bicycle that had been passed down in the family. I also remember riding the bike into a gutter and popping the wheel off the front. I remember crying, because of all the kids that rode that bike, I was the one to break it. And I remember my dad telling me not to cry...it's no big deal...the bike wasn't that special after all.

I remember my older brother and I sitting outside in the evenings. I remember feeling the heat and humidity and thinking nothing of it at all. I remember watching the "heat lightening" off in the distance...and I remember my brother telling me it was nuclear warfare going on in Russia. (I, of course, believed him...because he was my older brother...and super smart...and he knew everything.)

I also remember how excited I was to go back to school in the fall. It was just "that feeling" of starting a new school year. The excitement of a new teacher. Of new folders. Of seeing all my friends again. I wonder what my boys are feeling now? Are they going to have that same sense of excitement? That excitement that is also laced with nervousness and apprehension? I hope that they do...because it's a feeling they'll always remember but never really be able to explain.

I hope more than anything that they are making good memories. I hope that their summer was fulfilling...even though we seem to keep things simple....just like when I was growing up. Bible school. Swim lessons. The park. The lake. The backyard. This is where we've spent our summer...and I think it was a good one.

Well That's. Just. Peachy.

2010-07-27T11:33:00.000-07:00

One of my latest obsessions this past year is becoming more aware of what I eat. No, I'm not talking about dieting. I'm talking about food that I consume...what it is....what's in it....and where it comes from. I've only begun to scratch the surface of this new adventure but I plan to share some things with you that I learn along the way. Don't hop on over to another blog just yet...you may actually learn something with me... and become more healthy and aware (and frightened) of these things also.

There are so many things to be aware of that it is really difficult to decide where to start rambling about this stuff. Should we discuss the toxins of plastic? The toxins of artificial sweeteners? The ill affects regular ol' grocery store meat has on your body? No. (But I'll probably discuss that stuff eventually.) So, where do we start? Well, it's summer and fruit and veggies are popping up everywhere! So whaddya' say we start there? With peaches. (Now repeat after me...Great! Sounds fun! Can't wait to learn more!....humor me already.)

I think peaches are actually the perfect place to start! Why, you ask? (No, really...I just heard one of you ask me why.) Well, because they are in the peak of their season right now and they ranked number 2 on the dirty dozen list. (Last year they were ranked number one.)

Ok, I've lost some of you. What's the dirty dozen? It's a list of the top 12 pesticide ridden foods (based on information from the USDA and FDA). In other words....it's a list of food to avoid eating unless you can buy organic. Did you know that if you avoid the dirty dozen you can decrease the amount of pesticides in your body by 80%??? Scary. Check out the link above to read the dirtiest and cleanest fruits and veggies. Print out the list and put it in your wallet so you know what to buy when you go shopping.

Back to peaches. My family loves them. My kids eat them for lunch at least twice a week. So in order to avoid poisoning my peeps, I decided to hoard some organic peaches and can them for later in the year.

Canning, you say? You must be crazy! Yes, pretty much.

Last weekend I made a trip to Whole Foods (aka...Mecca) and bought 20 pounds of peaches. Aren't they gorgey?First came the hard part...peeling the darned things. I'd read on several websites that boiling was the way to go. Simply cut an X in the bottom of the peach, boil for 30-60 seconds, then put into cold water...and the peels just slip right off!

Yeah....slip right off....my ass they do. The trick didn't work for me, so instead I ended up with 8 boiled peaches that would not peel for the life of me! Needless to say the boiled peaches didn't make the batch. Bastards.

So after hand peeling the rest of the peaches I was ready for canning. (About this time in the process Brad asked if I was having fun. Can't say that I was!) I tossed the peeled peaches in a citric acid soak so they will stay pretty and not turn brown.

Meanwhile, my jars were heating up in a pot of simmering water and my light syrup (made with organic sugar, of course) was also cooking. At this point in the game I started heating the other ginormous pot of water to process the peaches. Note to self...next time start boiling the water earlier...it takes over an hour to get a big pot of water to boil!

Brad came into the kitchen to check on me and asked, "Why are you doing this again?"

Because I love you. Now shut-up and pour me a large glass of wine.

Now I was ready to roll! I drained the peaches from the citric acid soak. Looking good!

I packed them into jars, filled the jars with my syrup mixture, and popped them into the pot of water that finally decided to boil.
Wal-lah....canned peaches!!

Shew! I actually think I will try to can more organic peaches while they are still in season. The process will go much smoother now that I know what I'm doing. Things that I will do different next time:

1. Hand peel...no matter how long it takes.
2. Start boiling the water early.
3. Pack the peaches tighter in the can.
4. Drink more.

Cheers!! And thanks for reading my first Fight Back Friday post!

Cousins

2010-07-22T11:03:00.000-07:00

I don't even know why I have a blog these days....I have no time to keep it updated. Guess I'll just keep posting pics since they are "worth a thousand words" and I have nothing to say!

So here are some pics from our latest visit with my brother and his gang. It's always so fun to have all the kids together!

I don't know about you.....but looks like a bunch of trouble makers to me. Especially the little one! ;)

Little Baby Girl

2010-06-22T11:36:00.000-07:00

Little Miss Finley Louise is here! As many of you know, she arrived on June 1st at 1:44 pm. She was 5 pounds 12 ounces, 19.5 inches long....and absolutely perfect.

The little girly girl is doing great! Thought I'd post some pictures before I try to sneak a nap. Also, if you have a chance, listen to the new song I posted by Adele - "Make You Feel My Love." I know it's an old love song....but after Finley was born I heard the song in a whole different way. If I could pick a love song for her (and the boys, too!) this would be the one. Enjoy.

The Final Countdown....

2010-05-29T07:22:00.000-07:00

Just a brief update to let everyone know that I'm being induced Tuesday morning!! (June 1st)

I had an ultrasound yesterday with a specialist and...surprise, surprise....baby girl is measuring small. Yes, another growth restriction. (Darn my uterus!!) So, as the doctor put it, the baby is fully developed now and there is no reason to keep me pregnant. As we know from prior experience, these peanuts grow better outside than inside! I am happy the pregnancy has gone well so far and not surprised with the news...but still a little disheartened.

Keep us in your prayers the next few days as we prepare for the arrival of our little girl. Will keep ya' posted!!

Play Ball!

2010-05-12T07:36:00.000-07:00

Well...as the seasons change, we've shifted from ice skating to T-ball. Jackson is having a ball! (No pun intended.) Although he's not the most athletic kid on the team (ahem!) he tries hard and has a great attitude. (Now, if I could only get that great attitude off the field...we'd be in good shape!)

Here are some pictures from his first game. I swear...pregnant people should not be allowed to go to these things. I sobbed for the entire first 10 minutes...geesh. Thank goodness for sunglasses!

(Yes, crying is my latest thing. We had a preschool field trip to the zoo yesterday and I cried during the entire 20 minute dolphin show! Good thing the boys were watching the dolphins and not me. Brad asked why I cried....I don't know! The dolphins are so cute! And the trainers are so proud of them! See...now I'm rambling...I can't even focus these days!)

Back to T-ball.

Here is a picture of them "warming up" which involves a quick run to the fence and back. (Jackson, of course, doesn't quite "get it" and jogs and prances the whole way...always last.) He's right next to the coach....number 1.

Isn't he cute!?!? My little Dodger.

Precious little boys.

Batter, batter, batter....swing!! Look at his cute little outfit! Cleats and all! (Oh...the hormones are kicking in...)

Great game, guys!!

Oh...my baby is growing up. What am I going to do when they actually keep score???

Hmmm....

2010-04-20T10:37:00.000-07:00

Well, as usual....sleepiness trumps blogging. Just thought I'd post a few pics from Easter. Had a great time...yada yada yada...

One of these days I'll post pics from the Final Four! Still so sad that the Dawgs lost...but so proud of them. Again, that's another post. (If you're lucky.) This post is just Easter pics. You can imagine the details on your own. Hey, at least I left you with some visuals!

And I'll leave you with a big, fat belly pic at 29 weeks. Measuring small my ass....

Got Hormones???

2010-03-23T09:52:00.001-07:00

Since I stink at blogging lately...most of you probably already know that baby #3 is a girl!! I'm still in shock and can't quite get used to buying pink. No really. Every time I buy something that is pink, I get all sweaty and nervous. What's up with that?? Maybe once she actually arrives and I know it really has girl parts, then I'll be ok. I think I'm still a bit in denial.

Soooooo....as it goes with most pregnancies....I have my good days and bad days. The other day was a bad day. Well...for the cat. You see, Griszy, our handsome little beast of a cat, loves to barf up hairballs. I've gotten used to it over the years...such is the life of owning a medium haired cat. Well, the other day I found a newly hurled hairball inside my new pair of shoes!! That was it. Hormone switch ON. I decided it was time to end the hairball situation and just shave the cat. (Now, you must understand that our cat is 7ish years old and has never been shaved. But the idea was genius.)

As I'm grabbing my clippers and an unsuspecting cat and heading out the door...the phone rang. It was Brad. "Hey, what are you doing?" he asked.

"I'm taking the cat outside and getting ready to shave him!" I exclaimed...still in a bit of a post-hairball-episode rage.

"Sarah, you are hormonal. You are going crazy. Put. The cat. Down," Brad said calmly...as if he was trying to talk me down from a ledge.

I told Brad that my decision was made, the cat was getting shaved, end of story, thank you, goodbye.

Well...about a half an hour, several scratches, and a few bite attempts later (Griszy isn't the only one with cat-like reflexes!)....I ended up with a semi-shaved cat. I was going for the "lion cut" look...but by the time I reached his front legs and chest he was all teeth. I know when it is time to compromise. Actually, it didn't turn out too bad!

Before:

After:

I think he turned out pretty well. And the best part....NO HAIRBALLS!! He may have found his new haircut!

Lookout, Chopper. You're next!

Snow!

2010-01-07T14:09:00.000-08:00

I knew it would happen. I was sooooo dreading it...a snow day. I started watching the news last night and was SO excited when they cancelled the winter storm warning. Woohoo! No snow day?? You see, the reason I was so worried was because Thursday mornings are my "mornings off." Jackson has preschool and Sawyer has Mother's Day out...both from 9am until 1pm. So, today I had a doctor's appointment scheduled at 10am. That would give me just enough time to drop the boys off at school, maybe get myself a decaf Starbucks treat, and head to my doctor's appointment.

Being the super organized person that I am (ahem!), I woke up early to get myself ready before I woke the boys up. Checked the school closings. Nope. Boys' school not cancelled. Suh-weet! Home-free! So, I got the boys up, fed, and everyone piled into the car for school. As we trekked out into the crazy snow...my cell phone rang...at all of 8:58 am. "Sarah?" the voice on the other end asked.

"Yes," I said...rather nervously. (A random person calling my cell phone is never a good thing.)

"This is Mary, from Good Faith Baptist Church." (Names have been changed to protect the innocent...or not so innocent.) "All of our preschool and mother's day out programs are cancelled today, due to the weather."

"Oh. Thanks," I said politely...getting off the phone....when really I wanted to go off. Seriously? Really??? This storm was predicted days ago. It started snowing at 3 am. SCHOOL STARTS IN TWO MINUTES AND JUST NOW YOU DECIDE TO CANCEL? WTH?

I had to break the bad news to the boys that there would be no school today. They were crushed. "Well, just go anyway, Mommy!" Sawyer kept saying. "Puh-lease!!" he cried, with tears in his eyes.

I kept trying to explain to him that nobody else would be there...and at this point I almost had tears in my eyes...now realizing that I would be carting two children with me to my doctor's appointment! Fortunately they were so excited about eating their boxed lunches that I used that as a threat...er...uh...promise...that if they were good boys we would have a picnic in the living room and eat our boxed lunches.

Fortunately it worked! We survived the one hour drive to the hospital (which is usually a 20 minute trip), read books in the waiting room, and made it through the appointment and a blood draw with two happy boys. The doctor even commented on how well behaved they were! (Thank goodness. All I need is for everyone to think geez lady, you have two crazy kids now...why are you having more!?! Seriously, the thought of people thinking that I'm overpopulating kinda' freaks me out. It's that same feeling you get when you are checking out at Wal-Mart with 2 screaming kids and a pregnancy test in your cart. So not good.)

Anyway! After surviving the morning and our "picnic," we ventured outside to play in the snow. Fun! (And this is why I get to blog...the boys were so wiped out that they are BOTH taking naps.)

Of course the first thing you have to do is make a snow angel...and get completely covered in snow!

Sawyer quickly realized that being covered in snow is really only fun for about 2 seconds. You also have to make snowballs.And throw them!

And I know you're digging Sawyer's crazy orange retro-something-ish snow pants. Boy, those black ones sell out quickly! Oh well...you know what they say...ugly orange snow pants are better than no snow pants at all!

This one had fun too!

He's still thawing out in the laundry room.

The best part is...we'll all sleep well tonight!!

Is it big news??

2010-01-05T10:36:00.001-08:00

As some of you...well...probably most of you have heard...I'm pregnant!!! Yes, believe it or not, we're expecting number 3!! It seems like most of the people I talk to think we're crazy, but really...I have no control of my children now, so what's one more??

This is why I haven't been updating the blog much. I have been sooooo sick. I mean, praying to the porcelain God kind of sick. Fortunately, things are looking up as I've moved into the 2nd trimester. Shew! I still have off days...but at least it's not every day! So anyway...official due date is June 22nd. However, because both of the boys were early (and thanks to my history of intrauterine growth restrictions) they don't think I'll make it that long. Hopefully all goes well this time around!

As for Christmas...it started off in typical Jackson fashion. The little bugger woke up sick and cranky!! He did not want to get out of bed and was yelling things like, "I don't care if it is Christmas! This is the worst day ever!" After he was finally convinced that Santa came (although at this point I think Santa was ready to turn his sleigh around and pick all of Jackson's toys back up), things were ok. What a day! Toys, toys, toys! Now, if we could just find somewhere to put them!

I'm going to use the old cop out that "a picture is worth a thousand words" and just post some photos...rather than blabbing. After all....I'm still exhausted and it's almost naptime! All in all, the holidays were great -- but I'm glad they're over. Happy 2010!

Christmas 2010

Brrrrrrrrr!!!

2009-12-08T10:21:00.000-08:00

Ok. To start...yes...thanks to everyone for the harassing emails. I know, I know. Lately I stink at blogging...and in a couple of weeks, I'll fill you in on the reason behind my absence.

In the meantime...seeing as it is 20 degrees outside...I thought I'd share something that has been keeping us busy lately! (Not to mention extra cold!) Ice skating! Yes, Jackson is taking ice skating lessons...with the hopes of trying out ice hockey. (No, not figure skating. But with Jackson, you never know.) He has been taking lessons now since September and is absolutely loving it! I wouldn't say we have a "natural" on our hands...but he is learning.

He's getting better at not falling down...but then, we all know Jackson is not a dare devil and avoids risks at all costs. However, falling is inevitable.

Such is life. Now we have to working on falling and not getting an attitude afterwards!Oh well. It's all part of the fun!

So...hockey player? Figure skater (gulp!)? Actually, I don't have my money on either one. Now all he talks about is wanting to play soccer. Sigh.

Boo!

2009-11-04T07:19:00.001-08:00

Well...haven't blogged for a while because we've all been sick! Fevers, runny noses, coughs, sore throats. Yuck! The only one who didn't get it was Brad. He says he's a "machine" and that a virus would never mess with him. (See what I put up with???) I guess that is for the better...because we all know how men are when they are sick! Anyway, I got to hang out with this for two weeks:

This was Jackson's ingenious way of not having to blow his nose all the time. Just stuff that kleenex up there and it absorbs for you! (This tactic was all well and good until he woke up one night crying...certain that he had stuffed his kleenex clear up to his brain and would have to go to the doctor to have it removed.)

Anyway, aside from being sick, we've been doing the typical fall stuff...pumpkin patch and all. To make a long story short...the boys got to "look" at pumpkins (I mean...why spend $20 on a pumpkin patch pumpkin when you can get a perfectly acceptable pumpkin at "the Wal-Mart" for 4 bucks???), they rode a pumpkin train, and got to enjoy other games.

And check out those scary Halloween costumes! Ha! For the big day, Jackson went as Tony Stewart (which I personally find very frightening that my child wanted to go as a NASCAR driver...thanks, Brad.) And next to Tony is our little chicken. Aren't they cute??

Our neighbor asked Jackson if he was a race car driver...his response? No! It's just a costume! Goof. So yes...we survived yet another Halloween (my least favorite holiday...bah humbug! There's just something about spending $50 on candy, sitting on the porch for 2 hours freezing my ass off...and handing out candy to people I don't know. Fun!!)

The best thing about Halloween...it's over!! Let's bring on Thanksgiving and Christmas. (Which...btw, I officially started wrapping Christmas gifts and listening to Christmas music!!) Now all we have to do is polish off the 30 pounds of candy the boys got and life will be back to normal.

Hope you all had a great October! I'll post some more pumpkin patch pics in a few days. (Promises, promises....)

A weekend in Madison

2009-10-13T12:01:00.001-07:00

Well, Brad had his annual "Mancation" this past weekend. You know...when he and his college buddies hang out, smoke cigars, drink beer, and play poker. Seeing as the event was hosted at our house...the little boys and I got the heck outta dodge.

We headed down to Madison, Indiana with my folks...and had a great time! On the way there, Jackson wanted to know where Madison lived...so we had to explain that Madison is a town...not a girl. That boy never stops surprising me with the things that come out of his mouth.

Anyway! All the cute little shops that I remembered as a child are not there anymore. But we had fun eating on the water...and feeding catfish that were as big as my children. (No, really.) I also got to play around with my camera a little (imagine that). You can check out more pics by clicking here. Ok...so some of the pictures were taken at a park around here...but the ones by the river and the fountain were in Madison.

Enjoy! I'm off to take a nap. We all have colds and I am exhausted! I really don't know if I am more tired from the cold itself...or from watching the boys run around in circles because they are all hopped up on decongestant. Either way...it's naptime!

Flickr anyone???

2009-10-08T09:23:00.001-07:00

Just a quick note to let everyone know I am on Flickr. I know...welcome to the times! I thought this would be a good place to post some pictures I take...when I don't feel like filling my blog up with them. (Not like I have anything else to talk about!)

So...head on over to Flickr and check out my pics. Some you've seen. Some you haven't. I'll try to update them as they flow in...although my kids are getting tired of modeling for me, so I may need new victims...er...uh...subjects. Anyone want to volunteer?? Price varies with experience. So...your current rate is...free!

Friends

2009-09-28T12:18:00.000-07:00

I was reading a friend's blog the other day and she had a picture of her girls' most treasured "friends"...a.k.a. their "lovies." Call them lovies, blankies, animals...whatever. She had written an entire post about how important these things are to her kids.

It got me thinking about our house. In our house, we have Boppo, Froggy, and Monkey. Froggy and Monkey belong to Jackson. We have no back-ups for these guys, so it is very important to know where they are at all times. Jackson is to the point where his guys mostly stay in his bed for sleeping purposes...but if we ever leave the house for an overnight visit, then these guys are a must. And if we ever forgot them at someone's house, they would be one of the few reasons we would turn the car around. Sawyer, on the other hand, has Boppo. Boppo is a hippo...and that is how Sawyer said "hippo" when he first started talking....boppo. The name just stuck. Fortunately, by the time Sawyer was born I was smart enough to figure out I needed a backup for the dearly loved blankie he would sleep with. (I actually tried to get a backup Froggy when Jackson was little...but I waited too long and he rejected it. Now we have one original Froggy and two brand new reject Froggies.) Anyway, I wised up with Sawyer and did the ol' switcharoo with Boppo at an early age...you know...so I could wash him. It worked! (But please don't tell Sawyer because he doesn't know there is more than one.)

It is funny how kids "bond" with certain toys. And it's nice to know that they can find comfort in these little things when they need it.

I don't even want to think about the days when they are too big for their "friends." It'll never happen.

Turning the camera around...

2009-09-24T14:14:00.000-07:00

Yesterday when Jackson was in school, I played around and took pictures of Sawyer. I started thinking....I'm not in any pictures because I'm always taking the pictures! These poor kids are gonna' look back on their lives and wonder where their mommy was when they were younger.

So....I decided to turn the camera around and get myself in some shots.

I think it may be time to hire a professional...but hey...it's proof that I exist!

Photography.

2009-09-22T10:51:00.001-07:00

My latest obsession. Brad probably wishes it weren't, because it sure is an expensive hobby! But I have such a great time trying to capture the boys in action...it's addicting. Hopefully, one of these days, I'll have the time and money to take a class and actually learn how to do it right. But until then, I'm just playing around and discovering things on my own.

I've decided that every now and then I am going to share some of my favorite photos with you. (Aren't you lucky??) Maybe one of these days I'll even be good!

I love this picture of Sawyer...his pouty little pink lips, his warm pink cheeks, and of course...those eyes! This one too...I could eat him up!
I like the grandiose feeling of this one. (How's that for a word?) It makes my boys look small against the big trees...and they are small...and I love that. (Because they're growing like crazy.) Anyway, the blog doesn't do this teeny picture much justice...but picture it as an 8 x 10 or bigger.I'll keep you updated with more faves as I find time to take them. (May be a while!)

Time flies...

2009-09-20T14:07:00.000-07:00

Man, have we been busy! School started for the boys last week...and it's been downhill ever since. Jackson is enjoying his second year of preschool and Sawyer is...well...going to Mother's Day Out. Brad had to take the boys to their first day of school because I had an appointment for myself. I was so worried about Brad getting the boys fed, dressed, take pictures, and find their classrooms, but he assured me it was no big deal. Sure enough...the first day of school was a success. The second day of school...not so much. Poor Sawyer is a full-fledged mama's boy. This made for a bit of a dramatic drop off last week. He cried the moment I dropped him off and was still crying when I left the building several minutes later. Ugh. That's gotta stop or I'll have to go to therapy!

More big news...Jackson is five! How did my first born get to be five?? I still remember the day that he was born just like it was yesterday. I wish they could be small forever. Anyway, Jackson had a blast celebrating his birthday. We celebrated with Grandma and Grandpa (and crew) a few days before the big day...and celebrated with Mimi and Poppy (and crew) the day before his birthday. It was quite the extended event.And no birthday is complete without a pinata, right?

Of all the candy that was in the pinata, Sawyer got one orange sucker. Period. Why? Because his favorite color is orange. He was so proud!

Jackson did a little better.

We ended the day with a homemade "Cars" birthday cake...courtesy of yours truly.

And of course...a birthday wish! (I make the kids say them out loud...a new little tradition.) Jackson's wish??

"I wish I could be the highest jumper, so I could reach the clouds!"
Happy birthday, buddy!

Finger Paint.

2009-08-26T11:57:00.001-07:00

Eeeeeeewwwwwwwww!! Look at those hands.

My parents gave the boys finger paint a couple of years ago. Yes, at least 2...and I finally got brave enough to let the boys use it! I'm not one for messes. Not that my house is always picked up (or ever, for that matter)...and I am definitely not a neat freak. But something about letting my kids get gooey just creeps me out. I'm trying to get better at this...really I am. I keep telling myself to let them be kids! Let them be boys! So today I did.

First things first...get all the gear and head outside. Second....dig the art smocks out of the back of the closet in order to keep them somewhat clean (it was a futile attempt). Third...and maybe most importantly...thank God that Crayola makes washable finger paint (so maybe I can relax and enjoy the mess...and the fun.)

Sawyer decided two things. One, he didn't want to get messy...and two, he was not about to wear a smock. I just kept telling myself -- it's ok. It's washable. The clothes are washable....the driveway is washable....and the kids are washable.

Even a little paint in the hair is no big deal...right?? Say it with me...it's washable!

The important thing is they had fun....they got along (an added bonus)....

...and they each created a favorite masterpiece.

And maybe most importantly...we used all the paint, so I'm off the hook for a while!!

Compliments

2009-08-19T12:15:00.000-07:00

We had a good day at the store today...and that is something definitely blog-worthy. You see, with a soon-to-be 5 year old and a 2 1/2 year old, you just never know how a shopping trip is going to go down. Usually when we go shopping, there is a part of me that is nervous to take my kids out in public. Here are a few of our typical scenarios:

Scenario #1: Jackson wants to help Mommy push the cart. This one always turns out the same. Jackson is a good mommy's helper and at some point during every shopping trip he wants to help me push the grocery cart. Well, when you are only 3 feet tall, you have to really stretch your arms in order to reach the cart handle. More importantly, when your younger brother is sitting in the cart, his feet are right at the pusher's face level. Sawyer, being an instigator, can never resist the temptation to kick Jackson in the face. Of course this sends Jackson into a fury...and Sawyer into a laughing fit. This makes Jackson want to push the cart even more (because Sawyer won't let him) and results in more face kicking. Note: If you ever see a mother patiently (or not so patiently) trying to separate her children in a store...please smile at her. She's not having a good day.

Scenario #2: Jackson gets to put something in the cart....when of course Sawyer wanted to put that exact same thing and nothing else in the cart. It doesn't really matter who gets to put what in the cart...the other one wanted it and wanted to put it in the cart. This always results in a lecture that it doesn't matter who puts it in the cart...the outcome is the same. The item will end up at home. Unless, of course, you can't behave in the store and then the Ding Dongs are going back on the shelf!!! Note: If you see a mother raising her voice in a store...please don't call security. Ignore her. She's not having a good day.

Now, the reason I am so excited today is because I actually received a compliment while shopping. The boys were keeping themselves somewhat entertained by singing. And no, they weren't singing the usual Lada GaGa or Boom Boom Pow...they were singing none other than "Jesus Loves Me." And let me tell you...they were singing their hearts out! I saw an older woman shopping with her mother and they were both smiling at them. The daughter came over to me and said, "We sure are enjoying their singing!"

This made me feel wonderful! Not only were the boys behaving (somewhat), but they were also singing a wonderful song that everyone enjoyed. I said "thank you" and accepted the kind woman's compliment.

It's a good thing she saw us in aisle 5...because in aisle 3, they were pointing to items on the shelf and yelling, "Run! It's POOOOP!!"

Some kids suck.

2009-08-12T11:45:00.000-07:00

Sorry for using the "S" word in the title of this post. (I'm sure my mother is still cringing...) But you know, sometimes there is just no other way to put something. Case in point -- some kids just suck!

I took the boys to the "big park" today. I was very excited, seeing as it is the first day of school around here for the big kids. That means the park will be fun! No big kids knocking down the little kids. No 10,000 unruley people at the park. Nope. Just us mommies and the little kids. Fun! So, after eating a picnic lunch, the boys headed off to play. Today their favorite thing was the super duper swirly slide, which is about a story high and has 3 or 4 twists. (This is the first year Jackson would even go down it!) They were doing great....going down the slide, running a huge lap around the park, and back down the slide. Well....doing great until little "Mikey" showed up.

Why does there always have to be a bully at the park? So...Mikey was probably a year older than Jackson...and did I mention that he was a bully!?! As my boys are running another lap with huge smiles on their faces...little Mikey shows up at the top of the slide and blocks it so the boys can't go down. Jackson, not being into confrontation, turns around to walk back down the ladder of the slide. "What are you, chicken!?!" Mikey yells.

"No," Jackson said nicely. To which Sawyer then yells at Mikey in his deep throated growley voice, "WE'RE NOT CHICKENS!!"

"Jackson," I said. "It's ok. You can go on down the slide."

"But that boy is in the way," Jackson said.

"It's ok," I said. "Go around him and go down the slide." I stood and watched for a minute as the boys went around the little bully and went on down the slide. As the boys were hopping out of the slide, little Mikey was hanging off the slide with his arms folded up into wings and was yelling "BWACK BWACK BWACK!!!"

Ok. Now I was ticked. I had to tell myself that I am a mommy. I am calm. I am cool. And I am not going to beat someone else's child (especially not in public). By this time the boys had made another lap around the park and were back at the top of the slide. Mikey was now running up the slide so the boys couldn't go down. I begin talking myself down...when suddenly a woman comes over from the opposite side of the park. "Mikey! That's warning number 1! You get three warnings and then we're going home!" Thank the Good Lord, I think to myself. It does have a mother!

The boys proceed down the slide happily. As they run past me, I grabbed Jackson and told him he didn't have to play with that little boy. "Why?" he asked. "Well, if he isn't going to be nice to you, then you don't have to play with him!" I said.

"Ok, Mommy," Jackson sweetly says.

This time as the boys are running their lap around the park, little Mikey meets them halfway and jumps in the middle of their path and growls at them like a monster. Mikey's mother stomps back over to him, "That's number 2, Mikey!!" At this point, I'm thinking go on Mikey...one more mess-up and your ass is outta here! I was actually kind of hoping he'd get in trouble again so his mother would take him home.

So...as the boys make their way to the top of the ladder...guess who has already made it up there? Uh-huh. Monster Mikey. Jackson looked at him and nicely said, "Don't play with us."

I think Monster Mikey thought about this for a second...and then he said "What's the secret password??" Jackson looked at me and said, "What's he talking about, Mommy?" (And about 2 seconds later, Sawyer is growling back at Mikey again...apparently he didn't understand the word "password" and thought Mikey had called them worms. "WE'RE NOT WORMS!!" Sawyer growled back at him. Atta' boy, Sawyer. You tell him!)

"The password, Jackson...you know...to get through," I said. At this point I was trying to help them play and get along. Finally Mikey said, "Just tell me a secret word and I'll let you through."

To which Jackson replies, "Will you please let us go down the slide?"

"Fine," Mikey says. The secret password is please. Just please." So Sawyer said the secret password and went down the slide. Eventually, little Mikey became a little bit nicer and the boys got along...but I was never comfortable with the little monster.

I just hate that some kids are so mean. It makes my heart ache to think of all the school days my kids have ahead of them. I know there will be bullies and arguments...and I wish I could fight the battles for my kids. I know "it's life"...but why do some people just have to suck!?!

The funny part is...on the way home...Jackson told me his favorite part of the day was making a new friend. Ah, boys.

What do YOU do on the hottest day of the year??

2009-08-11T12:15:00.000-07:00

Just as soon as I gush about how nice the weather has been....we get a heat wave! Oh well. I can't really complain seeing as this is the first time it's been in the 90's since June. Not too shabby.

So, what do normal people do when it is so hot out? Go to a lake? Go swimming? Run in the sprinkler? Of course! But...what do I make my family do when it is 90 degrees outside?? Go to the park and let mommy try out her new camera lens, of course! (Insert sounds of evil cackle.)

Yes, for my birthday, Brad got me a new camera lens. Unfortunately it had been back-ordered until now...but I finally got it! Weehoo for my new glass! (That's camera talk for you common folk. Aren't I so cool??) I must admit, everyone was actually excited about our little outing. The boys just couldn't believe there was a bridge at the park...to them this was another childhood adventure!

Here's a pic of our little angels walking hand-in-hand, as usual. (Ahem! Excuse me.)
Now...my little Sawyer is a pretty easy model. He's agreeable, happy, and usually does what Mommy tells him.
Jackson, on the other hand...is not quite so simple. He's busy. He's not as agreeable. And he'd rather not take pictures. But every now and then I can make him smile without saying "CHHEEEEEEEEEEEESE!"
Now...something I've discovered about these little family "photo outings" is that the boys have to have fun. You have to let them play. (Here they are playing "checkers" with rocks.)And you have to remember that little boys cannot sit still for long.But if you let them have fun, then you will be surrounded by happy boys. And happy boys are loving boys...
And loving boys make for happy mamas and papas.

The End.

The weather is here...

2009-08-07T11:18:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you all...but we are absolutely loving the weather this summer. Nice cool days with crisp evenings -- it's perfect in my book. If this is the results of "global warming," then I say bring it!
And yes...Jackson is in his jammies. That's what happens when you slack on doing the laundry. (And as for the jammies themselves...I had nothing to do with them. Brad let Jackson pick them out himself. Nice job, eh?)

Sports scholarship on its way!

2009-08-03T11:58:00.000-07:00

I've always said that Jackson will get a scholarship for his brains and Sawyer will get a scholarship for his athletic capabilities. I mean, if you've ever been around these two boys, then you know that Jackson is our little analyzer and Sawyer is the one who will tackle you (or anyone) to the ground.

Well, last Monday, Jackson had his last "sports class" of the summer. It was nothing major...just a little class he did through our park & recreation center. Here is some video of him on the last day. Really, he's not this bad...but the video clip had to be shared. (Don't forget to pause the music.)

Now...here is a little fancy footwork of Sawyer's. He was running backwards and having a great time. We've got some major talent in this family. Get ready to witness the "Sawyer Shuffle." (The Chicago Bears would be ever so proud.)

Backyard Fun

2009-07-27T11:48:00.001-07:00

Who would have thought a $12 sprinkler would be just as good as a water park?? Well, when you are 2 and 4 years old...it is! Works for me. And...anything that gives me an excuse to play with my camera is an added bonus. I'll share some pics of our backyard fun. (Sorry, you'll have to deal with my obsession for black and white photography.)

When life hands you limes....

2009-07-21T10:49:00.000-07:00

...make Margaritas!! That's exactly what we did on the 4th of July. (Yes...I'm late in posting.) Anyway, if you spent your 4th in southern Indiana, then you know the weather completely stunk. This is less than desirable when you are with the whole fam-damily at the lake house! We still had a great time (some credit to the margaritas...I think). This was the first time in years that my mom's entire side of the family got together. It was great spending time with T.C. and his troops and Great John and Great Linda (and everyone else....but you don't get a special post because we see you more often. Sorry.)

I'll post a little eye candy for you:

Good times!

Can you. Talk like. Robot.

2009-06-29T16:48:00.000-07:00

You know all of the latest studies say that if you teach your children a foreign language while they are really young then they will be super smart. I don't know the full story, but I think it's something about stimulating a certain part of the brain. Anyway, I don't give into all this peer pressure. (But I do remember when we were in Chicago that many places offered foreign language classes for very young children...and of course some people were all over it.)

Well, not me. First of all, I don't really want my kids to be geniuses....smart, yes...but normal! I mean, there are days when I think Jackson is already smarter than I am. (Must be all the "foreign language" he has learned from Dora and Kai-Lan on Nick Jr.) But a genius in this house...well, if you're born that way, that is one thing...but to try and turn your child into a genius....I've got better things to do.

Now that I think about it, though, maybe my kids are geniuses. Take Sawyer, for example. He is very fluent in a foreign language at the age of 2 1/2. No, he doesn't speak Spanish...or French...or German. The child speaks Robot. Now, how many people can say that!?! Ahhh yes. Maybe he is a genius after all. Look out Ivy League...here we come!

(Don't forget to scroll down the right side and pause the music.)

My summer theme song

2009-06-24T19:32:00.000-07:00

You know how you hear a certain song and it takes you back to an exact moment in time?? I mean...you can feel the exact temperature, the precise humidity in the air, sense the same exact lighting and have the clearest memory of what you were doing when you used to listen to that song??? Yes. You know what I mean.

Well, it seems to me that the clearest memories of most of "my songs" were during the summer. This is probably because when I was in school I was a major stress case. (I know...not me.) So, in the summer, I could actually relax and enjoy life. I think that is why summer songs mean the most to me. Let's journey back a few years and re-live some of "my songs."

Kokomo...by the Beach Boys. "Aruba, Jamaica, eeeeewwwww I wanna take ya...." You know the one. Well, when I hear this song it totally reminds me of a nightmarish family trip we took to Michigan one summer. This was right when the movie "Cocktail" came out. We had the soundtrack on tape and listened to it the entire way to Michigan....the entire time we were in Michigan...and the entire way home from Michigan. I actually think T.C. thought he was Tom Cruise that summer. (I have a photo as proof...but unfortunately I don't have a scanner...Mom, can you help me out on this one??) Anyway. That is one of my summer songs.

Jack and Diane...by none other than John Cougar Mellencamp. This was a favorite song of mine when I was sixteen (and to this day). I remember this one well because I had just gotten my driver's license. Of course there was nothing else to do in Seymour except hang out in "the lot," go to Taco Bell, and cruise the country. Well...we cruised the country many an hour listening to this one. We would scream at the top of our lungs "hold on to sixteen as long as you caaaaaaan. Changes come around real soon make us women and men." We never thought we'd see the day when we weren't in high school...let alone thirty something.

You Make Me Feel so Young...by Frank Sinatra. {{{{sigh}}}} Oh how I looooooove Frank Sinatra. My love for him started one summer when my mom and I made a trip to Chicago. We used to go every summer for a few days. We'd stay just off of Michigan Avenue and shop our hearts out. Well, one summer, in Crabtree and Evelyn...we heard this song. I asked the gal what CD was playing and immediately ran down the street and bought it. (So began my love for Frank...and Louis...and Bing....) These are the songs that make me think I was born in the wrong decade.

So...WTH am I posting about, anyway?? Summer songs. Well, today as I was driving I heard my summer song!! You know...Sarah's summer song 2009. It's amazing!! Ok...it clearly does not compare to the Beach Boys, John Mellencamp, or Frank. (Seriously...who would??) It actually reminds me of a combination of "Iko Iko" and "A little bit of Monica..."

Now...throw all your cares away...grab a Margarita...and enjoy! And if you aren't literally shaking your groove thing before this song is over...well...then we probably aren't true friends anyway. (Oh...don't forget to scroll down the right side and PAUSE MY MUSIC before you try and listen to the video!!!)

Welcome to my new blog!!

2009-06-22T11:57:00.000-07:00

You are probably wondering why I moved sites...well...don't get me started. Blogspot is just sooooo much more user friendly. And when I found out that it cost $60/year to upload videos to the other site...well....I had just had it!

So! That being said...welcome to my new site!! I will (hopefully) start moving some of the older posts over here. It makes me a little sad to have to leave them behind...but we'll see if I really ever have time to do that. Ha!

In the mean time, bookmark this new site because this is where my new updates are gonna' be. You can also sign up to receive my updated posts via email (if you wish). Browse the side bar a little...and go say hi to my cyber-fish! They like when you feed them!! (Just click your mouse in the fish bowl.) I know...I'm easily entertained.

Also, if the music bugs you...you can turn it off. It's on the right hand side...scroll down the side bar until you find the playlist and hit pause.

Ok, I'm off to go polish up this site a bit!

Phelpsie?? I think not.

2009-06-22T11:30:00.000-07:00

"Phelpsie."

This is a nickname that Brad and I have called each other every now and then when one of us is swimming. You know, because we are awesome...like Michael Phelps...the pot smoking, Olympic swimming, party animal?? Ummhumm.

Well, we were hoping to have another "Phelpsie" in the house. You see, Jackson has been taking swim lessons everyday for the past 2 weeks. It is a group session...10 kids and 4 instructors. Unfortunately, our experience has been less than stellar and I think the only thing that Jackson has gotten out of the class is swimmer's ear! (No. Seriously.) I may be a little bitter towards the whole thing because the class is 40 minutes away...and 55 minutes back in 5 o'clock rush hour traffic. My fault, I know. But I was told the classes were awesome...sucker. (Sorry, Anne...you've already heard my complaints.)

On the bright side, I've found a private instructor who will teach both the boys...starting this Sunday. Let's all say a little chant and hope that "Miss Mallory" can work her magic with them. I'd love to have a third or fourth "Phelpsie" in the house! Ok...minus the bong.

I'll keep you updated!

Complaints from the Peanut Gallery

2009-06-17T11:44:00.000-07:00

Alright...I've had enough complaints about my lack of blogging. I'll start again. I promise. See?? Here's a new post already!

It's obviously been ages since I last posted, so I'm not about to catch you up on all the nitty gritty that you've missed. (Really, there hasn't been anything too exciting...so don't sweat it.) At the end of May, the 4 of us went to Tennessee. We rented a cabin a few miles from Pigeon Forge and had an absolute blast!! We mostly explored Smokey Mountain National Park, visited the Gatlinburg Aquarium (which was amazing), and enjoyed a little putt-putt and kid stuff. We all had a blast...did I mention that we had a blast?? Jackson cried the day we left and is counting down the days until we go back!

Brad and I really enjoyed the National Park. We both saw bears in the wild for the first time. It was amazing! (Even more amazing was how close people get just to get a picture of them...unbelievable. Really, it makes me even more confident in my belief that people should have to pass an IQ test before being able to vote.) We saw some amazing streams and waterfalls...and of course mountains. The boys, however, were not as impressed with all of these things as we were. But that's ok...that's what portable DVD players are for!

I think Jackson's favorite expedition (besides our big nature trail hike) was his trip to the "cowboy store." They were both determined to get "all cowboyed up" (as the sales clerk called it). Before we went in, Jackson said he wanted cowboy boots, a cowboy hat, etc, etc. I said "Well, you can't get everything!"

He said, "Ok. Maybe I'll just get a lasso."

Needless to say, they are both the proud owners of cowboy boots and hats. Here is a picture of Jackson yelling "yeeeeehaw!"

I think I have to admit...he looks more "hillbillied up" to me. But hey...when in Tennessee...

I'll leave you with some pics from our vacation. Yeehaw!

OH...and I forgot to mention...in case you didn't know yet, I'm now a brunette. Check it out:
Vacation pics...and if you are on Facebook...you've already seen 'em:

Tennessee

Recent Quotes from Crazytown

2009-03-11T11:52:00.000-07:00

No major news (thank goodness) so thought I'd just post a few funny remarks heard around our house lately.

-- We were driving to school the other morning and Jackson was in the back seat telling jokes. Sawyer started repeating Jackson....and Jackson said, "No. Stop, Sawyer. I'm a one man show."

-- The boys have had colds lately and Jackson had said a couple of times that his ear felt funny. So, I took him to the doctor to have it checked out. We were waiting in the exam room and when the doctor came in she asked how we were doing. Jackson said, "My ear is sick!"

-- I put a bandanna on Chopper today and Jackson asked, "Mommy, why is Chopper wearing a cape??"

-- Sawyer was playing with Griszy the other day and I heard Griz hiss from the other room. I ran in the room to see what had happened (and what Sawyer was doing to the poor cat). Griszy was apparently freaked by whatever Sawyer had done. Sawyer, of course, was giggling. He said, "Mommy! Geezy say HHHHHHHHHHHHEEEEEEHHHHHHHHH!"

-- A couple of nights ago I was putting Sawyer down for bed. I was telling him some of the people that I love. I said, "I love Sawyer, Jackson, Daddy, Mimi, Poppy, Grandma, Grandpa....Who do you love, Sawyer?" Sawyer said, "I love Mommy, Daddy, Jackson...juice, tacos, and mamakes!" (pancakes)

-- Last weekend we were having Subway sandwiches for lunch. Jackson was eating and being very quiet (which is unusual). Brad asked him how he was doing. He said, "I sure am enjoying my five dollar foot long!"

That's all for now!