Well done, Greg!!!

As many of you know, Greg Page (aka Greg “Yellow” Wiggle) is leaving the popular kid group he founded, The Wiggles, because he is unable to perform due to a condition known as orthostatic intolerance.

Matthew, was in love with this high energy, fast dancing group from the first time he saw their clips between Playhouse Disney shows. Their songs are catchy and I found myself snappin’ along to their tunes.

These photos were taken the day we saw them August 2003 with Stephanie and her family

Now that Matthew is nearly six, we are not up to date with The Wiggles recent songs and tour schedule, but it hit my heart when I heard he was leaving because of health problems. Seems like this year has caught a lot of children off guard -- from Steve Irwin’s sudden death to Greg’s departure.

This decision must have been a difficult one. My thoughts go out to his family and friends and I pray he keeps “toot toot chugga chuggin” along. Job well done, Greg!

Click here to view Greg’s video message. (Please be patient while it downloads. I have DSL and it took quite awhile coming all the way from Australia).

UPDATE: Stephanie reminded me that we went EARLY for tickets and sat in the second row for that concert. Hey, Steph, that was a ton of fun and thanks for remembering!!!

Warm Up

“Partly cloudy. Highs in the low 60’s”

That has been our weather forecast for several days. I am absorbing every minute of this unseasonably warm weather as December rolls in.

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My boys have been playing outside wearing sweatshirts. No need for hats or gloves. I can wear my Crocs without heavy socks. What is it about capris and a long sleeve T that puts a smile on my face? We are not grabbing for the stash of fleece blankets in the family room. Our Weber grill is being put to good use. Nothing beats grilled burgers and steaks. Steve and Matt are doing many football drills. If this could only last until May.

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I’ll post in another week when we are in the 20’s and snow is on the ground. Someone buy me a Starbucks latte -- I’ll need that antidepressant!!! Any offers??

** in a blink **

Time [tahym]
a period with reference to personal experience of a specified kind

“Father of the Bride” was on the other night. I have seen this movie many times. It always hits a chord with me as I put myself in Annie Bank’s shoes.

It was August 1995. Steve and I were tying loose ends in the days leading up to our wedding date. That time was significant. My name would never be my own. I was going to commit to a man for a lifetime. For better or for worse. I was leaving the comfort of my parents’ home and starting a new journey with the man God designed for me.

One night I popped in “Father of the Bride” and wept. The thought of leaving my family hit my heart. I was daddy’s little girl. I played basketball with him. My brother’s rooms were just down the hall. We are a close family. We laughed. Teased. Fought.

But the other night this movie brought a whole new meaning.

Steve and I have been married for over 11 years. We have two sons. Our lives are not our own. We learn sacrificial love daily. A new journey awaits and we anticipate what God has in store.

As I sat on the couch watching “Father of the Bride” my focus wasn’t on Annie Banks, but her parents. They were watching their child grow up and leave home. They were letting her go hoping all the years of training paid off. Soon there will be an empty bedroom in our home. Soon my boys will look at a girl and want to marry her. Soon they will leave and start their own lives.

All too soon.

Time is precious.
Time is fleeting.
Time is what we make of it.

Let us hold on to time today. Embrace it. Enjoy it. Savor it.

It's that time of year....AGAIN!

Ladies and gentlemen!!

The Christmas season has officially started!!

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Step right up and pick between:

Shopping madness or a Christmas program.....

.....a cookie exchange or holiday party.....

.....decorating the tree or wrapping presents.....

.....nativity walks or Santa visits.....

The next several weeks will be filled with traditions.

How will you spend them?

Happy Thanksgiving

Wordless Wednesday: "Paging Dr. Mark..."

OOO Bubbles OOO

During bathtime last night Mark was busy playing and splashing when all of the sudden.......

He made BUBBLES.

You know those BUBBLES.

He sat there thinking about what he did and realized it was funny. His face made that "squeeze look" trying to make more and sure enough.....

BUBBLES!

He was cracking up. Laughing hysterically. Matt came back in to see what was so funny.

Again, Mark conjured up more BUBBLES.

Matt said, "Mom, Mark is farting in the tub! Come on, Mark, do some more!"

What is it about bathroom humor and boys? Mark is only 17-months old and already he's a comedian.

How bad do you have it?

Steve attended a college football game Saturday. Matthew was anticipating when his daddy would come home because he’s cooler compared to fuddy-duddy mom. Seeing the final score on TV meant he should arrive home within an hour. The home team won: 16 - 27

Matthew asked, “Mom, how much did they win by?”

I replied, “Take 27 and subtract 16 from it. That will give you the answer.”

In the basement grabbing clothes from the dryer I did my own math so I would be ready with the answer. I came up with nine.

**Now before you go all hay-wire on me just wait!!!**

Matt yells from upstairs, “Eleven, Mom! The difference is eleven!”

At first I thought, “Nope,” but then I had to think again. He was right! Eleven not nine. What was I thinking? Where did my simple math go? Did my brain birth out of me as well as my children? I ponder that many times a day in fact.

Maybe I should think twice before posting this awful scenario! But come on....you’ve been there too!

Love Triangle

You’ve seen that movie? You know that movie. The one where two men are fighting for the girl. The men scheme and plot a way to win the girl’s affection. She is caught in the middle. We have all dreamed of a moment like that – admit it!

Well that dream has come true and I experience it on a daily basis.

As I sit on the couch Matthew comes to sit on my lap. He talks about his day and likes to snuggle with his Mommy. Until......

In comes Mark!

Mark climbs up and pushes his way through. Of course Matthew doesn’t like to be pushed aside either, so Mark does a yell as if to say, “Move, brother, I am here and want all of mom’s attention!” Matthew replies loudly, "Mark, stop it!"

So there I sit on the couch. Matthew is fighting for his spot while Mark is trying with all his might to take over. They push. Hit. Yell. Both wanting my affection!

At one moment I am absorbing all this attention. Loving every minute they fight over me. Then my contentment quickly turns to annoyance as the two of them get louder and then one accidentally hits me.

“Ok, enough is enough!” (Those familiar words again!) “Get off!”

So what is a girl (or mom) to do? Love triangle movies never end on that note, do they?

Wordless Wednesday: Ready For School????

NOTE: My goal is to comment on all who leave comments on my blog. It seems every Wednesday is a jam-packed day which leaves little time to sit in front of my computer and visit other blogs. I will try my "personal best" (a phrase my son's teacher uses) to comment back. I apologize for my absence these past couple weeks. Blessings!

Got Apples?

WARNING: You are about to enter a product push zone. The comments expressed here are of mine and mine alone. I think the item below *rocks* but if you don’t like it....tough!

I love apple pie, apple crisp, baked apples, fried apples....practically anything that calls for apples. The one thing I loathe is peeling, coring, and cutting the darn things. By the time I finish one it is browning while I work hard on the next.

Until I found this: Linens ‘n Things Apple Peeler/Corer/Slicer

I know, I know. It looks similar to a popular tool offered by a company that hosts many in-home shows. But you can’t beat the price and no wooden block is required to mount the tool. It cranks with ease. Even Matthew did a couple Granny Smiths without a problem.

So now I easily make apple recipes and it is dishwasher safe -- can't beat that! The peel strings make for good kid fun too!

"YUM-O!!"

Words that scream "DITTO!"

“Who wants to play second down???”

My dad would announce this in the family room and my brothers and me would get up and get on the line of scrimmage. My dad would hold one of the furniture pillows to his chest and call a play.

“Hut.....hut....HIKE!!”

We would move in slow motion......dodging each other.....my hand would life up......

*SLAM* My dad put the ball (pillow) in my hand. I would charge forward with my shoulder ahead. Moving. Pushing. Trying to get past my two brothers......not gonna happen! I am tackled.

Then we heard a shriek from the kitchen.

“Are you guys playing second down? You know how I don’t like it when you play that game. You guys are going to break something and get in biiiiiig trouble!”

This weekend Steve and Matt are outside playing not just football, but tackle football. Mark usually runs in circles whining about when he’ll get the ball. I watch as Steve jumps on top of Matt. The ball flies towards the deck and almost hits the house. Mark yells just because he’s a toddler. Everything is crazy!

Back inside.

“Who wants to play soccer??”

How can a balloon be destructive? Trust me. It can! Steve kicks the balloon to Matt. Matt runs around the family room coffee table. And there is Mark is yelling for the balloon.

The commotion. The close-calls. The noise. The possibility of something breaking. I am on the edge.

“Ok! Enough playing soccer in the house. You guys are going to break something and get in major trouble!”

Those words. Those exact words! Words my mother would say. Words that halt everything.

Steve replies, “Alright, we have to listen to mom. Let’s stop.”

The boo-hoos and complaining flow like a river. Like I am The Destroyer of Everything Good and Fun.

Know what I mean???

Best Day Ever

I am taking a break from blogging, commenting, and more.....

It's the "Best Day Ever" on Nick!!!!

Spongebob is not only funny to my 5-year old boy, but my hubby and I get a laugh at him too.

Have a great weekend!!!

Morning Quotes

Here is a taste of what I heard from Matthew this morning:

"Power boosters, ready to go downstairs??? Ready.....set.....GO!" He flies downstairs in "rocket time" making blast sounds

"....can you find your Halloween costume.....is it stored.....huh.....go down and see.....let's go now....blast fast...." Repeating an episode of American Dragon Jake Long while brushing his teeth and watching himself in the mirror

"Mom, I am serious, this time I am going to shoot the coffee maker." Holding his new air rocket gun he got at a recent Chuck E. Cheese party

And then I hear.....

"Mom, if you move I am going to shoot your butt!" How nice!

"I can pour my own cereal.....watch....." A cereal bowl is filled to the brim with Cocoa Puffs and milk

"I can walk to the bus stop alone. Mom can you just stay home?" Give me some Kleenex!

Wordless Wednesday: Space Cadet

"Earth to star command....come in star command."

Things that make me go "Uh?"

As I was driving back from grabbing a pizza from our local Pizza Hut (love their breadsticks by the way) I flipped through my preset radio stations. Could it be? Are you serious? Yes.......

NONSTOP CHRISTMAS MUSIC!!!

And that is CHRIST-mas music. Not holiday music. Not festive music. And please, not Santa’s music. I won’t elaborate on how ridiculous that subject is.

It isn’t even the week before Thanksgiving yet. Can you believe it? I said out loud, “Are you kidding me???”

On the subject of things that make me go, "Uh????", I was flipping through my local newspaper while waiting to pick up Matthew and saw this ad:

“Creating Smiles Dental Spa”

Yes, you heard that right: DENTAL SPA

As a former dental assistant I can throw out my opinion here. When did society thing “dental” and “spa” could be used in the same title? Has anyone experienced spa-like feelings at a dental appointment? You know what I experience working in the dental profession: fear, yelling, shaking, kicking, and biting. Let me also state that these reactions were not only from children!!!

Just some topics to cause your mind to crank too and ask, "What the heck?"

Project Vote Smart

Tomorrow is ELECTION DAY. Make your vote count. Use your voice.

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Don't know who to vote for? Need more information?

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Visit Project Vote Smart and type in your 9-digit zip code. Be informed!

Who do you put your trust in?

That is a good question. In light of the events surrounding Ted Haggard’s recent resignation as president of National Association of Evangelicals and dismissal as New Life Church’s senior pastor, I have been grieving not only for his family, but for the many people Haggard has influenced. The press is running wild with the recent allegations and I pray not only for truth, but for reconciliation.

I cannot deny that if I were part of their church’s board I would have come to the same resolution with what Haggard has admitted thus far. Leaders of a church need to live above reproach. Respected by a community. Live in integrity. Be an example.

However in light of this heartbreaking news I had to examine my own life. Is my sin worse than what Haggard did? Do I have hidden issues that I need to bring to the cross? I think all of us have an area in our hearts that need tweaking....plucking....weeding....

“Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” James 8-10

Sin is sin.

Adultery. Gossip. Slander. Pride. Loving money. Murder. Idolatry. Lust. Jealousy. Lying.

Call is what you want, but it is all the same: SIN!

As we pray and think about the many that will be affected by Haggard’s actions, let us remember not to put our trust in man, but the Lord. Let us prune our own hearts and rid any area that is not pleasing to Him. God redeems, renews, and forgives.

“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.” Psalm 20:7

Public Service Announcement

WOMEN, KNOW YOUR LIMITS!!!

This may offend or make you laugh. If I am posting it, you can guess what I did!

A Slap and a Soap Box

Give me a time out. Sit me in the corner for 5 minutes. I did a bad thing: I didn’t comment back to most of my Wordless Wednesday comments!!!

Have you had one of those days when you want to accomplish tasks around the house? I am talking major things like making the bed, taking a shower, or even making a meal for yourself besides eating the kids’ scraps??? The list was enormous! Yesterday was one of those days for me. I willingly posted my WW, but hardly visited others. Slap my hand and give me “a look”! The day refreshed me and put a smile on my face so I will give you “my hand” back. **hee hee**

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All this talk about Reese and Ryan splitting.....Madonna’s adoption.....John Kerry’s disrespectful comments towards Republicans.....Bill O’Reilly v. David Letterman.....the list goes on and on.....

Seems like Hollywood divorce is as common as dirt is on my boys. Should we be upset that a boy from Malawi is being cared for by a celebrity and probably having a better life than if he were sick in Africa? Should Senator Kerry have put a sock in it? And should I even mention the word Iraq? Lots to think about!!!

In the middle of all the controversy, arguments, and debate anyone can get on their soap box and be quick with their opinions. However, there is one thing that stands out among all that: WHAT GOD SAYS!!!

“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because our anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.” James 1:19-21

We should be more concerned about how we are living our own lives! Are we testifying the name of Jesus? Are we drawing people to know Him more? Are we living the faith we speak of? Do we judge in love or for our own glory?

“...God opposes the proud, but favors the humble.” 1 Peter 5:5

Let the light of Jesus spill out onto others. We need to pray for our country. Kick your soap box to the curb and replace it with the washing of God’s Word. If we all acted more like Jesus it would be a huge domino effect!!!

Wordless Wednesday: Costume Fun

Matthew as a Mystic Force Power Ranger battling his arch nemesis: MARK!!!

**Yes, a hanger is safe fun for kids -- nobody poked their eye out. Ah, brothers!**