Works For Me: BEDTIME 8 o'clock

This Works For Me Wednesday sounds like a no-brainer, but seriously, I would not remain sane if I didn't stick with my kids' 8 o'clock bedtime routine. Now some nights, especially during the summer months, this time gets stretched, but I try to remain consistent. After a long day of "kid work" it is refreshing to spend time with my husband or do whatever I want to do for a change. We usually like to watch a movie and make popcorn or cookies -- sshh, don't tell our kids!!

8 o'clock bedtime: works for me and my sanity and keeping my marriage solid!!

Do You Know My ABC's?

Reflecting Him conjured up another meme -- this time it goes A...B...C...D...

1. Accent: Midwest with a touch of Indiana-twang
2. Bible Book I Like: John and Romans
3. Chore I Hate: Cleaning the bathroom!
4. Dog or Cat: Neither - not really a pet lover
5. Essential Electronics: COMPUTER!!
6. Favorite Cologne: Not a perfume wearer, but I love bath products with mint and vanilla. My hubby doesn't even wear cologne!
7. Gold or Silver: Gold
8. Handbag I Carry Most Often: When it's not my diaper bag I have a variety of different ones.
9. Insomnia: No - too tired from a day full of errands and kids!
10. Job Title: Full-time Mom
11. Kids: Matthew (5) Mark (almost 1)
12. Living Arrangements: Two-story home in suburbia with my husband of almost 11 years and two sons.
13. Most Admirable Trait: Hospitality and compassion
14. Naughtiest Childhood Behavior: On my school report card my teachers always wrote "Talks too much during class."
15. Overnight Hospital Stays: Two - when I gave birth to my boys.
16. Phobias: BUGS!!!
17. Quote: I am not big on many quotes, but anything from Proverbs is good at dishing out wisdom
18. Religion: Following Christ and making him Lord!
19. Siblings: Two older brothers
20. Time I Wake Up: Depends on when my rooster, Matt, gets up. Mark is the sleeper and doesn't get me out of bed until after 8am.
21. Unusual Talent/Skill: Juggling. Does changing a diaper while the child is standing count?
22. Vegetable I Refuse to Eat: Brussel Sprouts
23. Worst Habit: Chewing the side of my mouth
24. X-Rays: Besides yearly dental films I did have pictures taken of my arm when I broke it at age 3 (do I remember that?)
25. Yummy Stuff I Cook: I make a good Italian beef!!
26. Zoo Animal I Like: Anything from the monkey family. They are SO funny!!!

Two More Weeks Until Toddlerhood

I am trying to comprehend how a year went by so fast. Maybe it was Matt busy with preschool? Maybe it was because we were dealing with so many illnesses I wasn't sure if we would make it through? Maybe it was trying to adjust to making time for a 5-year old's wishes and still caring for a baby's needs at the same time?

Whatever it is all I know is that my baby, Mark, will be a year old June 21st and just like *that* (with a snapping sound) he will venture into toddlerhood. Am I ready??? We'll see...

Works For Me: Bibs with Pouches!!

From catching what doesn't go in my 1 year old's mouth to craft time messes, these bibs are a lifesaver when it comes to clean up. The other day Mark had a hay-day with our dinner: SPAGHETTI!! As you can see his face was covered with sauce and noodles. The bib's pouch was full of extra stuff as well. But when he was finished he cleaned up very well with little on his clothes. Bibs with pouches -- WORKS FOR ME!!

Summer Days

Ah - the wonderful days of summer!! I am excited for longer days, walks to our neighborhood's park, and pools. Next Monday Matthew starts day camp which is a great way for him to spend time with friends and get outside (pictured to the left is one buddy, Matthew).

As you can see Mark is joining in on summer fun! Although he is not fond of the sprinkler OR sitting in the grass. As we say, "It's like a cat going in water." HA! It is great not worrying about the cold wind chills or jackets. He spends most days barefoot. Is there anything cuter than baby's feet?

Another plus about summer is entertaining friends. Steve and I are always up for company and cook-outs. It has only gotten more fun since our friends are having kids. Watching all our children play is an image we cherish -- there is nothing better!

We hope your summer season brings memories and lots family fun!!

A Spiritual Meme

Reflecting Him posted this spiritual meme. Now here is mine:

1. What is your life verse? I made Jesus lord of my life when I read John 14 & 15. These two chapters are drenched in God's love and His purpose in sending Jesus -- the Way, the Truth, and the Life!!
2. Give a bit of your testimony: Where do I begin? I was born into a Godly family, but like most people I enjoyed the tastes of the world. This included drugs, excessive drinking, and looking for self worth in all the wrong places. It only lead to distruction until I made Jesus Lord. Depsite my failings He picked me up, made me new, and in turn I had to allow Him to be the Potter -- a decision I never regret!!! I have been serving the Lord for 13 years and counting...
3. Do you have a favorite preacher/teacher? My local church's pastors are wonderful! I also enjoy listening to Charles Stanley and James Dobson.
4. What is the best bible study you've ever done: NaviPress Life Change Series are excellent!! I have completed Ephesians, James, Romans, and 1 Peter. WOW -- how the Word can change a way of life!!
5. What do you feel is God's calling in your life? REFLECTING HIM IN DAILY LIVING!! That sums about everything I put my hand to.