Wordless Wednesday: Recycling From the Archives for a Little Spring

Probably one of my very favorite photos ever.

And be sure to stop by this week's photo tag here
for some classic "ugly duckling" pics from our past!

Just What Is Blog Worthy

I was laying on my stomach on my bed, one or two of my little guys crawling over me and another one helping Daddy pack for a business trip. We all hung out in our little room, helping Daddy check things off his list to pack. Carter gets Daddy's toothbrush, Noah helps with his shoes... No one says anything super witty or funny or cute, but as I took in the moment I thought I want to remember this.

It's not anything 'memorable' like when the kids took their first steps or the first day of school... but it's life.

I want to remember the not so special days. When we did just random stuff and said unimportant everyday things. I used to long for normal days back when we were going through some tough times with Noah and his epilepsy and special diet.

I just wanted to remember the days that you take for granted.

So, this very moment, I am really not minding the uneventful at all.

Photo Tag: I Can't Believe I'm Posting This

Hopefully we can all relate by sharing some photos of our less lovely times. And to think, our moms thought we were beautiful!

I can't believe I am posting this. I think I was in 5th grade, but I hesitate to say that because shouldn't I have known better by then? Anywhoo... I'll let you choose your own caption to this one. It's a doozy! Raise your hand if you had the big Sally Jesse glasses, too! Permed hair, too. And yes, Lori, that is a Swatch watch!

Check out Glass Half Full for the linky on this one. Come on- post one, too... you know you want to!!

P.S. I think for next week's photo tag I'll ask everyone to show off their pregnant belly photos!

Calling All Ugly Ducklings Turned Swans

Of course we're all swans now, right? That is why we can be confident in posting a horrendous photo from our childhood!

Just a reminder about tomorrow's photo tag... start scanning in those old school pics (elementary, middle or high school!) now! Lori will have the Mr. Linky! And oh do I have a picture to post. You'll either laugh or cry...

Adventures In Mamas, Life, Peanut Butter, & Flip Flops

This babywearing mama made it out of the house wearing no baby, with no kids at all in fact, to meet up with some lovely Mama bloggers for lunch today.

It was great- Don Pablo's wasn't crowded at all and we could just chitter-chat away, enjoying our yummy food and endless chips & salsa. Sigh, I'm already longing to do it again!

There was still plenty of babywearing going on as you can see - Robin, Jaymi, & Ashlee model the latest from Nest's spring collection.

It was nice for me to get out by myself, but I did miss my boys. They were just as excited to see me when I got home- Noah asking if I will make slings for their Mr. Bears and Carter announcing that his body is made of skinandbonesandwater.

As I type, the wind is howling something fierce and our windows are covered in ice. The cable is out and the power has already gone out once while I was composing this post!

Tomorrow will be a day staying warm inside, for sure, but at least I got to get out with my girls today! And I even had a hair appointment, too, this morning! You could never tell from these pictures... the wind was crazy and here I look like a coiffed business woman or something- you know, not my usual trendy slash tired mom look. ; )


Pictured above: back-Jaymi & 'TheBeast', Ashlee & Xav, front- 'SlowMo', Me, Sheryl, Robin, & Carter.

I Never Took A Typing Class

So I guess all my emailing and blogging is great practice. See how fast you can type here. Thanks, Rachel, for getting me hooked on this!!

I range from 89-101 wpm (words per minute) depending on how many kids are talking to me at the same time. ; )


And guess who I get to lunch with today? Some pretty incredible Mommy blogger friends like Jaymi- who I can't believe we've never met in real life before because she's like a sister to me now! And also some of my very favorite people, my Mommy gal pals Ashlee, Sheryl, & Robin!

Before You Throw Stones

I'm not saying that I haven't spoken my own disapproving opinion about the Britney Spears situation. But, before we all start throwing stones like the rest of America and beyond, I've been thinking about something...

I can't imagine how my life would be if every move I made was on display for all to see. Here on my blog I can pick and choose what you see through my little window. I, too, want to know that her children are well-cared for. Ideally being cared for by their own mother would be want I'd want to see. But, if she is in a state of being where she can't care for them as needed, then I think putting them in good care elsewhere is better than nothing at all, or worse.

I have read reports from nannies she had hired in the past that she only liked to hold her baby for 10 minutes and then would hand them over to the nanny and say "I'm done." As much as that drives a knife in my heart for those little ones, I am glad they are at least still getting human touch by those nannies.

How many babies in good homes these days spend most of their time in a bouncy seat, baby swing, or crib? Not feeling their Mama's touch nearly as much as they need? Or only in Mama's arms at feeding time? And how many times have we used the TV as a "nanny" ? Some might use this more often than not. Again, at least Britney's nannies are humans.

We can only see into this mom's life by what the already slanted media shows us. Yes, we can make assumptions by her partying ways and past mistakes. But are we so perfect?

Probably the best plate of humble pie I've eaten was after reading Mopsy's letter to Britney here.

And then a follow-up here.

Now take those stones and go build a play fort or something. ; )

Let's Play 'What's On My Sock Today?' !

A Valentine sticker, crunched cheerio remnants, & a piece of Scotch tape.

Not sure if this counts, but I stepped on a raisin earlier and had to pull that off, too.

Wordless Wednesday: What's The Name Of This Outfit?

What Would The Guy At Home Depot Say?

When we found out we were expecting our 3rd boy, a friend asked if I was going to finally invest in a urinal.

Cleaning the bathroom this morning I seriously wondered how much a urinal would cost. And how easy is it to install? Can you just walk into Home Depot and buy a urinal these days?

And the boys are just 6 years old and under, but I am starting to notice more need for frequent trips to the grocery store. They are growing. And so are their appetites. I nervously laugh when people say, "Wait until you have three teenage boys... they'll eat you out of house & home." What does that mean anyway?

It's always snacktime for someone here. And they're boys, remember. I also might as well have the broom & dustpan surgically attached to my hand, to save time, you know. I was recently sent a box of Fiber One Chewy Bars to review. I let Noah & Carter try them out and they would have eaten the entire box in one sitting if I had let them. So, I'd say they get a good review. Two dirty-fingernailed-thumbs up.

The Mama To This Blogging Mama

I definitely get my wild and crazy side from my mom. You have to know me really well and for a long time to even see my crazy side. The other day my Aunt dared my mom to go outside in the snow, in the freezing cold, and take a picture in her swimsuit. And she did it.


And to prove how crazy she really is, she said it was OK to put it on my blog.




Come on- how could I resist? Isn't she just adorable!?

Some people that we know reading this are falling off their chairs right now.

P.S. My Dad took this photo and was laughing the entire time.

My mom used to embarass me when I was growing up because all my friends liked her and wanted her to hang out with us, but I wanted to hang out with my friends without my mom! I loved my mom, but you know, when you're in middle school, you don't really want your mom in on the slumber party, too.

But now that I am a Mom, well, I see it all differently and I hope I remember that as my boys grow up and might find me embarassing. Sniff sniff.

I am so proud of my Mom and how free she is. When I asked her if I could put this on my blog, she said "Why not? You only live once."

Most of us are blogging Mamas here. I'd love to see your Mom, the Mama to the Mama Blogger. Feel free to post about your mom- whether you are close or not, and it could be an old picture from when you are little or current- whatever. Doesn't have to be crazy or anything. This photo just happens to represent the life that is in my mom's soul. And remember- I had permission!

Just have fun with it and be sure to link the post with Mr. Linky here! (And watch for next week's photo tag- Lori wants us to start digging out old geeky elementary school photos- heheheh!)

They'd Be Too Cold And I'd Break The Camera

I usually peek out my curtains and make sure no one is outside watching when I go get my mail. You know, like neighbors getting their mail at the same time or joggers and such. Mostly because I probably look like something the cat dragged in.

If I had paparazzi hiding in the bushes, 1. they'd be pretty bored and cold since I hardly ever leave my house and it's freezing here and 2. it would probably give me a heart attack to have someone jump out and snap unkind and unwanted pictures of me and my kids. I'd seriously call 9-1-1. How is this legal?!

I think there is such a thing as going too far. I think that the entertainment media crossed that line long ago. And now isn't almost all media becoming entertainment oriented? Britney shaved her head. Well, I have no care in the world about her hairstyles, but I am just so confused as to why this is "Top News" newsworthy. And the real top news issue with that girl woman - didn't she have two babies recently? Whatever happened to the babies?

And I used to like a little E! News every now & then, but lately I find that I need a throw-up bag if I dare watch one of those entertainment news shows. The other night one show asked "Who do you think the father of Anna Nicole's baby is? Take our online poll and cast your vote by looking at the potential fathers' pictures. Who do you think the baby looks like?" or something like that. I couldn't turn the tv off fast enough. I seriously gagged a little. And my heart hurts just thinking about it.

Score a point to my non-tv watching friends. I am getting there. I really am.

I Can't Get You Out Of My Head

We saw Music & Lyrics on Valentine's Day and I just can't get the opening video "Pop Goes My Heart" out of my head. The movie was charming. And it was a relief to see a romantic comedy with no bad language, no plot involving cheating or lying about something in the beginning only later to be "found out" and so forth and so forth. It was, surprisingly, a romantic comedy. Romantic and Funny. What a nice surprise.

Let Him Eat Cake

This is a very special birthday for Noah. My firstborn son turns 6 years old today.

This will be the first birthday he will celebrate that he will actually remember being off his special diet. For the past 2 years he hasn't been able to have a birthday cake or fun party food. The first year I made a really cool Play-Doh birthday cake so at least he'd have a candle to blow out. Last year we just served popsicles since he could have special "ice" treats. Three years ago at his Thomas birthday party, he had to wear a helmet to protect him from all the seizures.

But today we have many reasons to PARTY! He will eat birthday cake!

After all Noah has been through, I am just happy and content that he is turning 6 years old. What more could I ask for today?

I imagine that we'll stop keeping track of the sad days and birthdays he missed out as the new birthdays come & go. I see us never forgetting what we overcame, allowing it to shape us, but not letting it define Noah.

There is just so much that lies ahead to celebrate today. Happy Birthday, Noah!



Genesis 6:8 But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.

Too Much Of A Good Thing

There is such a thing, I suppose.

At my last hair appointment, I was asking my stylist why my hair felt so different- so heavy and just not the same. She asked if maybe I was using too much shampoo. The kind I use you're only supposed to use a tiny amount. I suppose I had been using too much. I have been careful to use just a little bit since then and my hair is a lot better. I remembered this the other day when I was frustrated about our lazy dishwasher- it really doesn't do much dish washing to be honest. Washing by hand has actually become more convenient. I thought maybe I've been using too much dishwashing liquid and scaled back on it for a load. And wouldn't you know- the dishes were so much cleaner this time!

I guess what I'm getting at here is- I need to take a little break for a couple days from blogging. Although I have had some good laughs from your comments here & here, it just isn't feeling the same around here lately. I need a break from posting Every.Single.Day.

You gotta live life to have real experiences to blog about anyway, right?

Keep blogging my blog and I'll be back soon...

You Blog The Blog

I've had so much fun reading your comments and "book ideas" in my last post. I had an idea. Yeah, part of me would like a break from blogging today and also I just thought this might be fun...

I haven't heard of this before, but am not sure about how original the idea is or anything. I am going to let you all blog my blog today (as long as you keep it clean, um kay?)

SO, the next person that comments, please answer the question above you, and then ask a question or tell the next commenter what you'd like them to comment about, a fill in the blank question, etc.

Then that commenter will answer and then think up something for the next commenter. If you don't like the next question the previous commenter presented, then come back later and see what else might down the comment line for you.

Feel free to comment more than once- might be fun to see how long we can keep the comment chain going!

And, there might come a time where two commenters respond to the same comment at the same time. That's ok. The next person to come along will just keep the chain going.

Updated to add: I keep checking back to read your witty comments here- I don't think I'll be taking a break from blogging today after all! You all are too fun!

So, if you're commenting, you're going to respond to the comment above you. Does this make sense? I'll start it off... you follow my lead:

If magic elves existed...

If I Ever Write A Book

I could title it...

How Did That Raisin Get There?

I Am Glad No One Was Looking

We were watching our neighbors' dogs while they were on vacation. I went to let them out the other day and noticed there was red splattered all in the fresh snow. Maybe it was too early in the morning, I don't know, but I am still trying to understand my thinking... My initial reaction was to look up at the sky - was a bird bleeding? Was I really expecting to see blood fall from the sky?

I soon found out it was from the dog as I see dozens of bloody paw prints on the kitchen floor. I shooed the dogs back outside while I cleaned it up and composed myself. Turns out his toenail ripped off or something- I still haven't been able to figure it out, but I made an early call to our neighbors in Disney World and the blood stopped and all seems to be well now.

That would have been weird, though, if it really had been a bird bleeding.

But then, the same day, I kinda wish someone had been looking...

While I madly knit away to finish this, my hubby cleaned the kitchen- swept the floor, washed all the dishes by hand, cleaned all the counters, even the kids' placemats, and read the boys their bedtime story, without me even asking. So just in case you thought differently of my hubby after this post, you can be assured that he appreciates me probably more than many husbands would, and he loves to be my helpmate just as much as I am his...

That's How He Rolls

So, Noah rode the bus for the first time on Tuesday. Those who know me well know how hard this must have been. For me. It has taken me the entire school year to get enough courage to send him on the bus, and honestly I planned on him never taking it until maybe next school year.

But, our van has been giving us troubles and the average temp lately is -1 degrees. I just can't be driving right now. And lugging three little ones out in this cold can take its toll. So, the bus it is.

I met with the school on Monday and we planned it all out. Spoke with his teachers and the school secretary. Even talked with the bus driver on the phone and everything. He is picked up and dropped off in front of our house.

My stomach was a ball of nerves the minutes before he was to leave for the first time. He was excited. I held back tears. I videotaped him getting on and riding away and down the street.

Surprisingly I did not call the school to be sure he made it ok. I stepped out in faith... plus they told me they would call me if he didn't make it anyway, so I knew all was well.

When he was dropped off- different story. He wasn't happy. His friends had been let off the next street over and he thought the bus driver forgot about him and left him. After a few tears and hugs, all seemed ok. But he was not going to ride the bus again tomorrow, he told us.

Daddy talked to him and we assured him that when his friends get off at the street before our house, he can remember that he'll be dropped off next. Before bed he scrunched up his little nose and said "Mommy, tomorrow I will ride the bus and won't cry."

The next day he is eager to ride again to school and all goes smoothly. I could get used to this- staying in the house all day!

Then comes time for the bus to drop him off. I hurry to slip on my shoes and coat and by the time I get to the door the bus drives by. THE BUS DRIVES BY. And keeps going. And Noah has not been dropped off. I run out to try to chase it, but it has gone.

I think my heart stopped. Uh oh. What to do?! I immediately start praying and grab the phone and the bus barn's number that I had on the fridge. They took the information and I guess would call the driver. Then I called hubby and he drove to the school. He had the principal call someone, too.

I should have been out there in time, and could have waved at the bus and reminded her that she has a new kid to drop off. It was only the 2nd day. I can understand how easy it would be to forget. But, after how upset he was yesterday... for sure he'd never want to ride the bus again.

It seemed like forever, but was really about 10 minutes and I see the bus coming back around. I run outside and the bus driver is shaking her head, so sorry, and she yells back to Noah- you're home! She apologizes and explains how she just wasn't used to the extra stop.

I am mostly concerned about Noah and can't tell from his face how he is. No tears- he actually had a bit of a spring in his step. That was fun, he says.

That was fun!? For some reason he thought it was funny that the driver passed his house and forgot him! The same child that yesterday came off the bus crying because he thought he had been forgotten, but really he was dropped off as he should. And when the bus driver really does forget about him, he thinks it's funny! Am I missing something!?

Well, I still feel bad for not being out there in time, and can understand it happening since it was only the 2nd time riding the bus. If it had happened two weeks or a couple months after riding the bus or if the bus driver had been cranky about it, or if Noah had been traumatized, I'd probably be more upset. Hubby is quite unhappy about the whole situation and plans to talk to someone in charge. Apparently this happens more than parents are aware of.

I don't really know what we should do next. In the meantime, Noah has been laughing about it since. How fun it was that the bus driver forgot to drop him off! And he can't wait to ride the bus tomorrow!

I think my heart just started beating again...

Wordless Wednesday: I Knit This!

My first sweater... I did it!

Works For Me Wednesday: How To Be A Good Wife

It's the Love, Sweet Love edition over at Rocks In My Dryer's Works For Me Wednesday today. Bloggers everywhere are sharing their tips and ideas to make hubby's heart skip a beat.

I wanted to share something that I came across that seems SO outdated and belittling to some wives, but I find it to be a great guideline for how I try to be a good wife.

Of course, some of it is quite amusing and I do not agree with everything listed here. But I do think really and truly underneath, this is the right idea. It ministers to my husband, and that's what is most important.

The following is from a 1950's home economics textbook intended for high school girls, teaching them how to prepare for married life.

• Have dinner ready. Plan ahead, even the night before, to have a delicious meal ready on time for his return. This is a way of letting him know that you have be thinking about him and are concerned about his needs. Most men are hungry when they get home and the prospect of a good meal is part of the warm welcome needed.
• Prepare yourself. Take 15 minutes to rest so you'll be refreshed when he arrives. Touch up your make-up, put a ribbon in your hair and be fresh-looking. He has just been with a lot of work-weary people.
• Be a little gay and a little more interesting for him. His boring day may need a lift and one of your duties is to provide it.
• Clear away the clutter. Make one last trip through the main part of the house just before your husband arrives. Run a dustcloth over the tables.
• During the cooler months of the year you should prepare and light a fire for him to unwind by. Your husband will feel he has reached a haven of rest and order, and it will give you a lift too. After all, catering to his comfort will provide you with immense personal satisfaction.
• Minimize all noise. At the time of his arrival, eliminate all noise of the washer, dryer or vacuum. Encourage the children to be quiet.
• Be happy to see him.
• Greet him with a warm smile and show sincerity in your desire to please him.
• Listen to him. You may have a dozen important things to tell him, but the moment of his arrival is not the time. Let him talk first - remember, his topics of conversation are more important than yours.
• Don't greet him with complaints and problems.
• Don't complain if he's late for dinner or even if he stays out all night. Count this as minor compared to what he might have gone through at work.
• Make him comfortable. Have him lean back in a comfortable chair or lie him down in the bedroom. Have a cool or warm drink ready for him.
• Arrange his pillow and offer to take off his shoes. Speak in a low, soothing and pleasant voice.
• Don't ask him questions about his actions or question his judgment or integrity. Remember, he is the master of the house and as such will always exercise his will with fairness and truthfulness. You have no right to question him.
• A good wife always knows her place.

And I must add that I would love to see what the boys were taught about being good husbands...

Raise Your Glass...

I'd like you all to please stop by and wish Lori at Glass Half Full a very Happy Birthday today!

Here's a photo of us hot mamas back in the day... you know, when the Wiggles were all the rage! We had second row seats for the show and it was awesome!!

Lori and I have shared a lot of good times together, and have been there for each other in plenty of the rough times. If not a mall trip or random playdate (when we can make that work!)... we are at least always there for email and instant messaging!

I treasure your friendship so much, Lori. You are one of the most "real" people I know. Happy Birthday!!

Share The Love

Did you hear that I was nominated for my first blog award in the Most Inspiring category? Is it just too cliché to honestly say that it is an honor just to be nominated in such a category?

Go take a look at the other nominees- some of your blog friends I'm sure- and cast your vote!

**As of Feb 6, I think voting has closed!

Send In The Dancing Girls

Today is one of my best friend's 30th birthday, and I must send Happy Birthday wishes her way. I love you, Jen!

In honor of her, you must check out what I and the other bridesmaids surprised her with at her wedding reception... (You can read more about it here, and I am the 2nd bridesmaid from your left!)

Thoughts On A Weekend

Do overs are good. It's nice to wake up and have a brand new day to start over. Today already has the opportunity to be better than yesterday. Tomorrow could possibly be even better than today.

It's a good feeling to have No Plans for once.

Have you heard about The Ultimate Blog Party hosted by 5 Minutes For Mom next month? I offered to knit up a hip scarf as a prize. If they don't take me up on it, should I do some sort of contest here?

Put Your Little Hatchlings In A Good Nest

I am so very proud to announce the launch of my best friend Ashlee's newest endeavor, bringing style and comfort to your everyday babywearing...

I officially recommend that you check her out.

What's so great about babywearing? Need more reasons?

**If you'd like to feature a nest button on your side bar, email me and I'll send you the html... jsprecourt@yahoo.com .

Win Win Win!

Stop by 5 Minutes For Mom to see their latest contest!

You - or hopefully I - could win a fabulous prize from Alli's Originals.

So go on- enter! If you win, be sure to let me know!