Count Your Pennies

Join us for the Fourth Annual 31 Cent Scoop Night. We are once again paying tribute to local fire fighting heroes and thanking our loyal customers by lowering the price of Baskin-Robbins scoops to just 31 cents!

On April 28, America’s favorite neighborhood ice cream shop is partnering with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF), a non-profit organization dedicated to honoring fallen fire heroes and assisting their families and coworkers.

As part of the event, the Dunkin' Donuts & Baskin-Robbins Community Foundation will make a $100,000 donation to the NFFF. Participating Baskin-Robbins stores will help raise additional funds for local firehouses by inviting fire departments to the event to collect donations.

We hope you can join us on 31 Cent Scoop Night!



Did you all make it out to Baskin Robbins last night? Who can resist ice cream for .31 cents? Not our family.



The kids grabbed their piggy banks, counted their change, and dashed for the car as soon as dinner was complete.



Although the line was long, it was worth it. The kids (and I) got a fabulous scoop of ice cream and lots and lots of smiles. And we supported a good cause. Who can ask for more?

Bathtime Fun With My Babes

Paloma's Plug

Yesterdays dinner experience was atrocious. They children were obviously wild and had an exuberant amount of energy at the arrival of their father. I was trying hard not to squash that energy, but things were certainly getting out of control.

Finally, I had had enough. Paloma was acting like a crazy monster ~ running around dancing, singing, spilling things. She was cute in the process, but this was still my dinner table.

I stopped her in her tracks after heading several warnings and simply said, "Paloma, where did you come from."

Paloma's response "The zoo."

Based one her actions, I simply could not disagree with her.

Here's hoping tomorrow is a little more settled.

Girls Night Out

Calling all moms.....



Have you checked this place out yet? One word: Fabulous.



Daddy's plane was supposed to fly in this afternoon but not much to our surprise - it didn't. I'm not sure who was more upset, me or the girls. Since I hadn't planned anything to do (I thought we'd do nothing but hang with pappa tonight), my first response was to panic. Silly - but I like to have a game plan.

Without a second thought, I called this new little salon in town that specializes in children. After a brief description of their services, I decided tonight was officially "girls night."

Told the girls to change their shirts, wash the chocolate and finger paint off their faces, and jump into the car for a spa night and dinner with mommy.



The girls were each treated to a manicure followed by a haircut and fancy hairstyle.






The finishing touch - glitter. Fancy shmancy hair glitter.



Feeling absolutely like a princess, I took them out to dinner at their favorite restaurant - Souper Salad! It was a lovely evening except that I was running low on patience at the end and so everyone went to bed in tears ~ but I'm truthful in saying the rest of the evening was fun. Mattea thanked me for a nice night as she shoveled in salad and cornbread. She loves her curls and of course Paloma is loving her braids.

Check this place out moms - it is truly a great experience.

Wordless Wednesday

Spring Has Sprung

What a glorious and blessed (not to mention warm) weekend we had. I was lucky enough to have the entire weekend off to enjoy with my family (which was a blessing since Dave headed out on business late Sun. evening). After kicking butt to get all of my ridiculous chores done last week, our family was able to "play" the entire weekend.



We started off Saturday morning with a family run followed by lunch at the park. We topped out the afternoon with lots of family fun and then an evening at church.



Sunday was just as magnificent as most of the day - scratch that - all of the day was spent outside blowing bubbles, gardening, playing in the sandbox, and roller skating. How can you possibly beat that?

TV Trance!

Imagination

At my house, free play involves nothing but creativity and imagination. My kids have a knack for it. Every time I turn around, they are playing nurse, Costco lady, Schwann man, delivery room, shoe salesman, and now married people.

Not to long ago, we hosted a wedding at my house. Both Mattea and Paloma wanted to get dressed up and get married. They often look at our wedding album and ask a lot of questions - which I never mind. Of course, it is a learning tool for me to talk about the institution of marriage and how absolutely wonderful it is. They are still in the fairytale bubble that they will be marrying their daddy - and I just don't have the heart to tell them that that Prince Charming is already taken. I do hope they find men that are just as wonderful and godly as their daddy though.

So the girls got dressed up, put on some fancy jewelry, gathered some accessories, and asked if I would watch their ceremony. They took turns walking up and down the aisle. Their time will come - more quickly than I'd like I'm sure. But it made for a nice, cute, imaginative afternoon.

Ugh!

So a quick (and I mean quick) note to let you all know where I've been. I miss blogging and certainly have many posts that I'd like to write. I have a little problem though. You see those two kids in the picture above? Sweet aren't they? Well as sweet as they are, they are needy. Needy, needy, needy. "Mommy play with me, mommy wipe my bumm, mommy I'm thirsty, mommy I need a snack, mommy mommy mommy." Ah yes, the familiar tone that rings in my ear. And now, it rings in my ear all day because both girls have decided that napping is for babies. Yep, my world has been turned upside down, literally.

I have no time to do anything!!!!! The only reason I'm posting right now is because I got lucky and Mattea is reading a book to Paloma. But holy buckets - life is sure different now. And I can't help but say that I am sad. I used to be so good about staying up on laundry, dishes, cleaning, bills, projects, etc. That is a joke. My kids wake up in the morning and don't stop until their little head hits the pillow. I'm working hard at encouraging them to play alone otherwise my whole house will fall apart - but Paloma lasts for only about 15 min. in her room and she comes out bugging for a playmate.

Keep me in your prayers this week as we continue to adjust. Mommy has been a bit cranky not to mention downright tired. Where these kids get their energy I'll never know, but I'd sure like to find some. I now find coffee to be an afternoon staple instead of an afternoon treat. Oh heaven help me.....

Randomness

Think in your mind for one moment of a bright, warm, sunny day. Think about packing up and heading to the park to enjoy the beautiful day God has created. Think about packing snacks, drinks, extra panties (you know for those inadvertent accidents that are still occurring - sigh!). Think about grabbing a bottle of water for yourself, a snack, your cell phone, and the newest edition of Parents magazine. Think about making that last final potty stop (to avoid those inadvertent potty accidents), grabbing a jacket and getting loaded into the vehicle. Think about how much fun your going to have spending the entire afternoon at the park with your babies.

But try not to think about a packed park full of moms and their children who are thinking about the same thing you are. Packed parks don't bother me - mothers who spend more time staring at my bald head than paying attention to their heathen sons who are beating other children with a stick does! Are you kidding me. It is as if they have never seen a person without hair before. Seriously, women. Pull it together and try not to make it so obvious that you are gawking at me. It really is unbecoming.

On the flip side, try to think about the sweet little girl that I teach in Sunday school who we were fortunate enough to see at the park who approached me and said, "you have really short hair." I replied, "yeah, and you have really curly hair." Her response, "yeah." And off she skipped. Didn't bother her any.

Easter Fun 2010

A look at our Easter celebration from this year. We are truly blessed as a family and are fortunate to know our Lord Jesus. This is a time of celebration - a time to remember exactly what Christ sacrificed for us on the cross. Thank you Jesus for all you've done and continue to do for us.











He is risen indeed!

Life As A Bald Lady

So I promised an update on what life has been life since losing my hair only 2.5 weeks ago. Gosh, it totally seems longer. I can't believe it has not even been 3 weeks. But as I count on my calendar, it is true. I'm sad in so many ways - one because I have not really had a whole lot of time to enjoy my new do. It is growing like crazy. I guess these vitamins really do work.

Since shaving my hair 3 weeks ago, I have had the opportunity to think, assess, and rethink why I did what I did. Would I do it again? Would I encourage others? Do I regret it? After being at work last night and receiving the news that yet another one of our oncology patients had passed away, my answer was reaffirmed. Yes, i would do it again (in a heartbeat), yes i would encourage others, and no mostly certainly do I not regret it. I have been blessed to be a part of St. Baldricks. I am more than honored to have been a part of the efforts that occurred to raise money for such a worthy cause.

I have learned a lot over the last couple of weeks. I learned that I often times hid behind my hair. I find now that I don't really have any to hide behind, I stand taller, I walk more confidently, and I approach people with a greater sense of pride. Truly, when you are bald, you are in all essence naked. You are exposed and a bit vulnerable. Your imperfections are there - in bright light for all the world to see. I've realized though that I need to make amends with those imperfections. This is who I am - this is who I will be. I can't change how I was made, nor should I want to. You begin to appreciate a new sense of beauty. To those who choose the look or those who are forced into it, there is beauty...

In the past couple of weeks, I have received stares, awkward looks, and a even a few comments. Clearly I am most at ease at work - where people look, act, sound different and it is acceptable. But I have found that simple little acts like going to the gym have increased my insecurity. Well, I should say they did. As the days pass, I am no longer bothered by the stares from others working out on the treadmill, or the comments made at my daughter's gymnastics class. I know my reasoning, I know my heart, and I know my intentions - and really that is all that matters. And that is what I've tried to instill in my children. Miss Mattea is in a "weird" phase. Her hair will fly in 3 different directions if not tamed, she has a large gaping whole between her two front teeth, she is messy in everything she does, and has outrageously bad breath due to potential tonsil problems. But you know what - her heart is amazing. She is the most compassionate and God loving little girl that I know. She is kind, and empathetic, strong yet soft. She is nothing short of spectacular. That is what makes her beautiful. (Don't get me wrong, I thing she is stunning despite her bad breath and gaping hole.)

Am I articulating my point? I kind of feel like I'm rambling?

There is certainly nothing wrong with spending time in front of mirror, combing hair, doing makeup, dressing just right. Nothing at all. In fact, I love looking good. But, what I've realized is you can primp and prime all that your heart's desire but true beauty is not obtained until your heart has been beautified. Your inner strength will radiate far more than any blush you can apply or any lipstick you can dab. It is kind of what your mother always said "It's what is on the inside that counts." I've learned and I continue to learn.

Just yesterday I have chosen to keep my look for awhile longer. Just short of 3 weeks, I chose to re shave my head and live up my look for the summer. Not only am I saving a bunch of money, time, and stress, I'm gaining some valuable lessons. So I'm sticking with it for a bit longer.

Wordless Wednesday

Ramblings

So, not much to this post. It is simply me and my computer. With my husband away, my kids in bed, and absolute silence in the house, I've decided that instead of sitting down with my journal, I'd sit at the computer.
I'm tired, frustrated, angry, bitter,overwhelmed, and did I mention frustrated.

I had a bad day ~ yep, a downright wretched day. Although it was bad, and I want it to be erased, I will praise God and thank him for this day nonetheless.

I'm not sure if it has anything to do with the fact that PMS is rearing its ugly head, or my husband traveled all this week, my kids are exhausted, or perhaps I have been skipping my quiet time with God. Whatever the case is, today sucked!

I seem to have these kinds of weeks every once and awhile - feeling like the weight of the world is on me, feeling like stuff needs to get done and isn't, feeling like my children are heathens and I absolutely can't get a handle on things, and feeling like I'm completely alone in all of it. Yep, feeling a bit broken at the moment.

I woke up the this morning after getting less sleep than I had wanted because I had to answer the call of "cuddle with me" at 3 am and "i want my daddy" around 4 or 5 am (can't remember and frankly it doesn't matter.) Of course, this morning we had to be out of the house by 9am(well 8:40 if i wanted to get that badly needed cup of coffee from Starbucks) to get to gymnastics class. Paloma was grumpier than all get out and was in tears within the first 10 min. of being up. She threw tantrum after tantrum - one involving the leotard she was to wear. She was so mad that she actually peed in it so she didn't have to wear it. Now I'm not going to fight over what leotard she is going to wear - in fact, she picked it out. But, I refuse to let her go in the pajamas she wore all night. I must put my foot down somewhere.

Then, tantrum sparks tantrum and it wasn't long before Mattea was mouthing off and acting downright disrespectful. That is just one behavior that gets my goat and is not tolerated at our house. SO, rather than taking a moment to pray and ask God for guidance in dealing with my two children before 9 am, I simply lost my cool, hollered a bit, slammed around a few dishes, and well, became frustrated. Still, we are no where near leaving.

The behavior continued -tantrums at gymnastics, poor listening at the gym, back talk and sassiness at home. When I finally got them down to bed, I called David and almost cried. I felt and still feel horrible for my behavior and my actions. I felt in retrospect that I could have handled things differently but at the time I was simply doing what I needed to to survive. Lord help me regain composure should have been my prayer but in fact "children start listening" were the words resonating from my tongue.

Ugh - I hate these feelings. These feelings of should of, could of, would of - didn't! My morning devotion about a week back involved a passage about following God and having a Godly day instead of following Satan and having a "fleshy" day. At the time I remember having an AHA moment ~ almost like a "yep, I finally got it" kind of moment. Lesson, I didn't get it because today Satan won. I had a fleshy day. I reacted in fleshy ways with fleshy words and fleshy feelings. Sadly enough when I put my kids to bed they both said "I love you" and I believe they meant it. And sadly enough, I know that tomorrow I will be given a brand new slate and I'll be forgiven. Sadly enough, I know my kids will wake up with little recollection of today's events (because the great thing about children is they have a short memory - sometimes) but why or why do I have to have these kinds of days to remind myself of the kind of days I want to have?

Lord, why must I be tested like this - because at the end of the night I feel terrible. I guess it takes these kinds of lessons to remind me that I am not in control, nor will I ever be in control. And the more I think that I'm in control, the more that I'm knocked down to my knees. Perhaps if God would have been invited into my home today, I'd be looking back at this day with a different perspective. Just a thought.....

The Joys of Having a Big Sister

So David went in and checked on the girls the other morning during playtime. It seemed as though they were playing fine until we get hearing these muffled pleas for help from Paloma. After a little investigation, this is what he found...

Mattea had stuffed Paloma in the dryer and shut the door. Paloma thought it was funny for about the first 5 seconds and then realized she couldn't get out.

Needless to say, Mattea got a pretty stiff scolding from her daddy. Ugh, what is next?

Oh Happy Day

Dear Heather ______:

Congratulations

Our records show that this account was paid in full as of 03-03-2010.

We appreciate having been able to serve you and hope that your educational experience has been a good one.

Please contact us with any questions you may have about this student loan account.

Borrower Services Department

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hark the Herold Angels Sing ~ I love getting this kind of letter in the mail. My relationship with Great Lakes has been severed (although they are kind of like an old boyfriend - they are still a part of our lives until David gets his loan paid off.)

Wordless Wednesday

Spring Has Sprung

And there is nothing sexier than a man and his rototiller.



Thanks for your hard work on the garden honey - now it is time to plant the cold weather veggies.

My Little Secret

I have a secret ~ I'd love to share it with you. Promise you won't tell anyone? Pinkie swear you won't judge me? Ok here goes...

I now use my bathtub as my babysitter. You heard me. I used my bathtub as my babysitter. I had heard a few other moms mention that they too put their kids in their several times a day to play, get messy, or simply to mellow them out. Well, this weekend I tried it.

It worked like a charm. I needed to shower and get ready and rather than have them veg in front of the TV, I decided to find a few of their "water safe" dolls, horses, barbies, etc and toss them into the tub for a bath. The girls put their shorts one which later wound up being bathing suits, but who cares. I was able to shower, get dressed, get my hair ready - ha, and do my makeup without interruptions. I bet they were in their playing for at least 45 min.
Now they want to do it everyday - and you know what, so far, I haven't had a problem with it. Yahoo for good ideas!!!!

Do You Think She Needs Counseling?

I had my conference with Mattea's preschool teacher this past Wednesday. We sat down and reviewed her testing scores, her strengths and weaknesses, and of course kindergarten prep. I chuckled to myself as we breezed through all of the academic "stuff." Mattea scored well and her teacher had no doubts she'll be successful in kindergarten. And then......

we addressed this:



When asked to draw a picture of herself, Mattea drew this. What the heck is this I asked? Her sweet 70 year old teacher said she was a bit thrown by the fact that Mattea had totally forgotten to include a body or arms to her self portrait but made sure to put eyelashes on her person. She checked the "lacking detail" box on her assessment but then did mention to me that she hasn't had many students (if any) include eye lashes in their self portrait. I'd say that is good detail huh?

Evaluations??

Chronicles Of A Bald Woman - Coming Soon...

I am so looking forward to the day that I can sit down and have a few minutes of uninterrupted time to sit and blog about my thoughts and idea after living as a bald lady for 1 week. It has been an interesting week to say the least. I have had good experiences and bad experiences - but life changing ones nonetheless. So please be patient and stop back soon to read about how my life has changed since losing my hair....

PS ~ this photo was taken by my 3 year old. Not bad huh?

Our New Play Place

Before I begin, I must apologize for the quality of pictures. Apparently my lens needs cleaning. I'm seeing ridiculously dirty spots all over my photos - sigh. Add to list of things to do next week....



But, dirty lenses or not, the girls and I headed over to one of the indoor gyms in town to meet some friends for a play date last week. After hearing other moms rave about, we decided it was our turn to weigh in.



The consensus - super fantastic! For a low cost, the girls were able to have access to all of their favorite gymnastics equipment (bars, trampoline, rings, etc) and some very fun inflatable toys. Yahoo!





Although their were some injuries to be had that day, we were super impressed by the facility. We will definitely be heading back soon. The girls love their gymnastic class on Thurs, but I think they did like this as well since there was no structure and they were free to play and do whatever their little hearts desire. And thanks friends for joining us and spending the morning with us. Good conversation always tops off the play date....

Mattea Moments

Outside gardening this afternoon, Mattea says to me
"Mom, I still like you even when your bald."

Me: "Thanks Mattea. You know what? I still like you too!"

Mattea: "Mom, I'm so glad you shaved your head for all those kids - you know the kids with cancer."

Me: "That is why we did it isn't it Mattea?"

Lesson - they listen. Our kids listen. Even when we think they aren't listening - they are listening. When I tell them a story - they listen. When I scold them for doing something inappropriate - they listen (they may act like the don't.) When I inform them of a big life decision and my reasons behind doing it - THEY LISTEN.

I love you little M. I love your heart and I love your soul. You are a special little girl. Thanks for still liking me!

Wordless Wednesday - Part 2 (Kind of)

(Yep - that's a baby in her tummy. Or at least Mattea is convinced there is a baby in her tummy. She ate her entire meal and spent her entire morning with a doll stuck up her shirt. Hmmmmmm ~ thoughts?)

Wordless Wednesday - Part 1

Look What's Springing Up

We were so excited to get out seeds started for this year's garden plant. This is the first year we did see starters and from the way it looks, everything is going great so far.



We are anxious for summer and all that comes with it. The garden is a huge source of "entertainment" for us. It keeps us busy. We are hoping this year's crop proves to be the best year. We'll see....