News

James was goofing off and jumped in a door way hitting his head in the door jam at school. I took him to urgent care and he ended up with seven, small staples. Doesn't that sound lovely? STAPLES. Fun stuff. He's fine but will probably have a splitting headache when I see him again in a few hours. He has the best sense of humor....as we were pulling up to school to drop him off for his team meal he exclaimed: "Mom, I forgot to get a doctor's note!" And I told him to bend over to show the coach. He has one coach who is particularly grumpy and mean who he thought wouldn't believe him. I think he will. As you can tell from reading my Twitter updates, I was really hoping for a very short haircut. No such luck. :-P James will probably have to sit out two games. Consequences are great.

On a more serious note. Great Grandma is in the ER with shortness of breath and extremely low blood/oxygen levels (40%). I would really appreciate your prayers for her. She is 93 years old and suffers from lung issues and breathing problems. She is the matriarch of our family and blesses us with her daily and fervent prayers for our families. She has treated me like a real grand-daughter since I entered the family 18 years ago. She has the gift of encouragement and blesses me every time we are together. Right now she is surrounded by the men in our family. They are there to lend support to Great Grandma and Aunt Patty. Please pray.

Thank you. :)

They Say It's Her Birthday

Happy

@!st

BIRTHDAY

DONNA!

Go wish Donna a happy birthday. She always has a big blog bash on her special day.


Donna, go have one of these ON ME.

Crazy Busy

I'm in a huge hurry this morning but thought I'd just say hello and of course "have a good nice beautiful day lady". Yes, my friend at McDonald's added "lady" at the end today. Isn't that sweet?

Last night was crazy. We scored 6 tickets to the Concert of the Year on Wednesday night and better yet, they were only $15 a piece. Jars of Clay (Janice calls them Clay Pots) performed first and unfortunately we missed them. It was tricky getting downtown by 6 PM. Robert Randolph & The Family Band were next. They have a very blues/rock sound and not many lyrics but boy was it fun to listen to. Next up, SWITCHFOOT. My kids LOVE this band and so do I! Did you know they're from Oceanside, California? Love that place. I knew *almost* every song they sang and they were the rockers for the night. Third Day finished off the night. Love, love, love Mack's voice. It's soothing, perfect, beautiful. I didn't know as many of their songs because I haven't taken the time to listen to the new album even though it's on my iPod. They played some of their older music which I knew very well. He did a great job of sharing the Gospel an pointing people to Christ. At the end Jars, Switchfoot and Third Day performed together and it was incredible. Robert and Family had another engagement in Phoenix. I'm so glad it worked out for us to go. I have to admit I was a bit skeptical and didn't think I'd enjoy the ROCK so much but there is something very special about live music and I thoroughly enjoyed myself.

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The Ligonier Conference starts today at 2 PM. It has been a logistical nightmare for me with every one's schedules but today Dave and I will go and take James and Danielle. We were hoping our three older children could attend both days but I just can't get it all together. Dave and I will attend only the morning sessions tomorrow. Ah, what can I do. I'm also very disappointed that we have to sit in the "overflow" area. They should have held this thing at the Phoenix Convention Center for goodness sakes. Anyway, looking forward to hearing John MacArthur and R.C. Sproul this afternoon.

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Hannah has pink eye. We'll see if this goes through the family....

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Sorry about the blabbing.

Got to run.

Have a wonderful day and a great weekend!

I Feel The Need To Be Fair

My sisters and I were gushing about Warren Sapp's mad dancing skilz yesterday.

Donna posted his dance on her blog yesterday. (and today she's getting all mushy with poetry, *wink*)

So, today I give you MAURICE GREENE.

GO MAURICE:




It's going to be a great season on DWTS. What talented dancers.

Except Cloris. What on earth?

What do you think about Maurice? Do tell.

Costco Goodies

Donna asked me for some more Costco goodies. They just got a Costco and/or they have a new membership.

Here are the items I buy on a regular basis but not every trip:

Kirkland Whole Wheat Bread
2% Milk
Butter
18 pack Eggs
Mexican blend cheese
Ground Beef (not the frozen chub)
Pot Roast
Einstein's bagels (fresh not frozen)
Eggo's
Water bottles
Rain Water (no carbs and refreshing)
Rotisserie Chicken
Strawberries
Grapes
Parisian Salad Kit
Asparagus
Avocados
Goldfish
Animal Crackers
Taquitos
Frozen Hamburgers **
Chicken Nuggets (for Lauren)

I buy these items for my kid's school lunches. The other bulk items (above) get put in to small zip lock bags.

All in individual wrapping:

Sun Chips
Fruit Cups
Applesauce
Pudding
Chex Mix
Organic Chocolate Milk (they love this!)
Nature Way Granola Bars
Kirkland Fruit Snacks (ew)

**About the frozen hamburgers. I don't know the brand but I do know they are individually wrapped, Angus burgers and they are frozen. I searched the net yesterday but couldn't find the brand name. James loves these things! Dave ate one recently and said it was 'pretty good'. Anyway, they make a quick snack or meal for a GROWING boy.

I have also been know to buy LOTS of socks at Costco.

And home decorations.

And eye glasses.

And Christmas cards.

And trampolines.

And bunk beds and dressers (online).

I could go on but by now you are REALLY, REALLY bored.

Add to my list in the comments. What do you buy at Costco?

Tasty Fish

A Costco find:

















I brushed the frozen fish with a little melted butter, sprinkled garlic salt and added fresh ground pepper. I baked it for 25 minutes, according to the package. The only thing that was missing was a tiny bit of fresh lemon juice.

Just look at the nutrition information!

18 grams of protein in one filet.






















I am on a very strict, low fat, mostly protein diet so this is absolutely perfect for me.

Do you eat fish? If so, what kind? The only other fish I make is fresh salmon and shrimp.

My Baby Is Six??!!

Happy 6th Birthday Lauren Paige!

Oh boy, is she excited! She got to open two presents this morning and wear her new outfit to school. We also took cupcakes and bubbles to school for Lauren to share with her "classmates" (her new word).






















Here she is looking very "leggy" at the top of Jackson Hole ski resort this summer. She's taking after her sisters. Why didn't I get long legs?




















Lauren and her cousin Emma are the best of friends! We'll see everyone on Sunday for a big family birthday party.

This is birthday #3 if you're counting. Dave's is at the end of the month and finishes off our run of late summer/early fall birthdays.

Lauren requested a white cake with white frosting and pink sprinkles for her big day. ("I don't like chocolate!") Whose child is this anyway? :)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LAUREN!! MOMMY LOVES YOU VERY MUCH.

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Sorry, but I can't get this out of my head. It just fits.

"Nobody puts baby in a corner"
~Johnny

My $1 Diet Coke

A couple times a week I stop by McDonald's after I drop the kids off at school and grab a delicious, cold, fizzy, large Diet Coke. You know they have the best cups and straws, right?

I can't tell you the last time I (or my family) at a meal at Mickey D's but I sure do love their one dollar special on my drink of choice. Good news! The special has been extended.

Not only do I get my large addiction, er Diet Coke, I am blessed by a very friendly employee who says goodbye to me with a huge smile on his face and this is what he says in his strong Hispanic accent:

"HAVE A GOOD, NICE, BEAUTIFUL DAY"

His kindness and joy each morning is such an encouragement to me and I do my best to return the greeting with a big smile on my face and a friendly goodbye and thank you.

I didn't see him at all last week and I was worried he left the restaurant.

He was there this morning. :)

Little does this man know that his sweet send off blesses me and that it spurs me on to goodness and graciousness and a kind and happy spirit.

Psalm 118:24

This is the day which the LORD has made;
Let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Happy Birthday James!

This is our birthday season! Sarah's was 3 weeks ago, James' big day is today, Lauren's is in 8 days (we're counting) and Dave's is at the end of the month. Phew. Time to have a big BBQ and celebrate.

This is James relaxing in Jackson this summer. We are in my brother-in-law's brother's home. Got it? The Tetons are out the window in the background. Sooo pretty. I want to go back to Jackson. Right now.

Back to the birthday boy. James is 15 today and is a freshman. He's loving school and very thankful that one friend returned to school (after leaving for public school) and for another friend who has joined the ranks at NCS. He loves working out and making fruit and protein smoothies. He is especially excited that his new iPod Touch is plugged in and charging in his bedroom.






















Have I ever mentioned that he weighed 9 pounds 13 ounces at birth? Twelve times? OK. Well, it hurt and I felt the need to share.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY PRECIOUS AND ONLY SON.

I LOVE YOU JAMES.

Clowing Around!

It's Clown Day in Kindergarten!

Lauren found the dress in our dress-up box and we got the hat, lollipop and nose at Party City.

She came in to my room and crawled in to bed with me at 6 AM sharp. She was so excited she couldn't sleep.






















Hehe, I like the little smirk.










































Her she is with her very special teacher, Mrs. Y.

Donna, why is this picture yellow? Argh.


















Hmmm. The nose seems to accent the blue eyes.

Fashion & Beauty Tip: want your eyes to "pop"? Wear a big, red clown nose.

Have a great day and a nice relaxing weekend my friends.

"Vessel" and JV Sports

Sorry for all of the You Tubes lately but I just couldn't resist this one.....

I promise, it's not dumb. LOL

Sing along and worship Jesus with Chris Sligh:




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JV games are in full force.

Hannah's team won in two games and she had some nice playing time! I was sitting in the bleachers, in line with the net and a few times we made eye contact. It was funny. She was nervous and made a funny face at me.

James' team was playing at the same school out on the football field. When Hannah's game ended we ventured outdoors for some JV football. It was an incredible game. A shut out to be exact, 30-0. My man James recovered a fumble (woot!), caught an interception (yes) and had a chance at the end of the game to fine tune his QB skilz. It's nice going to a small school, many of the boys play both offense and defense. James was out there for most of the game.

About that interception. I didn't see it. Boo Hoo. Lauren had to go to the bathroom so I got up (the only time I moved out of my seat) and was in the bathroom when James intercepted the ball and ran for 8 yards. UGH. WHY ME?

Go Crusaders!

Funny Guy

Here is an interesting run down on Palin from a really funny guy.

Whether you agree or disagee, JUST LAUGH. :)








H/T The Common Room

Remember Chris Sligh?

He was on American Idol a few years ago.


Here is his myspace page. You can listen to several of his Christian songs. Please listen to "Vessel", you will love it.

Here he is singing "Empty Me". Beautiful lyrics.




I'm very impressed and I hope he has a long and successful career singing to the glory of God!

One Question

Who will raise her young children?

I am having a very difficult time with this decision.

Prayer Request

A very sweet lady and friend at our school has battled cancer for 14 years and for the most part has managed to stay very healthy and active. The cancer, at times, was considered to be in remission. Unfortunately, the cancer has spread to her bones so she is undergoing chemo again. She has two young children, a sophomore and a 7th grader. Will you please pray for this dear lady?

C. is such an inspiration to me. She is one of the most positive, encouraging women I know and always has a smile on her face. I miss seeing her pull in to the school parking lot as I'm leaving. She always had a big wave for me. She just battled an infection and had to be hospitalized but is now able to be at home. The chemo is really taking its toll on her body, as you can well imagine. One of the most difficult parts of this is that she can't have any visitors for fear of germs etc. I will be sending a card in the next few days. I will also be taking the family a meal in a few weeks.

I want you to know about a great internet tool for scheduling meals. I just learned of it this week.

It's called Food Tidings

From the website:

Food Tidings exists to simplify the process of organizing meals for friends or family members in a transitional time of life. For someone who has just had a baby, recovering from surgery or injury, grieving the passing of a loved one, confined to bed rest, and almost anything else, receiving dinners from loved ones can be very comforting and helpful.

From all I can tell it is very easy to navigate. If you are the one organizing the meals you simply have to fill out a short form and have your email addresses ready to go. An email gets sent out to everyone on your list and they follow the link and sign up for a date that is available and suits them well. It was a piece of cake.

Here is the FAQ page.

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Would you please pray for C. and her family at this time?

James 5:16

The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.

Whole Wheat Pasta

Have you made the switch to whole wheat pasta?

I have heard it is delicious and that you can't tell a difference.

But I have a problem. I stand in the grocery isle with great intentions and all I do is stare at the pasta. And I freeze and then then I buy the same old stuff that I've bought for years. Usually Barilla.








Can you recommend one? I don't shop at Trader Joe's or Whole Foods, just your average, typical neighborhood grocery store.

Please help. :)

Are You Going

to Ligonier's West Coast Conference?












I just checked the website and it says that only overflow seating is left.

We have been interested in going for months and then our church pastors and elders offered to pay for half of the registration fee for anyone from our church interested in attending the conference. Isn't that generous and a great idea?

We are taking our three oldest children ages; 16, 15 and 13. I think they will really enjoy the teaching and be challenged in many ways. Um, I will be challenged too. :)

Check out the schedule.

And the speakers. I'm soooo excited!

So, will I run in to any long lost friends (lurkers) or bloggie friends?

I sure hope to! I've already sent off one email to Susan.

I won't do that live blogging thing (like many of the man blogs) while I'm there but you can sure expect a Twitter or two.

I Guess That Means No.

Janet: So, Lauren, did you have a good day at Kindergarten?

Lauren: Oh, yes!

Janet: Have you made some nice friends?

Lauren: Oh, yes!

Janet: Hey, Lauren. Do you feel a little sad? You know, miss Mommy a little?

Lauren: (snort, gasp) ARE YOU KIDDING ME?


As you can see from the conversation above, the transition to Kindergarten has gone smoothly.

She loves it!






















Here is the whole gang.

Not bad for 7:15 AM, eh?

Hannah, 11th
James, 9th
Danielle, 7th
Sarah, 4th
Lauren, K

A Big Day

For Lauren and Mommy.

Today is Lauren's first day of half day Kindergarten. She has been so excited to start school. Lauren's snack and water bottle were packed and ready last night. Her backpack was by the garage door and ready to go. I walked her to class, helped her get situated and kissed her goodbye. No tears, she was busy playing with large wooden blocks.

And then I had to walk back to the car. ALONE.

I also had to walk in to the house. ALONE.

I did these things with a big ole lump in my throat. My feelings are very mixed. This is the first time in 16+ years I've been alone in my house without a baby to nurse or a child to teach or a toddler to chase. It is surreal. I feel sad, glad, relieved, exhausted, encouraged and ready. I am ready to start a new phase of life eating Bon Bons on the couch. Oh, I kid. I never liked Bon Bons anyway.

A few other thoughts.

Some of the mom's think it's funny that this is my first Kindergarten experience and I have 4 older kids.

They can't believe I have 5 kids. Although I'm nothing compared to the M. family, they have 10.

I think maybe I'm the oldest Kindergarten mom. Maybe.

And last but not least....I'm cleaning my bathroom, shower and all. :) Scrubbing it to death. It hasn't been done in 16 years. I kid, again.

TTFN.

Two Olympic Thoughts

STUD

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Unlike the women, the men wear clothing when they play beach volleyball. ARGH.