Nic's Days

Random Pics

2012-01-25T13:51:00.001-06:00

On Sat. it was just the younger ones at home.
We did random things all afternoon.
I snapped a few shots of the normal. (Or is it the unnormal since we aren't usually home for a full day?)
Got a few close face shots of them. Love those lazy Saturday face looks.

How many single socks can one family have?

That is the question?
Apparently this family can fill up a fourth of the laundry basket with them.

Tuesday we got snow.
Tatum and I tried out an activity for preschool.
My friend Tami P. gave me the idea . . . . genius - paint snow.

Tatum loved it so at preschool this week we filled our Discovery Table with snow and they all painted.
I'll post pics on the Preschool blog soon.

Off to be productive.

Another Winner

2012-01-21T09:15:00.000-06:00

Thanks for all your one word answers.

They made me feel normal.

The winner is #2 - Kimberlee!!

You are gonna love this read.

Go check out Kimberlee's blog -- Driveway of Life

Kim and I met in college . . . in a mix of circumstances we found ourselves on
a 20+ hour road trip with a random group of people which included running out of gas
in the middle of the night. Good times I tell ya.
I love following her blog - she's witty and fun and so real.

Every post needs a picture or two so here are some unrelated pics.

Have a good weekend.

What are you doing this weekend?

I'm gonna exercise, work on a project, go to church, go to a basketball game, hang with my kids, answer some emails about women's retreat, hand out kleenex to all the runny noses surrounding me,

and fold all the laundry that I've ignored all week.

It will be good - a mix of responsibility and fun is what I'm hoping for.

One More to Give Away

2012-01-18T10:38:00.000-06:00

Here's a great glimpse at the book "7" by Jen Hatmaker that I've been raving about!

I've got another book to give away.

So leave me a comment.

This time tell me in one word what has consumed you this week - tangibly or in your thought life.

My word: Food

Contest closes on Friday night - Winner announced Saturday morning.

Winner and Registration Starts!

2012-01-16T12:06:00.000-06:00

The winner of the book "7: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess" is . . . .

Sweet Pea

(Your book will be on it's way shortly!!)

Congrats!

Today starts the registration for our area Women's Retreat.
It's in Nebraska City at a great place.
You can get all the awesome details at this SITE.
I'm happy to take your forms from you and turn them in.

Our speaker is Jen Hatmaker

(Author of the book we just gave away.)

She won't disappoint us.

Come have fun with some girls - enjoy time away from the normal stress - be challenged -

be encouraged - worship - eat - laugh - it will be a great time!!

Have a happy Monday and a great week!

SEVEN - a Book Review and a Giveaway ! !

2012-01-12T21:03:00.002-06:00

SEVEN - an experimental mutiny against excess

by Jen Hatmaker

Last weekend I finished reading this book.

I want to sit with a glass of wine or vanilla Dr. Pepper from Sonic and chat for hours with a group of women or with a room full of people and just process.
Process how we all live - how I live.
Process the mess of how to align our lives more with Jesus.
I'm dreaming of a book club.
This book is stirring.

As a thank you for posting about this book, the publishers gave me one to give away to YOU.
At the end of this post I'll tell you how to win.

I've pulled a short line from the book that I'm praying.
"Mentor me (Jesus) into healthy ways of living."
Doesn't that sum up life?
Healthy with my time.
Healthy with my money.
Healthy with my relationships.
Healthy with how I handle stress.

Here's my take on the book.
If you have ever thought you have too much stuff, or if you can admit that you are filthy rich (even if you live pay check to pay check), or if you recognize that you live with more opportunities and options than you could ever count, then this book is for you.
It's not a how to book.
It's anything but a guilt trip or book of judgment.
It doesn't give you a template to follow.
Instead it gives you a glimpse into how a family wrestles with seven different areas of excess.
I love how real Jen is with her struggles.
She's a real mom and wife struggling with the same American things you and I struggle with.
She's not willing to look the other way any longer so she takes action.
She's the type of author I really respect and love to read, besides her humor and sarcasm, I love to read authors that are living out what they are studying or being challenged with.
I love knowing they are wrestling with it themselves and it's not just a book assignment.

I rummaged through the book looking for the best quotes to give you to let you get a glimpse of the book but honestly I have to much underlined, to many things that I would love for you to read.
So I picked one little quote from the introduction chapter and one from the conclusion chapter.

Introduction Chapter:

"I approach this project in the spirit of a fast: an intentional reduction, a deliberate abstinence to summon God's movement in my life. A fast creates margin for God to move."

Conclusion Chapter:

"Whatever God has done or is doing in our family is certainly not a template, and I don't want it to be. We live in a certain city with a certain task, we have specific gifts, and we're horribly deficient in others. Our life looks like it does because we are the Hatmakers, and God is dealing with us the way He's dealing with us. We have history and sin issues and circumstances and geography that God takes into account as He stakes our place in His kingdom. You have an entirely different set of factors. I have no idea what this might look like in your life, nor do I want the job. Your story is God's to write, not mind. Some of us are going to live in the suburbs, others downtown. I'm going to garden; you're going to take the subway. We're adopting, you're redistributing, they're downsizing. I use words, you use a hammer. There isn't a list here. There is no stencil we can all trace into our lives in perfect unison. Here is our baseline as a faith community; Love God most. Love your neighbor as yourself. This is everything."

Everything else in between you'll have to read for yourself.
I promise you this book will leave you hungry for more.
More healthy living.

Here's how you can win a copy. You have three opportunities.

1. Leave a comment, any comment. Just tell me you want to win.

2. Leave a comment telling me which of these seven areas you think you'd have the hardest time gaining a healthier perspective on. In other words which one is probably most "out of control" in your life. You can tell me why or just write the one word answer. I'm just so curious as to which one we all find challenging.

- Shopping - Clothes - Waste - Food - Possessions - Media - Stress

3. Leave a comment telling me the most impacting book you have read recently.

(Three separate comments, give you three different opportunities to win.)

Comments close on Sunday at midnight. The winner will be announced Monday am.

(Book available at Amazon)

Ten on Ten: January 2012

2012-01-11T13:49:00.001-06:00

Ten on Ten:

Take a photo every hour for ten consecutive hours on the tenth of each month.

Document a day of your life and find beauty among the ordinary moments.

I haven't done a ten on ten in forever . . . this is really my ten on ten posted on the eleventh.

I took all but one of my pics in the same hour - rules smules - whatever - it was just fun to pick up my camera again - my new camera at that!!!

We had a BEAUTIFUL day here.

Strange for January in Nebraska.

(Today, the 11th, is FRIGID and WINDY.)

So yesterday the kids and I headed to the park.

Boys were armed with Nerf Guns and the girl was all about looking at my camera.

I wanted to post more than 10 but narrowed it to 10.

Not happy with a part of the game?

Whine - why not.

I caught the "whine face" on camera.

I now have proof to show the boys when they are older.

LIterally 3 seconds later the face is gone and whatever was such a big deal is now over.

Totally have to love that about boys.

Our drive home.

My view while making dinner.

The reflection in my mirror above the sink.

Be still my heart.

This is why I love the lense - helps me see the daily in my crazy.

Some day I'll cook dinner alone for two.

The house will be quiet and I won't nag people to help with tasks or just get along while I cook.

I want to remember these days.

Five Things

2012-01-06T14:49:00.000-06:00

I pictured an end of the year post with Christmas pictures.
I pictured a beginning of the year post kickin off the New Year.
Nope.
Just didn't happen - maybe I'll throw some pics on here soon of the holiday shin digs - it was all good.
This is what you get instead.

Five things I've Got on my Mind

(It's really a miracle I was able to narrow down to 5 - my mind is like a hamster

wheel - it's always turning)

Thing One:
Is it possible to get "caught up" on laundry if we are all wearing clothes?

Thing Two:
Dear Weight Watchers,
Here we go on round two. You were so good to me the first round, back in the year after having the twins. Can you help me this time? I hope so. Paired with Jazzercise I think you will work your magic.
Only time will tell.

(Speaking of Jazzercise, if you live near a center they are having their annual sale this weekend through Monday; and it's a good one. No joining fee and January free. If you live in this area mention my name when you sign up and I get money off my monthly fee.)

Thing Three:
How can I prepare for Seminary Semester number 100 (not really) to start up again next week?
People I'm - - - not - - - ready.

Thing Four:
The girl has put on close to 12 outfits today. I have had to work extra hard at keeping a straight face because these outfits are serious to her. Some actually have some great style. Currently she is in ballet shoes, black tights, the white flower girl dress she wore in a wedding last spring with a cute little blue headband in her hair and necklace around her neck. Earlier while her boy cousin was here I over heard this conversation:
Him: Tatum do you want to watch something?
Her: Yeah and we can get all dressed up right?
Him: Silence
They watched tv with him in his normal clothes and her in a cowgirl hat, tights, a skirt, a pink fancy glove and she was holding her wallet and purse.
I wish my day could consist of such frivolous fun!
Maybe one night I should get decked out to watch tv with Jason. :))

Thing Five:
I'm just about done reading this new book and it's caused my mind (which was already spinning is so many of these areas) to spin like the Tilt a Whirl at the county fair . . . .

The author is our speaker for the women's retreat in March.
I got an email from her that she sent to close friends and ministry contacts (let's pretend I was in the first group - ha) with a online copy of the book asking if I'd read it and post reviews on amazon etc.
You don't have to ask me twice.
I had just gotten the book for Christmas.
I'll be posting on it real soon but it's an amazing book,
Challenging? yes!
Thought provoking? yes!
Authentic? Oh yes!
Watch for my post it will for sure include a give away!!!

Have a Happy Happy Weekend whatever you do.

Merry

2011-12-25T15:14:00.001-06:00

Merry Christmas Eve and a Merry Merry Christmas Day!

This tribe of six is loving celebrating together.

Happiness all around.

Wishing you all the same.

The celebrating continues on tomorrow . . .

It's Never to Late and A Bunch of Pictures

2011-12-23T23:25:00.000-06:00

It's never to late for a good idea.
Especially one that is easy.
I know Christmas is almost here but you probably even have everything you'd need for this idea.
My friend Marshalene, from Oklahoma posted this idea on her blog.
I love it.
We'll be doing it on Christmas Eve.

The idea is called prayer bulbs.

You take the top off of a bulb ornament and on a small piece of paper you write down one prayer request you have and then put the paper in the ornament.
On another sheet you write down a praise item or thing you are thankful for that happened in the year.
Put the lid back on and hang it on your tree.

Save the bulbs till next year and when you get your ornaments out next year you reopen the prayer bulb and read what each person wrote.

Isn't that the neatest idea?
I think it will be neat to see what things kids are thankful for and what things their little minds want to pray for.

Now for a bunch of random pictures.
I've been doing a little "hands on" research on a dslr camera.
My sweet friend let me play with her Nikon for a couple days.
Nikon or Canon that's my question?
I had so much fun with it.
Here's some random shots I took from our couple of days.

We wrapped up the semester with some school parties and events and now we've been enjoying our days off of school.
Some may or may not have still been in pjs in the middle of the afternoon while frosting these cookies; others might be in their 5th or 6th outfit of the day.
The weather has taken our white snow and left us with the cold mud mix but they don't care.
For the most part we've spent our days inside.
My to do list still sits at my desk but I'm trying not to care either - everything that has to be done really is done.
We spent tonight eating around the Christmas tree and reading Christmas books - it's one of my favorite traditions.
I hope you are all enjoying some traditions - new or old - enjoy your hours leading up to Christmas.

Music and a Picture

2011-12-12T22:06:00.000-06:00

I know I need to add some Christmas music to the blog.
I have been listening to it at home - a l o t .
But I'm still liking my first song on here.
It's so fun.
Makes me feel free and without a long list of stuff to do and accomplish.
It makes me feel like my guy and I don't have a gajillion things on our plate.
It's finals week for the seminary stud so I like pretending that we are having a care free week. ha.

Here's a little pic of me and my girl that I posted on my preschool blog.
This is pre "I went a little darker with my hair color".
Looking at this pic I'm missing my blonde. Hmm.

It's at our preschool program - me: Teacher her: student
Our first preschool program for both of us!
Love doing this with my girl.
(It's not all "sparkles and butterflies" but it's still been good.)

That's all I got for tonight.
Have a happy tomorrow.

Shopping and a Winner!

2011-12-11T21:23:00.000-06:00

Our shopping day was a success.
Other than 3 online purchases, we started our holiday shopping day from scratch.
By 9:00 at night we wrapped up the day with pasta and a glass of wine at Olive Garden and were 90% done.

One day shopping.
Fun times with one another.
Good food.
Being able to walk past the carousel. (The key word here is walk "past" it; not ride it.)
Love that.
Serious deals at Toys R Us.

Because I love a deal and want others to get a deal too let me tell you something we figured out while at Toys R Us.
They run these awesome buy one get one half off sales but if you aren't careful the half off will come off of the cheapest items and you don't get nearly the savings.
So, we were the annoying couple in the line that made our purchase in 5 or 6 transactions.
Oh yes we did.
The lady was happy to do it too. (Really.)
We thanked her.
Jason told her she saved us from having to go out in between each purchase and changing into the different clothes we brought so we'd look like a different couple. ha. (For you gullible ones; we didn't actually bring clothes.)
The difference in savings had to be close to $75 dollars verses only $25 if we had done it all in one purchase.
I'll be annoying to save $75.
So plan to spend a little extra time grouping your purchases up when you are at Toys R Us.
You are welcome!

I practiced some serious self control to look past things for me.
Saw some sweet cowboy boots for me

(Couldn't find a pic of them but I promise ya they were amazing boots

that this girl would have enjoyed wearing! )

a pair of winter boots,

and a purse from Target that I loved.
While looking at this purse Jason said, "You should get it for her."
To which I said, "Her? I'm looking at it for me." ha.

I'm seeing a pattern this year in the things that are catching my eye - accessories.
Like I said I used self control and stuck to the gifts for others list.
I did purchase one sweat deal on a sweater for me at Aeropostale. . . . $12 - can't beat that.

Speaking of gifts; it's time to announce a couple winners.

Thanks to all of you voting for Jason and I to win tickets to the Verge Conference - - - we came in fourth place and won a free admission ticket. THANK YOU!!
It may not be the airfare/hotel fare but the cost per ticket is $129 so we say THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!

There were 40 comments for the 600th post give away!
The winner was chosen by random.org and the winner was

#18

Kendra Nickel

Yeah Kendra. You will love shopping at The Vintage Pearl.
You will receive an email gift certificate so let me know which email address you want it sent too.

I hope you all have a Happy Week!
Find time each day to celebrate the season!

Today

2011-12-09T09:05:00.001-06:00

I'm loving today!
Shopping all day with my guy!
Yeah!!!!

This morning I thought I'd ask Tatum one more time what she'd like for Christmas.
This is what she gave me to work with . . . .

" A volleyball with paint, and sparkles and glitter. One that you get to paint yourself."

" My own big office because my office isn't very big."

Ok, thanks Tatum you just made shopping today very easy for you!!!

600 P O S T S ! ! !

2011-12-07T08:50:00.000-06:00

I'm celebrating today on my blog -

Celebrating my 600th post!

Wow.
Can't believe it. That's a lot of words and pictures people.

My first post was March 13, 2008.

My babies were at my ankles in the kitchen playing in the Tupperware drawer while I reached out to the outside world through this blog.
I connected with my family and friends who were miles and miles away that I was missing.
I shared the moments that made me laugh each day as a momma of four kids.
In the beginning most of my posts included poop, pee or vomit for some reason.
You can read some of those great moments here, here, here or here.
And it doesn't get much cuter than this post.
Somewhere along the way (June 4, 2008 to be exact) I started to share some of the not so laughable moments. I put my heart out there a little more.
Putting yourself out there on a blog is a weird thing.
You tell people you don't really know a little bit (or a lot) about your life.
I hope when you read my blog you see a women, a wife, a mom who is real.
I hope you see a women pursing a loving God.
This blog has been a great journey for me.
I looked back through my blog books before making this post and I got nostalgic.
Wow.
My babies are not in the Tupperware drawer anymore.

A day like this needs a give away.

One lucky reader will win

$35 to the

I have several items from them and they all mean so much to me!
You will have fun shopping at the Vintage Pearl, I promise.

Here's how you can enter! You can do one of these or all six. Leave a separate comment for each one. I will select a winner from random.org on Sunday Dec. 11. All comments must be posted by Saturday at midnight.

1. Leave me a comment telling me what you like about my blog or why you read it.

2. If this is your first time to comment on this blog tell me you are a first time commenter. Even if
you've been reading it for awhile and just never comment.

3. GO VOTE for Jason and I to win a trip to the Verge conference I keep talking about. Go to this link HERE, click on the box by my name. Voting closes Thursday night. Come back here and leave a comment telling me you voted. If you have already voted leave me a comment telling me. (If you are wondering what conference I'm talking about read this .

4. Post this site on Facebook to have your friends vote for us to go to the Verge conference. Leave a comment telling me you did that.

5. Put this site on your blog and get your blog readers to vote for us.

VOTE HERE. VOTE HERE. VOTE HERE. VOTE HERE.

(Can you tell I'm trying to get you to vote? We are in 4th place with two people close behind us. If we stay in the top five we win one free ticket. So even if we don't win first place with the airline ticket and hotel we get a free admission ticket and that rocks!! So please go vote!)

6. If your name is Heather and you are from Utah you get an extra chance at winning because you started me on this whole blogging thing!! Miss you girl !!

Thanks to all of you for being one
of my bloggy friends!

Love ya.

Best Idea Ever

2011-12-06T08:30:00.000-06:00

Best idea ever, I have to share it with you.
It's not my idea.
It's a gift idea for your child.
I'll share the link with you from where I got it but I'm warning you it's a challenging post to read.
Might make you mad - just saying. Click here to read the entire post.

We teach our kids to give in so many ways.
We do it differently all year long.
Two weeks ago we pulled up to a light and a homeless man was sitting there.
It was after school so we had after school snacks with us in the van.
The kids saw him and said, "Mom give him our snacks."
So I rolled down my window and gave him a bag of cheetos, a sunny D drink and a slim jim and said, "These are from my kids." He was appreciative and said "Tell your kids thank you so much."
It was touching to say the least.

Fast forward a week and we were at the same light.
No homeless man.
All of a sudden Coleson popped up quick and said with such enthusiasm, "Mommy that homeless man got a home; he's gone." He was full of so much excitement for that man.
How I wish it was that simple.
It made for a great conversation.

Sorry, I got side tracked.

Here's the idea:
You give your child money as a Christmas gift that they get to GIVE away to someone in need, to someone that Jesus would want them to help.
They get to choose how to do it.
They get to decide where.
How cool is that?
They get to be apart of showing God's love to someone.
I get teary thinking about it.

I love the idea of creating that giving experience for my kids.
I don't know about you but when I give something happens within me and I want them to experience that as much as possible.

I don't know how we'll do it yet or how much.
You could do $10 or $100.
You could warn them ahead of time that the gift they are about to open is a gift they will give away.
You could let them brainstorm places they'd want to give the money too.
We (I) might be surprised what they think of.
They might respond sort of weird because it's a unique gift; not like the normal gift.

I LOVE giving gifts so this gift has me so excited and anticipating Christmas.

How do you teach your kids to give?
I'd love to hear ideas.

Snow

2011-12-05T21:13:00.001-06:00

Snow fun!!
We had our first snow this weekend.
Kids spent an hour or more after school today enjoying the snow hill.

Saturday when it snowed they were so excited to go out.

Jason went out with them; I tried.

I did for a little bit but to be real honest, the first time a kid even started to say, "I'm ready to go inside" I was saying, "I'll go with you."

I was cold.

Someone had to get the hot chocolate and peppermint flavored marsh mellows ready.

Thankfully they had one playful, cool dad to throw snowballs at and dig forts.

The wind was so bad Saturday that they found the side of the house that was blocked from the wind.

Quickly a game of "King of the Toy Box" started between the twins.

They giggled the whole time.

It was rough boy play.

They were like puppies in the snow together.

I watched, listened to the sounds of joy (hoping it wouldn't turn into sounds of tears) and snapped pictures.

ENTER BIG BROTHER !

Here's where my mom thinking says, "Someone is really going to get hurt."

It didn't take long and they ganged up on him.

Tears never came, which is really a miracle.

They had a blast and burned off a lot of energy.

My laundry room floor might be wet for days but the kids will get fresh air and that's awesome.

Santa Picture

2011-12-05T16:14:00.001-06:00

This picture is so funny to me for so many reasons.
For one; they don't believe in Santa, never have.

( I know some of you just gasped; it's ok, the kids are fine. Some of you just had the thought "party poopers" in your head. Let me assure you we party plenty at this house of 6. The kids all know the story of Saint Nick and are happy to play along with your kids. We have great imaginations here. Other than the year one child told another that they were infact correct that Santa WAS real but that he was now dead, we haven't ruined Christmas magic for others. It's sort of fun to see them knowingly look at me when a friend of theirs is talking about Santa; it's like we are sharing a little secret. ha.)

Anyways, back to the picture.

Right before we went in Jason told them to remember not to tell him he's not real because he might not even know he's not real.
They thought that was hilarious.

They proudly wore their shirts they made in school.

Crazy about these two boys. They make me laugh EVERY SINGLE DAY.

Today on tv it said, "Feliz Navidad".

I asked them if they knew what that meant and Coleson said, "Yeah, Taco Johns."

Hmm?

My twins are growing up so much faster than I ever dreamed they would when I held them for the first time. (Sniff sniff)

This time of year I'm always reminded how fast the seasons fly.

Time to VOTE

2011-12-02T07:23:00.000-06:00

Remember this awesome conference I've been talking about on the past couple posts?

The one with all these great speakers?

The voting has started.
Pick us!!
It's simple.

All you have to do is VOTE FOR MY BLOG.

Go to the link below and LIKE my blog.

It's only open for one week.

You do have to have a facebook account because the voting is through Facebook.

Voting goes until Tuesday, Dec. 8 at 11:59pm CDT. Every vote counts!

Tell your family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, the man who mixes up your favorite drink and your hair stylist to VOTE FOR US!

CLICK HERE TO VOTE! CLICK HERE TO VOTE! CLICK HERE TO VOTE!

You can check out more about this event on my previous post here or go to the Verge site here!

THANKS for your vote!!

Voting, and Random Life Stuff

2011-11-28T21:15:00.001-06:00

The voting date for this event

has changed.
It starts THIS THURSDAY.
I'll remind you Thursday to go vote for us.
=====

Are you done Christmas shopping yet?
I haven't even started.
Not ONE thing.
Not ONE.
I'm not worried; it will get done.

It seems like every year I list some places or ideas for Christmas giving on my blog.
This year one of the blogs I follow; Dreaming Big Dream, has some great ideas for Christmas giving.
Check out all the links; they are all gifts that will also benefit someone that is in real need.

=====
I maybe haven't Christmas shopped but I have been working out again.
I got a good ~~butt chewing~~ motivational speech from a dear friend.
I needed it.
Adding a part time job to my life, on top of so many other big things in our life and exercise just took a serious back seat.
It's back where it needs to be.
Sadly I'm in the "redoing all the hard work I already had done" phase again.
Uhhhh.
Oh well.
I cried about it and now it's time to do something about it.
Thanks friend, you know who you are.
I love you; you can motivate me anytime.

=====

Tonight at dinner I laughed so hard.
Those of you that know me can probably almost hear the laugh.
It's more of a cackle wouldn't you say?

Anyways, the conversation revolved around farting.
One boy said, "Did you know that some people don't know girls fart?"
He was appalled at this.
I'll just stop with the rest of that conversation but the whole thing was hilarious because it was a serious conversation going on, plus the cackling by me.
Then the conversation switched and one boy said, "Did you know some girls say it's a law, a LAW, that boys can't hit girls?" (pause) "Those girls just say that because they don't want to get hurt."
(Just for the record we don't condone hitting girls.)

It was a good laugh.

=========
I wish I had pictures for you of something - anything really.
I just haven't been picking up my camera lately.
I have however been dreaming of a new camera - someday.
In 2012 I've gotta start snapping again.
It brings me J O Y!

Goodnight.

Thankful

2011-11-26T07:59:00.001-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving from the Quiring Crew

and from my "no shave November" man!!

We have much to be thankful for!!

My favorite conversation of the week was with Tatum,

Tatum: I can't wait for Thanksgiving because I have so much to be thankful for.

Me: Oh Tatum that makes me so happy to hear you say that. What are some things you are thankful for?

Tatum: I have so many things I can't remember them all. They are stuck in my head.

Me: Can you think of some?

Tatum: Sparkles and Butterflies!!

Like I said, SOOO much to be thankful for.

Hope your Turkey Day was great and you too can say you have so much to be thankful for.

Pick us! It's a CONTEST!

2011-11-20T21:34:00.000-06:00

PICK US!!

If you've followed my blog for awhile or if you've been involved with our lives

for the past 3 years you know Jason and I have been on a journey.

Aren't we all?

Our journey is in the realm of church planting.

Part of that journey has involved Seminary.

Jason is in the middle of year three.

Graduates in Spring 2013 - A date we are beginning to long for.

Part of his seminary experience this year is to choose a conference each semester

to attend in addition to his seminary classes.

He has picked one out for the Spring.

It's called VERGE.

It's one that hits where our hearts have been the last 5 or 6 years.

It resonates with the journey God has us on right now.

It has a line up of some phenomenal speakers.

It's in a great state.

We could talk ministry, future and dream with each other for several days without the normal responsibilities of life.

We'd be there when Jason turns 9! (Leap year Boy)

VERGE 2012 is hosting a BLOG contest.

Anyone with a blog can win.

That means we can win.

That means we can save some money.

I won't go into detail of why a seminary student with 4 kids would want to save money.

They are giving away 16 prizes and we'd love to be one of them!

Prizes up for grabs

[+] Grand Prize (1 winner): Free Trip to Verge 2012 = Free Verge 2012 Ticket + Free Travel (lodging for 2 nights + round-trip airfare up to $350)

[+] 2nd Place Prize (5 winners): Free Ticket to Verge 2012

[+] 3rd Place Prize (10 winners): Media Access Card to Verge Conference videos ($750 value)

All you have to do is VOTE FOR US.

Go to the link below and click "like" by my name.

It's only open for one week.

Voting starts Thursday Dec. 1 until Thursday Dec 8. at 11:59pm CDT. Every vote counts!

Tell your family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, the man who mixes up your favorite drink and your hair stylist to VOTE FOR US!

CLICK HERE TO VOTE! CLICK HERE TO VOTE! CLICK HERE TO VOTE!

Wanna know more about VERGE?

VERGE is For The Gospel \ For The City \ For The Nations – an experience in Austin, Texas, on February 28 to March 2, 2012, for everyone pursing the mission of God everywhere. Featured speakers inlcude: Matt Carter, David Platt, Dr. John Perkins, Alan Hirsch, Darrin Patrick, Dave Gibbons, and many more.

VERGE is a four-day experience for anyone pursuing the mission of God, in community, whatever the context, for the sake of the Gospel – everyday leaders, students, entrepreneurs, artists, urban innovators, business leaders, community development specialists, non-profit leaders, church planters and church leaders.

Verge will resource you to make disciples who make disciples in every sphere and domain of society, advocate for the poor and oppressed, mobilize urban and global mission leaders, and champion movements of gospel-centered missional communities.

Verge Conference 2012 = http://www.verge2012.org

Facebook Page for Verge Network (where contest poll will be) http://www.facebook.com/VergeNetwork

It's gonna be awesome.

CLICK HERE TO VOTE ON NOVEMBER 29.

World Changers

2011-11-19T13:28:00.000-06:00

We just might have a few world changers in this house.
Last night we had a spontaneous teaching moment.
The kids found the magazines on the counter from World Vision and Samaritan's Purse.
The ones where you can choose an item to purchase to help someone in poverty.
We've purchased things before- they are familiar with the catalogs.
Carter said, "Let me see those."
We started talking about what we should choose.
They have a huge jar of pennies from my parents and decided we'd use that for it and then they all decided they'd chip in from their piggy banks.
The exact amount they'd each chip in was up for grabs and everyone had a thought.
I stayed out of this part of it.
I like to hear them wrestle with themselves.
I also like it to be their idea.
Whether a little or a lot you can see the wrestling.
You can see the desire.
Sounds a lot like myself.
We started looking through the catalogs and they were asking about certain items.
The two that they got stuck on the most were mosquito nets and a share in helping a child with an airline ticket that will save their life.
I told them how many pennies they had in the jar and the boys figured out that if they all added $2 to it that they could get two mosquito nets.
They liked this.
Then Tatum chimed in . . . .
"If we gather all our money we can get them stuff so they can go to the places they need to go to like a hotel."
She kept going (she's using her hands the whole time), "We should get some money and gather it together so we could buy them a sink and then get a bunch of wood so we could build them a kitchen and a fridge. They could get some cold air and put it in the fridge then. That would be awesome for them."
The entire time she had such passion in her voice.
She had the look of "I'm gonna change the world"
We talked about how rich we are in this world.
They made so many comments I wish I could remember.
Somehow we went from that conversation to orphanages (a conversation we've had several times now this last month) and I told them about a little child I held all day from an orphanage in Mexico when I was in high school. I told them that somewhere I had a picture of me and that child.
They wanted me to find the picture so we could put it on the fridge.

They started getting artsy on me and saying we could make a big board or poster about homeless people or poor people.
Tatum said she was going to put the bulletin board in her room.
Then Ian took our chalkboard frame down and said, "Can I erase this and put a verse on there about orphans?"
Me: "Yes."
So we found two verses and he did that.

I found this interesting because the verse we've been looking at on this sign for many many months was, "May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing in your sight oh Lord."
We don't have the concept down yet.
I'm still struggling with it.
I keep wondering when our family will get this down.
But then the thought hit me tonight.
Maybe if we focus on these new verses "take care of the poor" and "help the orphans in their distress" our words and meditations might naturally become more pleasing.
Does that make sense to anyone but me?

I love how Ian misspelled the word poor. I left it because that's what we are supposed to do - "pour ourselves out for the poor."

This is also in our bathroom now.

A couple Sundays ago was Orphan Sunday.
I was tipped off to it by a blog I follow.
We participated in a simple way by eating an "orphan" meal as a family (white rice plain out of one bowl, passing it around) and talking about orphans and praying for them.
Carter got up in the middle of that and brought me the sign from the bathroom that usually says "Wash those grubby hands. Love Mommy" and thought I should write "Take Care of Orphans" on it instead.
So I did.

So now I'm surrounded by these verses -- in my kids handwriting.
Hmmm.

I don't tell you all this to say "look at my kids, look at my family".
We're a normal American family doing normal American family things.
Please don't hear me say "look at us."
I tell you this because this week I have spent more physical time and more mental time thinking about money and our finances than I care to ever admit.
It's embarrassing.
It's challenging.
It's frustrating.

We. . . . have . . . . so . . . . much.
As I said very little while my kids were talking amongst themselves, making plans about their money tonight I just watched their faces.
Intense.
Serious.
Thinking.
I want their intense, serious, thinking faces when it comes to these things.
It's the time of year when the opportunities are EVERYWHERE.
It's always bugged me that we focus on it more now instead of all year.
But we do & it's still good.

I don't know what all is in store for my children's future.
Or mine really.
I just know that these world changing kids are changing my world just by listening to their child like faith.
Grab you some child like faith, engage your child and see what they teach you this season.

From my Heart

2011-11-13T15:54:00.000-06:00

Journaling from my heart.
This morning I went to church with my kids while my man preached somewhere else.
I didn't go with a good heart.
I went with a tired heart, frustrated and just sick of some things.
I gave me kids some speeches on how to behave because I was tired and didn't want to deal with some of the things that can happen with kids in church.
Before church started a lady that had at least 3x the mothering years on me initiated a conversation.
Unbeknown to her she struck a cord in me - a mothering cord.
She struck a place that I've been wrestling with for awhile now.
Her words were few, but so challenging and really encouraging all at the same time.

Lately I've been feeling like my family is getting the left over part of me.
I give my patience to my preschoolers.
I give my passion for the hurting and those in need to my bible study group.
I give me compassionate words to any friend that needs to be encouraged.
I give my creativity to preschool and creating another great women's retreat.
And I give my mad organizational skills and attention to detail to everything I have my hand in.
But at home I'm impatient, my words are short and organization what?
I'm just tired.
I know God wants me to use my gifts and talents outside of my home - whether you work outside of the home or stay home full time your gifts/talents/love aren't just for the number of people in your family, however He also wants those gifts and talents to reach those within my walls.
I'm one of the primary people demonstrating those things to them.
I want my children to see the fruits of the spirit in ME.
Authenticity means everything to me.
If my children see me pouring life into other things or people yet don't see that within our home what does that teach?
The 12+ years of youth ministry that Jason and I participated in left me knowing one thing for sure . . . youth are onto their parents game when they act one way at home and another out and about.
That shapes their view of God, their view of living a life for God.
Now I'm one to take it to the extreme and I'm hardest on myself so I know that things aren't as bad as I'm painting the picture out to be.
Yes I've demonstrated extreme love to my children this week, yes I've used some of those great skills that I use outside of the home within my home so I'm not looking for a "you're a good mom speech", I'm just saying that in general I feel like everyone else is getting the best of me.
I'm just wrestling with the balance of a full life.
Anyone else?
I'm rereading a book on the Holy Spirit and I feel if there is any place in my life where I need to see the Holy Spirit's power revealed in me it's with my family.
I need patience, peace, kindness, goodness, self control, joy, gentleness, and love in my daily at home stuff.

I hope I didn't share too much or make some of you feel awkward.
I'm just saying how it is.
It's probably a safe bet to say that some of you are wrestling with how to balance a full life?
How to not give those I love the most my left overs?
I'm not really leaving you with answers, just thoughts.
Maybe these thoughts will stir up a conversation between yourself and God.

Let's wrap up this whole "journaling from my heart" post with something I did use my creativity for at home this week.
Actually today.
With several days of kids picking on each other and pestering each other I decided they needed to spend sometime together getting along doing something constructive.
So I gave them each a partner and a job they had to complete together.
If they completed the job without bossing each other, teasing each other, or just being rude to each other in general they would not be given another job.
If they did boss, tease, or be rude to one another while completing the job together they'd receive another job until they could do one together nicely.
~~Unfortunately~~ Fortunately they all accomplished this on the first try.
Now what do I do with that long list of jobs that still need to be done?

I guess I've save a little bit of creativity for my own family.
Now if I could work on saving some of those other skills. :))

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T21:37:00.000-05:00

Happy Halloween from a Ninja, a Hitch Hiker, Darth Vader and a Pink Kitty.

(Not pictured: For school Ian went as a girl . . . he said the shoes and wig bugged him so he changed costumes for trick or treating. I SOOO wish I had a picture of him in my dress. Coleson went as a mad scientist to school and came up in the mood for Darth Vader. He looked so cute. His name tag said, "Professor Coleson". )

Adventure

2011-10-28T19:44:00.002-05:00

Two Brothers, A sister and a cousin . . . on an adventure.

They needed backpacks, water bottles and Tatum said, "I'm pretending to have braces in this game."

Off they went for an hour in the field.

I wish I was 5 or 7 going on an adventure.

Kids had off school today.
Beautiful day.
Much needed.
I think I was one day away from crackin' up.
Have a good weekend!
Hope you find a slice of beautiful in it - I'm hoping the same for me too.

Thanks

2011-10-21T21:47:00.000-05:00

This week my old neighborhood life came to visit me out in the country.

It's a simple little game that brought such a huge smile to my face.

I pulled up to my house in the country to see this :

And out loud I said, "Oh wow."

It's a Halloween game where you drop off a holiday goodie and they are then supposed to return the favor and do it to someone else.

It's fun.

It's something our neighbors in Utah always did.

This little gift made me feel nostalgic for my neighbors and very loved right

here all at the same time.

Thank you whoever you are!!!

Sick Girl, He's Home, and Unicorns

2011-10-20T16:12:00.000-05:00

Still have a sick girl here.
Sick kids is one way to keep me home so I can keep up with laundry.
I also am super caught up on my Dora episodes.
Have you seen the new Unicorn one?
I didn't think so. (ha.)

Last night Daddy came home from his long seminary/class trip.
We are all so happy.
Coleson said yesterday at school he missed his daddy so bad he just sat at recess and waited and waited for him to come home.
This is the "book trip" according to the kids.
Jason always brings them home a book from the famous Powell's bookstore in Portland.
It's like a city block size bookstore.
I love that they connect seminary with books because that is such a huge part of it.
He did it the first time and it just sort of became a tradition.
Everyone was thrilled with their books this morning.
He really nailed it this time.
Go daddy.

Before he left we had a family party for Tatum's birthday at the park.
It was all family and one of her best friends.
The theme was UNICORNS.
I checked out a few blogs (here and here ) for some unicorn ideas and found some plates at Birthday Express and we were off to a fun party.
We went with a rainbow cake that got SUPER tall.
I had been wanting to try this cake at some point and thought it fit the theme.
Rainbow cupcakes are much easier but this is so worth it.
(Note to self: next time use 8 inch pans and only two cake mixes instead of 9 inch pans and 3 cake mixes.)
We used cotton candy for "clouds".

Don't these colors just scream happiness?

The party favors were unicorn horns.

Tatum and I made them together - very fun.

(Ice cream cone dipped in chocolate with sprinkles on them before the chocolate hardens.)

We sprinkled glitter on the path to the party. (Forgot to tell the family to enter on that path but oh well, the girls had fun glittering the sidewalk anyways. )

We had do it yourself face painting and unicorn tatoos.

A hit.

I even saw a few adults leaving with tatoos on their ankles. :))

(The face painting sticks are called disguise sticks. You can get them at children's museum's or google them.)

We also did a pinata and played pin the horn on the unicorn.

All very fun!

She was very excited about every gift.
Wish I had videoed her sounds.

It was a fun afternoon.

Took our traditional picture of us with the birthday kid - didn't think about the face paint.

Oh well. It's so her!!

She's Five!

2011-10-19T15:39:00.000-05:00

The girl that has stolen my heart from the moment I heard "It's a girl" turned FIVE today.
Five.
I'm as shocked as she is.

She woke up and said, "I'm Five? I'm Five. Woah."
She found each brother to tell them she was five.
The conversation kept going like this .. .
"I think I got bigger."
Coleson joined in and affirmed it, "You do look bigger Tatum."
They did a check standing next to each other and sure enough Coleson was sure she was bigger.
Carter and Coleson both agreed that they felt bigger today too.

Our day has been a little different than planned.
She's sick.
Fever and tummy but feeling better each hour.
She ate one bite of that donut that she was so thrilled to be having.
So we've watched tv today, read books, watched more tv, read another book, did a little project together, slept, and right now she's asleep and her cake it baking in the oven.
It's not quite the day I had in mind but time sitting with her listening to her breath reminded me of our first day together in the hospital - snuggling and me listening to her breath.
I'd do that day over again 100 times.
I'm in love.
I'm so thankful for her life.
Happy Birthday Tatum.

A Day

2011-10-15T22:12:00.002-05:00

A day.
These are totally not in order.
Two football games.
We were on time. Kids rocked at getting ready this morning.
One tooth knocked out before game started.
Second tooth knocked out this week for the same kid.
Thankfully both baby teeth.
First time to make home made salsa - divine.
Ate way to much of it.
Missed my man.
So tired I thought I might fall asleep at 8:30 and now it's 10:00.
Read books to three younger ones.
Wondered why they have to get so big.
Short thought provoking discussion with a friend about today's church.
Pulled over on the side of the road 3 times today.
One time a gal I know saw us and was worried so she pulled over not to far ahead of us - thought we had car trouble.
Had to tell her it was just for fighting kids - it's just not safe for me to drive with that racket; plus I'm over it with that business.
Dance Party in the van. (Not on the side of the road. Hours later. Different scene in the van at that moment.)
Cleaned out the van.
Could be what spurred on the dance party? Hmm.
Lunch with cousins and Grandma.
Melt down city with the girl.
She got over it (eventually).
Had an unplanned amazing conversation with all four kids about a sad topic/reality in our world.
I couldn't help but cry.
They made bold statements about things they'd do when they were adults.
Things that made me cry more. Happy tears.
Got to see Uncle Jim!!!
Couple boys took tractor rides with Uncle Jim.
I peeled off two stickers on van windows that had been there forever while I waited for those who took tractor rides.
The wind and the smell of cows kept me in my van - two things I can do with out.
I think spending that time in the back of the van is what spurred me on to clean it out. Yuck.
A few mom moments of ranting and raving over messes and talking back.
More moments of me frustrated that I rant and rave.
That method doesn't work.
Never will.
Never should.
Dinner on trays - mac n cheese / popcorn/ and a cold glass of sweet white wine for momma.
Movie Night -- not my choice of movie but my choice of snugglers.
Isn't it amazing what all we encounter in a day with four kids??
The good, the bad, and the amazing gets wrapped up into one day.
Goodnight.

Family Pics

2011-10-14T08:00:00.000-05:00

Meg did a fabulous job on our family shoot.

I can't thank her enough.

It's so awesome to have a season in life captured.

Now comes the hard part.

Which one do I get??

AHHHHHH.

I'd like to order one picture on a large canvas.

I'd love you help -- which picture do you think would be a great one to enlarge?

I love them all.

Random Post About Random Things

2011-10-12T17:26:00.000-05:00

Random post about random things.
Tatum turns 5 next week.
We celebrated this past weekend and had happiness with this cake.

(I'll post pics another day of our celebration.)
I ordered her a gift today and I'm so excited to give it to her.

It's cheap and simple but the girl will go crazy about it.
She loves to write, journal, "study" (as she calls it) and make notes.
I hope she always enjoys those things.
It's the lock that will make this one unique from all the other notebooks she has.
She has a glass jar she puts outside of her door that we are supposed to put "mail" in for her.
The boys are such good sports and fill it for her sometimes.

The other day I saw in one of her journals Ian had left her a note.
"Hi Tatum. It's me Ian."
Cute!! I should have taken a picture of it because now I can't find it.
She's one for words.
Jason took this picture of her not long ago.
She looks like a college girl in her dorm studying.
It's also a rare moment when her room is picked up.
Oh my that is a post all itself!

Today the girl did this, by choice. She was pretending to be Cinderella or something.
I can handle that kind of play.
Her cousin was here and he opted to let her do this on her own. :))

Couple more pics of life with my girl.

The kids discovered that squinkies fit in the hotwheel cars. Score on that.

This is my last year to bring a "friend" along to morning bible study.
I love having my "friend" with me and I love how she has to take her "important things" with her.
It's usually a notebook, a little bible and her computer.

Harvest is in full swing.

We've had great weather this Fall.
Kids can still wear shorts to school - that's crazy.
Last year by Sept. 1 they were in jeans most day.
We spent one day at a Pumpkin patch and had a great family day.
Isn't it funny how you take a zillion picks of toddlers and babies out in the pumpkin patches but once they are older the pics aren't as necessary?
Green seemed to be the theme this year for pumpkin choices.
A little weird to me - kind of look like watermelons or something.
I chose a white and a super bright orange one.

(Waiting in line. She adores him.)

Even I did a few jumps.

Never was a cheerleader.

Can you tell? ha.

I will JUMP any day over time with my family.

The kind of day where I forget the extremely long lists in every area of my life.

The kind of day where I slow down and focus on the little things.

Ready for another day like that.

And speaking of families . . . my next post I promise to post our family pics by Meg.
I'd love your opinion on which one to print on a big canvas.

Happy Day.

Heart them.

2011-09-30T08:28:00.000-05:00

I heart him everyday
but today I really heart him.
My life would not have been the same without him.
He keeps me sane.

Thanks Meg for capturing us . . . laughter really has been a key for us in the ebb and flow of life and when I look at these pictures that's what I see.
Rain / shine / awesomeness/ tough stuff . . . whatever . . . laugh.
It just feels better.

There's another person I heart today too.
It's the one that brought my guy into this world.

Mom
Momma Q.
Grandma
Friend

We all love her at this house for countless reasons.
She lives a live of service and does it with joy.
She's a rock.
I know her secret . . . I see her in God's word so often.
Thanks for the example you set for me, for my kids, and for the example you've given my husband.
We love you.
Happy Birthday!!

Twins

2011-09-26T10:00:00.000-05:00

These series of pics really got me weepy.
These two.
Their bond.
Their orneriness.
They just are who they are.
It was near the end of the photo session and they were ready to be done frankly.
Shoes were off.
They never wanted to wear those shoes anyways.
I had asked Meg to get a shot of them together because it was close to their birthday and I always get a pic of them together each year.
They were being silly and she just let them while she snapped a couple shots.
It's so them.
Silly together.
In one another's space.
It's all they've known.
I looked at these pics and every photo shoot since day 10 of their lives (that was their first photo shoot) flashed through my mind.
The photo shoot where we literally were sweating when it was over from trying to keep two crawling speedsters in the frame. (Remember that one Vicky? You were my extra hands that day.)
The photo shoot where they dug into their first birthday cakes at the studio.
The ones where the lady drew a "I love mom" heart tattoo on them.
These two have given me so many memories with photo shoots.
It's a special year for them and these are special pics to me.

While we're talking about these two I'll show you my favorite picture from the first day of school.
It's not a great picture but it's full of meaning for me.
Here it is.

Probably only a few of you see anything close to what I see.
I see two boys who spent their first school day ever apart the majority of the day.
This is the first year for them to have different teachers.
While in the middle of eating at the table and in mid sentence Carter got up and went around the table and stood on Coleson's chair.
They stayed like that for awhile while they continued to talk about their day and eat.
It was so touching.
Nothing was said about it.
They just did it.
It was like a proximity thing.
They just needed to be near each other.
They couldn't have even told you that's what was happening.
But I sat there in awe.

Two brothers who fight like brothers and who love like brothers but have a bond beyond what we can even comprehend.

Boys I will teach you to be individuals and to remind you that you get to make choices for YOU but I will also always remind you what a gift you were given to have an identical twin and we will celebrate that bond always.

(Fyi: They are doing great in different classes and really enjoying it. It's probably one of the biggest decisions twin parents process in the early years - when and if to have different classes. One year at a time!!)

Kids Individual Shots

2011-09-24T22:28:00.000-05:00

We had Meg take our family pics at the end of summer.

When you do a family session you leave wondering how many pictures will really turn out.

I felt great about our photo shoot but

that day had some craziness involved (you can read about it here) so you never really know.

I got the pictures last week and I just screamed.

Happy Screaming.

I was so pleased and so grateful to Meg.

She captured my kids and she captured our family.

That's really what I want when we are having pictures taken.

I want a season in our life captured.

I'm in love with the kids individual pics.

Really they make me cry.

They are just growing so fast.

Each one of them needs to slow it down.

Here are the kids pictures.

I A N - 9

C A R T E R - 7

C O L E S O N - 7

(Coleson was Mister poser that day. He had tons of great shots. He kept coming up with his own poses and Meg just kept snapping. Hilarious really.)

T A T U M - almost 5

I love the little feet up. So four year old, almost fiveish; don't you think?

Meg I'll be saying it over and over again . . . thank you.
I'll show you are family ones soon.

Just Thoughts

2011-09-22T21:26:00.000-05:00

A friend told me this quote today.

"Mommy guilt is like rain in Seattle. You better just grab your umbrella."

So true.
We all have mommy guilt days or moments or seasons.
Or am I the only one?

It's been a long week.
Some awesomeness in the week . . .
Finally started exercising again after a long break while I got used to the teaching preschool thing.
We got our family pics from our photo session with Meg back and they are awesome.
Amazing weather, like everyday.
My man has been home for dinner and some time to play outside most nights. :))

And some draining moments in the week.
Today my morning started with me totally spacing on so many things.
It's like my mind just wasn't working this morning.
I got it together and started telling everyone what they needed to get for all the different directions we were going.
As I got in the van and had all four loading up too, Tatum stopped at the van door and very confusedly asked, "Am I supposed to get in?"

Poor thing just needed to know where she was supposed to be?
I feel like that too sometimes?
Somebody just please tell me what I'm supposed to do and if I'm in the right spot.

Right now I'm stalling.
And I know what I need to be doing.
I am wishing that laundry would just fold it's self.
It's been sitting there for days; just growing with more clean clothes to fold.
But I'm dreaming of an early bedtime and the clock just keeps ticking so I think I'll attack it and hit the hay.
Tomorrow is a school field trip with fourth graders . . . to some that is not awesomeness; to others it is.
Sign me up please!

All in a Months Time

2011-09-17T16:44:00.001-05:00

Seasons . . .

Less than a month ago I took these pics . . .

It was a hot summer night at the pool.

Tatum did the high dive that night for the first time.

She had no fear.

Just kept doing it.

Now all four are high dive jumpers.

Scared mom.

Two weeks ago, over Labor Day, I took all these pics in beautiful Fall weather at an Apple Orchard.

We started the picking off by spotting a deer.

It was looking right at us.

Some of us did more tasting then picking.

It reminded me of all the strawberries, blueberries and cherries the twins "picked" when Grammy lived in Oregon.

We did a trail hike too. It had interactive stuff a long the way.

There was a big nest so the kids were acting like birds.

Hilarious.

It was a pretty hike.

Made me really miss our frequent hikes in Utah.

Binoculars are always nice.

Love this bridge. The wood work is amazing.

Kids passed the camera around and took pics. Not sure how Coleson got this crazy pose.

Now today in order to get out of the house for a football game the kids had shorts on, pants over the shorts, long sleeve shirts, short sleeve shirts, jackets, and stocking caps.

What a difference a month makes.

Not sure that we'll make it back to that summer night pool weather again till next year but hopefully the wonderful Fall weather will return very soon.

First Football Games

2011-09-10T22:41:00.001-05:00

First football games for all three boys.
Good times.
They played at the same time so Jas and I kept switching back and forth.
I hated to miss either game.
I have so much to learn. . . . I don't know the game at all.
I do know who to cheer for though.
And I know how to have water and Gatorade available.
And I do know how to buy donuts after the game.
Yeah I'm a great sports mom. (ha.)
All three boys had a great time.
Be a good sport, play hard (hustle/ do your best) , and have fun.
That's the message I'm sending to my little athletes.

Ian's game . . .
He's the center. (That's what Jason just told me anyways.)

My nephew Josh.

These next two pics are thanks to my friend.
I was watching the twins play so I missed him punt.
I'm so glad she got a picture.
Thanks Michelle.

This picture crack me up. It's right before the game.
The team is in a huddle and the two cousins (Josh and Ian) are off practicing together.
One kid in the huddle is calling them over.
Love it; they are in their own world.

Twins game . . .

Carter in front, Coleson running in back.

Coleson

This picture cracks me up.
Maybe they are all doing something but it looks like tug a war - just a mess of boys grabbing each other. Love it.

This is my favorite pic of them.
It's beforehand while they were practicing.
Wonder if they'll play the same sports and be on the same team when they are in high school?
This is just the beginning.

A very good day; all the way around!

Mark your Calendar

2011-09-07T21:59:00.000-05:00

Ever get excited for something that is still so far away?
I do.
I am super excited for our next Women's Retreat.
If you came to the first one last year you know it was great.
We are planning one again.
Already have some things checked off the list.
I mailed off our contract today.

Date - - - MARCH 9 and 10 - - - check.

Location - - -same great place as last year - - - check.

Speaker - - - CHECK !!!!

This year we have a LIVE SPEAKER and I am beyond excited about it!!!

JEN HATMAKER is our speaker.

I have blogged about her latest books here, here, and here.
I've underlined the heck out of them.
They have challenged and encouraged me and several of my girlfriends the last two years.

She's written several others that I have not read.

She has a new book coming out in January.

We invited her to come and several weeks ago we got a confirmation !!!
Check out her blog and website to read about her and to hear her heart.
Her blog is posted on the right hand side of my blog as well.
The post on her blog "Letting Go" and her most recent post "After the Airport" are just amazing to read.
Click around on her website and you will hear her heart for the church; for the least of these; and for adoption.
I love the way she processes and the way she thinks.
You may not be in her exact situation or circumstance but she will challenge you; that I promise.
Girls we are in for a huge treat.
She's a Texan and I hear they are a hoot. (wink wink)
If you live in the area mark your calendar (MARCH 9-10, 2012) and be watching for details later this fall.
Space will be limited so you will want to act fast.
Last year we had to stop the registrations at 180.
It's gonna be great!!

We did it!

2011-09-06T20:56:00.000-05:00

We did it.
We both had a super day at Preschool.
Does it get any more preschool looking than this??

Seriously, I think she grew up over night.

(Plus we cut about 6 inches off her hair last week and that made her look older. I'm already missing the long hair but shhh don't tell. She does look adorable though!! Actually her hair reminds me of a preschool picture of me. I'll have to find that one.)

Jas brought her to school at the correct time this morning and didn't he do a good job getting a picture?

You can check out our preschool happenings at my preschool blog. Click here or on the link on the right side of the blog.

And for so many reasons today I love this guy uh lot!! (Yes I meant to say uh lot instead of a lot.)

Sort of a Big Day

2011-09-05T21:42:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow is sort of a big day at our house.
The girl and I go to preschool for the first time.
Yep.
We.
She goes as a student.
I go as the teacher.
I took a part time job teaching preschool two days a week at a church in our community.
Tatum is in my morning class.
Tonight Jason asked me if I felt ready and I cried.
Not because I'm not prepared.
It's my girls first day of preschool.
She's my last.
My last first day of preschool kid.
I tucked her in tonight and told her tomorrow was a big day.
I told her I couldn't believe she was going to go to preschool.
And she said to me, "It's ok you don't have to be sad because I'm going to go with you."
I chuckled.
Yep we're doing this thing together.
That could be very very good.
Let's be honest; it could be very very scary. ha.
Whatever it is we're doing it.
Me and my girl off to school tomorrow.

Dinosaurs and Cars

2011-09-02T09:54:00.001-05:00

2 Parties in 1 Day
That's how we did the twins parties this year.
They were a couple weeks ago but I still wanted to post them.
They both wanted to have their own party with their own theme.
I've always done two cakes.
We've always sang twice.
One year the cake themes were different but we've always done the cake, singing, presents, games and partying for them both at the same time.
Not this year.
Their idea was to have one party in the am and one in the pm.
I couldn't imagine telling mommas to pick up and drop off like that all day so we brainstormed.
Hmmmmm.
Waaala.
Party in the front yard for an hour and a half.
Then party in the back yard for an hour and a half.
Two themes.
Two times of opening presents.
Two times of eating cake.
Two times of games.
Two everything.
It worked out so well and meant a lot to them (which in turn means a ton to me.).
I want them to feel special.

So party number one . . . .

DINOSAURS
That would be Carter's theme.

He came up with his games.
We hid dinosaurs all over the front yard.
They had to try to find them.

We played Dinosaur Tag.
The Meat Eater is it and he chases the Plant Eaters.
Simple.
Fun.

Then Carter wanted to show everyone how to draw a dinosaur.

He's good at it.
The kids watched intently.
Then they got to trace their own.

Then we made Fossils.
Since he's 7 he didn't want the little dinosaur dig that most dinosaur parties have where you dig out little dinosaurs in the sand.
We did a dino party for Ian when he was like 4 I think; those ideas were too little boy for Carter. When Carter thinks of dinosaurs he thinks like a Paleontologist. This is serious.
So I found modeling clay at Hobby Lobby (a massive block of it for $7 - score!) and we gave each kid a chunk of it.

They flattened it and then compressed dinosaur tracks or dinosaur bodies into it.
It hardens and whalaa you have a fossil.
Kids loved doing that.

Cake and presents were a hit.
Dinosaur eyes in a nest of dinosaur eggs and dinosaurs.
For the "nest" I just crumbled up a chocolate cake mix with a bag of oreos.
Carter did all the dinosaur placement.
He's been to enough dinosaur places that he's a pro at setting up dinosaur models.

It was a great party for Carter.

Then on to party number 2 . . . .

CARS 2

Coleson's theme.

This was a fun theme as well.

We went around back to the "shop" for the CARS 2 (The "2" is important. This was not a CARS 1 party; that's a different theme. I was informed of this many times beforehand.)

We started off with hot wheel car races down a ramp.
They loved this.
So simple and so fun.
(Jason did this 15 min before the party . . . I'm telling you people. We might party it up but we do go with simple and many times "last minute". That's out creativity works around here.)

Coleson wanted to do running races too.

That was next.

They were all into this - they loved running through the finish line.

(I love this picture. This is what happens at boys parties. The water guns are found and the unplanned fun begins. Love it. Jason and I said it was the "pit crew" ready to cool off the cars. Plus in the background you see Coleson wiping out. Carter and Coleson were neck and neck until he hit a bump in the "road".)

The tire race was another very simple but very fun game.

They just rolled a tire from one side to the next and passed it. It was a relay.

They were so funny because they just kept going until Coleson announced that his team won.

I guess when it's your party you can do that.

A big hit of the party was to drink "All in all". (That's the gas they used in the movie.)

I got the idea from a couple blogs (I can't remember which ones now. sorry. I just googled Cars parties.)

It was a new can and washed really well.

I also reminded them that you'd never drink from a real gas tank -- they are all older; I wouldn't do this with 3 year olds.

The boys loved this. They all needed "gas" to refuel for races.

It's the small things that sometimes make something so much fun.

Round two of cake and presents was just as much fun.

I was happy with how the cake turned out.

When I lit the candles some of the boys said, "It looks like a real track with the lights."

Coleson was the one that wanted to add the character up high. I guess in the movie he's the one watching over the race.

I love it when kids get in on the details.

Who teaches all these kids to pose?
At both parties they were all into the group pic.
And the girl -- what is she doing? ha.
P E R S O N A L I T Y
Fun group of boys!!

---------

My boys are now 7 !

I did get our traditional pics with each of them.

Should have done it before the parties . . . we look a little tired and my house looks like a Christmas morning; imagine that.

Have a happy weekend whatever you do!!

Feeling Celebrated

2011-08-30T14:39:00.000-05:00

Today's my b-day and I have felt VERY celebrated over the last couple days.
Last Friday night two of my close girlfriends threw me a surprise party.
I thought we were going to the movie and as we walked up to her door to get her I even said, "We should have just honked for her."
I was totally surprised.
I had even brought along my returns to do before the movie. ha.
The night could be described in one word - laughter.
The kind where people hear my "cackle" and where your mouth hurts from laughing so hard.
It was a very fun evening.
Thanks girls to all who came.
You all have a special place in my heart.

The party throwers!

I didn't get pics of all of us girls - but I got the food (what's up with that?).
It was killer food though.
Nothing quit says love like friends knowing your favorites.

Yes those would be gobstoppers on the menu.

Then Sunday night my fam of 6 went out to a Japanese Steakhouse.
Absolute blast to do with the kids.
They were in awe and laughed so much.
Very fun night.

(The pic was taken on Jason's phone. My camera was acting up.)

Today I'm chillin and enjoying a laid back day just doing normal things.
The mister made a great breakfast.
My kids gave me the nicest gifts . . . each one made me a coupon book.
LOVE THEM.
Tatum's was filled with things like "brush your hair" and "give you a make over" and the boys were filled with things like "match up the socks" and "make you lunch".
My favorite was "a coffee date and I'll pay".
I can't wait for each of those dates.
Got to talk to my BFF Deb for an hour on the phone - that's always a gift in my day!
Had lunch with some of my favorite people at my place of choice - Pizza Hut.
I know it's funny but thin crust pepperoni is my fav. - really it is - and we never order it.
It's a waste because it's so thin you'd need 10 larges to fill us up.
And now I'm doing some me things . . . blogging; which I haven't done in awhile and I might just let my eyes close for a wee nap.

The celebrating will keep going with a date tomorrow night just me and the guy.
How I look forward to that.

All this to say I am feeling very loved.
I hope I return the love well to all of you!

School Boys

2011-08-22T22:11:00.000-05:00

The first day of school went off with a great start last week.

Where is time going?

I have a fourth grader and two first graders.

I dropped them off at school and bawled the whole way home - for lots of reasons.

I asked God to give us a good school year and with that the year began.

The girl had reign again and seemed to like it.

After a day of it though she was asking when they'd get home.

We made them a fun first after school snack and home made pizza for lunch.

The first day was just a half day.

Then for my sanity I organized something.

The majority of my house looked like the summer bomb went off in it and I knew it would be days before I could start attacking it so I picked one little spot and made it look good.

I stole the shoe rack from my closet and put it in the laundry room.

You should see the mess in my closet now.

I found an extra container for all the papers they bring home.

No more putting papers on the counter.

I stood back and liked my little corner.

By then the bus was bringing them back.

It was that quick.

All had great reports.

One kid even said, "This was the best day EVER."

(Really? All those days I plan . . . and this was your best day ever? Ha. I'm kidding - I'm so glad

they love school.)

I have one more school pic but I'll share it on another post.

It's my favorite pic of the day.

We're off to another school year!

Happy Birthday Carter and Coleson!

2011-08-20T23:04:00.001-05:00

Big day at our house.
These boys turned S -E - V - E - N !

Partied it up today.
I've been very sentimental about these two rad boys - almost all week.
I wish they'd stop growing.
It's sort of a big year for them - I can see the changes 'a comin'.

They are amazing boys.
Individually they are amazing.
Together they are amazing.
These two rocked my heart something big the day they were born.
They have a bond that I'm in awe of.
They make my brain think on overload about the complexity of being an individual yet being physically one at the beginning of your conception. (Sorry if that's to graphic :)) but it's how God did things with these two.)

They both had fun parties with fun themes today.
Two parties in one day.
I'll post those another day - for tonight I think I'm going to get in bed before 11. (If I hurry.)
This is hours earlier than it has been this week.
So goodnight and . . . .
HAPPY BIRTHDAY CARTER and COLESON!

Tears and Cheers

2011-08-16T09:00:00.002-05:00

Tears and Cheers.
This is the name a friend of mine is calling her "Back to School Breakfast" with moms on the
first day of school.
Isn't that the best name?
It got me thinking today.
It's our last day of summer break and I can't decide if I should cry or cheer.
So I thought I'd make a list of things that will bring the tears on Back to School day and things that will make me cheer.
Let's start with the cheers.

Cheers to less fighting.
Cheers to the house staying cleaned for longer than a minute.
Cheers to food lasting a little longer.
Cheers to the kids learning more.
Cheers to another summer making lots of memories.
Cheers to going to the grocery store alone or with one child.
Cheers to getting my exercise time back.
Cheers to everyone getting closer to the correct amount of sleep they need.
There are things to cheer about.
Truth be known everyone is fighting more than usual and this momma is ~~raising her voice~~ yelling more than I ever care for.
School and structure comes when it does for a reason I guess.
I sadly say we need it.

But oh with all the cheers I will have tears.

Tears over lazy mornings gone.
Tears over the pool closing.
Tears over my boys getting one year older.
Tears over my twins having different classes for the first time ever.
(That's really the biggest tear jerker of all for me. I may post another time on that all together.)
Tears over lingering late nights.
Tears that this is going to be my last year with a child home with me.
Tears over wondering if I bonded enough with each of them over the summer.
Tears over not hearing their imaginations run all day long.
Lots of tears.

I guess I'll raise my glass of OJ on that first morning back to school and say CHEERS to a good summer, CHEERS to a great new school year . . . . I'll drive them to school on that first day and wave good bye to them and as I drive away I'll let the TEARS come.
Then I'll probably clean my house.
:))

A Glimpse at Our Family Photo Shoot

2011-08-11T15:04:00.000-05:00

Last weekend we had our family pics.
Today Meg made my day and gave us a glimpse of our pics by posting one of our pics on her blog.
We are the last family pic.
Go check it out here.
Love the three youngest in this pic.
They are all posing so uniquely them!
I loved how our colors turned out -- yellow/grey/turquoise/and orange!

Our photo shoot was fun.
It was a long day leading up to it.
A drive.
Some school shoe shopping.
More of a drive.
Van air quitting.
Tatum deciding 10 minutes before leaving to put a ton of hairspray in her hair and makeup on her face.
Me deciding half up hair, all down hair, half up hair, all down hair.
We were sweating our brains off so I went half up - I'll probably wish it was all down.
No time to wash Tatum's hair so go with it.
Crammed in a car for 5 so we didn't have to use our airless van.
Daddy told poop stories to get the mood light and fun.
Those always work. (Remember we have 3 boys.)
Made it there.

Once there we had a great time.
Some kids did better than others.
When it was over Meg let the kids pic a prize from her box.
So on the way home Coleson said, "That was nice she gave us a gift and we gave her a gift."
I asked him, "What did we give her?"
His response sums up what kids really think of photo shoots.
He said very seriously, "We LET her take pictures of us."
Hope you liked your gift Meg. ha:))

Thanks Meg!
You did awesome!!
Can't wait to see them all!

Flown By

2011-08-08T14:19:00.000-05:00

9 more days till school starts.
WHAT?
It has flown by.
We are all (truth be known it might just be me) needing a little space from one another and could use two weeks of school to divide us all up but then we'd be up for another couple months of summer!!!!
We are NOT done with the pool.
We are NOT done with our summer mornings.
We are NOT done with our summer evenings.

Enjoy the rest of your summer break days.

Outdoor Movie Party

2011-08-05T17:37:00.001-05:00

We have three summer birthday boys in our house.
One of them kicks the summer off and the other two close out the summer.
Since living by family we have always tried to get the family together to celebrate each big day but this year we tried something new.
We went for one big family party for all three boys and did it in between the two birth dates.

We went with an Outdoor Movie Party and it was such a blast to plan and throw.
All six of us got into it.
The boys made signs for everything and loved setting out the candy for the concession stands.
They found things around the house to use for it all.
Jas was all things tech.
And we loved having the music play outside all day.

Before hand each family was given tickets and play money to use at the concession stands.
The role playing was so much fun for the kids - I think some adults liked it too.
Who doesn't like pretending?

Tatum was yelling "Tickets" the second people drove up.

Carter was so into the concession stand that even when the movie started he told Jason, "I think I'll put my chair right here incase someone needs something during the movie. " Ha.
We made it a "Self Serve" stand once the movie started.

I love the look on Grandma's face. She is THRILLED to be "playing along" with the kids. She's such a good Grandma.

It was a simple night . . . lawn games (waiting for it to get dark), spontaneous dancing, cake pops, concession stands, and a movie!

Having cousin Austin there and Aunt Lynette was an extra birthday bonus treat for the boys!

My favorite ideas were the CAKE POPS - which were SO much fun to make and I couldn't get over the COLOR - loved them

(My boys reaction to them when I showed them the final product was all a momma ever needs to hear!)

AND the Mix Your Own Drink idea.

I thought it would be fun for kids to mix their own drink - kind of like a science experiment. It was hot so I thought water was a good idea, it was sugar free (i thought it might balance out all the candy sugar - ha!), and the drinks all had lids on them so there wasn't any spilling while watching the movie.

This is an idea I'll have to repeat.

I hope we can do this again and invite a bunch of families. It was a very fun night.
Happy Birthday Summer Boys!

=============
Added after the original post:
Recipe for Cake Pops:
Make a cake. Any cake. Chocolate/White/Lemon/Red Velvet . . . whatever you like.
Let it cool.
Then crumble the cake completely up.
Add 3/4th container or white frosting. I'm sure you could make your own frosting. I just bought it. Don't know exact measurements.
Stir it all up good.
Make ball shapes of it.
I use my freshly washed hands - it's just easier.
Put them on something that can go into the freezer. They can touch; it's ok.
Freeze them.
I froze mine most of the day.
I made the cake and cake balls in the am and did the decorating at night.
When you take them out of the freezer put sticks in them.
The sticks are optional but make dipping them easier.
Then you melt chocolate in the microwave.
I've used almond bark in the past.
This time I used little melt chips that my good friend Jaime suggested.
You can buy white and color them or you can by them in colors.
Then dip them in the chocolate and let the excess drip off.
The chocolate dries quick so if you want to add sprinkles do it right away.
You can let it dry quick and then set them on wax paper.
You can remove the stick to just have little balls for people to pick up.
That's what I've always done in the past but this time I wanted them to look like lollipops.
I bought a rectangular piece of styrofoam type stuff in the crafts asile and stuck them in that. I wanted to display them in this.
I've seen them sticking up in containers of jelly beans or something.
For the spiral stuff on them you just use a different color chocolate and drizzle it on with a frosting bag or ziplock bag with a small whole in the corner.
You can get super fancy I'm sure.
The color combos are unending.
You can also buy them from many bakeries and local food gals! (Hint Hint: my friend Jamie occasionally offers some. Everything she makes is amazing!)
Have fun.

Figuring it Out - Random

2011-07-30T12:09:00.000-05:00

In a week this fam is having family pics taken by Meg.
Still need to figure out what everyone should wear?
My mind is thinking about it WAY to much.
I have one week to figure it out.
Look through closets . . . shop if need be . . . all that fun stuff.
Anyone have a fun color scheme?
Who do I start with?
The cute little miss and work around her?
Find what I want to wear and work around me?
Or figure out the three amigos and work around them?
I think regardless of what the rest of us wear my guy will be in grey or black . . . he just looks G O O D in those colors.
I'm trying to get over the fact that last year when we attempted to do this (and we had to cancel) I was 10x happier with my appearance.
I was rockin my best weight since bambino #4.
Thankfully the four kids usually steal the show in a picture.
Jas and I are merely accessories with these four.
Give me your color ideas?
Seen any cool color combos?
Meg we are super excited - see ya next week.

On another totally random note . . . yesterday I finally got LEGAL to drive in this state I've been living in for 2 years.
Crazy but I thought I could wait till my license expired . . . um no, you have 30 days.
I dreaded doing it and it ended up being a 10 minute deal.
I've never gone to a licensing place without waiting an hour.
They asked me difficult questions though like . . . hair color? Hmmm. weight? Hmmm.
I did my best to answer and then erased it from my head.
The efficient mr. who took me through the process didn't seem to think his questions were difficult.

One more random note . . . can't have a random post without a random picture.
I found this on my kitchen counter one day.
Barbies in "sleeping bags" with rocks as pillows.
Sort of cute - sort of creepy looking.

Have a happy weekend.

Last Week

2011-07-26T12:28:00.000-05:00

Last week was a very needed week.

Today I'm weepy thinking of it.

We laughed with these two harder than I knew was possible.

It was a great ab work out - that's for sure.

In a matter of minutes we'd go from laughter to depth.

That's our sort of style.

We hung with so many others that knew things about our season of life because

they've walked similar seasons.

Some we hadn't seen in awhile and it was good to reconnect.

We made knew friends too.

All took place in an amazing location.

It was a week of connecting.

Connecting with people.

Connecting with each other.

Connecting with our Creator.

Connecting.

Random

2011-07-16T19:16:00.000-05:00

This post should be called AVOIDANCE.
I'm avoiding what I need to be doing.
I need to pack for a conference/retreat Jas & I are going to.
Yep I said Jas & I.
No kids.
It's going to be nice.
We'll hang with some ministry friends.
We'll make some new ministry friends.
It will be awesome to chat about all the stages of ministry people are in.
These are places where one feels like people "get you" because they've walked a similar journey or are walking a similar journey.
Many of us are passionate about the very same things.
I'm excited for this time for so many reasons.
Did I mention we board a plane without kids?
YEAH!!
However, I really do LOVE flying with my kids and it's been awhile.
They used to be pros.
I always wished I had them on video when they'd all walk through the security check points and would each take their backpack with embroidered name on it, put it through the screener, take off their shoes, walk through, pick up their back pack, put back on their shoes, and strap that backpack on and take off walking.
Black, Blue, Red, and Purple matching mini Nike backpacks . . . . nothing cuter.

Instead of packing I did 100 other things today.
Some that really needed to be done like mow the lawn and finish all the laundry.
Oh and feed my kids.
Other stuff wasn't really a have to, like swimming, but it sure felt good.

So yesterday I did a crazy thing.
I needed a new swimsuit top.
I went with all four kids.
I don't even like shopping for swimsuits without kids so I was sort of dreading this.
I asked my friend that morning if I was crazy and she said without a moment hesitation, "Yes you are Crazy!"
She's a "crazy mom" too so we laughed.
While driving to the mall it got me thinking.
My life has always been crazy.
I can't remember when it wasn't crazy.
When your gene pool doesn't give you calm, introverted children and when you choose to have more than one child from that same gene pool life gets crazy.
~~Sometimes~~ Many times the crazy drives me insane.
But 90% of the time I do love it.
Give me a crazy life over a boring life any day.
Of course I'm saying that while sitting here day dreaming about the line in an email for this conference we are going to that said, "Life moves slower here. So prepare yourself to slow down."
I hope I can fulfill that statement and actually slow down.

Back to the swimsuit shopping. . .
Believe it or not the first top I tried on was IT and all four kids talked outside the dresser to this nice elderly lady the entire time.
No peeking under dressing rooms.
No fighting.
No hiding in clothes racks.
No wrestling on the floor.
Just talking to a nice lady.
Nice lady I love you!!!
I pretty much told her that when I was done.
Her college age granddaughter was trying on swim suits too and her name was Tatum also.
Weird.
I think it was my quickest swim suit shopping experience to date.
I think I've procrastinated enough.
A packing I go.

I'll leave you with some beautiful sky pics from the other night.
One with flash and one without.

The kids thought it looked like heaven.
One twin said, "Maybe someone died and went to heaven now."
Not sure the theology behind that one.
My niece was with us and she said, "It looks like Jesus is about to return and come blow His horn."
To which Tatum said, "Yeah I think the angels are all about to get out their whistles and blow them and start playing a game."
Hmmm.
It did look like the sky was opening up but mainly I just thought it was a beautiful evening sky!

Just a Few More

2011-07-13T09:00:00.048-05:00

Just a few more pictures of our July 4th trip.

We didn't do any boating so the we took the kids to swim in the lake one day but the water was so high from the flooding up north that the beaches were completely gone.
It was gross.
We found a safe spot to play for 10 minutes or so but that was all we could handle.

Pool Girls.
They are only a year a part. They had a blast together.
We were trying to imagine them in 10 years.
Oh my.

A hiking trail in our back yard made for some good rock finding.

A dip in the pool was a must every day.

Miss Avery

The girls helped me with a 4th of July desert from Family Fun Magazine.
Strawberries dipped in white melted chocolate then dipped in blue sprinkles.
Fun/Easy/Quick and Yummy

Lots of outside fun.

Not sure what the conversation is but it looks serious.
My guess is they are deciding if she can play or IF she does play who she'll be.

A little baseball and a few simple fireworks.

It was a great weekend.
Thanks Glanzer family - I'm glad I'm in the fam!

Baby Fever

2011-07-12T09:00:00.001-05:00

I don't get baby fever with infants.
I love to hold them, cuddle with them, rock them . . . . I do love them but baby fever doesn't follow those moments.
But put me around a 6 month old on up to just around 2 and I get the fever.
I miss those little sounds.
The sound of kids learning to talk.
The expressions - they all have their own way of communicating with you.
I miss those smunchy munchy faces.
Yes I said that.
I have two nieces that are in that age range and they are adorable.
I would love to take these girls for the day - just them and Aunt Nicole.
I'm thinking we'd have some good laughs.
Maybe that's why I love that stage - you can't be around them without chuckling.
Just look at them.

Miss Olive and Miss Campbell

One is touching the bug and one is appalled. Ha!

Then there's this little guy - Canyon.
Seriously his hair is amazing.
This is the oldest and youngest grandkid on my side of the family.
Ian really liked holding him.
As wild as my crew can be there soft side comes out around babies - it's fun to see.

If you can over look the weird fat thing my face is doing I love this picture. I can't hold him without getting my face to those cheeks.

Those years are gone with my kids (sniff sniff).
I do miss them - it was CrAzY but I still can make myself laugh thinking of any one of my kids during that 18 month stage.
Priceless times.

Anniversary

2011-07-11T08:35:00.000-05:00

13 years I've been married to this guy.

Known him for 16 years.
That's close to half of my life.
I knew when I saw him he was a keeper.
Coleson asked me how old I was when I got married.
I was 20 (young I know).
Coleson said, "Mommy you were to small to get married."
Yes Coleson I was "small" but it was a great match.
I don't think getting married young is always the best choice but if my kids can find someone that loves them like their daddy loves me I'd be all for it.
I always tell them.
Find someone that loves Jesus and find someone that loves people well.
If they love others well; they'll love you well.
Marry your best friend.
That I did.
He is my best friend and the one I will trust with anything.
Happy Anniversary Babe!

A Favorite

2011-07-09T22:52:00.001-05:00

I'm sure this goes back to when I was a kid but I LOVE barbecuing and sitting outside on a fresh cut lawn on a Saturday night.
The smell of something grilling.
The smell of grass.
The look of a yard that had some attention that day.
The sounds of people talking and enjoying their food.
As a kid I didn't take part in the "yard work" but it seemed like most Saturdays the yard was done and that was followed by something being put on the grill. Most of the time a neighbor or some friends would join in on the good eats.
I have countless memories in Oklahoma of Jason and I grilling food on a Saturday night while the boys ran all over our big yard.
In Utah we ended many Saturdays like this as well. Neighbors would join in and kids would run all around.
There is something about ending a day or a week outside with friends or with just your family.
It's a favorite of mine.
That's what tonight was.
The yard was cut.

The food was grilled.

And the six of us enjoyed it by the trampoline.

It makes me smile.
Now I need to go finish cleaning up the kitchen.
(Not a favorite of mine.)

Tradition - 4th of July

2011-07-08T23:33:00.000-05:00

We are going on 9 years of a great 4th of July tradition.
It's a Glanzer family vacation!
I can't believe it's been 9 years.
We've only done one trip "pre - kids" and that one was sort of a "trial" year I'd call it.
We have grown to a party of 16.
This year's destination was Branson, MO.
Good times.

We took in Silver Dollar city a couple days.
Sat around at the pool.
Hung out at the house.
And just enjoyed the weekend.
Silver Dollar was a highlight for my kids.

SILVER DOLLAR CITY PICTURES

The twins weren't sure they liked this ride but then Ian and Carter wanted to do it again later.

I went with them the second time and while we were slowly climbing to the top they said, "This is my least favorite ride and my most favorite ride."

This slushy station was like a science lab . . . you could mix any and all flavors. Very fun. I was a sucker for it.

One of my favorite things about the rides were all the combinations!
I loved getting a chance to ride with each kid.
All four kids mixed up differently on each ride and the kids got to mix up with aunts and uncles too.

These two girls were best of friends. They couldn't wait to get back to the butterflies on day two.

Took in a great dog show.

Mr. Canyon (my nephew) enjoyed his day too!

Campbell (my niece) was going for the world record for most carousel rides. Each time the ride stopped she would hug the pole tight!

She was also content to be the "waver" for the rides.

My favorite ride or moment at Silver Dollar was when my family of 6 all filled up one of those circular rafts for a water ride.

I wish I had a picture of it.

I looked around and took in the moment that I have a family that fills the entire raft and we were riding this ride all together.

I told the kids that I could remember, before having kids, that I would see families ride these raft rides and I'd think . . . "I hope I have a family like that someday." and now I do.

My family of 6 might be a lot of work some days but I'm so thankful for it and dream of all the things we'll fill up someday as we enjoy life and adventures together.

All that from a simple ride.

It was just one moment in the day but it was my favorite moment.

Good times at Silver Dollar!

July 4th

2011-07-01T11:21:00.001-05:00

Have a great 4th of July weekend!

Take in some fireworks.

BBQ

Sit back and just BE with your family.

That's what I plan to do.

Mine

2011-06-29T10:37:00.000-05:00

This morning I REALLY feel like journaling but I don't know what to say.
I guess that's called writer's block.
Hm.
I've been thinking of this.
"You God, are my God." (Psalms 63:1)
There is a part of God I don't even have to share.
He's MY God.
This was a little side note snuck into one of the messages from the Beth Moore conference.
I tucked it away in me.
I like it.
I'm really close with my guy.
Like really close.
Can't think of what I don't share with him.
Things run really deep with us.
That's good - that's great.
But even in that relationship there is a part of God that is just for me.
As a mom of four it's a no brainer that I share most things.
I even share my new water bottle at times (though I try not too).
That's serious sharing for me.
I mean what mom doesn't feel like she's sharing every part of her with everyone on most days?
I'm refreshed to know that in all my closeness with my guy and my kids there is this unique place, a part of me, Nicole, that is just for me and God.
There's a part of me that God understands to a depth I can't even comprehend.
He understands what I'm experiencing even when I can't write it.
That's cool.

TIme Away

2011-06-27T10:33:00.000-05:00

Time away.

Time with girls I love.

Time with God.

Two good hair days.

All so good.

I went with my sister in law and mother in law to a Beth Moore conference near by.

I love these girls - so thankful to call them friends and family.

(We missed the rest of our girl family!!)

I've never been disappointed with one of Beth's conferences.

Good - every time.

Something challenges me every time.

I love hearing "ya'll" during worship time.

Takes me back to my roots.

We did a late night run to "5 Guys" and after trying to get my mouth around this massive burger I realized I had ordered a double.

Oh my.

My man would have been proud.

This one night trip came just before a semi big week for me.

I needed to be reminded of some things before this week started.

Now I just need to hang on to those things that God reminded me of.

I hope it's a great week for all you blog readers.

Can you even believe it's the last week of June?

Let's not even go there.

Go enjoy your week.

Wedding

2011-06-22T15:33:00.000-05:00

Last weekend my cousin got married.
It was GORGEOUS.
The location was prime.
Tatum was my date.
My date was rather excited about the event.
I think this event sort of made our future more difficult . . . we were only there a little while when she said, "I want to get married here someday."
She now has fireworks, boat rides, and sand on her list.
At one point she said, "I will just get married ON a boat."
She took it all in.
As we stood in line she said, "Everyone looks so beautiful."
I think her favorite part though was the cake.
It was outside and screamed for taking some shots of Tatum, so while we waited in between the ceremony and the reception I snapped a few pics while she was running around playing.

(I love this one because this is what she does with her tongue all the time.)

I loved how the decor was simple yet stunningly beautiful.
As it got dark Tatum and I were out on the boat ride so we got to see the tent lit up.

(my aunt and my mom)

(Some of the pics of the wedding my mom took - we were sharing a camera.)

The night before the wedding Coleson was my date for the rehearsal dinner.
Sadly I didn't have my camera so I have no pics of the cutest date there.
He had a rockin' hair style going.
While they gave toasts and talked I looked at his notepad and realized he was drawing the bride and groom with their glasses in the air - complete with lemons on the glass.
He gave them to the bride and groom afterwards.
Very cute.
As we walked out he said, "I'm so glad I didn't seem them kiss."

It was a weekend of good dates with my little peeps.

And a great couple is now starting their life off together!
Congrats Nick and Roxanne.

Amazing

2011-06-20T09:46:00.000-05:00

AMAZING Daddy.

We are all crazy about him.

Enough said.

(We were biking on a hot afternoon - that's why half the crew is shirtless.)

This and That

2011-06-15T22:13:00.000-05:00

These three cousins had their first "day camp" experience today and all I heard this evening was . . .

This was awesome and that was awesome.

I'm thinking it was all awesome.

They got to see Ian and they said he was having fun.

If you look close in the pic it looks like we caught some wrestlers in action in the background.

Coleson told me he made a new friend named Michelob at camp.

I laughed so hard.

I'm thinking he didn't hear it right but what would it be?

Maybe it really is Michelob and maybe he has a brother named Bud.

Tonight I was so tired I really wanted to just be done and be a bum.

Instead the boys convinced me to go outside and play "Toilet Tag".

Yep you heard me right.

They learned it at camp but apparently just as they were about to play it, their hay rack ride came so they didn't get a chance.

I know you are all dying to know how to play so here are the rules.

If you get tagged you have to squat like you are on the toilet and stick your arm out for the handle.

To become unfrozen like that someone else has to come and sit on your lap (aka the pot) and push your arm down to "flush the toilet".

Seriously who thought of that?

Genius game for boys.

I did not want to run - but I did.

I did not want to squat - but I did.

I was tired - but I pretended I wasn't.

It did feel good to have my bare feet run through the grass.

That just makes you feel like a kid and reminds you it's summer.

Those boys are fast though.

I was it for a long time.

On another note . . .

While driving home the other night a storm was rolling in and the sky and sunset was amazing.

Carter said, "You should take a picture mom."

They were all telling me where I should stop the car to take the picture.

I'm glad they have a love for capturing beauty.

Amazing sky.

And are these two not the cutest?

They are cousins but man they could pass for twins.

I love chatting with them both.

They are FULL of life and best friends.

Camp's Cool

2011-06-14T13:42:00.000-05:00

Just me and the "triplets" these days.

This cute boy is at camp for the week having a blast.

We told him while he was gone we were going to go to Disney Land and climb mountains.

He said, "Camp's better."

I guess camp is cool.

Well, it hasn't quite been Disney Land.

We had a picnic in the back of the van one day with Jason for lunch.

It was cool out for June so we even had soup.

Simple things excite these three.

The first night Ian was gone the boys prayed for him.

You can tell by their prayers that they aren't ready to stay at camp.

Their fears are obvious in their prayers.

Coleson: "Help Ian not be scared in his cabin."

Carter: "Help Ian and the other people not fall out of the top bunk or the bottom bunk (there is not a top bunk railing) and help him not be scared if there's a storm and help him have fun and thank you for the world."

And Tatum, well she's just enjoying sleeping in his bed.

The twins though are enjoying being the "top dog" of knowledge.

When Tatum asks her questions they can answer and not be corrected.

I think they like that.

Good week but we miss him.

Tired + some Pics

2011-06-11T21:13:00.001-05:00

Whew.
I am T I R E D.
Summer type tired.
You know - three meals a day, four kids home, later nights type tired.
Whew.
I know all you mommas can relate.
I LOVE summer but it's a shock to your system.
Well, everyone is in bed and dare I say asleep already (9:15) on this summer night.
I needed the quiet.
We had a garage sale today with a friend and the kids did a lemonade stand - a very successful lemonade stand I might add.
Tatum has been dreaming about this event for months.
She was the most consistent with it.
The boys went off for awhile but she stuck with it.
Pretty much ran it herself for awhile - I didn't help at all b/c I was busy with people.
I looked over once and a boy gave her a dollar (it was a quarter) and she put it in her box, closed the door and said "Thanks".
He laughed and helped her figure change.
Ian had a sign hanging from the table that said, "Money back guaranteed."
My favorite comment though was from Coleson.
A friend of mine came up and said, "Can I have a glass of lemonade?"
While handing her the cup he said (in his sort of deep serious voice), "No sorry we don't have glass we just have styrofoam."
My ~~baby~~ boy leaves for a week of camp tomorrow.
Is he ready?
Yes.
Am I ready?
No.
I know he has fun and I'm all for camp but a week gets long without him and I always wonder how he's doing.
I'll leave you with a couple summer pics . . . I've been terrible with my camera this summer but I have a few to share.

Little 3D Action - Kung Fu Panda 2

Carter lost his FIRST tooth!! (And the tooth fairy remembered at 3am in the morning - well the Mr. Tooth Fairy remembered and woke the Mrs. Tooth Fairy and all was taken care of.)

The kids ventured so far out that Ian was giving Tatum a piggy back ride home and Carter carried her doll. It was precious to see.

Enjoy your Sunday.
Goodnight.

Football Party

2011-06-08T12:56:00.000-05:00

We love a party theme at this house.
I've sort of passed this ~~craziness~~ on to my kids.
They love a theme and they always get into it.
We like to keep it simple but fun.
This year Ian wanted a football party.
I liked that - didn't seem like a hard one at all.
We kept it simple and had it our place.
8 boys and my three younger ones.

Here are some party ideas we gathered to make the party a hit.

* Used white spray paint to paint a field in our grass.
* Had all the boys wear a football jersey (I had extras for those that didn't wear one).
* My husband wore his ref shirt.
* We put black marks under their eyes. They all loved this.

(Yes that would be my twins wearing their jersey's backwards.We told them but they seemed to like it that way. It was fun to watch them try to be hang with the "big boys" in the games.)

* Hung up a tire to a tree for a throwing contest.

* Played flag football and 500 (It's a football game.).

* We tailgated - grilled food, opened presents, and ate cake all around the truck.

* We drank gatorade.

* Kept a simple menu . . . chili dogs/ chips/ and watermelon. I did cut the watermelon in the shape of a watermelon but I don't think that was noticed. :))

* I had a cooler of water ready and thought we should pour it on the birthday boy - it ended up on the

ref.

Of course the party wouldn't be complete without Jas showing them his "I can eat a hotdog in one bite" trick.
How could he pass that up with an audience of 9 year old boys?
The boys loved that trick.

It really was a fun party.
Ian had a great time and his friends all had a good time.
That my friend is success for me.

Nothing Better!

2011-06-06T10:04:00.000-05:00

Nothing better than a good date!

(Our traditional stretch out the arm because my guy has a long arm pose.)

Someday this pic will be funny when we look back on what kind of shoes we wore.

My man looked so good in dress pants and converse - I like that look.

We liked our Chinese fortunes.

Hmmm.

(You couldn't take pics in the theatre which is too bad because it is gorgeous.)

The show was amazing!