Do You Have Photo Envy?

Earlier today, I read this great article over here. (http://www.hiphomeschoolmoms.com/2012/01/beautifully_picturesque/#comment-5158) And it got me to thinking about the assumptions we make about the people in front of the camera. Surely they don't have financial troubles, marital issues or rowdy, goofy children. They must be very nearly perfect, I mean the proof is in the picture, right? Most of my family pictures come out looking very much like they were inspired by a Calvin and Hobbes cartoon (no offense, Calvin) and I get frustrated sometimes. So today, I'm going to embrace the personality of my kiddos and post a posed picture and a 'real' picture or two. Hang on to your hats people : )

For another peek into 'real' life, check out this too! http://themancrew.blogspot.com/2010/05/wordless-wednesday_20.html

David's 1st Gymnastics Meet of 2012

David's first meet of the gymnastics season was this past weekend, Jan 7th. He did really well, but still wasn't satisfied with his performance, so he is now working doubly hard to tweak his routines, get the last trick or two just right and remember to point his toes, every.single.time. : ) He came home with medals for Rings, Parallel bars and the All Around. However, I won't embarrass him by gushing over how talented he is. I'll just post a few pics and call it a day. He's so 14. *grins*

And I'm sure it goes without saying, but I'm going to say it anyway. We are SO proud of him. And a big thank you to Jim and Tricia who generously share their home with us every time we go to Albuquerque.

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY: January 12, 2012
Outside my window... The sun tries valiantly to shine through the clouds. It is chilly (low 40s) and gray.
I am thinking...that God is too gracious to me.
I am thankful...that He is.
In the kitchen...sadly, nothing this minute. However, menu for the week is

• Monday~Daddy brought home pizza
• Tuesday~Tacos
• Wednesday~Crustless quiche YUM~O
• Thursday~leftovers
• Friday~Game Night (no dinner, just veggies and dip, crackers and cheese, and chips and salsa
• Saturday~Lunch sammies, Dinner Homemade pizza
• Sunday~Lunch TBD, Dinner popcorn and veggie tray
  

I am wearing...Brown t-shirt, faded jeans, ankle socks and slip on shoes.
I am creating...clean carpets after this morning's boy vomit and cat diarrhea. Yes, it's been that kind of day : )
I am going...crazy, wanna come? Just kidding. I have tutoring from 3:30-5:30 and then Kohl's from 6-11. Somewhere in there, D has to get to gym from 5:30-8:30
I am wondering...how long the boys are going to put off doing their chores and school since I am NOT reminding/nagging them today. Should be interesting.
I am reading...21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership/ White Oleander (not really liking it, but I read every book to the end. Just one of my *things*) and Philippians every day for January
I am hoping...to become a better person this year, through prayer, much reading, and self discipline.
From the school room...an inde study day since DT is not well. We did some reading together this morning and he's been resting on the couch for the day. The BIGS were assigned 1 hour of educational reading, a math lesson, a writing exercise and a brain game. (a nice easy return to schooling since we just started back yesterday.)
I am looking forward to...a weekend without kids later in January. I love a free hotel room AND people to watch the kids!
I am learning...that I don't have the self discipline I used to, and that I need to re-find it and USE it
Around the house...a sad little dog is waiting to have his ear sewn back on after a wrestling match earlier this week, there are crumbs on the tablecloth, and PILES of dishes waiting to be attended, but it may just not happen today.
I am pondering...belly button lint, the sad state of the US economy and the contents of my pantry.
A favorite quote for today...'Lack of preparation on your part does NOT constitute an emergency on my part'.
One of my favorite things...rows of home canned tomatoes
A few plans for the rest of the week: Well since I'm late, there isn't much 'week' left. However, tomorrow is Game Night, Saturday is a shift at the gym, Sunday is church and preparing for the new week. That sounds like enough.
A peek into my day...an interesting way to use the counting cubes sent by big brother 'Shua.

PS> If you like this type of post, join me over at www.thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com to read more daybooks like this or check her out on FB.

Catching up with us MeYeR's

Just dashing through on my way elsewhere, but since I'm making an effort to get back to blogging more often than not, here's a quick catch up post.

• Dan and David are out tearing up the desert in the dune buggies and/or dirt bike as often as time and weather allow. It's a male bonding thing for them and they love it.
• School started back today. Started off slow, just an hour of reading, a math lesson and a few brain games
• David had his first meet this past weekend. He came home with 3 medals. More on that later
• Dear friends of ours have reserved us a room in a snazzy hotel and offered to babysit (more like big boy sit these days) so that Dan and I can have a little retreat. A-MAZ-ING! You guys rock!
• My parents are here and having a wonderful time (at least I think they are, we sure are enjoying having them here)
• Summer visitors are starting to request dates, so come on over, we'd love to have ya!
• Derek has lost both front teeth and while he's cute as the Dickens, he does NOT appreciate anyone singing, "All I Want for Christmas is my 2 Front Teeth' :D
• Patrick is slowly readjusting after the holidays and travel and is having a better week than the past few.
• We didn't have game night last week since we were on the road and we CAN'T WAIT to catch up with everyone again! We MISSED you all so much!
• I am trying to work on losing some weight this year. Some pounds have GOT to go! Encouraging comments are welcome, dieting advice is not. Thank you.

That's all the time I have for today, crust-less quiche is calling me for dinner. Have a wonderful evening!
Blessings, ~K~

Christmas Countdown Post

I know, it's after Christmas. I had wanted to do this really cute ongoing post series about the super cool countdown we did for Christmas. Ahh, the best laid plans and all that : ) So, instead of 10 posts about it, I will spare you every single detail and just post a few pics of the best activities.
The idea behind it is to do something fun each day that leads up to Christmas, to build the excitement, get a few things done, spend some quality time together, think of others and (perhaps the most important one) keep the "I-can't-wait-for-Christmas' blues/boredom away. So, join me for a quick recap of our adventures down Christmas Lane.
~Day 1: Boys are already saying how silly/lame this is, but once they open the envelope that says MAKE FUDGE, they are on board. We make fudge, eat too much and start looking forward to tomorrow's activity.
~Day 2: Go to Christmas Tree lighting ceremony.
~Day 3: Eat dinner backwards. Boys were glad to start with fudge
~Day 4: Watch "How the Grinch Stole Christmas"
~Day 5: Take coloring pages to children's hospital or Dr office.
~Day 6: Make Paper snowflakes. This was a huge hit with everyone
~Day 7: Board Games
~Day 8: Do something nice for a neighbor
~Day 9: Take treats to Police/Fire Dept. (boys did NOT want to do this...it won't make the list next year)
~Day 10: Camp out in the Living Room. Boys LOVED this one, although by the time they finally quit wiggling and giggling at nearly midnight, *I* wasn't loving it so much. HA
~Day 11: Movie Night with popcorn and fudge
~Day 12: Out for Ice Cream with Grandparents
~Day 13: Kids Choice~ they opted for a movie again
~Day 14: Card Games~ Fluxx, anyone?
~Day 15: Volunteer at homeless shelter/soup kitchen (sadly, we couldn't coordinate schedules between Dan working late, me working early, David's gym schedule and only having one car. Next year!!)
~Day 16: Gingerbread house
~Day 17: Bake cookies
~Day 18: Movie Night
~Day 19: Treasure Hunt Dinner (another one that didn't quite work out due to schedules, but I'll know better for next time)
~Day 20: **Mama's Birthday** Eat out at fave restaurant. Hello, Texas Road House!
~Day 21: Dice Games/Dominoes
~Day 22: Kids Choice. They picked Living Room Camp out (but thankfully went to sleep sooner this time)
~Day 23: Sing at Nursing Home (this one was just for me, but ended up not happening, we were too close to the hysteria of Christmas by then)
~Day 24: Go look at lights with hot cocoa and cookies. Mmmmm, hello CHRISTmas!
If you are interested in trying this activity this coming Christmas, it can be found here (http://lifeasmom.com/2011/11/a-christmas-countdown-family-activity.html) Have fun!

PS. Pics are on other memory device. I'll add them later. rats.

Review of Hooked on Hope Organization's Products

I have been asked to review a product for Hooked On Hope Organization. It's a non-profit organization started and run by Danielle Decker. According to it's Face Book page,
"Hooked On Hope's mission is to spread the Word of Christ by loving others with hand-made items in our local area. If you know someone in need or would like to volunteer, please let us know." Check them out here.

I was asked to review the workmanship and quality of a set of washcloths that I had previously won in a giveaway. I found them to be lovely, in quality and craftsmanship. They are soft, cuddly and pretty. They have enough texture to them to either wash your dishes or your face without being rough. They hold up wash after wash. Just toss them in the washer and let them go! They are hand crafted with care, with no snags or blemishes to be found. Danielle is an excellent crafter.
All said and done, I would purchase items from Hooked on Hope Organization with confidence, knowing not only that I was purchasing high quality items, but that the money was going to help meet the needs of people in that area of the U.S. that needed a bit of help, a bit of love and a big dose of encouragement.

My Book Reading List for 2012

I thought it might be fun to copy Money Saving Mom (http://www.facebook.com/#!/MoneySavingMom) over on FB and post a list of the books I intend to read this year. It's only 24, so I'm sure I'll read more than that, but I wanted to be a bit more intentional about what I feed my mind this year. I tend to pick up whatever catches my eye on the new arrivals shelf, or whatever someone gives me, and I don't proactively look for books that apply to a certain area of my life. So I thought her idea was a good one to keep me on track with the goals that I have set for myself this year. These are in no particular order and I'll pretty much read them as I can find them at my library, on eBay or at the COAS which is the local used book store here in our town.

1. You Can't Make Me, But I Can Be Persuaded
2. A Deeper Kind of Calm: Steadfast Faith in the Midst of Adversity
3. Rekindling the Romance: Loving the Love of Your Life
4. The 3 R's
5. Between a Rock and a Grace Place
6. One of Us Must Be Crazy...and I'm Pretty Sure It's You
7. Grace for the Good Girl
8. The Simplicity of Homeschooling: Discover the Freedom of Learning Through Living
9. Satisfy My Soul: For I Am Desperate for Your Power
10. Eats, Shoots and Leaves: A No Tolerance Approach to Punctuation
11. The Husband Project: 21 Days of Loving Your Man--on Purpose
    and with a Plan
12. The Marriage Project: 21 Days to More Love and Laughter
13. Erasing Hell: What God Said About Eternity and What We Made Up
14. Whispers of His Power
15. The Shelter of God's Promises
16. What Women Fear
17. Don't Make Me Come Up There!
18. Crazy Love
19. Jesus Freaks: Martyrs
20. Large Family Logistics
21. The Grace and Truth Paradox
22. Calm My Anxious Heart: A Woman's Guide to Finding Contentment
23. 168 Hours: You Have More Time Than You Think
24. America's Cheapest Family Gets You Right on the Money

Phew! I can't wait to dig in to some of these. I'll be looking up my first set when I head over to the library on Thursday. I'll keep you posted on my progress and which ones are worth reading!
~K~