Burnt Blankies and Random Rashes

I've been a little quiet over here lately on the blogging front. Life has been rushing ahead at it's usual breakneck speed, so I haven't had a chance to sit down and write about it. Here's just a taste of what's been going on in our crazy house!

A few days ago, I was changing Maggie's diaper after her nap and I hear Will say, "Oh, no!" He runs into Maggie's room, in his typical dramatic style, and says, "Mom! My bluey! My bluey is stuck on the big lights! I was just trying to drop it down and it got stuck!" As I finished changing Maggie, a terrible smell wafts into the room. Something was burning. I rush out and find Will's precious blankie, named Bluey, because each of his older brothers has a blue stuffed animal with that name, melting and smoking on the chandelier. Thankfully, I could reach it and managed to peel it away without an actual fire breaking out. Unfortunately, Bluey was burned through in a couple places, and the whole ordeal scared my sweet four year old boy to the point that he was shaking and crying. It was so sad.

The good news is that he has rebounded well. We have always had a back-up Bluey, but since Will could tell them apart, he has always preferred the one that got torched, saying that the back-up looks mean, something about it's smile-he's such a funny kid! I went to Amazon, hoping that if I could order a new one the replacement might have a happy smile, like the original. Sadly, they no longer make the lovey that we have, but the newer version is close, so Will was excited to get it. Now my little guy sleeps with the back-up Bluey and his new "cute little Bluey."

The day that the new Bluey arrived, so did a rash. Saturday, after making a trip to Costco and to the library with the kids, I undressed Maggie for the bath and discovered that her arms were covered with a hive-like rash!

A few moments later I notice that Will's arms look very similar to Maggie's. Yikes. Just like that our two week streak of everyone going to church together on Sunday came to a screeching halt!

Sunday morning, Maggie's rash had spread to her legs and face. Monday morning, Jon got out of the shower and started calling for me. He had something similar on his arms and legs. Before lunch, Sam had it on his face.

Since we had friends who had recently had strep and two of the kids complained of sore throats, I took them in to the doctor on Tuesday.

The strep tests came back negative and the doctor declared it a viral rash. As of today, the boys are almost completely clear of their rashes, and Maggie just has some traces on her legs and face. I thought last winter with the boys thumb infections was weird, but this one might top it...maybe.

Things I Love, pt. 3

If you've been to this space recently, you've seen part 1 or part 2 of this series. Today's post is a little less serious, but here are a few more of my favorites:

Television Shows:

Sherlock: Our most recent fav. Between the wit and the mystery, this show is so entertaining. Like so many other BBC hits that I enjoy (Downton Abbey, Call the Midwife), this show is so well made. My only complaint is that there are so few episodes in each season. We are watching season 3 currently, and a little sad that we'll be caught up and waiting for new episodes to be released.

Gilmore Girls: An oldie but a goody. This show will always be one of my favorites. I just recently worked through the entire show on Netflix. I love the banter between Lorelai and Rory. The comedy mixed in with a little drama draws me in, even the third and fourth times around.

The Office: I resisted the show at first, but on the recommendation of a friend, who's opinion I value, I jumped in on the episode The Convict. It is still one of my favorite episodes. In fact, last night after watching a more serious show, Pete turned on the aforementioned episode just for the laughs that we knew it would bring. Like Gilmore Girls, there are episodes that I skip, but overall, this show cracks me up.

Apps:

Two Birds: I am a sucker for word games. This one has been a favorite for at least a year now. There are weekly tournaments and you can also play against individuals. If you join and want to play, let me know.

Trivia Crack: This game seems to be very popular right now. A friend told me about it right earlier this month, then I found out that my brothers were playing. Now, I am constantly playing various members of my family and some friends as well. It's like a digital version of Trivial Pursuit, and it's a lot of fun.

My Fitness Pal: Not a game at all, but a great way to keep track of my snacking. I could snack all day long, but if I am faithfully logging my snacks, it helps me to make healthier choices. I can also look back and see the nutritional value of what I am eating, and chart my weight loss(or gain).

So, I'd love to know what are you watching or playing?

Next time I will list my kids favorite apps--educational and otherwise. :)

Things I Love, part 2

A couple weeks ago I wrote about a few other things I love. The goal here being to share succinctly things that I'm thankful to have in my life. Today I want to share a few more of my favorite things...this post doesn't include any embarrassing pictures of me like that one did*, but I hope you'll enjoy it none the less! ;)

Homeschooling and Classical Conversations

I know that many of you think, "I could never homeschool" or "you must be a saint" or "well, you were a teacher before you had kids, so of course you like it" and I have to admit, it is one of the most challenging things I've ever done. Like most challenging things in life, it is also the most rewarding. I love my kids, and like any honest parent, sometimes they drive me crazy. But one of my favorite things is learning with my kids. As we go along in this homeschooling journey, I am figuring out that their weaknesses are mine, and sometimes their strengths are mine. I love the challenge of trying to find a new way to teach them something. Mostly, although I take frequent breaks from them, I just love getting to spend so much time with my kids, and to be with them when they have those light bulb moments!

Classical Conversations has been a blessing in so many ways. I love getting to tutor each week, the quality of the material that I am learning with my kids is amazing, but the best part of it is the fellowship. The community is so wonderful for me and for the kids. I know many families that successfully homeschool without it, but I wouldn't trade it for the world.

My husband

This guy, he supports me in so many ways. Whether it's freeing me up to go to a girl's night out, helping with breakfast every morning that he's home, or writing me notes just because, he is my better half. He prays for me and with me. He makes me laugh so much. He even knows when to just let me be. I am forever thankful to be doing life by his side.
He's not perfect, but neither am I. I do believe that God brought us together to sharpen each other and that we are both so much better now than we were before He led us to each other. We still have bad days, days when we shake our heads because we thought we had figured each other out, and yet we probably never will fully. I'm thankful to try to figure it out with Pete.

Blogging

I know it may seem weird to some of you out there, but writing is such a great outlet for me. I have always been an outward processor. Whether it is talking through my problems with a friend or writing in a journal, I have always needed to get things out in order to fully think them through. I also love reading things that others have written and being encouraged or challenged. For me, this is a place where I can sort through the things floating around in my head. I truly enjoy thinking through and then writing something that I hope someone would connect to or be encouraged by. I am thankful for the opportunity I had recently to blog over at What's in the Bible? and hope to do more like that soon. I also love getting any feedback here or on Facebook.



*If you were at all interested in the Cellular Nutritional Cleansing program that I've had so much success with, please let me know. I'd be glad to pass on information to you. Also, they are having a special through January 15th which saves you $25. 

What's in the Bible? Digital Sale

If you missed the huge sale on DVDs over at What's in the Bible? you're in luck. They are having a great sale on their digital downloads. Looking for something with meaning for your kids to do while you're driving to grandmother's house or while you're trying to get some presents wrapped? Download a couple episodes of What's in the Bible? or their coloring sheets or activity books. If you're thinking of doing that, click through my link below for me to get credit! Thanks in advance! And Merry Christmas!

Things I love, part 1

Lately, I have been quite thankful for many aspects of my life. No part of my life is perfect, but I have just realized that I truly love many parts of it. Each one could possibly be a blog post in and of itself, but rather than bore you with many posts of thankfulness that may make it seem that I am bragging or boasting, I'll just give you the Reader's Digest version of a couple at a time in hopes that you will return to read again another day! ;)

A couple side notes before I start: 

1. These are not listed in any sort of purposeful order. 

2. These are all things I am passionate about, I'd love to tell you more about any of them if you are at all interested.

3. Each one of these is no more than two paragraphs in length, so hang with me! ;)

My Neighbors

I have some of the best neighbors EVER. Whether it's loaning me a cup of sugar, or texting me to see if I need anything at Kroger, or anything in between. They are wonderful. Last year, our first Christmas in this house, I decided to have the boys help me make a little something to give to those houses in our cul-de-sac. I thought I was being kind, generous, and thoughtful. Before I could even finish delivering them, more than five neighbors had delivered similar treats to our house. The kids love the other kids and many of the adults, too. Whether it's hanging out in one of our yards, letting the kids play on their swings, or talking while the kids ride bikes, my neighbors are always good for a laugh or a listening ear. I am just so thankful for them.

Nutritional Cleansing

This sounds crazy, but one of my neighbors, who is also a friend now, introduced me to this cellular nutritional cleansing system back in August. After gaining 30 pounds last year when my thyroid got all whacky, I was very frustrated. Exercising and eating healthy weren't helping me shed any more than 5-7 pounds. I was ready to try anything, and boy, am I glad now!

Before:

Now:

I am still using their products and am a believer in this system. It feels so great to have good nutrition going in, to be losing pounds (25!) and inches (4 1/2 in my waist alone since September 3), and to have more energy. My goal is to lose about 10-15 more pounds and go down another size or two. Most importantly, I just want to be the healthiest version of me.

Jazzercize

A big part of getting healthy for me has been Jazzercise. I have always loved to dance, so when the same neighbor that I mentioned above told me she went to Jazzercise, my ears perked up. I love it. I wish I had pictures or clips to share what a class is like, but I'm sure you can find some on YouTube. Seriously, it is so much fun to dance with other ladies, laughing when we mess up and encouraging each other along the way. If you like to dance and are looking for a form of exercise that you can enjoy, you really should try Jazzercise-it's not old school at all. :) 

Special What's in the Bible? Sale!!

Just wanted to share this special deal with you! If you were wanting to buy some DVDs for your kiddos to watch on your way to Grandmother's house, wait no longer! This sale is only good through Thursday night.

       

Also, if you missed my blog post on their website, you can check it out here.

What's in the Bible Guest Blog!

Hi friends,
Have you heard of the series What's in the Bible? Created by Phil Vischer, of Veggie Tales, it uses puppets and cartoons, humor and catchy songs to teach your kids about God's Word. I am a huge fan of their DVD's and have been an affiliate of theirs since their first few DVDs came out. If your kids haven't seen them yet, you should definitely check them out. My kids have learned so much about the Bible as they've laughed and sung along. What's in the Bible? is currently having a fantastic sale: all the DVD's are marked down to $9.97, plus the more you order the better the deal. And free shipping sitewide! Click on the link below to go to their online store.

This month, I am excited to be a guest blogger on their site. I had been thinking and praying about how to keep our focus on Christ this Advent season, and summed up my thoughts in a blog post called Simplifying the Celebration. I'd love to hear ways that you are keeping your holiday festivities simple yet meaningful. And I'd love for you to pop over to What's in the Bible? and check out my post. :)

Thanks!

Thankful

I know it's a little cliche to have a blog post right after Thanksgiving with the title Thankful, but there really isn't another word that sums up how I'm feeling right now. I have always loved Thanksgiving. A time to gather with loved ones and reflect on our blessings, what could be better? Then on two separate occasions I had babies the week of Thanksgiving. I am always reflective and grateful around my children's birthdays, so this just added to the thankfulness.

Will at just a few days old

Maggie, who was 6 weeks premature, at one day old

My grandma recently lost her battle with cancer, and while the pain of that loss is still fresh, it that has only made my heart more thankful for the times when my family can be together.

Precious time I got to spend with my grandma in August

In the past week, I have gotten to spend time with my husband's extended family, and with my parents and both of my brothers and my sister in law. My brother and sister in law, who live in Peru, have actually been with us for a week, much to our delight.

My brother, Scott, and my sister in law, Julia 

While I love routine and structure, the fun we have had, the laughter we have shared and the joy on my kids' faces is better than any routine I've ever known. Tomorrow, we'll try to get back into those routines, which I anticipate will be a bit of a struggle, but I am hoping to face that struggle with grace and to cling to this heart full of thankfulness. After all, even if Thanksgiving is over, next is Christmas, and what better reason to be thankful than the time when we celebrate the coming of our Savior?

Next week, I will be posting about the ways we are trying to be intentional this Christmas as a family. Stay tuned! ;)

Did I Hear a Niner?

My oldest turned nine yesterday. The funny thing about his birthday being at the end of the summer is that all summer I have told people, "He'll be nine at the end of the summer," when they ask the ages of the kids. Now, the end of the summer is here and it's actually happened. He's nine.

Jon is a fun kid. Sometimes he drives me crazy, but most of the time I count my blessings that I get to be his mom. Here are some of the things I love about this nine year old boy: his sensitive and giving nature, he is a peacemaker, his passion for reading, his honesty, his zeal for life and excitement over new ideas and adventures, his creativity, his unique outlook on things, that he still likes to sit and snuggle with his mama.

We make a big deal about birthdays around here. I think my mom did a good job of making birthdays special for me growing up and I try to do the same with my kids. We don't go overboard with spending tons of money or anything, but we do have a few fun traditions. Some of them are very intentional, and some we have just sort of stumbled into, but all of them are fun in my book. :)

First there's the birthday pancakes in the shape of your new age:

Opening presents from the immediate family before Daddy leaves for work. (I'm pretty sure this one was stumbled into by a birthday that fell on a night Daddy had to work late)

 Jon and Sam hugging after Jon opened his gift from Sam

 Jon's new drum set. Free from friends at church. 

Jon has been asking for drums for about two years now. He has faithfully been taking, and will continue to take, piano lessons, so we are allowing this new addition. We might be crazy, but we are going to get him drum lessons. The drum set will find it's home in a room of the basement, which will get some additional sound proofing SOON. 

On birthdays, our typical rules about screen time and video game time are thrown out the window. Jon got the WipeOut Create and Crash game for Wii and spent several hours creating and playing courses with Sam. 

The birthday kid gets to pick, within reason, what we do for the day and what we eat for dinner. Jon recently realized that you can play WiiU at Target and asked to there on his birthday about a week ago. It cracked me up that playing a game a Target made his list of most fun things to do, but hey, easy enough! He also requested getting a icee/slushy at Target and I decided we could all get them. Funny side note, I specifically remember telling the nurse at Jon's 2 year check up that he had not had lollipops yet, we'd prefer a sticker...and yet here we are with Maggie, not 2 until November, getting to split a slushy with Mom. Funny how things have changed...and the things you will do to keep a little one happy while the bigger ones do their thing. 

 Maggie sipping her slushy at Target

 Jon playing WiiU at Target

We came home for naptime and the bigger boys played Wii at their friend/our neighbor's house for about an hour, then we headed to the pool. Pete met us their with Jon's requested dinner: pizza AND cheesy bread. The cheesy bread was the kicker. We rarely get it, so it was a special treat! :) It turned out to be a pretty nice night, a little cool, but not too bad. My brother, Matt, met us there and we had a lot of fun-so much fun, that I forgot to take any pictures. Speaking of forgetting, I also forgot to bring candles to the pool, so we sang Happy Birthday and ate cupcakes and are going to try to do the candle part tonight.

All in all, it was a pretty fun day for my birthday boy. We ended it with the birthday survey. Last year, I forgot to do it, but we both remembered this year. I love his idea for the last question. Here are his answers:

~What is your name? Jon
~And how old are you? 9
~Does being 9 make you feel? Really, really awesome! (said to the tune of the Lego Movie Song)
~What do you want to learn this year? To play the drums
~What was the best thing about being 8? Riding the Banshee and going to church camp
~What did you do today? Opened presents, played with presents, went to Target, went to the pool and had pizza, cheesy bread and cupcakes
~What was your favorite gift that you received? Drum Set!!
~What is your favorite color? Scarlet Red
~What is your favorite food? Pizza and Ravioli
~Who is your favorite person? Sam
~What grade are you in? Fourth
~What is your favorite thing to do at school? Cursive Handwriting
~What is your favorite game to play? Wipeout on the Wii
~What do you like to do with Daddy? Play with him in the pool
~What do you like to do with Mommy? Snuggle on the couch and read or watch a movie/show
~What do you like to do with Sam? Play Wii
~What do you like to do with Will? Play the game where he chases me and Sam
~What do you like to do with Maggie? Try to get her to smile and carry her around and throw her on the couch
~What’s your favorite thing to do with the whole family? Have a movie night
~What’s your favorite store? Target
~What’s your favorite place to eat? Olive Garden
~What’s your favorite book? hard to narrow it down, Time Warp Trio books
~What’s your favorite song? Speak Life by Toby Mac
~What’s your favorite Bible verse or story? John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His only son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
~What do you want to be when you grow up? A website creator who can work from a mobile home and travel all over the country
I love this kid!

Hawaii

Last month at this time, my husband and I had the privilege of getting to visit one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. Hawaii is gorgeous. I wish that each of you reading could spend some time there. I've heard that the most beautiful places on earth are just glimpses of what heaven will be like. If that is accurate, which seems logical, Heaven will be incredible, because Hawaii is amazing. I could take you through what we did each day, but I don't want to bore you. I will just say that even though we stayed at a gorgeous resort for the majority of the trip (it was an incentive trip that my husband qualified for--woo-hoo!) and spent a lot of time wearing these

and seeing many, many of these

and enjoying all the amenities like you can see here

with sunsets like this

and spent hours with my feet in the sand and a book in my hand

my absolute favorite part of our trip was spending time with this guy 

After over 12 years of marriage, I still really, really like this guy. 

And as much as I enjoyed visiting and learning more about Pearl Harbor

and driving around seeing views like the following

My absolute favorite part was just being with this guy