Family and Birthday

SO much to share! I wonder if I can fit all these pictures I resized on here. Let's see...

Friday was the kiddos birthday. Gramma, Grandpa, Uncle John and Aunt Beth came to visit. They took the kids to Build- A-Bear for their birthday present. The kids loved it! Ashley got a kitten and named her "CAT", Mason got a penguin and named him "PENGUIN" and Aussie got a bunny and named her "HELLO BUNNY".

We ate lunch at Opry Mills mall. The kids ate Burger King and I had the BEST salad from Chili's.

This picture is of my Mom and Ashley.

Everyone pottyed before leaving the mall. So on our way home I hear with an urgent cry, "I have to go to the bathroom!" Crud! What do I do? I'm literaly STUCK in trafic! I can't pull over, the exit is at least a mile away with bumper to bumper trafic going 10-15mph. I said, "Can you hold it?" "NO---Turn around and go back" Yah right! Well all I can say is Thankfully they made it to WalMart!

On the way to Wal Mart, I talked to the kids about what cake we would get. I said that we were only getting one cake and we all had to agree on it. We all agreed on a dinosaur cake. But when we got there they didn't have it. URRRR! So the debate continued. It was REALLY cute listening to them pick the cake. They really picked up on using the word "agree". The conversation was something like this:

"I agree on this one"

"I don't agree on that one but I agree on this one"

"Do you agree with this one?"

"Aussie agrees on this one and I agree too."

" I can agree on that one."

"We can all agree on this one."

(of course it went on a lot longer than this)

In the evening Mom and Beth made yummy Sirloin Tips and Salad for dinner. Then we had CAKE! I L O V E birthday cake!!!! I'm glad it is all gone or I would eat and eat and eat! We sang Happy Birthday to each child separately. They each picked out their own candles at the store.

They were spoiled with presents! Mason got this hamburger toy from Gramma. You know Mason is all about some food!

But one of their favorite toys were the Littlest Petshop pets. They put them in the train and dragged them all around. They all played so nicely together. I was so happy they were sharing with everything they got. Saturday they got up early and played and played and played!

We went swimming Saturday at Mom and Dad's hotel. The kids did great. They all were swimming by themselves with life jackets on. Mom got pictures but I was in the pool so I didn't get any.

Then Sunday morning after first service my family had to leave to go back to Ohio. So we took some pictures before they left. This is my Mom and Dad.

This is Aunt Beth with Mason. Does he look like he belongs to her with those big brown eyes?

This is my brother John and Beth with the kids.

Uncle John with Aussie

Uncle John with Mason

Mom hugging Mason

And my FAMILY! Aussie is holding up his doors. Yes, he is back into wanting doors again.

I love them! They don't stay long enough when they come.

Birthday Party Re-Scheduled

OK- I decided to re-schedule the kids' birthday party. There were at least 3 other events going on the same day and I only had 1 YES. So it is re-scheduled for August 11.

My family is coming in town today, so we will have a nice family birthday party on this Saturday.

To my friends who read this blog...I only invited kids/families of kids close in age to mine. I don't want to leave anyone out if you want to come. Just let me know. I would rather ask than to have someone think, "Why is she inviting me?"

We will have a fun treasure hunt, they will pick up pieces along the way and by the end of the game each will have a pirate outfit on.

It will be lot's of fun!!!

Smart Alec!

My Almost 5 year old boy who starts with an "A" is a real smart alec!!

So Aussie says: Mom, do you sell Littlest Pet Shop Books yet?
Me: No, sorry honey my company doesn't sell those books.
Aussie: Why not?
Me: Because we sell good educational and fun books.
Aussie (using what he has heard me say several times): You sell books kids LOVE to read?
Me: Yes. Good educational and fun books.
Aussie: Well I love to read Littlest Pet Shop, Thomas and Rugrats!

A Word of Advice!

One must check stuffed animals for holes BEFORE washing them.

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As I was sewing "Pirouette" back up, Ashley was telling me that Pirouette does not like my nails squeezing her and that it hurts her when the needle goes through her. I tried to explain that she will be MUCH happier when she is fixed. But Ashley proceeded to then TALK for Pirouette...

Ow.... OW.... OW.... (with every prick of the needle)

Simplicity

I've finally got a layout done in time to submit to the OLW (One Little Word) challenge. The word this time is SIMPLICITY! So without further ado here is my layout...

The journaling around the layout reads:

*This is everything in my life that is simple.

*Every picture on this page represents the simplicity in my life.

*Triplets (do not)= simplicity.

*Our life is extremely full, this layout shows Everything in our lives that is simple.

*My life (does not)= simplicity.

*But we do enjoy life.

This and That

Well so far so good. Aussie is eating. So hopefully the medicine took care of it. Thank you for your prayers!

Oh last week sometime, we met Dana and her kids at the zoo. I love these 2 pictures. The first one is waiting for Dalton to come back from the bathroom and the 2nd is them racing off to the playground.

And the kids are getting more comfortable with Kiki. I can't say that I am, but here are 2 pictures of my scardy cats now holding Kiki. Even Mason doesn't want to get rid of her. They all say they love her and then they torture her by putting her in boxes and trapping her under clothes baskets. I'm surprised they haven't thought to put clothes on her yet. I know I did that with my dog, "Buffy". And I would stroll her around in a stroller. I'm sure it won't be long.

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Oh Today Aussie had another funny! I decided to get the kids another Rugrat movie. There is a thrift store nearby that I can usually get old videos for $1.00. Unfortunately, it has a new owner and they had no movies. So we walked up to Goodwill and found a few good movies. So today, Aussie said, "Mom have you changed your mind about Rugrats? Do you like them now?" And I said, "No, I still don't like them, but I think you are old enough now to know what is right and wrong." And Aussie said, "Yes your right, these videos can be for Kindergarten. We can watch them and then tell you what they do wrong in them." HA HA HA! So all you other homeschooling Moms...have you incorporated Rugrats into your curriculum?

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Then tonight Austin wanted some milk. So I gave him some with a lid on it and he said, "I'm going to enjoy this milk upstairs." I just thought that was really cute how he said that.

LOOK!

WOW! I have an incredible Secret Sister! This is amazing. Look what she sent...

These are all easy readers for the kids for homeschooling. How exciting!

And she sent me this great book of Stories from the Heart. I haven't read any of it yet, but it is full of wonderful authors. I look forward to some time to relax and be uplifted with these stories.

My Secret Sister has been so awesome! I'm gonna have to step it up on the one I have.

BTW Secret Sister....Honestly, I probably wouldn't read the CM book. So go ahead and sell it on Ebay. Thanks for asking.

The "perfect" song

Yesterday, Greg was watching the children and they were putting on a show for him. He made a little stage out of a laundry basket and some big blocks. Ashley would hide behind the play house and would shout out, "Now presenting Ashley Greene." Then she would get out and sing a couple of songs, like Doe a deer and Row row row your boat. Then she would take a bow and say "Thank you Thank you".

Next she would say, "Now presenting the magnificent Mason Greene". Mason would come out and do a song and everyone (Daddy) would clap.

Then Ashley presented Austin. Austin got up there and did a little dance, swaying his arms in front of him side by side. And he sang, "poo poo and pee pee yuck...poo poo and pee pee yuck." Well Greg started booing him off the stage. Austin was NOT too happy about being booed off the stage. And asked Greg seriously, Why he was booing him. And Greg said it was a gross song or something like that. But Austin again very seriously and offended said, "But this is a very important song! It teaches you not to pee or poop on the floor." (hmmmmm...Gayle and Steve does this sound like anyone you know? "swallowfish dive") So Greg reconsidered and let him finish his song on stage.

Greg told this to me and I just died laughing! This is SO MUCH like what Greg would have done when he was little.

Busy busy busy

Hello out there!

What a VERY busy day! I left the house at 8AM and didn't get home until 4:30PM.

The kids started soccer camp today. They are so cute. Tomorrow I will have to take some pictures.

Today, I signed them up for Co-op. School starts August 10th. Ay ay ay! But their class looks really fun. I will be helping with 5th grade Science.

I had an errand to run downtown, so we had lunch with Greg at Wendys.

Then I dropped off some books in Brentwood.

Then we went to Target to get the kids' soccer balls and look at ALL the toys they want for their birthday.

Then even though I really didn't want to be out in the heat, I took the kids to Edmondson Library playground.

I was SO tired and just wanted to go home.

Then I went out to Panera Bread for a MNO. I was hoping someone would show up, but she didn't. So I was slightly bummed, but it was still nice to be out.

But then I came home to a husband who had a scowl on his face. I knew exactly what that was for....I forgot my cell phone at home. I didn't realize it until I was on my way home.

I want to go to bed, but I think I need to do dishes.

The Incredibles

On Tuesday I took the kids to OpryMills Mall to see Rugrats. The kids loved it, but I hadn't felt so antsy to get out of a movie in a long time.

I wanted to check out the Disney Outlet store for Birthday present ideas. When we got there they were having a semi-anual sale. The prices were "incredible"! So I let the kids buy Incredible PJ's/costumes since they were only $2.99 each. They REALLY wanted to put them on and I said they could put them on in the car. But Austin said, "Then can we come back in?" I said, "No." And he said, "But then NOBODY will see us!" I said, "OOOOOOHHHH". So I took them into the bathroom and let them put them on. It was the funniest thing ever! And I (who nearly never is without my camera) pulled it out and took pictures. Everybody got a hoot out of it! And I went back later that night and got several birthday presents!

Awww!

The cutest thing happened yesterday.

We went by Scrapin' Memories and I picked up several of my layouts that had been on display. Tammy had several big frames that she bought from a store going out of business thatwould be perfect for homeschooling. You just click in a poster board and shut the frame around it. When I saw them I asked her if she didn't need all of them if I could buy one from her. So yesterday she let me buy one. So I had a big pile of stuff that I was putting into the car.
Ashley said, "You got a lot of scrapbooking!"
And Austin said, "You deserve it Mom!"

AWWWWWW!!!!!

Thank you SS!

Look at these WONDERFUL things my Secret Sister sent to me. Thank you SO MUCH!

I LOVE paper! Why do I love paper so much? I don't know. But my kids love it too. And this stack from my SS is JUST for ME! Maybe since it looks like a little book they won't notice that it's actually blank paper!

And look at this cool Devotional Book. I didn't have anything yet for our daily devotions. This will be perfect!

Thank you again! I truly appreciate them!

Good news!

Well good news- at least for right now. I misunderstood the doctor. Aussie is taking steroids now to reduce the size of his tonsils. He has been doing great today! He has been eating everything he can get his hands on. He ate all of his pancakes, chicken, noodles, etc. He told me his throat is feeling much better. PRAISE GOD!!!

Anyway, on to the misunderstanding... When I had talked to the doctor on Friday, I thought that Austin would be taking this medication and that will help him in the mean time until he has surgery. Well...if this medication works and he doesn't have a flare up again, then that's all we need to do! There is a 60% chance that just the medicine alone will do the job. If when he goes off the medication and he does have a flare up then he would need to have surgery. And there is a 40% chance of that happening.

Secret Sister

UGH! I lost my previous post!

Secret Sister- I got my package and I love it! I'll expound on it more tomorrow.

Thank you!

Whoa way passed my bedtime!

It's his tonsils!

It's his tonsils!

I'm very surprised at how fast we got results. The appointment was at 8:00AM this morning and we have results at 8:30AM!

Greg hasn't talked to the pediatrician yet. She will make an appointment for Austin to see an ENT doctor. His tonsils are enlarged enough that it is making it hard for him to swallow food. He is able to drink. So for now I need to add some Carnation Milk to his drinks so he can get some nutrients.

Greg said Austin did real well at the hospital. He was able to drink and eat the barium. He had a hard time eating it, but he got enough in him to get the results.

I'm so glad to have some answers!

Update on Aussie

I want to thank all of you who replied. All of you gave good suggestions. Things have been crazy here, so I don’t even remember if I responded to anyone.

Anyway, we took Aussie to the doctor today. I had planned to take him and made the appointment. When he woke up he started throwing up Stomach acid. He felt miserable and I didn’t want to wait until the 10:45AM appointment. So I took him in and just said, “Whenever you can fit him in please do so”. It didn’t take long until we were seen.

I was a little upset that our regular doctor had a full schedule and we were going to see another doctor in the office. After examining Austin and giving him a strep test and it coming back negative, our regular doctor knocked on the door. I don’t know if the doctor we were seeing asked for her help or if she just showed up. Either way about it, it made me feel so much better she was there.

So we don’t know yet if he has scared himself enough to cause gastritis or if there is something wrong with his esophagus. Tomorrow, he has an esophogram at 8:00AM. I’ll keep you all updated. And I truly appreciate your prayers. ( I truly don’t know how he is going to drink the barium!)

Oh and today was a little better he did drink some milk and water. He is trying to eat a lot. He is asking for everything in sight. But most of it he spits out after he has chewed it until almost liquid.

July 4th

Happy Independence Day!

Good grief! What a day!

Aussie continues to chew up food and spit it out. He is even afraid to swallow liquid. We will be taking him to the doctor tomorrow. Greg thinks that there is something more to it than just being afraid. You know maybe there is something wrong with his tonsils or something. It's very frustrating. I go from being so upset because Austin is upset to being downright angry because he won't swallow.

Today- the kids planted their flowers. They picked them out last night. I can't remember the name of what Ashley picked. But Austin picked black eyed susans and Mason picked cone flowers. One of Greg's workmates gave Greg some advice as to what flowers to plant and then she even brought him some zinnias. So this has been a wonderful project for Greg and the kids.

Then we went to Lipscomb for some July 4th festivities. The kids played in the bouncy house and maze and went down the big slide. Austin said he was hungry- so we catered to him and got him some french fries at McDonalds. Greg said he ate quite a bit, but I didn't see it. I just saw him holding it in his cheeks and then spitting it out. NASTY!!! But the kids played on the playground a good long time and then we came home.

We were going to watch the fireworks tonight, but we were too tired and just wanted to be home. But we did get to see several on our way. And when we got home someone was letting off really nice sized ones in our cul-de-sac. Austin and Mason were afraid of me being outside. They partly watched from the garage, but Austin begged me to come in.

And here is a just a cute picture from lunch today. This is my little quacker! Yes- guess who taught him that?

Uh-Oh it's past 11:00PM-- goodnight!

Concerned- please pray/offer advice

I don't know what to do...I have a worrier!

Aussie worries about everything!
The last few days he has hardly been eating because he is afraid he is going to choke. He is getting some food in him or I would have already called the doctor. Greg and I have tried to read and explain how our throats work to him. But he is still scared. He is chewing up his food and keeping it in his cheeks until he finally spits it out. I found an article on the internet written for kids about choking. It tells how it happens and what we can do to prevent it. I will read this to him tomorrow. He is VERY smart. A little bit too smart for his age. I wish he didn't worry so much!

Then tonight he begged and begged us to watch the news so he knew that there would be no tornados coming. I didn't let him watch the news, but I assured him over and over that there will be no tornados tonight. He prays to God, but sometimes he tells me that he thinks God doesn't listen.

What do I do with him? He's only "almost" 5.

Please pray for Aussie. And also pray for my brother and his wife, who are flying back home from Bulgaria today/tonight. They have been in the Peace Corp. for 2 years and I'm so glad to have him back in the U.S.!!!

NO!

How dare he even say it?

Someone told Greg today that Kiki would stop being so rough with us IF she had another kitten her age to play with.


Shoot..........I'm just counting the days until she is fixed and declawed. I think she will calm down then. At least I am really hoping so!!!

routine

Well I think there needs to be a routine around here and it's gonna have to start with me. I'm going to take this in baby steps. But my first thing I am going to do is have a set wake up time and bed time.

As much as I like to stay on the computer until way after midnight, I think I am going to set my bedtime at 11:00PM. And attempt to sleep until 7:00AM and GET UP! Of course there will be special events that keep me up later, but I need to start this.

I think it will help me feel rested all day and then I can start adding other routines to the plan.

So all of you out there who are organizers and clean (what's a nicer word than freaks?), I need some help with scheduling. What does your schedule look like?

Aussie draws

I am so proud of Aussie. At McDonald's yesterday, he looked at this book and then he drew pictures on a napkin.

This is really the first time he has drawn anything really recognizable and he did such a great job!

I showed Greg and he said, "Did he draw these all by himself?" Yep he sure did!

He is so proud of himself too! It has given him confidence to draw other things.

Check out these drawings:

He first drew the cat. The whiskers are on one side and the tail is at the bottom. The lines on the body are the stripes and spots on the cat. Then he drew the bunny, and then the fish in the water.

Then he drew this reindeer. (The fifth leg is really it's tail)

We are just so proud of him!

I made my goal!

YAY! It went through! I made my goal! WOOOOHOOO!

I had fun scrapbooking tonight. A church by my house is having an overnight crop. I decided to come home and sleep, but I plan to go back tomorrow. It's really strange being the "goto girl" or the "expert". I'm not used it. Most of the girls I hung out with from Scrap It are all REAL EXPERTS!

I wish we could have a Scrap It reunion!

Ok- I need to go to bed. I was so excited last night I couldn't sleep very well. Tonight I hope I can relax and drift off into la la land peacefully.

Hopefully I'll have pictures to show tomorrow.

I can exhale now!

Phew!!! It has been a crazy week. I can finally take a deep breath. I had my first show last night. My friends were very generous to listen to me practice. I definitely need to get better at it, but it was a great show! Doris and I thank you for those of you who ordered under her name.

There were several incentives to sell a certain amount in June and even though I qualified, I was down to the last minute trying to get the order in before 10:00 this morning. I still don't know if it is going to count for June or July. After all that hustle and bustle this morning I sure hope it got in on time. Anyway, my order said finished at 9:58AM and then it said processed at 10:02AM. I guess I'll find out tomorrow--at least I hope so. This means nothing to my customers, their stuff will still come quickly, it was only for me.

This morning we were out of milk and juice. So I got the kids in the car and headed to a small grocery store near by. They were still in their PJs. Milk, Juice and Bacon...that's all we need. Each of them got their own little cart. It was cute! But it would have been cuter if they didn't run and hit me in the back of the ankles with them. And when they are excited they are loud! And when they are already loud and not getting their way they get even louder! No doughnuts! No we don't need lemons! No we don't need those mexican-chinese critter things!

So it is time to go and they get upset because their carts are not full. (eyeroll)

I caved into some cookies, in which Ashley dropped on the floor at the checkout and lost 2 of them. Then we get in the car and had cookies for breakfast. It was just one of those mornings where you just said, fine eat the dang things. So each had a cookie and the rest of the cookies fell out and into the van. (and smooshed)

Then we run home...I do my order thing...run downstairs and get them dressed...and off to the bank and then to the dentist. (leaving my cell phone at home) What did we do without cell phones? The boys did great at the dentist. Ashley acted like she had been traumatized! I even got in the dentist chair and had her in my lap and she wouldn't let the woman brush her teeth. So then the kids were playing in the waiting room, while I was setting up their next appointment. Austin did something, Mason started crying. I said something to Austin and he smarted back to me. I grabbed him and took him into the bathroom to have a little chat. What I didn't know was when I grabbed him I poked his eye. He has a little mark under his eye where I made it bleed. I felt/feel horrible! So I took them to McDonald's for lunch!

Have you had one of those days? It was exciting and frustrating all at the same time. I'm so glad to have a few moments to myself. Greg has the kids outside playing. Ahhhhhhhh!

Now I think I'll go scrapbook!

just a little of nothin'

Wow! I've realized I have been so busy I haven't even taken any pictures. Good grief-What's going on with me? I'm gonna have to get that camera out tomorrow.

Speaking of tomorrow...We are going to see Charlotte's Web at Providence. I'm looking forward to seeing it.

Ahhhhh.....here comes the rain again. It's rained here everyday for 4 days. We really needed it. But I really don't like thunderstorms, because that means I have to turn off my computer.

I guess I better go c-l-e-a-n. Maybe if I spell it out I won't know what I'm doing. That's what we do with our kids right? They need to go to b-e-d or we will have i-c-e-c-r-e-a-m after dinner.

yeah- I'm still here....I don't think it's working.
hmmmmm....maybe I'll take a little nap on the couch and then get up in 15 minutes and clean.
night.

business cards

"The new phone books are here...The new phone books are here"



So are any of you Steve Martin fans? That is a quote from one of his famous films, The Jerk. I love that movie! Anyway, that is how I feel today.



"My new business cards are here...My new business cards are here!"




In all my working life I have never had a business card. I am so tickled! Of course I had to edit it to put it on my blog. I'm also creating a nice sticker to put on the side for texture and color.

You know the best form of advertising is word of mouth. If you know anyone who likes Usborne books, please send them my way. I'm sure I could come up with some nice incentive for you for doing so.

And since 75% of them are under $10.00, order them for birthday gifts, baby showers, the unexpected wedding shower (jk), teachers, grandkids, homeschooling Moms and of course for your OWN children.

Hey don't be surprised if I give you a business card! :) If you don't want it just give it to somebody else.

Let's laugh at our dear friend

Oh I thought it was about time to update.

Last night I had a great time. Dana and I went to Scrapn' Memories and scrapbooked. It was so good to just get out and be creative. The only thing I don't like is that it just closes way too early. I really get my mojo going around 9:00PM and then to have to turn around and clean up to be out of there at 10:00, well it just stinks!

Yesterday was pretty funny. Dana and I dropped our kids off at VBS and we headed to Target and Kohls to run some errands. Since I'm making a little bit of money, I thought I would buy some shirts. Oh it is so nice to have new clothes. It just makes you feel all good inside. Anyway, while we were there Dana's phone rang off the hook. I mean if she wasn't on it, the phone was ringing and 1/2 the time she is on it she is looking at her phone to see who is calling in. It is absolutely insane! So when I called her yesterday and she didn't answer, I just went into this crazy spiel. It was something like, "Hello, this is Michelle from Grand Central Station. We realize that our line has been crossed with your line. We want you to know we are aware of the situtation and we are looking into trying to fix it." So later on in the day, I call her again and she doesn't answer. So I decide to expound on the last message. In my head I can see her laughing, because she knows how crazy it is. So the next phone call is something like this:

Uh...Helloooo...this is Michelle from Grand Central Station again. I just spoke with our service men. And they said they see no end in sight to the abundance of calls you are receiving. We are really sorry for the inconvenience. We suggest changing your phone number and go through the extra steps to keep it private. And Only give out the number to a few select people and not to anyone whose names begins with Q or R.

Yes silly-crazy-come on you know it's a joke conversation.

So much later in the day I call her again. (hmmmm...Gee I wonder if I'm contributing way too much to her phone ringing.) This time I was serious, saying I know I left 2 smart alec messages, but really this is what I wanted. I get a call back from her. She said she didn't get the the smart alec messages from me. I said, "you didn't?" She said, "no her phone is crazy and she just didn't get them." So I said, "you didn't get a phone call from Grand Central Station?"

Silence

Dana: Yes, how'd you know...That was YOU? I have been calling all these unknown numbers on my phone thinking this company had the wrong person and I thought I would be nice and tell them.

OH MY GOODNESS I AM DYING LAUGHING!!

Ok so to her defense...She listens to these calls while kids are running all around her and the phone is cutting in and out and she is only getting part of the conversation. Then on top of that, she has a new phone that she hasn't programed any numbers into it. So almost ALL of the numbers coming in are UNKNOWN to her! LOL!

She comments to me with one word..."PAYBACK"

ROFLOL!! Really Dana I wasn't trying to fool you. I can't believe you didn't realize it was me.

sleeping

Good day....................need bed. zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Date nights

Hello Friends!

Today after church we spent most of the day cleaning because we actually had a babysitter come over. WOOHOO! We had a date. Greg and I went to see Sweet Charity starring Molly Ringwald. I really enjoyed it. The dancing was really fabulous. Not much of a story, which I tend to prefer those that have rich plots, but still enjoyable.

We even had a date last night. We watched Little Miss Sunshine on the couch together. That was a great movie, sad but funny at the same time.

My back is getting itchy again. URG! It is really starting to peel now. The stop itching gel works, but it only works for 4 hours and then needs to be reapplied. And guess what? I can't reach it. It's a pretty funny site when I'm really itching and there is no one around to scratch it. I find a corner wall and wiggle around to try to relieve some of the itch. Most of the time it makes it worse, but for some reason I keep going back to doing that.

Someone suggested an oatmeal bath. I haven't tried that yet as I thought I was healing, but I guess I should give it a shot.

Tomorrow is my BIG Kick off Usborne Show. I'm doing it with a friend of mine who signed up around the same time I did. We are having it in our church annex. Right now I have one friend who RSVP'd to come. So I guess I'll do some calling tomorrow. That is my least favorite thing to do. I just don't want to bother people or make them feel uncomfortable if they don't want to come. However, I'm the type of person who would forget and would appreciate a call. So if I want to be successful, I got to do what needs to be done. And on that note: I am finding it very difficult in writing about it on my blog. I want to talk about what I am doing and ask questions etc. But yet, I also think that I would look too pushy. So I guess I will ask 1 question. If you have or have been part of a small based business- how do you advertise? The good thing is that I REALLY LOVE these books, so that will be helpful. But who do you talk to? When no one is "biting" what do you do to get noticed? Ok that turned into 3 questions-sorry. I would love your input on this. You can comment here or email me at eskimokisses@bellsouth.net.

So does anyone want to come to my show tomorrow? I promise to be on my best behavior! :D And I'll even have strawberries with chocolate sauce. Mmmmmmmm!
It's at 7:00PM at Woodmont Hills Family of God in the Annex (the white house in front of the church) Or if you want to check out the catalog online you can go here to look and order. And what's really great is if you want to send a gift to someone you can send your order to a different address. Over 75% of the books are under $10.00. Go check it out.

Alright time for me to get some beauty sleep. Goodnight.

Father's Day Present

Ok so Jill asked how am I doing?

I'm doing ok. My sunburn is not quite as bad. It still itches some, but it is not nearly as bad as it was. My hubby is forbidding me to stay out of the sun for awhile. I don't blame him.

And Sara said to talk more about the garage. Well first of all Sara, I am excited to just know that you read my blog. I had no idea. And what more can I say about the garage. It is fabulous! And it is still clean and orderly. Today the trash man actually TOOK all the trash that we left out there (finally). Now if bulk pick-up would actually come then we would be set.

Ok onto today.

I'm worn out.
When I picked up the kids from VBS, we went to the mall to eat lunch and get Daddy's father's day present. (side note: oh shoot! I have my Dad's card and forgot to mail it.) I had planned that we would eat at Chic-Fil-A because I had 3 FREE kids' meal coupons. So we get to the mall, and somewhere in between VBS and Chic-Fil-A the coupons fell out of my pocket. UGH! So I am standing there with VERY hungry children, whom I have promised to eat lunch. So I had to pay full price. UGH UGH UGH!

Anyway, our lawn mower broke and so I planned to get Greg one for Father's Day. I had planned in our budget that we would pay $250 for one. So I get all the information, with all three kids "helping" and find the one I want to purchase. And I did! I was excited!

Greg checked the online bank statement and freaked. Hey no problem right? I PLANNED and BUDGETED for this. HA! I didn't plan for all the Home Depot trips he took earlier in the month for mulch and garage supplies. So I was terribly disappointed but the lawn mower had to be returned until next month. (With no rain the grass is dead anyway.) So Greg went to the store to return the $250 lawn mower and got what he REALLY wanted for Father's Day. Get this....



He bought $1.00 sunglasses at the dollar store.

Want to update

I wish I had something to say, but I don't.

Sunburned

So...What's worse than a bad sunburn?

An allergic reaction and a sunburn.

So What's worse than a bad sunburn with an allergic reaction?

An extremely itchy, bad sunburn with a kitten jumping onto a bare back and scratching all the way down it.

I have decided this kitten is either getting de-clawed or is being put up for adoption. I think we are all sick of her.

Lovely positive stuff here huh? Sorry!

The only thing that is helping is Benadryl. But it is knocking me out! One is not quite good enough, even though that is what I'm trying to get by on. But when I take 2, I can't function doing anything else.

Please pray for healing!

Scrapbooking Fun

Alrighty here are the layouts I completed today:

This is the one I was talking about yesterday that is way outside my box, but it does show how I actually doodle. Which I think is actually pretty cool. It was lots of fun to do! (Unfortunately I missed the deadline of the OLW challenge.

This is one that I did today using Kelli Crowe's new line for ScrapInStyle. I love it! It's so not like the usual things I do either, but it sure was fun!

This is another layout I did that is simple, but I like it. Someone at our crop today had some little Irish papers that she was giving away and I just happened to have some Irish pictures with me. You need to read the title in an Irish accent.

And here is a picture I took of my kids at Chuck E. Cheese on Friday.

We had a great day today. It's so bizzarre how time flies when you're having fun!!!

birthdays, pool, scrapbooking and MORE scrapbooking tomorrow

Happy Birthday Mom and Dad! The 8th is Mom's and the 9th is Dad's.

Today the kids and I met with my Marvelous Multiple Moms and kids for swimming at the Y. They have a really neat little pool, where the deepest is 3 ft. Great for my kids age. The kids were so excited that I only got half of me covered with sunblock. So I have a really nasty sunburned back. Yeaouch!!!! All of them were wearing swimming life jackets. Austin started to learn how to swim by himself with that on and he was SO proud of himself. But then the lightning came and we all had to get out. They want to go back tomorrow. It was quite a feat watching all 3 of them by myself. Very very scary at first, but after we laid some ground rules things got easier.

Then tonight I went scrapbooking. I started on a class idea, but I couldn't finish it because I didn't have enough of the right supplies. It's rather challanging coming up with a layout for everyone to do; and I'm not sure that it is my favorite thing. This will be my first time teaching a scrapbooking class, so we will just have to see how it goes.

Then I did one layout that is completely out of the box for me. I'll have to take a picture of it and put it on here. And since it happened to have "STOP" on it, I am going to enter it into the OLW contest. Anyway, I know doodling on your pages is in right now. And I wanted to doodle like I did when I was in school. It is a very unique type of doodling where everything is connected. Anyway, anytime I would doodle I would always put 3 things on my drawings. One would be a clock (usually because I was bored and I was watching the clock). Two would be a STOP sign (usually because I just wanted class to end). And Three would be a #2 pencil (I guess representing being in school). So I did a layout of all my quirky doodling with a picture of myself on the page. For some of the rest of the doodling I wrote about things that I love or like to do. I'll try to upload a picture tomorrow. I'm happy with it, but it's weird.

I'm hoping to get a lot more done tomorrow. DO YOU REMEMBER what tomorrow is? You locals are still invited! We are having a scrapbooking crop and yard sale at my church from 8:00 to 5:00PM. Call me for directions: . I probably won't be there until 10:00, since it is almost 2:00 right now. I guess I better go to bed.

Happenings

First of all Steena said she is for hire. So if anyone is truly serious about cleaning out a garage or room or rooms, let me know and I'll hook you up. She has 3 requirements: 1. Children need to be out of the house 2. Pets need to be out of the way too 3. Have a 2-liter Dr. Pepper on hand for her.

Next: Aussie stories

Sunday there were no children's classes and the kids had to come to big church with us. They did pretty well, but they were still very antsy. When we got home Austin said, "It was longer than the Sound of Music." We will have to tell our preacher that one.

Then we were talking about choosing a spouse when you get older and Austin said, "What if 2 girls want to marry me?" I said, "Well then you would have to choose, What would you do?" And he said, "I guess I would just do Eenie Meenie Minee Moe"


Today we went to see Open Season at the theatre. Every summer Regal Cinemas put out free movies on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. This was great! The kids had a good time and sat through it with no problems. I don't know what comes on next, but we will probably be there.

The CARS are in!

Alrighty- so here are the pictures of my clean and organized garage.

This is the back wall. All the containers on the top are empty!!!

This is the left side and my favorite. These are all my holiday boxes. I LOVE that I can find my Easter and Thanksgiving boxes without having to go through 11 Christmas boxes stuffed in a corner.

This is the right side. Even the cabinets were cleaned out. I know exactly where the hammer is without digging through Greg's toolbox. All the gardening stuff is together and all the car stuff is together. EVEN underneath the steps was cleaned out. It had paints and wallpaper rolls from the previous owner.

And this was the hardest thing for me to get rid of. It belonged to my Grandma Curly.

I miss her! I cried a little and am tearing up now. I know I would never use it, but my Grandma was all about sewing. She sewed many of my clothes when I was little. She had 2 sewing machines and this was her favorite. I remember sewing on it when I was little. I would literally sew clothes onto my barbie dolls. She was the best Grandma in the WORLD!

Ok- so on to the final product. Check this out! It was tough, but we got both cars into the garage.

And I owe it all to my friend Steena, who came over and said, "Let me help you clean out your garage." She is a master organizer and extremely hard worker!!! She helped us to organize things in a practical way of how we would use them. She is amazing and I wish I could think of some way to thank her in a very special way. Can you think of what we can do for her? (remember we a low on money)

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

AY ay ay-- I need a babysitter for 2 hours so I can sleep.

It's GONE!

It's 1:37AM

Both cars are in the garage.

We took 2 van loads to Goodwill.

4 bags of clothes to a friend who is having a baby.

The Garage looks GREAT! I'll share pictures later (today).

We still have a HUGE pile of trash on our front lawn that we need to take to the dump. Do any of you local people know where one is?

Out it Goes.

We are REALLY cleaning out the garage. Not just move stuff here and put that there. I mean Macro sorting then micro sorting. Everything has a place type of cleaning.

Which means TONS and TONS of stuff is going to Goodwill. Lots of nice things that I had planned on selling. Out they go.

So if you want to come over tomorrow after 11:15 and get some stuff come on over.

Most of it is toys. We have a kid's bike and tricycle, a table, coolers, a drink cooler that has never been used, rug, christmas dishes, christmas decorations and much much more. And LOTS of kids clothes and some women's size 16-18 dresses.

I will be taking the kids to Christ Church to play after lunch and then Greg and our friend Steena are taking it all to Goodwill. I have too many emotional attachments to things, so I just can't see it being packed up and going out.

Email me by Sunday 11:30AM, if you want something . eskimokisses@bellsouth.net

Good night.

Mason's addendum to Greg's prayer

Greg came home after having an excellent day and was all giddy and sing songy. When we sat down to dinner. Greg started to say the prayer. Since he was in such a good mood, his prayer was very poetic. This was quite funny:

Daddy: Let’s pray for the food. Dear God in Heaven…Thank you for my 3 beautiful children, who shine like stars in the nighttime sky. And thank you for their beautiful Mommy who is like a…

Mason: Chicken!

Daddy: How is she like a Chicken?

Mason: She's like a Chicken.

Daddy: Yes, Lord. Thank you for Mommy, who is like a mother hen who gathers her chicks up under her wings to protect them.