Kristi & Stuart

My brother is getting married to a wonderful girl so I was thrilled when they asked me to take their engagement pictures. We spent about six hours together yesterday and had a grand time. It was nice to watch them interact and joke around with each other and it made my heart happy to see my brother in love.

I haven't had time to edit these pictures but here are a few of my favorites (I can't wait to see how these turn out once they're edited...help, Holly!).

What's on your nightstand?

I have a lot of junk on my nightstand:

lotion
pens
earrings
markers
gem clips
random misplaced toy parts
dust
coaster

But I always make room for a few books:

1. I just began reading this book yesterday. Makes me think...that's why I like this one.


2. I've been reading this book for over a month now and love discussing it in our weekly ladies' study time. It's magnificent to see the gospel woven into the real stories of Eve, Sarah, Mrs. Noah, Tamar, Esther, and Hannah.


3. It just wouldn't be my nightstand without some kind of morbid random reading. I admit that I just skim this book because some of the stories are way too sad and horrible. I love reading biographies and I find "real crime" intriguing (I always wanted to be a cop when I grew up), so that's why this book choice makes sense (at least to me).

What's in your bin?

Our recycling bin is always overflowing by pick-up day. Usually, it contains juice jugs, milk cartons, newspapers, and yogurt cups. This week, however, I saw my mom for a brief moment and she handed me her recyclables since she doesn't get the service in her town.

Note to self: Encourage Mom to drink more water.

Need some craft-spiration?

Here's a long list of craft ideas that you can do with your children every day this month. Most are easy and they are all fun to do. Some are messy (Yeah! That's what I like!), some are tedious, and others are crazy wicked. You can visit the demonstrations/instructions by clicking on the blue links.

Have fun!
Thanks to Jean at The Artful Parent for this list.

31 Activities to Do with Young Children

1. Tissue paper candle holders: tissue paper pieces applied to glass jars with Mod Podge or glue.

2. Make birdseed pinecone treats to hang in the trees, then watch the birds and squirrels they attract.

3. Start a nature journal and try observational drawing outdoors on a warm day (or from the window on a cold day). Also, see Lori’s tips on introducing observational drawing to the young or reluctant child.

4. Pack a field bag with binoculars, magnifying glass, tweezers, bird book, art supplies, etc. and head to the arboretum to explore and observe.

5. Make paper plate masks for dress up and pretend play.

6. Make tissue paper stained glass using wax paper and liquid starch.

7. Cook soft pretzels (thanks Erica!).

8. Try clean mud with soap and toilet paper. Here are Julie’s notes: I use liquid watercolors instead of food coloring! Oh, and the cheaper the t.p. the better for this recipe. If you add a little water, you get an actual moldable substance. The more water you add, the softer and fluffier and squishier it gets.

9. Decorate and fill a Fun Box with Maia.

10. Make yummy baked doughnuts.

11. Try tissue paper staining again with actual bleeding tissue paper. Wow! I just realized much of MaryAnn Kohl’s Preschool Art book is on Google. I wonder what other books are on there?.

12. Try nature stamping with leaves and flowers and a stamp pad. Perhaps do these in the nature journal.

13. Revisit fruit and vegetable printing with paints and a variety of produce such as onions, apples, cabbage, grapefruit.

14. Make pizza faces a la Roots, Shoots, Buckets & Boots or happy face open sandwiches. Add bell pepper smiles, olive eyes, etc to pizza or bagels with cream cheese. Add raisins and banana to a peanut butter sandwich.

15. Trace Maia’s body and help her fill in her body parts (bones, heart, etc).

16. Make salt dough beads or claydoh beads. Last time we tried a different recipe and they fell apart under Maia’s rough handling, although they were still well worth making.

17. Visit the art museum or the science museum.

18. Germinate grocery store produce: avocados, lemons, oranges, sweet potatoes, potatoes, pineapple, apples, squash, beans, etc.

19. Make wool felted balls or eggs using raw, carded wool and a big bowl of warm soapy water following SouleMama’s instructions in The Creative Family. Here’s an online tutorial for a different felted ball method, and another for felting with kids.

20. Make handmade paper shapes per Tracy’s tutorial. Add flower seeds to the mix and give as gifts that can be grown in the garden.

21. Make a found object sculpture with popsicle sticks, paper clips, and buttons such as the one shown on Art Projects for Kids. You’ll have to scroll down a little bit to get to it because I wasn’t able to get the permalink to work for some reason.

22. Make Montesorri Mama’s awesome ball tube. Also, set up a simple ramp (perhaps a cookie sheet set on some blocks) and test roll different kinds of objects.

23. Try some marbleized paper with oil and food coloring or liquid watercolors — a project I know Maia would absolutely love.

24. Collage/decorate an unfinished wood frame then use it to frame and hang a piece of Maia’s artwork.

25. Cook popovers, one of Maia’s favorite cooking (and eating) projects.

25. Make sandpaper art by drawing on coarse sandpaper with crayon stubs then melt at low heat in the oven.

26. Make a kite and fly it.

27. Dye white flowers by setting the stems in water mixed with food coloring.

28. Make butter by putting cream in a jar and shaking it. We did this when I was a kid (we had a cow), and I’d like to try it with Maia.

29. Try watercolor pencils. Also, draw with washable markers then take out in the rain or spray with water.

30. Make bean face collages. Use glue to draw a face, then fill in the features with various kinds of beans.

31. Grow a rock sugar crystal.

Friday afternoon

The weather was absolutely beautiful all day Friday. We spent a good while outside, enjoying the hint of spring in the air. Andrew dipped his fingers in the paint to create a masterpiece before hopping onto his bike to burn some calories.

BOGO free Baskin Robbins

Click here to print your coupon for a BOGO (buy one get one) free ice cream sundae from Baskin Robbins. Our local location is in the uptown area, connected to the new Dunkin' Donuts.

Driscoll's family dinner devotions

I'm a huge fan of Mark Driscoll, thanks to my husband who seems to have a man crush on him. In other words, he is to Mitch what Tim Tebow is to Chad M. Well, maybe not that bad....but close. I am not sure if our oldest child is quite old enough to accomplish all these steps but he's getting real close. I'm posting this mostly for my own records so I can easily find it later, ya know?

Mark Driscoll gives a realistic approach to doing family devotions at dinnertime:

Step 1. Eat dinner with your entire family regularly.
Step 2. Mom and Dad sit next to one another to lead the family discussion.
Step 3. Open the meal by asking if there is anyone or anything to pray for.
Step 4. Someone opens in prayer and covers any requests. This task should be rotated among family members so that different people take turns learning to pray aloud.
Step 5. Start eating and discuss how everyone’s day went.
Step 6. Have a Bible in front of the parents in a translation that is age-appropriate for the kids’ reading level. Have someone (parent or child) open the Bible, and assign a portion to read aloud while everyone is eating and listening.
Step 7. Parents should note key words and themes in the passage and explain them to the kids on an age-appropriate level.
Step 8. Ask questions about the passage. You may want to begin with having your children summarize what was read—retelling the story or passage outline. Then, ask the following questions: What does this passage teach us about God? What does it say about us or about how God sees us? What does it teach us about our relationships with others?
Step 9. Let the conversation happen naturally, listen carefully to the kids, let them answer the questions, and fill in whatever they miss or lovingly and gently correct whatever they get wrong so as to help them.
Step 10. If the Scriptures convict you of sin, repent as you need to your family, and share appropriately honest parts of your life story so the kids can see Jesus’ work in your life and your need for him too. This demonstrates gospel humility to them.
Step 11. At the end of dinner, ask the kids if they have any questions for you.
Step 12. If you miss a night, or if conversation gets off track, or if your family occasionally just wants to talk about something else, don’t stress—it’s inevitable.

Adapted from “Family Dinner Bible Studies” by Mark Driscoll in Trial: 8 Witnesses from 1 & 2 Peter, a study guide. (Mars Hill Church, 2009), pages 69-70.

RedBox Wednesday - MARCH

Hear Ye! Hear Ye! The month of march will include both Monday and Wednesday free rentals from RedBox. I'll post them here on this blog each week.

Today's RedBox free rental code is:

75EA16

Good til midnight! Just make sure to return it by 9:00 p.m. tomorrow.

4 yr old 911 call saves mom

Thanks, Barbara, for sharing this sound bite and resource.

Listen and hear how four year old, TJ, called 911 and saved his mother's life after reading this book.

Free ice cream @ Bruster's, Sat. 3/7

It's PJ Day at Bruster's!

If you visit Bruster's Ice Cream Shop this Saturday, March 7, you can receive a free waffle cone with one scoop of ice cream.

What's the catch? You must be wearing you pajamas! This offer is good at all three local Bruster's locations, from open to close.

Would it be a sin to visit all three locations in one day? Hmmmmm......

Wordless Wednesday

No holding back

After a heart pouring conversation about one of my children to my friend, Amber, she said to me that it seems I'm holding back a lot on my blog. I nodded, smiled, and then felt tears swell in my eyes. It felt good to connect with another mom who could sense my frustration and understood my heart. I never wanted this blog to appear as if I have it all together, because that is surely a lie. However, I've stayed away from writing about my personal struggles only because I am not comfortable sharing my private life with strangers. I'm not one that really thrives on advice about personal issues from online readers (stack that up to pride, maybe?). I'd rather share my struggles and praises with close friends who know me well and whom I trust will point me to the gospel.

I've been hesitating to blog about this because of the reasons I stated above....but, there's no harm in sharing my hardships, my need for prayers, my daily need for Jesus, and everyday struggles as a mom. I'm real and I'll admit that I DON'T HAVE IT ALL TOGETHER.

You see, I have three MAGNIFICENT children...three precious gifts that God has given to us. They each have their own personality but they all have one thing in common....sin. My husband and I strive to root our discipline in the gospel so the children know that their poor choices and disobedience is a heart issue, not a behavior issue. BUT, what is a mom to do when all of her options for discipline have been used and none found to be effective?

I think that there are spaces in time where one child might be more difficult than another. It might be due to age or a sudden life change...or simply because they are growing into big boys and girls. Right now, I'm troubled over the actions of one child specifically and, after much time of consistent discipline, I see no change. I cry as I type this because I love this sweet child with all my heart and I only want the kid to be kind, gentle, faithful, obedient, and loving. Sometimes I catch moments of initiated affection toward a sibling but, as is normal toddler behavior, violence erupts just ten seconds later over the battle of a toy, a wrong look, or my order of '"no". I KNOW THAT THIS IS NORMAL! YES, I KNOW. But that doesn't mean that it's easy to watch and deal with. I'm exhausted.

God pursues me because he loves me. Therefore, I must, and want, to also pursue my child's heart. I must press on and continue showering this child with the love of Christ. But....can I just be honest?....it's hard.

Lord, please keep reminding me that your way doesn't come naturally to the human heart. Bring to my mind the fruits of the Spirit so that my child will see Jesus in me. Remind me that you are constantly at work in the hearts of my children and in mine. I'm the worst sinner of them all.

How to exasperate your children

Colossians 3:21 (ESV)
Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.

12 surefire ways to exasperate your children:

1. Be a hypocrite
2. Be a bully to them
3. Be harsh to them
4. Be Emotionally Distant from them
5. Show Favoritism to Other Kids
6. Have Unrealistic Standards
7. Be Mr Question your kid’s salvation guy
8. Be Mr Assure your kid’s salvation guy
9. Don’t discipline them
10. Discipline them without biblical instruction
11. Don’t teach them the Bible
12. Don’t connect discipline to the gospel

HT: Amy's Humble Musings & The Irish Calvanist

FREE stuff

Thanks to Southern Savers, here's the short list of free, and almost free, items this week at your local store(s).

More snow play

Before the snow melted completely away, I took the boys outside for one more hour of play. We built a tiny snowman beside the mailbox to greet our postman, wrote letters in the snow, and went for a short walk. Good times!

RedBox Code today only

Redbox code for one free rental, good until midnight.

MS72K3

S-N-O-W

I've always wanted my kids to experience snow....I just never thought it would actually be in our own frontyard in west central Georgia; much less 2-4 inches of it! After we got home from church, we skipped rest time and let the boys stay outside and play. We quickly discovered that this southern family just wasn't prepared for this kind of weather. We had no waterproof clothes of any kind and only own one pair of rainboots for our kids. We played anyway. Mitch helped the boys build a snowman, have snowball fights, and sled down the hills. I, on the other hand, stayed inside with Abigail while she napped and I then occasionally ventured outside to snap a few photos. I was the "official photographer" and later was given the title of "defrosting bath giver".

Click on the collage for an enlarged view:

I like to look at snow but I don't care too much for playing in it (although, it was fun to throw a few handfuls at my husband and sons). I am sort of sad the snow will all melt away over most of today, but it was fun while it was here! Memories were made and scrapbook pages will be filled.

Intelligent Design

When I got home from the ladies retreat Saturday afternoon, I found two monkeys in my bed.

Chillin' like a villain

Just got back this afternoon from the ladies overnight retreat,
and it was.....D-E-L-I-G-H-T-F-U-L!

I only wish we could have stayed one more night! I simply loved sitting around with good friends as we chatted over a delicious meal, laughed as we stuffed our face with brownie-ala-mode, and later sipped on coffee (I think I have a tummy ache!). The fact that it rained the entire time we were there made it all the more cozy and intimate. We had no agenda but to have great conversation and relax. It was like a slumber party since we all sat around in our PJs and all stayed under one roof. The first person went to bed at 9:30 and the last two people went to bed at 2:00 a.m. Bet you can't guess who stayed up the latest!



After checking out of our chalet, we ate a light lunch together and then roamed around the quaint downtown area, perusing the antique stores. It seems that all those who went are already ready for another mountain retreat, so I guess I should look to book another one of these things in the fall, huh? Anyone with me?

You know, this time reminded me of the value and importance of relationships. I crave time with other women and I enjoy hearing their stories of praise and praying with them through pain. It's nice to share your heart with those who honestly care, knowing that they'll lift you up in prayer. Although our conversations were edifying and pure, we did spend some time dishing out our opinions on our favorite actors and movies. Nothing will change my mind...I still hate Napoleon Dynamite, so bite me!

I truly feel that it is through relationships that God is most glorified...it was God's relationship with his own son that brought the Father the most glory. I really am undeserving of any good gift the Lord gives, but it brings me great joy to know that He delights in giving me friends.

FYI.....

Chillin' like a villain = Completely over-glorified way of saying "relaxing at home". It does, however, point out that criminals probably sit around doing nothing pretty much the same way everybody else does. (www.urbandictionary.com)

Hmmmmm......

* Giggle Giggle *

Another free panty...this time from The Express.

Click here to print your coupon for a free pair. Offer good until March 1, so hurry to the mall!

I hear you snickering, Leslie P.

It Won't Be Like This For Long

Yesterday afternoon, while sitting together outside in the breeze, Andrew said, "Mama, put your arm around me".

Today, after waking up early from his afternoon nap, Luke said, "Mommy, hold me. I sick."

While driving on a quick errand run this morning, I listened to Abigail sing "The Wheels on the Bus" while making the hand motions.

I'm not a huge country music fan (unless it's Martina McBride or Sugarland on the radio), but I like this song....not to mention that I've always liked to say the word Hootie (and the Blowfish).



He didn't have to wake up
He'd been up all nite
Lay'n there in bed listen'n
To his new born baby cry
He makes a pot of coffee
He splashes water on his face
His wife gives him a kiss and says
It gonna be OK

It wont be like this for long
One day soon we'll look back laugh'n
At the week we brought her home
This phase is gonna fly by
So baby just hold on
It won't be like this for long

Four years later bout four thirty
She's crawling in their bed
And when he drops her off at preschool
She's clinging to his leg
The teacher peels her off of him
He says what can I do
She says now don't you worry
This will only last a week or two

It wont be like this for long
One day soon we'll drop her off
And she wont even know you're gone
This phase is gonna fly by
If you can just hold on
It wont be like this for long

One day soon she'll be a teenager
And at times you'll think she hates him
Then he'll walk her down the aisle
And he'll raise her veil
But right now she up and cry'n
And the truth is that he don't mind
As he kisses her good night
And she says her prayers
He lays down there beside her
Till her eyes are finally closed
And just watch'n her it breaks his heart
Cause he already knows
It wont be like this for long
One day soon that little girl is gonna be
All grown up and gone
Yeah this phase is gonna fly by
He's try'n to hold on
It wont be like this for long
It wont be like this for long

Fun with the boys

We spent two hours outside yesterday afternoon. The weather was beautiful! We managed to hit the tennis ball, demolish an abandoned ant hill, climb a few fences, roll around in the grass, and snack on some goldfish while we played. FUN!

I'm gonna push it again

I've already posted about this before but I only have two days left to sell them. If Andrew sells five then he gets the fifth one free so I really want to try to sell, sell, sell. So far, he's sold two. Do we have any takers that want to help out our school? Anyone....Bueller....anyone?

Read below for the details:

As a spring fundraiser for Andrew's school, he is selling a local coupon book (Columbus & Phenix City area only) for a cost of $25 (insert gulp here). When he came home with it, I was taken back at the selling price....but then I began flipping through it and realized it truly is a great deal!

If you'd like to purchase a copy, you can contact myself or Andrew. Click on the image below for a larger view. Some of the savings are listed below.

1. Firestone:
One free oil change, $10 off oil change, $20 off tire rotation, $20 off brake service

2. McDonald's:
BOGO sandwich, BOGO b'fast biscuits, free cookie, free snack wrap (6 coupons)

3. Sonic: WITH PURCHASE - free burgers and coneys (12 coupons)

4. Texas Roadhouse: free appetizer of your choice with purchase of an entree (12 coupons)

5. Fuddruckers: free appetizer / free milkshake with purchase of an entree (6 coupons)

6. Steak & Shake: free milkshake with purchase (6 coupons)

7. Marco's Pizza: free medium cheese pizza with purchase of a large (6 coupons)

8. Little Ceasars: Free drink/crazy bread with purchase (6 coupons)

9. Hungry Howie's: free large pizza with purhase (6 coupons)

10. Johnny Carino's: Free entree with purchase of one entree, free kid's meal with purchase, & free appetizer with purchase. (4 coupons)

11. Subway: Free sub with purchase of a sub. (4 coupons)

12. Willy T's: WITH PURCHASE - free snack, free plate, free drink, $2 off wings, 10% off total purchase (6 coupons)

13. Stevi B's: free child's buffet with purchase of adult entree (4 coupons)

14. Outback Steakhouse: free bloomin onion with purchase of two entrees (2 coupons)

15. Huddle House: free breakfast with purchase of equal breakfast (4 coupons)

16. Johnny's New York Style Pizza: free appetizer with purchse of two dinners OR large pizza. (4 coupons)

17. sbarro: free slice of pizza with purchase of one slice and drink. (2 coupons)

18. Mike & Ed's BBQ: free sandwich with purchase of a sandwich (4 coupons)

19. Auntie Anne's: free order of pretzel stix with equal order. (4 coupons)

20. Tropical Smoothie Cafe: 50% off purchase, free wrap with equal purchase, free drink with purchase, BOGO any menu item. (4 coupons)

21. Marble Slab Creamery: free waffle cone with equal purchase (4 coupons)

22. Smoothie King: BOGO smoothie (4 coupons)

23. Bruster's Ice Cream: Free single waffle cone with equal purchase (4 coupons)

24. TCBY: BOGO waffle cone, $2 off cakes/pies (4 coupons)

25. Continental Cleaners: $10 off drycleaning (4 coupons)

26. AMF Lanes: Buy three bowling games and get three free (12 coupons)

27. Bull Creek Golf Course: BOGO greens fee (12 coupons)

28. Columbus Cottonmouths hockey: BOGO adult admission, $20 off b'day package, $5 off merchandise order (12 coupons)

29. Oxbow Creek Golf Course: BOGO greens free

30. Movie Gallery: BOGO video/game rental

31. Dick's: $10 off $50 purchase (6 coupons)

32. Monkey Joe's: BOGO admission (2 coupons)

33. Six Flags Over Georgia: $10 off admission price (6 coupons)

34. Six Flags White Water: $7 off admission (2 coupons)

35. Atlanta Braves baseball: BOGO game ticket, valid for seats $12-$32 (4 coupons)

36. There are several coupons included for other local establishments such as Zoo City, Alamo, Enterprise, vacations direct, Grand National, Jumpin' Jax, Columbus Lions, Great Clips, Ann's Porch, Fountain City Coffee, The Coffee Beanery, Jumpin' Java, Los Amigos, BUffet City, The Cantina, Blimpie, Deli Central, Picasso's Pizza, and The Sports Page.

Wordless Wednesday

Andrew Jumping and Flipping

Luke singing Amazing Grace

The original hymn version:

The new Chris Tomlin chorus (lyrics below):

My chains are gone
I've been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy rains
Unending love, Amazing grace

Gettin' ready

Looks like Luke is getting ready for his turn at playing some B'ball.

Basketball has come to an end

The basketball season has come to an end for Andrew (just wait til next year!). He enjoyed dribbling and shooting the ball. He is ready to start baseball in a few weeks. Let me catch my breath.

1st cousins

Thanks for letting her come over to play, Valerie!

RedBox Code today only

Use this code before midnight tonight to get one free rental.

S39XKT

Local Redbox machines are at Walmart and Walgreens.

Just one more time

I know I've already posted this picture this week but I wanted to show it again to my mom, who will enjoy it the second time even more.

Cousins

We’re from the same shoot,
The same family tree,
Into this world we sprouted
Call it destiny!
It’s cousin to cousin
A special thing
A closeness to which we’re tied,
And you’ve always been there
To laugh with me
Or even when I’ve cried.
Anyway I think it’s fantastic
That you were meant to be
A part of my life, my cousin,
You’ll always be special to me!

O, Love That Will Not Let Me Go

I was exposed to the newer arrangement of this hymn after becoming a Presbyterian but I love the original version and think no one sings it better than David Phelps.



Here's the arrangement I first heard, learned, and still sing in church to this day (by Indelible Grace, Matthew Smith).

Just some photos from our day

When Dad got home from work, we all ventured outside to play
(It's cold! What were we thinking?!?!?!?!).

Luke loves the camera, can't you tell?

I'm hoping this means there's a major win in her future.

I am still amazed that this little man hopped on his first bike at age 2 1/2 and took the training wheels off at age 3 1/2. Now, at age 4, he has a newer and bigger bike. I can't get him off of it.

For the love of a toy

The pound a ball toy, by Parents, is one of the best toys we've ever owned. Each child has enjoyed large chunks of time playing with this thing. I plan on keeping this toy for my grandchildren to enjoy one day!

Possible first sewing project

My mother gave me a sewing machine as a Christmas present. I hate that I've waited so long to open it so I wanted to let her know that I am going to attempt to overcome my sewing inadequacy and begin a project (or two).

I see so many cute things on various blogs that I want to try such as this crayon caddy, placemat clutch, coffee coozy, and these pillows....oh, how 'bout this lovely purse?!!?!?!? I thought about going the clothing route (and I probably will make a few things for Abigail soon) first but I need to start small and get the hang of sewing. I would love to take a beginner's class so I'll be checking out the local shop for those details; however, I think I can manage a straight line. Once I figure out how to thread the machine and keep the thread from tangling on the base, I'll get started.

What's my first project? I wanna make two field bags for the boys. Why this project first?

1. ...we have several pairs of pants that are too small for each of the boys. Not to mention that the pants have seen their last days as clothing. There's no use in saving them for another baby to wear at this point. BUT, they still have enough UMPH in them to be recycled and function as a bag.

2. ...half the sewing is already done due to the seams of the pants. This is my favorite reason.

Thanks to White Oak School (Camp Creek) for this idea!

40% off OLD NAVY

Click here for a 40% off OLD NAVY coupon, good only from Feb. 20-26 (that's seven whole days!). Print it multiple times!

20 free prints WALGREENS today only (2/20)! ONLINE only

You can get 20 free prints today at walgreens.com!
Notice this is an online special only.
Use coupon code ONEDAY at checkout.

Click here for the proof.

See you there!

Three views

My three watching a bulldozer haul away dirt in a friend's backyard.

RedBox at Walgreens!

I rode by the nearest Walgreens today and guess what I saw???????.....a RedBox machine! I am so excited that I don't have to venture all the way to Walmart and walk inside anymore. The Walgreens machine is located at the Veterans Pkwy location and sits outside near the entrance. Also, every once in a while, RedBox releases random free rental promo codes exclusive to only Walgreens machines. It's good to know that any DVD I rent can be returned to any RedBox location, too.

Now I need to figure out when I'm gonna watch all those future free movies.

Excuse me, 'mam

These two like to race their cars in the kitchen....especially when I'm trying to cook. And...ah, yes....look at my nasty dirty floor. That's normal around here!