1. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling
2. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling
3. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling
4. Percy Jackson & The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
5. Mr. Darcy's Diary by Amanda Grange
6. Holes by Louis Sachar
7. Mr. Knightly's Diary by Amanda Grange
8. Percy Jackson & The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan
9. Percy Jackson & The Titan's Curse by Rick Riordan
10. Percy Jackson & The Battle of the Labyrinth by Rick Riordan
11. Percy Jackson & The Last Olympian by Rick Riordan
12. Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller
13. The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan
14. Home Safe by Elizabeth Berg
Well, for those who remember last year, my goal for this year was 20 books, so I failed on that. However, last year I only read 12, so this is an improvement. Next year's goal will be the same as this year: 20 books.
If you have read something wonderful and want to recommend it for my 2011 list, please leave it in the comments section.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Goodbye, Kindergarten
Well, Brynn is now a first grader. It sounds so strange coming out of my mouth, and yet it is so. Thursday was her last day of Kindergarten, and I was not emotional about it until one of the staff members walked her and Lauren out to the van and said with enthusiasm, "You did it, girls! You finished Kindergarten!" And then it hit me that it was over, and when she had to go back to school, it would be all day long and she would be coming home every day with tired eyes and only a few hours left in which to do homework, dinner and a bath before going to bed. And I started to bawl right there in the car line.
My friend Jenn and I (okay, it was her idea) had planned to take the girls for a little surprise right after school. We share the carpool duties--she takes them and I pick them up in the afternoon. So I did the (emotional) pick-up and then we went to the Dairy Queen, where Jenn and little brother were waiting for us. We all went in and had some fun snacks, ice cream cones, and silly bands. And we celebrated first grade, even though neither Mommy was very happy about the fact of it.
Brynn had a very good year, and we are super proud of her. No behavior problems--which was great--and she has just learned so much. She is reading now, and that still blows my mind. Today we took a little adventure to the bookstore to meet her current favorite personality from books... Junie B. Jones. It was really fun, and I hope to see her love of reading continue as she grows. It would be so fun to have that in common with her and read books together. She asked me the other day when she can read Harry Potter, and I told her we'd see about it when she was twelve. Hehe.
Katy is not to be outdone by her sister's achievments. Today at the Junie B. show, I said to her, "Isn't Junie B. so silly?" She responded with a grave tone, "And ruuuuuuuuuuude! I heard her say the word stupid." She shook her head as if she highly disapproved. It's true, stupid is not permitted at our house, but Katy is a fine one to call out poor Junie for inappropriate behavior. Katy is rarely asleep within 90 minutes of her bedtime and had been known to make belching noises in order to get a laugh. (We blame this last offense on influence from Uncle Chris and those Hutcherson boys.) :)
We cannot believe how fast the girls are growing. Pictures of Brynn from only a few months ago show a much more "baby" face than she is wearing these days, and Katy nearly knocked me over the other night when I realized Katy's shoulders were now higher than our kitchen table. I asked Jim, "Is she standing on something?"
We are planning visits to see all the family over the summer, and I will be making a trip to Milwalkee for a Southern Living At HOME (soon to be Willow House) convention. I am excited about this, but nervous, too... as it will be the first time I've really left like this since the kids were born. But it should be a fun summer, though I know it will fly. Hope yours is getting off to a good start as well!
My friend Jenn and I (okay, it was her idea) had planned to take the girls for a little surprise right after school. We share the carpool duties--she takes them and I pick them up in the afternoon. So I did the (emotional) pick-up and then we went to the Dairy Queen, where Jenn and little brother were waiting for us. We all went in and had some fun snacks, ice cream cones, and silly bands. And we celebrated first grade, even though neither Mommy was very happy about the fact of it.
Brynn had a very good year, and we are super proud of her. No behavior problems--which was great--and she has just learned so much. She is reading now, and that still blows my mind. Today we took a little adventure to the bookstore to meet her current favorite personality from books... Junie B. Jones. It was really fun, and I hope to see her love of reading continue as she grows. It would be so fun to have that in common with her and read books together. She asked me the other day when she can read Harry Potter, and I told her we'd see about it when she was twelve. Hehe.
Katy is not to be outdone by her sister's achievments. Today at the Junie B. show, I said to her, "Isn't Junie B. so silly?" She responded with a grave tone, "And ruuuuuuuuuuude! I heard her say the word stupid." She shook her head as if she highly disapproved. It's true, stupid is not permitted at our house, but Katy is a fine one to call out poor Junie for inappropriate behavior. Katy is rarely asleep within 90 minutes of her bedtime and had been known to make belching noises in order to get a laugh. (We blame this last offense on influence from Uncle Chris and those Hutcherson boys.) :)
We cannot believe how fast the girls are growing. Pictures of Brynn from only a few months ago show a much more "baby" face than she is wearing these days, and Katy nearly knocked me over the other night when I realized Katy's shoulders were now higher than our kitchen table. I asked Jim, "Is she standing on something?"
We are planning visits to see all the family over the summer, and I will be making a trip to Milwalkee for a Southern Living At HOME (soon to be Willow House) convention. I am excited about this, but nervous, too... as it will be the first time I've really left like this since the kids were born. But it should be a fun summer, though I know it will fly. Hope yours is getting off to a good start as well!
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Brynn came to me this morning and poked her head around a doorway with wide eyes. "Mommy," she said soberly. "Did you know there was more than one moon?" "I did know that, yes," I told her. "Okay," she said, and went back to watching PBS.
An hour later, in the car...
Brynn: We are on planet Earth.
Katy: No, we're not.
Brynn: Yes, we are, Katy. This whole big thing is a planet, like the whole world. And the one we are on is called Earth.
Katy: (exasperated) No, Brynna. We are on a road.
Brynn: Mommy, Katy says we are not on planet Earth.
Katy: But Mommy, we are on this road!
Me: You are both right. We are definitely on this road, and we are definitely on planet Earth.
Then Brynn proceeded to explain to Katy about the Earth and the planets and outer space.
Things I've learned today:
1. Kindergarten is turning Brynn into a smarty-pants NASA-nerd like her Daddy.
2. You can learn a lot from PBS.
An hour later, in the car...
Brynn: We are on planet Earth.
Katy: No, we're not.
Brynn: Yes, we are, Katy. This whole big thing is a planet, like the whole world. And the one we are on is called Earth.
Katy: (exasperated) No, Brynna. We are on a road.
Brynn: Mommy, Katy says we are not on planet Earth.
Katy: But Mommy, we are on this road!
Me: You are both right. We are definitely on this road, and we are definitely on planet Earth.
Then Brynn proceeded to explain to Katy about the Earth and the planets and outer space.
Things I've learned today:
1. Kindergarten is turning Brynn into a smarty-pants NASA-nerd like her Daddy.
2. You can learn a lot from PBS.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Here's a news flash: I'm not a very consistent writer when it comes to this blog. I have such good intentions though--does that count for anything? So let me think what's been going on around here... we've been enjoying the slow season for the golf industry, which means Jim has been off on Saturdays and even one day during the week (with pay). This has been so great; it feels like extra vacations days, and what's not to love about that? We are going to have quite an adjustment when he goes back to regular hours and overtime here in a few weeks, if the weather improves.
Brynn has lost two teeth in the last couple of weeks, which has been a lot of fun. Not to mention how cute she looks with the bottom ones missing. I need to get a picture and share it on here so you can all see. I hope to update the pictures here in the next week or so... maybe I will use a toothless one. She is still really enjoying Kindergarten, and it's hard for me to think of her being gone all day beginning only a few months from now. Crazy.
Katy is doing great as well, looking forward to her 3rd birthday party, a Minnie Mouse cake, and her turn to go to Build-A-Bear (our present for Brynn's 3rd as well). So that should be fun in a few weeks. She is trying to keep up with her big sister in every way: playing school, wearing princess dresses, enjoying Barbies, and trying to convince anyone who will listen that she, too, has loose teeth. The night before last she reportedly dreamed that an elephant came into their bedroom and sneezed on both their beds. We do not lack for entertainment around here, I assure you.
I'm doing well, too, working at Mom's Day Out and booking spring parties for Southern Living At HOME. I've been reading a lot lately, which has been nice. I used to think I didn't have time, but now I just carry a book around with me everywhere. I've learned I spend a lot of time waiting on stuff. So I read while I wait. I recently finished a reread of the Harry Potter series, and the first book in the Olympians series, which I liked enough that I will probably read the rest eventually. Now I've begun Mr. Darcy's Diary, which I am very much liking as I love Jane Austen, and especially Pride and Prejudice.
So that's it for an update, and I'm sure we'll have some fun stories coming your way soon. My apologies... I now realize this reads like one of those Christmas letters, with one paragraph for each family member. Not cool. I will do better next time.
Hope all is well with all of you who are still reading...
Brynn has lost two teeth in the last couple of weeks, which has been a lot of fun. Not to mention how cute she looks with the bottom ones missing. I need to get a picture and share it on here so you can all see. I hope to update the pictures here in the next week or so... maybe I will use a toothless one. She is still really enjoying Kindergarten, and it's hard for me to think of her being gone all day beginning only a few months from now. Crazy.
Katy is doing great as well, looking forward to her 3rd birthday party, a Minnie Mouse cake, and her turn to go to Build-A-Bear (our present for Brynn's 3rd as well). So that should be fun in a few weeks. She is trying to keep up with her big sister in every way: playing school, wearing princess dresses, enjoying Barbies, and trying to convince anyone who will listen that she, too, has loose teeth. The night before last she reportedly dreamed that an elephant came into their bedroom and sneezed on both their beds. We do not lack for entertainment around here, I assure you.
I'm doing well, too, working at Mom's Day Out and booking spring parties for Southern Living At HOME. I've been reading a lot lately, which has been nice. I used to think I didn't have time, but now I just carry a book around with me everywhere. I've learned I spend a lot of time waiting on stuff. So I read while I wait. I recently finished a reread of the Harry Potter series, and the first book in the Olympians series, which I liked enough that I will probably read the rest eventually. Now I've begun Mr. Darcy's Diary, which I am very much liking as I love Jane Austen, and especially Pride and Prejudice.
So that's it for an update, and I'm sure we'll have some fun stories coming your way soon. My apologies... I now realize this reads like one of those Christmas letters, with one paragraph for each family member. Not cool. I will do better next time.
Hope all is well with all of you who are still reading...
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
another giveaway...
Don't judge me for pimping out my blog again. Look how gorgeous this jewelry is! Enter to win at my friend Traci's blog. Or don't, and then my chances will be better... mwahahahahaha!
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Katy's turning into a bit of a bruiser. She's always slamming into stuff and getting hurt, but yesterday she tripped at Mom's Day Out and got a genuine bloody nose. (I'm so proud.) She's all right, but was apparently freaked out by the sight of the blood. While they cleaned her up and washed her hands, she just stood there with her eyes closed.
Funny story. Yesterday morning, Brynn came into my bedroom and perched herself on top of one of the pillows on the bed, cross-legged. She was wearing a tiara, chin held high. Katy was close on her heels, also climbing onto the bed, but curling up on the other pillow in the fetal position. I turned around as I was straightening my hair and raised an eyebrow in Brynn's direction. "I'm the queen," she explained simply. "Katy's my cat." Anyone care to guess which one of them assigned the roles?
Funny story. Yesterday morning, Brynn came into my bedroom and perched herself on top of one of the pillows on the bed, cross-legged. She was wearing a tiara, chin held high. Katy was close on her heels, also climbing onto the bed, but curling up on the other pillow in the fetal position. I turned around as I was straightening my hair and raised an eyebrow in Brynn's direction. "I'm the queen," she explained simply. "Katy's my cat." Anyone care to guess which one of them assigned the roles?
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Anyone into some super cute stamped jewelry? If so, pop on over to my friend Traci's blog Beneath My Heart and enter to win a $75 gift certificate to designer Lisa Leonard's online store. Her stuff is gorgeous! I'm crossing everything and hoping to win. Check it out.
Today in the car I experienced another "first" with Brynn. I can't decide if it's a good one or a bad one... maybe you can help. I checked the girls in the rearview mirror while on our way into Lexington this morning, and noticed Brynn appeared to be either sad or lost in thought. "Brynn?" I asked her. "Everything okay?" To which she said, "Yeah, I'm just thinking." Well, she's never said that before... but not too strange. "What are you thinking about?" I asked. She just kept staring out the window. "Nothing," she answered.
A little alarm went off in my head, but I tried not to panic. I just didn't expect this to start at five years old, this growing up to the point where I no longer have access to her every thought. What to do? I definitely could have made her tell me, but I decided this would not be the most relationship-building thing to do. So I didn't push it even though I really wanted to. Instead I freaked myself out thinking about how so many teenagers never talk to their parents. Healthy, huh?
In other news, the girls attracted some attention in Penney's this morning. We were racing through there in a mad search for Brynn's lost glove (so CUTE from a GAP sale about a month ago--ugh!), and the girls were singing. I actually didn't notice the song right away because, as I mentioned, MAD SEARCH. But then we passed this woman who looked at me and said, "How precious," with this big smile on her face. I figured I should pay more attention since these kids are mine after all. Hehe. They were singing that old Sunday School song "Be careful little feet where you go." Everyone knows that one, right? Well, from the elevator to the front door of the store, no less than three people either smiled big at me over it or actually commented after hearing what they were singing. I confess I usually quiet them down a bit in public places, but I didn't today. I figured something about it was kind of special, if even strangers were responding so sweetly. Besides, not only were they perfectly adorable (totally objective assessment), but it was a good reminder for myself and anyone else who might have heard them. After all, who among us doesn't need to be reminded once in a while to "be careful little tongue what you say" or "be careful little heart whom you trust," and especially, "For the Father up above is looking down in love." From the mouths of babes...
P.S. Yes, I'm still wondering what Brynn was thinking about.
A little alarm went off in my head, but I tried not to panic. I just didn't expect this to start at five years old, this growing up to the point where I no longer have access to her every thought. What to do? I definitely could have made her tell me, but I decided this would not be the most relationship-building thing to do. So I didn't push it even though I really wanted to. Instead I freaked myself out thinking about how so many teenagers never talk to their parents. Healthy, huh?
In other news, the girls attracted some attention in Penney's this morning. We were racing through there in a mad search for Brynn's lost glove (so CUTE from a GAP sale about a month ago--ugh!), and the girls were singing. I actually didn't notice the song right away because, as I mentioned, MAD SEARCH. But then we passed this woman who looked at me and said, "How precious," with this big smile on her face. I figured I should pay more attention since these kids are mine after all. Hehe. They were singing that old Sunday School song "Be careful little feet where you go." Everyone knows that one, right? Well, from the elevator to the front door of the store, no less than three people either smiled big at me over it or actually commented after hearing what they were singing. I confess I usually quiet them down a bit in public places, but I didn't today. I figured something about it was kind of special, if even strangers were responding so sweetly. Besides, not only were they perfectly adorable (totally objective assessment), but it was a good reminder for myself and anyone else who might have heard them. After all, who among us doesn't need to be reminded once in a while to "be careful little tongue what you say" or "be careful little heart whom you trust," and especially, "For the Father up above is looking down in love." From the mouths of babes...
P.S. Yes, I'm still wondering what Brynn was thinking about.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Things I learned at the movies tonight...
1. I still love Matt Damon after all these years. He is just cool.
2. Rugby is a brutal sport. They don't wear helmets, people!
3. All I understand about rugby after watching Invictus is... see #2.
4. Quality sports movies always make me cry.
5. Never sit down on a public toilet without looking first.
2. Rugby is a brutal sport. They don't wear helmets, people!
3. All I understand about rugby after watching Invictus is... see #2.
4. Quality sports movies always make me cry.
5. Never sit down on a public toilet without looking first.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Movies I Saw in 2009
So glad to have returned to the movies this year. I love, love, love movies, and even saw a few of these at the theater by myself (which I still say is a fun thing to do, even if others thing it is kind of pathetic). :)
1. Doubt
2. The X-Files: I Want to Believe (dvd)
3. The Women (dvd)
4. Last Chance Harvey
5. Leatherheads (dvd)
6. Slumdog Millionaire
7. He's Just Not That Into You
8. Revolutionary Road (tied for most depressing movie I've seen this year)
9. Twilight
10. Duplicity
11. Bride Wars (don't judge me)
12. 17 Again
13. Flash of Genius (dvd)
14. The Secret Life of Bees (dvd)
15. The Proposal
16. Harry Potter & the Half-Blood Prince
17. New In Town
18. Driving Lessons (dvd)
19. 500 Days of Summer
20. Waitress (dvd)
21. Rachel Getting Married (dvd)
22. Julie & Julia
23. Amelia
24. New Moon
25. Star Trek (dvd)
26. Everybody's Fine (sucked--other most depressing movie this year)
27. The Blind Side
28. Did You Hear About the Morgans?
1. Doubt
2. The X-Files: I Want to Believe (dvd)
3. The Women (dvd)
4. Last Chance Harvey
5. Leatherheads (dvd)
6. Slumdog Millionaire
7. He's Just Not That Into You
8. Revolutionary Road (tied for most depressing movie I've seen this year)
9. Twilight
10. Duplicity
11. Bride Wars (don't judge me)
12. 17 Again
13. Flash of Genius (dvd)
14. The Secret Life of Bees (dvd)
15. The Proposal
16. Harry Potter & the Half-Blood Prince
17. New In Town
18. Driving Lessons (dvd)
19. 500 Days of Summer
20. Waitress (dvd)
21. Rachel Getting Married (dvd)
22. Julie & Julia
23. Amelia
24. New Moon
25. Star Trek (dvd)
26. Everybody's Fine (sucked--other most depressing movie this year)
27. The Blind Side
28. Did You Hear About the Morgans?
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Books I Read in 2009
After not reading for pleasure in simply ages, I decided last December that I was going to read 30 books in 2009. I have friends in blogland who post their year-end list of books read, and a couple of them are in the hundreds. So that inspired me to read, and to keep track of what I read this year. So here is my list.
1. Believing God by Beth Moore
2. Marley & Me by John Grogan
3. New Moon by Stephanie Meyer
4. On Becoming Preschool Wise by Gary Ezzo
5. Eclipse by Stephanie Meyer
6. Breaking Dawn by Stephanie Meyer
7. Raising Respectful Children In a Disrespectful World by Jill Rigby
8. Dream When You're Feeling Blue by Elizabeth Berg
At this point I saw Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince at the theater and decided to reread the series beginning, not at the beginning, but with that particular book. So the rest of my list has a bit of a theme.
9. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling
10. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling
11. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
12 Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling
As you see, I came nowhere near my goal of reading 30 books this year. But you know, I've probably read a total of four or five non-Biblical books since I had Brynn (5 years ago), so this is a definite improvement for me. I love reading, and am so glad to be getting back into the swing of it, even if it's at a slow pace.
New goal: 20 books in 2010! (Care to have a guess what the first three will be?)
1. Believing God by Beth Moore
2. Marley & Me by John Grogan
3. New Moon by Stephanie Meyer
4. On Becoming Preschool Wise by Gary Ezzo
5. Eclipse by Stephanie Meyer
6. Breaking Dawn by Stephanie Meyer
7. Raising Respectful Children In a Disrespectful World by Jill Rigby
8. Dream When You're Feeling Blue by Elizabeth Berg
At this point I saw Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince at the theater and decided to reread the series beginning, not at the beginning, but with that particular book. So the rest of my list has a bit of a theme.
9. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling
10. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling
11. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
12 Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling
As you see, I came nowhere near my goal of reading 30 books this year. But you know, I've probably read a total of four or five non-Biblical books since I had Brynn (5 years ago), so this is a definite improvement for me. I love reading, and am so glad to be getting back into the swing of it, even if it's at a slow pace.
New goal: 20 books in 2010! (Care to have a guess what the first three will be?)
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Another Giveaway
My friend Traci is out of control when it comes to give away lovely things. Check out her awesome blog for a chance to win. http://beneathmyheart.blogspot.com/
In other news, I plan to revive this blog by the weekend. Brace yourselves.
In other news, I plan to revive this blog by the weekend. Brace yourselves.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Giveaway
Check out my friend Traci's cool blog... decorating tips, Goodwill goldmines, and encouragement for your faith. Not to mention pictures of her adorable boys. Plus I might win an awesome shelf (made by Traci) for pimping out her blog here on Diaper Days. But the fact that I have an ulterior motive does not mean her blog isn't awesome. It rocks! Check it out at http://beneathmyheart.blogspot.com/ and enter to win the shelf yourself!
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Friday, June 5, 2009
Barbie Rant: Long Time Coming?
I vaguely remember playing with Barbie as a child. I had a couple dolls myself, but mostly I played with them at my friend Vicki's house. Even then, I don't remember it being one of our favorite activities. Playing house with her little sister as the baby, or school with her little sister as our pupil, or vet with her little sister as.... poor Melanie.
Since then Barbie has catapulted herself into toy mega-stardom. She's a doll, she's a clothing line, she's got the house and the car and the pet shop and the doctor's office. Bottom line: she's become the metaphor for the physically-ideal woman. (Which means most of us are pretty much screwed, but that's another topic.) After early promises to ban her from the lives our girls, I heeded the advice of a wise friend (Hi Coleen!), and chose with Jim to filter the Barbie influence instead. We buy our girls Barbies, but they are the ballerinas and princesses and professionals, not the "hooker Barbies," as I like to call them. You know the ones I mean. Their clothes could have come from Julia Roberts' pre-Richard Gere Pretty Woman wardrobe. And our girls love the Barbies they have. I must face it: to them, its just a beloved toy, not a political statement. So in this way, we have loosened up some. We probably have 8-10 Barbies floating around the house these days.
Then this week a friend told me of her frustration in looking for a summertime Barbie for gift, but only finding tiny bikinis. Not surprising really. A couple of days later I was in Wal-Mart checking out Barbies for Brynn's upcoming birthday when I spotted this. Meet Pajama Party Barbie. What do you think? My question is, pajamas? or lingerie? I know she's got the cute bubble gum pink color and the fun accessories, but isn't this a teddy? I don't know about you, but none of the girls at the slumber parties I went to were wearing anything like this. Am I losing it? It looks like some twisted kids version of a Victoria's Secret ad. Am I over-reacting? Because people must be buying these for their kids if the Barbie folks keep cranking this stuff out, right? I have to wonder if the downward spiral of Barbie's wardrobe over the years is what paved the way for something like the Bratz dolls to be marketable at all. (Do not EVEN get me started Bratz.)
I guess it boils down to me being really frustrated with how quickly the world wants my babies to grow up! I am convinced that our society's desensitization to the sexing-up of our little girls is partly to blame for how little these children value themselves as they grow up. It scares me sometimes, but then it motivates me to get off my butt, put my game face on and really parent my girls. It's the hardest thing in the world, but its so worth the battle, right?
I welcome your thoughts about this... even if you think I'm a crazed Barbie-hater.
Since then Barbie has catapulted herself into toy mega-stardom. She's a doll, she's a clothing line, she's got the house and the car and the pet shop and the doctor's office. Bottom line: she's become the metaphor for the physically-ideal woman. (Which means most of us are pretty much screwed, but that's another topic.) After early promises to ban her from the lives our girls, I heeded the advice of a wise friend (Hi Coleen!), and chose with Jim to filter the Barbie influence instead. We buy our girls Barbies, but they are the ballerinas and princesses and professionals, not the "hooker Barbies," as I like to call them. You know the ones I mean. Their clothes could have come from Julia Roberts' pre-Richard Gere Pretty Woman wardrobe. And our girls love the Barbies they have. I must face it: to them, its just a beloved toy, not a political statement. So in this way, we have loosened up some. We probably have 8-10 Barbies floating around the house these days.
Then this week a friend told me of her frustration in looking for a summertime Barbie for gift, but only finding tiny bikinis. Not surprising really. A couple of days later I was in Wal-Mart checking out Barbies for Brynn's upcoming birthday when I spotted this. Meet Pajama Party Barbie. What do you think? My question is, pajamas? or lingerie? I know she's got the cute bubble gum pink color and the fun accessories, but isn't this a teddy? I don't know about you, but none of the girls at the slumber parties I went to were wearing anything like this. Am I losing it? It looks like some twisted kids version of a Victoria's Secret ad. Am I over-reacting? Because people must be buying these for their kids if the Barbie folks keep cranking this stuff out, right? I have to wonder if the downward spiral of Barbie's wardrobe over the years is what paved the way for something like the Bratz dolls to be marketable at all. (Do not EVEN get me started Bratz.)
I guess it boils down to me being really frustrated with how quickly the world wants my babies to grow up! I am convinced that our society's desensitization to the sexing-up of our little girls is partly to blame for how little these children value themselves as they grow up. It scares me sometimes, but then it motivates me to get off my butt, put my game face on and really parent my girls. It's the hardest thing in the world, but its so worth the battle, right?
I welcome your thoughts about this... even if you think I'm a crazed Barbie-hater.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Houseguest?
There is a house centipede on the loose in our house right now. I believe this is the first time one has been spotted and escaped destruction on my watch, maybe in the whole 15 years of our marriage. My rule for spiders and house centipedes is that if one shows up in the house, no one sleeps until it is dead. Ask Jim about it sometime... the poor guy's got stories. But this morning, a critter (thankfully on the small side for centipedes) lumbered up by my shoe in the bathroom, causing Brynn to go three kinds of crazy. Her screams went supersonic as she did this prancy, freak-out-march with her feet, getting out of the bathroom as fast as possible. By the time I could understand her well enough to know there was "a bug," it had taken cover behind the toilet. I finally found him, but he managed to wedge himself under the baseboard and completely out of sight before I could do the deed. Frustrating. But not as much as knowing I would have to either let him live, or be late for preschool. Obviously, we went to school. (I'm not THAT bad.)
At this point, I have two concerns. One, Brynn may never sit on that toilet again, since she knows it did not die. Two, I know from experience when and where my little friend is going to show up again. It will be be in MY bathroom this time. And it will crawl out onto the shower wall while I am in there naked and vulnerable without glasses on. So not only will I have nothing to kill it with, but it will look like a tarantula to this blind lady. I have no choice but to plant one of Jim's sneakers in the bathroom next to a can of hairspray and wait for him to show up. I will be ready, and he will not get away this time.
I hope he shows his wriggly-legged self sometime today. If so, he's toast. Wish me luck.
At this point, I have two concerns. One, Brynn may never sit on that toilet again, since she knows it did not die. Two, I know from experience when and where my little friend is going to show up again. It will be be in MY bathroom this time. And it will crawl out onto the shower wall while I am in there naked and vulnerable without glasses on. So not only will I have nothing to kill it with, but it will look like a tarantula to this blind lady. I have no choice but to plant one of Jim's sneakers in the bathroom next to a can of hairspray and wait for him to show up. I will be ready, and he will not get away this time.
I hope he shows his wriggly-legged self sometime today. If so, he's toast. Wish me luck.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Eleven Things I Shared With Christy
(because I couldn't stop at just ten)
11. The Jill Phillips concert at Asbury. Technically it was Andrew Peterson (Jill Phillips was only the opener), but I had never heard of him, so you used Jill to get us to go. You were right as usual... Jim and I now love Andrew Peterson.
10. Hanging out in hospitals.
9. Seeing the Schuers play at High on Rose. We loved their music but regretted the venue. Remember when that drunk girl fell in your lap? Yeah, that was not so much our scene. We laughed hard that night.
8. Our girls-only weekend last August.
7. That last morning you came over to hang out while Josh played golf. I'm so glad we had that chance to sip Starbucks hot chocolate, eat muffins, and talk about everything from theology to reality tv.
6. Many, many, many meals at Fiesta.
5. Black Friday shopping in 2003.
4. Three moving days with you and Josh. I always ironed the shower curtain.
3. Roadtripping to New City Cafe in Knoxville to see Katy Bowser (who is awesome). I went to the bathroom for two seconds and she came over to our table and talked to you guys while I was gone. Betrayed by my bladder once again. Remember how we almost hit that deer at 2am on the way home?
2. Your wedding day. I was large and pregnant and wonderfully purple, haha. But you were radiant. What a JOY to be a part of your perfect day.
1. April 15th. Maybe eight or nine of them? Not enough. I loved making it a big deal with you, and even (unintentionally) giving each other the same gift once or twice. I loved the two or three phonecalls in early April deciding where we wanted to eat. Our favorites were not the same, but we took our decision seriously and always considered several restaurants before landing at Red Lobster. Your mom made us dessert and we shared the evening and the attention. I'm so sad you aren't here today. I miss you. I would honestly ignore the whole thing if I didn't know how disappointed (not to mention ticked) you would be with me if you knew. But I will not eat at Red Lobster on our birthday again. That was something special, just for you and me. Happy Birthday, Christy. This day is forever different, but I will always be celebrating with you in my heart.
11. The Jill Phillips concert at Asbury. Technically it was Andrew Peterson (Jill Phillips was only the opener), but I had never heard of him, so you used Jill to get us to go. You were right as usual... Jim and I now love Andrew Peterson.
10. Hanging out in hospitals.
9. Seeing the Schuers play at High on Rose. We loved their music but regretted the venue. Remember when that drunk girl fell in your lap? Yeah, that was not so much our scene. We laughed hard that night.
8. Our girls-only weekend last August.
7. That last morning you came over to hang out while Josh played golf. I'm so glad we had that chance to sip Starbucks hot chocolate, eat muffins, and talk about everything from theology to reality tv.
6. Many, many, many meals at Fiesta.
5. Black Friday shopping in 2003.
4. Three moving days with you and Josh. I always ironed the shower curtain.
3. Roadtripping to New City Cafe in Knoxville to see Katy Bowser (who is awesome). I went to the bathroom for two seconds and she came over to our table and talked to you guys while I was gone. Betrayed by my bladder once again. Remember how we almost hit that deer at 2am on the way home?
2. Your wedding day. I was large and pregnant and wonderfully purple, haha. But you were radiant. What a JOY to be a part of your perfect day.
1. April 15th. Maybe eight or nine of them? Not enough. I loved making it a big deal with you, and even (unintentionally) giving each other the same gift once or twice. I loved the two or three phonecalls in early April deciding where we wanted to eat. Our favorites were not the same, but we took our decision seriously and always considered several restaurants before landing at Red Lobster. Your mom made us dessert and we shared the evening and the attention. I'm so sad you aren't here today. I miss you. I would honestly ignore the whole thing if I didn't know how disappointed (not to mention ticked) you would be with me if you knew. But I will not eat at Red Lobster on our birthday again. That was something special, just for you and me. Happy Birthday, Christy. This day is forever different, but I will always be celebrating with you in my heart.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Humbled and Grateful
"...Till on that cross as Jesus died,
The wrath of God was satisfied;
For ev'ry sin on Him was laid—
Here in the death of Christ I live.
There in the ground His body lay,
Light of the world by darkness slain;
Then bursting forth in glorious day,
Up from the grave He rose again!
And as He stands in victory,
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me;
For I am His and He is mine—
Bought with the precious blood of Christ."
excerpt from "In Christ Alone"
Words and Music by Keith Getty & Stuart Townend
Copyright © 2001 Kingsway Thankyou Music
The wrath of God was satisfied;
For ev'ry sin on Him was laid—
Here in the death of Christ I live.
There in the ground His body lay,
Light of the world by darkness slain;
Then bursting forth in glorious day,
Up from the grave He rose again!
And as He stands in victory,
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me;
For I am His and He is mine—
Bought with the precious blood of Christ."
excerpt from "In Christ Alone"
Words and Music by Keith Getty & Stuart Townend
Copyright © 2001 Kingsway Thankyou Music
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Comedian?
A couple of nights ago, we were sitting around the dinner table eating dessert when Brynn said, "I bet God is eating dinner right now too." Jim shot me a look, then asked her what she thought God was having for dinner. She looked up confidently and said, "blue Jello, same as us."
Yesterday Brynn drew a very cool picture of herself and me shopping at Wal-Mart. (I know it's sad, but it's what we do.) Anyway, she was talking about the picture, saying how I was super tall in it and had really curly hair... and then she had me spell out the letters for Wal-Mart so she could write them in the background. It was a keeper. At some point during Brynn's commentary, Katy took a break from her own scribble action in the Pooh coloring book, and leaned across the table on her elbows. She scrutinized Brynn's work, then wanted to know, "Where KAY-ty?! Where ME? Where MEEEEEE?!" Brynn looked at the ceiling and sighed. Then she went back to her picture and said frankly, "You weren't BORN yet."
Tonight on the way to Wal-Mart (I can't help it, we needed diapers!), Katy was having a full-on tantrum. I don't know how to describe this event other than to say, it is truly an impressive display of emotion. Before we left the house, she jumped up in the air twice like a sumo wrestler coming down on an opponent and then threw herself in the floor on her stomach screaming, fists clenched and pounding. I love her like my next breath, but I had to turn away so she wouldn't see me doubling over in laughter. So now we're in the car on the way and the tantrum is just starting to show signs of waning. I say, "Katy, you need to dry it up Baby because there is no crying in Wal-Mart." Brynn smiles at me in the rearview mirror and says, "That's right Katy. There's a sign right on the door that says No Crying." I smiled back at her little joke. Katy continues to wail. Brynn's smile goes conspiratorial and she says, "If you get caught crying in Wal-Mart the police will come and take you to jail!" I laugh at the joke and Brynn is satisfied. Then she looks over at her still-miserable sister and says sweetly, "Oh, Katy. I'm just messing with ya a little bit."
Yesterday Brynn drew a very cool picture of herself and me shopping at Wal-Mart. (I know it's sad, but it's what we do.) Anyway, she was talking about the picture, saying how I was super tall in it and had really curly hair... and then she had me spell out the letters for Wal-Mart so she could write them in the background. It was a keeper. At some point during Brynn's commentary, Katy took a break from her own scribble action in the Pooh coloring book, and leaned across the table on her elbows. She scrutinized Brynn's work, then wanted to know, "Where KAY-ty?! Where ME? Where MEEEEEE?!" Brynn looked at the ceiling and sighed. Then she went back to her picture and said frankly, "You weren't BORN yet."
Tonight on the way to Wal-Mart (I can't help it, we needed diapers!), Katy was having a full-on tantrum. I don't know how to describe this event other than to say, it is truly an impressive display of emotion. Before we left the house, she jumped up in the air twice like a sumo wrestler coming down on an opponent and then threw herself in the floor on her stomach screaming, fists clenched and pounding. I love her like my next breath, but I had to turn away so she wouldn't see me doubling over in laughter. So now we're in the car on the way and the tantrum is just starting to show signs of waning. I say, "Katy, you need to dry it up Baby because there is no crying in Wal-Mart." Brynn smiles at me in the rearview mirror and says, "That's right Katy. There's a sign right on the door that says No Crying." I smiled back at her little joke. Katy continues to wail. Brynn's smile goes conspiratorial and she says, "If you get caught crying in Wal-Mart the police will come and take you to jail!" I laugh at the joke and Brynn is satisfied. Then she looks over at her still-miserable sister and says sweetly, "Oh, Katy. I'm just messing with ya a little bit."
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Fun at Mom's Day Out
Things that have been said in our Mom's Day Out class recently. Laura is my teaching partner, for those of you who don't know. (Who doesn't know Laura?) ;)
Mrs. Laura: Please take your hand out of your pants.
~~~~~~~~
Emma: (despairing) Teach-errrrrrr... my feet are hot....
~~~~~~~~
Me to a child: Ew! EW! Did... that... come OUT of you?
~~~~~~~~
Trefor: (gravely) Mrs. Lori, sometimes there are STRANGERS.
Ava: (lighthearted) God LOVES strangers!
~~~~~~~~
Dad to his child: If you don't behave, I'm going to have to take your (scotch) tape back home.
~~~~~~~~
Me to a child: Please get your finger out of your nose.
~~~~~~~~
Me: Hannah, please don't spit on the playgroud. That's rude.
Hannah: But I had snot in my mouth.
Me: Oh. Good call then.
~~~~~~~~
If you've got a funny kid-line, please share it in the comment section. The little people are pretty entertaining!
Mrs. Laura: Please take your hand out of your pants.
~~~~~~~~
Emma: (despairing) Teach-errrrrrr... my feet are hot....
~~~~~~~~
Me to a child: Ew! EW! Did... that... come OUT of you?
~~~~~~~~
Trefor: (gravely) Mrs. Lori, sometimes there are STRANGERS.
Ava: (lighthearted) God LOVES strangers!
~~~~~~~~
Dad to his child: If you don't behave, I'm going to have to take your (scotch) tape back home.
~~~~~~~~
Me to a child: Please get your finger out of your nose.
~~~~~~~~
Me: Hannah, please don't spit on the playgroud. That's rude.
Hannah: But I had snot in my mouth.
Me: Oh. Good call then.
~~~~~~~~
If you've got a funny kid-line, please share it in the comment section. The little people are pretty entertaining!
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