Don't you hate it when a meal goes awry? (is that how you spell that?! wierd)...anyway - I skipped lunch today (not intentionally) and am just now sitting down to eat dinner (8:30 p.m.). I set out to make a taco salad (mmmm)....I heated up hamburger, put my lettuce in there.....some shredded cheese....and then realized I didn't have salsa...or anything resembling a taco flavor. So, basically I am now eating lettuce with ground beef. Whatever - I'm hungry.

I thought David Letterman's criticism of John McCain was a little harsh. I won't be voting for McCain in November, but I don't think he deserved THAT. Sure, it looks like he didn't handle the situation very well from a PR standpoint, but criticism is different than a full-blown attack. I think David Letterman abused his "celebrity" on this one. Even though it seems most "celebrities" favor my candidate, it really bugs me that they use their "celebrity" to influence others. There are just enough dim-witted registered voters (I still think there should be a test before you get a ballot - ha) out there who would vote for Mickey Mouse if Paris Hilton, Lauren Conrad or Chris Rock told them to do so.

Now - what do I personally think about the issue? I'm still sorting it out - but I do have a few opinions:

1. The thought of another "Great Depression" or anything even close to that leaves me shaking in my boots. We just sold our house....we just bought a new one....I don't know how to bake bread or make my own soap. I would not know how to take care of my family if I had to "live off the land." I'm of the generation where Home-Ec was cut from my school's budget - deemed an unnecessary.

2. I think something needs to be done. I don't like that the financial burden of a bailout falls on the taxpayer - but what's the alternative? I am just praying that this "fix" actually WORKS! I have yet to hear a plan that outlines what success looks like. Is it really going to fix things - or will the plan just function as a band-aid - allowing us to tread water for awhile?

3. I think John McCain's campaign should have returned Obama's phone call yesterday morning re: issuing a joint statement. Had that happened - we would be talking about fixing the economy and not the McCain and Obama phone call timeline. Whether or not he should or shouldn't suspend his campaign - I really don't have a strong opinion. Part of me thinks a potential President should be able to deal with a crisis AND continue with other major projects. Here's an idea - how about a VP debate this week instead? Let McCain and Obama return to Washington to deal with the "economic crisis" and let's see how their pinch-hitters do!

4. I'm curious what your thoughts are - especially about the economy. Is it really AS BAD as they are reporting - and have you done anything different in your lives as a result? Do you know how to make your own soap? Will you help keep my family clean? Do you have a spare bedroom we could live in if necessary?

5. The feelings I am fighting are similar to 9/11. Terror. However, I know that none of this is in my hands and prayer is the only thing I can do. Faith-tested.

6. I have spoken with my Grandparents - I have 4 of them who lived through our nation's Great Depression. The similarities ARE eerie here. What sort of nation are we to not learn from such mistakes? Surely this wouldn't happen again!

7. I think we all need to be praying more "God Bless America."

Clearly I am not an economist. I'm not schooled in political science. I am not a campaign strategist. I am just a stay-at-home Mom concerned about her family, her government, her country. I don't claim to know-it-all...probably shouldn't be giving my opinion here....but I wanted to throw it out there. Now I'd love to hear from you. Please tell me what YOU are thinking!

And we have a decision! Red birch it is!

This will go in the front entry, the hallway on the main level, the half-bath on main level, the eat-in-kitchen and the kitchen. I love it! And it looks FABULOUS with our maple cabinets. Now...on to carpeting decisions...

Big News of the Week!

Bailey learned she was assigned the solo in the opening number for show choir! Yeah, Bailey! We are so happy for you!! Your hard work really paid off and we can't wait to see the first competition!

Mark brought her home a single red rose last night. I let her know that later in life, when choosing a husband.....she should expect nothing less. =-)

Now...let the middle school girl drama commence. ugh - aren't middle school girls so mean? I'm praying she doesn't experience anything over this - but given the girl drama so far this year....I'm thinking she won't escape it. I've told her next year will be better...H.S. IS better than middle school when it comes to mean stuff. Here's praying anyway!

On the house front...I visited the hardwood flooring store yesterday and narrowed it down to Birch or Red Oak. So terrified of making the wrong choice! Such a big expense...and permanent! Aaagh!

So I need to confess...I'm totally addicted to HGTV's "Rate My Space"...both the show AND the Web site. With an entire new house to decorate - I especially can't get enough of this thing. I thought I'd post some of the ideas I'm considering stealing - a "Rate My Stolen Space" if you will...where you can comment if you like it - what you like about it....what you might change, etc. First up...a Master Bedroom decor ideas:

Minus the tropical plants and something different over the bed...but I like the overall look/feel of this set-up. How 'bout you?

This one isn't as "warm" as the above one - but I like it. I would replace the b/w floral pics above the bed with b/w of the kids I think? And I'd probably throw a warm color for throw pillows instead of the light blue. Ok - now your thoughts...

Dancin' Fools



Lauren started dance class a couple weeks ago. She was so excited as we were getting her dressed that first night. White tights, her new leotard, her special dance shoes (that are a total rip-off), her hair pulled up. When she walked down the stairs to go, she said "Hey, Grant! Look at me! I'm FANCY!" So stinkin' cute!





I had really hoped to post video of her first dance class - but no parents allowed! (darn). I did sneak outside of the classroom to listen the first night and this is what I heard:

Teacher: "No, Lauren - you have to wait...you aren't the leader tonight."

Lauren: "I'm not the leader?!"


ha! rude awakening for Lauren!


And then there's Grant. He loves rockin' out to the Backyardigan's theme song. Here are his baby white boy moves:


And finally, Bailey. She's heavy into show choir choreography and dancin' everywhere she goes. So see? A house full of dancin' fools. =-)

It was a God thing....all the way.

* We sold our home in 11 days and 2 showings.
* We had so many friends and family members praying for us.
* We found a home that we all loved - a home that fit our space needs and just FELT overwhelmingly like home.
* It was new construction - never lived in - not even completely finished....and out of our price range.
* We prayed that God would help us find who to talk to about this house - and He did.
* We prayed that God would provide - and He did.
* To many this may look like really good luck....but we know better. We KNOW with great certainty that God's hands were in this every step of the way.
* We are humbled - and soooo thankful! And we give God complete and total credit.
* The offer has been accepted and we are moving forward with discussions with a builder to finish it.
* There are minor details yet - the inspection of our current home, the new home, etc....but who's losing faith now? Not us!

Here's a peek at our new home:
And here is Lauren's celebration dance (she dressed herself today, by the way) after we told her why Mommy & Daddy were jumping up & down, crying & hugging and laughing all at once:

So, this house stuff is overwhelming....so many questions...what direction to go in now....frustrating, unsettling, faith-shaking, etc. But when you ask for direction...He'll give it to you. I hope if you are going through something similar...if you are feeling uncertain - if you are feeling bullied...not sure what direction to take next...that this will speak to you, too.

Psalm 25

O LORD, I give my life to you.
I trust in you, my God!
Do not let me be disgraced,
or let my enemies rejoice in my defeat.
No one who trusts in you will ever be disgraced,
but disgrace comes to those who try to deceive others.

Show me the right path, O LORD;
point out the road for me to follow.
Lead me by your truth and teach me,
for you are the God who saves me.
All day long I put my hope in you.
Remember, O LORD, your compassion and unfailing love,
which you have shown from long ages past.
Do not remember the rebellious sins of my youth.
Remember me in the light of your unfailing love,
for you are merciful, O LORD.

The LORD is good and does what is right;
he shows the proper path to those who go astray.
He leads the humble in doing right,
teaching them in his way.
The LORD leads with unfailing love and faithfulness
all who keep his covenant and obey his demands.

For the honor of your name, O LORD,
forgive my many, many sins.
Who are those who fear the LORD?
He will show them the path they should choose.
They will live in prosperity,
and their children will inherit the land.
The LORD is a friend to those who fear him.
He teaches them his covenant.
My eyes are always on the LORD,
for he rescues me from the traps of my enemies.

Turn to me and have mercy,
for I am alone and in deep distress.
My problems go from bad to worse.
Oh, save me from them all!
Feel my pain and see my trouble.
Forgive all my sins.
See how many enemies I have
and how viciously they hate me!
Protect me! Rescue my life from them!
Do not let me be disgraced, for in you I take refuge.
May integrity and honesty protect me,
for I put my hope in you.

O God, ransom Israel
from all its troubles.

Mark took Friday off since he had to travel on Labor Day, so we spent the day enjoying the kids, cleaning the house and "dealin'" some more with the developer on a house. Saturday we cleaned some more, Mark & Bailey went shopping to spend Bailey's birthday money at the mall, and the little ones and I hung out with Grandma while a family looked through our house to see if they wanted to buy it (no luck).

Of course a couple hours before we were to show the house, Grant had THE WORST poopy diaper of his life...so much for that homey apple-cinnamon scent I was going for. Nothing inspires home-buying like the scent of a freshly soiled diaper. (sigh).

Sunday was Lauren's first day of Sunday School and Mark & I had nursery duty. Lauren is currently "reading" her little packet of Bible verses (interesting take she has on it!) Overheard while she was reading:

"Doors are wise too, but PRESENTS are marvelous."

"Jesus is not kinda away."

"Scientists are really strong." (MARK!!!!)

"God lives up in heaven."

It is rainy and cold here this morning...and the little kids have only a couple pair of pants/long-sleeve shirts that fit from last year. Guess I need to pick up a few things today. I'm thinking of hitting The Children's Place (received a $10 coupon in the mail) and probably Old Navy...although is it just me or are their deals not as good as they used to be?

Tonight is Lauren's first "Tumbling Tots" class - a mix of gymnastics and dance. I can't wait...and neither can she! You can bank on photos/video tomorrow!

Ok - more cleaning.

The Mom of 'Em

That John Stewart....he cracks me up!

FOR SALE!!!

We did it! The for sale sign is once again in the yard....a year later. Shwew! The WORK! Now...to keep the house clean. I need a nap.

LIFE IS BUSY!!! Finally....the birthday recap:

I hate getting behind on blogging, but even with a birthday to report, life has been too busy lately for me to sit down and give you the updates! Lauren turned 3 last Saturday. THREE! Thankfully she still has baby fat and likes to sit on my lap - so she's my big-girl baby still. =-) Friday we began the celebration by going to the zoo with two of her little friends. She loved it!

We came home to find a giant bouquet of balloons from Aunt Charlene! Again - LOVED IT!

The next morning she awoke to a chorus of "Happy Birthday" and opened a couple gifts from us. We then headed to IHOP for birthday pancakes (couldn't make them - haven't bought groceries in weeks). This was a miserable trip as she was breaking in the three-year-old behavior (grrr). Anyway - came home - kids took a nap and when they woke Grandma & Grandpa came over for more birthday celebration.

She opened more gifts - getting really mad at Grant who kept touching her new stuff! He fought back.....and so it begins. Then there was cake - LOTS of cake. She had trouble blowing out the candle....put LOTS of spit on there - mmmm....but FINALLY got it.

Lauren is such a special little girl. So smart, so FUNNY and so friendly. Vivacious, independent, stubborn, sweet, goofy, innocent - these are just some of the characteristics that make up my Lauren. Ten years as a mother of one before Lauren came along....and I never imagined how wonderful it would be to have another....two girls....special in their own ways. I love how when she is tired or sick she sucks her thumb and twirls her hair....and sometimes asks to twirl MY hair while she sucks her thumb. She loves to make us laugh and to be my big helper. She loves to dance and will be starting her first dance class next week. She loves to sing - all the time....a musical sign of her toddler/preschooler bliss. I love it.

I'm finding it hard to find the right words to show just how much I love this girl - how unique and special she is...not just to me...but everyone she meets. She has a joy about her that lights up a room. A personality that brings a smile to every face. She is an amazing girl....and I can't help but feel unworthy of such an amazing gift.

I love you, Lauren! My big three-year-old girl!

Mommy

Happy Birthday, Lauren!!! (emotional and sappy Mommy post to follow later)

Grant - Eleven Months Old!!
There isn't much of this sitting still w/the giraffe business going on these days. This boy is ON.THE.MOVE! His knees are calloused from the miles he's traveled at warp speed. He's crawling, pulling up to a stand, moving along furniture, bouncing, jumping almost (crazy, I know!), dancing back-and-forth and just plain BUSY! As proof, here's what the rest of the 11-month home photo shoot looked like:

He babbles a lot these days - although nothing really identifying. I guess Ma-Ma and Da-Da sometimes - but mostly just baby babble. He has finally taken to the "So Big!" game I've been pushing for....and it is super cute! (video coming soon) He also has gotten a bit mischievous in his old-age. He points his finger - shakes it up and down (a la "no-no") and then smiles and then BOOKS IT to a naughty. Maybe it is the stairs, maybe the lamp or the outlet....but he KNOWS what he's doing. I guess I should be glad he's giving me the courtesy of a warning first. ha.

He has more hair now - but it is still so blonde you don't notice it unless you are up close. He almost always eats table food now - because the teeth count is at SIX! (i think...sheesh - they are popping in so fast it is hard to keep track!)

He is still a crappy napper....at least compared to my snooze-hound Lauren. He is staying asleep through the night (at least we aren't getting up with him...he DOES wake...but goes back to sleep in 5-10 min.).

He isn't showing any interest in walking. He'd rather get down and ZOOOOOM!

He's an amazing baby. Happy almost ALWAYS. Two moods really - happy and naughty. I can deal with that. I love my little man - can hardly believe he's going to be ONE in just a month from today. Soon the bottles will be history. Soon the formula will be gone. Soon no more exersaucer. Soon he'll be facing forward in his car seat. Oy.....too much to think about. I think I'll just enjoy my 11-month-old BABY boy in the now.

Til next time...

The Mom of 'Em

The big 13th b-day party...



Saturday night Bailey invited 14 friends - both boys and girls (yes, we ARE awesome parents, aren't we?) to her 13th b-day party. They arrived one-by-one at 6:00 p.m. Saturday night. With each new face to show up at the door, Lauren became more and more ecstatic. She LOVES to be included in the big-kid fun. The kids hung out at our house until 6:30. During that half-hour I heard lots of laughing, screaming, guitar-playing and general chatter. It was a wonderful sound....of teen excitement and happiness. Here is what it looked like just inside our front door during that first half-hour. I love this picture and hope our home can always be a place where Bailey and her friends can "hang out."
We then loaded everyone into two mini-vans and headed HERE where we were able to score the special spot designated for youth groups. Extra nice stone fire pit with benches surrounding it....lots of grass and trees. A beautiful spot! Mark & Bailey had gone out earlier in the day to set up a volleyball net and a canopy tent, so the kids immediately started playing volleyball (after circling in text messaging circles that is - ha). Anyway - Mark & I began unpacking all of the snacks, drinks, etc. and realized that I forgot the giant pack of hot dogs I had bought at Costco earlier in the day. AAAGH! Home is at least 20 min. away, so I drove about 10 miles back to civilization to buy more hot dogs.



When I returned the kids began roasting...and purposefully charring hot dogs. They listened to music, they made S'mores, they laughed and talked, played flashlight tag and had a really good time.
I'm so happy everyone had a good time - including Bailey. For a couple hours anyway - we were cool parents. I'm going to hang on to that memory in the coming years...I'm sure I'll need it. =-)

* A HUGE thanks to Grandma & Grandpa (again). Without their help this would NOT have happened. Grandma watched the little ones and Grandpa was INSTRUMENTAL in helping find this campgrounds for us. THANK YOU!!!

Happy Birthday, Bailey! (Well...yesterday anyway). Bailey turned 13...a TEENAGER! Surely I am NOT old enough to have a teenager! (sigh). The day started with special b-day pancakes (special part = I made them). We let her open a couple gifts. This from Grant and this from Lauren. Then off to school she went.

Mark took the afternoon off, so we busied ourselved buying a new fridge (compressor on our 5 1/2 yr old fridge went ka-put), viewing our MAYBE...big MAYBE new home (more on this later...) and then picking Bailey up from school.

We took her here for a pretend Mark errand. While there she and her guitar-lovin' Dad picked guitars off the wall and played...fantasized about expensive Taylor guitars, etc. Little did Bailey know that SURPRISE! This beautiful (yet reasonable) guitar.....YOURS! Happy 13th Birthday, BAiley!!! I wanted her 13th b-day to be marked by something special. I considered a necklace....a concert....but THIS....this was perfect. (much prettier in person, too). She loves playing guitar and I know she'll play her whole life....so why not get her first guitar (first one that is truly HERS) for her 13th?

Then we headed home to celebrate with Grandma & Grandpa. We ordered THIS pizza (yummmm) and had b-day cake! A great time.

Although 13 and the months leading up to it have been challenging....NEW challenges not seen before in the pre-teen years...it is still an amazing time. I can survive the eyerolls because I am also seeing the amazing young adult she is turning into. Her talents and gifts are more pronounced...her compassion in friendships....her academic skills blossoming...her beauty both in and out breathtaking.....her overall evolution as a person more evident. All of this is so exciting to see...even if that means the occasional parenting struggles.

When I held her in my arms the first time...August 21, 1995 at 8:45 p.m.....I didn't think it was possible to love her more. I was wrong. Each day...each year...she fills me with more and more love. I'm so proud of her - and so proud to have the amazing gift and responsibility of being her Mom.

So yesterday I let Lauren pick a few flowers from my "garden." She looked so darn cute holding the brown-eyed susans that I thought I'd teach her the 'ole "He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not" routine. I took a short video of her - just listen to how she took this game and totally took control of it....SHE'LL decide, thank you very much....not some stupid BOY!

Oooh! Oooh! How could I forget? Remember just a few posts ago when I mentioned that Grant had four teeth now? Well, after reading THIS I remembered to tell you! I looked in Grant's mouth yesterday and SIX TEETH! No wonder that kid has been miserable! Teeth are shooting through like popcorn popping!

2 days and 5 minutes until the Realtor comes. AAAGH! So much left to do! My parents have been absolutely wonderful and helpful watching the kids so I can work/clean....but I don't want them to have to do that EVERY day...and I don't want them to feel like they ALWAYS watch the kids. So, today I'm cleaning with the kids here (you can only imagine how that goes - ha).

Yesterday Bailey was a tremendous help. After the first 30 minutes of cleaning the attitude MOSTLY left and we actually worked well together. (are pigs flying?) We cleaned the carpeting, cleaned the garage (all almost 1,000 sq. ft of it!), washed bathroom walls (seriously - how DO walls get dirty? And no - not because of the man and toddler in the house....just funky dirt on the walls. Hairspray? dust? who knows. Let's see - what else. We "staged" the front room and the basement rooms, we did a couple loads of laundry, we emptied/filled the dishwasher, we boxed up toys for the garage and a ton of other things, including a little Olympics watching. How about that U.S.A.?! So much more fun to have a well-recognized athlete from our area, too. Hoping Shawn Johnson wins the all-around. Now THAT would be cool. I digress.

Today I'm removing "haze" from the tile Mark put up in the bathroom. He did a really great job. It isn't a professional job - but it looks nice and WAY nicer than it used to. Tonight we are sealing the tile and then caulking. Also on the list today is getting Bailey's birthday invites addressed and insert maps printed, cleaning up my bedroom, changing everyone's sheets, boxing up more stuff and more laundry. Oh...and still haven't spackled that spot by the shower - need to do that.

And then there is the daily maintenance stuff like changing diapers, preparing/cleaning up meals, emptying/filling dishwasher, etc.

Tired yet? I am. To bed at 2 a.m. last night...um...this morning...and up before 6. SUCKS! I know it'll only get worse before it gets better, but the thought of just being in a new home where we will STAY PUT....OUR HOME...not getting ready for it to be someone else's home will feel soooooo good!

August = CHAOS!

August is always a hard month. You have to deal with the fact that summer is drawing to a close. The evidence is in the back-to-school preparations, the two August birthdays I have to plan and the flower beds looking a little less than prime. This year we add to that a bathroom tiling project (thank you, Mark!!), other home improvement projects, calling a realtor (yep! I DID IT! We'll be meeting with her later this week hopefully), a million trips to storage and Goodwill and a 10-month old with horrible teething issues. Shwew - August = CHAOS!

Today I'll be working on the carpeting, dining room chair seat covers, thinning out closets, cleaning bathrooms (can't wait) and general room pick-up plus laundry.

Wish us luck!