The Harman Hood

Big Girl You are Beautiful

2012-02-15T12:03:00.000-08:00

We'd like to thank Papa, our picture contributor the past two posts. He's got quite an eye for beauty doesn't he?

I'd like to tell the world a little bit more about myself. The days are passing quickly and I'm developing into quite a complex character.

Gone are the days of mindless babble, army crawling, and a taste for all things food.

I'm more mature.

I'm walking with attempts to run in between. In fact, I'm working on jumping with the help of Grant's hand. I need a manly hand to hold onto. So far my feet have yet to leave the floor but surely, with the force of my upward arm thrusts, they will soon catch some air.

I'm a diva. I love hats. I love shoes. Or as I say "juse." I love them so much so I refuse to take them off in my crib when napping. I prefer to not let my bare feet grace the floors without shoes. It seems, however, that there are shoe sizes and some shoes that aren't quite ready for my nimble feet.

I'm a consoler. I find often that Hannah and Grant disobey. And with disobedience comes consequences. With consequences comes tears. Sometimes lots. I find that I can best be used by consoling the heart broken by laying my head on their shoulders while gently patting their backs. I think they appreciate it.

I'm a hitter. To me it's just good fun, but those tears I was talking about, well they come out also when I whack them on the head with my sippy cup or when I grab a fistful of hair. Hey, I'm just envious of their long locks..okay, of Hannah's long locks. Grant looks like he's ready for the military. I'm just trying to pull hard enough so as to make his a bit longer.

I like to say no. It's helpful. Do you want some broccoli, "no." Okay, bad example, I LOVE broccoli. How about, do you want to go to bed, "no," and I find with a animated shake of the head I can get a few smiles. I have a feeling that won't last for long so I'll play it as long as I can. Or if someone tries to take something from me I can say, "no" and it's supposed to help alleviate the situation. I can honestly say, it doesn't always work.

Mommy thinks I'm a dare devil. I will reassure you all, I am. I like to swing fast, which happens from time to time when Hannah is with me. I like to ride the new jeep. I like to slide down the stairs on my tummy, just like Hannah and Grant. It works best when you are properly attired...meaning footie pjs. And I've been known to take some nose dives in the bathtub only to reemmerge with a beaming grin from ear to ear. The pool is going to be AWESOME this summer.

And while I can write on and on, I'm tiring of this and am ready to go seek some adventure somewhere else.

So if you see me, be aware, I'm not that little baby anymore. Nope, I'm a big girl. And I'll make sure you know it!

Mommy's Moment: 12 Years Ago

2012-02-13T11:29:00.000-08:00

Yes, we are the proud owners of the bright pink/purple Barbie jeep.

Poor Grant.

Thanks to my parents and their neighbors, we inherited these wheels.

I have to admit, I'm surprised my parents passed it along to my kids. Off road vehicles have a bad wrap in our family.

Thanks to me.

You see, before my parents gave Hannah and Kate these wheels; twelve years ago they graciously gave me my own set of wheels in the form of a Honda Passport, my dream car.

How Hannah and Kate (and Grant) feel about their new wheels, I felt about mine.

And 7 months later, my wonderful college roommate and I decided to break those wheels in.

Sit back, have a drink, and enjoy a story that, wasn't so enjoyable twelve years ago.

It was a rainy, cold day. It was finals week. Needing a break, Maureen and I hopped in Hank (my car) to pick up some milk at Walmart. Little did we know this would be the LONGEST milk errand ever run because

We got sidetracked.

Instead of turning into the Walmart parking lot, Hank found himself turning into a remote wooded area that promised for a good mud bath.

I'll admit, between myself and Maureen, I was the hesitant, anxious, "not so sure about this" one. I loved Maureen's spontaneity and figured just this once, I'd go with it.

And I did.

After a few good spins in the mud, I checked the clock. I had to be back at the dorms for a cross country Christmas party. And with the rain picking up and the sun setting we put our "city girl" hats back on and made our exit from the muddy forest.

Or so we thought.

There was a slight problem: A muddy puddle keeping us from the way in which we came. A few attempts to cross it proved futile. Hank's tires were stuck. Maureen and I, being the resourceful gals we were, gathered sticks to push under the tires. It made sense to us. But, making sense and actually working are two very different things.

Hank sat. stuck.

Like I said, the sun was setting, we had no contact with the world, except for the trees and mud (this was before everyone had a cell phone). I did have a cell phone. It was called a car phone. Only to be used in case of an emergency...while in the car. Well, right about now we figured this was an emergency.

I clicked it on. Roaming.

And, I can't remember the details, but I was able to make a call using a credit card...my parents' credit card (I'm beginning to sound rather spoiled as I write this...my parents were gracious to me).

Not thinking of the consequences, I dialed our dorm. Several times. Maureen and I dialed every room along our hall until someone picked up. Finally someone did.

By this point that cross country Christmas party had commenced and we had our hallmate find a friend of our's, Tanya, to get her to come find us. Our directions were vague. We just said we'd honk and then she'd honk when she heard our honk. It's the best we could do.

By this time, hours had passed and as Maureen and I sat in the dark, in the rain, in Hank while listening to Waterdeep and playing cards, my phone rang. This is when it got bad.

It was my dad.

"Are you charging calls to the cell phone?" he asked.

The credit card company called him since these were unusual charges.

"Yes," I timidly replied.

"Why?" he asked.

This was about when my heart sank...real deep.

"Maureen and I are stuck," I shared only minimal details as if that would be sufficient and the details wouldn't be necessary.

I was wrong.

"Why are you stuck?"

"Well, um, we, uh, went mudding and are stuck in the mud."

Obviously, my dad was more than NOT thrilled by this idea. He was, well, angry, as most parents would be who just bought their daughter a really nice gift only to see them wrecklessly misuse it.

I reassured him help was on the way, though when I said that I wasn't sure who exactly was coming nor when. I assured him, they would be there.

"Call me as soon as you get out of there."

My heart beating fast, I hung up the phone praying help would arrive quickly.

And, it did, finally, in the form of a huge white suburban a couple of guys and faithful Tanya.

They were here to rescue us and Hank.

Easier said than done.

One wise guy informed me to "floor it" and Hank would sail across the now, much deeper and muddier "puddle." Deep in my heart I knew it was a stupid idea.

I tried it, to no avail.

Then, thinking he could do it, wise guy took control and got in the driver's seat while I sat in the passenger's seat. His attempt proved much more disasterous than any attempt we had made before.

He did floor it, it did move...in fact Hank took a nose dive into the deep, muddy, pit. The headlights went out and mud, thick, brown mud poured, POURED into the front of Hank soaking the floorboards, flooding the engine and ruining any attempt to salvage what was left of this nightmare.

I was speechless.

So, with no other option, Maureen and I got into the suburban. Hank sat in the dark, muddy beyond recognition. The drive home I didn't say a word. I dreaded calling my dad.

I made the dreaded call as soon as I entered the dorm room. As expected, both of my parents were furious. Dad advised me to call a tow truck first thing in the morning.

The rest of the night I buried my head beneath my pillows, the girls on the hall peeking in to check on me.

Did I mention this was finals week?

Thankfully, I had no finals the next day. God was gracious in that. I called a tow truck. As soon as I got off of the phone my dad called.

"Did you get a tow truck?"

"Yes," I replied.

"Good, you can come pick me up. I'm in the Walmart parking lot."

And just as I thought my heart had sunken as far as it could, it sunk deeper.

My other roommate Jennifer, was kind to ride with me though I advised her it may not be the most exciting ride. She came anyway.

It was a quiet ride out to the muddy forest, which just hours ago promised thrills and fun. Now it promised to me, devestation and humiliation.

We pulled up to that spot. Hank sat, ruined in mud. My dad, silent, only shook his head in disbelief and disappointment. The tow truck came and successfully pulled Hank out. He managed to get the engine to start, while chunks of mud flew from the tail pipe.

Needless to say, it was a quiet ride to the tow truck place...whatever you call it.

Dad and I took it to a local carwash to hose it down. And like any good parent, told me I would lose my priviledge in driving the car after I got home for Christmas break and for the first two months of the next semester (let me tell you, my adventures riding my bike those next two months is a post in and of itself). Then, like any good parent, he reminded me he loved me and sent me back to the dorm with a hug.

Hank's life thankfully didn't end there. After his two month suspension, I was able to get him back. And I drove Hank proudly (never again in the mud) until after John and I got married and more problems arose. We traded him in at Carmax and I'm hoping someone is taking good care of him. John swore he saw it driving around one day. I hope he's right. He deserves countless miles of road before him.

As for me and dad, well I figured after twelve years of letting those "hard feelings" pass, I could now write a blog about it and hopefully he and I can both laugh about it.

Perhaps him giving my kids this "jeep" is his way of preparing me for when they make those mindless decisions that they will make one day.

Nonetheless, I love you dad and am thankful for you and mom sticking with me through the good and the bad!

A Video For You

2012-02-06T15:03:00.000-08:00

In welcoming back the video medium to The Harman Hood, I'd like to give you a taste of what dinner time usually looks like.

Each dinner usually involves tears, often from Grant who apparently has an extremely difficult time swallowing any food that is not a fruit snack, cookie, pb and j, or french fry, or chip, or cracker, or chicken nugget, or cake...

The first part is not for the faint of heart as you can see first hand his glob of chicken pot pie that is his newest victim. Grant is known to chew on food for 30 minutes at least before it makes its way down the hatch.

Other notes:

Excuse Hannah's talk of boogers.

Excuse Hannah's misuse of her middle finger.

This meal marks Kate's first time eating on her own due to me being consumed with videoing Grant. She manages to grab the bowl and finish off the meal without my help.

Yes, John does go to play Mario Brothers. Who can blame him? It's nice to escape from dinner's reality even if it is to play Mario Brothers.

So, I leave you with reality. Be thankful it's only 2 and 1/2 minutes of your life and not 1 1/2 hours of your life every night.

Grassboarding

2012-02-06T10:43:00.000-08:00

Who needs mountains of snow, crashing waves, snowboards, or surfboards...

WHEN YOU'VE GOT a dormant grassy hill, a cardboard scrap, and guts?

I'd like to introduce you to backyard grassboarding. It takes the same skill of snowboarding and surfing but the terrain of a grassy backyard on a warm, spring day.

It's sure to become a hit. . .

for those of us with a tight budget and non exotic terrain who still like a thrill.

Trust me, it's for thrill seekers. Not the faint of heart. Like Grant. Bless his soul.

Just think of me like the Jamaican Bobsled team...

So, I hope to see you in the 2028 Olympics, where I'm sure, after having read this post, the officials will make it an official sport. Hey, if rhythmic gymnastics and trampolining (a backyard sport too mind you) made it in...there's no doubt backyard grassboarding will.

And like any rad snowboarder or surfer, I leave you with some of my own grassboarding lingo...

kowabunga!

Please...

2012-01-31T17:37:00.000-08:00

On this, the eve of February, I'm hoping for one thing.

Warm weather.

Yes, I know it's winter. I realize winter weather is supposed to be cold. But with cold weather comes this...

And, personally I can't bear to be transformed into a pink and purple marshmallow one more time in order to go the park.

Mommy and Mrs. Jessica had the brilliant idea of taking us there on the coldest day in January. The temps were in the 30s. However, my body temp was in the 100s. That was just standing still. Had I been able to walk in this contraption I'm sure I'd have worked myself up into a real sweat. Too bad I couldn't try that out. Nope. My time at the park was spent standing there or being held while watching all the better dressed, agile kids (i.e. Hannah, Grant, and Micah because everyone else is smart enough to stay indoors on the coldest day in January) running delightfully across the grounds with all body parts functioning at optimal performance.

So, February, please, please stay warm. I don't think I can take another episode of this:

Make a Note

2012-01-24T11:34:00.000-08:00

We have proof.

Not proof of our obvious inability to be photo ready...there's plenty of proof for that throughout the blog.

BUT...

Proof that we can clean up nicely.

Okay.

Let's be honest. Mommy is making us post this picture so when we complain that we always looked like ragamuffins, she has proof we didn't.

Even if that proof is ONE picture of us on Christmas Eve on our way to church.

I'd like to know who would look like a ragamuffin on that day.

But, we'll give it to her. Because, we have a far more convincing case...hundreds upon hundreds of pictures of mismatched outfits, uncombed hair, and peanut butter and jelly stains gracing our face and our outfits.

She doesn't stand a chance.

So, let her glory in this moment. It won't last long.

The Next Best Thing

2012-01-18T16:24:00.000-08:00

We don't have a pet.

Although these pictures may convince you otherwise.

We don't.

We simply did a little entertaining of one.

I guess it's the next best thing.

And we hope our neighbors aren't bothered that we "entertained" their little man for a bit. Hospitality is an important characteristic to hone.

After enjoying his company on the front porch, we decided to take the party inside. After all, it was raining and we can't leave an interested guest out in the rain.

I believe Kate was the most enthusiastic. Hannah and I believe the enthusiasm intimidated "our friend the cat" at first but, like any fun loving living creature, he warmed up to it.

He took inventory of our house. We followed.

Kate, reigned in some of her enthusiasm to lay many a controlled hugs on his back.

We think he liked it.

We even thought he may have an email account as his first room to visit was the office.

He may just be a smart cat. Hey, he did choose to hang out with us didn't he?

The only problem, you see, is that he came when it was clean up time. And Mommy quickly saw he was a bit of a distraction as we "cleaned." And so, our friend the cat was kicked back out in the frigid, wet air where he sat, in front of our door, eagerly waiting his next visit.

We don't know when that will be.

Bad Wrap

2012-01-16T16:57:00.000-08:00

Sometimes, I get a bad wrap.

Chances are, if you've caught my mom on a particulary bad day, you'll hear my name...

And not in a good way.

Today I lost it. Again. All because of a shirt.

A shirt that I was convinced I could not put on by myself (even though I had done so previously several times the week before).

Mommy didn't buy it.

And, while I threw a raging fit, and yes, to be fair..raging is a great adjective to describe it, Mommy watched and reminded me I could do it.

And I finally did in the midst of some flopping to the ground, lots of discipline, shaking of my arms, and loud, uncontrollable sobs mixed in with the occassional "no," or "I can't do it!"

So,

I'm know for some pretty nasty fits and some very stubborn spells.

But, I'd like to think I've got some strengths.

Such as, my very tender love for my sisters.

So, if you talked to Mommy today, (like Mrs. Lynn and Mrs. Laura Beth) might I leave you with a more positive taste for me in your mouth.

While I can be passionately raging I can also be passionately tender.

I'll leave you with this moment...

If that doesn't make your heart melt, I don't know what will.

My Colors Are...

2012-01-10T12:03:00.000-08:00

(please read below with a strong, slow, deep south accent...it'll add flair)

"My 'colahs' are blush and bashful..."

"Her 'colahs' are pink and pink..."

"My 'colahs' are blush and bashful..."

Well, following after the lovely Julia Roberts in Steel Magnolias,

My "colahs" are Blow Pop Razzberry and light cyan.

Okay, my "colahs" are blue and blue...

Accompanied by clear snot.

It's a bold statement.

Homeschool Diaries: The Writing Road to Reading

2012-01-06T14:57:00.000-08:00

We started back to our "normal" schooling routine this week.

It was a week, in a sense, that I was dreading.

Dreading because I would be implementing a new reading/writing program that is, well, tedious. However, after reading reviews and the book itself, it looked promising in its method and the results it would (hopefully) produce.

For you veteran homeschoolers, I'm sure you're familiar with it, The Writing Road to Reading.

It was recommended to me by the director of our homeschool co-op. It's encouraged that you attend a seminar to fully understand this method. And, after reading it, and rereading it, I would concur that that would most likely be the wisest move. However, not aware of any seminars near here nor having the money at this time to pay to go to a seminar, I am fully relying on this rusty brain and the Lord to put it into motion.

And Monday, that we did. I expected tears. Therefore, I was not surprised when tears flowed. Some of the best advice I can give to anyone on anything is to enter into it with low expectations or, if possible, no expectations. It's a win/win situation. If things go badly, no surprises or disappointments...if they go great, well, hot dog...celebrate!

I digress.

Like I said, the method is tedious. It begins with teaching your child how to sit correctly in a seat, hold his body correctly in the seated position, and how to hold his pencil correctly while also correctly using the "helper hand" to maintain control of the paper. All, according to this method, are essential to promoting a good foundation for READING. Yes, reading.

Close your mouth.

So, Monday we began. We prayed. Prayed for patience. Hannah was ready. Or so she thought. After repeatedly correcting her pencil grip and her seated position we were ready.

Ready to look at a clock.

Yes, a clock.

To understand where the pencil begins its formation of letters, this method refers to the numbers on a clock, primarily the 2, 4, 8, and 10.

You're drooling.

I modeled for her the formation of the letter "a" using the clock method. The author, Spalding, highly emphasizes that the way in which children form their letters directly coorelates with how they read them. Therefore, it is important that the child moves the pencil in the proper direction. It's interesting that Spalding also notes how often dyslexia is often the product of children not forming their letters in the proper direction, thus also causing them to read the letters in the backwards direction.

In addition to properly forming the letters with the aide of the clock visual, the child is also required to repeat the sounds that letter makes when writing it. This solidifies the sound with the letter by tapping into the visual, auditory, and kinestetic learning styles of the child.

It addresses all the phongrams (sounds) in the English language in this manner. So after we do all the letters of the alphabet, Hannah and I will then begin writing phongrams with more than one phoneme such as -eigh which has four phonemes but one phongram (sound).

Like I said, it's tedious. But I believe well worth the investment of our time and, yes, tears.

Hannah has already made progress in her handwriting. Did I mention it also requires the student to write on wide ruled paper? That also was a big adjustment, however, I am proud that Hannah can now keep her letters in the small space and sitting on the base line (most of the time).

Not only has it been a challenge academically, but it's produced an opportunity for character development. This is the most rigid environment Hannah has been in and the most challenging one. Therefore, I've had to remind her the importance of perserverance and an attitude that glorifies the Lord when things get hard. We even read a book about Helen Keller to show the product of perserverance in an academic environment. So when she says she can't do it, I can hang ol Helen over her head and remind her that she was blind, deaf, and mute but she learned to read and write. Take that. And now Helen Keller is on our most frequently read book list and the kids top choice to read at night (it's getting a little old).

And, it's been a huge opportunity for me to trust the Lord and beg Him for patience. By His grace, I have not lost my cool this week, though Hannah would say I have in the midst of her tears at the end of a lesson. She, however, misunderstands being "mean" with encouraging her to stick with it and finish the lesson.

I'll leave you with a picture of her work at the beginning of the week and the work she completed today. I will say, today I had tears in my eyes when she whipped out the letter "s" with such ease and confidence. I know, weird right? But when you are investing in something and someone so important it can't help but be emotional at times. I love this kid and I delight in seeing her successful, especially when it's come after much perserverance and tears.

Day 1

Day 2

Day 4

so this really DOES show improvement but I guess you'll have to take my word for it ;)

Swing Training

2012-01-04T16:12:00.000-08:00

Don't laugh. I like to think of myself to be in some fierce training. Swing training. It takes brut force, determination, and perserverance. Hence, the strained face.

And, like any extreme sport, yes I said extreme (the see saw swing eventually requires advanced skills that enable one to stand on the handles while soaring through the air), it takes focus. Focus that comes in the form on the Harman Tongue, a tongue that promises a heart that is focused on the task at hand.

Dare I remind you of this:

The combination of these attributes translate into this.

Pure, uninhibited joy,

so uninhibited that even the gift of sight is absent so that the exhuberance is in its purist form as it pulses through my blood.

Mommy's Moment: 2011

2011-12-31T18:02:00.000-08:00

Laura Beth encouraged me on her blog to reflect a bit on the past year.

And as I read her blog, I was reminded of how eventful 2011 was for many. Friends, family, our own nuclear family, all experiencing some drastic changes.

As a Christian, I know these changes to all be a part of God's magnificent plan. A plan that to us, looks all a blur as we stare at it up close. But I know there is a big picture. A big picture that when revealed is one that will most glorify the Lord and will be for our most good. Will we ever fully understand it? I don't think so on this side of heaven, but I know it to be good and best.

Romans 8:28 says, "And I know that all things work together for the good of those who love Him, who are the called according to His purpose."

2011 started out with a bang for us. My heart sank when John walked into this very room I am sitting now to tell me he lost his job. It was one of those circumstances that you think would be the unthinkable, especially with me being a stay at home mom and having no other source of income. But as John and I walked through it, I was often reminded of how the Lord provides grace for us to deal with the situtations He puts us in. While anxiety and heartache was there, it was not consuming. I was reminded...

"My grace is sufficient for you. For my power is made perfect in weakness." 2 Cor. 12:9

And as I look back on this year, I'm still a stay at home mom. This is nothing short of a miracle. Our circumstances screamed impossible. With John starting a new business that, like any new business, takes time to gain momentum, our finances were low. And yet, the year before John lost his job, he got a promotion. A promotion that allowed us to FINALLY put money into savings.

A savings that the Lord used for us during this past year.

And guess what? When we emptied that savings, almost to the day, the Lord poured financial provision on us through eight sold jobs in a matter of days! This after several months of no leads and definitely no sold jobs.

And I'm thankful. Thankful that in this financial "crisis" of sorts I'm still at home with my kids. It's my heart's desire to be at home with them. I believe the Lord, in our situation, has been faithful to provide in such a way for me to do that. And He has provided through John, a hardworker who has served us by doing whatever job available to make money for our family.

And as Laura Beth reminded me in her blog, our situation could be worse. The Lord could have chosen and could choose to move us in a different direction. I know there are so many more who have suffered and are suffering in more devastating ways. And I am reminded that our only hope in good times and in times of heartache and disappointment is the Lord.

I'm reminded of one of my favorite hymns that says,

"On Christ the Solid Rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand...

When darkness veils His lovely face, I rest on His unchanging grace...

Hi oath, His covenant, His blood, support me in the whelming flood. When all around my soul gives way, He then is all my hope and stay."

2011, a year that flooded us with opportunities to trust the Lord and to be reminded He alone is our Hope and our source of true Peace regardless of the situations we find ourselves in.

May 2012 continue to strengthen us in the Lord and draw us even more close to Him and may we cling to Him, the Solid Rock, no matter what the coming year holds.

Life Insurance

2011-12-30T17:49:00.000-08:00

Some may be embarassed by this.

But I'm not.

As I often say, "you dare not believe it."

But, we Harman kids, well, we tend to get along just fine.

Wait.

Not all of the time.

Like that time Hannah pushed me when I said I didn't want to play Jack and Emily. Or that time she pushed Kate because she kept knocking down her dollhouse. Or when she shoved me down the stairs. That was just plain malicious. And Kate, well, she likes to hit us as hard as she can with her milk cup. Or pull our hair. Mainly Hannah's because let's face it, Mommy and Daddy keep mine pretty short these days. And I, yes I, have been known to scream "I don't like you Hannah!" while burrowing my eyebrows and poking out my bottom lip.

So Mommy, maybe these pictures are for you.

You know, when we yell those things or shove each other down the flight of stairs secretly hoping the other will get hurt and you'll sympathize with our reasoning in pushing them.

It's for those times.

Times where you need to remember how awesome we are. How our bond is thicker than blood. How we genuinely care for one another.

So, this post is for you.

And for us.

Because let's face it. If these kindle warm fuzzy feelings inside of you, thus dispersing those, well, angry feelings it may just save us some harsh discipline.

with love,

your kind, loving, best friendies kids

Mommy's Moment: Christmas

2011-12-23T17:21:00.000-08:00

I've been well intentioned to document our Christmas festivities this year. However, blogging has been hard to get around to. Nevertheless, I'll give you a brief overview of our celebration this year.

Of course we started with the decorating of the tree.

Kate has been gracious and kept her little hands off of it for the most part. Here she is admiring an ornament from her first Christmas...way back last year.

Thanks to Grandmama, we had two ornaments to make while practicing patterns. We made a candy cane and a wreath.

We also enjoyed ~~making~~ decorating the gingerbread house. Thankfully, Publix, the awesome place they are, preassembled one. That works great for me because I lack any engineering expertise and apparently it comes in handy when putting one together.

We've also enjoyed an advent activity and our first attempt at a Jesse Tree. Half of it is accomplished. We'll try again next year.

We've drank hot cocoa, listened to Christmas music, and enjoyed the lights around town while also hosting a birthday party for Jesus and going to a friend's to decorate cookies. At night we read an advent storybook with an advent calendar. And as Grant enthusiastically exclaimed last night, "Mommy! We're almost to Beflehem!"

Hannah reminds me often that "the best Christmas gift is Jesus."

Though I am sure the limited focus on presents in short lived, I am thankful for Grant's response when asked what he wants for Christmas. "You can get me whatever you want Mommy."

While Hannah reminded me of the same today saying "we'll still play with it even if we don't like it because you get what you get."

Ha!

I'm thankful that, for now, the presents aren't as big of a focus as they could be.
Though I look forward to giving them their gifts just as the Lord delights in giving good gifts to His children.

I hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas.

Praise be to God for His most precious gift, His Son.

Too Much of a Good Thing

2011-12-18T14:40:00.000-08:00

I'm beginning to think it may just be possible to have too much of a good thing, in this case, chocolate. Do you ever feel this way after over indulging: bloated, low energy, and just plain sick to your stomach? It ain't pretty. Next time I'll take smaller bites, eat more slowly, and wait 15 minutes between sessions to make sure I need those next 15 bites. Lesson learned.

Can I Get Down Now?

2011-12-17T07:47:00.000-08:00

Sometimes, climbing in trees isn't all it's cracked up to be.

Stud

2011-12-13T13:06:00.000-08:00

There's an occasional time when I take off my p.j.'s and don something, well, more refined. Especially if it's because Mommy says we've got to take some pictures for our Christmas card.

Feeling rather photogenic, I agreed to let Mommy shoot some pictures of me in front of the fence. She was feeling out the lighting. I simply provided some eye candy.

And while modeling will never, EVER, be in my future (let's face it, my dad's a hunter, I'm destined to become one too), I will relish in a little photo op for the blog and one day that scrapbook that has only a few pages of me while Hannah's consists of two solid books of photos of her...but that's another story for another day. Hey, at least I have a book, poor Kate doesn't even have that going for her.

I digress.

So, eat your heart out Nick Jonas, Justin Bieber and whoever else may be my competition for the camera's eye. It landed on me, I'm afraid it may just stay.

Mommy's Moment: Why I am a Homebody

2011-12-12T20:04:00.000-08:00

My friend, Laura Beth and I found ourselves amazed at how difficult it is to load three kids into a car. A feat, that, to many, seems simple. However, not for us. Our conversation today reminded me of last Thursday.

Sit down, have some coffee, this may take awhile.

Thursdays are our errands day. Usually that consists of a run to Publix and possibly CVS. This past Thursday both of those were on the list as well as a local consignment store. And, in the back of my mind, I added Chick Fil A or McDonald's. Hey, we'd be gone through lunch. And while that may seem like a small feat with three kids, it paled in comparison to loading them into the car. Let me explain.

There is an art to loading the car. Especially when it's cold outside and you've got a few things to add to the loading besides the kids. It's an art that sometimes I've got. And other times, I don't. Thursday, I didn't.

First, there's the obvious. Get the kids dressed to be presentable. You laugh, but that's hard. This requires brushing teeth, hair, and finding matching clothes as well as a matching bow for Hannah. And, now that it's cold it means rounding up socks. Socks that Grant can't yet, or I believe refuses, to put on by himself.

Then there's the timing. Kate is napping. Kate likes to be held for a bit upon awaking from her nap. Errand day does not allow such a priviledge. I have to factor this in, meaning, upon getting her out of her crib we all have to be ready to go straight to the car. Otherwise, we'll have a screaming, clinging baby on our hands.

And guess what, I got her out too soon.

After dressing my already fussy Kate, I realized I forgot to load the items to take to the consignment store. In fact, I never rounded up a bag for them. I had to put Kate down to do this.

She screamed.

I frantically rounded up my consignment items to the tune of "AAAAAAAAAAAA!" while screaming to Hannah and Grant to get their shoes on. And in the process of finding their shoes, there always, ALWAYS ensues a search for a missing shoe to a pair. On top of that, I couldn't let Kate go shoeless. Not a cold day. What kind of mother would I appear to be? In all reality I'm really totally fine with letting her go in just socks but, I knew I'd get comments. And putting shoes on Kate is like putting a shoe on an elephant. It's impossible. She's squirmy. Her feet hardly move easily into them. This alone sent my blood pressure up.

I snag my coupons and grocery list, grab the consignment clothes and toys, make sure the diaper bag has wipes and diapers...

And then,

race outside to place them all in the car. While there, I realize one carseat was uprooted. Have I ever mentioned I HATE carseats? It was Kate's seat. She still sat in the infant carrier (hey, she's small). Not today. Today was a day of change because Mama had no time or patience to rework the infant carrier. So, I head to the garage where a booster seat sat. It was time to move Kate up in the world anyways. No, not in a booster seat. That would be Hannah's. I'm not that crazy. I throw the booster seat in while Kate comes toddling out of the house in the cold air screaming. Thinking we'd be leaving in a jiff, I plop her into the new big kid car seat and strap her in tightly. I throw Hannah in her booster seat while trying to answer her inquisitive questions about the new seating arrangement.

Back in the house, Grant refuses to leave without blankey. On a search, he whimpers as he tries so hard to find him. Thankfully this attempt did not end in a meltdown as it so often does. After blankey was recovered, I added him to the car. Buckled him in. Went back to the house to lock the door. And jumped in the driver's seat. Ready to go. Finally.

No keys.

I looked all over the van. In the meantime, the kids were freezing. Kate, now having sat there for too long, looked unhappy with the situation. And, having left in a, uh, hurry my kids had no coats. Not to fear, Hannah says, as she pulls a coat off of the floor of the van. Being messy came in handy that cold day.

Believing I left the keys in the house I return to the front door only to realize it was locked.

A bit frantic, I go back to the van to be reminded of how cold my kids were. Envisioning frost bite and the whole story of ALIVE I think, We'll just drive to a friend's house. Only to be reminded I have no keys to do that. It must have been delirium setting in. Thankfully, common sense returned to me and I realized I had the garage door opener and possibly, quite possibly, the door to the house inside the garage door was unlocked.

Eureka. Success. It was.

I reenter the house. The search begins. Hearing Hannah screaming at the top of her lungs back in the van, I realize I've been in the house too long and still had no keys. I go back to the van to search, making sure this time to leave the house unlocked. No luck.

I return BACK to the UNLOCKED house to finally find my keys sitting in the most obvious spot.

Close the garage door. Lock the front door. Shut all the van doors. Get in the driver's seat. And BAM. We're finally ready to go...only oh, 45 minutes after we had planned to leave.

And that folks is the long version of why I am a homebody.

Mommy's Moment: Picnic Time

2011-12-05T13:59:00.000-08:00

I like to create memories for the kids.

You know, those times they'll look back on when they're older and say, "hey, remember when...yeah, that was a lot of fun."

The problem is, those memorable moments always look like a "Kodak Moment" in my mind and yet fail to translate so picture perfectly in real life.

Why should I be surprised?

One thing I like to do with the kids is have indoor picnics. We make a special meal, spread a blanket out in the den, and watch a movie.

What could be disasterous about that?

A LOT.

That is, when a 13 month old child jumps in.

And not to mention a rental from the Blockbuster kiosk that disappoints.

John was hunting overnight.

The kids and I were on our way to Publix to snag a $1 movie rental. First disappointment. I'd been building up watching Cars 2 for the day. They were pumped.

Until, Cars 2 was not available. Strike one.

Trying not to miss a beat, I exclaim with an overly enthusiastic tone that they have other great movies to rent.

Like Rio (soon to be strike two).

Back at the hacienda...

All was moving quite well. The kids were preparing the picnic blanket. I was making french fries, heating up some nuggets, with a warm fuzzy feeling inside about our fun night head.

The movie was playing in the background. It looked cute. The kids were being drawn in...

Until...

it froze...well for a second...then we'd get a snippet of action before it froze again. Repeat this sequence for about five minutes. It was as though we were on a rollercoaster that couldn't quite get going. Stop. Go. Stop. Go. Until you feel like you have whip lash.

Dead set on making this work, I restarted the movie after blowing in the DVD player and wiping down the DVD. Thanks to Hollywood, we were forced to watch all the previews again. Ask me anything about the Yogi Bear movie. I'll deliver.

As soon as we returned to the movie, I discovered my efforts proved fruitless. We were back in the awkward jerking pattern. Yet, I was still relentless.

We started it again. and possibly again. While the kids were perfectly fine, my blood was boiling.

To add to these memorable moments, my head strong Kate refused to sit in her booster seat to eat. What did I do? Well like any good, disciplined, focused mom...I allowed her out. And what ensued was icing on the cake. As she meandered around the den with french fries and nuggets in hand she managed to leave trails of half eaten food. When she gummed all her food and left it mercilessly on the carpet, she then proceeded to pilfer from her siblings causing what could have become World War 3.

So, there we sit, watching Rio in half second snippets while Hannah and Grant hover over their food like it was their last meal as Kate totters about leaving a trail of wet, smashed nuggets and fries as though they were part of an egg hunt.

Again, a reminder that in motherhood, it's best to go into every situation with no expectations...especially if that expectation is a Kodak Moment.

Rite of Passage

2011-12-01T19:48:00.000-08:00

A rite of passage apparently in the Harman Hood is pushing your older sibling in their big wheel. It started with Grant pushing Hannah...

And, it continues with me, pushing Grant.

Okay, okay, I know what you're thinking...that Kate is buff. I am tough, I will admit. And strong. And I ain't skeerd to work those attributes for all to see. Toddlers and Tiaras..whatever. More like Babies and Bulge for me.

Lessons Learned

2011-11-27T09:42:00.000-08:00

When's Mommy gonna learn?

You see, she gets busy.

I get fussy.

It seems her go-to fix for these problems is...well...food.

I like food.

Okay you Biggest Loser fans, it seems like I'm headed down a dangerous path, right?

Fear not, I'm well aware food does not bring peace to my heart.

And, I do have carrots on my tray.

But, you see, that's not my point.

When Mommy puts my siblings in charge of me while she's busy, well, it never turns out too neatly.

When Mommy said, "give Kate a few more goldfish..." well, Grant dumped the bag on the tray.

And, without consulting Mommy, they thought it'd be swell to put whole baby carrots on my tray. Maybe it was the adjective "baby" that confused them.

Does it look like I have rabbit teeth to gnaw through that? As you can tell, I wasn't successful.

Fortunately she finally came to my rescue...

just in time to snap this totally awesome picture of what appears to be a golfish hanging from my nose.

No, I'm not that talented.

Just lucky.

Christmas Challenge

2011-11-26T18:18:00.000-08:00

I added one more item to my Christmas stash for the kids. Kate was short an item. I know she will never have a clue, but I will. So, thanks to Fab.com I received a $10 credit that I used for this...

A must have, right, for every one year old?

Originally this is $19.99. With the Fab.com discount and the $10 credit, it became $3.99 and then the lovely $4.95 shipping bumped it up to $8.94. Still, though, more than half off.

But wait, there's more! You too can receive the $10 credit if shop at Fab.com! It's good through Monday. And, if your 1 year old is in the market for an engaging pull along toy, well you too can get it for $8.94. And it's guaranteed to get here before Christmas. Awesome huh? And if you click on any one of my Fab.com links I'll get credit. Isn't it lovely how that works?

So, here's my Christmas challenge total:

Oh and I'm still planning on getting Kate a pillow pet too, but banking on my $25 Amazon gift card that's in the mail to get here in time to order it.

The smaller items will be going in their stockings.

Total Spent: $53.72

Toys bought: 2 pillow pets,4 hairbows, a dollhouse with accessories, Citiblocs, a rainmaker, GeoBaby, Iron Man shooter (a gift I got a year ago), Lego Walkie Talkies, Mario coin bank, a vintage barbie (I got a year ago), a gear toy (I got a year ago), and a pull along toy, 2 chapsticks from Target's dollar section, the coloring tablecloth

The vintage Barbie I got at Target's winter sale last year. I spent $11.23. The gear toy I got during last year's black Friday for probably about $9. And the Iron Man mask and shooter I got at last year's black Friday for about $6. So, if I factor those prices in my total spent is:

$79.95 which will be my grand total, as long as that Amazon card gets here soon!

For fun..here's what I would have paid if I paid full price for all of this:

$370.54 (based on Amazon prices)

A savings of almost $300!

Not bad!

Mommy's Moment: Contributions

2011-11-18T20:29:00.000-08:00

I have made some contributions.

I'm not talking about to orphanages, pregnancy resource centers, or homeless shelters.

No, I'm talking about something much more vain than that.

My genetic contributions to my children.

You see it seems I get this...

"Oh they look just like John."

or

"When are you going to bear kids that look like you?"

or

"That's a spitting image of John."

I love my husband. I love what he contributes to our children.

But I carried these children for nine months and bore them...

I'd like to think my contributions are appreciated as well.

So today, I took matters into my own hands...or uh, scanner.

My first act of scanning...(after a year of owning a scanner)

to prove I did have some genes enter into my children.

Perhaps I'm setting myself up for failure.

But here I go...

I tend to think Grant resembles me the most.

GASP.

But, I have some proof.

Grant at 2 Me at 2

Come on, do you see it? Something? A glimmer of Hart inside his body?

I like to think we share the same full face (not my proudest asset) along with our coloring.

So, what's your thought?

Only share it if it agrees with mine.

I need to hear you say it.

Just say it...

Grant looks like me...

(taken from a line in Far and Away...read the last part with an Irish accent...it'll pack more of a punch, trust me.)

Conversations with...Grant

2011-11-15T14:50:00.000-08:00

In the car with the windows down...

Me: Grant, I'm rolling up the windows, make sure your hands are away from it.

Grant: because I have "pwecious" hands. pause. And you have "pwecious" hands too.

At dinner:

Me: who wants to pray?

Grant: me! Dear Jesus, thank you for sweet Hannah, sweet Mommy, sweet Daddy, sweet Kate. Amen.

How I Roll

2011-11-14T18:48:00.000-08:00

This is how I roll.

Milk in hand. A little bead bling around my neck. And some mean Winnie the Pooh on my shirt. And some milk dribbling from my chin.

Don't freak.

I know it's fierce.

This is just how I roll.

Conversations with...Hannah

2011-11-14T14:50:00.000-08:00

Hannah: Mommy will you look like that when you're old?

Me: No.

Hannah: when I grow up and you and Daddy are old, I'll make you supper.

Me: that's be awesome.

Five Minute Friday: Unexpected

2011-11-11T06:47:00.000-08:00

Unexpected...

when that pregnancy test almost six years ago showed two lines

and when just a short year and a half later, another one did

Unexpected...

when the sonographer tells you that the third little baby no longer is viable

Or when you find that check laying on the floor that will pull you through a tough financial time

Unexpected...

when your husband comes home early from work to tell you he lost his job...for being honest

Unexpected...

a sweet surprise of a fourth life growing inside of you

But the most glorious unexpected happens in the midst of a world that thrives on self accomplishment. The better you perform, the better accolades, applause, rewards. What you do directly affects what you receive.

Unexpected is "while we were still sinners Christ DIED for us..."

Unexpected is unmerited, scandelous grace that says...your reward is not dependent on your actions. In fact, you have NOTHING that can present you acceptable in my eyes. SO, I will give you Christ who makes you acceptable. Not because you are good. Not because you work hard. Not because you are moral. But because it pleases Him.

And so, for those of us who have Christ dwelling in us...we experienced and are experiencing the most unexpected. . .the eternal goodness of the Lord through His Son, Jesus. A reward that deserves perfection on our part but is impossible to attain. So, Christ did the unexpected, He attained it for us.

Praise be to Him for the Unexpected.

John and Kate Plus Distaste?

2011-11-10T12:23:00.000-08:00

So yeah, our relationship gets a little rocky. Perhaps that's the way it goes for John and Kate combos.

But, it's rocky because, well, of juice.

He has some. I don't.

And it seems he has no interest in sharing but rather is taking full pleasure in gloating about the fact I'm stuck with milk.

Distasteful.

So this is how it's gonna be John?

Homeschool Diaries: A Refreshed Perspective

2011-11-09T12:10:00.000-08:00

Fortunately, my lack of homeschool blogging is not a reflection of our actual homeschooling.

We are moving along and have finally completed the alphabet! And with the completion of the alphabet Hannah is becoming a stronger and stronger reader. I love to hear her sounding out words as we go about our day in the car or on errands. She is confidently reading her Bob books with little help. It makes me happy to see her running to grab her books to read them to me.

And as she is growing in her love for reading, I am growing in my love for a classical education. And, for those of you who know me well, when I start to love something, you know like Christian rap artists Flame and LeCrae and the whole coupon thing...I like to talk and talk about it! I get fired up.

A former public school teacher, I was skeptical of this method. But now, I can't stop talking about it. I was fortunate enough to go to a practicum for Classical Conversations two weeks ago. It was here where I finally felt like I was 100% on board with educating our kids through this method. And excited about it.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with the model, like I was just a short while ago, it's method that focuses on the three stages of learning: grammar, dialectic, and rhetoric.

We are in the grammar stage: memorizing the basic facts or "grammar" of math, history, science, language arts, and latin. The kids in no way are expected to know the meaning behind these facts at this point. They are only committing them to memory.

In 3rd or 4th grade (can't remember..think it's fourth) they move into the dialectic stage where they begin making sense of those facts now committed to memory. They begin organizing them and using those facts.

Finally, they move into the rhetoric stage (high school age) where they take all that they learned and apply it to their life.

An example is like a computer: input (grammar), processing (dialectic), and output (rhetoric)

An example in music would be memorizing the music notes in the grammar stage. In the dialectic stage the student would then use the basic facts about the notes and what they look like to start playing music or reading music. Finally in the rhetoric stage, the student would then not only play music but be able to write his/her own.

Another great example is studying the Bible. In college I was introduced to the method: observation, interpretation, application. Same thing here. Observation is like the grammar stage, gathering facts in a verse/passage. Then, the dialectic stage is the interpretation of that passage...taking those facts and beginning to make sense of them. Finally, the rhetoric stage would be applying what you learned through the interpretation in your own life.

Okay, so I could go on and on. But these examples were very enlightening to me with how the method worked.

Of course I love that the goal of Classical Conversations is to know God and to make Him known.

And in the midst of the grammar stage of memorizing we are also learning to read, working on basic math skills, and delving into some crafts.

So, here we are, homeschooling. And, actually enjoying it. Who'd a thought?!

Today, we had a small victory...Grant finally held his writing utensil (a dry erase marker) the RIGHT WAY. We've had many a tears with trying to hold it correctly. And with some great advice from other moms at Classical Conversations, Grant cheerifully held the marker the right way and practiced writing his G. He was adamant to write a G so I let him. And Hannah is finally writing her name correctly, meaning not in all caps. Just the fact we accomplished this today made me happy!

I'll leave you with their proud work:

My Chariot Awaits

2011-11-06T12:41:00.000-08:00

I've got a cush life. Like a queen.

I can't complain.

My brother and sister wait on me hand and foot. They even designed my own special "chariot." Fitting for a queen, right?

Okay, so it's a cardboard box but that pillow, well that pillow makes it extra special. It shows they care. They care about my comfort. And queens need to be comfortable.

And so, as I take my royal ride, I close my eyes and visualize being escorted through the palace streets.

But in the midst of that visualization I come to a startling thought...

were chariots more for war? Should I be picturing myself going into battle? Okay, that could put a damper on my whole post. War, really? I don't like that idea. I'm not ready for such a heavy thematic dream. Not only does this idea become unsettling it also impedes my otherwise pleasant ride, soon crashing me back into reality.

You know, like this...

All because I lack an education vivid enough to portray the accurate details to entertain my imagination, thus catapulting me into a hazardous situation.

How embarassing.

It just goes to show kids, an education is even an important part of our imaginations.

So...

Learn your facts. Stay in school. Or your posh chariot ride may turn into a war tragedy.

Five Minute Friday: Remember

2011-11-04T17:49:00.000-07:00

Would I remember this....

if I didn't have a photo or a blog to pin it up as though it were a bulletin board?

Because today, she's now this...

4 and half years have passed. And with each passing year I find things hard to remember.
As I watch Kate waddling across the room I can't help but try to picture Grant doing the same at that age, and yet, I can't.

Funny how memories fade. Fade too quickly. They move so fast that I can only see them as a fog slowly lifting away.

And so, I have this blog. Yes, an outlet to write and to share but more importantly it is my place to remember. Because all too quickly that moment I swear I'll remember soon becomes muddled in that fog of memories that occupy my mind in a dreamlike way.

So, I fight to remember with each picture I post and with each word I pen.

O Brother Where Art Thou?

2011-11-01T17:20:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, I cry...

O Brother, where art thou? When you're beyond my gaze.

When I find you, I'm determined not to lose you.

So, I hold on to you.

And, I get comfortable because, well, I don't want to lose you again.

So, don't even think about getting away. Because, I'll stick to you like white on rice.

I'll refuse to let you go.

Or as Rose says to Jack on the floating board in the icy waters as hypothermia rages through their bodies, "I'll never let go, I'll never let go."

Mommy's Moment: If You Give Your Son a Blankie

2011-10-28T13:24:00.000-07:00

If you give your son a blankie he'll probably become attached to it.

Being attached to it, he'll drag it everywhere he goes. And when he wets the bed, pee will drench it.

Upon smelling the blankie, you'll realize, you need to wash it, desperately.

Recognizing the absence of the blankie, your son will cry. Incessantly.

You'll create a diversion. It will last two minutes.

As your undiverted son stands expectantly by the laundry room door, he'll realize it's going to take longer than he thought.

He'll play with his sister.

Upon playing with his sister, he gets walloped in the head. He cries. He searches for blankie only to realize he's still in the washer.

His screech-like wails permeate the house, reminding you to switch it to the dryer. AND FAST.

30 long minutes later when the dryer finally beeps, you grab the blankie.

With Jackie-Joyner like speed, you race to toss the blankie over the balcony to appease the discouraged son.

As you toss it over the balcony, the fan intercepts it.

As you think how to successfully remove the blankie from the fan, you see how dirty the fan is.

You pull out the extended duster.

Upon swiping the blankie off the fan, you've also managed to swipe a blanket of dust off of the fan and....onto the previously clean blankie.

When the blankie lands onto the floor, you'll realize it is dirty again.

You have to wash it again.

And chances are, when you take the blankie away to wash it, you'll realize yet again, how attached your son is to it and how stupid you were in ever giving him a blanket to get attached to in the first place.

Christmas Challenge

2011-10-27T15:00:00.000-07:00

I think I'm done. Or really close.

I've been saving Amazon credit to buy Hannah a new dollhouse. It wasn't this one. I was saving up for the My Loving Family Grand Dollhouse. However, at the local consignment shop I'm using to sell clothes and toys I stumbled across this dollhouse.

It's smaller. But it's also cheaper. And it came with people and furniture. Granted, it is used but in mint condition. So I bought it. The good news, I had around $28 in store credit thanks to items I'd sold. I ended up paying $15 out of pocket. Also, I'm happy to not have a lot invested in it just in case(which happens frequently here)she realizes it wasn't her deepest desire to have a dollhouse after all.

And, that $25 I had in Amazon credit, I used to buy Grant this...

They were $19.99 but I spent $0. I think he and Hannah will have a blast with these. So, here's where I'm at...

Total spent: $42.78

Total remaining: $57.22

Total gifts bought: 2 pillow pets, one dollhouse, walkie talkies, mario brothers coin bank, GeoBaby toy, rainmaker, coloring/reusable table cloth, Citiblocs, 4 hairbows

10 gifts (counting the bows as one)averaging out to $4.28 each.

Not bad.

I may get Kate one more toy. I have a toy in my gift closet that I've had for a year that likely will go under the tree for her. I also may switch the coloring table cloth for a Barbie I've also had in my gift closet for a year. It's a retro Barbie I snagged for dirt cheap at the Target toy clearance last winter. I think Hannah would love it. If I do, I'll adjust the price. And I may buy a few little things for their stockings. But I think as far as big gifts go, I'm done. I try to keep Christmas simple...giving them three gifts each with a few stocking stuffers. Though, I'm tempted when I find a deal to add something more, though I'm trying to not do that. I don't want to be labeled a hoarder!!

My Butterfly Party

2011-10-26T19:38:00.000-07:00

Did I tell you I turned one? I know Mommy did, but did I? Did you know I had a party? It seems somehow Hannah got to choose my theme. Butterflies. It wouldn't have been my first pick but seeing as though I can't talk (however I'm a great writer, funny) my opinion isn't worth much.

Had I chosen, we would be celebrating with a Tigger Mardi Gra theme.

Because I love Tigger. And I love to put on Mardi Gra beads (I'll explain another day).

But, on with the butterfly party.

Apparently, with a birthday comes a cake.

Here's mine:

This is me eating my cake.

No surprise, right? I'm a heifer when it comes to food. So when that sugary cake was set before me, I knew what I had to do.

And I did.

Shamelessly.

And that wasn't the only sugar available at my party.

There were also cookies. Butterfly cookies, of course. Ready to decorate. With lots of sugary icing. Mmmm. And while my party wasn't short on sugar, it was on my guests. It seems my birthday is a popular date for other activities and so my party guests consisted of my siblings, and my cousin Luke, who is also too young to decorate cookies.

Hannah and Grant were in heaven. And thankfully my grandparents were all there to enjoy their sugary creations.

I had a bite or two.

For some reason many packages adorned our fireplace. Hannah and Grant opened them. Apparently they're for me. But as you can tell from my photo, I am more concerned with other important things. Don't ask me what. However, Grant seems to have enough enthusiasm for the two of us as he opens my presents. In this case, a darling outfit from my bud, Lincoln. Grant's impressed.

One present that caught my eye right away was this beauty. Perhaps because it wasn't wrapped and just screamed, "crawl through me." So I did. Many enthusiastic times. Just stopping occassionally for a photo op.

In case you forgot my name, here I am posing in front of it. And no, that's not a smudge on your computer screen. That is a bruise on my head, accompanied by a goose egg. Compliments of the corner of our toy chest/coffee table.

Here I am, preparing for Toddlers and Tiaras. My talent, tight rope walking.

Like any good party, this one wore me out. I partied hard. There's nothing like relaxing in my favorite chair while sipping on some cool milk to calm a girl down. And it doesn't hurt to look good while doing it.

When Photography Becomes Dangerous...

2011-10-21T20:14:00.000-07:00

I like photos. I think they're great. And sure, it's great Mommy takes so many pictures. We'll have no excuse for not having a well documented childhood.

But come on. Trying to get three kids ages five and under to all pose perfectly for a photo well...

It can get dangerous. I've got proof...

Where is the line drawn? When somebody gets hurt? Because it sure looks like we've crossed that line here. Just a few more seconds and my face would be blue. And yet, there's Mommy, digging her heels in, just hoping this choke hold will magically turn into a positive experience with smiles gracing all of our faces.

We all know that didn't happen.

So, when does Mommy have to resign herself to the fact that those photo gifts she wants to make...oh and those Christmas cards...are probably going to have to look something like this....

Because, let's face it, her expecations are WAY TOO HIGH and this is us in real life...because what three kids are genuinely smiling, looking in the same direction and seated perfectly still simultaneously while wearing clothes that match (it's a major accomplishment if Hannah's or Grant's personal shirts and pants match let alone compliment one another)?

But maybe there are kids out there who've made this expectation believable.

If you know those kids, I'd like to meet um. Because they're making us look bad. And turning photography into a dangerous endeavor for its subjects.

Stop the madness.

Just stop.

Conversations with...Grant

2011-10-18T11:56:00.000-07:00

Leaving Publix today....

Grant: Dear Jesus, thank you for Mommy, Daddy, Hannah, Grant, and Kate. Amen.

Mommy, pway without ceasin', wight?

Me: Yes, buddy, you're exactly right.

Christmas Challenge

2011-10-16T13:01:00.000-07:00

You guessed it. I snagged this coin bank for Grant's Christmas. He is a huge Super Mario Brothers fan as well as a coin fan(this should bring back memories for my loyal readers). And, thanks to Nomorerack I snagged this for $8 total, which, between me and you, looks like it should not be worth much more than that. But, believe it or not, it costs $30. Grant actually came in the office when I saw this deal and asked me if it was on sale because he'd like that. Hopefully he'll still think it's awesome come Christmas morning.

Nomorerack is, you guessed it, another daily deal site. It has 8 new deals starting at 12pm daily. Some of the deals are cheapo, but some are really good. Most of the items are marked down 75%-90% off! They usually always have a kids' deal and then lots of other different deals...clothing, jewelry, etc. for adults. Then, the best part, shipping is ALWAYS $2. That way, you're not making up for the money you saved in the shipping cost.

If you've never signed up, click the link(s) above. Yes, I receive credit but I get credit by you simply signing up, not buying anything. Then, when I get x amount of friends who've signed up, I can get certain rewards. There was a Wii game I could get for the kids with 40 friends.

Oh yeah, a month or so ago I got Hannah and Kate two hairbows each FOR FREE (including shipping) from Savemore. I will put these in their stockings.

So, here's my Christmas breakdown:

total spent: $27.78

total left: $72.22

total gifts bought: 2 pillow pets, Super Mario coin bank, reusable coloring table cloth, Citiblox, Gbaby toy, rainmaker, four hairbows($3.97 per item...not including the hairbows)

Mommy's Moment: My Dear Kate

2011-10-14T06:11:00.000-07:00

My Dear Kate,

My have you taken me for a ride this past year. I shall call you, "Marches to Her Own Beat, (that is if we were Native Americans)."

Let's start from the beginning:

1) you, my dear, were the only child to be induced, but that I can blame on your "almost 10 pound" brother. But perhaps that's what put you on your own path. So then, maybe all of this should be blamed on Grant. Wait, that's not fair.

2) your sleeping patterns were, well, non existant. There was no pattern. While Hannah and Grant slept through the night early on, you, my dear, slept through the night at about, ten months. It was while sitting in the dark nursery at 3 am that I realized I was still on a somewhat newborn schedule with my 9 MONTH OLD and that something had to give, it was you, though it took another good month for you to realize that.

3)When it came to nursing, you were my champ. My sweet Hannah, well, while she nursed, she was finicky, in ways I won't delve into in this setting. And Grant will always be dubbed "the formula baby" because his finicky nature landed him straight on the "failure to thrive" list and right onto the bottle. You, my dear, however are thriving mighty fine. So fine I'm a bit clueless as to how the weaning process will come to a successful ending, meaning only sippy cups.

4) Let's talk about walking. You've made your mark. At 11 months you are well on your way to being an independent walker. Your siblings gave me more time to catch my breath between crawling and walking while you, well, you didn't. This suits you though. You're quite a ham. Quite forward with your little guy friends and usually the first to make a move. You ain't skeerd.

5) Back to food...well, we all read that last post. You take "being a ham" to a whole new level. There is no food you won't eat, except baby food. I don't blame you. I've never seen such ferociousness when it comes to eating.

6)You're my only baby I had to call poison control on. In your independence you snuck away from me to eat shampoo. I have a feeling it was more than a taste...hence...my number five. Obviously, you're okay.

7) You've taken eczema to a whole new level, to the point where people see your legs and think you've been eaten by mosquitos. We'll work on that.

8) You're a dare devil. You go after it. Rarely is there fear in your eyes. You fell in the bathtub. When I quickly pulled you out my breath was held, waiting for the incessant crying to begin. It never did. Instead, you tried to do it again. Bathtime has never been the same. It's like trying to handle a wet turkey.

9) Your thighs, they're so much chubbier than your siblings'. Sometimes I just stare. To most, you are little, to me you are a CHUNK. Again, we'll attribute that to number 2 and number 5.

10) You've been dragged out of your bed one too many times to go with us on errands. You've been forced to stay awake longer than you could handle to go to an event. You've been subjected to the constant jabs, hugs, pulls, and manuevering by your siblings. All because you're our third baby.

You've rocked my world baby Kate. In my growing "mommy comfortability," you, my dear, thrust me out of it. The Lord has used you to
humble me and make me see yet again, my never ending need for Him. I've swallowed my pride several times as I've parented you this past year.

Sucker before one...check

upset schedule...check, check, check

crawling around on the chalk covered patio so I could get one thing done...check

nursing to sleep...check

allowing sister to carry you across the room...check

feeding you one too many goldfish so I could make dinner...check

allowing you to EAT an old goldfish on the floor...check

introducing whole milk at ten months...check

And the list goes on...

And while you have a sharp temper at times...most of the time you're all smiles and just "roll with it."

My dear baby Kate, I love you. I am thankful for your sweet life. I am thankful the Lord created you at just the right time.

Happy Birthday little one.

A Love Affair

2011-10-10T17:51:00.000-07:00

I have a love affair.

with food.

I don't care who knows.

Not only do I enjoy the taste of it, but I enjoy the feel of it.

I love to smear it all across my face, to rub it in my hair, to leave some behind in my ears.

And don't you dare think I'll eat baby food. That's for amateurs whose palets have yet to develop.

Mine is fully developed.

When I see peanut butter and jelly, I convulse. I thrust my body forward to get even an inch closer to this delicacy.

Grapes, ahh, grapes grab me. They draw me in with their vibrant green and their juicy plumpness.

I shovel broccoli in my mouth as if it were my last meal.

I'll devour a pizza the size of my face.

And I make drinking milk look like a marathon runner guzzling Powerade after his 26.2 mile journey.

Needless to say, my ability to clean my plate(and my cup) puts my brother and sister to shame.

And even their threats won't stop this love affair. Nope. I've yet to find a piece of food that I won't eat. And until that happens, I'll be cleaning my plate and all the while earning those bonus points to cash in for when that day comes.

There's a New Bugger in Town

2011-10-09T18:43:00.000-07:00

And you thought Hannah was impressive.

Yep, that's me, 11 months, already getting my groove on.

If memory serves me correctly (or word on the street), Hannah was not making such drastic Wheely Bug moves so soon.

What can I say, I'm a thrill seeker.

Look out world, there's a new Wheely Bugger in town.

No, really, look out. I'm still a little wobbly.

Five Minute Friday: Ordinary

2011-10-07T12:19:00.000-07:00

It's in the ordinary the extraordinary happens.

As those ordinary moments unfold opportunites unfold.

In those everday moments when my children throw fits, scream at each other, refuse to pick up, hit each other, the extraordinary is there.

In those everyday moments when I lose my patience, use unkind words, pursue selfish avenues, the extraordinary is there.

It's in the ordinary that the gospel unfolds.

In those moments the Lord presents an opportunity for me to remind my children of their need for a Savior.

In those moments the Lord reminds me of why He has saved me.

Therefore, in those ordinary moments, I should rejoice. Rejoice yet again in the beauty of the gospel.

Rejoice that the Lord, Himself, has taken upon Him my punishment. And given me His righteousness.

Rejoice again for the opportunity to share that beauty with my children.

Today I will choose to rejoice in the ordinary for the reminder of the extraordinary.

Mommy's Moment: Flame

2011-10-05T11:57:00.000-07:00

Thanks to my good friend Courtney, fellow sister-in-Christ and lover of hip/hop and rap, I'm really loving Flame. He's a theologically sound Christian rapper who implements straight Scripture in his music. I know, when you think of Christian rap you probably think, cheesy. But when I first listened to him I got goosebumps. It's powerful and right up there with your secular rap as far as the sound goes. Check it out!

Conversations with...Grant

2011-10-04T10:58:00.000-07:00

On the way home from CC today...

after stopping to get my FREE Route 44 drink at Sonic...

me: yay! I got another coupon for a free Route 44!

Grant: Mommy, you need to pray to God to thank Him for your two coupons.

me: you're absolutely right

One Thousand Gifts:171-180

2011-10-03T13:02:00.000-07:00

My time is short but we have experienced an abundance of the Lord's provision the past week and a half...

#171- EIGHT sold jobs in a matter of DAYS. This is an abundance of provision, especially after going through a 6 week dry spell with no calls or any interest shown in the business.

#172- friends and family who have diligently been praying for work for John's business.

#173- a free movie ticket to see Courageous last night.

#174- a Christian movie like Courageous that uses the talents of believers to communicate the gospel and other Scriptural truths to its audience.

#175- in the midst of financial uncertainty, the Lord's provision that allows me to continue to stay at home with my children

#176- hearing my children repeat sound doctrine and Scriptural truth as we go through the catechisms almost daily

#177- a night out to eat at Chick-fil-a for Hannah's birthday...finally, a night off from cooking!

#178- being able to tell my children that yes, we will likely be able to go to the pumpkin patch this year.

#179- a "Sonic fairy" who so sneakily dropped a gift card to Sonic in my bag at church a couple of Sundays ago. Whoever you are, thank you. We enjoyed it immensely.

#180- 2 cool FREE new board games through House Party...my local ladies, I'm seeing a game night in our future.

Thank you Lord for your ABUNDANT provision.

Homeschool Diaries: Our First Field Trip

2011-10-03T08:03:00.000-07:00

We did it.

Deep breath out.

Our first homeschool field trip.

Add some company for the ride, our good friends Ada, John and Mrs. Laura Beth,and the van was "jumpin' jumpin'." And filled with the most common question a child can ask,

"are we there yet?" times 3 kids times 4 times asked each.

And yes, an hour later, we were, along with our good friends, the Hollinheads and the Means.

And the fun had just begun.

We traveled to a train museum that promised us a train ride. And in our kids' eyes, that's the only reason we drove an hour to the museum. TO RIDE THAT TRAIN.

So, needless to say, upon arriving that famous question, "are we there yet?" quickly changed into "when are we going to ride the train?"

Little did our naive children know that the museum trip also included a train scavenger hunt complete with questions to find answers to. Lots of answers. Apparently our kids are unaware that field trips are educational and require building knowledge into those little brains.

Knowledge about...magnetic trains.

Yes, that's about all I gathered from that scavenger hunt because most of our time was spent corraling 7 little ones and making sure they followed the rules.

Following the rules was important. And, for Hannah, I believe she walked away from that trip knowing less about magnetic trains and more about following the rules.

In the midst of chasing down clues to the scavenger hunt, my 5 year old daughter got chased down by a small, yet VERY FIREY, elderly woman.

She loves rules.

And apparently, after seeing Hannah run a few steps to a train on display, chose to make an example out of her with her passion for rules.

This elderly rule loving/train loving woman proceeded to shake her finger violently (okay maybe I'm exaggerating a bit) in her face while using her most intimidating elderly raised voice explaining to Hannah how she had BROKEN the rules.

Laura Beth and I sat frozen, mouths dropped as we tried to make sense of this misguided passion being poured out upon poor, unsuspecting Hannah who managed to look at me in a similarly dumbfounded way. All I could squeak out was,

"say yes ma'm" hoping that would suffice.

Apparently it didn't as this woman continued on her tirade.

Hoping two times was a charm I said,

"say yes ma'm," and Hannah, fingers in her mouth, obliged.

And while discussions leaving a field trip should be centered around all the amazing knowledge we gathered from our experience, our discussion centered around this woman, whom Hannah continues to speak about.

Instead of talking about how magnetic trains run and what magnets are, we talked about forgiving those who yell in our faces. Hannah told me several times she never heard this lady tell her to walk. And, while knowing my daughter isn't perfect, I believe her.

Back to the museum. . .

We finally made that train ride.

A train ride that moved 2 miles an hour forward, then 2 miles an hour backwards...stopping, I suppose, for us to look at the deteriorating train metal outside the window.

Grant asked, "Mommy why does the train keep stopping?" and "Mommy, why is the train going backwards?"

To which I can only reply, "I have no idea."

The good news is in the midst of all the craziness...

the kids had fun despite the crazy train lady, the slow moving train, and the plethora of scavenger hunt questions we needed to track down.

And that's what matters.

And while we left with minimal knowledge of magnetic trains we did leave with smiles on our faces and a day spent with friends outside...oh yeah, and a re-inforcement that everyone needs forgiveness...

And thanks to my misguided brain that put me in the wrong direction on 285, we had an hour and A HALF drive home to let that last idea sink in.

Five Minute Friday: On Friends (by Kate)

2011-09-30T11:22:00.000-07:00

I like to think I know a thing or two about friends. But lately, my confidence is waning.

John is my friend. But I'm not sure yet if I'm his friend.

Maybe it's because I follow him around everywhere. When is being a "friend" consider being a "stalker?"

Or perhaps it's because I called him out on his bad breath. I offered him some floss.

Or maybe it's the several hugs I gave him in order to apologize. I guess that could be stalkerish.

And then, I did offer to watch Veggie Tales with him. But then, maybe we're just not into the same things. I like Veggie Tales. Maybe he's more of a Wiggles guy.

Or perhaps he's just intimidated by the fact my big brother was always around watching us. He is intimidating. Leapster game and all.

Or maybe it's because I stare at him, a lot. Some people find that weird.

Or it could be that face I made in his direction. By no means was it directed toward him. Sometimes I just make weird faces. It's part of being a baby and discovering myself.

Bottom line, I try. I try to be a good friend. But, well, I'm getting the message I need to turn it down a notch. Maybe that's what'll take to have a good friend.

Christmas Challenge

2011-09-28T17:44:00.000-07:00

I just purchased the above toy for Kate's Christmas. Thanks to Eversave I used credit to purchase a deal for $25 worth of products from ToysCamp. The above toy was $24.99. I just had to pay shipping, $7.95. I know, who's ever heard of Gbaby, right? Well, I haven't but read some good reviews on the toy. It's so hard to buy anything for Kate simply because we've either had that toy or have it now. And, I want to get something for her that will last a few years, not something I'll end up consigning in a few months. So, that's what I got. Here's the rundown:

Total spent: $19.78

Total left: $80.22

Total gifts bought: 6- 2 pillow pets, Citiblocs, Reusable/washable coloring mat, rainmaker, GBaby toy (averaging $3.30 per toy).

If you're new to Eversave, click on the link above. You'll get $3 right away.

And the challenge continues...

Dora the Explorer Adventure Party

2011-09-27T17:58:00.000-07:00

I guess you heard through Mommy's sappy post that I turned five.

I did. With turning five, I've also matured. Or should I say my tastes have matured?

Mommy had been planning my party for a few weeks. And, being the big five year old I am (or almost was at that tender age a few days ago), I decided to give Mommy some pointers.

I began with the decorations. However, I think I was misunderstood. When I said, "are you going to decorate?" what I meant was, are you going to drench our house in all things Dora and pink and purple and balloons and streamers?

When I awoke birthday party morning I saw what you see above. Cute, yes. Drenched in all things Dora and birthday party? I think not. I proceeded to ask Mommy why the ceiling wasn't decorated. Sure, it's two stories high but we've got a ladder.

Me being five and Mommy being six times that age, she obviously won. And I settled for the decorations above and a few stars Mommy hung up in response to my desire for more "bling," "pizazz," "sparkle."

Good try Mom.

Like I said, it was an adventure party. Dora always has a map. So, Mommy made a map. And colored. every. one.

Here's our map.

(did we mention this was a birthday on a budget?)

And what's a Dora adventure without Swiper? When Mommy had mentioned he may be making an appearance, my heart beat faster. Who would be dressing up as Swiper?

Well, again, Mommy had the final say.

No one would be dressing up as Swiper.

Instead, I got this.

And no, I asked too, he didn't move.

But we played along with Mommy's little game and said "Swiper, no swiping" as we came down the ~~slide~~ mountain and he "tried" to take our sunglasses.

Here we are awaiting to climb the "mountain." We just exited the "twisty tunnels." Look at the map if you're confused.

Following the descent down the mountain we were then subjected to snakes. Okay, paper snakes. But in the name of fun we pretended to cross the snake ravine using a "tight rope."

Here's Ada coming ever so close to being bitten by one of those snakes. Good thing they're paper.

Following the treacherous snake walk, we hopped on our "mopeds" down the rocky hill.

The "Most Spirited through Actions of Boldness" award goes to Ada, who, without hesitation, catapulted her body across Crocodile Creek all the while holding on to her backpack. However, we are not giving out awards.

But, Dora would be proud.

Our last challenge was the most exciting. Crossing the Muddy Mud Pit on Grandmama's Romper Stompers. No, my Grandmama does not actually use these herself. However, she provided them for our adventure. Being the skilled Romper Stomper I am, I went first. A week of practice can really set you ahead of the game.

And what adventure doesn't have a reward? The aluminum foiled wrapped box, serving as, of course, a treasure box laden with treasure, a A.K.A. candy, bouncy balls, necklaces, dinosaurs, rings...you know...all that junk parents DON'T want their kids coming home with after a party, awaited our arrival.

And we all enjoyed cupcakes

And good friends.

And while at times I gave Mommy a hard time with my unusually high expectations, I had a blast. And believe it or not, when Mommy asked what my favorite part about my party was I said, "the adventure."

I didn't realize opening presents was an option.

Mommy's Moment: Unwrapping

2011-09-24T19:22:00.000-07:00

It's so cliche.

They grow up so fast.

But, this cliche is so true.

Tomorrow, the 25th, Hannah turns 5.

As I was nursing Kate before laying her down to bed, I caught a glimpse of Hannah as she raced to the bathroom.

Her little life flashed quickly across my mind and stopped, at that moment, at this BIG girl. No longer a baby. No longer a toddler. No longer a preschooler. Her words, more grown up. Her independence, more evident. Her abilities, ever growing.

She, all to eager to grow up, asks me if she's a "big girl" now. Hoping to grow miraculously the day she turns five, she has eagerly waited for this day. And while I informed her turning five does not automatically sprout her legs another inch or two, in my heart it seems that way.

In a way, I grieve those days now lost. But I also look eagerly ahead. It's been a joy to see her personality grow and develop. To keep her as a baby (toddler, preschooler, etc.) would be holding back all those funny, intriguing, precious characteristics that make her more and more real and deep. The Lord is unraveling her before me. And I've never been disappointed.

She's grown so deeply.

Each birthday is another reminder to me of the present I get to unwrap. As she grows and matures so does our relationship. I get to experience the unwrapping of her. What will she excel at? What will she struggle with? How will the Lord work in her life? How will He use her? Will she love writing? Will she find a niche in math? Will she be shy or eager to speak up?

There's so much more to unravel in her life that is ever lived before me.

And I have a front row seat.

And so while I say goodbye to another year, I anxiously await the next. I am thankful for each day I get to spend with this precious gift. It's an honor to be entrusted by the Lord as a steward of her life. She sharpens me. She makes me laugh. She makes me cry. She pours so much joy, depth, and richness into my life.

She is my present. Always.

Sinus Issues

2011-09-19T10:54:00.000-07:00

Anyone else having sinus issues?

Better yet, anyone have a tissue?

Conversations With...Hannah

2011-09-17T12:05:00.000-07:00

Hannah: Mommy, what drink do you have?

Me: Coke

Hannah: It's so sweet. You gotta stop drinking Coke. Maybe that's why you're sick.

(I've had major sinus issues lately).

And across cyberspace I can hear all my health conscious friends agreeing in unison.

Stationery card

2011-09-17T08:35:00.001-07:00

Birthday Bubbles Pink Birthday Invitation

Click here to browse Shutterfly birthday card designs.

View the entire collection of cards.

Yes, that's my Kate, wings and all.

Thanks to Pampers Gifts to Grow I earned credit for Kate's birthday invitations through Shutterfly. And, thanks to Shuttefly, by posting this birthday invitation I made, I will get $10 credit toward my next purchase. . .I'm thinking Christmas cards.

As you might suspect, Kate's having a butterfly party per Hannah's request.

Thus, the wings.

I'll have a post of all the OTHER pictures I didn't use and of course, from Kate's perspective. She has a lot to say.

Anyways, as always, if you need cute invitations or announcements, photo books...etc. Shutterfly does a great job!!

Five Minute Friday: Joy (from Grant)

2011-09-16T11:12:00.000-07:00

Joy. I experienced joy last week.

Watching Elmo...LIVE. (who doesn't experience joy while listening to that high pitched voice that seems to stick in your head to the point you yourself start talking like him?).

and while doingso, drinking an unmonitored amount of lemonade, eating a garganteous hot dog, and enjoying my newly bought (thanks Grandma) light up the sky sneakers while enjoying good company with my best bud, Micah.

(okay, we did a lot of playing around too)

Oh yeah, did I mention I also got to eat a bag of my favorite yellow chips followed, somewhere in there, by a large chocolate chip cookie.

Joy.

Joy was also found when I got back at Hannah.

Remember this...

So, I did this...

But the greatest joy of all, discovering that I can watch Elmo 24/7 because he's also on my t.v.!!!

And can you believe Mommy was keeping that all to herself? To think!!

Dare Devil

2011-09-13T17:06:00.000-07:00

I think I've found my calling.

Stunt ~~woman~~ baby.

I crave adventure. I have my siblings to thank for it.

It began in my jumper. Hannah would pull me back, like a human slingshot ready for action. And, while Mommy wasn't looking, let me go.

The rush was unexplainable.

Once Mommy found out, the fun stopped.

But then, I was introduced to the swing. And, like the jumper, I could be pulled back only to be let loose for a ride that would make Space Mountain look like a ride for pansies.

My taste for adventure has spilled over into other areas as well.

Like the stairs.

I know it must be dangerous because I hear, "no, no," followed by my quick decent thanks to Mommy.

I do it anyways. And I make sure to look cute doing it. It seems to help. So I flash a smile here and there. I add some flair with accessories. And I try to do something that's bound for a laugh, like, holding a rubber duckie in my mouth.

There are some days where I get loose from Mommy's eyes. And I take on the stairs as a mountain climber takes on Mt. Everest. And when I reach the top (because I do), I let out a yelp of triumph. I imagine that's what those mountain climbers do on Mt. Everest.

And, I've finally taken my adventurous spirit to the bathtub. Just yesterday I showed Mommy and my siblings how I can climb out of the tub on my stomach. However, I learned that being naked and wet while trying to climb out creates more of a sliding out than climbing out which can cause for a unpredictable landing. And I'll have to admit, it startled me a bit.

But, adventure continues to call my name.

I wonder if Disney needs some stunt babies?

Christmas Challenge

2011-09-12T06:14:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Zulily credit, I was able to snag another gift for Christmas.

This time, I purchased Citiblocs. Anyone heard of these? I looked them up on Amazon and they've gotten great reviews. I thought this might be a big hit for Grant (and I'm sure Hannah too). They both love to build.

So, with my $15 credit I ended up paying $3.94.

I love Zulily more than other daily deal sites because they let you use your credit toward the shipping as well. Shipping was $5.95 but some of my credit went toward that as well.

And here's my progress thus far in my Christmas Challenge (to spend no more than $100 on my three kids' Christmas):

Total spent: $11.83
Total remaining: $88.17
Total gifts bought: 5 (2 pillow pets, a reusable/washable coloring table cloth, 100 piece CitiBlocs, rainmaker)

Now that money is super tight, I'm likely not going to spend near $100, but for now, I'm sticking to that number.

Oh and if you'd like to check out the CitiBlocs I think they're on sale for the next few days.

One Thousand Gifts: 156-170

2011-09-12T04:09:00.000-07:00

This week's list stems mostly around financial blessings. We are in a dry season, financially speaking and as I wrote this list I was reminded yet again of the Lord's faithfulness to us even in the small things. Money is still extremely tight but as I stop to see these little blessings I am reminded again of the Lord's name "El Roi," the God Who Sees. He sees us. He has not forgotten us. And He is using His people to show us that. My intentions are not to highlight our need but instead, to highlight how the Lord is meeting our needs, even if it isn't the way we would have planned.

Thankful for...

#156- parents and in-laws helping to make Hannah's birthday special by buying party supplies.

#157- two tanks of gas compliments of family and friends.

#158- a friend buying my dinner

#159- the opportunity to grow in humility as the body of Christ serves our family

#160- 4 free tickets (that included dinner and special seats) to Sesame Street Live and great company...again compliments of good friends.

#161- an inspection for John's business tomorrow.

#162- a house painting job for John to pick up some extra money

#163- think I've said this before but a husband who is willing to work extra hard doing unglamorous things to support our family

#164- a cleaning job for me thanks to a good friend

#165- an intact family, not a given for many as I was reminded of that today while watching the thousands of families grieve the loss of loved ones due to the terroist attacks

#166- extra money made thanks to a consignment sale back home

#167- a gift from a childhood friend of John's

#168- new shoes for Grant thanks to Mom

#169- thoughtful friends who are aware of our needs and have contacted me with possible opportunities to make extra money.

#170- a good friend paying me to watch her kids twice a week

Conversations with...Grant

2011-09-10T12:04:00.000-07:00

Grant to me as he is going outside: Mommy, don't let Kate put her dirty mouth on my blankie.

Don't you mean, don't let Kate put her mouth on your dirty blankie?

Self Expression

2011-09-10T11:31:00.000-07:00

Third children (or the youngest) are all about expression. Or so I hear. Maybe because Mommy is the youngest of three.

I'm the third child. And, I'm all about expression. So, maybe it's true. I enjoy delving into my creative side.

Take my hairstyle, for instance.

This morning I chose to go with the mohawk. Or is it a faux hawk? Either way, it's awesome. All it takes is a bit of rubbing against your bumper. And, voila, you've got a style that says "look at me." Isn't that what third children say?

Now, in all fairness, my sister, Hannah, was all about expression when it came to her hair at a young age. I mean, just look at her.

But, I choose to express myself in other creative ways as well. Check this look out.

And, just this morning I chose to take off my pants in the crib because well, who needs them to nap? Mommy found me waving my pants in the air while I anxiously awaited her entrance. No pictures because that just wouldn't be appropriate.

And, I like to express myself while eating. Thanks to my deep seated dislike of bibs, ripped off in a hurry, my clothes become a canvas for art. Food Art. Apparently Mommy is not so impressed. While she (has to) tolerates my expressive little hands on my clothes, she does not push her tolerance further. In avoidance of my artistry hitting the carpet canvas she strips me naked. That's okay, every artist needs their masterpiece set aside to dry.

And finally, my signature way to express myself is my signature crawl. The army crawl. And, while I am mastering more and more the "normal" crawl, I still leave room to for that crawl that draws eyes to me. That puts me on center stage.

see,caught ya lookin'

Afterall, isn't that what we youngest children like, full attention on center stage so our self expression is most appreciated?

Oh and mischief, youngest children love mischief, just ask my mom about her mudding experience...oh but wait, I'm getting ahead of myself. I'll save that for another post.

You know you youngest children are nodding in agreement.

Five Minute Friday: In Real Life

2011-09-09T10:51:00.000-07:00

In real life, the floor gets mopped once every two months.

In real life, I'm lucky to get a few minutes to myself to memorize Scripture or give a quick prayer to the Lord.

In real life, dinners are hectic, messy, and often times stressful.

In real life, I don't discipline my kids as well as I hope.

In real life, what should take 5 minutes often takes at least 30 minutes.

In real life, I too often speak with "corrupted speech" instead of words that "impart grace to the hearers."

In real life, I'm good if I get a shower and manage to put foundation on.

In real life, what I see my needs to be are apparently not what the Lord sees them to be.

In real life, my home looks like a tornado hit it.

In real life, my kids resemble street urchins with hair often not combed, clothes mismatched, and peanut butter and jelly left on their faces as remnants of that lunch several hours ago.

In real life, Kate's diaper stays on way too long.

In real life, my attire consists of athletic shorts and t-shirts.

In real life, it's messy.

In real life, it's complicated.

In real life, sin abounds.

In real life, God's grace abounds all the more.

In real life, the Gospel MUST BE my hope, my strength.

Praise be to God that in real life He "knows our frame. He remembers that we are dust." (from Psalm 103)

Homeschool Diaries: Classical Conversations

2011-09-07T10:06:00.000-07:00

What Kate is busy doing at Classical Conversations

They do an art lesson each week...

They also do a science experiment each week

Today marked the beginning of week three for Classical Conversations.

We are officially homeschooling.

Each Tuesday, the three kids and I drive thirty minutes to meet in a classroom setting where we are modeled by the tutor, Mrs. Laura Beth, how to implement the new week's memory work as well as review the previous weeks' work.

I'll be honest, the first week proved a bit chaotic and a little stressful. 5 kids (all new to a structured setting that spaned a 3 hour time slot), a small classroom, siblings and parents watching, no snack and my screaming 10 month old, who, an hour and a half in, just wanted a nap...proved to be a challenging combination.

But, 2 classroom sessions later...I think we're all getting the hang of it. Today, Kate didn't scream once. The kids, becoming more aware of the routine, managed to stay on task much better, and Laura Beth did an excellent job catering to their wiggly bodies.

One thing I am growing more and more confident in is the classical model. As I read more about it, I understand more and more the why's behind it. Rote memory doesn't go over too well in most educational settings but as I read about and talk to other mothers who have benefited from this model in the early learning years I am more and more encouraged to continue on this path. Most encouraging, is the Biblical background it stems from and the program's view of education's purpose: "to know God and to make Him known."

Our days at home are gaining more structure, a huge praise. M,W,F we spend roughly an hour and a half busy at work. Hannah is growing in her confidence to read, my favorite part of homeschooling thus far. Grant, himself, has learned several sight words. We also spend time in math and writing as well as reviewing the "grammar" or the foundational basics in the subjects of math, latin, history, english, science, and geogprahy. This is where their memory work from Classical Conversations (CC) comes in. They also are memorizing John 1:1-7.

I'll be honest, I don't get to all the memory work and Hannah and Grant don't know it all (thus the reason we are to review old weeks' work also during the present week) but we'll get there.

I keep remembering what the veteran homeschool moms said at a meeting a couple of months ago, "trust the system." So I am. And I believe I have reason to based on others who have walked this road before me.

All in all, homeschooling is going well and I am finding it a privledge to invest in my children in this way. However, my selfish side is realizing just how much time, thought, and energy goes into homeschooling, just another opportunity to die to myself I guess. My hat goes off to those moms who have homeschooled their children for years. I never realized just quite what I was getting into as far as giving up a lot of personal time. May the Lord give me patience, strength, wisdom, and grace as I start this journey because without Him, I will clearly fail.

Five Minute Friday: Rest

2011-09-02T11:14:00.000-07:00

In "The Harman Hood" tradition, this Five Minute Friday will be written in Kate's voice.

Rest.

It's been restful these days. Well, these past two days. For some reason Hannah and Grant aren't here. It's quiet. Real quiet. So quiet that I've finally caught up on my rest. I've been knocking out some 2 hour morning naps. I've been going down at night tired and without much fuss. And, last night, I let Mommy rest and didn't awaken until 6:30. So, we're just full of rest.

I'm enjoying this restful time. All eyes are on me. Yep, that's right. No competing with Hannah or Grant. I laugh. Mommy listens. I cry. Mommy picks me up. I play. Mommy sits on the floor with me. And through all of this rest time, Mommy's discovering just how much like her I am.

For example, I get as excited as she does when "The Office" comes on. As soon as that music plays, I dance. Also, Mommy gave me a Cheeto today. Her favorite. MY NEW FAVORITE.

All this rest is good. Who knew how demanding Hannah and Grant were? I didn't realize they were cramping my style.

But....

We miss them.

And now that we're rested, we'll be fully charged and ready to have them back.

And Not to be Outdone...

2011-09-01T07:10:00.000-07:00

Like every good sibling relationship there is that desire...you know...to not be outdone.

This is my attempt.

While Grant's half cross-eyed face is commendable, let's face it...it's elementary.

This, this is advanced. Who can look as though their pupils are transparent?

Anyone, anyone?

I didn't think so.

Hannah-1 Grant-0

Good try though, bud.

Weird

2011-08-31T11:06:00.000-07:00

Weird. I know. But awesome too, right? I'm perfecting the look daily. Some may wonder if I too, like Mommy, have Dwayne Syndrome. Looking at this picture it does appear my left eye does not move as it should. Honestly, I think it's due to lack of experience on my part rather than a non functioning muscle. And you know what that means, practice, practice, practice. I also find that wearing a Tinker Bell tobaggan (my favorite because it's blue) under this yellow hat provides a weird look to go with my weird trick.

You know you're gonna try this as soon as you stop reading (cuz otherwise you'll be seeing double).

One Thousand Gifts: 146-155

2011-08-29T12:46:00.000-07:00

Thankful for...

146- my parents taking Hannah and Grant for a few days this week.

147- some extra "goodies" from Dan and Jeannie for our pantry and fridge (one being a 12 pack of Coke)

148- Grant's growing interest in putting his clothes on by himself

149- watching my kids learn

150- The verse: "He who did not spare His own Son but delivered Him up for us all, how shall he not with Him also freely give us all things?" Romans 8:32 A continual reminder that the Lord has met my biggest need in Jesus and that He will,therefore, meet my lesser needs.

151- The words to Jesus I My Cross Have Taken

152- non spill bubbles (thanks Aunt Bethany...a HUGE HIT for everyone at our house)

153- hearing Hannah and Grant at different times tell each other "I love you."

154- people joining me on the homeschool journey

155- 2 frozen pizzas in the food co-op

Three's NOT a Crowd (for a minute)

2011-08-28T12:46:00.000-07:00

Like I said before, sometimes I get a bit anxious in my crib. And, thankfully, I have my peeps to help soothe me to sleep.

And when I get up? Well, for some reason, I am met with great enthusiasm, not from my peeps, but from my siblings.

The way they climb into my crib makes me think they may have a future in parquor. Well, maybe rock climbing because parquor would entail them jumping out of my crib which only Grant has started working on.

And don't ask me why they are sometimes the first to respond to my waking. Who knows what Mommy is doing (though I do have my theory). But, for a few minutes at least, they provide some comic relief as I wait for my celebrity.

Grant throws his blankey on me. It stinks. Thankfully Mommy realizes this too when he tries to give it to me for my naptime. Mommy may just have saved me and my crib from a bacterial crisis that only the CDC could eradicate.

Hannah often gets me to stand up on the crib. She still thinks it's a major achievment when that happens. I could SO do that on my own but I'll let her glory in the proud big sister moment. And occassionally we all think it pretty funny to have them scream point blank into my face. Don't ask me why I laugh, I just do.

We also find the mobile pretty funny, the yellow chick in particular.

So we share a few laughs as we patiently wait on Mommy. Wherever she may be.

My theory: She's sitting on the couch downstairs sipping a Coke and watching The Office.

I mean, what else would she need to do while I'm sleeping?

The Next Hot Dog Eating Champions

2011-08-25T18:09:00.000-07:00

Sometimes a little competition hurts

In "THE ZONE"

I'm convinced. Especially after tonight.

Hannah and I are being groomed to compete in hot dog eating contests.

So we're a little slow eating our vegetables. What's the problem? Mommy needs to sit and relax her feet for at least over an hour. We're thinking of her, really.

But...

She doesn't see it that way.

Instead she puts on the timer. Puts me up against Hannah and. we. race.

Yes folks, there's something about a timer, sibling rivalry, (and sometimes the threat of going to bed early), that gets the fork a movin' and the food a stuffin' in the mouth.

And then there's the cheers. Mommy and Daddy standing by our side chanting our names, pumping their arms, faces frozen in smiles just hoping their little game works.

Oddly, it does.

Our cheeks full and bulging, we hear the time check...7 minutes....4 minutes...

the squash, broccoli (you enter any vegetable of your choosing) moves at an amazing speed into our mouths and down the hatch.

And you have it. Mostly success. Tonight, just as the buzzer went off I stuffed my last piece of squash into my mouth. Though I lost the competition I managed to maintain my bedtime. Winning.

Check back with us in fifteen years. Or check on ESPN when the hot dog eating contests come on. Mommy and Daddy may be grooming the next eating champion...or just developing anxious eaters who eat too fast and consequently endure heartburn and a tendancy to be overweight.

Either one.

My Peeps

2011-08-24T19:13:00.000-07:00

(in Mommy's laziness she decided to leave the picture sideways. Sorry.)

Sleeping these days is hard business. I feel a bit sorry for Mommy. I think I'm giving her a hard time. But, I think she should take it as a compliment. I mean, she has a fan. A die hard fan. A fan willing to forego sleep to be near the one she can't live without. Okay, I really can't live without her since she is part of the source of my nutrition, but I'm talking about a more emotional need that binds me to her.

But, there are days she must not feel the same. (tear) Because, well, she makes me cry. She leaves me in this bed. alone.

but not totally...

because I have these guys...

my peeps.

Tigs and Glow-worm. Okay, I know, exactly, it's a seahorse, but Mommy, in her nostalgic ways, insists on calling it a Glow Worm because that's what she had. I go with it.

And, yes, I enjoy my peeps. Especially when Mommy is in view while I'm hugging them. And yes, I still hug them when she leaves. In fact, I go to sleep usually with my arm tightly wound around Tigs' neck.

If I can't have Mommy, well, he's the next best thing...

and you too, of course, GLOW-WORM (however I am a bit peeved when I accidentally turn you on in the middle of the night and you sing your melodic tunes with your bright light...). Work on that and you may move up to number one peep.

It's Complicated

2011-08-22T10:27:00.000-07:00

Having two sisters can get complicated...

And I have a feeling those complications will only escalate as the years move along...

As for now, those complications arise when I'm invited to a princess party. You heard me right, a princess party.

I like to think Hannah and I share Ada as a friend. Sure, she's a girl but her age fits so nicely between Hannah and me. But, when it's time to go to her princess party, what's a boy to do?

Not wanting to be left out, I too, wanted to dress up. Of course, not as a princess and, unfortunately, not like a prince either since I have no princely attire.

I had two choices: a duck or Spider Man.

Like any heroic, manly boy I went with...

Spider Man.

And I was proud (okay, apparently the black suited Spider Man was evil in the movie but just look over that). I'm still proud.

Hannah, on the other hand, was not. She DID NOT want her princess picture taken with Spider Man cramping her debutant style.

Like I said before, having sisters, well, it's complicated.

CHEESE!

Christmas Challenge

2011-08-21T11:52:00.000-07:00

Still working towards our Christmas and planning to spend no more than $100 for the total cost of our kids' Christmas. Yesterday, thanks to the Huggies reward program, I cashed in points to "buy" this rainmaker for Kate.

I know, real exciting, right? But what do you get for a third child who has so much already due to older siblings? Thankfully, she'll only be one. And being a one year old, the "wish list" consists of anything that makes noise or anything she can throw or put in her mouth. I believe this makes the cut.

So, it cost me $0 out of pocket...well...it actually cost me hundreds of dollars in diapers if we want to be real honest. While I enjoy the reward system for buying diapers...I really think they could be a bit more generous with how many points they delve out. This baby cost 350 points. A big box of diapers earns you 16 points. So after buying 22 boxes of diapers (retailing at $440 if I had paid full price, which thankfully I did not nor ever will) I earned enough to snag this $10 item. Thanks Huggies for such grandiose generosity.

So, here's the rundown...

Total of $100 spent: $7.89

Total remaining: $92.11

Total gifts bought: 4 (a reusable/washable coloring table cloth, 2 pillow pets, and this state of the art rainmaker)

And the challenge continues...

Five Minute Friday: New

2011-08-19T12:30:00.000-07:00

New.

Life around me breathes of newness.

But newness isn't always fun. A lot of times, newness is hard.

I can't help but think of the transformation a caterpillar takes to become a new creature. There's nothing easy about it. But it's beautiful.

This season of life, there is a lot of newness, beginning, of course, with John's new job...new business...that he and his partner have diligently been working on the past 6 months. With this newness comes uncertainty...mainly financially. And it's hard. Hard to start a new business and get the ball rolling. Hard to trust in the Lord's provision.

And it seems that from that exhale of newness, other areas are affected. It's from this newness that I've been challenged to see God and His Truth in a new way. To wrestle in a new way with His character and His sources of provision. Wrestle with the idea that newness often times isn't accommpanied with comfortability. And that His "working all things together for our good," doesn't always mean it's going to be easy.

But in all the newness I am confident in a bigger newness...that He is committed to making me new. With each new trial or circumstance He is refining me, making me into a new creation,

making me more like Him.

Isn't that a newness to be celebrated?

"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us."
Romans 8:18

*i would be lying if i said i wrote this in 5 minutes...in the time i sat down to write my phone rang three times and I had to manage an unruly child.*

Perspective

2011-08-18T17:51:00.000-07:00

I'm a little embarrassed. Or maybe it's Kate who should be.

She's the chunker.

She's the one who is only 10 months and fits into the same outfit I wore at 18 months.

Who's laughing now Kate?

Sure, I was scrawny. But you're a porker.

Okay, I know, you're only weighing in at the 9th percentile. But you're a Harman porker.

You'll be begging to wear my skinny jeans. But, if those thighs keep that extra cushion, sorry sister...no skinny jeans will be able to wrap around that.

But, in sisterly love, I'll have to admit, you do look pretty darn cute...chubs and all.

Sail on, sister, sail on.

Mommy's Moment: Seriously?

2011-08-16T11:08:00.000-07:00

What are they thinking?

I had to do a double take as I sorted through my inbox this morning. Did that really say, "how to make the cutest lunches ever?"

I laughed upon viewing this picture. The carefully designed giraffe with its well placed spots and flower cut outs had to be a joke. Is parenting.com that out of touch with mothers?

Or am I that bad of a mother?

For me to create such a masterpiece would require a lot of time and maybe even an art degree.

I have neither.

A mom of three, our lunches are quite chaotic. Not the best atmosphere for delving deep into my artistic crevices to create a lunch simply too impressive to devour.

My version of "how to make the cutest lunches ever" would be using my cookie cutter to turn those pb and j's into a star or heart. And, quite frankly, I rarely even do that. But when I do my kids think they're the bomb. Wow. what would they think if I crafted this giraffe and his jungle atmosphere from a wide array of food on the food pyramid (oh wait, they got rid of that, thanks Michelle Obama...that was a really important endeavor)?

I don't think I want to find out. Their expectations of me and their lunches would sky rocket while my sanity would crash and burn.

Crash and burn.

While my hat goes off to those moms who have the time, energy, and creativity to create such an eye pleasing display, I will press on. Press on simply to feed my kids. That in and of itself is a feat. And at the end of the day isn't what really matters the fact that your kids are still alive, whether they ate a giraffe whittle out of a block of cheese or a peanut butter and jelly sandwich slapped together in record breaking time?

I think I'll let Subway keep the title "sandwich artist."

One Thousand Gifts: 146-155

2011-08-15T19:01:00.000-07:00

146: my free small smoothie (McDonald's is right when they say, 1 in 3 wins)

147: children who like to snuggle

148: an almost fall-like day

149: my days spent home with my kids

150: my children who love to sit on my lap and listen to stories

151: Hannah asking, "Mommy will you please pray that I'll feel better?"

152: seeing Hannah excited about her new homeschool group

153: Grant apologizing without me asking him to.

154: scrounged up change to buy a Coke.

155: baby Kate back to good health

Racing Day

2011-08-13T06:33:00.000-07:00

Well, two weeks ago it was racing day.

My first racing day.

Mommy signed up for a 5k. And while Grant and I weren't quite ready for a 5k, we were ready for a 50 yard dash. Okay, seriously, I was ready for a 400 yard dash, but it seems they thought it best if we only dash for 50 yards.

My only goal: to receive a gold medal.

And, as you see, I achieved that goal.

No, I didn't win. In fact, I think I came in second to last place in my age group. But, like I said, had they allowed me to race 400 yards, I think I could have won. I'm more of an endurance runner, not a sprinter. My fierce competitors were sprinters.

As for Grant, well, he started with a disadvantage. Apparently some lady thought little of his athletic prowess. When the lady hollered, "go!" she held Grant's hand and sped walked with him.

Thankfully, Mommy's enthusastic yells from the side gave Grant confidence that this lady was holding back his puma like speed. He broke free of her hand holding and took off. Unfortunately, his competitors (who were not held back) were close to crossing the finish line. Grant did manage to beat a girl. Grant also managed to snag a gold medal.

Kate is wearing it now.

As for Mommy, well, she did not receive a gold medal. And, if she gained anything,it was further confirmation that her body doesn't move like it used to.

Five Minute Friday: Beauty

2011-08-12T09:41:00.000-07:00

Beauty is...

a bouqet of brightly colored crayons bunched in my son's hands

the laughter that fills my ears as my children wrestle each other to the ground

the feet that bring the Good News

a conversation filled with honesty and realness

the freckles that sprinkle my daughter's face

my husband's dirty hands, a reminder of his hard work

fresh cut flowers from our yard that now bring color and life to our home

a sleeping baby on my chest

silence

the sun setting over a quiet lake

the Lord, who makes all things beautiful through Christ

Mosquito Man...

2011-08-10T12:28:00.000-07:00

Gardening is hard work.

There are elements to brave. Elements that are not easy to endure for the faint of heart, like my sister, Hannah, whose delicate body could not perservere in these harsh conditions.

What conditions, you ask?

Heat, Humidity, and lots and lots of HUNGRY mosquitos.

If you have a keen eye you may notice a change of attire for me.

No, I am not vain.

My street clothes (a muscle shirt and shorts) proved too vulnerable for the unrelenting pests that swarmed the air trying to thwart our plans of a successful potato dig. So, like any good super hero, a change of clothes was necessary to maintain my authority.

With the help of Mom (a must have for every super hero) I return to the potato dig a different man, not even a man, a superhero, ready to combat the pestilence that tried to undermine my efforts in the dig. I returned as...

MOSQUITO MAN......

Those mosquitos didn't have chance.

Covered literally from head to toe, I rejoined Grandaddy's laborious efforts to dig up the potatoes. I was his apprentice, much like Robin is to Batman.

He dug, I put them in the bucket. He showed me some worms. He showed me potatoes that weren't worth keeping, and he showed me the gems...those that would be fit for a king to eat, all the while mosquitos bouncing off my new armor that proved impenetrable (I'm growing in my learning to spell) to their carnivorous attacks.

I could practically hear the pings as they darted off my chest.

And I thought....

This just may be the beginning of something awesome.

Mommy's Moment: Joining the Ranks

2011-08-08T17:06:00.000-07:00

5 years of motherhood and I've escaped it. I've counted myself lucky as I've heard horror story after horror story. Though, I knew one day I too would join the ranks.

Today was that day.

And I didn't expect my 10 month old to be the one to intiate me into the club.

But she did.

With at least five good dousings.

You see, she's been under the weather. A fever the past day and a half. But no other symptoms.

Until tonight.

Perhaps I jinxed myself when I told my mom today on the phone that my kids typically get fevers with no other side effects.

Perhaps the not so solid diaper after dinner should have been a warning I heeded better.

But I didn't.

And, in the middle of her last nursing she stopped, raised up, and let it A.L.L. out. It happened in slow motion. I sat. And she spewed. I didn't move. I didn't scream. I just sat. And watched while allowing myself to be saturated in it. And while I was silently horrified, I was also pleasantly surprised. My milk supply, always in question, appeared to be quite sufficient.

Back to reality, my only help came in the form of a 3 year old and a 4 year old who sat downstairs playing a competitive game of Mario Kart. John was away.

Would they even unglue themselves to help me?

Well, apparently "she threw up all over me," was enough to peak their curiosity as they paused the game to come and see.

I could use a pause button.

And so they came to my aid, two paper towels in hand.

Two paper towels would not even wipe down one arm.

With Grant's new found sense of smell, he immediately said, "ooo I smell dat," and left the room immediately.

I don't blame him. I still "smell dat."

After Hannah's curiousity was quickly fed and she retrieved a BATH towel for me, she too left quickly.

Needless to say, the laundry is now running and a shower is calling my name after my two video game entusiasts are in the bed.

And to all those mothers who have walked this road before me, I'd like to say my hat (if I was wearing one) goes off to you. I've heard stories far worse than mine and I applaud you. And I hope you welcome me into your pukey ranks.

Homeschool Diaries

2011-08-08T10:37:00.000-07:00

Making letters with shaving cream!

She actually did make a letter at some point with the Geoboards!

The Good: though slowly, we are moving along. Hannah continues to have success in reading her Bob Books. We have completed through letter N. She is beginning spelling. She hears words and then calls out all the letters she hears in those words. It's fun to see her get excited! Her cutting skills have come a LONG WAY and she successfully can cut on her own. Hannah has also mastered several sight words. Grant, surprisingly, has also mastered a few.

I've been reading The Well Trained Mind thanks to Laura Beth who kindly shared her copy with me. I've been thoroughly encouraged. I will be teaching Hannah via the Classical Education model. Having been a public school teacher, this is the opposite of what I ever learned in my teaching life. However, as I read this book I am greatly encouraged that this is a great model to follow. Here are a few quotes that encouraged me the most:

"If you create a language-rich home, limit tv and videos, and then teach systematic phonics, you will produce readers."

"In about thirty minutes per day, plus informal teaching as you go about your family life, you can easily teach you child beginning reading, writing, and math concepts, all without workbooks or teacher manuals."

Jessie Wise

These quotes are directly related to Pre-K and Kindergartners. I liked them because it's simple. It's doable. And it's proven to be successful. With three kids, one still an infant, I need simple. So, the BEST thing over the past couple of months I've gained personally, is a better understanding of Classical Education and a growing heart for it. AND, somewhat of a burden lifted off my back as I have realized it doesn't have to be complicated. This is very different from teaching a classroom of 24 kids who all come from different backgrounds.

AND, starting the 23rd, we will officially start homeschooling. Thursday is Open House. I'm a bit nervous but also excited to see Hannah in this new environment. We are starting a new chapter.

The Bad: Maybe the fact we've only made it to letter N and it's August. But, in reality, Hannah knows all her letters and sounds so I'm not going to beat myself up. She's reading some too. We'll continue to move forward as we continue on our homeschool journey. And perhaps knowing how to work with Grant. He's a firey little guy at times. I'm trying to teach him the right way to hold his pencil/crayon. He's not having it. So usually I back off and wait for another opportunity to show him. He's easily frustrated so I mainly maintain a hands off approach at this age. I'm hoping he will grow out of that.

The Funny: The other day I was drilling Hannah on her sight words and Grant said, "I want to do it." Humoring him, I obliged and showed him the first card. Right away he said, "of." He was exactly right. I should him another. He read it right away. I just laughed. I didn't give the little guy enough credit. He knows maybe 2-3 of the 10 words and that's from just sitting there while I drill Hannah.

Five Minute Friday: Whole

2011-08-05T10:49:00.000-07:00

Life is a bunch of tiny moments. I get lost in those tiny moments, forgetting the whole picture.

In the midst of laundry, dishwashing, changing dirty diapers, cleaning up the toys, and disciplining my children it's easy for me to lose sight of the WHOLE.

There is a much bigger picture to my life, a bunch of tiny pieces that the Lord promises He's "working all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are the called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28

I'm thankful for the WHOLE. Because it's easy to get lost in the mundane moments. To forget my purpose in the midst of picking up toys, wiping down the counters, disciplining my children.

I don't know a lot of things in the midst of these moments that don't promise easy living or comfortability...but I know the WHOLE. That in all these events, comfortable and uncomfortable, the Lord is working them for my good. He is making me more like Him and in so doing He is receiving glory. His glory is my whole. And He is committed to me.

Come On, Rain!

2011-08-04T10:16:00.000-07:00

We dedicate this post to Mommy's favorite children's book, Come On, Rain! by the great author, Karen Hesse.

It's been a sizzlin' here in the South. Hot as blue blazes. Between Mommy, Grant, and Kate, we could ring out a wash cloth from all the perspiration. They're sweaters. Gross. I know. Thankfully I inherited Daddy's "not too sweaty" trait.

But what's more frustrating than the sweat is the fact we have to stay inside. It's just too hot. That is, until it rains.

A rainy day (still few and far between) means an outdoor day. So we say with our friends Jackie Joyce, Liz, and Rosemary...

"Come On, Rain!"

And we dance, splash, spin, squeal, romp, and run under the gray clouds that burst forth with rain, a reprieve from the hot summer sun.