3. Crazy. Kids.

When my boys grow up, they will NOT appreciate these pictures! Recently, the kids informed us they were going to put on a show; they said it was a hip hop show. Really? I thought. And just how do you know what hip hop is? Jamison called it "pip pop." At any rate, G and I got ready for the show, he had the video camera, I had the digital...we are such proud and doting parents. And let me just tell you, indeed, it was a show. They danced and rolled and jumped and posed to some of Jannah's music; it was a CD with bible verses put to song...great music for hip hop! They were funny and totally out of breath once the performance was over. Enjoy these pictures, because later, my boys will be way less than thrilled with me!

PS: they picked out their own attire for the show, in case you were wondering!

Yes, these are the great days of my life.

ConKerr Cancer Pillowcases

This group of ladies is from my MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) group. We have a wonderful group of ladies that meet at our church. This is just some from my table, and how ironic that so many of us sew? We got together a few nights ago to make pillowcases. We had *sew* much fun! I think we made around 35...I really can't remember. But these are donated to children all around who have cancer and have extended stays in hospitals. It's always so rewarding to do for others. I brought some home to wash, iron and fold up to be put in Ziploc bags (that's how they are to be donated), and I prayed over each one. Not knowing who might receive it, but knowing WHO can heal those children and hoping that when they pick a pillowcase, it will make their day a little brighter.

Thanks ladies! It was fun!

Here's the link if you're interested:

http://www.conkerrcancer.org/pillowdirections.html

Oh SO Random!

So, seriously. This post has a few funnies and they are extremely random. But hey, sometimes those are the best :)

Do you know that this is how my morning starts off? I am old now, 31 1/2; and I just *really* like to start my day with coffee. Made fresh by my Keurig. My favorite is Coffee People's Donut Shop Blend, and it must have the above creamer in it!!!!

Last weekend, we had a family outing that was a first for us. Jannah's friend, Sophie and her little sister had a skating competition. We all went to watch them. They were so cute and good, too; they skated a little duo. The little one was a blast to watch as she moved around on the ice :)

Jamison has taken a liking to these safety goggles...it's rather funny. He just puts them on and when he wants them off, he puts them on his head just like I always do with my sunglasses! Those kiddos really do pay attention to all we as mothers do!

I was in the commissary the other day and saw these...really, what in the world? Never once saw Buddha hands and we lived in the land of where we should have!

I was behind this car; it just trips me out! The sweet little man is so sure of Palin 2012, he made his own bumper sticker to show supprt; with a red sharpie and some white tape. Do you want me to see if he's selling them?

When the kiddos are cold in the morning, they just go right over to this vent and stand or sit in the curtain to warm up! Kinda nice to have a personal space heater when you get cold. *Secretly, I do this too*

Yes, these birds that visit the empty lots across the street from my house start chirping at 5:00ish...I love chirping birds, just NOT quite that early. And there are so many, that they really make a loud song!

Pink Hair

I should preface this short chat with the fact that Jordan and I were watching Lazy Town. He was down, again with a stomach virus, and watching tv is pretty much the only thing to do when you feel bad...There's a girl on that show with hot pink hair (my favorite color, despite the fact that I really can't stand the show).

Me: Jordan, what would you think about me having pink hair? That's my favorite color, you know!?
Jordan: No, Mama. You would look totally unfashionable!
Thinking to myself: it's a good thing that someone in the house (besides me) knows what good fashion is!

Turquoise (it's so me)

In my last post, I said that pink is my favorite color; that's true, but turquoise is also my favorite color! Can't a girl have more than one favorite color?? I know, I'm just full of surprises! Long story short, I have been wanting some new dishes, but was in no rush to get them. Last week, I went to Target with a friend (that's worth mentioning because I usually go with my children!) Anyways...we were just looking at everything and chatting and she grabbed a mug that was in this collection, only it was red, and what do you know these dishes were just looking at me. It was like they were begging me to make them MINE! I came home and showed them to G, I wanted his stamp of approval, and I wanted him to tell me that I needed to get them. Of course, he was just thrilled with what I found and gave me the green light! Isn't it so sweet that we consult each other on purchases?!?! It feels old fashioned, but we have just always been that way. You know, the left hand can't do much if the left arm doesn't know and cooperate! So, a few days later, (with all of my kiddos), I went to Target and I got my new dishes. I like them so much!!! They are just...ME! Come over for dinner or coffee and I'll be happy to let you use them...

To the Man and the Boys

Just a little apology here, I'm sorry. Sorry to Greg and Jordan and Jamison that I used so much pink. I am dying for spring and all that accompanies warm weather: tank tops, flip flops, capris, skirts, days filled with sunshine and being at the pool and so on... I think that by making my blog look spring*ish* and summer*ish*, I'll feel better. Not to mention, PINK is my favorite color!!! So, bring it on Spring! I am ready for you and so is my blog!

Bibles and Ties and Blue Snakes...Oh My!

Today at church, our pastor, Doug Munton, presented bibles to all of the first graders. Jannah's name was called and she walked down to receive her bible and shake the pastor's hand. She told me she said thank you when her bible was given to her; that made me proud and thankful for a grateful child. She has been reading her bible today and has highlighted the verse she studied in life group (aka, Sunday school) this morning. Have I ever mentioned that we love our church?!?! We started praying about a church the moment we found out we would be moving here...boy, did God answer BIG!!!

Jordan mentioned a while back that he wanted to wear a tie. So, his wish came true! I'm not sure why I haven't gotten one before now. None the less, I think he was a mighty handsome boy this morning, and he was quite proud! So proud, he *gladly* cooperated for a picture; most of you know that's rare!

Last week, as I was getting ready, I heard some squeals and laughs. That usually gets my attention! The next thing I hear is this, from Jordan: "Mama, there's blue snakes in the toilet!" Of course I go to check that out...and this is what I saw! Jamison had created the blue snakes with toothpaste, and he was pretty proud if it! So proud, in fact, that he did it two more times the same day. After the third time and some disciplinary action, he hasn't done it again!

Made with Love

I always dedicate the title, "Made with Love" to the things in our lives which have been...well, um...made with love!!! It's usually something that mama or myself has sewn; it's been some vinyl wall art that my daddy has made, it's been food; but today, it's a little more random: Enjoy!

Everyday, I make our bed with love. Now, the king size bed is new to us; it was our 10th anniversary present to ourselves. I think I need an army to help me make it and place the pillows on the bed; I think there's a total of 14...I almost always make it myself, because I refuse to get up at 5ish when Greg leaves and let him help me! After making my bed with love, I usually throw this laundry on there so that I can fold it...with love and a smile, of course!

Now, let me tell you something about this dish. My friend, Annee fixed this for me for my birthday (my 30th, actually), and I think it might just be my all time fav pasta dish! I will post the recipe another time. It's a little time consuming, but so, so, so good and healthy, too! We had this last weekend, and all the kiddos helped me make it!

Does my little guy look muscular? Well, that's because Jannah stuffed his shirt with wads of toilet paper, with love (of course).

Now, this truly was made with love, by Daddy. This is the kids bathroom and I like it, a lot! He made their names in vinyl for me, so there's no confusion on the towels! I also had this shower curtain made in Korea before we left, because I was crazy about the fabric. Greg and I just painted the bathroom a month or so ago, and yes that was also done *with love*

That's all for now...I hope I have made you smile today!

With love, Shara

All in a week...

Whew; this sweet, little, mischievous boy is giving me a RUN for my money! I captured most of these moments, but I didn't want to make a big deal of them...because I don't need them to be repeated! Seriously, anytime it's quiet and I don't hear and see Jamison, I KNOW there's trouble! Even the older two J's know that I get a little concerned when we can't locate baby J pretty quickly. He's not naughty, just into things that are not toys.

-On a side not here, does anyone else have this problem? The problem of kids getting into and playing with things that aren't toys? We are *trying* really hard to put an end to this child-like behavior! Our new motto is if it's not a toy, then do not play with it!!!!

So, onto the post. These are the results of Jamison's curiosity and the quiet moments that I think I am enjoying, only to find out that J is doing something he shouldn't be!

So, who needs canvas or paper...just let your belly be the place for art! Jamison has always and still does make me nervous with any type of writing tool; which is why we try so very hard to keep them away from him. Guess he found one this time! I can't recall why he has tears in his eyes, could very well be because I had taken away his pen, or that he was told not to partake in this type of bahavior again :)

A pack of pictures laying on a table. There's no need for them to just sit there in the envelope. Jamison decides to make a "fork" with them. A fork is a fort; so, here's to a fort of pictures!

A rather large bowl of oranges on the table. Once again, J decides to make a "fork" with them and see if dominoes will sit on the oranges. See what I mean, it's not really naughty behavior, it's just being creative and undoing things that I have done. Goodness knows I don't have enough time to put oranges in the bowl again! Actually the oranges are the least of my worries. This next shenanigan concerns me!

These are my kitchen shears, in the kitchen. Our kitchen is on the main level. Unless I'm cooking or doing laundry, or cleaning, or something like that (which is what I do a lot of times-shocking, I know), we are upstairs hanging out and playing. Baby J knows exactly when to head downstairs and find trouble, or food! Many times, at least once a day, I find him standing on a chair, in the pantry, eating something. Of course, I tell him that's no-no and get him out, and of course he usually cries about it. I suppose he really thought he hit the jackpot with this one!

All on his own. He got the craisins out of the pantry, with the help of a chair. Got the kitchen shears, cut the bag open and poured them onto the floor, got a ziploc bag and proceeded to fill the baggie with the craisins (from the floor). When I walked down to the kitchen (because I realized it had been too quiet for too long), he looked at me and said, "these good, Mama." I think he was just fixing for himeself a bag of snack, like I usually do for him. It took me a minute to see that he had used the shears to open the bag. The open drawer kinda gave me a clue; so then I was really blown away, because I realized he could have really hurt himself. After taking the picture, we had a little talk about not touching the shears again. They have also found a new home, out of his reach!

Recapping all of this has made me really, really tired. It's midnight, and I think I should go to bed now. Never know what a new day is gonna bring, but I'm sure that it will bring me many adventures!

Daddy Daughter Dance

Jannah and Greg enjoyed a fancy and fun-filled night! They went to the Daddy-Daughter Dance in O'Fallon last Friday. She was so excited about it! She and I went shopping for a new dress, she picked this one out all by herself; she has an eye for exactly what she wants! Daddy was all dressed up and after my own little photo shoot, they were off (in the snow and freezin' cold weather). I'm told by both that they had a blast! They ate dinner, had pictures taken, hung out with friends, and danced until the late hour of 9:00. Jannah was excited that she had 2 full glasses of fruit punch (I love what kids get excited about)! We all need to step back and enjoy the "small indulgences!"

Jannah with two of her friends, who are sisters: Hannah and Abigail.