First, let me tell you that I left something out of my Snow Day Seven list. On Wednesday, I bought a bag of Starburst Jelly Beans. I don't even like most jelly beans, but these are one of my favorite treats. Unfortunately, they don't mesh well with my weight loss plan because it is very difficult to eat a reasonable amount. I truly believe that some foods must contain highly addictive ingredients that make you think, "I'll only eat a couple more..." A few hours later, you realize you've eaten half the bag.

Second, my kids scored very well at yesterday's book sale. I bought 25 books for them ($7.00). I bought zero books for me. The funny thing is that I should be the one having a children's book sale, not the one buying. My house is overflowing with kids' books! Of course, my kiddos don't mind a few more. :)

Finally, we are planning a trip to Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge in a couple of months. I really like to plan vacations, so I am already thinking about the trip. We haven't been to the Smokies in a while, and we have never been with kids. Any suggestions? We are going to spend a day at Dollywood, but we haven't decided on anything else. If you have a favorite place, hike, restaurant, etc..., please leave me a comment. Remember that we have a 3-year-old and a 6-year-old; we won't be doing any long hikes up steep mountains or dining in any fancy restaurants.

Thanks in advance for your help!

Labels: Hodgepodge

On Wednesday, we had another snow day. It was another one of our snow days without much snow, so the kids didn't get to play in it (they are dreaming of having enough snow to make a snowman).

Here are seven things we did on our snow day:

1. We went to the Y. I exercised while the kids played in Kids' Gym. It's always good when they are able to run around and play for a little while!

2. We played Zingo, Toy Story Memory, and Candy Land Castle.

3. We ate lunch and watched Dora.

4. My Favorite Boy and I played Phase 10 while my Best Girl napped.

5. We searched for a missing video case that needed to be returned to the library; thankfully, we found it.

6. We went to the library. Unfortunately, we put one of our own Veggie Tales videos into the library's case, so today I get to go back and swap the videos.

7. We went to church.

We enjoyed our snow day, but next time, we hope to play in the snow. Now, I am off to a book sale. Paperbacks are 25 cents; hardbacks are 50. I'll let you know what I find!

Labels: General

Labels: Photography, Wordless Wednesday

I am really counting on my birthday money this year because I already spent it. :) I ordered a telephoto lens before my March birthday so I could practice with it before baseball season begins. The lens arrived last week, and I finally took it outside Monday afternoon while the kids enjoyed the warm, sunny weather (alas, it is supposed to snow today).

My friend Amberly recently purchased a similar lens, and she mentioned that she enjoyed being able to take pictures without her kids realizing it. I think this is my favorite feature as well. I can be farther away from the action, clicking away, and they don't change their behavior because of the camera.

Of course, I took 119 shots today, but I deleted most of them. I guess that's the beauty of digital photography!

Labels: My Favorite Boy, Photography

One of the things I love about children is their tendency to grossly overestimate their abilities. For example, my Favorite Boy recently said, "Mom, when you play in the NFL, you make more money if you are better, right?" I nodded. He responded, "Wow. I guess I am really going to make a lot of money!"

In addition to his untapped prowess as a football player, it seems winning the NBA Slam Dunk contest is in his future as well. I don't follow the NBA, but I admit that this year's dunk contest was really fun to watch. This dunk inspired my Favorite Boy.



Saturday night, my Favorite Boy decided to have a dunk contest of his own. He spent almost an hour exclaiming, "Mom! Watch this!"


As he was performing, he said, "I am going to be as great as Howard (the dunk contest winner)."

His comments make me smile and warm my heart. Never mind that his genes may prohibit him from these lofty goals. I just love to watch him dream!

Labels: My Favorite Boy

While I exercise at the Y, my Best Girl spends an hour in the playroom. The children's area consists of a front room and a back room. Yesterday, when I went to pick her up, my Best Girl was in the back room. The teacher called for her, but she didn't come. After a few minutes, the teacher called again. Slowly but surely, she came into the front room. I said, "What took so long? Why didn't you come right away?"

She replied, "Sorry, Mom. I got stuck in traffic."

Excuses, excuses. Have I mentioned that she's trouble with a capital T?

Labels: My Best Girl, Small Talk

I recently posted about two games we like to play. I thought I would share another one today. My Best Girl got the game Zingo for Christmas. Since then, it has become one of our favorite games to play as a family.

Zingo is similar to Bingo. All players have a card; players try to win by claiming the yellow chips that match the pictures on their cards. Because some players have the same pictures, you have to be quick! The player who claims the card first gets it.

This game is great for a range of ages because you do not have to be able to read. Also, the green sides of the cards have fewer images in common, making the game less competitive. When we play as a family, we usually use the green side. If I am playing with my Favorite Boy (age six), we often use the red side. You really have to pay attention and respond quickly on the red side!

Today, freezing rain is in the forecast . I'll be pulling this game out to help us pass the time indoors. Perhaps your kids would enjoy it too!

Labels: Games

Labels: My Best Girl, Wordless Wednesday

I am trying to figure out my new camera. I have read a couple of photography books, including my camera's manual. It's funny how much you can learn if you actually read the manual! :) I am challenging myself to step out of auto mode and learn to use my camera's many features. Here are two recent shots that I love. Unfortunately, they are not quite right.

In this photo of my Favorite Boy, I was playing around in the aperture priority mode. I had the lens wide open (50mm prime lens at f/1.8). I now know that I shouldn't have opened the aperture quite so much. My Favorite Boy's nose is in focus, but the rest of his face is not. I needed a little more depth of field. In my reading, I have learned that most lenses have a "sweet spot," usually one or two stops up from wide open. If I had tried this, the picture would have been more focused and much sharper. Live and learn, I guess.

I also like this shot of my Best Girl. It was taken in very low light, without a flash. I am sure it would have been sharper with a tripod, but that's not very practical when you are chasing a three year old. I did learn, however, that changing the ISO can help in low light conditions. For this picture, my ISO was set at 100. If I had bumped it up to 400, the shot might have turned out better.

I know some of you enjoy photography, so if you have suggestions or comments, feel free to leave them. I hope to see a noticeable difference in my skills over the coming months!

Labels: Photography

This is our kindness jar.


We created the kindness jar to encourage my Favorite Boy to think about the way he interacts with others. When we catch him in an act of kindness, we write his deed on a slip of paper and put it in the jar. Using this jar has helped my Favorite Boy so much; we have seen a wonderful change in his responses at home and with friends .

The kindness jar has influenced my Best Girl as well. Often, when she is watching something on television, she will point out the kind actions of the characters. "Look, Mom! Dora helped Boots! Let's put that in the kindness jar!" or "Tasha was so nice to Pablo. Let's put that in the kindness jar!"

Unfortunately, while my daughter is aware of the kind deed of others, I haven't seen much of a change in her behavior. She is, however, able to self-assess pretty well. She recently said, "Mom, could we have a silly jar? I bet I could fill that up really fast!"

She's exactly right about that.

Labels: My Best Girl, My Favorite Boy, Small Talk

Today's post contains random bits of information I want to share. First, if you would like to win a new blog design, head over to Doodlebug Designs. If you register by February 22d, you could win a customized blog, header, or 10% off any service.

This just in - I AM NOT CRAFTY! I admit it. As a mom, I fail when it comes to providing fun craft activities for my kids. That is just fine with my Favorite Boy, but my Best Girl enjoys crafty things. If you are in a similar predicament, head over to Jennifer's blog. She has so many cute and easy ideas. Easy is good.


Last year, I met many of you through the 5 Minutes for Mom blog party. They are partying again March 7-14th. It is a wonderful way to meet new friends and find great blogs. Last year, about 1,000 bloggers participated.

Many of you know that I recently bought a new camera. I found this blog, and it is wonderful. If you are interested in photography, be sure to check it out.

And finally, I thought I would give you a laugh. I was ironing my pants the other day, and my Best Girl walked up. She asked, "Are those my brother's pants? " I said, "No." She said, "Yeah, they must be yours. They're HUGE!"

Have a wonderful weekend!

Labels: Blogging, Hodgepodge, My Best Girl, Small Talk

Two weeks ago today, we learned that my Favorite Boy's teacher, Mrs. A, has bre@st cancer...for the third time. We also learned that she would be leaving for the remainder of the school year so she could have surgery and chemotherapy.

One week ago, the news got worse. Mrs. A has cancer in her liver, spine, throat, and lungs. She no longer plans to have surgery. Instead, she will begin aggressive chemotherapy treatments immediately.

Many of you remember that I had a difficult time sending my Favorite Boy to school. In all honesty, I still wrestle with whether or not I want him to be away from home for seven hours a day. Having Mrs. A for his teacher, however, helped me so much. Mrs. A is a Christian. When I learned this at the beginning of the year, I felt a sense of peace. I had prayed for the person who would be my Favorite Boy's kindergarten teacher, and we were blessed to have a Christian lady to work with our child each day.

Even though we will not be able to finish the year with Mrs. A, I still believe we were put in her room for a specific purpose. In the beginning, I thought that God had given her to us; we would benefit. Now, I see that we have an opportunity to serve her; perhaps we were in her class for just this reason. In the coming months, we will be doing as many things as we can to encourage her (taking meals, sending cards, etc...). Most importantly, we are praying for her daily. We don't know what the future holds; but we know that God is in control, and He will walk with Mrs. A as she faces these difficult circumstances.

Although today is Valentine's Day, our hearts are broken. However, we are filled with love for a special teacher and for our God who hold us all in His hands.

Labels: Life Lessons

Labels: My Favorite Boy, Wordless Wednesday

I'm back from my blogging break, but I am not very creative today. I have things floating around in my mind that I want to say, but I haven't processed them all yet. Instead, I am joining those of you who recently posted this meme. I think I saw it first at Stacy's place.

Two names you go by…Mom and Lauren

Two things you are wearing right now… khaki pants and a denim jacket

Two things you would want (or have) in a relationship…commitment and trust

Two of your favorite things to do… read and eat

Two things you want very badly at the moment…weight loss and sleep

Two pets you have or have had… Trotter and P.K., two cats I had as a child

Two things that you did last night… read and slept

Two things you ate today… cereal and banana

Two people you last talked to… Amberly and my Best Girl

Two things you’re doing tomorrow…exercise and clean (Wow, I'm fun!)

Two longest car rides…from Nashville to Needles, CA and back; from Tennessee to D.C.

Two favorite holidays…Christmas and Thanksgiving

Two favorite beverages… water and Diet Sun-Drop

Two people no longer alive who you’d like to talk to…Laura Ingalls Wilder and Esther

Have a wonderful Tuesday!

P.S. Has anyone figured out how to get their spell check to work in Blogger? Mine has been out for over a week. Forgive any overlooked errors! :)

Labels: Fun

I have too many irons in the fire, so I am taking a blogging break. I'll be back Monday or Tuesday. Have a great weekend!

Labels: General

I usually avoid politics on my blog, but I believe there is something very important to discuss. With all the talk about Super Tuesday and Election 2008, I feel that a critical issue is being overlooked, and I have something to contribute to the current political debate.

Every December, I look forward to watching the HGTV White House Christmas special. I always record it; sometimes I watch it more than once. There is just something magical about all the decorations, and I love to see how they transform the White House according to a different theme each year.

Do you know who is in charge of this each year? THE FIRST LADY! She plans it all (with the help of a large staff, of course).

Here's my point: Has anyone considered that Bill Clinton could be making these crucial decisions? Is he really the right person for this nationally significant job?

Okay, I admit that I won't be voting for Hillary for many reasons, but here's my plea to the American people: PLEASE think about the important issues! Think about who we can trust.

The quality of my HGTV special is at stake.

Labels: Fun

For more WW, click here.

Labels: My Best Girl, Wordless Wednesday

My hubby turns 34 today. My Best Girl says he's 44, but my hubby isn't ready to lose ten years so quickly.

According to my kids, Dad is a coach, a fun playmate, a great place to snuggle, and an all-around hero!




We are so thankful for him! Happy Birthday Dad!

Labels: Family and Friends

If your house is like mine, passing the time without arguments and "I'm bored!" is more difficult in the winter than in the summer. My kids enjoy games year round, but in the winter, games become an important part of our day. I am always looking for new, fun games for us to play, and I am sure some of you welcome suggestions as well. We have several new games that I plan to recommend; today I want to share two of them.

Would you like an active game that can be played inside or outside? Hyper Dash is an excellent way to burn some of that never-ending energy.

Hyper Dash comes with a hand-held controller and five discs. Each disc is a different color with a number on it. After the controller calls out a color or a number, the player must strike the corresponding disc. The discs can be close to one another or spread out all over the house.

Both my kids (ages 3 and 6) love this game. The beginning rounds are easy enough for my Best Girl; my Favorite Boy enjoys the more challenging rounds that include math problems. This game can be played individually or with teams. Each round is timed, and the players can work towards finishing faster and faster.

This game is so fun that even my hubby and I enjoy taking a turn. I highly recommend it! I linked to amazon, but our Target and Toys R Us carry it as well. If you want to chase away the winter blues, give Hyper Dash a try!

The next game, Candy Land Castle, was one of my Best Girl's Christmas presents. This is a great first game. Each player has his or her own gingerbread man. The players take turns pulling a candy cane, which causes a shape to come out of the castle. The player who fills his or her gingerbread man first wins the game.

The game is simple, and most three year olds will find matching the shapes and colors to be an easy task. However, the reason I think this is such a great first game is that the game is short! With many games, a three year old may lose interest before the end. This game lasts about 5 minutes. You can lengthen the time of play by playing more rounds. Although the concepts are very basic, my six year old enjoys this game too. There's something fun about pulling the candy cane and making a shape come out of the castle. Having a game that we can enjoy as a family is wonderful!

I plan to add these to the game lists in my sidebar. This post is not an advertisement of any kind; I just wanted to share games that we enjoy. I'll tell you about a few more soon. Have a great Monday!

UPDATED TO ADD: I am following Heidi's lead and adding a widgit to my blog. It will contain items that I recommend.

Labels: Games

Yes, it's another sick post. All of you non-family members can skip this one. :) My Favorite Boy has had a rough time with his cough. I finally took him to the doctor's office where he had to have a breathing treatment and an x-ray. The x-ray was clear, but he is using an inhaler every four hours until he is better. Here is the proof that he is not 100%. I spent a little while in his face trying out some things on my camera. He never complained, even when I was only inches away from him.


The inhaler is helping; maybe this will be the week that both my children get well and stay well (at least perhaps we could have one week without a visit to the doctor)!

Labels: My Favorite Boy

Congratulations to Elisa Rose! You are the winner of Everything's Coming Up Josey and Chill Out, Josey. Thanks to everyone who left a comment!

Labels: Books

Congrats to Chas! She is the winner of How To Study Your Bible. Thanks to everyone who entered. You have until tomorrow to leave a comment to win my two Josey books. Have a good weekend!