cleaning out my cell phone pics

These are all pics from my cell phone. Thought I'd clean it out a bit today, and saw a few I liked and thought I'd post about them. Yeah, I couldn't think of anything to blog about.

This is yesterday at the mall. We had errands to run, and I thought I'd get us all out of the house for a bit. The mall is pretty cheap. It doesn't cost anything to go window shopping.

Lunch did cost me about $16 though.

My cell phone died as I was taking pictures. Dang it!!! These two are all I got. This is a fun little toddler play area they have in the middle of the mall. Yeah, Haley (above) isn't really a tot, but what can I say? She did knock over a poor little kid, and WOULD NOT apologize. She was too embarrassed. What's up with that? I ended up apologizing for her.

Jason (below) took a few minutes to warm up to things, I think there were too many other people around. But he finally came around. Here he's getting ready to jump off the flowers.

This is the tree in our front yard on February 27th, I meant to get another picture of it with it's little leaf buds coming in. that didn't happen. Here it is this morning!! It's amazing how quickly things grow!

this one was in February too. A couple days before Valentines day. I think the skywriter was practicing? I never saw any real message written up there.

This was last month too, my sisters place in Tennessee. That's my niece Jenae. She's about five months older than Haley. (which makes her 7)

My sister Jennivene (Jenn for short, or JV), and my niece Jenae again. I can't believe how big she's getting. She looks like her daddy.

My niece Jenae again, with her big sister (my other niece) Raven. Raven's in Germany right now with her dad. He's in the military. It was a really hard decision for my sister to let her go spend a year with her dad. So far, I think she's regretting it. Raven doesn't want to come back home. I think she's enjoying the undivided attention she gets from her dad. It's tough when you have more than one kid to give them all the attention they need. It's really hard on my sister right now. I really feel for her. Hopefully things will turn out well. Keeping her in my prayers.

This is Jon's dad, Jon--along with his stepmom, I think it's Fran. I've never met them. They live in Pennsylvania. We found this picture on the web a couple weeks ago. Jon's adopted, (half sister I guess) is getting married and has a website dedicated to the wedding preparations. Jon came across it and found a current picture of his dad.

In other news, I went to turn on the kitchen faucet this morning and got sprayed with water. What the????

Ashley.

She's gearing up for April Fools day tomorrow. She put a rubber band around the sprayer thingy on the sink.
She also wants to glue coins to the sidewalk in front of our house tomorrow morning and watch people try to pick them up.

I think I'll let her.

In the meantime, I need to think of a good way to get back at her.

Any ideas?

Track break--week 1

Thought I'd just recap what we did this week.

Let's see, you saw Monday.

Tuesday was pathetic!!! Well, not completely pathetic. Ashley got a cook book from the library and wanted to try a couple recipes. So, Tuesday she made crepes for breakfast. They were pretty good.

this was the practice one I think. She really did a pretty good job.

yummy! I put cream cheese, strawberries, chocolate syrup and whipped cream in mine, topped it with more chocolate syrup and powdered sugar.

By the time breakfast was done though, it was pretty much already eleven o'clock. We made a quick trip to the park after I dropped off two of my three giveaway packages at the local postal store. Sorry to my first place winner. The package is still sitting in my car. I'm having the worst time getting it mailed out to you Kamry. I didn't have a box for it so I meant to purchase one there at the store, pack it up and mail it off with the others. Of course, I left the address at home. Nice.

So, I tried to mail it two nights ago on my way home from work, So of course, I was doing it after hours at the post office, but the machine was out of labels I guess. Last night I succeeded in getting the label printed, but the dang drop bin wouldn't open!!! Can you believe this. I hope the chocolate hasn't melted by the time it finally reaches its destination.

Hmmm, what did we do Wednesday? I think we just stayed home. I don't remember doing anything.

Thursday we went to the mall, again just for a little bit, then we met Jon for lunch at his work.

Today, we went to the childrens museum. It was fun for the kids--I was ready to go after an hour of trying to keep tabs on the boys. There's a lot of fun stuff for the kids though.

this was a booth that simulates hurricane force winds. Got up to 80mph in there. Looks like fun!


They currently have a Clifford exhibit there. Fun stuff for the boys to check out.

making friends.....

So, that's all the pictures I'm going to try to get blogger to upload for now. Hope you all have a great weekend.

Funky giveaway

Funky Bag Freak is having her first blog giveaway. She's giving away this adorable purse THAT SHE MADE. So, go check it out and enter. All you have to do is leave a comment with some little fact about yourself, and you can enter as many times as you like.
Don't enter too many times though, because I really want to win!

Track Break--Day 1

(Terriyaki meatballs and rice)

So, when I was little and we had something I didn't like for dinner; what I would do was to take a bite of the yucky substance, then take a big ol' gulp of water to wash it down with. No chewing involved. My other trick was to take a mouthful, then excuse myself to use the facilities, where I would spit the offending matter out into the toilet.

My boys have come up with several other interesting, or should I say creative ways to rid themselves of the dreaded items.

Justin seemed to think the bowl made a fantastic little hat.

...and the food inside?? Well, it seems to blend in fairly well with his locks, no?

I must say, I think Jason's idea was a bit more creative....

Try to hide the food in your ears.

'gotta say I never thought of that one before.
(and yeah, it was definitely bathtime after dinner tonight)



In other news. Today was the first day of track break for my girls. We went to the library and checked out some books. Ran by WallyWorld for a few things. Haley's feeling a bit under the weather. Sore throat, low grade fever and sniffles. Not a great way to start off a vacation from school. Ashley and I worked in their bedroom a bit. Made a pretty good dent in the mess. There's still plenty to do in there though.



Jon brought Twilight home tonight, so we all watched it together. Well, Jon fell asleep on the couch halfway through. Ashley really liked it. She wants to read the book now. She's ten. What do you think? I know there's a bit of controversy over these books being read by teenaged girls. Let me tell you what I really like about the book though. (I've only read the first one so far, by the way). But, what I do like is the underlying theme dealing with agency. Edward could so easily give in to his dark side and choose to be your typical bad guy vampire. Instead he chooses the harder way. The road less travelled if you will. There's a lesson there. I don't want to get up on a soap box here or anything. But, we all have our agency. Sure, we're given trials and temptations and urges that we say are natural to us, so why fight them? If it's a natural instinct, it must be ok, right?

Nope.

Not necessarily.

Let me tell ya', some days, my natural instinct, urge, tendency, whatever ya' wanna call it, is to throttle (to put it as nicely as I can) some of the people in my life (not naming any names either).

But, I choose not to.

Usually.

Last Sunday. Pretty cute I think. Of course I'm a wee bit partial.

But still.

A question

If contention is of the devil, why would I contend with the Lord in prayer?

Random Ten Friday

"Tip the world over on its side and everything loose will land in Los Angeles."

--Frank Lloyd Wright

-----I might add, Las Vegas. I can't believe some of the things I see around here.

~~~~~~~~~

I love how when I ask a person if I can verify their identification, they pull it out of their wallet or whatever, and then promptly look in the other direction, so I can't see their face and match up their picture.

~~~~~~~~

Haley told me a few weeks ago that she was ashamed of me. This after I had purchased my third bag of peppermints.

~~~~~~~~

(not) Seriously, would someone please take a torch to my house. It is embarrassing to me that I live in such a disaster zone. I just can't seem to keep ahead of the chaos, and it drains me just to look at it most days. I really feel like just lighting a match to it some days. This is one of those days. Will I ever catch up?

~~~~~~~~

I'm really starting to pack on the pounds. Not a good thing. I did so good last week, I worked out a couple of days, drank some water, tried to eat breakfast and lunch like a good girl. Then it all went to pot. This week, since I've had a vehicle, I've been going out and about, and not exercising at all. I need to get back on the wagon, and soon. I have been good so far in not buying any Easter candy, but I'm sure it's just a matter of time before I succumb.

~~~~~~~~

I kicked Jon's behind at Wii Boxing the other night. Now THAT's a pretty good workout. I was sweating.

~~~~~~~~

Check out my Ashley's latest blog post. She cracked me up.

~~~~~~~~

So, here's my random pics. I think a few of the same ones from last week.

1. 
   
   "East to West"--Casting Crowns


2. 
   
   "Lose My Soul"--Toby Mac


3. 
   
   "I am a Child of God"--


4. 
   
   "Beautiful Disaster"--Jon McLaughlin


5. 
   
   "Burn for You"--Toby Mac


6. 
   
   "Lay Down My Pride"--Jeremy Camp


7. 
   
   "Come to Jesus"--Kenneth Cope


8. 
   
   "Lifesong"--Casting Crowns


9. 
   
   "You Reign"--Mercy Me


10. 
    
    "Hard to Believe"--Vota

A little time away

So, I'm thinking of taking a blogcation of sorts.
My girls start three weeks of track break on Monday, and I really need to spend time with them and get some house cleaning and organizing done--starting with their room. I know that blogger will be calling my name, but I'm committed to not just go through the motions, especially while I have them home all day for three weeks--since I have to work in the evenings and don't get to see much of them anymore, this will be precious time with them. (sorry for that run-on sentence) I want to give them my all.
So, I'm going to cut back the amount of time I spend on the computer for a few weeks at least. I'll still try to check in with all my blog buddies now and then, and maybe post a time or two about what we're doing. So, if you don't see much of me for a bit, that's where I'm at. Trying to be a better momma'.
I need to think of some inexpensive activities to do with them while they're taking break. Can't be ALL work. Any suggestions?

The luck of the Irish

So do you feel lucky?? Do ya'?





I just want to thank everyone who took a lot of time to enter my giveaway. I SO enjoyed reading all your comments and random facts about yourselves. It was so much fun!!!



Thought I'd highlight a few of my faves......



April said: "My HUGEST blog pet peeve? Auto starting music!!!! (Yes...you are a culprit, but I still love you.)Second blog pet peeve... WORD VERIFICATION!!!! (Again, you are a culprit - but so is 90% of the blogging world.) It's like...my blog isn't important enough for people to spam me - and even if it was - I'd be honored that they thought they could reach tons of readers by comment spamming me. lol"---Ok April, I'm gonna' do this for you--I'm going to turn off my word verification. The auto start music though--I think I'm keeping it. Sorry. Tell you what, if everyone that it bugs will comment and let me know it bugs them, I'll consider turning off the auto start feature on my player. I just love my tunes, and I think everyone should hear some of this awesome music, (that's not really naracissitic is it?) and I'm afraid if I don't have it auto start--you won't listen to it.





Shauna said: "Yahoo! Another fact about me...I l♥ve shoes :)"-----hmmm, maybe I should have paid attention when you had your giveaway, with one of the questions was about how many pairs of shoes you owned. My guess of 9 was utterly ridiculous!!








Sher said: "Oh! Random thing about me (besides loving chocolate): I have a third nipple."---Ok, I just don't know what to say to that! Actually, my brother had a third nipple too.





Missy said: "When people talked about taking castor oil to induce labor, I thought they were talking about the motor oil. I didn't get it right until I almost tried it to induce Cole!"----Holy Cow!!! I'm glad you got it, before!!!!!





Motherboard said: "Random fact? I saw aliens once. Really I did."---That's a story I would love to hear!





the Foulgers said: "Here is my random fact. My husband and I met at Victoria's Secret-long story!:)"---I'd like to hear that story too!!





funky bag freak said: " I have an outrageous story, but it's not G rated and it involved a headstone. TMI?" -----hmmmm, gotta' admit, I'm a little curious.





funky bag freak also said: "I cross my eyes when people annoy me. It catches them off gaurd and they usually stop. HAHA I crack myself up!"--This cracked me up too. I can just imagine doing this to someone.





JennLee said: "I used to play tea party with my little sister when we were little girls(probably like 6&7). We would take bread and smush it into little balls and lick them to get sticky then re cover them with more bread and feed it to my older siblings. gross right? They still don't know. heheheshhhh. don't tell." HaHa!!!! Sounds like something we used to do as kids too. My poor little sister had to drink so many strange concoctions that we would put together, I'm surprised she still talks to me.





Gigi said: "I make the best carrot cake, ever!"--girl, I know you're going to send me some, right? Right?



I'mbeingheldhostage said: "Fact: I like Steve. I never like Joe. (blues clues)"--me too!!! I totally miss Steve, Joe IS kinda' cute, but I really liked Steve's personality. Ok, what do you think of the Teletubbies? I really liked Po, and the cute little sunshine baby at the beginning. SEriously guys, my brain has gone to mush.





the meyer fam said: "Random Fact: I am very anal about how the dishwasher is loaded. If someone else loads it I HAVE to fix it before I can start it."---Heather, I am the. same. way. It's crazy!



MotherGoose said: "one of my most favorite things to do is watch those TV exercise shows, like TV fit, or denise austin. I will sit and watch show after show, while sitting on the couch eating something decadent or chips.my dh can not understand why I can just watch people work out, but not participate with??? I dont know either"---You know what? I will do the exact same thing. WE had a free preview of some fitness channel last week, and I would just sit there watching them work out, I thought about getting up and trying it once or twice, but nah', didn't do it. MG, we have a few more things in common I noticed. SOme of those TMI things you mentioned.... ;oP

Dallin &Amp: Ashley said: " WARNING: If you get queasy from talking about gross injuries, don't read this.) When I was in 10th grade, I had fake nails from attending a Prom. One day, I was walking toward a drinking fountain that had a step in front of it (which I didn't notice) and I tripped, but caught myself with my hands. The thumbnail on my right hand must have taken the brunt of the fall because the fake nail and the real nail completely tore off. I know, disgusting. And it hurt like crazy."------Oh my gosh!!! I think that's reason enough for me to not get fake nails. I'll stick with pedicures.

Merrianne said: "I am entering again:you know what?remember a LOOOOOOOOONG time ago when you first commented on spencer's blog? well, i went to your blog because i thought "WHO IS THIS PRETTY GIRL LOOKING AT MY HUSBAND'S BLOG???" so, i clicked over to your blog to see WHO YOU WERE!!!!!!!!Then i saw pictures of you & your hubby & your kids... and how happy you all look and i thought to myself... hey this girl looks like someone I would LOVE to get to know!!!!and We have Been Friends EVER SINCE!! ♥-----Merrrianne, this comment made my day when I read it. The fact that you thought I was some pretty girl!?!?!?!?! Wow, coming from gorgeous you, that's like a mega compliment. Thanks. (I may or may not have given you an extra five entries for that sweet compliment!)

Ok, so on to the real reason you're all reading my post today. Did you just skim down to this part? THere's a little question up in there for you guys to answer in your comments today, did you catch it? (didn't know there'd be a quiz did ya'?)

Ok, enough blabber already, I put all the names into a basket, oh and seriously guys, the next time I have 300+ entries on a giveaway, just remind me to do the random generator thingy. So, I put all the names in a basket, and drew out three.

The winner of the first place prize is:

Tyler Kamry Jaxxen Maddex & Nixxen

(this girl was crazy busy last night, I think she submitted like 30 or so entries)

Congratulations Kamry!!!!!!

Our runners up are:

Funky Bag Freak

(she was responsible for some truly hilarious comments. Tanks for making me laugh! I know I'll be visiting your blog often.)

and

Imbeingheldhostage

(Jeri is awesome!!! She's living in England while her husband is serving in the military. He's currently on deployment in Iraq. Guys, she is one of the best blog writers ever. You really should pop over and say Hi!)

So, congrats to my winners. I wish I could afford to make you all winners. This was great fun.

Happy St. Patty's Day!!!

OH. duh! EMail me your info so I can get this stuff out to ya'!!

firelein6(at)cox(dot)net

Going through The Motions

I love this song. It's called "The Motions" by Matthew West.

The chorus especially moves me.

Most days, it's how I feel, like I'm just going through the motions, and not doing a very good job even at that.

I could do so much better at personal prayer, scripture study, magnifying my church calling, being a good mom and wife, sister, daughter and on and on.

~~~~~

~~~~~

~~~~~~~

This might hurt, it's not safe

But I know that I've gotta make a change

I don't care if I break,

At least I'll be feeling something

'Cause just okay is not enough

Help me fight through the nothingness of life

I don't wanna go through the motions

I don't wanna go one more day

without Your all consuming passion inside of me

I don't wanna spend my whole life asking,

"What if I had given everything,

instead of going through the motions?"

No regrets, not this time

I'm gonna let my heart defeat my mind

Let Your love make me whole

I think I'm finally feeling something

'Cause just okay is not enough

Help me fight through the nothingness of this life

'Cause I don't wanna go through the motions

I don't wanna go one more day

without Your all consuming passion inside of me

I don't wanna spend my whole life asking,

"What if I had given everything,

instead of going through the motions?"

-----"The Motions"--Matthew West

I know that I rarely give anything my everything these days. I could make excuses and say I just don't have the time to do everything 100%. But the truth is I'm lazy.

Hearing it always makes me want to turn over a new leaf, and start really paying attention to the important things in my life.

Why is it that I so quickly forget ?

I think maybe I'm going to pick one area of my life each month where I am going to focus on giving it my all.

So, I need to decide what my priority is going to be for the next thirty days.

Should I make it a spiritual focus, or a family focus? Both are so very important.

Perhaps a little prayer is in order.

Random 10 Friday

It's almost too late to post, hopefully I got this in just under the gun.
I wanted to join Motherboards Random ten Friday link-up, but I was SO busy today, I haven't had a chance til just now. Click on that link there, if you'd like to join her link-up.
-----------

"Part of being sane, is being a little bit crazy."
--Janet Long
(I really like how Motherboard begins her random ten Friday's with a great quote.
----------

I think I need an intervention. Seriously. I bought another 2.5 pound bag of peppermints today.
My excuse is that they help me stay awake on my drive to work. Something about 3:00 traffic on the 15 makes my eyes want to shut, but peppermints really do help them stay open. Really. they do.

---------

We got our tax return today--yippeee!!!!! I see a shopping spree in my future.

----------

I've been having so much fun putting together stuff for my giveaway. I actually bought a few more items today to add to the boxes. I think I might need help.

--------- Have a great weekend!!!

1. "In My Arms" --Plumb
2. "Lifesong"--Casting Crowns
3. "I Believe in Love"--Barlow girl
4. "Book of Mormon Stories"--Childrens Songbook
5. "Voice of Truth"--Casting Crowns
6. "Never Alone"--Barlow Girl
7. "My Savior My God"--Aaron Shust
8. "Whenever Your in Trouble"--Donny Osmond
9. "Surrender"--Barlow Girl
10. "Come to Jesus"--Kenneth Cope

Seriously SO miffed, and blog awards

Ok, Seriously!!! I'm working away on this post, getting all my links together, and there were like eighteen of them!!! Eighteen links, that takes time you know. Effort. Pain. in. the. bootay!!! And what does blogger do?????? Loses everything!!!!! Thanks Blogger!!

So please understand if I don't link you guys up right now. I wanted to take care of these blog awards, but Blogger just had to wreck it for me.



So, I got a couple blog awards from some really sweet ladies, so I just wanted to post them real quick and say thanks!!

This sweet Sistergood Award is from both Gigi and Merrianne.
I just "met" Gigi in the past week or so, she's been commenting on my giveaway's, and I mean this girl can leave the random fact comment love like you wouldn't believe. She has cracked me up!! Love it. Thanks Gigi!! And of course, Merrianne is like my long lost soul sista'. Love her much more than is probably appropriate!! (Just kidding Merrianne, but I do love ya'!)

Here are the rules for this award

1. Put the logo on your blog or post.
2. Nominate at least 10 blogs which show great Attitude and/or Gratitude!
3. Be sure to link to your nominees within your post.
4. Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog.
5. Share the love and link to this post and to the person from whom you received your award.

Oh my goodness, can't I just nominate everybody? I hate trying to pick, I always feel bad about who might have been left out. But, if I don't nominate anybody, you probably won't take this and do it. So, here goes:

1. Shauna

2. Jenn at Half Full

3. Tammy

4. Kristina

5. Laura

6.Sher

7.Lisa Loo

8. Lene

9. Dolly

10. Mother Goose

This one also came from Gigi and Dolly. Dolly's blog also has this additional blurb about the award:

These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award.”

1. Merrianne

2. Be it Ever so Humble

3. Jenn Lee

4. Kate

5. Shimmy Mom

6. Jan

7. Jeri at In the Gutter

8. Lemon Annie

So, I had nice little blurbs typed up about everybody, and why you should go visit them and say hi. But, I'm just so disgusted right now, and can't remember half of what I wrote. SO, please forgive me for not linking, and not rewriting my praises. I love you all so much. I think you're all SO awesome, and inspirational to me.

Thanks again!! I love meeting and making new friends in the blogosphere. Just wish I could keep up with all y'all on my Reader. Too much crap to do, which I should be doing now, so gonna' go....

Global Food Crisis Day

Can you spare $13???
I'm pretty sure I can.
Today is Global Food Crisis Day and the radio station Air 1 is working to help eradicate this problem.
Thirteen dollars can feed a starving child for a month.
If you can spare it, go to this link and click on the "Feed the Hungry" link on that page.


"All thats necessary for the triumph of evil in the world is for good people to do nothing."--I don't know who's quote that is, but it's awesome!

First the Worst, Second the same, Last the best of all the game

That's what I used to tell myself as a child when I didn't win first or second place. Kind of in keeping with the "First one there is a rotten egg" theory. :o)

So, here is the promised post about second and third place. I've made them both the same (or similar), so I thought I'd give you a peek.

There's another one of those cute boxes, I didn't mention that what's really cool about these little boxes is that they're collapsible. They have little snaps that hold them together. I just think they're so clever, especially for the dollar store. AND it's full of fun stuff too.

Had to include the "Spice up your Date Night" dice.

And of course, some candy

a cute notepad and pen

These are some cute blank notecards

I saw these adorable salt and pepper shakers, and toothpick holder at Walgreens. Just too cute to pass up.

And I made you guys something too.

Cute little cell phone holders. It's got a velcro closure, so you can slip it through your belt loop, or around your purse strap.
So, there you have it. Second and third place prizes.

I promise, this is my last post about the giveaway, until the big day--March 17th, when I'll draw the winners.

Keep on entering though, I'm loving the random facts about yourselves.

One more for the box

So, are you sick of my giveaway yet? I think that's all I've posted about lately.
Well, this is the other item I'm including in THE BOX.

I put this together this afternoon. It's an envelope style handbag. Kind of cute I guess. I just need to add a toggle button to it, so it can close properly. So, if you like it...go enter my blog giveaway.

Tomorrows post???? Second and third place prizes... LOL

What's in the box?

So, I know you're all just dying to know what's in that box.

Want to add a little spice to your date night??

Check out these naughty dice.

(sorry the picture didn't come out so great. Hope you can read them)

I thought they were kind of fun. Give them a roll, and see how date night ends.....

A little bit of this, and a little bit of that.........OK, I don't know about your dollar store, but usually the chocolate at mine is a little old, so I didn't buy the chocolate at the dollar store, I opted for one of those mass discount retailers, you probably know the one.
The baubles didn't come from the dollar store either.



(don't know if you can read what i wrote in there, but it says--"yeah, those are marshmallow candies, they were just so cute, I couldn't pass them up."--so, you know, if you don't go in for the marshmallow bunny sort of thing, I'm sure your kids will love them. ;oP

And of course, there's the gift card, don't forget that.

So, if you haven't entered yet, or want to up your chances, go here to comment. Remember, I want random facts about YOU!!!
I'm thinkng I'll compile a list of the most outrageous or quirky random facts that you guys post.