Shopping with the Devine.

I have done some spiritual shopping this week.

Friday night a joined a great group of women for a Bible study on the modern side. It was fantastic!!! We are going through a cutie patootie book called "A Modern Girl's Guide to Bible Study" by Jen Hatmaker. She is a HOOT y'all! She makes the word of God lovable, understandable and manageable. I am not normally one to boast but GEE Golly I felt His presence up in there!

Sunday the girls and I got spiffied up to visit a church. It is one that we have visited a few times before and liked the atmosphere. Bama had to work and was sad he couldn't join in. This particular Sunday was Women's Day, the service was all about Godly women and orchestrated by Godly women. It touched me, I was so pleased that I went. After leaving, I felt refreshed and was pumped to hear how good of a time the girlies had in children's church.

I forgot how good my life felt when I had God on speed dial!

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One, Two, Tie My Shoe!

A hit another milestone last night.

I don't remember much about the time I learned to tie my shoes. All I know is that to a budding 6 yr. old it is extremely frustrating.

2 nights ago: "Mom everyone in my class is tying their shoes but I can't do it."

I promised to work with her on it but sometimes we are so much alike that events like this end up unsuccessful. She wants to do it her way and I want her to do it my way, it's just a butting of heads.

So last night, she and PawPaw had something to show us all. They had been working on it together. I don't remember him being so patient when I was that age but they say grand-parenting is easier. A struggled for a bit and listened to his every direction. Presto chango, she is now in the "tie your own shoe" club. I was so pleased that she learned to tie but even more elated that my Dad was able to help her through it.

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Mini Chef

Last night I wasn't feeling up to mommy speed and Addison was so precious. She offered to make dinner. I supervised and she rocked out on spaghetti. She told me that God wanted her to do all of these things because being good to your parents gets you on His list. Not like Santa's list, much more important! She also educated me on the phenom of water to vapor when boiling it. " See Mom, when the water begin to bubble, it makes steam. Steam rises into clouds, then comes back to earth as rain. Rain makes corn, corn makes whiskey...." She was so matter of fact , I had to hold back proud little giggles. Music always throws her off track. Thinking of it now, I am pretty sure all three of us girls bust out in song mid sentence in pretty much any situation??? People who know me, do I noticeably do this?

What a treat God and whiskey all in the same discussion, all in moderation, right?

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Our Love Story

1. How long have you and your significant other been together?

We began dating exclusively the September of 2001.

We got engaged November 2002.

We married November 2003.

2. How did you meet? {What's your "love" story?}

My high school girlfriend dated his brother. one night we went over to their house to watch a group movie. He wasn't there at the time. Probably about halfway into the movie, I got choked on my drink and couldn't stop coughing. I went outside to get fresh air and so I wouldn't disturb the others. It was pitch black on their front porch and out of the darkness I heard "Um are you ok?" It scared me so that I almost peed my pants. He laughed, I laughed and it sparked conversation.  We didn't start dating for a while after we met. I had my heart broken a few times and was on a serious relationship hiatus. He eventually broke my strike!

3. If married, how long have you been married? If not, is this the guy you hope to marry? {do tell}

We are heading towards 9 years, this November.

4. If you are married, where did you get married at? Big or small wedding? If not, where would you like to get married? And will it be big or small?

Our wedding was small and at our hometown church. I would have loved to have gotten married outside but my mother was a firm believer that weddings should be in churches. She and my Dad funded the event, so there were compliance's. It was lots of fun though, from what I remember?

5. Do you have any nick-names that you call one another? Do share!

He doesn't really call me anything special. I get the standard southern, hun, babe, sweetheart.....

For some reason I have always felt the need to shorten his name (even though it's already like 4 letters) to Bam. I don't really know why I do that it's odd, I know!

Sometimes, Mostly the girls and I refer to him as Daddy Do. When the girls where able to say a few words, we would constantly ask them question just to her their sweet little voices. Every time you asked them who loved them the most, they would answer: Daddy Do ( Daddy does?) I would say no he doesn't and they would reply " yes he do!"

6. Name 3 things you love most about your honey.

He is kind hearted. It is a strength and a weakness. Too many times has he been so kind, to only get walked over in return.

 He is a worker. Never would he let us go without.

 He has morals. There are things that he stands for, things that he believes strongly in and he doesn't let others bring him down.

7. Tell us how he proposed? Or your ideal proposal?

It wasn't over the top but neither is he. He is please by the simple things. I didn't know this before but a few days before the proposal he visited my Dad and Mom (aka Mammie and PawPaw). He knew that they loved him and supported us together but he wanted to be absolutely sure that they were behind the thought of marriage. So on November 22, 2002 he took me on a little date and talked about how things would be if we got married. The whole night he acted so odd. When we got home and kicked back to play video games ( cause that is his 4th love, behind me, the girls, and Alabama Football RTR!) he asked what I would say if he did propose. I didn't answer, to me that was something that you shouldn't have to think about, you just make the decision at the moment the ring comes out, right? I didn't realize that the ring was out! It was just laying on the pillow, shining back at me. Once I realized this moment was happening, he asked again. This time in true marriage proposal form.

8. Is he a flowers and teddy bear kind of guy for v-day, or strawberries, champagne, and rose petals?

None of the above.

There have been a few years that a card has been the only treat. I am ok with that (well that is what I say).

This year was different, the night before V-day he sent the girls into our bedroom with a bulging card. The card was sweet, the Beaucoup necklace and key charm was even sweeter. A said it was the key to their hearts. She is a young romantic, which scares us a bit!

9. Are you a sunset dinner on the beach kind of girl, or pop a movie in and relax on the couch?

In the Summer, I am a sunset by the river kind of girl.

In the Fall, once it gets colder, I am a bonfire kind of girl.

In the Winter, I am a on the couch with a movie kind of girl.

In the Spring, I am a dying to get out of the house kind of girl.

No fancy dinners, just time together is important to me.

10. Tell us one thing you'd like to do with your significant one day. If you could do anything? Go anywhere?

We would both like to go to Scotland one day. Part of Bama's family is of Scottish decent, they have a crest, colored plaid and the whole deal.

11. Tell us what you plan on doing on this Valentine's Day.

My sweetheart had to work late. The girls and I cuddled on the couch.

12. Are you asking for anything this Valentine's day?

 I did send him an Amazon wish list, with quite the variety, just a couple of weeks ago.

13. Give us one piece of advice of keeping a relationship strong and full of love.

Give each other space. Spend time together meaningfully but don't smother one another. Having time apart and doing things without each other makes you appreciate the moments shared.

14. Show us a picture of what love means to you.

Read more stories or link yours from Mrs. to Momma

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Silly Valentine

This year I decided since there were sooooo many good Valentine projects floating around the Internet, we would attempt some.

Warning: In a attempt to be a crafty, thoughtful mother Valentines was nearly ruined!

Be prepared to laugh your socks off!

Project 1:

I first saw this little Valentine on pinterest and asked the girls if they thought it would be fun. Luckily, I read many blogs and 4men 1lady did a lovely tutorial.

Super easy to follow. I am just poor at preparation and follow through.

I made a trip to the HL(pretty sure I have talked about this too much already, oh well?)to get the supplies. I was positive I could get it all in one stop. They have everything a crafty soul could dream of.

Supplies:

1 pack of colorful card stock
1 paper punch, scalloped edge
1 heart mold
1 pack of 64 crayons
1 roll double sided tape 1 bottle gorilla glue
2 packs of Wilton clear treat bags
They had everything but the heart mold, easy peasy! There was plenty of time, I was planning ahead, go me!

After patting my own back all the way home, I quickly got started. The tutorial link above provided awesome printouts for the circular wording, so nice of her to do!

I got so excited and ahead of myself and printed out all that was needed for each of the girl's sweet classmates. A total of 29 to be exact.

Just a few mishaps that I want to prepare (warn) you for:

check your printer ink BEFORE you start a printing job

turn the print view to landscape

resize the image to 100%

With that said, I got my soon to be cards off the printer, stuck the first ring into the paper press and realized it was WAY to small. As the "low ink" light flashed in the corner of my eye, I began to panic ever so slightly, level 1. it is just ink I could pick that up in the next few days, no sweat!

So I did, made all the corrections and soon had pretty pink and reds cards!

In the mean time I had been on a hunt for the heart shaped mold. Three store visits and no luck. So this past Friday I went to Target and the shelves that previously held the molds were bare. Panic level raised to 3.

What to do now? The whole Valentine is structured around the "heart" shaped crayon.

Last resort, I had seen another crayon tutorial using the quarter size cupcake papers. You put the crayons in and melt the same, just different shape I guess?

In all of the weekend frenzy, crayon making had been pushed to Sunday, hence my title

"Procrastinator Supreme".

All the supplies were laid out, minus the mold............and CRAYONS!

Panic level 6 people, it got deep! how did I manage to skip the crayons? So I made a mad dash to the local DG (Dollar General), swiped a box of crayons and took a speedy stroll through the Vday aisle.

Something on the endcap caught my eye, was it? YES it was! One little, precious heart mold, hanging all by it's lonesome, just waiting to be purchased by me, to be loved and baked at 250 degrees.....AAAAHHHH!

We got all of the pretties molded, glued and package up tight!

Oh and on the adhering home front, do not use double sided tape. It doesn't stick to wax at all!

Go with Gorrilla!

Kids where washed, pj's were on, momma's feet were propped and out comes a blood curdling scream. "DUMPLIN ATE MY VALETIMES!!!!"

What? How? Where?

"She ate it all up momma. She snuck it out of my bag and took it under Kady's bed and gobbled it all up."

Panic level MAX 10!

I had made extra crayons for the girls to play with at home but no extra cards had been made. One little child would have to do without or we would nix the homemades for store boughts.

With tears on the verge of flowing, I could only look to Bama to save the day.

And he did!

He remembered one stray card that he had trashed earlier, put on some gloves and fetched it out unscathed. So one little precious got a Vday card today straight from the dumps ( totally clean, of course).

So all of them made it to school, after that it's out of my hands!

Here is A's video telling you all about it!

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Photo-A-Day 10: self portrait

Prepare yourselves......You might be scared for life after this one!

Of all the days, I have looked forward to this one the least. Let's just say, I am NOT a fan of

pictures that involve me. Usually I am the one behind the camera.

Oh well!

PS: you probably notice that I skipped Day 9, whoops! 

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Photo-A-Day 8: sunshine

This pic has to be super big so you can actually see the shimmers through the clouds. I almost thought we were back on Day 4: stranger.

If you live here in Alabama you are sure to be aware of this. If not, we have had UNUSUALLY warm weather for Feb. 60's & 70's unusual. That's right, my yard is greening, the butter cups blooming and wild pear trees are bursting with white blooms. It is Gawgous (georgous with southern twang)!

But today my friends.....on THE day that sunshine is required for posting,

there was none.

I did my morning routine, occasionally sneaking to the window as if I was going to catch the sun off guard and snap my pic but no such luck. I took the girls to school, kissed their sweet faces began to drive off and who do I meet you ask? (well you didn't ask but I'm telling you)

Mr. Ray O. Sunshine!

I slammed the car in park, didn't check for school traffic, wrestled with my phone, SNAP! All in the name of blogging folks. Just call me dedicated (or crazy, crazy is appropriate).

Here are the sweet faces mentioned above. Cutie Paaaatooties!

See other entries here {fat mum slim}.

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Photo-A-Day 7: button

Sometimes...........

My children need to have a button.

Obviously, I would use it only in desperate times! My children are blessings but there are occasions that if I hear the words " Mother, Mom or Momma" ONE more time, my head will explode!!!

I am by no means a "jump and run Momma". When my children call for my attention I provide it plentifully. Still, it seems that they require extra consideration when I am in the middle of something.

While talking to another adult: you get a whisper " Mom", then a louder "MOM", then a recurring poke in the shoulder with an even louder "MOM". Can't it wait? Is someone bleeding or unconscious? It's just rude! MUTE!!!!!

See other entries here {fat mum slim}.



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Photo-A-Day 6: dinner

Well here it is. 

Nothing special, except......

 it was kind of a mistake. 

Mammie put a flat, white, corn tortilla in the oven and forgot about it. It swelled with air in the center and cooked until crisp. So I busted out one side and had a make shift taco salad bowl. 

Emmm Gude!

On a roll to day 7!

See other entries here {fat mum slim}.

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Photo-A-Day 5: 10 AM

Truly, yesterday was day 5. Even though blogging doesn't take up too much of my free time, reading does. If I even log in, I can't just post without seeing all of the goodies in my reader. So in an effort to keep Sunday for faith, family and a little schoolwork, I have made an executive decision to not log into blogger on that day of the week. With that said, here is what I was prepping for @ 10AM. It was delish, I tell you!

So simple, get the recipe here!


See other entries here {fat mum slim}.

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Pretty Pay Off

OOOOhhhh! I am so excited. This little diddy made it's way into my buggy while trying to capture the elusive stranger pic at the HL yesterday. Isn't she delightful? What made her even more sweet was her $$$$

Regular price $39.99 Discounted Price $12.00 Feeling of cuteness and accomplishment.....priceless!

Now if I can only find her a suitable mate (as in, actual lamp to go under her).
What color, texture or style would you choose?

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Photo-A-Day 4: a stranger

So this is probably an odd kind of stranger, huh?

Yesterday, I ran by the HL to get some supplies for our Valentine projects, yes that is plural! Me and the girlies have a few little things going on that a can't wait to share, stay tuned. While perusing the 66% off isle a sweet little puppy snuck up behind me. He looked just like the dog from those commercials. You know the ones? This pic doesn't do him any justice, stunning! Anyway, I immediately thought what a perfect stranger. There is nothing stranger than meeting a doggie in a retail store, bizarre. There where some pretty good deals and I managed to snag me one, again that comes later. Back to doggie do right over here. I felt a little odd trying to take the picture with the owner standing so close by. I am sure if I had asked, she would have gladly agreed. in my mind he/she was some kind of super spy, undercover canine agent and I might be unraveling his disguise in one swift click of the camera.  Casually, (I say casually, that was what it seemed like in my mind?) I browsed over the discounted lamps. Showed some interest with an "OOOOooh" and lift of the brow. Yet, what if these lamp shades don't blend, I pondered (going through all the options, to be convincing). I MUST take a pictures of these lamps to take home and decide which compliments my color pallet. I admit it was pretty convincing until....the LOUD picture sound key went off on my phone.

Note to self: Should have remembered to put the chimes on hush before the covert mission.

It was down right fun! Gonna do it again tomorrow - Day 5!

See other entries here {fat mum slim}.

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Photo-A-Day 3: Hands

Theses hands are

rough

patient

kind

strong

providing

gentle

loving

dedicated

These are the hands of a

husband

father

worker

nurturer

These hands

clap for children

hold  you when things are tough

pat  you when a good job is done

apply bandages

are tightly clasped when praying

can be stern

These hands belong to my forever friend.

Headed at Day 4!

See other entries here  {fat mum slim}

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Photo-A-Day 2: words

Here are the words that I swore (as an irritable, defiant, independent teen) would never cross my lips. If my mother (otherwise known as Mammie) sees this she will laugh.....hysterically........followed by tears.......and lots of I told you so-ness.....

Ugh!

Why do my children force me to eat crow?

Woot woot, come on Day 3!

See others entries here {fat mum slim}.

 

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Photo-A-Day 1: your view today

Okay, I have been thinking about this one for the last two days. It shouldn't be this hard to choose the best view, right?

There are just so many different opportunities, like my favorite morning view. In our backyard, this time of year the frost covers the ground and it almost seems like snow. The cows are eating their hay as the sunlight starts to touch the terrace. How about the long view of dreaded 280 ( a congested hwy that you must use to get most everywhere here in central Alabama).

None of the other options seemed just right. I only get to see those things for minutes each day. So I have chosen the view of my work area. Let's face it people, I stare at this spot aimlessly for 8-9 hours, 5 days a week. It's not much to look at but it is cozy.

Can't wait for tomorrow!

See others entries here > {fat mum slim}.

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FEBRUARY Photo A Day

Starts tomorrow! Link up here.

Here's how to play: per Chantelle {fat mum slim}

1. Use the list above as inspiration and take a photo everyday. For example for number one on the list, 'your view today' you'd take a shot of whatever it is that you can see today. This would be a wider shot of your office space, where you went for a walk, or whatever it is that you can see!

2. Share on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr, your blog or where ever it is you want to share. If you're sharing on Instagram or Twitter use the hashtag #FEBphotoaday so everyone can find them. There's a great community around the photo sharing, so do share!

3. Check out everyone else's pictures. I do it before I go to bed each night and it's so fun to see how different everyone's photos are. There are people from every corner of the world playing.

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Today's Braid

Here are the chosen braids for today. The large braid in the back starts from the left ear and follows the hair/neck line around. The small braid starts about the peak of the forehead and comes straight down to meet the other. We are getting so adventurous! I certainly won't win any awards on neatness or consistency but this 6 year old sure does think I am spot on! The real key is how long it stays in. How do you braid? Are there any tips to help me be the best mom on the block?

Also, suggest the best product that helps with the fly away hair?


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Regular Ducati Children

Just look at this form! Ladies and gentlemen, you had no idea Bama and I have been raising future street racers of America!

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Making up!

A missed school on Monday, K5 that is. Needless to say we had 3 pages of make up work sent home on Tuesday. Really? 

What I should say: I am so thankful for the things that they are learning and A has progressed so much it is unreal!

What I am saying: Come on people K to the 5! Calm down already......

What needs to be said: Mrs. Jan (A's teacher) is A-Mazing! Her patience could easily give Job a run for his money. She is the kid whisperer. Mad skills people. Even when she is punishing the kids it almost like you can't be mad, she is so slick with it. The kids feel the pain but it doesn't hurt! Does that make sense? Probably not! 

PS: Mrs. Jan, because you gave A the take home work, I was irritated unrightfully. On the positive, I did manage to find Dumplin's sock hiding place just there, in the pic, under my bed. So thanks from all of us for making things match!!!

Billy Graham~

“A child needs both to be hugged and unhugged. The hug lets her know she is valuable. The unhug lets her know that she is viable. If you’re always shoving your child away, they will cling to you for love. If you’re always holding them closer, they will cling to you for fear.”

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Boo Boo Bandit

Last weekend I reported on this season's basketball practice and that a game was soon to follow. The game was nowhere near Addison's picture but Kadence was pumped. She got up quick and put on her jersey shorts got her little pixie hair pulled up, it was presh.....

With Daddy Do in tow, she was headed out to christen the new bball shoes!

Addison and I  got our lazy on and just as I drifted off the dogs started barking. Crap, what did they forget?

Nothing, Nada, no forgetamundo!

It's what they brought back that was pitiful. The team coaches had not opened the gym yet and K and her boy BFF went to check the side door. On the way back, they raced. Both tripped, skin and tears were lost that morning. Kadence is a TERRIBLE patient by the way. Everything burns! "Mommy, don't look at it, it burns!" " Really Kady, my looks make it burn?" After getting all patched up, she desperately wanted to go back to the game. Daddy Do was the bad guy and said no, so she sniffled, whined and walked with a stiff leg all afternoon and told him it was his fault for not watching her close enough and that is why she got hurt! Kids.....everything is our fault!

Warning: Cuts in picture appear less deep as in real life!

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Tooth Fairy Blunder

Keep in mind that we have been battling the war of virus McMake Rounds-A-Lot. Totally not my fault.....I swear!

Addison has had this loose from tooth for two weeks straight. Right in the front, cocked to the side, dangling by a thread, loose tooth. Problem is her mouth is so tiny that Daddy Do and I couldn't get our chubby fingers in there to fetch it. Finally, this past Saturday night A had tolerated enough incessant wiggling and had come to the end of her rope, literally. We tied a sring to the little nugget and slammed the door. She was standing there so brave and bubbling with excitement. Tie went the string, slam went the door and POP went the tooth, right out of her mouth, into the floor.

Not twenty minutes later we were giggling and deciding how much the TF might bring for such a courageous girl and one mighty fine tooth. "Mom, my tummy is cramping."says A, with a little scrunched nose. "No, you are fine....totally fine. It's just your nerves from all the toothy excitement!" says unsuspecting mother. Little whispers "I don't think I want to spend the night with Mammie? I want to go home, now." Mommy's mind "HO-LY fiddle hockeys, star crunch!"

We get home to severe stomach cramps and one sick little puppy. All night long kinda sick. My brains (all of them) were completely focused on this itty bitty's beck and call. After spending the majority of our time in the bathroom we where exhausted and the Lysol can was embedded into my palm. Lightening cracks, thunder shakes the house and the rain sounded like a full on hurricane. Stay with me people, we have made it to Monday morning. At least I get a bright eyed girl, still with a pale face but improving, "I guess my tooth wasn't good enough?" pouted face. What no visit, no dough...... "Sure it was baby, you know that TF didn't want to catch that virus. I am positive she will visit tonight." screeches the Mom with scrambled eggs for memory.

Scene: Tuesday morning, Dad gone to work early, littles in bed, Mom catching a quick, HOT shower before work. Knock, knock! "Come in sweet doll, I'm in the shower!" " Well Mom, it happened again!" " What did?" " The TF was a no show." "UHHHHH, you are kidding?" " Mom, do I look like I am kidding?" "Well no, no you don't" "I know Mom, She must have been scared of Dumplin (harmless chihuahua)!" "Addison you are surely right!"

Here we are and it's Tuesday night, tooth under pillow, fairy website visited and money in hand. Fourth night is the charm around here folks. Parenting is tough!

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