Last night was VBS at our church. We just do a one night thing, and do it up really big. I volunteered Andy and I to work with the 2-3 1/2 year olds. Simply because they were done at 8:00pm and the bigger kids weren't done till 10pm.
It all began with me taking all 3 of my children up to the church by myself because Andy was going to be late, of course. So I knew I had to purchase 4 T-shirts and feed my children pizza all by myself before Andy would get there. I planned to get there a few minutes early so I could be first at the T-shirt table so I wouldn't have to wait in a line with 3 little ones in tow. I had my check all written out - I was prepared. So as soon as I get there I am the first in line and thankful for the gift of organization. I am rattling off T-shirt sizes to the guy while the line gets long behind me. I think I might have jostled Rene' too much because she spit up all over the floor, me, and my new T-shirt. With an audience behind me, I bend down to the floor, grab and extra outfit out of my diaper bag and clean the floor with it, all while holding Rene' and repeating the T-shirt sizes to the T-shirt guy, and Paige pointing and yelling at the top of her lungs "spit up, spit up, spit up". Now I am wearing some low rise pants. And I went with undergarments that were comfortable, not necessarily stylish or the right pair for the pants, all knowing that I would be buying a T-shirt that would well cover my low rise pants and underwear that showed. At this point I hadn't put on my T-shirt so everyone behind me got a great view of my navy blue underwear sticking out of my low rise pants. And the funny is, while I am juggling all of these things, no one behind me offers to help. And the person standing next to me was the nursery worker who was going to take care of Rene' and I thought just maybe she would offer to hold her, but not a chance. So that was my experience at the T-shirt table.
We rush off to the mothers nursing room to change because that is the only place I can lay Rene' on the floor. I then drop her off in her class and the remaining children and I go hit the pizza table. It was very crowded, and I realized I needed to get 3 plates and drinks. So I begin my juggling act only to look over at my children eating the ice that is keeping the drinks cold. I finally convince them to take a bottle of water, not the ice and we find a space on the floor to eat. The only mishap there was Paige spilling all her water on the floor. Since it was water, I rubbed it in with my foot and we promptly left for our classes.
The next 2 hours was spent moving 17, 2-3/12 year olds, from "country" (the whole theme was Northview Jones - based on Indiana Jones) to country. If you have ever tried to keep track of 17 toddlers in VBS madness, you can only sympathize. If you haven't, just picture utter chaos. There is this chain of rings that they are all supposed to hold on to while we move them from place to place. There were only 3 of us adults and we basically spent 2 hours corralling them back to the chain of rings. I have never been so tired in my life.
All in all, they had a great time. And next year, I will volunteer with the class that doesn't need a string of rings to move from place to place.
Saturday, August 4, 2007
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
One Second can change your life
We got word last night that Andy's aunt and uncle were in a terrible car accident. His aunt didn't make it. As I sat consoling my husband I kept thinking to myself. These are the things you just don't think will happen to your family. I have never known anyone so close to die in such a sudden and tragic way. My days in Colorado, I sat many a morning at her table drinking coffee and shooting the breeze at "breakfast club". I'm going to share a few things about Sydney that will help you know what the world lost yesterday.
Sydney is the wife of Jimmy, a mom of 5, grandma of 11. She is Andy's dad's sister. She is a FABULOUS cook. Every holiday or birthday you are hoping to get one of her homemade desserts as a gift. Many times Andy asked for her famous macaroon tarts for his birthday. I personally wanted her pie. Her crusts were just perfect. She made the desserts for the Juniper Valley Restaurant. You would always find an open door and some yummy treat at her house. She had a love for her grandchildren that was so evident in the way she interacted with them. There was always one of them at her house at any given time. Every fall, you could always count on Sydney to have a Denver Bronco party. The family would all meet in her large living room for football and family time. And you could count on her to be wearing blue and orange. Every holiday consisted of some time at her house. She has this large living room with this great fireplace that is always burning in the winter. She took care of 99 year old Evelyn nearly every day. Taking her dinners or stopping for a visit. She loved golf and would take lots of trips with her husband Jimmy to play on various courses. You could count on her for an honest opinion. And most of the time, what Sydney said was gospel. She always had great jewelry on. I never paid much attention to acessories until I moved to CO and always saw Sydney with great matching jewelry. She was my next door neighbor for 2 years. She was a devoted Catholic. She loved her family dearly. Sydney we love you and we'll miss you.
Just take a moment today to remember the only reason we are on this earth is to see how many people we can take with us to heaven when we die. And the only way to do that is by the blood of Jesus. The difference of 1 second can change your life. Now go give your family a hug, and please remember ours as we move with heavy hearts through the rest of our week.
Sydney is the wife of Jimmy, a mom of 5, grandma of 11. She is Andy's dad's sister. She is a FABULOUS cook. Every holiday or birthday you are hoping to get one of her homemade desserts as a gift. Many times Andy asked for her famous macaroon tarts for his birthday. I personally wanted her pie. Her crusts were just perfect. She made the desserts for the Juniper Valley Restaurant. You would always find an open door and some yummy treat at her house. She had a love for her grandchildren that was so evident in the way she interacted with them. There was always one of them at her house at any given time. Every fall, you could always count on Sydney to have a Denver Bronco party. The family would all meet in her large living room for football and family time. And you could count on her to be wearing blue and orange. Every holiday consisted of some time at her house. She has this large living room with this great fireplace that is always burning in the winter. She took care of 99 year old Evelyn nearly every day. Taking her dinners or stopping for a visit. She loved golf and would take lots of trips with her husband Jimmy to play on various courses. You could count on her for an honest opinion. And most of the time, what Sydney said was gospel. She always had great jewelry on. I never paid much attention to acessories until I moved to CO and always saw Sydney with great matching jewelry. She was my next door neighbor for 2 years. She was a devoted Catholic. She loved her family dearly. Sydney we love you and we'll miss you.
Just take a moment today to remember the only reason we are on this earth is to see how many people we can take with us to heaven when we die. And the only way to do that is by the blood of Jesus. The difference of 1 second can change your life. Now go give your family a hug, and please remember ours as we move with heavy hearts through the rest of our week.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Its war.....and I have not choice but to win.
5 minutes ago, I was in the zone where your almost asleep, you can feel it and are waiting happily for it to take you away. Paige is napping, Rene' is napping, and Zak is settled in on the couch with a Thomas the Train video. And now here I am blogging. Not my #1 choice of activity, because yes, I was anxiously awaiting the sandman. But like clockwork, when I lay down on my bed, all snuggled in, Rene' wakes up. Its like she can sense I'm next to her. So now she's playing, and my nap for today is only a dream.
The past few days have had me on my knees, praying for much wisdom. Paige is just 2 and 2 months and I believe we are in full blown "terrible twos". For those who don't have children, let me just tell you. Every child you have is different. Zak had terrible 3's and while they were annoying and draining, I wasn't completely stumped on how to handle them. With Paige its different. I can try every tactic I know, and she is still either crying, screaming, or being outright defiant. I have to say, Sunday was the worst day. She spent at least 3 hours on her bed crying (not straight, but cumulative), and Dr. Dobson would have been proud because we were very consistent, but Andy and I have never been so drained. I'm just lucky he was home to experience it and tag team with me. The tantrums are what get me. She has this ear piercing scream and you don't get a warning before it comes. It has been used from us giving the wrong sippy cup, the right sippy cup, because she didn't get to lay down where she wanted to for a diaper change, because I won't carry her around the house while I do my housework, you name it, she's mad about it. To top it all off, she is up at the CRACK of dawn. We're talking 6-630am EVERY MORNING. I peel my eyes open to her little voice at the side of my bed saying "apple juice, apple juice". The other day, I woke up at 5:30 to go to Wal Mart (sounds crazy, but I'm a morning person and like to do my shopping by myself, (except for the stockers) with a cup of coffee in hand. Anyway, I'm thinking if I hurry, I just might have a minute to myself to sit before I start the hustle of the morning, but as soon as I get all the groceries in the house - there she is. Its unreal.
So, for those who have blazed the path before me, if you have any ideas other than ignoring the tantrums, spankings, and time out. Let me know, because I've about worn out the prior three things.
On a random note, I won a case of Moms best Naturals cereal over at the Meal Makeover Moms website. It came with 6 boxes of all natural cereal and instant and quick oatmel. Thats an expensive prize! They have great healthy cooking tips and recipes. Check them out!
The past few days have had me on my knees, praying for much wisdom. Paige is just 2 and 2 months and I believe we are in full blown "terrible twos". For those who don't have children, let me just tell you. Every child you have is different. Zak had terrible 3's and while they were annoying and draining, I wasn't completely stumped on how to handle them. With Paige its different. I can try every tactic I know, and she is still either crying, screaming, or being outright defiant. I have to say, Sunday was the worst day. She spent at least 3 hours on her bed crying (not straight, but cumulative), and Dr. Dobson would have been proud because we were very consistent, but Andy and I have never been so drained. I'm just lucky he was home to experience it and tag team with me. The tantrums are what get me. She has this ear piercing scream and you don't get a warning before it comes. It has been used from us giving the wrong sippy cup, the right sippy cup, because she didn't get to lay down where she wanted to for a diaper change, because I won't carry her around the house while I do my housework, you name it, she's mad about it. To top it all off, she is up at the CRACK of dawn. We're talking 6-630am EVERY MORNING. I peel my eyes open to her little voice at the side of my bed saying "apple juice, apple juice". The other day, I woke up at 5:30 to go to Wal Mart (sounds crazy, but I'm a morning person and like to do my shopping by myself, (except for the stockers) with a cup of coffee in hand. Anyway, I'm thinking if I hurry, I just might have a minute to myself to sit before I start the hustle of the morning, but as soon as I get all the groceries in the house - there she is. Its unreal.
So, for those who have blazed the path before me, if you have any ideas other than ignoring the tantrums, spankings, and time out. Let me know, because I've about worn out the prior three things.
On a random note, I won a case of Moms best Naturals cereal over at the Meal Makeover Moms website. It came with 6 boxes of all natural cereal and instant and quick oatmel. Thats an expensive prize! They have great healthy cooking tips and recipes. Check them out!
Thursday, July 26, 2007
My very first music review
Its 11:10 and I'm supposed to go to my mothers at 11:30 to pick up my children who spent the night with Grandma and Grandpa. But I just want to fit in one more thing that I can't normally do without children needing food, a referee, or a playmate.
I'm going to review the new Monk and Neagle CD that I got free in the mail - before its even released.
When I get a new CD I tend to wear it out. It just stays in my CD player in the minivan and when Paige is singing every last word, then I know its time to take a little break. So if you see us driving around town, singing together, we're jammin to Monk and Neagle "The Twenty-First Time". And you can expect nothing but raw honesty from me. Promise.
Track #1 - Beautiful You. Zak's professed new fav. He likes the music. Catchy chorus too.
Track #2 - The Twenty-First Time. This one is a little convicting. I like it, but its not the one that I'm going to be driving fast to.
Track #3 - Hallelujah, Jesus. Okay, I can't seem to play this on enough. I feel like I've been to church after I hear this one. Its one of those that ushers you into the presence of God. Or actually, Andy corrected me one day and said we are always in the presence of God, its just if we choose to acknowledge it, or relish in it. Anyway, this is probably my personal favorite.
Track # 4 - Stars Would Fall. This is a sweet love song I am assuming was written for their wives. Like it
Track # 5 - What Soldiers Do. Okay this one is sad. Its one of those sad songs about a dad going off to war. I have to admit, I skip this one. I'm one who's drawn to the happy songs.
Track # 6 - Yours Forever. I don't know about this one. For some reason it reminds me of a song we'd sing at Vacation Bible School or camp. Some may beg to differ, but I said I'd be honest.
Track #7 - More than That. This one is like my prayer ever single day. It hit right at the heart and I can sing it meaning every single word. My other favorite.
Track # 8 - Wonderful Angel. Again, brutal honesty. Its got a Jamaican feel. Another love song to their wives. When I'm looking for a love song - I don't tend to want a Caribbean feel.
Track #9 - Fallin. This is a good one. Its not one that I will jump to when I'm looking for a good song, but I'm not skipping it either.
Track # 10 - Into Orbit. Now this is the one I play when then sun is shining and its like 75 degrees (in my dreams) and I have my windows rolled down and I'm just happy to be alive, singing at the top of my lungs. Its a fun one. Again, I think it was written with their wives in mind.
Track # 11 - What Soldiers Do (The Remix). I echo the review above on this song. I'm usually skipping it.
So there you have it. My official, unofficial review of the new Monk and Neagle CD, song by song. You preorder it at the earlier link or get it in stores September 18, 2007.
I'm going to review the new Monk and Neagle CD that I got free in the mail - before its even released.
When I get a new CD I tend to wear it out. It just stays in my CD player in the minivan and when Paige is singing every last word, then I know its time to take a little break. So if you see us driving around town, singing together, we're jammin to Monk and Neagle "The Twenty-First Time". And you can expect nothing but raw honesty from me. Promise.
Track #1 - Beautiful You. Zak's professed new fav. He likes the music. Catchy chorus too.
Track #2 - The Twenty-First Time. This one is a little convicting. I like it, but its not the one that I'm going to be driving fast to.
Track #3 - Hallelujah, Jesus. Okay, I can't seem to play this on enough. I feel like I've been to church after I hear this one. Its one of those that ushers you into the presence of God. Or actually, Andy corrected me one day and said we are always in the presence of God, its just if we choose to acknowledge it, or relish in it. Anyway, this is probably my personal favorite.
Track # 4 - Stars Would Fall. This is a sweet love song I am assuming was written for their wives. Like it
Track # 5 - What Soldiers Do. Okay this one is sad. Its one of those sad songs about a dad going off to war. I have to admit, I skip this one. I'm one who's drawn to the happy songs.
Track # 6 - Yours Forever. I don't know about this one. For some reason it reminds me of a song we'd sing at Vacation Bible School or camp. Some may beg to differ, but I said I'd be honest.
Track #7 - More than That. This one is like my prayer ever single day. It hit right at the heart and I can sing it meaning every single word. My other favorite.
Track # 8 - Wonderful Angel. Again, brutal honesty. Its got a Jamaican feel. Another love song to their wives. When I'm looking for a love song - I don't tend to want a Caribbean feel.
Track #9 - Fallin. This is a good one. Its not one that I will jump to when I'm looking for a good song, but I'm not skipping it either.
Track # 10 - Into Orbit. Now this is the one I play when then sun is shining and its like 75 degrees (in my dreams) and I have my windows rolled down and I'm just happy to be alive, singing at the top of my lungs. Its a fun one. Again, I think it was written with their wives in mind.
Track # 11 - What Soldiers Do (The Remix). I echo the review above on this song. I'm usually skipping it.
So there you have it. My official, unofficial review of the new Monk and Neagle CD, song by song. You preorder it at the earlier link or get it in stores September 18, 2007.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Randomness
My life lately has just seemed to be a lot of randomness. So I wanted to provide my faithful blog readers a post to read when your feeling like your life is dull and boring. Because this post will make you feel much better.
Things I vacuumed up today (whether on purpose or accident):
Things I vacuumed up today (whether on purpose or accident):
- my earring
- "Go Diego Go" stickers
- a very hard spaghetti noodle
- a crayon
- a magnet
Yesterday's most notable referee match was Zak trying to watch "The Magic School bus" while his sister Paige is playing the tambourine and maracas in his ear.
Rene' ate rice cereal for the first time.
I'm the current champion of the game "Mexican Train" much to the annoyance of Zak and Andy.
God answers prayers - there were 2 "drop off" spots at Mother's Day Out today.
Now there are somethings you didn't know about us before you read this and I know I'm really stretching it, but I'll be back to my old bloggity self soon, I hope.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Whats for dinner
I'm running low on blog material. Not that things around here haven't been busy or blogworthy - I just can't seem to put it in word form. So I'm giving you a dinner idea. I think I could eat these every day they are so good and so easy. We had these last night. Next time I'll post you a picture of it.
Turkey wrap
whole wheat flour tortilla
turkey
shredded cheese
salsa
avacado
salt and pepper
I heat mine up in the microwave for 10 seconds to get it a little warm.
Delish!!!!!
Turkey wrap
whole wheat flour tortilla
turkey
shredded cheese
salsa
avacado
salt and pepper
I heat mine up in the microwave for 10 seconds to get it a little warm.
Delish!!!!!
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Diggin this music
I do believe I might have a new favorite for the next couple of months. Its Monk and Neagle
Click here for your special blogger preview and you can take a sample listen to their new CD. Hopefully I'll be getting a free one in the mail and will write you a little review soon!
Enjoy!!
Click here for your special blogger preview and you can take a sample listen to their new CD. Hopefully I'll be getting a free one in the mail and will write you a little review soon!
Enjoy!!
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