nuts

...It is amazing what people can do when they really are fired up about something. Angry fans of the CBS show "Jericho" are sending thousands of pounds of nuts to CBS because of the decision to cancel the show. Check out their website: http://www.nutsonline.com/jericho.

Yes it is just a tv show. Yes, they shouldn't care this much about it. But, I do like that they are doing something worthwhile: they are also sending a portion of the nuts profits to Greensburg, KS. Donations have reached $7,000.

Then we have the guy who decides to fly even though he has a rare, lethal form of TB. Uh, why? I don't know the whole story but if you are sick (and surely that guy knew he didn't feel well), can you not postpone the trip? Don't you think people would understand?

Then we have "celebrities" making the news because of their latest DUIs, or entrances into rehab programs or prisons. What are we telling our young children when we splash their faces all over the news and magazines?

Rhett's big day

...So Rhett had a great weekend. Not only did he lose his "top" tooth but something even more exciting happened. He went to one of the Big 12 Championship games with his dad and grandparents and a little while later, while Noah and I were out, he called and left me a message. Here is a transcribed version:

Rhett on the answering machine: Mom! I ... I got...I got...I got...I got a FOUL BALL!!!! I just wanted to call and tell you that! I love you!! Bye!!!

Seth later told me that they actually got two foul balls. The first one, an older boy several rows above them actually caught but was nice enough to give the ball to Rhett. Really. He just let him have it. I love that there are nice kids in the world.

Then a while later, Seth caught one. He gave it to Rhett and said, "Do you think we need to give this to the boy who gave you the foul ball?" And Rhett immediately said, "Yes!" So he went up and gave it to the boy. I love that one of those nice kids in the world is mine.

Rhett was a happy, happy kid that night.

why I love

...I am doing not just a list today, but a photo list. Much more fun, huh? :)


Why I love...


*Magnolia Trees


The blooms are absolutely beautiful. I have been watching this bud for a good 2 weeks now and suddenly on Thursday, it opened up. Sandy and Sammy were here and they enjoyed the bloom too. The smell is just heavenly and although the flower does not last long (2 days and it turns brown and falls off), it was worth every minute of the 2 week wait.


*The last days of school



Ice cream parties and the start of summer, fun water days and giving gifts to the teacher. I have to say I was so excited because I got to help with Rhett's ice cream party on Friday. I hadn't helped with any other event at his school before because I always had Noah. Turns out, I could have just brought Noah. Everyone else brought their younger children. Oh well. Live and learn. But it was fun being there and watching him with his friends. I hope that next year, when we move to the new school that is opening for our neighborhood that he finds as good as friends as he found this year. Knowing Rhett, he will be fine.



I was a little weepy during Noah's last days of school. The first friend that I made here in Edmond is moving and taking one of Noah's best friends with her. Two more of Noah's friends are moving as well. So it was a little sad. I am happy that Noah will be back with one of his same teachers next year. She is awesome and does so much good for Noah.

*6 year olds

Yep, Rhett lost another tooth. Now he has that big gap that all 6 and 7 year olds have. He is actually laughing in this picture. It was bath time when he lost his tooth and Noah was parading around with his bath robe on but open. So when I took a picture of Rhett, I looked and saw that naked Noah was in the background. I quickly deleted it but Rhett thought it was the funniest thing ever. I was glad that he was laughing because about 10 minutes earlier, I threw a fly ball his way and it hit him square on the nose. I felt terrible! And so did he! :)

Have a great Tuesday!

more later

...I promise pictures and a full recap of Noah's last day of school and Rhett's school party that I finally got to help with because Seth watched Noah. I will let you know Seth's new nickname for me. I will let you know how big my kids are getting and how happy I am that it is summer.

Right now I have to do laundry though. Seriously big loads of clothes piling up.

re: lost

...Oh, wow. Just watched the season finale of Lost. All I can say is...oh, wow.

lessons learned

...Saturday was an interesting day. It started out normally--Seth taking Rhett to baseball practice, then lunch, then soccer game. But at the soccer game, there were no referees. They canceled the games past noon, but did not let anyone know. So we played anyway--just for fun. However, this was supposed to be the game where they got their medals. No medals. Frustrating!

Afterward, we went to Braum's for ice cream. That was a fun treat for all of us. Now this is where our whole day took on an interesting turn. Seth wanted to go see where his friend bought a house. One of Seth's hobbies is looking at houses. He loves driving around, looking at different neighborhoods, ect. So we went. It was about a 10 minute drive. While there, Seth happened to see a turtle on the road. Yes, you probably guessed it. We picked it up, put it in a cooler and drove to the pet store. A turtle would be a fun pet for the boys right? Right?

Wrong. Turns out, turtles are really a lot of work. You have to build an outdoor cage for them (because of their stink), feed them fruits and vegetables (almost rotten), then you may not even see them because they like to dig and hide. So after a few minutes thought, Seth and I said, "Uh, boys..." But they were very good about it--only because we promised them fish.

And that is where we went to next. After driving back to the neighborhood to put the turtle back, we went to pick out fish and an aquarium. Now, in our living room, we have 6 fish, 2 ghost shrimp (that are pregnant) and an aquarium to house them all. The boys love it. And honestly, so do I! Fish are so interesting to watch and I think it is such a peaceful addition to our home.

So that was our day. We didn't start out the day planning on adding pets to our household. I told Seth (after he paid for the fish aquarium, ect) that fish will be a great learning tool for the boys. Even us. He replied that he had already learned something:

Never pick up a turtle on the side of the road.

Lesson learned.

social butterflies

...If you know Seth and I, you know that we are not extroverted people. We usually are happy hanging by ourselves. But this week, we are totally social. Here is a sense of what was/is going on this week:

Monday: Girls Night Out. We ate at Red Rock, a fabulous home-styled restaurant and I stayed out until 10:30. Big time for me. :)
Tuesday: a double header t-ball game.
Wednesday: Neighborhood play time. We have an awesome neighborhood with lots of boys running around. Recently, I have gotten to know some of the moms and we are almost having more fun than the kids, hanging out and talking. This is also a bad thing, because my housework is lacking because of this. But it is nice to have friends that live just a few houses down. Another game.
Thursday: The boys had a water day at Noah's school, so I went and had a little "me" time for a couple of hours. I went to Ann Taylor Loft because my friend is going to start working there and fell in love with it. It is one of my new favorite stores. Seriously. Which is bad news for Seth. :)
Friday: a small group bar-b-que. I need to make cookies. Lots and lots of cookies.
Saturday: soccer game. We thought it would be the last, but one of the rained-out games is going to be made up on June 2. Bummer. Noah is sick of soccer.
Sunday: we are having a couple come over for dinner because they are moving next week. I am sad. She was one of my first friends here in Edmond. Her son is a great friend of Noah's.

Anyway, that is a glimpse of what is going on here. I hope you have a great weekend. I know we will. It will be busy, but fun.

summer's coming

...One more week of school for Noah. Two weeks for Rhett. Summer is coming and I'm looking forward to it! In June, I am going to get to go to St. Louis, see both my sisters and their kids and just relax. (No more taxi driver for awhile.)

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Bike Ride #5: I still only lasted 20 minutes. I've been so tired this week and my muscles are feeling the effects of actually working. :) Still, I am happy because I have gotten on that bike for 3 days in a row, even when I didn't feel like it. So yay!

The one more week of school means that I am going to have to be getting up with the sun if I want to ride my bike by myself. This will be a challenge. I like sleep. But that is my goal. I have one more week to get ready for it.

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Have a great Thursday!

i {heart} teachers!

...Last week was Teacher Appreciation Week and Rhett's school did a lot for their teachers. Flowers, book baskets, cards and a tree planting ceremony, ect. I decided to make his teacher this card.

This is the inside. On the top of the inside, we wrote a note for her. I am sharing this because I know many, many teachers (my mom, my mom-in-law, my grandmother, my best friend, many good friends, me{before momhood}) and although I am a little late for the Teacher Appreciation Week, I did want to say--Thanks.

Teachers aren't paid enough, they do so much more than just teach students, they put up with so much more than just students, I could go on and on but I won't. Instead I will say this: because of you, we have leaders, scientists, doctors, preachers, entertainers, protectors, and writers. We have artists, web designers, teachers, good upstanding citizens. You are the backbone. So thanks for what you do. Whoo is the best? You. :)

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Bike Ride #3: 20 minutes. Not long, but not too bad either for just getting started. Those hills are hard (as Abbey mentioned) but as I climb up the hill, gasping for breath, I just keep saying to myself: Hills will burn more calories. Hills will make stronger legs. Hills are stupid. Oh, wait, I am supposed to be positive. I am almost to the top of the stupid hill.

Ha. Ha. Just a little work-out humor for you this morning.

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Have a great day!

happy monday

...After a week full of downpours like this (above) the clouds finally parted and the sun was out the whole weekend. Beautiful. Green surrounds us, it is such a pretty sight.

Did everyone have a good weekend? I did. My boys (all three) treated me like a princess. Seth took care of meals, let me sleep in on Sunday, I got to read a book and watch a girlie movie. And I got a bike!

Yes this is me. I am actually glad I have the helmet (a good example, mainly for the boys) because my neighborhood is very hilly so it is nice to know if I fall, I will be protected. I wanted a bike because I really need to get going, physically. The past few months I have been lazy--too much computer time, scrap time, sitting time--and have not been exercising. Then my aunt had a heart attack. Thank God she is okay but it just made it clear that I have to take care of myself. Especially since heart disease runs in my family. So yesterday I made a goal that I would start riding my bike at least 4 times a week. (Bike rides with the boys do not count. They are fun but easy going.) So I am very excited about this new goal. Wish me luck and I will keep you updated.

Rhett lost his "first front top tooth"! That is what he calls it. So cute. Yesterday he asked me if I wanted to see his lost tooth at least three times. Then he would smile his gap-filled smile. He told Grandmom that I took a picture of it and the next time he saw her, he would bring the picture so she could see it. (Not realizing that she could see the real thing if he went to see her!) So I am showing the picture now. :)

And I can't go without a cute Noah story:
Saturday, when Rhett went to baseball practice, I let Noah watch tv while I got ready. A little while later, he rushed in and said, "Mom! You have to get a Chop Wizard! It is so cool! You put cheese or tomatoes or onions in it and when you are really tired of using a sharp knife and want to cut something really fast, you just push it down and...it is all chopped!!! So easy!!!"

You know, he could be the next "OxyClean Guy." You know the man who talks really loud and has commercials for all these great products? I think Noah could take his job. He is a lot cuter and gets very excited about products. :)

Have a happy Monday!

Mothers

...This Sunday is a special day. And it was not until I became a mother that I really started to understand the whole concept of Mother's Day. (and no, it is not because of the gifts...but they are a nice perk!)

So, because I haven't done one in awhile, here is a list of why Mothers deserve to have extra love on Sunday:

1. Once you become a mom, you never stop. Even if your child is 30 or 40 years old. They may need even more help from you then.

2. Moms put themselves last most of the time. I look at it this way--if there are 3 chocolate chip cookies on the plate and 2 were big and had lots of chocolate chips and the 3rd was a little smaller and burned on the bottom, who do you think will sacrifice and get the burnt cookie? The mom! She will let her children choose a cookie and they, of course, will take the best looking cookies, then the mom, not wanting to miss out on a cookie, will eat the last one. She may wish she had the other, better cookie, but she knows that it was not meant to be.

3. Moms are very smart. After she realizes that she does not want to eat anymore burnt cookies, she will hide her own stash of beautiful, chunky cookies in a jar of her own. Then when the kids have chosen their cookie, finished it and gone to play, she will get one out of her own stash. Perhaps she will get 2 because she thinks she deserves it for being so sneaky!

4. Moms must know how to be a nurse, a teacher, a taxi driver, a catcher, a pitcher, a receiver, a math whiz, a maid, a therapist, a peace keeper, a carpenter, a bug killer or bug catcher, a short order cook, a friend and a wife.

5. Moms will protect their child at all costs.

6. Moms will love with their whole heart.

7. Moms must teach their children to be independent, responsible, caring individuals so that one day they will leave her, breaking her heart but making her proud at the same time.

8. Moms multi-task. While writing this blog, I am also doing laundry, making sure my child is entertained, doing leg lifts and calling to see if soccer games are canceled tomorrow. :)

9. It doesn't matter who calls, if a mother hears the word, "Mom!" she will immediately look for the caller. It doesn't matter if her children are grown, it doesn't matter is she is at the store and her kids aren't with her, it doesn't matter if she has boys and it is a girl's voice. She will still look. And care.

10. Moms have a limitless supply of hugs, "I love yous" and band-aids. Also, the really good moms have kleenex in their purse. And gum. And pennies. And pens. And paper. And snacks.

To my mom: Thank you for giving me such a great example of how to be a good mother. It is the hardest job I have ever known but it is also the most rewarding. Thanks for always being there for all of your children and grandchildren. I love you! We love you!

To Seth's mom: Thank you for giving me great ideas, thoughts and sympathy for raising two boys, like you did. We love you and thank you for everything!

To my fellow mom friends, sisters, future moms and hope-to-be moms someday: I love you and you are so special. Happy Mother's Day. This is your day-make it special.

Have a wonderful day, weekend and Mother's Day.

PS-Here is a layout I did for my mom: The quote says: How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving and tolerant of the weak and strong. Because someday in life you will have become...all of these. -George Washington Carver.

Mom, I think you are all of those. I love you! A

Scrapbook Share

...This weekend I went to a Scrapbook Retreat with my mom and was amazed. Amazed by the amount of stuff that women brought. They were pulling in luggage carts full of supplies! My mom and I were awed.

We had a lot of fun though and got a lot done! Here are 2 layouts:

This is Cameron and Noah. They had a lot of fun together during Spring Break. Rhett was too busy reading to be in the pictures. Seriously. We had just gone to the library and he was looking at books. He loves to read. So, here is this:

This layout was simple and fast. It took about 10 minutes!

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Seth and the boys were so busy this weekend. He took them everywhere! To the Edmond Art Festival (where he got a carciture of the boys-so sweet!), the zoo, Incredible Pizza, Lowe's to buy trees, Sears, Kohl's, Walmart, you name it they went! They had a great time together though and I appreciate you so much Seth! He said he needed to go back to work so he could rest! :)

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It has been raining and raining and raining here. Funny that last year we were in a drought and now there is flood warnings. I just want to share this photo of the beautiful sky before I go:

I think this is one that Seth took on Thursday. Totally breathtaking.

Have a great day!

Eureka!

...I have found the perfect cookie recipe--at least for me. I love when chocolate chip cookies are thick, kind of crunchy, with lots of chocolate chips. And everytime I made cookies, they ended up being, well, flat.


But yesterday in the Oklahoma Daily Newspaper, I came across an article about how to make a better cookie. I decided to try one of the recipes they listed and also use their advice.


Here is the recipe (with a little twist from me) and some of the tips I read (in parenthesis):

Chocolate Chip Cookies

1/2 c unsalted butter

(use the best butter you can buy. Yes, better butter really does make the batter better! Also, make sure it is room temperature)

1 c light brown sugar

3 T granulated sugar

1 egg (also room temperature)

2 t vanilla extract

1 3/4 c flour

1/2 t salt

1/2 t baking soda

1/2 t baking powder

1 bag of chocolate chips

1 1/2 t chai tea powder (I used Oregan Chai Original Chai Tea)

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees. (Believe me the lower, slower bake is the way to go!) Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat butter, brown sugar and white sugar until fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. (Really whip the butter and sugar--it is the secret to a really good cookie.)
3. Beat in egg and vanilla extract until well combined. (Also, be sure to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl while you are mixing with a spatula.)
4. In a large bowl, sift together flour, salt, baking soda and baking powder. Reduce speed to low, add flour mixture to butter-sugar mixture and mix for about 15 seconds. (Do not overmix the dry ingredients or you will get a dry, tough cookie. Mix until they are just incorporated and then stop.)
5. Using a rubber spatula, stir in chocolate chips and chai tea powder.
6. Using a 1-oz scoop or a 2 T measure, drop dough onto sheets in dollops about 3 inches apart. Gently press on dough with back of spoon to spread dough into 2-in circles.
7. Bake about 20 minutes or until cookies are nicely browned around edges. (It is better to bake one minute to short than 30 seconds too long because cookies continue to bake outside the oven. So if they look like they are not quite done, you might want to take them out, especially if you like soft cookies.)
8. Remove from oven, cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy! I know we are! :)

See, Rhett even has the milk mustache. Too cute! You can almost look past the fact that his mouth is open, showing the contents...almost. See, Christy, how much fun you are going to have? :)


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And to make my post a long one, because I won't be around tomorrow (going to a scrapbook retreat with my mom. Yes, I am so excited!!), here is some photos of Noah telling an especially exciting story:

"For show and share, my friend brought a diamond! And it was as big as my head!"

"And I got to hold it and when I did I saw that it had something inside. It was my memories! The diamond had my memories inside of it!"

"This is a true story, Mom. Rhett, I'm serious."

Now you tell me. Do you think this face could ever lie? :)

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Have a wonderful weekend! I know that Seth is planning on having a good time with the boys and I am planning on getting a lot of scrapping done! And have fun while I am at it! :)

a few questions...answers appreciated

...Why does my dog sit in his and my boxer's water bowl? It makes it really gross and I have to empty it out at least twice a day.

Why are boys so gross at the table and gulp their milk and smack their food? And then when I tell the boys that they are indeed, being rude, Rhett gets sad and says he tries to be "not rude." So is it just their nature?

Why do we have to deal with things like lice and ticks? Today, at preschool, they had a lice check because someone brought a case to school. I feel so bad for that child and his/her parents because I have been washing things all day, even though Noah was clear of them. And you already know how I feel about ticks.

Why are they cloning cows? Really? And why won't it be necessary to label beef as cloned or uncloned if and when the FDA makes its final decision to allow the sale and consumption of cloned food products? I don't want to eat cloned food products. Am I already?