Fun with friends...

We are so blessed to have wonderful friends all around us. You are all so important to us! I am on a mission to get pictures of the kids with all of their friends... look out, I'm coming at you with my camera!

With that said, here is a sweet picture of Claire and Blake.
My two new favorite pictures of the kids...

Baseball!

Last night we had the opportunity to go to the Rangers game. Jeff got his firms seats for the night, always the best way to go to a game! :)

Last year we got to go and the kids lasted until the third inning. This year we made it to the fourth inning! Maybe one day we will be able to make it through the whole game!

The only bad thing about the night was the people sitting in front of us. They were the "kid loathing" type... you know the kind. Every time Claire or Luke would even brush by them the girl would turn around and give me a death look. Believe me, the kids were SO well behaved. Ugh... people like that can really get under my skin. They didn't ruin the game for us though... we had a GREAT time!

Luke loved watching the players "HIT BALL!!!"

Daddy and Claire (this is my new favorite picture!)

Luke giving Daddy hugs!

Having fun...

I love spring time! It's so fun to be able to do things outside. Last weekend our small group had a garage sale to benefit a girl from our community. We raised over $700 dollars! It was a very fun time. Claire and her buddy Lael liked pretending that they were running a lemonade stand like the other (bigger) girls did. SO cute!

Yesterday we had the opportunity to go to the zoo with Claire's BFF Gracie Claire. Luke and Sydney got to tag along too.

On a side note: If you still need a Mother's day gift, I am willing to extend my deadline! I have had several people ask me if I could squeeze them in... Just contact me through etsy :) Happy Thursday!

Just kidding...

THE FUNNIEST THING I HAVE EVER SEEN. I'm not kidding. When I saw this last Saturday I seriously thought I was going to pass out because I could not catch my breath.

Pictures

Last Thursday we had a really nasty storm come through. When the weather man starts showing your neighborhood on the screen, it's hard to not get scared! Grapefruit sized hail was predicted...we only got golf ball/ quarter sized! Thank goodness. Here are some pics from shortly after we emerged from hiding!

Some new pictures of the kids and Bailey. Below: Claire showing off her new Earth day shirt.

The munchkins with Bailey. Not the best picture, but it shows you how big Bailey is getting. She really is a very small dog. I don't think she is going to be very big at all.
Last weekend we took the kids to play miniature golf. I'll admit it, I was sceptical! I didn't think that they would last the whole time. I was wrong. They LOVED every minute of it. Luke talks about golf constantly. He walks around the house yelling "Hit ball! Yea Wuke!!!"
Here are a few of the pictures from our outing... The next Trevor Immelman. Sweet munchkins

Music

I just saw this you tube video on Britney's blog... I am going to hijack it for my own now.
This video proves that music is SO universal. It is ageless. I mentioned a few posts ago that I liked a song that a tween would like. I don't feel bad about it now.
Not only is Coldplay one of my favorite bands, but I almost cried when I heard this mans oxygen tank puffing into the microphone (reminds me of my Oma).
Apparently this choral group called "young at heart" covers tons of bands such as : Coldplay, The Ramones and even Sonic Youth! I LOVE IT!!!!!
Anyway, I hope this video makes you smile as much as I did! Happy Friday! PS look for the sweet older lady in the audience singing along. Precious!

Self promotion...

If you need a gift for Mother's day, please let me know asap. I will take custom orders until April 20th. If you have no clue what I am talking about, go click on my etsy site! I am adding pewter settings to my shop. I know my Mom LOVES wearing her grand kids around her neck! :)
OK, enough already... I promise to post some pictures next time!

Conversation of the day...

I promise this won't become a pattern, but I needed to share this conversation with you. It is fresh in my mind, and I wish it were not! This morning I took the kids to Walmart to do my grocery shopping. When I have an extensive shopping trip ahead of me, I get the kids happy meals and let them eat lunch while I shop. It makes my world just a tad easier! Anyway, today's HM toys were a pirate ship and a princess crown. You would have thought we won the lottery. The kids did a great job during our time there, but then came the check out line.
So, here is the conversation that followed... (between Me, Claire, and the Odd Check Out Guy)

C- "MOM, MY BOTTOM HURTS!!!" (imagine this in a LOUD three year old voice!)
E- "Claire, please use your quiet voice, that's not something we say loudly!"
OCOG- "Did she say her bum hurts?"
E- (awkward laugh) "yes."
OCOG- "Oh, 'cause mine does too, but probably for different reasons!"

WHAT????? Are you kidding me! I then proceeded to try to ignore him. I turned my attention to Luke. I said...
"Luke, don't drop your SHIP."
OCOG says...
"Did you just say SH** in front of your kid?!"
me...
"NO, COULD I PLEASE PAY NOW!"

I have never wanted to leave Walmart so badly in my whole life... and that is saying a lot!!! Oh, wait, this incident might rally some competition. Wow, why do I continue to go there, why?

On a side not... did you read Pioneer Woman today (it is titled "My brother, my filter)? Go read it, make sure to click on the link at the bottom of today's post. I promise you will laugh out loud. I sure did!!!

Gum

While I was putting Claire in her car seat today this is the conversation that took place...

C- "Mom, can I have some gum?"
E- "Yes, but I need you to wait until we get to the store."
C- "But Mommmy (whine, whine, whine), I want gum NOW!
E- "Is that a nice way to ask me?"
C- "No, but Mom, I am weally cute, and I have a smiwey face on today!"

How do you keep a straight face when they give you answers like that?! I didn't give in though! She was given gum as soon as we got to the store!

Jeff's version of funny...

Today we took the kids to Lowe's. We let them use there Easter money to pick out all kinds of beautiful flowers. They love to garden. I let them dig in the dirt, pull the plants apart, and water the plants when we are done. Yeah, it creates a huge mess, but the have SO much fun. Unfortunately, I didn't get any pictures. I will try to take some tomorrow. They are very proud of there flowers.

So, on to "Jeff's version of funny"... As we were pulling into a parking spot at Lowe's, this was the conversation that took place:

Jeff- "Wow, this van really is easy to drive!"
Me- (rolling my eyes) "Yeah, I guess it has that going for it."
Jeff- "And it's easy to get the kids in and out!"
Me- "But it's not very cool."
-pause-
Jeff- "Hey, you know, you're a lot like this van!"
Me- (rolling my eyes more) "Why is that?"
Jeff- "Well, you're not very cool, you're easy to drive, and you're easy to get kids in and out of!"
Me- (mouth hanging open) "thanks, dude... i love you too."

Later, I explained that getting kids out of anyone is NOT easy. I felt like I needed to emphasise that to him. Also, by "easy to drive" I think he meant I'm easy going! Come on, get your mind out of the gutter! :) If you don't know Jeff... rest assured, this is his version of funny. Ha. Ha.

Confessions and all things fabulous...

Confession number one: I heard a Jonas Brothers song on the radio tonight. I liked it. Yup, that's right I liked the same song that all those 12 year old girls like. I admit it, OK? If you are surprised by his confession you must not know me that well! :)

Confession number two: While driving along the highway tonight I saw some bluebonnets. They are just now blooming here in God's country (J/K). So here is the confession part... I have never taken pictures in bluebonnets... I know, it's almost a sin. I have lived in these parts since elementary school. We will be taking bluebonnet pictures this year.

Confession number three: While watching the Bachelor this week I had several moments when I broke out into nervous laughter. Mind you, I was ALONE in the room. I am SO not into being embarrassed. I was totally embarrassed by those silly "singing" girls this week. I couldn't handle it anymore- I had to fast forward the recording. In college, my roommates would go into the "Bean" (the cafeteria) and find the biggest football player they could. They would have him stand on a chair and yell my name. MORTIFIED. That is the only word I can think of. MORTIFIED.

OK, well I hope you had some laughs on my behalf. Now, go over to Fabulous K and read what she wrote about me. She named me "designer of the week"! It's a pretty big deal, she has quite a following! Thanks Kelly!
I also wanted to answer a question about the pendants too... If you want a custom pendant, with a picture or a word, go to my etsy site. I created a custom listing that gives you an opportunity to design your own. Just email me through etsy... it's that easy!

Easter with Nana

Jeff's Mom, Nana Janis, left today. She was able to visit for almost a week! We had a great time playing and shopping! Unfortunately, on Easter eve, Luke caught some kind of stomach bug. He was then successful passing it to me and Nana. Yuck. We spent all of Easter in our PJ's. Luke is still pretty sick, and I am recovering. We have been hit really hard with sickness this season, especially me and Luke. I am anxious to get rid of all of this sickness.

In an attempt to spend some time outside today, Claire, Luke and I planted a few flowers. The kids received an Easter package in the mail from Nana Sara last week. These boots, that they are wearing in the picture, were part of the surprises. Luke wants to wear them everywhere... cute little guy!

I have enjoyed looking at every ones cute Easter pictures. Mine didn't turn out so well. I am in the process of fixing them up... I will post them soon. Making up for our not so great Easter pictures are our AMAZING Storyteller Photography pictures! You can view them by clicking on the above link and using my email address as your password. It will take you to our slideshow... And, here is a great opportunity for all of you blog- stalkers out there!!! Leave me a comment and I will email you the password! I would love to hear from you, and I would hate for you to miss these pictures!

To do...

1. Write a to do list.



2. Think of the millions of thing that I have to get done before we have company.



3. Explain to C and L that Yes, Mommy has chores to do.



4. Accept that I will probably not get it all done.


Sigh.

In other news: Luke is getting to be such a big boy! He has been successful on the potty several times! He is saying sentences! "OK momma, I won't do that!" I love that one!

Claire and I went to Abilene this weekend. We stayed in a "Hometel" with four of my dearest friends for ACU. We shopped, we ate, and we went to a fabulous princess party for sweet Sofia! A fun time was had by all! Claire was amazing. She took a total of NO naps, and she was still an angel! For Sofie's birthday I made her and Claire matching dolls. Unfortunately, I didn't get a picture of them together. :(

Pretending to sleep in the hotel...




Claire's "Quaire doll". (this is not an original idea... I adapted the template from Black Apple, which I downloaded from Martha Stewart!) You should check this girl out... she is amazing! She has an etsy site linked on her blog.
P.S. I added a few new pendants to my etsy site! --->

Being fierce, snow, and storytelling...

1. Christian won Project Runway. I was not a fan in the beginning but he grew on me. He is "fierce, fabulous, and flawless"! If I was 8 feet tall I would totally wear all of his line, feathers and all!


2. The snow was great. I'm glad we don't have it all of the time though. It is hard lugging 2 kids and a puppy in and out of the car when it is that icy. Bailey had her second puppy check up on Wednesday. She did great, no going into shock this time. While we were in the pet store I let Luke play with my keys. Bad move. He pushed all of the buttons. When we got back to the car, all of my doors were open and the inside of my car was icy. Nice.

The view from our house...

Claire took care of Bailey after she came home from the vet...


3. Claire is really in to making up stories. See the video below... In this video she is telling a story about two elephants that have "stuck boo-boo's". In the end she tells me that Jesus told her the story. Apparently, Jesus is standing by our refrigerator and dancing. I wish I had the mind of a three year old, her mind is so vivid.

Things to be happy about...

1. After spending three hours cleaning my bathroom and bedroom today, I think I will be able to sleep really well tonight!
2. Claire declared my beef stew "D-wicious"!!
3. IT IS SNOWING!!! It is also sticking... LOVE IT!!

Serious question...

I have a question for all of my readers out there. I really do want your opinion. I have some very intellectual friends, and I KNOW you read my blog... so I better get some comments! However, I don't want this to turn into a nasty blog debate. You've seen them, you know what I am talking about.

I recently was exposed to a situation that I am trying to understand... Let's say you have the opportunity to help someone in need. It could be monetarily or through a service that you provide. The only stipulation is that you must receive permission and approval. The "rules" are put into place for tax and legal reasons and they are totally legitimate. Jesus instructed us to help the widows and orphans (those in need). What does He think of society's "rules" that have been put in place?

Having an accountant for a husband has enlightened me on how necessary these things are. Jeff explained to me tonight that these "rules" are put in place to protect the organization, and maybe even the giver. He also indicated that someone may be more likely to give to a non profit that is set up as a charitable organization for tax purposes. This may indicate that the non profit would be more responsible, better organized, and perhaps better positioned to help people in need. I do understand that we live in a fallen world, everything is not as easy as our Maker intended it to be. I am fascinated by things like "tax credits" and "tax deductions". However, I still have a hard time understanding why people would be motivated to give to a charitable organization just to lower their taxes. What if we just gave or helped out of sheer joy, the same joy that Jesus felt when he forgave the prostitute, or fed thousands?

I know that we can never totally understand everything that was written in the Bible, and that God didn't intend for us to understand everything. It is also ridiculous for me to think that I will every truly comprehend "giving selflessly with no ulterior motives". What do you believe? How do you think Jesus intended us to give?

I know, I know... you usually come to my blog for a light read, maybe even just the pictures! I do have deep thoughts...occasionally! :)

Pendants

Here are a few pendants that I have made so far. I am still learning how to perfect the resin. So far, I love working with this stuff! It is very tedious and time consuming. It is a huge test of my patience... I don't like waiting!

Resin and Chapel

Those two things have nothing to do with each other. I'll start with resin. You probably don't care, but I am very excited about a new medium that I have found. It is basically epoxy, but you can pour it into molds and make great jewelery. I have made several pieces so far, when I have them perfected I will post pictures. I have cast several pendants with pictures of children in them... If you have sent us a photo card lately, I might have used it! Who doesn't love to wear jewelery with there kids on it or in it?
On to chapel... this is Claire's new favorite game. She stands on the fire place and pretends that she is leading chapel. She leads songs, says prayers, and asks the pretend "children" questions about Jesus. I'm super glad that she is going to school now. Remember the day she went for the first time? I was ridiculous to be so anxious!!! Tonight she was even teaching Luke how to pray... pretty much the sweetest thing I have ever seen. She ended the lesson by shoving him off of the fire place because he wasn't listening to her! Oh, come quickly bedtime...

Happy Valentines Day!

I love this day... I think everyday should be Valentines Day! OK, moving on...
Here is a funny story for you. Yesterday, I was busy trying to get the house in order. I seem to spend everyday doing that, it never seems to get finished. Anyway, Bailey needed to go outside, so I let her out. I don't recall ever letting her in. So, I went out back and frantically searched for her. I started to panic because she was no where to be found. I went out front to look for her, I screamed her name. I think I almost had an anxiety attack! We have only had her for a few weeks, and I had already lost her!!! I went inside and contemplated calling Jeff to tell him what was happening. Right when I picked up the phone to dial I looked into the living room. There she was, curled up by Luke's blanket. She was fast asleep... she probably never heard me calling her name! So, needless to say, I felt the sudden urge to go get her micro-chipped and tagged!
Seriously, I might be losing my mind! I found pot holders in the refrigerator this morning. I immediately thought to blame it on Claire. Unfortunately, the sweet thing can't reach that high! Ugh! I guess it was me!
Just thought I would get all of that out. Does confessing your scatter brained craziness help it to go away?! I hope so!



They love this dog!!! Thankfully, she puts up with them loving her!

...by emily on ETSY!!!!

Yea!!! I finally have an etsy shop! People, this is SO FUN! Please go visit my shop (often). I will add new things as I finish them. Etsy is amazing... if you haven't seen it, be careful! You might become addicted! It is a great place for artsy crafty people to sell there stuff.

http://www.byemily.etsy.com/

PS a HUGE shout out to my very talented friend Sarah. She designed my etsy banner for me!!! Sarah is a big up and coming artist in Dallas... check out her blog! She has a gallery opening soon!