Mohawk (Project 365/2010)

Dylan's hair sure has gotten long. While I was washing his hair in the bath tonight, I decided to make him a mohawk. When I snapped the shot, he winked, which totally cracks me up.

Lulu (Project 365/2010)

As if Dylan's nickname "Loody" for Cameron couldn't it any better? Peyton comes along and turns "Loody" into "Lulu" or "Loo Loo" ... Whichever the spelling, Peyton sure does love her brother. I snapped these shots of them after church tonight.

Sick (Project 365/2010)

I have been battling sinusitis. I don't recommend it. I haven't been able to breath out of my nose for 3 days. I am miserable. Tonight, while lounging on the couch, under a blanket, Dylan came up to me and laid on me. He's such a sweet, loving boy. I took a picture of us, but lights were off and it's REALLY hard to take a self portrait with an iPhone. :)

Grilled Cheese (Project 365/2010)

Slowly but surely she's eating more table food. Oddest child I've ever met. Tonight Peyton ate her first grilled cheese. But first, she and daddy has to blow on it to cool it down.

Pass the Kleenex (Project 365/2010)

My feeble attempts to avoid Hubby's sickness failed. The longer my nose remains clogged, the more irritable I get. My head feels like it's going to explode, literally. Can somebody please pass me the Kleenex?

Trouble (Project 365/2010)

Queen Snotsalot I left the living room to go clear my sinus' via the NetiPot in the bathroom. Upon returning, I found Peyton, at the kitchen sink. Little brat used the chair to reach. Her face, as she's being scolded, is priceless. Wish she would have stuck the lip out though. ;)

What's on Your Nightstand ~ January

The last time I participated in What's on Your Nightstand was September. The books sitting on my nightstand that month, still there this month. UGH, right? It's because I never got around to them. I can honestly say I have delved into each and every one of them on my nightstand this month. I'm almost done with 2 of them.

Outstanding (Project 365/2010)

Dylan missed all last week of school. Monday was a holiday. Tuesday he was at the doctor's. Wednesday the 24 hours of eye drop medication hadn't occurred. Thursday, the teacher called and talked to Dylan. Dylan was refusing the eye drops. He LOVES school, and when I explained to him, the night before, you can't go to school until you take your eye drops, he said, "I don't want to go to school." LOL Friday, no school due to inclement weather. Fast forward the weekend and he comes home from school today with a certificate. Outstanding Achievement in eye drop medication! Gotta love Preschool! ;)

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY...January 25th

Outside my window...Bella just bit a crow in the behind.

I am thinking...I need to figure out what the post problem is with my blogging.

I am thankful for...the grace of God.

I am wearing...New Moon t-shirt, jeans, and shoes.

I am remembering...last week's glorious rain.

I am creating...chili in the crockpot, my own recipe.

I am going...to pick up Dylan from preschool in a little bit.

I am reading...Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris.

I am hoping...I don't get whatever Hubby has.

On my mind...contacts?

Noticing that...in 8 days I'll be 35. UGH!

Pondering these words...I wish music played during epic moments of my life and not just in movies. he he he

From the kitchen...chili and cornbread.

Around the house...laundry needs folding.

One of my favorite things...Peyton's curls at the back of her head.

A few plans for the rest of the week: try not to get sick.

From my picture journal...a boy Cameron and Jake his dog...

Sunday Morning Paper (Project 365/2010)

Peyton was helping me read the Sunday paper this morning. :)

Sleeping In (Project 365/2010)

The kiddos think that just because it's a Saturday they can sleep in. WRONG! If they sleep in, they don't take their MUCH needed naps before church tonight.

My Heart (Project 365/2010)

No school today due to inclement weather. We have washed away roads, road closures, and let's face it, the rain has caused a MESS (part of our sidewalk in our community completely washed away), nobody should be out driving in it.

I get a lot of flack for not having enough pictures of Cameron (if you only knew), but he's in school ALL day long. I take pictures of who is with me 24/7 Princess Peyton. I walked into the living room this morning and found Cameron and Peyton laying together on the floor. I didn't have time to grab the camera, my iPhone was one me, and I shot these pics. How my heart burst with love, yet, tore apart, all at the same time. I have pictures of Cameron, a little older than Peyton is now, with another beautiful little girl in my life. My heart melts to see Cameron do the same things he did with Mandelyn. My heart aches that I'll never get to see Peyton play with Mandelyn. The constant band-aid covering the hole in my heart was ripped off today...I'll have to rebandage it later.

Rain Puddles (Project 365/2010)

I think we're going to need a boat before today is out.

Calm (Project 365/2010)

Peaceful. Serene. Stillness.

The. Calm. Before. The. Next. Storm.

What is the point...

of using the post options if I keep hitting save now, rather than publish post?!?!? GOSH! he he he

Wordless Wednesday: Silly

Check out more Wordless Wednesday over at 5 Minutes for Mom.

Silly (Project 365/2010)

Dylan, despite being home sick, was in rare form this evening. He decided to put on a hat and busted 3-D glasses. I ADORE this kid's silliness! :D

Hat (Project 365/2010)

Peyton wearing a new hat at Red Robin.

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY...January 18th

Outside my window...still, dark, black skies...the calm after the storm.

I am thinking...I have many phone calls to make in the morning.

I am thankful for...health insurance.

I am wearing...flannel pj's and slippers.

I am remembering...the delicious French Onion Soup I had for dinner.

I am creating...a new me.

I am going...to make a grocery list.

I am reading...PrayerWalk by Janet Holm McHenry.

I am hoping...I can get Dylan into the doctor tomorrow.

On my mind...God.

Noticing that...it's going to be a late night.

Pondering these words...Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6

From the kitchen...of Starbucks, hot chocolate. he he he

Around the house...Peyton has given herself a milk bath...UGH!

One of my favorite things...Peyton's kisses and "I do too".

A few plans for the rest of the week: gym and reading.

From my picture journal...Cameron and the chocolate fountain at Disney's Family Thanksgiving Feast in the Grand Ballroom of the Disneyland Hotel!

Yummy (Project 365/2010)

I am still amazed that Peyton is eating real food. Well, at least 75% of the time, that is. Feeding Daddy's fear of a mess herself tonight was a complete joy to watch.

The Kid's Table (Project 365/2010)

You'll find us eating out Saturday evening after church. Church begins at 6, and trying to get dinner on the table by 5, eaten, and kids ready by 5:30, well, let's face it, mission impossible. Hence, Saturday church night is an eat out night. Most Saturday's you'll find us with my BFF/Sister and family. We filled up half of Farmer Boys and ate delicious food. Between our 3 kiddos and her 4, needless to say, wherever we're at, they are happy to see us leave. Tonight I caught a picture of just why that is.

PrayerWalk (Project 365/2010)

I have been reading a book, well, I'm reading SEVERAL books, but I'm only going to blog about one today. I found this little gem on amazon.com and have enjoyed it from the very first page. Several years ago I was diagnosed with high blood pressure. I was shocked. I thought I was too young to have high blood pressure. In hindsight, I now understand, and it wasn't just weight related. Although, being put on medication completely stunk, and it did give me the kick in the butt I needed. I began walking, to the corner and back. Each day I walked a little further, a little longer. iPods weren't out then, and I didn't own a walkman (CD). What's a girl to do? I prayed. The entire time I walked, I talked to God. I talked to Him about my life, my hopes, my fears, or things on the news (I recall this like yesterday, because for days I prayed for the safe return of Laci Peterson). I'm so mad at myself for stopping (life got in the way). I was walking, daily, 2.4 miles, dropped 40+ pounds, and was on 5 less mg daily dose of medication.

PrayerWalk has opened my heart and soul back up to that part of my life. I can't wait to get out and walk and talk to God everyday, the way I use to. I have so much to say. This book has helped jump start one of my resolutions (remember I said there was a purpose for not divulging all at once). 2010 is about enhancing my prayer life. (Side note: Imagine my GLEE when our church's first series this year was Prayer.) Now...if only the weather would cooperate with my desire, the need to walk and talk to God.

with all my <3 (Project 365/2010)

I belong to a club. Yes, a club. It's a Stampin' Up club, where I get together with other women, who, like me, enjoy stampin' and being crafty. Our club meets once a month, and tonight was the night for January. What makes tonight blogworthy? All the new products just realeased on January 5th. Oh, that and the BEA-U-TI-FUL Valentine's card we made. Now, I'm fairly certain that Hubby doesn't read my blog enough to get spoiled by the pictures I'm about to post. And, if by some misfortune he does stumble across my blog before Valentine's, OOPS! ;)

Love You Much (Project 365/2010)

I'm very pleased with how this Valentine (and the 7 others I made for a swap) turned out. I worked on it all day today. :)

Wordless Wednesday: Crabby

Check out more Wordless Wednesday over at 5 Minutes for Mom.

American Girl (Project 365/2010)

We interrupt this program (Project 365/2010) for a brief endorsement. ;) When Peyton was a newborn, and I do mean NEW, I saw a program featuring American Girl. Awwww...my heart burst. I couldn't wait for Peyton to be old enough to play with dolls. American Girl dolls, however, were going to be years down the road (their target age is 6-10).

Fast forward TWO years, when in my mailbox arrives an American Girl catalog. Ticked, I opened it and thumbed through it. I saw a beautiful doll, Rebecca, that I showed Hubby and said I would like to collect to give Peyton when she was old enough. He agreed. YEA! Now, imagine my surprise as I finished thumbing through the catalog, and at the back, were American Girl Bitty Baby dolls, ages 3+. WHAT'S THIS? I ran to the computer, pulled the website up, and read reviews. "I bought my granddaughter this for her 2nd birthday" or "My twin girls, ages 2, love their bitty baby twins." I was ECSTATIC. I grabbed Hubby, showed him the baby, accessories, and clothes that match my dollie. We decided we would get Peyton the starter collection plus stroller from Santa Claus. As a bonus, I went ahead and threw in the matching jammies. Enough back story?

Alright, alright...here is Peyton and her Bitty Baby (still minus a name, really need to name this doll) in their matching jammies! Have I told you lately how much I ADORE having a daughter?

Thank You (Project 365/2010)

Over a year ago, we sat down for dinner, like any other night, and before we began eating, Hubby turned to me and said, "Thank you for the dinner." Instantly the boys looked at me, like they missed some signal, sick and nervous, and said, "Thank you for the dinner Mom!" Wow! Praises! Every night since then, before a bite of food is taken, my boys say, "Thank you for the dinner Mom!" Even if it is delivered pizza, or Hubby has brought something home, I get the praises. ;) What makes tonight so special? Because as we sat down, not a bite taken, my beautiful, intelligent, glorious daughter says, "Thanks for dinner Mama!" Bliss, complete bliss!

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY...January 11th

Outside my window...are beautiful, clear skies.

I am thinking...I miss being able to put my hair in a ponytail!

I am thankful for...school being back in session.

I am wearing...jeans and a Twilight shirt.

I am remembering...everything that did not get accomplished over our 3 week Christmas break.

I am creating...a guest list for Dylan's birthday party.

I am going...to call the Pharmacy and get some refills of Cameron's diabetic supplies.

I am reading...PrayerWalk by Janet Holm McHenry.

I am hoping...to keep my Fit Mommy Friday goals.

On my mind...finances.

Noticing that...everyone perked right out of bed this morning, wonder how long it will last?

Pondering these words...In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:4-6

From the kitchen...spaghetti, salad, and garlic buns.

Around the house...the boys are gone, hence, quiet! ;)

One of my favorite things...Peyton's independence.

A few plans for the rest of the week:purge and clean, walk, convince Hubby to take down Christmas lights, and Stampin'.

From my picture journal...Peyton's first ponytail (Christmas Eve).

Upside Down (Project 365/2010)

Hubby decided to grab Dylan, turn him upside down, and chase after the siblings. Much fun was had by all! :)

Train Table (Project 365/2010)

Dylan got a train table for his 4th birthday. We put it in his room because Peyton was still too young. After the 100th time of hitting my leg on it (as Dylan's room is too small for this table), we opted to bring it out to the playroom. Peyton instantly took to it, hollering, "Choo Choo...All Aboard!" and Dylan now has someone to play with.

Growing Up (Project 365/2010)

It doesn't seem that long ago that Peyton refused any and ALL table food (oh, but she'd pick any stupid thing off the floor and put it in her mouth). Tonight, as we were having Christmas dinner (Take 2), she was feeding herself. I, of course, grabbed the camera. She promptly posed for me and my heart sank ... my little girl is growing up. :(

Fit Mommy Friday

OH NO! I came across this meme today and have decided to jump on the band wagon. My New Year resolutions NEVER begin before the kids (and Hubby) go back to school from Christmas break (this year, January 11th starts my New Year). This means Monday, I begin the kick off to a brand new me! Woo-Hoo! I pray this weekly meme will keep me accountable for my weekly goals.

Every Friday we'll meet up over at Denise's blog, Got Chai, and report our success, or failures, of goals we set for the week. As many of you know, I already have a few Monday meme's going on, and so as not to overcrowd the beginning of my week with blogging, I will post my week in review and set forth my goals for the following week every Friday. :)

Although I'll be starting out at The Beginner Level, my first mini-goal is to leave the Beginner Level by the beginning of March and kick it into gear at The Intermediate Level. Secondly, I will walk, no less then 30 minutes a day, at least 5 times this week. Lastly, I will make time to cook and eat a bowl of oatmeal for breakfast every morning.

For those of you interested in Fit Mommy Friday, check out Denise's original post about the program at Fit Mommy Meme.

Catch up with you next week! :)

Mary Kay® (Project 365/2010)

My face feels like heaven today! I have been out of my Mary Kay® TimeWise® Cleanser and Moisturizer for so long, that I was ECSTATIC when the shipment arrived (albeit minus my favorite Starry NouriShine® Lip Gloss, that smells like cake frosting). Today, today my face thanks me. :)

Classics Bookclub Goals

Many of you know just how much I enjoy the 5 Minutes Sisterhood. This year I'm excited to join the 5 Minutes for Books Classic Bookclub. I would run across it last year, and think, GOSH, I really SHOULD read this book or that book. After the new year, I specifically went looking for the guidelines, hoping I wasn't too late. Fortunately, some changes have been made to the Classic Bookclub, and I'm free to choose my own books, the number of books, and link up quarterly with my reviews. I am excited to announce my goal books for the year.

I have never read a Jane Austen book. I know, right? I have chosen to read Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility.

Other classics on my TBR (To Be Read) list are:

Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte

The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

If you have any suggestions of books I MUST read, please, feel free to leave me a comment. :)

New Moon (Project 365/2010)

My niece Allie has been working for us this school year, to help pay for her trip to Washington DC. Hubby suggested we go see New Moon (AGAIN - I took her opening night), before it left the theatres. He did this, NOT out of the goodness of his heart, because he can't stand my fascination with the Twilight Saga, but because this means he can take in Avatar tomorrow. ;) I don't care the motive, we enjoyed it just as much the second time around. :D (And yes, I realize this isn't a picture I took, as I forgot my camera.)

Wordless Wednesday: Cheese

Check out more Wordless Wednesday over at 5 Minutes for Mom.

(Project 365/2010)

Two years ago tonight I got a phone call that changed my life forever. Tonight, family and friends gathered at Del Taco's Taco Tuesday to remember 2 young lives (my cousin Cody and his girlfriend Bodhi) taken from this world. This picture is of my Aunt, Uncle, Dylan, and Cameron blowing out Cody's memorial candle.

Tackle It Tuesday: Address Book

Now that the Christmas season is over, I find myself tackling the dreaded Address Book. All year long, post-it notes, envelopes, and other such items containing pertinent information of my loved ones, find themselves smushed into my address book. And if I have forgotten to put the paper I jotted said information on in the book, then I am forever asking the same person over and over again, "What is your new cell phone number?" Ugh. Every year, as the Christmas decorations come down, I take down all the Christmas cards we've gotten and throw them in ... you guessed it, the address book. I had left overs from last year's bunch, that arrived late. Oy! Now I sit down and record who I sent Christmas cards to, who I received Christmas cards from, and any changes, whether it's address, phone number, birth, death, or divorce. Ahhh...I feel so accomplished with this tackle. :)

BULGING address book!

Notice the phone (caller ID) and iPhone? Backups! ;)

The pile of trash next to the address book I'll shred!

Now it closes AND has room! :)