Parenting Guru's!

My Topic today is Guru's !

The following is a definition of a guru.

guru" is widely used with the general meaning of "teacher". In Western usage, the original meaning of guru has been extended to cover anyone who acquires followers, though not necessarily in an established school of philosophy-guru is used to refer to a person who has authority because of his or her perceived secular knowledge or skills.

First off I would like to state that without these people's help I might have gone crazy. So here we go. First off I am naming my friends Mike and Mandy the Parenting Guru's of Bedtime. They have it mastered and were nice enough to share there talents with me. Their little boy Isaac has been sleeping in his own bed, through the night since he was like 2-3 months old. Unbelievable I know, but true it is. So as most of you know. My oldest son can be very strong willed. I thought that we would never get a bed time routine down with him and it worried me about our second one following in his footsteps. But I am happy to report that after 3 weeks of sticking to Mike and Mandy's Bedtime advice our sons our in bed like clock work and for the past two nights without even crying. Thank you very much Guru's! We are even being so bold as to start a nap time routine as well. So that I will know each day that from this time to this time I have to do what ever it is that I need to get done. I am loving it people, loving it!

So on to my next challenge. I am looking for the potty training guru's . I know you are out there. I am tired of buying diapers and Cullan is ready. He is showing interest, but I need the tricks of the trade. Please let me know what worked and did not work for you. I would love any advice that people are willing to give. I want to start next week by Monday at the latest. We already own big boy underwear, however Cullan hates wearing them. He cries when I put them on him. Also if anyone knows where to get those training pants that have that kind of plastic lining.. I don't know if those work or not but the less mess the better. So I will be anxiously awaiting your wonderful ideas. I am excited to get this started. We are ready to use the potty on a regular basis and not have to buy so many diapers.

SPT

THIS WEEKS SPT QUESTION!= do you celebrate Halloween? do you go all out with costumes, or do you prefer to lay low with the porch light turned off? did you enjoy Halloween as a child? what was your favorite costume? will you dress up this year, or leave it for the little ones?

YES WE CELEBRATE HALLOWEEN. I THINK IT IS SO MUCH FUN TO DRESS UP AND TO DRESS THE KIDS UP IN FUN COSTUMES. WE ARE GOING TRUNK OR TREATING TONIGHT. I WILL NOT BE DRESSING UP THIS TIME BUT I WILL AS THE KIDS GET OLDER. I LIKE TO GO OUT MORE THAN STAY HOME. BUT IT IS FUN TO SEE ALL THE COSTUMES THAT COME TO YOUR DOOR. THIS PUMPKIN COSTUME WAS ONE OF MY FAVORITES. (FOR A LOT OF REASONS, BUT THE ONE I LIKE THE MOST LOOKING BACK IS HOW GREAT MY LEGS LOOKED. I COULD NOT PULL THAT COSTUME OFF NOW =)

ps. i AM THE BIG PUMPKIN THE LITTLE PUMPKIN IS MY LITTLE SISTER.

THESE OTHER PICTURES I THOUGHT I WOULD JUST THROW IN FOR FUN BECAUSE MY MOM WAS NICE ENOUGH TO EMAIL THEM TO ME.

The Critics Corner!!!

Today our family watched Meet the Robinson's! I have decided to start giving ratings for movies we watch in hopes that it will save you time and money if we think the are not that great or that that are super duper wonderful! As a whole the kids enjoyed most of it. There was one part that Cullan got a little scarred at. But all in all it was pretty cute. After discussing with the family we gave it 3/12 happy thumbs up at of a possible 5. Garran said that he would have to watch it again but the kids really seemed to like it. So there you go . A movie .. and the Gillespie Family thoughts on it.

A Roda to Remember!

I know the title does not make sense but the R in Roda is said like an H! (Portugese)

So tonight we went to a wonderful Capoeira performance. Their were I believe about 30 Masters there from all over the USA and other countries. Our family have been to a couple of these, due to the fact that Garran served his mission in Joao Pessoa, Brazil. Garran learned from some people while he was there and then continued it when he got home. Since we have had children he has not been able to do it as much, but I know that he is looking forward to doing it again soon. So anyways we went tonight because it is rare to see so many masters play together. I am putting some of the videos I shot on here. They are so much fun to watch. I would have enjoyed myself a little more had one of my children not been so grumpy. Also due to the fact that we accidentally dropped a pacifier on top of one of the Masters. He smiled and threw it back up to the top level where we were sitting. At first they did a performance with the children taking capoeira at the local capoeira school. I tried to snap a shot, but it was kind of blurry. Then they spoke for a little while on what capoeira is, where it originated, and things like that. Then they began the roda. (In Portuguese, R sounds like H). That is what the videos above are of. I really enjoy watching this and I know that Garran really gets excited about it as well. Towards the end, well the end for me, because it was getting close to the boys bed times. All of the masters and other players did some tricks. So here is a shot of them all doing one special trick. It was a fun night, but one looking back that I wish would have been a date night instead! =)

Family Fun Night

So we had a Family Fun Night and Dance at church last night. We all had to go in costume. It was great. We had fun. Garran had to paint a board for one of the booths that was a sponge toss. Hence our pictures with our faces in it. Everyone thought it was really funny. The boys really liked the games, Spook Alley and the Cup Cake walk. Then at the Dance we all had a good time. Cullan and Daddy really had a great time doing the chicken dance. They boys must have had all the fun they could handle, because they came right home and went to bed. Yea for me... Enjoy our pics..

Stinky Box Disaster~

Ok Folks so who is not excited about getting a package. When we ran home for a minute yesterday there was a package on our front porch. We were so excited. It was not something we were expecting, and who does not love to get a package. So we put it in the car with us and decided we would open it as we continued to run our errands. A few minutes into our journey I started to smell an unusual aroma but did not really mind. I mentioned it to Garran but he said he did not smell anything. So we continued to drive and Garran decided to open the box. Oh my goodness. It was filled with all kinds of gifts for us from Garrans aunt. (They were last years Christmas presents =) Anyways so he opens it up and starts handing out the gifts. I got a bracelet and the boys got some blocks and a dvd. However as Garran is handing things out, I am starting to retch. Garran continues to take out scarves and at this point I have every window open that will open. I am seriously trying to drive and not get sick.

So finally at the bottom of the box we find the culprit. At the bottom of the box was a bottle of cologne and a bar of scented soap. I am sure a little of them would have smelled nice. But locked in that box, and maybe having a leak in the cologne bottle. It was enough to drive me out of the car. Oh I felt so sick. The smell was more than I could handle. So it was wonderful to get a package, however, not so wonderful to almost get sick. Thanks anyways Aunt Betty. We all loved our gifts.

Feeling A little Frustrated.

So some of you might notice a lot of things are missing off my blog.. Here is why. I tried to download a new template of a website like you would for your myspace. When I put it on, it worked but deleted all my contacts, pictures and widgets. Very frustrating and time consuming. So beware ..

FLASH BACK FRIDAY!

My Mom!

(No Pun intended with picture, this was here at the boys party, she dressed up as a witch)

So recently I have realized how much I am turning into my mom. Not that this is a bad thing. I just remember growing up hearing her say things and thinking in my teenage frustration, "I will never say that when I grow up". Well this blog is to prove that I am eating my words or I guess there just coming back out I just don't know but I catch myself saying these things all the time. So here is my top ten of things my mom said growing up that I know find myself repeating.

1. Do you think you can hear that, it is like we live in a theater.
2. Are those your clothes on the floor? (When we obviously know they are the clothes of who ever we are talking too.)
3. This one is not so much something she said, but we are crazy if the towels do not get folded a certain way.
4. Sometimes I think I am talking just to hear myself.
5. The Look- This has been passed down from generation to generation. My mom knows what I am talking about.
6. I just cleaned the kitchen..how hard can it be to rinse off your dishes and put them in the strainer. PLEASE!
7. I just folded those clothes, please put them away before they get all wrinkled and crumpled up on the floor.
8. I just vacuumed in here and you can't even tell. (Usually because there are crumbs all over the floor)
9. Why is it no one wants to talk to me or needs anything until I am on the phone.
10. If you can't say anything nice, just don't say anything at all.

This one I have not actually said before, hence it not being on the top ten but I have to admit I have felt like saying it and probably will in my life time.

When my mom would be frustrated with us, she might go outside or decide to go to the store.. (Breaks are always a good thing!) Anyways usually as she was headed out the door Sara our I would say "Mom, where are you going?" and she would reply "CRAZY"! I always thought that was funny even when she did not.

Sorry mom hope you don't mind me sharing some of I guess now our famous quotes. I am sure every house has them.

Happy Friday Everyone!

People of the Midwest.. I just don't understand.!!!

Ok so I moved to the current state that I am living in oh I don't know about 6 years ago. I have met some wonderful people here. I am not at all bashing where I live, but I am still amazed by one phenomenon. PEOPLE LEAVING THEIR KEYS IN THE CAR (RUNNING) WHILE GOING IN STORES, BANKS, ATMS. I think it is so great that people are so trusting. But come on people. OH my goodness every time I see this I think have you people lost your minds. Where I grew up, if you did that you would come back to an empty parking spot. Even worse if you went up to an atm with your car running they would more than likely be in your car waiting for you when you got back. Not that I grew up in some crime ridden placed. I grew up in a wonderful place, however not quite the same. I just do not understand this rational. I lock my doors when I am in my car and when I get out. My husband even teases me about being ocd when it comes to locking things. So here is my question, Is it just my ocd about locking doors that makes me think that this practice is crazy or do others think it is a little kooky also. Please take my survey in the side column to let me know if I am crazy or not.

Thanks Fellow Bloggers,

From a Southern Girl surrounded by corn!

Cullans First Hair Cut!

Well today was the very first time Cullan ever got his hair cut. It was emotional. He was very upset because his hair was very tangled. It is very hard to keep it untangled. Then he freaked out when he saw his own hair laying on his legs. The lady that cuts our hair did such a good job. She was very patient and even brought her computer in the laundry room where she cuts hair so that Cullan could watch CARS. His all time favorite movie. So to walk you through our picture grid, this is how it went. The picture in the top left was when we first got there, Curls gone wild. The next is Lindsay working out the tangles. Then Cutting. Cullan crying, and then pulling away. Then watching cars nicely while Lindsay cut his hair. The bottom three are backwards. It goes right to left. Then Cullan played so that he would not be scared of her house, so he played with her kids. Then we loaded up and this was Cullan in his car seat. These pictures don't really do it justice now that I look. But his hair looks so cute and he looks like a little boy and not a baby anymore. I saved some golden locks in a bag. I am sure I will scrapbook it. Anyways this was our big day.. off to do laundry!

SPT

SPT QUESTION: an easy one this week - is it really easier to see your "true colors" when the photo is black & white? what do you see?

Well this week was a little bit harder for me. My original idea feel through and so I had to come up with a different idea for my self portrait. You see I love black and white pictures. There is a place for color photographs but I really love black and white. There is just something about it that makes it look classic and there is an emotion about it that I just love. So because my original idea for my self portrait did not work out I decided to take a little different angel this time. I am going to show you a few of my most recent, favorite pictures of my sons in black and white. The reason I said I am taking a different angel is because it is not a picture of me, but my boys are an extension of me and have part of me in them. So here is my self portrait for this week.

PUMPKIN LAND.... YEAH FALL

WE SPENT THE DAY AT PUMPKIN LAND. IT WAS SO MUCH FUN. HAY RIDES, PUMPKINS, PETTING ZOOS AND GAMES. THE BOYS HAD A GREAT TIME AND SO DID WE. I JUST LOVE FALL. SO MANY FUN THINGS TO DO. IT'S GREAT.

You've been BLOGGED!

So how many of you know about or I guess I should say, remember the Jeff Foxworthy's "Here's your sign" jokes. I was thinking about that and how when we see something funny or dumb my husband always says "Are you going to blog about that?" For example we pulled up tonight and our neighbor had parked in our spot and crooked. That is when he said the comment today. Jokingly I looked at him and said, "I should come up with like a bumper sticker or something that I could give to people just to let them know that they have done something blog worthy and that at some point in that day, they will be blogged about." This would have been perfect for the rude people at the elevator or the rude nurse. I could have just said, Even though you have been extremely rude to me, here is a sticker and know that all of my friends will be reading about our experience today. Thanks for giving me something to write about. Where would I be without rude people or funny mishaps that I just happen to witness. So to all of you total strangers out there thank you. Someday I will be handing out stickers! I did Google the idea just to see if someone had beat me to the punch. They had of course but theirs was a T-Shirt. Mine would definitely be a sticker.

KUDOS FOR KINDNESS!

So after my negative blog the other day about how awful people can be sometimes. Anyways then yesterday afternoon I wanted to get some groceries. I decided to go to a local grocery store. The workers there are so friendly and the bag boys are wonderful. They push your cart out to your car. They play with your children and are friendly. They even close your car door once they are done loading your groceries. And the best part is the expect nothing in return. Of course I am sure they appreciate tips, but they are super nice whether they receive one or not. So this is just to show I have not lost all hope in humanity. Their is kindness out there, just go to your local Fareway if you need to be reminded.

FLASH BACK FRIDAY!!

So a friend of mine told me about this and I thought that it would be a fun idea. Each Friday I will be bringing a recent or very old memory of mine. Todays has to do with catching some air. It is very Windy today where I live and hence made me think of this memory.



So when I was about 16 maybe 17 I was coming home one night from seeing my friend in a pageant. (I know, I lived in the south) Anyways, it was late and raining. So there is the curve on this back road that I always took home. So my friend and I were going around the curve and I thought that I would adjust the radio. All of a sudden my friend is screaming. I thought what in the world is going on and all of a sudden I heard WHOOOMP. And then I realized that we were flying through the air. If you can image two teenage girls both looking out there windows down at the earth below that was us. So the car finally lands and surprisingly well for the old thing that she was. (My friends lovingly called that car the tank). So I just thought great car landed tires are ok. I'm in the clear. The next morning, my step dad comes into my room and wants to know where my keys are. He was going to do something nice and go get the oil changed for me. Wasn't that nice. Yes it was, until he came home and said is there any thing you want to tell me about. To which I honestly said "NO". He said that when they guy lifted the car up to change the oil there were like roots of plants stuck up in the engine. I said really trying to sound surprised. Fearing the worst I told a lie. I know, not one of my better moments, and I am sure they saw right through it, my mom always says I am a terrible liar. Anyways I told them that at the pageant the night before I had had to park in a field. When I left I hit a hugh pothole and that must have been what happened. Reality check what really happened, that I just recently revealed to my parents oh about a month ago. That back road was notorious for dirt bikers. So as we were rounding the curve that dark and rainy night, when I was messing with the radio, I went off the road and hit a dirt bike jump with the car. That is how we got air borne and how roots and dirt were stuck up in the engine. OH the stupid things that happen when we are teenagers. Hope you enjoyed my flashback Friday. More to come friends.

Feeling a little frusterated!!!

WARNING: THE FOLLOWING BLOG WAS WRITTEN BY AN ANGRY MOM, READ AT YOUR OWN RISK!

I am sure that all of you moms out there have had these days but today's blog is purely to vent. I am sick, very tired, and frustrated with people to no end today. Ok first of all I woke up this morning feeling sick, sore throat, runny nose the whole deal. Both my kids were up and down last night, of course probably starting to get whatever it is that I have. So anyways this morning we get up and everyone gets ready for the day. The kids are just kind of laying around the house, at which point I think oh wow they really must not feel good. My boys lay still for longer than five minutes other than sleep rarely happens. Ok so anyways of course on the day when I am not feeling good I have to take both of the boys to the doctor for their one and two year check up which means shots.

Now this was not so big of a deal. Yeah I didn't feel good, but for the most part my day was going pretty well. This is where it started to head south. Ok so we get to the doctors office and we are standing at the elevators in the lobby. Now common sense would make me think that people are still good and not everyone is so caught up in their own daily life that they have to be rude. Anyways so I have Kael in an umbrella stroller and Cullan was walking. Well the elevator door opens and a man with his maybe 17 year old son walk right around me and jump into the elevator along with some other woman. Cullan was a little confused because I was trying to show him which elevator to get on and these people almost let the doors close before we can get on. So I throw my hand in the door and let my self on. I was a little annoyed by the man's tone when he rudely said "What floor".

Arghh whatever happened to people seeing a mother with a young child or children and thinking wow let me lend her a helping hand. Anyways so then we get into the doctors office. We wait a little while and then head back. I have to say that I love our pediatrician. He is great and we know him outside of being our ped. so we just feel really comfortable with him. Anyways he must have got a new nurse because this lady came in and right off the bat just rubbed me the wrong way. Cullan and Kael are playing in the room when she walks in and of course she says "WELL YOU CERTAINLY HAVE YOUR HANDS FULL" which usually would not bother me but her tone this time did. (Side note.. I get so sick of hearing this when it is said rudely. Yes I have to kids close together. It happened, there is no go back and we would not change it. It really is no bodies business anyways besides mine and Garrans Arghhhhhhhhhhhhh) Anyways, The whole time we were in there she was just very short with Cullan who was not misbehaving or anything. He was walking around the room. But he is two. Sitting still can sometimes be a challenge. Anyways she also was the one who gave the boys there shots. I dont know she just seemed very cold. Usually his nurses are very warm and friendly, but this and particular one just was not that great. Argg sometimes you just need to vent. If any of you kept reading after the warning, thanks for letting me waste your time with my silly frustrations. Hope you guys are having a happier day than I. OH well tomorrow is Friday, one of my favorite days because GArran does not have class. Yes!!!!!!

GUESS WHO IS TWO?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CULLAN!

WE HOPE YOU HAVE A GREAT DAY!

THESE ARE TEN THINGS WE LOVE ABOUT YOU RIGHT NOW!

1. YOUR WILD AND CURLY HAIR.

2. YOUR MAD DANCE SKILLS AND YOUR SPIN MOVES.

3. HOW YOU CALL EVERYONE "MOMMY" EVEN DADDY.

4. HOW YOU CAN HAVE THE ENERGY TO RUN FROM ONE END OF THE HOUSE TO THE OTHER ALL DAY LONG.

5. HOW LOUDLY YOU LAUGH WHEN YOU ARE WATCHING A MOVIE, OR IF THEY ARE DOING SOMETHING YOU DON'T LIKE YOU GO "OHHHH NOOOO" AT THE TOP OF YOUR LUNGS.

6. HOW CUTE YOU ARE.

7. HOW YOU ARE BECOMING SUCH A BIG BOY.

8. HOW CUTE YOU ARE WHEN YOU SIGN THANK YOU AND PLEASE AND SAY "PEEAS"

9. WHAT A GOOD BIG BROTHER YOU ARE TO KAEL.

10. HOW MUCH YOU MAKE US LAUGH EACH DAY.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEET CULLANATOR. WE ARE GLAD TO HAVE YOU AS PART OF OUR FAMILY.!

.

What is up with the Fanny Pack people?

As I was walking through target tonight I saw two different men with fanny packs on. Now before I really get into this blog, I am sorry if you or someone you know is still a fanny pack wearer. However they are just horrible. They look terrible. As Seinfeld once said "It looks like your belt is digesting a small animal." I mean women out there that still use this device. They have billions of cute bags, wallets, etc that you can carry. Men the wallet, and if you have more that just your wallet, they have man bags now. Or if you don't feel comfortable carrying a man bag, hook yourself up with a cool book bag. I don't know, maybe this is just my own personal rant because as many of you know, with two kids, I am no slave to fashion. I would like to look better most days, but I usually end up with food, snot, something on me. But come on folks on days I am leaving the house I usually try to make an effort. OH well just my own silly little annoyance.

Bottle/Sippy Recall Stressing me out!

Ok so the other night, I was watching the news here and happend to catch a segment on a recall that would soon be taking place on bottles and sippie cups. Due to a chemical in hard plastics called BPA there are many long term effects on our children that we are unaware of, one being multiple forms of cancer. So I threw out our unsafe sippy cups, however my youngest is super fussy and I am having a hard time finding a safe sippy cup that he will actually drink out of. Argh. Anyways here is one of the articals that explains it most clear and straight to the point. I copied it from one of the links on my page under "Things that concern me" Just for you moms that might be interested.
From Article:

Bisphenol A manufacturers have said the trace amount leaching into food and beverages isn’t dangerous to people because it’s quickly metabolized into a form that loses its ability to act like a female sex hormone.
While the authors of the new assessment agreed that people break down some of the bisphenol A they absorb, they said since so many plastics and other products containing it are in use that “virtually everybody” in developed countries has chronic, low-level exposure to the chemical and measurable amounts of its biologically active version.
Typical readings are about two parts per billion in blood. Although this is an extremely small amount, hormones are active at this level, and at even lower concentrations.
Based on the amounts being found in people and what is known about the metabolism of bisphenol A from animal experiments, it also appears that human exposures are above the current U.S. safety limit, according to the assessment.
Another study done by the Environment California Research and Policy Center tested 5 popular baby bottles: Avent, Dr. Brown’s Evenflo, Gerber, and Playtex. ALL were shown to have unsafe levels of Bisphenol A. Sadly this is how many are starting out life for their precious babies…giving them toxic chemicals inadvertently. And to make matters even worse…if you use formula you are giving your baby a double whammy because the lining of those formula cans may very well be leaching BPA into the actual formula as well.
Many other studies have concluded the same thing BPA is unsafe. It can speed up puberty and add to weight gain, and may cause changes that can lead to breast and prostate cancer. Other studies have shown that is may cause brain damage, abnormal organ development, and hyperactivity. We must take steps to eliminate it from our lives to the extent we can. This is one BIG reason you need to store your food in glass containers and not plastic. It is also the reason you need to find safer alternatives for baby bottles and sippy cups.

Hope this is helpful if you are interested.

SPT

This weeks SPT Question is:

what do you crave when it's cooler? what is your comfort food? what does it do for you? will you share the recipe (or at least, the name of the place where you get it?)

So my answer is soup. Just about any kind. But especially when it is cold and rainy like yesterday. Soup just hits the spot. We had two couples over last night that are great friends of ours. I tried a new recipe and with a little help from one of the husbands who is a chef by trade, it turned out great. Here is my self portrait after everyone had left.




If anyone would like the recipe it is on my recipe blog. http://www.scrumptiousmorsels.blogspot.com/. Anyone that wants to can join. Just send me an email saying that you are interested. I will add you as an author and you can post recipes along with the rest of us. The email to send it to is scrumptiousmorsels@gmail.com!

The Boys Party... Finally It's here!

Well the day is finally here. The boys party was a big success I thought. We had everything decorated and for the most part everyone was in costume. We had some very creative ones. One of my favorites was a friend of mines hubby. A black eyed P. Very funny. Colored his one eye black and had a big P on his chest. Anyways we had the pinata and cake. A game but not really the ones that I planned because I accidentally left the stuff at home.. Go figure. Anyways I think that everyone had a great time. Some of the funnier moments of the party.. Let's see here it goes.

1.When my mom first got there, my niece Katie walked up to me and said. "Meghan, your mom really scares me!" (My mom was a witch)

2. My other niece Haley walks up to George and says "You smell like a Monkey"!

3. Oliver doing his Pee Wee Herman dance and laugh. People are still talking about that.

4. My hubby with the pinata on his head. I am sure you will see the picture.

5. My mom on her broom! (also see pictures)

Thanks so much to everyone who came. Hopefully everyone had a good time. I am sorry I did not get everyone in the slide show. We have a lot of pictures.. And I am tired. I will post more later. But we are grateful for such good friends and family that helped us to have such a wonderful day and the boys love you all... Just like us!

My Two Little Piggies!

Well today has been a little stressful. Besides the fact that the boys party is tomorrow, I was getting some things ready to go for tomorrow. Well as I was doing this an unusual aroma wafted out into the living room. I went back to the boys room to check it out. OH yes there was the stench. My two boys were rolling around in a diaper disaster. There was extremely runny poop all over the floor, the dresser, the toys. I through out alot, but cleaned alot also. I just do not understand how it happened. I had just checked on them about 2 minutes before that. But when I walked in the room Cullan and Kael were both rolling around with each other. I was so sick. The smell was awful. Anyways I got them both in the tub. Hopefully that will not happen again for a very long time.

WHAT DID I DO TODAY?

Do any of you have days where you run and run and run and still feel as if you got nothing important accomplished. My house is still a mess. My kids both just have t-shirts on with their diapers. I made a late night run to Wal-mart, trying to get last minute things in place for the party. Oh well. I have this poem in a special place and I read it on days like this. It always makes me smile, even if I did not get everything on my list done. Hopefully you moms will enjoy this too. =)

WHAT DID I DO TODAY?

TODAY I LEFT SOME DISHES DIRTY.

THE BED GOT MADE AROUND 3:30.

THE DIAPERS SOAKED A LITTLE LONGER.

THE ODOR GREW A LITTLE STRONGER.

THE CRUMBS I SPILLED THE DAY BEFORE,

ARE STARING AT ME FROM THE FLOOR.

THE FINGERPRINTS THERE ON THE WALL,

WILL LIKELY BE THERE STILL NEXT FALL.

THE DIRTY STREAKS ON THOSE WINDOWPANES,

WILL STILL BE THERE NEXT TIME IT RAINS.

SHAME ON YOU, YOU SIT AND SAY,

JUST WHAT DID YOU DO TODAY?

I HELD A BABY TILL HE SLEPT,

I HELD A TODDLER WHILE HE WEPT.

I PLAYED A GAME OF HIDE AND SEEK,

I SQUEEZED A TOY SO IT WOULD SQUEAK.

I PULLED A WAGON, SANG A SONG,

TAUGHT A CHILD RIGHT FROM WRONG.

WHAT DID I DO THIS WHOLE DAY THROUGH?

NOT MUCH THAT SHOWS, I GUESS THAT'S TRUE.

UNLESS YOU THINK THAT WHAT I'VE DONE,

MIGHT BE IMPORTANT TO SOMEONE,

WITH DEEP BLUE EYES AND SOFT BLONDE HAIR,

IF THAT IS TRUE... I'VE DONE MY SHARE.

See I am smiling already. This helps me to remember what is important to me.

SPT

SPT QUESTION-how do you feel about the color orange as a fashion statement? as a color in your home? are you picky about the hue? do you own a Halloween shirt that says "boo" spelled out with rhinestones?? are you passionate about the *pumpkin color*??

I do not own any orange clothing except for one orange shirt, however it is in the dirty clothes. I am not real big on it as a color for me to wear, but I do love to have it in my home. I am very picky about the hue. I like the orange to have more red in it than to be that bright orange. No neon orange here. Much more earth tone orange for me. I am passionate about the *pumpkin color*. I just got done painting like 10 pumpkins for my kids party, and due to the fact that my orange shirt is dirty, my self portrait today is my favorite pumpkin that I painted. It is one of my favorite shades of orange, and it expresses how I am feeling this morning.

Married a Scotsman?

Ok so I am Irish and Garran has family from Scotland. It is an ongoing joke we have about which is better. Anyways, the funniest thing happened just now as I was checking my email before I went to bed. Now before I tell this humorous incident, I have to start off by saying that Garran is notorious for talking in his sleep. So anyways from where our computer is, if you lean back in the chair you can see in our bedroom. So I was checking my email, and all of a sudden I hear Garran. I lean back in the chair that I am siting at in front of the computer, and Garran is saying something about me staying up so late and being tired tomorrow. But IT WAS WITH A SCOTTISH ACCENT. I am still laughing. He is funny when he is awake, but hilarious when he is asleep.

PS. I picked the picture with the guy playing bagpipes because Garran plays the bagpipes =)

Boys Birthday Party Update!

Well Garran and I have been working really hard to get everything ready for the boys birthday party. We decided to make a home made pinata instead of buying one. Well maybe we should have. We started making it without a clear plan of what it was going to be. So we put a face on it. Well Garran then painted it red which made it look really scary. Too scary for a kids party. So then I added hair and painted it green to make it look like a witch. Well it looks a little scary still. The picture makes it look shiny but it is not. It is still a work in progress. But I thought I would show you guys at least where we are at from last time. So here is the pinata. (When Garran' s mom saw the pinata, she said "Well it is definitely something you would want to swing a stick at!")

After the pinata, I started working on party favors for the different families that were coming. Their are party bags for the kids but for the different groups or families. I decided to buy medium pumpkins for each family and paint them. They can each pick a pumpkin to take with them when they go home. Some of them turned out really cute. Some just turned out OK. I am sure all you crafty people out there know how that goes. Not everyone can be perfect I guess. Hopefully everyone will think that they are cute though. If not I will take them home with me. I love them!

Then the other party favor that I am working on is take home ghosts. I wrapped tootsie pops in Kleenex, put ghost face on them. They are cute. I put them in this little pumpkin tin that I found at hobby lobby. Everything will be nice and organized hopefully when the day of the party comes. Right now I have everything either in a rubber made or on a bookshelf, hence the pumpkins on the bookshelf. OH well. It is fun. I hope everyone coming has a great time. Next up date will be pictures from the party. Everyone in their costumes. I just can't wait. Super Fun.