Wordless Word-Y Wednesday

Austin had his first haircut today (yes, I know you don't typically wait until age 3...), and he did such a great job!  He has been so excited all week about letting Mrs. Jana cut his hair like Daddy's hair (his request). 

Though I did not let him cut it as short as Daddy's, Mrs. Jana did cut off a lot of his long baby hairs, to even them up with the rest, so it does look more like a little man :-)  And, she even buzzed the bottom of his neck, so he felt like he got a haircut just like Daddy -- making him very proud!

He was SUPER serious for all of the pictures during (and even after) his first haircut, but smile or not, he hasn't stopped talking about how good his new haircut looks!  So, if you see him soon, be sure to mention it...or he may call you out on it ;-)

And I think the haircut made him look another 2 inches taller (like he needed that!) hehe :-)  My little boy is growing up!  And, in case you were concerned, he still has a head full of curls...just like his Daddy did at that age.

Not Me! Monday

So, it's definitely been a while since I've been a "good" blogger...and even longer since I've done my regular "Not Me! Monday".  But, "Not Me! Monday" is officially back, and so am I!  I'm in hopes that knowing I have a "Not Me! Monday" post to write each Monday, will get me back into blogging like I want to!  :-)  So, here goes nothing...

I did not decide to wear my hair curly recently (due to lots of rain, mostly), only to hear my daughter ask "So, did you pray to God about it or something?"  Not knowing what she meant, I questioned her, and she responded, "You know, you wanted to look like me, so you asked God to give you curly hair and He did?"  Unfortunately, I should have prayed a little more about it, obviously, as I have more of a messy beach wave going on...not those cute curls that my kiddos were blessed with! ;-)

Last Thursday evening, I was not in panic mode when my son bit a very nice size hole in his tongue while trying to climb and reach M&Ms for his potty prize.  Thankfully, we didn't have to see any ER drs, etc....we've just had to be selective on food/drinks for him.  (In case you missed it, I blogged about this adventure with pictures HERE.)

I am not excited to finally show you the "finished" combined kid bedroom THIS WEEK -- long overdue, I know...still working on the playroom, though ;-)

I have not decided that there is a neuron misfiring in my brain as of late -- no matter how frustrated I am with my current physical self or the lack of favorite clothes that fit, I simply cannot seem to figure out a work-out routine to fit my lifestyle.  How do you homeschooling, business owning, stay at home, couponing, multi-tasking moms do it???

Katie has not become such a big girl lately, as we've started back to co-op classes each Friday.  She's loving her school time every day, but absolutely adores her Fridays!

We did not take Austin and Katie to their first gymnastics class recently, and they both absolutely LOVED it!  Maybe it will help them get a little extra energy out with someone other than Mom ;-)  I plan to get pictures the next time (bad mom, I know...)

I'm not wayyy overdue with posting lots of family photographs...busy business and homeschooling have not somewhat overtaken life over the last couple of months...I'm not seriously working on figuring out this balancing act of life...I PROMISE...pictures are soon coming ;-)

Tough Man...

So, last night {right before dinner and bedtime}, Austin fell and bit a hole into his tongue.  After wayyy more blood than I was comfortable with, we finally got it to stop enough to actually see the damage done.  We called the doctor, and was told that they wouldn't do anything for it...just to try to keep pain medicine & fluids down him, etc., as he would be hesitant to eat/drink -- boy, was that an understatement!  Looks like he may be living off of applesauce and popsicles for a few days.

Nana & Pawpaw -- Austin wanted you to see his "broken tongue", so here it is...12 hours later...and already looking better!  He thinks it's funny to look at his tongue now...but he wants to know when it's going to be put back together ;-)

Thankfully, we have a tough little man, who has complained little (mostly when trying to eat or drink).  I know I wouldn't be quite so calm about something like this!

Espresso for your Spirit | Book Review

I was recently given the opportunity to read and review Espresso for your Spirit by Pam Vredevelt. I chose to review this book because I it looked like a humorous book for parents...and what parent doesn't need a humorous break from life at times?

This was a great book to pick up and read a little at a time, when you were in need of a break from life.  It is filled with funny, lighthearted, stories written specifically for parents...to encourage those who are weary, discouraged, or just stretched a little too far.  I love it!  It was a much needed break for me often.  I am sure I will be picking this up to read (and also giving to others) to give a little humor and light on even the hardest of parenting days.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. The above opinions are my own. I was not required to write a favorable review.

Right from the Heart | Book Review

I recently received Bryant Wright's devotional "Right from the Heart" through Booksneeze.com. Upon receiving this book, I was immediately impressed with the appearance of this book. It's a nice hardback book with simple, but classy design...perfect for a gift book! This book is a 365 day devotional (with the dates labeled), so it's easy to jump in on whatever day you receive the book. The devotionals of short in length, but are far from small in challenges and encouragement for daily life. They touch on a Biblical perspective about finances, worry, marriage, eternal security, death, friends, worry, and more.

As a busy homeschooling mom of two preschoolers, I often find it hard to start my day off with a long devotional. I have enjoyed being able to take a few minutes to start my day with this devotional, and then find more time later in the day to be in the scripture again. It's a quick, easy way to "start your day off" right. I think this is a great devotional for anyone, and a great gift, as well!

I received this book for free from Booksneeze.com for this review. The above opinions are my own. I was not required to write a favorable review.

A Funny for Monday

Saturday, Mark and Katie went with our church to help pass out flyers in surrounding neighborhoods.  While in the van, one of the men got something on his clothes and said (something to the effect of) "I better get this off before I get home, or I might get a spanking."  Apparently Katie had a confused look on her face, so he went on to ask her if her mommy ever had to give her daddy a spanking for something like that, and without a second thought, she promptly replied, "No!  My Daddy NEVER does anything wrong!!"  I'm sure at that point, there was nothing but laughter in that van...  Now, if only I knew how much Mark paid her for that comment ;-)

I need a KINDLE, please Jono!

As a homeschooling mom of two busy preschoolers, a dog, and two fish, as well as a business owner, and of course, all of the other "hats" we supermoms wear, I have found it hard, almost impossible to satisfy my love for reading books.  Obviously, we all have the same time each day, so I'm not blaming it at all on time...I always see time that feels wasted each day...like waiting for an appointment, waiting in line at the fast food restaurant, bank, or grocery store, waiting for clients to arrive, or even while watching the kids play at the park.  BUT, I never seem to have the extra space (or hands) to pack my large/awkward/thick books to read during those currently wasted moments.  Do you feel that way??  I have bags for each kid that go with us everywhere we go (we all know the accidents happen the ONE time you decide to leave them for a "quick" errand)...I have my {mommy} purse, which carries all of the "extras" that you may need while out and about...I am, after all, an "experienced" mother of two -- experienced meaning, I've had to "make do" without tissues when they really were absolutely necessary, just because I chose to carry my cute, not-so-mommy purse.  So, what's a Mom to do? 

Well, I'm no expert, but I think a Mom should beg, plead, and grovel with anyone within listening range (even if they are pretending not to see the crazy spectacle you're making of yourself), until you find a merciful ear who will gift you with the KINDLE...the answer to all of your many of your deepest desires as a busy Mom!  What could be better than one small electronic device that holds all of your favorite books, can be viewed in practically any light situation, and truly allowing you to rescue each and every one of those wasted, but not forgotten minutes to read whatever you feel the need to!  What could be better?!  If you ask me, absolutely nothing!! 

So, who's feeling generous??  Jono?  Jono??  JONO??? ;-)  {inserts grins, begging, pleading, tears, bartering, grovelling, sobbing, and anything else necessary to receive a KINDLE from BzzAgent to review}.

Austin is 3!!

I can't believe we've just celebrated my baby's 3rd birthday!  Where have those last 3 years gone?!  We had a crazy rush of events surrounding his birthday, but Austin had a blast!

We had his official "party" at what our kids call the "best day ever park" in Priceville on Tuesday prior to his Thursday birthday.  The kids had a blast running, playing, swinging, and sliding with each other for hours of non-stop fun.  If it tells you anything, they didn't even want to stop for the cake and ice cream!  I'm not going to say that it wasn't hot...even though we waited until 6 to have his party...you can see the "red" faces in the pictures (haha), but everyone had a great time!  We were so thankful to have family and friends who could celebrate Austin's birthday with us.

After his party, we went home & went to bed (after a little party gift playing occurred), then we woke up bright and early to do some quick packing to leave for Mobile for the next 10 days!  Mark and I had decided that the kids and I would stay in Mobile for another week, while he came back to work (training he couldn't miss) and paint the kids new combined bedroom.  So, we had extra time to spend with everyone...which was great!  To say the kids were excited to see their Mobile friends and family would be a severe understatement.  As you can see from the pictures, I have two kids that were quickly turning into little fish while in Mobile (enjoying Uncle George's "new pool"!)  Katie and Austin also got to have some much desired time with their sweet little friends.  Katie even surprised her best friend, Elizabeth, by showing up with Amber to pick Elizabeth up from school.  Such sweet memories they'll be sure to remember for a while!  As always, our time went by much too quickly, but it was enjoyed by all. 

After our 10 days, we packed up and got ready to head home (to be home in time for Mark's birthday over the Labor Day weekend), and we were excited to have a special guest ride back with us.  Nana decided to ride up and spend the weekend with us and Mark, and Pawpaw Greg drove up after work to join us.  It was a quick but special weekend that we were all able to spend with them.

So, can you say life's been a LITTLE bit crazy lately?!  But I love my crazy-beautiful life.

Here are some pictures from Austin's birthday parties and Mobile fun...