Goody Good for Me!!

Remember the contest I entered last week? I Won!!!
I just about wet my pants when I opened the email.
I guess it's my destiny. When I started this blog a few months ago, I thought for sure it would be something that would fall to the wayside within weeks. It's been quite time consuming just learning how to use the easy blogger.com editing tools. And then wondering if anyone is really reading my lame posts.
But as you see, I now have "2" followers (see over on the right side of the page.) Thank you Joan and Robin!
And to my local friends and family: I know you're popping on here now and again to see what is going on in my crazy household, but it sure would be nice if you'd leave a comment so I know you've been here! My own mother hasn't even done that!
So like I said, winning the blog make-over is all the proof I need. Bloggerhood is my destiny. This is only the beginning. It all started here, with my little "mommy blog," but who knows what greatness I will achieve.

With all that said...One of my bloggerhood buddies and Sister in Christ, Tarah, has "tagged" me. She has a beautiful sight called Eyelashes and Endzones. Check her out after you've finished with my post. And don't forget to leave some random thoughts on my site!

7 Random and/or Weird Facts about Leah

1. When I was a teenager, I had a humongous mole removed from inside my belly button.

2. My Dad called me Dumptruck when I was little and sometimes still does.

3. I use to be a bank teller "BK" (that stands for before kids.)

4. I also worked in a party supply store and sometimes I would inhale helium from a balloon and

call my friends. (I didn't know back then that it was harmful!)

5. On the eve of my first wedding (I'm remarried) I ran over a possum and killed it.

(I knew that marriage was doomed.)

Ok, something more up to date...

6. I absolutely adore chocolate peanut butter cup ice cream and I don't like to share it!

7. My current husband and I met in Disneyland when I was 16,

we went our separate ways and then years later, I found him on Classmates.com. It's such an amazing love story. I'm guessing Oprah will have us on soon. :)

And I'm tagging these other bloggers:

Keli - http://dreamimaginelive.blogspot.com/

Kim - http://www.kimheinecke.com/

Joan - http://moregodlessme.blogspot.com/

Jen - http://cheaperthantherapyjen.blogspot.com/

Robin - http://robinandolivia.blogspot.com/

Valerie Lynn - http://simply4god.blogspot.com/

Ok, so I only have 6, sue me!

quick funny

My neighbor is pregnant and Saturday was her due date, but she's being induced today! Yipee for her and her family!!
The quick funny...
I'm helping my 10 year old get ready for school this morning and I mentioned to him that little Baby Robert will be born today. He says "Oh yeah, what time are they endorsing him?"
teeheehee

Help with Blogging

I've been working so hard on this blog of mine, but does the design aspect of my page really work here? I think not. It's blue and green. Not even my favorite colors! Don't worry, I'll never lose that cute scrunchy face at the top. I just want something a little more "ME."
So there's this really cool contest on this really cool website and I'm posting this as an entry into the contest. The winner gets a blog makeover. Isn't that fantastic? You actually might get to see some pretty designs and some spiffy upgrades if I win.
Leave some comments below in support of my entry!!
Here's the link to the contest rules Blondereviews
And here's the designer's page Mommy Chronicles

Jesus loves the little children

Children see things differently than we do. Simple. Peaceful. Humble. As adults, we spend our time juggling our responsibilities, dealing with stress, just being a grown up, Jesus is gently calling us back to the heart of a child.

Should I post something political?

Shouldn't I be posting about more than just babies and kittens? What's not to love about babies and kittens?!
How about the upcoming election?! WooHoo!
I don't usually offer too much when it comes to my political views. Why? Because I'm not as educated about the issues as I should be. Sorry. I will never debate with you, I will never post a sign in my yard or send you an email. It's not my thing. I am patriotic, but I'm not political. I know it's important. My mother reminds me. :)
I suppose when someone I like and respect shares their views with me, I am influenced. It rubs off on me. Maybe I should be more proactive that way. Maybe I should voice my concerns about the economy and war. Oh forget it...
This is not me.
Let's there be Babies & Kittens!
Go McCain!

See you at the pole

See You at the Pole™ is a student-initiated, student organized, and student-led event. That means this is all about students meeting at their school flagpole to pray—for their school, friends teachers, government, and their nation. See You at the Pole™ is not a demonstration, political rally, nor a stand for or against anything.

See You at the Pole™ is scheduled annually on the fourth Wednesday in September, which is September 24 in 2008. The suggested starting time is 7 a.m. If that doesn't work for your school, choose a time that will work for your school, but let everyone at your school know!

from the website http://www.syatp.com/

39 years ago...

I was born! Damn, that seems like a long time. Not compared to 50 or 75, but what the heck. I've never been older than this so it's feeling kind of OLD.

It's 4:45 am. I got up extra early to write this post. I figured, if you are reading this today, 8/28, then you still have time to shop for a birthday present, or come by and see me, call me or at least send me some schmaltzy Internet card. Actually, I'm up this early because in a few minutes I have to drive Cole to church for his last fling of the summer. He's going to a camp called Snowbird for some fun, crazy, outdoor adventures. Once again, I'm staying home. No far away travels for this old gal!

Next topic, remember the other day I was complaining that nothing exciting has happened around here since the Great Horned Owl? Well... I spoke too soon.

This week, Cole and I witnessed an attempted break-in at my next door neighbor's house! Yes people! My safe little haven. Our cozy little neighborhood. Nothing like this has ever happened on my block! I won't go into the details, but it all started while Cole was waiting for a friend to pick him up. This was at 3 o'clock in the afternoon, broad daylight. He had been watching out the window, when he noticed a suspicious car back into our neighbor's drive way. 3 young men in the car. He woke me from a little nap that Glynis and I were having on the sofa. We both watched the vehicle speed off after 2 of the young men came from around the back of the house. Immediately I called my neighbor, who was at work, to inquire if they knew these guys. Bottom line...This was for real. The police were called and took a report. Apparently the assailants (whoa, I got to use the word "assailants!") tried to pry open their back door and a window. Lucky for everyone they did not succeed. The unlucky part is that neither Cole or I could get the license plate number on the car, although we tried.

Here's what we learned from the friendly officer who took the report: Let's all be a little more aware of our safety. Keep your doors locked. Check around your house. Exchange phone numbers with your neighbors and watch out for each other. Get an alarm or at least a sign that says you have one. If you see something suspicious, call the police!

Far Away

I have absolutely nothing exciting to write about. Haven't in weeks. No more giant birds. My last days of summer are creeping by. Sure, I've had some fun. I've been to the pool, to the movies, the zoo, the beach and other local attractions. No far away vacation for me though. In fact, I haven't been far away in years!

I think that my 3 sons are having opposing feelings about school starting. They've really had a super busy summer. They've all been to camp (far away, those lucky dogs!) Cole went to Bluefield, Virginia. He painted a roof and sang in a band. Carson went to Philadelphia! He ran up the steps from "Rocky" and he did construction work in a run down neighborhood. As I write this, Chandler is in the mountains, hiking up a trail.

So, summer was a hoot for them, but like a few other kids, they are actually looking forward to school. I spent a total of $728.oo on school supplies and clothes and shoes!! Can you believe that? I'm actually feeling very accomplished in having bought so much for 3 kids at such a reasonable amount. I asked at Target if I was eligible for the "most money spent on school supplies" award. The prize was a lavish 7 day vacation for 1 at a far away resort. Anyway, I didn't win. The winner of the prize was a rich mother of 1 who spent $938.oo on her spoiled rotten daughter. I think that's cheating!!

Ok, so I'm made up that story. What else am I suppose to write about? My kids are the ones who have real lives. I just drive them around and spend money on them. Maybe I'll live a little once school starts and I have a few free hours during day. I'll make sure that Glynis and I find some exciting things to do. (Call me and we'll do lunch!!)

I know what you really want to hear...How about that baby of mine? This past week she sat on the floor and pulled out an entire box of tissues! It was the most fun she's ever had. I've decided to buy all of my friends' babies a box of tissues for Christmas. It's sure to be the new rage this year and I'll be so happy that I got my shopping done before all the tissues in the world sold out just like the Wii system last year. No standing in all night lines for me!


Glynis also found a kitchen cabinet to play in. She, once again, pulled everything out. Why do babies like to pull things out of everything? How about the laundry basket? She can't be in the same room with one without emptying it. Of course, these are those mommy moments that bring a tear to my eye and make me smile. I hope that I'm able to look back on them 12 years from now when roles reverse and I'm the one pulling out something...My Hair!!

FYI

Saturday night , August 16th, both McCain and Obama will be at Rick Warren's church, Saddleback Church in California, to answer questions only on the topic of their faith. This faith forum will be moderated by Pastor Rick Warren.

As you probably know, Rick Warren is the pastor of Saddleback Church and the best-selling author of The Purpose Driven Life book.

The faith forum will be televised on CNN, MSNBC, and Fox News at 8pm Eastern / 7pm Central.

what the heck?

Ok, I was surfing the web and found this video. Please be advised that it is about breastfeeding so you will see a little "booby."
I am very sad that I was unable to make breastfeeding work with my babies. I think it is a natural, healthy and supports the mother/baby bond. But that's just it. It is for babies!! This video is obviously not from the United States. Is this legal?!

Lesson for my 10 year old and me

Up early this morning. It's 7am, must get the flower bed weeded before the sun blisters overhead. Yes, it's summer, and the boys feel entitled to sleep in. "I got some news for you!!!" So anyway, my 13 year old, Carson, gets right up and gets to work. They were told that breakfast would come after we get done. To make a long story short, my youngest son, Chandler, works slowly or hardly works at all and finally starts complaining about not being fed yet. Whining that he would work no more without breakfast. This kid is 10! It's time he stopped acting like he's 4. What would you do?
I left him there and went on with my business. At some point he disappeared and we later found him back in bed. Still no breakfast. Carson and I finished up our work leaving Chandler's work undone. I went to his room and instructed that there would be no food until his chores were done. Of course he scowled at me, so I had to bring up the starving children in Africa. I hate doing that. Why can't kids in the U.S. be grateful!?
Ok, so Carson and I got cleaned up and started breakfast with Glynis the baby. It worked! Something clicked and Chandler's attitude changed. I'm so glad I didn't give in to him. He went out, did his work, came in and fixed his breakfast. He even smiled apologetically and helped me with the baby.
I suppose part of Chandler's problem is my fault. He was our baby for 10 years and I treated him as such.
So, if you're parenting today, keep that in mind. It's hard to break a 10 year old of those baby ways. Start earlier than I did!!

A Random Day w/ 4 kids

My oldest son is off on a mission trip in Bluefield, VA so why then do I still have 4 kids?

I'll tell you why, because Chandler's friend Ryan is here! We decided to spend our morning at Garden Ridge. In case you don't know what it is, it's a huge home decor/craft store, check it out...http://www.gardenridge.com/default.asp

We spent a good hour strolling up and down the isle. Looking at fish pillows, magnificent works of art, scary things for Halloween, toys, mirrors and way more. I did have a goal in mind. I was hoping to check out their sale on outdoor furniture. All we left with though was a wooden-like solar powered figure to sit in the back yard and also 4 toy foam swords. I spent $30! Argh!

What you'll find here

Blogging: I realize the risks of writing a blog. The risk of mentioning people or events that could hurt or insult someone. I will do my very best to never step over that boundary. I will keep things mostly anonymous, but don't be surprised if you recognize yourself in one of my stories. I'd like my blog to be helpful, to give insight, to raise questions for discussion within your family or just within your own heart.
I'm a grown up, but all the time I am faced with things that I don't really know how to handle. I pray, I go to my husband, I talk it out with my Mom or a friend. I even go to the Internet...shame on me. :)

So....RANDOM...that's a popular word with teens recently and it's really grown on me too. Partly because my life is so overloaded sometimes that the weirdest things just pop into my head. My 13 year old says this to me often..."that was really random, Mom." I like being random! It's keeps people on their toes. You should try it.