Allison. . .

I plan on doing one for each child. However, that may take me years...

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Mason and Michael Jackson...

As we all know, Michael Jackson recently died. I can pretty much assure you, that my children had no idea who he was before his death, but since he has died, they have become infatuated with him. I should say, Mason has. For Christmas, Alena got MJ's #1's CD. It is played in the car all.the.time. Mason really, really enjoys his music.

On one car ride last week, he said to me:

"Mom, what is a heart attack, and why did Michael Jackson have one? .... I wish he wouldn't have died because I really would have loved to meet him."

Maybe it is bad that I secretly giggled when he told me this. I mean, really...what preschooler is sad because they wished they had met Michael Jackson? Mason is, apparently.

So, this is the part of the story that made me decide to blog about it. Yesterday, on the way to one of the kids basketball games, we were (again) listening to the MJ Cd, and in particular, my favorite song....Man in the mirror.

Halfway through the song, Mason chirps up and says...

"OH!!!!! I always thought he was saying Man in the RIVER...."





Allison and I looked at each other, then burst out laughing. Now...every time I hear that song (which I do love)...I will forever sing....Man in the RIVER......

I love my Mason man.

Just Believe...

I've spent a lot of time lately thinking about where Julianne will end up next school year. We are considering a lot of different things, and I have not yet been able to decide on what to do. I pray all the time for God to show me a sign, give me a clue, or guide me in the direction that I should be going with this. I'm still waiting. But I am confident that she will end up where she should be.




So, this may not be a sign...but maybe it was a clue. As you know, I struggle with worry about Julianne being able to read someday...and in the long run, take care of herself as a grown person. I am told I worry about too many things, and that I worry to much, and that I am going to worry myself into the ground. Sorry folks, it's what I do. So, as of late, I have really been thinking about what Julianne is capable of and what (and who) she will become as an adult.





A pretty cool thing happened. As I was walking into my living room from my kitchen, something caught my eye. It was on my mantle. It had been there for God knows how long, but I'd never even noticed. I have pictures on my mantle. I also have little knick knack things too. Well....this is what I happened to *SEE* ...





So, Dear God....I got your message...and thank you.

Boob Tube Off!

One night last week, I decided that it was just time to turn our TV off. The constant background noise was finally getting on my nerves. So, to my happy surprise, the kids actually found a way to entertain themselves.

Julianne found a box of cards that I had purchased off ebay many, many years ago. She and Mason decided to make everybody and their brother a special card. LOTS of cards were made....with stickers and address labels and markers and tape. It was nice to see the kids having fun doing something other than watching TV.

Soon enough, Alena and Audrey joined in the fun. This went on for about an hour...which, with no TV, seemed like a lifetime. :)

And big sis, this is what she was doing...

Happy Valentines Day...

Happy Valentines Day to all. What a nice idea it is, to have a day set aside just to say "I love you" to those you love. The kids love it at school....and a lot of big people love it too.


I remember when "Valentines Day" was something magical..magical in the same sort of way that a birthday is to a little one. When I was young, I remember being filled with anticipation to see what special thing Mom would have for us when we got home from school. Usually it was a sweet treat, like a cupcake with hearts...or something like that. Whatever it was, it was special, and exciting, and something that only happened on that special day.

When I got older, and Jeff and I were dating, the excitement was still there, only different. I remember putting together this whole plan with a few other friends where we rented a limo, and did not tell the men, and then took them to a fancy restaurant for dinner. How romantic, right? I remember the "in love" aspect being magnified on Valentines Day.

Well, many years have passed, and life has changed...and it has been many, many years where I felt any excitement about Valentines Day. No extra love, no cards, no candy.... and not just from my husband, but from me as well. Blame it on being too busy, too poor or too lazy, it is what it is. This is how it went today....Jeff said, "You didn't get me anything for valentines day, did you?" me...."No." Jeff, "Good."

It's sad, isn't it. Not sad that we didn't get each other things, but sad that we have set our love for each other on the back burner. We have work, kids, school, tuition, bills....all that takes a lot of dealing with... and on my part, worrying about. I still love him. He (hopefully) still loves me. But we have lost something...and need to find it again.

IHM Talent Show 2010...

Fun fun fun!! That word sums it up for me. I enjoyed the talent show, and so did the kids. :) To be honest, I didn't mind all that much waiting out in the icy cold wind for an hour to be sure I got a seat. :) The conversations outside with the other moms were comical. :) ....and nobody liked waiting, let me tell you, but having been through this before, I knew I had to do it....and, since I've yet to be able to see my children in the Christmas program (due to lack of good seats), I was determined to be sure I got a good seat. And I did.

Mason sang and danced, and Julianne jumped to the song "Trading My Sorrows". I was worried that Julianne would not do anything but stand there, but she did what she was supposed to do!!! I was soooo happy! Mason had a last minute costume adjustment and decided he wanted to also wear his Halloween hat and cape. I had also made sweatshirts...Mason's said YES, and Julianne's said LORD. I think I smiled ear to ear during their entire song! Yay Kids!!!

Alena did a solo to the song "Butterfly Fly Away". She sang beautifully, and received many compliments on her sweet voice. :) I was so proud of her bravery and beauty.

All in all, it was a great mommy night. I only wish Jeff could have been there to see it too.

OK, Mom...don't kill me...

I know my mom will HATE me for showing ya'll this picture I am about to show you. But, hopefully, she will forgive me. Because she loves me, and that is what parents do, right...forgive you? :)

The above mentioned picture was taken one day shortly before Christmas. It involves Julianne sitting on the back of the couch, "fixing" Gramma's hair. She does this all.the.time. if you let her. Gramma lets her. I took a picture to add to my collection of "Julianne fixing Gramma's hair" pictures.

But something happened...and this is what my snapshot resulted in:




Gramma and I laughed and laughed and laughed at this picture! Julianne was actually choking her! Forever...this picture, and the memory of when I snapped this picture, will be one of my favorite picture taking memories. I love you mom.