crafty korisa

a different perspective

2011-10-31T21:38:00.001-05:00

I was SO dreading Halloween.

Halloween was MY holiday. My favorite HOLIDAY. I mean for pete's sake, I established Falloween for the past TEN YEARS to garner excitement for the day. I was the one who made elaborate treats, elaborate costumes, elaborate "excitement" for everyone involved. Even BEFORE I had kids.

So I was hurt this year. Hurt that the costume I had planned for my kids, and actually made for Kaya, was vetoed.

They are with dad this year. The ultra-sticker stabber of divorce. It made me sad. The kids told me that dad already ordered their costumes so my plans were out the window---because it was "dad's day". I wanted to say something, but kept my mouth closed.

I swallowed my pride and went to his house for "trick-or-treat".

BUT...

it was kind of nice being the "visiting" parent and not have to deal with the costume malfunctions.

it was kind of nice being the "visiting" mom.....which made them so excited to see me.

it was kind of nice being the "visiting" parent...who had tons of fun with them getting candy but not the one that had to get them to bed after they had all of that candy.

it was kind of nice visiting with all of my "old" neighbors and enjoying them....without worrying about what my kids were doing.

Yes, it's hard. It's hard not having my kids each night......but I'm going to count my blessings tonight for all the GOOD THINGS that happened.

It is a different way of life, a different perspective....but it is all good....thanks to all of you.

all you need is love

2011-10-19T22:48:00.003-05:00

Today, I was filled with guilt......as a single mom, I'm trying to make an income. I'm working my book business as much as I can to make a comfortable living for myself and my children. But it is tough.....I still ask my parents, who are the greatest blessing, for help and I still am blessed by friends and the kindness of strangers to get what I need. ONE. DAY. AT. A. TIME.

This morning I got up at 5:00 even though I didn't "have to get up" until about 7:30. I got up to exercise, pray, and have some time to myself. While I'm praying I didn't have the "best" attitude. I'm angry with how life is going.....I want things to get resolved....I want things to go my way. But I read some scripture: Matthew 26:36-39. At first I didn't want to read it because I thought "God, REALLY I have to read Mattthew.......kind of ironic...but my DivorceCare passage said do it." But in that is the passage where Jesus prays before he is crucified and he says " My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will."

I'm not trying to say my "CUP" is a fraction of big of what Jesus was going through at that time....but that scripure hit me. I WANT my kids.....I miss them.....It HURTS...it kills my heart. Some may think I'm a wimp because I do see them at least a few times a week and sometimes 5 days at a time. But I am used to seeing them EVERY DAY......for most of their life. Splitting custody and only seeing them for days at a time instead of each day BREAKS my heart.

So today was my day to get them.......I was so excited. But also overwhelmed with guilt. I have a bookfair going on that I am working ( to make that money I was talking about) and the bookfair open-houses are tonight and tomorrow night......when I have my kids. I was so torn between working and spending time with my kids that my heart was aching.

BUT I had to take them with me. I knew they could behave. I took lots of stuff for them to do to occupy themselves. I even told them they could "work" for a book by passing out bookmarks and stickers. BUT I felt guilty.

BUT the bookfair experience went beautifully for my kids. THEY LOVED IT! When we left, Kaya said "Mom, I love going to work with you....can we do it again?" Zander said, "Mom, I just love Wednesdays when I get to spend time with you and I love working bookfairs.....you are the nicest and most fun mom ever."

Guess my "cup" is getting taken care of.

Then we get home. It is so cold here in Atlanta.....30 degree weather in October!! And I figure out my furnace burners and heat does not work now.......and it is too late for anyone to come fix it!! So, I tell the kids.....you know what, lets all sleep together in mom's bed.....with lots of quilts. (I'm typing this now in my sweatsuit, robe, and snuggly socks because it is SO COLD in our house....a brisk 50 degrees). I also read to them the "Little House in The Big Woods" by Laura Ingalls Wilder, about when they had such a cold winter that they all had to bundle together under quilts to keep warm. I told them that was what we were doing tonight. Zander just giggled and said, "Oh Mom, this is the BEST night of my life. I LOVE spending time with you...no matter the problem, we figure it out." Oh he thinks we are living the "old-timey" life but I am warming all the quilts in the dryer......thank goodness we have electricity!!

SWEET BOY. I am BLESSED. I was so worried about being a working single-mom---and worried they would gripe about the heat.......BUT my sweet kids showed me my "cup" is being taken care of and all we need is LOVE.

mama knows best

2011-09-15T20:52:00.002-05:00

I wish my kids could figure that out. It really infuriates me when they say things like , ' Are you sure mom, that is how you spell " shall" with only one L..... really mom.

Or mom, I don't think it really matters if I bring my bookbag back to school......

But one mom knows best.......yep, the mom that has a 35 year old..... she knows why....I love you mama.....even when I THINK I know best.

patience & puzzles

2011-07-25T23:38:00.003-05:00

“Patience is waiting. Not passively waiting. That is laziness. But to keep going when the going is hard and slow - that is patience.”

It is going slow. It is going hard. For my friends wondering about me that is it. I keep thinking, "God, am I your modern-day Job? I'm not sure how much more I can handle?"

Not to dismiss the great struggles Job faced....I'm not there YET.....but I do wonder.

What is getting me through this? Puzzles. Truly...puzzles. Puzzles that I used to hate. Puzzles that I begrudgingly put together for my daughter who has a true talent for putting the pieces together. Puzzles---that my parents used to work on and I always thought, "How boring?"

But as I go through this divorce/custody issue.....puzzles are my lifesaver.

Like the one in the picture. A 1000 piece puzzle.....that I escape to when I just think I can't take it anymore.

Because as "put-together" as I would like to seem......everything is out of control. And puzzles are one thing I have to be patient with and they will soon come together to form a perfect picture.

2011-07-18T20:43:00.003-05:00

The Road Not Taken

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Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim
Because it was grassy and wanted wear,
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I marked the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I,
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
Robert Frost

I took the kids to the butterfly festival at the Chattahoochee Nature Center a few days ago. Once we got there---they had a blast. Even with grumpy Zander....it didn't take long for him to be in his element and love every minute of it.

But as I watched my sweet kids, I also noticed (for the 100th time) how different they are. Zan is the rule follower. He wants to check things out before he goes on ahead. Kaya, well she has a spirit of her own. Why would you worry about going on a path? Yes, there is a paved path but there is a whole world of adventure ahead!

She cannot resist a path. Even a less-traveled one. If there is a path to go somewhere she WILL take it. No matter if it is against the rules!

I finally made her stop taking the undiscovered paths. Just because the only way to get out of the last one was to climb a fence.
You can tell how happy she was with that decision.

I hope she keeps that spirit. I hope she wants to trek forward no matter what. So what if there is a fence to climb over? I hope and pray she still wants to go and overcome whatever she comes her way.

Trek forward sweet little girl. Take that path less taken---it will make a world of difference.

the joy of friends

2011-07-10T21:05:00.003-05:00

My insides are churning. I'm a nervous wreck. Court awaits me and I don't know what to expect & am uncertain about the certain changes that will happen. Soon. Very soon.

So I call some of my closest friends. I am so lucky. So lucky that I have a handful of girls that would fight to the ends of the earth for me. Yes me, little old me. That makes me so grateful. They seem like little angels of encouragement.

And one of those dear friends says something to me that was the most incredible compliment I have ever heard.

"You know they were talking today at church about joyfulness. About people finding joy in everything. And I kept thinking of you. You are always joyful, joyful, joyful no matter what- even with all of the terrible things that have happened to you." I started crying immediately---tears of joys, I suppose. That comment hit home with me because it felt so true. And it made me even more joyful to have a friend that knew that about me--I've been smiling ever since.

It was just the cup of "joyfulness" I needed.

After you read this, count your blessings. I bet you can find joy in all of the great things in your life too. I'm counting mine tonight. No matter what happens in my life I know I will have wonderful friends that always bring me joy.

the gift of grace

2011-06-18T23:43:00.003-05:00

There is one week of the year that I always look forward to. Bible school in Kentucky! It brings back so many great memories and is such a cherished time with family. My kids wait for it year-round and can't wait to go get spoiled by their grandparents and of course see "Bible-School Kim", my cousin who has been known by that name since the first time the kids went four years ago!

But this summer I have felt overwhelmed. Today I was trying to figure out our crafts and special music--and yes, it begins in two days. I was driving back from Chattanooga tonight feeling like maybe I wasn't spiritually worthy to be in charge of crafts and music.

But being alone in my mini-van also made me alone with my thoughts and talks with God. I could actually feel Him telling me "Are you really going to be that ungrateful?"

Me. Ungrateful? What??? I am constantly pushing stumbling blocks from my life out of the way lately. I never thought this would be my life at 34 years old. I never thought I would be ending a marriage and figuring out how to live as myself again. When friends ask, "How do you stay so strong?" I answer with conviction, "With God. I've prayed more in the past 6 months than in my entirety of my life." So how would I seem ungrateful?

Because some part of me keeps forgetting to be a gracious recipient of His grace. I started thinking, yeah...how would I feel if I gave my kids a gift that cost me everything and they constantly refused it saying, "I'm not worthy of that gift", "I should have been a better child yesterday", "I need to stay focused on what you want me to do, Mom".

Yep. It would devastate me.

So I'm taking the gift of grace with glee and enthusiasm. I will be grateful. It was given to me and I'm going to use it during my times of frustration. I'm going to use it when I criticize myself for my attitude or actions of the day. I'm going to use it to forgive myself and to forgive others. I mean, that is what it is there for.

I may not have the perfect music or the most dazzling crafts for Bible school this year. But I do have a gift that means so much more. My heart will be filled with grace and love & hopefully the kids will see how much that really means.

s.u.p.e.r.m.o.m.

2011-02-09T19:57:00.004-06:00

Maybe it is the cold weather. Maybe it is the sickness that keeps creeping in my house. Maybe it is too many years of staying-at-home. Whatever it is, my mood the past few weeks has been funky---not super. Which got me to thinking, "If I were a supermom, what would I do?"

S--Shower daily. ALONE. Supermom would have her beautiful children engaged in some enlightening, educational activity while she had her daily shower. She would not turn on a show and say "Watch this!" and then be interrupted mid-shampoo because someone needed help wiping.

U--Use time wisely. Supermom would have an organized planned day. She would go forward with her errands and life with such ease. She would not waste time by forgetting where she put something (so she would remember where she put it). She also wouldn't escape her plans by checking facebook 3 (okay 7) times a day just to see what the rest of the world was up to.

P--Pray for Patience. Supermom would remember to say a prayer of serenity each morning right before she stretched up to welcome the glorious morning. She would not stumble out of bed, with the goal to make that coffee as fast as she can. She would deal with whiny baby-talk and wash the vomit-filled sheets with a sparkling smile.

E--Exercise. Supermom would exercise faithfully and be full of energy. She would not think, "Oh, snuggling with Kaya so she will take a nap is so much healthier for me."

R--Read. Supermom would read to her kids at least 20 minutes each day. She would also read for her own pleasure. Okay----check!! I am Super in that area.

M-Memory. Supermom would remember everything. She would not forget to send in field-trip money on time. She also would remember where she put that list she made to help her remember what she needed to do.

O--Only speak with a calming voice. Supermom would speak calmly when correcting those adorable children of hers. She wouldn't want to melt into the floor when her kids were out of control.

M--Maid. Supermom would have a full time maid. Enough said.

the chore store

2011-01-24T06:52:00.003-06:00

This morning, as I checked emails, facebook posts (because that is a necessity), and downed my coffee---I heard Kaya in the pantry scratching around. She had spilled some cereal and told me she needed to "broom up and mop up her mess."When I saw her, I remembered how much I love our new plan of action---The Chore Store.

I started this at the beginning of the year because I was sick and tired of doing everything around the house. I had used chore charts before (including the one below) but start losing enthusiasm.....don't follow through.....and my kids of course, followed my lead.

But I was done. An enthusiastic housekeeper, I am not. And an enthusiastic housekeeper who was beginning to feel like a maid picking up after everyone, I definitely am not.

So The Chore Store was created.

Each week we decide on chores Zander and Kaya can help with. When they complete the chore the get a penny to put in their Chore Store Jar. If they initiate helping on their own they get a nickel----and I praise them with huge enthusiasm! Whatever works...my house is slowly becoming less of a cluttered disaster..

They love getting their money! Once a week, they can shop at the Chore Store. Amazingly, they stay out of it. They do remember the rule: The store is only open in the Living Room, when mom opens it. It stays in a kitchen corner when it is closed.

There are 3 drawers in the "store". They can purchase items for 10 cents, 25 cents, or 50 cents. I haven't had to purchase anything yet to stock the store.....I found all of the treasures in closets, forgotten boxes, my purse....So this has been great at getting me to sort through some clutter in the house too!

This is great for helping them get some sort of money sense. It is almost impossible to get 50 cents in a week so they have to make a choice: spend now or save. I am so impressed that they do want to save sometimes! Of course, they are 4 and 5, and sometimes instant gratification is what they are looking for!

After many attempts at keeping some order and trying to install some family responsibility, this seems to work for us! And I've stuck with it for longer than two weeks.....so proud of myself! Maybe I should get to shop in the chore store....

Do you have a chore plan you use? I'd love to hear what works for you!

just a reminder

2011-01-06T05:06:00.003-06:00

This morning was one of those mornings where I woke up about an hour before I needed to and thought I'll just get up. My plan was to clean some of the files off of the computer so it can work a little faster and I can read email once again.

I first took a glance at some of my old pictures and found this picture taken exactly a year ago today...

My sweet little boy. Helping without complaining. Ask and he will nicely do---

Boy, I needed that reminder. Because fast-forward to now and YIKES!!! My prayer each day now as I get him ready for school: Please God, give me the patience and strength not to slap that smart mouth. So far, the prayer has worked.....but barely....

Thank goodness he doesn't act like that at school yet. But boy, I have to nip this attitude-thing or I'm afraid he will. Kaya and I will be having a perfect day and he comes in the door and lets us know how much he doesn't like us, how everything is so stupid, how his life is just so horrible.... I feel so privileged that he saves his obnoxious behavior for us at home.

I have ordered the book Have You Filled Your Bucket Today? that a friend suggested and it can not get here soon enough. I just want my sweet child back. I want my child back that realizes that people don't want to be around him when he complains about everything, makes ugly faces at everyone, and just acts like a jerk to those who love him the most.

Until then, I will look at these pictures that seem so sweet. To remind myself-----he CAN be kind, he WILL be kind, and this too MUST pass.

be still and know that I am

2011-01-04T06:03:00.003-06:00

Each year I make tons of resolutions.....a new year is time to get started on a bigger, better me. Like most everyone I'm pretty good at keeping them.....for the first week or so. I am usually still running on adrenaline after prepping & carrying out all of the duties for the holiday season.

But this year, God had other plans.

Of course I volunteered to be room mom for Z's class. Of course I was planning a special holiday party. Of course I took pictures and bought 120 Christmas cards to send out. Of course I was going to make a million cookies for everyone I knew. Of course we were going to have the picture-perfect Christmas.

And then of course, I got the flu.

I'm not talking a simple cough with a low-grade fever. I'm talking high fever for several days, chest congestion and wheezing, a headache so bad it hurt to blink my eyelids. And it would be way too easy for just I to get it---the kids had to get sick also. I was dreading the call to my mom to tell her we couldn't come up for Christmas....but she beat me to the punch and called to say she had the flu.

So everything I had planned.....immediately stopped. But I did get a crash course in prayer and meditation. What else was I going to do? Well besides play Bejeweled Blitz, Fluffy, and Cafe World on Facebook.

I've had a rough year. An emotionally draining year---maybe one day I'll have the heart and bravery to blog about it, but not today---but I made it through. But I never really took the time to be still----and listen----to what God has to tell me.

God told me all right. Be STILL and KNOW that I AM. Everything will be okay. Just look, your presents were delivered late. Your Christmas cards still aren't finished. Yes, you are behind with your Usborne business. You still have not shampooed the carpets. You did not read all of those books to the kids you were planning to read. You have 700 emails to sort through.

But everything is fine. It is okay. Be still.

So instead of making a spreadsheet of things to accomplish, planning a monthly menu, developing a fitness plan, or promising to do something every day: I will be still. Every morning. And focus on what God wants be to do for the day. And if I can't figure out what He wants, I will just enjoy the moment and the life I live.

hoping they remember this

2010-10-17T06:44:00.004-05:00

A few weeks ago I was reading a book to the kids that had a maze in it and they loved doing it---they are definitely in a maze-craze right now. I asked them, "Do you remember the corn maze at the farm we went to the last few years?" They had no clue---they didn't even remember going to a pumpkin patch. It truly surprised me that they had no memory of us going the last 3 years, every year, in the fall.

So they then decided they wanted to surprise their daddy with a trip to the maze. They kept it secret for most of the week besides the one clue K gave her dad, "BIG Corn!" He really thought we were crazy and had no clue what they were so excited about until the last day, when Zan couldn't handle it anymore and spilled the beans!

It was such a perfect day......a corn maze, pony rides,
Sitting on the tractor,

Holding hands with each other to search for their favorite pumpkins.

Here's hoping they never forget this perfect day of fall fun!

a budget birthday

2010-07-03T04:27:00.003-05:00

Is it wrong to enjoy being sick so I can lie in bed and do things I enjoy.......read, watch tv, read endless crafty blogs which stir up way too many ideas in my head?

Since I am supposed to be resting---and I get winded just by walking around a few minutes---I thought I could take advantage of my "time" in planning the ultimate superhero party for Zan. I can't believe his 5th birthday will be here in a few weeks! As much as I dislike superhero stuff, he loves it, and I'm going to attempt to make the birthday spectacular!

I made the cutest invites with this picture and Vistaprint......which I am not letting myself visit anymore while "resting"---I am seriously addicted to the site.

I have also found SO MANY cute things to buy for the party but decided I am going to make myself make use of the insane amount of craft supplies and fabrics I already have to see how cheap I can make this fantastic party....I shall keep you all posted!

Now I am off to coloring more coloring sheets (out of superhero coloring books just collecting dust in the playroom) for decorations for the party in a few weeks.......since I love to color this is the perfect way to recover from walking pneumonia.......ah---the piece, the quiet, the craftiness, the thriftiness.....

so much to say

2010-05-11T07:24:00.003-05:00

Did I see the last date correctly? March 10th!!! Yes, I do have so much to say---some of you have been giving me the guilt trip for not posting lately! I shall get to it soon!!

Until then, enjoy my little dancer---so proud of him for loving to boogie to Dave Matthews!

art for grandma

2010-03-10T08:35:00.002-06:00

How I miss the snuggly babies that nursed and looked at me with adoring eyes?

But I also love this age---the age of creativity and unrestraint. I love it that Kaya has an enthusiasm for art like I do and that Zan will participate on occasion. We have had such fun this month painting together.

This first painting is one I made for my Mother-in-Law for her birthday. It is a watercolor that was inspired by I picture I took of my kids on the beach on a previous visit.
While I worked on my painting, Zander and Kaya painted with me on their own works of art for their Grandma.

Isn't this the cutest jellyfish family you have ever seen? Kaya named it "Jellyfish Making Bubbles." She spent all day on it---coming back to touch up and add different colors.
And my reluctant artist made the octopus. Once he finished he said, "You're right mom. This is kind of fun and it looks pretty cool."

snow day

2010-02-19T06:36:00.002-06:00

Last week when areas of the country that rarely have snow got covered, we actually got some of the white stuff. I was pretty sure this would be all we would see so I let the kids run out and enjoy it while playing dress-up. Now I notice what a crazy mother I am since they are not wearing coats......we were caught up in the moment of catching snowflakes. But after a snuggly nap and watching the movie, SnowBuddies, we saw some thick snow!

Thick enough for a snowangel!
Fluffy enough to slide down the hill in...
Enough accumulation to make a snowman!
And Zan's favorite.....plenty for a snowball fight!
We enjoyed our Winter Wonderland. I'm sure we enjoyed it because we haven't been stuck in it all Winter. It was a beautiful sight!

weekly menu #5

2010-02-17T12:40:00.003-06:00

I LOVE Publix. If I had an unlimited budget I would just go in and splurge every week. Of course, sometimes I have to go to stores where I get things much cheaper. Publix does have some good sales, and when they do, I love to go in and get treated like a queen while I shop.

I especially love their easy recipes that they have on display and sometimes samples of (yum). And they are delish!! Even better is the fact that they have all of the ingredients together on display to fix this week's featured meal. If you miss a meal you love you can still collect the handy dandy cards of all of the past recipes beside the display.

Here are 3 that are featured in this week's menu.

* Tasty Turkey Chili and Ginger Spice Spread on Multigrain Bread

* Easy "Barbecue" Shrimp with Jambalaya Rice

* Sun-dried Tomato Artichoke Chicken with Arugula Mushroom Salad

If you are lucky enough to have a Publix in your neigborhood, look at the recipes. You might just find your favorite meal!!

3 pictures I love.....making a cake for daddy

2010-02-12T09:18:00.001-06:00

weekly menu ???

2010-02-10T19:18:00.002-06:00

I'm really kind of embarassed by this weekly menu.......it was all quick, easy, stufff......prebought. Or so easy you really wouldn't have to think about it! My few menu items that I was creative with were the

Fried Pickles........we love them from Hooters......but mine were good, but not as good as Hooters. I dipped my pickles in egg and then cornmeal and then fried them. They were good.....but not as good as Hooters.....I'll have to ask the waitress the next time we go!

The other menu item that wasn't prepackaged was the Drumsticks. I was planning on making them Lemon-Pepper but found out we were out of Lemon-Pepper so I poured a Fat-Free 3 cheese dressing Ranch on them from Kraft. They turned out pretty yummy.

Yeah, Yeah, I know.....I promised recipes each week for this New Year's Resolution (why couldn't I have a resolution like last year.....nap every day......a goal that is reasonable). But now I'm surviving. Surviving LIFE. Life that means dealing with the two preschoolers I have ....why didn't I put them in school already........for all of those moms that I judged for finding some school, or something for their kids to do, so they could live normally, I apologize for my judgement......I understand now.

So yeah, my menus aren't so amazing now...but maybe they will be soon. I TRULY can't complain about my life.

I LOVE my new book business, check out my site if you need enticing books for your kids....

www.bookorisa.com.

I LOVE all the vacations we have been on lately..

I know some of you were knee-deep in snow when we were doing this.......

And I love teaching my kids. Recently we have been doing art. This is a Wax-Crayon Painting lesson that turned out so cool. We are going to do Pointalism art tomorrow and Cube/shape paintings the next day. I just HOPE I'm teaching Zan something to get him ready for Kindergarten.

late gifts

2010-01-25T21:07:00.002-06:00

I KNOW I promised a menu each week. I didn't post one last week because I had such fun on my girly weekend that things got behind and I never planned a true menu......our little chalkboard only had two meals listed!

And this week......I'm going to the beach. So sorry, friends. I'll bring fabulous menus to you later. Tonight I'm just worried about getting the car packed to leave early enough to enjoy some sun and sand. (It will only be 65 degrees so I won't be swimming) But I don't care. I hear the waves, I see the waves, I read a great book, I drink a great drink, I watch the kids laugh......

Weekly menus be damned.

Crafty will be on top of things for you guys when I return....

sand art

2010-01-23T06:55:00.005-06:00

This was such a fun activity to do with my kids. It occupied them for at least 30 minutes and they made something that they can keep on their shelf to display!

You can get colored sand and the tools & containers at any craft store for fairly inexpensive.....especially with coupons and sales! They loved creating the different layers in the fish and triceratops.

I think my neat & tidy husband has no clue about what we do during the day or he would have an anxiety attack! We had a mess EVERYWHERE. My philosophy is if it is creative art you can't worry about making a mess. It really is a good thing that I don't live by myself---I'm pretty certain there would be paint, fabric, and glitter EVERYWHERE.
So I'm go glad I have good helpers! They swept, vacuumed, and scrubbed the kitchen to perfection because they know how their Dad is too. As Zander said, "Daddy is really going to be mad when he sees this mess."

No worries though (just for you, Kara)....the table was soon shining with cleanliness.
And their projects turned out great!!

an adorable tea party

2010-01-22T04:03:00.008-06:00

One of my favorite girls in the world, my "niece" Katie, turned 8 this week. I cannot believe it!! I'm glad I got the honor of attending her very special tea party this weekend.

Here are the girls before the party with their dolls.

Being the very sweet and helpful girl she always is....Katie helps the little ones with their jewelry.

Isn't this party a dream come true.......fancy, fancy, fancy!!!

Sue was so creative in her party planning for her little girl. Look at these flowerpots....They are filled with ice cream and oreos (dirt) topped with an artificial rose!
The extremely cute invites and menus....

And the cupcakes. The "roses" are actually fruit roll-ups---I will be stealing some of these ideas when Kaya gets a little older.
Sue also had a wonderful craft table for the girls to go to when they first arrived. Here she is helping one of the guests make a fan for herself and a mini-fan for her doll.
They also decorated tea-cups with paint pens.
And all of the girls looked so fanciful and adorable all dressed up!

When I asked Kaya what her favorite part of the party was she said, "My favorite part was when Katie opened her gift from me and was so happy."

As a mom, that made my heart smile. Sometimes she can show me that she has the kindest soul.

My favorite part was getting hugs from the "little" girls when they got tired and cranky and really had no use for partying anymore!
Camden ran across the room to hug me. I'm not sure if Kaya was up to sharing her mommy though---as you can see---
They finally decided to settle down again and be best friends. Amazingly these two highly energetic girls let me hold them and rock them for almost an hour while Katie and the big girls unwrapped gifts and acted silly. We just sat in the background and watched.

It was a perfect party with perfect friends! Happy Birthday Katie Rose!!! Love, Aunt Korisa

girly weekend

2010-01-18T20:59:00.006-06:00

if you wanna stay up late

2010-01-14T08:42:00.002-06:00

Once a week my dear husband goes to play in a racquetball at the gym at night. On those nights, Kaya usually goes to bed very easily. Zander does about 30% of the time. Lately, he has it in his head that he can't go to sleep unless Daddy is at home. I don't know why, since he would be in bed and not see him anyway.

So last week he kept getting up. And kept getting up. Usually I just walk him back and say it is bedtime. Go to sleep. Do not get up.

But that night I really wanted to finish cleaning the kitchen. I didn't have time to keep escorting him back to his room. Or time to argue with with him about why it was bedtime.

So I let him stay up late. On one condition---help me clean.

I have to say he is much more thorough at cleaning the floor. Probably because he sits there and wants to get every speck of dirt up. I do it so much that it isn't so exciting for me, I just want to get it done!

He also got a shelf mirror clean in our living room that had looked awful. So bad that we were thinking of replacing it. Now it sparkles!!!

So my agreement with him "If you wanna stay up late, you have to do chores", worked out well for both of us. What chores can I have him do next time?

all about snow

2010-01-10T08:40:00.002-06:00

In anticipation of The Blizzard of 2010 here in Georgia, we had some "snow" lessons here at home this week.

The first thing we did was make our own snow inside. To do this you need shaving cream, white paint and a flat cookie sheet or pan. We mixed together the shaving cream and paint (the paint makes it a little thicker that just using the shaving cream) on our sheets. And then we had fun!!

Both of the kids practiced writing the word "snow" in their mixtures. I thought Zan did a pretty good job! And they both know how to spell and recognize the word now!
But they had more fun playing with their animals in the snow!!

The next day we used our magnetic boards to make words. I made cards for them that said snow, ice, cold, and play.
This is an easy activity you could do with your kids anytime. They really enjoy it---Kaya told me it was her favorite part of the day.
And finally the next day we got our actual white stuff. They loved playing in it. Not enough to make a snowman but enough to make footprints----and that seemed to be good enough for these guys!

2010 weekly menu # 2

2010-01-08T17:34:00.012-06:00

One of my favorite things to do is to get a big cup of coffee, watch some good tv, and browse through my cookbooks. That is my pleasure while I plan my weekly menu.

But sometimes I take the easy way out. That is why I LOVE allrecipes.com. You can find recipes for almost anything and save the ones you like to a recipe box (for free!). I also recently discovered that you can put your recipes for the week on a shopping list....and they do all the work for you to tell you what you need!

So here is this week's menu. I used the search option on the site to find recipes that would use the things that I already had here at home ( I had 4 unopened blocks of cream cheese, I discovered when I cleaned the fridge) so that is why there are so many creamy recipes. I am trying most of these the first time this week so if you try them too, let me know what you think! A lot of the sides don't have recipes....just click on the entrees.

Weekly Menu # 2

Friday-Ground Beef Lo Mein, Egg Rolls

Saturday- Crispy Herb Baked Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, Asparagus

Sunday Lunch- Tacos in Pasta Shells

Sunday Dinner- South Shore Pork Roast, Corn, Green Beans

Monday- Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes II, French Fries

Tuesday- Sweet Potato Minestrone

Wednesday- Slow Cooker Chicken Stroganoff

Thursday- Sirloin Tips and Mushrooms, Rice, Salad

quality time together

2010-01-07T08:10:00.004-06:00

Having a pair of siblings 13 1/2 months apart can be a blessing and a curse. Believe me, when they are trying to attack each other, to the point my husband & I have to physically hold them away from each other, over hand sanitizer....the thought does enter my mind "What the heck were we thinking?"

Luckily for us, the blessings do seem to outnumber the curses. Oh don't get me wrong, they fight. Fight hard. And that is why my latest book of choice is Siblings Without Rivalry. But when they are getting along, they are the sweetest friends.

That is why I feel it is so important for them to spend some quality time together. Without me. Unsupervised. I think it is a growth process of relationship-building for them to spend some time together without anyone else. (Of course some adult should be in the house to intervene, if needed)

I have been doing this for a while and I think they both love that time also. I find they are much more imaginative if I'm not around. Maybe having to please an adult stifles the fearless, innocent imagination. As I type this I can hear them talking---They are getting on a boat (Kaya's bed) with their baby alligators to go to a party. I just heard Kaya say, "Zander, stop the boat! We have to go get the party decorations!!"

I've also eavesdropped on them when they snuggle in bed together and have "real" conversations.

Yesterday I went to check on them and Kaya said, "Mom please leave us alone. We are talking right now." Of course, I was curious to see what they were talking about.

"Don't worry Kaya, if you have bad dreams just pretend you are Batwoman."

"But Zander, I don't want to be Batwoman when I grow up, I want to be a mommy when I grow up."

"You can be both Kaya. Just become Batwoman when you are scared."

Yep, I think that was a good conversation for them. They learn so much from each other that they could never learn from Mom.

morning treats

2010-01-06T07:33:00.002-06:00

coloring with my kiddos

blueberry coffee

cute braids

my new year's gift to you

2010-01-03T22:37:00.005-06:00

Happy New Years Everyone!! We have had a blast around here......I have an inkling 2010 is going to be a great one!!!

So, since it is the time of resolutions....I have one. Last year my resolution was to take a nap every day. I almost made it. Except when my kids refused to nap. Or when we were on vacation. But man, when I did do it, IT FELT GOOD...... honestly, the best resolution I ever made.

So we come to this year. What is my resolution? I hope it helps you guys out, or at least makes you laugh a bit.

My resolution this year is to give all of my blogging pals a gift. Nope, not one you can actually register for and win ( my blog is not that fabulous, yet). My gift is a menu. Each week I will give you my weekly menu......yeah.....you won a prize......balloons, confetti, please....

I'm doing this because every time someone comes over they want to see what is on "Korisa's menu." Because I make one. Each week. I'm crazy like that.

Don't get too excited. Sometimes the menu will say "sandwiches" or many times, "leftovers". But hopefully my weekly plans will help you to save some time with your planning. And I'm a big fan of quick and easy meals that require no recipe of any sort *just open the bag & cook kind of stuff*

And I also promise to share recipes with you that are divine.

And I also promise to give you recipes if you request them that are on the list (yep, this IS a shameless way to get you to leave comments.)

So here it goes...this week's menu (sorry that the days are so crazy, I will get better with practice):

* Friday--Seasoned Pork Chops with Cheddar Grits

* Saturday--Cheeseburgers, Potato Salad, Baked Beans

* Sunday--Seafood Lasagna * see recipe below*

* Monday--3 Cheese Chicken Pasta

* Tuesday--Turkey Burritos, Spanish Rice

* Wednesday---Spaghetti with Meat-Marinara Sauce

* Thursday---Tomato Alphabet Soup *srb*, Grilled Cheese

So here are two of my favorites......they both come from Cooking Light Annual Recipes 2004. The Seafood Lasagna takes a while to make but is so worth it if you have the time!

Seafood Lasagna

2 tsp Olive Oil

5 cups finely chopped mushrooms

1 1/2 cup chopped onion

2 TBS fresh thyme

2 minced garlic cloves

1/4 cup dry white wine

2 cans lump crab meat

1 pound uncooked large shrimp

2 cups water

1 1/2 tsp celery salt

1 tsp fennel seeds

6 ounces feta cheese

1 cup reduced fat cottage cheese

1/4 cup finely chopped fresh basil

1 TBS fresh lemon juice

1 garlic clove, minced

1/4 cup all purpose flour

1 cup milk

1/4 cup grated fresh Parmesan cheese

cooking spray

1 package precooked lasagna noodles

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1/4 cup chopped fresh flat leaf parsley

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

2. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add mushrooms, onion, thyme, and 2 garlic cloves; cook 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add wine. Bring to a boil; cook 1 1/2 minutes or until liquid almost evaporates. Remove from heat, stir in crab meat. Set aside.

3. Peel and devein shrimp, reserving shells. Cut each shrimp in half lengthwise, cover and refrigerate. Combine reserved shells, 2 cups water, celery salt, and fennel seeds in a small saucepan. Bring to boil; cook until reduced to 1 1/2 cups shrimp stock (about 15 minutes). Strain stock through a sieve into a bowl; discard solids. Set stock aside.

4. Combine feta cheese, cottage cheese, basil, juice, and 1 garlic clove. Set aside.

5. Lightly spoon flour into a dry measuring cup and level with a knife. Place flour in a small saucepan, gradually add milk, stirring with a whisk. Stir in shrimp stock, bring to a boil. Reduce heat, simmer until thick. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese.

6. Spread 1/2 cup sauce in bottom of a 13 x 9 baking dish coated with cooking spray. Arrange 4 noodles, slightly overlapping, over sauce; top with 1/3 feta cheese mixture, 1/3 crab mixture, 1/3 shrimp, 2/3 cup sauce and 2/3 cup mozzarella. Repeat layers twice, ending with mozzarella. Bake at 375 degrees for 40 minutes or until golden. Let stand 15 minutes. Sprinkle with parsley and serve. Yield: 8 servings

Tomato Alphabet Soup

2 TBS butter

1 cup chopped onion

1 cup chopped carrot

1/3 cup chopped celery

1 1/2 cups vegetable broth

1 tsp dried basil

1/4 tsp black pepper

1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained

2 cups cooked alphabet pasta, divided

1 cup 2 % milk

1. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion, carrot, and celery; saute 4 minutes or until tender. Add broth, basil, pepper, and tomatoes, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer 15 minutes. Stir in 1/2 cup pasta. Remove from heat; let stand 5 minutes.

2. Place half of tomato mixture in a blender and process until smooth. Pour pureed soup into a large bowl. Repeat procedure with remaining tomato mixture. Return pureed soup to pan, stir in 1 1/2 cups pasta and milk. Cook over medium-high heat 2 minutes or until thoroughly heated, stirring frequently and taking care to not let boil.

2010-01-03T22:13:00.003-06:00

I think you can see some of my favorite memories of 2009 here.

Thanks to everyone for making 2009 a favorite year of mine.

how to make reindeer food

2010-01-01T09:03:00.003-06:00

reindeer food recipe:

uncooked oatmeal

lots of glitter

ziploc bag

tons of imagination

Pour oatmeal into a ziploc bag. Sprinkle a tube of your favorite color glitter into the bag with the oatmeal. Seal the bag and shake vigorously.

Sprinkle the food on your lawn and porch for Rudolph and his buddies to eat. (the glitter bounces off the moonlight so they will be sure to find your house)

See the wonder in your little ones' eyes when the food has been "eaten" the next morning. "Look, there is muddy hoof-prints left by the reindeer too!"

christmas dancers

2009-12-29T11:00:00.002-06:00

inspiration returned

2009-12-28T09:29:00.002-06:00

Since my camera has been dysfunctional (early October) I have felt like a piece of me was missing. I couldn't capture my favorite moments on film just in my mind. I knew I liked photography but didn't realize how much until that part of my life was gone.

But my inspiration returned this Christmas. Joy! Joy! Happy! Happy! A working camera is now in my hands again. I received my mother-in-laws INCREDIBLE hand-me-down camera.

I have lots to blog about and now that I'm back to taking pictures I'm sure I'll be inspired. I just hope my few readers haven't left for good....

Christmas was wonderful! Full of laughter and sweet child innocence (and mischief). But one of my favorite moments is this....

When we were at Matt's mom's house the extended family came over for Christmas. With a room full of people opening presents, Kaya received a rock star Barbie kit from her cousins Josh & Nikki. She immediately stripped her clothes off, put on her costume, and rocked out for us. For a long time. Non-stop. Getting louder and louder for us. She just kept singing and singing, oblivious to the fact that everyone was still opening gifts. She was full of energy, joy, and laughter. After each song she giggled like crazy. I wish you could have been there but if you weren't........here are the photos---

I hope everyone else had a holiday filled with laughter and lots of love! I'm glad to back in the blogging world!!!

I am thankful for "dishes"

2009-11-26T12:13:00.002-06:00

Chores. Really, who enjoys them? I am not the greatest housekeeper in the world but I try to keep it together as much as I can.

But a few months ago, being the stay-at-home mom and primary housekeeper, the lack of respect from my kids for all the chores was driving me crazy. I would work like crazy and they would follow along and work like crazy to mess it all up!

So the introduction of the chore chart began. Each day the kids were responsible for 3 chores. We did this faithfully for about 3 weeks then with the craziness of life I forgot to keep it up!

But they still do chores (I guess the "chore-system" worked after all). Now all I have to say is, "Go make up your bed." "Go pick up your toys so mom can vacuum." And they do it......most of the time.

But the new chore they love the most is helping me wash dishes. Which is ironic, because that is the chore I despise the most. I HATE washing dishes. And I HATE putting dishes away. If I could hire a little fairy to do those jobs every day, I would be in heaven.

I remember when I was 11 or 12, that chore became part of my daily life. I HATED it! I remember telling my mom once, "You only had me so I would wash your dishes. I will NEVER make my kids wash dishes."

I still don't like to do it. I will cook a feast for an army but I hate the clean-up. A couple of my friends that come over for playdates or parties always do the dishes for me (and I love them dearly for it!). I will cook for you........but I never volunteer to wash the dishes unless necessary.

So, gulp, yep, I'm eating my words. Not only are my kids washing dishes......they are doing it at 3 and 4 years old. They do a great job, too! It is amazing....they actually fight over who gets to help wash dishes each night. It has become a kind of game. Whomever acts the best during dinner, gets to wash the dishes. I'm dumbfounded. They love to do it!

And now, after 20 years of hating getting my hands in that soapy, greasy water.....I love it too. I'm thankful that my kids love doing dishes so much. It makes that chore quite a bit more cheerful! Especially when Kaya says (everytime), "Mom, washing dishes with you is my favorite part of the day." And last night Zander said, "Mom, Kaya was right. This is really a lot of fun."

You both are right kids, it is a lot of fun. And spending time with the two of you when we wash dishes is my favorite part of the day too.

unwritten travels challenge

2009-11-21T21:29:00.004-06:00

My challenge.

If you have been diving into this book......and if you haven't you should....the very cute and creative authors have made a challenge for us. A challenge for the Thanksgiving holiday. And I'm sure I'm the only one that accepts this specific one.

5. Leftovers in the Refrigerator.

I love leftovers. Wait, let me rephrase that. I LOVE LEFTOVERS. Especially Thanksgiving Leftovers. I often tell my kids, " Do you know why I like to be a grown-up? Because you can eat leftovers or Chef-Boyardee for breakfast anytime you wish!" I don't actually rub it into their faces. I let them eat pizza or macaroni and cheese for breakfast when I am... if they wish.

I know, I know. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. My mom served me a home-cooked meal every day that I lived with her. I do it too now with my kids......well, I do it if you consider cereal with milk a home-cooked meal. Actually they are on a boiled-egg kick now. I will boil 6 eggs and they gobble them up and then want yogurt or oatmeal......I digress from my point. But breakfast was always served in my home and made very important.

Which seems weird because I am the total opposition of breakfast. Don't get me wrong, I will eat bacon, eggs, sausage, gravy, biscuits, pancakes, any time it is put in front of me. And I will also stand over the stove forever to fix all of those things for any special guest in my house. However, if I had my wish.....I would have wonderful leftovers from dinner every day of the year.

But Thanksgiving leftovers.....they make my mouth salivate thinking about them now. The best Macaroni and cheese ever, green bean casserole, broccoli casserole, mashed potatoes, cold turkey (with the skin attached), rolls, mashed potatoes & gravy. Now that is the best breakfast ever that I can think of.

Which makes me sad about this year. We are now going to have Matt's steaks for Thanksgiving since no one is coming over. Don't get me wrong, his steaks are the savory, delicious, and so wonderful. So wonderful--there won't be any leftovers.

Which means I may have to make some broccoli casserole and macaroni & cheese just for that Friday morning-leftovers sake.

grateful

2009-11-21T06:14:00.002-06:00

I'm grateful.

I'm grateful for chilly mornings-

when I awaken to a crystalized blanket of white on the ground.

I'm grateful.

I'm grateful for warm mugs-

filled with flavored coffee and hot chocolate.

I'm grateful.

I'm grateful for little fingers and toes-

that pinch my legs and poke my face while trying to get closer to snuggle with mommy.

I'm grateful.

I'm grateful for today-

for all of the tiny blessings and challenges that come toward me.

first fishing trip

2009-11-05T15:24:00.006-06:00

Although I've never been known to be the "outdoorsy" type, I have always loved fishing. Fishing with my Dad. We would always bundle up and race down the lake in the boat to find the perfect spot (located above broken tree branches) to fish for crappie and bluegill. It is one of my favorite things in the world to do and it has been way too long since I've had that peaceful activity in my life.

So today, when my Dad wanted to know if it was too cold to take the kids fishing for the first time, I was thrilled. Now for most, it would have been too cold....but not for my Dad. He's not just the leisure fisherman, he is serious business fisherman. And he always took me when it was cold and I wanted my kids to have the real taste of fishing.

So we froze driving down the lake. The best part about freezing however is when you stop. Then the sun hits the lake's reflection and warms you up..........inside and out.

I love the quiet. The calm. The patience required to catch a fish.

And when you feel that first tug....it is exhilarating!

But the first catch is even more so!!!!

I'm so glad that my son loves my all-time favorite "fishing snack", Armour Vienna Sausage. Dad and I would have them every time I went fishing with him as a little (and not so little) girl.

We could several today. Zander was even pulling in some himself!!! Out of the 20 or so we caught though we only had 2 keepers. The kids were thrilled when we measured this one and it was 13 inches!

This week vacation to Kentucky is just what I've needed. After being sick I have felt better but this seems to be the rejuvenation I need to truly be me again. Going to the lake to go fishing today just made it even more perfect.

There is just something about fishing. It is a spiritual, soul-awakening, sense-refreshing experience for me. I can't wait to go next time.

our little pumpkin pie

2009-11-02T22:21:00.005-06:00

Every Halloween season the kids and I design and Matt carves (thanks Matt!). But this season, Kaya was really in on the action. She kept eyeing the top of the pumpkin and kept saying, "Can I wear this for a hat?" We said , "No your hair will get gross and sticky."

She is such a good listener.

Peter, Peter, Pumpkin Eater

Had a Daughter and couldn't keep her.

Put her in a pumpkin shell,

And there we kept her very well.

fun with my girls

2009-11-01T18:44:00.004-06:00

You know, every once in a while...you just have to let it loose with the girls!

That is why I love book club. Or the ideal of book club......I'm usually the nerd and always read the book ready to answer the questions.

A few years ago, a good friend of Matt's, Myloan, invited me to a book club. I remember I read the book front to back, read the discussion questions so I could answer them correctly, and I went. I DID think it was a little strange that all the names were kind of different (0r asian, honestly) so I did say to Matt, " I have to study hard, or all of these girls that are Asian are going to think I'm one stupid white girl."

So I went to my first book club. The girls were so cute, they said, "Did you read the book?" I said, "Of course I did." They laughed and asked for my review of the book so they could participate in the conversation. I was astonished that I was actually contributing something to the conversation. They also had food. Food with peanuts (that I'm severely allergic to)...but I didn't want to stand out so I put the food in my mouth, discreetly spit it out, and took 3 benadryll pills. Now that I know the girls better.....I know that was crazy! I just wanted to fit in....with my Asian Book Club.

We met a few more times and I was so proud, I was the only white-token girl in the Asian Book Club---that must mean they like me!!! We had lots of fun times and I became great friends with lots of girls in our club!!

But then......many of us got pregnant, traveled a lot, got busy.........our club kind of went out of business.

So, I moved to my great neighborhood and another great book club formed. We have had a blast! We read our books, discuss, and drink LOTS of wine! Us girls have gotten really close!

Our last meeting, at Steph's house, we talked about doing a "spooky" meeting........or a Falloween meeting ( my favorite holiday I invented at my house). I said, invite any friends and I will invite my girls from my Asian Book Club since I miss them so much!

We did it. The book I picked out was a bust.....so boring, none of us read it. A few of us could come from the "neighborhood" gals and a couple from my Asian gals. But we had fun....Here we are---the Falloween gals---

With the masks.........
and without.......so you can see our beautiful faces!
Since we didn't read the book, I made questions we could discuss.......(like we all need a reason to talk).

I love all of you ladies.........thank you for hanging out with me and making life so fun!!!

the bestest day ever

2009-10-27T10:18:00.000-05:00

The bestest day ever. That is what we had today.

I am loving the darkness until 8:00 am. Because my kids are sleeping----LATE! Well, late for us anyway.

So the kids came to my bed this morning at 7:30. Zan said, "Mom, should we just watch a show since it is still dark outside and you don't like to get up before dark?" I said sure. And I'm happy, or ashamed, that I've taught him how to turn the TV on and turn it to channel 8 (PBS). I noticed Clifford was on. Which usually means I am thrilled because that means it is after 7:30. And I was thrilled today. But motivated, to get my day started, even if it was dark.

I told the kids, "Mom will go take a shower, you guys watch Clifford in my bed." I can see them from the shower so I at least knew no toilet paper rolls would be stuffed down the toilet or no childproof Benadryl bottles would be magically opened and poured all over the guest bathroom and upstairs hallway.

When I got out of the shower I told them, "After our milks and coffee, we can clean up the bedrooms and playroom.....then, we will go to the Bounce House." I have never seen my kids clean up faster. Oh let me rephrase, I've never seen Zander clean up faster. Kaya wanted to get the toys back out on the floor---so she lost playtime for the first 10 minutes at the Bounce House.

So we actually cleaned up, I put a load of clothes in the laundry, put dinner in the crockpot, and went for the kids day of fun. I was very ambitious by taking my planner and great book I am reading now.

We got there. We were the only ones there. The kids jumped around. I would play for them for 10 minutes or so then say, "Mommy is going to make some phone calls or read." And I actually got some thing accomplished. Things I can't do when the kids are at home with me. I can NOT get on the phone-they see me on the phone and act like crazy people. I would set my phone timer for 10 minutes to go play with them--then set it for 10 minutes to go do what I wanted to do. At home when I do that, they cling to my legs.....talking on the phone is their misery. But at the Bounce House they did not notice. I refilled 5 prescriptions, I called all the teeball parents, and made other calls I needed to make. I also read 2 chapters in my fabulous book......WooHoo!

While we were there, the kids told me that they were hungry. So we went to the lobby to have snacks. While we were there, Zander said, "Thanks Mom. This is the bestest day ever." The owner said, "That is great, doesn't that make you feel good?" I said, "Yes, actually it does.

During this time, I was thinking about the tee-ball party I needed to plan. I had contacted another place. Even with their "discounts" it was going to cost all of us at least $30 each.

So I started talking to the owner at The Bounce House. She gave us such an incredible deal I was stunned! We get to take the kids for $8 each with lots more perks and extras.

I love that place........we may have to go more often!! Yes Zan, it was the bestest day ever!!!

dancin' with my babies

2009-10-23T18:39:00.004-05:00

I have always been a dancer. Not as good as the So You Think You Can Dance crew by any means. But I love to dance. I always have.

I remember dancing to my parent's old record player. I would dance with my cousin Amy to Ronnie Milsap's "Smokey Mountain Rain." We would spin around in circles to that song until we fell down.

I remember getting in trouble in fifth grade for not paying attention. (And besides that year, I was an excellent student.......straight A's......so, I'm just saying, I don't think it is entirely my fault.) BUT that year I got into a lot of trouble....for practicing my ballet, instead of paying attention in class. ( Once again, I have to say, if the teacher was a good one, I would not have even thought of ballet, if math had been challenging enough.)

Besides my 5th grade experience.......I have always loved dance. I loved being a ballerina. It was my passion for many years. Until my teacher left (and now that I'm older, I realize that she probably left because she was living an alternative lifestyle.....and my small town in KY just couldn't accept that....or she couldn't live in a small town and be happy). I had trained long enough that I was just ready for toe-shoes (pointe-shoes). I longed for them. I could not wait. And my teacher, Ms. Betsy, left.

But my love for dance didn't leave me. Thank goodness I had a dad who could dance pretty well too. We would always do the 50's and 60's dances in the kitchen while my mom tried to cook (she always got aggravated....then, I didn't understand, NOW I do.....no one should be in my kitchen when I cook). I still brag about winning the "Twist" contest in 8th grade---because my dad taught me the right way to do it. I stayed low next to the floor twisting the entire time. My kids will LOVE hearing that story over and over, I am sure.

I continued to love dancing at parties and dances. I still love to dance when I have a couple few many drinks---and an audience.

Me, in 5th grade, at my ballet recital.

So I love to see my kids exhilaration when they dance to the music. Zander's favorite song to dance to is "Mercy" by Duffy with me. Kaya is obsessed with Taylor Swift now and wants to dance every night to just one song before she goes to bed. Then she listens to the music and I'm pretty sure dances all night until she falls asleep. Zander listens to The Beach Boys and I actually caught him one night, dancing in his room, way after bedtime.

My favorite "lesson times" with my kids is when we laugh and sing and dance with utter joy! But sometimes watching those you love the most, dance, is the best. Like a few nights ago when I stuck my head in the door and watched my dear hubby dancing with his daughter. My heart swelled 10,000 times bigger.

I'm slowly learning that being a good mom doesn't mean having the perfectly clean house (and/or children). Sometimes being a good mom just means taking the time to dance with my babies.

how to make work into a math lesson

2009-10-21T19:52:00.003-05:00

Well, another reason I haven't posted pictures lately while I blog is my camera, my new fabulous camera I got for Christmas last year, is not working. And...my other two that worked, but weren't as fabulous---I donated to charity. And...I can't find the receipt anywhere for my new one (I could blame that on my meticulous husband who donates or throws everything away......or I can blame on myself morphing into my dear husband who donates or throws everything away). So, every time I want to take a picture.....I am out of luck.

So---here is my math lesson (without pictures.....sorry.....hope you can follow). Now at first, at Publix, while we were waiting to have subs made for lunch, I took the kids through the Halloween Castle to pick out treats for our friends. I even got paper lunchbags to put them in. I already had plans that the three of us would decorate them beautifully for our trick-or-treaters. But then Matt entered the picture. He said, " I don't know why you think you always have to have the best at Halloween (really, he wonders why I think that). We don't need that much. We don't need bags. That is ridiculous." So I put all of the stuff up. We only got a few treats for the trick-or-treaters. And I hated it I couldn't make my cute bags.

But the next morning I had a plan. I figured out I had over 100 sandwich bags in our pantry......from Aldi.......super cheap! So I put the kids to work. I made a diagram on a white piece of paper that said (or was actually drawn out)....2 pieces of gum, 2 blowpops, 1 bag of M&M's, and then put them in a ziploc with a halloween sticker.

The kids loved their math assignment. I sat there with them and they counted out each perfectly. A perfect math assignment, indeed.

what to do?

2009-10-19T21:02:00.004-05:00

I have so missed blogging. I love it. I love sharing myself with you guys and crazily checking my messages to check to see if anyone has read my thoughts. I kind of feel lost without it.

I'll tell you why I've been out of commission. One, I started feeling like total crap a month ago. I had rectal bleeding and so much pain it was ridiculous ( I know for some, tmi, but for the rest of you, you understand). I just had a total hysterectomy a year ago and this new agony depressed me misreably. I was finally feeling great. I even asked for a gym membership for my birthday present. Through this bout I was in the hospital twice. I had many tests. My white-blood-count was extremely high (which showed an infection or something else). I was told I have colitis....which could be triggered by ulcerative colitis or Chrohns disease. 3 doctors thought it looked like Chrohn's. But I had a colonoscopy (which if any of you have had one........bless you, the prep is a nightmare....enough said) and he only saw a hemorrhoid, not Chrohns, not cancer, not ulcerative colitis. So I should be good to go............but I was still having severe pain. I had been in the hospital for 2 1/2 days, when the city was undergoing a severe flood, when the 4th doctor comes in and says, "Oh, maybe it is just gas. Just take some Gas-X." I had been there forever, through numerous tests.......I couldn't believe it. And so, I had a breakdown.

I was crying uncontrollably. I could not take it. It was unreal. I paged the nurse. I wanted to see the doctor. I couldn't believe that was my diagnosis.

The nurse came in and tried to console me. She basically told me to find a doctor I trusted, one who would help me take care of my problems. The doctors there just want to get you in and out. She told me to find a doctor I trust.

So I called Dr. Burton, my doctor that did my hysterectomy. My doctor that delivered Zander. My doctor that helped me through all of my endometriosis problems. He saw me the very next day.

Dr. Burton is the absolute best. He hugs me and cares about my problems. He examines thorougly and always talks about whatever is bothering you. He is like a father figure...........I wish I could nominate him for a prize........he always makes me feel better! He examined me and said yes, I did still have a small intestine infection (but all of the antibiotics I got in the hospital would make me feel better). So I didn't feel crazy.... and he helped me understand that maybe I was anxious or depressed and needed medicine to help that too. I've taken the medicine and I feel great! All of those I love most ( Matt and mom) have seen a great difference in my mood. Dr. Burton was so wonderful when I admitted to him that depression runs in my family and I didn't really want to admit I needed that help also. He hugged me and told me I was really strong for admitting I needed some help.

Even if we aren't religious, I think we all pray........to someone. I feel I pray to my personal God. There are so many religions, beliefs, but I think if you feel it in your soul, He is Your God. Thank You My God for giving me my personal family, my Mom, my Dad, and my own soul.......They help me make me who I am.

lunchtime conversation

2009-10-08T11:23:00.004-05:00

My greatest moments of laughter is usually when I hear the kids conversing with each other and I am not around. This afternoon, I went upstairs to put some clothes in the dryer while the kids were finishing lunch.

I heard Kaya say, "Zander, your new name is Hamster." (She loves to give people new names, my newest name is Hot-peep).

Zander said, "Kaya you can only call me Hamster if you know how to spell Hamster."

She answers, "H. R. D. N. Y."

He then says, "Well, your new name is Rod Stewart."

Kaya, "Who is Rod Stewart?"

Zander replies, "Rod Stewart is one of mommy's best friends."

Hope all of you are having a great day. Hot-peep, Hamster, and Rod Stewart are now going out to enjoy some sunshine!!

halloween countdown tree

2009-10-07T14:58:00.002-05:00

Yippee! We are in the month of October and my favorite holiday is right around the corner. The countdown for the big day I made a tree for the kids.

I used a small Christmas tree (if you have a white one, I think it would look even cooler) and decorated with regular twinkle lights and skull lights. I then made 31 little pockets and put stickers in them (2, one for Z & one for K).

They open a pocket each day and put their stickers on their countdown charts. They were so excited to see the tree and look forward to counting down (math skills snuck in there, of course) each day.

my own flying horse

2009-09-28T13:32:00.002-05:00

Even before Kaya could talk in sentences, she would make up songs. She loves to sing about whatever she is doing, or whatever she is thinking about. She also likes to sing songs filled with her favorite "bad" words (stupid, pee, poop, penis, vagina) but I don't really think those are the cutest moments. But her latest "song" really made me laugh.

After her nap today I was brushing her hair and getting ready to put it in two ponytails. She said, "Mom, put it into one ponytail so I will look like a unicorn." So I put it up in the center of her head adorned with a pretty pink ribbon. She then started looking in the mirror and said, "Look at this magical, talking mirror, Mom."

Then the singing began. I wish I could have taped it so you could hear the melody but my camera is on the brink right now. So imagine the melody.....

My horn.

My own flying horse.

(Then again, but louder.)

My horn.

My own flying horse.

And then she would erupt in the biggest case of giggles ever. She sang this over and over. She is still singing it. She even made up a dance too----of course you have to giggle at the end every time.

Maybe she will grow up to be a famous songwriter. Then I can say, "Oh, she started making up songs before she was even two. We just knew she would be amazing."

through my daughter's eyes

2009-09-17T05:24:00.002-05:00

Having a daughter is a truly remarkable blessing. Watching her as she embraces each day with excitement, curiosity, and laughter is almost breathtaking. You could say she doesn't know how cute and adorable she is to all of those around her......oh wait, she does know exactly how cute and adorable she is, and she milks every moment of it.

This past weekend I celebrated my (we'll just call it 23rd, since that is what Kaya says) birthday. I was opening my gifts from my in-laws and had some really beautiful pajamas. I was excited to receive them-because who doesn't love wonderful pajamas & gowns-but not as excited as Kaya.

As soon as I opened the box, she took off her clothes to put my gowns on. She pranced around in my new houseshoes and gowns and talked about how "beoootiful" she was. She was in heaven.

It took me back to when I was young and used to watch my mom put on her makeup. There wasn't a prettier woman in the world in my eyes. I couldn't wait to be big enough to put on makeup too. I also remember sneaking in her closet and trying on her heels.

It kind of blows my mind now that I have someone looking at me with that same admiration.

It also makes me understand how my mom must have felt too. As much as I loved my mom, I had no ideal how incredible her love as a mother was for me.

Don't you love this pose? It looks like Kaya is thinking, "It is so hard to be so glamorous and pretty."

I'm glad I got such great gifts for my birthday. I'm even more grateful that I have such a precious daughter to share them with.

first tee-ball gameday

2009-09-15T12:55:00.001-05:00

my early birthday surprise!!

2009-09-06T20:13:00.002-05:00

My birthday is 9 days away but I got a great surprise this Friday for an early gift......my new ride!!

I love it. But most of all I loved the sneakiness my hubby used to surprise me. He told me he had a teleconference call at 4:00. He usually gets off work at 4:00 so I was so pissed off his company would make him work before the holiday weekend that late---if anything they should let him get off early!

Well, he did get off early. He was at the dealership getting my surprise. He didn't even tell me. I was so excited to see him at 4:15 I was just hugging him and said lets go out and chat and let the kids play on the play set. Kaya of course wouldn't put her shoes on so I said, "I'll go out to my car and get some shoes. She took them off today and there are some in the backseat." I walked around front and saw this beauty and squealed with excitement!!!

What a fun way to start the weekend.

coffee crafts

2009-09-04T07:50:00.003-05:00

These aren't out of this world crafts. Just crafts to keep your kids busy long enough to drink that precious first cup of coffee.

Zander loves to glue so I gave him a piece of foam, several pom-poms, and some magi-nuudles to make his masterpiece.
Kaya loves to make friendship bracelets with pipecleaners and beads. Or "ancient bracelets" as she says.
These simple activities kept them happy for about 10 minutes so I could drink my coffee in peace. Hope you can use this idea when you have a morning like this when they get you up way too early.

at least the laundry pile will be smaller

2009-09-01T07:14:00.002-05:00

This morning I went into Kaya's room.

"What are you doing sweetie?"

"I'm getting dressed."

I notice she is getting her clothes out of the hamper. I say, "Pick something else out. You already wore that twice this week."

"Oh don't worry mom. It is still clean. It still smells nice." And she takes a big whiff of her dirty clothes. Then she made me smell them---not too bad, at least she got dressed.

what shall we do on a rainy day?

2009-08-31T07:35:00.004-05:00

For most of the summer we have had hardly any rain. Lately, every day is a soggy one. Lucky I have a few tricks up my sleeve here at home to keep us busy when we can't go out and burn energy!

1. Paint some shirts--

This summer our Dollar Tree sold tee-shirts. I grabbed a bunch of them and keep them in my craft closet, just in case. I give the kids fabric paint and they love to decorate their shirts. The last time I drew their names out in block letters with a fabric marker and they painted in the letters.

2. Maracas

Materials you will need: an empty jar or plastic container. Beads, uncooked pasta, beans, etc. (anything that makes a cool noise when you shake it). Let the kids fill them up and then shake around and have some fun!! I attached the lid with a glue gun so the kids wouldn't be tempted to open them up and make a enormous mess!
They also decorated their maracas with stickers. I was so proud of Zan for helping his two-year old friend with the stickers.

And this was the funniest part. The kids figured out a new way to use their instruments all on their own!

3. Little Monsters

Before we made these I read the book Monsters Don't Eat Broccoli. They designed their monsters to look like the guys in this book. I got this idea from an preschool-lesson plan book and also got the feet template from it. I think however, that you could draw your own feet to attach.

We first stuffed grocery bags into a foam bag. You could also use a paper bag to stuff or use tissue paper or newspaper to do the stuffing. I then attached the feet to the bag with my handy-dandy glue gun. I also got a ferocious blister using my glue gun so be careful if you try this at home! Then the kids decorated (well Kaya decorated hers, I helped the boys quite a bit) their monsters with googly eyes, fabrics, pipe cleaners, etc.

Hope you can use these ideas for the next rainy day you are stuck inside!

playing dress-up

2009-08-28T06:09:00.002-05:00

protecting hearts

2009-08-26T20:47:00.004-05:00

I don't want to be THAT MOM. As I told Matt, when I talk to my former-teacher, now stay-at-home friends, they know what THAT MOM means. THAT MOM is the one who interferes in every problem.......THAT MOM is the one who complains about everything that goes on.......THAT MOM protects her child so much that he or her can't make his or her own decisions on how to cope with life.

But I had to shred my stereotypical visions of that woman and become THAT MOM myself.

A few weeks ago I signed my kids up for tee-ball. At first we were only going to sign Zander up for the (4 and under) group but then they told me they would gladly welcome Kaya also who will be 3 in weeks. (And she is doing awesome, by the way, for about 30 minutes.....then she wants to kick dirt or look in the grass).

So we go the first practice. It was so cute. It was actually one of my most favorite nights ever as a parent. BUT I did notice that Zander was the only boy on his team. Which was fine---because like he said, "I love girls. I hope there are more girls on my team." And the coach said, "I hope he doesn't mind we are the Purple Rockets." I said, "That will be awesome. He loves purple and he loves Rockets."

So we were a little curious about how he was the only boy. I had signed him up, for him, to have another activity, to have more boys to hang out with. Truly he doesn't have any boy friends his age. Mostly girls....which he loves. I chalked it up to the tee ball league being run by the Girl's Softball League in our county. Even though sign-ups said "coed" I thought this might be the case.

I'm living in a state of bliss about how cute all the kids are at tee-ball. I even signed on to be the Team Mom ( and by golly, our kids are going to get the best of the best, since I am the Team Mom......I'm just that way).

And then we go to our 2nd practice......

When I walk up I see 2 teams practicing (we always practice with two teams) and notice 4 boys on a team of six. And the other team has 5 boys and one girl on a team. I was thinking, "Oh my gosh......I hope that is a team of five year olds." They could all hit the ball and run the bases, much unlike our team of girls that are so unfocused it is crazy (and pretty humorous, I must add).

Then our team practices with the other team. The other team has 3 boys and 3 girls and all the boys can hit. Sadly, on our team, Zan is the only one that can hit the ball a reasonable distance. I notice this but don't really care. They don't even keep score in the games. I'm sure this will be fun to watch and fun for the kids.

Then practice ends. Our coach says, "Oh I'm sorry he is the only boy on our team. During draft I picked him because I liked the name and thought it was a girl name. I thought it would be cute to have an all-girl team."

I then asked, " Are there only 2 teams in the league?". Then I heard , "Oh no. There are 6 teams. Most of them are entirely boys."

I paused. I was kind. I said, "Oh that is okay. He likes purple and he likes girls." Then her mom says, " If you can find a friend of his to join the team that would be great because we need one more player."

Matt & I drove home trying to think of a boy friend to join us. The problem is I only know one boy, and I don't want to pressure his mom to do this since she has more kids, to do this.

And this fiasco is what I thought about all night and the next day.

Should I care he is the only boy on his team on this league?

Like I said, I don't want to be THAT MOM. I talked to 3 friends today about the situation because it bothered me so much. Zan doesn't seem to care now but I can just envision his first game against a team with a bunch of boys and the humiliation that will go through his mind. I can just see him shaking hands after the game and a little boy saying, "You're on a team with all girls" and my little boy being in tears afterwards.

Zander is a sensitive guy. He is more sensitive at times than Kaya. Things bother him. He doesn't miss a detail. His little heart is just so open to all but also so prone to be broken and shattered.

So I made the call. I called the coach today and explained that the kids loved tee-ball but I didn't think it was fair and my son would probably be heart-broken and mortified when he realized his team was the only one with "all girls". I explained to her that I would appreciate if she found a solution, so I wouldn't have to make this a lot of trouble for everyone. Cross your fingers that happens!

At first I was thinking, "oh he is fine. not a big deal. He can deal with it!" But then I decided, as a mom, sometimes I do have to be that mom and ensure my little hearts of my kids are protected.

I truly don't want to make a mess out of all of this but I just want one other boy on the team so my son won't be ostracized. I did this for him to have fun and make friends. I really didn't want the DRAMA but maybe I've already created it. I'm so aggravated about it now that I'm almost tempted to contact the league supervisor but I also don't want to shake up and disappoint 36 more kids. It is a tough one....

What do you guys think? Am I really THAT MOM? Or did I do the right thing?

slip-n-slide (3 pictures I love)

2009-08-21T19:42:00.001-05:00

a new friend from our nature walk

2009-08-19T10:40:00.002-05:00

Going on nature walks with my kids is always fun. Especially when they make friends along the way. Here they are meeting a family of beetles on the sidewalk.

Kaya was particularly fond of one beetle. She describes her as "her new best friend."

Now her new best friend, named Kaya Beetle, lives with us. And yes, she carried and squeezed and loved on Kaya Beetle so much that it isn't even alive anymore. I think it is funny that she has not noticed that yet.

Kaya Beetle stays in a glass that Kaya carries around. Kaya Beetle even sat at the dinner table last night. And Kaya rushed to say "Good Morning!" to her new best friend first thing this morning.

Since she is so affectionate towards a dead beetle I can only imagine what other critters will find a place in our home through the years.

shaving cream and water

2009-08-13T14:11:00.003-05:00

Last year when I got the shaving cream out to play with, write letters with, or create sculptures with my kids needed LOTS of supervision. Now I can squirt some out on the picnic table and let them go to work. They will play contently forever, sometimes I can even manage to unload the dishwasher while I watch from the kitchen window.

For extra fun you can add food coloring. We like to make designs and also mix primary colors together to make secondary colors.

Or sometimes they just like to rub it all over their play set.

This is super messy as you can tell so get out the hose for some quick clean-up!

Yep, I think the "clean-up" may be their favorite part!

brag book

2009-08-06T20:04:00.004-05:00

What good is a blog if you can't use it to brag occasionally?

This will be my online brag book of my new nephew, Brody. There are tons of pictures but just think you could be by me in person pulling out a huge album saying, "Ahhh, isn't he cute?"

We had the great pleasure of precious Brody, his adorable mom, and my wonderful brother (his dad) visiting us last weekend. We all loved getting to spend this time with Brody.

future spelling bee champs?

2009-08-06T07:58:00.003-05:00

The kids are so proud of their latest accomplishment.....spelling their names. Zander loves doing it so much that he insisted on saying, "Z A N D E R" over and over this morning at 6:30 when I really just wanted him to watch Dragon Tales and be quiet so I could sleep for 30 more minutes.....that didn't happen, needless to say.

Even without the extra sleep I couldn't resist videoing them spelling. Of course you will hear at the end how I bribed them to cooperate! They will do anything to watch Special Agent Oso.

build-a-bear fun

2009-08-05T20:39:00.003-05:00

As commercialized at it is, I love Build-A-Bear Workshop. It really is fun, magical, and really neat to build your own stuffed animal. I've taken the kids since they were way to young to enjoy it (really). But now we are at the magical age they do enjoy it and know how much fun it is! Thanks, by the way, to the grandmas who gave us the gift cards to allow us to enjoy this very fun day!!!

radiator springs cake

2009-08-03T21:47:00.005-05:00

This is my last of the birthday pics.......I have many more but those will be put in albums.......enough already!

But this is the famous Radiator Springs cake. Remember how I said the cake would be fabulous even though Zander wanted the same exact party this year....I decided to make the entire town of "Radiator Springs" from Cars Movie..... here it is....

It took 4 cake mixes, 8 1/2 batches of homemade buttercream icing, and 1 1/2 days (with my crazy, curious kids in my business) to make. BUT the scariest part was getting it to the party at the Bounce House all intact....that part took 3 vehicles with 3 very careful humans holding it! But it made it......phewwww.....

zander's birthday lunch

2009-08-02T20:27:00.002-05:00

Since my kids first started eating they have loved sushi. Probably because I have always enjoyed going too......the salad, the soup, the rolls, the sashimi......yum. I could probably eat it every day.

So for Zander's birthday lunch he wanted sushi. We went to our favorite Japanese restaurant to enjoy hibachi and some sushi. We had a great time eating with the grandparents!

Zander eats with his chopsticks!

Can you catch the food the chef throws, Kaya?

Mommy did it!

Zander eyeing the sushi.

Part of the fun--an onion volcano.

Special treats for the birthday!!

Happy Birthday Zan!

zander and lightning

2009-07-30T06:47:00.003-05:00

Remember how I said a few months ago that I would post regularly for "myself". Yep.......I wrote that before I was going through the "I am now four and I'm a big boy" stage. There are times that stage drives me crazy and makes me want to cry and there are MORE times I just look at him and think, "Wow, I'm so proud of you."

Regardless of how I'm thinking.......the new stage takes up a lot of my time.

I have wanted to post photos of his birthday all week. I'm just now sorting through them all. And it is also past midnight ( because this is THE ONLY time of day I have to myself without kids or a dear husband), and I'm tired, so no pics tonight....only this video.

Here is Zan in his new Lightning McQueen car (thanks to Granddad). He loves it and rides in it all the time. This is a video of when he first got it. I was so proud of his sweet generosity when he rode it for about 10 seconds and said, "Here Kaya, do you want a turn?" And he is still sharing.......amazing!

He also told Grandma and Granddad when he was riding the car that he thought the car was built for storms........Granddad had told him (when it was thundering in the distance) that you should always put the car in the garage just in case it rains. Zander said, "I think this car is built for storms." His grandparents said why? Zan answered, "Well, his name is LIGHTNING McQueen so I think he can stay out in storms."

The other cute thing was today when he rode out for an adventure in the neighborhood. He was riding for an "adventure" to Nashville to see his friends Brandon & Avery.......but the battery died....Matt then had to carry the big car home (Matt carried it on his head all the way home---and I wonder why my kids are so silly!). So B & A----come see us soon.......our battery won't make it to your house!

4 years ago I fell in love

2009-07-28T06:20:00.002-05:00

I've been so busy the past week getting ready for this little guy's birthday. We celebrated Saturday "Party......Zander style!!" and on Sunday with some of his grandparents. I have some fun pics I'll share later. (I'm in a rush to get us to music camp this morning)

In one way it seems like it can't be possible that he is already four. In another way, I can't remember life without him.

Happy Birthday Baby Boy.........mom is proud of how much you have grown--- inside and out.

top reason to love a tuesday (trash day)

2009-07-22T07:38:00.001-05:00

4th of july shirts

2009-07-13T19:35:00.003-05:00

These are slightly late but maybe you can use this ideal for another holiday or for fourth of july next year. I remembered us making them as I lurked around the web tonight and found this amazing site, Dollar Store Crafts, on Make and Takes. I can't wait to make the "tie-dyed" shirts this week with my kiddos. Our Dollar Store has had lots of shirts this year and my kids love to make shirts to wear.

Here they are in their firework shorts. I had them draw their fireworks then spread the paint with a brush. I then helped them write "I (heart) fireworks" on the designs. I then added their names and the year to the sleeves.

our newest favorite show

2009-07-12T07:47:00.003-05:00

There is a fairly new show on Disney channel, Special Agent Oso, that my kids are obsessed with. Obsessed. They talk about Oso all the time and often act out the episodes. Which isn't a bad thing---the episodes have special assignments such as helping clean a room, brushing teeth, wrapping gifts.

But the most fun is singing the song. Zander and Kaya sing it all the time. And I must admit, their mom can be caught singing it several times a day too.

cool (and easy) summer recipes

2009-07-10T08:31:00.003-05:00

Here are a few summer recipes I have enjoyed lately. No cooking and heating up the house.....and simply easy, for more time for outside play.

The first one isn't my original recipe. It is an Eagle Brand recipe I found on All Recipes but it is very easy and very refreshingly delicious. The other two are recipes I've played with and tweaked by mixing different recipes to make my own. The salad recipes make enough for a crowd so adjust accordingly.

Berry Berry Cool Pie

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups of blackberries, blueberries, and/or raspberries

1 can sweetened condensed milk

1/2 cup lemon juice

1 graham cracker crust

Mix milk with lemon juice. Add washed berries to mixture. Pour in crust. Freeze 4-5 hours before serving.

Crab Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

Tri-color rotini

1 bottle Italian dressing ( I often try different flavors of Italian dressing)

1 container feta cheese (I prefer the one with sundried tomatoes mixed in)

1/2 pound fresh lump crab meat

1 can pitted black olives

1 can diced tomatoes

Cook rotini as directed on box. Drain. Drain tomatoes and olives. Mix all ingredients together. Chill before serving.

Fresh Dill Marinated veggies

Ingredients:

4 tomatoes

3 zucchini

1/2 red onion (or more if you LOVE onions)

1/2 cup olive oil

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

salt

pepper

handful of fresh dill sprigs

Chop all of the veggies. Add olive oil and vinegar to vegetables. Sprinkle mixture with salt and pepper. Add dill sprigs to mixture and toss. Refrigerate until ready to eat!

maybe it is kind of fun

2009-07-09T07:23:00.000-05:00

The joys of summer. The pool. The heat. The swimming.

If you had asked me last year I would have told you how much I disliked all of it. I loved lounging by the pool and reading a book. I did not like chasing the kids everywhere and my heart racing because I was afraid they were going to fall in and hurt themselves.

But they've become quite the water fans. And that means I am now quite the water fan. We are even going again today with great friends I haven't seen in forever. We've gone to the pool tons this year......

So once again I'm eating my words, maybe the pool is kind of fun after all. Happy swimming!

relaxin after some nightswimming

2009-07-05T13:40:00.001-05:00

4th of July kiddies

2009-07-05T13:11:00.001-05:00

yummy father's day cake

2009-07-01T14:41:00.005-05:00

For Father's Day this year the kids and I made the most delicious ice cream cake ever. It was yum, yum, yummy!!! Of course I have a big weakness for ice cream cakes. I have been known in the past to go buy them to celebrate a "wednesday", I could always find a reason.

Now I have this recipe, I won't have to buy as many. Click here to go to The Kraft Food & Family site and get it. Also, take the time to sign up for their FREE Food & Family magazine. I love it, many great cooking plans!

Here is the cake after Kaya decorated it.

Happy Fathers Day, Mattie!!!

Look at the inside.......I mean can you go wrong with ice cream sandwiches, pudding, oreos, and cool whip?

1, 2, 3, JUMP!!

2009-06-29T20:52:00.002-05:00

a date with thomas and his friends

2009-06-27T22:27:00.006-05:00

We took the kids today for their first "live" show. It was at the fabulous Fox Theater here in Georgia. It was so much fun to be going to a show in the city of Atlanta in the middle of summer with the entire city atmosphere. Just watching the diversity of people, the people playing instruments on the corner for money, the firetrucks at stop-lights honking and waving at the kids was great fun. I told Matt "Isn't it neat that we live so close to a big city to expose our kids to neat things like this." And then I said, "Of course or kids are so spoiled they will probably never know this is a special treat....they think it is the norm."

Anyway, here are the kids and Matt in front of the theater. We went to watch Thomas and Friends-Live! I'd love to say it was the best show ever. It was for them. For us....well, come on, it is Thomas. The show both Matt & I think is the most boring one on earth. The live show was much more entertaining than the tv program, thank goodness. We had a great time!

Here are a few pics......some are blurry and dark......no flash photography, of course!

Here is Zan clapping during one of the songs. I don't think his eyes every left the stage during the entire show.

ready for a birthday party

2009-06-26T12:53:00.002-05:00

visiting friends

2009-06-24T20:00:00.004-05:00

There really is nothing better than visiting friends. Especially friends that you are so comfortable with that you can do absolutely anything together and enjoy it.

There are some friends I call my "napping friends". If I'm comfortable enough to nap in the same bed with a friend.....I trust them with anything and know they will never judge me. Of course it would be nice to have the time to just nap with friends and relax these days......the woes of being a mom.

I have one wonderful friend, Rachel, that I love to visit. She is definitely a "napping friend"---when I was on bedrest with Zan she just came over and crawled into bed with me. There was nothing I needed more that to have her just hang out with me at that time. We used to spend tons of time together here but of course she had to move away. Because I value our friendship so much I try to visit her at least once a year. We have progressed from teaching together, partying together, to now being mommies together.

It is fun to go up North for a while. I love seeing the scenery, the historic buildings, the differences in the towns and atmosphere.

It is especially fun to have such a relaxing room to sleep in. Honestly, the room I stay in there reminds me of being on vacation on an island. Okay, so maybe I shouldn't have aggravated Rachel about her Feng Shei decorating. Because it is a very calming, peaceful room.

Eating fresh crabs made for a yummy treat too.

But the best part of the visit was hugging this beautiful friend (and giving her 11 kisses from Zander) and meeting Baby Kyle for the first time.
Seeing this cute face was pretty awesome too. She loved the princess blanket I made her (in the background of the next two pics). I honestly have never seen a child so appreciative and excited about a gift. It was so fun to give it to her!!!

It was also fun hanging out in the backyard. All of the perennials blooming were so beautiful (not so beautiful for my allergy-stricken head, but oh well).

Each morning I loved torturing Savannah's parents by letting her put make-up on with me. I'm so proud of her for being a beautiful girly-girl. Aunt Korisa's job of making her love sparkly, princess stuff has been accomplished.

Here is sweet Kyle. Such a perfect baby boy.

And here I am enjoying my golden niece and golden nephew. I miss them so much already....

I always treasure my time with Rachel, Shawn, Savannah, and Kyle. Can't wait to see you guys again. xoxoxo

goin' hollywood

2009-06-22T23:13:00.002-05:00

I know I originally came from Big Sinking, KY.......and I always dreamed of living in a bigger town........but I never knew I would be going HOLLYWOOD! Well, I did secretly dream of going Hollywood when I would jump out of the bath and sing into the mirror while smiling a my pretty self, "I'm gonna wash that boy right out of my hair", and then I would swish my hair back and forth and say, "You are so beautiful." And I wonder sometimes......why does my daughter always look in the mirror and say , " I am so pretty." Yep, I wonder.

But...we have gone Hollywood around here in Georgia. It is pretty exciting. I know I mentioned it before, but we had a big-budget film, Five Killers, filming right here in my neighborhood in Woodstock, GA. It was rather exciting....

Many of my neighbor friends were quite the paparrazi kids---I need to take lessons because I didn't get quite the shots they did! I waited too late. The night I went they said that they weren't letting people in to see the Five Killers shoot as close because too many cameras and their flashes disrupted the shoot.....darn.....

But, I was lucky enough to see on facebook that many of my neighbors had seen Ashton Kutcher and Katherine Heigl, so I had to walk up and get a glance (at 1:00 in the morning). I walked up, saw a guy that looked like Ashton (it could have been his stunt double, but I'll just pretend it was him) and zoomed in with my camera.

Wouldn't you know, my battery died at that second!!!! It just about killed me. But I stood there and saw the car crash through the fences. So very cool......I hope it is in the movie so I can say "I was there when they shot that scene!"

The pictures below are shots I got before the real action, but it was still pretty exciting.

What is so funny is that now I've heard from so many people about the new TV show being filmed in the neighborhood I previously lived in. The reality show is causing quite the stir around here....block party. I really have no opinion about it since I no longer live there.....I actually think it is kind of cool that the 2 places I have lived in since I've been a "real grown-up" have been chosen for entertainment.

Yes, it is quite exciting. I'm just a simple girl from South-Eastern KY. I love the excitement.....well, when it is the right kind of excitement. Maybe soon the film-makers will want to make a Crafty Korisa sitcom (because you know the life at a stay-at-home mom would make rivoting tv watching) or even better a movie about Big Sinking, KY (the land is beautiful, and the people there are the best you'll ever meet).

I'm sure either would make a very intriguing film for all to watch.

birthday party season

2009-06-21T13:56:00.003-05:00

We have soooo many birthday parties from June-October. I would complain but my two kiddos fall smack dab in the middle of that party season also. I'm convinced something is in the air here in Georgia between the months of November-January......way too many birthdays for that not to be the case!

So I was trying to think of something creative, cute, and fun to give to all of my birthday sweeties around here.

I came up with this idea. Fill up large buckets with "outdoor" toys. My kids loved picking out different things to put inside.

You can "wrap" your buckets with a colorful beach towel.
And no need for a card.......just write the name on the shovel!
Speaking of birthdays, we took Zander out today to pick out invitations for his party in July. I used to meticulously cut and paste and make homemade ones for his parties.......yes, I'm resorting to fill in the blank.....gasp!

I'm also resorting to just renting out a place for the fun (read, no set-up, no clean-up, no week long preparation for the perfect party). Not that I mind the work, I love it. But Zan wants it that way, and it is his party. He also told me he wanted to buy the cake. That is where I draw the line. I love my cakes! And they are so expensive to buy. At least I can use my creativity in one department for the birthday parties.

So we took him to pick out his theme. I was encouraging him to pick superheroes or dinosaurs. I could really make some spectacular cakes with those themes. I was envisioning a tall building for the superheroes or maybe a volcano with dinosaurs around it.......how cool!

But my predictable, serious, little guy knows what he likes. And he likes Cars movie. Let me rephrase that, he LOVES Cars Movie. That is our theme-----for the 3rd year in a row........Sigh.....

So another car cake. Well, we are saving money.......I already have a car cake pan. I'll try to be creative. I'm sure it will be fantastic. Maybe I can talk Kaya into letting her mommy have a more exciting themed cake this year.....

splish splash

2009-06-20T08:06:00.002-05:00

fun at the lake

2009-06-17T19:05:00.001-05:00

future meteorologist

2009-06-15T08:00:00.000-05:00

Anytime I need a weather update I don't turn on the news or check online......I ask my little meteorologist, Zander.

He is fascinated by weather. He loves to watch the weather channel, gaze out clouds, and point out tornado sirens. Okay, he isn't fascinated by sunny, beautiful weather.......just the promise of storms.

So a couple of weeks ago, when we were in Kentucky and on the boat, Zander noticed some clouds.

After seeing these clouds (above) he had a very intriguing explanation.

"Grandpa, if I know one thing, the one thing I know is that when the clouds go together there is going to be a bad storm. I know it that one thing. Those clouds up there are going to go together and we are going to have a bad storm."

We all just smiled and laughed at him because it was really too cute. Grandpa then asked him if he wanted to keep riding on the boat. Zan said, "No we need to get out of the water and get into the truck quick!"

So our boat ride ended. And wouldn't you know it, as we started to drive away from the lake, it started raining.....

Thanks for the tip, Meteorologist Zander.

a day in the life of me

2009-06-11T14:25:00.002-05:00

An often heard question, "So what has been going on?"

My answer, "Just taking care of the kids......being a stay-at-home mom."

Sounds simple, maybe even boring and/or relaxing to some.

As I start to type this I've already heard twice, "Mommy, I'm hungry. I want some more popcorn."

Lets backtrack about an hour.

I heard Kaya waking up and thought (optimistically, I now know)...I'll get them both a snack, put a load of clothes, in the washer, and take a quick shower while they watch the beginning of Mary Poppins.

(Just to let you know.......I had to go break up a "fight" right after I typed that sentence. They were arguing because Kaya is on top of her sleeping bag and Zander wants her inside of it during their "snack & movie time". Yes, they both have separate ones.......why does it matter? Jeez......)

So anyway I go to get Kaya out of bed and a little poopy surprise is waiting for me. She has been potty-trained for a couple of weeks and I've been letting her sleep in her panties during naptime. No accidents all week. None at all until today. On the clean sheets that I just changed on her bed.

She obviously needs to be cleaned up. The wipes are gone. I suddenly remember they are in the car. I run down to the car to get them and see that our soccer ball-pit is blowing away in the severe thunderstorm that is coming through. I rush out to get the pit in the garage and frantically try to pick up the 350 balls that have fallen out of it. As I'm doing that, Zander and Kaya are at the back door wailing and screaming. I run in, "What's wrong?" They cry, "The storm is going to blow you away mom." I assure them, "No, I don't really think the wind can pick mommy up and take me away right now. I'm going to go get your balls picked up....you can watch right here at the door."

I'm sure the neighbors were laughing hilariously if they saw me out there on the ground rushing to pick up a bunch of balls before I either get struck by lightening, get drenched in rain, or as the kids say get blown away. I suddenly realize the kids are no longer crying. I glance at the door.

They are laughing. Why would they be laughing, you ask? Because they had gotten the sunscreen spray out (of the top of the island.....no matter how high up you put things, they can climb to get it, very ingenious kids I have). The spray was covering the door, the windows, and all of the cloth chairs in our kitchen.

I run in, confiscate the spray, and get as many balls as I think I safely can. I got almost all of them, only 25 or so are still outside. I rush back in. Tell the kids I'm finally gonna get the wipes......Kaya is smelling lovely by this time, yes. I run to the car, come back inside.........

About 200 of the balls that I just picked up outside are now all over the kitchen floor. I tell them both to pick them all up if they want popcorn and to use the kitchen towels to clean up all of the sunscreen.

My 30 minutes of laundry and shower time didn't go exactly as planned.

This isn't an unusual 30 minutes in my life. Just another boring and/or relaxing day. Yep, a day in the life of me.

kentucky beauties

2009-06-10T06:56:00.003-05:00

All of my life I've heard, "Oh you are from Kentucky.....how beautiful.......almost like God's country." I always agreed that it is beautiful, just a lot slower-paced than the lifestyle I wanted to live in.

Boy, how being on the "faster-paced" side of life can make you appreciate the simple, beautiful things.

So after living away from this area for several years I was amazed at the gorgeous scenery I got shots of during my last two visits. I still love my home where I live now and think it is perfect for my family but think we are extremely lucky to be fortunate enough to visit places this amazing several times a year.

Photos taken at Mill Springs, Kentucky

Photos taken at Big South Fork River

Photos taken at Lake Cumberland---Monticello, KY

teaching again

2009-06-05T06:59:00.004-05:00

This week I have been away, in Kentucky, for Vacation Bible School. I take my kids because I remember going to Bible School each year as a child---and it is one of my fondest memories.

I have played the piano for the program the past two years but this year I also taught the preschool class. It was a busy week, to say the least!

But I loved it. When people ask me now, "Do you miss teaching? since I left the profession right before Z was born, I usually say, "No way, how do I even have time to miss it?"

Just give me a little taste of it though and I can honestly say I do miss it.

I don't miss the long hours (anyone who thinks a teacher works from 7:00-3:00 is sadly mistaken), I don't miss the stacks of papers, I don't miss the filing and documentation, I don't miss the drama and political crap that rotates so quickly through the school.

I miss the important people. The little guys. It was good for me to teach this week. Now I want to get my kiddos and myself back onto a schedule and do lessons on a regular basis again.

I do activities with them often but lately I've just been surviving the day. It is time to plan some educational fun!!! (I'll post my "revised" schedule on 2Tots2Teach later today).

Just take a look at my sweet class and you'll see why working with them was a blast....

at least traveling gets easier.......

2009-06-02T08:42:00.002-05:00

Well, at least traveling in the car is easier. ( I'm still working on a plan to get us to all sleep comfortably) So there are some benefits to a two and 3 year old.

We are on our annual trip to Kentucky for Bible School. This year, like last, I brought my wonderful "niece" Katie with us. Yep, people think I'm crazy driving for hours with 3 kiddos in the backseat. Truly it isn't that bad at all.

All 3 are great travelers. Last year they were great in the car too except on the way home and I think they truly had seen each other for too long........almost 6 days straight, together all hours of the day.......
The only issue I had last year was pit-stops on the road. Unbuckling, carrying, going to the potty, changing a diaper, picking out snacks, buckling back in.........that was a bit trying with 3 small kids 6 and under.

But this year the stop was bliss. It is wonderful (and also a little sad that they are so big now). They all unbuckled themselves. Walked on the sidewalk without running away. Used the potty, washed hands. Picked out a drink and snack. Got back in the car, buckled themselves in.
Then they sat in the back and talked, read books, or played with their leapsters.

A great start to the week............lets hope it stays this way.

when life hands you lemons

2009-05-28T22:28:00.002-05:00

Actually, I don't think life "handed" me lemons today at all. Life threw them at me full force, catapulting in my face. It was a rough morning, to say the least.

I think my kids are pretty good kids. They argue a lot but love a lot ( the woes of being a parent of kids 13 1/2 months apart.......I might as well had twins). But anyway, their togetherness brings me double the joy but sometimes their togetherness brings me quadruple the madness.

So today I tell them, "We need to get dressed to go to the grocery store. We are going to have a nice time and come home and straighten up our house."

I don't need to bore you with all of THE STUFF I needed to do today. Matt's Dad and stepmom were coming, I'm planning for Bible School, I have 2 kids that act like they have been living in the jungle with no rules...

The minute I told them we were going shopping the tantrums started. I know they don't like to shop. I know they want to play. That is why for the last month I had done all of my shopping ALONE......IN BLISS......

But today, we HAD to go. No ifs, ands, or buts. I was prepared. I was going to be the most patient mom. I had a plan. I gave them each 3 stickers and said, "The stickers are going to help you get rewards. If you have 3 stickers by the end of our trip you will get a book, a pack of gum, and a trip to the park. If you have 2 stickers you will get a pack of gum and a trip to the park. One sticker, trip to the park. No stickers.....nothing. (I put park at the end of rewards because I was secretly wanting to go there to spy on the movie stars filming a movie in our neighborhood...more on that later).

Well. How do you think our trip ended? We didn't go to the park. The kids also got their tv show priviledges taken away.

But wait......you are probably thinking I am SOOOO STRICT. I thought, I'll make this fun because I know they hate the grocery. The first fifteen minutes were great. I was making a game out of our shopping experience. They were so excited because I would say, "Zan, can you help me put 10 lemons in our bag." Then it was Kaya's turn, "Kaya, can you put 6 ears of corn in our bag."

They loved that but then got a little restless. So then I said......"Let's pretend we are Special Agent Oso. Zander, see if you can find the bacon. Kaya, see if you can find the sausage."

This part of the experience was all good. A worker was even grinning at us at our "Special Agent" mission.

Then we turn the corner into the eggs and dairy isle. And that is when it all went to hell....

Kaya was trying to throw eggs (luckily she didn't) then Zander saw a display of cookies and told Kaya to throw those (unluckily she did). They then proceeded to pull hair, scream, and cry the most loud, obnoxious cry known to man.

I separated them. That didn't work. Kaya would unbuckle and go pull Zander's hair. When Kaya was buckled in he would go and get in her face and say, "Hit me Kaya." Then he would hit her back.

Finally.......I was at the checkout lane. I thought.......I can do this. I can do this. I can do this. But suddenly they BOTH start screaming, "Pee on the floor with your penis. Pee on the floos with your penis. Pee on the floor with your penis."

I was mortified. I told them to stop and then told them that TV was taken away for the rest of the day. That resulted in a screaming cry from both that would make people think I had a hot iron on top of their bodies.

And that was when I lost it. I was almost in tears already. I got down into their car and yelled, "Stop it! Right now! That's enough!!!"

So then the manager came over to pacify them. I'm really thankful she did BUT when she did I lost it even more and started crying right there in the store. She asked me can I give them a sticker and show them where I work at the manager's desk? I said sure, because at that point.....why not?

I think I was crying because it took a total stranger to calm them down. I think I was crying because I am sick and tired of spending 2 hours in the grocery store when it should only take 30 minutes....tops. I think I was crying because I felt like a total failure as a mom.

I try so hard to be a good mom. I try so hard to prepare nutritious meals for my family. But when you stay at home and do the shopping with the kids it is almost impossible. By the time I leave, I am so stressed I will buy anything just to get out of there.

When I left the manager took our cart to the car and said, "Take a deep breath, mom. In a few years you will want these years back."

And that made me feel even worse. I'm sure the manager would be shocked to know I was ever an elementary teacher OR that I'm planning on teaching a preschool Bible School class next week. She would be even more shocked that I ignore the comments of disbelief that I'm going to keep Zan at home next year instead of sending him to preschool because I just want one more year with my baby boy.

I came home though.....still frustrated........fed the kids lunch and put them down for nap. Then I fixed myself 2 packs of ramen noodles, went to my bedroom with the door shut, ate my lunch, watched my shows, and cried. I cried for a long time......

I then felt a little bit better. Zander woke up from his nap and was the sweetest thing ever. He wanted to help me clean and make fresh lemonade for Pappaw and Grandma Texas. We had the best time making our lemonade together. I love my little tots.......just not when we buy groceries.

Isn't it ironic............when life hands you lemons----just make lemonade?

scooter fun

2009-05-27T14:01:00.004-05:00

Like I have said before, my athletic ability is not very impressive. So I'm glad my kids seem to get their ability to balance and physical strength from their dad! They have recently learned how to really scoot around. They have had the scooters for a while but are now just comfortable to go out on their own to ride. We ride almost every day now.......fun scooting times!!!

family ties

2009-05-26T21:49:00.005-05:00

I always remember as a little girl going to Grandma & Grandpa Dick's house with all of my cousins. We would always go after church for dinner ( which in my mind is fried chicken, potatoes, side, and a ton of desserts). I'm not sure if we went every Sunday......but that was what it seemed like in my mind.

I always remember playing with my cousins. We would either go into the attic upstairs or go roam around outside. Now, I could go on with this like it was a picture-perfect story where we all got along....
We all loved each other, but the picture-perfect story isn't what I remembered. I remember being made fun of because I was the "prissy, scaredy-cat cousin". The cousin that couldn't ride a bike, spoke in "too big" words, and always dressed fancy.

Don't worry dear cousins that read this.....I'm not bitter, I actually find it funny now. I laugh so hard now when I tell the "cousins making fun of me" stories now because they are so true. I think I owe that to my mom and dad who always made me think I was "the most beautiful and smart girl in the world".....which is probably why you guys made fun of me!

I do remember, regardless of how I was made fun of (thanks mom and dad, again), that it was a pretty fun time when we would go out and explore.....

Back to REAL TIME......this was the first Memorial Day that all of us were together. We were talking that the last time we had a picture made together Felisha & Michael were about 10 years old.......now they are around 27 (I think) and like Lora said, "Felisha was frowning in the background." Now Felisha is about the happiest gal on the block!

I think fondly of all of my cousins in different ways.....
Jeff---the oldest......I don't know a person that wouldn't love him. I always feel like he loves me and is happy to see me at anytime.

John--the risktaker....I always remember him with the nail in his foot, then catching on fire. He used to live on the edge......the crazy cousin! I'm not sure if he lives on the edge now but he always has a funny remark.

Angela--Well, Angela, I could write a whole paragraph about. My cousin I used to fight with endlessly.......but also the cousin I relate to the most. She is silly, outspoken, never lets anyone else get the final word. We used to have our disagreements but now when I see her there isn't a person that makes me laugh louder. I love her honesty and zest for life!

(If I was putting myself in the order of cousins......this is where I fit)

Amy--My first best friend. And she is still a person I could tell anything and trust her forever. Most of my favorite childhood memories include her. She taught me to ride a bike (finally, at age 12), she was there for my first crush, there for the stories of my first kiss, she was there for all of my good stories. A best friend I will always hold dear to my heart.

Kim-One of the purest souls ever. I used to be protective of her.....now I find her a true confidant and friend. She is one of the hardest workers I have ever seen and one of the purest hearts in the world. Matt and I both agree that she is a special person that is rare in this world.

Michael--Actually, he is my brother, not my cousin. But he is one of the most loved people I've known. People that know me ( and not him) say, "I can't wait to meet your brother." I always say, "Think of me and then think of the total opposite. That is my brother." I'm so talkative and outgoing. He isn't. But I don't know of anyone that doesn't love him. Everyone loves Michael. He is the BEST.

Felisha--Such a sweet, smart, outgoing gal. I often think Felisha is like me...Outspoken, opinionated, crafty, self-confident. I am very proud of her and all she has accomplished.
Lora--Lora makes everyone smile. Everyone likes her. I remember when she was born and a toddler. I loved being with her ( I think I was 8 or 9) because I thought she was the funniest girl! I loved babysitting her when I was a teenager because she always agreed that anything I thought of was fun!

Evan--I spent a lot of time with Evan when I was growing up. I remember he got stitches more than any child I've ever known!!! Life was never boring when he was around!! He was always so sweet though, almost like a 2nd little brother.

Rebecca-I loved holding Rebecca when she was little girl. She was always so friendly and such sweet thing! She has grown up to be a very smart, friendly, sweet woman.

Erin--She is quite a bit younger than all of us but still part of the first generation of cousins. I remember thinking she was the prettiest baby I had ever seen........until I saw my own babies (sorry Erin).....you'll understand in a few years......but she was so beautiful. I took pictures of her all the time when she was a baby and toddler. She could be a handful but was so cute...

When I saw her this weekend it almost took my breath away to see what a beautiful teenager she has become...how time flies....

Now you've heard about the cousin generation........here is the next generation. I can't believe we all have kids this age!

And look at my lovely daughter mooning the camera......ok, so now my cousins can make fun of me once again.
The kids finally stand semi-still.
I'm not sure why Great-Grandpa is laughing......who knows? Looks like something my kids are doing, again.
And here are the first generation of kids. My mom with here brothers. By the way, my mom isn't very short...she is probably 5'6'' or 5'7'' but my uncles are really tall. (Matt's hoping Zan takes the tall genes to play basketball for U of L.

And my kids LOVED playing and being with all of their cousins.....can't you tell?