three movies, without which, i don't know what my childhood might have been like...

We loved these movies. We quoted these movies. It wasn't the mark of our family but it was a mark. And I can't help but think that knowing these movies inside and out and quoting them at just the right moment bonded us together.








Did you grow up on movies? Which ones?

three reasons i'm surprised this book has survived on our shelf

Here's the culprit. Looks innocent enough.


1.

Huh. At the very least, this feels awkward to read.

2.

This picture upsets me. The flame is DEFINITELY consuming the bush. Charring the bush pretty much takes away much of the miraculousness of the event.

3.

Really? I'm not saying it's not important, but hm...I think I'll take God's FREE GIFT of ETERNAL LIFE over the law, thanks.

I doubt I'm the only one who cringes at many Bible-like children's books. The worst one ever was called Waldo the Whale and was all about Waldo's self-esteem issues, until God had mercy on the whale and gave him a sense of purpose by giving him the task of--you guessed it--swallowing Jonah. Yep. And, at the end, God thanks Waldo.

But, don't worry folks! We've got some great Bible storybooks for the kiddos, too!

three shows i'm watching these days...in addition to "the office", of course

I'm not proud of the fact that I'm keeping up with at least four shows this season. I usually watch one or none. But, thanks to Hulu (until 2010), I've been laughing along with Brent watching these comedies:

1. gLee Why is this show so addictive? Is it the musical numbers or the teen drama? I'm embarrassed. Let's move on.
2. Modern Family Two characters make this show for me: Cam and Phil.
3. Community The dialogue has gotten so tight on this show. Sometimes, the lines are so funny that I'm not even laughing. Instead, I'm jealous that I didn't write them! Ridiculously quirky characters. Probably my favorite on this list.

What are you watching? Be honest. You love gLee, don't you?!

three questions...forcing myself to blog #2

I think I'm going to try this all week....short little posts.

1. Do you have a favorite Christmas gift from your childhood? I think mine was a three story Barbie house with an elevator. Not electric. It was manual. But, I loved it. My parents had a tradition of always giving a big non-wrapped gift. It was pretty magical to walk downstairs and see the huge display of gifts and lights and my super rad Barbie mansion.

2. Are you going to do a Christmas card this year? I really want to because I LOVE getting Christmas cards. And I really enjoy composing a Christmas letter and reading our friends' updates. But, how am I going to have the time to gather, address and stamp those cards? And WHEN am I going to get a picture with all of us? I know it's not realistic for me to get one done this year, but I'm still holding out hope. It sure would be fun to exchange Christmas cards with some of my blogging friends, too. dang...still hoping....

3. Do your kids believe in Santa Clause? I don't think ours do. We've pretty much never really gotten into it. I don't remember believing in Santa, and feel like it doesn't enhance Christmas necessarily. I'm not super opinionated about this, though. How do you handle this? And is there anyone out there who caved after their kids reported that the kids at school informed them that Santa is not real. Our kids fully believed in the tooth fairy until recently. Kids at school gave Avery the scoop and we initially did not confirm or deny those allegations. But, within 24 hours, he was informed that WE were the tooth fairy. He was so bummed and--because he is so frugal--tried to give the money back to Brent!

confession: i'm drinking the coupon kool-aid and loving it!

It's true. I have plunged into the depths of the couponing underworld. It's...it's...it's a phase for now and I'm enjoying it while it's fun. Thanks so Jenny at A Latte Talk for inspiring me.

Are there any fellow coupon lovers out there? Here's a test for you:

FIVE SIGNS YOU MIGHT BE OBSESSED WITH COUPON DEALS

1. Much of Friday you think, "Just ONE more day before I can get the early edition of the Sunday paper!"

2. Every time your two-year-old sees a scrap of paper, she says, "Yook Mama, a pookon."

3. You have a minimum of 10 boxes of cereal...which you either got for free or got for mere tuppence!

4. You're more inclined to take pictures of your groceries than your children.

5. You are unashamedly talking about the pleasures of couponing on your blog...or you abandon your blog altogether for the joy of clipping and grocery shopping.

What else???

a shout out to the two psycho old ladies we encountered today

1. Dear Crazy Lady from Target,

Thank you for sufficiently freaking out my children today. When you approached me with your hands clenched claiming, "I've been a good girl...please give me a couple dollars," my eldest son's heart was racing and he got a "tingly feeling" up his spine. Way to go! It's commendable that you don't discriminate against ridiculously pregnant women accompanied by three young children with two shopping lists in hand. sweet.

2. Dear White-Haired Lady Buying 4 Loaves of White Bread And a Wedge White of Cheese,

I assure you (AGAIN) that I did not see the "15 items or less" sign. But, I do appreciate you making a nasty comment and rolling your eyes at me several times. Also, I think it's swell that you watched me unload my cart and also waited for the cashier to begin scanning my items before mentioning my error. That was good, because at that point, I COULD DO NOTHING TO REMEDY THE SITUATION. It's a wonder how a woman who can HARDLY maneuver her body through the check-out lane with three children, could miss a sign that the cashier kindly admitted was often missed! But, you're right: I did have more than 15 items. You are right.

blogs i don't read

1. I don't read blogs that have no sense of humor (Except for DG...no jokes on the DG blog! Of course, truth be told, I only read 1 out of 7 of the posts.). I don't get online to experience catharsis. I do read posts which induce real tears, but almost every blog I subscribe to is written by someone who has a sense of humor.

2. I don't read blogs that always have super long posts. And I feel guilty when I write them. Who has time to read, much less WRITE, a super long post unless you're retired. And, the only retired people I know are WAY to busy to even maintain a blog.

3. I don't read blogs that are basically facts. We did this. We're going to do this. This is what we look like. That's great and all, but unless we're really good friends, it just doesn't get me right here (fyi, I'm gently pounding my chest with my fist).

4. I don't read blogs that appear to be perfection. I appreciate the vulnerable blogger...even if the person writes, "I just can't go there...it's too painful." Okay. That was honest. I choose vulnerability over veneer.

5. I don't read blog posts about running, but I do read blogs by ultra runners. Okay. I read ONE blog written by an ultra runner, because he writes about other stuff, too. But, I don't generally read blogs that are about one main topic. (crafting, cooking, saving money, etc...)

6. I don't read blogs that are all about theology. Is that okay?

7. Nor do I read blogs that are political. Should I be embarrassed?

8. I don't read blogs that I actually like to read, because I keep forgetting to subscribe to them!!!!

9. I don't read blogs that seem to be super popular like Challies, 9marks, Pioneer Woman, etc. I don't know why. I just don't.

10. I don't read blogs of total strangers. I do read blogs written by people I've come to know through the blogosphere. Contradiction? perhaps. Does it makes sense? not sure. Either way, it's been fun getting to know you!!!

for those of you who grew up on t.v....

Honestly. How often do you think of this??? For me, it's every time I tell my kids to sit down. I wanna say, "Sit, Avery, sit. Good dog. woof." But, I don't.

confessions, random thoughts, updates

1. Confession. I went to St. Louis for my Dad's 60th birthday. I know, I know. I told you I'd see you (hopefully) next time I came to St. Louis. I didn't lie. It's just really complicated visiting your hometown. The grandparents are hard to pull away from and our trip was short.

2. Jillian just threw a paperback book at my head. This was alarming, but also an interesting study of human nature. She received a firm, "No!" and a hand-smack. This didn't phase her. Then, I said, "Say, 'I'm Sorry'." She barely uttered out a faint "hah-wee", and started to burst into tears. Saying "sorry" was more difficult than receiving discipline. So interesting.

3. Every time I dust my blinds, I promise myself I'll never let it get that bad again. People, they look baaaad.

4. When I was in St. Louis, I finally transferred hundreds of pictures from my camera to my hard drive. Hopefully, I'll start posting more pictures now. But, not today.

5. Confession...Tomorrow is Jillian's second birthday and I have not made a single firm plan.We heard that there's a free concert downtown. Jillian happens to bee-bop to this guys music. So, I ask, Is it so bad to take a 2-year-old to a show for her birthday? I am HORRIBLE at celebrating and recognizing birthdays. Can you tell??? I know one day I'll look back and wish I was the "queen of theme" for kids' b-days. I'll see some brilliant unicorn cake and think, Oh! How I wish I had known about this when my kids were little...or not.

6. From the moment I found out I was pregnant, I worried about losing the baby. This is normal for me, but it gets more intense with each pregnancy...and with each day. Because of the fears, I start out detached. But, as I'm nearing the third trimester, I am pleading with the Lord to let me know this baby alive. I love this baby very much, but have learned that a mother's love doesn't insure anything.

7. Confession. I am so ridiculously intrigued by Michael Jackson's "kids". Do you really think they are his? I can't help but wish for some autobiographies in a few years sharing what it was really like!! I didn't follow much of the MJ hype, but I'm totally curious about Paris, Prince and...Blanket??!!

8. Just read My Sister's Keeper. You probably know it's a newly released film. Are movies EVER better than books? Don't they always disappoint? Not that I loved the book, but I can tell already that I'd be annoyed. For instance, Alec Baldwin (51 years old) plays an attorney who, in the book (if I did my math right), is 35-ish years old.

9. It's summer. We're having burgers for dinner again. Weekly. We have burgers (at least) weekly in the summer. Is this normal? What's your weekly meal (if you have one)?

10. We haven't had "the talk" with our kids yet. I'm starting to understand why people put this off forever. Taking advice. Starting...now!!

buttermint

Am I the only one who thinks Lifesavers destroyed themselves when they discontinued the Buttermint flavor? My mouth is watering remembering such goodness and I haven't had one for 20 years. I think I'm upset. Do any of you even remember Buttermint? Anyone???

going, going, gone.

ah. behold the power of facial hair. it makes one feel...like a man.




but, it is annoying to the wife, so it must go...slowly...




First, we gotta be K-Fed:






Then, we gotta be Jeff Foxworthy:




Never tried this look before:




Baby-Fed...wait. That doesn't sound right.

10 random things

1. Jillian just handed me my planner saying, "Bible, Bible!". huh.

2. I'm convinced my hair is not growing on the sides. I haven't had a trim since December and I can't get a decent ponytail up. I kinda look like Heath Ledger in The Patriot. Not cool.

3. I wish I could tell you everything going on, but I just can't and that sucks. My comfort level is "full disclosure" and "total transparency". Can't always do that on a blog. How do you bloggers deal with that?

4. I really, really want to do a little mini-series of posts about Avery. I don't talk about him as much as the other two, but he's really cool and he'd quietly notice if I gave him some bloglove.

5. I am super excited about doing the envelope system for budgeting. I don't like spending cash, so already it's making me a more careful spender. (Full disclosure: I'm on day two. Of course, I'm still excited...and a more careful spender.)

6. Jillian just put garbage (from the garbage can) in her mouth. One of the hazards of blogging life lessons for toddlers. (It was some coffee grounds. No biggie.)

7. My sewing blog has totally gotten the shaft, but it will come back. As sure as the economy, it might will come back. How about I let you know here if/when it gets updated. I just made some chick costumes for a school play...maybe they'll be the thing that gets me back on that horse.

8. If I could have one earthly, non-altruistic wish, it would be free flights. Hey Brent, any airlines you wanna work for? No? Happy working at one of the strongest banks in America? That's cool. I'll let it go.

9. What do you think about dreams? Do you think they sometimes make you understand your heart better than just sitting there and consciously contemplating them? Most times, my dreams are whacked, but other times, it seems like I should take them seriously. And I just think the inconsistency is interesting, too. I'm not interested enough to check out a book on this right now. Just thinkin'...

10. Did I loan my More with Less cookbook to anyone? I cannot find it. And does anyone who uses it have recipes to recommend for when I do find it? It's great, but no inspiring pictures!

another reason to love birthdays

A friend of ours always sends a "personalized" youtube clip for birthdays. Now he has a blog with the growing collection of the hilarious videos. Maybe a new tradition for you and yours??? Probably one of my favorites is the one for Tiffany. Enjoy!

Mental Soundtrack

My mental soundtrack today is a loop of Abide with Me and What a Friend We Have in Jesus. (I'll update if anything else starts looping.)

What's yours?

you didn't ask for it, but you're gettin' it: A BRAIN DUMP!!!

Okay, my beloved friends, family and strangers (whom I adore!). It's time for a numbered list of random thoughts! I know I've been pretty MIA lately. Some of these random things might explain it...many will not.

1. Let's just get this first item out of the way. I've been tired and a little nauseous, but mainly tired. I get my words flipped around. I can't think clearly...ever. Some things smell really good, while other things make me want to hurl. If you haven't figured it out, I'm not telling you, but I'm almost 12 weeks. there.

2. I was just out of town for 36 hours. In that short time, Brent proved his love for me he's a better housewife than me. I came home to a cleaner, more organized home. It's a wonderful and horrible feeling to realize how much better Brent is than me, but I'll take the help any day. (I comfort myself with the fact that he doesn't cook much. It's eggs, cereal, frozen pizza, macaroni and sandwiches on his watch.)

3. It was birthday on the 22nd. I'm 32. No biggie. It was great. Brent took me to a play. Allison and Kevin took us out to dinner. Molly brought apple fritters to my door at 8:30 am. My folks gave me B-day money and prepared a steak dinner for me while we were in town! We went to Chipotle with my sister and her family on the day of. I got great cards. And my sweet mother-in-law sent a Starbucks gift basket! Do not underestimate the power of a gift basket, folks! It's the grown-up version of an Easter basket. Remember that delight?

4. I have five minutes left of my cell phone monthly allowance. I'm saving them for an emergency. I canceled my long distance on my land line thinking I'd get a phone card pronto. I haven't gotten it yet. Long distance loved ones, THIS IS WHY I HAVEN'T CALLED YOU!!! Unless you're Verizon, we no talkie for a week longer.

5. Nose bleeds. Miles gets 'em in his sleep. A lot. It's kinda funny and kinda sad. He'll wake up in the morning. He'll feel his way out into the kitchen. You'll hear a little scratchy, "good morning". You glance over and see a completely unaware Miles with dried blood all over his sweet little face. Sad, funny...and a little gross, but really funny. I promise.

6. Square envelopes. How do they justify charging extra postage for those? It's ridiculous. And you know the card makers have worked a deal with the United States Postal Service when the cards that come in the square envelopes are best?!!!

7. Reading Little Women. Actually, I should be reading it right now, instead of writing. But, oh is it good. I'm only a fifth of the way into it, but I'm loving it. Have you read it? It's for book club. Has anyone started their own book club yet? You people should. You would not regret it.

8. God is our provider. He is so good. I can't tell you all the ways he's provided for us lately, but we're blessed beyond what we could ever pretend to deserve. Every good gift comes from God. Are you feeling that right now? We get loved on and taken care of from so many directions that I feel guilty sometimes. But, I have to remind myself that ultimately, it's from one hand.

9. Following this example, we're reading Psalm 34 to our boys almost every night for a month. It's been two weeks, I think, and they're starting to learn it. Definitely not there yet. And even if they didn't memorize it, it's been so good for me to read the same passage over and over.

10. It's late. I'm tired (kinda like I am when I wake up...and how I feel in the middle of the day). I gotta wrap this up! Have a good night and/or a great day, folks! Lots of love coming at you from Minneapolis!