Giving

My sweet, sweet, talented, friend Julie made this cute fold out picture holder for me. It can be like a book or you can display it like so on the table. I'm not sure if the pictures do it justice because it is quite awesome. I just got it today, so no pictures in it yet. I can't wait to get just the right pictures displayed in it, so I will post it again once I have put pictures in it. Thank you Julie, I absolutely love it.

She also gave me a plate of cookies, but they were gone before I got the camera out.

Root Canal

Today I spent an hour and a half at the dentist getting a root canal and a tooth extraction. I was so nervous the whole morning. Good times. I am so glad it's over. I needed the extraction because I put off getting a root canal on a tooth they started and finally it broke off. It didn't hurt at all, getting the shot for the numbing was the only pain. Just a long time with my mouth wide open listening to drilling in my mouth. Every so often I would realized I was clenching my butt cheeks and then I would try to relax and then I would realize I was doing it again. ha ha

I am turning over a new leaf and I have already made my next 6 month checkup. I am never again going to go any longer betweeen checkups. I need these teeth, I've finally realized.

My mouth is pretty sore. They gave me lortab, but I haven't needed it. The ibuprofen is doing the job just fine.

So brush and floss your teeth and go see your dentist!!

the joy of receiving

My sweet friend lydia is the one who first posted "for the fun of giving" post. So I commented on her blog. Boy, was I surprised when she came to my house with this lovely personlized gift just for me!!!! I was expecting the gift to be along the lines of a home made plate of cookies or something, but no.

She definitely put some thought into the gift. When I posted a little bit back about my discipline cards, Lydia commented, saying I also needed to reward my kids for not losing cards. I felt kind of silly not thinking of that myself. I am so glad she suggested it.


So her gift to me is this awesome glass "reward jar". She packed it full of treats and prizes and gave a big bag of refills to go with it. I love love this gift. It was that much better that she put thought into it and made the gift personal.

Thank you so so much, Lydia!!! The kids have been going crazy thinking of good things they can do to earn a treat. It sits on top of the fridge. Got to keep it out of reach.

A nice trip down memory lane

Anyone remember these shows? They were my favorites as a kid. I got some good laughs today watching them. Remember Jeff the manikin, yes I remembered his name on my own. He turned back into a manikin without his hat on.
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And this show, the only thing left in my head is the them song. But I remember my friend and I liked to watch it. My kids and I watched this together and they got a good laugh. Slowly one by one they left to go watch Arthur.

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To Read

She came home from school, and this is what she chose to do. I love it.

for the fun of giving

The first five people who respond to this post will get something made by me.

Restrictions:
1 - I get to give you anything I want to give you.
2 - But it will be just for you.
3 - You'll receive it by the end of March
4 - You must re-post this on your blog and offer the same giveaway to 5 people.
5 - Don't forget to take a picture of what you get.


I can hardly wait!!!

3 strikes your out!!!!

There is been some whining from one child and talking back from another child here at this old house. More than I am willing to put up with, I must admit. Parenting dilemmas like this seem to throw me for a bit of a loop.

I have been trying to think of some ideas to take care of this problem.
I took this idea from mo's class room and changed it a little. I made each kid an envelope with their name on it. They each get 3 colored cards. When they misbehave, I warn them that I will pull a card if they don't stop.
When all cards are gone they must hand over a beloved webkinz. We discussed the punishment before hand and the webkinz seem to be their most prize posessions. Each sunday they get to start over. It's a 3 strikes you're out sort of deal.

It already seems to work, yet I find myself saying, "I'll pull a card!" many times.

The kids are very concerned about losing any cards at all. Both the older kids have already lost one each. (I started yesterday) Though, Ella is not quite grasping the idea. She thinks pulling a card is a good thing. Its more for the older kids anyway.

If anyone else has some suggestions in this department, I would love to hear. I feel I need all the help I can get.

There is a blessing in the air....

"It is the first mild day of March.
Each minute sweeter than before.....
There is a blessing in the air.....
-William Wordsworth
March is here, the last hurrah of winter and the first whisper of spring, drawing us outside to partake. It felt so good. There is a feeling down deep of hope. Spring is like that. Yesterday and today were wonderfully warm. The world outside still looks asleep, but not for long. Tomorrow a storm is coming, but it is much more bearable in March.

The kids enjoyed being outside to play without winter coats, hats, and gloves. Good to see neighbors out as well. Rocks and sticks make for great toys.

grandma's handmade goodness

For Christmas this year, my mom started a fun new tradition. She made my kids a Christmas pillow case along with a new pillow. They then were given a new handmade flannel pillow case for winter, a heart one for valentines, and today she brought up a St Patrick pillow case. I am surprised at how much the kids love their pillows. A cherished gift for sure. It is now the only pillow they sleep with, and on long car rides, the pillows come too.

So when the kids get their pillow cases, I am lucky enough to get a hand made dish towel. Here is my latest. We all love our hand made goodness. Thanks mom!!!