Please don't cut to commercial...

The Queen B has gone and done it this week. She has gone and made this one of the best weeks in my blogging journey.

Why, you ask?

Well, she gave me this, my very first blogging award.

What does it mean, you ask?

It means that somewhere out there in bloggy world, there is someone who enjoys my writing and my craziness and my randomness enough to read me everyday and give me an award. Queen B, I am truly honored and humbled that you would grant me such an honor.

I want to thank...wait, it's not time to go to commercial yet. Don't I get time to thank a few people. What, this isn't an actual awards show? You mean I can't make a speech? The thought is that I might be dillussional?

Well, if that is the case, then I would like to take this opportunity to pass out a few blogging awards of my own. All of you receive "Amy's Award for Excellence in Entertaining."

First there is Heather whom I stumbled upon months ago and now faithfully visit daily. She has a wonderful nack for being compassionate, loving and caring in all that she writes about. From her "Crock-Pot" Wednesday series to the story of her family's adoption journey, she makes you feel at home each time you visit.

Then there is Jennifer at Fox Family Fun. I just recently started making them part of my daily blogging reads and so love reading about someone else's journey through life with boys. Her blogline under her blog title says it all for me, "Loving God and Loving Life Together." Keep loving life and letting us all read about it!

And finally, Judy at His Doorkeeper has a wonderful way of showing her love for Christ in all that she writes about. One can quickly see that she is a faithful, hard-working woman who loves Christ, her family and life. I will definetly keep Judy a part of my bloggy reading.

Congrats to all the winners! There are many others out there that I read and love, but there is so little time and so little space. Keep blogging, because you never know when someone will send an award your way.

Unconventional Works-for-me Wednesday

Today's Works-for-me Wednesday idea is a bit unconventional in nature. Well, I mean the use I get out of this item is somewhat unconventional. The item I am talking about is this three-tier laundry cart with removable bag.

To most it probably looks like your ordinary-am-going-to-put-laundry-related-items-in-it rolling cart. But to the "D" House, it is none other than a garage toy organizer.

It is the perfect height for D-Man to roll it out of the garage so that he can play with what he has stashed in it. The three shelves are perfect for all his necessary planes, trains and automobiles and the laundry bag is so nice for thing such as baseball bats, sun umbrellas and bug-catching nets.

One might also find a much-needed bottle of never ending bubbles as well as the biggest bucket of sidewalk chalk ever seen!

And when we are all finished for the day, the toys go back in and D-Man (or mom if D-Man is not feeling the need to help out) rolls it back in to it's home in the garage ready for the next playdate.

Be sure and check out all the other great Works-for-me Wednesday posts at Shannon's site!

Titles on Tuesday

Today's Titles on Tuesday is by one of my favorite fiction authors, James Patterson. The Beach House, which was also co-authored by Peter de Jonge, features the classic Patterson style of action, adventure and suspense.

It depicts a tale of strange money-driven murders that unfold in the Hamptons. Mix this murder with the need to get revenge and then throw in a little money and a lot of craziness and you have yourself a nail-biting novel.

I've always been a Patterson fan and though I've not read many of his recent ones because of other reading involvement, I enjoy the writing style he consistently delivers in his novels.

Check back next Tuesday for another addition of Titles on Tuesday! And, if you've got a book that you think I should read and review, let me a comment.

Who said they couldn't do anything?

We've officially changed phases in the world. No more baby for us. No sir, our D-Man is officially a kid.

He has seen his first movie theater movie complete with popcorn, Sprite and
M&M's.

And he lived to tell about it.

Wait...make that WE lived to tell about it.

Husband and I started talking about the first movie we would take D-Man to many moons ago. We knew that Veggie Tales was coming out with a winter 2008 movie and we wanted that to be the first movie D-Man saw.

So, what does any good parent who wants to get his kid excited about a movie do? They let him see the trailer for the movie on the Big Idea website which sends child into a 3 week sleep tailspin (big booming voice and rolling, stormy sea in the trailer was scary).

Needless to say, our bubble was somewhat busted because we were so sad that this couldn't be his first movie theater movie.

No, we weren't sad because we loved Veggie Tales so much and wouldn't be able to see if for many months after it premiered when it came out on DVD. No, it was all because of D-Man that we were sad.

But, that problem was resolved tonight. D-Man not only went to his first movie theater movie to see The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything, he also went with his friends (one being a girl) and he sat through the entire movie, glued to the screen and love, love, loved every minute.

And mom and dad were pretty happy themselves because they got to see a movie in a movie theater! Not to mention, that movie was a Veggie Tales.

What more could parents ask for?

So, even though D-Man said he couldn't see the movie and the "pirates" didn't think they could do anything, both prevailed tonight and enjoyed a very happy ending.

Weekend Wishes & Words to Read

Hello All! Today finds it bitterly cold here outside the "D" house. We are once again stuck inside for yet another day of drinking hot cocoa, watching Curious George and trying to catch up on laundry. So, to help any of you who might be in my situation (or those who are looking for some good and interesting things to read), I thought I would point you towards some weekend readings.

If you need a few good laughs, check out this and this from Big Mama about the tresses trek she has endured over the years.

Shannon has made a vow to get organized in 2008. Check out this and this for helpful hints if you are interested in organization this year.

The Simple Wife (Joanne) has inspired me this year with all her craftiness. I think this is too cute and love this as well. And these, I would love to learn how to make myself. Joanne, thanks for being such an inspiration.

And finally, if you need a pick-me-up this Friday, my best friend, The Queen B, will get you laughing with this post about those things that we did in our younger days.

I wish you all a wonderful weekend! And remember to check Shannon's site next week for a carnival to beat all carnivals!

I swept all night, mommy

No, my son didn't mean that he got the broom out and "swept" all night. Swept is another word for slept and he was referring to the fact that YES he was finally sleeping in his big boy bed and had slept there all night. And, he hasn't even figured out that he can climb out by himself and come and wake me up (I'm keeping my fingers crossed!)

Even though, I wouldn't have minded if he actually swept the floors all night.

Or folded laundry.

Or emptied the dishwasher.

Or washed the windows.

I digress....sorry.

Anyway, yes, this is big for the "D" house! This momma has had a lot of trouble coping with the fact that even though D-Man won't ever-never-ever be sleeping in his crib again, he will always be my baby.

The room is coming together quite nicely especially after I completed my first sewing project. I've got a few finishing touches for the walls and then if you're really good, I might let you see a picture.

Or two.

Or forty (because I'm so proud).

I know you are all waiting on pins and needles for these photos, huh?

It's cold, the cabin fever is setting in and I've got nothing

Ok, I've pretty much got nothing of any substance today. It's been freezing here for several days and I'm kind-of crabby.

All I want to do is eat.

And sleep.

And eat.

And do no laundry.

And fold no laundry.

And eat.

Did I tell you that we thought we were going to have an ice storm, so I stocked up on the necessary we'll-be-stuck-in-the-house-for-maybe-24-hours food: brownie mix, gummie bears and popcorn.

The food of champion couch potatoes.

And so I say, Happy Wednesday!

I think I'm going to grab something to eat.

Titles on Tuesday with Beth Moore

Today's Titles on Tuesday is actually a Bible study that I would highly recommend. It is called Stepping Up: A Journey Through the Psalms of Ascent by Beth Moore.

For those of you who have never done a Bible study by Beth Moore, let me preface all of this by saying she is animated and charismatic and you will be changed after each study. I have done 2 of her studies thus far and have left each one at a new place with my spiritual walk with God. Both studies that I have completed have come with DVD videos to watch weekly as well as a daily study book to complete.

The Psalms of Ascent study I completed before Christmas. It highlights the pilgrimage made in Psalms 120-134 and invites each person to journey on their own pilgrimage. I made a journey during the six week study and I invite you or your group if you are looking for a new one to begin this year to give this one a try!

For I am only by His Grace

I feel the need to reflect today.

I feel the need to tell all of you that I am a sinner saved by GRACE!

I feel compelled to tell you that I am loved by an AMAZING, ALL POWERFUL, ALL KNOWING God who loves me (yes, me) unconditionally.

God has blessed me 10 fold with his richest blessings and I feel humbled daily at this realization.

"But by the grace of God, I am what I am," it states in 1 Corinthians 15:10 and I believe
whole-heartedly that without his love and guidance I would be nothing.

A little deep for a Monday, I know, but I have had this feeling in my heart that I needed to shout this from the rooftops and proclaim that I am one of His!

Have a great Monday and return tomorrow for another addition of Titles on Tuesday that tells of a great one by Beth Moore.

Maybe you could call me Martha

I've done it! I have officially completed my first sewing project, 2 window panels and a valence.

D-Man is ready to move into a big boy bed (he probably should have been there long before now, but this mom has some control and growing-up issues--another post entirely).

Anywoo, in order to make the transition, I felt we needed to completely change everything in his room. I finally found the bedding I wanted several months ago, but have been struggling on what to do with the window. I had found these at Pottery Barn Kids, but I needed 2 of the panels (in the most expensive length) and really didn't want to have to cut into the monthly grocery budget to clad one window in D-Man's room.

So, back to the drawing board I went.

And then, it hit me. "Amy, you could make them yourself."

"Had I lost my mind?" I thought to myself.

Yes, I decided that I probably had lost my mind, but I was ready for the challenge anyway.

I convinced the sewing queen (my mom) to peruse the fabric store with me on Tuesday. We settled on a great, heavy weight denim for the panels and a cute farm scene for the window topper.

Now, all I needed was to wiggle my nose and snap my fingers and the project would be completed, right?

Wrong! I actually had to do some work. And I completed this work in record time. I finished the topper on Wednesday and by Thursday morning I had completed the panels.

Oh how proud I am of my work (and my mom is smiling pretty big herself because I have taken an interest in sewing and have completed my first major project).

So, whatcha' think?

Anyone for some tea? Martha and I will be getting together at 10 to discuss our next projects.

Whatever!

Enjoy your weekend!

And so I can now say I've been to the blueberry...

On Wednesday, I took D-man and his cousin, Ran-Man, to the local library for story hour. They sat intently and listened to two very entertaining children's books.

Wait, did I just admit that the books were entertaining?

Or did I say out loud that it was nice to be read to instead of having to read all those words?

No, I must have just thought that.

Anyway, after the story they made a craft. Today was a very appropriate craft considering it is winter and the birds need help finding food. Today they made a bird feeder (pine cone with peanut butter on it and then rolled in birdseed).

Cute, yes, but what D-Man told me later was even cuter.

We sat at dinner later in the day and I was gently persuading D-Man to pick up the pace or we would be late for church. As he is chewing each bite the recommended 8 bazillion times, he begins talking about making the bird feeder for the birds.

So, mom, being the educating type began to quiz him on the makings of the bird feeder. He told me correctly about the peanut butter, the pine cone and the birdseed.

And then he shocked me with this one...

"D-Man," I asked, "Where did you make the bird feeder?"

"At the blueberry," He replied matter-of-factly.

And so I scratched off my "life list" that I had been to the blueberry.

You should go sometime.

Working to Keep Those Teeth Cleaned

My Works-for-me Wednesday tip is specifically designed for those hard-to-brush-teeth toddlers (or kids in general). Husband and I came up with a little jingle that we began many months ago singing to D-Man as we helped him brush his teeth at night. It goes something like this...

"Brushing our teeth for Bob the Builder (or whomever he chooses to brush for) Bob the Builder, Bob the Builder. Brushing our teeth for Bob the Builder, cause he likes really clean teeth."

Our rule of thumb is to sing this through 3-4 times (normally D-Man wants to change the person he brushes for each time we sing) making us feel like we've somewhat accomplished clean teeth. D-Man has gotten to the point that we ask him each night who he wants to sing about and he tells us. I've also noticed that he sings it a lot to himself in the morning as he and I are brushing our teeth together.

This little song has made our teeth brushing experience so enjoyable. I know many would say that they have sagas day after day as they work to get their kids to brush their teeth. If this is you (or if you are just looking to add a little spice to the daily brushing), I encourage you to try our jingle. I hope that it works for you!

Check out other great tips at Shannon's site!

Titles on Tuesday

Today's title is one that D-Man received for his 2nd birthday from our sweet neighbor, M, who lived across the street from us before we moved. It is called One Lost Sheep by Rhonda Gowler Greene and Santiago Cohen.

It tells of the parable of the one lost sheep whose shepherd cannot let even one sheep go astray. Instead of staying with the other 99 sheep, he goes out to look for the one sheep who is gone. When he finds the lost sheep, he wants to shout it from the rooftops and tell everyone how glorious it is that he has located the lost one. This parable is told in Matthew, the 12th chapter, verses 4-7.

Just like the shepherd doesn't want to see even one of his sheep go astray, God does not want to see even one of his children go astray. God wants to guide and care for ALL of his children and wants us all to have glorious fellowship with Him.

This is a wonderfully written and illustrated book that I would recommend adding to your child's collection.

Only 6 more months

Tonight as Husband and I were eating dinner and D-Man was doing everything in his power to keep me from eating my bowl of soup, Husband said to me, "If it is any consolation, he will only be 2 for 6 more months."

This statement made me happy for a moment and then sad for many more. My baby is growing up. What started out some 2 1/2 years ago as a newborn in my arms has grown into a vibrant, fun-loving, intelligent 2 year old.

Thank you Lord for allowing me to be D-Man's mom! He is providing me (and his Daddy) much love and enjoyment!

Snip, snip, snip away!

Yesterday was an extremely windy day that kept D-Man and I inside (except to pick-up a much needed diet coke) (oh, and to go to Wal-Mart).

Anyhoo, it was one of those days when mommy was having to come up with many (and I repeat many) oh-so-fun activities to keep D-Man busy.

There was the farm building with the Lincoln Logs (poor rooster, I can't tell you how many times he dove off the rail to his near-death--or was he thrown). And, did you know that a cow could drive the farmer around on the tractor? Oh the things I learn...

There was the constant calling on the 911 Learning Phone with the repeating answer at the other end, "911 what is your emergency?" To which I wanted to say, "Help, I've fallen and I can't get up and away from the Learning Phone!"

And, finally, mommy became the hero of the day by breaking out the "Bob the Barber Veggie Dough Kit".

Score 1 for mommy!

Let's just be thankful that I wasn't the one in the barber chair after D-Man got a hold of a pair of plastic, play-dough cutting scissors. If you'll notice, Laura started the day of with some very stylish blue play dough hair (listen, I know, I talk as if Laura and I are on first name basis, but if you watched and listened to Veggie Tales as much as we do in this house, you would think that you were pretty tight with them as well).

Then, the "barber" named D-Man waltzed in and set-up shop.

And he worked his "magic" and Laura left a bit frazzled.

I don't have the foggiest why she might have been upset? Isn't this hairstyle all the rage? I'm now beginning to think that D-Man was Britney's stylist at one point in time.

Appointment anyone?

Someone has some celebrating to do...

Slip on over today and wish my best friend, The Queen B, a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

And so I just don't ask...

The other night as I was checking my e-mail, Husband was getting D-Man ready for a bath. This is Husband's job when he is home in the evenings and so during their "boy" time, I usually catch-up on "girl" time.

Anyway, as I was at the computer intently reading something of much importance I'm sure, I heard these words come out of Husband's mouth, " D-Man, get your head out of the toilet!" I stopped dead in my tracks or rather, my eyes peeled away from the computer screen long enough for me to somewhat digest what I had just heard.

I decided, for the sanity of myself, that I would really rather not know what exactly D-Man was doing to warrant such a request from his Daddy.

So, instead, my eyes fixed themselves back on the screen and I was content with just not asking.

Reverse Day: I ask a question, so please give an answer

Today's Works-for-me Wednesday is actually the backwards addition. In this addition, I ask a question in hopes that many of you out there will supply me with some answers.

My question this week is one for those who sew out there (or know someone who does sew). Are there good companies online that you've ordered custom window treatments from and be satisfied with? I know that seems like a long shot, but I live in a small, rural town. My mom is usually my seamstress, but she has so much on her plate right now, that I don't want to ask her to make some drapers for D-Man's big boy room. I'm looking for plain panels (with blackout lining) and a fun valence. Anyone have any suggestions?

For more great questions and answers, check out Shannon's site!

Titles on Tuesday

Hello All! It's been a few weeks since I've posted a Titles on Tuesday book for you all to check into. I hope that you have had something to keep your mind going while I've been on my slight hiatus.

Today's book is one that I finished for the book club I am a part of. It is called Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers. This book was so absolutely FANTASTIC that I don't know where to begin to convince you to run right out and get it (or click on the link and order it through Amazon.com).

This book is a Christian author's re-tell of the biblical story of Hosea. It's setting begins in the mid 1800's during the Gold Rush and follows the life of a girl turned prostitue named Angel (has other names in the book which will be explained along the way). Angel has experienced no real joy or happiness in life as she lost her mother at an early age, her father did not love (nor want her) and she has to settle for finding her way at the expense of her dignity and pride.

Yet, as defeated as she feels, there is a bright star that appears in her life in the form of a farmer named Michael Hosea. Though she did not believe him and his kind words and actions in the beginning, she grows to love, adore and cherish the simplicity of this man whom she calls her husband.

You must, must, must take time out at some point in your life to read this book! If I gave stars to rate books, I would give this all the stars I have available.

Must haves to add to those birthday lists this year

So, D-Man was very blessed this year and got many (I repeat, MANY) wonderful presents. We have had so much fun playing with them and learning how they work that I decided that some of you with young kiddos out there (or those of you who have gifts to buy for those young kiddos) might like some suggestions for birthdays in 2008.

One of our very favorites this year has been the "911 Learning Phone" given to D-Man by Uncle S, Aunt L and Cousin C. It has many cool features including teaching kids what dialing 911 is really all about. When they dial 911, the phone rings and the voice on the other end says, "911 what is your emergency." What a great way to teach your kids the importance of 911! It also allows you to program in one phone number at a time with a recorded message. When D-Man dials my cell phone number, I have recorded a message that tells him "great job dialing!" He smiles every time he dials "mommy's phone."

Another great option for a gift this year is one given to D-Man by Uncle M, Aunt C and the girls. It is a laptop (educational of course) that comes complete with an attached mouse. D-Man at this stage loves to check his e-mail (which the computer really won't do, but he's heard me say it so many times that he thinks he has to check his as well). It has many great educational games on it that teach kids to follow directions and use the mouse. D-Man is already becoming very aware of the fact that if he does something correctly, the computer (and mommy & daddy) tell him "great job!"

Husband and I got these for D-Man and he just loves being able to build a farm with them. Today he and I built a farm and the cow and the rooster had to ride in a pretend tractor around the farm. It is so great as a parent to see the little ones begin to pretend-play.

This is the PERFECT gift if you have a sports loving enthusiast like we do. I've heard that music and "batter-up" so many times I am hearing it in my sleep. But D-Man loves it and I can't wait for the weather to get warmer so that we can get out of the garage and play it in the yard. Thanks Uncle Beeb and Aunt Wiz!

And, oh my, do we just love this one! From filling the cars tanks with gas to letting the cars fly (and I do mean fly when you've got a 2 year old behind the wheel) down the ramp, we are having hours of fun thanks to RAD and PaPa!

There are so many other gifts that we got too numerous to mention, but just wanted to highlight some favs that we are playing with!

Props for my new blog Design

Much thanks goes out to Jennisa for the awesome new blog design she created for me! Let me know what you think!

Mindless & Frozen Wonderings

Well, the weather here has become a bit frigid and D-Man and I spent most of the day yesterday inside (and I'll admit, Curious George was watched a few times). At one point, I backed my SUV out of the garage, closed the garage door and we sat out there so that he could ride his new motorcycle around and around about a bazillion times. What a mom won't do for her son is unknown to me.

So, while I was sitting in the garage in my winter parka, gloves and hat, watching my breath because it was oh so cold, I had time to think about what I needed to blog about. I know you all wait anxiously for each post, wondering what words-of-wisdom or too-cute story I will tell.

Well, today you are in luck. Today, I'm going to tell you some things that make me well, ME! Most (or probably all) you won't care a thing about, but guys my brain was freezing at the time and this is all that could seep out.

1. I have a Type A personality that makes me what to control EVERYTHING and ANYTHING in my path. My sister and I butted heads all of our growing up years because being the 16-month older sister that I am, I knew WAY more about the world and she should do things my way. Sorry sis! I've learned from those mistakes (and from the cat fight we had when I was 18) and I hope you cherish our friendship as much as I do!

2. I don't like rooms or things that are left undone. For example, moving almost sends me over the edge and we've moved 5 times in the 8 years that we have been married. I don't like chaos and I want to be able to snap my fingers and everything, I mean EVERYTHING be in it's place and look good. I've learned, through the grace and patience that God shows me daily, this is not the most important thing.

3. I am a giver. I would much rather give than receive. I give 110% (or at least I feel like I do) in all relationships I'm involved in.

4. I love to run! I know, I'm crazy. But, honestly, running is a wonderful relief for me. I've run 2 half-marathons in the last 3 years and I'm hoping to run a full marathon in a year or so.

5. I live by a schedule and don't mind admitting it. Routine and schedules are a good thing in my household.

6. My family is so important to me. I'm the oldest of 5 and treasure each relationship I have with my siblings (and their spouses)!

7. I have a lot of acquaintances in my life, but a handful of friends whom I treasure so much. They help make me Amy and I love you all so much!

Well, I think that is enough for now. This post has really bored me, so I'm assuming it has probably bored you as well. Please forgive, be kind and keep reading because better posts are on the horizon!

Works for me: Dessert in a Flash

Ok, so I love me some sweets. Chocolate...my favorite. Anything dipped in chocolate...my favorite. Anything with chocolate in the recipe...probably my favorite.

So, on this the first Works-for-me Wednesday post of 2008, I thought I would give all of you out there my all time favorite cookie recipe (especially since I won't be eating any now that me and the girls have started our own "Eat Healthy" club--another post for another day).

The cookies are called No-Bake Cookies. One might also see them referred to as "Bird's Nest Cookies" or "Drop Cookies", but whatever you call them, you still don't have to bake them and you might reach your caloric intake for the week by just licking the spoon.

Now that sounds like my kind of cookie, what about you?

Anyway, the recipe is as follow:

2 cups sugar

1/2 cup milk (I use skim to cut out fat and calories)

3 TBSP cocoa

1 stick of butter (yes, that's right, sounds like a Paula Deen recipe, huh?)

Combine all of the above in a pan, stirring occasionally until butter is melted. Allow the mixture to become a rolling boil.

At this point, some might pull out there candy thermometer and watch it get to some point on the stick (which I personally never do), so instead I use the very scientific method of counting to 60 (1 Mississippi, 2 Mississippi, etc) and then shutting off my burner.

Once the heat is turned off, add the following and stir:

1 cup peanut butter (I always use the reduced fat version)

3 cups Quick Oats

1 TSP vanilla

Once all is stirred together, drop onto aluminum foil or parchment paper and allow to cool.

Then, take the pan to the sink and lick as much as you can off the spoon and the pan before reaching the sink. Once at the sink, I recommend immediately putting the pan and the spoon under running hot water to prevent you from further blowing your calorie counter for the entire millennium.

For more great Works-for-me Wednesday tips, visit Shannon's site at Rocks in my Dryer!

Living in High Cotton

Today is a very exciting today. Our own Arkansas Razorbacks and the powerhouse of Darren McFadden, Peyton Hillis, Felix Jones and many others take on Chase Daniel and the Missouri Tigers in the Cotton Bowl.

Can one wait for the game to start?

Who will be victorious?

How many yards will D-Mac rush for?

Go Hogs!

Oh, and Happy New Year Everyone! I've resolved this year to not resolve (or have resolutions) so I won't bore you with a long list I won't keep anyway.

So, eat up, put on your Razorback Red and be in front of the tv by 10:30 am to catch all of the action from Dallas.