Growing up

My baby is growing up. Getting braces is one of the main stepping stones. She is in a lot of pain but handling it like a champ. She talks a bit funny too. She looks so. much. older. She assures me she is still my baby.

Newt Gingrich takes on the liberal media

Life of Faith

A friend in our homeschool group started a Life of Faith Girl's club and invited my dd to attend. The memories came flooding back. Fifteen years ago, Little Bear (Richard) Wheeler told me about the Martha Finley books written about Elsie Dinsmore. At the time he was busily trying to reprint the series originally written in the late 1800's. So, I purchased a couple of the books and became very involved in the story line. Not being able to wait until they printed more of the books, I made a call to an antique book store in the area and asked if they had any of the original books. Um yes, they did, the entire series, most of them first printings! Wow. I ran to that store and bought the entire 28 volumes. It didn't take me long to read all of them either. My oldest dd didn't enjoy the books as much as I did but now, my youngest loves them and it is wonderful to share the books with her. The books were reprinted again with modern language and with dolls to enjoy! My dd has decided to spend her saved Disney money on an Elsie doll. I think it is a wise purchase, a constant reminder of the great character qualities Elsie demonstrates throughout the books. What fun this monthly club will be for both of us!

Let the November election come!

"But here’s a little news flash for all those reporters and commentators: I’m not going to Washington to seek their good opinion — I’m going to Washington to serve the people of this country. Americans expect us to go to Washington for the right reasons, and not just to mingle with the right people."

What a breath of fresh air! I wasn't excited about this election, matter of fact, I was depressed about it. So much of the same ole' same ole'. When John McCain chose a woman for his vp running mate - I thought it was over for sure, until I heard her. She is the new voice we need. She is the woman that will get it done and do it right. Watching the convention this week made me think the rest of the country and even John McCain is also re-energized about this election. God bless Sarah Palin! I can't wait to vote in November.

Clinique Bonus at Belk

OT: Political

I didn't mean for my blog to be political, I let my dh handle most of that, but we are about to enter another important presidential election and there are interesting facts being made known about Obama that people need to be aware of.

See the entire speech here.

Video link is here.

Family

Big word. Lots of meaning, feelings, memories - it evokes many different things. Some families are really close. They love to be together, to play together, to share some laughs, joys, problems. It is a blessing to be a part of such a family; to recognize the genuineness, the gift, the complete feeling you get being a part of it all. My dd asks, "so - if so and so is your cousin, that makes his daughter my 2nd cousin, right?" I don't know! But aren't you glad you know them? Aren't you glad you are related to them in some way? Aren't you glad you had this opportunity to make fun memories with them? I am a blessed person. I have been doubly blessed - my husband's family is close and we keep in touch and share lots of memories. But what my aunt and uncle (my dad's sister) started 30 years ago and was continued this past weekend, is amazing. (and I have the t-shirt to prove it.) It is called a family reunion but it is so much bigger than that. When family comes from all over the US to meet in a central location, spends money on gas, food and lodging to stay DAYS at a motel - that is rare, yes? It is special, unique - it is huge. Thank you Bradys for being my family. I love all of you.


update: I found the answer to my dd's question regarding 1st and 2nd cousins - and it has visual aids - needed and appreciated by people like me!!!

MLP Beauty Shop

My best little friend and constant companion is not with me - and she is missed. My dd is with her grandparents this week and momma is lonely without her. Before she left she spent hours beautifying all of her My Little Pony's tresses - it looked like a regular beauty shop - and they all very patiently waited their turn. Some are still sporting curlers waiting for the great reveal. These ponies are usually stacked in pink wicker baskets on the shelves - but we didn't have the heart to mess up their new looks and so dd displayed them so carefully on the shelves. Had to take pictures to remember the love, time and patience she put into her little toys.

I miss you baby!! Have fun!

Dreams that seem so real!

Last night I attended our college & career Wednesday Bible Study - they meet at 8 pm and go pretty late, and with an 11 yr old at home, I don't usually get to go. They are going through the Tommy Nelson Daniel DVD Bible study. It was an awesome lesson on the prophecy given to Daniel in chapter 9 regarding the 490 years. As a Christian, it gives us the validity of God's Word, the accuracy and the occurrence of this prophecy is amazing. My main observation was Daniel's role, having a first name basis with an angel from God, trusted with an important message to be given to future generations. Amazing stuff. Anyway, this was all heavily on my mind when I went to sleep and during the night I had a vivid dream where the heavens opened and Jesus was there taking me home. Exciting it is.

Haven't mentioned much on the renovation lately - it is slowly coming along. We actually did some work in the master bath so I feel like I am holding up many spinning plates, maybe too many. :) While in NJ I stopped at a thrift store and found some beautiful things - a crystal cake plate that now holds the towels in the down bath and an old teapot - repurposing again - and loving it!

So, a new issue is the cabinets - they need new paint desperately. The 20 year old oil based paint is almost yellow now. I purchased this pretty Charleston color from Sherwin Williams - it is a much brighter white than we had! I also painted the brass drawer pulls - trying to update the whole look. Any thoughts?

Field Trip

What does a homeschool family do with an unexpected business trip? Field trip! My dh had two business trips in a row and we went with him on the second one to NJ. We used the opportunity to stop at many different places along the way. New York City Times Square was a must on the list - and dd loved it! Especially the huge 3 story Toys R Us!

We stopped in D.C. and saw the monuments and the Air and Space Smithsonian Museum.

We went through Philadelphia and visited Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell - and got a parking ticket. We consider it a donation to the historic city. :)

While my dh was doing work in NJ - dd and I went over to the Atlantic Ocean and enjoyed several hours of beach fun.
On the way home dh wanted to go by his Alma mater - UNC in Chapel Hill. We drove by our first two homes as a married couple - and glad to say little had changed in 20+ years! Also glad we didn't stay on there for grad school - how different our lives might be today. It was a whirlwind and exciting trip.

Renewed like the eagle

"Bless the LORD, O my soul, And all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget none of His benefits; Who pardons all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases; Who redeems your life from the pit, Who crowns you with loving kindness and compassion; Who satisfies your years with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle." Psalm 103:1-5

Today our pastor preached an awesome message on this familiar psalm. He told about the eagle and how after it has aged it slows down, its beak becomes weak, its talons are no longer sharp and it loses its feathers making it noisy and difficult to sneak up on its prey. The eagle then goes off by itself and molts, pecks off its beak and tears its claws on the rocks. In time, new feathers, beak and talons grow in, stronger - renewed. Dr. Cox shared that other eagles, ones that had gone through the same thing, bring food to the healing eagle. What an awesome illustration of God's work in our lives and the opportunity we have to use our past experiences to help others.
If you want to check out the message you can hear it online at North Metro. (today's sermon won't show up for awhile)

Renovation update

Most of the hard work is done - except - the - toilet. That has developed into a huge problem. I asked my dd if she would mind just using that hole in the ground and she gave me the most horrified look. It's still nicer than an outhouse! Anyway, I helped my dh carry a 2000 pound (well, maybe not that heavy) toilet up the sidewalk, the porch, the stairs and down the hall. He opened the box to install it the other night and . . . it was broken. He held up a piece of porcelain for me to see. The whining started. You mean I (oh and the attitude too . . . who cares about him, he is supposed to do this stuff) have to carry this thing back to the car and then carry another one back up here!!! It was not pretty to listen to or see. (great example mom and helpmeet, NOT!) My sweetie drug that heavy thing down the stairs by his sweet self. Half the work of half the work is partially done. (stop whining now) Anyway - see? there is progress in this room. More pictures if it ever gets done when it is put together.

Daisy a day . . .

My daughter's ballet and tap dance teacher is getting married this summer. The director of the school gave two teachers a combined wedding shower and made the hall so beautiful - I took pictures of the details. Don't you love the simplicity and beauty of a daisy?

Freebies

Another opportunity to do a wonderful unit study for free! At our support group End of the Year Celebration many families displayed their work during the past year - lapbooks were some of the more proudly displayed items! Download it and save it for later if you don't have time to do it now!

And for you sports types - Johnson & Johnson is giving out samples of their ActiveFlex tape.

Countdown continues . . .

The "R" family came over to celebrate a milestone in our countdown to Disney vacation. It really makes a big difference to have friends share your excitement and joy in an upcoming event. Incredimom made an incredible (of course) dessert - that yummy topping is, uh, yes, chopped Heath candy bars. Yummmm.

This was an original piece of art displayed tonight - Chrissy R. is becoming famous for her work in acrylics.
And hey, the "R" family received a pail of very non-essentials to mark this occasion.

What a sweet night. Disney is going to be awesome.

One down!

My first "mis"treatment - I took a table runner and tablecloth and tried to make it a curtain! I loved the color and texture of this fabric - and the tassels added a neat touch. Thanks to The Nester for her great advice and encouragement! This was formerly the yellow bathroom - downstairs - now it is the blue bathroom.

Some Pooh advice . . .

When taking on a renovation project . . . remember this wise advice from Pooh Bear.

...until suddenly, OW! - and there he was, sitting in his chair with his feet in the water, and water all around him!

He splashed to his door and looked out . . .

"This is Serious," said Pooh. "I must have an Escape."