Life With The Crazies

2012-01-16T12:41:00.000-08:00

..."I am not unmindful that some of you have come here out of great trials and tribulations. Some of you have come fresh from narrow jail cells. And some of you have come from areas where your quest -- quest for freedom left you battered by the storms of persecution and staggered by the winds of police brutality. You have been the veterans of creative suffering. Continue to work with the faith that unearned suffering is redemptive. Go back to Mississippi, go back to Alabama, go back to South Carolina, go back to Georgia, go back to Louisiana, go back to the slums and ghettos of our northern cities, knowing that somehow this situation can and will be changed.

Let us not wallow in the valley of despair, I say to you today, my friends.

And so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.

I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal."

I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia, the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.

I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.

I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

I have a dream today!

I have a dream that one day, down in Alabama, with its vicious racists, with its governor having his lips dripping with the words of "interposition" and "nullification" -- one day right there in Alabama little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers.

I have a dream today!

I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, and every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight; "and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together."²

This is our hope, and this is the faith that I go back to the South with.

With this faith, we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith, we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith, we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day.

And this will be the day -- this will be the day when all of God's children will be able to sing with new meaning:

My country 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing.
Land where my fathers died, land of the Pilgrim's pride,
From every mountainside, let freedom ring!

And if America is to be a great nation, this must become true.

And so let freedom ring from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire.

Let freedom ring from the mighty mountains of New York.
Let freedom ring from the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania.
Let freedom ring from the snow-capped Rockies of Colorado.
Let freedom ring from the curvaceous slopes of California.

But not only that:

Let freedom ring from Stone Mountain of Georgia.
Let freedom ring from Lookout Mountain of Tennessee.
Let freedom ring from every hill and molehill of Mississippi.
From every mountainside, let freedom ring.

And when this happens, when we allow freedom ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual:

Free at last! Free at last!

Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!"

______________________________________________________

This inspires and humbles me every time I read it.

So thankful to celebrate this man's life today.

Nice Little Wednesday

2012-01-11T10:07:00.000-08:00

Today I spent an absurd amount of time wiping down all the walls and doors in my whole house. This fact both fascinates and repulses me. It is truly a phenomenon that I was unaware of before having children. All surfaces from three feet off the floor down is one of those dirty spots in the house that can easily be overlooked, much like baseboards and fan blade skuzz. But then one day you notice it, and it's like OH MY WORD THAT IS SO FREAKING GROSS! So I crawled on hands and knees around the house wiping all sorts of nastiness from walls, doors, kitchen cabinets. How does this even happen?

And because I have the most thoughtful daughters ever... to celebrate our clean walls, they took the stack of magazines to be recycled and made confetti... then threw it at me when I was done. Aren't they sweet?

I found these little felt heart Christmas ornaments on clearance for ten cents per pack of three. I had the genius idea that we could do something amazing with them for homemade Valentines, but now I'm a little stumped. Fresh out of spectacular ideas. Help?

I went to the UPS store to mail a package and Presley kept pretending to give the UPS guy a high five, but then pulled her hand back at the last second a 'la "too slow Joe". This happened about five times and the UPS guy fell for it every time. She thought she was the funniest gal around.

It's naptime now for the littlest, and the middle and I are watching some Tangled... a nice little Wednesday indeed.

Fresh Start

2012-01-05T18:00:00.000-08:00

I'm finally motivated enough to begin taking down the Christmas decorations. This is the very least enjoyable part of the Christmas season... packing away ornaments. It is like unpacking and doing laundry after a vacation. A necessary hassle.

Today, I got a little choked up putting away the tree. I realized that I'm not sure when I'll get to see all these sentimental ornaments again. Who knows where we'll be next Christmas, although I guess it is like that every year, for every one. We don't know what our year will hold, what plan God has for the next year in our lives. But for me, this year, it is certain that I really don't know where our family will be for Christmas 2012. I don't know when we will have our own Christmas tree in our own home. For how many years will these ornaments be in storage? It's not the decorations themselves that I will miss so much, it is the comfort... the safety, the familiarity, the tradition of it all.

I'm not an adventure seeker by nature. I don't thrive on spontaneity or uncertainty. I am not a risk taker. This whole "moving to Haiti" thing is totally and completely out of my comfort zone, a move totally orchestrated and designed by God... I'm willing to be along for the ride. So in moments like this, packing up the decorations, sending many to the yard sale pile, I am reminded of this journey that God is preparing for us, and while I am excited, it also carries some sadness of letting go of the way my life has been, compared to what it will be from here on.

Number One Fan

2012-01-04T07:00:00.000-08:00

I love Hipsters. Gary and I have great love for spotting them while we're out. They provide us with hours of amazement. We think our Mylie Mae is half hipster, based solely on her wack-a-doo fashion sense. We have a healthy respect for it.

I think we may have spotted our most favorite Hipster to date. Monday, while visiting the zoo we spotted him. It was majestic, I wanted to follow him and just look at it. Dressed in old-timey zoo keeper garb, accompanied by the prerequisite skinny jean, plus a mighty fine handle bar mustache... this guy was incredible.

Think a little bit of this...

And a whole lot of that...

With a dash of...

I really contemplated asking him to pose with the family for a picture, but I didn't want him to think I was:

a) a total nut job
b) mocking him
c) a total nut job

People really do make life more interesting. I'm so glad we're not all the same! Thank you Old-Timey Hipster Zookeeper... I am your number one fan.

Heard Around the House {December Edition}

2012-01-01T17:13:00.000-08:00

Sweetpea:
"Can I help give Presley Toilet Lessons?"

BuddyBoy:
"Mom, do you know why I like places that are way way way far away like in the country where there aren't very much people? It's because you can drive and there's no speed limit. Can six year olds drive out in the country far far away?"

2011-12-23T00:00:00.000-08:00

Seven

2011-12-21T22:15:00.000-08:00

My precious Buddy Boy,

Today you are seven years old. Years. I just really can't believe how fast these years have come and gone. I feel so blessed to be your mom, and at times feel totally incompetent to mother you. You are so smart. It is ridiculous. There will be a day, in the not so distant future, when I just won't have the answers to your questions. You are such a thinker. You are also really really funny, and we get the same jokes. You're pretty clever. You're also really really spontaneous. That's my nice way of saying that you lack a lot of self-control and are impulsive. I'm praying that God will use this trait somehow, and that you'll gain some self-control with maturity. There will be a day, when I will miss your random cartwheels down the aisle at Target, or in line at Chipotle, but right now it's pretty annoying. But I still love you.

You love God. And for this I am so thankful. I know that things in this world will try to tear your faith down, and damage your innocence. Despite this, and probably because of it, I pray everyday for you, that you will grow strong in the Lord. I have believed since your big personality began to take shape, that God has big plans for you. My prayer is that you will work for and love God in whatever He has planned for your life. I think you're amazing, and God has gifted you with so many talents. Stay humble. Serve others. Love God first.

You are so special to me Noah Loyal. I became a mother because of you. My heart swells with love for you. Your eighth year will be a big one, sweet sweet boy.

Love,

Mom

Birth day

12/21/04

First Birthday

Bright blue eyes, big kissable lips, and one sweet cowlick

Second Birthday

Such a ham

Third Birthday

Pretending to be shy while people were singing to you... you even told me you were pretending

Fourth Birthday

Fifth Birthday

Birthday trip to Disneyland with just mom and dad... with a stop in Cabazon where you pretended to be a baby T-Rex... this is my favorite picture of you ever. It so captures your personality.

Sixth Birthday

Same crazy cowlick and awesome smile

Seventh Birthday

Baby teeth are gone... and the awkward phase begins. I still think you're handsome.

Heard Around the House {November Edition}

2011-12-01T07:21:00.000-08:00

Sweetpea
"Mommy, you look beautiful... just like a pirate."
"I'll feel my bike's muscles. Yeah, it needs air." {... as in the tires need air}

Buddy Boy
{waking me up in my face at 1:00am}"Mom, what treat do you think I should have with my lunch tomorrow?"

This photo isn't from November, but it was too funny not to share. Sign reads: "I Love Giselle?"

He went to a Diamondbacks game with the sole intention to declare his love for fellow first grader Giselle, who would also be at the game... on the Jumbo-tron. And he did. Sure enough, the cameraman spotted him, took pity on his plight, and gave him about 30 seconds of air time, every second of which he stood proudly holding his sign.

How about you?

2011-11-30T13:32:00.000-08:00

The thing about having a passion for something, is usually one wants to share that passion. And we want others to understand this passion, and adopt it as their own, usually. Ever talked to a homeschooling mama? Or a mom devoted to public education? How about a vegetarian versus a vegan? What about a passionate Harry Potter, Twilight, or Star Wars fan? There are many things that others are passionate about, and I get it, great for you. Then when it comes to something I'm passionate about, I get all crazy. I want to convince YOU why it should be your passion too. Then, when it inevitably doesn't become something you're passionate about, I get all hurt and judge-y. This is wrong, and I'm sorry.

I'm so thankful for a God who gives me freedom. Freedom to choose what things in life to be passionate for. I'm learning, through some great Godly mentors in my life, that these things that are important in my life, those passions of mine, must go through a filter of sorts. Those things that take my time, effort, attention could be good BUT...

- Will it lead to freedom, or to slavery?
- Will it make me a stumbling block, or a stepping stone for others?
- Will it build me up, or tear me down?
- Will it only please me, or will it glorify Christ?
- Will it help me win the lost, or turn them away from the truth?

and most importantly, Is it my passion, or is it God's passion?

So, what am I passionate about? Loving those who are hurting. Destitute. Hopeless. Alone. Helpless. And I can confidently say that I know God is passionate about this too, because God is all about love.

This puts me in a tough spot sometimes. I know that this is a God inspired passion in my life, and He wants it for all who call themselves Christians. BUT... it will look different in each person's life, and I have to be okay with that. In a round about way, this is related to how I feel right now about Christmas, and more specifically... Christmas spending.

So. I promise not to get all soap-boxy and judge-y. I'm simply presenting my passion to you. Take it or leave it. Would you consider learning more about this alternative approach to the All-American Christmas Spectacular?

{Resources for Christmas Shopping that Gives Back from Rage Against the Minivan or a post I did a few weeks ago}

{Excess for Africa}

True Love

2011-11-18T16:07:00.000-08:00

Buddy Boy has been asking for some snuggle time in the evenings. I was worried that he was growing out of this, but here he is, almost seven and still wanting some mom lovin' even when just hours earlier he pretended to be embarrassed by me at school. As we snuggled on the couch, he told me, "I bet you don't love me as much as I love you, cause' that would just be impossible."

Before I even had a chance to get teary, he burped right in my face... but also had the decency to blow it in the opposite direction of my nostrils. That, folks, is true love in boy language.

How is it even possible this picture was taken two years ago?!?

This and That

2011-11-14T15:12:00.000-08:00

Every once in a blue moon I check out the google stats about my blog... how people found our blog, what country people are from who visited, search engine phrases that someone typed that led to a link to this blog. Here are the weirdest search engine phrases this month that someone typed that led to this blog:

1. "No fruit." Probably because of this post from last year.

2. "My husband is awesome." Probably because my husband is awesome.

3. "Lumberjacks rock my world." Probably because of this shindig... lumberjack isn't normally a part of my everyday vernacular, nor do they rock my world.

This girl is one now. I haven't written anything about it yet because I'm still living in denial. And she's walking. And that makes me sad, because I love her little baby self.

Photos by the amazing Christina Hendrick Photography

And these Crazies just make me laugh. They're nutty. Here's some Transformer that I don't know the name of but Buddy Boy knows everything about, Fancy Nancy, and some cute recorder flute playing little fancy baby... on Halloween night.

Happy Monday to you!

Gift Guide With a Purpose {2011}

2011-11-11T14:23:00.000-08:00

I am very much a non-technology person. I don't have a cool phone. I don't text. I don't understand what in the world a gigabyte is. But the one thing that I do like about these here interwebs, is that I can be a part of helping someone across the world, whom I will never meet, provide for their family. The internet can help a person sell their wares to a huge global market, it expands the opportunity to earn money outside their own communities, and we get to participate.

Would you consider purchasing a Christmas gift that also gives back to someone who is working to provide life's basic necessities? We all know that the CEOs of Target do not need more money.

I really love handmade. The more unique and one of a kind the better. Here is a short list of where we have purchased gifts this year. I encourage you to read the stories about each company when you visit their websites. And if you are in my family, prepare yourself to LOVE your gifts this year!!!

{Women At Risk International}

{Haitian Creations}

{Sseko Designs}

{31 Bits}

{Red Earth Trading Co.}

{Provision Coffee}

If you're local to the Phoenix area... you can pick this up at The Grove Coffee Shop

{Krochet Kids International}

If you have another suggestion for a fair trade, socially responsible, place to make a purchase, please leave the link in the comments. You can give a unique and amazing gift, and feel good about how that money is being used at the same time.

Haiti Update

2011-11-06T15:56:00.000-08:00

It seems like I've been at a loss for words for updating about our trip to Haiti, and our moving plans. I can't guarantee that this post will sound pretty, or even well thought out, but I figure that I at least need to write something.

Gary and I traveled to Haiti on October 17th. With us was Paul Gunther, our Missions Pastor from church, and Heidi, who works with Food For the Hungry (FH from here on...). Other than getting the building plans approved for the church in Lespinasse, we didn't really have a clear plan what our trip would include. Ultimately, it was for me to visit Haiti and make sure I didn't have a total freak out and change my mind about the move. Also, so we could work out a little more clearly what we would be doing when we moved there. Fortunately, I didn't freak out, and we feel like this trip only confirmed our desire to move to Haiti full time.

Day one was mostly a travel day. When we arrived, the field liaison for FH picked us up from the airport and took us to the guest house to drop our stuff off. Now before we get to that part... I just want to touch on the driving in Port-au-Prince. Gary had told me that the driving was crazy, roads were nuts, people everywhere, yada, yada, yada... and frankly I just underestimated him. It was bonkers. No rules free for all, with lots of pedestrians and games of chicken while passing into oncoming traffic. We spent the rest of the day visiting the FH offices and walking to Hot & Fresh for dinner. I ate a questionable "cheeseburger".

This is Bonita and her baby Wilda. Bonita was in the middle of braiding Wilda's hair when we arrived at her house, and the baby did not like it one bit. I think she was happy that we arrived so she could have a break. Gary visited them in March when Wilda was just a few weeks old.

Day two was one of my favorite days. We headed out of the city up to the community of Lespinasse. It is quite the drive. We had a paved road about half the way, then it was some of the roughest driving I've ever experienced in my life... while high on a mountainside... with not a whole lot standing in the way between us and that really long fall down. I popped some Dramamine, so it was kind of fun. Once we reached Pastor Felix's house. We had some introductions, I got to use the the four creole words that I know, then we were off to visit some of the community members' houses. For the next three hours or so, we sat under the tent that serves as the church, with members who serve on a committee of community leaders. It was fascinating and exciting to sit a meeting that was entirely translated back and forth between English and creole, to work together planning a building project that will serve as their church, community center, and medical clinic. I'm so excited to be a part of what God is doing here!

This is Wilfred, Bonita, and baby Wilda's house.

Meeting with community leaders about their building project

Day three was spent briefly at The Good Neighbor Orphanage in Port-au-Prince. There are thirty children who live and go to school here. Johnny, the director, has purchased land to move the children to a bigger facility to house a few more children. During the next year, the construction will continue and they hope to move next October. They will keep this location to continue schooling some local children, as well as having church here for community members. Currently, they host a college student for a few months here and there to teach English at the school. English instruction isn't consistent, and only for a few months at a time if they're lucky. Gary spoke to Johnny about the potential for me to teach English at the school, and for Gary to help around the orphanage with kids and the move. We will be working with Johnny in the coming months to figure out how we will plug into working here as well. After we left the orphanage, we drove back up to Lespinasse, stopping for lunch at the Baptist Mission. What a view!!! We spent more time with Pastor Felix and his family, then headed back down to PAP. We met up with some of the in-country personnel from FH for dinner, and experienced the craziness of what happens when a downpour hits the already crazy streets.

The chair is bad.

Baptist Mission

View from our table at lunch

Baptist Mission

We're in this man's house. He has five children. My bathroom is bigger, and yet he smiles.

The next morning, we woke up early, literally to the rooster next door crowing (the same rooster, incidentally, who crowed all night regardless of the time), and headed to the airport. A little bonus, we got upgraded to first class from Port-au-Prince to Ft. Lauderdale. It felt a little wrong, but the guilt faded pretty quick once they served me my hot towel (what are you supposed to do with it?!? I had a Wedding Singer moment) and the newest episode of The Office.

Such dorks... us unable to hide our excitement in first class. It was like a second honeymoon.

Since being home, we have met again with our church leadership and have decided to proceed next month with more meetings, plans for a January visit, fundraising, etc. Also, we have a more clear move date... "Summer 2012"... a little vague, but will have to do for now. We continue to seek God's guidance in all of our decisions, and to not let fear dictate what we know God is asking us to do.

Thank you so much for joining with us with your prayers and reading this little blog!

Heard Around the House {October Edition}

2011-10-31T16:37:00.000-07:00

Buddy:

{to a Grandma who shall remain anonymous} "Have you ever considered a Lifestyle Lift?"

"That's a big zit mom. I'm so glad I have perfect skin." {I will remind him of this in 9 years.}

Sweetpea:

"Do you know I'm in love with Noah?... I'm in love with him."

"Do you know what PK should be for Halloween? Justin Bieber."

Treat Yo' Self

2011-10-27T12:59:00.000-07:00

I could so use one of these. Who's with me?

A Pin A Day {4}

2011-10-11T14:11:00.000-07:00

Two words: Glow Sticks

We pulled out a ton of quilts from the closet, and set up the world's hottest fort using the dining chairs. It was stifling in there. Especially with six year old boy sweat and four year old stank breath just making the air in there even thicker. I lasted two minutes, but the Crazies spent hours in there. The glow sticks accompanied them into the bath, then more glowy goodness in their fort. Our family room was totally trashed, but $5 worth of glow sticks and a whole bundle of patience from me with the aforementioned messiness, it was well worth the time and energy. We'll call this one a success.

A Pin A Day {3}

2011-10-06T15:01:00.000-07:00

If you're just catching up, we're spending Buddy's Fall Break knocking out at least one activity or project from Pinterest every day during his break from school. Catch Day 1 and Day 2 {HERE} and {HERE}.

Today, we stamp painted with okra. It was very easy, with about 30 seconds of prep work. You need about 4-5 pieces of okra, cut in half or thirds and some tempera paint. Buddy Boy thought the stamped shape looked like a soccer ball, and Sweetpea thought it looked like a flower. I voted for a wagon wheel, but I think we're all right.

The Crazies had mixed reviews of this project. It was just okay. Buddy actually stopped midway through the painting to catch up on his written correspondence with his soon to be cousin (be expecting a letter soon Aunt Katie!). Sweepea went the distance and painted two pictures. She loved it. My conclusion: it was great for a four year old, but left a busy six year old (boy!) in boredom with the desire for more action (which he later found climbing the walls, literally, in our hallway). It was super easy though, so I didn't feel like I put a whole lot of effort into something that only lasted about 30 minutes.

A Pin A Day {2}

2011-10-05T06:56:00.000-07:00

In honor of my college friend Julie, we made Crazy Cake today. Now, this isn't technically something I found on Pinterest, but it's on there now. I went to college in San Diego at good ol' PLNU. My friend Julie's parents lived in Vista, about an hour away, so occasionally we went there to be fed :) It was there that I learned the deliciousness that is Crazy Cake. It is all made in one pan, so there's very little mess. If you want to get really crazy, you can throw in a few Junior Mints to the batter like we would do every now and again, so so good.

A Pin A Day {Day 2}

{Crazy Cake}
You'll need: 3C flour, 2C sugar, 1/3C unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 tsp salt, 2 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp vanilla, 2 tsp white vinegar, 3/4C oil, 2C water

To Make: mix all dry ingredients in 9x13" pan using a fork, create three wells in the powder mixture. In first well, pour vinegar. In second well, pour vanilla. In third well, pour oil. Cover the entire mix with water. Stir with fork. Bake at 350 for 40 minutes. We like to frost with a simple buttercream, or even just dust with powdered sugar. Mmmm....

We're bringing back the "thumbs up" around here, so Buddy Boy gives his stamp of approval.

A Pin A Day {1}

2011-10-04T12:06:00.000-07:00

The Boy is off of school for two weeks. We're taking the bull by the horns and Pinteresting our way through Fall Break. The goal is to actually do all of those fun things that I have been found online.

Side note: Do you brides of today know how good you have it? I mean really. If I could go back and replan my wedding using Pinterest... my wedding would be about seventy three bajillion times cooler at probably half the cost.

But I digress...

We are going to do one new super cool activity a day for the entire Fall Break from what I have found on Pinterest.

A Pin A Day {Day 1}

Homemade Sidewalk Chalk Paint
2 Tbs Cornstarch
4 Tbs Water
Food Coloring (8-10 drops, but we went a little wild)

What I found was that in this desert we live in... the water evaporated way too quick, so we need to add more water.

The Crazies' Verdict: Loved it. We will probably do this again several more times this week.

And I don't know about you, but how can you be in a bad mood when you pull up into your driveway and are greeted with all this bright artwork from your kids?! I just love it!

Heard Around the House {September Edition}

2011-09-30T00:00:00.000-07:00

Buddy Boy:
"When PK turns one, how come we won't call her an 'old-born'?"

"Mom, you're not exactly my favorite mom. You're like number one, but I like lots of other moms."

"Can I have more goat. That was scrumptious."

Sweetpea:

"Mom, you know in the olden days there were bad guys called syrup and french fries. And also, chocolate sauce and magnets."

"I love Jesus. He's like my favorite guy."

{after telling Gary that we were going to 'kill two birds with one stone' during errands...} "Then, we're going to cook them, and eat them."

...And this gal, well she doesn't have much to say yet. She did get so stinkin' filthy this week eating lunch that I had to put her in the tub fully dressed. And she was just so pleased with herself.

He Sets the Orphan Free

2011-09-28T07:21:00.000-07:00

Many people are praying for this sweet boy, Moses in Haiti, to find loving parents. If you or someone you know might adopt this precious boy, please {go here to read more}.

Weird Dream

2011-09-26T16:26:00.001-07:00

We arrive in Haiti, only to be immediately escorted to a hotel, in which we are forbidden to turn on the lights once we reach our room. Oddly, I'm okay with that. We climb into bed, and as I drift off to sleep, Sasquatch suddenly opens the sliding glass door from the patio and peeks in. I scream, he runs off, I go to the door to see where he's going. I lose sight of him, so I casually go back to bed. Gary is still just laying there in bed, soundly asleep. Typical. I can't seem to fall back asleep because the air conditioner is cranked up and freezing me out. I get up to turn it down, only to awaken, in real life, standing in the hallway trying to adjust the thermostat.

Weird weird dream I tell you. Also, my first experience with sleepwalking.

Blame Her

2011-09-15T16:35:00.000-07:00

This little cutie may look innocent, but she's just been crowned World's Worst Napper.

In case you're wondering, naptime was my break time, my blogging time, my Sweetpea time, my crafting time, my non-baby wearing time. But alas, she has thrown this out the window with the not sleeping...that and her constant need for love and food.

An update on our moving plans...

Gary and I will be traveling to Haiti in October. This trip was originally planned for September. We hope to begin looking for housing and schooling for the kids, visit a few of the areas we'll be serving in, and such. Our house has a few offers on it, definitely a good sign, but we're not packing yet... not until it's a done deal. We still don't have an exact move date, and that seems to be driving everyone nuts except for us. Let's just say "Spring 2012" for all you type-A's out there.

Gary ~~was forced~~ had the pleasure to film a short video that they played in church on Sunday about the big move. He said he did NOT want to watch himself up on the big screen because he felt like he didn't even know what words were coming out of his mouth. I have to tell you, as one of the hundreds who got to watch his video debut... God must have shown up during editing, because he did a great job.

This weekend, we'll be attending the Serve the World dinner at The Grove, where we'll feast on treats from Liberia, Malawi, Thailand, and Haiti. Rumor has it that we'll be serving up a real live (dead?) goat a la' Haiti. Yum.

Barefoot Sunday

2011-09-13T13:33:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday was one of those days that remind me of why I love Sundays so much. And I love the community of people that make up my church... flawed, broken, loving, caring people who are not perfect, but love Christ.

It was Barefoot Sunday... an annual tradition at our church when you where your best or most favorite shoes, and leave them behind to be shipped to Liberia, Malawi, and now Haiti. Then, you go home (or to Chipotle, in our case) barefoot. The premise is not only to give shoes to someone who actually needs a pair of shoes, but also to experience the discomfort, and maybe even shame, of being barefooted. We, along with some great friends, headed to Chipotle after church. The asphalt in the parking lot was hot, it is Arizona you know. It was every man (or child) for himself as we literally ran into the restaurant with burning feet. It did feel a little embarrassing charging in with four adults and seven kids, all sans shoes, to a non-hillbilly dining establishment. It probably got a little worse when I had to take Sweetpea into the ladies' room... bare feet and public restroom floors. I'll let that sink in for all you germ-a-phobs.

Let's face it, a pair of shoes will not change some one's life when they receive them, but it is a simple act of love, of kindness, God's love. Thousands of pairs of shoes were collected that day, and I pray that lives will be changed because of Jesus Christ, for the giver and receiver of each pair.

One Step Closer

2011-09-06T13:37:00.000-07:00

Last week, our house officially went on the market. The good news is, our house has already been shown about a bajillion times. Although I love a clean house, trying to LIVE in a perfectly clean house with three children is just about the most work ever. I have also had to vacate the house a lot during the day. We've made a lot of trips to Target, wandering her aisles hour after hour, so at this point, even Target is loosing it's appeal... a fact that I once thought was impossible.

Maybe if you're as nosy as me, you're curious about what other people's houses look like on the inside. So, here's a peek. Oh, and it's also to document my clean house, because that folks, is also a pretty newsworthy event.

Family Room

Kitchen

Dining Room/Playroom/Office combo

Buddy Boy's room

Hall bath/Master bath

Girls' Room

Master bedroom

I'll be thrilled when we make it over this major hurdle!!!

Heard Around the House {August Edition}

2011-09-01T13:00:00.000-07:00

I love how God gives children the gift of being really really funny, because there are times that it is some great comic relief, relief from their naughtiness. I sure do love these crazies. Although I think my kids say funny things everyday, these are some highlights from August.

Sweetpea:

{to the baby} "Get out of my room, this isn't childcare."

"Mom, do you know why my fingers are so cute? They're magical."

Buddy Boy:
{first thing getting into the car during pickup from school}
"Natasha tried to kick me in the bowls. What are bowls?"

"Dad, how did Darth Vadar get electrocuted?"

Babycakes:
"Kisses" (pinky promise, this gal's first word is kisses, which she says often, then kisses her babies or stuffed animals. She's kinda stingy with the Mama and Daddy kisses, but will lay a nice juicy one on her brother as often as he'll let her)

Monday Randoms {and an update}

2011-08-22T14:05:00.000-07:00

Gary and I will be traveling to Haiti next month. Our goals while there are to begin looking at housing and possibly schooling options, as well as traveling to Lespinasse to visit Pastor Felix. We will review the building plans with him for the new church and community center. Maybe we'll also get approval to start building. You know how it's all complicated and stuff in the U.S. to build? Purchasing land, zoning issues, permits, code compliance, contractors and the like? Well, I've been told that all we must do before building begins is get approval from the town's mayor or head person, then a verbal okay and handshake are sufficient.

Architect Jack DeBartelo and Pastor Felix (far right), dreaming up the new church home

I'm also trying to begin to start coordinating my family's attire for family pictures. In a normal family picture, I attempt to style us with what already exists in our closets, only to get frustrated and go into a frantic last ditch effort hours before we are set to go, then resort to wearing something that instantly I am disappointed in. This is really vain and super lame, I know. I am determined to have a picture that I LOVE. But here's my conundrum: our picture will not only serve as our Christmas card pic, but also as the family picture that gets plastered everywhere as the "support this missionary family" pic.

So, requirements for the 2011 Krull Family Picture are:

1. make me not cringe out of embarrassment for not losing those 15+ pounds that I promised myself I would lose

2. Capture all three kids adorable-ness (that one's a piece of cake)

3. Receive Gary's approval

4. It can't be too polished or flashy ("support this super high maintenance family, they're going to be 'missionaries'"... not the impression we're trying to give)

5. It can't be too tattered and pathetic ("support this poor martyr missionary family"... also not the impression we're seeking)

6. I want it to be colorful, and unique

This is kind of a lot of requirements of one simple family picture, don't you think? I'm also mildly ashamed that I'm putting so much thought and energy into this. Not ashamed enough to keep it to myself and not post on the Internet, but still.

Proof

2011-08-15T09:11:00.000-07:00

Proof that the true identity of my baby's father is the Incredible Hulk,

or that babies do, indeed, grow overnight.

Why Not You?

2011-08-08T10:17:00.000-07:00

Several people have asked what has inspired, motivated us to make the decision to move to Haiti. Other than uh... the Bible and God Himself placing this desire in our hearts, the following books and reading have given us a lot of insight:

Don't Complicate the Missionary Call

by David Sitton

I was never called to be a missionary, nor was I drafted. I volunteered. No special call was needed. I chose to go; I wanted to go; I was compelled to go. And where I go is always determined by an open Bible and a stretched-out map of the regions where Christ is still unknown and un-praised!

I chuckle when I hear missionaries and pastors talk about “surrendering to the call” of ministry. I always want to ask, “After you surrendered, were you water-boarded, or just hauled off in handcuffs and leg irons.” Was it really necessary for you to be abducted by a heavenly vision before you would go into the work of the gospel?

The missionary call is not like a prison dog that tracks us down, sniffs us out, and hog-ties us for the nations. That is silly-talk and really bad theology. Nowhere in Scripture is a mysterious (supernatural) call a prerequisite before we can respond to the Great Commission. The opposite is actually true.

Don’t Wait for a Call

No aspect of mission is more bogged down with extra-biblical baggage than the “missionary call.” The clear command of Christ “to go” should be, by itself, sufficient to set you on your way “into all the world. . . proclaiming the gospel to the whole creation” (Mark 16:15). You can’t go wrong by trying to go. Trust the Lord to direct your moving feet. If you are convinced of your “call” to “stay”, this will only serve as added confirmation that you are right. Don’t fear the risk of ending up some place the Lord doesn’t want you. Too many already took that “risk” when they assumed a stateside ministry or vocation with no confirmation other than their own desires.

Dramatic calls to ministry are the exception. If you have it in your heart to go, then go. Then, lean on the sovereignty of God to get you where he wants you in the harvest. Don’t worry about “running ahead of God.” You aren’t that quick!

Try to Go

Paul tried to go into Asia, but the Lord wouldn’t let him. He then tried to go to Bithynia, but was “kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia.” Still, he kept trying to go. I count at least six cities in Acts 16 where Paul tried to take the gospel. It was only then that the Lord gave him a vision of the Macedonian. He woke up the next morning and immediately headed for the regions north, having “concluded that God had called them to preach the gospel in Macedonia.

The heavenly vision wasn’t a “call” to mission, it was specific guidance for missionaries that were already going.

The point? Don’t complicate the missionary call. Get radical with the going and God will get radical in the specific guiding.

David Sitton is the founder and president of To Every Tribe Ministries. David is a career church planting missionary who lived and worked in Papua New Guinea for 16 years, making first gospel contact with several headhunting, cannibalistic tribes.

Other books we recommend:

When Helping Hurts

by Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert

Radical

by David Platt

God Can't Sleep

by Palmer Chinchen

Also, True Religion by Palmer Chinchen

Secret Society

2011-08-04T09:30:00.000-07:00

I'm talking about the secret society of the Parent Pick-Up Line at Buddy's school. Crazy. It's like the Lord of the Flies. There is this unwritten hierarchy, unspoken rules and expectations. I was a teacher for ten years, and honestly, I didn't know this even existed until this week. Buddy started first grade in public school. It is a medium sized school of about 500 kids. No joke, parents start lining up in their cars one hour before school lets out. One Hour. That's five hours a week of just sitting in their cars waiting for their precious to walk out the door. I have some opinions about this.

To adequately describe this phenomenon, I would need a diagram. There is this labyrinth of parking lots, one way streets, circular drives, and drop off curbs. Some are designated for teachers, visitors, buses, some for daycare vans, and others for parents picking up or dropping off (Curb A, Curb B). None of which are labeled with any sort of signage. And despite my best efforts, I could not get a reasonable explanation from any of the five teachers or administrators that I asked on how the system worked prior to the first day. I am now intent on drafting up a pamphlet on the workings of the drop off/pick up for future first timers. It was that complicated... and I do consider myself educated and with slightly more smarts than my first grader.

What's more embarrassing: my diagram, or the fact that I actually made a diagram? The answer is a little fuzzy. It's okay if you still don't understand how the whole system works, I'll be offering a one hour seminar to explain the whole process.

After being yelled at by the Childtime Daycare Van Driver (I'm exaggerating, he was fairly nice), for waiting at the wrong end of the curb in pickup area "B", I figured out the system by following another car, hoping she knew what she was doing, and she did.

Say Wha?

2011-07-25T10:52:00.000-07:00

How can this boy be in first grade already? And why in the world is school starting in July? It's summer for Pete's Sake!?!

Last night, we had our Krull's 2nd Annual Back to School Celebration Dinner. Buddy Boy picked the menu; beans and rice and fresh corn on the cob. What can I say, he's easy. We had a special back to school cake too, Funfetti with lemon butter cream frosting. After dinner, we had a rousing game of ABC Bingo, and then early bedtimes for all. It was a delightful evening.

I cried this morning. After numerous pictures, I left my baby at a new school for his first day of First Grade. Then I cried my way to the car.

Adventures In Obtaining a Passport

2011-07-11T11:38:00.000-07:00

I had an expired passport with my maiden name on it. It had zero stamps in it, a fact I blame on my brother... but that's another story. With the upcoming trip to Haiti, I needed to get a new one. I woke up one morning totally motivated to check this task off my list. Here are the factors that contributed to my lack of motivation:

1. It is hot. Like 118 degrees hot.
2. I have three Crazies who would be accompanying me.
3. Two out of three Crazies are in carseats.
4. This errand included two stops, in and out of the car.
5. One stop included a trip through a security check-point.

Are you seeing why this took some initiative on my part? I hope you will empathize.

Okay. So I woke up early, and actually did my hair and make-up, and got dressed in something besides work out clothes. I got all three kids fed and dressed so we could be out the door by 8:30 to beat the searing desert heat. First stop was Walgreens to get my passport pictures taken (hence the hair and make-up). In and out in ten minutes with no crying. We're off to a great start! Next stop, Superior Court building. I find my way to the parking lot... again a success, as I'm prone to getting lost. Everyone out of the car, Babycakes in the stroller. We walk to the building only to be rejected by the "Employee Only Entrance, Public Entrance on South Side of the Building" sign. I have to make a quick decision, load everyone back up (refold the stroller and strap two into carseats again), OR walk the quarter mile around to the other side. We walk. Determined to keep the mood light and be the optimist... I counter every complaint about heat and length of this trek with lighthearted encouragement and promises of a trip to Dunkin' Doughnuts if we can make it through with good attitudes. That's right, I bribed them. We make it to the opposite side of the building and make it through security. I reopen the stroller, get my bag from the xray machine and we're off to the passport office. Feeling pretty smug that I have remembered all the crucial paperwork, including my checkbook, the lovely receptionist gives me the necessary application. I settle into the waiting room, filling out the paperwork while simultaneously feeding the wee one and entertaining the big ones. I get back in line, only to get stuck behind the woman who is arguing with the same receptionist about her current felony charge and why would it be on her criminal record forever... pipes up my eldest, "Mom, what's a felony?"... "Is she a thief?" *Loudly* Stern mom laser beam eyes eventually get him to zip it. Finally, felon gives up and I get to turn in my paperwork and $110.00. Government employee tells me my face it too big. "Excuse me?" "Your face in the picture... it's too big. You'll need to get new photos." Sweet. So that ten bucks I dropped at Walgreens with the expert passport photo taker didn't ensure me quality passport photos? I get to take the gang back to get new ones? Excellent. The good news is, I can process my application without it, and send it new ones through the mail. I open my check-book to fork over the moolah only to discover it is empty. No new checks. Seriously? Government Employee actually laughs at me, in pity. "You'll have to come back again with a check."

Take two this morning. Hair and make-up. Back to Walgreens. Back to the Courthouse. This time, we had what I'll dub a "security mishap"... I go through the metal detector first carrying the babe. I wait on the other side for Sweetpea to come through... then.... Buddy shouts through to me (standing next to the man with the badge and gun)... "Mom, what size bomb do you think will blow this place up? Like a hand grenade?" No joke. Every person within shouting distance spins around to look at the kid who just dropped the "B" word while going through security. We had to have a private talk about that one. With a screaming baby in tow, we make it through the first stop at reception, and then settle in to wait the hour and fifteen minutes until my name is called. Government Employee number two asks me, first thing, "Why did you come here to get your passport?" "Ummmmm, where else should I have gone?" "Why didn't you just mail in your application, it's just a renewal with a name change. You could have just mailed it in."

Why lady? I'm just a glutton for punishment, that's why.

The Official Announcement, Part Two

2011-07-07T10:48:00.000-07:00

For Part One of "The Official Announcement"... go {HERE}

Later that Sunday evening, I was working in the garage. Gary had finished putting the Crazies to bed, and joined me. We were both silent, because we knew. He said, "so we're going to Haiti I think". Was Palmer even serious? We agreed to bring it to God and then go talk to Paul Gunther (Missions Pastor at The Grove). We waited about a week. I think I rollercoastered through every emotion possible. Honestly, it was mostly sadness, grieving the "loss" of what I thought my life might look like. Yes, I still felt sadness even though I know we're following God's plan. Other emotions included fear and excitement.

The next week Gary went to talk with Paul, to get a feel if this was really even a possibility right now. It was. The following week Gary and I met with Palmer and Paul. I got the feeling at first that they were a little skeptical, were we really serious? They must have a lot of people from our church come to them and tell them they want to move to another country, but never follow through. We shared our hearts. They were very encouraging and excited at the possibility, and we left with a short term plan to next meet with the mission board.

We told our families our plans, our hopes. There were mixed reactions, mostly positive, some non-descript, like they were still processing this information and didn't quite know what to think. We waited a month until the mission board was scheduled to meet. During this time, we didn't really tell anyone, besides family and close friends, about this possible move.

Last month we met with the mission board and are now prepared to move ahead. We have several things to work on before another meeting next month, then Gary and I will travel to Haiti in September for a short trip, my first trip to Haiti!!

Have you noticed there is no definitive move date? That's because there isn't one yet. We will share more as we learn more, so please continue to check back to the blog for updates and prayer requests. If you'd like to subscribe so that you will have automatic notifications we the blog is updated, you can click on the follow button to the right (if you have a google account, follow on the top option, if you have a facebook account, follow on the bottom option under "followers").

So that's where we're at today. We get a lot of questions, many of them similar in nature. We'll post some answers to the frequently asked questions soon.

And lastly, THANK YOU for all of the encouraging comments, emails, facebook messages, and voicemails. It has been so uplifting for us and we feel so supported already.

The Official Announcement

2011-07-05T11:02:00.000-07:00

Let me preface this announcement with the following:

We are open to what God is doing, even changes to the plans we are pursuing. We respect the wisdom and guidance of the Pastors in our life and know that without God in this decision, it will not happen. Please join our family in prayer, as we know the plans we are making may change throughout this process. We are not making this announcement to gain anything, we simply want to share what God is doing, and to ask that you pray for us, because we are not adequate on our own. We know that you may have an opinion about our decision, but we ask that if you choose to share, that it will be with kindness and in love.

...so please read the following through the lens of this disclaimer.

We're moving to Haiti.

This has not been a hasty decision, nor an easy one as you can imagine. About three years ago, I began praying for God to use me, to use our family. I wanted desperately to give myself completely, without reservation. I really had no idea how on earth I could be used by God, aside from being the best wife and mother I could. So I prayed for the finances for me to become a stay at home mom. I knew that with all earthly understanding, this was pretty close to impossible for our family, the money just didn't add up. But I prayed. As the year progressed, God sparked a tiny little ember within me that maybe I could even do more. I kind of doubted God. My skill set is kind of limited. I'm a total introvert. I'm not a Bible scholar, theologian, or even wise. I have social anxiety, not really a people person (and God is kinda a lot about people!!). I just prayed. Meanwhile, Gary was praying the same prayer. About two years into this change, we started talking more about it, praying more, reading more. God was changing our hearts desires. A year ago, God provided for me to stay at home full time. Honestly, I didn't think this would ever work out, and sometimes I still don't know how our money stretches far enough sometimes. And so our faith began to grow, to understand that God can do what is impossible. It was around this time when Gary and I considered the possibility of a move out of the country, to full time ministry. Maybe Liberia, or Malawi? And mostly we just prayed and waited. It felt like a huge step just getting to the point where we were willing to go anywhere God asked us to go. We prayed we would know when and where, when the time came.

This past March, Gary went on a short term mission trip with our church to Haiti. When he got home, he shared with me that it was a really good experience, but there was NO WAY Haiti was for us, but reaffirmed for us that we were willing to move to another culture, to a far away land, to live for Jesus.

About two weeks later, our church service was a small recap of the Haiti trip. Our Pastor, Palmer Chinchen, spoke on a related topic of going to serve people who were broken and hurting. Then in his very last sentence, he landed the blow that would change our family's trajectory in life. He said, "I'm looking for a family, from right here at The Grove, who would be willing to move to Haiti. I believe there is a family right here who will go." Arrow straight to my heart. A sledgehammer even. Gary and I locked eyes, then looked away from each other. We didn't mention it again. We both knew he was talking about us, what the other was thinking. I was scared, and my heart was beating fast.

To be continued in part 2, tomorrow...

RIP Santa

2011-07-04T10:53:00.000-07:00

Happy Independence Day! Here in the Krull household, we're keeping it festive by laying around in our pj's until it gets to the absolute pinnacle of scorchy-ness and then we'll venture outside for the fireworks this evening.

Seemingly out of the blue, Buddy walks up to me and asks, "Is Santa real?" We of course are totally composed and ready for such a question, as evidenced in our honest replies of, "Uh... I dunno." (Gary) and "Ummmm, why do you ask what are you thinking what?" (me). So then I launch into a nervous laugh, we look at each other and shrug, then I just spit out the truth. We saw this coming, when he asked about the Easter bunny in April and we gave him the honest to goodness lowdown. We shouldn't have been shocked. But really, what child on earth is thinking about Christmas on the fourth of July when it is 110 degrees in the shade?

Circa 2007, at the height of believing

Delicious, but Sad

2011-06-24T10:00:00.000-07:00

Some of our dearest and closest friends are moving to Michigan this week. Boo. Why do so many people we love live in Michigan? That's the bad news. Let's look on the bright side, shall we? They will at least be living close to where our family lives so we can visit when we travel to the Big Mitten. In other "let's focus on the positive, lest I break out in tears" news... we had a fun BBQ to say goodbye and I got to try out a few recipes I've had bookmarked for months.

Seriously delicious, and super easy Cookies and Cream cupcakes

So cute, and easier than plain old cupcakes... Cupcakes in a mason jar

It is so stinking hot outside (113 yesterday!!), I'm on the lookout for some cold treats, preferable healthy-ish. Happy Weekend!

6.5

2011-06-21T15:23:00.000-07:00

Buddy Boy is six and a half today. He is precocious and insightful and curious and loving and generous and wild. He plays strange games... like the one I'm overhearing right now: he's checking Sweetpea's credit score before giving her a sticker. He writes me like a bazillion love notes every day. He loves adult food, but doesn't care for kid food very much. He loves antique books, like his Pappy's old McGuffy Reader and Gentle Ben. He gives open mouth kisses, not on purpose, they're just really wet. I love this silly boy so much, I cannot imagine our family without him. We love you Goof.

From The Crazies

2011-06-19T00:37:00.000-07:00

Dear Daddy,

We wouldn't be the people we are

today without you.

No really. Thanks for impregnating Mom.

Happy Father's Day!

Mammaw's Postcards

2011-06-17T12:57:00.000-07:00

Several years ago, I had the opportunity to sit down with my Mammaw (grandma) so she could go through all of her photo albums with me and tell me her stories. She had some great ones. I took my favorites from each album and put together one scrapbook of her "Life Story". It was really fun to see her look at it, and more so... to see her whole family looking through it and sharing her stories. It is so important to learn people's stories, and it is important for us to share our own with others. I loved it.

While going through her keepsakes, she gave me a huge stack of old postcards, most from the 1930's and 40's, that she and my Pappaw had sent each other. They are amazing! Those postcards sat in a closet for about a year before I thought of how I'd like to display them. I wanted to be able to see their handwriting and messages on some, and on other's, I wanted to see the amazing nostalgia on the front. The picture quality isn't great, as there is some serious glare, but you can get the idea at least.

I bough a huge frame for only about $10 from Ikea that came with a matte. I just put them in a collage, with some facing up so I could see the picture, while others with sweet messages, I placed so I could read them.

My Pappaw was in the Navy, and was stationed in San Diego for a while before they were married. Many of the postcards were sent while he was in basic training.

Other's were sent from New York City during the World's Fair in the 1930's from my Mammaw who was on a trip with her sorority sisters.

I love all of the colors, postmarks, and vintage feel of them all. But mostly, I love having a keepsake of my grandparents to look at every day.

How do you display family heirlooms and collectibles in a modern way? I'd love for you to share an idea!

M.A.S.H.

2011-06-16T11:04:00.000-07:00

I'm just going to go ahead and call you out, oh you 1980's girls who based their entire futures on a game of M.A.S.H. Or... played until you got the outcome your heart so desired.

I was cleaning and purging this week, and found a whole stack of old journals. I sat for a good two hours reading, laughing, wincing at my young dramatic inner dialogue. Then I tossed them out. Let the garbage man, or freak who may go through our recycling bin, have a good ol' laugh at my expense. I found a little gem among the dribble... this long lost game of M.A.S.H. that really isn't that old at all. The above games are from a plane ride with my friend Kellie on our way to Hawaii, circa June 2000. I'll save you the trouble of doing the math: we were way too old to play this game. We'll just blame it on the boredom of the flight m'kay?

I would like to point out that for both of us... our M.A.S.H. fortunes came true, almost perfectly. Funny thing? I pretty much had just met Gary, but already had our entire futures planned out. Thanks M.A.S.H!

Goofy Girl, Mean Mom

2011-06-15T11:28:00.000-07:00

Sweetpea spent a good hour yesterday in nothing but her skivvies and her t-shirt, worn like this. The funny part was that she acted as if it were totally normal, like nothing was amiss, and carried on playing. I really couldn't help but laugh, and I asked her if I could take a picture. She said no. I did it anyway, which set the course for the following events... she ran to hide in brother's room, I snapped away, she melted down. Mean mom? Probably. But so funny.

Love for Haiti

2011-06-14T15:15:00.000-07:00

Our family has a burden for Haiti. Did you know Haiti, pre-earthquate Haiti, was the poorest country in the western hemisphere? Post-earthquake, it is a mess. At this time, I really have no words to express to you the ache in my heart for the people of Haiti, only the the compulsion to do something, anything, that would help the immediate physical needs of its people.

Gary, at The Good Neighbor Orphanage in Port au Prince, March 2011

Lespinasse

A group that I trust is raising funds to support The Harbor House, a ministry of Heartline Ministries. The Harbor House is a place of love where teenage mothers come to live with their babies to learn how to love, to be patient and loving parents, to get an education, to get a job, and most importantly, experience the love of Christ on earth. They are raising $15,000 that a gracious donor has agreed to match. Please visit this blog post to learn more and to donate. Even if you can only donate $1, or $5, or $10... it really adds up. Please go read about it here, and I dare you not to care... not to be kept up at night.

Family Road Map

2011-06-12T12:34:00.000-07:00

Have I mentioned my kids are quite crazy, hence the nickname "The Crazies"? Well, they are. Not so much the littlest Babycakes, but I'm sure she'll catch up. Buddy Boy and Sweetpea, on the other hand, are really giving us a run for our money. I'll admit that some nights I go to bed feeling like a pretty sucky mom.

As a teacher, I always planned my lessons with the end goal in mind. That is, what I wanted my students to learn, so that each lesson got them closer and closer to the final skill to master. Shouldn't parenting be just like that? There are tons of characteristics we desperately want our children to possess... or NOT to possess! So how do we get them there? Gary and I have started working on our Family Road Map. This tool has been wonderful for us in shaping and planning our family dynamics, to be more intentional about how we raise our children. Sure, most families want their kids to be kind, generous, loving, patient, trustworthy... I guess I could go on, but what do we need to do each day as parents to instill these values?

I don't think I naturally possess wisdom in this area... the ability to think critically about just how to be intentional with my actions and daily interactions with my kids. Sometimes it seems simple, but I don't want to just throw a bunch of good stuff out there and hope that it sticks, I want us to create a home culture that promotes these things.

This little workbook packs a BIG punch, in a little package. It works like this: the parents get to go on dates (!!!) to complete each section. That way, the mom and dad get to be focused on the conversation and not distracted by the little ones or other household duties. The conversations not only help you and your spouse shape how you want your family to be, we found that they also helped us draw closer to one another, which isn't that the point of spending quality time together on dates with your spouse all about?

I encourage you to get this book and start living in a way that will teach your kids what you want them to learn. And although it would be totally cool if my opinion meant so much that I had been paid to do this endorsement, it isn't... and I didn't. Gary and I just really appreciate this tool and know that other families will benefit as well.

Spring Into Summer Giveaway!

2011-06-09T07:03:00.000-07:00

I like free stuff, and I really like winning awesome blog giveaways full of beautiful handmade goods. Do you? My friend Kari over at Adam's Blankie is hosting a huge Spring Into Summer giveaway with over $1000 worth of beauties are going to ONE lucky winner. L'alfabeto is one of the sponsors, as well as The TomKat Studio (!!!), Purposed Life, and Christina Hendrick Photography, so go check it out now... and good luck!!!

{{{GO NOW...SERIOUSLY!}}}

Nine Years

2011-06-08T07:00:00.000-07:00

I have absolutely no delusions about just how blessed I am to be married to this gem. Last week we celebrated nine years of marriage. In true Krull Romantic Style, we ate at our favorite place in downtown Tempe, purused the local bookstore, dessert, and then capped off the night by strolling the aisles of Target together to pick up diapers. To be fair, it was a Target Greatland, which made it extra special. Seriously, I could shop for diapers and still have fun with Gary. For our tenth, we'll be somewhere really really special, I know it.

2012 is going to be a big year for us as a family, and I am so excited to share it with my favorite person on earth.

World Record, maybe

2011-06-07T12:55:00.000-07:00

The success of Krulls' Organic Farm was mediocre at best. We had some modest success with carrots and broccoli, but that is about it. I wish we could grow a whole field full of broccoli. The family actually fought over it. Fresh broccoli is probably my most favorite healthy food ever. It was totally dee-lish.

Yesterday, our friend brought us this record setter from their garden. This freak of nature is a zucchini, and the biggest one I've seen, ever. This city girl is totally impressed. I remember as a kid seeing those strangely shaped pumpkins, as big as a small car, with the proud farmer posing next to it at some midwestern county fair on the news. It just seemed absurd, like they were using some sort of magic vegetable steroid growth serum. I didn't know it could actually happen in nature. I can't wait to eat this baby tonight.

My favorite way to prepare zucchini is to chop it up into bite sized pieces, toss with olive oil, thyme, and a little sea salt and pepper, and some thin slices of a Vidalia onion, then bake at 425 for about 12-15 minutes. So so tasty. I've been known to make a meal of it. Happy harvesting :)

Someday I'll Get it Together

2011-06-06T06:56:00.000-07:00

So you may instantly realize this post is void of pictures. There's a logical, if not good, reason for that. I can't find the cord to the camera. If I could post a picture, it would be one of my totally chaotic house... we're talking crumbs on the kitchen counter from two days ago, kids' dirty clothes strewn about as they undressed on their way to their rooms, the stroller completely open from our indoors walk during grouchy hour yesterday, and a whirlwind of toys in every. single. room. Bathrooms and all. It seems that I never fully recovered from our vacation two weeks ago and I'm still totally lazy. So, in honor of a new week, today I commit to cleaning the kitchen and putting my sewing machine away. Baby steps, people. Plus, I'll get a whole mess of snuggle time with the babe while the big kids are at church every morning this week. Yahoo!

A Long May

2011-05-31T08:24:00.000-07:00

So this seemed like the longest month of May of all time. Normally, May is always a busy month with the end of the school year and all the festivities that entails. But this May for us was also filled with a trip to Detroit for my favorite brother's wedding, sickness, Buddy Boy's kindergarten graduation, and HUGE decisions for our family. Really good and exciting decisions, but ones that took a lot of emotional energy... thus leaving lots of things thrown to the wayside, such as this good ole' blog. I always hate when people give a little teaser and then say things like "but I can't tell you yet." So I'm gonna be a ginormous hypocrite and leave you hanging... just until I can get the words to share. I hope your holiday weekend was fantastic!

Fingers Crossed

2011-05-05T09:02:00.000-07:00

I have a life-long friend who is truly talented. You may remember her from {THIS}, or {THIS}, or {THIS}. She's launching a brand new blog for her photography business and is hosting a ginormous giveaway with over $1000.00 worth of goodies to ONE lucky winner. There's only a few days left, so head over and enter :) You'll thank me, especially if you win!

The Most Delicious Cupcakes

2011-05-03T10:04:00.000-07:00

Okay, so after yesterday's post, I got several emails requesting the recipe... so here it is ya'll!

The Most Delicious Maple Cupcake Recipe

(for the maple lover and non-maple lover alike!)

{Cake ingredients}
2 1/2 C flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 tsp ground ginger
1/2 C unsalted butter, softened
1/2 C light brown sugar
2 eggs
1 1/4 C maple syrup, the real stuff
2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 C buttermilk
1/2 C finely chopped pecans
(makes about 18 cupcakes)

{Directions}
1. Pre-heat oven to 350
2. sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ginger together, set aside
3. Beat softened butter and sugar on medium speed until they are fluffy.
4. Add in eggs, syrup, and vanilla, mix until blended
5. Mix in flour mixture, alternating with the buttermilk (about 1/3 at a time)
6. By hand, add in the chopped nuts
7. Fill cupcake lined tins about 2/3 full each
8. Bake about 20 minutes (check if done with a knife)
9. Cool totally, then frost with chilled maple butter frosting

Maple Butter Frosting Recipe

{Ingredients}
1 C softened unsalted butter
3 oz softened cream cheese
2/3 C golden brown sugar
1/4 tsp salt
3/4 C maple syrup, again... use the good stuff
3/4 tsp vanilla extract
1 C powdered sugar

{Directions}
1. beat softened butter, cream cheese, brown sugar, and salt until fluffy... these must be softened!
2. while beating, add maple syrup and vanilla
3. slowly add powdered sugar and gradually increase mixing speed to high
4. Chill frosting for about an hour before using
5. ice the cupcakes, and for an added flair for the true maple lover... make a small well in the center of the cupcake in the icing, pour a small amount of syrup to fill the indentation... or for the non maple lover... add some cute cupcake toppers instead!

Enjoy! We sure did!

Lumberjack and Jill Wedding Shower

2011-05-02T10:03:00.000-07:00

Last weekend, Gary and I had the privilege to host my brother and future sister-in-law's couples wedding shower. I loved the idea of a Jack and Jill themed shower, and saw an adorable inspiration board for a Lumberjack and Jill party over at party planning extraordinaire Erin's, blog Bringing Up Burns. Why lumberjack? Why not lumberjack?

First, I got started on the invitations. They were pretty straightforward, I just printed out the deets on card stock, sewed onto burlap that was slightly bigger, and tied with a piece of gingham.

The majority of my time was spent planning the dessert table, because I really love sugar. I started by thinking of manly things, then lumberjack-y things, then outdoorsy things. The list I came up with was bacon, maple syrup (lumberjacks eat pancakes right?!), and smores. For the decor, I used tree stumps as cake plates, sunflowers, rosemary, and dessert tags on burlap that were similar to the invitations. The backdrop was an old sheet on a dowel rod, the biggest embroidery hoop Joann's carries, with burlap and a gingham monogram of the new couple's last initial.

I saw a recipe of chocolate chip and candied bacon cookies. I was intrigued. Bacon? Bacon makes nearly everything better, who doesn't like bacon? Salty... plus sweet. I totally get it. I gave it a try. Wow, really really tasty. I kind of felt an artery burst though.

I found a recipe for maple cupcakes with maple butter frosting. The author claimed they were the best. Let me preface this next part with: I hate maple flavor. Abhor it. I was really just making them because 1) I love cupcakes, 2) I knew they would look great on the dessert table, and 3) They went with the theme. Oh. My. Word. They were so delicious! I can't even tell you how tasty they turned out to be with just a hint of maple flavor. Like real maple flavor. I guess now I know why real maple syrup is so expensive. It is goooooood.

Lastly, we had smores on a stick. All the beauty of the cakepop, an eighth of the work. So easy, my kids helped make them. I just bought lollipop sticks, jabbed on a marshmallow, dipped in chocolate, rolled in crushed graham crackers. Easily the big seller of the dessert table.

Sadly, I didn't get a picture of the food table. We had subs and fixin's, chips, nothing too original. Drinks were glass bottles of root beer, cream soda, and black cherry soda. For the decor, I used lots of old family quilts, more burlap and flannel, and some galvanized steel tubs I got from Lowes.

For the rest of the decor, I used old sheets as table clothes, lots of burlap, plaid flannel, gingham, and a bit of denim. I filled mason jars tied with twine, denim, and some chalkboard hearts with "M + A" with sunflowers and waxflowers.

I really don't know too many men who love shower games, and I myself am not a fan of cheesy games that are played at every other shower you ever get invited too. I racked my brain for weeks trying to think of something original that fit the theme. Ever the procrastinator, it was a few days before when playing with The Crazies, it hit me. Lincoln Logs. Each team was given a bag with the same pieces to construct Michael and Alycia's dream home. The teams could be as creative as they want. They were sooooo good! The winning team, full of my brother's high school friends constructed a home with a four car garage, infinity edge pool, helipad, and even a big screen tv that was playing a football game (gotta love the creativity using the iphone!). They won a ~~six~~ five pack of Moose Drool Beer.

I love photo booths, so we created a little photo area for guests to get the pictures taken before they left. We supplied the props, flannel shirts, trucker hat, axes, and my favorite... mustaches on a stick.

It was a really fun time and mostly, I was just happy to do something I love to shower my baby brother with love. Can't wait for the real BIG event in three weeks!

Guitar Skillz

2011-04-28T09:00:00.000-07:00

Impressed. Amazed. A little creeped out. I think my kids are starting to look like total slackers.

Nothing says "child prodigy" like the guitar actually being bigger than the child. And on a side note, what's up with the little boys wearing tights too?

A Prayer for a Child... by Tina Fey

2011-04-27T12:10:00.000-07:00

So... While Tina Fey and I don't see eye to eye on a lot of issues, I appreciate the humor in this prayer. Avert your eyes if an occasional naughty word bothers you.

“First, Lord: No tattoos. May neither Chinese symbol for truth nor Winnie-the-Pooh holding the FSU logo stain her tender haunches.

May she be Beautiful but not Damaged, for it’s the Damage that draws the creepy soccer coach’s eye, not the Beauty.

When the Crystal Meth is offered, may she remember the parents who cut her grapes in half And stick with Beer.

Guide her, protect her when crossing the street, stepping onto boats, swimming in the ocean, swimming in pools, walking near pools, standing on the subway platform, crossing 86th Street, stepping off of boats, using mall restrooms, getting on and off escalators, driving on country roads while arguing, leaning on large windows, walking in parking lots, riding Ferris wheels, roller-coasters, log flumes, or anything called “Hell Drop,” “Tower of Torture,” or “The Death Spiral Rock ‘N Zero G Roll featuring Aerosmith,” and standing on any kind of balcony ever, anywhere, at any age.

Lead her away from Acting but not all the way to Finance. Something where she can make her own hours but still feel intellectually fulfilled and get outside sometimes And not have to wear high heels. What would that be, Lord? Architecture? Midwifery? Golf course design? I’m asking You, because if I knew, I’d be doing it, Youdammit.

May she play the Drums to the fiery rhythm of her Own Heart with the sinewy strength of her Own Arms, so she need Not Lie With Drummers.

Grant her a Rough Patch from twelve to seventeen.Let her draw horses and be interested in Barbies for much too long, For childhood is short – a Tiger Flower blooming Magenta for one day – And adulthood is long and dry-humping in cars will wait.

O Lord, break the Internet forever, that she may be spared the misspelled invective of her peers And the online marketing campaign for Rape Hostel V: Girls Just Wanna Get Stabbed.

And when she one day turns on me and calls me a Bitch in front of Hollister, Give me the strength, Lord, to yank her directly into a cab in front of her friends, For I will not have that Shit. I will not have it.

And should she choose to be a Mother one day, be my eyes, Lord, that I may see her, lying on a blanket on the floor at 4:50 A.M., all-at-once exhausted, bored, and in love with the little creature whose poop is leaking up its back. “My mother did this for me once,”she will realize as she cleans feces off her baby’s neck. “My mother did this for me.” And the delayed gratitude will wash over her as it does each generation and she will make a Mental Note to call me. And she will forget. But I’ll know, because I peeped it with Your God eyes.

Amen.”

-Tina Fey

(Click on the link and pick up Tina Fey’s book Bossypants for more.)

Exhausted

2011-04-25T08:08:00.000-07:00

I'm exhausted from the last two weeks of craziness... wedding shower planning and prep, the big event itself, wedding rehearsal planning, schooling the boy, 20 piles of unfinished projects, catching up on orders, laundry... oh the piles and piles of laundry. I have lots of fun things to post in the next week, but not today. Today I'm just tired. Here's a sneak peek though :) Happy Monday!

The Big 4

2011-04-16T08:28:00.000-07:00

{photo via Christina Hendrick Photography}

My Sweetpea is four now.

I think she is beautiful. * She is a little naughty and a lot sweet. * She has taught me what being strong-willed really means. * She loves noodles, and hates zucchini. * She loves baby dolls, and likes babies. * She despises bedtime, but adores being the first one up. * She randomly will tell me she loves me, or that I'm the best mommy in the world. * She has crazy crazy hair. * The first thing she does when she gets home is take off her pants. * She has a great laugh. * Her favorite people are her family. * She loves being at home. * I like the way she says b-puter, b-diculous, bee-zert, and toot... i.e computer, ridiculous, dessert, and cute. * She loves to exercise with Gary and me. *

There are just so many things that I love about her and want to remember about her four year old self. I love you sweet girl, and I can't wait to see how God uses your life to bless others!

The ABC's of Me

2011-04-12T13:49:00.000-07:00

1. Age – 32
2. Bed size – queen
3. Chore you dislike the most – unloading the dishwasher
4. Dog? not yet, but the rest of the family is desperate to have one

5. Essential start to your day – Thyroid meds... boo
6. Favorite color- turquoise
7. Gold or Silver- silver
8. Height- 5’10"
9. Instruments you have played – cello for eight years
10. Job Life – cashier, hostess at Olive Garden, college bookstore, elementary school teacher for 10 years.
11. Kids- Buddy Boy (6), Sweetpea (4), Babycakes (5 months)

12. Live – Valley of the Sun, Phoenix area
13. Mom’s name – Pamela
14. Nicknames – Shmoopy (we are not a pet name kind of couple... but when we were dating this is how this nickname got started... based on the absurdity of it... watch the video below), Chiaela Face, Mommy

15. Overnight hospital stays – when I was 18 months for about a week, for five days when I had menengitis about four years ago, and when I had my babies
16. Pet Peeves – people who seem oblivious to those around them
17. Quote from a movie – "I like to do my hiking freeform, with only a notebook and a childlike sense of wonder."

18.Righty or Lefty for Politics- totally depends on the issue
19. Siblings – Michael, or his alter-ego "Dr. Rob"
20. Time you wake up on weekdays – about 6:45 or 7:00
21. Underwear - comfy and cute, but usually not at the same time
22. Vegetable you don’t like – lima beans
23. What makes you late – breastfeeding, dirty diapers, lost shoes
24. Xray you have had – dental
25. Yummy good food you make – enchiladas verde
26. Zoo animal favorite – giraffes

I Counquered My White Whale

2011-04-11T08:38:00.000-07:00

So this will be the post where I share about Creative Estates. Just to get you up to speed, if need be... Creative Estates is a conference for bloggers and small handmade business owners and such. As luck would have it, it was held literally five miles from my house. I would have been a fool not to go.

So here's why I didn't want to go...

I have ENORMOUS anxiety when it comes to social settings where I know no one. Like, I kind of wanted to cry, throw up, or run away as fast as I could, and possibly all three at the same time. It has only gotten worse over the years. My desire to go, however, overpowered my fear, and I pressed on. This is progress people. I even mingled. yikes.

But here's why I wanted to go...

To learn from the best of the best, and to experience a conference atmosphere that before now, I had only read about on other blogs... and to conquer the elusive white whale of stepping outside my comfort zone ;)

Some funny things that happened, otherwise known as me being in over my head. Day one, I sat down with a table full of ladies I had not met before (besides my friend Kari of Adam's Blankie), and everyone simultaneously whips out their business cards for a swap, as well as their smart phones. Everyone starts swapping cards. Pan to me... "oops, I didn't bring any." I start scribbling my information on scraps of paper. Super Ghetto. Sweet. THEN, everyone starts asking what each other's twitter handle is. Pan to me... "I'm not on Twitter." *crickets chirping and blank stares* Then literally an audible gasp, with offers to sign me up immediately. Then I brought my stalking full circle and introduced myself to a couple of my favorite bloggers who were at the conference (thanks Erin B., Heather, Erin E., and Laura for being so nice!)

I'll sum it up with some pictures, all of which I stole off of the Creative Estates Flickr feed and Facebook page because, why yes, I am that super lame and didn't even bring my camera.

{The Swag}

Headband by Craftee McGee, Letterpress notecards and envelopes, Pick Me Up scrapbook tool, modge podge and glitter paint, Bookmark by Hoot Designs, Business Card holder by Taradara, Necklace by The Vintage Pearl,

{The Cupcake Table}

sponsored by Decadent Delights, styled by The TomKat Studio

Panel discussion with Kim from TomKat Studio, Erin from The Vintage Pearl, Ashley from Lil' Blue Boo, and Shey from SheyB

A group shot at the Inspirador in Chandler

So next year when I go, I know that I'm going to love it, and I'll be way more prepared so I won't be such a loser imposter. Seriously, I need to get my stuff together.

Where I'm At

2011-04-07T22:04:00.000-07:00

I'm at Creative Estates this weekend! If you're there too, maybe I could meet you in person... in all of my socially awkward glory ;)

I can't wait to share on Monday! Happy weekend!

Driving Fail

2011-03-29T00:00:00.000-07:00

Let me preface this confession with the knowledge that I'm generally a very careful person. I check and double check almost everything I do. I blame this morning's mishap on the fact that for the last five months I have gotten no more than four hours of sleep per 24 hours, and my Mr. Right is currently in Haiti.

Let me set the scene. It is morning drop-off at my son's school. Sweetpea and Babycakes are strapped safely in their car seats. I am just about to back out to head home, when I spot a mom that I wanted to chat with about an upcoming birthday party. I tell Sweetpea I'm just going to be a quick minute and I'll be right back. I then proceed to hop out of the car to jog over to the other mom. Did I mention I left the car in reverse? Immediately the car begins to drive away with my babies in it. I am now sprinting to jump into the open door. It is now gaining speed. With a Bo Duke maneuver, I jump back into the car and slam on the brake.

Say whaaa???? No one was injured, and I didn't even hit anything even though the car traveled a good fifteen feet at least. I was pretty mortified though, and amped up on adrenaline thinking of the possibilities of what could have happened. So, I did not stick around to see if there were any witnesses (which quite frankly, how could there NOT have been witnesses?? It was a zoo). I got the heck out of there as fast as I could, while driving super carefully as to not completely freak people out and solidify any future banning on chaperoning field trips.

Oh, and did I mention I was kind of still in my pajamas?

She's Listening

2011-03-28T10:00:00.000-07:00

We were driving through our neighborhood today when Buddy Boy asked what the blue signs in front of some of the houses were. I told him they were ADT signs that meant that the house had an alarm system, so maybe burglars would see the sign and not break in because that house had an alarm system. He then asked if we had an alarm on our house. I told him no (insert warning to would-be thieves or ne'er do wells... my husband's pretty fierce and strong, and I can pack a good wallop if protecting my young ones... so be warned). Slightly concerned he asked, "Why don't burglars break into our house?" Sweetpea promptly replies, "It's because of our guardian angels protecting us."

Oh good... I guess when it matters she does listen. She sure can fool me into thinking she doesn't hear a word I say ;)

Oddities

2011-03-23T14:02:00.000-07:00

Today I wore dangle-y earrings, which is pretty rare for me... I heard the jingly noise they were making and I thought a dog was chasing me. I almost started running.

Items that seem like they inherently need to be refrigerated, but aren't, such as cheese, gross me out to the max. i.e. Velveeta.

I just don't get it... is it pronounced "real-tor" or "real-a-ter"

My son is picking up on my love of words. I so enjoy the random times he hears a word, repeats it, and tells me he loves the sound of that word. His recent favorites: tiramisu, Gonzaga, and inspire.

I don't like Skype. I find it awkward and lose all focus on the conversation.

That is all.

Wait! I'm Not Ready!

2011-03-21T22:34:00.000-07:00

I guess this could apply to anyone, but lately as a parent, I'm feeling like life is in fast forward. The small things and milestones that I was so excited for my children to reach, seem to get here and I think to myself, "wait a second, I'm not ready yet!" Even small things are really making my heart ache lately. For instance, Babycakes rolling over. It is precious, and even the Crazies love to cheer her on, which only makes her want to do it over and over again. Sweetpea no longer falls out of the bed, nor does she need the bed rail to keep her in the bed. She just sleeps like a regular old kid. And although I'm thrilled that she no longer takes sleepy headers into the ground, it means she is getting older. Ouch. Buddy Boy used to be thrilled to jump as high as he could to touch the garage door opener, and was so proud on days he could actually do it himself, and then today without any fanfare, and without me even noticing right away, he just tapped the button like it wasn't a big deal. When did this happen?

Happy

2011-03-20T07:00:00.000-07:00

Happy first day of Spring!

Not Keeping Up With the Joneses

2011-03-18T07:55:00.000-07:00

Okay, so let's get real. I was horrible with money, like really really loose. In college, I fell into the credit card debt trap. I'd like to blame the university for letting those credit card reps offer freebies (Pez dispensers!!! seriously.) to con poor college students into signing up, but I can't. It was my choice.

I was determined not to carry this debt into marriage, and worked hard to pay it off just days before my wedding. Being credit card debt free felt really good. Life happened, and emergencies like flat tires and air conditioners breaking came up. We were newlyweds who liked to go out to dinner and movies and shopping, and our debt slowly creeped up again.

Feeling convicted, that we really did not want to live in debt, and also through some truthful words from friends, we committed to getting out of debt for good... the ultimate goal is to pay cash for everything and be 100% debt free (no house payment, no car payment, nada.)

That was three and half years ago, and we are now left with only our mortgage and car payment. It feels good, but we're not done.

Do you know the secret? It goes against everything our society emphasizes and deems valuable. Here are the simple truths: live below your means, delay gratification, prioritize.

* Live below your means: If you spend every penny, or worse, rack up debt to pay for things, you are spending too much. Some of your money should be going to savings every month. Everyone has unexpected expenses that could throw you deeper into debt if you don't save for the inevitable.

* Delay Gratification: Oh look, that fancy phrase from Psychology 101 just came in handy. Our society thrives on the concept of not having to wait. But guess what, waiting is good, patience is good. Sometimes it stinks that I can't have the perfectly decorated or landscaped house... but we don't have the money for it right now. So we save, and spend our money elsewhere that takes priority.

* Prioritize: I must feed my family, I want a new camera. Well, my kids surely appreciate that I put them first in this area, so save I must, and take care of what is a must first. If and when there is money left over, I can use it in other areas.

How do we do it? We budget. If you're like me you're screaming NOOOOOO!!! Not budget!!! I feel you... I felt like the fun and spontaneity of life was over. I actually felt a little sick about it before we started, but I thought to be fair I had to at least give it a try. We watched the Dave Ramsey DVDs and got to work mapping out a budget. Friends of ours made excel spreadsheets and shared them with us to use as a template each month. In the first year we paid off a car, two student loans, the rest of the credit card debt, and started an emergency savings account. Not too shabby! We cut eating out, except for once a week, and committed to tithing regularly (I know this can be a touchy subject, and really would require a whole post of its own, so I'm not even going to open that can of worms here :)

Three and half years later, God truly did answer our prayers. Just as we were more wisely using the time, talents, and treasures God blessed us with... I got to leave working outside the home and be the homemaker I always wanted to be. Six years ago, when our son was born, this seemed absolutely an impossible dream. We were both working full time, and we were barely making it. We are living on less money now, and things are tight, but I get to raise my own children, and create the kind of home that we desire.

We have a lot of room for improvement, and we are not totally debt free yet, but we have a goal in mind and steps to get us there. How awesome would it be to pay off our mortgage long before we retire?! There is so much more freedom without debt, but our country is constantly pressuring us to consume, buy, upgrade, collect. It is sickening.

I long for simplicity. Where God and relationships and loving others is what I am consumed with. I don't want to want stuff.

Dee-Lish

2011-03-15T10:00:00.000-07:00

Toes in the mouth... delicious

Top 10

2011-03-14T16:49:00.000-07:00

Top Ten Favorites of my weekend...

10. {Cute Kid Phrases}

Sweetpea calling the Merry-go-Round the "American Round"

9. {Swagbucks}

I just scored yet another free Starbucks card. If you aren't signed up yet, you must. It's just like Google, but you get free stuff

8. {Our Bible study with friends}

We're studying Hebrews with a fab bunch of friends, who became friends over six years ago in a "Young Marrieds, NO kids" Bible study, and we've reunited for another couples study.

7. {75 degrees and sunny}

... and being outside for hours

6. {This Gal's gigant-o smile}

5. {Angry Birds}

~~Google~~ Swagbucks it if you have no idea what I'm talking about. I love it.

4. {Sleep}

Mr. Right letting me sleep in on Saturday AND getting up with Babycakes at night

3. {Spontaneous Kiddie Dance Parties}

2. {Spend, Save, Tithe}

Teaching my kids how to budget money, BEFORE they leave the nest

1. {Time}

Quality time with friends and family was the best thing about this weekend, hands down.

I hope your weekend was beautiful too, wherever and however you spent it!

See You There?

2011-03-10T14:12:00.000-08:00

I'm going to Creative Estates! Are you? I would so love to meet you!

Want to go? Head over to Groopdealz today and save 30% off your ticket :)

L'alfabeto Giveaway!

2011-03-07T18:47:00.000-08:00

Happy Monday friends! Little Gal and I just got home from a long weekend visiting my brother and future sister-in-law in Detroit, and boy oh boy, I am so happy to be home! It snowed. I mean snow snowed. And I drove in it and almost had a heart attack. I don't know how you all do it, but this Arizona gal was freezing!!! The 78 degrees and sun welcomed me back nicely (as well as two sick Crazies... poor things).

In other news... head over to Angel Face Designs' blog for a $20 shop credit from my little shop. Good luck!

p.s. This little travel buddy is one dreamy baby... I think she cried once, otherwise it was all smiles. Love this crazy lady.

Why I'm Smiling

2011-03-02T09:07:00.000-08:00

I love mail. Like love love love it. The good kind that is (... that IRS notice saying that we owe'd $1500 from last year...hated that).

Natalie, from over at Natalie's Sentiments, and I had a crafty swap. The only rules were to send 2-3 handmade goodies, so neither of us had any idea what we would receive. Well, she must really be an over-achiever because I received a whole mess of wonderful goodies, including a few for Sweetpea too.

This was so fun! SOOOO fun, in fact that I would love to do it again! If you are interested, please email me at lalfabeto@gmail.com (I'll take the first one or two to respond, so don't wait!)

Secondly, my college friend Erin sent me a card out of the blue. She and I are both lovers of real mail. I covet this awesome stamp of hers. Thanks Erin! You made my day!

And lastly, because my husband is awesome and humors my oddities, and despite his better judgment... he brought home this little beauty. I'm a sucker for the infomercial. I have been talking about this gal for weeks ("It's like a carwash for your feet!"... "A pedicure everyday!"), and my man brought her home just for me. Even though he thinks it is ridiculous.

Random Bits

2011-02-28T08:10:00.000-08:00

Buddy Boy lost his other front tooth, making him look a whole lot less hillbilly, and as Gary and I agreed last night, a whole lot more bat-like. He has officially entered the Awkward Phase, the great equalizer of childhood that even the most adorable of kids cannot escape. I still think he's adorable, but let's face it... Snaggletooth's a'comin.

We went hiking with all three kids and it was fantastic. The weather was perfect, the kids hiked like champs, and Babycakes dangled there like a little gem. It was so fun. My favorite part was watching Sweetpea run, RUN, up the last incline and jump around, Rocky Balboa style, at the top in victory.

Last night I fork-stabbed my thumb. I was poking holes in raw potatoes to bake them. Do you know the force involved to stab a raw potato, with a dull fork? A lot. I jabbed my thumb full force, and literally had to pull it out. Yes there was blood. And maybe a few not nice words. Even in the pain, Gary and I were totally laughing because who fork-stabs themselves?! I mean really, I would like to know.

The Crazies got some Michigan gear from their Favorite Aunt Katie. They love their new shirts!

Did you notice my little blog makeover? I think Sharon of Redbud Designs is so talented. She redesigned my etsy shop too, and it's as if she crawled inside my brain and came up with exactly what I wanted. I'd love for you to stop in :)

Babycakes, Grammy, and I will be headed to Detroit this weekend to attend the bridal shower of my soon to be sister-in-law. I can't wait to see these two crazy lovebirds...

32.5

2011-02-17T08:17:00.000-08:00

Have I mentioned that we celebrate half birthdays around these parts? We do, and I love it. This year my mom took me, and The Crazies, out to lunch at one of my favorites. I was gifted the traditional "my age in gift certificates and/or cold hard cash", $20 to Starbucks, $10 to Chipotle, and $2.50 in cash. Sweet.

Then, in typical Pam fashion (that's my mom), she did what Gary and I like to call, "Pulled a Pam". Martha Stewart she is not. Creative? Yes. It's the follow through, the details in which she lacks. You see, each year my mom makes me half a birthday cake on my half birthday. See, I told you she was creative. She's been doing this for as long as I can remember. On our way to the car after eating, she tells me to come to her car so she can give me something. At this point, I assume it will be half a cake. We reach her car door, when she pulls out a virtual kitchen. Oh she baked a cake alright, only it wasn't quite done when she ran out of her house, willy nilly, to meet me for lunch.

On her car floor, I see an angel food cake, upside down on a wine bottle, a paper plate, and a knife. "Here, hold this while I cut it in half" she says. So in between two parked cars, we flop half a cake onto a paper plate. Happy Half Birthday! I tell her, "I'm so blogging this." I really don't think people believe half of my stories about my parents. Don't even get me started on Bob (my dad)... a treasure trove of embarrassing high school moments. So mom, thank you for the great laughs on my half birthday. Truly memorable, which I'm positive is what you were going for ;)

Monumental Events

2011-02-16T09:10:00.000-08:00

February has already been chock full of monumental events for The Crazies.

For weeks leading up to Sweetpea's third birthday last April, all she talked about was riding a pony at "Cowboy Town". We planned her entire day around this ride. When we arrived, she was devastated to be rejected because of her short stature. She was just too darn short. I tried to convince the 16 year old attendant that he was crushing my baby girl's dream, but alas, he said he would lose his job. Fine. We went to our friends' daughter's party last weekend, and there were ponies! This girl rode that pony until the other kids were crying for another turn and he had nasty horse froth around his crazy pony teeth. She was in heaven.

Buddy Boy has been in Kindergarten for 112 days. The 100th day was monumental.

This girl discovered a new trick, a spectacular source of slobbery entertainment. (Don't worry, the video is short enough that even non-grandparents can tolerate it)

Secret Weapon

2011-02-13T19:52:00.000-08:00

Am I the last mother on earth to learn about Muffin Tin Monday? I first learned of this genius idea over at Funny Days With Mommy and Maddie, and ever since, it has worked like a gem. I have yet to plan far enough ahead of time to serve any sort of a theme lunch, but the variety of items alone is all my kids need to be excited for lunch. They ask for "the tin lunch" almost every day, but I have to hold them back to one or two days a week, lest they get sick of the novelty and revolt. Buddy Boy has always been an excellent and adventurous eater, but Sweetpea on the other hand likes to stick with bread or bread-like substances. She even ate everything in the tin! It may just work for your picky eater too!

Muffin Tin Lunch:

cucumber slices, blueberries, carrots, pretzels, Annie's Organic White Cheddar Shells, sugar snap peas

How To Become the Favorite Uncle

2011-02-11T19:50:00.000-08:00

...in Four Easy Steps

Step 1. Buy ridiculous gifts, gifts that your sister would never say yes to.

{No joke, this is a "Poop and Scoop Barbie" complete with butterscotch colored, tic tac looking dog treats that also come out the tail end of the dog. And the Vulcan EBF-25? A semi-automatic artillery nerf gun.}

Step 2. Act crazy. All the time. With no volume control. Say yes to candy.

Step 3. Use your sister, also the mother of your nieces and nephew, as a target with aforementioned gift.

{Knowing full well that I will be publicly called out if I don't admit that I, in fact, volunteered to be the target. Check out that ugly fear face. Nice.}

Step 4. Repeat often.

Dear Tooth Fairy

2011-02-10T16:03:00.000-08:00

Dear Tooth Fairy,

I present to you my firstborn's fourth lost tooth, the first of his top teeth to fall out. I'm sure you know what's coming next... months and months of snaggletooth glory. I know that he cannot be spared from the bumpy bottomed, crazy big, chicklet teeth, but is there any way to speed up the process? You see, he's scheduled to be the ring bearer in Favorite Uncle's wedding in May. Surely you can understand my desire for nice family pictures, with us being all dolled up and such. Thanking you in advance.

Buddy Boy's Mom,

Love is Grand

2011-02-09T13:58:00.000-08:00

We've been in full on Valentine's mode at our house this week. Today we completed Buddy Boy's classic shoebox valentine mailbox for school. Next up are cookies, garland, and our family Valentine dinner. In case you missed it a few weeks ago, I guest posted these ideas for Valentines over at 30 Days.

Here are three ideas, one for your Mr. Right, one for kids, and maybe one for those far away family. Really though, all three ideas can be suited for anyone in your life who you want to send a special 'I love you' to this February.

Robot-o-Love
Supplies:
1. Scraps of paper, or if you want to get all fancy, some coordinating scrapbook paper
2. Tiny Hershey's candy bars
3. Googly eyes
Directions:

Wrap the candy bars in some strips of paper, making them narrow enough so the silver of the wrapper is exposed, this will be the robot's body. Next, use strips of silvery paper for the legs and arms, fan fold these little strips to create some dimension and lines. Use a rectangle of silver paper for the head, google eyes, and let your kid go to town drawing mouths with the red sharpie. Piece these guys together and add as much embellishment and details to create the perfect looking robots. These are for my son's class, so they are as boyish as I could muster for his sake. And to come clean... I found this idea in a scrapbook magazine. Handmade boy ideas are hard to come by, or am I the only one with this problem?!

Love Pills:
Supplies:
1. 100 water soluble pill capsules (I got mine from Whole Foods in the medicinal area... don't ask me why someone might want to make their own medicine, I'm just glad to be able to buy them)
2. 100 thin strips of paper (pink, red, white)
3. 100 reasons why I love the Mister

Directions:

First, write a special sentiment or reason why you adore your special someone on the first strip of paper. Next, tightly roll it up. Last, open capsule and insert paper. Repeat 100 times. When I'm done, I'm going to package them up in a cute jar and My Dream Boat has 100 days of loving affirmations from his adoring wife.

3-D Photo Valentines

Supplies:

1. A photo of your cuties, one making a fist

2. Heart lollipops

Directions:

Take a picture of your cutie(s), one making a fist. When taking the picture keep in mind that a lollipop will be covering the area of the picture above the fist. Using a simple background makes this easier. Add some text for your Valentine greeting. I used picnik.com (if you've never used this, you must!!!). I love picnik because it is super easy to use for this non-photographer and nearly computer illiterate gal, and you can do a ton using the free features. Mount the photograph onto some colorful cardstock to add some weight. Using an exacto knife, cut a slit about 1/4 inch wide on top and just below the fist in the picture. Add a lollipop through these slits, and voila! An adorable Valentine to send to family! These are going to out of state grandparents and aunts and uncles, who don't get nearly enough time with these Crazies!

That's What He Said

2011-02-03T14:33:00.000-08:00

Buddy Boy asked if we could read "The Hawaiian, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" today. Then when I picked him up from school he told me it was so cold outside his whole body felt like a mint.

He also told me he wants to grow his hair longer. To be like Justin Beiber. Don't we all... don't we all. Sorry son, not with that cowlick.

Love this kid. Kindergarteners are funny.

The Verdict Is In... I'm not crazy.

2011-01-31T21:51:00.000-08:00

A big shout out and thank you very much to all of you who confirmed that I am not, in fact, crazy. I pretty much suspected I was right, but it is good to have affirmation. My mother has many strengths, but clearly picking out clothing for me is not one of them. In the past couple of months, my mom has gifted some doozies of apparel choices. This one last week was just the straw that broke the unfashionable daughter's back. Before pulling this little ditty out of the shopping bag, she says... {clearing throat... and I quote...}
"I walked past this sweater and said to myself... 'that is soooooo Michaela."

Aghast, I asked "What part of this sweater, exactly, screamed my name?" Apparently, this is my color. Who knew. Certainly not me. My camera was on the couch next to me, so I said, "let me take a picture to show Gary... maybe you're right, maybe this isn't hideous... maybe it's what all the cool 32 year olds are wearing nowadays." She then one ups me and dares me to post it on facebook to get my friends' opinions. Oh they had opinions all right. 44 resounding No's. So I one upped her, and posted it here too, to drive my point home. Thank you for coming through. I sincerely respect your fashion choices.

Mom, I love you. Please stop buying me clothes that were designed for the 80 and over set.

Note to readers: If you see this woman wandering around the mall, please steer her towards something cute.

Thank you.

Chime In... Please

2011-01-28T14:06:00.000-08:00

Okay... I need your vote to settle an ~~argument~~ difference of opinion. Even if you're new here, or have never commented before, please chime in. I implore you!!! (that is me groveling, begging even.)

Question: Is this sweater something you would wear if you were a 32 year old woman?

Once the votes have been counted, I'll fill you in on the debate. The "other half" of this debacle doesn't want me to sway the votes with too much information.

Half Glass Full

2011-01-28T09:44:00.000-08:00

I just got this beautiful print last week from Fifi du Vie on Etsy, and I am so excited about it! Some people are naturally "glass half full" kind of people, but others (like me!) need a reminder. I adore everything about this print... the color, the typography, what is says. I love to have art in my house, and my favorite kind is simple (hence my adoration of typography!!). This is real art people! It is signed and numbered, and unique and high quality. I love. You can get yours {HERE}, or try to narrow it down to just one print that you love (which might be a challenge).

Today is going to be a great day. My favorite brother and his fiance are in the air this very moment headed from Detroit to visit us this weekend. The Crazies can hardly contain themselves. Happy Friday!

30 Days

2011-01-25T06:03:00.000-08:00

If you're like me, you love 30 Days blog for Mique's heartfelt stories about thriving after her son's autism diagnosis, some beautiful crafts, and did I mention she and her sister are responsible for the Queen Bee Market?!. I'm guest blogging over there today with some fun (and easy... and cheap!) homemade Valentines ideas! Head on over and be sure to read some of Mique's most recent posts, she's lovely I tell ya'!

B-List Magnet

2011-01-24T09:17:00.000-08:00

So, not to brag or anything, but I've had quite a few brushes with fame. Would you like to meet someone famous? Yes? Come hang out with me for a week and I'll make it happen.
Who went to junior high with the STAR of Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure?

This girl! Well, I use the word "Star" very loosely here, as she was actually an extra who can be seen running past Napoleon Bonaparte in the scene at Chuck E. Cheese's. But my hometown of Tempe, Arizona was the location of most of the filming of the movie, so I have actually slid down the same waterslide at Golfland ...bowled at the same bowling alley... even had ice cream at the same ice cream shop.

Then there's the time I met, as in "ran to the stage past security to throw my 85 pound 7th grade body to the feet of a teal leather-pants-clad Gunnar Nelson of the early 90's band Nelson. Jealous? I thought you might be.

Who chased down Richard Simmons in the LAX airport? Me again. And yes, he was actually wearing he teeny tiny red and white striped shorts and bedazzled red "Sweatin' to the Oldies" man-tank.

In high school I walked past Lou Diamond Phillips on a bridge at a beach in Santa Monica...

...only to pose with Mark Harmon later that very same day for a picture.

Why, just last month I saw my BFF Alice Cooper at Grady Gammage Theatre on the campus of ASU to see Young Frankenstein. I said, "Hey Alice" (in my mind), and he responded with "How's it going" (in a very friendly glance that spoke volumes).

So seriously come visit me. I hear Gary Busey is in town, I'm sure we could run into him.

Whose Kid Is This?

2011-01-18T09:35:00.000-08:00

Little Miss Sweetpea tells me today that eggs "totally gross me out". She's three.

Thank you God for some good laughs with this gal, because otherwise... she's really wearing me out! By the way, three is totally the new two.

p.s. picking your nose totally grosses me out, so I guess we're even.

p.p.s I just realized I used "totally" three times in one very short post. So I guess I do know whose kid this is.

Lucky Duck

2011-01-15T20:37:00.000-08:00

It's your lucky day!

Click {HERE} to see if you're the lucky winner of the Afterlife Rejects giveaway!

Please email me at Lalfabeto{at}gmail{dot}com to claim this cutie!

Winner selected via Random.org's Random Number Generator

The Crazies' Favorites

2011-01-14T09:40:00.000-08:00

I love the idea of documenting my Crazies as they grow. My goal is to ask these same questions every January until they are grown. I bet some answers will stay the same (like Buddy Boy's favorite color... which he has shown a preference for since he was just a baby!). Here they are, the favorite things of the two biggest Crazies.

Buddy Boy's Favorites

Color: Green

Food: Chicken Wings

Drink: Sprite

Dessert or Treat: Ice Cream

Toy: Batman Motorcycle

TV Show: Alfred the Hedgehog

Game to Play: Candyland

Car: Cadillac

Friend: Davis

Song: Justin Beiber

Thing to do with Daddy: Play soccer

Thing to do with Mommy: Get hot chocolate

About Mylie: She's my sister

About Presley: She's adorable

About School: Get to learn

When I grow up: I want to be in the Army

Sweetpea's Favorites

Color: Pink and Purple

Food: Applesauce

Drink: Lemonade

Dessert or Treat: Cake

Toy: My Princess Dress

TV Show: Elf Movie

Game to Play: Candyland

Car: Pink car with a rainbow on it

Friend: Will

Song: No More Lemonade (a song she wrote herself) and Throw Up Your Rock Fist

Thing to do with Daddy: Play soccer

Thing to do with Mommy: Go on a bike ride
About Noah: He plays in the house with me
About Presley: When she smiles at me
School: Playing Starfall
When I Grow Up: I'm going to marry Noah... and be in the Army because girls can be in the Army

Baby Cakes' Favorites

Pretty much Mom is her favorite everything... but not for long :) I secretly love this phase when the world begins and ends with Mom, everything I do is her favorite, I alone am the expert in all of her noises and needs, the one she wants when she cries. It won't be long until she discovers how great her Dad is, and how much fun he is to play with, then of course her first word will be Dada, and she'll have him trying to figure out why he ever thought he wanted another son instead of this sweet sweet little lady.

Afterlife Rejects Valentine Giveaway!

2011-01-07T19:05:00.000-08:00

When I was in third grade we visited my Great-Grandma Towe in Portales, New Mexico. She was tiny and cute, and lived in a hotel, which pretty much rocked. I was in my "toting my doll around pretending it was real" phase (anyone besides me remember My Child?!). Grandma Towe took one look at my sweet little fake baby, Courtney Lynn, and said, "Well, she's so ugly she's cute." At first I was flattered, then a little devastated.

Now, as an adult, I totally get it. Take Pugs for instance... so ugly they're cute. That's exactly what came to mind when I saw these adorable, one of a kind, strange little dolls. If you know me... or have been reading my blog long enough, you know how much I adore one of a kind things. I do love me some Target, but nothing beats a handmade gift because you know it is special. My Crazies would totally love to snuggle with these guys!

Let me introduce you to the fun Etsy shop, Afterlife Rejects.

Meet Sidhe, owner of Afterlife Rejects.

"Afterlife Rejects are run, owned, and operated by our creative family members. Mom (that's me - Sidhe Kalas), two daughters (Catilyn and Naomi), and our son (Laurence), even the daddy (that would be my hubby) gets to help stuff on busy days. We live in the heart of the Smokey Mountains between Knoxville, TN and Asheville, NC in the great metropolis of Cosby, TN."

Cuddlebug is a one of a kind Special Edition Valentine's Day Afterlife Reject Doll. She is grey with black heart boat hat, matching pink dress, black flower pants and a red heart mouth. Cuddlebug comes with a Valentine's Day Card that can be personalized by you or for you by AFR. She is about 15 inches tall. She is made from both new and recycled materials.

Afterlife Rejects is offering this totally adorable Valentine inspired play set to one lucky reader!

You have three ways to enter, with a total of three possible entries per person :)

1. Become a "follower" of Life With the Crazies (leave a comment)
2. Visit After Life Rejects' Facebook Fan Page, "Like", and leave a comment there, then come back and leave a comment here letting me know you did :)
3. Tweet about this giveaway via Twitter, and/or follow ALR on Twitter (leave a comment here too :)

Please leave a separate comment here for each entry, and an email address to get a hold of you if you win!

Giveaway is open until Friday, January 14th.

My Coping Mechanism

2011-01-05T11:40:00.000-08:00

When I was in first grade, taking the Iowa Basic Skills Test (the annual standardized testing), and bored into near delirium, I invented my coping mechanism... coping with what you ask? Boredom. Embarrassment. Joy. Life. It was in Mrs. Haladik's first grade classroom at Rover Elementary School that I became a star. Star of my own little on-going movie. Sort of like the first reality television show ever... circa 1985.

In my delusional alterna-world, I am the lead character in this movie, complete with laugh track. Seriously, try it. It makes the most difficult or mundane moments bearable, because man, that is great tv.

Take the Great Rollerblade Fail of 2001, for instance. I lay there on the side of the road, bloody, but more embarrassed than anything. As I looked up at those hundreds of stares coming from rush hour traffic, at a dead stop a mere 10 feet from me, I just remembered, wow, I bet that was quite the sight... me flailing my arms and legs, trying to save myself from falling, but alas, eating curb. I'm quite sure it made their drive home that day quite enjoyable (speaking as one who truly appreciates witnessing a good fall). I bet they even re-told the tale of my spectacular display to their friends and family that evening. I'm telling you, good tv.

Other highly rated episodes of Me Tv:

The One When I Knocked Over the Display of Life Size Christmas Soldiers at Target, 1996

The One When My Itty Bitty Underwear That Was Stuck Inside My Pants Leg from the Dryer Fell Out in Front of the School Assembly, in which I was a Teacher, 2008

The One(s) When My Teacher Dad Cut the Cheese in Front of My High School Classmates, and Me, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995

Labor and Delivery, 2004, 2007, 2010

The Wedding, 2001

So... am I nuts? Probably. But this really does make life just a little bit more fun. Do it.

The One Where I Gush

2011-01-03T19:53:00.000-08:00

Babycakes. I just want to eat her up. She is just the most precious little thing, so precious in fact that I hardly even mind the fact that she cannot fall asleep unless cuddled up next to me face to face. Don't get me wrong... I am sooooo not a co-sleeping mama, but by laying with her I get to just soak up her little baby face, perfect little nose, teeny tiny lips, and eyelashes that curl up just at the edges. I have learned all too well how fast it goes, and I just want to revel in her baby-ness. The dishes can wait. Gosh I just adore her.

{Photography by Christina Hendrick Photography}

{1-1-11} The Goals

2011-01-01T11:26:00.000-08:00

1. Lose 35 pounds, yep, how cliche... but seriously

2. Re-design my Etsy shop
3. Sell my wares at two Christmas boutiques
4. Run a 5K
5. Landscape our front yard
6. Finish reading my Bible the whole way through
7. Read 12 new books
8. Play with my kids, everyday
9. Start and finish Babycakes' baby book
10. Start our "A Krull Christmas" scrapbook
11. Spend a weekend away with Gary
12. Sleep through the night... I need some cooperation from Babycakes on this one
13. Eat breakfast every morning
14. Pray...about where God wants our family, and what He wants us doing
15. Take a sewing class

This list is much shorter than last year's... I guess I'm not nearly as ambitious. Or more realistic. Or just plain tired (see #12). A few of last year's goals didn't get accomplished, so they ended up on my new list. Did you make a 2011 list of goals? Resolutions? Reflections on 2010?

It's Not Too Late!

2010-12-23T14:59:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite Christmas traditions as a kid was making our gingerbread house each year with my mom and brother. This is the third year I have made one with my kids, and although Christmas is just days away, it's not too late to make one!

1. Assemble your supplies:

Easy gingerbread:

2 3/4 C flour

1/2 tsp. salt

1 tsp. ground ginger

2/3 C molasses

1/3 C brown sugar

3 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. cinnamon

1/8 tsp. ground cloves

1/2 C oil

1 egg

Mix, roll out with a rolling pin, use some paper templates to make a front, back, two sides, and two roof pieces... here's where you can get as creative as your little heart desires :)

Bake pieces at 350 degrees for about 10-12 minutes

Easy Royal Icing:

3 egg whites at room temperature

1/2 tsp. cream of tartar

1 lb. powdered sugar

use a mixer to really fluff it up, use icing bags with a simple decorator's tip to apply it to gingerbread (if you don't have these, a thick Ziploc with a tiny hole cut in the corner will work)... and although this icing is technically edible, it dries rock hard... perfect for gingerbread house glue!

2. Assemble some adorable helpers

3. Use the glue to stick on whatever candy you have... a great way to use up Halloween or Christmas party candy!

4. Glue the pieces of the house together with the icing, and enjoy the finished house as part of your decor for a few days... and if your kids are anything like my brother and I were as kids, they'll enjoy prying off the stale candy after Christmas. Man, kids will eat almost anything.

Merry Christmas

2010-12-22T15:27:00.000-08:00

{Card design by Redbud Designs}

Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.

Six

2010-12-21T08:57:00.000-08:00

{To My Sweet Boy on his Sixth Birthday}

Buddy Boy, you are a big personality. Nothing you do is small. You feel things deeply, experience things strongly, love completely, and generally live your young life to the fullest.

When you were just inside me, we knew you were going to be wild. When you were only a few weeks old, we knew you had a strong desire to be on the go. I cringed a little when, at three months the pediatrician commented on your remarkable strength, and warned us that you would probably be walking at eight or nine months. He was right. You were ready to run at nine and a half months. And climb. And climb. And climb. You still climb, and to be honest, it drives us nuts. We constantly remind you to only climb things meant to be climbed, like playground equipment, but it doesn't matter. When you were three, I turned for just a minute outside at church, and when I turned back around, you were halfway up the wall. You scaled a wall. Like Spiderman. Always keeping us on our toes.

You love others fully, and you are compassionate. Injustice infuriates you. You tell us you want to go to Africa when you are grown and tell everyone about Jesus, every single person. This makes my heart swell. I hope you travel the world and fulfill this purpose that God has placed in your heart. I will start praying now that I will be able to let you go. I love that a day does not go by that you don't tell your family that you love them. I love to hear your prayers when you thank God for the blessings in your life. And I love that you can recognize these blessings.

You are generous. You share with your sister all the time, everyday, without us prompting you, and often without any appreciation from her. You are a great big brother. Please continue to be your sisters' protector. When you are teenagers. When you are adults. When mom and dad cannot be there.

We pray that you will choose what God has planned for your life. God has gifted you with great intelligence, and a crazy memory. You are kind, you are compassionate, you want justice in this world. You have a great sense of humor, and you have an insane amount of energy. You really wear us out, but we adore you. We are crazy about you. You are a gift straight from God.

Buddy Boy, we celebrate your birth today! Happy Sixth!

Double Dream Hands!

2010-12-13T07:37:00.000-08:00

I cannot stop laughing... but you at least have to give this guy credit for his sincerity.

Frosty {Ornament}

2010-12-12T06:32:00.000-08:00

{This is an oldie, but a goodie. I posted this quick and easy tutorial last year. If you're in a scramble for an adorable gift, this is quick, and so so cute!}

So if you're like 95% of America... you are in the process of switching over all of your household light bulbs to the new energy efficient CFL variety (if you're not... you should!). At our house, as the old energy guzzlers burn out, we replace with the new and improved. Well, this week the last of our bulbs finally kicked the bucket and that left me with supplies for this adorable little ornament, which will soon be sent off to live at Goofball's teachers' houses. Although, they are just so cute, I think I'll make an extra one for our tree, I just love snowmen!

To get started:

1) Gather these supplies: an old lightbulb, various shades of acrylic paint (white is a must, but the other colors are up to you), some iridescent glitter, modge podge (although this isn't mandatory as I discovered today), fabric scraps, tiny bit of orange felt, sponge brush

2) Paint a thin-ish coat of white paint on the bulb part only (leaving the top silver for now), and sprinkle on the glitter while the paint is still wet (this saves you a step and eliminates the need for modge podge). I found that sticking the silver end in the playdough freed up my hands while it dried.

3) Dab some dark paint for the coal eyes, mouth, buttons, add the tiny orange felt triangle (I used a hot glue gun)

4) Add a scrap of fabric for the scarf, add some detail by cutting some fringe in the ends, hot glue that baby on...

5) Paint the silvery top a color of your choice, wrap some ribbon around the the top, and you've got yourself one darling little snowman ornament... doesn't it feel great to be crafty AND green :)

L'alfabeto Fan Page Giveaway

2010-12-10T22:39:00.000-08:00

Are you a Fan of L'alfabeto on Facebook yet? If not, head over and join the fun and stay in the loop about giveaways, sales, and coupon codes coming in January.

We had a giveaway for Facebook Fans this week when we reached 300 "Likes". The lucky winners (yes, two!) of the custom wire monograms are...

Katie Tate Probandt and Kimberly Chris Holland.

{Winners were selected via Random.org}

Congratulations! Please email me at lalfabeto@gmail.com to claim your prize :)

Fun With Felt {Garland}

2010-11-30T16:28:00.000-08:00

I love felt. It is cheap and easy to use, and I love color. Here are a couple of easy ideas for some festive felt garland. All you need are some basic sewing skills, a few pieces of felt, and a night or two in front of your favorite movie.

{Felt Garland #1}

Materials:
* felt in your favorite shade (or shades), I choose glitter white
* a sewing machine, or if you don't have one or are feeling super ambitious, a needle and thread
* a couple paper template in two different shapes, pictured are a circle and diamond, duh

Step 1: Cut out a plethora of the two shapes. Mine are about one inch each. I used four 8"x10" sheets of felt, which yielded about 20 feet of garland (more than I needed)

Step 2: Sit down at your machine and make one long continuous stitch through the middle of the alternating pattern of shapes

Step 3: Decide where to hang the hand-crafted lovliness. I hung mine in the opening between our kitchen and playroom, where I will hang all the Christmas cards we get in the mail. Done and done.

{Felt Garland #2}

Materials Needed:
* Felt in a multitude of fun colors, the more the merrier
* Embroidery floss in just as many fun colors

Step 1: Using a paper template (I traced the top of a mini-playdough container), cut out a bazillion circles

Step 2: Sandwich two of the same color circles together and sew together using your choice of thread colors using a blanket stitch (use {THIS} tutorial to figure what in the world a blanket stitch is, and how to do it)

Step 3: Use a long needle, with tape over the tip so it is blunt, not sharp... string emboidery floss through the middle of each felt sandwich to create the length of garland your heart desires.

I love the look of this garland because it reminds me of candy, and I do love me some sugar.

Crazy Amazing Giveaway... Merry Christmas to YOU!

2010-11-28T15:07:00.000-08:00

I'm participating, via my Etsy shop L'alfabeto, in the most amazing giveaway over at Laura Winslow Photography's blog. There are over $2000.00 worth of prizes from over 50 vendors, all for ONE lucky winner!!! How excited would you be to win some swag for yourself, and also some as gifts, making you the most favorite gift-giver come Christmas morning. If I won, and wasn't already my parents' favorite child, I would most certainly secure that spot with some of these amazing prizes as gifts!

Go {HERE} for a sneak peek at all of the prizes, and for more information on how to enter!

What are you waiting for?! This is nuts!

Elf On the Shelf

2010-11-24T22:55:00.000-08:00

Reason #23 why my children may need therapy one day...

Also known as, "sadistic fun for parents"... we can't wait :)
If you haven't heard of this... google it.

Not Life's Necessities

2010-11-22T16:41:00.000-08:00

I am so very thankful for my family, friends, the necessities of life that God so richly provides for our family. But that's not what this post is about. I'm going to list some things, that although are not necessary to live, they sure are pretty awesome. And I am thankful.
1. toilet paper (think about life without it, seriously)
2. 1 out of 3 kids who can wipe their own toosh
3. the drive-thru at Starbucks
4. family pictures
5. razors
6. the Chick-Fil-A play place
7. Chapstick
8. the bulk section at Sprouts
9. grass in the backyard
10. Christmas decorations, specifically our ornaments and tree
11. good mail (i.e. not junk mail or bills)
12. Pez
13. coconut
14. gentlemen who hold the door open for females, any female
15. date night
16. new underwear
17. not cooking
18. sweater weather
19. opportunity
20. anticipation

Happy almost Thanksgiving!