Look Mom....

It is no secret that I am not a Barack Obama fan. I know I may be one of few and that is the beauty of being an American.

Even so, I think politics is very important and it is our duty, not only as Americans but as Christians, to know who our leaders. So I have been telling Gavin about some of those things important to our culture- Statue of Liberty, Washington DC and our president. Imagine by surprise when he looked at me in the kitchen this morning and said "Look mom, Barack Obama!". Sure enough there he was on Nick Jr. I am glad the boy is a little sponge but I will be watching what I say for certain.

February Reads

As I said in a prior post, it was one of my goals this year to read on average 1 book per week. Not any specific genre but start tackling the list that I have so longed to read as well as the overflowing book shelf I have in my scrap room. The problem is as I am reading I find more books to add to my list!
This month has been interesting to say the least. I found some really great books but for the first time in a long time I found a book I couldn't get past the first 3 chapters, Alice Sebold's "A New Moon". I was really expecting it to be one of my favorites since I loved "The Lovely Bones".

The books I did finish are "Winter Turns to Spring" by Catherine Palmer and Gary Chapman. Very good. It is part of a series that they have written together but you don't HAVE to read them in order to enjoy them.
"The Last Summer of You and Me" by Ann Brashears, "I Still Miss My Man But My Aim is Getting Better" by Sarah Shankman- a little tongue in cheek title since it centers around an aspiring Country music songwriter.
"A Secret Word" by Jennifer Paddock.
Right now I am trying to finish up "The Defiant Child" by Dr. Douglas Riley. It has been very insightful although maybe not completely appropriate for my life situation.
I know this post bordered on nauseating boring, especially for those who don't enjoy reading like I do but it is one of guilty pleasures and quite possibly one of the only things that keeps me sane!!

Proverbs 31

I have been really focused on Proverbs 31 as of late. We have discussed it in the bible study I am currently in briefly but I also found a blog and speaker I am very interested that makes it part of her life work. (http://lysaterkeurst.blogspot.com)Reading it, I am so aware of my shortcomings as a wife and as a Christian. When I think I am doing all I can I realize there is so much more. Of course times are a bit different now and I am not a seamstress, when I read Proverbs 31 I see I am not where I need to be in God's eyes. I love Kris with all my heart and submit to him. That does not make me less of a woman or mean that I do not have a great role in life. My choice has been to stay home with Gavin and I am so thankful that I have a husband that not only supports that but encourages it. I need to make it MY life's work to be a Proverbs 31 woman.

What a great day!

Today was such a good day! It didn't start out that way. It started out with a migraine and a very hyper child. But as the day went on and the medicine kicked in it became a pleasant surprise. I am learning to not stress so much about the little things like whether the kitchen is clean or Gavin's bed is made.*note I HAVE to make my bed everyday in order to feel like a decent human being*
So today I went to Fort Smith and did some "me" stuff. Nothing fancy just time alone to think and realize how God has truly blessed me with Kris and Gavin. I got my wedding ring cleaned, found the licorice tea I have been needing for my throat, bought a couple of great Christian books that I will blog about I am sure, and finished up at Walmart (like all good trips do!) And when I got home no one was injured or maimed so it was a good day!

I also got some presents today from Kris. He knows I have been wanting a Wii Fit and lo and behold (who says that) he bought me one today with a bonus he had received from work. He should have spent it on himself but he didn't. Very thoughtful that man of mine! Of course he got him and Gavin a few play things too. It is so funny to hear them try to play the Wii together. Lots of bickering.
The moral of my long and rambling story- it is the little things that make me the happiest.

Careful what you say!

I usually am much better at watching what I say around Gavin but today I have a terrible migraine and no patience. Gavin saw that I had a peice of Valentine's Day chocolate beside me at the kitchen table but I had only taken 1 little bite out of it. I didn't like it so I was going to throw it away. He asked what kind it was. Then he said what does it taste like- my response? "It tastes like crap and momma needs to throw it away". That must have satisfied him because as he ran away back to the living room he sang out "I don't like crap!". Thank goodness we got that straightened out!

Trip to the MD

Ok- I have mentioned in the past how Gavin LOVES going to the doctor. The last time we drove by it he started saying how his foot hurt and needed to see the doctor. Of course he was fine but the fact that anyone likes to go that much concerns me.
Today was no exception: "are we going now?" "Are we going yet"? It was quite annoying. He doesn't quite understand the workout I get from taking him. He is as wild as can be and knows no strangers so I am constantly corraling him to or away something.
We had to wait a bit longer than usual but we did find out that he has an ear infection and bronchitis (not pneumonia again). The chest x-ray went wonderfully. They couldn't believe how he knew what to do before they told him and he was so patient. The blood draw-not so much. When I told him we still had to get his blood drawn he said "I don't want to bleed". Broke my heart and made me smile at the same time. He whimpered like a puppy and then wailed while they did it. But I think he was actually worse after the "tourniquet" that they put on him to stop the bleeding. Completely unneccesary. His little arm was squished and red.

But he milked it all the same.We went to see Mamaw, Papaw, Jason, and Julie at work where he proudly announced that he "had got a bleed at the doctors office" and would you like to see it? We picked up Dani fom school and they played for a few hours so that was all the medicine he needed!

My little fixit

I have an old chest that I have had since I was in HS. I mean old- an antique that I love. I have things from HS, pageants, college, you name it. I moved it into our bedroom at the foot of the bed a few weeks ago and Gavin has been fascinated by it ever since. Today while I was drying my hair before we were to head to the doctor, I look up and here he is in nothing but his underwear carrying his little red tool box. He proceeds to tell me that "I forgot to fix a nail on the box" all the while dumping his tools on the floor beside him. Nevermind that he couldn't find a hammer. I am learning that boys will find a way. So here are a couple of cute pics of him with 2 of his tools of choice.

Heritage UMC, where Gavin goes to preschool is starting a bible study this Thursday and I am so excited to be a part of it. It is called "Fight Like A Girl" by Lisa Bevere and I think it will be so beneficial to the women who take it. It is suppose to help women to embrace the differences between us and men and not think of feminity as a negative attribute. We are women and men are men and we are suppose to be different. I will blog more about it I am sure as the study is 12 weeks. Anyone who is interested let me know and I can get you the information.

Bad Mommy

I must be the (if not one of) worst mommy in the world! Today Gavin had a dentist appointment in Ft Smith at 8:00. He did GREAT! Way better than the last 2 times. And his reward: Vampire teeth. (I am sure a picture will follow). I got him breakfast and off we went to school just a bit late. He did not want to go to school. Not just a little not want to, a lot not want to. He has done this before but always is excited by the time we get there. Not today- he cried his big crocodile tears and latched on. I melted!! It broke my heart. It was like starting the first day of school all over again. Here comes the part that makes me SUCK! I could have took him with me, really. But the fact is mommy has a much needed massage appointment at 11:00 that has been 3 years in the making and just could not give that up!! See: I told you I was bad!

Cousins

Today Jaiden came and spent the day with Gavin and me. We had a good time, but we really didn't do much. I took them to get a Happy Meal and then ice cream at Brahms then back home. They were so funny though because they loved on each other and then they would get into an argument or fight over a toy. It let me see what life will be like if we are lucky enough to have another child. Lots of bickering but lots of love too.

Daddy love!

Most of the time Gavin wants to cuddle up to me on the couch or bed or wherever. So I HAD to get this picture when he and Kris were cuddling together on the couch. Gavin had a rough night on Saturday/Sunday morning with what we now think was a virus. (at first I thought food poisoning). So still feeling lazy he attached himself to Daddy for the past few days. You can imagine how much Kris hates it!!

Valentine's "Week"

We had a very busy week for Valentine's Day!! So much so that when Saturday actually rolled around we were all over it!
Wednesday we had a party for the preschool aged kids at church where they passed out Valentine's and made a cute canvas bag for them. It was really fun to watch all of them.
.Thursday was Gavin's Valentine's Day party at school. Me, and another mom, were in charge and it was a bit chaotic! (probably being at nap time didn't help) They had fun playing games, make a "love bug" and of course eating cupcakes! It wore me out!!

Friday, Kris and I went out to a movie and dinner! It has been 4 years since we have been to the movies! We didn't care what we saw at that point. It was great to get out of the house and some time away from Gavin, but we talked about him the whole time and looked at his pics on the phone. Pathetic I know! We owe a big thank-you to aunt Julie and her friend Robyn for watching him so we could go. He played with Dani and Darcy and did not want to go. He has a thing for girls I am finding.
Saturday Gavin and I made sugar cookie hearts for him and daddy for Valentines Day. Another thing they have in common is a love for all things sweet!

So today, we have candy, balloons, decorations still hung, and I can honestly say we had the best Valentines Day ever!

Valentine's Explosion!!

Ok, let me begin by saying that I think Valentine's Day is a bit ridiculous- not because I don't "celebrate" it but because I think that we shouldn't have just 1 day of the year that people go all out for their loved ones. Having said that, it looks like Valentine's Day exploded in our house and it is only the 11th! I have a party tonight with our kids at church and one tomorrow for Gavin's school and between the two of those their are Valentines, candy, cookies, decorations, crafts, paper plates, napkins, you name it all over the place. I LOVE Valentines day for the kids! They get so into it and that makes all the effort so worth it! (ok- so maybe it's the chocolate and candy that they REALLY enjoy but,,,,) So, I had better get back to it, but I will post pics later.

Pay it Forward!

This is a fantastic idea that I received from Southernfrieddreams@blogspot.com

I especially like the fact that the time frame is so open which includes all the holidays for inspiration!
Hope you participate!


Here are the original Rules:
1. Be one of the first three bloggers to leave a comment on this post, which entitles you to a handmade gift:-)
2. Winners must post this challenge on her blog, meaning that you will Pay It Forward, creating a handmade gift for the first three bloggers who leave a comment on YOUR post about this giveaway!
3. The gift you send can be from any price range and you have 365 days to make/ship your item. This means you should be willing to maintain your blog at least until you receive your gift and have shipped your gifts. And, remember: It’s the Spirit and the Thought That Count!
4. When you receive your gift, feel free to blog about it, sharing appropriate Linky Love
5. If you are not one of the Top Three to comment on this post, you can still play along. Please start your own 'Pay It Forward chain', and encourage your blogging friends to do the same.

An additional "Rule" that she added was that there will also be a random drawing from all other comments, so even if you aren't one of the first 3 to comment you still can participate. LOVE this idea!! Great for some inspiration when we get in a rut!

Thanks in advance for all those interested.