This and that...

That's what I've been up to-a little of this and a little of that. I had tons of stories to share and tales to tell...but I'm drawing a bit of a blank.

Let's see-first I 'll mention that things have been very busy for me and will only get busier. I work a bunch this week (like seriously tomorrow thru next Monday 60 hours) and have a couple projects I'm working on (we split the boys up-they shared one room and now each has their own and I'm doing TJ's in a cute beach theme and Jake's in a cute jungle theme -no ideas for Owen yet). Lastly, as if all this wasn't enough I am preparing for the biggest garage sale ever. Since I have cooled my Pampered Chef business and am doing all this purging around the house I have a garage full of stuff to sell.

On this note, here's the details of the BIG sale! For you local readers: PLEASE tell everyone you know! My subdivision (Saddlebrook) is having our annual sale Saturday July 12th 7-2. Since I have so much stuff and so much if it is new in the box PC, I am having a presale for friends, etc on Friday. I don't know when yet but I'm flexible (I hope) if you want to get in on the deals before the general public. I literally have hundreds of Pampered Chef products ALL new (and some used only for demos, etc). I also have tons of general consultant and director materials which would be good for anyone in any home based sales line-especially directors! I obviously don't have all the pricing done (actually, none of it;-) but I'm thinking most everything will be at least 40% off retail and lots of stuff even 75% off or more. I have an entire office to purge-a whole big room worth of stuff! Plus, lots and lots of baby and kid stuff too!

If you have anything you need, let me know and I'll check to see if I have it on hand and can always set it aside for ya;-)

Ok, that was a shameless plug but whatever;-)

I didn't tell you all how my trash man yelled at me a couple weeks ago. I wrote a blog post/letter to him but didn't post it because I didn't think it was the best witness to him. Anyway, the gist is, he did not take all of our garbage one week so the next week we had more than the allotted amount (whatever). So I called him (twice) to warn him and ask if it was ok. He never returned my call. So on trash day I hear the truck and run to the window. A man is at my curb (literally) thrashing my trash around. He dumped only one can and left the rest...as he was about to pull away, I mustered up the courage to ask why he wouldn't take it. HE YELLED "I'm in the trash business, not landscaping business! I've been doing you a favor for weeks by hauling your (landscaping)trash around and I'm not making money on you!" Blah, blah, blah. I try to sheepishly explain that I was confused and didn't know what he was talking about and how I had called his boss to ask him to take this larger load this week, etc. He says he didn't get any calls. Light bulb moment-this fella yelling at me, also who wears no shirt week, after week, is the OWNER! You really must be kidding me. Is this how one acts when they are the owner of a small business (or dresses?). So I fired him on the spot and he said "Good"...

Well, good riddens too, I say Mr ***** to bad rubbish! Fooey on you!

I had to find someone who would come later that day and take what Mr ***** wouldn't.

Thanks to ASAP hauling for their terrific service and taking care of us. He even gave me $10 off since I told him what happened with the trashy, I mean "trash man". I'd recommend ASAP hauling any day-the other guy-not so much.

On a good customer service note, I would like to tell you about my great find of the STROLLOMETER. Remember I've been on this health kick (or was;-) and was also looking for a new stroller. You may remember, I got a new stroller recently (which I actually had to return because it had major alignment issues-so sad;-( anyway while researching strollers I happened across this strollometer info and thought it looked worth trying. So, unfortunately there was a small magnet the item came with (which is how it knew how far/fast I went) but since I had to return it I didn't know what I should do (ie take the magnet off and try to reapply to the new stroller or purchase some more somehow-BTW, it actually came with 3 magnets and even though I used only 1, the boys are to blame for the MIA status on the extras). Ok so I'm getting to the point: I emailed the company and within minutes I rec'vd a reply email asking for my address so the OWNER (who I bet wears a shirt while working;-) could send me replacements. I replied with my address and my appreciation and she replied once more to ask if I wanted help with choosing the location for the new stroller (I'd need to reply again with the brand I bought). She replied with diagrams and other details and I was so impressed I am telling you all. It's a tremendous product and a mom designed it. I've received my replacement magnets and am just waiting on my new stroller. Thanks STROLLOMETER! You rock!

I'm having some issues right now...my issues are with animals...specifically RABBITS and CATS/possibly dogs. The latter is leaving a calling card in my kids gravel play area and the rabbits (evil creatures) are eating my beautiful flowers. I wonder if God is trying to tell me I'm too prideful about my landscaping.

Anyway, I found a product (Liquid fence) that is supposed to be da'bomb at keeping these critters away. I gleefully went around spraying all the foliage and the perimeter of the gravel area. I quickly noticed WHY animals would avoid the areas...STINKY! And when I say stinky, I really can not possibly convey to you how bad it was. The cat/dog spray wreaked of putrid rotten garlic-AND SO DID I...and so did the gravel...How on earth would the kids play there and not wreak as well. It was awful and the garage carried the stench (since the bottle is stored there) for days. I seriously couldn't deal with it. Even Tim couldn't stand it.

As for the rabbit spray-those (expletive omitted) rabbits ate the flowers I sprayed down to the ground like it was candy. I need to take pictures but honestly, I'm just too lazy. This stuff isn't cheap either so I'm returning both kinds and I'm on the search to keep these rude creatures away from my property. Any ideas (trusted tried and true) are welcome. Please no liquid fence advice as I just can't handle it;-)

Lastly, I have a new love affair. It's with Vera Bradley. If you aren't familiar with her, she makes LOVELY purses, wallets and luggage. I got a fabulous "Betsy" style "Daisy daisy" design purse and Daisy Daisy wallet with strap (thanks to Kristy's advice). I LOVE them and got compliments on them each the first time I used them. Even the gruff employee health nurse I mentioned over at my journey blog complimented my new Betsy! I highly recommend VERA! I'll even let her cheat on me with you;-)

Ok, that's really probably enough of this and that for now;-) If you don't see posts from me for a while, don't worry. I'll be back in a couple weeks if I must take a sabbatical.

Hugs!

All that I can say...

I had a fun post planned to share with you all today but I just don't have it in me...later hopefully.

Owen was up early...too early and I just wanted-needed more sleep. I've had bad news come my way so I'm just sad.

If you feel led, please listen to the words of the song I added to my playlist called "All that I can say" by The David Crowder Band.

I am mourning the loss of a childhood friends mother in a tragic car accident and the loss of a patient's twin infants.

I am so grateful that Owen was just wanting to cuddle with his momma this morning. At one point he looked up at me and kissed me on the lips. It was the sweetest thing and I believe he knew I needed extra love.

Storms, sleeping, and major cutie!

I have bunched of pictures that tell a good story (or at least A story) so I think I'll post in that manor this morning.

I woke up this morning to the gentle sounds of thunder off in the distance. Being that it was about 8:30 (I know, it's rough, but I try to manage), I just tried to lie there and enjoy the sounds. We haven't had much "gentle-rain" lately...all storms and craziness, so this was a very welcome sound. I thought to myself, that it really sounded like the Lord was having a heck of a game of bowling up in heaven;-).

So, I got up and got Owen out of bed and while sitting in the kitchen, the storm worsened (by the way, to save you any unnecessary excitement, this really isn't going anywhere great;-). Owen had the look of concern on his face as the sky grew dark and the winds and lightening strikes picked up. We even heard a little bit of hail on the windows. I, being the prudent mommy I am, got online to the Weather report. Hmmmm...no warnings, nothing. The main page for my zipcode said light rain and thunder (a bit of old news I thought to myself). I decided to take a peek at the radar...bingo!



Yeah, I think this could go on for a bit. So, to end a boring story, we woke up to some much needed rain. From the pics you can see the difference in how dark it was outside during the storm (same lighting and everything) to when it was over.



So, I have a friend, April, who is the queen of capturing her boys asleep with pictures. I am wanting to give her a run for her money with some recent sleeping boys pictures I have taken:






And the grand daddy of them all:







Yes, this is Owen sitting up sound ASLEEP! He loves to bunch his blankies up in his lap and sit and wait for me (while calling "Mom"). I had heard him, but was busy as it took me a few mintes to get to him and this is what I found-he had fallen back alseep cuddling his blankie;-) So sweet!

I got him a cute tee at Old Navy recently and he was so cute in it so I decided to try to get his picture-a feat in and of itself lately. Here's how I fared:





So, I'm striking out at home...hmmm...I'll try again at the t-ball game:








And finally...


I got the shot...no, you can't even read the shirt-but I declare, he's still Mom's Major Cutie!

Prayer Request & one seriously picture filled post...

First off, I have an urgent prayer request...

PLEASE pray for my friend Lindsay...she is 17 (almost 18) weeks pregnant and is leaking amniotic fluid. She is hospitalized and will remain there until her amniotic bag "seals over" (small chance) or she delivers. This is very grave and even with all I went through with Owen, I really can't imagine this circumstance ---so PLEASE pray specifically that the Lord would bring a peace that surpasses all understanding over the entire family (especially Mike and Lindsay) and that He would answer our prayers quickly by allowing the leaking to seal over and for this baby to continue to grow and develop in the womb. If the leak would seal over, I believe from previous patients experiences that she could go home. I would guess that it would be a very restrictive scenario (such as mine was of VERY strict bedrest) but mommas will do anything for their babies and if this is what the Lord wants, I know Lindsay will be a wonderful steward and witness to bring Him glory. My heart aches for her and I can't get her off my mind.


Now all things seem insignificant in compare to the above, but I want to post what I was going to post prior to reading Lindsay's post and talking to her just a bit ago(BTW, she sounds really good and her faithfulness is really incredible).

So we've been soooo busy. It's a good busy (mostly) but I'm missing my precious internet time (you already know how I feel about my cable/internet company). If you've wondered where I've been just know all is really good and I would like to be posting more. Don't give up on me-I'll try to continue my frequent posts but lately I haven't even checked email;-(

We spent a wonderful father's day in Southern IN at Holiday World with Tim's family. It was so nice to be able to be all together enjoying such a family friendly place. With our jobs, it is rare that we can all get together (especially when it means the most which is around the Holidays;-(.

Here are some pictures from the event:

We entered the park a bit early...it only took us 3 1/2 hours to get there (we thought it would take about 4-but it took 4 1/2 to get home, ugh-go figure;-).
None the less, Owen wasn't in the model mode mommy wanted him in:

Multiple shots were taken and this was the best I could do...don't you love how I dressed them all in coordinating shirts? Aren't their trunks so cute too?

Daddy snuck into one...it was Father's day and all;-):

You can't have a place called Holiday World without Santa there:

Owen was enjoying the day even if we forgot his shoes and it was over 90 degrees!!!

Jake enjoying a kiddie ride:

You may note there are fewer pics of TJ...this is due to his being off with daddy on the big-boy coasters;-)

Jacob was so excited to try this ride:

Grandma even went on it with him:

I wish I could've captured his expression while on it-it was priceless..true fear/enjoyment mixed into one...I don't think I've ever seen his baby blues SOOO wide open!

Owen even got to enjoy a few rides!

For the record, he loved them...he didn't want to get off any ride he went on:-)

Family picture time!

The Valiant Boys minus older bro Walt and his two kiddos Grant and Drew (they were runnning late;-)

Thankfully, they showed up...here's D-Mack (short for Drew McKinley) sportin' his new specs...isn't he so super cute and smart looking in his glasses?

Owen still enjoying his stroller and watching Drew:

The babies taking a break:

The babies sharing a snack:

Best bud cousins Jake and Grant waiting in line for a ride:

More snack sharing:

Jacob walking with Uncle Walt:


Grant and Jake posing at a sponsor area:

Owen wins the fight and Drew tuckers out first:

Ah, here's all the Valiant boys together!

Our family photo op (post water park and tired boys;-):

3 tired boys:

Casey and Kristi (our running joke at the grandparents only shot and a grand daughter;-):

Grandma Debbie and Grandpa Walter:

Uncle Walt, Aunt Les and Grant and Drew:

Whole family together-yay!!!:

On a serious note: isn't it incredible that we had a coordinating color scheme? Seriously...we didn't plan it out (in fact they all rebelled against my cutesie idea to wear matching shirts) yet it worked out that the Grandparents were in white, us in Navy (kids in red, gray, blue), Walt/Les in Gray (kids in red), and Casey/Kristi in Red...how cool is that?


These were the events of the day in order~ so most of them were of us hot, sweaty, and post water park hair;-) None were taken at the water park with my camera but it is an awesome water park. Did you know that Holiday World was the first theme park in the WORLD? It is such an neat place. I see it being an annual trip. Very reasonable, free soda (that seals the deal for me) and free sunscreen!

Feeding the ducks:

Jacob has been in a Dinosaur camp at the zoo this week so to pass time while he's there, TJ and I have been pretty creative. He came up with the duck feeding idea Tuesday.


Owen ate more than he fed, but I say "eat boy, eat" and "the ducks can fend for themselves";-)

Thanks Teej for this great idea and to Aunt Millies discount bread store...$1 for entertainment like this is a rare find!





TJ getting a bit more courageous and trying to hand feed geese (who I must admit are a bit agressive and they hiss and peck at their peers sometimes so they can be a bit intimidating;-)

Owen tried to feed them (when he wasn't snarfin' down the goods himself) but they were afraid of his stroller.


This is me hand feeding geese;-) It really was fun and thoroughly entertaining-but I could have done without the duck poo everywhere!






TJ standing proud in front of a Mulberry tree...or so he says. This kid is like an encyclopedia of facts and tidbits and he corrects me all the time. Anyone want to argue with my 8 year old...I dare ya? The kid scored post graduate level on some of his standardized tests this year. High school level on many. His worst was in listening-go figure!

Speaking of the facts he knows, he told me that the show Mythbusters did a segment on the myth of driving with your tailgate down...it was busted and apparently it is best to drive with it up/latched (better gas mileage). TJ mentioned that this plus, tons of other "useful" info is why we should keep cable. Can't argue with logic like this, eh?



Can there ever really be enough pictures of a face as cute as this in the world?


Kisses to brother for a fun time!


Oh and then I saw these seriously cute kids on a park bench...seriously cute!



Again, can there ever really be too many pics of this face?


Couldn't you just eat him?








And finally we pick up Jake who is oozing with Dino happiness! A dino he "excavated":

A snake...close to a dino right?

The mural he helped with:

The craft he made:

The volcano they errupted:

I have some seriously cute kids...I know it. I'm blessed. We are having such a fun summer!