White Trash Cows

You know how Chick-Fil-A has Cow Appreciation Day and offers a free meal to anyone who will dress up like a cow? Also known as, “Humiliate Yourself for Free Food Day”?

And do you know how the restaurant is jam packed with “human cows” all day long…desperately in search of their free meal? You know how you feel sorry for those people that are so desperate to get something for free that they are willing to humiliate themselves? Well…we were recently “those people”. The white trash cows, as I like to refer to them.

Some people take this event very seriously and spend money on their costumes…probably way more money their meal would have cost.

Not us. We were the bottom of the bucket white trash cows. We printed off the cut outs off of the Chick-Fil-A website and I TAPED them on…securely. (tape showing). If we were going to do it…we were going to do it with minimal effort. They were barefoot because their shoes were in the van. It’s in the White Trash Handbook, actually. “Must keep shoes in vehicle….for when you go out in public”.

Karah wanted her hair to look like cow ears. I did the best I could do. You know the chicks who bring their kids to church with mad braids wrapped around their heads in masterful patterns with bows and ribbons and all that blech? I’m not that chick :)

Bradley wanted to wear his man tights – to make it look like he had hooves.

I’m not sure his idea translated well to the general public. 

I went the extra white trash mile and taped cow tails to their rear ends.

Bryce was disgusted by the entire ordeal. He ripped his spots off and tried to smear the black off of his nose.

We had to hide his spots on his back so he couldn’t rip them off…though he tried.

 

Bradley got into my eyeliner and gave himself and Bryce a black cow nose… Or at least his version of a cow nose. Bradley ended up looking abused.

 

They topped lunch off with a little playground fun. They enjoyed associating with the upper class cows. She looked at me with pity in her eyes.

Cheers to making memories!

I will now close with this touching video…

Magnifying

Karah just came running in from checking the mail as she excitedly announced that she had received a letter! It’s an expected occurrence around birthdays or Holidays…but to receive a letter on a hot and humid Summer Wednesday….that is special.

She saw that it was from her Sunday School teacher, Sister Isabell. She frantically opened it and read it aloud. 

She was beaming as my heart overflowed with gratitude for her sweet teacher. Just last Sunday, I passed Karah’s class and said to my friend, “I am so glad Sister Isabell is Karah’s teacher. Now THAT is someone who won’t be playing scripture hangman. Those kids are going to get pure gospel principles taught.”

She is an amazing woman who loves the Lord and loves the sweet children she has been called to teach. She doesn’t show up on Sunday and throw a lesson together at the last minute. She understands the importance of what she has been called to do and she puts her heart into it and truly serves these children.

Children need to be taught…but they also need to be loved and feel important. Sister Isabell has done all of this for my daughter and I am so, so, grateful.

Such a simple act will have such a lasting effect on Karah. There is nothing like being a child and having an adult outside your family tell you that you are special and you are loved.

Thank you Rita…for loving her the way Christ would…and setting such a great example to me of the importance of magnifying your calling…and reaffirming in my mind that tremendous joy can come to other’s lives by small and simple acts of love.

Chopstick Bonding

Karah and I went out for some shopping this evening. I am leaving for a Conference in North Carolina on Thursday - and thought it would be nice if I had a bra to wear. My last good underwire gave out today. ALL of my bras have been biting the dust over the past few months. They must have all had the same expiration date. I was left with the option of a pre-pregnancy push up bra (cleavage chin rest)  ...or I could opt for a boob loaf (sports bra). Shopping was definitely in order.

After re-stocking my bra supply we decided to grab dinner at PF Chang’s.

It was Karah’s first opportunity to eat there and she was so excited.

It was embarrassing that she had to teach ME how to use chopsticks.

The kids menu wasn't "authentic" enough for her - so she ordered lemon chicken off the adult menu...absolutely loved it.

The conversation was great. There were times I couldn't believe this was my little girl. She matures so much every day. It almost broke my heart that the waiter brought her drink in a glass and not a kid's cup. Where has the time gone? She sipped her lemonade…tilting her head back as she laughed…taking time to ask me how my dinner was…asking me questions about the first time I had ever eaten there.

We ordered Tommy T some carryout and enjoyed a mini-dessert while we waited. On the way out, Karah had me ask the hostess for another set of chopsticks for Boo. Bryce couldn't be trusted with his own set, quite yet.

Once we got in the car, I called Tom to tell him we were on our way and he said Bradley wanted to speak with Karah. I grinned the entire way home as I listened to them chatting. She was so excited to talk to him and he was definitely missing her...asking for landmarks as we inched our way back home. "We are by McDonald's now. No, not the one by our house - the one further away."  The conversation continued...including him proudly reporting that he had gotten her to a new level on "Cooking Mama", while she was away. She wanted to know what else he did while she was gone...he wanted to know where she ate...and what she ate.

Bryce then got a turn to catch up with her. She talked to him sweetly and told him she would be home soon.

Of course they have their moments of terrorizing each other…but it brought me so much joy to be reminded of how much they adore one another. I hope they stay close throughout their lives and are there for each other despite “life” happening. I love these kids so much. They are JUST what I would have picked off the menu.

Intervention

SBL #24

We recently checked off #24 of the Summer Bucket List...a trip to the Farmer's Market with the kids. I usually go solo - earlier in the morning - grab what I need and go. The kids have loved going in the past, so I wanted to make sure we made an "un-rushed" trip as a family before the Summer was out.

The market was full of the usual produce…

Flowers…

and Pups…

One thing out of the ordinary was the entertainment.

The Israel Scouts were visiting. The kids were amazed with their skillz.

They were quite impressed with their flexibility. I remember the days when I could kick my own butt without the threat of my foot disappearing. Those were the days…but alas, I digress.

The “star” of the show came and asked Karah to dance. It was her first time dancing with a real “boy”…Brothers and Dad don’t count, of course.

She enjoyed it so much that she scooted up near the front of the crowd – and acted “available” until she was asked to dance again. This time it was a girl…much to her dismay.

Bryce settled for a fist pump…and Bradley hid.

The rest of the time was spent with the usual…playing in the fountain…

And shopping…

We bought a few things we aren’t growing, ourselves…and then headed out to our garden to pick some zucchini, squash, tomatoes, and beans. We were so excited to see our watermelon and cantaloupe getting close to harvest time! While we were there, we picked some of the Stake’s corn since ours wasn’t quite ready yet.

I hope the kids never forget these little moments. Doing my best to help them remember.

Grumpy Monday

Bryce was in his crib this morning...shouting toddler profanities. "Hate it!"..."Hate You!"...over and over. I knew it was going to be a rough start to the week. I decided to ignore his venomous rantings and waited for happier sounds before I got him out of bed. I brought my camera into his room - so I could interview him about the source of his anger. We got to the bottom of it.



Who wants to start their week without their favorite donkey? Today's mission...clean my filthy house, do enough laundry to provide the children clean underwear through the remainder of the week, and retrieve the donkey.

SBL#13

#13 On the Summer Bucket List was to go on a trip to Great Wolf Lodge. Goal accomplished June 22-24, 2010. We went to kick off Karah’s 8th birthday week of festivities! We first stopped at Grandma’s house for some hugs and kisses.

After a yummy lunch at Culvers -We checked in and enjoyed a day of swimming…

*NOTE* Bradley is not wearing a floatie in the pool. He SWIMS SOLO!!! YAY!!!

We all loved the waterslides! The new Triple Twist ride is a bit spooky, though. Bryce loved the kiddie slides which gave a pint-sized adrenaline rush.  

The kids had a blast on the obstacle course. I insisted on a life vest due to the depth of water and odds of falling into it. Bradley did not appreciate this request. He’s 5, ya know. 

Tommy T helped him navigate his way until he could figure out the timing.

Contrary to what it looks like – we were not swimming in a dungeon. Pictures were compliments of my “water-safe” disposable camera…that obviously needed some flash power.

We stayed in a “Kids Cabin” room.

 

It’s a traditional room with a 3 bed kids cabin also built into the room. Karah was sweet enough to gift the top bunk to Boo. That night we ordered take-out and enjoyed it in the room since we were all so wiped out from swimming and sliding all day. By bedtime, the kids were bouncing off the walls. Tom was nominated for a “Father of the Year” award when he said, “What’s that noise? I think the police are in the hall – coming to see if all the kids are in bed!”

Seems innocent enough…except Bradley has an insane fear of policemen. He ran into his kid cabin and hid under the bunk bed. Go Tom.

Bryce was scared, too.

As I said…Go Tom.

He felt horrible about scaring them so badly. I had to document it so the kids would know someday that I was not the only person responsible for messing them up.

They got plenty of hugs, kisses, and “just jokings”…and snapped out of it.

*note* Bradley’s cut on his eye came from Karah’s foot when she came down too fast on a waterslide. Poor kids. He felt the pain and she felt the guilt of hurting him, even if accidentally.

Eventually…they all went to bed. Hallelujah.

We spent the next day swimming, sliding, playing in the arcade and playing their magic wand game.

Bradley won a set of dentures at the arcade.

Later that night we went to Grandma’s for dinner. We meandered through the lobby later that night – looking for dessert #2. That’s what vaca is for.

The next morning was breakfast at Grandma’s. Her famous French toast…topped off with bubbles while Tommy T took care of some of her yard work.

 

She looks like a gangsta in this picture…but I promise she’s not.

Tom and Grandma took the kids to Science City at Union Station and I headed back home to prepare for Karah’s big birthday/baptism weekend. It felt yucky going home without them…but I didn’t want their fun to have to end early on account of my To-Do list.

It was such a great and memorable trip. “Together is a great place to be.”

Smiles and Glares

Karah and Bradley spent some time at a neighbor’s house…making humungous hair flowers. They were so large that I didn’t quite take them seriously. I thought it was more of a novelty. Much like a giant foam finger. You don’t intend it to be used as “a finger”…it’s just fun to have. You know what I mean?

I quickly realized that the kids were PROUD of their creations and wanted to wear them everywhere. I told Bradley that people might look at him strangely – because little boys usually don’t wear huge flowers in their hair. He said, “Mama! Mine is a boy flower. I picked a green pom-pom to go in the middle of it. Karah’s has a rose in the middle of it…hers is for girls! I don’t care if people look at me! I like it!”

The jury deliberated and decided he had an excellent argument. I allowed them to wear their creations on our trip to TJ Maxx, Home Depot, and Sams Club.

He received many adoring smiles from young mothers at TJ Maxx…and I received several “What kind of pathetic mother are you??” glares from old, bitter women. At Lowes he received 3 high fives from different men…and was called a “little stud” by one of the workers. At Sams Club – I got a few dirty looks and he got a few sweet smiles. We then ran into a Father with his teenage son. The kid had a huge cowboy hat on and a wad of chew in his lower lip. He passed Bradley and GLARED at him. Bradley said (without breaking eye contact) - “Why is that cowboy so angry?”. We ran into them again on the next aisle and Bradley yelled out, “Oh great! Here comes that angry cowboy again!”

I love that he marches to the beat of his own drum…that he is not persuaded by society’s pressures…and that he is okay with other people “not being okay”.

He wore his creation proudly…and his smile made all of the dirty looks I received, totally worth it.

I love my Boo.

p.s. – yes, the dirty looks could have come from Bryce being barefoot. He will NOT wear shoes. He was born in the South, ya know. Authentic Redneck.

36

A few weeks ago I turned 36. It’s quite odd to be rolling towards the big 4-0. Quite odd, indeed.

I was positive that this was going to be a downer birthday because Tom had to be out of town. I was quite dreading the entire thing. I was pleasantly surprised when it ended up being one of the best birthdays ever.

Tom had a “day-before-my- birthday party” for me since he had to fly out of town. I unwrapped a few gifts and he then told me I had an appointment in the morning for a massage! He topped it off with Creme Brulee that he ordered from my favorite restaurant. It was such a happy night.

The next morning, sweet Courtney had arranged to take the kids ALL DAY…so I could have a day of relaxation and rejuvenation. She ain’t called “Sweet Courtney” for nothin.

I realized I hadn’t checked the mail the day before – so I went out and found my “new” friend Louise had mailed me a beautiful necklace…all the way from KC. It was such a sweet surprise and a great way to start the day!

My mother in law also sent me a package that contained 12 of these… a woman who knows my heart!!

It had been arranged for the cleaning ladies to come on my birthday. They brought me these birthday flowers, too!

 

It was BEAUTIFUL ….being massaged…while knowing that my toilets were being scrubbed, my floors were being mopped, and my children were being kept alive...simultaneously.  THAT is what I call a gift.

My brother John met me at the spa and we headed out to the lake to look at some property. We stopped for lunch at a deliciously greasy hole in the wall…and enjoyed one of their giant ice cream cones…to top it off. I was reminded how much I love spending time with him….minus him constantly threatening to vomit from the windy roads. I am always guaranteed to laugh when I am with him…good times with my little brotha.

I came home and took a nap. Another gift. :)

When I awoke, my friend, Marie, brought me these….

   

and these…

My friend, Sherry, brought me these…

My friend, Amy, brought me this…

Later that night, the kids had a sitter and I went out with some of my favorite ladies. We went out to dinner…endured a creepy waiter with OCD…. and then went to see Robin Hood.

It was great to see Russell Crowe. I ALMOST forgot what a jerk he is in “real life”.

My ma and pa gave me this…

 

My friend, Anne, gave me this…which was ironic because I had been thinking of how I wanted to study the lives of the women in the Old Testament on a deeper level. Timely!

 

My friend, Stefanie, brought me a wonderful pedicure kit!

And on TOP of taking my kids all day…my friend, Courtney, gave me this…

and this…

 

and she MADE me this…

After the girls night out…my babies sang Happy Birthday to me…

And I made a wish.

The kids were tucked in bed and I spent the evening reading sweet facebook birthday messages with Courtney. She had arranged to spend the night for a good old fashioned slumber party. It was complete with laughing until all hours of the morning.

The next day, my wish came true and Tommy T came home safely to me.

Another box showed up…and he had ordered me…

 

A new set of PING G15 irons….and a new glove…and balls :) I have never had my own set of lady clubs. I have always used his old Pings…man clubs. It is exciting that we have reached a point where I will be able to play more often and spend that time with Tommy T out on the golf course again. I have missed those days. It’s also great that the kids have started playing, as well. I hope it’s something we can share with them into our retirement years.

This birthday wasn’t one of my best ever because of any gifts I received…it was wonderful because of the amount of love I felt from my family and dear friends. I love that Tom found a way to still make it special for me even though he had to be away. It was a great day…and I have since decided that 36 rocks.  Bring it.