Father's Day, Part 2...

Happy Father's Day...Ta-da!

Just in the nick of time, we finished the project. Jason was out of town all week, which gave us time to get this completed. The kids (mainly Em) helped brainstorm the designs, did the sponge painting and handprints themselves (with a little supervision from their OCD Mom).

Jason LOVES it! We'll go today and get a paver to set it on in the flower bed, fill the top with water and watch the birds flock to their new bath.

Happy Father's Day, Jase!

You are an amazing father and your children adore you!

Oh, and so do I!

We love you!

Happy New Year 2009!

Happy New Year! Can you believe it's 2009? Our 2009 started off great with a visit from our dear friends from Texas who were able to include a stop at the Curtis house for a couple of days in their winter vacation. Today has been a sad day as we said goodbye to them. Abby went up to her room and cried, wanting them to come back. Friends are such a gift and the Brady family is a huge blessing to us! We're already planning when we will see each other again and counting the days.

So, have you made your new year's resolutions? I'm not really one to make them because I'm not really one to follow through with them. However, this year, I have a few that I am determined to work on. My first resolution is to read the entire Bible in 2009. I started today with a chronological Bible that is divided into daily readings. I believe 100% that the Bible is true, inspired by God and want to soak in all that He has written, and in turn, learn more about Him. Hand in hand with this resolution is to become more obedient and follow His leading in my life.

From there, there's the token lose weight, be a better mom and be a better wife. I'm hoping that my Wii Fit can help with the weight and the Bible will help with being a better mom, wife and friend.

I hope your new year is full of blessings.

Happy New Year!

Thanks and Giving 2008

Jason and I were just watching the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Thanks and Giving 2008 campaign on TV. What an amazing institution St. Jude is. One of the last statements of the show was from a mom who said that at some point in time, you will be affected by childhood cancer, whether it's your child, grandchild or a friend's child. 

We were touched by cancer this past year when one of Ben's classmates, Alexis, received her diagnosis. It's absolutely true, you never think it will really happen to someone you know and then when it does, your view of life is changed. The good news is our friend Alexis is now cancer free, praise God! But, many children are not and the folks at St. Jude need our donations to continue their amazing work as they push to develop cures for childhood cancers. Jason and I just committed to a monthly donation. 

Won't you join us?

Save the Ta-Ta's...Now!

Click here.

Diary of a Pine Cone

Our experiment is now complete! We ran the pine cone under water about 8 days ago. Within one hour, the pine cone was completely closed, every single scale. The pictures show the daily progress as the pine cone began to dry and the scales slowly opened. 

Day 1:

Cold and wet...

Day 2:

Still pretty wet, but just a few scales 

on the bottom are beginning to open...

Day 3:

Not much progress from day 2; 

just a few more scales beginning to open...

Day 4:

More scales opening on the bottom and the rest of the scales 

are not closed as tightly as the past few days...

Day 5:

Really seeing some progress here; scales are

opening on the bottom and top...

Day 6:

Wow! What a difference a day makes...

Day 7:

Almost completely dry...

Day 8:

Ta-da!

You, too, can try this experiment at home. No experience is necessary; just a willing pine cone and a patient observer!

The End!

Did you know...

...in Australia, voting is compulsory; if one does not vote and does not have a sufficient reason for failing to vote, a penalty is imposed?

...elections are always held on Sundays in France?

...elections are held on Saturdays in New Zealand?

...no alcoholic beverages are allowed to be served in Mexico during voting days?

...in the 2004 elections in the US, only 64% of voting-age citizens actually voted?

...this election will make history in more ways than one; make sure you vote!

Know where you stand!

A friend of mine sent me the link for this Voters Guide. You can read more on the Wall Builders website. For now, please look this over and make sure you know where each candidate stands so you can, with a clear conscience, vote for the correct person tomorrow...

Gotta see this...

...no joke! Watch this...

Diary of a Pine Cone

Day 5:

Lots of excitement at our house tonight! Happy Halloween!

Day 4:

Day 3:

Day 2:

Day 1:

Diary of a Pine Cone

Day 4:

It's much warmer today and the sun is shining. There's alot of hustle and bustle around here getting ready for Halloween. I hear that we will have several second graders here tomorrow night to go trick or treating. I don't really have any treats to offer, but I wonder if they will be impressed with my trick...you can see my progress in the pics!

I just have to share this story. This morning, the little one (remember, they call her Abby?) was eating breakfast with her Mommy. While eating, she said to her Mommy, "Can I hold er's hand?" (er's is your) Her Mommy said, "Sure" and they held hands while they ate breakfast. Then Abby told her Mommy, "I love you, Mommy", and I think I saw the Mommy's eyes water. It was almost enough to make me cry, too, but I'm working so hard to dry out and open my scales, I really didn't want to get wet again.

I did have to chuckle when Abby and her Mommy were leaving for their Kindermusik class and Abby was dressed in her scarecrow costume...she is a cutie, indeed!

Well, back to my trick...

Day 1:

Day 2:

Day 3:

Day 4:

Diary of a Pine Cone

Day 3:

I'm beginning to dry out. I can fell my scales stretching a bit on one end. You wouldn't believe what I see outside from my view here in the dining room...it's snowing! My family is very excited. They are also excited that it's not going to snow on Halloween, so their trick or treating plans and Halloween party won't be ruined.

Day One:

Day Two:

Day Three:

It's snowing!

Diary of a Pine Cone

Day Two:

Yesterday began with quite a rude awakening for me. I was held under the kitchen faucet as cold water ran over me and through my scales. So, now my scales are closed and will be until I begin to dry out.

My "family" came home last night talking about the slush and freezing rain. They were pretty amazed at how much ice was on the ground in a short amount of time. As I sat on the dining table, I enjoyed the warmth from the fire and giggled at the little one (they call her Abby) coloring on her sister's (they call her Emily) homework. Emily did not think it was as funny as I did, but I think in the end, everything was ok.

I did learn one thing today. This week is something called Halloween and the kids are very excited to dress up and trick or treat with their friends. I think I will stay in the warm house though and just listen to their stories when they return. Besides, it's hard work for a small pine cone like me to dry out and open my scales.

Day One:

Day Two: