Ten Thousand Hugs

Back in the Blogging World!

2010-09-08T10:17:00.000-05:00

photo credit :: weheartit.com

Hello, dear readers...

I'm officially back in the blogging world!

Where have I been??

Well, let's just say that August of 2010 was not the greatest month in the world for me. My husband's dear grandmother passed away, which was exceptionally difficult on our family. In addition, I underwent sinus surgery.

On the flip side, August marked our eldest son's start of the first grade. He is off to an amazing year!

Here's to an amazing September!!!

As always, extending ten thousand ((hugs)) to you,

Welcome Wednesday

2010-07-28T09:28:00.012-05:00

Today is Wednesday ... that means it's time for the lovely "Welcome Wednesday" blog hop hosted by the super-hip, awesome blog, Take It From Me!

Welcome to my little corner of the blogosphere, Ten Thousand Hugs!!! Take some time to look around, and if you like what you see, please consider becoming a follower and maybe even leave a comment or two!!!

Photo credit :: weheartit.com

And here's something new from my corner of the world...

I am incredibly proud to be an official contributor at Good List Daily, a website completely devoted to daily gratitude!! How cool is that??!!

Just click on the link below the illustration to see one of my lists...

Good List Daily

As always, extending ten thousand ((hugs)) to you,

90 Days of Kindness Challenge :: Days Four through Eight

2010-07-26T15:57:00.000-05:00

On 19 July 2010, I officially started the "90 Days of Kindness Challenge," hosted by Laura over at the wonderful blog, Along for the Ride.

I find myself joining this challenge, since I tend to look for what's wrong with the world, whether than what's right with it.

I assess my personal life and think of ten things that are not going well, while simultaneously ignoring the ten things that are going fantastically awesome!!! (It takes a lot of energy out of me, I must say...)

My goal for this challenge is to actively recognize three things each day, no matter how small or trivial, that exude kindness.

How will I accomplish this goal?? Glad you asked!!!

Right here on my blog, I will recognize three kind things that I encounter each day.
These proofs of kindness could be anything, from a kind word I hear at home from my children or husband to something amazingly kind that I encounter on the blogosphere or web. These kindness encounters could be a picture, word, or deed.

I am so excited about this challenge!! I am definitely looking forward to the benefits of opening my eyes to everything that is kind!!!

.: I am behind on my "Kindness Challenge" postings (due to a HUGE blogging event on my other blog and weekend travelling), so I am posting days four through eight today ... making a grand total of 15 kindness encounters!!! :.

Mary Elizabeth's Days Four through Eight Kindness Encounters:

This book that I am currently reading for review:
A gentle touch on the hand from my husband during our l-o-n-g car trip this weekend.
Spending time with my husband's grandmother this weekend, who is very ill with cancer.
Watching my older children play with their beloved baby sister, Naomi.
Just talking and being heard.
Listening to Elijah, my 6-year-old son, talk enthusiastically about his interest in volcanoes! You simply cannot find enthusiasm akin to that of a child!!!
Hugs from a dear, dear aunt. I sure needed them!
This book my children checked out from the library:
Sleeping in on Sunday morning, thanks to my husband.
Watching my husband hold his grandmother's hand.
Reading kind comments from all of you about this challenge. Thank you!
Gently holding my 2-year-old son while he threw a tantrum.
Gazing at nature during the car trip this weekend.
Packing a picnic lunch for my family today.
This quote from the incredible Mahatma Gandhi:

As always, extending ten thousand ((hugs)) to you,

90 Days of Kindness Challenge :: Day Three

2010-07-22T14:30:00.001-05:00

On 19 July 2010, I officially started the "90 Days of Kindness Challenge," hosted by Laura over at the wonderful blog, Along for the Ride.

I find myself joining this challenge, since I tend to look for what's wrong with the world, whether than what's right with it.

I assess my personal life and think of ten things that are not going well, while simutaneously ignoring the ten things that are going fantasically awesome!!! (It takes a lot of energy out of me, I must say...)

My goal for this challenge is to actively recognize three things each day, no matter how small or trivial, that exude kindness.

How will I accomplish this goal?? Glad you asked!!!

Right here on my blog, I will recognize three kind things that I encounter each day.
These proofs of kindness could be anything, from a kind word I hear at home from my children or husband to something amazingly kind that I encounter on the blogosphere or web. These kindness encounters could be a picture, word, or deed.

I am so excited about this challenge!! I am definitely looking forward to the benefits of opening my eyes to everything that is kind!!!

Mary Elizabeth's Day Three Kindness Encounters ... in Illustrations:

Graphic :: Feed Your Soul : The Free Art Project

As always, extending ten thousand ((hugs)) to you,

90 Days of Kindness Challenge :: Day Two

2010-07-20T15:09:00.012-05:00

On 19 July 2010, I officially started the "90 Days of Kindness Challenge," hosted by Laura over at the wonderful blog, Along for the Ride.

I find myself joining this challenge, since I tend to look for what's wrong with the world, whether than what's right with it.

My goal for this challenge is to actively recognize three things each day, no matter how small or trivial, that exude kindness.

How will I accomplish this goal?? Glad you asked!!!

Right here on my blog, I will recognize three kind things that I encounter each day.
These proofs of kindness could be anything, from a kind word I hear at home from my children or husband to something amazingly kind that I encounter on the blogosphere or web. These kindness encounters could be a picture, word, or deed.

I am so excited about this challenge!! I am definitely looking forward to the benefits of opening my eyes to everything that is kind!!!

Mary Elizabeth's Day Two Kindness Encounters:

My baby's smile - so innocent. So perfect. So genuine.
Reading this blog post about "emergency hugs." Definitely going to employ this one in our house!
I am getting ready to extend myself a kindness by taking a nap after publishing this post.

** This is my first "Follow Me Back Tuesday" post ... click on the button directly above to join in the linky fun!! **

As always, extending ten thousand ((hugs)) to you,

Shutter Love Tuesdays at Trendy Treehouse :: Faces ::

2010-07-20T08:37:00.000-05:00

This week's theme is FACES.

That's our little Aedan - always with a unique expression to share!!!

As always, extending ten thousand ((hugs)) to you,

90 Days of Kindness Challenge :: Day One

2010-07-19T14:50:00.004-05:00

Today, I officially start Day One of the "90 Days of Kindness Challenge," hosted by Laura over at the wonderful blog, Along for the Ride.

I find myself joining this challenge, since I tend to look for what's wrong with the world, whether than what's right with it.

My goal for this challenge is to actively recognize three things each day, no matter how small or trivial, that exude kindness.

How will I accomplish this goal?? Glad you asked!!!

Right here on my blog, I will recognize three kind things that I encounter each day.
These proofs of kindness could be anything, from a kind word I hear at home from my children or husband to something amazingly kind that I encounter on the blogosphere or web. These kindness encounters could be a picture, word, or deed.

I am so excited about this challenge and looking forward to reaping the benefits of opening my eyes to everything that is kind!!!

What better time to start than right now???!!!

Mary Elizabeth's Day One Kindness Encounters:

My son, Elijah, tenderly gazed at me this morning and said with a smile, "Mama, you're beautiful!".
My husband called me this morning from work to tell me how much he enjoyed a conversation we had last night.
The opportunity of this challenge!

** This post is part of "Meet and Greet Monday," hosted by Southern Reflections!!! **

As always, extending ten thousand ((hugs)) to you,

Book Review :: Making a Family Home by Shannon Honeybloom ::

2010-07-15T20:27:00.001-05:00

Making a Family Home

Written by Shannon Honeybloom
Photographs by Skip Hunt
Published by SteinerBooks
Copyright 2010
88 pages

"The domestic arts - cooking, baking, cleaning, making, and so on - are central aspects to creating a living, artistic home atmosphere. Natural materials - wood, stone, cotton, wool, silk - help to keep children (and adults) in touch with nature and natural processes. Attention and consciousness toward our inner life keeps us striving as individuals."

Publisher's Summary: Making a Family Home is a book of real beauty, both personal and universal. In describing her home and family life, Shannon Honeybloom shows how she made - and how we can make - a house into a real home as she shares her own efforts, hopes, and lessons in making a safe and healthy home that provides warmth and intimacy for the whole family.

Illustrated in color with lively, evocative photographs, Shannon invites the reader into her home and offers warm encouragement and practical suggestions for virtually every aspect of bringing love, comfort, and beauty to a family home. The chapters in Making a Family Home range from "At Home with Children" to "The Front Porch," from "The Playroom" to "The Backyard and the Garden."

Shannon Honeybloom is a friend and confidant who offers gentle suggestions and wise insights for parents who wish to surround their family with the best possible home environment.

Mary Elizabeth's Musings: The minute I received Ms. Honeybloom's gorgeous book in the mail for review, I have to admit I knew I would love it! The warm, inviting cover instantly beckoned for me to sit down with a cup of hot tea, get comfortable, and enjoy a lovely read. Ms. Honeybloom's personal, yet elegant writing style combined poetically with Skip Hunt's delightfully colorful photographs. Truly, this book was the gem I had expected!

Ms. Honeybloom graciously invites us into her entire home, kindly walking us through every room, every corner, and every aspect of her family's domicile to show how she has made a beautiful place for her children to call home. Utilizing the Waldorf approach to child-rearing and homemaking, which emphasizes a variety of natural sensory experiences, Ms. Honeybloom offers gentle musings of how to integrate this amazing approach into the life of the home.

Mr. Hunt's photography allows us to fully engage in our visual awareness, as his unique vision through the photographic medium helps us feel at home with Ms. Honeybloom and her family. With gentle, warm use of light, Mr. Hunt captures the intimate feeling of hearth and home conveyed through Ms. Honeybloom's prose.

Ms. Honeybloom has created an absolute joy of a book in Making a Family Home, and generously invites all of us to share in that creation through our homes. You will truly do yourself, your home, and your family a favor by reading this book and implementing Ms. Honeybloom's approach to homemaking and child-rearing.

** To find out more about the Waldorf approach, visit Why Waldorf Works. **

** I would like to take this opportunity to thank Ms. Honeybloom for the chance to read and review her wonderful book. I would also like to thank her for allowing me to feature her on my little blog this past Tuesday. In case you missed my interview with Ms. Honeybloom, just click here! **

As always, extending ten thousand ((hugs)) to you,

Ten Thousand ((Hugs)) to YOU Tuesday :: Interview with Shannon Honeybloom, Author of Making A Family Home ::

2010-07-13T08:14:00.004-05:00

weheartit.com

Today is Tuesday!! That means it's time for my weekly feature, "Ten Thousand ((Hugs)) to YOU Tuesday," where I showcase a blogger, crafter, reader, Etsy shop owner ... or, well, just about anybody who extends kindness (aka 10,000 hugs) through their talents that they graciously share with the world!!!

Today's feature spotlights Shannon Honeybloom, the amazing author of Making a Family Home, a delightful book about creating a genuinely warm environment in your home. Read on to get to know her better ... I am sure you will fall in love with her beautiful, caring nature as I did while reading her lovely book.

Photos courtesy of Shannon Honeybloom

Q. Please tell us a little bit about yourself and your background.

I have lived in a lot of different places and in different countries, but for the most part, I grew up in New York State. The things that interested me as a child, are still passions of mine today -- homemaking (I was forever rearranging my room), acting (it's so much fun for me and is a great creative outlet) and writing (sometimes writing can be a chore, but often it is fun to figure out how to get it all down on paper).
I have three children and I live with my husband in Austin, TX. It's a great place to live and raise a family!

Q. Please talk about the inspiration behind your book, Making a Family Home.

Having children has been an incredibly humbling experience for me. And joyful too. Challenging, and rewarding also. When I had my first child, my entire world was thrown out of wack, and I wrestled with how to be a good mother, what it meant to be a mother, and how to make a nurturing home for my child and my family. Thinking about those things inspired me to put some of my thoughts on paper. And eventually my book grew out of that. It was a pretty long process for me. I never realized at the time I was writing a book. And of course the question of how to be a good mother and how to make a home is one I continue to explore, because new challenges always arise. Everyday I am learning new things about mothering and homemaking!
And meeting the photographer Skip Hunt was also an inspiration for me. His photographs are so beautiful and colorful.

Q. Please discuss the Waldorf educational approach and its impact on your book.

Waldorf education strives for balance -- educating the hands, head and heart. I went to a Waldorf school growing up, and I also taught high school English at one as an adult. My children go to a Waldorf school. A great website to find out more is http://www.whywaldorfworks.org/.

Q. When did you volunteer for the Peace Corps in Niger? What effect does that have on your life today, both as a woman and a mother?

After I graduated from college, in the 90's, I decided that I wanted to have an adventure, and that I also wanted to do something that felt worthwhile. The Peace Corps had been in my mind for a long time -- I have an aunt and an uncle who both served with the Peace Corps. My two and a half years there were incredibly formative ones for me. I think I learned a lot about gratitude and happiness while I was there. The people I lived with and worked with in Niger were extremely impoverished, they had very little in terms of material things. Even findng enough food was often a struggle. But the people I knew there were also incredibly joyful and I spent a lot of my time there laughing.

Q. Please tell us a little bit about your website, Honeybloom at Home.

My website is a a place for thoughts about homemaking, parenting and living in general. I share some of my own struggles and challenges and I explore life, often in the context of mothering, but if I am thinking about other things too, I'll write about that. I write a lot about slow living -- we often undervalue our time, and we are often so busy, that it sometimes makes sense to step back and take a deep breath and take some time with ourselves and with our loved ones.

Q. Please tell us something about yourself that we might not know just by reading your book or following your site.

I don't play golf, but I was recently in a national golf commercial, playing golf.

Q. What is your favorite quote? How does it inspire you?

Write now I am loving this quote from Goethe -- because it reminds me that dreams do come true!

“Our wishes foretell the capacities within ourselves; they are harbingers of what we shall be able to accomplish. What we can do and want to do is projected in our imagination, quite outside ourselves, and into the future. We are attracted to what is already ours, in secret. Thus passionate anticipation transforms what is already possible into dreamt-for reality.” –Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Photos courtesy of Shannon Honeybloom

Mary Elizabeth's Musings: After receiving Ms. Honeybloom's book in the mail for review, I knew immediately that I wanted to get to know more about this incredibly kind and gentle soul. I contacted Ms. Honeybloom to let her know that I would be reviewing her book on my blog, and I asked her if I could invite her for an interview here as well. Of course, she graciously accepted, and I have been even more humbled by her charm and grace! Ten thousand ((hugs)) to you, Ms. Honeybloom, for writing such an inspiring book and sharing your kindness with us all!

** Please be sure to check back here on Thursday for my review of Making a Family Home by Shannon Honeybloom!! **

** Are you interested in being featured here? If so, please contact me @ mclaingreen (at) yahoo (dot) com!!! **

As always, extending ten thousand ((hugs)) to you,

Friday Feature :: Blog ((Hugs)) and Link Love ::

2010-07-09T15:31:00.000-05:00

weheartit.com

Gosh, I have not posted any of my findings from around the blogosphere for a few weeks, so some of these links might be a couple of weeks old! Enjoy!

If this suits you and your lifestyle, this site offers great tips to help normalize breastfeeding in public!
I found this darling blog, called Delicious Ambiguity, that hosts a Tuesday linky party for moms and caregivers of toddlers! Check it out!
I stumbled upon this insightful article about using time wisely while on the Internet ... it's from the fabulous blog about simple living, Rowdy Kittens. I found it very helpful!
I came across a new Friday Follow party, called Playdates Friday Follow, hosted by Stash Mama! I am totally there!!!
I found some gorgeous (and free!) tutorials from SewCute Shop ... be sure to check out this lovely blog!

Happy reading! I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

As always, extending ten thousand ((hugs)) to you,

Crocheted Headband Giveaway Winner :: Courtesy of Mandy's Yellow Corner

2010-07-09T15:03:00.000-05:00

weheartit.com

Congrats to Debby at the Cozy Blanket blog! She is the winner of a beautiful, handmade crocheted headband from Mandy's Yellow Corner on Etsy!!!

I would like to extend a very special thank you to Mandy for graciously sharing her talents with us AND a special thank you to everyone who participated!!!

As always, extending ten thousand ((hugs)) to you,

Ten Thousand ((Hugs)) to YOU Tuesday :: Interview with Danielle (aka The1stDaughter) at There's A Book ::

2010-07-06T10:39:00.012-05:00

wehearit.com

Today is Tuesday!! That means it's time for my weekly feature, "Ten Thousand ((Hugs)) to YOU Tuesday," where I showcase a blogger, crafter, reader, Etsy shop owner ... or, well, just about anybody!!!

Today's feature spotlights Danielle from the fabulous children's book blog, There's A Book!! Read on to get to know her better ... I know you'll adore her as much as I do!!!

Q. What inspired you to start your blog, There's A Book?

My son. The Turkeybird, as I call him, has a form of Autism that made it next to impossible for him to speak until he was nearly two years old, and then it wasn’t much. But for some reason he could read by the time he was around a year old, those were the only words we heard for a very long time. Because of this I went through book after book after book just feeding him what he loved, reading. He still does. And it was because of this struggle to find the “right” books for him that I wanted to help other parents looking for the “right” books for their own children, no matter the age or learning ability. There is always a book for every person, you just have to find it.

Q. What you enjoy most about blogging?

Without a doubt, the people I’ve “met” while blogging. Some of my closest friends are my blogging friends and some are now friends in “real life”. I’ve loved getting to know everyone and finding that there is a community of like-minded people seeking to share and discuss what they know. Just love it!

Q. What has surprised you most about your blogging journey?

Discovering just how much I truly love children’s books. When I started I think I enjoyed reading them to my son, more than anything, but as time has gone on it’s surprising to me just how much I love children’s books. I’ve gone through publisher’s catalogs, giddy with excitement over the prospect of possibly feeling and seeing the pages of a new books I’ve never heard of before. It’s helped me discover what I didn’t appreciate during my own childhood and help to encourage my own children to now revel in the joy that is being a kid with an imagination.

Q. What is something about your "real" self that we might not know just by reading your blog?

That my husband and I met during a time when he was dating a roommate of mine. After she decided he wasn’t “the one” for her we started dating for about a year. At that time we parted ways to each serve a mission for our church and only conversed via hand written letters for two years. When we came home, we were married three months later. It was a wonderful experience, truly.

Q. Do you have any blogging tips you would like to share?

Blog about what you love and give yourself a break every once in awhile. It’s easy to get burned out, especially if your blog is highly focused, like mine tends to be. So, choose something you really enjoy and blog about it, but if you’re having a bad day or are too busy once every few weeks…give yourself a day off! You deserve it and your readers will be just as excited to have you back with vigor in your next post.

Q. Anything else you'd like to share here? (Giveaways, promotions, fave quotes...anything!)

Favorite Quote - “You can want something more than you can say. That doesn’t ever mean it’s yours.” (p.205 The Heart Is Not a Size by Beth Kephart)

Got Books? (http://gotbooksevent.blogspot.com//) Is a joint effort with book blogger Gina from Satisfaction from Insatiable Readers (http://insatiablereaders.blogspot.com/) and myself aimed at promoting books through book bloggers. It’s a two day event, happening from July 23rd through July 24th, where we celebrate everything bookish by hosting giveaways for book related items and talking up the books, authors and publishers we absolutely adore. It’s going to be an event to remember and we hope to continue it on an annual basis, if not bi-annually. (I’m planning a giveaway to suit readers from all over the globe who love books from Children’s to YA, so make sure to stop by!)

I also review at Chick Lit Reviews (http://www.chicklitreviews.com/) for those of you not interested in Children's books, you may find something you really love!

Thank you so much to Mary Elizabeth for having me on! I’ve loved getting to know her better and finding new friends through her fantastic sites. Thank you!

Mary Elizabeth's Musings: What can I say about Danielle??? For starters, she does so much for the book-blogging community - just take a look at her children's book blog, There's A Book, for a taste of her talent!! Beyond her blog, she organizes numerous book-blogging events and actively participates all around the book-blogosphere on a regular basis. She holds excellent giveaways on her blog regularly, along with well-written, honest reviews of children's books. Visit her site today and become a follower ... trust me, you'll be thrilled with her work!!! (P/S ... Has anyone ever seen such a super-cute button for a site??!! Isn't that little girl an absolute doll??!!) Ten thousand ((hugs)) to you, Danielle, for bringing everyone in touch with high-quality children's literature!

** Are you interested in being featured here? If so, please contact me @ mclaingreen (at) yahoo (dot) com!!! **

As always, extending ten thousand ((hugs)) to you,

My Open Journal :: HOPE ::

2010-07-01T14:59:00.000-05:00

:: Aedan, one of my five proofs of hope ::

.: Writing prompt credit: "A Bit of Me(Me)" at There's A Book :.

:: Hope ::

This would have to be my favorite word.

Let me say it again ... HOPE.

I absolutely love this word, because without it, life would have no purpose. What do we always have, no matter the circumstances? Hope. Even if the day is at its darkest ... or a situation leaves us broken ... we still have the gift of hope. We are still graced with its power.

Has my life been perfect? Absolutely not. Yes, I have been blessed abundantly, but I have certainly experienced my share of tragedies ... yet, this has been when hope has shone the brightest in my life. I cannot say that during my worst moments I have seen or felt hope very strongly, but I always knew it was there. It always will be.

Without going into the details, 2009 was one of the most difficult years of my life. I am still feeling its residue and smarting from its lessons, but I am still here. I am stronger. While I sometimes still yearn for the chance to erase certain events of last year, I know that my spirit has grown better, stronger, and kinder.

And that gives me hope.

As always, extending ten thousand ((hugs)) to you,

Ten Thousand ((Hugs)) to YOU Tuesday :: Interview with Mandy from Mandy's Yellow Corner AND a Giveaway ::

2010-06-29T08:02:00.000-05:00

I am so thrilled to announce a new weekly feature here called "Ten Thousand ((Hugs)) to YOU Tuesday," where I showcase a blogger, crafter, reader, Etsy shop owner ... or, well, just about anybody!!!

Today's feature spotlights Mandy from Mandy's Yellow Corner (her blog) AND Mandy's Yellow Corner (her Etsy shop)!! She is super-sweet and super-talented ... read on below to get to know her a litte better!

Q. Both your blog and Etsy shop have "yellow" in the names - tell us about why yellow is your favorite color!

Yellow is such a happy color! I first realized how much I loved the color yellow right around the time that I met my husband, and he further encouraged my infatuation [not really sure why]. But due to the happiness of the color, and my further happiness at having it associated with my love, it has solidly remained my favorite! :]

Q. Please tell us about your Etsy shop - how and why you started it.

Well, like most things I do, it just kind of happened! My mother-in-law had told me about it last Christmas, but I had forgotten about it. Then, when I started blogging, I kept seeing amazingly crafty bloggers with adorable etsy shops, and it inspired me to start my own. Ever since I was a child I have loved making things for people. . . I still make my family members presents at Christmas time! I love the idea that somebody somewhere may be wearing or using something that I have made! Love that :]

Q. Please tell us about your blog - how and why you started it.

I saw Julie and Julia last December. . . hehe, I'm a little embarrassed to say that the movie was my initial inspiration! But I didn't actually follow my first inclination. It wasn't until January, when Valentine's Day was approaching, that I actually had a purpose for a blog. I was searching for fun Valentine's Day activities and crafts online, and I couldn't find any that I hadn't already done over the last two years. This overwhelming lack of holiday crafts was very upsetting, and I realized that I had some fun ideas that I had come up with that some other searching crafter may want to borrow. And thus I started my Valentine's Day Craft Blog. . . which I deleted a week later after seeing SO many adorable blogs with amazing etsy-worthy creations. I was inspired to make my own blog that was devoted to my crafting, with the hope that one day I would have a successful etsy shop as well.

Q. What do you enjoy most about blogging and having your own Etsy shop?

I love the friendships that I have made! I never would have thought that blogging would bring so many sweet, lovely people into my life- people I will probably never meet, but I still love sharing ideas and life with them through blogging. :]

Q. Tell us a bit about your "off-line" self - what is something we might not know about you, personally, just from reading your blog or visiting your shop?

I don't know if you can tell based on my blog, but I am a very shy person in real life [at least until I get to know a person- then the crazies come out!]. And the telephone is my absolute biggest fear. I dread having to make a call. . . or answer one. But I love being a wife and homemaker! Cooking, cleaning, decorating- all my favorite things. And I am so blessed to be married to a man who encourages me in all of my crafting endeavors. He is so supportive and loving, and I love him!

Q. Is there anything else you would like to share with us?

I just want to encourage all the ladies out there- if you've been wanting to craft more, but just haven't gotten around to it, blogging about it is a great way to keep yourself motivated. I've tried so many new [and initially scary] projects in the 6 months since I started blogging that I never would have tried before. It helps knowing that I've got to keep trying new things so that I can keep providing new reading material for my followers. And yes, I have produced more flops than ever [hehe, I just don't blog about those. . .] but I've also done things that I never would have thought I could do. Just go for it! :]

Here is a taste of Mandy's incredible creativity ...

Mary Elizabeth's Musings: Mandy is such a delightful blogging pal - so sweet and genuine! I contacted her as a result of seeing her giveaway on another blog, and she responded immediately with incredible enthusiasm!!! She quickly sent me one of her pink headbands in the mail as a sample for this giveaway, and I was very impressed with the quality and stunning beauty of it. It has been a sweet, playful accessory to my summer wardrobe! Ten thousand ((hugs)) to you, Mandy, for sharing your talents with us!

Mandy has very graciously agreed to give away one of her beautiful, crocheted headbands, shown above those darling clutches!

To enter this giveaway, here are the guidelines:

Mandatory: You must be a follower of this blog, Ten Thousand Hugs, AND you must visit Mandy's Etsy Shop to decide which color headband you would choose should you win!
Extra entries can be made by following Mandy's blog (one extra entry) :: purchasing an item from her Etsy shop (five extra entries) :: and adding her shop to your favorites on Etsy (two extra entries)!
Please, please, please leave a separate comment for EACH entry, including the mandatory one, along with your e-mail address in each entry!!!
This giveaway will run from now through next Tuesday, July 6, 2010 at 11:59 pm CST.

BEST OF LUCK TO YOU!!!

** Are you interested in being featured here? If so, please contact me @ mclaingreen (at) yahoo (dot) com!!! **

** This post is part of "Tuesday Tag-Along", a weekly link party held at Twee Poppets! Click on the button above to join in the fun!! **

As always, extending ten thousand ((hugs)) to you,

Blog Makeover Mission :: Complete ::

2010-06-25T15:22:00.001-05:00

Hello everyone!!

What do you think of my completed blog makeover?? I now have a three-column template, new title font, new header, and a new button!!! Yea!!

Kate and Heather over at Smitten Blog Designs are to be credited with my new look! Just click on their button below to see more of their AMAZING work!!!

Please have a look around my blog and give me your feedback on the new look!! Seriously, I would really like to know what thoughts and feelings Ten Thousand Hugs evokes inside of YOU!!! Do share!

As always, extending ten thousand ((hugs)) to you,

New Weekly Feature! :: Ten Thousand ((Hugs)) to YOU Tuesday :: Interview with Elizabeth from Twelve Crafts Till Christmas

2010-06-22T07:40:00.000-05:00

Ten Thousand ((Hugs)) to YOU Tuesday

weheartit.com

I am so thrilled to announce a new weekly feature here called "Ten Thousand ((Hugs)) to YOU Tuesday," where I showcase a fellow blogger, crafter, reader, Etsy shop owner ... or, well, just about anybody!!!

I just HAD to spotlight Elizabeth at Twelve Crafts Till Christmas, one of my fave, fave, FAVE blogs out there! Her wonderful blog inspired me to get crafting with my four little ones more often! I just know you will enjoy getting to know her as much as I did!

And, of course, don't forget to jump over and visit her blog ... just click on her darling button below!!!

Q. What inspired you to start your blog, "Twelve Crafts Till Christmas?"

As a child, I loved to make my own doll clothes, create inventions, paint, craft, etc. I grew up and the roles of life took over - between working and being a mommy and a wife, I realized that I lost this part of myself . . . the part of myself that was able to be creative and make things.
In an attempt to find this part of myself again, I decided on a whim to buy a sewing machine and teach myself to sew. (Of course, I also decided to get my nose pierced and learn to play the drum set. Some might say this was a mild mid-life crisis. I say it was a much needed year of self-expression.)
I began learning to use my sewing machine in January 2009 with a goal of making every one of my girls' Christmas gifts for 2009. Let's just say that I did not even come close to reaching that goal.
In January of 2010 I began exploring the many amazing crafting blogs. I was in awe of the creative talents of so many people who can whip up a table top playhouse in an afternoon or fashion a whimsical dollhouse out of an old CD tower with little clothes pin dolls to match. I was inspired and challenged once again to attempt to make Christmas gifts for my girls, but I was pretty sure I would fail again as well if I didn't have someone to keep me accountable.
I was in bed one night thinking about how I would reach my goal this time around when the idea hit me that I should blog about it so my friends and family could hold me accountable. Thus twelve crafts till Christmas began - my journey in making all my kids' Christmas gifts for Christmas 2010.

Q. What do you like most about blogging?

Blogging holds me accountable to a greater audience. I honestly believe if I had not have started this blog, I would have given up on my goal along time ago. I also love meeting new bloggy friends and finding new inspiration.

Q. What has surprised you most about your blogging journey?

What started as a blog to invite my family and friends to hold me accountable turned into a blog that other people find interesting. And I'm pretty sure that none of my family members or closest friends actually read my blog. Funny how that works!

Q. What is something about your "real" self that we wouldn't know just from reading your blog?

Although I don't share a lot of personal stuff on my blog on purpose, personal info does come out as a result of some of my post topics. So if you read my blog, you know that I love my kids so much. I know, I know . . . a mom loving her kids is not a news flash. This happens in trillions of homes across the world. But behind my love for them is also an appreciation that life doesn't just happen.
I've struggled with carrying my pregnancies to term, so as a result, I've said good-bye to hoped-for children. I look at the two daughters I have now that I get to hold and kiss . . . the ones who made it all the way . . . and I can't help but think how much we take for granted the gift of children.
Now, I have friends who do not want to be parents, and I totally support that they don't feel called to that role. But for those who do feel called to that role, it's not always that easy. So something "real" about me is that I love my kids, and I try very hard every day not to take their presence in my life for granted.
Well, that may have been a little bit more "real" than you were hoping for. ;)
So . . . on a way less serious note, I love to travel . . . well, let me rephrase that . . . I love to travel by myself. I've lived in China and London. I've backpacked across Europe alone, and I would do it again in a heartbeat.

Q. Anything else you'd like to share here?

I've been convinced in this first six months of my gift-making goal that making gifts for loved ones is something everyone should try . . . just once. Even if you don't think you have a creative, crafty bone in your body, try it . . . just once. A gift given to a friend or family member that has been labored over and loved on by the giver is cherished for years and years. So hop on over to Twelve Crafts Till Christmas and it is my hope that you will be inspired to make just one gift in the coming months.

Take a look at some pics of Elizabeth's four most fave projects:

Mary Elizabeth's Musings: Wow - what an incredible person!! Be sure to head on over to Elizabeth's blog, where you are certain to find inspiration to craft, craft, craft!! She has oodles of talent, both as a crafter and a blogger! Ten thousand ((hugs)) to YOU, Elizabeth!

**This post is part of "Tuesday Tag-Along," a weekly link party at Twee Poppets Review and Giveaways!**

Are you interested in being featured here? If so, please contact me @ mclaingreen (at) yahoo (dot) com!!!

As always, extending ten thousand ((hugs)) to you,

Remembering My Grandfather Today :: Father's Day 2010 ::

2010-06-20T12:11:00.000-05:00

.: My grandfather, Popo :.

Born - October 3, 1922

Died - January 3, 2010

Today is the first Father's Day I will be celebrating without my grandfather, whom I lovingly called "Popo."

My grandfather died very unexpectedly this past January, just a mere five days before I gave birth to our fourth child, Naomi Genevieve. He was a remarkable gentleman in every facet of his long life and a tremendously positive and active influence in my life.

I wrote the following essay below about my grandfather based on a quote from Sir Winston Churchill, and I feel that it gives an incredibly accurate snapshot of him. Please read on...

weheartit.com

“Remember not only to say the right thing in the right place, but far more difficult still, to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment.” - Sir Winston Churchill

As I ponder the above quote, my grandfather came to mind. He exhibited the absolute epitome of this wisdom through his conduct during his life. One particular conversation between him and me comes to mind.
I vividly remember telling him about a phone conversation I had with a person who was a mutual acquaintance of ours, and I was referring to the rudeness I felt this certain person had conveyed to me.

Instead of summarily agreeing and indulging me in my gossip-like manner, he gently said to me, "He is always busy and on his way about doing things. He can be a hard person to grasp and understand at times."

I thanked my grandfather for listening to me and thought over his noble response. What made his response so noble was the fact that this person would never have any idea about this conversation between me and my grandfather, yet my grandfather still referred to him with utmost respect and compassion. Such a simple example of Sir Winston Churchill's advice, yet so illustrative and demonstrative of my grandfather's demeanor.

Happy Father's Day, Popo! I love you!

Extending ten thousand ((hugs)) to all,

Some Homemaking Fun :: Re-Purposing Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream Pint Containers

2010-06-18T08:20:00.000-05:00

weheartit.com

I love, love, love to repurpose our family's empty Ben & Jerry's ice cream pint containers! So much fun, since they're super, super cute...

Here are some of my (humble) ideas...Just rinse and re-use!

Pencil and office-supply holder.
Plant container.
Clutter-buster for kitchen, bathroom, bedroom...for all of those little things that just need a cool place to land!
"Green" vase for flowers! My sweet children are always picking dandelions from our yard and bringing them to me with a smile...so I always have an empty B & J container on my kitchen counter to hold these tokens of love!
Storage for seedling packets in your garage - looks awesome and is super convienent, too!
Use as a gift bag...if your present can fit, of course!
Scrapbook storage.
Button storage - we can always use more of this at our house!
Try one as a darling toothbrush holder in a child's bathroom!
Here was another idea I hadn't thought of...

weheartit.com

Now, go get your green on with some B & J containers!!!

I heart "Frugal Fridays" over at The Shabby Nest!!

As always, extending ten thousand ((hugs)) to you...

Shutter Love Tuesday at Trendy Treehouse ::SMILES::

2010-06-15T14:25:00.000-05:00

This week's theme is...SMILES!!!

Cousins rock!!!

You Capture ::FUN::

2010-06-14T10:26:00.006-05:00

Finger Painting FUN!!!

This is my first time to link up with "You Capture" @ I Should Be Folding Laundry (dot) com...btw - LOVE the name of this site!!! LOL!!!

Anyway...this week's theme is FUN!!

ENJOY!!!

Elijah, my 6-year-old...

...and his masterpiece!! Can you guess what it is?? :)

Aedan, my two-year-old...having a blast!!

Callan, my four-year-old...so intent on her work!

Here are all of their final products!!!

Favorite Things Friday - Blog ((Hugs)) - Link Love

2010-06-11T18:50:00.016-05:00

Blog ((Hugs)) and Link Love

Week of 06 June 2010

I discovered a new fave blog that tugs at my heartstrings every day. It's a blog called Kind Over Matter, and Amanda and Jenn's mission is to remind us to look at the kind goings-on around us every day and, most importantly, to be a part of kindness!! Seriously, I check this blog first thing each morning! Give it a look!
As you noticed in my earlier post this week, I am participating in a new challenge called 21.5.800 over at binduwiles.com. Read about it at her amazing site!
Okay - I seriously cannot believe I just discovered this captivating site this week! Shutter Sisters is a fabulous site for us gals documenting our lives through photographs. Love it!
My other blog, A Novel Idea, was featured on two different blogs this week!!! Check out my (very, very, very small) fifteen minutes of blogosphere fame: "When I Was Young" Feature at "There's A Book" and "Monday's Buttons" Feature at "Twelve Crafts Till Christmas"!!!!!
Finally, mothers and fathers everywhere...get some tissue and view this beautiful, beautiful video of a precious 8-month-old hearing his mother's voice for the very first time. It is simply a breathtaking moment to experience. Please don't miss it.

Happy Friday!!!

21.5.800

2010-06-08T07:54:00.001-05:00

http://binduwiles.com/buddhism/my-new-project-21-5-800/

I came across this awesome project last night that seems as if it were created just for me...and it starts TODAY!!! It brings together two activities that bring me peace -- yoga and writing! Click on the link above to read more details about it and to find other bloggers who are participating.

Basically, for 21 days, I’ll be doing 5 days of yoga a week and 800 words of writing per day.

Ahhhhh....I am feeling zen already!!!

79 words so far today...

**This post is also part of the 30-Minute Blog Challenge held at Steady Mom every Tuesday!!**

Namaste,

Happy 100th Post to Me!!

2010-05-28T16:41:00.001-05:00

I can't believe this is my 100th post! Yea!!

I have been MIA around here this week, due to a virtual book-blogging conference, called Armchair BEA, over at my other blog, A Novel Idea...check it out if you have a moment!

Also, I have been busy packing myself and our four children for our vacation to New Buffalo, Michigan - we leave tomorrow! Whew!

I have two projects that I will be blogging about on here after I return from vacation. Let me take a moment to share a little about them with you!

My first new project is called "Mary Elizabeth's Apron", which will be focused on completing one handcrafted project with my children each month. My inspiration for this (besides my beautiful children!) was the blog, Twelve Crafts Till Christmas - please give it a look - it is awesome and inspriational!!

My second project is called "Bumblebees in My Backyard", and it will encompass my summer enrichment curriculum with my kids. I will share my lesson plans and experience with all of you! Won't you please join me?

Finally, here are some gems from the blogosphere I've discovered over the past week or so...enjoy!

Need some zen tips? Take at look at Positively Present - 15 Ways to Live in the Moment.
If you're anything like me and my husband, we're always looking for different ways to enjoy our time together - check out Ideas to Nourish Your Marriage over at the blog, Passionate Homemaking.
How about some wholesome food tips? 6 Ideas for Eating Wholesome Foods Without Breaking the Bank will tell you how to do this frugally and realistically. Great advice from the natural parenting blog, Codename:Mama.
Finally, this last link came to me at the perfect time from Organizing Your Way. It tells how to minimize the stress when travelling with children. Great advice!

I will be on vacation all of Memorial Day Week, so my postings here will be light (or non-existent!) over the next week...see you soon!

Giveaway Winner!

2010-05-25T09:32:00.000-05:00

Congrats to the winner of my first giveaway!!! Lauren at Shooting Stars Mag won the Mary Kay beauty package!!! Thank you to all who participated and began following my little blog here!

I have two projects I am doing this summer with my children that I am going to introduce in the next day or two, and I hope you will join me! More info to follow in the coming days...

Photo Fridays and Linking Up at FTF!

2010-05-22T11:31:00.001-05:00

Here are a few of my favorite things from this week, inspired by FTF (link above)...

Check out my children's face art...

Elijah

Callan

Aedan

Other faves from this week:

Hosting my first giveaway here!
Elijah's last day of kindergarten!
Completing TWO scrapbooks in ONE week!
Only ONE week left until vacay!!!

Have a great weekend!

Growing Up...According to Kermit the Frog

2010-05-19T09:36:00.000-05:00

Tadpole, wiggling in the water,

Brand new world is there for you to see.

Lots of time till you grow up to be

A big frog like me.

Changes happen as time passes by.

Soon enough, you'll be grown,

With a home on a lily pad

And some tadpoles of your own.

Oh, little tadpole, wiggling in the water

Far from all responsibility.

Take your time till you grow up to be

A big frog like me.

-Kermit the Frog

"The most sophisticated people I know - inside they're all children. We never really lose a certain sense we had when we were kids." - Jim Henson

**This post is part of the "Mom's 30-Minute Blog Challenge" at Steady Mom!!! Click on the link to join the fun!!**

Have a Super Wednesday!!!

Tuesday's Musings

2010-05-18T10:10:00.000-05:00

Illustration from InCourage

Happy Monday! Welcome to My First Giveaway!!

2010-05-17T10:11:00.005-05:00

Hello, fellow moms and bloggers!! I am so excited to host my first giveaway!!! I hope you will follow my blog and enter to win a beauty pack from Mary Kay cosmetics!

I am literally counting the minutes until our annual summer vacay to New Buffalo, Michigan...we leave on Saturday, May 29th. YEA!!!

Here's a little background on the annual trip:

We go every year and stay in the beautiful "Harbor House" lake house (located on Lake Michigan!!). What makes this trip doubly delightful is the time we get to spend with my family, whom we only get to see a few times a year. You see, they live in Chicago, and we live in a suburb of Kansas City, Missouri. My mother, father, brother, sister, and two nieces all meet me, my hubby, and four children in New Buffalo for the entire week of Memorial Day. We stay together in that awesome lake house (described above), cooking meals, vegging out, and just spending some much-needed extended time together. I am getting chills just thinking about it!!

Anyway...in celebration of our upcoming vacay and summer in general, I would like to give away a brand-new Mary Kay beauty pack (pictured below).

Here's what is in it: one 4 oz. bottle of SPF 30 sunscreen; one 3 oz. bottle of TimeWise age-fighting moisturizer; one tube of natural lip gloss; and one Modern Romance make-up bag in which to carry your beauty products!!!

**Just for full disclosure - I am not a Mary Kay consultant. I will not try to sell you Mary Kay products as a result of entering this giveaway. I have used Mary Kay products for a long time and just really, really like their high quality and the results I get from using them. I wanted to share the love with my readers!**

So...to enter this giveaway, please do the following two things (#3 is optional for doubling your chances!):

Be a follower of this blog. If you are already a follower, you've completed the first step!
Leave a comment on this post - can be about anything you'd like!!
**Optional** If you would like to double your chances of winning, please link to my blog in a posting on your blog or visit my other blog, A Novel Idea, and become a follower.

Best of luck, ladies!! This giveaway will last one week, closing at 11:59 pm CST on Monday, May 24, 2010.

This posting is part of "Marketing Mondays" at The Trendy Treehouse!!!

Happy Monday! Now I'm off to do some blog-hopping of my own!

Photo Fridays...A Look at Our Wonderful Week!

2010-05-14T16:52:00.001-05:00

This was a wonderful, magical week for the McLain family!! Take a look at the photos...

Elijah celebrated his 6th birthday on Monday, May 10th!!

Naomi was thrilled with her big sister's careful arrangement of her toys!

Callan enjoyed decorating her calendar for May...

I did a little homespun decorating of my own...

And my thoughtful husband brought me home flowers on Thursday!

What a rockin' week!!!

**Ladies, please be sure to stop back by here on Monday, May 17th, when I will host my very first giveaway!!**

Kindness

2010-05-12T16:42:00.002-05:00

I wanted to pass on an awesome blog that I follow weekly - Mission Amy K.R.. Please take a few minutes to check out Amy's You Tube posting on kindness. You'll be glad you did. It brought tears to my eyes.

I started following Amy's blog after reading her book on motherhood, The Mother's Guide to the Meaning of Life: What Being a Mom Has Taught Me About Resiliency, Guilt, Acceptance, and Love (Guides to the Meaning of Life). I could hardly put it down! It was full of laughter, wisdom, and acceptance.

Amy has also written many other books, including journals and children's books. A few are listed below (and, yes, they are as cute as they look!). Check them out!!!

"I keep my ideals, because in spite of everything, I still believe that people are really good at heart."

- Anne Frank

Have a wonderful Wednesday!!!

For the comments section - What ways do you extend kindness to your family day-to-day?

Motherhood (According to Me!) in Pictures and Words

2010-05-11T19:48:00.000-05:00

First of all, I must say that Blog Jog Day this past Sunday was a huge success!!! Visit Blog Jog Day to read all about it and to visit other blogs in the jog! I found some fabulous new blogs and have doubled my followers!! WOO HOO!!!

In honor of Mother's Day this past Sunday, I wanted to devote a post to my feelings on being a mother...after all, this is a blog about motherhood!!!

Motherhood is...

Magical.

Perpetually figuring out how to arrive on-time...somewhere. Anywhere.

A TON OF FUN!!

Happiness.

Eternal.

Rejuvenating.

Filled with hugs. Lots of them.

Overwhelming with worry sometimes.

Overwhelming with love all the time.

Divine.

**This post is part of the 30-Minute Blog Challenge held every Tuesday at Steady Mom!!**

Blog Jog Day is Here!!!

2010-05-09T00:25:00.000-05:00

Thank you for stopping by and checking out my blog - please leave a comment and become a follower! Next, jog on over to http://www.pet-peeves.org/. Check out more awesome blogs at http://blogjogday.blogspot.com.

Introducing...Photo Fridays (Inspired by "SouleMama")

2010-05-07T10:14:00.005-05:00

Inspired by SouleMama, I would like to begin having "Photo Fridays" on my blog. The goal is to have the pictures (mostly!) speak for themselves...
Enjoy!!!

Our Wednesday Nature Walk

Aedan & Callan with their treasures from our walk.

Aedan's sticks - he was very proud of them and carried them around for the rest of the day!

Beautiful Callan with her nature finds!

My tree-huggers!!!

"The nicest thing about the promise of spring is that sooner or later she'll have to keep it."

- Mark Beltaire

"I never knew how soothing trees are - many trees and patches of open sunlight, and tree presences; it is almost like having another being."

- D. H. Lawrence

Happy Mother's Day!!!

Pockets of Solitude

2010-05-04T06:57:00.001-05:00

Time is a funny concept.

At times, it is our closest ally. On other occasions...our worst enemy. Our nemesis.

What does time mean to you?

Time is a paradox to me. I crave time alone, time to revel in the silence I so desperately seek each day. When I do (finally) grasp a pocket of solitude, though, my mind is instantly bombarded with thoughts of my children, my husband, and my infinite to-do list.

I instantly feel guilty about my time alone.

How can I be doing something for myself when I have four little children needing me, clamoring for their next need to be met...now? And what about that laundry pile...those bills...the grocery trip that needs to be made? And a thousand other tasks I must accomplish???

But as I settle into my little pocket of solitude, I begin to immerse myself in...well...myself. I begin to recapture my own sense of identity as I partake in "me" time, whether it's yoga, meditation, reading, or praying.

Losing myself in my leisure time no longer feels bad; in fact, it feels good...well-deserved and even necessary. Even though I must remind myself time and time again, I have to care for myself, too. I must nurture myself as I nurture my children.

Much akin to following the airline steward's advice of putting on my oxygen mask before I place it on my children, I cannot help them to breathe if I cannot breathe myself.

**This post is part of the 30 Minute Blog Challenge at Steady Mom!!! Join us!!!**

Mommy Links I'm Lovin' Right Now

2010-05-03T07:20:00.000-05:00

http://weheartit.com/tag/vintage

I found some AWESOME mommy blogs and sites while surfing through the blogosphere last week and just had to share the love!!!!

Enchanted Mama - I love the earthy look and feel of this blog! This is one awesome mama who reminds us to live in the moment with our precious children!
Moments with Love - This mother of five small children lets US relish in her wonderful mommy life! Beautiful sharing!
Steady Mom - Help for keeping us mommies on track! Great advice!

“We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures.” — Thornton Wilder

Wisdom from a Child

2010-04-30T14:39:00.000-05:00

Enough said.

Too Cute...

2010-04-28T14:00:00.000-05:00

Okay, my inner child just went crazy over these adorable photographs of ducklings!!! Just had to pass them along...

http://mr428.wordpress.com/2010/04/19/duckies/

Enjoy!!!

“All seasons are beautiful for the person who carries happiness within.” — Horace Friess

Why God Made Dandelions...Through the Eyes of a Child

2010-04-28T13:34:00.000-05:00

In all of my years of having the privilege of being around children, both as a teacher and a mother, one common theme I have noticed is that children do not think of dandelions as weeds. To me, this is a poignant illustration of their innocent perspective of the world around them.

So...why are dandelions NOT weeds???

Glad you asked...

- They are bright and yellow. Why would God make weeds bright and yellow??

- They are abundant and everywhere - ready to be picked and given to a very, very lucky adult as a bouquet.

- You can blow the seeds and they go EVERYWHERE!!! How could a weed be so much fun??

My Muddy Buddy

2010-04-28T10:13:00.000-05:00

I sure had fun in the mud today!

Had to share this absolutely adorable pic of Aedan!
After several days of rain which left our backyard "puddly" and muddy, this two-year-old played hard in it! I had to try for this photo a few times, as our little Aedan is quite camera-shy...unlike his older brother, Elijah.

Oh, the joys of childhood...playing the mud without a care in the world!

Top 5 Things That MUST Occur When Siblings Are Playing Together...

2010-04-28T09:59:00.002-05:00

1. Someone must get hurt. Sometimes badly.

2. Someone must come crying to Mommy or Daddy, barely hanging on for dear life. Comfort cannot be fulfilled without a hug and many, many kisses.

3. All siblings must be warned countless times that someone will get hurt unless _____ stops. (Insert in blank the behavior that leads to crying in #2 and consequence in #1.)

4. While playing, the mother of all messes must be made each time. Every toy that exists in the house must be brought out and strewn all over the floor.

5. Mother and Father must tell children to clean up from #4 an infinite number of times. Even then, children refuse to clean up and are shocked when warning that was given of punishment at least 500 times is finally inflicted upon them.

Happy 4th Birthday, Callan!!!

2010-04-28T09:53:00.002-05:00

Our sweet Callan celebrated her FOURTH birthday on Monday, March 15, 2010...unbelievable!!!!

We took her shopping to buy her a pair of Skechers tennis shoes, something she has wanted for several months. Next, we went to Chuck E. Cheese's to play games - she, Elijah, and Aedan played, played, and played!!! Little Naomi slept, slept, and slept! After that, she requested to eat lunch at the T-Rex Cafe (aka "The Dinosaur Restaurant"). After going home and taking a nap, she opened her gifts. Elijah was especially excited for her to open gifts, since he picked out a Tinkerbell Barbie for her. What a fun day for our big 4-year-old!

My favorite ride at Chuck E. Cheese's!!

Growing, Growing, GROWING!!!

2010-04-28T09:45:00.000-05:00

Look at me!

Today, March 8, 2010, is Naomi Genevieve's 2-month "birthday"!!! How can this be possible? Our little angel was born just two months ago, yet it seems like yesterday. I know all parents say that about their children, but it's true!

Everybody says it for a reason...time simply flies when you are filled with love watching your child grow.

I have to remind myself every day to enjoy each and every moment of her growth. I am truly humbled and blessed to have the privilege of experiencing her development.

The Beauty of a Baby's Smile

2010-04-28T09:41:00.000-05:00

Experiencing the smile on a baby's face is one of life's most pure pleasures.

Our Little Naomi has been smiling socially now for about a week and charming all of us to no end! The pure innocence and joy on her face has been happily noticed by her siblings, especially Elijah, who gleefully announces her grins to me each morning. As if her gorgeous smile didn't warm my heart enough, the pure excitement in Elijah's voice as he announces her beautiful expression magnifies my joy.

Update!

2009-09-30T09:57:00.003-05:00

Hello all! I have been terrible about keeping my posts updated...so sorry! Elijah, Callan, and Aedan are doing wonderful.
Aedan is growing up so quickly. He changes every single day. Right now, he is a bit frustrated with his surroundings, since he is learning how to talk but can't quite express himself. He gets fiery when frustrated, so we are helping him learn to express himself through words and actions.
Callan has started a combo ballet / tap class...and loves it, of course!!! She loves the sound of her tap shoes on the dance floor and looks beautiful!!!
Elijah is LOVING kindergarten!!!! Yesterday, he had his very first show-and-tell presentation. He brought a "Mr. Incredible" Gamecube game to share with his class. He practiced his presentation and received all excellent marks!!! Most importantly, though, we love how he is able to practice his Catholic faith every day at school.

Update on Our Kindergartner!

2009-09-06T09:50:00.002-05:00

Elijah has been doing spectacular in kindergarten!!! He loves his teacher and has made many, many new friends. He talks about what he learned during the day...and sings songs that he learned in Music class. His behavior in school has also been very, very good. We get a daily update in his folder, and he understands and can explain the method that the teacher uses to track his behavior.
With all of this exemplary behavior, the little guy is quite tired when I pick him up from school! He needs a lot of time to unwind at the end of the day, which is quite normal. This reminded me to teach him my own stress-relieving techniques, such as deep-breathing and yoga. A good website, complete with articles, forums, and blogs about natural health is: http://www.natmedtalk.com . This will take you to the home page and health forum. Happy stress-relieving!

Kindergarten At Last!!!

2009-08-19T08:44:00.004-05:00

This is a picture of Elijah in front of his kindergarten classroom!!!

He woke up, got dressed in his uniform, and went downstairs to eat donuts for breakfast.

Daddy took the day off for Elijah's special day, and we drove him to school. We walked him into his classroom where he met his teacher and some of his new friends.

When we departed, he was drawing a picture of what he would like to do in kindergarten.

When did our little baby grow up?

Kindergarten Countdown!

2009-08-13T07:30:00.002-05:00

Elijah starts kindergarten in LESS THAN a week now! He starts next Wednesday, August 19th! Last Friday, we attended a back-to-school picnic, where he met his teacher and some new friends. Yesterday was "sign-up day", where he chatted with his principal and met some new people. He is very excited about starting this new chapter in his life.

Kitty Cat Callan

2009-08-06T09:53:00.002-05:00

Did you know that Callan used to be a cat? I didn't!! As we were petting one of our cats a couple of mornings ago, she said to me, "Mommy, when I was a cat, I had triangle ears and a tail and I said 'meow'."

I told her I didn't know that!!

Creative imagination, huh??!!

Binky Tales

2009-07-31T09:57:00.003-05:00

Last Saturday we began restricting Aedan's binky to naptime and bedtime...and he has been a little champ about the whole thing! In fact, when I go in his room to get him up from naptime or bedtime, he hands me his binky!
What a big boy!

Visit to Overland Park Arboretum on Wednesday

2009-07-30T14:13:00.007-05:00

Aedan loved seeing all of the beautiful trees and flowers.

I love Elijah and Callan's intense curiosity and excitement in this picture! They had spotted some beautiful orange fish in the pond.

Go, Elijah!!

2009-07-30T08:44:00.002-05:00

We are sooooooooo proud of Elijah! Within the past few days, he has learned to ride his two-wheel bike without the training wheels. He has been working so hard and with such determination, that he puts a training Olympian to shame!
He is working on perfecting his bike-riding technique now...and is so proud of himself!

Elijah, Easter 2009

2009-07-28T09:25:00.000-05:00

Aedan, Easter 2009

2009-07-28T09:19:00.001-05:00

Look what I found!!!

Easter 2009

2009-07-28T09:15:00.000-05:00

Callan hunting for Easter eggs!

Mimi, My Grandmother

2009-07-27T10:47:00.003-05:00

Today is the 6th year anniversary of the death of my grandmother, and I still miss her as if it were yesterday that she passed away.
My Mimi was never able to meet our children, as she died before they were born. I wish so badly that they could have known her. I talk about her all the time to them and have many pictures of her that I love to share with them as well.
I wish they could have known her gentle touch and heard her beautiful singing voice. They would have loved her, and she would have loved them.

Elijah & Callan's Trip to Chicago

2009-07-25T11:21:00.002-05:00

June 2009...

Top picture taken in front of Rainforest Cafe.

Bottom picture taken at entrance of Chicago Zoo.

Another Cute Ballet Picture...

2009-07-25T11:13:00.001-05:00

Here is Callan holding up her certificate of completion for Little Princess Ballet Camp!

Picnic at Antioch Park...Yesterday

2009-07-24T14:49:00.001-05:00

Look at Me!!!

2009-07-23T20:30:00.001-05:00

I'm 18 months old today!!! My Mommy and Daddy can't believe it!!

Christmas Tree Farm

2009-07-23T09:37:00.003-05:00

Each time as we drive home on the highway, we pass a Christmas tree farm. About a month ago, in the heat of the summer, I pointed this out to the kids.
Elijah asked, "Mommy, is it snowing there?"
I thought this was so sweet, because even though the temperature was 90 degrees outside, he figured it just had to be snowing at the Christmas tree farm!!
As we passed the tree farm yesterday, Elijah asked if Santa was there. I told him that Santa was home at the North Pole getting ready for Christmas!!

Worlds of Fun - June 2009

2009-07-22T09:50:00.004-05:00

The Choo-Choo Restaurant

2009-07-22T09:42:00.002-05:00

This picture of Elijah was taken this past June at Fritz's Restaurant at Crown Center, otherwise known as "The Choo-Choo Restaurant." The meals are served directly to the tables on trains...a little boy's dream!!!

Cousins

2009-07-21T11:25:00.003-05:00

Elijah and Callan with their cousins, Lola and Reina!

Taken in Chicago in July of 2009 by Cousin Monica.

What Has Aedan Been Doing?

2009-07-20T19:12:00.003-05:00

I've updated everyone on Elijah and Callan, but I have noticed that Aedan hasn't been included lately!!
He will be 1 & 1/2 years old this Thursday, and we can't believe it!! He has been very, very busy exploring his world. We have noticed how carefully he pays attention to everything happening around him. He soaks in all details and then looks inquisitively at Mom, Dad, brother, or sister for an explanation.
He loves to get his shoes and play outside with Elijah and Callan. He especially loves balls and balloons. In fact, when we were shopping at Target yesterday, he saw a display of balls and went crazy until we handed him one. Of course, one second later, the ball was back on the ground!
And another detail about our little man...he LOVES to eat!! I mean, he eats like every meal is his last one!! The little guy can pack in the food!!
And that's the latest on Aedan...

*P/S...Thank you to Aunt Tunnie for this adorable picture of Aedan!!!!*

A Beautiful Smile

2009-07-18T21:04:00.000-05:00

Getting ready to perform!!!

Little Princess Ballet Recital

2009-07-18T20:58:00.001-05:00

Here is Callan displaying a beautiful, well-practiced curtsy!!!

Little Princess Dance Recital

2009-07-17T17:08:00.003-05:00

Isn't she beautiful?

Callan's Dance Recital!

2009-07-16T07:38:00.002-05:00

Callan has participated in a "Little Princess Ballet" camp during this past week. Today, she will have a little performance with her fellow princesses!!! Daddy will be attending, too! She is very proud and very excited!!! She will be dressed in her pink leotard and tights. I will post some pictures later and give an update on the performance, so be sure to check back!

Summer Camp & Soon-to-Be Kindergartner

2009-07-14T20:46:00.004-05:00

Elijah has been attending a summer day camp this week. It is an art camp that meets from 9:00 am until 12:00pm. They have a daily schedule to follow, which is excellent practice for our soon-to-be kindergartner!!! On that note, we cannot believe that our Elijah will be starting kindergarten this fall!!! Where did the time go?? How did he grow up so fast??? I know every parent says that, but it is definitely said for a reason...
I'll have to sign off now, since my eyes are filling up with tears.

Don't Get "Moon-burned!"

2009-07-12T20:01:00.002-05:00

Elijah, Callan, and Aedan went swimming at their Nana and Papa's house this past Saturday evening. Nana informed me that Elijah commented on the fact that by swimming when it's dark, you don't have to put on sunscreen because you can't get "moon-burned", as opposed to getting sunburned!

Balloons

2009-07-09T15:19:00.003-05:00

Elijah, Callan, and Aedan were given some balloons last week after eating at a restaurant. They managed to hang onto them in the car for a while, but two were accidentally released into the sky upon leaving the car. No tears were shed, but Callan later asked Elijah where the balloons went.
Elijah said, "They went up to God. He has them now."
I asked him, "And what did God do with them?"
"I think he gave them to Jesus," he responded.
I was touched by the innocence and faith of his explanation!

Swimming!

2009-06-22T12:12:00.002-05:00

Elijah, Callan, and Aedan are in LOVE with the swimming pool! Elijah and Callan are both taking swimming lessons and making great strides in the water. Aedan enjoys the pool, although he would prefer to be on the move like his big brother and sister! He gets frustrated, because he has to remain in his life vest and be held by Mommy or Daddy at all times.
The kids enjoy our neighborhood swimming pool and their grandparents' pool...having two pools in which to swim keeps them busy!!

New Buffalo

2009-06-01T15:33:00.002-05:00

We just returned from our yearly family vacation to New Buffalo, Michigan. Elijah, Callan, and Aedan had a grand time. Each year, the Knauffs rent a beautiful lake house and we get to spend the week with them. It is especially fun for the children, because they get to play with their cousins who live in Chicago.
We visited Lake Michigan almost every day. The kids LOVED playing in the sand and braved the cold water time and time again!
We even had plenty of excitement at the lake house, as mice were about the place. Two mice were trapped while we were there, and that generated plenty of curious questions from our 5-year-old!
Each year when we leave, we can't wait to return the following year.

A Broken Brain!

2009-05-15T07:18:00.002-05:00

A day or two ago, Elijah and Callan were in their room playing, rather than napping. Suddenly, Elijah started crying hard and screaming "MOMMY!! MOMMY!!".
I ran into their room, expecting blood and gore. Instead, Elijah was holding a cup in his hand.
"Mommy," he said, "Callan almost breaked my brain! She threw this cup at my head. It almost breaked my brain!"
While providing comfort, I couldn't help but smile about the nearly broken brain.

Worms

2009-04-23T16:37:00.002-05:00

After a thunderstorm overnight, our backyard had plenty of worms in it this morning! And Elijah was esctatic about it!! He immediately "adopted" two little worms and made them a home inside of a bucket. He proudly introduced them to me, and I instinctively (and insensitively) responded, "Gross!".
"Mommy," he replied, "Don't say gross! You'll hurt their feelings."
Of course, my heart melted, and I found myself apologizing to the worms.
Only in motherhood!!!

Dandelions

2009-04-17T14:32:00.002-05:00

I love dandelions! Why? Because they remind me of the innocence of youth. Every spring, my children spend hours picking them from the backyard and bringing me bouquets and bouquets of them. They look at them as beautiful flowers, certainly not weeds! Just this week both Elijah and Callan have picked me several, hearfelt bouquets. Elijah has even "planted" some in a pot for me so they can continue to grow!
I'm sure Aedan would pick me some, too, but he is too busy running around the yard chasing his soccer ball!

The Circle of Life

2009-04-14T09:53:00.002-05:00

I had to share with everyone the sad fact that we had a miscarriage on Sunday, April 5, 2009. We were about 8 weeks along in the pregnancy when it happened. We were all quite devastated, and we will certainly miss the beautiful life that God chose to enter heaven at that time. We take comfort in the fact that the chances of conceiving again soon are excellent, and we are so thankful for the blessings God has bestowed on us through our children.

Unwritten Rule

2009-04-03T17:52:00.002-05:00

Okay - isn't there an unwritten rule somewhere that mothers CANNOT, absolutely CANNOT, ever get sick??!! I am sick with an upper respiratory infection and fever, and it's totally wearing me down...especially when I cannot get the kids to listen!!! Help!!!
On a different note, Elijah had his kindergarten screening today and did beautifully. I cannot believe that our first baby will be in kindergarten next year!!!

A Hug Worth Its Weight in Gold

2009-04-02T08:04:00.002-05:00

A couple of months ago, our family was on the Plaza here in Kansas City. We were enjoying a nice afternoon, and we noticed a homeless gentleman outside a store as we entered it. As we were leaving, Jeremy handed Elijah a one dollar bill to give the man. Elijah walked up to the gentleman and handed him the dollar bill, along with a big hug. The man smiled, and you could see the happiness in his face. We were so proud of Elijah for expressing such a wonderful sentiment to someone who truly needed a hug!

I Went to the KC St. Patrick's Day Parade, and All I Got Was This Lousy T-Shirt!

2009-03-27T15:20:00.003-05:00

Last week, we took the kids to the Kansas City St. Patrick's Day Parade. The weather was absolutely gorgeous, we found a great parking spot, had a great view of the festivities - the event was awesome! As we were leaving, a lady was handing out t-shirts for advertisement purposes, and Elijah snagged one. It was just a cheap, cotton t-shirt, but Elijah thought it was fantastic!! He couldn't believe someone gave him a "grown-up" t-shirt of his very own, and he proceeded to wear it over his clothing for the next few days. He was especially thrilled that he could save it and wear it when he becomes a daddy.

Spring Break!

2009-03-24T10:42:00.002-05:00

Elijah, Callan, Aedan, and Mommy enjoyed a fun week last week! Their grandmother, Nini, and cousin, Lola, from Chicago were in town, and they really enjoyed their time with them! Callan was especially thrilled to celebrate her 3rd birthday with them.
This past weekend, we all went to Mountain Home, Arkansas to visit Jeremy's grandmother, grandfather, and two great-aunts! We have had some wonderful visits with lots of relatives we rarely see.

Ouchie!

2009-03-11T07:19:00.003-05:00

Elijah took a spill from his bike the other day and had some "ouchies" on his forehead to show for it. The burning sensation from these scrapes was bothering him, and he was describing this to me and his dad. The description was priceless in four-year-old lingo, as you can imagine! He informed us that his ouchies were "spicy hot" and that he didn't like that. Priceless, huh?

Movie Night Update

2009-03-06T12:52:00.003-06:00

Back in October on this blog, I wrote about our Friday Family Movie Night that we started. I am proud and very happy to report that we have continued to consistently do this activity, and it has become a staple of our entire week!! Elijah and Callan talk all week about movie ideas, and they love to guess what kind of candy Daddy will buy them for this event! We have grown to love these movie nights and cannot imagine a Friday night without them.
Elijah and Callan are especially excited that next Friday night we will have 2 guests joining us! Log on next week to find out who they are...

Extrovert Extraordinaire

2009-03-05T15:52:00.002-06:00

As many of you know, our sweet Elijah LOVES people. He is a people-person if ever one existed!! If someone walks by our yard and he's outside, he immediately greets them and introduces himself. His way of telling someone they're his friend is by saying, "I love you." He definitely wears his heart on his sleeve!!
The other day, I had taken him to Costco. As we walked through the parking lot, he enthusiastically waved to some people (let's put it this way - anyone who walked or drove by!). I said to him, "Elijah, you just love people, don't you?"
He smiled and said, "Yes, I really do. God just made me that way."
My heart melted, and I gave him a HUGE kiss!!!

Non-Sleepyheads

2009-03-03T15:41:00.003-06:00

Help!! I need my two eldest children to be quiet and nap - even take just a little rest!!! I am going to have two bears on my hands this evening, especially Callan, who needs as much sleep as a cat. Wish me luck...

Gimme Five!!

2009-02-27T09:11:00.002-06:00

Aedan just learned last week how to "gimme five!" It is so cute, because he gets so happy and excited when his hand touches your hand. He makes a macho grunting sound when he does this - I guess he's preparing for football watching with the guys!!!

Feed the Hungry

2009-02-26T07:04:00.003-06:00

This past Sunday, our church was collecting food for the hungry. We thought it would be a wonderful opportunity to begin teaching our children about helping those in need - and it was!! We had Elijah and Callan pick out food from our pantry and put in a bag to take to church. Elijah was thrilled to be able to help those in need. We brought the bag to church and left it in the vestibule. I explained to Elijah that the church would be sure to give the food to people who are hungry. As we sat in Mass, Elijah leaned over to me and asked very seriously, "Mommy, do the people in here have nothing to eat? Is the food for them?" I told him that the people who need food are not here and will go to a special place to get it.
On Monday morning, Elijah began digging into our pantry again and setting out food for those in need. Lesson learned!!

Callan's Wings

2009-02-18T15:33:00.003-06:00

Okay - I've decided that all little girls need to have a pair of fairy wings!!! Callan picked out a pair of dress-up, fairy wings at Target the other night, and she looks like a little dream in them!! She flutters and dances around in them, and I think my heart truly melted when she asked to wear them outside the other day so she could "be a butterfly." She looks even cuter (could that be possible?!) when she's wearing them and decides to pout. Ahhhh...the sweet simplicity and sheer honesty of childhood...

"Mommy, I Cleaned Up the World!"

2009-02-13T17:42:00.005-06:00

Ahhhh...the simple beauty and innocence of childhood. A couple of days ago, we had a beautiful, spring-like day here in Louisburg. Elijah had been playing outside, reveling in the gorgeous weather. After several minutes, he came inside and announced to me, "Mommy, I cleaned up the world!"
He had taken a little wagon and pulled it all over the yard, picking up stray toys, twigs, and trash. He had cleaned up the world, as he put it!!!
His comment reminded me that simple things, in the eyes of children, translate into BIG ideas.

Aedan's First Haircut

2009-02-06T15:18:00.002-06:00

Last night, Aedan got his first haircut! Francie, our hairdresser, tried having him sit by himself on the chair, but he would not have that!!! He also would not allow her to place a hair-cutting cape around his cute little neck. The antidote to both issues? Mommy's lap!!! He passed with flying colors, leaving the salon looking like a star!!!
His birthday party is this Sunday, and he and his siblings are looking forward to it.

One of Those Days...

2009-02-05T15:39:00.002-06:00

Help!! It's been one of those days...nobody listening, baby teething (I think!), eldest child not listening!!!!
At times like these, I have to remind myself to take a deep breath and chill out for a while. This, too, shall pass.
Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go find out what that noise just was and who made it!

Happy Birthday, Aedan!

2009-01-26T10:23:00.003-06:00

Our "little man", aka. Aedan, turned ONE year old this past Friday, January 23, 2009. We cannot believe an entire year has passed since we welcomed him into the world. What a joy he is to all of us!
We kept with tradition, taking the day off of work, and spending our day celebrating the birthday. Although we normally take each child to Oak Park Mall for birthday number one to the Rainforest Cafe and Build-A-Bear, we were unable to do that this year. Apparently, the Rainforest Cafe has closed. We went to T-Rex Cafe in Kansas City, Kansas instead, and Aedan built his own T-Rex stuffed animal after the meal.
Aedan loved his birthday celebration, as did his big brother and sister who enjoyed helping him celebrate.
We love you, Aedan!
By the way, Aedan's first two little teeth finally popped through last Wednesday!!!

2008 Year in Review

2009-01-16T10:43:00.003-06:00

Hello, family and friends!! We wanted to share a short year in review from our family to yours...

January 2008 - Aedan Tase McLain born on January 23. He weighed 7 lbs., 3 oz. and was 18 inches long!

February 2008 - Aedan shared a lot of "firsts" with us. Among them were his first Valentine's Day and lots of first meetings with relatives!!!

March 2008 - Callan turned 2 years old. Aedan took his first overnight trip to Mountain Home, Arkansas to meet his Great-Grandmother Naomi and Great-Grandfather Frank. He also celebrated his first Easter.

April 2008 - KU WON 2008 NCAA NATIONAL BASKETBALL TITLE!!!! Our sweet little god-daughter, Amelia, made her First Holy Communion.

May 2008 - Elijah turned 4 years old. We took our annual vacation with the Knauffs to gorgeous New Buffalo, Michigan.

June 2008 - The kids' cousin, Lola, spent two weeks at our house. We celebrated her first birthday and Aedan's Baptism on June 14. We also did many fun summer activities, like swimming, visiting the library, and celebrating Father's Day.

July 2008 - Jeremy's dear grandmother, Wilma, passed away on July 17. We attended the funeral in Ellsworth, Kansas.

August 2008 - We attended a very special Gearhart family in reunion in Atchison, Kansas. The Gearharts are from Mary's maternal grandmother, Mimi's, side of the family. We visited Mimi's grave while in Atchison.

September 2008 - Visited Deanna Rose Farmstead - a great farm, petting zoo, and park in Overland Park, Kansas!!

October 2008 - Lots of fun fall activities!!! We visited Crown Center and Louisburg pumpkin patches. Elijah, Callan, and Aedan had fun trick-or-treating in Louisburg. Also, both Elijah and Callan get stitches for the first time.

November 2008 - Jeremy's grandfather, John, passed away on November 6. We attended his funeral in Ellsworth, Kansas. Aedan celebrated his first Thanksgiving in Chicago!

December 2008 - Aedan's first Christmas!! We celebrated it with his Nana and Papa!

May 2009 be as happy and prosperous for everyone!!! Happy 2009!!

Sleeping Beauty...Times Four!

2009-01-09T09:59:00.003-06:00

Last night, Daddy took Elijah down to our movie collection to pick out tonight's DVD for Family Movie Night. Apparently, his selection was Sleeping Beauty, which he selects each time he has the opportunity, which has now been four times!! Daddy intervened, and Bedknobs and Broomsticks made the cut - a great Disney classic!!!
By the way, we have been doing our movie night for quite some time now, and we LOVE it!! In fact, our dear Aunt Diane, Uncle George, and cousins Anna, Emma, and Sara from Los Alamos sent us a Christmas package with popcorn, seasonings, and a set of bowls for the whole family in honor of our movie night!! What a thoughtful gift...and we love it!!!

How Does My Hair Look?

2009-01-06T08:56:00.002-06:00

Elijah experienced a rite of passage for all children last week by cutting his own hair, just days after having his monthly (professional) haircut. Mom and Dad chalked it up to an experience of childhood, and Dad shaved Elijah's head to cover up the handiwork. Problem solved!!!

The List

2008-12-29T15:50:00.004-06:00

I just love lists - I use them all the time for everything!! I thought I would put together a funny list of the "Top 5 Reasons You Know You're a Parent." Here goes:

1. You catch yourself saying to your child, "Be careful - you'll put your eye out with that!!"...and you mean it.
2. You look forward to bedtime on Christmas Eve, not because of the holiday, but because you know it's the one night of the year your kids will go to bed without a fight.
3. You respond with the phrase you despised as a child - "We'll see" - just to avoid an argument with the question at hand.
4. Again, you find yourself using another easy excuse to avoid an argument, but this time it's "Because I said so." Usually this phrase sneaks in at the end of a long workday like its cousin phrase in number 3, stated above.
5. Finally, you find yourself thinking back to the days before you had kids and can't believe you ever lived a single day without any of them!

No Teeth Yet, But Almost Walking...

2008-12-28T21:22:00.003-06:00

Baby Aedan has been teething now for months but has no teeth yet. We think they will pop out soon, though!!!
He is just about to walk on his own, thanks to PLENTY of practice with his big brother, Elijah. This evening Aedan was pushing around Callan's new baby stroller, using it as a walker. His balance and strength were both intact, and we can tell that he'll be walking on his own very, very soon!!!
We cannot believe he will be ONE year old in less than a month!!!
Aedan brings a multitude of joy to each of our lives with the endless curiosity shining in his big, blue eyes.

"Very" Christmas to You!

2008-12-26T10:07:00.002-06:00

Last night, as Christmas Day was coming to a close, we were wishing each other a "Merry Christmas." As we went around saying this to one another, Elijah wished us all a "Very Christmas!"
Just had to share...

Watch Out! Don't Get "Scrabbled!"

2008-12-19T10:14:00.002-06:00

The other day Elijah said to me, "Mommy, I just scrabbled Callan!"
"You what?" (I looked at him quizzically.)
"I scrabbled Callan!"
Okay, I'm confused...
I must have looked very bewildered as Elijah said with exasperation, "Mommy, I scrabbled Callan. You know, I hit her!"
Then it dawned on me that he was trying to say "I clobbered Callan." He had watched The Christmas Story this past weekend and heard that word on the movie.
Needless to say, I just couldn't punish the little chap due to his blatant honesty and the hilarity of "scrabbling" his sister.
By the way, she was not even phased by being "scrabbled."

Advent Blessings

2008-12-17T06:47:00.002-06:00

Elijah, Callan, and Aedan have been enjoying our nightly Advent prayers out of a special children's Advent prayer book. So have Mommy and Daddy!! It has been a wonderful way to reconnect with each other at the end of the day. We gather around the Advent wreath and read a short Bible verse and prayer out of a children's Advent book given to Elijah by his godparents, Jane and Robert. After the prayer, a small Advent activity related to the day's topic is suggested. We have been doing the suggested activities each night, and it has been very meaningful to everyone. After the reading, we turn to the back cover where a window to the corresponding day waits to be opened!!! This is the highlight for Elijah and Callan!!!
Blessings on all of you this Advent.