Sometime's we need a little reminder.

The clock read 10:00am but my doctor's appointment wasn't until 11:45am. I was early and I planned it that way. My intentions were to spend some alone time with myself before I went in to see my doctor. With more than an hour and a half to spare, I drove to one of my favorite lookout spots. I had a plan and I knew what I wanted to do...

As I sat down overlooking this gorgeous view, I closed my eyes and began to pray. I prayed for my husband. I prayed for my son. I prayed for myself and I prayed for our desires as a family. I had many praises from my own life as well as those who surround me. Life is pretty amazing when you take the time enjoy it all. It was nice to detail my prayer requests while listening to the waves crash against the rocks.

As I unfolded my hands and opened my eyes, I couldn't help but smile at all of the wonderful things that I have to be thankful for.

As I walked back to my car, this flag really touched my heart. Each and everyday, we have the right to choose what we believe in. I watched this flag sway in the breeze as I finished my jaunt back to the car and I couldn't help but be reminded of the many people throughout the world that have to hide their faith.

Today was a gentle reminder that I'm both grateful and proud to be a Christian woman living in this country.

Operation: Fall & Winter Clothes

Today was one of the two days of the year that I really look forward to. I pick two random days out of the year to flip-flop my closets and transform my seasonal attire to the next seasons picks. Today was my Fall/Winter Flip Flop Day!

I must admit, I love going through the random bins of clothing because I never know what I will find. The few months that pass and the memory that seems to fade during that time, always ends with gasps of Oooooh's and Aaaaaah's. I love opening up a crate and seeing what 'new' things pop out at me after all those months.

Today was no different. I spent the majority of my day going through bins and hanging up articles of clothing for the next upcoming season(s). I did, however, come to grips with myself and I realized that I have an obsession. I'm serious...I have a clothing obsession. I love clothes and I love to get new clothes...but I'm not very good about getting rid of clothes that I don't wear. I always seem to have a reason to hold onto something. This goes with this....(and I'll only wear it once in the next 365 days)...but yet, I have to hold on to it. The story goes on and on with all of the pieces of clothing. It's a struggle for me. I battle with myself on what items to let go and what items to realistically keep.

With a huge breath of relief, I am happy to announce that I took 78 items (shirts, jackets, skirts, dresses, & suits) from my own closet and donated them today. In addition, I was able to give away some of PQ's clothes as well- 25 shirts and 12 pairs of shorts. I still have a ton of other items that probably could have gone with the others...but it wasn't their time yet. Perhaps on the next seasonal flip-flop. Who knows?? For now, I'll be wearing (or dreaming of wearing) the items that I do have left.

Admitting that I have a problem with shopping is hard. When Papa H and I first met, he asked me to participate in a Golden Rule. That rule essentially requires me to get rid of one item for every new item of clothing that I either buy or obtain from presents. I agreed to that rule but I have not been faithfully living up to that rule over the course of the past 6 or 7 years. Whoopsie! I'm going to try my hardest to go back to this Golden Rule. I'm asking all of you to help me to accountable. If you notice me coming home with more bags of clothing, just whisper a little reminder into my ear. *THANKS*

The EMPTY closet...awaiting seasonal clothes!

A little blurry but you get the idea...

TOTAL CLOTHING CHAOS!!!!

I'm not the ONLY one who has a hard time letting go.

*This is Papa H's High School Football Shirt*

(I found it today in one of the bins. I love you, Papa H!)

DRUMROLL PLEASE!!!!!

The finished product!
For everyone out there: Thanks for loving me just the way I am!

*WINK*

Chocolate Chip Cookie Sundae Scam

Yesterday, I was in the mood for something full of chocolate! As you all know, I love hot fudge sundaes so when Papa H and I headed to the local Applebee's for some dessert, their Chocolate Chip Cookie Sundae really caught my eye. After ordering the warm chocolate chip cookie smothered in hot fudge and topped with vanilla ice cream (and then topped again with more hot fudge and a handful of Oreo's), my mouth immediately began to salivate! This dessert was going to be my new best friend! Or so I thought...

This is the tempting marketing picture in the menu.

This is what we actually got...

Were we disappointed? Yes, to put it mildly. The cookie was hard and dry. Even though the cookie had been warmed up (in the microwave rather than coming straight out of the oven like I had hoped-*WINK*), the cookie was disappointing! The amount of hot fudge could barely cover a tablespoon let alone a large (dry) cookie and a heap of (boring) vanilla ice cream.

After paying 6.99 for a less than satisfying dessert, we left the restaurant feeling beaten. Corporate marketing did it again...they tricked another consumer into thinking that their product was more than what it really would be. Staged pictures can really paint a beautiful picture, can't they???

I love to be pampered.

I had a very relaxing facial this afternoon (courtesy of my parents). For those of you who have never had a facial, it is one of the most relaxing ways to pamper yourself. They not only wash your face, they also give you a massage during your session! I can't say enough about it. I love to be pampered. I fell asleep during the session...and I woke up at the end feeling extremely lazy. Oh man...there is nothing better than treating your body with a little extra TLC.

So tell me...what type of pampering do you enjoy? And when was the last time you took some time for some TLC?

Dear John Letter...

We received a Dear John letter in our email inbox today. Our CSA or Farmshare has decided to take next years summer season off to concentrate on some other parts of their business. I'm sad about it...and I feel like our CSA is breaking up with us. Boooo!!! Are other share holders feeling this attached to their CSA? I would imagine so. I love the CSA that we belong to. It's a small community that really enjoys the simple ways of living off the land.

Apparently, a large parcel of land is even more of a hot ticket item for the H Family. Without the CSA, we will be forced to grow our own...but where!!!??? Certainly not intown where we live right now...hhhhmmmmmm.....

Mama H meets a new, pink friend!

Some people dream of swimming with dolphins. Others dream of swimming with sharks. I have always wanted to play with pigs...but unfortunately, I've never had an opportunity to hang out with any. If you know me well, you already know how much I love pigs. I think they're adorable. I absolutely love their curly tails!!

Well, today was my lucky day! I got to play with the pigs in their pigpen! We spent a few hours with some friends that we haven't seen in a while and they recently got animals. Pigs, Goats, Chickens, and did I mentioned PIGS??!!???

Meet my newest (and stinkiest) friend!

You have NO IDEA how psyched I was about it!

It's literally an AT HOME petting zoo!

SO FUN!

PQ helped get the eggs (after checking out the coop).

Only at this house would you find these random items on the roof...

*A winter boot, a G.I Joe Doll, and a pair of boys underwear.*

PRICELESS...

I've said it once and I'll say it again...I love being with this family. With 7 children in their family, the parents are so calm...so laid back. The children entertain themselves with the various toys in nature (ie: trees, sticks, dirt)...come on, I know you remember those days. I love the simplicity of it all. I hope to have a house in the middle of the woods someday...but until then, I love being reminded of how simple life can be if you let it be that simple. *WINK*

Family Date Night-Minor Changes

As you may recall, tonight was FAMILY DATE NIGHT!! We were planning on going to see Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs (CWACOM) until PQ brought home a note from his teacher. On the note, PQ's teacher invited all of the kids from the class to meet her at the movie theater next weekend to see CWACOM. After seeing the invitation for the upcoming class event, we decided to go with PLAN B...BOWLING. You'll never guess who PQ invited to come along with us for Family Date Night. Oh yes...PQ wanted Miss Independent to come along more than anything so we picked her up in the afternoon for an afternoon/evening of fun with the H Family!!

The kids rode bikes while Papa H worked on the roof.

(Miss Independent CRACKS me up...this picture is priceless.)

After getting their helmets situated, they were off...

Practicing their soccer moves.

They offered to help me prep for dinner.

While cooking dinner, everything got REALLY quiet.

When kids are TOO quiet, it usually means that they're up to something. I went to investigate and couldn't find the kids in PQ's room...or on the porch.

ME: Kids!!??? Where are you??!!!

THEM: We're in the closet.

ME: Together??!!??

THEM: Yes...

ME: What are you doing???

THEM: We're pretending that a tornado is coming and this is our safe spot.

I love dinner conversation with six year olds.

Let FAMILY DATE NIGHT begin!

Honestly...why are bowling shoes SO ugly??!!??

Thanks again for coming with us, Miss Independent!

PQ kept telling us how happy he was that she was there.




After going bowling, we took the kids out for ice cream.

(They have an arcade too...)

The kids wanted to 'play school' while they ate their ice cream.

The evening ended with giggles, that's for sure.
Ice Cream makes kids WILD...hahaha...and we LOVE IT!

Although the original plans changed unexpectedly, we are THRILLED that the day/evening turned out the way that it did. It's always a pleasure having Miss Independent over for some fun. The two kids really click...and there is a slight twinkle in a certain someone's eye whenever they giggle. I love their innocense and I love how they just enjoy each other for who they are. They are a joy to be around and it's obvious that they enjoy each other as well. I wish more kids had friendships like theirs...

What's the weather forecast for Saturday night?

WHO: Papa H, PQ, & Me

WHAT: Family Date Night

WHEN: Saturday Night (t-minus 3 days)

WHERE: At the cinema down near the beach

WHY: Because it's supposed to be Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs!!

*WINK*

I formally asked my boys if they would go on a date with me on Saturday evening. Papa H quickly agreed (he loves movies & he loves date nights)...and PQ was a little skeptical for some reason. He keeps asking me if we're REALLY going to see this movie. Yes, PQ...we're going to see THIS movie! We know how much you've been wanting to see this when it comes out in the theaters! *WINK*

The Shack

I'm done! I finished The Shack over the weekend and I can't stop thinking about it. I really enjoyed reading this book and I want everyone that I know to read it too! If you haven't already read this book, please add this book to your list of must reads. It was awesome. I actually want to read it again...I loved it!

*If anyone has read it and wants to chat about it, please let me know. I'm curious to see what parts made the most impact with you.

PQ's Dental Update

PQ went to the dentist for his six month cleaning today after school. The appointment went over much like they normally do, except they decided to take two sets of x-rays today. Due to the fact that some of PQ's teeth have fallen out and the fact that new teeth have started to arrive, they were a bit concerned about the size and shape of the space between PQ's bottom teeth. Based on the prior x-rays, there was no indication of any type of concern. Today, however, they questioned why his teeth decided to grow in a V shape...leaving a large space between his two bottom teeth.

After looking at the x-rays, it became clear that PQ still has two adult teeth that need to make their way up on each side of the two adult bottom teeth (that are growing in the shape of a V). Dr. Mark is hoping that the two teeth on the sides will grow and force the V shaped teeth to align and straighten. Of course, this is the best case scenerio and Dr. Mark does not know if they will straighten over the next few months or not. If by chance they do not straighten, PQ will be one of the only six year olds that I know that has braces!

Braces!!??? Yes, you read that right...but these braces are not like the braces that we're used to. Instead, these braces (referred to as two by four braces) will only work with the four lower teeth. See below for a sample 2x4 brace (shown on top and bottom teeth). PQ would only require the bottom 2x4 braces. Dr. Mark said that these braces would be required to help minimize PQ's future orthodontic needs.

PQ is psyched about the idea of having braces, even if they aren't like D-Dawg's. He has no idea how much pain they can cause but he's thrilled about the possibilities. Growing up, I had always wanted braces as well. We couldn't afford them growing up so I opted to pay for braces on my own when I was 23. Up until that point, I was extremely self conscious about my teeth. That is one thing that I do not want my son having to go through in his life.

We should know more details in the next few months. Until then, we're hoping that they straighten themselves out on their own. But if not, PQ's going to look adorable with braces on his bottom teeth (at the age of 6)! *WINK*

Playdate + Roofing Project = FUN!

Yesterday was a GORGEOUS day outside! After church, Tony jumped in the back of our car and the boys decided that they wanted to have a last minute playdate. The boys were thrilled when both families agreed to the playdate and soon Tony was headed home with us. After lunch, we all had our own agenda's....

At first, the boys played in the mancave...

...while Papa H started to strip the garage roof!

The boys ventured outside to ride bikes and scooters,

while I mowed the lawn.

There's just something about my husband working on our house...I LOVE IT!


Poor Mooch didn't have anyone to play with today.

Did anyone notice the change of clothes??

(They 'washed' the outdoor toys and then needed some dry clothes.)

Is this another playdate??

(The Glory family came to pick up Tony after A-Man's soccer game.)



It was definitely a friend coming over to visit...

...but they didn't play too much. It was all about hard work!

Unfortunately, I didn't get any pictures of my playdate. Thanks again Glory for coming over and hanging out. We love having you guys over. It was extremely nice of Mr. Glory to offer to help Papa H. (We know how much he loves to get involved in Papa's projects. I hope he enjoyed himself.)

Who knew that a little boys playdate would turn into a whole family playdate? Thanks boys for making plans. It looks like we all had a great time! *WINK*

Saturday Morning Soccer Begins!

It's that time of year again! The Saturday Morning Soccer routine had it's official start today. PQ was psyched about the game and he even offered a photo opp before the game. (WHOA!!) This year, he opted for BRIGHT YELLOW cleats. It's pretty random but that's what he wanted. I must admit that I tried to talk him into getting black cleats but apparently the bright yellow is more his style. (He is his father's son, that's for sure.)

PQ is pretty aggresive on the field but he would much rather stay back and protect the goal. That is, until someone comes full force towards the goal. *WINK* He's still trying to figure out his role on the field and he seems to be having a great time doing it. With a little encouragement, he's quick to run down the field after the ball. I must admit, it's hard to teach a child to get the ball from another child when we spend so much time teaching them to share (off the field). It's definitely a hard concept to grasp.

OUR LITTLE SOCCER STAR!

Did I mention that Miss Independent is on the same team?!?!

Coach K was rounding up the troops.

It's easy to find yellow cleats on the field, isn't it?

GO, PQ!!! Go get the ball!




Now that's what I'm talking about!!

GREAT JOB TODAY, PQ!

The Red Rocks did an awesome job!

8 years later

I still remember where I was when I heard the news...

September 11, 2001...a day that I will never forget.

Apple Picking with the Hunt Family!

After waking up at 11:30am yesterday, I had an agenda for the day. My agenda consisted of going apple picking and going grocery shopping. Instead of going shopping first, we opted to go to the local orchard to pick some Gingergolds! (These apples are my favorite!!!) I'm thrilled that we went to the orchard when we did because we bumped into The Hunt Family!!!! We haven't seen them in years....(so sad)...so it was a treat to hear Mrs. Hunt call out my name from behind an apple tree.

I miss seeing you, Mrs. Hunt!

She's expected Baby #4...next month!!!!

(She has always looked amazing!)

The kids got along like they've known each other for years!


I still can't get over the fact that we ran into them!

What a special treat indeed!

I couldn't get a decent picture of all 4 kids...

(They all had their own agenda's-*WINK*)



E-Hunt, Big S-Hunt, N-Hunt, & PQ
(I can't get over how big they are!)

Even though we only spent 30 or 40 minutes with the Hunt Family, it continues to warm our hearts. PQ keeps talking about Big S Hunt and how thrilled he is to see him again. Time sure flies, doesn't it? I know one thing...I don't like time going by without seeing this family. I realized how much I love this couple and that I miss them terribly! I know schedules can get hectic, but can we make it a point to get together at least a few times throughout the year? There really is no excuse not to see each other from time to time. At least, we don't think so. We're a mere 40 minutes away from one another. I miss you, Mrs. Hunt.