Hey, You Look Like...

This is my FB profile pic. It is pretty much how I look now. My hair is a little longer and I need to get in for a haircut and some highlights to cover those pesky gray hairs. Well, let me clarify those two sentences. It is pretty much how I look now IF I have had a shower, washed my hair, fixed my hair, put on makeup and waited for my husband to find the right lighting and setting to take a picture that wouldn't show my wrinkles and brown spots from too much tanning in the 80's. Ok now that I've cleared that up, we can continue.
Sunday at church an elderly lady stopped me and said, "Oh my! You look like Ali McGraw." I smiled and told her thank you. I wasn't exactly sure who Ali McGraw was, but I had a vague idea. This is her in Love Story with Ryan O'Neal.

However, Ali McGraw is now 71 years old. I'm not sure if the lady at church was referring to the Love Story Ali McGraw or this Ali McGraw.

Yikes! Maybe I need to call my hair stylist today and make an appointment for a haircut AND a facial or botox or something.

Well, that got me thinking about that age old icebreaker questions: Has anyone ever told you that you look like a famous person and if so who?

So I thought I'd share.

I've been told I look like two famous people at different times in my life. I had never gotten the Ali McGraw comment until Sunday.

First, Winnie Cooper from The Wonder Years. My students used to tell me this alot. Possibly to annoy me or possibly because they thought it was true. Here's Winnie and here's a picture from when I taught school. You decide. (Why, yes those were floral patterned linen shorts. Still not sure how I got away with wearing those to school. Maybe because I wore hose with them. Ahhhhhh. What was I thinking????)

When I did computer software training right after Kevin and I got married, I taught different groups of people every day. Several people in different classes told me they thought I looked like Ashley Judd. My hair was shorter then and I think she had recently starred in a couple of popular movies. Here's Ashley and here's me about that time. (This was back before kids when we actually went to fancy parties and got to dress up).

Meh. I don't see Winnie or Ashley when I look in the mirror... except maybe when I don't have my contacts in (did I mention I am legally blind without them???).

There's also a local news reporter here who happens to be the mom of another kindergartner in Fletcher's class at school. I've had several people at church and at school tell me I look like her, but I don't see it. Neither does Kevin. Plus, she's not exactly famous and might think it is weird if she found her picture on my blog so I'll skip her.

What about you? Has anyone told you that you look like a famous person? If so, who?

Faces

We have a few books with pictures of kids showing different emotions. I pulled out the camera to see what Luke would do when I said certain words. He was very cooperative, but wanted to see himself on the camera display after each picture. What did we do before digital cameras?

"Pretty smile" for the camera

Silly

Happy

Grumpy

Excited

Mad

Surprised

All done.

I took Luke to the doctor last week. He had this weird rash all over his body. At first I thought it was a reaction to something he ate or maybe something he came in contact with, but then it got worse. The doc said it was something called pityriasis rosea. Apparently, it can be common after a virus (Luke had strep throat a few weeks ago). It is usually very itchy. Thankfully, it hasn't seemed to bother Luke too much. But the doctor said it can last for 6-10 weeks. His starts to look better then gets worse again.

Who Needs Drivers Ed?

Fletcher recently had a little incident at school where some of the kids including Fletcher were in an area they were not supposed to go during recess. Fletcher claims that he "only went halfway" just to tell them to come back. Of course, we had the long talk about obedience and boundaries and how he is to tell a teacher if someone is being unsafe and not to handle it on his own.

I was still a little unsure exactly where the kids were in relation to the playground so when we drove by Fletcher's school Friday night on the way to dinner, I had Kevin pull in so Fletcher could explain it to us.

Fletcher: S and J were over there by that bush.

Mom: (pointing) Right over there?

Fletcher: Yes.

Mom: And where were you?

Fletcher: I was following at a safe distance.

Kevin: (bursting out laughing)

Mom: (through gritted teeth under my breath) You are not helping.

Mom: Fletcher, we are not talking about your driving abilities...

Just Call Me Martha

We needed a new something(????) for our front door since we took down the giant candy cane from Christmas. I didn't really want a boring wreath (although I have a few of those). I saw a cute idea on another blog and thought I'd try to copy it.

Here is the finished product (please disregard the dirty Crocs on the front porch):

Of course, my project got a little complicated. I am not very crafty and most crafty things I try seem to run into various challenges so I should expect it. Or maybe I should stop trying to do crafty things altogether. I bought a cheap picture frame from Garden Ridge Pottery. The plan was to take the glass out and spray paint the frame. But (there's always a but) in MY frame the glass had been glued in place. I've probably purchased 50+ frames in my lifetime, maybe more. Never once has the glass been glued in place. But of course, the one and only time I need to remove the glass, it is glued very securely in place. Grrrrrr. So my additional step in my craft project involved a hammer and broken glass. I probably should have used wire ribbon too since my bow making skills are a little lacking.

Since I am from Louisiana and the Saints are going to the Super Bowl (!!!!!), I think this project would look cute in Saints colors with a fleur de lis instead of an initial. Or a heart and red, white and pink colors for Valentines Day. The possibilities are endless. Maybe I should start my own business.

Or maybe not.

Two Bits, Four Bits

Fletcher is playing in a kindergarten basketball league this season. The boys play on half court with lowered goals. I have to say that after the first few practices, I was wondering if we had made the right decision. Trying to run while dribbling is hard for five and six year olds. Blocking, passing, and shooting while running and dribbling seemed almost impossible. However, I am amazed at their progress over the last few weeks.

Video disclaimer: I was holding Luke in my lap (so he wouldn't run on to the court) while I was filming so the quality is not that great. I hope to get some better footage near the end of the season to mark his progress. Fletcher did make three baskets during this game, but of course, I didn't get any of those on video much to Fletcher's disappointment.

Their "league" has four teams. This was the first time the coordinator called out their names and let them run to the middle of the court before the game started. Can you tell Fletcher thought this was the coolest thing ever?


Please note #5 on the opposing team. That boy knows what his job is and he is very serious about it. I have to laugh when I see these kids. To me Fletcher is just a normal kindergartner. I forget that he is and has always been in the 98th + percentile for height so he towers over some of the other kindergartners in this league.


My Mother of the Year Moment: After about the third practice I was wondering why Fletcher seemed to be slipping and falling on the court. At first, I thought he was doing it on purpose just being silly. But then I looked at the bottom of his tennis shoes. His tennis shoes that he has worn daily since the first day of school back in August. There was no tread. None. They were completely smooth. He might as well have been wearing socks to play. I felt terrible. Needless to say, that day I ordered basketball shoes for him. He is convinced they make him run faster and jump higher.

Three Things - Rachel

Well, I guess it would be weird if I covered everyone else and their "Three Things" and didn't do my own. So here goes.

1. I mentioned that I did Beth Moore's Esther Bible study last fall at church. This time I am doing Shepherding Your Child's Heart by Ted Tripp. It is interesting so far. The basic thought is that behavior issues are the overflow of heart issues (pride, selfishness, unkindess, etc). You can get a child to exhibit correct outward behavior, but if his heart is still prideful, selfish, etc then that's really not going to help him in the long run.

2. The high school students in Fletcher's school go on a mission trip to Nicaragua each summer. Many of you know we used to take our college students on mission trips every year when we were in college ministry in Florida. We miss being able to do that. With small children, we can't go this year, but we are helping them get ready. Kevin is helping with fundraising. I'm helping them with applications, passports, forms, etc. I like the organization part of things and it is something I can do from home while Luke is napping. It is so neat to see these kids interested and excited about missions. I hope and pray both of our boys develop a heart for missions and seeing God's message of hope and salvation shared with everyone around the world.

3. Umm...I'm having trouble coming up with this one. I'm trying to spend less time on the computer in 2010. With Facebook, emails, reading blogs, and writing this blog, I find that I can spend way too much time on the computer. Maybe I'll start playing the Wii more.

Three Things - Kevin

1. Today is his 39th birthday. Happy Birthday! He reminded me recently (after my birthday) that he's only seen 5 decades while I have seen 6. Really? Still cracking old lady jokes after we've been married almost 12 years? You know my motto: Get him young, train him right!

2. He has two little boys (and a wife) that can't wait for him to come home from work every night. He works so hard to provide for our family. I know his employer values him too, but I don't think they really grasp what a great man he is. While I won't go all Jerry Maguire and say "He completes me", I will say that we make a good team. He is the sanity in our home when momma is feeling a little crazy...

3. I love him more than words can express on a blog. He follows hard after God so he can lead our family.

I could continue my list, but seeing that I have this Three Things theme going, I'll stop with 3.

Three Things - Sadie

I can't leave her out.

1. She is now 10 years old and going strong. We've had to start giving her vitamins for bones and joints. In her mind I still think she wonders when these two boy children will be leaving since she was here first.

2. Picture the size of a little paperback book. Picture that book with a leather cover and strap that ties around it to keep it closed. That would be Kevin's journal. Sadie ate the entire leather cover and strap last week. Not one single crumb left anywhere in the house. You can just imagine how that came out. Both ends. That's all I'm gonna say in case any of you are eating while reading this.

3. She has decided in her old age that the consequence is worth the risk. If there's food on the counter or food in Luke's hand, she'll try to grab it even though she knows she will get in trouble for it. Doesn't matter. We now have to put her on her leash and attach it to the stairs during meal prep and eating times. She's not exactly setting the best example for the boys. How do I know? After tell her several times, "Get down, Sadie" while I was trying to get Luke a snack, Luke looked at her and said, "Wisten and obey, Babie."

Three Things - Fletcher

Just so I don't forget this moment in their lives...

Three things about Fletcher:
1. When he gets ready to do something hard for him or cool, he says "Prepare to be amazed!"

2. He is getting pretty good at Mario Kart Wii. He's come in 1st or 2nd place several times. I don't know for sure because I haven't played it, but I think that is hard to do.

3. He has three loose teeth. Two on top and one on bottom. I hope they fall out soon so he can go back to eating whole apples again.

Three Things - Luke

Three things about Luke:
1. He is a singer. He sings when he plays, sings when he is supposed to be napping and sings LOUDLY in the store while riding in the shopping cart. Apparently the acoustics in Hobby Lobby and Harris Teeter are better than the acoustics at home. If he isn't singing, he is humming. The kid has pretty good pitch and rhythm because I can tell what song he is humming. Current favorites include "Jingle Bells", "Frosty the Snowman" (hold outs from Christmas), "Twinkle Twinkle", "Jesus Loves Me", "We Will Rock You" and "ABCs". It's nice that he has such an eclectic mix of songs to choose from. He also likes listening to the radio in the car. He says, "Turn it wouder, Mommy". Just wait til he gets an ipod...

2. He still loves big machines. We look for them when we are driving in the car. Recently, we had this exchange:
Mom: Look, Luke, there's a bulldozer.
Luke: (crying from his carseat) No! No! No!
Mom: (thinking he doesn't want to look at big machines today) Luke, what is wrong?
Luke: That not bulldozer. That backhoe.
Mom: (did I just get corrected by a two year old???)

3. Anything can become a leaf blower - his favorite "tool". Swords, a broom, his popper, his drill. He makes this loud blowing noise and says, "I blowin' weaves." What is amazing to me is that this never gets old. He does it every. single. day.

Three Things - Fletcher & Luke

Three things about Fletcher and Luke:
1. They have both discovered the joys of Skype. They like Skype-ing with aunts and uncles and cousins (and hopefully grandparents as soon as they get webcams). I told Kevin that the technology must blow Luke's mind. Seeing people on a screen and knowing they can see you too. It is a bit much to take in. They can't wait to Skype with Daddy when he is out of town.

2. If one of them gets hurt, the other will ask, "How many kisses do you need? Two or five?" This is the same thing I ask them when they get hurt. If Luke is really upset, he will always say "five". Luke responds well to Fletcher. But it drives Fletcher crazy and annoys him if the hurt is real. That doesn't stop Luke. He continues to get in Fletcher's face and kiss and hug and say, "What wrong, Che-cher? What matter?" Luke's wife will appreciate this one day - maybe.

3. It is Fletcher's job to help Luke wash his hands before dinner each night. They go into their bathroom while I am getting dinner on the table. I hope they use soap... Can you tell I've chosen to let this one go. A big step for me.

Maiden Voyage

Some things you should know first:

When Kevin is out of town, we like to do breakfast for dinner.
Kevin does not like breakfast for dinner.
I have these great memories of my mom making waffles in her silver wafflemaker with the orange light when we were kids.
I gained several or fifteen pounds in college when they installed the Belgian wafflemakers in the cafeteria available at every meal.
A few years ago I asked for and received a wafflemaker for Christmas.
I hated it.
No matter what I did(spray or no spray, oil, etc), the waffles stuck. It was a huge mess.
So I continued to buy frozen store bought waffles.

But then...

things changed.

I was in a store called Tuesday Morning the other day when the boys were in school. They carry discounted stuff similar to TJ Maxx or Marshalls. I happened upon this box.

The name "VillaWare" sounded familiar, but I couldn't think of why. Then I remembered. Williams-Sonoma carries that brand of waffle irons. But they are pretty expensive. However, they got great reviews. I was reading about them prior to Christmas thinking I might want to try a different kind. After doing a little research, I decided they were too expensive.

This one was only $24.99. Normally it was $79.99 according to the price tag and anywhere from $45 to $119 online. I looked after I brought it home. Yikes! Well, I decided to try it Wednesday night.


AMAZING! The waffles didn't stick and it makes the cutest little boats. It has a browning control similar to a toaster. It beeps when the cooking cycle is over (Fletcher thought it was the fire alarm - wonder why). Clean up was super easy. We filled them with fruit. The boys loved their "waffle boats." I knew they were a hit when Fletcher asked if we could eat the leftovers the next morning for breakfast.

I know there are some healthy waffle recipes out there so I plan to use those. The first night I used a mix similar to Bisquick. I'll try one of these two recipes next. They get great reviews (although I've never done that whole peaking egg whites thing in my life!)

Alton Brown's Waffle Recipe

Ultimate Pumpkin Waffle Recipe (probably tasty with some cream cheese in the boat).

They can also be used like waffle cones for ice cream sundaes. Yum!

The possibilites are endless.

Gallery Opening

I bought some frames many years ago at Target. "Many" as in "when we lived in Florida" so that was at least three years ago. They are knock offs of a popular Pottery Barn frame design. They have a slot on the top or side, depending on how they are hung, to "drop in" kids' artwork. I've had trouble deciding where to hang them ever since I bought them. I found a place along our stairs. Kevin hung them for me Sunday afternoon - all afternoon - it took that long to figure out the geometry, trigonometry, and engineering. Turns out hanging them along the angle of the stairs is not as easy as I thought it would be in my head. Sorry babe!

Fletcher took a beginning art class last semester. These are some of his projects. He thinks it's cool to see his stuff on the walls in the main room of the house. Luke's stuff will be coming soon. So far all of his art from preschool is more three dimensional (think noodles, cotton balls, beads, bells, etc) so it doesn't fit in the frame.


Tiger and scarecrow.

Train, teddy bear and fall leaves.

I think this might be leaves too and maybe a bird, but I think I might have hung it the wrong way. Shhhh! Don't tell the artist.

Doing His Part

He really wanted Luke to participate too. However, Luke still wears footie pajamas with a zipper that would be very hard to put on backwards. He also still wears a diaper which would be a little awkward on his head. So Fletcher had to do this one solo.

His prayer that night made us laugh too. "Lord, you are in control of the weather and you can make it snow or not make it snow. You can say yes, no or not now. But I really, really hope you make it snow."

Unfortunately, we didn't get any snow. Just some cold, wet weather.

After I finished uploading this video (they take forever), I realized, "Rachel, you just put a video of your toilet on the blog." Technically, it's the boys' bathroom. But still.

Well, I'm glad I didn't film it in hi def.

Wonder Twins - Unite!

When they first opened these capes on Christmas Day, they didn't really do or say much about them. I was a little disappointed. But now that we've had lots of cold weather and have had to stay inside, they put these on at least once a day and "fly" through the house. It is a great way to burn off some of their energy. Energy...just look at them. Keep in mind this is only a snippet of what they did for a good fifteen minutes or so.

The camera angle and the arch makes it looks like that hallway area is extremely long. It really isn't. Just in case you were wondering.

Allowances

This is the piggy bank Fletcher got from us for his birthday. We bought it at a toy store here in town, but I first saw it online here. It is divided into four sections. Save, Spend, Donate, and Invest. He has always had a small piggy bank, but he hasn't really been old enough to understand it all until now. They've been learning about money in kindergarten.

When we worked with college students, we found that there were far too many of them that didn't really understand saving, spending, investing, tithing, buying on credit, etc. We hope to instill in our children a good understanding of money and how to use it properly.

Here's our plan that I am sure we will have to tweek along the way. Fletcher will start to receive an allowance of $2.50 each week (we may change that to two weeks). It will be in the form of 10 quarters. So the tithe (Donate) will be easy math. Ten percent is one quarter. Two more will go to "Save", one to "Invest" and 6 will go to "Spend". Although Fletcher already has a few stocks that were purchased for him as a gift, we probaby won't spend a lot of time on the Invest portion, at least not for awhile. We'll help him decide on something he'd like to save for like a Wii game. He asks to go out to eat at restaurants so we will let him use some of his "Spend" money to see how expensive that can be.

At this point, allowances will not be tied to anything like chores or grades. We are using it as a teaching tool. Plus, I want him realize that as a part of our family he is expected to do certain things like clean up his room without being paid for it. If he does additional work like shining Kevin's work shoes, then that may be a way to earn some extra cash.

Anyone else have suggestions on teaching kids about money?

That Did NOT Just Happen (Hilton Head - Part 3)

On New Year's Day, we bundled up and took the kids to the beach.  We also took them down to the lighthouse to take some pictures.  My sister-in-law Stacie really wanted a good picture of the four cousins together.  So Kevin brought his fancy camera.  This is an important detail for the rest of the story.

They were happily playing, digging, fishing, etc. on the beach.   I was sitting near Luke watching him play.  A group of people came by with a couple of those little yippy dogs and a cocker spaniel.  None of the dogs were on leashes.  I guess there's not a leash law on the island.  Or maybe there is and these people were not obeying it.  On the sand near Luke was our duffle bag.  Our duffle bag with towels, a few sand toys, some snacks, diapers, wipes, and Kevin's camera. 

The cocker spaniel the stupid dog who was not on a leash came over and sniffed the bag. 

Then the dog...

hiked his leg up....

and began to pee on our bag...

Suddenly I felt like I was Bruce Willis in a Die Hard movie because everything started moving in slow motion. I am screaming, "Nooooooooooooooo.  Stooooooooooooop"  as I am lunging across the sand to get to the bag and get the dog away from it.

Kevin's back was turned and he of course turned around to see what his wife was yelling at.

"The dog just peed on our bag. The bag with your camera in it."

At first, I don't think Kevin thought I was serious.  I mean it does sound ridiculous.  What pet owner allows their pet to pee on someone else's belongings?  Trees?  Ok.  Fire hydrants?  Sure.  Bushes?  Why not.  But a duffle bag?  Are you kidding me!!!!

I was so very angry.  During the commotion, the dog went up to Luke and scared him.  So he's crying.  I'm trying to comfort him and see if the camera got wet. 

The people are apologizing, but they still don't PUT THEIR DOG ON A LEASH!  Kevin assures them that everything was fine.  Thankfully, the dog missed the camera and it mostly got on the outside of the bag.  I am glad I married him because I honestly wanted to say some seriously not nice things to those people.  Not exactly the best way to start a new year. 

Now I can laugh about it, but at the time it was not funny. 

Here are a few beach pics. 

And these are the pictures of the cousins.  It was really cold at the lighthouse.  I didn't realize it, but Fletcher had bubble gum in his mouth too.  Someday these four will look at these pictures and remember that their parents must have been nuts to make them take pictures in short sleeve shirts on January 1 in freezing temps.  Ahh, the wonderful memories!

The Polar Bear Plunge (Hilton Head - Part 2)

It was quite chilly the week we were there.

One of the activities the resort was offering was their 9th Annual Polar Bear Plunge where all willing candidates jumped into the (unheated) pool on the morning of New Year's Eve.

Anna decided she wanted to do it. Fletcher decided to join her. Kevin wanted to be supportive of his son so he agreed to do it too. Please know my husband absolutely HATES cold water. Couple cold water with cold weather and he goes nowhere near it. But he LOVES his son.

You'll have to watch the video (at the end of the post) a couple of times. First, note how many people are actually doing this. Proves that we are not the only nutty family in the world. Second, note Fletcher's hesitation. He is the last one in the pool. Third, go back and focus on Kevin. I have never seen anyone enter and exit a pool that quickly. He yanked Fletcher out so fast I thought he might go flying over the fence.

We were the first ones there. We were hoping we weren't going to be the only ones there!
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More people showed up. Kevin is mentally preparing himself. Fletcher is wondering what he agreed to.

After the plunge. They each got a certificate. The Plunge in the ocean was the next day, but Kevin said, "No way."

Luke was in a powdered doughnut coma. Note the white ring around his mouth. He is trying to negotiate another one from Papa Charlie.

The video proof.

The kids spent New Year's Eve attempting to do a little fishing and crabbing with Uncle Gavin. Unfortunately, the fish and crabs were having parties of their own because they weren't biting. My pictures didn't turn out too well since it was dark.

Hilton Head Island - Part 1

The Sunday after Christmas, we loaded up Kevin's truck and headed to Sea Pines on Hilton Head Island for a little vacation with Kevin's family.

I'll devote the next few posts to some photos and highlights of our trip.  Warning: This one has lots of photos.

Here are some highlights from our week:
Golfing
Fishing
Bike riding
Swimming in the heated pool
The Polar Bear Plunge at the unheated pool
Playing at the beach
Wii Family Feud
Wii Cabela's Big Game Hunter
Wii Mario Kart
Cartoons
Not one, not two, not three, but FOUR completed jigsaw puzzles of 500 + pieces (my sister-in-law and I were a little obsessed)
Scrabble, Quelf, LCR, Rummikub, & Phase 10 board games and card games
Gumbo with potato salad
Taco night
Pizza lunch
Children's Museum
Climbing to the top of the lighthouse
Seeing where Kevin and Stacie lived (they lived on HHI for about three years in the mid 80's)
Exploring Harbor Town
Playing at the playground
Flying a kite
Hot chocolate
Making memories with cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents

While Papa Charlie, Uncle Gavin, Kevin and Graham were golfing, we took the kids to a Children's Museum called The Sandbox. We arrived when it opened and by the time we left, there was a waiting list to get in!!!

Preparing for take off.

Indoor rock climbing wall. Where is the safety equipment?

Mermaid at the front of the pirate ship.

Hey, wait a second... that's no mermaid.

Little pilot.

This was Luke's favorite - the sand table. I wish I could install one of these on my back porch. The sand was "magic sand". Hard to explain, but it had a consistency to it that allowed it to be molded and stay together. Almost like a combo of Play-Doh and sand.

Wait a minute, Mr. Postman.

Skeleton man.

Pirate girl.

Hilton Head is known for its lighthouse at Harbor Town. The kids really wanted to go up to the top of it. So we did. It was 114 steps. Luke climbed every single one up and down by himself.

Here are Anna and Fletcher with Grandma.

This was probably the one and only time I didn't have a death grip on Luke while we were up there. That's the 18th hole of the Harbor Town golf course behind them.

Me and the boys. What's with all the funky head tilting in this picture???

The guys on the Harbor Town course.  This is the course that the PGA Tour uses for the Heritage tournament.  But I think the name is different now. 

Tomorrow: The Polar Bear Plunge