The Day of.... Rest?

Today, marked the beginning of the new KidsPoint service.

Last night, 6+ hours of prep took place.
But look there at the fruits of our labors.
This is 'Plugged In', the area where the elementary students go as soon as they're checked in.
Activities are available there, led by Plugged Inners, to be done with the students & their crew leaders.
Eventually, the service begins.Drama.

Music (I lost my voice).

Story & lesson-telling.

And small groups, each in a tent.

I'm worn out. Spending so many hours with such great people....it'll wear you out.

Right Flynn?

PS Yah cold weather, bring on the leg warmers.

Because You So Enjoyed The Other Ones

Then let's head to the early 60s.

Do you know the muffin man?

I swear, this niece of mine...

One day, I'll be sitting in the audience of the Oscars ceremony, saying,
"That girl has my middle name."

Cards Fans

FJ took her Daddy to a game a couple of weeks ago.
Go here to check out a photo of Hot Hubs & his Daddy's girl.

Because I Don't Feel Like Folding the Laundry

So, instead, I bring to you,
1955.

And apparently, my head is gynormous.

Look at JD. I'd let him court me any time. Or carry my books. Cuz he's a dreamboat. And pretty swell too.

Go to www.yearbookyourself.com and upload a photo. Then, when you should be finishing a project at work or unloading the dishwasher, you can be seeing what you'd look like 20 or so years ago.

Just a note, my face is pretty tan in the summer. And full of color most days of the year (thank you Irish descent). And, that doesn't so much match the pale girls of the 50's. So, I look like an oompa loompa with a skin graph.

Not so swell.

Her Sweet Little Heart

We were on our way to dance class last night when Flynn says in the sweetest voice,
"Mom, I want Jesus in my heart."
And what Momma doesn't melt from that?
"Well Flynn, a while back you said a prayer & invited Jesus into your heart to be your friend forever. But do you wanna say it again?"
"Yes."
And so we did. And she repeated after me.
And let me tell you....there's nothing cuter/sweeter/more precious, than hearing your baby of 4 years saying, "Come into my heart & be my friend forever."

Palin

I've been reading about Palin. Because I have to upfront about this, I don't trust McCain. A little more than I trust Obama. Well, heck, I don't trust ANY of the politicians. That is usually why I stick w/ the issues.
Okay, got off track there.

Anyway, in my attempts to get to know more about Palin, I came across this video. I thought it was interesting how Giuliani made a point that I -- even as a fairly independent female -- had not yet thought of. Because my first thought when I learned she had special needs baby was, who the heck is going to take care of the baby. But that was pretty sexist.
This is not becoming a political blog by the way. This is still a blog of my thoughts as Flynn's & Gabe's momma. And right now, I'm thinking through the election. When my kids look through these in the future, it will be good for them to know that I gave thought to things other than their regularity or whether or not they should be in tumbling.

I don't have my mind set yet. It might become a lesser of the evils decision.

And for those of you who rolled your eyes when another political post popped up... You're just lucky I didn't post photos of the nasty pea-sized blood blister on my arm that I popped earlier. Because I do have photos. Don't make me use them.

Deep Thoughts by Flynn (volume I've lost count)

We were returning from our morning full of park, picnic, walgreens, post office, & bank & were taking the long way home when it was completely quiet.
Apparently too quiet for Flynn who seemed to want to strike up conversation.
Out of the clear quiet blue she says,
"Mom, what did you dream about last night?"

Flippin' Sweet

To win a flip camera, go here.

McCain v Obama: (edited)

2008 PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE COMPARISON TALKING POINTS

ISSUE: Favors new drilling offshore US
McCain: Yes
Barrack: No
(okay, I'm tired of typing their full names, I will now refer to them as 'M' & 'B')

Will appoint judges who interpret the law not make it:
M: Yes
B: No

Served in the US Armed Forces:
M: Yes
B: No

Amount of time served in the US Senate:
M: 22 YEARS
B: 173 DAYS

Will institute a socialized national health care plan
M: No
B: Yes

Supports abortion throughout the pregnancy:
M: No
B: Yes

Would pull troops out of Iraq immediately:
M: No
B: Yes

Supports gun ownership rights:
M: Yes
B: No

Supports homosexual marriage
M: No
B: Yes

Proposed programs will mean a huge tax increase:
M: No
B: Yes

Voted against making English the official language:
M: No
B: Yes

Voted to give Social Security benefits to illegals:
M: No
B: Yes

CAPITAL GAINS TAX

MCCAIN
0% on home sales up to $500,000 per home (couples). McCain does not propose any change in existing home sales income tax.

OBAMA
28% on profit from ALL home sales. (How does this affect you? If you sell your home and make a profit, you will pay 28% of your gain on taxes. If you are heading toward retirement and would like to down-size your home or move into a retirement community, 28% of the money you make from your home will go to taxes. This proposal will adversely affect the elderly who are counting on the income from their homes as part of their retirement income.)

DIVIDEND TAX

MCCAIN
15% (no change)

OBAMA
39.6% - (How will this affect you? If you have any money invested in stock market, IRA, mutual funds, college funds, life insurance, retirement accounts, or anything that pays or reinvests dividends, you will now be paying nearly 40% of the money earned on taxes if Obama becomes president. The experts predict that 'Higher tax rates on dividends and capital gains would crash the stock market, yet do absolutely nothing to cut the deficit.')

INCOME TAX

MCCAIN
(no changes)
Single making 30K - tax $4,500Single making 50K - tax $12,500Single making 75K - tax $18,750Married making 60K- tax $9,000Married making 75K - tax $18,750Married making 125K - tax $31,250

OBAMA (reversion to pre-Bush tax cuts)
Single making 30K - tax $8,400Single making 50K - tax $14,000Single making 75K - tax $23,250Married making 60K - tax $16,800Married making 75K - tax $21,000Married making 125K - tax $38,750Under Obama, your taxes could almost double!

INHERITANCE TAX

MCCAIN
- 0% (No change, Bush repealed this tax)

OBAMA
Restore the inheritance tax
Many families have lost businesses, farms, ranches, and homes that have been in their families for generations because they could not afford the inheritance tax. Those willing their assets to loved ones will only lose them to these taxes.

NEW TAXES PROPOSED BY OBAMA
New government taxes proposed on homes that are more than 2400 square feet. New gasoline taxes (as if gas weren't high enough already) New taxes on natural resources consumption (heating gas, water, electricity) New taxes on retirement accounts, and last but not least....New taxes to pay for socialized medicine so we can receive the same level of medical care as other third-world countries!!!




You can verify the above at the following web sites:
http://money.cnn.com/news/specials/election/2008/index.html
http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/issues/issues.taxes.htmlhttp://elections.foxnews.com/?s=proposed+taxes
http://bulletin.aarp.org/yourworld/politics/articles/mccain_obama_offer_different_visions_on_taxes.html%A0http://blog.washingtonpost.com/fact-checker/candidates/barack_obama/
http://blog.washingtonpost.com/fact-checker/candidates/john_mccain/

It's My Party and I'll Give Away CDs If I Want To

Search RANDOM.ORG
True Random Number Service
Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:3
Timestamp: 2008-09-01 00:54:57 UTC
(that's YOU KELLY!)

and it was so fun that I decided to do it again!
Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:9
Timestamp: 2008-09-01 00:55:23 UTC
(that's YOU Mo!!)

and one more time just for good measure (well, THREE is a good amount of winners, afterall, my age does begin with a 3!!)
Search RANDOM.ORG
True Random Number Service
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Here are your random numbers:11
Timestamp: 2008-09-01 00:55:37 UTC
(my sis! the interviewee! Angie!)

While I was hoping more readers would de-lurk (there are about 50 different readers each day, but only 16 comments?), that was definitely fun. I wish I was loaded, I'd do giveaways all the time!! I will be mixing, burning, & sending the three winners their CDs this week. Thanks for playing!

OMG! It's Phyllis! What a bday treat!

This is so great, there's no way I could make it up...

So, hot hubs takes me on my birthday date. To my favorite restaurant.

When the hostess walks us to our seat, I casually glance at those dining around us.

That's when I spied her.

Phyllis from my favorite show.

I sat down across from Jeff & couldn't contain myself,

"Oh My Gosh!, It's Phyllis!!"

Trying to figure out what the heck I was talking about, he turned around & saw her.

"No way. NO WAY."

We were still trying to make sure it was really her. I mean, for crying out loud, we live in the central US, there aren't a lot of celebs frequenting our city. Let alone, my favorite eating establishment, where the priciest dish is a $20 surf & turf.

"Okay, I'm going to go to the bathroom & when I walk by her, I'll make sure it's really her."

So hubs confirmed. And then I did my walk to the restroom wherein I took a different route (oh yah, that'll really look inconspicuous).

IT WAS SO TOTALLY PHYLLIS.

But while I was gone, my hubby whose forwardness can surprise me on occasion, actually approached her. He apologized for interrupting dinner & conversation, but explained that it was his wife's birthday, who is a huge fan. Would Phyllis be so kind as to gift me with an autograph & photo after finishing dinner?

He said she was super gracious about it.

It was so funny watching servers, bus-boys, etc., finding things to do around her table. The waitress gave them like 200% better service than us (don't blame her!).

So, as Phyllis & her mother finished up, paid their bill, she - as promised - made her way over to the table. She had already written me a birthday note (she had thought to ask Jeff my name). She introduced herself & shook my hand. She couldn't have been any sweeter, my goodness. She was so down to earth. She saw my soup & said, "Oh, isn't that soup great?!" She talked a little about the new season & how funny it is. But that she hopes we'll think it's funny (who is she kidding?!!)!!

So, we posed for the photo. Afterward I gave her a big hug. Heck, I feel like I know her....almost asked her if Bob Vance was waiting at home. She even introduced us to her mom & asked me which birthday it is. When I told her, she said, "Oh, you're young."

Then, she suggested that someone take a photo of all 3 of us.

Then, she made some more small talk. Shook our hands again, told us to take care.

What a nice lady.

And WHAT A FUN BDAY!!!!! This one goes down in the books!!

PS If you haven't yet entered the contest below, hurry!!

Birthday Eve: A bday interview & Contest at the End

So, this is my BIRTHDAY EVE & I think it's only fitting to pay tribute to, um, eh, I guess myself, with a birthday interview.

I interviewed my mom last year, so I will interview someone who looks like her. None other than my BF & sis.

Some of this will be boresville to some of you, but this blog is all about documenting memories for the sake of my children & their children. I thought these questions would not only make me laugh to hear Angie's replies but would also be neat for my kiddos to read someday.

• Do you remember when M & D told you they were pregnant? I remember when Mom & Dad sat us down at the kitchen table to tell us the news that you were on the way. They had us start guessing what we thought they were going to tell us.....I think we were saying things like, "a new refrigerator, washer/dryer, new car, etc." I am pretty sure we were extremely surprised and happy that we had a baby brother or 'stister' on the way. And yes, Gabe, Aunt Gi had problems saying a couple of words too....so don't worry.

• Do you remember where you stayed when mom was in hosp delivering me? I think, but am not sure, that Alice came and stayed with us. We had school, and of course, we didn't get to miss. I was and still am a worrier by trade, so my entire 7 and 8 yr old time span was filled with worries if Momma and you were going to be okay and healthy.
  
• Do you remember the day they brought me home from hospital? I remember you were dressed in a pretty little yellow outfit...I think it was a dress set. You were SO cute.....tiny, petite, looked like a little doll. And I couldn't wait to get to hold you.
  
• I can't not think about the memory of me eating/destroying your Geo Washing bio creation you worked so hard on. Do you remember that? Okay, that has been a sore-spot for many years now. haha I worked SO hard and LONG, you see I was the slow-poke that Zitzman yelled at in art. Anyway, I was so proud of the George Picture....but I was also so excited to run to the bedroom and see you, that when I got to you, I carelessly laid it down too close to your exploring, 6 mo old fingers and mouth. When Mom discovered you, the picture had been sucked on, crinkled, and was beyond recognition!
  
• When did I cross the bridge from annoying sissy to friend? (or have I not crossed the bridge yet? ;) Hmm, let me see.....we actually fought right up until I married. That seems hard to comprehend, doesn't it? However, those times were kinda when we got too rough with wrestling and picking at each other, and then one of us would get mad and it would escalate into a fight. I would say you gradually quit irritating me when you saw I was 'cool' and you wanted me to drive your little self to the pool, to the mall, and let you borrow clothes and accessories. So probably age-wise I was 20 and you were 12.
  
• Do you remember how many kleenexes I used at your wedding? Are we counting boxes or individual tissues? :-)
  
• Did it get on your nerves to have a sibling so much younger? Let's see....I guess you want me to be honest....yes you got on my nerves at times! Especially when I was in the 7th grade and into boys! You would get on the other phone line while I was chatting with guys and would spy. I would threaten you to hang up and of course you wouldn't listen. Then it would heat up and I would say something mean, you would then get off and go tattle. And then Mom would make me get off the phone and sometimes ground me.
  
• Do you remember when you threw that bowl of (baby) cereal at me? Who? Me?
  
• Do either of my kids remind you of me when I was little? Actually both of your kiddos remind me of you in certain ways. Flynn looks like you and her actions are very similar to your's. I heard all about the drama production she wrote and produced last month....and it reminded me of you and how you and Jeremy would put on dramas/circuses, etc. Gabe has always reminded me of you....I know his skin & hair color is different, but he has a look in his eyes that resembles you.
  
• What's your fondest memory of growing up w/ a sister? There are SO many wonderful memories...a sister is one of the best things Mom & Dad ever did for me. It's really tough to narrow down the places in my heart that mean so much when I reflect. I think back to all the fun times we had 'tormenting' Dad with our physical and verbal tauntings, emotionally abusing the ice cream man (you were cynical even at such a young age). I remember taking you to get your license (Mom got mad if I remember correctly); that was exciting. Honing in on a particular memory, I would say my favorite one is decorating the Christmas tree each year with you. We loved digging out the old handmaid ornaments, stringing real popcorn to make garland, while listening to the holiday albums on the old stereo.
  
• Do you remember when you dared me to run around the house (in front of John Robertson, who in my memory, somewhat resembled Trey Ames), IN MY SUPERWOMAN UNDEROOS? YES, I remember. Why did I do that? Especially since he & I liked each other....why would I do that to him and you? I'd probably be thrown in juvie hall today if I did that. Not to mention, I would be so mad at Mattie if she made KK do that.

• Would you please come home...Forever? Well, I will be home for Christmas.....and I doubt I will live in California forever! Maybe when we retire we will be neighbors.....we can go to garage sales and buy for our grandkids! I miss you too Sis. You are the best sister and friend anyone could have. And of course you win the world's "BEST AUNT" award hands-down. My girls are so blessed to have Aunt MeMe. Happy Birthday....we love you!

Now, since it's my party & I can give away prizes if I want to....well, that's what I'll do.

And since I get lots of compliments on the MUSIC I have on my blog. That's what I will give away.

I think I'll go random drawing again. So, leave a comment & tell me your favorite color. That will be your entry. Whomever gets chosen by random integer will receive, via mail, a CD compiled by DJ Jazzy Mix'Amy. And I promise you will likey.

Now, it's time to go get my paintin' duds on again. Happy Friday!

*Contest Ends Sunday!*

The UNChurch

Man alive, I wish I could be an elementary student at our church.

In NINE days, we launch our own service, KidsPoint, which will include high-energy worship, dramas, & stories.

This has been what I've spent my evenings on this week:

O yes, that IS an orange refrigerator in that panel. With a soon-to-be smiley-face cookie jar atop.

I'm one of the luckiest children's directors around. With a team of EXTREMELY talented peeps, who have a HUGE heart for Jesus & the kids we serve.

Monday, a crew cut wood, made all the panels.

Tuesday, we finished the panels & covered each with muslin (enter, killing my knees).

Wednesday, we began projecting the sketches & started to paint (did I mention the orange fridge?)

Thursday, we painted some more (by the way, at 10:30 last night, I grocery shopped at Dierbergs with green paint on my face. no one said a thing).

Tonight, will we finish?

Lotsa work & lotsa worth it. These kids are going to see how fun church can be. If they weren't into it before, they will be now. The word will be presented to them in a whole new way... that I'm sure they'll remember.

AND

I get to wear a wireless mic, like Garth Brooks.

An Email to Gi

Aunt Gi emailed Flynn yesterday. I read it to Flynn & she was ready to reply. So she climbed up in my lap & as she talked, I typed.
It was too cute to go undocumented:

(COMPLETELY dictated, word for word)
Dear Aunt Gi,

I love you too. I'm gonna send another email for you.
I'll give you lots lot lots of hugs before you go back to California. And a lotta kisses too. You will come back when you move to another house, that's close to our street. (I like her thinking).
I like school a lot. There's a boy named Cooper. He's icky. He has a medicine bag too that hangs by mine. (he has a latex allergy) My teacher is Miss Debbie. Miss Jenny. Miss Cindy. Miss Jo. (Miss Jo is actually gone this year, but, apparently she still thinks she's her teacher). Miss Joann.
My birthday is coming up soon (it is???). It was gonna be after Gabe's birthday. We wrapped presents for Mom. It has stuff in it. We couldn't tell you the stuff in it. Because, it's going to be a secret.
We really really really love you.
I want you to know that I have allergies. I can't have milk or cheese or chocolate.
I love you berry much. I'll send you another message when.... I'll send you lots of messages. I will send you a card with a care package.
I love you very much.Bye-bye.
Love,
Flynn
Aunt Gi: Flynn loves you very much much much much.
The end.

Museum of Transportation

One Saturday the Frost family invited us to the Museum of Transport, to check out... none other than, TRAINS.

(how long do her legs look here?!!)

(Flynn & her good pal Delaney)

(Best of friends: Gabe, Flynn, Delaney, & Trey)

The Many Faces of Flynn

"Hey Mom, take some pictures of me."
"Just like this."

"Take one now."
"OK, let me see it."
"Take one now."
"What did that look like?"
"Okay now. One of my eyes."
"Get closer."

"Get one of me saying 'rurr'."
"Oh, that was a good one, haha..."
"Okay, I'm going to jump up & get one of me doing that."
"One more Mom!"

I've come to the conclusion that Flynn is actually a Who!

The Greatest Show on Earth

Ladies! and! Gentlemen! Children of all ages!

A couple of weeks ago, I found this pink hat & tie at the dollar store.

And was inspired (I use that word loosely) to have a family night, Circus Style...

because, well, it usually is a circus here anyway.

Our dinner was clown faces comprised of cherry tomatoes for eyes & noses, cucumber smiles & ears, brocoli hair... with a side of grilled chicken breast & soy cream cheese (as a dipping sauce) tinted red (pink).

For dessert, barnum's animal crackers -- off a barnum plate.

After eating our clown faces, we decided to create clown faces with BINGO dobbers & elbow mac. Jeff is clearly proud of his creation.

Then there were carnival games to be played, inspired by genius (Flynn).

Including the ONE RING GAME: little balls being tossed through the hula hoop.

Also a crowd pleaser are foam rings being caught by the big orange bowl on Momma's head.

And my bargain game from a garage sale, the tossing game.

Candy of course, must be included...

so we used our candy as sticky animals in their cages (paper).

The final act of the night included our circus kids picking out something for Daddy to juggle.

The only rule was that it must be edible.
So after our final act, we enjoyed necterines!

When The Cats Away

Or rather, when the brother is asleep,

the sister will play with all his birthday presents.

[Taken post bday party, while Bubs was napping.]

How Does She Know This Stuff?

During bedtime:

"Mom, since California is so far away, is it morning there?"

Tagged - La...La...La

This one is titled, " The 7 Song Tag".
I'm supposed to list my seven favorite songs for this summer. This shouldn't be hard, as I LOVE music (as if it's not apparent when you visit my blog & here the tunes strike up as soon as my page loads).
What could be hard is narrowing that down to seven. But I'll give it a go!:

• You're Gonna Miss This -- Trace Atkins (not only the iTunes purchases proceeds benefit FEAST, our allergy group, but the words make my eyes water...our kids are growing up too fast!)
• Lose My Soul -- Tobymac (w/ KirkFranklin + Mandisa [remember her from Idol?]) This one can get you up dancing in your church shoes
• Ballad for My One True Love -- Mason Jennings (on my playyer, down there [insert down arrow here]) This song makes me feel like I'm sipping countrytime lemonade under a shade tree with Hot Hubs + our 2 cutes babes
• Quiet Town -- Josh Rouse (this song makes me wish I lived in the city. and props to anyone who whistles in their song.)
• Mercy -- Duffy. I'm sad that some tv show used this song to promote their new episodes coming this fall (not that I would know since we got rid of our tv), as I only like things (names, colors, styles, songs, etc) that aren't popular or 'over-used'. ANYWAY, what a fun song that makes me want to do the backstroke. It also makes me want to do that one thing like cat eyes that I once saw catwoman doing while dancing on the original batman & robin show back in the 60s (clearly a re-run I was watching, as I wasn't even a gleam in my parents' eyes in the 60s).
• Down to Earth -- Peter Gabriel. First of all, who doesn't love Peter? And who doesn't love his last name? I love it, so does Gabe. This song is from Wall*E. Which we saw w/ my nieces while they were home for a visit. And I miss them. So anything that makes me think of them is a winner.
• Anyone Else But You -- Moldy Peaches. This totally sounds like something I would make up which I'm known to do quite often, when I find myself singing something & don't know the words.

So there we have it! I'm supposed to pass this on to seven friends. Except, I don't have seven friends.
Just kidding.
How about, if you want to do this on your blog, you can! Sound fair? And if you decide to, why don't you comment here that you were a comformist & fell under pressure you got tagged too.