I Think...

Lucas Is Initiated

2008-11-18T20:06:00.003-06:00

My mind is still in shock, so please forgive this post if it defies good grammar or wanders from point to point.

I took the kids on a quick drive to drop off dinner for another family tonight. On our way home I was thinking that I should try to kill about 20 minutes hoping to arrive home closer to the same time as Cody. Then we could eat dinner together as a family without all the "I'm hungry" whining we sometimes have while waiting for him.

We stopped at a Big Lots, which is a place I rarely shop, but they have some great deals. In fact, I had found a couple of neat items that I had to abandon when"the incident" occurred. We were in an isle when I heard Lucas fall and start crying. I was examining some monkey hand towels at the time and did not see it happen. I turned and saw him laying in the floor crying. I picked him up and realized with shock and terror that he was bleeding profusely from a deep gash near his eye. I put my hand on it to stop the bleeding and that is where my mind entered shock mode. It was like slow motion as I stood there thinking, What am I going to do? He is really hurt bad. I have 2 other kids with me. I need help. There is blood all over his face and all over me. A woman shopping near by came over and started to help me. I called out for help. A manager came over and I told him I needed something to apply pressure to the cut. I said I needed to call my husband. The manager asked me to come to the front and the lady shopper offered to stay there and watch my other kids. I walked the few yards to the front where he whisked out a first aid kit. He gave me an entire roll of gauze which I pressed on Lucas' face. I had seen the cut a few times now and it looked terrible. I was really concerned and felt we needed to go to the hospital for treatment. But, I could not drive him there because I had to keep pressure on the cut. I asked the manager to call an ambulance. It was all I could think of as an option. We waited near the front and the firetruck arrived first. It was a relief to have some trained people there to help Lucas. They took charge and examined his cut. The bleeding had really slowed at this point so they put a band aid on it. I must admit, a band aid seemed woefully inadequate to me given the horror and blood I had just been through, but it was really all that was needed at that moment. They said he would need stitches. Then the ambulance arrived and the medic suggested I drive Lucas to the hospital myself since his bleeding had nearly stopped completely. They took some information and the store manager also wrote down information. He began telling me that I would be contacted by the company so they could file a claim and pay for the treatment for the injury. I was surprised as I had not expected that at all, but I did not say anything. He did however notice that Lucas was only wearing socks- no shoes- which brings me to the "I feel like a horrible mother" part of this story. I have never taken Lucas into a store without shoes before, but this was an unplanned stop and I figured there was no harm. I also want to add that these socks have rubber grips on the bottom and are not slippery. AND let me add that I don't think slipping was the cause of his fall. Nate told me later that Lucas had been trying to step up onto Nate's foot and fell backward. However, at that moment when the manager made that comment all I could hear was, "You made a lousy decision which cost your child a scar on his face and our company a lot of money." He didn't say those words. In fact, he was very nice the entire time. But I was an emotional wreck and feeling so upset.

So, we drove in heavy traffic to the hospital. By the time we got signed in, Lucas was climbing all over the chairs and acting totally normal. Cody got there a few minutes later. I took Ava and Nate home (by the way, they were REALLY hungry by now). Cody stayed there with Lucas. He got some special glue treatment instead of stitches which is nice, and is doing just fine. The cut still looks ugly and discolored. But it is better now that it is sealed together.

So much for my plan of a nice family dinner at home! But at least now Lucas joins the ranks of Ava and Nate who have gone before him. He's part of the ER club. I don't think I ever went to the ER as a kid, but my kids can't make it to age 2 or 3 before their first visit.

Commitment Phobia

2008-11-17T11:20:00.002-06:00

I'll come out and admit it: I have a fear of commitment...when it comes to hanging things on the wall. While I'm confessing I should also mention that when I finally do decide to hang something I am totally awful at doing it. I often have to make 2-3 (sometimes 4!) nail holes because I don't get it in the exact right spot the first try. It isn't because I don't carefully measure or prepare. I do the very best job I can, and it still falls short most of the time. Don't tell Cody about this, by the way, because all those nail holes are fortunately covered by the hanging items and he may never even know about it, as long as we never move again or redecorate.

Why I Love the Dollar Store

2008-11-11T20:00:00.002-06:00

I'm upfront about the fact that I am a bargain hunter. Name brands are not very important to me, if I can get a quality product for a low price. One place where bargains abound is the dollar store. Now there are many versions of the dollar store, some better than others. My favorite happens to be the Dollar Tree. Everything in the store is $1. This makes keeping track of your spending total super easy, even for the mathematically challenged. Here are some things I regularly see in the Dollar Tree that cost way more at other places:

gift bags for all occasions (seriously, the cutest gift bags you've ever seen in all sizes, even huge.)
seasonal paper plates and napkins
party themed paper plates and napkins
coloring books and learning workbooks
name brand toothbrushes (have you seen how high priced kids' toothbrushes are at stores like Target?)
hairbrushes
girls' hair barrettes and accessories
dishtowels
cute plastic storage boxes in all sizes
greeting cards (these are actually 2 for $1)
craft supplies
name brand dish washing liquid
toys (you have to be careful, some are junky or break easy, but the simple sturdy ones are great.)
dress socks
kids' books
kitchen gadgets (like nylon tools, measuring cups, tongs, etc)
glassware
invitations

I could go on. I'll be the first to admit that a dollar store does contain plenty of junk. There are definitely items that are not worth a dollar. But it's usually easy to tell with a brief examination if an item is quality enough to purchase. I also don't buy any food items at a dollar store. I'm sure some people do and it may be fine, but I have not had any desire to try that.

An added bonus is that my kids LOVE the dollar store. It's a huge treat when I take them and let them spend a dollar from their piggy bank on anything they chose. It's easy since everything is the same price.

Some people would probably rather be caught dead than in a dollar store. But I think dollar stores have some great deals. What do you think?

One Word

2008-11-10T19:32:00.002-06:00

I've seen this going around blogs and email lately...so here are my answers.

1. Where is your cell phone? charging
2. Your significant other? home
3. Your hair? curly
4. Your mother? midland
5. Your father? wyoming
6. Your favorite thing? peace
7. Your dream last night? unusual
8. Your favorite drink? margarita
9. Your dream/goal? success
10. The room you're in? study
11. Your fear? loneliness
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? here
13. Where were you last night? bed
14. What you're not? quiet
15. Muffins? no
16. One of your wish list items? furniture
17. Where did you grow up? south
18. The last thing you did? listen
19. What are you wearing? pajamas
20. Your TV? flat
21. Your pet? dead
22. Your computer? useful
23. Your life? balanced
24. Your mood? optimistic
25. Missing someone? yes
26. Your car? minivan
27. Something you're not wearing?makeup
28. Favorite Store? World Market
29. Your summer? hated
30. Favorite Color? brown
31. Describe you? deep
32. Last time you cried? distant
33. Who will/would re-post this? whoever
34. Four places I go over and over? church, library, school, backyard
35. Two people who e-mail me (regularly)? brandy, BAD girls
36. Four of my favorite foods? chocolate, soups, bread, fajitas
37. Four places I would rather be right now? restaurant, bookstore, Italy, cabin

Ava's Sky

2008-11-08T07:50:00.003-06:00

A few weeks ago, as we sat around the table eating breakfast, Ava commented that the sky that morning was "pink and purple." At our old house, Ava's seat was really the only one that had a view of the outdoors. I sort of nodded and said "That's nice, honey" or some other cursory response. Then I happened to look outside and realize that she was absolutely right. In fact, it was one of the most beautiful skies I had ever seen. So I grabbed my camera and we took a few pictures of the gorgeous sky while talking about its beauty.

Later that week I packed a lunch for her to take to school. She takes her lunch once or twice a week, and I always write a note on her napkin. I recall a few times that my mom did this for me as a child and how special and loved I felt when reading those notes. That morning I wrote, "You're as pretty as the pink and purple sky." I'd like to have seen her face at lunch time when she opened her bag and read the note. I like to think it made her smile.

Buckwheat

2008-11-07T08:24:00.003-06:00

Lucas is starting to talk like crazy lately. He's saying words I had no idea he knew. (None of them are questionable in nature thankfully. Ava learned a song in music class last week that has the line "Gosh, no!" and felt the need to change it to "No, no!" because she doesn't want to say a bad word. I don't think I have ever told her that "gosh" is a bad word. Although I admit I prefer not to use it and am glad she feels the same way.)

Anyway, Lucas knows a zillion words but he doesn't know how to say "yes." So the only way he can show his assent is by cheering "Yea!" which he does occasionally or by saying "Otay." So a common exchange goes something like this...

Lucas: Mick, mick
Me: Do you want some milk?
Lucas: Otay!

But that's where his similarity to Buckwheat ends....or is it?

Changing the World...

2008-11-06T21:07:00.002-06:00

one shoebox at a time.

I almost cried Sunday while watching the promotion video for Operation Christmas Child. It was cheesy and overly designed to tug at the heartstrings. That is usually a big turn-off for me. But the genuine smiles on the faces of the children were enough to grab me and cause me to look forward to the annual "filling of the shoe boxes." Ava and Nate each get to prepare a box for a boy and girl in need. We use a plastic tub (I've heard those are nice because they continue to be of good use after the gifts are taken out.) The kids choose small toys and necessities, and even spend some of their own piggy bank money.

The process leads to some great discussion about living conditions all over the world. Not only does it open the kids' eyes, but it is a reminder to me about what is truly important as we approach what can be an abundantly materialistic season.

What I love most about this opportunity is that it connects children with other children, and everyone benefits. Check out the Samaritan's Purse website for more information.

I'm Ba-ack

2008-11-05T12:01:00.002-06:00

With a huge move behind me, and internet service in my home for the first time in a week and a half, I am finally back and, if I do say so myself, better than ever. How's that for a run-on sentence to start things off? Add the dangling preposition at the end of that last sentence and I am beginning to wonder if I should even try blogging today after such a long break. So I am a little rusty. Who can blame me? It really has been a long time.

The move went smoothly. We have all adjusted quickly and feel happy and comfortable in our new home. Many rooms are completely set up and organized, but there are a few rooms that may take months. That is slightly hard for a perfectionist to accept. But, the good news is that I took this opportunity to clear out a BUNCH of junk. A move can be so cathartic and cleansing. It's a great time to weed out the stuff we don't use. My goal has been to only place things in our new home that we actually use or must hang onto for some reason. I have not been 100% true to my goal, but things are much better than before.

We are heading into my favorite time of year. I've always been a fall/winter girl. This year will be especially fun as we celebrate in a new environment and form new family traditions. Now that the kids are a bit older, I want to do some fun fall crafts this year. Here are a few ideas I found.

The Big Move

2008-10-24T06:37:00.002-05:00

I'm sitting here surrounded by boxes. In the calm of the cool, dark morning it's almost hard to imagine the bustle that will soon take place over the next 48 hours. It's moving time! I can't believe the day is finally here. Today we'll do lots of pre-moving stuff, and tomorrow friends will come help move boxes and furniture.

My main concern in packing has not been wrapping the breakables carefully, getting the maximum use from each box, or even labeling contents accurately. No, my main concern has been to not lose the children's Halloween costumes. They will need those Sunday night for Trunk or Treat. The way their eyes light up when they talk about being Spiderman, or a kitty...well, I can't afford to crush their dreams. So those costumes are being carefully kept aside.

Sometime today our internet is going to get turned off, and they can't turn it on at our new house until November 4. I know, it's crazy. So I'll be checking email on Cody's iphone but otherwise MIA.

I've got to take a moment to say I just love our new house. I can't wait to get set up in it and start having people over. We have always enjoyed having people over to our house, I mean we really love it. It is one of our absolute favorite activities. And the house doesn't make a difference, I realize that, but I just envision this warm, cozy, beautiful environment that I can open up to my family and friends. And it's all going to start with Thanksgiving this year. My dream for so many years has been to host Thanksgiving, and it is finally coming true!

This might be my last post for a couple of weeks. But I'll be back...with photos of our move and of our new home.

Camping

2008-10-22T12:04:00.010-05:00

Ever since Sonic put plastic compasses and lanterns in their kid's meals, Ava has been obsessed with camping. It's her favorite type of pretend play. So when our church had a family camp out planned, we signed up to go. We figured the entire family would enjoy it. I had no basis for that assumption, though, because I had never been camping in my life. Thankfully, our friends Chris and Stephanie invited us to share their RV for the weekend. That meant Lucas and I could sleep inside a climate-controlled environment with a bathroom literally 1 foot from our bed. (I know, some would say this doesn't qualify as true camping, but don't rain on my parade, ok?) Meanwhile, Cody, Ava, and Nate slept under the stars in a tent a few yards from the RV. Our two families had a wonderful weekend together. Here are a few photos of everyone.

Lucas attacks a piece of breakfast sausage.

Gathering around the picnic table.

Looking cute on the fishing pier.

I actually caught a fish, and Ava caught 2. Let's hear it for girl power!

Ava and her catch. This girl spent an entire morning fishing without getting tired.

A deer came right up to our campsite.

My absolute favorite part of camping? The campfire, and all it entails (read: s'mores and roasted marshmallows), minus the smoke in my face.

Chris and Caleb cuddling by the campfire.

I can't wait for our next opportunity to go camping. I might even be up for trying a shelter or a tent. Although, I must admit, an RV is really nice.

Huge Update

2008-10-21T08:22:00.003-05:00

OK, I'm irritated that I can't get blogger to post my photo the correct way, but I don't have time to deal with it right now and I wanted to post. It's been way too long since I posted. So much has happened, so I will try to hit the main points.

First of all, our long time pet Jingle had to be put to sleep on Monday. Nate drew this picture on the left a few days before she died. He really loved that cat. She had gotten very thin and frail over the past couple of years and then Sunday her fate was sealed when Cody accidentally stepped on her as he unloaded our car. Her leg was broken. I had to take her to the vet the next morning to be put down. Our family is sad about her death, but we realize it was time.

Other big news is that tonight we are signing a lease agreement with a sweet family who wants to lease our house for 18 months. This is perfect for us and them. We can try to sell our house again in the summer of 2010 and hopefully the market will have improved by then. I am so excited about how this has all worked out perfectly for their family and ours.

We are moving to our new house this Saturday! I've been waiting for this day ever since we closed on our new home 3 months ago! I am so happy to be moving. But that means this week is hectic and full of packing and cleaning.

Our family also went camping last weekend (my first time to camp ever!) and I want to post about that trip soon. The bad news is that Friday our internet is getting cut off and will not be back until Nov. 4. So if I have another long absence that is why!

Need a Laugh?

2008-10-10T13:06:00.002-05:00

Check out my new favorite blog to read.

Cake Wrecks

It's really funny whether you like to decorate cakes or not. I laugh so hard I almost wet my pants when I read this blog. Seriously, go read it and tell me if it isn't hilarious.

One Way to Save Money

2008-10-09T18:18:00.002-05:00

Today was picture day at Nate's preschool. And as much as it killed me...as much as it went against every fiber of my being...I dressed him in a crummy t-shirt and didn't work very hard to get all the marker stains off his face and hands. Some mothers are probably shaking their heads right now. But the thing is, those school pictures are expensive. They cost way more than the photos I have made at JC Penney every year. But, my kids are so dang cute that I end up having to buy the school pictures because I just can't turn down the adorable photos presented to me. So this year I took a proactive approach. I figure if he has marker on his face and is wearing an old t-shirt then I won't even be tempted to pay a ton of money for these pictures. Besides, he's only 2 months away from getting his 4 year old pictures made at the place of my choice. Am I smart or what?

Music Monday

2008-10-06T21:21:00.002-05:00

One of the best voices ever- Anne Murray. Probably one of the most underestimated artists, also. She has a ton of great songs. Here is one of my favorites.

I Just Fall in Love Again (1979)

Community Hunger Day

2008-10-01T20:48:00.003-05:00

It's that time again. Central Dallas Ministries is sponsoring its annual Community Hunger Day on October 27th. Here is a quote taken from their website:

While there are over 380,000 people in Dallas County that live below the federal poverty line, most of us don't know what it's like to be truly hungry.

By making a commitment to fast for one day, you can share in the daily experience of so many of your neighbors and move from simple pity to empathy.

We also invite you to give generously to this fight. For every $1 you donate, Central Dallas Ministries can provide 6 meals to a hungry neighbor.

I have always thought that CDM does an amazing job of using money wisely to help those in need. A dollar provides 6 meals! That is much more than I could do with that same dollar. Last year I was nursing and unable to fast, but I plan to actually fast this year. I have only fasted once before in my life and I remember that it was a revealing experience. I am really looking forward to doing it again and seeing what things my heart will learn.

I'm inviting everyone who reads my blog to join in this effort to help the hungry. I set a goal of raising $500 which is hefty, especially considering I only have about 20 loyal readers and the economy is in the toilet. But if each of the 20 readers only pledges $25 then my goal can be met.

Click on this link to go to my fund-raising page. There is also a link at the top right of this blog. It is a safe and secure website through which to donate money directly to CDM.

I like to get the word out about this organization and the many ways they help the poor. Even if you can't donate anything this time around, please check out the CDM website to learn more about how they are working with the community to improve lives and promote social justice.

Brands

2008-09-30T11:03:00.003-05:00

Why do we use the brands we use? While there are some things I buy that it makes no difference to me which brand I get, there are many products that I will only buy a certain brand. I started thinking today about how I came to start using some brands I use. There are some interesting and varied reasons.

For example, I've used Gain laundry detergent for over 10 years now. Before that I used all kinds of detergent. But one weekend in college I was babysitting for a professor, and his wife told me I could do laundry at their house. I guess she said I could just use their detergent and I did. It was Gain, and I loved the way it smelled. I decided right then to start using it and have ever since.

I recently decided on my brand of peanut butter. I switched to natural peanut butter about a year ago and have tried half a dozen brands. Many have to be refrigerated, which causes them to become too stiff to spread. But Archer Farms (the Target brand) makes a great natural peanut butter that doesn't need refrigeration. It's my brand of choice now.

I'm still trying to decide on a new brand of foundation. Cover Girl was my choice for years, but now that they discontinued my foundation I am trying to find a new brand. I blogged about it a while back, and still haven't found one that I like completely.

I recently decided to only buy Bounty paper towels. I used to buy cheaper ones. But a few months ago Cody brought home some paper towels he bought that were just terrible. They shredded in my hands as I tried to wipe Lucas' face after meals. They were worthless! That was the moment I decided to only buy a brand that I knew would work.

I only buy Windex window cleaner for the same reason. Cheaper brands do not work as well. I learned that the hard way. For me, paying a little more is worth it to get a product that really works.

I've used Colgate toothpaste for a long time. I just like it way better than Crest. I buy the paste, not gel. I don't remember how I first started using it, but I can't imagine buying any other brand.

I also use only Lever soap. I love the way it smells. I don't remember how I came to use it, but I can't imagine trying any other brand.

On the opposite end, here are a few items for which I have no brand loyalty. I get something different all the time:
dryer sheets
canned soup
dusting spray
juice
deodorant

What brands can you not live without? What items do you buy all different brands of?

Autumn Idea

2008-09-29T21:20:00.002-05:00

I ran across this table decoration in Good Housekeeping magazine a week or so ago. I love it. I can't wait to try this. I thought about keeping it to myself. I imagined everyone oohing and ahhing over my decorating prowess when visiting my house over the next few weeks. But then I figured I'd share it so everyone who wants to can make this easy and beautiful decoration.

Just use those small pumpkins, remove the stem, place a votive in the depression where the stem was, place a hurricane glass over the votive and secure it with floral "U-pins." I am not sure about floral "U-pins", but I am guessing Michaels will have them in the floral section.

Music Monday

2008-09-29T12:19:00.003-05:00

I love Tom Petty. He's one of those artists that keeps going and going over the course of DECADES and yet remains relevant, fresh, and enjoyable. One of my favorite CDs is Wildflowers which he released in 1994. I'm playing the title track today. It's just a simple, feel-good song with a good melody and nice lyrics. Petty probably wrote this one in his sleep, after so many years of making music.

Yearbook

2008-09-26T21:06:00.012-05:00

I had some time on my hands tonight, so I finally checked out a site I've been seeing all over the place lately. Lots of people have uploaded their photo to play around on a site called yearbookyourself.com. Turns out, it is pretty fun! So here are the best photos it created with the picture I uploaded.

1952

1966

1968

1970

1976

1984

1994

Lake Weekend

2008-09-23T14:15:00.010-05:00

Our sister-in-law's parents own a beautiful lake house near Marble Falls, and a big group of us spent last weekend there together. The kids had more fun than they have had in some time. There were so many highlights. Fishing, swimming, boating (Nate got to drive), playing with the three pet cats, hanging out with the grandparents...all the things kids love to do! I enjoyed reading, relaxing, and watching the kids get huge smiles plastered on their faces. Here are a few of my favorite pictures from the weekend.

Music Monday

2008-09-22T17:45:00.002-05:00

Cody makes fun of me because I like this song. Mostly I am not a huge fan of the Bee Gees. But there's this one song called How Deep Is Your Love that really gets me. This is the song that makes me think I was born in the wrong era. The truth is, I'd love to dance under the glittering disco ball in my bell bottom pants...my hair in a fro, platform shoes, arms wrapped tightly around my beau. I can picture it clearly. CLEARLY. Ok that's it. I'm throwing a disco party within the next few months. I can't take it anymore. I've got to live out my dream!

Contact Sport

2008-09-18T21:32:00.002-05:00

Here's a fact every mother knows well...kids hurt. As in, they hurt you physically...often. Yesterday I thought my boys were going to kill me. First, Lucas hit me on the shin with a plastic bat. It really hurt. In fact, I thought nothing could hurt worse! That was until about 3 hours later when Nate hit me on the shin with a heavy metal flashlight.

They aren't trying to hurt us. But they are rough, and slightly lacking in an understanding of personal space. Lucas loves to suddenly throw his head backwards sometimes while sitting seemingly docile in my lap. One time I could have sworn he had broken my nose.

I get my hair pulled, toes stepped on, head butted, and more. Before I had kids, when I would picture motherhood in my mind, I usually thought of baking cookies, and snuggling while reading books. It never occurred to me that there would also be moments comparable to gladiator matches. And it certainly would have never occurred to me that I would most often be the loser in those kinds of interactions.

Maybe they are just trying to get me back for the times I accidentally bonked their heads on the car door frame while trying to put them in their car seats. Though I was hoping they wouldn't remember that. Or maybe they just have 400 times more energy than I do combined with a dose of clumsiness.

Whatever the cause, I now accept that every day I place my life in danger just to care for their basic needs. But, it's a risk I am willing to take. And if I can get them to middle school without a trip for myself to the emergency room, then I think I've done well.

Music Monday

2008-09-15T21:44:00.002-05:00

I'm surprised I haven't played anything by Stephen Foster yet, because he is one of the best song writers of all time as far as I am concerned. This guy wrote some of the prettiest tunes. The music is simple in many ways, but so moving. And if the music weren't enough, the words he penned are deeply touching also. Put the two together and you have songs that border on perfection. I have so many favorites, but today I've chosen Beautiful Dreamer. I searched youtube and found all kinds of versions. Choral, banjo, a creepy music box, vocal solo, piano, etc. None of them sounded just the way I wanted. The closest one is the guitarist I chose below. Still, he doesn't play it just as I would exactly. But it is enjoyable enough. Here are the words:

Beautiful dreamer, wake unto me,
Starlight and dewdrops are waiting for thee;
Sounds of the rude world heard in the day,
Lull'd by the moonlight have all pass'd away!

Beautiful dreamer, queen of my song,
List while I woo thee with soft melody;
Gone are the cares of life's busy throng.

Beautiful dreamer, awake unto me!
Beautiful dreamer, awake unto me!

Beautiful dreamer, out on the sea,
Mermaids are chaunting the wild lorelie;
Over the streamlet vapors are borne,
Waiting to fade at the bright coming morn.

Beautiful dreamer, beam on my heart,
E'en as the morn on the streamlet and sea;
Then will all clouds of sorrow depart,

Beautiful dreamer, awake unto me!

Beautiful Dreamer (1862)

Quirks

2008-09-11T20:30:00.002-05:00

My friend Allison recently posted on 6 quirks. (It is a tag going around.)
This made me think about the quirks I have, and whether or not I would be willing to share them with the blog world. Apparently, I am willing.

1. I have an irrational fear of landings. If I am in a plane, take-offs and cruising at 30,000 feet don't bother me. Landing, however, is a different story. I turn pale, grip my armrest or some unlucky person, and almost hyperventilate. I HATE landings.

2. I sometimes memorize random license plates on cars as I drive around. This way, I'll be ready to give the information to the police if that car happens to cause an accident or is involved in a crime. To date, this has come in handy zero times. But I still do it.

3. I tend to read magazines backwards. It just feels right to flip the pages the opposite direction.

4. If I need to gather my sense of direction, I almost always say "Never Eat Sour Watermelons" (the phrase I was taught in elementary school to help remember North, East, South, and West) in my head as I physically look in each direction. I know, it's pathetic.

5. I am afraid of those white panel vans that have no rear windows. I assume they are all up to no good. They may be innocently driving to the next paint job, but in my mind they are looking for children to kidnap.

6. I stretch my toes. Whenever I am not wearing shoes, I have a habit of stretching out my toes every so often, especially if I am just sitting watching t.v. or typing on the computer. It's just a strange habit.

There they are. 6 quirks, some quirkier than others. I could probably think of more if I spent more time on it. Or maybe some of you could point out a few of my quirks to me. That was not an invitation by the way. But feel free to list your own quirks in comments or on your own blog!

Random Thursday

2008-09-11T10:49:00.002-05:00

1. We have a contract on our house. Yes! So if you have a second, please say a little prayer that it will indeed go through and close so we can move into our new house.

2. Does anyone know of a great bathtub cleaner? I've tried Scrubbing Bubbles, The Works, Clorox with Bleach, and nothing cleans our tub very well. When I used a maid service a year ago they always got the tub sparkling white. But, I can never get it that clean.

3. We visited our elderly neighbor last week and she told us she had been in the hospital. Nate was sitting next to her, and when she said, "Oh, Becky, I've been so sick..." he piped up and said, "Miss Julie, you know God can heal you!" And he just looked at her with this sweet insistent look on his face. Then I felt that burst of pride, love, adoration, etc that we parents are known to sometimes experience when out kids really wow us.

4. A friend of mine recently posted about 5 quirks of hers, and that has me thinking about my quirks. If I can get a list together I will post them. I think it's fun to find out about our friends' strange habits and idiosyncrasies.