Gray Matters

Who are You?

2009-02-15T14:53:00.000-08:00

A Valentine Video from Tim Hawkins

2009-02-14T15:05:00.000-08:00

Our Valentine's Day Table

2009-02-14T14:21:00.000-08:00

To make these cookie bouquets: I made our favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe and stuck a popsicle stick in each cookie before baking. When they were completely cooled I used decorating gel to make hearts on them, then I filled parfait glasses with beads and stuck the cookies in each one. I love it when things work out!

2009-02-08T17:28:00.000-08:00

We presented the boys with throwing knives and a tomahawk this evening, along with Michael Pearl's instructional video and a tripod Tracey made to hold a log slice. They're out in the dark throwing as I type. I stayed out as long as is fit for a Mom. Actually, I would love to throw too, but with only two knives and one tomahawk, I figured I'd wait my turn 'til later. I love having boys.

Parental Rights

2009-02-06T06:52:00.000-08:00

I don't normally get too political, but that may change with this new president. I am deeply concerned about this nomination, and ask you--even if you've never called a Senator before--to take just a moment to do so now. The link will take you to the HSLDA site where you can put in your zip code and find your senator's local number. It will literally take less than 5 minutes of your time, and the future of parental rights is on the line. Here is the information copied from HSLDA:

Dear HSLDA Members and Friends:

David Ogden has been nominated by President Barrack Obama to the
position of deputy attorney general of the United States, the second
highest position in the Justice Department. His hearings are scheduled
for today, February 5, 2009.

*Contact your senators now >>*
<http://www.hslda.org/elink.asp?id=6079 >

*Note:* It would be best to call the local offices of your senators in
your state, as phone lines on Capitol Hill are tied up by voters
concerned about pending economic incentive legislation.

Home School Legal Defense Association urges all of its members to
immediately telephone both U.S. senators from your state to oppose the
nomination of David Ogden.

The most important reason to oppose Ogden’s nomination is his belief
that the rules found in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child
<http://www.hslda.org/elink.asp?id=6077> are already binding on the
United States under the doctrines of international law.

In the Supreme Court case of /Roper v. Simmons/, 543 U.S. 551 (2005),
Ogden argued in a brief that the rules banning the juvenile death
penalty contained in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child were
customary norms of international law “binding on all states.”

For background information on this doctrine, see Michael Farris’
article, “A Deeper Understanding of the Threat of International Law”
<http://www.hslda.org/elink.asp?id=6078> in the November/December 2007
/Home School Court Report/.

This means that Ogden believes that the legal rules contained in the UN
Convention on the Rights of the Child are already binding on the United
States, even though this treaty has never been sent to the U.S. Senate
for ratification.

Homeschoolers have long understood the dangers of this international
treaty, which contains the core principle that the government may decide
what it believes is best for each child without any proof of wrongdoing
by the child’s parents. Ogden promoted the use of this UN treaty in the
Supreme Court to reach the conclusion that America’s courts have the
power to overrule state law, using international law as their guidepost
for constitutional interpretation. Unfortunately, he was successful in
doing so in the Roper case.

It also means that Ogden is a proven advocate for the position that
international law should be used to interpret the Constitution of the
United States and bind the decisions of our elected officials.

If this weren’t enough, Ogden has a history of representing /Playboy/
and other purveyors of pornography in high-profile legal cases. He also
challenged the legality of using filters on library computers to protect
children from seeing pornography. It would be hard to imagine how Ogden
would faithfully enforce the nation's pornography laws if he is placed
in this position at the Justice Department.

The United States Senate needs to understand right now that the American
public will not countenance the idea of the nation being led by people
who believe that international law trumps American law.

Please call both of your U.S. Senators today to register your opposition
to David Ogden.

Sincerely,

Michael P. Farris
HSLDA Chairman

Tiny Tips

2009-02-03T17:05:00.001-08:00

I'm joining Grueling Homeschooling's Tiny Tips Tuesday today. Hers is my #1 go-to blog of the day, so I wracked my brain trying to think of how to join her for the inauguration of Tiny Tips Tuesday. Without further ado, my tiny tip is this: I bought some of those "in" boxes that hang on the wall, one for each child and myself. They place any work they've finished and I need to check in my in box, and I place their schedules and returned work in their in boxes. And my desk remains clutter-free . . . well, maybe pile-free . . . or at least the piles are only of my own making and I can't gripe at anyone else . . .

Snow Days

2009-01-29T17:36:00.000-08:00

As the ice began to fall here Monday night we got in the mood by creating our own indoor snowstorm. We used fishing line to tape our homemade snowflakes to the ceiling, and the effect is fun, helping to brighten these gloomy days of winter.

Public school has been canceled here the last three days. A "snow day" for homeschoolers simply means we get much more school done since we're stuck indoors! We'll have "spring days" to distract us later. We did have a snowball fight in the backyard, then went sledding with friends yesterday. Today the snow stuck enough for Micah to make a snowman, which met its end tragically through decapitation. Micah explained he was a sad snowman anyway because he was an archeologist who discovered that snow does not fossilize, but only melts.

My Loser Husband

2009-01-22T13:28:00.000-08:00

I think my husband has been afraid of visiting here one day and seeing that title, so I thought it'd be fun to make his heart skip a beat today--he's young, he can take it.

And here are some of the reasons why my husband is a loser:

He lost a week of vacation to take our son to the San Antonio Film Festival
He loses his Thursday evenings coaching our son's basketball team
He loses every Monday evening taking our sons to Scouts
He loses one weekend a month going on a Scout outing
He loses his evenings to care for us or our home
He loses some of his expendable income to pay for my whims (to which he never complains)
He loses his own time running errands for me
He has lost many arguments because his wife is always right
He's lost owning a truck because we can't afford it on one income
He's lost countless weekends carrying to completion my brilliant home improvement
ideas
He has lost potentially hours of his life listening to my insecurities and complaints
He sometimes loses a wife too absorbed in being a mother--but he loves me anyway

He IS a real Loser!

Make $5 buying Frito-Lay

2009-01-21T19:39:00.000-08:00

I love these kind of deals, and figured you would too, but you only have 'til Saturday to cash in on this one. Walgreens is currently offering a $10 Register Reward (to be used on your next purchase at Walgreens) for buying $20 worth of Frit0-Lay products. They have the Pepsi soda products 5/$15 and Doritos 2/$5. See their online ad here for more specifics.

Then you can print and fill out this form to receive $15 for purchasing the same Frito-Lay products. Read the fine print to determine your best purchase options.

So, $20 purchase at Walgreens - $10 Register Reward - $15 rebate = earning $5 to stock up for the SuperBowl!

I'll Be Honest

2009-01-21T06:00:00.000-08:00

No, I'm not getting ready to pour my heart out, but rather tell you about a plugin you need if you or anyone in your home use Firefox and spend any time on Facebook, MySpace, or YouTube. It's called I'll Be Honest and it will block all objectionable ads on those sites and replace them with scripture! I just installed it, and it works. (We do have an internet filter, but because of the way these three sites work, it does not filter out clickable ads.) With a 14yo son on the internet, this Works for Me!

To My Future Daughters

2009-01-19T10:41:00.000-08:00

Ever try getting two boys into aprons? It ain't easy. So--my future daughter-in-laws--I hope you appreciate it because they did it for you. Here's the story:

I have had this stained tablecloth that was my Grandma Fritz's for many years. Each Christmas I see it in our decorations box, but never know quite what to do with it. I look at it, feel a bit guilty for not using it, then put it away. This year as we were packing up the decorations I was culling such items and nearly decided to throw it away when the thought hit me: make aprons out of it.

Initially I was going to make an apron for myself, but as I was making them the thought occurred to me that although I have no daughters to pass these down to, I will have daughter-in-laws. So, I made these with those two ladies in mind. And I then convinced my (fairly unimpressed) sons that their future wives will love to see what they looked like when their momma made these aprons. So, here we are. I hope you appreciate it, girls.

2009-01-07T21:00:00.000-08:00

I REALLY should be in bed, but had to visit one of my favorite blogs before closing my laptop and came across this that I thought was fun. Copy, bold the items you HAVE done, post and compare!

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity (I’m throwing this question out because I don’t like it) One Thing didn't like it, and I agree with her sentiment, but our financial dude actually said this to us, so I thought I'd bold it anyway. :-)
7. Been to Disneyland/world
8. Climbed a mountain.
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo (you should all be grateful for this one)
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29 Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33 Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41 Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal in a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45 Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted (does it count if the artist was 8?)
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris (visited, but didn’t ride)
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie (do home movies count?)
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia (does Kazahkstan count?)
60 Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Gotten flowers for no reason
64 Donated blood, platelets, or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66 Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67 Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79 Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating (ew!)
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life (not to my knowledge)
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person (my husband and son did just this week!)
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a lawsuit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee

Microscopic Art

2009-01-04T18:18:00.000-08:00

This is quite incredible.

(Did Charlie Gibbons say "dickens of a time?" Haven't heard that expression in a while.)

A Webkinz-style Birthday

2008-12-19T18:03:00.000-08:00

Micah and his friend are Webkinz fans, so it was a natural fit to incorporate Webkinz into his birthday. His cake is fashioned to look like the Wheel of Wow on the Webkinz site--a game they enjoy playing. I used M&M's for the different colors. I could have used colored sugars or icing, but I'm all for adding extra chocolate whenever possible.

I made a Wheel of Wow spinner out of a piece of poster board and six colors of paper. I filled six bags with multiple prizes, color-coded to the spinner. They had a fun time spinning and reaching their hand into the bag to pull out a treat. I included packs of gum, webkinz-sized clothes I found at Hobby Lobby and at Deals, silly putty, and bookmarks I made. To make the bookmarks I copied and pasted webkinz characters, wrote a catchy little line (such as "hop into a good book" for the kangaroo), printed, then laminated them.

Next they made collars for their Webkinz. I provided strips of felt ribbon, sharpies, gems, glue, and velcro and let them create.

For the finale, they both received a new lil'kinz which they made a collar for, then ran to the computer to add them and start playing.

Happy Birthday, Micah!

My Sweeties Learn to Disco!

2008-12-19T11:30:00.001-08:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

2008-12-18T10:29:00.000-08:00

What can make me smile on a gloomy winter day? $500 in gas cards, that's what!! Woohoo! That's what you're looking at. I took the plunge and entered this Consumer Rewards program in order to earn these gift cards. To put it in a nutshell, you sign up for "offers" from a long list of companies, making sure to keep thorough records of their cancellation policies, then you cancel those offers at the prescribed time.

I couldn't have done it without the help and advice from this blog. It is imperative that you follow her directions to the letter if you want to pull this off. I was intimidated at first, but it really wasn't difficult, and ended up costing me $76.77. All it requires is careful record and calendar keeping and just a little bit of time and hassle. My time spent was definitely worth $423.23!

Sibling Conflict Action Tool (SCAT)

2008-12-16T16:33:00.000-08:00

I found myself once again at a familiar and dreaded place this morning--called upon to be avenger and judge of a sibling quarrel. I don't like that position. I decided this morning that I was not going to get caught up in the drama of the moment and was definitely not going to play referee. I wasn't as concerned about the details of what had happened as I was about the state of their hearts. I want them to be skilled at reconciliation and forgiveness.

Some time ago I had bought the "Brother Offended Checklist" from Doorpost. My boys turned up their noses at it, and I have to admit that I also felt the cartoonish, juvenile drawings were off-putting. I also felt it needed to be "fleshed out" a bit more; that it was a bit too sketchy to be an easy-to-use tool for a child. So, after I sent the offended brother to his room to cool off, I sat down at the computer and wrote the following: (I am happy to report that it appears to have brought about the reconciliation I was looking for. Having the time to cool their heads played a large part toward that end as well.)

You now find yourself in a quarrel with your brother. Neither of you are relenting, both of you are claiming your own rights and wanting to seek justice for yourself. I understand. However, let’s work to resolve this in a way pleasing to the Lord.

Consider first 1 John 2: “Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates his brother is still in the darkness. Whoever loves his brother lives in the light, and there is nothing in him to make him stumble. But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness; he does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded him.” Let’s work at coming out of any darkness and into God’s light in this situation. Pray: Lord, please shine your light into my heart, revealing any dark corners where bitterness and anger are hiding.

Do keep in mind throughout this resolution that you are only responsible for your own actions. When you stand before the Lord to answer for your actions of today, your brother will not be there, and no excuses will be allowed. Refresh your mind with these verses first and ask the Lord to help you to be generous and honorable, pleasing in His sight. Proverbs 11:25: “A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.” Proverbs 20:3: “It is to a man's honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.” Romans 12:21: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Pray: Lord, help me to be generous, to show honor to ______________, and to not seek vengeance. This is not want my natural self wants to do, but I can through your power that strengthens me.

One person cannot be in a conflict. It’s time to evaluate the part you played in this quarrel. Matthew 7 states, “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” I know you do not like being judged harshly or unfairly, and that you appreciate being shown grace and mercy, but the laws of this universe that God has set in place state that you’ll be treated with the same measurement you’re willing to give right now to your brother. Let’s work at removing the plank in your own eye first—not an easy task, but you can do it with the Lord’s help.

1 John 1:8 states, “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.” Confess now the part you have played in the conflict. Were you possibly: proud, haughty, envious, jealous, selfish, angry, bossy, coveting, gossiping, lying, thinking of yourself first, bitter and seeking revenge due to past unforgiveness toward your brother. Pray, “Lord, please show me my part in this quarrel. Please reveal to me my own attitudes and actions that were not pleasing to you, irregardless of what the other person said or did.” Now listen with an open heart. Please write your answer here:

Now please ask God to reveal to yourself the answers to these questions (and write the answers):

God, was I being easily provoked (Did I have a chip on my shoulder)?

God, was I thinking of myself first?

God, was I guilty of repaying evil with evil?

Our Lord is the God of love and peace, so you have access to that same love and peace—You don’t need to conjure it up yourself. Our desire needs to be to live at peace, particularly in our own home. Romans 12:18: “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone” 1 Corinthians 7:15: “God has called us to live in peace.” 2 Corinthians 3:11: “. . . be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.” Pray: Lord, help me to determine to live at peace with my brother and to promote peace in my home. This is an action of my will, and through Your power I can do it.

Through this time of retrospection, scripture reading, and prayer you can now answer the question: What is at the heart of this quarrel? This should only include your confession and have nothing to do with your brother’s actions. (please write here)

Now it’s time to be a peacemaker. Matthew 18:15 states, "If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over.” When you and your brother are ready, meet with each other, look each other in the eye, and each confess your own wrongdoing, starting with the oldest. There should be no blame-placing or accusing here. It is ok to say, “When you did ________________, I felt ____________________.”

Now it’s time to forgive. Ephesians 4:32: “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Romans 12:19 “Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord.”

This is not an option! Please state your forgiveness to your brother and release him now from all rights to seek revenge:

Say: _______________, I forgive you for _________________________________ and release all my rights to seek revenge. Your action against me is now in the past and I will not bring it up again or harbor bitterness in my heart, but allow God to be my avenger.

Now hug and rejoice in the Lord’s forgiveness.

Bertolli Coupon Match

2008-12-08T06:53:00.000-08:00

Target has Bertolli dinners on sale this week 2/$12. Here is a $2 coupon you can print after a simple registration process. I don't typically buy prepackaged meals, but if you're like me you'll need a little returning home after holiday travel.

Identity Crisis

2008-12-02T17:39:00.000-08:00

I have come to believe that knowing our true identity in Christ is essential for living a victorious Christian life. This compilation of identity statements is life-changing. Read them each day--and believe it!

I am Accepted . . .
I am God's child. Jn. 1:12
I am Christ's friend. Jn. 15:15
I have been justified Rom 5:1
I am united with the Lord. 1 Cor 6:17
I am bought with a price; I belong to God 1 Cor. 6:19-20
I am a member of Christ's Body. 1 Cor. 12:27
I am a saint. Eph. 1:1
I have been adopted as God's child. Eph 1:5
I have access to God through the Holy Spirit. Eph 2:18
I have been redeemed and forgiven. Col 1:14
I am complete in Christ. Col 2:10

I am Secure . . .
I am free forever from condemnation. Rom 8:1-2
I am assured all works together for good. Rom 8:28
I am free from any charge against me. Rom 8:31-34
I cannot be separated from the love of God. Rom 8:35-39
I am established, anointed, sealed by God. 2 Cor 1:21-22
I am hidden with Christ in God. Col 3:3
I am confident that the good work God has begun in me will be perfected. Phil 1:6
I am a citizen of heaven. Phil 3:20
I have not been given a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind. 2 Tim 1:7
I can find grace and mercy in time of need. Heb 4:16
I am born of God; the evil one cannot touch me. 1 Jn 5:18

I am Significant . . .
I am the salt and light of the earth. Matt 5:13-14
I am a branch of the true vine, a channel of His life. Jn 15:1,5
I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit. Jn 15:16
I am a personal witness of Christ's. Acts 1:8
I am God's temple. 1 Cor. 3:16
I am a minister of reconciliation for God. 2 Cor 5:17-21
I am God's co-worker. 2 Cor 6:1
I am seated with Christ in the heavenly realm. Eph 2:6
I am God's workmanship. Eph 2:10
I may approach God with freedom and confidence. Eph 3:12
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Phil 4:13

Amy's Humble Musings

2008-11-25T05:11:00.000-08:00

Amy's blog is one of my favorite--definitely worth a bookmark. She has recently done a series of articles titled "How We Did It" that are worth reading.

Christmas Cards

2008-11-23T17:04:00.000-08:00

While you're addressing your Christmas cards this year (you do still send Christmas cards, don't you?), add in an extra one or two for an American soldier and send here:

Holiday Mail for Heroes
PO Box 5456
Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456

From the American Red Cross website:

Card Guidelines

Please follow these guidelines when mailing a card to ensure that your card will quickly reach service members, veterans and their families. Every card received will first be screened for hazardous materials by Pitney Bowes and then reviewed by Red Cross volunteers working in one of 16 sorting stations around the country.

All cards must be postmarked no later than Wednesday, December 10, 2008. Cards sent after this date will be returned to sender.
Participants are encouraged to limit the number of cards they submit to 25 from any one person or 50 from any one class or group. If you are mailing a larger quantity, please bundle the cards and place them in large mailing envelopes. Each card does not need its own envelope or postage.
Please ensure that all cards are signed.
Please use generic salutations such as “Dear Service Member.” Cards addressed to specific individuals can not be delivered through this program.
Please send cards as opposed to long letters which delay a quick review process.
Please do not include email or home addresses on the cards, as the program is not meant to foster pen pal relationships.
Please do not include inserts of any kind, including photos, as these items will be removed during the reviewing process.
All cards received may be used in program publicity efforts, including appearing in broadcast, print or online mediums.

You can also send gift cards or care packages, but not to the above address. Go here for more information.

Being the Mom My Kids Deserve

2008-11-07T06:44:00.000-08:00

Dana at Are We There Yet? has made me think about the question: What kind of Mom do my kids deserve? If I were to put a want ad in the paper for a Mom for my kids, what would be the qualifications? I so often have a hard time keeping my focus during the day. I'm easily distracted and often have a one-track mind. I find myself occasionally wondering how the time has gone so quickly, and realizing that I have not made time for my kids. I guess that probably sounds like an odd thing to say from someone who spends nearly all her time at home, but being at home and being focused on my boys are two different things.

Wanted: Mom for Noah and Micah.
Ability to . . .
walk into a messy boy's room and not nag.
discern the heart behind the action, then respond in wisdom and patience.
pray scripture over each boy daily.
model self-control.
correct without cutting down.
encourage the character, not just the actions.
use a gentle answer to turn away wrath.
model forgiveness.
stop your busy-ness and look each boy in the eye as he's speaking.
know their love language and fill their tank daily.
be their best cheerleader.
let them know you're on their side.
be in the Word and prayer daily so you're prepared to guide and correct in Christ-likeness.
ask forgiveness when necessary.
take every opportunity to point them to God.
model love in speech and actions.
be honest in all things great and small.

I'm sure more things will come to mind. But one thing that strikes me is that nothing on this list has to do with how well I'm homeschooling, how clean my house is, or how many vegetables my kids have eaten each day. While all those things are important and needful, I need this reminder that how I do these things and how I'm relating to my children while living our lives together is what ultimately matters.

Why this is so hard to keep in mind, I do not know. Why I get so wrapped up in my own selfish pursuits day by day is a mystery. But one thing I do know, is that it is Christ in me that makes me able to do all things, so I will not beat myself up over the past, but ask Him to come front and center in my life today and help me to be the Mom He desires for Noah and Micah.

Cats

2008-11-05T18:12:00.000-08:00

The cats have gained another life. I have been desperately wanting to find another home for these cats, but just as desperately don't want to break the hearts of two boys. One of my problems with these felines is the litter boxes. Because we do not have a utility room, the litter boxes were in each boy's room. Not only is odor a problem due to the fact that I have a bionic nose, but they were tracking litter onto the hardwood floors throughout the rest of the house. I guess I must walk with my eyes permanently scanning the floor, because not a speck escapes my attention, and it was driving me crazy.

My hubby installed the cat door on Sunday, the litter boxes and food were moved to the garage, and I now have litter-free floors!!

Getting this picture of Ginger in the garage was not easy. "Sit, stay" is not in a cat's vocabulary.

Works for Me Wednesday--Toys Worth Owning

2008-11-04T18:28:00.000-08:00

Rocks In My Dryer is hosting a themed edition of Works for Me Wednesday--Toys Worth Owning--just in time for Christmas! So here's my list of family favorites:

K'nex
Legos
Kapla
Tinker Toys
Capsela
Thomas the Tank trains
Marble tracks (build your own)
Ride-on toys
Hoppers (that you sit on, hold the handle, and hop)
Kitchen and play food
Toy cars
Art supplies
Toy farm or house

I always tried to pick toys that used imagination and creativity and stayed clear of "program" toys or tv/character theme toys designed to do just one thing. As I look over this list, I am gratified to realize that my choices paid off: none of the electronics or "bells and whistles" toys made it to our Toys Worth Owning list.

And as my boys are now 9 and 14, we are reaching past the toys stage and need to be even more creative in what we ask for from grandparents. But for the four of us, we have decided that we each really have enough and have instead bought each other gifts from the Samaritan's Purse Christmas Gift catalog for the last several years. It helps keep our focus off the gimme's of Christmas, and also keeps us out of the return lines!

Need a Laugh?

2008-11-04T16:45:00.000-08:00

We had the awesome privilege of seeing Tim Hawkins perform last night at College of the Ozarks. It was a solid hour of laughter! He is hil-ar-i-ous! I thought we could all use a bit of humor today, so even though I've posted this before, I thought it worth a rerun: