Autumn's Attic

Our Pumpkin Cantaloupe

2009-07-13T15:10:00.002-07:00

I just thought this was so weird--it's shaped exactly like a pumpkin. :)

This is the first summer for us to grow cantaloupe. It's cute and very sweet, especially made for small gardens. Our first few were perfectly round, but I have found a couple just like this. Mullin and I are the only ones who will actually eat it, but I sneaked some in our smoothies today and no one noticed.

I am beginning to get fruit split and have heard it can be from too much water?? But if I don't water everyday out here in desert land, the leaves start to wilt. I love gardening and it can be very rewarding, but it can also be so dern frustrating!!!!

"Beat It" on the Front Lawn

2009-07-09T20:38:00.005-07:00

I know, I know, everybody's sick of hearing about Michael Jackson already, but I just couldn't let all this Michael mania pass without sharing one of my very own fond memories of the smooth rockin', moon walkin' king of pop.

It had to be around the summer of '83 or something like that when my aunt (who is just 3 years older than me) and I decided to blast the neighborhood bullies away with our hip shakin', finger pointin' version of Michael Jackson's number one hit, "Beat It". Yep, we stood on my front lawn for all to see, and I honestly can't remember if we were singing along to a boom box of some sort or if it was just our voices. And I don't remember if our smooth moves worked either. If the bullies weren't blasted away, though, I am almost positive it would have sent them into a fit of gut-wrenching laughter. I remember listening to M. J. songs, too, on camping trips with my aunt. Oh, those were the days...

I admit I have been watching a few of the Michael Jackson specials lately. Mark's downloaded a bunch of his songs, and I loved watching my mom rewind him doing the moonwalk over and over again the other day. Regardless of the strangeness surrounding his life, he was extremely gifted and uniquely talented.

You know, I'm sittin' here right now thinkin', we've got a couple of bullies on our street. Hmmm, ya think my kids would mind if I put on my black jeans and a red leather jacket and kind of relived my 1983 memory? Yeah, I could do just that--set my Zune on a rock, turn up the volume and have at it. I sure would like to point my finger and shake my hips at a few kids blaring, "Just beat it, beat it, beat it...

Okay, maybe not.

Princess Overload

2009-07-08T11:22:00.005-07:00

What sort of girly momma doesn't like to dress up her daughter and pamper her every now and then? I mean, I just treated my very own daughter to a Diamond Castle Barbie birthday and adorned her pretty little head with a fabulous, heart-studded tiara. But, there's a limit, a line that shouldn't be crossed, because when it is... it can become UGLY!! 100% pampered "princess" = 100% spoiled BRAT.

I read a great post the other day on Vicky Courtney's blog about how to "princess proof" your daughter. Plus, there is a really neat picture of a princess room-- I have to admit, I was like, "Wow!" Seriously though, I hope, as a mom of a beautiful daughter, that I will spend more time helping her bring out her inner beauty and building character than puffing up her flesh with all that princess fluff. So if you are a mommy of a sweet, precious little girl or girls, Vicky's post is a must read!!!!

The Disney channel recently premiered one of their original movies, "Princess Protection Program" starring Selena Gomez and Demi Lovato, and I actually thought the movie had a really great message. Carter (Selena) learns from Rosie (Demi) that there is a whole lot more to being a princess than gowns and crowns. Being the most popular and the prettiest aren't the most important things in life. It's about servant hood and good character. It's about true friendship. All in all a cute movie, for little girls, that is. Though, thinking back on it, my boys sat on the couch and watched the whole thing. They probably just thought Selena and Demi were cute. Yeah, that's it.

Pardon me while I brag...

2009-07-06T13:29:00.003-07:00

I promise to try and be humble about it, though. :)

A few months ago I nervously dropped off my 9 year old at school for the very first time so he could participate in the Stanford Achievement tests. I wasn't nervous because I was dropping him off at school, though. Mullin had never taken tests like this before, and I knew that his scores would, in some sort of way, reflect me as his teacher. (Yikes!)

Nobody was forcing me to have him tested, but I just felt it was something we both needed. Math has been a bit of a struggle, and I felt writing skills needed some improvement. I could tell Mullin was feeling like he wasn't any good at school, therefore hating it, therefore not putting forth his best efforts etc. There were some tough days last year. I wanted to know where we stood academically before moving on or shifting direction. I have heard of some home school families who are against government testing, but that little mother's instinct voice thingy deep down inside me was telling me to do it. And boy am I GLAD I did.

A few weeks ago the principal of Calvary Chapel school handed me the envelope at church. I debated whether or not to even open it there, but we just couldn't resist. I opened it and was first to see the results. Okay so, my jaw dropped and my eyes got all big!! A huge smile erupted off my face and I was like, "Oh my gosh Mullin, oh my gosh, you did awesome!!!" Yeah, so here's where that braggin' thing comes in...

His lowest grade equivalent was a 5.7--everything else was much higher, and then there were these letters in all caps, PHS. I had absolutely no idea what they meant. I had to look on the back for the abbreviation translation--Post High School. You're kidding me!!! I am surprised Daddy, Mullin and I didn't jump up and start whoopin' and hollerin' like good southern folk should. Mullin's ear to ear smile was all I needed to see to know we had made a good decision!! We both got the encouragement we needed to move on, and I think we are both a little more excited about the upcoming school year!! Now Lincoln wants to go to school to be tested, too. :) Excitement over tests, now that's what I like to hear!!!!!

A very wise woman (my mom) says that Mullin's teacher needs a pat on the back. That is a good idea. I think she would like some chocolate, a GTF, and a Target gift card, too. Aren't those the kinds of gifts teachers get these days??

Annual Fourth of July Kid Photo

2009-07-04T08:20:00.004-07:00

2007

2008
July 4th, 2009 Lincoln-7 Shiloh-4 Mullin-9 (10 in August)

Intercontinental Montelucia Resort and Spa

2009-07-01T12:03:00.005-07:00

My sister's husband treated us four girls to a wonderful weekend retreat at a new resort in Paradise Valley. Same resort in which our president stayed when he was here.

My sister, Brooke, sister-in-law, Lindsey, and me

This was my very first time to ever have a pedicure. It isn't like a normal one, though, according to my sisters and mom. For this pedicure I was able to sit in a massage chair for about 45 minutes while sipping cool, hibiscus tea. I enjoyed every minute of it!!!!

Beautiful landscaping throughout...

Fountain to wash your cares away before entering Joya Spa

Entrance to Joya Spa

I believe this is Camel Back Mountain

In front of Brooke and Lindsey's room. My mom and I did have the one next to them at first but had to be moved due to air conditioning not working. Bummer--we had already unpacked almost all of our stuff.

We all had a great time and will always remember the "laundry bag" incident!!! :)

Shiloh's Diamond Castle Party

2009-06-25T12:15:00.008-07:00

Our Diamond Castle set up...

Mama and the birthday girl--just look how big she is!!

Four dazzlingly beautiful princesses--Livi, Shiloh, Kaiya, and Sophie

Here, I am reading the Diamond Castle Barbie story to the sweet, little girls
.

Making necklaces just like Liana and Alexa in The Diamond Castle.

Princesses proudly wearing their necklaces. (The Diamond Castle Soundtrack is playing in the background.) :)

Time for presents!!! Yeah Barbie Rapunzel--another one of her favorite movies!!

Mirror decorating--a mirror was a very important part of the movie.

I don't think there is a Barbie trapped inside this mirror...

Princesses showing off their decorated mirrors

Last--time for cake, the messiest part of the party. Time for edible sparkles to end up all over the floor!!!!!!

Singing "Happy Birthday" to our very own princess!!

What a fun party. Can't believe my baby girl is 4!!!!

Caramel Apples----Supreme!

2009-06-25T11:58:00.003-07:00

Gotta unwrap the caramels first...

Sweet Sue being so careful...

Mmmmm, caramel apples with chocolate, white chocolate, mini chocolate chips, sprinkles, pecans, and coconut. (Pecan ones are on the plate--separate from Lincoln's apples)

Silly me forgot that you can't just melt choc. chips on the stove. The chocolate got so stiff and hard to manage. Was I supposed to add crisco or something? Guess I need to refresh my memory on how to successfully melt chocolate!!!

Yep, these are a bit messy to say the least.

Lincoln did not want a dirty face picture!

Hmmm, will she even be able to get to the apple?

Torture Tuesday

2009-06-23T12:44:00.002-07:00

We changed our "No TV Monday" to "No TV Tuesday" a couple of weeks ago. Works out better for us, but I might as well just call it Torture Tuesday. Seriously, I am sick of the complaining and whining, mostly from my younger two, but sorry for my kids, I ain't no give in Mama!

What did I do after breakfast this morning? Took all my kids on a bike ride, well, I was the only one not on a bike. What did I do when we came home all hot and sweaty? I read to them from our summer read aloud, Hugo Pepper. Oh, and a Care Bear book for Shiloh. What did I do after that? Made Apple Spice Drops (cookies) with them. Okay so, I had a big, fat mess to clean and I expected the kids to find something to do and leave me be. Goodnight Moon! It was like I had sent them to the dungeon to clean dragon dung or something.

My kids know that I don't really allow complaining--yeah, Shiloh still doesn't completely get it, but she still has to go to her room if she won't stop. Then I just get to hear her fake crying--so irritating!!!!!! Mullin, I have to admit, does a pretty great job of entertaining himself. Lincoln, knowing that I really can't stand complaining, just kinda goes around mumbling under his breath about how there is nothing to do. It's like I got my own Kreacher hangin' around. Ugh!! (At least Lincoln's a lot cuter!)

I know it is HOT outside and we don't have a car etc, etc, but it's just one day of no TV or video games (unless they are educational). And I shouldn't be the one throwing out tons of suggestions and ideas either!

Okay so... Why can't kids just PLAY these days? Or DRAW? Or WHATEVER? There's this thing called i-m-a-g-i-n-a-t-i-o-n-----USE IT!! You're only a kid for such a short time--if they only knew how short!!!

Kids and people in general are just so LAZY-it drives my insane. I think the big, black box is turning my kids' brains to mush, at least when it comes to using their imaginations on a regular basis.

Next Tuesday... they will have an assignment. They don't know it yet, but they will.

My Birthday Girl

2009-06-22T12:06:00.005-07:00

Sugar and spice and all that's nice entered our world on June 22, 2005.

Hon Bun is one!! Still lived in Tennessee.

Sweet Sue is two! First birthday in Arizona.

How can it be? She just turned three!

Baby no more, my beautiful princess is four.

Happy Birthday sweet baby girl. Momma loves you so much!

Her sweet Daddy finished writing her song this year. Click on my side bar to listen--it's called, "When You Dance". It is just a rough recording, but it's a tear jerker--I can picture it being played along with a picture slide show at her rehearsal dinner... sniff, sniff.

How did I miss this one?

2009-06-21T14:32:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's Day

2009-06-21T14:17:00.005-07:00

Up bright and early to wish Daddy a Happy Father's Day before he left for church. He is so easy to please--Starbuck's card and a push broom. Yes, he is quite obsessed with sweeping up outside.

Well, it's an easy day for me since Mark wanted to grill out. All I have to do is heat up the fries and beans. He even went to the store to get what he wanted for his dinner. :)

So, Happy Father's Day, Babe--you're the greatest!

Birthday Bash

2009-06-10T09:16:00.004-07:00

Celebrating my dad's and Connie's birthdays at our house. Here we are singing "Happy Birthday"!

Two princesses giving Grandpa hugs.

Entertaining the kids with the blow up slide.

Jacob, Lincoln and Aiden--love Aiden's pose in the background. :)

The twins even enjoyed the pool. Aunt Brandi did have to get on to them for flooding the yard, though. "No, no, twins!"

Towards the end of the party the twins got brave and wanted to climb up, but Mullin and Christian had to help them.

Only one would actually go down the slide--I believe the brave one was Ryan.

This was the party for which I made the Paula Deen coconut cake with Barefoot Contessa icing. It was pretty good, but I don't think I have found the perfect coconut cake yet. Well, not unless you count the Cheesecake Factory's coconut stuff!!!!!

How Dare She

2009-06-08T12:35:00.004-07:00

How dare she die while I am in the middle of baking a triple-layer coconut cake from scratch.

How dare she leave me stranded in my own home just 2 weeks into summer break.

How dare she give up on life now, especially when gas is cheap and I can afford to drive the kids around.

How dare she!!!!!!!!

Here she is, the little silver Taurus, all broke down in the middle of the desert. Broke down for good. Caput.

As we all know, life just isn't always fair. The lack of fairness seems to want to linger around here for a bit. We are back to one car, and while I do understand it isn't a true NEED, it sure isn't fun or very convenient. The kids and I always look forward to summer since we don't really get out much during home school season. Sigh.

When we first moved here and were staying at my mom's house, I didn't have a vehicle. So, for about 5 months, I just felt stuck. Then my sister's husband gave us one of his old, company cars, which was an incredible blessing. Last summer it began having issues and for a short time I was again without a means of transportation. Driving Mark to work last summer was completely out of the question, as he worked an hour away. Four hours of driving just to have a car during the day-- I don't think so. Now, he is only about 35 minutes away, so if I really needed to have it for something important I could take him to work and pick him up.

As I was typing this, my laptop died again. Funny thing is as I was typing this post, in the back of my mind were the thoughts, "I wonder what else God is going to take away?" Guess I got my answer. (Hopefully it will have a second resurrection!) I am on the computer that won't let me upload pictures. Ugh.

I still have plenty for which to be thankful. Praise God we still have our home, our health and full tummies. Praise God for our amazing and supportive families and our faithful friends.

Thinking About Candy

2009-06-04T09:56:00.006-07:00

I remember when these tasty butter rum lifesavers used to sit on the shelves at the check out lanes. What happened to them? I want some.

And Bonkers? Anybody remember those? Strawberry and grape were my favorite. The old soda fountain drug store on the Collierville Town Square used to carry them. I want some of those, too.

I am ready for M&Ms to bring back the TAN, even if it would just be for a little while. I must be getting old if I can remember eating the bags of M&Ms without the blues.

Anyone else missing candy?

Gettin' All Growed Up

2009-06-03T13:02:00.003-07:00

Feels like I am writing about some other mom's son, because I know mine can't be old enough to hold a gun let alone shoot one. He gently reassured me that it's just a BB gun--okay whatever.

While my mom, sister, sister-in-law and I were out eating lunch together, Grandpa D was taking Mullin to get his hunting license. Of course when I got back to my mom's house, Mullin wanted to show me some of the skills he'd learned. I stood there honestly not knowing what to think. I mean, my son, the kid who just yesterday was lining up Thomas trains shouting, "Choo, Choo!" was aiming and firing at cans in the backyard.

It's like he went from trains to guns in 3 seconds. I've been told many times by many folks that baby raisin' would fly by in a flash, and sadly it has. Yesterday it was the trying twos, today it's the confusing tweens. Usually I am looking for the MUTE button, but today I just want the PAUSE button. You kids are growing up too fast! Just stop it, why don't ya!!!!

Seriously, I haven't seen Mullin this excited in a while. He needs zero motivation from me to complete the on line safety course etc. He's anxious to go on his first hunt in October, I believe. All this mother hen can see is a bunch of wild chicks with guns. Oh me, oh my! Can't Mullin just stay under my wing for just a little longer? Oh drat, I just felt another apron string loosen a little. Mothering definitely doesn't get easier as the kids get older. Sigh.

***I did have the foresight and wisdom to go ahead and warn my son that there will be NO animal heads in my house, thank you very much!!!!!!!!!!!!

Face in the Window

2009-06-03T11:41:00.003-07:00

After a quick run to the grocery store the other day, I pulled into the driveway and saw a precious little face peeking through the blinds in the upstairs window. A smile stretched across the little face and then a small hand waved. It was my daughter.

I smiled back and waved. I pulled into the garage and quite unexpectedly, I had to catch my breath. I swallowed hard trying to push away the lump that was forming in my throat. My eyes began to sting, too. Good grief, all I did was wave at my little girl in the window and I was turning into jello. In a split second the past decade had literally flashed right before my eyes, and my heart felt heavy. Every now and then something out of the blue jars me and slaps me in the face saying, "They won't be this little forever." That day, it was her little face in the window.

Misc. Pawpaw and Grandma Pics

2009-05-28T12:07:00.003-07:00

Pawpaw and Grandma read lots of books to Shiloh while they were here.

Sunday morning before church. Mark was already gone preparing for worship.

Memorial Day--Nothing special, just hanging out eating burgers and watching the kids play on the water slide. Home made peach ice cream for dessert. Peaches straight from my mom's tree. It was delicious!!

Grandma and Shiloh played Monopoly Jr. (or ponopoly as Shiloh calls it) I don't know how many times!! Grandma is so patient. :) I hope Shiloh retains memories of this special trip and spending time with her great grandparents. We left TN just a few months after she turned one, so she really didn't get to know them before we left.

Early Tuesday morning right before it was time to say goodbye. Mark and Lincoln drove to the Grand Canyon with Pawpaw and Grandma, but they came home that night.

We are so glad you came, Pawpaw and Grandma. We had lots of fun, and we MISS you!!!!!! Thank you for the memories!

Thompson Boyce Arbetorum

2009-05-27T14:13:00.006-07:00

Pawpaw and Grandma with the kids before we started the trail.

We actually did see a few hummingbirds and butterflies along the trail.

Shiloh playing hopscotch in the children's garden.

The children's garden area was very colorful and beautiful.

Mullin's at the top of the hill and Lincoln just lost his flip flop. Next time we will know to all wear tennis shoes!!

A very disappointed girl. We wouldn't let her climb the steep, rocky hill with her brothers.

Pawpaw and Grandma were amazed at all of the varieties of cactus or I guess I should say, 'cacti'.

Taking a break--thank goodness it was a cloudy day. We didn't realize how long the trail was or how gravelly the trail was in some places. Not exactly cute sandal friendly.

Almost at the end. It was a fun and interesting trail. Saw lots of pomegranate trees--yum! By the end, though, we were all very tired and hungry!

The Box

2009-05-27T13:46:00.004-07:00

Mark's Pawpaw and Grandma arrived safely all the way from Memphis on Thursday, May 21 around 3:00 in the afternoon. And there was a big, brown box in the back of their minivan that couldn't be opened until after Daddy got home. Torture for the kids for sure. Immediately after dinner, before Daddy had to scoot on out the door again (this time for band practice), Shiloh was the one who got to open it.

Pawpaw and Grandma explained that it was an early birthday present.

She was so excited and the boys waited patiently...

Wow, I was totally unprepared for what was in that box!!! Tons of Barbie furniture hand made by Grandma, which is Shiloh's GREAT Grandma. Such a treasure.

A dining set, living room set and a bedroom set--I believe 24 pieces in all. A lot of work and love went into this gift! At the very bottom of the box was a little something for Mullin and Lincoln, too--green paper with numbers. And of course it was spent the very next day on Star Wars stuff!

Shiloh loved it. Mullin helped her set the furniture up while she brought her Barbies downstairs. A perfect gift for Shiloh who is getting very into Barbies right now!!

Fairy Berry Flaxseed Smoothie

2009-05-11T19:09:00.005-07:00

I absolutely love making smoothies. I think I have finally got the basic ingredients down, so that the consistency is just the way I like it!

I concocted this smoothie for a recipe contest that I plan to enter. I dedicate it to my sweet daughter, Shiloh, who brings out the fairy and all things girlie in me!!

You will need:

1 jar Santa Cruz Organic Berry Nectar
1 frozen banana
11 frozen blackberries
1 cup frozen strawberries
1 cup Brown Cow Vanilla Cream Top yogurt
1 cup ice
2 TBSP whole ground flax seed meal

** I added the ingredients to a blender in the following order-- blackberries, strawberries, banana, yogurt, Berry Nectar (which I filled to the 5 cup line), flax seed and then finally the ice. Just blend until smooth. I like to stick the whole blender jar in the freezer for about 10-15 min. to thicken it just a tad and to make it really cold. (For the fruit, I used fresh and put it all in the freezer.)

I can't wait to invent many more of these tasty treats!

Triple Digits

2009-05-11T13:46:00.003-07:00

How do you celebrate triple digit desert temps? By bringing out last year's water slide blow up!!!! It is the same one my sweet sister gave us since we don't have a pool to keep cool. :)

Even though I lathered the kiddos in sunscreen, the boys both got a bit burnt on their backs. First time to have a "real" sunburn. It is so easy to forget the intense power of this AZ sun!

Shiloh loves to slide down with Daddy.

They had a super fun afternoon and were completely exhausted, especially Sweet Sue!

May 10, 2009

2009-05-11T13:38:00.003-07:00

Celebrating our 12th anniversary. We went out Friday night to The Cheesecake Factory.

Celebrating Mother's Day. Kids brought me breakfast in bed. Daddy made home made waffle sticks.

Love my Solar Garden Fairy and Starbucks card!! Hmmm, I will have to think of a name for my sweet fairy.

So glad I can spend time with my mom on Mother's Day! :)

Bye, Bye Pappy

2009-05-04T13:45:00.003-07:00

Sunday was the day Shiloh decided she was ready to trade her "pappies" for the orange My Little Pony she has been wanting forever. Scootaloo is her name.

I cut the pappies first and she threw them into the big, nasty garbage can outside. I wanted her to know that they were irretrievable!

She has realized what she has done and isn't as excited about opening her new toy.

Once Scootaloo is out of the package, Shiloh is a tad happier but not much.

Bedtime was no picnic last night, her first night without her beloved pappy. But after she finally went to sleep, she slept the entire night. Thank goodness!!!!

Hopefully tonight will go more smoothly than last night...

Shiloh's New Bike

2009-05-04T13:23:00.004-07:00

Just as promised, I bought Shiloh a big-girl bike with garage sale money. When she saw her new bike, she rewarded me with a heartfelt "Thank you, Mommy!" and a sweet kiss on the cheek.

I was a little worried she would be disappointed that it wasn't a princess, Dora, or Barbie bicycle since she had seen and loved those when we were at the store a while back, but she didn't seem to mind one bit! :) The "Sea Star" Huffy was about 1/2 the cost, so I had to go with it.

She was a natural--not scared at all. Just needs to learn to use her brakes and not her feet to stop the bike.

One happy girl!