Snips, Snails, & Puppy Dog Tails

Hello Monday

2012-01-23T16:53:00.000-08:00

hello a better understanding of 1 peter chapter 1
a better understanding of sufferings

hello tummy bug & yuckies

hello chocolate chip cookies ~ some crunchy some soft
and a good cover up for the "sick" smell

hello return home jammer day

hello project 1 completion

hello week of testing

hello joy & lisa

2012-01-22T12:00:00.000-08:00

all over the place

2012-01-21T14:44:00.000-08:00

* boys' basketball was better today, still intense but cooler calmer parents, wish jm could coach both boys teams but that would be a lot! one of the coaches was rather rough in my opinion ~ it's the Y!!

* this post, this gal, her family, makes me smile, makes me cry, reminds me of hope. love their promise & re-promises to God & one another, as their children watched. what a gift!

* the last week, i've really had a hunch to hunker down & focus on some challenging words in 1 peter ~

"be holy, because I am holy"

i did say challenging!

* just now getting around to using the chika chika boom boom activity bag that i made over the summer. i can't find where i got the print out of the tree & alphabet. if you happen to know, please tell me so i can give credit.

* i've had fun making more sense. the snowy day, laura numeroff's books, etc. love making reading fun for the kiddos. i put objects that relate to the story in a bag along with counting, sorting, phonics, matching games & props they can retell the story with. i'm on a roll!

* it's cold . . . maybe a night to bake something warm & cozy. chocolate chip cookies, cake balls? decisions decisions! maybe even some of that tasty cinnamon tea

Five Friday Favs

2012-01-20T07:15:00.000-08:00

* * * * *

trader joes three layer hummus

with triscuits

or your friend/coworker's pretzel chips

* * * * *

s is for
snowmen, snow, snowflakes, stone soup,
Samuel, Snowmen at Night, The Snowy Day,
snow play dough, All You Need for a Snowman,
SO much fun with the letter "s" this week at nrpre k

* * * * *

book bags, enrichment activities, & literacy fun
for my pre k kiddos
i've had a blast pulling ideas

* * * * *

cinnamon tea
thanks to a surprise on my porch
thanks mb!
it was a warm & tasty treat each night

five friday favs

2012-01-06T06:09:00.000-08:00

a great Christmas present

a great start to the new year

and a great way to end our days

we have this time each night together

*most nights*

* * * * *

got a CRAZY deal on this amazing calendar

i mean a really good deal

(i'm talking less than $20 shipped)

only hoping it's available again next year

i couldn't have made it for that price

* * * * *

another great Christmas present

~ joy ~

was my word for 2011

and in just 1 week of "studying" more on joy

i long for even more of it!

another great book to kick off the year

* * * * *

my new favorite way to eat

cereal

soup

chili

oatmeal

etc.

in some pretties from the thrift store

* * * * *

reading 1 peter

encouraged to memorize

right now i'm reading & rereading

so random

2012-01-01T18:10:00.000-08:00

~ loved today, first day of the year, basketball & football with the boys, fabulous weather, brunch w/ a friend, pics of a girlie, squeezed in a book report, ended it w/ new years eve leftovers

~ my ben has recently started initiating butterfly kisses . . . ssshhh don't tell anyone. i love it!

~ jacob just had a sincere concern ~ since it's a leap year, shouldn't they (hcps) take off 1 day of school?!
*i think he should run for school board don't you?!

~ really had a thoughtful time with the boys over romans 12:2 ~ i long for our boys to wear that verse on their hearts . . . . * HIS good, pleasing, & perfect will * . . . . how incredibly reassuring

~ i'm really sad to see Christmas break come to an end. the ONLY annoyance to the break was the bickering b/w the boys. however, that happens w/ school or w/out school. so i'd rather have more home days!

~ i'm pretty sure we have never had so many consecutive cuddling movie nights . . . really loved that time . . . precious treasure

~ mixed feelings over the fact that skamfam christmas cards did not go out yet another year. i took the pic, had the cards picked out, then just stopped the process! it did feel good to simply cross that off my to do list. but o how i love christmas cards

~ i'm really excited about the new season of the bach . . . i know, stupid! it's a silly guilty pleasure and i'm not even a ben fan

~ i have quite a stack of mail to go out . . . i keep forgetting to buy stamps

~ having a good ole time w/ the instagram app on my old school i touch. could even become a tad more obsessed w/ the app sb told me about picframe ~ fun stuff

happy new year friends

You crown the year with a bountiful harvest;

even the hard pathways overflow with abundance.

psalm 65:11

fav gift . . .

2011-12-31T10:49:00.000-08:00

that i received ~

sweet thoughtful jacob told my mom that i needed a new recipe box

i didn't realized how right on he was!

it was a perfect gift

i should have taken a before shot!

it was even better when he saw me organizing, sorting, copying

all those papers into this nice concise box

that we gave ~

a yearly memory box

my inspiration . . . or should i say pinspiration ;)

a sort of journal

but not a journal!

a card for each day of the year

add the year and

jot down an idea, thought, note,

just one line about the day

year after year do it again

next year and the following years it will be a treasure to read

happy new year!

in this way they will lay up treasure for themselves

as a firm foundation for the coming age,

so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

1 timothy 6:19

the most wonderful time of the year

2011-12-27T09:41:00.000-08:00

five friday favs

2011-12-22T21:22:00.000-08:00

i sometimes feel like i actually know the people in her books

not thrilled with where the main characters are headed

but i sure love the book anyway

* * * * *

oh for joy

* * * * *

warm temperatures this week

i know i know

most are longing for cold & snow

but not me

i'm happier this way

* * * * *

our 2nd annual visit to

Spring Arbor

thankful the boys didn't complain

they weren't eager to go

but they sure didn't drag their feet either

both years we've gotten back home & been so glad we went

* * * * *

romans 12:2

the rest of the days of Christmas

2011-12-20T19:35:00.000-08:00

i know i know, i let all 3 of you down!

haha here they are:

this was so fun

five friday favs

2011-12-16T06:26:00.000-08:00

love this cute little local store

so glad wendy told me about it

you definitely should go

i even walked in there w/ 4 boys!

and wasn't kicked out

instead each one was greeted

with a little bag of old fashioned candy

they sat on the floor & ate their treats

while i browsed around

fun stuff

great prices

tell them i sent ya

* * * * *

completely hooked on some yummy creamer

thanks a lot sommer

* * * * *

Christmas Lunch

w/ my north run gals

absolutely cherish these ladies & our friendships

* * * * *

festive marshmallows

so many choices

gingerbread, candy cane, etc.

extra fun for boys' hot cocoa treat

* * * * *

peanut butter balls

are very hard to share

but both of the boys got 1 in their lunch box today

On the 7th Day of Christmas

2011-12-09T06:48:00.000-08:00

On the 6th Day of Christmas

2011-12-08T06:46:00.000-08:00

On the 5th Day of Christmas

2011-12-07T06:41:00.000-08:00

another fun gift idea

2011-12-06T19:03:00.000-08:00

not sure if i've EVER mentioned it

but

i love where i teach pre-k

so so so many things that make it the amazing place that it is

besides the children, the fabulous hours, the strong friendships

and yes, i could go on with more

* * * * *

we are SPOILED by 3 teacher aides

seriously spoiled!

we found some adorable cups at the good ole

WALMART

then we added some MINT flavored treats

added a cheezy yet true little tag

and thanked those precious gals

for always having a joyful response in helping us out

we are blessed indeed!

On the 4th Day of Christmas

2011-12-06T18:41:00.000-08:00

On the 3rd Day of Christmas

2011-12-05T15:13:00.000-08:00

can't find the pics

but i found some cutsie binder clips in my stash

just imagine lime green w/ white polka dots

and

black & white damask

see . . . i told ya ~ cute

five friday favs

2011-12-02T07:31:00.000-08:00

fun new Christmas music

he's been holding me over

until i can get out the other good stuff

* * * * *

sweet song

* * * * *

time spent with my mama over thanksgiving

she was in rare form

and

i LOVED it

we had so much fun together

* * * * *

the *elf* that has been spoiling us teachers

i love my nr gals

on the 2nd day of Christmas

2011-12-02T05:29:00.000-08:00

12 Days of Teacher Treats

2011-12-01T05:34:00.000-08:00

i fell in love with the idea last year around Christmas

but it was too late to get started

not to mention, this year

starting today there are exactly 12 days until we get out for

CHRISTMAS BREAK

i love it because the suggestions are

simple,

inexpensive, (most I already have around the house)

yet still thoughtful

on the 1st Day of Christmas

five friday favs

2011-11-11T19:26:00.001-08:00

lemon water

each day this week

i've started my day

with a large glass

filled with lotsa ice & water

then i squeeze a half a lemon in it

yummy

refreshing

* * * * *

the temperatures at the beginning of the week

delightful!

* * * * *

daily walks with girlfriends

* * * * *

early morning rainbows

* * * * *

the friendly, older gentleman
in the line at chik fil a
let us mama's go in front of him
so we could scoot on home to meet the bus

dream dates

2011-11-02T18:36:00.000-07:00

absolutely love this movie

and this is one (among the many) of my favorite scenes
(it's quite a tear jerker)

while the situations are ENTIRELY different . . .
my ben & i had a dream date tonight
i was tucking him in & rubbing his back
but we closed our eyes and went on a date
to
olive garden (his idea ~ i promise!)
he had lemonade & i had tea
he had fettucini alfredo & i had minestrone soup
i'm not sure who had more fun
after our meal we were headed to
Gelati for dessert
ben ended with "to be continued"!
i guess our dream date tomorrow night
while tucking in
will be at
GELATI
i can't wait!

five friday food favs

2011-10-28T14:21:00.000-07:00

i'm always on a quest to find healthy snacks
for the boys while they are at school
as well as for me while i'm at preschool
cinnamon roast almonds
100 calorie pack
yum
boys haven't had them yet
but they were perfect for me when i forgot lunch
had these handy in the car

* * * * *

michelle brought these to us one day for lunch bunch
glad she did!

blueberry brown sugar
newton fruit thins

yum

b likes them, j not so much

* * * * *

anne brought this to me for snack one day
LOVE

yo crunch fruit parfait
yum

this was a hit with both boys

as long as i don't put it as their morning snack too often

* * * * *

TOTALLY not related to healthy eating
but
the teachers went to lunch yesterday after our halloween party
to plaza ateca
the guacamole was amazing!!
they make it fresh at your table
i want to go back just for that

* * * * *

pioneer woman's
amazing recipe!!

it's the little things

2011-10-26T19:09:00.000-07:00

that are actually BIG things

such JOY

coming across a stack of pics of my boys

in their younger years

so sweet

i placed them around the kitchen in hopes they would see them

and *remember* how sweet they can be on each other

sometimes

one of my little preschoolers

only speaks spanish

until this week

i hear

"ms. skammer, look!"

i got so EXCTED!!

some really really great evenings with the boys

the best we've had in a while ~ no big deal kind of nights

but with

great conversations

easy evenings

good dinner

project progress

lots of cuddles

we're in a good place right now

and i am THANKFUL

"As long as thanks is possible,

then JOY is always possible."

ann voskamp

trash to treasure

2011-10-25T05:18:00.000-07:00

i've seen a couple variations on

preschool appropriate

activity dice

movement dice

and decided i needed a set for my classroom

enter

tissue boxes

and grocery bag

now mine don't look nearly as nice as the ones in the store

but they don't cost nearly as much either!

free fun!

move fall loving

2011-10-22T05:04:00.000-07:00

not sure what has taken me so long to post these pics

we went a couple of weeks ago

the boys were great sports

neither of them really wanted to go

but they did

and they made the best of it

it's one of my favorite things to do

see how much fun they had

this made me laugh b/c i remember them doing

these when they were much younger

and sitting on a non-moving tractor

can still be fun

The grass withers,

the flower fades,

but the word of our God

stands forever.

Isaiah 40:8

five friday favs

2011-10-21T06:04:00.000-07:00

i've had this book for years

really love how it helps me pray

ever have those days

when you just don't know how or what to pray

this is a good starter on those days

* * * * *

loved this blog for quite a while

this week i just couldn't shake some of the things

i had gleaned a while back

the way she takes note of blessings in the trials

* * * * *

Jesus to Simon

"I have prayed for you, Simon,

that your faith may not fail.

And when you have turned back,

strengthen your brothers."

* * * * *

this is fabulous for my

over washed hands

and smells good too

not waxy either!

i LOVE how a little goes a long way

* * * * *

all things candy corn this year really get me excited

not just the candy

but the colors, the decorations, craft ideas

trash to treasure

2011-10-18T20:20:00.000-07:00

lots & lots of big fat crayons

perfect for making little treats with

unwrap them all

place them in desired mold

bake on 200 for less than 10 minutes

but keep watching

tada!

happy fall treats

any idea what i'm doing with this

TRASH?!

five friday favs

2011-10-16T06:31:00.000-07:00

. . . on a SUNDAY!

haha I was reminded that I hadn't posted!

love this oldie but goodie

and forgot how much i missed jars of clay

* * * * *

these make packing lunches so easy

i can even do a couple days lunches and toss them in the fridge

the boys empty their lunch box and clean these out

i refill for the next day

then pop in back in the lunch box the next morning

we have 4 so i typically make lunches sunday & tuesday nights

for the following 2 days

* * * * *

http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/product/index.jsp?productId=12076057&cp=4090259.4090324.4090329.4432046.4147333

thanks to friends

for getting me hooked on bath & body works

LOVE the Leaves 3 wick candle

my house smells cozy

thanks kim!

and the owl plug in

my classroom smells good

thanks sommer!

* * * * *

this movie isn't just a reminder for dads to step up

this mama needs to step up as well

very convicting to not just

"be good enough"

but be the best in leading our children

and in representing our God well

* * * * *

it's no secret how much i've loved reading

angela thomas' stuff

i've just started

52 Things kids need from a Mom

so far so good

five friday favs

2011-10-07T18:33:00.000-07:00

i was told i would love this song

and boy did i

for so many reasons!

* * * * *

julie at joys hope

has such a fabulous idea for blessing others

now you can see why her blog is on my favorites list

* * * * *

mama time

* * * * *

the fur fighter
we found it at target
it slides under the stove, washer & dryer, fridge, etc.
and i thought i had seen a ton of roxy's hair
with the "furminator"

* * * * *

the extra cuddles i've gotten from my boys this week
what a gift!

2011-10-02T07:11:00.000-07:00

today

2011-10-01T19:31:00.000-07:00

* i got to spend the day with my friend kim
* i got to be blessed by the teachings & ministry of susan rodenberg ~ wow! i just love her tender heart for women, God's word, her family
* as well as the fellowship with jenny & her friends
* begged & pleaded for kim to go through the chikfila just for some ice cream cones. she even did a u turn to get into the parking log
* i came home to my almost FREE canvas print of jacob ~ i danced with it . . . . really! he's so handsome
* changed the sheets on my bed (i know but this is a rare thing but it's a house job that became my responsibility about a year & a half ago. since then, i've asked my dad to help with this when they come visit) but not today! all.by.my.self.
* had to close all the windows b/c our house has gotten too cold
* ended the day laughing like crazy while watching shrek 2. it's so fun when jacob gets to giggling too b/c he catches the humor
* had the house to myself while the boys were doing their things . . . really quiet, calm, peaceful for a short bit
* thought so so much about a sweet darlin and her man as they made lifelong promises to each other . . . really though, is she old enough to be married. i can't count the times that crossed my mind this week!

Five Friday Favs

2011-09-30T18:17:00.000-07:00

Carter Mountain

with friends

* * * * *

early morning walks & talks

* * * * *

cozy smelling house

b/c of all the apple baking recipes

apple loaf bread, apple cinnamon chip cookies, apple turnovers

* * * * *

have you had

OH's?!?!
the influence of a 5 year old
thanks to abby for bringing it for HER snack
now the skamfam has devoured 3 boxes in a week
great snack for the boy's at school
great for breakfast
. . .
and for dinner!

* * * * *

If you do not STAND FIRM
in your Faith,
you will not stand at all.
Is 7:9

five friday favs

2011-09-16T06:07:00.000-07:00

love this commercial

* * * * *

angela thomas has no idea

how much her book

has encouraged me

in a friend's words,

the best reference book for single mamas

i agree

* * * * *

stretchy head bands

* * * * *

throwing the football

w/ jacob

while we wait for ben at practice

* * * * *

the bouquet of gerber daisies

a sweet new little friend brought to me

the first day of school

her mama & grandma remembered my favorite

from when i had her big sister years ago

hootie hoo

2011-09-14T16:08:00.000-07:00

in our pre school each room has their own theme.
for years i've been all transportation.
fire truck, police car, ice cream truck, bug, you get the idea
then there was the ocean animal year
and years ago i had a room of frogs

well this year my room is all about owls
boy did i pick the right year to make that my classroom theme
owls are everywhere!
it's been easy decking my room out in colorful owls
i was thrilled when one of my families gave me a box of tissues w/ owls all around it
i had to decorate my humongo bottle of hand sanitizer with an owl
just some "goo be gone" to get rid of the labels
some scrap papers, scrap ribbon, & my cricut
now i have this

i love it ~ "whooo needs germs?!"

it's kind of a joke w/ a couple of the teachers
when they need me
they just call out
"hootie hoo"

whoooo is wise

He who listens to advice

and accepts instruction.

Proverbs 19:20

back to school

2011-09-10T15:34:00.000-07:00

many of you know the dread i had
when thinking about returning to school
most of that left the day those yellow postcards arrived
with their teachers' names on them
i really screamed and jumped up & down
when i saw who they got
squealed i tell ya!!

*i say most of the dread left
b/c i still dislike
alarm clocks
&
homework

j & ms. kendrick

b & mrs. koontz

and at 6:30 am these boys were ready!!

head to toe

contacts, teeth brushed, socks & shoes

breakfast, backpacks, & lunch boxes

dark & stormy morning

i've got a feeling

that this is gonna be a good year!!

10 . . . seriously

2011-09-10T15:01:00.000-07:00

for a few weeks leading up to j's bday,

i kept thinking

WOW ~ 10 . . . it's a big deal

double digits

i don't feel old enough to have a 10 year old!

10 years ago this dark haired blessing

melted our hearts

and that grin right there

can turn any other person's frown upside down!

and may even keep him from getting in trouble for a wrong choice

he's a little mischievious

very curious

completely charming

this one makes me laugh

see what i mean?!

but back to 10 years ago

b/c of some blood work or something

i really can't remember the details

BUT

the nurses brought him to us

with a medicine cup cut in half

a MEDICINE CUP

secured around one of his hands

to keep some tubing or something in place

i became a puddle

it was pitiful

i try to imitate to him

how i loved

LOVED to pick up up

and just rub his cheeks to mine

(i can't pick him up though)

but sometimes

okay, rarely

he'll give me

cheekers

as we refer to them

oh i love some baby cheeks

fun & tender

smart & witty

creative & humorous

joyful & spirit filled

determined & spunky

affectionate & playful

are just some of the words

we use to describe JACOB

this

favorite

right

here

the smile

his eyes

those freckles

thank you jacob for bearing with

me during our crazy cheezy photo shoot!

i promise one day, you'll be slightly thankful!

one day we'll have someone talented to take our pics

five friday favs

2011-09-02T06:16:00.000-07:00

those yellow postcards

that came

with the boys' teachers names on them

i squealed

b/c each of them got teachers that i'm thrilled about

* * * * *

God's protection

during the storm

* * * * *

coming home to a

mini - end of summer - celebration

treat bag surprise on our porch

from sweet friends

freeze pops & water balloons

for another last hurrah

* * * * *

this bean & corn dip

rocks

* * * * *

Matthew 11:28

who me?!?! . . . never!

2011-09-02T06:02:00.000-07:00

. . . would i serve my boys cereal with fruit on top and popcorn dessert for dinner

. . . would i wait until the day before & the day of to invite a few friends over to celebrate my double digit dude's birthday . . . not me!!

. . . would it be okay with me for that sweet 10 year old to blow out our yankee candle b/c i forgot a candle for his cake . . . no way!

a celebration & a tropical storm

2011-08-28T19:02:00.000-07:00

* our tropical storm weekend started with celebrating *

happy birthday anne!!

one of her precious sons w/ one of mine

the birthday girl LOVES diet coke

well to say "love" is an understatement!

another one of her ~~goofy~~ precious sons

so that was friday

saturday brought MORE fun

so i just had to copy an idea that i've seen all over pinterest

after we put the crayons in the order we preferred,

jacob & i hot glued the crayons down

then ben & i blow dried

and watched the shiny, colorful wax drip

it was a fun process and i can't wait to do again

we finished this right in time

just a little bit later the power went out

so it was

flash light tag

(we even found glo sticks)

choose your own adventure book by flashlight

teacher gifts started

apples to apples

checkers

etc.

our neighbor came over to tell us

one of their trees was on its way to our yard

so we should keep roxy inside

fortunately this is as far as it came out of the ground

when we woke up this is all we saw

we are very blessed

with only a slightly messy yard

(with all those trees we have,

we just had tons of branches & limbs)

that papaw has already cleaned

2 hours later

and it doesn't even look like a storm came through

i am so thankful

so is roxy

she finally got to relax in our yard for a bit

five friday favs

2011-08-26T20:28:00.000-07:00

REconnecting with friends

* * * * *

this was just in my email box yesterday
so cute

* * * * *

the squeals & giggles

from the kids playing outside

especially in the dark!

sardines & basketball & tenniball

etc.

* * * * *

discovering a new to me restaurant

people have raved about if for a while

but i finally got to try it for myself

have you been to noodles & co?

* * * * *

the help

now i want to read the book

totally NOT ready

2011-08-24T19:42:00.000-07:00

to say good bye to summer

for a decade old little dude

for alarm clocks going off

to give up pool days, book days, sleepin in days

to enforce hw

to even know who the boys' teachers are

to be back on a schedule

for more laundry loads

for the rushing b/c of lollygaggling little loves

. . . . .

are you?!

Summer Fun

2011-08-16T23:34:00.000-07:00

Remember this . . .

well we still have TONS left to do in these last 3 weeks of summer.
can not believe that! 3 weeks from today the boys will have come home from their first day in 2nd & 4th grades! aaah.

today it is beautiful outside. so pretty in fact, i threw the windows open as soon as i woke up. (then crawled back in bed)

breezy & beautiful!

so while the boys had some reading time i set up an obstacle course in the back yard.

does anyone else remember walking on these thingies

love them!

then they had to use noodles to hit these little foam baseballs

into the laundry basket

it was harder than i realized

the string web was their favorite

they all kept going back to it over & over

kick a soccer ball into a *goal*

noodle & balloon war

and we're done

it was fun while it lasted!

next up:

stepping stones!

random thoughts of a single mama

2011-08-14T20:05:00.000-07:00

being a single mama came to me as the biggest shocker so far in my life. it has exhausted me to the near end . . . or so i feel. it has reminded me of friends . . . in the masses. thank you Lord. it has challenged me spiritually, emotionally, parentally (is that a word? it is now!) it has left me without my best friend. it has caused me to feel cheated on life. on the other hand, it has strengthened my relationship with God ~ WHEN i allow Him. it causes me to question lots. it has shown me how strong & independent i can be if/when necessary. it has taught me about unconditional love for *my man* and our boys. it has caused me to really seek joy & experience it. it has helped me to slow down & enjoy the memory making time and other days it has made me want to speed up through this yucky season. it has allowed me to see & bask in God's provision & beauty. it has caused me to experience how un-fun it is to cook healthy meals for my family . . . way more enjoyable to look for "kids eat free" restaurants. (this is not healthy = weight gain) it has taught me so much about forgiveness, healing, & being content right where i am. it has made the boys' arguments seem way worse than they really may be. life brings A LOT of unexpected . . . good & bad. despite the way it may end, i will not regret the fight i put up to save our marriage.

2011-08-14T08:35:00.000-07:00

abundance

2011-08-13T06:43:00.000-07:00

enjoy this reminder from nicole

Abundance from Nicole Unice on Vimeo.

i needed that reminder and maybe you did too! happy weekend

five friday favs

2011-08-12T06:30:00.000-07:00

arnold palmers

thanks to anne for getting me hooked

* * * * *

a pool party with many from our prek class from last year

such a fun time!

* * * * *

harvest floral & windsor bouquet

* * * * *

little scholars

thanks to my sister in law

i have had the privilege

of working for this amazing company

many camps these past couple of weeks

with more on the books in the future

sooooo thankful for stephanie & more opportunities

* * * * *

back to school meeting

yes i know

i'm not excited about back to school for the boys

but going back to prek

means being surrounded by some of the best girls ever

so thankful that my work place is filled with many of my friends

joy

2011-07-29T20:47:00.000-07:00

:: laying with jacob
having him layer his leg
on top of mine
would keep me there all night
i feel the love

:: ben insisting on dicing the onion
for our corn dip
he was so thrilled w/ the dicer/chopper thingie
and concerned that i would cry
sweet little helper

:: the sense of smell
can't wait to taste our brownies
and summer corn dip tomorrow

Five Friday Favs

2011-07-29T17:05:00.000-07:00

very berry tea

made at home

with blueberries & strawberries

that were almost bad

so i brewed the tea over the berries

since that first pitcher

i've made several more

frozen berries, almost bad berries, fresh berries

they all work

* * * * *

reliving my beverly cleary days

reading with ben

* * * * *

reading galations 5:22-23
with the boys
and breaking down the fruit of the spirit
discussing each attribute
and the importance of Godly character
each of us stating which "fruit"
we felt we needed to work harder on
and asking God's guidance in
j picked exactly what i was thinking
b picked 3!!
i chose patience

* * * * *

owls owls owls
now that i've switched my prek theme
i'm seeing them everywhere
hope i don't get sick of them to quickly

* * * * *

strawberry twizzlers
always thought i hated them
until a friend had them
and got me hooked on them

five friday favs

2011-07-22T20:51:00.000-07:00

if i hurry i can still make it a friday posting!

sleeping in

it's a rare thing

but i go for it when i can

* * * * *

meeting up with my parents for dinner

it was a great "break" for us all

mama got out for a bit

and we got away for a little while

* * * * *

spray bottles

a great idea for an outdoor movie night

in 100 + degree weather

* * * * *

ben's tan lines

are adorable

* * * * *

jacob's freckles

are spectacular

too many to ~~count~~ kiss

home sweet home

2011-07-17T14:30:00.000-07:00

there's nothing like . . .

being gone from your babes for 4 days

talking to one of them on the phone

and hearing an over tired one cry

when you are 9 hours away

short & sweet conversations

while separated from each other

being greeted at the door

by both of them hanging on me

for so long the person dropping me off

unloads my stuff

and just drives off

(she did say she was going to "drop" me off)

them going out to play with their friends shortly after

but they did come in easy & with out complaining

sleeping in your own bed

sleeping in

in your own bed

taking a long hot shower

at HOME

staying up late

laughing, giggling, & tickling

catching up

and hearing about their adventures

i love our cozy home & precious boys

treasures

The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;

surely I have a delightful inheritance.

Psalm 16:6

five friday favs

2011-07-15T07:06:00.000-07:00

air conditioning

* * * * *

hcp&r free & next to free camps

both boys were on the wait list

for basketball camp

we got word this week they are both in!!

* * * * *

girlfriends that call & text

and call & text

until they get a response

* * * * *

pool nights with friends

* * * * *

favorite things

w favorite girls

w favorite foods

make them wanna kiss their mama

2011-07-13T07:57:00.000-07:00

last night we had a sweet tooth like no other . . .
nothing was just working for any of us
so i went scrounging through the fridge to come up with something different

i found some cresent rolls
peanut butter
cream cheese
&
chocolate chips

little b said mama what in the world are you doing
i gave him a hint that it involved chocolate chips

i spread cream cheese on a few cresent triangles
i spread pb on the others
i sprinkled chocolate chips on all of them
rolled them all up
and baked

the house smelled good

when i popped open the oven
i exclaimed
oh my . . . these treats are gonna make you wanna kiss your mama

they were delicious
they had one of each

best of all i got lots of kisses & noseys

everything is better with cream cheese right steph & liz?!

these are a few of my favorite things

2011-07-11T07:24:00.000-07:00

you may or may not know

that 13 years ago today

i married the most amazing man in my world

sadly, things are different now

so i celebrate today differently

last year a few girlfriends came over

sort of unplanned

b/c they didn't want me to go the first year alone

this year i've been seeing

favorite things parties

all over blog land

so i merged one of my favorite days

with lots of my favorite friends

with tons of our favorite things

munchies, drinks, give aways, etc.

enter *brown paper packages*

i think it's a new tradition

a couple of weeks ago

i sent out simple invites

with directions

i made a few of my favorite desserts
lemon bars, chocolate chip cheesecake bars, & strawberry puffs

other gals brought the yummy selection of appetizers
crab dip & crackers, mexi dip & chips
hummus & pita chips,
pizza roll & sauce, fruit salsa & cinnamon chips

as the girls arrived
i told them to write their name on 5 pieces of paper
and place in a bucket
that is how it was determined who got each fun item

then as ladies shared their fav

she pulled 5 names from the bucket

those five gals took home that item

and so on

best of all the party was on a huge budget

i'm very proud of the little money that i spent
i used things i would find around the house/garage
greens & yellows
glass
brown paper
buckets
string
you get the idea

i used jars from the garage

(my father in law will be thrilled ~

i think he is concerned that i may be a hoarder)

i created chalk panels on a few

and put tea in those

etched "water" on another

those were the drinks i provided

a few others made their way over as well

i used scrapbook paper & grocery bags

to create the scallops for the garland

also to make sign sign in cards for each guest

last minute i cut open a few other trader joes bags

to serve as table covering

so i know what you most want to hear about . . .
the *uninvited* guest

just kidding i know you want to see some of the favorites

Kim brought egg timers

and she did NOT draw my name

Anne brought ketchup from Chik Fil A
in those cutsie little dispensers
AND
wonderful BPA free water cups with lids & straws

like the one in the left of the picture
that's mine

Michelle & Maggie
both have a thing for Bath & Body Works Soap

Jennifer brought
Homemade Cajun Rub in cutsie jars
(can't wait to try it!)

Lisa the make-up lovely
brought everyone the best mascara
Kelly Ripa agrees

i forgot to tell you that lisa ~

i remember when she would rave about that stuff

Liz brought magazines

Jennie brought Angel Bells
made by Angel Bell

Mandy brought Berts Bees Chap stick

Stephanie brought Venus Razors
and tips from her couponing expeditions

Jenn brought
Hollywood Fashion Tape

I had my fav EOS lip love

this would be fun to do seasonally
that was an idea floating around
i'll host again next summer

Be joyful always;
pray continuously;
give thanks in all circumstances,
for this is God's will for you
in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16

finding joy each day

2011-07-08T13:22:00.000-07:00

i've been longing to create something similar to this

i found the perfect frame in the garage

i took out the pics and added some papers

turned it into our own little joy board.

the boys can reach it too

(hardly)

so they can add to it as well

the dry erase pen rests with the chalk on the tray

i walked through later on in the day

and j had added "family"

i also FINALLY hung the old serving tray turned chalkboard

i think i like the placement

it's amazing the amount of stuff i can get accomplished

with space in my craft area

and some forgotten stuff in the garage

five friday favs

2011-07-08T07:18:00.000-07:00

i thought this time i would focus

on five things i can't live without during the summer

~ besides flip flops ~

so i bring to you my five friday SUMMER favs

* * * * *

i know it's way more expensive

but spray sun block is worth it

* * * * *

the boys have very sensitive skin

right under their eyes

we've had no more rashes or reactions sense using

* * * * *

love to have my toes painted

i've used all my pedi gift cards

so it's back to my stash i go

my favs are

i like some wet & wilds too

but they're so cheap

that the name isn't even written on them!

* * * * *

can't find an image

of our favorite after sun moisturizer

it's the target brand

after sun aloe lotion

i bet they don't make it anymore

our big ole pump bottle of it is from last year

* * * * *

and if i don't use this

my lips are in trouble for a week or more

it's already happened once this summer

hopefully not again!

* * * * *

HAPPY SUMMER

more favs this week include

fireworks w/ friends

after dinner swims

a clean creation station

which means more space & time to create

time for reading

ok . . . off to get our cow costumes ready

how far will you go for free chik fil a

i only have to figure a way to get jacob dressed like a cow

bribery isn't working!

lynchburg lovin

2011-07-03T16:10:00.000-07:00

late night chats w/ my parents
a yummy treat at the amazing reopened chestnut hill bakery

painting mama's toe nails . . . she was needing a pedi bad

observing our boys be gentlemen

a bojangles breakfast w family & friends

meant a huge tea for the ride home

church in the car on the way home

deep thoughts on the church . . . *our church*

no hand held devices in the car . . . that alone is delightful!

lots of cuddles & chats w/ my boys before bed

picture taking

rides through the country

a sweet visit with this sweet man

not sure who is cutest!!

hot fun in the summer time

2011-07-01T10:00:00.000-07:00

these fun summer to do lists are all over blog land
i LOVE meg's . . . isn't that chalkboard amazing
my girl jenn's is adorable too
then there's the clothesline to do so cute i just don't have the right spot for that
the jars are cute
and how about this one
in the end i copied jenn

i was on a roll

so this trash

became this treasure

any idea what my plan is for this

(hint: i have to find a sturdy branch)

so that's part of the fun i had in our garage yesterday

while the boys played so sweetly

Five Friday Favs

2011-07-01T08:09:00.000-07:00

fruit kabobs

may sound silly

but put fruit on a stick

and my boys eat more of it

even the fruits

they say they don't like

rainbow ones are my favorite!

strawberries

cantaloupe

pineapple

kiwi

blueberries

grapes

i'll be making some

strawberry, banana, & blueberry

ones this weekend

* * * * *

worship sunday has had me thinking on

JOB this week

this stuck out for me

My ears had heard of you

but now my eyes have seen you.

Job 42:5

* * * * *

cute little 4th jars

made by a friend for me

can't wait to put a little light down inside

* * * * *

singing along with the radio

at the top of our lungs

with my boys

* * * * *

free

FREE

ice cream cones

from the CHIK

for signing up with the library for summer reading

and i LOVE

free kids meal tuesday nights!!

five friday favs

2011-06-24T11:50:00.000-07:00

realizing i have such a hard time keeping a fire going

these really came in handy for some fun dinner time desserts

the boys even got spoiled by having them for a few afternoon snacks

* * * * *

this is now one of the boys' favorite dinners

we've already had it twice!

the easiest shredded chicken nachos ever

* * * * *

his new single

"do everything"

* * * * *

watching the boys enjoy sparklers
out back

* * * * *

brunch with my family for
father's day & daddy's birthday
followed by
pedis & manis w/ my mama
ben came along too
so cute

skam-fam motto

2011-06-20T06:19:00.000-07:00

lately the phrase "just make the best of it"

has been said A LOT in our home.

as there are always things we may not want to do

or be a part of

or really have a choice in

as we have experienced in the last year and a half

but

it's up to us to how we respond

and choose to act in those situations . . . .

and life

imagine my delight when i found this phrase on pinterest

the big picture

2011-06-19T20:29:00.000-07:00

a fun comparison

2011-06-18T06:00:00.000-07:00

june 2008

j ~ last day of kindergarten

june 2011

j ~ last day of 3rd

b ~ last day of 1st

WOW

these precious treasures are growing way too fast

Love must be sincere.

Hate what is evil;

cling to what is good.

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love.

Honor one another above yourselves.

Never be lacking in zeal,

but keep your spiritual fervor,

serving the Lord.

Be joyful in hope,

patient in affliction,

faithful in prayer.

Romans 12:9-12

I Won't Let Go

2011-06-17T23:07:00.000-07:00

ready for a picture dump of our

end of year festivities

* * * * *

the "movin up" celebration

eles really does this one up fun!

each grade is sectioned off

and wear a certain color

first graders wore yellow

3rd graders wore their individually designed

white tees w/ red decorating

(eh . . . not my fav)

each grade level performs a song for the rest of the school

and all the parents

the teachers were really into it as well this year

then it's the announcement of the theme

for the upcoming year

this year was

Echo Lake All Stars

next year its

Out of this World

(my wheels are already spinning for teacher treats)

i tend to be pretty rigid about bed time

but i'm proud to say that this final week

i've relaxed a little

jacob has acquired my need for having a plan

and having a hard time with

spontaneity

so he was less than thrilled when i said

let's go for a ride, i have an idea!

i just gave them clues so

when he figured out where we were going

he was all over it!

because we kept the shop open a little longer

the owner threw in some extra donuts

we had never gone

but will definitely return

it was a fun treat

look how sleepy my little b is

he made it though . . . . barely

he sat in my lap for a little bit

on the way

i called my

"very spur of the moment can always handle a detour"

friend

to see if they wanted to join in on the fun

the claytor clan can always handle variations in their scheduling

the mama's and our kiddos that came

they took the picture

"to make me happy"

in hopes of making it to the bus on the last day

it looks like jacob is mumbling

"just do it ben"

through his teeth

and poor ben,

his mama kept him up way too late

he is *homin*

but we did make it to the bus

it's been our tradition

that the boys come home to

some simple, inexpensive summer fun things

and this year a few necessities as well

goggles, summer work books, glo wands,

beach towels, poppers,

sparklers, pool noodles, etc.

as soon as the boys got on the bus this morning

i went to the garage and pulled out this old sheet

to have some fun with spray paint

i hung it up on my way to the bus

and by the time we walked back it had fallen

so this is what i got of it

that's our little ben

with the bag

he may be tired of the camera

i remind him one day

he's going to appreciate it

we now have a

2nd grader & a 4th grader

i think about the boys every time i hear this song.

as you may know,

it's played LOTS!

five friday favs

2011-06-17T05:06:00.000-07:00

Jacob being recognized for Honor Roll all year

boy time after school

the *moving up* celebration at ELES today

i now have a 2nd grader

and a 4th grader

this is at j's ice cream party

the children decorated their shirts earlier in the week

a REALLY spur of the moment trip to

Daylight Donuts

never been before

glad we did

i called at 8:55 during ben's shower

to ask about their closing

ahem

9:00

the owner convinced me to come

jammered and all!

perfect way to spend the last night

before the last day of school!

we may have a new tradition!

Dear School,

2011-06-14T15:13:00.000-07:00

Can you just be over already?! I don't want to make the boys come inside, not even for dinner. Playing kickball with friends, catching fireflies, having water shooter battles, & roasting marshmallows are simply way more enticing than getting a good nights sleep for school the next day. Can't baths & bed times just wait!? And while we're on the subject of sleep, Sleeping in would be nice for me as well!

Sincerely,

Mama Skammer aka Skamamama

j.o.y

2011-06-14T13:11:00.000-07:00

:: celebrating with friends
that are truly like family to us
she was just nine when we met
(that's how old jacob is now)
and now she's graduating
love her sweet older brothers too

:: relaxing, floating
on the rivah

:: tucking my babies in at night
and the conversations that take place

:: sleeping in

:: lunch on the back porch
delivered by a friend
enjoying the breezes

five friday favs

2011-06-10T05:06:00.000-07:00

funniest movie

in a long time

(my daddy will be ashamed

but it was hilarious!)
i'm not usually a rated R movie goer
i'm glad i bended the rules this ~~once~~ twice

* * * * *

my sweet boys

taking turns

"resting"

with me on the raft on the river

* * * * *

* * * * *

never thought i would need/want/like
a *furminator*
our neighbor (who is a vet)
suggested it
and wowsers
it's amazing!
i have pulled of BAGS of Roxy's fur with this thing
in minutes
which means less vacuuming!

* * * * *

SAMS's Club
yes i know sounds silly
but the past 2 times i've really gotten some deals
on stuff for the kids
not to mention a cheap lunch w/ a friend

they all S.T.I.N.K

2011-06-05T20:34:00.000-07:00

itchy sunburned skin

ticks

cancer

alarm clocks

homework

broken promises

SOLs

obviously some way more than others

summer lovin

2011-06-03T18:45:00.000-07:00

iced tea

tan lines

s'mores

spur of the minute trips to gelati

drive in movies

freckle face boys

lightening bugs

fire pit nights

cook outs

home made fresh fruit smoothies

salads salads salads

days by the pool

day trips to the beach

fireworks

sleeping in

time to read

picnics

naps

ice cream truck

Five Friday Favs

2011-06-03T13:58:00.000-07:00

gifts from my class

they each drew me a picture

and wrote why they loved me

then parents secured them all into a book

for me to enjoy

lots!

i've read & re-read it

* * * * *

my new wall hanging

an old window w/ pics of us inside

now to find the perfect spot to hang it

* * * * *

dill pickles
used to be a sweet pickle girl
granny isn't around to make them for me anymore
ben & i snack on dills together

* * * * *

sara evans

* * * * *

a free
pedi
mani
&
yoga shoes

joy

2011-05-31T18:47:00.000-07:00

i have to admit the past couple weeks i've had to dig a little deeper to truly find joy each day
i totally know God has it in store for me
right in front of my eyes

i've been tired, run down, bla, just plain ole exhausted
feeling little desire to read his word
which explains my shorter list of joy
this is raw

but here's a go at it!

:: a delicate outdoor celebration of upcoming commitment, love, dedication
oh how i adore this darlin ~~girl~~ young lady

:: rainbows

:: having our windows open in b/w the showers

:: ex. 14:14
i keep getting reminded of those words

:: blue skies

:: celebrating 11 4 & 5 year olds
they're growing up

:: compliments from our sweet little 7 year old
he can be so encouraging
he loves!

:: reconnecting with a girlfriend from high school
a group of us became close friends with a few exchange students from brazil
i finally found olivia on facebook!!
she said she's new to facebook.
so glad i kept ~~stalking~~ searching!

affectionately referred to as mae day

2011-05-30T17:46:00.000-07:00

such a sweet delicate shower

for a sweet delicate lady

i love sarah's simple, organic style

so beautiful

what a sweet little girl

well mannered & conversational

she has to be the most amazing big sister

(i can say that b/c i'm an only child)

the gorgeous bride to be

what a beautiful day!

i promise to take my camera next time i visit their house

for pics of the inside

it's just as simple & cozy inside!

2011-05-29T08:18:00.000-07:00

five friday favs

2011-05-27T07:08:00.000-07:00

this backyard party

simply decorated

with mason jars, chalk boards, window panes,

clothes line pictures, daisies, scripture,

* * * * *

chalkboard paint

i went a little crazy!

* * * * *

uh oh!

* * * * *

bittersweet

pre-k graduation

* * * * *

tuesday, wednesday, thursday

morning snack

five friday favs

2011-05-20T05:03:00.000-07:00

artwork from our adorable 2 year old neighbor

* * * * *

apples to apples

by far my favorite game to play

* * * * *

birthdays
birthday dinners
birthday dinner celebrating a friend

* * * * *

target clearance
sleepwear

* * * * *

have you seen this?!

it's amazing when

2011-05-16T20:01:00.000-07:00

thanks karen for the encouragement
to find the brighter side!

* you take van to shop to have nail removed
and the nail must have come out on its own
with no air leaks
and no charge

* my mama texts me to say
she found a pair of the flip flops i *need*

* you have a friend
who helps you look for
left i touch on the floor of a movie theatre

* you find the said i touch
on the movie theatre floor
whew!

* to have a friend
meet the boys at the bus stop
when you are stuck in traffic

* the boys put their dinner dishes
in the dishwasher
WITHOUT being asked to

* you find 1 2 little darlins
~~waiting~~ sleeping in your bed

* you get to spend the afternoon
cuddling with a kiddo home from school
warm, sweet, soft skin

it really stinks when . . .

2011-05-15T08:14:00.000-07:00

* mosquitos nibble
especially around your ankles & toes

* your amazing son's go to phrase when he's mad
or doesn't get what he wants is
"you're so mean"
at me, ben, jm etc.
doesn't matter who
this especially happens when he gets called out on talking back
(he's a mini me as my mama said talking back
was my biggest issue growing up as well)

* you're still in your jammers
when you really want to be at church

* you have a nail in your tire

* you're stuck in stand still traffic
trying to make it home for the bus

* you can't find the flip flops
you love in rva

* bathrooms, dishes, & laundry
don't stay clean after you've worked so hard

five friday favs

2011-05-13T13:03:00.000-07:00

chicken caesar salads for dinner

on the back porch

w/ my boys

lovin that they're enjoyin salads now

* * * * *

the pretty day for a picnic

in the park w/ my prek class

* * * * *

this new to me recipe

* * * * *

my mary kay

mint bliss

foot lotion

* * * * *

my cozy hooded sweat shirt

Mother's Day

2011-05-08T21:42:00.000-07:00

*MY* plans were to worship, spend the day w/ the boys. NO fancy restaurant or expensive activities! I just wanted to have a picnic or pick strawberries . . . . or BOTH!

we went to Mt. Olympus and picked strawberries. this is not one of jacob's favorite things to do but he did w/ a smile on his face AND he had FUN. we were loudly giggling across the rows. he has such a fun sense of humor. most of the time i enjoy it!

we'll be making

strawberry pie

strawberry milkshakes

strawberry salad

strawberry jello

strawberry mufins

strawberry pretzel dessert

just kidding!

then the plan was to head to the park w/ blankets, snacks, books, board games, footballs, frisbee, etc. and play/rest/relax!

instead we came home and crashed. but we did play apples to apples on my bed.

2011-05-08T20:10:00.001-07:00

joy

2011-05-08T19:42:00.000-07:00

:: seeing the first lightening bug of the season
   it was a warm night

:: a fresh new batch of sugar scrub

:: enjoying *new to us* patio furniture
   complete with a yellow umbrella!
   thanks sweet friends!

:: "just because" cuddles

:: seeing glimpses of God
   even in the storms
   *rainbows* if you will

:: a friend showing up at the house
   simply to pray
   then coming back with dinner

:: beyond beautiful weather for field day

:: throwing the football w/ my favorite 7 year old

:: baby dedication at church

five friday funks . . . and favs!

2011-04-29T04:58:00.000-07:00

i just thought it would be funny to change it up a little this week

* * * * *

tics - i pulled one off of me last night

* * * * *

field trip cancelation -

b/c of the bad storms & tornado warnings

the first grade field trip to meadow farm was nixed

* * * * *

anxiety

* * * * *

crankytudes

* * * * *

restless nights for the boys
pollen & coughing
is not contributing to their sleep

but there's still favs!

finishing a book and getting into the next in the series

* * * * *

a fabulous start to our friday
(way, way different from our thursday morning start)

because of the Lord's great love
we are not consumed
for his compassions never fail
they are new every morning
great is your faithfulness
lam. 3:22-23

* * * * *

laughing & praying w/ coworkers
and girlfriends

* * * * *

the benefits i already see in just a few weeks
without my biggest addiction

* * * * *

relief
when anxiety was great within me
your consolation brought joy to my soul.
psalm 94:19

cute comparison

2011-04-28T19:39:00.000-07:00

10/07

4/11

three & a half years

little boys

same rock

growing up

contact wearing j

glasses forgotten b

needing haircuts

i miss the "little" days
and love the bigger days

joy this week

2011-04-26T12:14:00.000-07:00

:: the woods behind our house are filling in with spring green
we can no longer see the cars passing down springfield road
way behind our house

:: freckles are making their annual appearance on j's face

:: boys slept in until 9:30
ok ~ so mama did too ;)

:: i've missed you hugs from & for pre-k-ers

:: painful relief

:: answered prayers

:: loving on a friend
sadly, in very similar shoes as i am in
(i did not find joy in her situation
but in the fact that God is using my story
to minister to someone else)

:: air conditioning

:: bedtime conversations & cuddles
with my boys

:: my new "because he lives" play list

look what i found

2011-04-25T12:00:00.001-07:00

little b may have found it strange

that i took a pic of our kitchen window sill

however, it looks like it may have worn off on him.

he asked if he could take some pics w/ my camera

and i hesitantly said ok

when i was flipping through them i found this

so first he wrote a love note on our dry erase tablet

then took a picture

soooooo sweet!

i won't delete the picture

i deleted a bunch

of backpacks, the tv, roxy, my feet, shoes, etc.

and will try to hold off erasing the tablet

my kitchen window

2011-04-25T00:00:00.000-07:00

when lucy blogged about her window

it got me to thinking!

i should have also snapped a pic of ben

when he saw me snap this one.

he looked at me oddly then said

"seriously mama, c'mon"

then walked away.

he knows i enjoy taking pics

but like you, doesn't understand the thrill here!

Happy Easter

2011-04-24T08:10:00.000-07:00

five friday favs

2011-04-22T11:04:00.000-07:00

"Remembrance"

so glad sarah posted it

* * * * *

goochland drive in

bring your easter baskets

and get them filled with popcorn for a $1

the best part was having my favorite 9 year old

crawl up beside me b/c he was cold

then we both got warm

* * * * *

alone time

* * * * *

a week filled with my boys

and my friends

* * * * *

"peepsters"

i was confident they would be gross

(i don't like . . . make that, hate peeps)

however these were a fun treat

Spring Break Day 3

2011-04-20T13:33:00.001-07:00

day 2 was filled with reconnecting & catching up

with our lynchburg friends,

lots of outdoor play,

games, pizza,

but the cameras never came out the entire time

day 3

we packed some pb & j's

turkey & cheese sandwiches

fruit & water

and headed out to Maymont

for some free fun

with several of these darlins

complaining & whining along the way

i nipped most of it with a promise/bribe

of grape lime-aids from bill's barbeque for the ride home

this is a pose that i took of the boys LONG ago

when j was in kindergarten

i wanted to compare

sassy jillie

strike a pose

some nice lady offered to take a pic of all of us

it's a little blurry but we can't complain

joy today

2011-04-19T17:15:00.000-07:00

but really from the past week ~ i picked some that really stood out

:: pumpkin seeds sprouting
all be it accidental
i transplanted dirt from our compost pile
rich soil!
a couple of weeks later
leaves are popping through
oops

:: a rainy day stay home jammer day

:: a visit from mama & daddy

:: a pedicure from a friend
with another friend

:: my new comforter

:: the celebration screams & squeals that i heard
from inside the house
ALL the way down the street
from the bus friday afternoon
spring break!!

:: a phone call from a vacationing friend
just to say hi
i think she misses me

:: a clean house
top to bottom

Hosanna!

2011-04-19T07:11:00.000-07:00

i have no idea where the time went

between rising & shining sunday morning and driving to church.

but when i looked down at the dash and it was after 11

when were turing out of our street,

it hit me there was NO way to make it for the 11 service.

i was so looking forward to it as well.

so . . . . i turned the van around with the idea we would have church at home.

a couple of years ago we did the resurrection biscuits

and i remembered that we had biscuits & marshmallows at home.

PERFECT!

i managed to snap a few pictures during our time.

HOSANNA!

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!

Blessed is the King of Israel!

spring break day 1

2011-04-18T15:30:00.000-07:00

all the tools, seeds, containers, etc. to get our seeds started

dirt straight from our compost pile

some of the completed starters

teacher appreciation gifts started

flowers planted

my latest way of getting laundry put away efficiently

instead of having piles of folded laundry waiting

i did NOT take pictures of our overhaul cleaning of the boys' rooms

as they should always look good

have you heard of the 40 bags in 40 days?

getting rid of 40 bags of unused stuff during lent?

i think this weekend alone i purged at least 20

b/w trash, outgrown clothes, toys, books, movies

hope thrift here we come!

and how come i'm just now reading about

this Easter Garden

i'll have to bookmark it for next year

i promised the boys a more fun day tomorrow.

although we only did the "chore" stuff early on

we got the cleaning stuff out of the way

in hopes to play the rest of the week!

2011-04-17T09:07:00.000-07:00

five friday favs

2011-04-15T12:00:00.001-07:00

little benjamin who speaks no english

but his face lights up hugely when singing & dancing

he grins from ear to ear

brings a smile to my face just thinking about it

* * * * *

psalm 25

esp. 4,5 & 10

* * * * *

field trip with jacob

spending time w/ him & his class

watching him interact with his fav *girl* friend

loving his interest in greek mythology

* * * * *

colgate 360

random, i know

but i found a package of them under my bathroom sink

* * * * *

report cards

honor roll & hard math worker

Batter Up!

2011-04-14T12:45:00.000-07:00

spRinG has SPruNg!

such fun

these boys!

now my door looks really really good

thanks jenn!

i love my new wreath!

the games my boys make up

"trampoline ball"

it's a baseball bat, basketball, & trampoline "field"

swing batter batter swing

from high school musical

that song that ALWAYS floods my mind

w/ all things baseball

i used to sing it on the way to all of ben's games

random, i know

i do love their creativity!

stay tuned

next time:

tenni-ball

JOY today

2011-04-12T17:38:00.000-07:00

some girlfriends of mine & i have been reading One Thousand Gifts together. while chatting as we can about what we think. there are only a couple of us that are getting into it, the others are pushing their way through. i LOVE that it has convicted me to slow down & breathe with the boys. it's reminded me to focus on my word for this year. (psalm 51:12 & 94:19) it's helped me to rethink the way i pray . . . praying with a thankful heart is the only way to pray. enter his courts with thanksgiving! may i look at God's world through "thankful eyes".

i won't be doing a 1000 gifts list per say but i will be more mindful of my thankfulness. i will continue to write them down as i feel lead in my own journal. while i can't imagine getting thrilled over grated cheese or soapy suds, i will make mention to the lord of his good. i will thank him for opening my eyes to even more glimpses of him and his unspeakable joy.

bringing me JOY today ~

:: sharing the story of Jesus ~ He's ALIVE! to 11 bright eyed preschoolers. many of them looked up at me with such wonder. then we did the resurrection biscuits . . . baked a marshmallow inside a biscuit. the biscuit is empty just like the tomb. "ms. skammer the marshmallow is gone . . . just like Jesus!" one little darlin exclaimed!

:: jacob calling me back to his room last night to pray with him.

:: godly girlfriends ~ their friendship, wisdom & support. one dropped afternoon plans just to *listen*

:: ben's already sporting a farmer's tan ~ i couldn't help but smile when he came down the other night; he was definitely trying to dilly dally his way from bed time but it was a reminder that summer is on it's way!

:: the words from a friend/coworker attached to a cd

:: the relief from allergy issues

:: and how can one not smile when looking at this little dude. some of those bangles & beads are soooooo old. glad i hadn't gotten rid of them!

:: in being content ~ philippians 4:11-13 ~ an ongoing prayer

2011-04-10T09:03:00.000-07:00

summing up today

2011-04-09T19:37:00.000-07:00

1 jammer day for mama

0 basketball games

4 chewed up socks in the back yard

1 clean & organized closet

4 days of NO coke 0

5 bags to Hope Thrift

1 play date

3 clean bathrooms

2 snoring boys

2 books read ~ 1st & 2nd Timothy were really good to me. i think i'll reread tomorrow

6 loads of laundry washed, dried, folded & put away

2 more waiting - 1 in the wash & 1 in the dryer

3 chik fil a lunches to go

five friday favs

2011-04-08T07:22:00.000-07:00

jacob's request for cuddling

pretty sure it was to put off homework

but i'll take it!

* * * * *

allegra d

* * * * *

breaking down a hard read

in conversations with girlfriends

* * * * *

reading through my prayer/scripture journal

from the past year

reflecting on God's faithfulness

and his provision for joy

even in suffering

* * * * *

some amazing little 4 & 5 year olds

many signed up for kindergarten today

i can't believe it's "that time" already

i love my little friends

and can't believe it's almost time for them to graduate

wish i could "loop" with them

Snips, Snails, & Puppy Dog Tails

Hello Monday

all over the place

Five Friday Favs

five friday favs

so random

fav gift . . .

the most wonderful time of the year

five friday favs

the rest of the days of Christmas

five friday favs

On the 7th Day of Christmas

On the 6th Day of Christmas

On the 5th Day of Christmas

another fun gift idea

On the 4th Day of Christmas

On the 3rd Day of Christmas

five friday favs

on the 2nd day of Christmas

12 Days of Teacher Treats

five friday favs

dream dates

five friday food favs

* * * * * anne brought this to me for snack one dayLOVEyo crunch fruit parfaityum

* * * * * TOTALLY not related to healthy eatingbutthe teachers went to lunch yesterday after our halloween partyto plaza atecathe guacamole was amazing!!they make it fresh at your tablei want to go back just for that* * * * * pioneer woman'samazing recipe!!

it's the little things

trash to treasure

move fall loving

five friday favs

trash to treasure

five friday favs

five friday favs

today

Five Friday Favs

five friday favs

hootie hoo

back to school

10 . . . seriously

five friday favs

who me?!?! . . . never!

a celebration & a tropical storm

five friday favs

totally NOT ready

Summer Fun

random thoughts of a single mama

abundance

five friday favs

joy

Five Friday Favs

five friday favs

home sweet home

five friday favs

make them wanna kiss their mama

these are a few of my favorite things

finding joy each day

five friday favs

lynchburg lovin

hot fun in the summer time

Five Friday Favs

five friday favs

skam-fam motto

the big picture

a fun comparison

I Won't Let Go

five friday favs

Dear School,

j.o.y

five friday favs

they all S.T.I.N.K

summer lovin

Five Friday Favs

joy

affectionately referred to as *mae day*

five friday favs

five friday favs

it's amazing when

it really stinks when . . .

five friday favs

Mother's Day

joy

* * * * *

anne brought this to me for snack one day
LOVE

yo crunch fruit parfait
yum

* * * * *

TOTALLY not related to healthy eating
but
the teachers went to lunch yesterday after our halloween party
to plaza ateca
the guacamole was amazing!!
they make it fresh at your table
i want to go back just for that

* * * * *

pioneer woman's
amazing recipe!!

affectionately referred to as mae day