Oh My Darling Clementine!

She's here! Our new puppy Clementine. It was an exciting day. We picked up our pretty girl after church and went with our good friends who took home a pup also (the boy). After a circus-like visit to Petsmart we took her home and tried to make her feel comfortable. She is doing great and so far no accidents (a major accomplishment in my book)!:) Here are a few pictures from the day:

Look at that adorable mug, and her paw is even up as if she's saying "howdy"!


We put her in her crate to get her acquainted with it. I think she's already using those puppy dog eyes for sympathy!:)



I'm sure there will be many more pictures to come!:) She seemed to take to her crate right away and Jim and I couldn't help but wonder if it she smells her mommy in there? That was Molly's domain of course and it's funny to look over and see such a little peanut in there. We sectioned off the crate so it's small for her and we'll adjust it as she grows. Jim and I laughed because we've prayed for so long to bring another baby into our home (and maybe even a girl) but this wasn't exactly what we anticipated!:) It's healing though and as a family we are all excited.

On another note, thank you for the feedback regarding the braces (my last post). We are going to get a second opinion and after that we'll hopefully have a good game-plan.
Also, I ran across this today and thought it was interesting. From Real Simple, it's "How to Correct 8 Common Beauty Mistakes". I didn't know that plucking eyebrows to close to a mirror was one of them. Hmm, good to know. Anyway, you can read them all by clicking on this link.

Tooth Trouble

Have you ever heard of a third grader getting braces? Gabriel had an orthodontist appointment today and I was not expecting it to go the way it did. We had a Radiothon at the station today so I was unable to take him, but Jim filled me in. Earlier this summer our dentist recommended that Gabriel see an ortho because of crowding issues with his bottom teeth. He thought Gabe might need an expander (no biggie). However, when the orthodontist saw him he gave us a few options, none of which seem very appealing.:( The ortho said his top permanent teeth are coming in at an unusual angle and his bottom teeth are a mess. He can either have his baby teeth extracted to make room for the others (and still probably need braces later) or get "phase 1" braces now, and most likely "phase 2" when he is a teen. I wish I would have been there to ask questions and take notes but that is the basic overview. My first thought is to get a second opinion. Neither Jim or I ever had braces so this is new to us. I don't feel comfortable with them pulling perfectly healthy teeth (even if they are going to come out eventually) but if will need braces regardless, why put him through the pain? Still, braces are a big deal (and a big BILL) so I don't even want to think about that unless it's really in his best interest.

I did some Googling and found this blog I thought was helpful. If you have any insight or experience on this issue I would sure appreciate some feedback. Oy Vey. What to do?!

The Government Can

Another gem from Tim Hawkins. Funny and true.
P.S. Sweet dance moves!
P.P.S. Be prepared, this song gets stuck in your head!

First Day of School!

Today was Grant's first day of kindergarten! We had a great morning. Garrett will start preschool next week but since he's always looking up to his older bros, he had to pack a lunch and take a backpack today too. :) I'm just about to head out for pick-up, can't wait to hear about the day!:)




Doughnut day! Yum

Fancy New Photos!

This is exciting, we FINALLY have new pictures! A big thanks to Jamie of Jamie Jansen Photo. He does an amazing job and we were honored that he would work with the Mom Squad. We wanted to utilize the "Mod Squad" play on words and I think Jamie did a wonderful job of that. Don't mess!:) Ha ha.


While we were there I also had new head shots taken. I might go back and get a few more but it's nice to have some good ones to choose from. I can't decide between these two. What do you think?

Gearing Up!

It's here...back to school 2009! Monday morning Gabriel will be off for a new adventure in third grade. Grant will start kindergarten on Wednesday. Even my BABY, Garrett is prepping for preschool and his first day is next Monday, August 31. It's been a whirlwind of buying everything from sneakers to snacks and I *think* we are ready!:) As always, I am emotional too. Reflecting on how fast the time goes and I have yet another little one entering full-day school. True to tradition, I will be taking the morning off to document the occasion. We will go out for breakfast and take lots of pictures as I try to hold back the tears.

I also realized that I need to be more prepared than ever before in regards to paperwork and keeping track of each child. I am making an all-out assault on my procrastinating ways by getting some good organizational ammunition. Lol.:) For instance, we invested in these cubbies to help combat the paper piles. Each boy has their own slot and all they have to do is slide in their "take home" documents and I will read, sign, and organize them from there.


I also ordered some Lock & Lock storage containers. I caught a segment on QVC and was instantly mesmerized! Lol. They are sturdy, high quality storage containers and it really WAS a great price! I waited two days, compared prices elsewhere and placed the order today. They have a bunch of really great combos (I like the 4pc. set w/ lunch bag). Click here for the Lock & Lock page.

My last little fun find is something I'm excited about for lunchtime. They are Sabra Hummus Singles. The boys love hummus (actually, we all do)! It's healthy and these little cups are perfect for dipping carrots, cucumbers, pita chips, etc. I found them at BJ's for $5.99 (12 pk).



Here we come, organized, prepared, and armed with good hummus!:) I pray it will be a great year not only for the students but the teachers and parents too. I better get going, early bedtime tonight.

P.S. Thanks for the wonderful birthday e-mails. Saturday I turned 31! A healthy family and chocolate cake to go with it, doesn't get much better!:)

Back from Buffalo

During a break. Ninth row seats. Yeah!



I think I am still floating from the weekend! We attended "The Lord and Giver of Life" conference featuring Father John Corapi. Although it was a quick trip, it was memorable and it's hard to articulate what an impact Father Corapi had on us. He is one of my heroes! We all went to NY and my mom and dad took the boys to Niagra Falls while we soaked up the Spirit.:) He is so passionate and talked about "the Spirit we've been given is no cowardly (timid) Spirit" (2 Timothy 1:7). I took 6 pages of notes and Jim and I walked out fired up!:) Lol. I lost my first page of notes (bummer) but here are a few of my favorite quotes from the day. *Some may not be exact but it was the best I could do to write as I listened:

"When I was younger this was a much more virtuous, polite, society and it starts at home. Our society won't change for the better unless we get serious about our faith, and families. Strive for excellence in all you do."

"History will record that this generation was irrational and immoral. We are too afraid of being politically correct, we need to stand up for right and wrong. Do not be afraid to speak up about things like homosexual marriage, abortion, euthanasia, etc. There is a difference between judging and condeming. We make judgements every day (I need to make a judgement not to walk in front of a bus, or to dress for the cold, etc). Be soft hearted, but not soft headed".


"Loving your country does not mean confirming it in sin through guilty silence. Speak up! Have courage! Stand up for your faith, your family. I am too old, too far along in the game to sell Christ out for 30 pieces of silver".

Quoted TS Eliot: "If Christianity goes, the whole of our culture goes."



There were over 10,000 people at the event and at one point I started to tear up because many of the attendees were older and one man in particular created quite an image. He was frail and looked like a WWII vet. When Father Corapi started talking about standing up for the unborn, this old man who could hardly walk, stood in his seat and shook his arms in the air and cried out in defense of the helpless. One of those quotes was:

"If you can murder a child in what should be the safest place in the world for them, you can do anything. From assisted suicide to genocide. Being insane means to be apart from reality. Some polititians today could be considered insane as to justify abortion and to be so far from reality as to think it's not a sin, or not a "human" in the womb."

Another good quote here.

What I love about Father Corpai is that he is never afraid to defend the teachings of Christ, our moral obligation, and the mission we have to preserve our Christian faith for future generations.
It might sound super intense (and perhaps he is) but Jim and I both appreciate that passion so much. The highlight of the day was mass. The Bishop of Buffalo celebrated the liturgy and there were about 60+ priests that spread out through the arena to distribute Communion. Wouldn't you know, right in front of us was Father Corapi! It was one of the most memorable experiences of my life to receive the Holy Eurcharist from someone who has affected my life in such a deep way and brought me closer to Jesus. God is so good! Anyway, that is my probably-to-long recap but I am still excited and wanted to share. Bring on the week ahead, I am ready for anything!:)

Father John Corapi- Surrender is not a option

Just Like Their Mommy

Yesterday we FINALLY visited Molly's puppies...to the boys, waiting 6 weeks seemed like 6 years!:) They are getting big and doing great, how irresistable is this face?! There were loads of giggles and kisses and a few times where the kids got a little too squeeze-happy. Lol. They will be ready to go in a few weeks and unless things change, one of these little lookers will be our new family member! It was neat to see Molly's babies but it made us miss her too. We'll keep you posted but in the meantime enjoy the cuteness!:)

10 Simple Rules

Love this from MercyMe!! It's a great, catchy way to remember the Ten Commandments. I love learning through song. From School House Rock to Veggie Tales, it's a fun method to keep important information fresh in the brain.:) I definitely need this refresher course and I can see our family belting this in the mini-van!

Flutter and the Fest

What a weekend. Blessed and BUSY! We started with a visit to Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. We met Renee and Jim and their daughter Megan, the winner of the "Flutter" contest and took 6 girls through the butterfly exhibit with a little behind-the-scenes tour. Garrett made a new friend, check out butterfly boy.:)




Today we had The Fest in Cleveland. It's one of the largest FREE Christian festivals in the country and we loooovvve it! Every year it is tradition to bring the fam and make a day at Borromeo Seminary. They have so many great things to do and although it was 140 degrees, that did not stop the fun! Lol. Here is Grant showing his skills on the rock climbing wall:



Here we are at a booth after receiving a family blessing.



Here is my bearded hubby with Brandon Heath backstage. Brandon Heath is one of Jim's favorite artists. Two cool dudes!:)


Click here to see a Brandon Heath vid.

Look who my mom and Grant saw. WOW!:)



Whew, just enough going on!:) For some reason the next few weekends are going to be just as busy but thankfully it's all good stuff, just go-go-go. Calgon...take me away!:)

Sesame Street Spoiler!

This is so funny/interesting. A behind Steve Whitmire (Ernie), Marty Robinson (Telly) & Eric Jacobson (Bert) rehearse for Sesame Street in episode 3954. This clip is from 'A&E Biography: Sesame Street'.

Crafts, Cardio, and a Virgin

Ha ha, a wide variety of topics today!:) First, kudos to Becky for sending a great link! It's to a page on Real Simple with great ideas for low-cost, fun games for kids. Click here to check it out. I love how simple they are. Thanks Becky, good one!

Yesterday Garrett and I hit the road for a run and did a quick 3-miler. Several months ago Jim bought me a "Spibelt" and it has been a great help! It's a little fanny pack...totally COOL fanny pack. Lol. It's made for running and is compact but stretches to fit a phone, knife, power gels, etc. I thought it was a bit pricey but it's worth it. It's good for travel too!



Finally, I ran across an encouraging story I wanted to share. Tim Tebow is a star college quarterback and was recently asked about his Christian morals. A reporter inquired: "Are you saving yourself for marriage"? To which he confidently answered "yes" and got the entire media room flustered!:) I believe him and the audio is cute to hear. For Jim and me, one of our biggest goals is for our boys to respect women, their dignity, and the gift of saving themselves for marriage. I believe it can be done and I am encouraged by Tim Tebow. Here is the story and the audio. GOOO Tim!:)

Summer Hair and Slow Cooker Recipe

I am definitely a ponytail mom. When you get up at 3:00am there isn't much time to style and fuss with a 'do, which is another reason I'm glad to be on the radio... I can get away with the "just rolled out of bed" look.:) I normally just throw it up in a ponytail and call it a day. I love how quick and easy it is but it would be nice to have a different style every now and then. Whether I am hanging with the boys, cleaning or running, the ponytail is the most convenient way to go. If you are in a ponytail slump too though and want to switch it up check out In Style for some good on-the-go updo ideas.

I also ran across a good breakfast idea, especially for back-to-school. It's a crock pot oatmeal recipe. You throw in the ingredients before you go to bed, and when you wake up the house smells like maple syrup and cinnamon and you've got a warm meal ready to go! I made this on Monday and it was a nice feeling to know the family could wake up to breakfast waiting even though I am not there. Yum! Here is the recipe.


Finally, here is a question. Why is the wait at a doctor's office notoriously long? I have sat in more waiting rooms this year than I have in a long time and I can't figure it out. I mean if you are waiting to get your oil changed or and the BMV or any other place that requires appts. or waiting, it's never usually as long as the doctor's office. I know when you are dealing with symptoms, people asking questions, etc. it takes longer but I wish they had a way to let you know when things were running super late. Like, why don't they give you a pager like they do at Olive Garden? You can walk around the hospital gift shop, go next door or take a stroll and come back when you are buzzed? Or they could text you to say they are running 30 minutes late so you don't have to leave work as early. I was waiting with 6 other people today (none of us were called for more than a 1/2 hour...I don't think the doctor was even there)! Lol. Anyway, this poor lady was so stressed and ended up running out because she had to get back for work and never even saw the doctor. I think it's just a matter of respecting others' time; we respect the doctor by being on time can't they respect the people in the waiting room? I'm not complaining, just observing and thinking....maybe I'll create a waiting-room invention and get rich. Ha ha.