"Happy Birthday, Jesus!" Party

On Saturday, we had a "Happy Birthday, Jesus!" party to celebrate Christmas. The girls invited a dozen of their friends and they did a craft, sang Happy Birthday to Jesus, blew out the candles on His birthday cake, ate the cake and played & played. Every single child we invited came, which I thought was pretty wonderful considering it is such a busy time of year. I also received some excellent ideas from the other moms for next year - like bringing a gift for a needy child or writing down what Jesus means to them and hang it on the Christmas tree. Let me know if you have any good ideas! Because I'm thinking this just might need to become an annual event... :)

Tonight's conversation...

Allie: Mommy, you're so pretty!
Me: Thank you!
Allie: And you're so nice!
Me: Thank you, Allie!
Morgan: Mommy, you're so gorgeous! You're the prettiest woman I know.
Me: Wow - thank you, Morgan!
Allie: I think you're gorgeous, too, Mommy - the gorgeous-est (don't you love that word?!)! And the nicest. You're never going to get mad at us again.
Morgan: Never say never!!

I just had to share that - talk about a conversation bringing a smile to my face!!

A Christmas Invitation

My sister sent me this and I just had to share it...

http://www.frontiernet.net/~jimdandy/specials/xmas.htm

I pray that you all have a very Merry Christmas & a 2008 that is filled to the brim with God's blessings.

Diapers

I think for everyone that has small children, they are anxiously looking forward to the day that they no longer have to change poopy, stinky, messy diapers! And, for me, today was one of those days. Sometimes I think Alexis must poop more than any other child in Texas! However, I have an admission to make: I am actually dreading the day that I no longer have to change diapers! Now that Alexis is two years old, I am very aware of the fact that she will be potty training soon (she's already willingly sat on her potty chair - although she didn't "go"). And when that happens, I officially no longer have a baby - and that makes me sad...

Mary Kay Update

For those interested in Mary Kay:

• My next order date is Wednesday, December 19th. If there's anything you'd like to purchase, please let me know by Wed. morning.
• The free gift with $40 or more purchase is a stylish Lip Clutch that can hold an Age-Fighting Lip Primer, Lip Liner, Lip Gloss & Lipstick. There's even room for your money and credit cards!
• Visit my website for beauty tips & a free virtual makeover! You can also shop on it 24/7. www.marykay.com/jenniferblom

We now have Mineral Powder Foundation!! And it's getting rave reviews! If you're interested, I can send you an email about it - or you can check it out on my website beginning Dec. 15th.

And, finally, our lipsticks are changing a bit! The Mary Kay Creme Lipsticks now have new packaging, are fragrance-free & have a touch of vanilla flavor. Plus, we have 10 new, gorgeous shades! I can also email you more info. on the lipsticks or you can visit my website on the 15th to get the scoop.

1st Corinthians 13 - Christmas Version

This little ditty was in my MOPS newsletter & thought I'd share it with you...

If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls, but do not show love to my family, I'm just another decorator.

If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime, but do not show love to my family, I'm just another cook.

If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home, and give all that I have to charity, but do not show love to my family, it profits me nothing.

If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties and sing in the choir's cantata, but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point.

Love stops the cooking to hug the child.

Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the husband.

Love is kind, though harried and tired.

Love doesn't envy another's home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.

Love doesn't yell at the kids to get out of the way, but is thankful they are there to be in the way.

Love doesn't give only to those who are able to give in return but rejoices in giving to those who can't.

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Love never fails.

Video games will break, pearl necklaces will be lost, golf clubs will rust.

But giving the gift of love will endure.

Author Unknown

Being a kid again...

One of the most fun things about having children is that we parents get to relive our childhoods a little bit. I swing on the swings, slide down the slides, climb around the huge inflatables at Pump it Up (check out http://www.pumpitupparty.com/AboutUs.htm if you're not sure what I'm talking about) & yesterday, I went to the roller skating rink!! What fun!

Morgan had a birthday party at the roller skating rink & I was planning on picking her up when the party was over and taking advantage of some child-free shopping time. However, Morgan has never roller skated before and as I was watching her struggle, decided I couldn't leave her. So, I ran to Payless Shoe Source to buy some socks, raced back & rented some roller skates. After trying to skate on the rink, we were a little bit frustrated, so I suggested that Morgan try skating on the carpet since it isn't as slippery. Before you know it, she's flying around the carpet and bravely attempting the rink. I was so proud of her! She had such huge strides of improvement!! And, not wanting to smother her, I asked her if she wanted to try it on her own, which she did. So that meant I got to zip around the rink a few times myself (skating to Michael Jackson's "Thriller") - just like the good ol' days. We also got to do the Hokey Pokey, the Chicken Dance & the Limbo (which I opted out of, but Morgan did it!!).

Growing up, my skating buddy was Susie and we skated ALL the time - mostly around the dairies, but we also went to skating rinks fairly often, too. And you know what's interesting? The second I walked into the skating rink yesterday & took a sniff, I was brought back to all of those years ago. I couldn't believe that the skating rink smelled the same as I remembered!! I must have looked pretty funny skating - after all, I am a 34-year-old mother of three - but I have to tell you, I can't wait to take Allie & Alexis!!!

The Nutcracker Ballet

On Thursday night, Morgan & I were invited to attend the Nutcracker Ballet with her best friend & mom. What a special night! It was so fun to get all dressed up! First we went out for dinner, which was delicious, then we went to downtown for the performance. The dancing, costumes, music & scenery were just fantastic!! The ballet began at 7:30 (typical bedtime for Morgan) & by 9:30, the girls had their heads on our laps. So, with no end to the ballet in sight, we moms decided we'd better take our girls home as they had school the next morning. Morgan fell asleep on the way home and I carried her to bed & took off her shoes - she slept in her pretty dress. Overall, a beautiful night...

Various updates...

In case you're wondering about Allie & Ms. Joan, Allie continues to ask to call Ms. Joan on the phone but still won't talk to her at MOPS or church...

I took Alexis for a haircut. And I don't really like how it turned out. : ( However, I was getting really tired of her sticky tangles caused by yogurt, lollipops, etc. And I'm sure she was, too... I've tried putting hair accessories in her hair, but she pulls everything right out, so there was really no other way to keep her hair out of her food! Until now. NOW that her hair is too short for ponytails, she wants them in. Why couldn't she have started this a week earlier?!!! At least one of us likes her haircut, though. This morning, I asked Alexis if she likes her hair & she said 'yes'. Well, I guess that's what really counts, doesn't it?

You know what makes me happy? My girls talking about salvation & heaven. On the way to choir & Awanas last night, Morgan & Allie had a lengthy discussion about heaven & how to get there. Hearing Morgan witness to Allie brings tears to my eyes. And hearing Allie tell God that she loves Him makes me weepy, too. I just feel so thankful that they are coming to know Him at such young ages. I pray that their love for Him just grows & grows. And Alexis doesn't talk too much yet (at least not in English! I'm pretty sure she speaks Chinese...), but I know that she listens to her sisters and is absorbing everything. The other day, Alexis was "singing" Sunday school songs with Allie. I LOVE that!!

Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder

I'd really like to know who the beauty consultant in our family is! At one point I thought it was me, but now I'm thinking it must be Morgan & Allie. I've been trying out some new cosmetic looks & colors on my eyes lately & yesterday, I thought they looked pretty cool. Well, here is how my conversation with Morgan & Allie went yesterday afternoon:

Allie: Mommy, what's that purple on you?
Me: It's eyeshadow. Do you like it?
Allie: You look like an animal - like a creature!
Me: Really? (I'm thinking I'd better get a 2nd opinion...) Morgan! Can you come here please? (she heard nothing of Allie's & my conversation) Morgan walks in the bathroom and looks at my face.
Me: Do you like it?
Morgan: You look like a witch! I don't want you to be a witch, but I like how you look - especially the purple...

Maybe I'll have to try that look again! Next year for Halloween, that is...

A Mystery...

Here's another "Allie" story. As you may or may not know, Allie is extremely shy. So shy, in fact, that she absolutely refuses to speak to any adult or child when she is at MOPS, choir, or Sunday School. And she tries very hard not to make eye contact with, or smile at, anyone. The strange thing is that she really likes the workers who take care of her! She talks about them & mentions whatever event she'll be attending next in her prayers at night. Needless to say, I'm a bit baffled by it all.

However! Allie has a favorite caretaker at MOPS - her name is Ms. Joan (who she also won't speak to, but talks about all of the time). And Allie REALLY wanted to call her on the phone. She wanted to talk to Ms. Joan so badly, I got sweet Ms. Joan's phone number and her blessing to let Allie call her. So, Allie calls Ms. Joan on the phone and talks her ear off!!! It was hysterical! I think it pretty much blew Joan away because I'm not sure she had even heard Allie's voice before!

Well, Allie is quite anxious to talk to Ms. Joan on the phone again (she asked me numerous times today, but I don't to overload Joan!!). Now we'll have to see if Allie will talk to her in person...

Heaven

Today, on our way home from MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), Allie started asking about heaven. So I told her how we would have new bodies and that we would never get sick. She then asked if there would be any crying - to which I answered that nobody would cry. Not Allie, not Alexis, no one. She was pretty excited about that (& I was too, actually!). Then I asked her if she thought it would be neat that we would get to talk to Jesus when we're there. She said, "Jesus?! The real Jesus? Not a fake one?!" I assured her that the real Jesus would be there and so I was blessed with a prime opportunity to talk about having Jesus in our hearts. Allie doesn't quite understand everything about sin & salvation, but she does know that she loves Jesus & God and loves to sing about them. I can't imagine that God thinks that there are many things better than hearing a child sing to Him in love. I know it melts my heart...

Our Very First Yard Sale!!

Today was monumental - we had our very first yard sale ever. We girls, that is - lucky (?) Terry had to work today. Two of our neighbors joined us & we did pretty well, I think. Although, I'm surprised that more clothes didn't sell! I'm afraid nice, cheap clothes would have been a BIG weak point for me (maybe that's why I don't go to yard sales!). But the icing on the cake was The Blom Girls' Stand. They sold lemonade & Rice Krispy Treats and Morgan did a fantastic job asking customers if they'd like to buy some. They made nearly $20!! And some very sweet friends also came by to show their support, which the girls loved.

I have to tell you - we didn't sell any toys. And the reason why is because the girls didn't want to. Instead, they REALLY want to give their toys away to children who don't have any. Isn't that sweet?! If you can think of a good place to bring them, let me know.

Well, my sit-down break is over. Now I have to put away all of those little girls' clothes - again - until I come up with a way to sell them!! Ugh...

Halloween

We had such fun on Halloween! Morgan was Sleeping Beauty, Allie was Tinkerbell & Alexis was a pumpkin. First, we went to our friends' house for a little Halloween party (complete with "brains" & "eyeballs" for dinner!!) - they took pictures (my digital camera is broken!) so hopefully I'll have some to email soon. Then, as it started to get a little bit dark, the group of friends took off for some major trick-or-treating! Morgan literally ran from house to house with her buddies! One very thoughtful mom offered to take Morgan home after they were done trick-or-treating (she didn't have two little kids in tow!!) - so Allie, Alexis & I could take our own sweet time. We skipped half of the houses and had such fun visiting the neighbors we know. Terry stayed home & passed out candy (we had a lot of trick-or-treaters - the streets were lined with cars from non-neighbors!). We had some pretty groovy jack-o-lanterns that Terry carved out with the girls. Unfortunately, I don't have pictures of those. :( And what a haul of candy we got! We have Tupperware after Tupperware FULL of candy!! It's going to take a year to finish it off. Probably just in time for next Halloween...

I need your opinion...

As many of you know, I have been a beauty consultant with Mary Kay for about 10 years now. I love being a stay-at-home mom & I have an increasing desire to build my Mary Kay business. I don't care for recruiting, I'd just like to have a strong customer base of people that I can take excellent care of. But because I dislike asking people to have facials and hostess skin care classes, I have come up with a different idea - The Loaded Look Book - a Mary Kay catalog that I've filled with samples so that women can have a facial at home at their leisure. Mary Kay has excellent products and these books give women the opportunity to try the product in an unpressured way - then they can contact me if they like what they use. My hope is that if people are impressed, they will be willing to give The Loaded Look Book to their friends more willingly than if I asked them to hostess a skin care class.

A couple more "perks" I offer are free shipping for clients I can't deliver to, free gifts with purchase, discounts for clients who bring me new sales, & quarterly mailings of The Look (at which time I contact my clients for orders). I also now have a website - www.marykay.com/jenniferblom - where you can have a free virtual makeover, learn beauty tips, shop, & so much more.

So, tell me, what do you think of my marketing idea? I'd greatly appreciate any feedback. I'd also be happy to send you The Loaded Look Book if you'd like to check it out.

Terrific Quote

Wow! Two blog entries in one day - CRAZY!!

I found this quote on a MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) email and it made me laugh. I have to admit, though, that I don't blame my in-laws for my children's "quirks" because I have the best in-laws ever!! However, I'm sure there are some of you that can relate!! :) Here it is:

"All good qualities in a child are the result of environment, while all the bad ones are the result of poor heredity on the side of the other parent." (Elinor Goulding Smith)

Happy Halloween!!!

Another Smarty Pants!

If you read the comments left on my previous blog entry, you'll find that Lorinda thinks it is Allie who is the smarty pants - after all, the behavior chart went missing... Aaah, I think that is entirely correct and I have further evidence to prove it. When Morgan and Allie are sent to bed, they are supposed to stay in their room (otherwise Mommy gets quite annoyed!!). So, when Allie wants something, she usually just yells & yells until I respond. Sometimes, though, Morgan will come out of their room to tell me that Allie wants me. Okay. Well, the other night, Morgan comes out of bed to tell me that Allie wants me and that she sent Morgan to tell me so that Allie wouldn't get in trouble for being out of bed!! Terry & I got a huge laugh out of that one. AND! It is proof that Allie is a thinker - though possibly a bit devious... :)

The Problem Solver

As I've mentioned before, Allie whines & cries a bit too often - apparently my singing "Don't Cry for Me, Argentina!" didn't work as well as I had hoped. However, big sister Morgan may have just cured the problem (okay, not entirely - but any improvement is better than none at all, right?!)! One day, Morgan informs Allie that she has made a behavior chart with 7 flowers on it (one for each day of the week). If Allie cries during the day, Morgan will "X" out the flower. And if Allie doesn't cry, Morgan will circle the flower. Talk about instant success!! Allie was VERY concerned about whether her flower would get an "X" or a circle! If she started crying during the day, I'd mention Morgan's behavior chart & she'd stop crying immediately. Unfortunately, the chart went missing so I'll have to see if Morgan can make another one for me. Obviously, the chart only works when Allie can see it! :)

Is my Morgan a smarty pants or what?!

My little reader...

I just have to take a minute to brag on my wonderful, little student - Morgan!! I'm so proud of how she's doing in school and she just loves to read! Every day, as part of her homework, she brings home a book filled with stories. Technically, she only has to read one each night, but she ends up reading 4 or 5! Her teacher told her that she only needs to read one, but Morgan says, "but I want to read more!" She reads to me, Terry, Allie, Alexis - anyone who will listen. And if there's noone to listen, she reads out loud to herself.

I love to read! So much, in fact, that I often have to avoid reading because I can get so into a book that I can't put it down (& then get nothing else done...) - and have always felt bad for people who don't like to read - like there is an entire piece of life they're missing out on. I guess that's what makes me so happy about Morgan's early love of reading - I know the fun & wonder she's going to discover through books and I'm excited for her.

Happy Birthday, Alexis!

Today is my sweet baby's 2nd birthday! One minute, it seems like time is flying by - the next, it seems like it was eons ago when Terry delivered Alexis Grace on our bathroom floor, not just two years ago. I'm feeling a bit melancholy today - the realization that I don't have a "baby" anymore has hit me. Alexis seems so grown up to me lately! Now that she has been walking for quite a while, she has lost her baby fat & is very lean (& very tall!). I get asked multiple times a day if she and Allie are twins because they are the same size. They wear the same sized clothes & shoes - although Alexis' hands and feet are both bigger. It is truly amazing to me how my preemie has grown so unbelievably fast!

Since I'm talking about Alexis today, I have to add that she is one of the sweetest children I've ever known! When she smiles, her entire face brightens up and you can't help but smile back. And she makes some of the most comical facial expressions - and when I drop her off at the nursery, her lower lip promptly comes out (& sometimes tears, too) because she would rather stay with me. Alexis just loves her sisters, too - all Morgan & Allie have to do is ask Alexis for whatever is in her hands and Alexis happily hands it over - smiling because she made her sister happy. She's just a sweet, sweet spirit and our family is so blessed that God sent her to us.

Murphy's Law

Today, I finally made an appointment for the girls to have their picture taken. And, wouldn't you know it, a couple of hours after I made the appointment (for tomorrow afternoon), Allie falls face first on our tile floor. Her poor, sweet, little face!! She's fine, but has two little cuts on her chin from two tile edges - perfectly parallel lines that are grout-width apart. Guess I'll have to reschedule...

And speaking of having pictures taken, I'm ashamed to admit that I have not once had Alexis' picture taken professionally! And her 2nd birthday is on Thursday. When Morgan was a baby, I had her pictures taken faithfully at 3, 6, 9, 12, 18 & 24 months. I had Allie's pictures taken only twice, I think, at 3 & 6 months. I took 1-year pictures of Allie myself, but with poor Alexis, I'm not even sure I did that! In fact, I didn't even think about it until my Mom asked for 5x7's of Allie & Alexis at 1 year. Hopefully I'll find some of Alexis when I explore my back-up CD's. But if I can't, is there any way to go back in time and recapture it?

Is she 6? Or 16?

Just when I thought I have three little girls, it turns out I only have two! It turns out, Morgan is a teenager in disguise!! For the past week, she has been begging me to allow her to call her friend from school. Phone calls in 1st grade are something I definitely didn't want to get started. However, I finally gave in (softie!!). And it was so cute - Morgan would hide in my bathroom so that I couldn't hear what she was talking about (she actually does this when she talks to anyone on the phone). I finally told her she had to get off the phone (who knows how long they'd talk!!) and asked her what she and her friend had talked about. And get this - they discussed the cleanliness of each other's houses!! Very funny (or not...)! Morgan also told me that her friend also has a little sister who is a menace (like Alexis!) - I laughed at that one. Perhaps this will be the beginning of a beautiful friendship...

As a side note, I had prayed that Morgan would make a best friend this year, so maybe this is also an answer to prayer...

God & our A/C

Our air conditioner has been out for an entire week. Now, before you start feeling sorry for us because it is the end of August/beginning of September in south Texas, I assure you, there is no need! Our weather has been amazing!! We could have been having high 90's - low 100's temperatures. Instead, God has blessed us with lows in the 70's & highs in the 80's - it's been cloudy & the evenings have been filled with cool breezes. Thank you, Lord!! And, hopefully, my next update will include a report that the a/c man has returned - replacing the necessary circuit board...

Speaking of updates, Alexis' poor, little heiny is finally healed!! Woo hoo!! After trying numerous different remedies, I asked a pharmacist's opinion and she thought that because the rash had been there for more than a couple of days, that it was probably a fungus. She recommended the generic of Lotrimin (for athlete's foot & jock itch) and said to give it a couple of days to work. Sure enough, Alexis' rash began clearing up nearly immediately and was fully gone in about 2-3 days. I know this last little ditty is a little graphic, but I decided to share it because perhaps it could help another mom/child having similar troubles. Another thing I learned is that your pharmacist is a really great resource - & they're right there in the store that you're shopping at!

And! Morgan had a terrific first week of school. She loves her teacher & everything about school. In fact, she told me that she wished school was 9 hours long - instead of only 7! But I have to admit, by 2:45, I'm really ready to see my sweet Morgan again!!

Mulch-y Momma

Yesterday, I was working in the backyard. While Alexis was sitting on the dirt, putting little rocks in her pail (so darling!!), I was in the plant beds, laying down that black cloth stuff that keeps the weeds from growing. Then, I put mulch on top of the cloth. Allie was quite intrigued with the mulch and wanted to help me move it around (while wearing my "gartering" gloves). She said, "Wow! That's a lot of mulch! You're a Mulch-y Momma!" I'm actually quite proud of that name of honor - & our beds look great! And now that I'm thinking of yard projects, I need to quit blogging and get onto the task of researching my next project: A Rose Garden!!

1st day of school

Yesterday was Morgan's 1st day of school and she was beyond excited about it & SO ready. She got the teacher wanted (Mrs. Whiteley), so that was a big help. Plus, Morgan loves being "gone" - the second I picked her up from school she was already asking to go to her friend's house!! I suppose the endless asking of "Can I go to...?" throughout the summer made yesterday a little bit more peaceful. I wasn't sure how Allie & Alexis would handle having their big sister gone, but they did great (& they didn't ask me to go anywhere!!).

Although I miss being able to sleep in (wah! - I know...), it's good to be on a more regular schedule again. And Allie & Alexis love walking Morgan to school. This morning, I asked Morgan if she wanted to walk with the neighbors or if she wanted us to walk with her. She chose us. :) Aaah, I'm still loved...

Don't Cry For Me, Allie!

Allie is a very funny kid - she has a contagious giggle that makes everyone else start laughing and will probably end up getting her out of a lot of trouble because of it. However, Allie is also a little too whiney (it's like nails on a chalkboard for her poor mother's ears!!) and does not like it when Morgan or I sing. Allie enjoys singing, she just doesn't want to hear it from anybody else. Now, I may just get voted into the Cruel Mothers Hall of Shame for my latest attempt at "curing" her whining. When Allie begins to whine or cry, I break into song. Not quietly, but as vocally booming as I can, singing, "Don't Cry for Me, Argentina!" She HATES it!! I tell her that I'll quit singing once she stops crying. So far, it's working pretty well...

And the funny thing is that Morgan requests that I sing it!! She thinks it's hysterical that Allie hates it and I keep singing louder and louder. After Allie has stopped crying, Morgan wants me to keep on going. Of course, if I didn't stop after the crying & whining stopped, I really would have to be nominated for the Cruel Mothers Hall of Shame...

Now my problem is that I'm not sure what I'm going to do once Allie is cured - I really like belting out that song!

The issue of boys...

Morgan and I once had a couple of kind-of-funny conversations on the topic of boys. She asked me if I wanted to have a baby boy and I told her that I was perfectly happy with my three sweet girls. She went on to say that we wouldn't really want a boy because they're so loud and they get into trouble. Not to mention that she also thinks they're chatty (talk about the pot calling the kettle black!!).

Then, we were at the Burger King play area and Morgan comes running up to me in tears because a boy yelled at her. Not calling her names or anything, but just a loud "Aaagh!!" right in her face. What's up with that? My girls just don't know what to do with the boys at the play areas. They're constantly yelling in my girls' faces and scaring them! I have seen one good thing come out of it, though. Allie is very shy and will not stick up for herself. However, if someone tries picking on Alexis, she orders the "villain" to not hurt her baby sister!!! Go, Allie!!

Lost brain cells & Diaper rashes...

Okay, here's a question to put "out there"... Is it age, pregnancy, or motherhood that causes us women to slowly lose our minds? Or maybe it's something else? Or, worse, maybe it's just me... Here's an example: My sweet Alexis has a diaper rash and I've been trying different creams, hoping to find one that actually works. So, Sabrina (awesome mother of 2 boys and twin girls!) gives me advice and said that she uses Desitin Overnight - it has 40% Zinc Oxide. So, I tell her that I've never used that kind before and try it while we're at her house. Then, I get home and discover a tube - a HALF-EMPTY tube, no less - of, yep, you guessed it, Desitin Overnight!! Of course, I hadn't actually used it on this round of diaper rash - I have many ointments & creams to choose from - so now Alexis' heiny is fully creamed up with the stuff. I'll keep you posted.

I find it so interesting how young children are mesmerized by poopy diapers! I was changing Alexis' diaper today and Allie walks in, holding her nose, asking to see the poops. So after she was done looking, I said, "Well, what do you think?" She (still holding her nose) wanted to see it again. And again. This is my same daughter (Allie) who insists on taking off her dress (she wears a dress nearly every day) while she sits on the potty - ensuring it stays clean and dry.

I'm baaaack...

Well, I'm back. I began this blog months ago and then stopped because my husband and I didn't feel comfortable putting pictures of our girls online. However my dear friend Sabrina (mommaoak) has inspired me to return to my blog - she assures me that it is very therapeutic. Now we'll just have to see if my thoughts are interesting enough for people to read...

I'm calling myself The Mother Hen because that is exactly what I am - the mother of three beautiful girls, my chickens. And just so you know, I really do call my girls "chickens" - but don't feel sorry for them because they're not embarrassed by it yet. :)

No more pictures...

I won't be posting any more pictures on our blog (& deleted the ones we had). Terry and I have chosen not to put pictures of our girls where the public can access them. However, if you'd like to be kept updated with pictures, let me know & I'll email them to you. And I'll only email pictures if you ask me to... :)

How old Morgan THINKS I am...

During a discussion with Morgan about the MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) retreat I'll be attending this weekend, I learned how ancient she thinks I am! :) Morgan was asking me if I'd be staying away overnight (I am - my first time since the girls were born -- other than giving birth) and was wondering about the sleeping arrangements. I told her that I thought we'd be sleeping in bunkbeds. Of course, being 5, she encouraged me to get the top bunk. I told her that I wasn't sure if I wanted the top bunk because I didn't like hopping off of it in the morning - telling her how I used to go to camp when I was a kid, sleeping on bunks, etc. Being very practical, she wanted to know if the bunkbeds had ladders. I couldn't remember, but told her that I would look at some old camp pictures to see if the bunkbeds had ladders. And her reply was, "Will the pictures be in color?"

All I could do was laugh...