12 of 12 for August...

Well, hope you all had a great 12 of 12! I was up for about an hour or two before I realised that it was the 12th! I had a super busy day and managed to take a few pictures to at least give you a peek into my day...so let's start here:

I don't mean to start off on a negative tone, but this did NOT make me happy. Of course, nobody knows who left the cup on top of the album, but there it was - and yes, it left a ring! =(

I had to head out to the school to pack up my classroom. I was planning on returning to teach for the 2010 - 2011 school year, but circumstances changed and I have decided that I will be staying home with my little Marco. It was bitter-sweet. Sad that I will miss my students and glad that I get this special time with my boy. I know I made the right choice and I can't wait to see what is in store for us!

My awesome hubby (who helped me pack) decided he would give this place a second chance. He wasn't thrilled with it the first time he had it for some reason, but was very pleased with the house fried rice (had chicken, beef and shrimp). Oh, yeah! Not paleo at all, but so good.

Our fortunes...interesting. haha!

My good friend Vicki came to my house to do our hair. All the girls got a cut or clean up. Somehow I missed Taryn's cut...she was in the chair and out. Just a trim for her. Hannah is here just getting layers put back in...but guess what?? Wait until you see Naomi!

Here she is with Marco and Vicki's granddaughter, Lexi-lou! They had a blast together...

I got my hair colored and hi-lited...Yes, I am hiding. I wanted the moment recorded, but obviously was not feeling very photogenic. My son laughs and laughs when my hair is all papered up like this.

My little Naomi will be starting Kindergarten this year. It will be an all day class and she is excited! New school, new year...

New do!!! I could not believe she agreed to have her hair cut! I love it and think it makes her Korean side just POP! =)

Marco did not have time to sit around while we all got our hair done. It was hot outside and he was going to do something about it!

And now, he's hungry and doing something about it....or maybe he's tired....

Yup. He was tired, and as you can see - he's doing something about this too! haha. Funny thing, he woke up about 30 minutes later and before his eyes were even open, he took a bite of his pizza. Ewww...just picked up where he left off, I guess!

Well, Hannah ended up going home with Christina for the evening, so that left me to clean up by myself and then zone out a bit before bed. What a day!

Wordless Wednesday: Flower Girl and Ring BOY! hahaha

Naomi...

Right now, as I am typing this, she is "reading" a Dora the Explorer book to herself. Oh, wait. Now, she is doing karate mixed with a little bit of modern dance. haha My girl.
Everyone here in our household is all feverish, hoping and praying it's not the swine flu and she is in her own little world. As sweet and patient with everyone as ever, she is just marching on.
My Naomi is different. She knows what she likes, she knows what she wants and she knows when she wants it. Usually now.
She is the quiet one in the family. Very shy around everybody, but like the video I posted a few days ago, opens up easily at home.
So anyway, I thought I'd share some of these pictures of my little artist. Someone had colored in her little princess coloring book and did some "scribble scrabble" as she puts it - so she wanted to fix it up. She colors very nice for her age, but it's more that it's so deliberate. I love her. Enjoy these pics of my special girl.

My Daybook...

You can find more Simple Woman's Daybooks at Peggy's Site here.

FOR TODAY~October 19, 2009...
Outside my window...

It is a bit overcast, but I know the sky is just teasing me. It's going to burn off and be hot again. Maybe a little cooler, but fall just won't come. Makes me kind of sad.
I am thinking...

that my bedroom blinds are hideously dirty. How have I not ever noticed this until today? Probably because I'm never in here during the day. Hmmm...
I am thankful for...

a digital thermometer (for the ear) to take everyone's temperature. Makes life so much easier when they are cranky!
From the kitchen...

Nothing but chicken soup. I may run out and get something later for dinner or have Marco pick something up if everyone is up to "food" food by then.

I am wearing...

my favorite jammies. I have been wearing jammies (not the same ones) for three days straight since we are all sick. I kinda like it!!

I am creating...

lots of things in my head, but nothing tangible at the moment.

I am going...

to be glad when everything is back to normal and our schedules and days are a little more predictable. haha. It almost makes me laugh.
I am reading...

"Leaders Who Make A Difference" by Dr. Paul Chappell

I am hoping...

that we will all be fever-free for 24 hours so that we can get back to school/work by tomorrow. I just hate missing and knowing that there is so much to make up.

I am hearing...

my kids in the living room, all in their jammies too, quietly watching

"The Secret Garden".

Around the house...

there is a lot of anti-bacteria spray, tissue boxes, Clorox wipes, etc. I tried to give the bathrooms a thorough cleaning yesterday and want to keep those germs at bay as much as possible!

One of my favorite things...

is knowing that my mom is praying for me no matter how many miles are between us. I miss my mom and dad so much!

A few plans for the rest of the week:

I know that Taryn has a dental appointment coming up, I've gotta get something sent out to my dad for his birthday and time to start planning a little something for Hannah who is going to be 14 soon!
Here is picture thought I am sharing...

This is Marco and I on Naomi's 4th birthday. My princess is growing up so fast!

My Silly Girl...

Naomi is 4 years old now...some of you think she doesn't talk at all...but she does...and sometimes she will even sing you a song. I love my silly kids! (Be sure to turn off the music on the side first)

Day 4 of Swim Camp...

So, the two older girls have been attending a swim camp (not over-night) that will last for two weeks. They are on day 4 now and have been loving it. They were both aprehensive about joining when they heard about all the exercising and running they'd have to do, but so far, they've been keeping up without a problem.
Besides learning to swim better, they've learned about water safety, CPR, first-aid, nutrition and more. Next week, the camp will continue at a nearby lake. They will get a chance to learn to kayak and knee board as well as some other things.
I've been going and staying and hanging out with a couple of the other moms. It would be too much for me to drive back and forth that distance every day, so I've let the little ones take full advantage of the play time as well. Everybody's happy and it makes for a great summer. Here are some pics I thought I'd share...

Hannah doing laps.

Marco playing in the wader pool while we pass the day away...

Naomi playing on the jungle gym there.

Taryn, who gets darker by the second - even with sunblock, helping a friend with sit-ups.

Hannah in the plaid shorts warming up with arm rolls.

Photo Hunt...PROTECTION...

This is a weekly meme called PhotoHunt...

This week the theme is PROTECT(ION).

Here's a couple cute pictures I took this morning, but more will follow!

If you want to play along, the key is in my side bar.

Little Marco is not fond of this gate, but we love it!

Our fearless protector, Oso. =]

Even Naomi feels safe with him around!

As promised, here are a few more pictures. Many of you long time readers know that my Hannah had another pug named Chowder. Sadly, he got sick with parvo and passed away. =[ Not too long ago, she got a new pug. She is VERY protective of her (Panini) and wants to try and make sure that nothing will harm her. =]


Here she is giving Panini her first treat and new collar.

Remember this?

I've been trying to stay FOCUSed and part of my FOCUS is to make sure that I spend some fun, quality time with the little ones every day. I had finished most of the things on my "To do" list and was trying to think of something Naomi and Marco would enjoy doing. I remembered the Jiffy Pop popcorn that I bought a few days earlier. So I called Naomi in and allowed her to watch as I started to warm it up on the stove. I smiled as she kept asking, "What is it, Mama?". Then to my delight, I saw her eyes grow very wide as the foil started to puff way up. I wish I could've gotten a picture of that, but I am sure you remember how one has to keep that tin foil pan moving and shaking! Here's a photo right off the stove:

Ah, the steam. She had guessed popcorn already when she started to smell it coming together. She was so excited when I tore a little bit open for her to take a peek.
"Yes!! It is popcorn!!", says she.

Yum. She approves.

Here's Marco joining in on the fun. They both thought it was great!

We had a snack, had some laughs and had some fun. The best part? It didn't take a ton of time or money...just the 3 of us and our Jiffy Pop!

I think I am coming down with something. Feels like a chest cold. Yuck. I tried to take it easy today, but you know how hard that is for me. (smile)
I have been giving thought to comments and emails that I've received lately and I have to say that it has really encouraged my heart to know that this blog has been a tool in helping to encourage or motivate others. I started this blog because I needed an outlet. You would not believe how many journals I have filled up in my life time. I still love to write in a nice journal and love to collect them, but a blog has some extra appeal that a journal or diary does not. I love that I can add pictures right off the computer, that I can link to other blogs, that you can comment and share your thoughts with me.... Lately though, I have decided that I really want to FOCUS on being a help to others. As I learn and grow - I want to share what I've learned and how I grow (actually, I'd love to share how I am shrinking, but it hasn't started yet. Ha.). The comments you leave here are so important to me. I know that I have lots of people stop by...that's what the traffic feed is for, but it helps me to know what is striking a chord with you all when you leave a little of yourself here.
I also know that what I write does not always affect everyone the same way. That's okay. Sometimes my post will be of a religious nature - I don't expect everyone to agree. I may share a recipe that you think is lame, I may try to crack a joke that you think is a flop - now, come on...most of you are laughing with me...right? (insert cricket sounds)
So. Keep on commenting. Start commenting. Whatever. Just let me know that you are here.

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The Rag Doll and Naomi - BEAUTY!

I had a great day with my family today. The kids are still on break. Hannah got to hang out with some friends and the rest of us laid around with our bellies up in the air (just kidding - but one day I am going to do that. seriously.) So, this brings me to my post on finding BEAUTY.

I found Naomi playing with the new ragdoll she got for Christmas. I told you I'd post again about it. This rag doll is so adorable. It was made by the daughter of a friend of mine. I believe her daughter is 11. I read about her doll making experiment on her blog. I got permission from her mom to add a link, so just click here, but she mentioned that she would make them and try to sell them on etsy. She also mentioned that she'd charge$16 for each one. Well, I loved it. First, I love a hand-made anything - usually. I just appreciate craftmanship. Secondly, what little girl wouldn't love a doll that feels like a pillow, is light enough to carry everywhere and even has initials monogrammed on the chest? Lastly, I thought that $16 + shipping was not that high a price to encourage someone to keep doing something that is good! I ordered the doll and it came after only a few weeks. It had a new little outfit (real baby clothes) and I gave it to Naomi for Christmas. She named it Emelie. ;]

If you are interested in a doll (I'm not even sure if the young lady has closed up shop or not =]) - just let me know in the comments or go and visit the link I added. I think it also makes a great keepsake since it was hand-made. Oh, and let me tell you - it is very nicely sewn. Don't let her age fool you!

"teaching" Emelie how to walk

These are not staged photos...she LOVES this doll!

She thinks that the girl on the shirt looks like her! =]

More hugs...

Today, I am thankful for...

...my little Naomi. She is just so special. Every morning when she wakes up, she comes over to where I am and will lay her head on my lap and say, "Good morning, Mom". It is always in her sweetest sleepyhead voice and I just love it! We cuddle for a while and I just sit and hold her and we enjoy our quiet time together.

Naomi loves to sing. She loves to sing the praise and worship songs at church, the songs on the Disney channel, even the songs from my favorites. One of her recent favorites to sing is "Popular" from the Broadway Musical "Wicked". I love the way she does the faces and voices when she sings.

She can be stubborn. She doesn't like her hands to be sticky. She doesn't like wearing clothes or shoes that don't match....she's just special. =]

Recently she started "scrapbooking" on construction paper with some stickers. Now, I have a helper to sit by my side. She loves helping out and I love having her near me.

Wordless Wednesday: Buddies...