Toot Your Horn Tuesday - Rule Reminder

Welcome to Toot Your Horn Tuesday!! I realize that I've been lax this year with my Tuesday Party, but I still have lots of participants, so let's go over the rules again...

You can "Toot" about anything you'd like! Whether you've knitted curtains, painted a mural, cooked for the Queen, or just made it through the day without your house falling down (which is usually my biggest accomplishment!)

Once you're ready to use Mr. Linky, you must also use one of the codes provided on my left sidebar to post my button into your post or somewhere on your page.
If you're not fond of buttons, then just place a simple link(www.sillylittlesparrow.com)so that others can find out where to play!

Please follow the rules, as it allows the party to grow!! If I visit your post and can't find the link back to the party, then you'll be removed.

Now, if you don't have a blog/website, but you'd still like to play, just go to the comment area and Toot Away!!

Today my Toot is for this fun, free activity that kept Glynis and her friend busy for quite a while!! After coloring with markers and letting the girls practice using tape on the paper towel rolls, we cut them and taped them to the wall to make a cool marble run!

We actually opted for big glass beads (that wouldn't roll away) instead of marbles. We also used tin foil balls. What fun they had!!

Here it is again on a bigger scale for my preschool class. They had such fun!





Toot Your Horn Tuesday Participants

1. Feeding Black Birds-n-Squirrels? 2. Mercury Mantel 3. Blueberry Bars - Ali 4. Cheeseburger Ring - Ali 5. Hand cut map art :) 6. Sweet and Sour Chicken 7. Pound Cake and Strawberry Ice Cream 8. Paula @ Yay Home 9. Fancy Camera Strap

10. Fettuccine Alfredo 11. Whale Coin Purse 12. Upside Down Tomato Buckets 13. Candy @ The Little Round Table 14. Homeschool Grad & card 15. Stencil your own Window Treatments! 16. Raspberry Beer Cocktail 17. Thrifty Photo Blocks @ In His Grip 18. Kagi

19. Tack and Twine Balls 20. Pottery Barn Knock Off 21. Beautifully Made 22. Dog Treat Jars 23. Shopping Card Organizer 24. Fridge Frame 25. Coral Reef Dress Tut 26. Fried Egg Omelet

Powered by... Mister Linky's Magical Widgets.

Two Words

Here's a very important (however random) message from my daughter.

You learn something new every day

...In this case, my daughter now understands the purpose of a puke bucket!

The busiest week of our year and my daughter gets sick!! Ugh! 2 of my boys are performing in a musical at school. Beauty & The Beast! They've been rehearsing for months and this is the week. The first performance was yesterday, but I had to miss it. (there are 4 more shows for me to see luckily. and I'll be sure to post some pictures later)

On the up side, after several failed attempts and many loads of laundry,
Glynis has finally perfected her aim into the bucket!

No school today

I know, I've been missing in action this week and I even missed Toot Your Horn Tuesday. When you have a large family and someone gets sick, you can pretty much be sure that everyone will get sick. And for us, that meant over 3 weeks of BLEH!!
And now that we're feeling better, along comes a hurricane! Ida the hurricane fizzled out, but we are being hit pretty hard by this nor' easter. Schools were closed today. Luckily we still have electricity. I know some areas are out. And the flooding is unbelievable. We're sitting high and dry though. My husband had to go to work. :(
I thought I'd snap a few pictures around the house while we're stuck here.

Sleeping, Cuddling, Playing Music, & Wii

Wondersand...Buy Some!!

This stuff has been around for years, but it's been years since I've experienced it. Let's give it a try again people!!

Don't worry about the special precautions, such as "ages 5 and up"

Your toddler can have a good solid hour of fun. She'll stay occupied and completely enthralled.

Just be aware that the clean up will require towels, a broom, the vacuum cleaner, your washing machine and a bathtub. Also be prepared to spend an hour using said equipment!

A verse for the day

A friend of mine posted this verse on Facebook today and I feel compelled to share it.

Colossians 3:23

Work willingly at whatever you do,

as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.

I really liked the New Living Translation. When I informed my kids of all the chores that they will be doing this morning, we wrote this up on our chalkboard wall in the kitchen. We read it out loud and pondered it for just a moment.

It really lifted their spirits and mine as well. I'm sure we'll have our chores done in no time and we'll be able to enjoy the rest of this glorious God given summer day!

This is also very timely for my oldest son today. He headed out this morning to do some construction type work for a friend. (And yes, it's a paid job, alleluia!!) There he goes....

Nothing to report

I'm not sure why I even opened my laptop just now. There's absolutely nothing to report. It's been a dull day so far. I tried my best to get moving early, but it was 10:30am before I got out the door to run errands and hit the pool. It's gotten soooo difficult to get ready for an outing with a toddler. A friend of mine once compared it to herding kittens. As I'm dressing or packing the toddler's bag, she is usually somewhere in the next room making a big mess. AAHH!!!

So anyway, we did get out of the house. Glynis is in need of a floatation device. Does anyone have any recommendations? We've bought her arm floats and today I got her a little shirt type thing, but neither can keep her head out of water. And she just won't stay in last year's float. I'm thinking that the best option is a full life jacket for toddlers, but I can't find one!! Went to several stores already.

So back to my null report. We did make it to the pool, but the clouds covered the sun and we could only bare about 45 minutes before the kids started shivering. Of course, my 11 year old noticed that I wasn't shivering and noted that it must be because I've got "plenty of meat on my bones" to keep me warm.

My two teenagers have gone to the beach with friends today. Have I told you guys how much fun teenagers are? I think I'm overdue for another teen parenting post. I'll get one started right away, but for now, here's my little rant...

When my oldest turned 17 years old the other week, he became a different person overnight. I kind of saw it coming, but now it is full blown. He doesn't want anything to do with me in public. It's like I'm the swine flu or something.

So here I am dealing with this little independent toddler and now this big independent teenager. They both think they don't need me!! I'm so happy to still have my in-between children. I can't take all the rejection. My in-between children still enjoy my company and are happy to let me do things for them. ;)

Ok, that's it for my Wednesday rambling. I don't even know why I wrote anything. This is just one of those therapy posts. It's better than banging my head on the wall, right?!!

Hope you have a great hump day!

A Day In The Life

Well, at least this family gives me plenty to blog about...

It all started a couple months ago. Cole tried out and made it to All-District Chorus. He also tried out for All-State, but was selected as an alternate. Alternates almost never get to actually participate, but... jump to this past Tuesday. The phone rings in the middle of the day. Caller id says it's my kids' high school. I'm thinking, "uh oh, what now?" It was Cole. "Mom, they need me for All-State Chorus! I made it! Can I go? Can we afford it? Can you drive me up there in 2 days? The concert is this Saturday!" The excitement in his voice was loud and clear. So I had about 2 minutes to come up with a "Yes" to all his questions. No problem. It'll be fine. I've got plenty of time to shop for his concert attire and run a couple other errands. The other kids will be fine. It'll all work out.

Jump forward to Thursday, today. All goes smoothly, packing, getting Glynis ready for a day in the mini van, making sure the other 2 kids are out the door for school, etc. We leave the house right on time and we're merrily on our way. THEN...45 minutes into the drive and my cell phone rings. The high school number again on my caller id. "Hi Mrs. T. This is the school nurse. Your son, Carson seems to be fine. I'm sorry I had to call you while you"re driving blah blah blah, Carson's had an episode of some sort, he's looking much better blah blah blah. I think maybe he passed out....blah blah blah....His teacher said she thought he might have had a seizure, but he probably just fainted...." WHAT?! I'm driving 65 mph down the highway and this woman just told me that my son may have had a seizure?! Ok, so she doesn't win the tactfulness prize this year, but I definitely should win a composure award. I kept my cool and didn't run off the road. I asked the nurse a few questions. "Did he hit his head? What class was he in? Oh, health class? What was today's subject matter? Oh, first aid? They were discussing puncture wounds? Ah Ha!" I'm still quite frightened at this point, but I immediately said a prayer. I felt the tears start to well in my eyes. Mom's are suppose to handle these kinds of emergencies, but God reigned in my peace. I called my husband and let him kick into action. He got Carson right over to the doctor who ran blood work, gave him the once over and decided that Carson must have gotten queasy from the subject matter in class. He's passed out once before in a similar situation. Still, a mother's nerves aren't completely calmed until her child is in arms reach after such an incident. Thankfully, traffic was in our favor, Cole made it safely to his destination and Glynis was a superb traveller. We made it back home safely by 4pm. But we all know that the day does not end at 4pm. There's always soccer practice, dinner, baths, homework and of course my blog. :)

It's 10pm. And as you can see, I am still holding it together. Good night!

Baby Stellan

There are very few bloggers that have not heard of baby Stellan. His mommy, MckMama, has a blog called "My Charming Kids." She hosts the "Not Me Monday" carnival that so many of us had participated in. She's just a regular mom, but she's going through an ordeal none of us would want to go though.
Her youngest child, Stellan, is a very sick baby boy. In utero, he was diagnosed with a deadly heart condition, but God saw it fit that he be born and have several healthy and happy months with his family. Again, he is in dire trouble. He's been hospitalized for about 1 month now and was flown to a children's hopital in Boston a few days ago. Probably having a life threatening surgery tonight or in the morning. I've been reading his mother's updates regularly on twitter and her site. I talk about Stellan with my family and friends. And as it turns out, people across the world now know his name.

I hope you'll take a minute to pray for this little angel. No, we do not know him. He's no more special than any other one of God's children, but to me he symbolizes all of our children. His family is no more important than any other family, but to me they symbolize what is most important in this life...love.

One more thing, on MckMama's website, months ago, she started a gallery of Stellan's name. You really must check it out. And here's our contribution. Carson drew his name and we're praying for Stellan!

Goodbye Spring Break

There was just no way for me to get on my blog last week. 4 kids at home, rainy days, illness, dentist appointments, and a few fun excursions.

I'll show you some of what we've been up to.
The break started with a back yard cookout for the kids' praise band. The group is always so busy practicing that they never get time to just chill together. So that's what this night was. They've got a big event coming up in just a couple of weeks so this was a nice breather for them.

Sunday, of course, was Easter. And I'll forever remember that this is the year that I developed allergies. My whole family went to church without me. Seems that I now have eye allergies. I could barely see! We were still able to enjoy our family that afternoon though. Chris grilled the most delicious steaks ever and the kids (big kids too) had an egg hunt. Our special guests were my parents and a college kid, Cody, whose parents were out of town for Easter. It was a nice day.

Then the rains set in and hours of video games and television. We did play a few cards games in between, but this was mostly lazy time. Not to mention, 2 trips to the dentist! Glynis, age 21 months old, had her first visit with the dentist. I'd like to say that she enjoyed the experience, but that's just not the case. She was fine in the waiting room with the train table and plenty of books. She was even happy to follow the nurse to the exam room, but once in that chair, I think she knew that nothing good could happen. Needless to say, we held her down and the dentist got a good look at her little teefers. Looking good. The bad news was that Carson needed to get a filling so we went back the following day. UGH!

It got better...when the bad weather lifted, I took 7 kids to the zoo. My mother came along too. It was chilly, but fun. The teens took off on their own, so my mom and I just had to manage two hyper boys and Glynis.

Saturday, Glynis got sick! Running a fever and just plain cranky. Chris got another sinus infection too, so the two of them stayed home while I managed the others. Chandler had a soccer game and Cole was a soloist at a wedding! His first paid singing job!

So that rounds out the exciting break. Would have been nice to have gone on a trip, but our big trip is coming soon enough.

Yes! We are going to Hawaii in July! My father-in-law is taking the entire extended family to Maui. This is not just a vacation. There is a special reason for the trip. For those of you that do not know, my mother-in-law, Glennie, passed away in a car accident 3 years ago. As you can imagine, it was a horrific ordeal and our family still mourns the loss of a beautiful wife, mother and grandmother. As she is a West Coast native, she made several visits to Hawaii with her husband over the years. It was a special place for her and although her death was very unexpected, her family knew that she wanted her ashes to be taken there.

So, 99 days and counting till Hawaii!

quick funny

My neighbor is pregnant and Saturday was her due date, but she's being induced today! Yipee for her and her family!!
The quick funny...
I'm helping my 10 year old get ready for school this morning and I mentioned to him that little Baby Robert will be born today. He says "Oh yeah, what time are they endorsing him?"
teeheehee

Jesus loves the little children

Children see things differently than we do. Simple. Peaceful. Humble. As adults, we spend our time juggling our responsibilities, dealing with stress, just being a grown up, Jesus is gently calling us back to the heart of a child.

School Daze

Oh yes! School started today. Here's how I prepared... First off, I made sure that everyone was in bed by 9:30-10 last night. Then I got to work! I had to make sure the house was cleaned and ready to be destroyed by the rush of 3 boys and a man all trying to leave the house around the same time. I set up the coffee maker for hubby, straightened up the cereal boxes on the shelf so they'd be easily accessed, made sure that all the cereal bowls were clean and ready to go, checked for clean towels, made sure everyone's clocks were set in intervals so that there wouldn't be a traffic jam in the hall, and lastly I colored my roots and watched some t.v. all by myself! Around 11:30 I was asking myself the obvious question, "Why am I staying up so late, when I have to get up so early?" I answered myself with another obvious question, "When do I ever have this kind of solitude?!" Duh!
Well, I'm paying for it tonight. The morning went smoothly. Everyone reached their destinations on time, looking snappy in their new back to school sneakers. I totally enjoyed the day spent with my daughter, playing, doing a few light chores, a little shopping. When the troops started filing back in the door this afternoon, we filled out back to school forms, talked about their day, passed out snacks and headed to the soccer field.....As the other parents screamed and cheered all around me at the scrimmage, I almost nodded off. Oops, I forgot dinner. McDonald's dollar menu it is! Now, 9:15pm. I'm Done!!! Must Sleep!! Night Night!!!

Back to school tradition

For the past 8 years, our family has had a back to school tradition. We pick a day, usually during the Labor Day weekend, to get up at 4:30 in the morning, drive to the ocean front and watch the sun rise. Most people that I explain this to think we are completely bonkers. I think that actually they are jealous of our craziness. It seems that so many people now-a-days get caught in a rut of unimaginative laziness. OK, most of the year, I fit into that prototype too. I owe my spurts of spontaneity to my Mother. I grew up with a Mom who allowed sleeping on our roof and having indoor banana wars. I remember her visiting me at school once with our pet snake in her purse. Now that's crazy and that's how I want my children to grow up. (Although, I won't be handling any snakes!) What's more important? Making memories with my kids or a few extra hours of sleep?!

Far Away

I have absolutely nothing exciting to write about. Haven't in weeks. No more giant birds. My last days of summer are creeping by. Sure, I've had some fun. I've been to the pool, to the movies, the zoo, the beach and other local attractions. No far away vacation for me though. In fact, I haven't been far away in years!

I think that my 3 sons are having opposing feelings about school starting. They've really had a super busy summer. They've all been to camp (far away, those lucky dogs!) Cole went to Bluefield, Virginia. He painted a roof and sang in a band. Carson went to Philadelphia! He ran up the steps from "Rocky" and he did construction work in a run down neighborhood. As I write this, Chandler is in the mountains, hiking up a trail.

So, summer was a hoot for them, but like a few other kids, they are actually looking forward to school. I spent a total of $728.oo on school supplies and clothes and shoes!! Can you believe that? I'm actually feeling very accomplished in having bought so much for 3 kids at such a reasonable amount. I asked at Target if I was eligible for the "most money spent on school supplies" award. The prize was a lavish 7 day vacation for 1 at a far away resort. Anyway, I didn't win. The winner of the prize was a rich mother of 1 who spent $938.oo on her spoiled rotten daughter. I think that's cheating!!

Ok, so I'm made up that story. What else am I suppose to write about? My kids are the ones who have real lives. I just drive them around and spend money on them. Maybe I'll live a little once school starts and I have a few free hours during day. I'll make sure that Glynis and I find some exciting things to do. (Call me and we'll do lunch!!)

I know what you really want to hear...How about that baby of mine? This past week she sat on the floor and pulled out an entire box of tissues! It was the most fun she's ever had. I've decided to buy all of my friends' babies a box of tissues for Christmas. It's sure to be the new rage this year and I'll be so happy that I got my shopping done before all the tissues in the world sold out just like the Wii system last year. No standing in all night lines for me!


Glynis also found a kitchen cabinet to play in. She, once again, pulled everything out. Why do babies like to pull things out of everything? How about the laundry basket? She can't be in the same room with one without emptying it. Of course, these are those mommy moments that bring a tear to my eye and make me smile. I hope that I'm able to look back on them 12 years from now when roles reverse and I'm the one pulling out something...My Hair!!

Lesson for my 10 year old and me

Up early this morning. It's 7am, must get the flower bed weeded before the sun blisters overhead. Yes, it's summer, and the boys feel entitled to sleep in. "I got some news for you!!!" So anyway, my 13 year old, Carson, gets right up and gets to work. They were told that breakfast would come after we get done. To make a long story short, my youngest son, Chandler, works slowly or hardly works at all and finally starts complaining about not being fed yet. Whining that he would work no more without breakfast. This kid is 10! It's time he stopped acting like he's 4. What would you do?
I left him there and went on with my business. At some point he disappeared and we later found him back in bed. Still no breakfast. Carson and I finished up our work leaving Chandler's work undone. I went to his room and instructed that there would be no food until his chores were done. Of course he scowled at me, so I had to bring up the starving children in Africa. I hate doing that. Why can't kids in the U.S. be grateful!?
Ok, so Carson and I got cleaned up and started breakfast with Glynis the baby. It worked! Something clicked and Chandler's attitude changed. I'm so glad I didn't give in to him. He went out, did his work, came in and fixed his breakfast. He even smiled apologetically and helped me with the baby.
I suppose part of Chandler's problem is my fault. He was our baby for 10 years and I treated him as such.
So, if you're parenting today, keep that in mind. It's hard to break a 10 year old of those baby ways. Start earlier than I did!!

A Random Day w/ 4 kids

My oldest son is off on a mission trip in Bluefield, VA so why then do I still have 4 kids?

I'll tell you why, because Chandler's friend Ryan is here! We decided to spend our morning at Garden Ridge. In case you don't know what it is, it's a huge home decor/craft store, check it out...http://www.gardenridge.com/default.asp

We spent a good hour strolling up and down the isle. Looking at fish pillows, magnificent works of art, scary things for Halloween, toys, mirrors and way more. I did have a goal in mind. I was hoping to check out their sale on outdoor furniture. All we left with though was a wooden-like solar powered figure to sit in the back yard and also 4 toy foam swords. I spent $30! Argh!