Christmas in June

Sending out a thank you to the anonymous Santa who left us a big bag of (new) summer toys on our front porch today.  The kids had a blast checking everything out and couldn't believe there was no card and we had no idea who it was from.....especially since we were home at the time and the screen door was open so this was an especially quiet Santa!

Madeline had the bright idea to put a bag of goodies together and drop it off on another porch so your gift is already being paid forward. :)

Thanks for making our day!!!

The Thumb

We are trying to encourage Lauren to stop sucking her thumb and have offered (read: bribe) to take her to the toy store and let her pick out any toy -- if she gives it up.

Today at nap I reminded her that she is trying to quit. 

(do they have a N*icorette version for this sort of thing?) 

As I am walking out she says, "Umm, can you close the door all the way so you can't see me sucking my thumb?"

Hmmm.  Perhaps I should let her peruse a few toy catalogues.

Do Not Call List - I thought I was on it??

I should preface this story but saying that one of my pet peeves is when a solicitor does not respect my very polite way of getting off the phone.  

This was today's phone call:

Solicitor:  Hello! (so peppy - like the I've-had-12-cups of coffee peppy) My name is George and I am calling on behalf of the National Republican Party and I....

Me:  I'm sorry Sir.  This is not a good time.

S:  Well, I will make this brief, I just need to talk to you about....

Me:  Sir.  Its just not a good time right now.

S:  Madam, we would like your...

Me: (trying not to hang up.  desperate to say something to appease him)  We are voting Republican.  Can you just put us down for that?

S: Well, I need to tell you....

Me: And now I am voting Democrat.  Goodbye.

I felt like the British lady from W*eakest Link........You are the weakest link.  Goodbye.

Snow Angels?

The girls went to Ron's basketball game with him this morning.....at 5 am.  Needless to say, I had 4 sleeping children this afternoon -- at the same time.

As they were waking up Lauren says, "Mommy, if it snows today can we go out and play in it?"

I explained that its summer, in the 80's and probably won't snow again until around Christmas.  She looks and me and says, "Well, Okay then."

Where's Waldo.....I mean Ron

We have tons of blackberry trees along the bike paths by our house.   

Kind of organic?

Tea Party

I took Maddie to her first real tea party today.  We had a lovely time.

I Have Found

I Have Found - a song by Kim Walker - has really spoken to me during these past few weeks.

I Have Found....  

    a peace that plows on through the storm

a joy that jumps over sadness

a love that lights up every room

a trust that teaches how to rest

a grace that guides me by the hand

a strength that stands like a mountain

....I've Found You.

That You - Is God.