the Heart of Life

I Have to Be the Tooth Fairy!

2012-01-05T00:58:00.001-06:00

Getting ready to lay down to go to sleep and I remembered - oh no, I have to be the Tooth Fairy!

When I heard that he pulled his tooth at school, I knew that I'd have to go get change - the tooth fairy is generous, but really. Going to get the change was after dinner and homework and church and picking out tomorrows clothes and showers ....after stopping my snaggled toothed son from just putting the lone tooth under his pillow - no container, no plastic baggie. How would I ever have found that in the dark under the pillow pets and extra blankets?

Anxious to go to sleep, I jumped up to get it over with, grabbed the money and headed for the boys room. Under the glow of the night light, I stopped to look at my boys sleeping and could hear them breathing deeply. I started to think about how it really seemed like just yesterday that I waited at the door on the hour practically to hear the sound of them breathing to make sure that my babies were still fast a sleep - and then I looked, really looked and couldn't tell who was on the top bunk and who was on the bottom. I ran to get my cell phone - it has a flashlight app on it - and as Fairy luck would have it, my tooth was under the pillows on the top bunk. Ladder or desk? How was I going to get up there to retrieve my tooth? I started up the ladder and realized my reach would be better from the desk...

Finally, tooth in hand, cash in place, I started out the door and wondered, who's bright idea was this Tooth Fairy gig any way!?

Dollar Store Trays

2011-12-23T17:41:00.004-06:00

Trays glued together

These great trays are made from dollar store finds. We bought silver trays in various shapes, plastic stemware and some glass vases. We already had a hot glue gun, E6000 glue - just in case the hot glue didn't work - and the spray paint.

The vases used in the middle of the tiers provide more support than the plastic stemware that are sold next to the trays. The blue trays in the photos below are separated by the stemware. It might look cooler but its very unstable.

And really, they look pretty cool before we sprayed them...

Tray Finished

Doilies could be used to spray pain on designs

We sprayed them and left them to dry for quite awhile.

THE PARTY TRAYS

We used the trays for a 9 year old Angry Birds Party for decorations and cupcakes...

We glued the pieces together and spray painted them in coordinating colors. It was a great addition ---

Life is What You Make it

2011-08-27T23:16:00.008-05:00

My grandfather, we call him Gramps, will be 90 years old in May, but this week his doctor recommended hospice care. A few months ago we were told that his cancer was back, but it was too far gone and he was too weak to progress with any kind of treatment. After getting choked often while eating, to the point of needing the Heimlich, he now has a feed tube - a port where his meals are poured out of a can into a tube and straight into his stomach - 5 times a day.

Through it all my grandmother has been there - for the hospital stays, the new treatment regimens, all of the visits to all of the doctors, and on the other end of the tube 5 times a day. She slept in their Volkswagen vanagon in the parking lot of the hospital in Amarillo the first time he had cancer, when they didn't know what he had, when they installed and when they fixed his defibrillator.

She was also at the coffee shop when my grandfather came in with his cousins the first time they met. She was there with his infant daughter when he got home from the war. She was there every night when he got home after work with his meal on the table and in the passengers seat as they explored all of the 50 states. She was there when they welcomed 2 daughters, 4 grand kids, and to date 6 great-grand kids.

During his last stay in the hospital some of her former students from more than 30 years ago approached her in the hallway and reminded her of their favorite thing about her class. She taught a Zig Ziglar "I Can"course and at the beginning of each class they would do a cheer saying, "Act Enthusiastic and You'll Be Enthusiastic!" They would all chant in unison three times before each class. The irony of lyrically repeating THAT phrase outside her partner of more than 60 years hospital room... but sometimes it's true.

You can succumb to what life hands you - growing up with an alcoholic, abusive father or dealing with the passing of your mother as a young boy - or you can choose to live a beautiful life, to leave a legacy, to be there.

Every day that the sun comes up, you have to purpose to make it a great day. Do the best you have with what you're given and live to make your memories part of your happiness.

The Family Necklace

2011-08-27T23:06:00.002-05:00

With school starting back this week, I thought that this idea from Moomah was amazing and I wanted to share it with all those other moms who want to do whatever they can to help their children feel safe and be successful...

from Moomah

When it’s time for my kids to go back to school, they often get anxious about the transition. To help ease this anxiety, we make a very special family necklace together. It’s also a great project for kids nervous about going to summer camp or anywhere else that’s out of their comfort zone.

We take a photo of each family member (including our two adorable dogs and our fish Santa, of course). We glue the pictures onto tags made of oak tag and then cover them with tape to protect them (you could also use mod podge to coat them). We take soft wool yarn, braid it and then hang our tags from it (you could use shoelaces, ribbon, etc.), completing our family necklace.

My daughter says, “Whenever I miss you, I look at your picture and it makes me feel better,” and that makes me feel a lot better. The necklace was such a hit that other families in her class started to make their own.

- tracey stewart

http://moomah.com/thejournal/entry/nourish/the_family_necklace/

Devil Rays TeeBall Party

2011-06-04T05:08:00.011-05:00

Planning an end of season team party is a ball. I tend to think that my children probably won't remember those nights that we spend at home just hanging out quite as vividly as they will the unique experiences that we can create to make memories for them. So for me, planning events is a great joy.

There were more players than games in the season so the 3 families that didn't bring team snacks, chipped in for the party. Then each player contributed $10 for the rental and coaches gift.

The players whole family got to enjoy dinner and swimming for only $10 - that's a great deal!

It makes it even more fun when you have great companies to work with, like La Quinta and Dominoes. The party was held at the La Quinta on Ashmore. We rented a meeting room and had access to the indoor pool for 4 hours and it only cost $50. They were ready for me when I arrive an hour early to set up, had table cloths on the tables and even let me use the ice machine!

They were most helpful and gracious through the whole event.

They really made the event a huge success.

I also called Dominoes Pizza who offered me a great deal, brought the pizza right on time and even brought extra plates, napkins and cheese. The delivery driver was gracious and set everything out for us, arranged by topping.

We picked up some cupcakes, drinks, and a gift card for the coach at United. I added some cupcake toppers and a little emblishment to the water bottles that I just printed from the PartyBlog, just for extra fun.

The pool and the pizza were certainly the highlights of the party.

As a great ending to the party, one of the team moms, brought these adorable baseball themed buckets filled with Big League Chewing Gum and other great candy. We made some new friends and some great memories. The party was a grand slam!

May Days

2011-06-02T21:58:00.006-05:00

The month of May brought great chaos and wonderful memories for our family. May typically brings a change in seasons and in activity. As the month ended so did school.

Trenton has end of the year parties at Community Bible Study and at Parents Dy Out. He is going to miss his friends this summer. I'd be surprised if they recognize each other when they return to school. They will grow and change so much over the summer.

He was quite the trooper as we drug him to games and practices and activities that he was just too small to participate in just yet. He does love "ball base" and has quite an arm on him too!

Addison participated in cheer camp again this year, had an end of the year splash day, and a field trip or two. She absolutely loved going to Pre-K this year and really did quite well.

She also went to Austin with me and was such as big help as we hosted Aunt Heidi's baby shower. After the shower, we went downtown to the Pecan Street Festival where Addison got to ride this life-sized rocking horse. Her favorite part was wearing the cowgirl hat with the feathers and a tiara on top.

Preston is our kindergarten graduate this year. At their graduation ceremony, they announced the child, the parents and then what the child wants to be when they grow up. Preston wants to be a Race Car Driver... others said things like, a ninja, a first grader, and bull fighter. It was nice to laugh, even though we were misty eyed. They just grow up so fast.

Right before graduation, Preston lost his first tooth. He was thrilled and even pulled it himself. Our tooth puller is also quite a ball player. He received two game ball awards from his teeball coach for making great plays.

Clayton's last week of school was full of awards and field trips for good behavior and reading success. He even got to drive go-karts for making the Pony Pride list every six weeks all year long.

His baseball team ended out the season 6-6 and he played positions from catcher to short stop and outfield. The boys on the team sure did learn about baseball and life this season.

We're going to have a third grader next year. I can't belive it. As I type they are all in the boys room for a "sleep over" laughing and just enjoying staying up late and being together. Even though it's late, we so enjoy the sound of their laughter I think that we'll let it continue for awhile.

Blue and Gold Banquet

2011-02-04T15:26:00.000-06:00

So what is a Blue and Gold Banquet anyway?

I'm new to scouting so I had no idea. I told the Scout Master that I'd help with a Christmas Party and next thing I know I'm planning a banquet!

And the event is tonight

Love New Family

2011-02-01T15:40:00.000-06:00

My sister found out this week that she's having a girl. We really already knew, but it was nice to have pictures to back it up!

Side Story: My dad was having morning sickness right along with my sister. He was sick when my mom was pregnant with both of us and when I was preganat with my girl, but not when I was pregnant with my 3 boys... go figure

We are really excited about another girl. My daughter says we already have a boy cousin so now it's time for a girl sister cousin... she's right.

But those boys are just too cute and they love each other so much!

Classroom Valentines

2011-02-01T15:29:00.000-06:00

A 3D Valentine from my girl. We just cut slits on top of th hand and under it to slide a lolipop though. Cute and so easy!

For the Baby we are using up some more suckers and making snail valentines. Just slide the sucker in at the top of the yellow...looks like the shell on a snails back!My kindgartener is taking some wow-entines - paper airplanes from FamilyFun.com that I embellished a little bit ... he wasn't thrilled with the hearts so I made them into flames...

And for our oldest we haven't quite decided between some guitar suckers or some comversation heart iphones...
I just love Valenitines Day!

I Spy a GREAT Party

2011-01-29T16:49:00.000-06:00

I really enjoy party planning. I REALLY enjoy celebrating my children. And birthday parties are a great time for me to get to do both!

Preston's 6th Birthday Party was too much fun - 25 kindergarten boys playing spy games at our first ever Spy Academy was more fun... we made secret messages in invisable ink, made up spy names, got in our secret spy costumes, played with "bombs"... it was an action packed party!

Before the party we asked our birthday guy if he'd worn 5 completely out, done everything that he wanted to do as a 5 year old, made the most of every day of 5. He said, "yea." I think that our nostalgia was a little lost, but he got the idea.
We made a great memory for our little guy.

Star Wars Birthday Party

2010-10-10T15:52:00.000-05:00

Planning a great birthday party, I collected a few ideas along the way....

Star Wars party

Games

*Pass the Death Star: To prepare for this Star Wars birthday party game, you'll need a couple of clear (or transparent) balloons, confetti, several small balls (no more than 1" thick), and Star Wars theme music.

Before blowing up the balloons, fill them with a half-hand full of confetti and several small balls. Blow up the balloons and tie them closed. (As the balloon is passed around a circle, the confetti and small balls within the balloon will bounce around as if the 'death star' is exploding.)

Ask the kids to sit in a circle. Hand the birthday child the 'death star' balloon. Explain that everyone must pass the death star around while the music plays. When the music stops, the child holding the death star must "explode" out of the circle. Keep playing until only one player remains.

*Pod Race: You'll need two suitcases (use old suitcases if you have them) or another wheeled item such as little wagon.

Split the Star Wars birthday party guests into two equal teams, and have the teams divide themselves into pairs. One person leads the pod racer, while the other person rides on the suitcase. Have each pair race to one end of the party area, switch places, and then race to the other end and back to their team. The first team to have all pairs cross the finish line wins!

*Holocam Guess: In this Star Wars birthday party game, children take turns appearing as if delivering a message through a Holocam that's lost its sound capacity. (A Holocam records holographic images that enable Star Wars characters to send visual messages to each other.)

Each guest writes down a chosen Star Wars character and then acts that person out, making movements and sounds (but no words). The rest of the children guess who the player is. (Before the game, ask the kids if they'd like to include characters from all the Star Wars films or limit them to a specific sequel.)

*Jedi vs. Sith: First, pick one or more players to be Jedi knights, and everyone else is a Sith. When the Jedi hear command "May the force be with you!", they must try to catch as many Sith as they can. If players get caught, they must go to a designated area called "Sith Prison," where they must stand still with their legs spread apart.

To be rescued, one of their Sith friends has to crawl through the captured player's legs. Keep playing the game until everyone has been caught, or it's time to move to the next Star Wars birthday party game.

*Shapeshifting: In Episode II, Senator Amidala was nearly killed by a creature that could change into different forms to hide its identity. In this Starwars party game, players take on new identities (and silly ones, too!).

To start, you'll need a large bag (or two) filled with clothing, accessories, and costume items (the bigger and the more outrageous the costumes, the better).

Have the players stand in a circle. Play some Star Wars theme music and get the kids to pass around the bag(s). When you stop the music, the player holding the bag must reach in, pull out a clothing item, and put it on. Keep playing the game until all the items are gone. Take photos of the children with their new identities.

*Jedi Obstacle Course: Jedi get to test their skills with this race. Before the game, set up various obstacles in your yard that kids have to go through: jumping over a pile of leaves, walking along a narrow board, running around a table or chairs, etc. (For the indoor course, you can set up wastebaskets, pile of books, chairs, pile of toys, pillows, etc.)

At race time, line the kids up single file. One by one, have them run through a series of obstacles, while you time them with a stopwatch. The fastest kid wins the race!

*Jedi Training: This activity will be a huge hit at your Star Wars birthday party! Before the event, tape-record different sounds, such as a car turning on, a bicycle bell, teapot boiling/whistling, etc. Take pictures of everyday items, and have them greatly enlarged or reduced.

At party time, have all players sit in a circle. Explain that their super powers are about to be tested.

First, test their super hearing abilities by playing the pre-recorded sounds one at a time. Either have the children yell out their guesses to the names of the sounds, or have them write answers on pieces of paper.

Second, test their super-abilities to see. Reveal the enlarged and reduced pictures of everyday items one at a time. Have everyone guess the items.

Finally, test their tasting abilities. Blindfold one of the guests. Bring out a bowl full of items to eat. Make sure to cover the bowl with a napkin so the other kids can't see all of the food items. Take one food item out and let the blindfolded child taste that food. Keep feeding the child different food items until the child guesses correctly. Then move on to the next child.

*Meteor Shower: Before blowing up balloons (you should have three or four balloons per guest), stuff a small toy or prize inside. Then blow up the balloons and tie closed.

Gather the children in the center of the play area. Toss balloon meteors into the middle of the gathering of Star Wars birthday party guests and instruct them to destroy the meteors to uncover the prizes. Toss enough balloons so all the guests have enough meteors to burst.

*Asteroid Rock Search: Wrap prizes in tin foil. Hide foil-wrapped prizes throughout the Star Wars birthday party area. Announce that it's time to search for the prize-filled caters. Watch as the kids search, discover and reveal.

*Decorate Your Home Planet: Hand out two paper plates (stapled together) to each guest. Instruct the kids to decorate their "home planets" with glitter, paint, sequins and markers.

*Millennium Falcon Relay: Cut four Millennium Falcon shapes (about 8" to 10" circles) out of cardboard. Let the birthday child color them with markers (or wrap them in aluminum foil so they look like the real Millennium Falcons).

Divide Star Wars birthday party guests into two equal teams and give the first person in each line two Falcons. Explain to kids that the Falcons become the only thing they can step on as they travel from the front of the line, around a chair and back to the line again.

On the command "Go," have children place one Falcon on the ground and step on it. Then they place the other Falcon on the ground in front and step on it. Next, they pick up the first Falcon and place it on the ground in front of the other. When they reach the finish line, they hand their Falcons to the next player in line. The team to make it all the way around the course first wins.

*Movie Scene Act Out: Rent or purchase the birthday child's favorite Star Wars film. Select a scene with favorite characters and write down all the dialogue on index cards (one card for each character). Purchase props and costumes appropriate for the scenes. Set the videotape or DVD so it will begin playing at that scene.

Gather the children around and explain that it's time to act out a Star Wars scene. Show the guests the scene by playing it on video or DVD. Assign several kids their parts and give each one a card with their dialogue. Other Star Wars birthday party guests will watch until the scene is acted out. Then the children that formed the audience switch places with the actors

Next I purchased some items to complete some of the games that I had in mind. On ebay I found a lot of Star Wars masks and a Yoda backpack. So now I could plan the games and decorations. I purchased approx. a dozen black tablecloths along with some black and blue balloons at the Dollar Tree. I moved almost all my furniture from our living room into the dining room (with the exception of the sofa and entertainment stand). I then covered the large windows with my son's Star Wars comforter - hangin it so the main scene was visible and looked like a large wall decor. Then I blocked out all light from the window using black tablecloths. I hung the black tablecloths the whole way around the room - making it look very dark inside. I also covered the entertainment stand and cut out the opening of the tv (so they could still view the dvds). I placed colored light bulbs in our floor lamps (blue and black) to give the place a different look. I also covered the end tables with black tablecloths. On the end tables and the top of the entertainment stand we decorated with my son's Star Wars lego sets and other Star Wars toys - this was an easy way to decorate with not spending alot of money. I hung pictures that I had printed out (from the activity center) in our family frames around the room. Outside we put up a canopy for the Cantina - red and black and put tablecloths down on the sides of the canopy to give it a darker feel. Then the party began. First thing that we did was bring all the kids into our living room. We had approx. 10 kids. Three girls and the rest boys. We had them check into the uniform station (only two can in uniform). I purchased brown white and tan material (almost like a felt type). I used approx. one yard per child. Along the fold I cut a place for their head to go thru and tied them at the waist with a belt made of the same material. Boys had brown and tan girls had white. After this was done my older daughter (dressed like Padme) and niece (dressed as Leia) came into the living room to welcome the Jedi trainees. They introduced themselves and had the trainees do the same. We had originally planned on giving them badges and name tags but ran out of time in making them). They actually sell these at the Disney parks with the Jedi training logos on them if you are close by and want to purchase them. After introductions Padme introduced me (I was Jedi Master Siri Tachi). I asked the trainees if they knew the ways of the Jedi (some of girls didn't) and told them why the Sith was after Nickolas and what we would be doing to become Jedi's.

Yoda Strength test.

Using the Yoda backpack I purchased on ebay (you can also buy these at Disney) the trainees had to go thru an obstacle course in the backyard. We connected them to a clothesline strung thru and around items using a keychain clasp. Following the clothesline all trainees had to go one at a time carrying Yoda to see if they could master this challenge. It was a lot of fun and they cheered each other on!

Save the Princess and Queen!

Using white and black balloons that we had blown up the night before we put a picture inside two balloons (one of Padme and one of Leia). They had to pop the balloons in order to save the Princess and Queen and find their pictures. This was quite a challenge as the wind was blowing wildly! Once this was complete a visitor showed up (my oldest son dressed as Obi-Wan Kenobi). He had all the trainees set down and showed them how to handle a light saber. Using different techniques they learned the ways of light saber handling. He then passed out light sabers to each of the trainees. I actually got a great deal on the light sabers at Wal-mart the week after Halloween (they were only $2 each!). The trainees were told that they were going to be given the light sabers but the sabers would only used for a couple of challenges and then be given back the the Jedi Master until a time that the trainees turned into Jedis. The next challenge was a light saber remote challenge. In this challenge the trainees had to keep balloons in the air using the light sabers. This was even more of a challenge since the balloons kept blowing around with the windy day and when they touched the ground they popped! Moving on the the next challenge Princess Leia and Obi-Wan had the trainees practice team training using the light sabers the trainees had to destroy bubbles blown at them without hitting their team mates with their light sabers. After this challenge their light sabers were taken away as they all completed light saber training.

Wookie training. Using cross bows (Nerf) they had to shoot at Chewy (my oldest son using a mask that I had purchased). Chewy also had a crossbow and was shooting back at the trainees. Each trainee had five crossbows to shoot (they came back again and again to shoot at Chewy!).

Blaster Training! Using water guns (they looked like Blasters) the trainees had to try to shoot Clone troopers (adults wearing masks). We divided the trainees from the adults using our driveway - everyone had a blaster and could shoot until out of water (no refills). The adults got wetter than the kids (more kids then adults). But the kids had a blast!

Food and Drink

Mos Eisley Cantina Each trainee was given a menu that looked like this:

Wookie Cookies - a delicious cookie filled with wookie filling made up of peanut butter oatmeal and cocoa (plus wookies) - (these were actually no-bake cookies).

Darth Dogs - twice the heat of one darth - these dogs "invade" your taste buds (using hot dogs - cut in half - put one half thru wooden skewer stick - then the other - leaving opening in middle - wrap pillsbury bread stick around middle of stick - bake at 375 degrees for 12 minutes. Looks like a darth maul light saber.) Pizza the Hutt - not as "thickskinned" as Jabba but as tasty as they come (delivery from a local pizza place by one of our friends).

Edible Ewoks - these little guys are squeaky clean no fur to be found (gummy bears) (we had also thought about doing chocolate covered gummy bears but the birthday boy doesn't like them - so we left them out).

Padawan Popcorn - set your sights on the "Padawan" at their fullest - don't go for the ones not popped to their best! (micro-wave popcorn).

Hoth - see what happens when a meteorate hits this snow planet (cookies and cream dessert - Oreo pieces mixed with Cool Whip). This was a big hit! Mini Land Speeders - can these speeders cruise right into your mouth? (regular potato chips). Speeder Fuel - don't forget to refuel your speeder! (sour cream and onion dip)

Tribal Horns - can you hear the call or do you make up one of your own? (Bugles snacks - they're shapped like horn!) Light sabers - choose your color - are you light or dark? (chocolate covered pretzels - red blue and green chocolate on 2/3 on pretzels foil wrapped aroune handle).

Yoda Soda - Drink do you dare? (green hawaiian punch mixed with Sprite and green sherbert).

Jawa Juice - a fine mix part jawa part juice (red hawaiian punch mixed with cranberry gingerale) At the table I included name cards for each item. The kids loved trying to figure out each item as they were thru the buffet line.

Once training was complete we brought out the birthday cake - I made a cake of Han Solo's ship - the Millenimum Falcon. I used a football helmet cake pan - cut off the mask part to make the front the ship - added it back on to round out the sides of the ship and also added a part on the top and bottom of the cake (using a round 8" cake cut in half-thru the middle) to give the ship more of a rounded look. Using an additional piece of another 8" round cake - I made the cockpit of the ship. I had to use skewer sticks to hold the cockpit in place. I used icing with a shade of tan to cover the ship and pipped in the lines of the ship all around. Overall it was a good cake - but due to heat - it was starting to shift a little by the time it was cut.

Food and Drink

Star Wars Birthday Cake:

*Solar System Cake: Bake one 9" round cake and one mini round cake. Prepare or buy several cupcakes.

Arrange the cakes like the solar system. (Star Wars takes place in a galaxy far away, but it is similar to our galaxy in many ways.) Use licorice ropes for the rings around Saturn.

Frost one cake green and blue (use vanilla icing and food coloring) for Earth. Frost the cupcakes in various colors using frosting and food coloring. If you frost thickly, pressing with different size measuring spoons, then you will be able to make craters on some of your planets.

Star Wars Birthday Party Food Ideas:

*Space Dogs in a Blanket: You'll need hotdogs, cheese, and refrigerated crescent rolls.

Slice hotdogs lengthwise about halfway through, making sure not to cut apart. Cut cheese into strips. Unroll crescent rolls into individual triangles. Place a hotdog (with a slice of cheese inserted into a cut) onto roll. Roll up crescent and bake as directed, or until golden brown.

*Green Space Popcorn: For this Star Wars birthday party recipe, you'll need 2 cups sugar, 1 cup light corn syrup, 2/3 cup margarine, 2 packs flavored powder drink mix (green), and 1 tsp soda.

Boil sugar, corn syrup, and margarine together for 3 minutes. Stir in soda and powder drink mix. Pour over 6 quarts of popcorn. Bake at 225°F for 45 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes. Remove from oven and break up immediately.

*Star Cookies: Prepare the birthday child's favorite cookies. Cut into star shapes (using cookie cutter) before baking. Decorate with sprinkles or jimmies.

*Chocolate Lightsabers: For this Star Wars birthday party treat, you'll need white and dark chocolate, lightsaber or cigar mold, and tin foil.

Melt chocolate. Pour into mold and refrigerate. When solid, wrap one end of each in tin foil to form the lightsaber handle.

*Grilled Sandwiches
*Macaroni & Cheese
*Fruit Kabobs
*Potato Salad
*Veggies & Dip
*Ice Cream

Star Wars Birthday Party Drink Ideas:

*Pink Space Slushies: To prepare this Star Wars birthday party drink, you'll need cherry soft drink, raspberry sherbet and maraschino cherries.

Mix sherbet with soft drink for a pink, frothy beverage (best when prepared in a punch bowl to minimize mess). Garnish with some cherries.

*Yoda Soda (add lime sherbet to ginger ale)

*Darth Malt (mix vanilla ice cream and strawberry soda in a punch bowl)

Crossing Mustafar (the lava planet). I placed red table cloths on the driveway divided the trainees into two teams they had to work together to cross Mustafar using cardboard "stones" placing them one in front of the other (they only had one per each child and two extras per each team. The first child had to place the stones until the last child was on a stone and picked up the one behind them passing it to the front of the line doing this after each step until all the trainees were across. They they did it back across again using the last person as the first to cross this time. They liked this one so much that they did it over again!

detonator training. They had to pass a detonator (a ball with a light in the middle) until the light went out (the person holding the ball was out). Like hot potato - but with no actual winner. All the trainees were given a choice of wearing a mask - I bought 13 from ebay - they liked being able to change characters. Just make sure that their are some for girls if you invite girls to your party!

Imperial Ship Destruction My oldest son created a chalk drawing on our driveway of the Imperial Ship. Using water balloons the trainees had to bomb the Imperial Ship to make it disappear. There were rules - no throwing at each other - and they had to stand so far away from the ship. This was a big hit!

The other games that we ran out of time for were destroy darth vader (my oldest son made a Darth Vader picture) we were going to use Nerf guns to shoot Darth vader. We also made pod racers (using boxes) - they were to have pod racing around our yard. We also had a Darth Vader pinata that was filled with candy that we forgot all about!!

the Knight ceremony I presented the trainees with their offical certificates (I printed them using some pictures I found online - a Jedi logo - and word perfect). They read: "Jedi Training Certificate of Achievement" "This certificate announces that on 07-03-09 (Name) has proven to be worthy of training to become a Jedi. The bearer of this honor is now a Padawan a student devoted to the ancient training of the Jedi Knights. Fom this day forth remember a Jedi uses the Force for knowledge and defense never for attack. The Force will be with you always." I signed each of them "Siri Tachi Jedi Master". When I handed them their certificates I also handed them back their light saber that they had used in training. They were surprised that they got to keep their light sabers. At this time parents were coming already for pick up. We still didn't get to do a couple of things (due to time) so we passed out the favors (yes more things!) which included : park buckets (these were Halloween buckets - purchased for $.50 each at Wal-mart the week after Halloween). Inside was a small activity book ($1.00 each Wal-mart) Star Wars yo-yos Darth Vader pencil glow braclets (pack of five $1.00) Star Wars pez ($1.00 each- dollar store) and a Star Wars happy meal toy (looked at yard sales for these) and a couple of the edible light sabers. They got these buckets their light sabers a blaster (squirt gun) their certificate and a plastic cup from the Cantina ($.79 Toys R Us) that they used earlier (we put their names on them).

Resolution: Kindness

2010-01-13T11:11:00.000-06:00

I've determined to be kind this year. It’s as good a resolution as any for a new year Now I'm not always perfect at it and there are times when I have to speak hard truth in love, but I'm choosing to be kind as a way of living.

What you sow you reap (and we could all use a little kindness), and kindness has a way of healing hurts and bringing peace to a household. It is worth the consideration and effort that it takes to make that lifestyle change.

Here I am going to study what the Word has to say about kindness and ask the Lord to teach me day by day how to live a life of kindness.

... put on a heart of ... kindness ... Colossians 3:12 NAS

Definition
The Bible uses the word kind 59 times. But what does it mean to be kind? I thought I'd start with the definition so here is it:

In English, kindness has come to mean being warm-hearted and considerate. The origin of the word is from the very same Saxon word kind which means family, or child, as in kin, or kindred. In German, kind means child - as in the German word kindergarten, which literally means a children's garden.

Kindness literally means being gentle and caring, as with a child, or with family. In the Hebrew Scriptures, the word most-often translated as kindness is (pronounced) kheh-sed; it means merciful or gracious. In the New Testament, the Greek word (pronounced) kray-sto-tace, which means gentleness, is usually translated as kindness.

Origin Word Pronunciation Meaning
English kindness warm-hearted and considerate
Hebrew Hesed kheh-sed merciful or gracious
Greek kyrie kray-sto-tace gentleness
Elos mercy

But what does it look like?
I'm going to look at Abraham, Ruth, Samuel, David, Job, Jeremiah.... to discover what it looks like to be kind

1. How do I exhibit kindness in my daily life?
2. What can I do to develop more of a kindness attitude?
3. What blocks the practice of kindness in my life? How can I make kindness function better, stronger, and faster, even in times of uncertainty and stress?
4. How can I make kindness function better, stronger, and faster, even in times of uncertainty and stress?

Kindness (Rom. 2:1-4; 12:9-21; Ephesians 4:32; Col. 3:12-14; 1 John 3:16-23) is the medium through which Christ’s love becomes tangible through us. It is practicing benevolence and a loving attitude towards others. Kindness is the essence that shows the world that we are a Christian, like the fragrance coming from a flower. It is being convicted with God’s Word, and then modeling it to others. Kindness is the subject to the object of who we are in Christ!

Cruelty, spitefulness, being mean, and holding grudges are the opposites. This can include seeking to harm someone, being cruel and rude, or just ignoring people you do not like. God created us for relationships, and when we ignore this, we fail in the most important aspect in life besides our relationship in Him!

· Here are positive examples from Scripture (Gen. 39:21-23; Josh. 2:4-16; Ruth 2:8-16; 3:15; Luke 7:2-6; Acts 24:23; 27:3, 43)
· Here are negative examples from Scripture (Gen. 21:9-14; 37:12-36; Ex. 5:6-18; Luke 22:64; John 19:3)

My Prayer
"Remember, O Lord, Thy tender mercies and Thy loving kindnesses; for they have been ever of old. Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to Thy mercy remember Thou me for Thy goodness' sake, O Lord. Good and upright is the Lord: therefore will He teach sinners in the way. The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will He teach His way." (Psalm 25:6-9 KJV)

Merry Christmas from the Medleys

2009-12-15T16:13:00.000-06:00

Going Green and Emailing the Christmas Letter... enjoy!

From the first coin toss of the year, we kept our eye on the end zone, coaching our little players and cheering every play...

We welcomed a new 9lb 7oz rookie to the team in April—Trenton Todd (#4) is fitting into the team quite nicely. His first season will be complete April 6th. Not long after the initial snap at school, I was on the sidelines watching Clayton (#1) go in for a touchdown at kindergarten graduation. This fall he played his first season of flag football. After finishing a stellar 3rd season at Parents Day Out Preston (#2) became a free agent and was picked up by Shallowater’s Pre-Kindergarten in August. In the red zone of summer, Clayton and Preston played baseball - Clayton played on 3 teams! So as not to cause a personal foul, Addison (#3) took a dance class too and mostly stayed in the pocket to avoid being sacked. She also played her first season of soccer on a team with Preston.

Always quick on the return, Billy is always my MVP, running car pool, fixing everything from appliances to boo boos, and keeping the team morale high. Watching the play clock run out on the year, we are thankful for fans who stick with us calling audibles, running out of bounds, intentionally grounding at times.

So here’s to the extra point and another season full of plays worthy of the highlight reel!

Billy and Heather Medley— Clayton, Preston, Addison and Trenton

Weekend Update

2009-09-12T16:00:00.000-05:00

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Frugal Fun Filled Weekend

2009-08-30T10:29:00.000-05:00

Who says that there's nothing to do in Lubbock?

This weekend we had all sorts of free - or nearly free options. We went to the TTU museum for a Renaissance Fair, the Grape Crush at the winery, Shakespeare in the Park... we might have even gone to the farm, if we'd had the time!

Check out LubbockFunClub.com

Princess for a Day

2009-03-14T21:37:00.000-05:00

A few months ago I started thinking about what we were going to do for Addison's birthday. I know that sounds odd, but I love birthdays, party planning and ....well, I'm having a baby a week before her actual birthday. I really love - I mean really love planning parties. So much so that that is part of my job - I get paid to plan and host events.

Addison wanted a princess party so we started to talk about it and think about how I could put off a party so close to my due date. I haven't really cleaned my house since I stopped being able to see my toes so I knew that it had to be some where else and I knew that I didn't want to plan games and fun myself since I can't really breathe anymore with the little man sitting on my chest. But I wanted it to really be a birthday party that Addy would remember, no cherish.

I hunted on the Internet for games, thought about printing off color sheets or a role play game... they all made me tired just thinking about it. So I googled "lubbock princess" and I found http://www.myenchantedparty.com/ I asked my husband about it, emailed the princess, chatted it up with some of our friends and booked them to come to Addy's party. Fingers crossed

When I showed her the invitation, she carried it around for weeks - well, more like a month. She asked everyone to read it to her over and over so much so that she had the poem memorized.

Princes and Princesses from across the land,
are gathering for an event that's truly grand!
You are cordially invited to

Addison Medley’s
Royal Birthday Celebration!

For tea and cookies, fun, and
a very special guest surprise!

Please have your carriage arrive at ....

Festivities start on
....

Royal garb is optional, but would be greatly appreciated by the Birthday Princess

Your presence would truly be an honor!

All kings and queens are welcomed.

I was a little nervous about how it would all come together, especially for a mixed crowd of 3 and 4 year olds. We filled out name tags, oohed and ahhed over the guests that were dressed up, offered crowns and scepters, and did the tea and cookies as the guests arrived - all while waiting for the "very special guest surprise."

The "prince" came in to set up and to announce the arrival of the princess, got all of the children involved using their "outside voices" to yell "Princess!" She made he grand entrance, greeted the children, sang a dream is a wish your heart makes, smiling at the guests and shaking hands. Addison was memorized. She couldn't take her eyes off of the princess.

They proclaimed Addison "Princess for the Day" gave her a crown and a wand. She stuck so close to the princess, she sat with her as they took photos with the princess for each of the guests to take home. All the while the princess remained in character, taking to the children about "her story," and even played princess trivia with them. One of the children said something about her cat adn she reminded them that actually it was step-mothers cat. wow! That's a princess in character.

It was magical. Really, you can blame it on hormones, but it brought tears to my eyes, watching Addy love everything about the day - the guests, the princess, the cookies and tea - everything. She thanked everyone, was absolutly gracious. I was so proud of her - it ws truly an enchanted party.

Pre-holiday car clinic offers maintenance, warns students about drowsy driving - La Vida

2009-03-11T07:48:00.000-05:00

Pre-holiday car clinic offers maintenance, warns students about drowsy driving - La Vida

The Joy of Cooking

2009-02-06T11:11:00.001-06:00

I really wish I got as excited as Addy about learning new things or even trying new things. It seems too often anymore when I'm asked to do something out of my comfort zone or something that I just plain don't want to/don't know how to do - I resist - a lot.

But what joy and excitement comes with a little change of attitude.

Prolific Men of Letters Pass

2009-01-27T14:37:00.000-06:00

I just read that John Updike died. I cried. I first "met" John Updike as an undergraduate in Art Saltzman's class reading "Rabbit, Run." My first impluse was to e-mail Dr. Saltzman and thank him for introducing me to such a great writer. So I went to the MSSU English page where I read:

Art Saltzman Dies Suddenly: Click here.

Longtime colleague Art Saltzman died on January 8, 2008, at home. He was just 54. His death leaves a huge hole in the department, which had enjoyed his presence for 26 1/2 years. Art was laid to rest in a graveside service in Chicago on January 11. A memorial service was held on February 3, from 2:00 to 3:30, in the Spiva Gallery on campus. Saltzman family members were also present. A prolific author, outstanding teacher, and good colleague, Art will be missed.
To read the Chicago Tribune obituary notice and the guestbook, posted January 10, click here.

I should have thanked him sooner

Last Week was a Month Long

2008-11-24T21:19:00.000-06:00

Monday was our 7 year anniversary. we are used to being busy, it's true. Seven years and our oldest is 6. We are expecting our 4th - we are used to being busy.

Monday...well, we should start with last Friday because that is the day that Preston had his tonsils out. Makes for a long weekend. But we went to the movies to keep everyone entertained and we played game at home. Sunday, Preston looked at us like we were crazy when we asked him if he'd just like to stay at home and cuddle. "No, it's church day," he said. So we went. Then we had a small group meal together that night.

Monday Billy ran to the office, we got Clay off to school, Addy to Parents Day Out and with Preston in tow, I caught up to Billy for a "romantic" Anniversary Breakfast - can anything be romantic over grits, really? Billy dropped Preston off with my grandparents, recently back in the States from a European Cruise down the Danube for their anniversary and I rushed to the OBY/GN office for our sonogram appointment.

Billy got there a few minutes before we were called back and as I was laying there trying to look an images of our new little one, Billy and the sonographer talk shop - science, genetics, game boys even. Guess if you talk to chicks all day you make the most of a conversation with a man anytime you can.

After we learned that #4 is a boy and realized we better get to thinking of some boy names, Billy head out to El Paso for the week and I went to love on my Preston, look at my grandmothers trip photos and eat chicken nuggets with my granddad.

That night we got a last minute call to come eat with my ex-uncle, I guess that what he is. So I ate enchiladas, tried to help Preston find something he could eat, corral Addison and chat with Clay about his day and visit with my family. Billy went to Outback Steakhouse in El Paso by himself - how romantic - what an anniversary!

The week went on with pain medication every 4 hours -and all night long too - an antibiotic twice a day...and Popsicles and new bunk beds and laundry and dishes and homework....

Thursday we had a luncheon at work. I was running about an hour late that morning. Couldn't get a hold of Billy. I was bringing a side dish and a turkey. I forgot the turkey at home and had to go back to get it. On the way I got a call from George, Billy's boss.

"Billy's fine," he starts...
no, he's not or you would be calling me, I'm thinking. And a million horrible things run through my head. I knew we didn't have enough life insurance!
"There's been a car accident."
Ha, I knew he wasn't fine. And even if he is, he's not going to be!

I still couldn't get a hold of him. I called Ann at the church to ask our church family to pray. I didn't know much about what had happened, but I know prayer works. When I did get a hold of Billy he was on the way to the ER and told me the car was totaled. Someone pulled out in front of him. They t-boned. Air bags went off. He was sick to his stomach. Shoulders hurt. I was too far away. Helpless.

I told a few people, a few emailed after they got the prayer request via email, but I really couldn't talk about it. The possibilities were just too real. All the what if's crowded my thoughts. I cried at my desk hoping no one came in my office. But I didn't want to leave. What else would I do all day? At least I was occupied.

Before we could even talk about options, George sent someone down to help Billy so that they could finish the job and then come back to Lubbock together. Finish the job? I want him home now!

Finally when Billy walked through the door on Friday night, anniversary grits and sleepless nights of tonsil medicines didn't seem to be that big of a deal anymore. He was home and that was ok.

Breakfast with Mrs Clause

2008-11-22T21:52:00.000-06:00

It was time to welcome Santa back to Lubbock and spend time with Mrs. Claus for a special story and breakfast -sausage biscuits -compliments of McDonald’s and Junior League of Lubbock's Holiday Happening.

Preston didn't go to the front to listen to the story with the other children, but when it was time to get up close, he seemed to be fascinated.

Nana bought the kids something new to wear for their special breakfast with Mrs. Clause. The boys wanted to look cool and not dress up too much. But the dress Clay found for Addy was too cute - and even came with a matching dress for her baby.

Preston, still recovering from his tonsillectomy, without medication or a morning nap yet, he stayed close to Nana.

All of the children received a goodie bag containing a cookie decorated by Aunt Norie’s Confections, cocoa mix, and even a toothbrush from Double T Smiles. What a great morning!

Baby Medley#4

2008-11-19T08:23:00.000-06:00

We had a sonogram this week and Baby Medley#4 is BOY - no doubt about it!

We are so excited - and so are the kids - Addison didn't want to share her room, her stuff or her daddy anyway. The sonongrapher tols us that if he and his wife could have more kids he'd want it to look just like this one - so healthy!

Healthy, but nameless ...We need your help in picking out a name. We had a name if it was a girl, but boy names....we'd had several suggestions but nothing that we've landed on yet. So far, we've just been calling the baby Lastin - because this is the "Last One," the end of the baby train for Momma Medley. It's just a joke. I know that Preston told some of you that was really what we were calling him, but really, just a little joke.

If you have any ideas shoot them our way. To fit with that pattern it just need to be a -ton name like Clayton and Preston. Can't name this one Bob and just tell him that we were too tired -

A few ideas that have been offered already
Dalton
Garrison
Harrison
Harrington
Heston - like Charleton
Houston - like the city
Jonathan - Preston wants to call him Jo-Jo anyway...
Maxamillion...

A Generous Wife

2008-09-24T07:20:00.000-05:00

I keep in contact with several of my former students. Working at the university makes it easy to run into quite a few of them - so does facebook.com. Yesterday, as I often do, I heard about one of my dear former students, who recently got married. It seems that she's having trouble being a wife. After hearing that sex is taboo for so long it's odd to think that it's all of a sudden alright.

And it's not just with my newly married friends that being sexually intimate seems to be a problem either. I have many friends in the "we have babies at home and man, I'm tired" stage of life. I'm there too! About a year ago I started looking for something to help me put my mind on track with who I needed to be, who I was called to be, for my husband. After much prayer, I ran across quite a few great things, providentially.

The first is a website, a community, called The Generous Wife. The author will even send daily tips to your inbox. It's just a little tidbit reminding you about things you can do to make your husband feel special. For so long -and he still does - Billy gets leftovers. After everyone else is taken care of, he's last in line. Sometimes that's the nature of the business, I understand, but there are things that I can do for him to remind him of who he is for me - for our family. But first I just have to think about him. Add him to "the list" so to speak.

Then yesterday I heard of a new book coming out from Shannon Etheridge, who says, "female sexuality isn’t an embarrassing taboo, but an enriching treasure! Most women today are sexually competent. They know what to do in the bedroom... But I want more than that for you. I want you to be sexually confident.

Sexual confidence isn’t just for the supermodel or porn star. It’s the birthright of every woman, and the deep desire of every husband for his wife. It’s also a valuable legacy that we pass down to our own daughters and granddaughters as they are seeking to understand, embrace, and celebrate their own sexuality within marriage." That is exciting to me - a birthright, really? I'd always heard it talked about like a chore, something to take care of.

On her blog she has a community of women who prove the idea that women want to be the wife they were called to be, but have some obstacles to overcome. Don't we all?

And finally, Today's Christian Woman Online is a get resource to understand how other Christian women feel and cope. It has information about many, many topics. It's helped me to re-focus when I can't seem to see the big picture anymore. When I feel like I must be the only one going through this of having these feelings, it shows me just how many of us struggle with the same things.

I learned that just becasuse it isn't working now, doesn't mean with prayer and understanding that it won't work.

God's Economy or We Met the Veggie Tales

2008-09-23T22:35:00.000-05:00

Don't you just love God's economy? You give it away and it comes back to you - 10 fold it seems. The Law of Sowing and Reaping. It works.

For example, my little sisters best friend from high school (follow that?) gave me some of her maternity clothes, but I'd loaned her mine at Heidi 's wedding - the weekend we got pregnant with Addison - who knew?

Plus, this weekend she gave us toys, a jumper, and some baby cereal too. Instead of holding onto the entire bag full of unopened cereal for the next 7+ months and trying to find a place to store it, I gave it to the ladies at Parents Day Out where my children go twice a week to use with the kids there, to share with the other parents, etc. As I was walking out the door that morning the lady at the front desk commented that I had ulterior motives - that I knew God would return to me what I gave away.

I do know that!

I got an email this week about a local Christian Radio Station needing volunteers to help with a Veggie Tales Live Event that was in town. I called and told them I could help during the 3PM show, but that I had tickets to bring my kids to the 7PM show. It was a great afternoon. I took photos, passed out free stuff, signed folks up for a drawing....not much different than what I do at my day job really. After the show I rushed to pick up Clayton and we went straight back to the church where the Veggies were so that we could get in the first come first serve line - to get better seats. My mom was going to come about 30 minutes later with the little one and Billy was working on getting over there from taking care of his dad. I was really sort of in a panic hurrying to get the best seats I could. I would have to find 6 all together.

I should have known that the one who loves me best already had it all worked out for me. As Clay and I walked in to give the gals our tickets, the lady I volunteered for earlier that day was standing right there and told me that the seats in the middle of the front row were roped off for us. The best seats in the house! I was amazed. God knew and already had it worked out.

The kids had room to dance and chase bubbles and interact with the characters on stage. It was a truly memorable night. Watching them sing every word to the songs, praising God and being silly was a blessing.

And to make things even sweeter, during intermission they were giving away Meet and Greet passes for after the show to folks who could answer Veggie Trivia Questions. Guess who won? Billy! So we all got to go shake hands and hug on Bob and Larry after the show.

Is my God good, or what?

Oh Yes

2008-08-27T21:15:00.000-05:00

And baby makes six.

It starts out awkward, peeing on a stick and then showing to others, and just keeps getting weirder as 40 weeks inches across your midsection. Sickness. Exhaustion. Your body's not your own. Heartburn. Swollen feet. Bathroom breaks. Bursts of Energy. Rushes of Emotion. Anxiety. You're not yourself. Strangers talk to you and share personal stories. Family gathers around to watch your belly.

This one will be number four at the Medley House. We are joking about calling the baby "Lastin" because it will be the Last one.

Billy is elated. He's probably already called to tell you.

Clayton has decided that the baby can sleep in his room and he thinks that he would like to help "wash it" and "maybe feed it sometimes."

Preston wants a tiny baby. Like mustard seed tiny according to his hand motions.

When I asked Addy where the baby was going to sleep, she said "in a cage." We'll keep an eye on that one for sure.

I'm not sure how I feel now. It's a new adventure - that's for sure. I thought that I was done. Four seems overwhelming at this point, but then again I just took three to Wal-Mart...Wal-Mart can be overwhelming when I'm by myself.

Nevertheless, he we go again!