« April 2008 | Main | June 2008 »

May 30, 2008

Product Endorsements

Some of my favorite stuff lately.

The Colgate 360 Toothbrush literally knocked my tooth socks off. It's like a minty party in your mouth, and everybody's invited.

I wish I had a Bobbin Saver for everything in my house. I love cute, purple, rubber organized circles!

This toilet scrubber was made to love my toilet. They're soulmates, and I'll never separate them till death do they part.

And lastly, my foot is rocking this summer slip on by Sketchers! I'm not much of a shoe girl, but this one had me at hello.

So. Your turn. Tell me 'bout your stuff.

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:44 AM | Comments (9)

May 29, 2008

Having A Baby

...is on my brain these days. (Oh, I do love misleading headlines!)

Anyway, it's crazy, I know. There are days when things flow so smoothly, days when hardly anybody cries, days when I feel like we're almost out of the trenches-- and I couldn't IMAGINE starting all over again with another child. As a matter of fact, many times I whisper a "thank you, Jesus" prayer that we've come so far. Because those are fantastic days- and they're happening more frequently lately. They're almost enough to squash that baby urge all together. But not quite. Because there's still a sliver of something in me that just can't believe I'll never be pregnant again, never breathe in that sweet newborn scent again, never have impossibly tiny fingers wrap around mine. And when it hits, it hits hard.

It's not that I feel as if our family isn't complete. I'm very happy with the dynamics of four kids- our quiver is certainly full. It's so full, in fact, that I wonder how we'd accommodate anything extra. But still... this feeling.

I suppose it would be there after the last baby, no matter how many children I have. Because it means, this is the end of this part of my life. A chapter is finished, a really BIG chapter, the best one so far. And now as I approach the end of it, I don't know how to turn that last page. So much of who and what I am, so much of my purpose- is wound up in bringing forth life. We can't help it, as women. We've been playing "mommie" since we could hold a baby doll. It's not just a mindset, it's a biological force that we've dealt with since adolescence. Moving beyond it, denying that function, is a wrenching decision.

I will be 33 this year, and in many ways, I'm ready to hand off the torch to the younger women, let them have the babies. Because it's tough, and I'm a little bit tired. But my fingers hesitate, and my heart is torn, and I wonder if I have stamina enough for just one more run.

If I don't, if I've given everything I have to give, then it means I must have a different kind of strength- the kind to say, Okay. I'm done.

I'm not so sure which of those is harder.

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:01 AM | Comments (8)

May 28, 2008

No Animal Exploitation Today.

Hullo world! We had an extended Memorial Day vacation, just making it back last night. Tons of laundry to wash, stuff to put away, coupons to clip, groceries to buy, and calories to burn from nonstop binge-snacking. So I'll blog lata. Hope you are having a wunnerful hump day.

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:20 AM | Comments (0)

May 23, 2008

Jungle Lovin'

Have I introduced you to Tory yet? He's the rambunctious box turtle the kids found about three weeks ago, and adopted as their pet. He's great. He's very animated for a turtle, not shy at all. He eats voraciously, gazes at you curiously, and seems to enjoy contact with kids. So, yeah. I hit the pet jackpot, 'cause he is LOW maintenance, people. King Pen built him a turtle run, a big enclosed habitat that he can totally mellow in. He's a happy boxie boy.

The only thing he was lacking was a little *ahem female companionship. Until today, that is, when HeroBoy exploded with discovery, "I FOUND ANOTHER TORY!!!!" I cannot express his sheer, unadulterated joy.

So we put "Tiger" in the turtle run, and she immediately went to town on some chopped bananas. The poor dear was starved to death. Good thing she got a bite before Tory noticed her, because as soon as he saw that gorgeous little turtle shell with it's marvelous stripes and fashionable spots... well. See for yourself.

"Mama! What is Tory doing?"

They're wrestling, sweetie.

"Wow, Tory looks really happy, Mama!"

Yes, he does.

"Oh Tory is so funny! He's trying to get a piggy-back ride! "

Er-

"Why won't Tory stop, Mama?"

Um-

"Whoa, why is he wiggling like that?"

Okie dokie then, time to go have a snack, kids!

As I dragged the kids away, I swear Tiger was giving me the stink eye.

PS. I'm not even sure they're the same species, by the way. Tory looks more like a Three-toed box turtle, while Tiger looks like an Eastern Box. I just hope Tory is confident that Tiger is a girl (cause I am NOT peeking under her shell).

Posted by WonderGirl at 3:28 PM | Comments (11)

May 21, 2008

Checking in, Mon.

Well, um... er... this is awkward.

I mean, I said I'd blog. And I'm not so sure what I've done lately qualifies. But, guys!!! (Okay, I'll minus that whiney tone.) It's a real dilemma when the kids are gone. I can either be majorly productive, sewing and cleaning and organizing and running all those kidfree errands that seem to pile up. Or, I could indulge in some grownup time- watching movies, getting my hair did, sleeping till noon, eating sushi in my slippers (not sushi INSIDE my slippers, sushi while WEARING my slippers. You just gotta be difficult, don't you?) Or, I could catch up on emails and blogging and what have you. OR, I could be reading the 3rd Outlander book, which just HAPPENED to come in the mail yesterday, and which just HAPPENS to be totally rocking.

See? It's tough. Nobody should be forced to make a decision like that.

In the end, I decided to do what I felt like in the moment, which is a little bit of everything. I've run some errands, folded some clothes, watched some movies. And while doing all those things, I've just enjoyed having Chipmunk all to myself for a few days. It's been a really wonderful two days.

I've got one more to go, and then I pick up the kids on Thursday. I have to thank my mother-in-law for providing this lovely break! I really appreciate it, and have made the most of it.

If I haven't quite blogged as much as I would have hoped, well, I'm just gonna cut myself some slack. Sometimes you gotta kick back, don't worry, and be happy. That's what I've done the last few days.

And it's been AWESOME.

Now, if you'll excuse me... the ice is melting in my piña colada the next load of laundry is ready in the dryer.

Y'all have a good day, hear?

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:35 AM | Comments (5)

May 20, 2008

Youknowwhat in the City

Get. A. Room. Already.

Honestly.

PS This doesn't count for the promised blogging, by the way. Just a random observation about moving back to the deep South.

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:46 AM | Comments (2)

May 19, 2008

The Duke

No matter how I tried to stop it, the Duke broke my heart by turning three on May 13th. Ah, fleet-footed time! Slow down!! He didn't know it was his birthday, because we decided to celebrate it over Memorial Day weekend, when we will be hanging out with extended family. At three, it's best to keep things simple. I'm yearning to write his birthday post, but I'm going to hold off until I have birthday pictures to go along with it.

Let's just say, I love him to bits.

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:15 AM | Comments (7)

May 18, 2008

Help From You

Some of you have mentioned that you'd like some BohoBaby business cards or brochures to have on hand. They FINALLY came in, and they're cute as buttons. So if you are still interested, please email me your address and I'll send you a media kit. I LOVE YOU. Thank you, seriously. You guys have been so supportive and encouraging through this whole thing, and I really, truly appreciate it. Your comments have helped to push this through all the way! If I didn't think it was culturally inappropriate, I'd give you a big smack on the lips. But we don't do that in America. Germs, and all. We do hearty handshakes and backslaps, and genteel hugs. So consider yourself genteely hugged. Because we're way past handshakes and backslaps, aren't we? I mean, we're tight, right?

Oh, and by the way. This week, there will be blogging. Kids are headed out of town for a few days, and the Sift is getting some much needed attention. It's been acting out lately... coming home late... sassing me under it's breath... I can tell we need some quality time together. There is talk of a putt-putt golf outing, but I don't want to spoil the surprise.

Okay, I'm out. Y'all let me know (thesiftATyahoo.com) if you want the kit, or leave a comment and I'll repond back to it directly. Thank you, my little cherry blossoms!

PS-- As an alternative, I could email you a digital copy of the card and flyer, but that seems like more trouble than it's worth. Just making it available, though.

Posted by WonderGirl at 6:36 PM | Comments (2)

May 16, 2008

An Occasional Perk of Homeschooling

Me: Okay kids, no school today.

Them: Really? Wow!!

Me: Yup. We'll just eat a few of these instead.

What? They're good for your brain.

Posted by WonderGirl at 2:09 PM | Comments (1)

From Her Sketchbook

Czarina is her father's daughter. When something interests her, she is quick to grab her pen and pad and try to capture it with lines. Here are a few pages from the mind of my seven year old.

Continue reading "From Her Sketchbook"

Posted by WonderGirl at 12:07 PM | Comments (11)

May 14, 2008

BohoBaby Winner!

Hollie won the giveaway over at Musings of a Housewife! There were over 140 entries, and a Sift reader won! How do ya like that? Thanks for participating, everybody. I wish you all could have won! Oh, and I'll be handing out cokes for those of you who helped promote this little venture-- thank you so much. In addition, Hollie, you can look for a little lagniappe to come with your sling, as I promised if she selected a Sift reader.

In related news, I've taken extra fabric from my slings and made a few tote bags. They are TOO cute. I don't know what to do with them, though. Sell them? I've given a few as gifts. This one, I just had to keep myself:

The purple lining is such a delicious color that I want to eat it. I am eager to wear it out, and may have to settle on a trip to Kroger just to go show it off.

Anyway... so, thoughts on these? I could make them in addition to the slings- they take me about the same time. But cost-wise, what would you say? They have a pocket on the inside, and a shape-holding piece in the bottom. They are basic, but well made and durable. And they cost me nothing out of pocket, as they are made from my remnants stash.

Advise!

Posted by WonderGirl at 5:17 PM | Comments (14)

Shutting It Down

Yowch. That sign just kicks ya right in the gut, huh?

Self revelation is rarely a pretty thing. I had a rather jarring realization the other day about my internal complaint system. Totally malfunctioning. It was kicked all the way up. Running nonstop. You couldn't see it or hear it, because it was on silent mode, but it was steady vibrating in my pocket.

And, nothing can sustain that maximum level for long, before overheating and blowing out.

Okay, 'nuff with the analogy.

Seriously, though. I have a tendency to internalize discontent, which is not to say I'm some sort of martyr, bearing up under stress. It's a bad thing to do. It is sneaky, in that it steals the joy and satisfaction of a job well done. It undermines the good things going on in your life.

And it's so easy to do, complaining in your brain. You look pretty good from the outside. But it's wrong, just as wrong as griping over a microphone for everybody to hear. What's inside you never stays there for long- it's bound to find a way out eventually. Better to deal with it right now, when it's just a thought, than before it becomes a word in your mouth that you can't take back. Before your complaining words find innocent targets.

The Bible is clear about complaining. Don't do it. Not in your mind, not in your heart, and not with your voice.

1 Corinthians 10:10 - And do not grumble, as some of them did—and were killed by the destroying angel.

Psalm 106:25 - They grumbled in their tents and did not obey the LORD.

Ephesians 4:29 - Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

Good grief-- how far short do I fall of that last one? What percentage of my internal dialogue is edifying and kind? I would be ashamed to hear my voice ringing out loud with some of the things I've thought, and that's not an easy thing to confess.

Consider it this way: do you know somebody who complains all the time? It's exhausting, isn't it? You can't console them, because that's not what they want to hear. You can't encourage them, either, it doesn't even register. And their discontent is infectious, it contaminates the people around them. You never bring them up, and they'll always bring you down. It's exasperating and frustrating. I imagine that God must feel that way sometimes when we complain in our spirits- because He certainly hears our thoughts and knows our hearts. Imagine your complaints as a megaphone in His ear. That certainly gives me pause. I don't want to be that person. I really don't.

So how do you stop? Well, if you've had a lifetime of indulging your inner complain-o-meter, then it'll be a struggle. But if you want a sweet heart, a gentle spirit- then you've got to start by relinquishing your discontent. When you feel that grouchy instinctive response to something- to a bump in your day, an interruption in the middle of your work, to the regular, small irritations of life... just stop. Make today the day that nothing ruffles you. Today is No Complaint Day. Just for today, be the duck the water rolls right off of. Determine to be absolutely unruffled. Loosey-goosey. It's actually quite liberating. Being unhappy is exhausting work. God is working diligently to bring joy into our lives- Romans 8:28- And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. Being discontent means we're swimming against the current of His outpoured love! It's not the natural direction for the Christian. We are wearing ourselves out, and don't even know it. "Go with the flow" has special meaning for Christians. I don't want to waste precious time flailing about in bitter waters, when I could be sailing in His goodness.

(I really milk those analogies, don't I? Squeeze every last drop out of 'em.)

Anyway. Besides out right, purposeful rejection of the whiny, complainy voice in your head, you can, and should, pray. Pray that God will help you be happy today, in this moment, in this life with all it's imperfections and aggravations. Ask Him to give you peace and joy no matter what the circumstances are in your life. And most importantly, ask Him to give you a grateful heart. Thank Him for all He's done in your life, then try to count those countless blessings. It's hard to be thankful and to complain at the same time. Try it- it just can't be done.

It starts small. It starts today. That's all you have to do, is just this 24 hour period. You can do that, you know you can. Then tomorrow, you do it again. Wash, rinse, and repeat. It'll get easier, the voice will get smaller, and you'll feel better. I guarantee it.

Anyway, those are just some thoughts on my mind today. I figured, maybe some of you know what I'm talking about, and might benefit from yet another painful, hard learned, WonderGirl lesson.

Will I ever learn things the easy way? Doesn't seem likely. Usually takes the big, obvious road signs that say, "STOP SINNING!" Good thing God keeps putting them up all over the place. Ha.

**Photo by Brett Rogers (http://www.beatcanvas.com)

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:54 AM | Comments (1)

May 13, 2008

Important Looks

Okay, I have a confession to make. I -er- watch The Hills. I can't help it! I'm sorry! I know, it's an awful show where everybody looks the same and nothing ever happens. (As King Pen feels compelled to point out EVERY single time he catches me watching it!)

What I want to know, if you watch this i.q. dropping show as well, what is up with the pregnant pauses? Do these people really give that many significant looks, or is this creative editing? Honestly, they LOOK at each other for most of the show. It's maddening! Talk! Say something! Or, is this confirmation that what they DO say is so unintelligent that the producers are forced to cut out the actual conversations? That seems likely.

But the shoes, dangit! And the belts! And the huge sunglasses! I can't quit watching the shiny clothes!!

Alrightie. I need to go scrub my brain now.

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:26 AM | Comments (6)

May 12, 2008

Dangerous

King Pen and I were talking last night about this movie, which I accidentally called, "No Country for Old Women".

Why does that make me burst out laughing? Cause old ladies don't cause trouble, people. At least, not in roving gangs. Unless you count the quiltin' fueds, which can get pretty vicious.

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:40 AM | Comments (7)

After Midnight AGAIN.

Okay, this is me, going to bed. See? Seriously, this post is gonna be all of TWO SECONDS, I swear it.

Just wanted to remind you guys about the giveaway that starts today. I think a winner will be chosen on Thursday? Not sure. But, please, do get the word out! If you can mention it on your blog, I will owe you a coke. An icy, perfectly fizzy, absolutely delicious coca-cola. It'll be one of those amazing moments when you're totally parched, choking on the dust of a ball field, or sweating at the office picnic-- and surprise, surprise, I'll be there. Holding out the most beautiful, thirst-quenching beverage you've ever seen. All for telling your peeps to go try to win a cute babysling at Musings of a Housewife.

Okay, enough shameless self-promotion. I'm out, ya'll, before I keel over.

PS Happy Mother's Day, mamas!! Hope yours was as nice as mine.

Posted by WonderGirl at 1:39 AM | Comments (1)

May 9, 2008

I Will Dwell

This is a beautiful video. This woman is in labor, singing the 23rd Psalm. No worries, it's in no way graphic. If you have a moment, please watch it. It is one of the most moving, intimately spiritual glimpses into someone's life I've ever seen.

What's so amazing about this video is the visible, vivid picture of our dependence on God. The physical struggle for peace, for strength, during dreadful pain-- what a metaphor. I see her striving, hear her praising God in the midst of adversity, and my soul expands. I am lifted up, joined with heavenly choirs. It is so clearly what God wants of us. That in our pain, we call out to Him, we trust Him. That despite our circumstances, the heartwrenching moments in life, we are looking to Him. No matter how it hurts, that we do not curse His name. We do not rail against Him, instead, we cling to Him, as our only hope and salvation.

That's what I see when I watch this video.

I know it acutely, I know where she is as her body toils in the particular pain of childbirth, and I marvel at it. But pain comes in all forms. Whether it is living with the consequences of our own sins, the inevitable losses and despairs of mortality, or the strain of obedience and putting to death our carnal man, pain is pain. But whatever it is, whatever you labor with, God is God. He carries you through the pain, always. He heals and soothes, He strengthens. He is bigger than any hurt this life produces.

Again, because the world needs to know- He is bigger than any hurt this life produces.

What a testimony this woman has, what use God made of her pain. May He do likewise with mine- may He have the glory in the valleys of my life.

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:43 AM | Comments (1)

May 7, 2008

BoHoHappy

Yoohoo! Guess what? Next week, Musings of a Housewife, a very nifty blog, is going to be hosting a Give-Away. And what, you ask, is she giving away? Well, that would be a BohoBaby sling. Yesiree bob! So check out her site on Monday, follow her directions, and maybe she'll pick one of you'ns! If she, by chance, chooses a Sift reader, then I'm gonna throw in something extra, because we're buds. We're tight like that. I really, really hope one of you guys wins!! Dolly? Jeannette? Laura? Wouldn't that be cool? You don't have to be pregnant to try for it though-- they make nice gifts, too.

Here's my graphic for the Give-Away-- whatcha think? Don't even ask how long it took me to figure out the watermark. It's embarrassing.

And, also, look what a lovely satisfied customer sent me! A picture of her wearing a BohoBaby sling! My heart swelled with happiness and she became my new best friend instantly. We're ordering the BFF necklaces and calling each other to coordinate our clothes for the next day. (Thank you for referring her to me, Brandy. Too bad I probably just spooked her away from ever speaking to me again.) Isn't her baby cute? I want one. Okay, no. Yes. No. Yes. No. (So forth and so on.)

Anyway, that's what's been keeping me hopping lately. Besides a massive plumbing problem that had us sans toilets and baths since last night!! Mama mia!

Even with that, though... Isa happy.

More tomorrow on coffee dates, cinco de Mayo, box turtles, and the never ending hunt for fabric. Tune in. You don't wanna miss that excitement.

Posted by WonderGirl at 6:23 PM | Comments (8)

May 6, 2008

Crazy Like a Fox?

Well, you know Hillary Clinton has fallen out of favor with the media based solely on the pictures they've been publishing lately. Yikes! Is it me, or does this woman scare the pants off you, too? Wonder how many votes Obama will get because of these babies?

(That one wasn't biased at all was it?)

(Sweet, merciful pot of chicken noodle soup, who is this poor woman Hillary is screeching at? Can you imagine getting in trouble with Mama Clinton? *shudder)

And last but not least, this pic. Not so subtle, eh?

Posted by WonderGirl at 5:56 PM | Comments (4)

May 5, 2008

Might Need Sharpening

Driving home from my inlaws, we take winding country roads for the first leg of the trip. We put down the windows, and revel in the fresh air and the sunshine as we bump along. This time of the year, Louisiana is a wild, unruly tropic. The jungle of trees and grass and bushes and briars is interrupted only by the long, manicured fields of corn and cotton. There is so much life here, lush and nearly impassable at times. It always makes me think of the effort it must have taken to civilize and cultivate this land into a livable place. Quite a formidable task!

Anyway, Louisiana becomes transformed at this time of the year into a world of green. It is a spectacle, a wonderment- that was best summed up yesterday by Czarina as we drove down a shady, cannopied road.

"Mom, do you think God's favorite color is green?" She paused, thinking deeply before answering her own question. "I think it must be, because He used it everywhere!"

She's got a point.

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:50 AM | Comments (5)

May 2, 2008

Hey, you, psstt!

No, don't look over here! Just listen.

*lowering voice We both know I should be doing something else right now. But we're not gonna mention that, yeah? You don't tell anybody I'm blogging when I shouldn't, and I won't rat you out for mindlessly surfing the internet when you've got laundry to fold and papers to file.

Mhm. Conspiracy of the procrastinators.

Okay, so just look straight ahead like you don't even notice I'm here.

So, what's everybody's weekend looking like? (Oh, you didn't think I actually had anything important to talk about, did you?) We're headed up to the inlaws for a little relaxation in the country. (Since we're such big city folk and all.) We are enjoying the ability to make the quick weekend trips to see family since we've moved closer. I am happy to see relationships deepening between the cousins, glad to spend time with everybody that isn't squeezed into a chaotic holiday. And maybe, just maybe, we can actually renew some old friendships around this part! I may gripe about central Louisiana from time to time, but the proximity to family and friends makes it all worthwhile. (Unless I get West Nile virus. Then I reserve the right to throw a very public, very embarrassing hissy fit.)

Let's see... what else?

I heard this story through my mother-in-law, who was here for a day visit the other day. She watched the kids for me while I took Czarina to the dentist, and was chatting with my next door neighbor, ML. ML loves my children, and often talks with them throughout the day as they play outside. Anyway, ML told my mother-in-law that she adores my kids. She said she got tickled the other day because the kids were hovering over a pile of roly-polies, chatting and laughing. When ML asked them why they thought there were so many roly-polies, HeroBoy responded enthusiastically, "We don't know, Mrs. ML, but we think they're having a festival!!"

Cute. Cute. Cute.

And I wanna go. Don't you know the Roly Poly Festival has to be the most happening event in bug world? Can you envision it? Can you see the roly-polies riding the grass blade ferris wheel? Eating seeds-on-a-stick?

I'm thinking about this too much.

I suppose I can't justify a rambling post about rolie-polies any longer when there are suitcases to pack. -sigh-

Okay, off with ye. Back to work, friendsters. Roll it on outta here. And do not, repeat, DO NOT, tell anybody I have been blogging today.

Posted by WonderGirl at 3:52 PM | Comments (3)

May 1, 2008

Wearing My Memories

Sweet time, these days with you- they are memories I will hold clearly forever. They are the places I will revisit when my bones are old, when I sit on the porch and wait for you.

Will you have slivers of these memories hidden in your heart? Will you remember breezy rides on the grocery cart in the parking lot? Will you feel the playdough in your hands, smell it, and remember the funny creatures we made? Will bluegrass music make you think of me, and how we danced in the living room? When you eat homemade bread, will you see us around the table as a family, sharing meals and stories of our day?

You are woven into me... your pattern and rich hues delicately stitched into the tapestry of my life. It is a blanket to wrap around myself in old age, the warmth of these memories will be a comfort, dulling the chill of coming goodbyes.

If I forget to tell you, if I miss a day of reminding you how special you are, and when I hurt you or disappoint you (because I will, little one, and I'm sorry already)... please see this image of me- a mother joyfully wrapped up in the fabric of four little lives. And if you struggle to remember these fleeting moments, if you forget the taste of the bread and the sounds of our music... then maybe this guy will remind you. Maybe he will spark your memories. And if he doesn't, then you will sit with me on the porch and I will tell you, because I am cloaked in each vivid moment. I will not forget.

I love you, all four.

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:53 AM | Comments (5)