And yes, the Tooth Fairy visited Ali last night and left her $3 (but only after going to bed first and then suddenly remembering that she was on duty.)
Ali is working on the letter "F" this week. Today we learned a song about fishies and frogs and she loves it! She keeps singing it.
Over.
And over.
And over.
I'm already prepared to have a hard time falling asleep tonight because of this catchy little tune spinning around in my head.
Over.
And over.
And over.
So, without any further ado, I give you your next......AAAAMERICAN IDOLLLL!
I heart saying "ado." Even though I'm not really sure what it means.
(Oh, and I tried to make "American" sound all exciting and dramatic like when Ryan Seacreast says it because that's how I roll.)
I heart this girl......
Apparently, this teenager's mother (God bless her) cancelled his "World of Warcraft" video game account.....whatever that is.
The following madness ensued:
Really? Seriously? This is what is awaiting me in 7-10 years??
And just for the record, would someone please inform me as to what is going on at 1 minute and 11 seconds of his tantrum?
That dude is jank.
Yeah, I know words......I learned "jank" from a very memorable episode of iCarly, in which Carly's teacher is mad at the world because her boyfriend broke up with her and angrily tells her students that "life is jank!" Then proceeds to stalk Carly's older but much less mature brother Spencer......
Did I just do a synopsis of a Nickelodeon show? I probably shouldn't know an episode of a children's show so thoroughly, should I?
Sorry, my bad.
BTW, I learned "my bad" from That's So Raven on the Disney channel.
I should probably stop typing now......
Peace out.
(I don't know where I learned "peace out" but I'm 99.9% positive it was NOT from a children's show. However, I do believe the phrase "I know words" comes from Nickelodeon's Drake and Josh.)
I am Val. I need to grow up.
Good day. I SAID GOOD DAY, DADDY!
(Yes, that's from an episode of Hannah Montana.)
Help me.
This breaks my heart, I don't even know what to say. Noah Biorkman is an adorable 5 year old little boy who lives in Michigan. He has been battling cancer for a couple of years and his doctors now say he may only have a couple weeks to live. His family has asked him what he would like to do this weekend (November 6th-8th) and Noah said he wants to celebrate Christmas.
And the thing Noah wants more than anything in the world is to get lots of Christmas cards. Such a small thing that would mean the world to this brave little guy. And I'm sure to his parents and family, too.
Tomorrow, the kids and I are going to send cards. I think I might ask the kids if they would like to make cards for little Noah.
If you feel led and want to help make a beautiful child's dream come true, will you please send Noah a Christmas card? All it will cost is the price of a card (unless you make one) and a stamp.
Please go here if you would like to read a little more about Noah.
If you wish to send a card, Noah's address is:
Noah Biorkman - 1141 Fountain View Circle, South Lyon, Michigan, 48178
Please keep Noah and his family in your thoughts and prayers this weekend and over the next few weeks. What a heart-wrenching time this must be for this family. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas, Noah!
For the past two weeks, like so many other families, we have been sick. Currently, I'm the one who is down for the count. Besides driving Ben to and from school, I've mostly been home doing mostly nothing. I think I'm coming down with cabin fever, along with this hacking cough and chest congestion. Yes, I definitely have cabin fever.
Or the plague.
Anyway, since I haven't been out of the house much and haven't felt like doing much, my 29 Day Giving Challenge has taken a backseat to all the fun we're having being sick. That's right, fun. Yes, being sick can be fun with the right attitude.
The sick-fun possibilities are endless!
Here are just a few of the perks that await you: you get to stay in your pajamas ALL day (and not just until 3:00 pm like on healthy days); you get to eat whatever you have a taste for, which may or may not include large quantities of Halloween candy and caramel apples; you get to watch the Real Housewives of Atlanta marathon in anticipation of the season premiere of the Real Housewives of Orange County, which everyone knows is by far the superior of the Housewives series; you get to take a hot bath AS MANY TIMES AS YOU WANT because it eases your aches and pains AND you can stay in the tub in the bathroom with the door locked for AS LONG AS YOU WANT and nobody can complain because, after all, you are sick; you get to put your domestic responsibilities temporarily on hold because when you have the plague, a messy house and dirty dishes are the least of your worries; you get to nap, nap, nap your day away; and finally, when you're sick, you get to do......nothing!
I know, I know. As Moms, we don't ever really get to do "nothing." But when we're sick, it's as close to "doing nothing" as motherhood will allow.
Don't get me wrong, I don't prefer being sick. But it's pretty much inevitable, so I like to approach my unhealthyness (it could be a word) with a positive attitude and as much gratitude as my immune system will allow.
I'm a "the glass in half full" kind of girl. I'm upbeat like that. But you already knew that about me right?
Back to my giving challenge. I'm continuing to walk that road but in the comfort of my home wearing my pj's and with a big bowl of Kit Kats in front of me. Sitting on the couch playing Barbies with Ali and reading a book to Ben counts as giving, right?
This is obviously not me reading to Ben but it is Ben reading. Doesn't he look all serious in his 3-D reading glasses?
And now, back to my sick-fun!
I think I'll take a nap......or a bath......or both.
There is someone very close to me who is struggling with a difficult situation. So, when I came across the following saying recently, I thought of this person. I would like to offer it to her and anyone else who is in need of a little encouragement. I know they are just words but they are POWERFUL words.
In happy moments, praise God.
In difficult moments, seek God.
In quiet moments, worship God.
In painful moments, trust God.
In every moment, thank God.
Ben, cousin Natalie and Ali......all partied out.
Today was Ben's first day back to school since last Tuesday. He was home sick Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. He is feeling much better and his cough is all but gone.
Wish the same was true for his mama.
Why is it that after all of the kids are sick and then on the road to getting better, that Mom catches it? Or is that just me?
I started coughing yesterday and today it seemed worst. No fever or aches and pains. Just a cough and some chest congestion.
Ok, this post just got officially boring. Am I really talking about chest congestion?
Normally when I feel like I'm getting sick, I just push myself until I crash. Then it takes me a week or two to get over it. I don't know if I am smartening up (is smartening a word?) or if I'm just too darn tired to push through this time but I am attempting to nip this "bad boy" in the bud before it "bites me in the butt." I am resting a little more than usual, drinking lots of water, taking all of my vitamins and trying to avoid all things sugary and processed.
And with all of the Halloween candy at my disposal, that last part is much easier said than done. Because over the past 48 hours I have been spending time with an dear old friend, who might not have my best interest in mind. I think you may know her.
Her name is Kit Kat.
And if lovin' Kit Kat is wrong, I don't wanna be right.
Reunited.
And it feels so good.
Kit Kat and me......me and Kit Kat. We go way back. Sure, we've had our ups and downs but she's helped me weather more PMS storms than I care to admit. She's been there to offer her sweet chocolaty goodness when my salad just doesn't understand. And when I run into her at the grocery store, she's always willing to come home with me to brighten up my day.
A friend like Kit just doesn't come along every day.
But, atlas, our relationship is fleeing. It comes and goes.
Just like my waistline if she stays too long.
So, goodbye dear friend. It was wonderful while it lasted......I wish you could stay just a little longer but you're no good for me. I realize that now.
Oh, and one last thing Kit Kat, give my regrets to Snickers when you see her because that one is just plain trouble when she comes around.
Thanks. I knew you would understand.
I'll miss you always......
OH, OK! I'll see ya' tomorrow!!
Pushy chick, ain't she?
I love my chickee in all her cowgirl cuteness.
I did a search on YouTube for homeschool videos.
Please don't judge.
My inner dorkiness thanks you.
Anyhoo, I came across this video from Christian comedian Tim Hawkins. The video is very clever and I appreciate his great sense of humor when it comes to all of the misconceptions about homeschooling. Plus, the music is great for this time of year.
For all of my homeschool peeps, this one's for you......I hope it makes you laugh! It's all in good fun.
Ben stayed home from school today.
Again.
He was coughing up a storm this morning so I had to make the call.
Again.
I was kind of disappointed for him to miss today because it was picture day. All of my preparations down the drain. And by preparations, I mean giving Ben a quick haircut last night and picking out a cool "picture" outfit. I know he will eventually have his picture taken on the make-up day at the end of November but it's not the same as having it taken as a group with your class. I was bummed.
Ben, he could care less. He was just happy to play Wii all day.
But who is the one who is going to have to re-cut his hair in a month and pick out the same cool outfit again? I mean, really people, how much energy do you think I have? It's like you don't know me at all.
Anyway, we were home all day and basically did nothing. Except for all the Wii playing. And all the cartoon watching. And all the chicken noodle soup eating.
It was a looooong day but I had lots of opportunities to "give" on day 2 of my 29 Day Giving Challenge. Mostly involving one coughing child and his kind of coughing sister. I know these are things I would do anyway, without the challenge, because I am a Mom. But I have to say, the meaning behind giving is more present in my mind ever since I started this challenge.
All of three days ago.
Seriously, before the challenge, I might have viewed having to dispense cough medicine and reminding the kids to wash their hands for the 100th time and the stress that comes with taking care of your children when they are sick to be a chore - something I have to do because I am their Mother after all. And although that is true, I am starting to see it differently. It is a gift to take care of someone you love when they don't feel good, not a chore. Stressful at times, yes, but I am giving them tender loving care. I never really looked it at that way before.
So, throughout the very long day (again, did I mention it was a looooong day?) I found myself actually appreciating the situation. The fact that I am a Mom with two wonderful children is such a blessing. And although it isn't easy sometimes being a Mom, I have been given this gift from God.
And since He has so generously given to me, I'm pretty sure He would enjoy me working on being a different kind of giver. This challenge is already changing my attitude about how I give to my children and husband. And they are so very worth this shift in my outlook.
I can't wait to see what else I discover in the next 27 days!
PS - Everyone is sleeping now and I don't hear any coughing. Thank you, Lord!
Today is Day 1 in my 29 Day Giving Challenge. It has been in my thoughts most of the day.
I didn't pick one specific thing to "give" today and then checked it off my "to-do" list. Instead, surprisingly, I was reminded to "give" throughout the day. Some of the things I did are things I might normally do but today my perspective was different. My attitude changed a little. I don't know how or why but doing these things just felt different today.
Here's what I did today in the way of "giving":
On Tuesdays, Ben is allowed to get pizza for lunch at school. Normally, we give him $5. This morning he asked if he could have an extra dollar to get bread sticks. My first reaction would be to tell him no, that $5 is more than enough to get a couple slices of pizza and something to drink. However, I found myself agreeing to give him that extra dollar. You would have thought I promised him a million dollars! He was so excited that I said yes and so happy that he would be able to get bread sticks with his pizza order. His smile and "thank you, Mommy" made my morning brighter. And it was a rainy morning!
After home school this morning, Ali asked if I would play Barbies. The girl loves her Barbies! Me, not so much. I am more of a Go Fish or Tic Tac Toe kind of woman. Not that I don't like Barbies themselves because I do. Jenn and I grew up playing with Barbies and we had THE best Barbie house ever. The house was built by my Dad and it was made of all wood, with paneling, three floors and a garage! It was nearly 5 feet tall. It was completely furnished with cool wicker furniture and it even had carpeting. My Mom still has it but I haven't been able to get her to give it up yet......hey Mom, you always said when we have daughters, we could have it......we have daughters now......how about it?? :) Anyway, back to Ali. So, she asked me to play Barbies. Usually, I try to get out of it by suggesting we play something else. ANYTHING ELSE. But today, I wanted to give to my daughter. So, I gave her my time and played her favorite thing in the whole wide world of the US of A - Barbies. It actually was a lot of fun and you will be happy to know that we had a great time with our Barbies at a wedding, at cheerleading practice, getting a snack at the mall and playing "Dance, Dance Revolution." Boy, those girls know how to party.
Ray had a very hard day at work. His leg was giving him problems and he was in a lot of pain after a long day of climbing ladders and climbing over walls. When he got home he joked that, although my incredibly tasty leftover mostacolli was very tempting to have for dinner, he wouldn't stop me if I wanted to drive to Quizno's and pick him up an extra large cheese steak sandwich. He's thoughtful like that. And even though I was tired and it was raining, I got out of my pajamas (oh, I kid......I kept my pajamas on) and drove to the next town over to get my man a cheese steak sandwich. And it felt good. Tasted pretty good, too.
The last thing I gave today was totally random. I was reading some new blogs and I came across across a blog called The Daily Dakin, written by a Mommy with a little boy who has a rare neuromuscular disease. She has such a bright and optimistic disposition and her little guy Dakin is just adorable. I am inspired by her and look forward to reading her entire blog and getting to know her and Dakin much better. In the meantime, I gave to Dakin and his Mommy by signing a petition to help with research and finding a cure for this rare disease. I don't normally sign things online but because of this challenge, I felt compelled. If you would like to get to know Dakin, you can read all about him at The Daily Dakin.
See you tomorrow.
Like I always say - go big or go home.
Ali showing off her lasso skills.
My Mom, AKA "Purple Flapper Girl," and my nephew Mike. 
My nephew Josh as "Barry Sagittarius."
Instead of musical chairs, we played musical men. 
Cowgirl cousins. 
My sister Jenn's family, from left to right:
Don't know what's going on here but it looks like Ben just saw a ghost.
BFFs 4-Ever!
The greatest parents! In March, they will celebrate 59 years of marriage.
Mom and her girls, 
Ben channeling his inner Michael Jackson.
Dad won "Best Male Costume."
Tom and baby Thomas.
Party on!
I am really excited to begin my challenge tomorrow. I believe it will be the beginning of something really special. I'll be sure to post about my experience, as I begin this wonderful challenge!
When I'm an old lady, I'll live with my kids,
And bring so much happiness, just as they did.
I want to pay back all the joy they have provided.
Returning each deed, oh, they'll be so excited! When I'm an old lady and live with my kids......
I'll write on the walls with reds, whites and blues,
And jump on the furniture, wearing my shoes.
I'll drink from the carton and then leave it out.
I'll stuff all the toilets and, oh, how they'll shout! When I'm an old lady and live with my kids......
When they're on the phone and just out of reach,
I'll get into things like sugar and bleach.
Oh, they'll snap their fingers and then shake their head,
And when it is over, I'll hide under my bed. When I'm an old lady and live with my kids......
When they cook dinner and call me to eat,
I won't eat my green beans or salad or meat.
I'll gag on my okra, spill milk on the table,
And when they get angry, I'll run - if I'm able! When I'm an old lady and live with my kids......
I'll sit close to the t.v., all the channels I'll click,
Then I'll cross both of my eyes just to see if they stick.
I'll take off my socks and throw one away,
And play in the mud 'til the end of the day! When I'm an old lady and live with my kids......
And later in bed, I'll lay back and sigh,
I'll thank God in prayer and then close my eyes.
My kids will look down with a smile slowly creeping,
And say with a whisper "she's so sweet when she's sleeping!"
When I'm an old lady and live with my kids......
Me: "Sure."
Ali: "O.k., what do you get if you have gold plus gold?"
Me: "I don't know......what do you get if you have gold plus gold?"
Ali: "Goldishy!" Followed by 5 year old daughter's hysterical laughter.
I don't get it.
But, of course, I laughed right along with her.
Finally, Ali followed up with: "I'm not really finished making up the joke yet. I'm still working on it."
Really? I couldn't tell. To me, it was perfect.
Today is "not me" Monday. After reading about what I didn't do today, head over to MckMama and read about everyone else's "not me" day!My sister Jennifer's mother-in-law, Nancy, passed away this morning. It was rather sudden, as she went to the hospital this past Tuesday and didn't even think she needed to be there, only to pass away 5 days later.
Nancy was 76 years old and was preceded in death by her husband nearly 17 years ago, two infant children, two adult daughters and one adult son who just passed away in February, 2009.
Nancy was a sweet, easy going lady and will be dearly missed by her five remaining children and her many grandchildren. My thoughts and prayers are with my brother-in-law Tom and his entire family. May your tears of today be replaced with a smile when you look back on all of the special memories with your Mom.
