Letter from the Tooth Fairy

Dear Harley,

The stairs were too loud and that's no joke! I didn't want to wake lil' baby Oak. I decided to write this letter, 'cause I believe it's much better. I then placed it on the bed, right below your mom's head. You may have heard her hollar, 'cause I left more than just a dollar. If I know you, you'll know what to do!

Love,
the Tooth Fairy

p.s. Sweet Pea, please let your mom collect the tooth for me.


I gave this to my daughter this morning, along with 4 pieces of gum and 2 gold dollar coins. After reading the letter she replied "But you're the tooth fairy!". I laughed and then asked if she would go get the tooth from below her pillow. She told me "It's not under my pillow, I left it where you put it". I guess she is too old for the tooth fairy!

Christmas in July Giveaway

Wow! It's been awhile since I've blogged. I have SO much to tell you!! But first... I have to tell you about this amazing giveaway.

Sarah of Bit of Whimsy Dolls is having a giveaway. Day 1 just started and the prize is amazing! She is offering 3 patterns! This is definitely something I could use and I hope to win ;) The giveaway is being held until the 24th. You have a chance to win too! Head over to Sarah's Blog and read the details. Be sure to check each day until the 24th, she will be offering additional prizes!

Double Digits... Check!

Our son Levi turned 10 years old today! I am still in shock to think 10 years ago I first became a mom. It hardly seems that long ago.

Wow! Doesn't time fly?

I picked up some cookies from Walmart and went to pick the kids up from school. I was greeted by several of Levi's classmates. Each of them happy to see the cookies. A few of the kids approached me showing pictures they had made for Levi. A little girl named Jordan wrote out the song "Yes, Jesus Loves Me" for Levi. She included a few activity pages for him. One of which he completed on the way home.

Our kids attend Awana Clubs on Mondays. Before they left, I asked Levi what he wanted for dinner, giving the choice of spaghetti or taco salad. He chose taco salad.

While they were at Awana Clubs, I went down and worked at the church. When I finished everything on my "to do" list, I headed home and began making dinner. I was just about finished when our kids came home. All of them were excited about the Valentines they received at Awana Clubs. Each of them even shared a few candies with me... yum!

Before eating dinner, we all headed out to view the full moon. We borrowed grandpa's telescope and hubby had set it up while I kept the kids occupied inside. The kids were so impressed by what they could see, each of them described the moon's features. I've got to admit, that was my favorite part. I can't believe we had never borrowed the telescope before! We'll have to look at more things while we still have it.

Here's the family viewing the moon:

It pays to be a repeat customer... I guess.

I was completely shocked to hear the lady over the intercom tell us she was giving us a discount. We did have a pretty good sized order and have gone to Carl's Jr. frequently... sadly. But, I have to admit, it is somewhat embarrassing when a company says, "You guys come here all the time, we would like to offer you a 10% discount". Anything to save some money is great... believe me! With a family of 7, eating at a fast food restaurant (or any restaurant for that matter) is expensive!

Even as excited as I was, I also was totally embarrassed. Do we really eat out that often?! Maybe it is time to stay home for lunch/dinner.

Carl's Jr., I would sincerely like to thank you!

Semi-Homemade Cinnamon & Sugar Donuts

The girls and I had fun this morning making donuts. It is super fun and very easy! You can find the recipe here.



I had the girls help me cut the donuts. And we even talked about the shape we were making. I then had them wait, while I fried them. Frying takes no time at all. Do not walk away... it seems like seconds and they are done!



I made the biggest mistake by shaking the donuts in a bag with cinnamon and sugar. Do NOT do this (well unless you like things very sweet). I recommend doing exactly what the recipe says. We made them both ways. But shaking them in the bag coated them too much! Even my husband, who loves sweets, said they were too sweet.

Just look at her mouth!

The kids can also help you by shaking the cinnamon and sugar on the donuts. I really want to pick up the shaker the recipe talks about.

These donuts are the perfect size for little hands.

Thanks Marie for sharing your recipe! It has quickly become a family favorite.

Companion Cube-Case

After all the planning, measuring and sewing...
it is finally done!!

I made this for my husband Russ. I wanted something special and unique to give him for his birthday. Thus the Companion Cube-Case was born! Now I've got to admit, I thought this would be SO much easier! Heck! It's just a pillowcase. But, I don't think I have measured something so many times.

I bet some of you are looking at this and wondering, why would she make a girly thing for her husband? For those of you who don't know why, read here.

I finished this last night while hubby was at work. I wanted it to be a surprise when he got home, so I slid it on his pillow and got ready for bed. Before going to bed I wanted to make sure I also included a little note (see below).

I was a little sad that I wouldn't see his expression. To be honest I even thought about setting an alarm. But, I was SUPER tired!

He came home and woke me up by kissing me and saying "Thank you!" Heh. Heh... that works :)

Now if I just had the time to make a whole bedding set!

American Ideal Auditions

On Sunday, our kids auditioned to be in "American Ideal" (A Childrens Musical about Humility. Created by Janet McMahan-Wilson and Arranged by Ted Wilson). It will be a production put on in the Spring by our own "Spirit Kids Theatre".

American Ideal is a lot like American Idol. With characters such as Ryan D. Best, Simon Coward and Bro Jackson.

From the back of the book:

"Lights! Camera! Ego! Well, that is, if you're a contestant on one of the many 'Reality TV' shows filling the airwaves today. Entertaining? Maybe. Harmless? Hardly.

The 'American Ideal' shines the spotlight on 4 contestants who are competing to be the next 'American Ideal.' Tonight's theme is 'Gospel Music Night.' During the production of this live TV show, contestants Wila Wynn, Anita Ward, and Neil Downe discover, with the help of fellow contestant, Emma Tate, the truth about themselves as 'Reality TV' takes on a whole new meaning. This humorous, tongue-in-cheek look at fame, fortune and flim-flam turns popular culture on its head and shines the spotlight of God's truth about humility on the heart of contestants and audience alike."

Well I just heard what parts they got! Levi (10) will be Bro Jackson, Harley (8) will be the make up girl and an important back up singer, Maleigha (7) and Natalie (5) will be fans.

I am SO proud of our kids!

Way to go guys!! I can't wait to see your performance!

Oh... Should I mention I have been titled "Production Director" (I am producing all the programs, powerpoint, etc.) and I am helping with the wardrobe? At least it sounds cool!! Ha Ha!