S Club Mama

ABCs of Me  This weekend is crazy! Movie party Friday night, book party Saturday (don't forget to order online by Sunday at midnight CST if you want), church Sunday. I have been sick and just exhausted lately, so I'm hoping for some sleeping in, too. But to get you through the lull of the weekend (ha), I thought I'd leave you with some random tid-bits about myself. (A) Age: I will be 25 in just under a month (yes, I know I'm young) (B) Bed Size: King. Big A & I decided during my 2nd pregnancy that we couldn't deal with a queen anymore (especially a hand-me-down queen) so we upgraded. However, I cuddle so much, we may as well have a twin. (C) Chore You Hate: Dishes and laundry. I hate things that are never ending. (D) Dogs? I wish. We can't have pets in our rental. And I don't want a dog in town; I think it's cruel. I definitely don't want a dog in my house - gross. (E) Essential Start Your Day Item: I am with TMB; I'm starving when I wake up...

A few Sundays ago, we had the boys dedicated * at church. My parents and Big A's grandparents came down for the occasion. We all went to church and then came back to the house for lunch. Unfortunately, we didn't get a picture of both boys or a picture of my parents, but we got a picture of A's grandparents with us and Moose (Squirt was CRANKY and wanted to sleep). *Dedication - basically it was us as parents, saying that we are going to raise our boys as Christians and teach them about God and how Jesus died for our sins. And it's also asking our congregation to hold us accountable to raise our boys in that way. Dedication does NOT mean salvation for our sons; that's a decision they will have to make for themselves (whether to follow Christ or not).

Unfortunately, Amanda never returned my Facebook message or contacted me (and Facebook was my only method of contacting her...which is why leaving an email address is so important) to claim her prize, I had to choose another winner for my Gu/Ryders/Outside PR giveaway! Congratulations to Disney_Casey ! Casey, darling, you have until Monday, February 28, 2011 (midnight CST) to claim your prize. I sent you a Facebook message and commented on your latest post - please email me at randi_lynn137(at)hotmail(dot)com with your contact information.

This is Boys in Motion: What in the World Edition.  I didn't take these pictures. I have no knowledge of these pictures until I uploaded them. As Desi says "you have some 'splaining to do"  Hear that, Big A? ;) Moms, this is what happens when Dad's in charge! Link up with Home with the Boys for Boys in Motion (every Friday).

I am SO bored of my menus.  Spaghetti Tater tot casserole Lasagna Baked chicken (spiced, marinated, or plain) Burgers (ok, I never tire of burgers but we can't eat them nightly) Enchiladas (healthy or otherwise) Hamburger Helper (yeah, we're that redneck) Fajitas/tacos (without toppings because I rarely remember to get them) Help! I know that some of you are excellent cooks.  Let's have a little contest .  Easiest, yummiest recipe! Two categories: Main entrees Side dishes Must use the following in entrees: ground beef OR skinless chicken breasts Must use the following in side dishes: corn, peas, green beans (canned) *we do use other vegetables, just these are the most often* broccoli, cauliflower, peppers, carrots, lettuce are others we enjoy *we also enjoy casserole dishes!* We have zero food allergies that we're aware of, but cannot afford expensive items (i.e. no garlic cloves - those suckers are more than $2.50 a piece!). Please nothing that makes me a slav...

Before we moved, I took Moose to the doctor to have his chromosomes checked and to check for Fragile X syndrome (which is rarely found in autistic children and has to do with mental retardation). That was 3-4 weeks ago and I hadn't heard anything (I did call about 2 weeks ago and they said it would take some time for the results since they had to send out for them). So I called back up there to see if they had the results yet. After a few transfers, I talked to my favorite nurse, Kelly. She went through the list of whatever all they checked: normal, normal, normal, normal. Now, I've never thought Moose was mentally retarded, but I also don't know of all the forms that comes in, so it's hard to cross anything off of your list. I think some cases can be so small that people can live normal lives. Anyway, this is a huge thing off of my chest that he is, in some way, normal (just look at that fashion sense, too!). Thank God!

Sorry I'm belated in announcing this winner...I had a busy weekend (we had our boys dedicated at church on Sunday so we had family down) and yesterday I just forgot. :) Without further ado... Congratulations amandamdaley ! I sent you a message on Facebook to let you know you won. And please let this be a reminder to please leave an email address; it makes my job easier. Disclaimer: I used Random.org to pick the winner. Winner has until Thursday evening to claim their prize or another winner will be chosen.

Moose LOVES preschool!! He rarely tells me anything about his days (he's told me that they read Goldilocks and the 3 Bears and that one of his teachers was sick one day)...but I know he enjoys his time there. They have yet to get the pleasure of dealing with one of his tantrums (very thankful) but we had a playgroup AT the preschool last Friday (they only have preschool M-Th) and the teachers were milling around and got to witness one. And one of the teachers, Miss J, took him for a "scooter" ride (a big skateboard thing she can pull him around on) to calm him while I sat down for story time with Squirt. So I know they'll be able to handle his fits (which really aren't all THAT often but can be tiresome). I like having my mornings to do one-on-one time with Squirt, although I do need to be more intentional with our time. We've gone to the library story time, MOPS, read tons of books, played with play-doh, just spend time together. The one thing I do not en...

Getting a picture of both of my boys is proving to be more of a challenge as they age. This shot isn't bad but the photographer needs to zoom. And then the demanding lady wanted a picture of both of their funny faces. Here's a shot of Moose's funny face...but not Squirt's... They were both getting a little antsy... Here's a shot of Squirt's funny face, but not Moose's... Oh well, you can't win 'em all

Randi's Bucket List in no particular order - see my boys come to know Christ - drive on Route 66 to California - write a book (children's, novel, self-help - doesn't matter) - run a full marathon - skydive! - own a home - decorate my home - dance with Anthony on our 50th wedding anniversary (and beyond) - have wooden swing sets in our backyard (swings, jungle gym things, etc) - go visit all the cool Civil War things in Richmond that we never saw when we lived there - run a race for autism (Autism Speaks, OAR) not sure yet - coordinate my own running race (proceeds for autism) - go to Australia - ride on a train (preferably Thomas the Tank Engine!) - spend Thanksgiving in NYC (Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade!!!) with my husband & kids - whitewater rafting with my husband and kids - attend Harvard (even if it's like one class when I'm old and can afford it haha) - help my kids through college There are a lot more, I'm sure. I don't think this is a sta...

Couldn't you just eat them up?

Bible Study... I'm going through Mission of Motherhood with my friend Sarah right now, and I'm loving it!  I love the book, I love sharing it with Sarah, I love learning more about being the parent God wants me to be. Memory Verse... A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare. Proverbs 15:1 Husband Encouragement...   ♥ No complaining ♥ No yelling when we argue ♥ Have supper (mostly) made when he gets home & I head to the gym ♥  Made him some heart hand-prints for his desk at work from the kids & me Train Them Up...   * Be intentional and pay attention. I'm always telling Moose to focus and pay attention but I don't often. I don't know what they're doing in the other room, so get off my tush and go see, go explore with them. Personal Goals...   * Not skip my runs this week. Last week was awful for that. New Habit of the Month... Breakfast Devotional with the kids (separately since they eat breakfast at different time...

You are invited to an Usborne Books eShow to explore the world of Usborne Books.  I am hosting an actual in-real-life book party the 26th for some church friends I'd like to get to know a little better, but I wanted to share my eShow with you, too. I really love Usborne books, my kids have quite a few (and my wish list is extensive). The illustrations are great, the CDs are great (Moose's favorite book on tape is Apple Tree Farm's Train Tales - pretty sure he has it memorized). Such an extensive group of books - for new babies to tween or teen babies! Seriously, if I could afford the start-up costs, I'd probably sell these myself. Until then, I'll just have to host a party now and then (it also helps, one of my super good friends sells the books, so I get to hang out with her too!!). A child's interest in reading and learning is stimulated by the lavish illustrations and informative content.  There are over 1300 bright, colorful and fun titles covering ac...

" God Gave Us So Much " by Lisa Tawn Bergren (illustrated by Laura J. Bryant) is a treasury of three stories from the God Gave Us series. It includes the stories God Gave Us the World, God Gave Us Love, and God Gave Us Heaven. How adorable are these books?! I love books that bring the heavenly realm to my children. Heaven and God are complicated things to explain to children. Moose knows that Jesus loves him and we love God, but I don't know how much he truly knows. Books like these God Gave Us stories help parents tell their children (help me tell my children) how much God loves them. God really did give us the world, love, and heaven. And these stories use a very cute family of polar bears to help explain that love! Mama, Papa, and Grampa Bear help explain God's gifts to Little Cub. My boys really liked sitting down to this book, although we take it one story at a time. My boys are creatures of habit so this isn't one of their favorite books...yet! But I kn...

I think I got this recipe from another blog but I don't remember whose it was...so just know that I'm not trying to steal a recipe, but sharing what's yummy and telling you it's not originally mine. Pumpkin Crisp 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin 1 c. evaporated milk 1 c. sugar 1 tsp. vanilla 1 tsp. ground cinnamon 1 pkg butter recipe yellow cake mix (Duncan Hines or Betty Crocker are ones I've used) 1 c. chopped pecans (optional) 2 sticks butter, melted Stir together first 5 ingredients (it will be very runny). Pour into greased 9x13 baking dish. Sprinkle cake mix evenly over mixture. Sprinkle on pecans (again, optional). Drizzle butter over everything. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour, or until golden brown. Let stand 10-15 minutes before serving. Good with whipped cream. Good warm or cold.

Outside PR is this awesome company that I have worked with on past reviews. They recently hooked me up with some sweet Ryders Hex sunglasses AND a giant sample pack of Gu products (including Gu, Roctane, Chomps, Brew) for my upcoming 10K (which is not a race but just a goal as I amp up my training for the Lincoln Half-marathon in May). I'll be honest, I haven't had a chance to try out the sunglasses. I haven't ran outside since...October? November? I'm unsure at this point when the last time was...but I miss it! I could wear these sunglasses as every day ones but I don't want them to get scratched up like my other Ryders (that I won off of a giveaway - see? you could be like that!). And these look like running sunglasses, not fashion ones...but mostly I don't want them scratched. I've tried them on and modeled them for Big A - he likes them but these are a women's pair of glasses so too small for his face. Ryders is celebrating their 25th anniver...

Apparently, I'm stealing a lot from Stacey's blog lately (if you haven't checked out my vlog or hers , do so). She tagged me in a little thing so here it goes... Rule #1: the tagged person must write their answers on their blog and replace any question they dislike with a new question formulated by themselves. Rule #2: tag 4 people to do this quiz; they cannot refuse (ok, so nothing bad will happen if you don’t participate but I would love to see your answers). The tag-ee must state who tagged them. 1. If you have pets, do you see them as merely animals or are they members of your family? We can't have pets, although some day I'd like a dog or a cat (although Big A dislikes cats). BUT they will be animals, not family members. 2. If you could have a dream come true, what would it be? That I would be able to raise up my kids to be passionate followers of Christ (stealing that from Stacey!) - otherwise, materialistically have a comfy house with a ...

Bible Study... I have the first chapter of Breaking Free that I think I'll start on. Then I do have Sally Clarkson's Mission of Motherhood that I borrowed from the library...so I'd like to start that before it has to be returned. :D Memory Verse... I don't have a verse but want to go back over the verses that were in our sermon at church yesterday Husband Encouragement... ♥ Laundry folded & put away ♥ Supper made or mostly made every night this week before I go to the gym ♥ Go over his Bible study together Train Them Up... * Get a Signing Time! video for Squirt to learn more signs (and hopefully say more words) * Watch the school Signing Time DVD with Moose 1-2 more times before taking it back * PLAY with them. * start working 3-4 times a week on Moose's speech stuff Personal Goals... * Get my miles in * not much else this week  New Habit of the Month...   * Get meals mostly ready for Big A during the week so when he gets home, I can head...

I want to venture into the world of sensory tubs. I've found a few other blogs that promote the use of them and give ideas of how to put them together. I have a few problems though: - what is the purpose of sensory tubs? - what are the key elements to a good tub? - are there any toddler-friendly tub ideas? (i.e. my little one will put everything in his mouth) - how do you dye rice? via here Right now my ideas for tubs are this: - Valentine's Day (if I can get something put together fast enough) - Sesame Street - transportation Any ideas or advice in this area where I'm definitely clueless would be great. Thanks!

These cookies are pretty spectacular. And if I can find the right shapes, I'm going to make cookies for my husband's basketball team next week. I have a circle so the bball is taken care of but I'd also like a turkey (they're called the Jive Turkeys - I don't know). Anyway, I wanted to share the recipe in case you and stuck inside with your kiddos. I find baking is a great way to spend some quality time AND warm the house! Cut-Out Chocolate Cookies 1/2 c. butter, softened               1/2 c. unsweetened cocoa powder 3/4 c. sugar                               1/2 tsp. baking powder 1 egg, beaten                            1/2 tsp. b...

a good start to a big day! 1st day of school time! ready to go, Mama freezing morning! Moose & his teacher, Miss D The first day of school went so well. I got Moose up and fed him breakfast. We read a story and played a little before I got Squirt out of bed. I quickly changed him and got their coats/hats/gloves on. We headed out the door and made it to school just before 8am. I took Moose in and he pretty much was ready to be rid of me. haha He took his coat/hat/gloves off and Miss D showed him where to hang them up (he has his own hook!). He picked up Buzz Lightyear and then Scar (from Lion King), barely gave me a hug, and I was off. I didn't cry...I teared up for awhile but I didn't cry! cuddle time with mama sock puppet stole the pacifier! give it back! dancing with hair brushes Squirt & I went home, he ate his banana for breakfast. And we cuddled for awhile. Then we read stories and I chased him around the living room (he loves t...

If you're unfamiliar with Mama Kat or her pretty much world famous writer's workshop, please check her/it out. It's pretty fantastic. Anyway, this week, one of the prompts was to write a letter to my future teen. Some day I will have teenagers, that's a shock. I suppose while they are still small and cute, I should write my angsty boys a letter to remember why I love them even when they hate me. Dear Moose, It seems like only moments ago you were three years old, waiting for your first day of preschool in the midst of a blizzard. I was moments away from sending you off into the big, bad world trying my best to help you overcome autism. We were thrown into the midst of this disorder without a life vest, but you worked so hard. At first it was just sounds that you finally caught on to after months of work. Then your eye contact improved and you developed an imagination - a very active one! One minute you were completing a whole finger match book and the next you...

Thank you to all who entered my Sid the Science Kid DVD giveaway! I love hosting giveaways that are of interest to you all! Unfortunately, I don't have copies for everyone (wouldn't that be fun?) so the winner is... Meredith !! Again thank you for reading and entering my giveaways! Disclaimer: The winner has 48 hours to respond to my email or another winner will be chosen. The winner was emailed about 5 minutes prior to writing this. I used Random.org to generate the winner - I don't know how to show you that but I'm being honest.

Oh yes, I vlogged. I haven't done this in a long time but I decided to try to do the same vlog my friend Stacey did on her blog. It's an experiment (although far from scientific) about accents and/or dialects. I have a pretty flat accent, being from Nebraska. I know there are random pockets of people with twangs around where I'm from and I can imitate an accent well (and not always by choice; i.e. if I watch The Town, I'm going to sound like I'm from Boston...well, at least in my head that's what I sound like), but I have that flat newbroadcaster sound.  Aunt, Route, Wash, Oil, Theater, Iron, Salmon, Caramel, Fire, Water, Sure, Data, Ruin, Crayon, Toilet, New Orleans, Pecan, Both, Again, Probably, Spitting image, Alabama, Lawyer, Coupon, Mayonnaise, Syrup, Pajamas, Caught ▪ What is it called when you throw toilet paper on a house? ▪ What is the bug that when you touch it, it curls into a ball? ▪ What is the bubbly carbonated drink called? ▪ What ...

Reminder: TODAY is the LAST day to enter my Sid the Science Kid giveaway - only one entrant so far!! I was hoping to have first day of preschool pictures up for you today...but there was an ice day yesterday and a snow day today. We'll see if he has school at all this week! So we're cuddling inside, reading books and watching movies. What do you do on snow days?