A great invention, the TV remote. It makes the lazy life oh so much easier...
I remember my family's first remote to our wood console television that was the new rage...that remote was 2 inches thick and had like 6 buttons if my memory serves me correctly. We were soooo ahead of the game...at my grandparent's house we had to actually GET UP and change the channel.
Well...the Williams family is revisiting the GET UP technique...
Our TV remote is M.I.A. and has been ever since Mom and I did a major pack up over a week ago. I fear some little hands may have been 'helpful' and added it to one of the boxes that have been moved to storage. ARGH.
It's not that we watch a ton of television...it's just that commercials annoy me...they are LONG and LOUD. I always mute them. AND...the two channels the kids watch are 8 and 63...those two channels are a significant number of clicks away from each other when you have to go channel by channel. (55 to be precise.)
But we have turned the couches inside out (figuratively almost literally), looked in cupboards and bins...nada.
So, I think this will continue to be the way we roll (or click) for a good long time.
(Good motivation to watch less television, right?) :)
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Grocery Aisle Meltdown
Ok...I know I am not alone here...I have read/heard the stories...experienced it myself with Chloe off and on...
But today...it was his first...Eli's first Grocery Aisle Meltdown.
It was a 'quick' trip. Meant to be an in and out...with BOTH the kids...who was I kidding?
I had gathered my few items and was finishing a phone conversation before getting in line.
Unfortunately I stopped right next to a very-small-almost-missed-it display of Hot Wheels.
My son's current fave.
He slyly pulls a couple off the display...then pulls the whole hook thingy that they were hanging on. I try to put it back together and allow him to hold onto one. (Still on the phone...trying to avoid the tears during the conversation.) Get to the check out...return the Hot Wheels to it's display...
"We have cars at home." (umm...LOTS of cars)
MELT! DOWN!
Tears. Shrieks. Screams.
My heart rate elevates...face probably red...wishing I could crawl in a hole.
Sweet Lady behind me in line begins to try to distract him.
Eli, still screaming.
Sweet Lady, "Maybe Mommy will let you have the car next time." (nice)
Eli stands up in the shopping cart. Refuses to sit down. I place him on the floor.
Still screaming.
Sweet Lady asks, "Do you want to come home with me?" (Really?)
Eli pauses...nods his head and walks over to Sweet Lady, grabs her hand and looks at me as if to say,
"See THIS nice lady is gonna take me home and GIVE ME THAT CAR!!"
I was beside myself. (and a little annoyed at Sweet Lady...really? You are going to offer to take my child home?!?!" )
I swipe my card. Sign my name. Swoop Eli up on my hip, and walk out of the store while he continues to scream all the way out to the car and all the way home.
But today...it was his first...Eli's first Grocery Aisle Meltdown.
It was a 'quick' trip. Meant to be an in and out...with BOTH the kids...who was I kidding?
I had gathered my few items and was finishing a phone conversation before getting in line.
Unfortunately I stopped right next to a very-small-almost-missed-it display of Hot Wheels.
My son's current fave.
He slyly pulls a couple off the display...then pulls the whole hook thingy that they were hanging on. I try to put it back together and allow him to hold onto one. (Still on the phone...trying to avoid the tears during the conversation.) Get to the check out...return the Hot Wheels to it's display...
"We have cars at home." (umm...LOTS of cars)
MELT! DOWN!
Tears. Shrieks. Screams.
My heart rate elevates...face probably red...wishing I could crawl in a hole.
Sweet Lady behind me in line begins to try to distract him.
Eli, still screaming.
Sweet Lady, "Maybe Mommy will let you have the car next time." (nice)
Eli stands up in the shopping cart. Refuses to sit down. I place him on the floor.
Still screaming.
Sweet Lady asks, "Do you want to come home with me?" (Really?)
Eli pauses...nods his head and walks over to Sweet Lady, grabs her hand and looks at me as if to say,
"See THIS nice lady is gonna take me home and GIVE ME THAT CAR!!"
I was beside myself. (and a little annoyed at Sweet Lady...really? You are going to offer to take my child home?!?!" )
I swipe my card. Sign my name. Swoop Eli up on my hip, and walk out of the store while he continues to scream all the way out to the car and all the way home.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
A Few Pictures From the Weekend
Mmmm...S'mores
Strawberry Picking
Just the Girls
Chloe with the Moore Kids
Pure South
Kevin and Chloe at the Church Slip-n-Slide
(both smelled like baby oil for the entire day!)
It is official: Eli LOVES parades!
The Dynamic Duo
Chloe looked like this for most of the parade...
It is official: Eli LOVES parades!
The Dynamic Duo
Chloe looked like this for most of the parade...
not excited about the loud noises this year...
'Granny B' Riding the Firetruck in the parade
'Granny B' Riding the Firetruck in the parade
(wearing a picture of her late husband who served in WWII)
Us after the parade
Us after the parade
Monday, May 25, 2009
Memorial Day 2009
We went to Gainesville's Memorial Day parade this morning...oh, yes we did!!!
To say that Eli was excited would be an understatement! He was squeeling and shouting with joy at all the trucks, "big" cars and CANDY!! You would think he had never seen candy before. (Well, he does not see much of it...and has no memory of it being thrown from cars directly at his feet...like manna from heaven as far as he is concerned!)
We had a great time. Saw Granny B in the firetruck, collected more candy than this family could consume in years, went to lunch with friends and came home for naps.
Enjoy this video of Eli and all his excited glory! :)
To say that Eli was excited would be an understatement! He was squeeling and shouting with joy at all the trucks, "big" cars and CANDY!! You would think he had never seen candy before. (Well, he does not see much of it...and has no memory of it being thrown from cars directly at his feet...like manna from heaven as far as he is concerned!)
We had a great time. Saw Granny B in the firetruck, collected more candy than this family could consume in years, went to lunch with friends and came home for naps.
Enjoy this video of Eli and all his excited glory! :)
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Keep Singing, Mr. Frog
We have a frog living next door to us in our neighbor's pond...we affectionately refer to him as Mr. Frog. He sings us to sleep most nights and I just love him. Due to mild temperatures (for Georgia) we sleep with our windows open and he croaks on and on.
Mr. Frog,
You make me feel like we live in a big old farm house, next to a pond in the middle of the country. You are one of my favorite sounds of summer and you are welcomed to stick around and keep singing as long as you like. And leave a few of those chirping crickets, if you please, you all make a beautiful symphony.
Love,
Sarah
Mr. Frog,
You make me feel like we live in a big old farm house, next to a pond in the middle of the country. You are one of my favorite sounds of summer and you are welcomed to stick around and keep singing as long as you like. And leave a few of those chirping crickets, if you please, you all make a beautiful symphony.
Love,
Sarah
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Beaming
They just drove away in a borrowed pick up truck.
Another load to storage.
Just Little Miss and Daddy.
Two slices of cold pizza, two apples and a Hanson's soda to share.
She was beaming.
Another load to storage.
Just Little Miss and Daddy.
Two slices of cold pizza, two apples and a Hanson's soda to share.
She was beaming.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Looking pretty good...
Mom, just pulled out of the driveway...our sweaty skin stuck to one another as we hugged goodbye. Another very busy, hard work day. She sure does love us. And we love her. Family is a very good thing.
Things are looking pretty good around here...smells good too...smells clean...and feels more spacious. (if I ignore the 7 boxes sitting next to me with a rocking horse on top...those are going to storage...can I tell you how much I STRONGLY dislike the fact that we have so much stuff that we have to have storage...but that is another blog)
What is left is a little switch-ball-change or hide-it-in-the-junk-room (yes...we have a junk room AND storage...don't get me started) or a drawer for our company that is coming tonight.
And...we are probably ordering pizza. Not my style...I generally try to honor my company with something mostly edible made by me...it seems like the right thing to do...but in order to do that I would need a meal plan...and groceries...and time...I don't have any of those.
So pizza it is.
Now, I should probably go shower... I desperately need one of those. But I will scrub the bathroom down first so that, as my Mom said, "I can enjoy a clean bathroom too."
Things are looking pretty good around here...smells good too...smells clean...and feels more spacious. (if I ignore the 7 boxes sitting next to me with a rocking horse on top...those are going to storage...can I tell you how much I STRONGLY dislike the fact that we have so much stuff that we have to have storage...but that is another blog)
What is left is a little switch-ball-change or hide-it-in-the-junk-room (yes...we have a junk room AND storage...don't get me started) or a drawer for our company that is coming tonight.
And...we are probably ordering pizza. Not my style...I generally try to honor my company with something mostly edible made by me...it seems like the right thing to do...but in order to do that I would need a meal plan...and groceries...and time...I don't have any of those.
So pizza it is.
Now, I should probably go shower... I desperately need one of those. But I will scrub the bathroom down first so that, as my Mom said, "I can enjoy a clean bathroom too."
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
What was that I just said about things getting messier???
So...funny thing...
Yesterday I posted about when things need a deep cleaning, they often get messier first...
Ha.
You should SEE my kitchen!
Mom (a.k.a. the Lady who has been blessing our socks off with all her Granna-ness...keeping our munchkins for days on end so we could 'get away' is just the beginning...) That was a really looooong a.k.a.
Anyway...Mom offered to come up to G'ville to help me purge my kitchen. Tasks of this kind overwhelm my brain and just the simple act of getting started seems impossible...she knows that about me and guess what...she is really good at it...which is maybe why I never became good at it...she always came to my rescue. Thank you, Mom.
(Writing this is bringing back memories of the night before going to college my freshmen year, boxes and over sized t-shirts everywhere...me a puddle of nerves and tears on the floor...Mom sopping up the tears, packing up all the stuff) Another 'gets messier...before it is clean scenario.'
Wow. Back to the original post.
So, we made a lot of progress today. I mean A LOT. We did have to clear the kitchen table to make a working space...several times. The island in the kitchen required multiple clearings just to make room for lunch prep. Large piles of things for a garage sale. Good number of things not worthy of a garage sale...large garbage bags...full. Boxes everywhere.
But we are making progress. I can feel it. We are getting rid of things and it feels good. Confident that this mess will be cleaned up. I will be glad we did it. I am already so grateful to have Mom here to motivate and help.
Now, whether or not the mess will be cleaned up in time for small group at our house tomorrow night at 6 pm...yet to be seen. But I am hopeful.
Yesterday I posted about when things need a deep cleaning, they often get messier first...
Ha.
You should SEE my kitchen!
Mom (a.k.a. the Lady who has been blessing our socks off with all her Granna-ness...keeping our munchkins for days on end so we could 'get away' is just the beginning...) That was a really looooong a.k.a.
Anyway...Mom offered to come up to G'ville to help me purge my kitchen. Tasks of this kind overwhelm my brain and just the simple act of getting started seems impossible...she knows that about me and guess what...she is really good at it...which is maybe why I never became good at it...she always came to my rescue. Thank you, Mom.
(Writing this is bringing back memories of the night before going to college my freshmen year, boxes and over sized t-shirts everywhere...me a puddle of nerves and tears on the floor...Mom sopping up the tears, packing up all the stuff) Another 'gets messier...before it is clean scenario.'
Wow. Back to the original post.
So, we made a lot of progress today. I mean A LOT. We did have to clear the kitchen table to make a working space...several times. The island in the kitchen required multiple clearings just to make room for lunch prep. Large piles of things for a garage sale. Good number of things not worthy of a garage sale...large garbage bags...full. Boxes everywhere.
But we are making progress. I can feel it. We are getting rid of things and it feels good. Confident that this mess will be cleaned up. I will be glad we did it. I am already so grateful to have Mom here to motivate and help.
Now, whether or not the mess will be cleaned up in time for small group at our house tomorrow night at 6 pm...yet to be seen. But I am hopeful.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
In Most Cases...
Found this jotted down on a scrap paper in a drawer. Bet it was intended for this.
General rule of life:
In most cases...
...when things need a deep cleaning...it gets messier first.
To do list:
11 am. Mop floors.
but first...
sweep yuckie-ness into piles, move kitchen chairs to living room carpet, make fort with kitchen chairs, play pirates, feed pirates, let pirates jump off the "plank" onto the couch cushions all over the living room floor, vacuum crumbs and rescue lost toys from couch bottoms...
constant "Mommy, watch this!"
2 pm. Floors still not mopped but the kids had a good morning.
Will mop while pirates take a nap. (maybe)
General rule of life:
In most cases...
...when things need a deep cleaning...it gets messier first.
To do list:
11 am. Mop floors.
but first...
sweep yuckie-ness into piles, move kitchen chairs to living room carpet, make fort with kitchen chairs, play pirates, feed pirates, let pirates jump off the "plank" onto the couch cushions all over the living room floor, vacuum crumbs and rescue lost toys from couch bottoms...
constant "Mommy, watch this!"
2 pm. Floors still not mopped but the kids had a good morning.
Will mop while pirates take a nap. (maybe)
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Mother's Day :: Simple Pleasures
A simple Mother's Day.
Church.
Picnic.
Creek.
Quiet.
So thankful for the women in my life that sacrificed, invested, loved while I was busy becoming me.
Funny how you appreciate and understand more what motherhood required of others as you walk it out day by day.
Hoping that my little girl will feel the same way years from now when she is a mommy too.
What an honor. What a responsibility. What a joy.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
This Is Going Out to the One I Love...
Today I would like to draw your attention to the man that I love. I truly have so much to say about why I love him that I have no idea where to start...
Kev, you are the nicest person I know.
Your love for the Lord is real, deep and a part of every ounce of you. I respect you deeply.
Your wisdom blesses.
Your patience humbles.
Your patience humbles.
Your loyalty inspires.
Your gentleness is known to all.
As a husband, you knock it out of the park. Loving me. Serving me. Encouraging me...I am blessed beyond words. So. So. Grateful.
Witnessing you as Daddy warms my heart and challenges me to engage more...play more...laugh more.
Worshipping with you every week is a privilege. You truly lead me and others into His presence. You focus our eyes and hearts on Him. His glory. His renown.
What an honor to call you mine.
Thank you, Lord, for creating Kevin. Thank you for all the things that make him, him. The color orange. The love for pizza and Cheetos. The childlike-ness that keeps us young and enjoying this world You have made. Music. Laughter. His Varsity hat. Snow skiing. Your heart reflected in his for the nations.
and so much more.
I love you yesterday, today and forever.
Happy Birthday, Babe.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Bye Bye Bubbles
Guess who poured ALL his Easter bubbles down a hole in the yard?
and...sorry little animal who lives down there.
Bummer.
and...sorry little animal who lives down there.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Storytelling
So, today I stretched my storytelling muscles for the first time in...well...a very long time. My loving hubby 'might have mentioned' to the Children's Pastor at church that I enjoy telling stories...so one phone call later and guess who is on the list once a month for the storytelling portion of Kid's Church.
It was a ton of fun...don't we all need an opportunity to act crazy and make a fool of ourselves?
(The answer is 'yes'.) :)
The story was about Jonah. I wore my gum boots or wellies or rain boots...or just boots...rainjacket...flailed my arms, screamed till my throat hurt and pretended to vomit all in the name of good storytelling. Sweat like I haven't sweat in a long time and had a blast.
It actually felt good.
So, Babe, if you're reading this, thanks. Thank you for gently nudging me to use my gifts...act crazy and well, make a fool of myself. You help me be me. I love you for it.
It was a ton of fun...don't we all need an opportunity to act crazy and make a fool of ourselves?
(The answer is 'yes'.) :)
The story was about Jonah. I wore my gum boots or wellies or rain boots...or just boots...rainjacket...flailed my arms, screamed till my throat hurt and pretended to vomit all in the name of good storytelling. Sweat like I haven't sweat in a long time and had a blast.
It actually felt good.
So, Babe, if you're reading this, thanks. Thank you for gently nudging me to use my gifts...act crazy and well, make a fool of myself. You help me be me. I love you for it.
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