Spring Photos

Where's the turtle?
















Jumping from the swing.

















DB's turn to jump. Mommy's turn to mess the photo up again.














Did you know you can do your homework under Mamabug's bed as long as you have a tray and 2 headlamps?

Snugglebug is picking up quickly on a real bike. #3 does things earlier than #2 and #1.















Something our backyard has never ever seen... shade from something natural.

















Working together to get the job done!













MB and DB's niece

Awesome photo blog: Portes et Fenetres

I ran across this awesome photo blog of doors and windows called Portes et Fenetres via DesignMom. I wanted to print several of their photos for a collage for my living room.

I wouldn't mind paying for them but bare minimum I wanted to ask permission to use their photos. I can't find any contact information on the blog. Would anyone know how to get in contact with them?

Works-For-Me-Wednesday-- keeping sheets straight...

Roll your twin sheets as you store them rather than folding them and you'll never wonder which one is is the twin sheet.

We have 4 twin beds and one queen bed so the majority of time we are looking for a twin fitted sheet.

It cuts down on the question of "Where's a sheet for _______'s bed?" And it also is easier for the little buggers to roll rather than fold a sheet that is twice their size.

Of course, that presupposes that there are sheets washed, dried, and put away properly. Two out of three isn't too bad.

If I used top sheets for the little bugger's beds then I would probably keep each set together in a pillowcase like someone else has suggested on a previous WFMW post.

Head on over to Shannon at Rocks In My Dryer for more great tips!

Works-For-Me-Wednesday-- LEGO, K'NEX storage

My friend Bestbug has two boys that are amassing quite a K'NEX collection that was taking over the living room. After using a toolbox in order to store Ticklebug's Hotwheels , I suggested she use an empty large tackle box that I had laying around the house. She took me up on my offer and this is what she came up with. Isn't she clever? Makes me want to play with all the pretty colors!

The box came with several drawers/boxes but I purchased 2 extra at Walmart for a couple of bucks. They come with dividers that you can arrange to fit your pieces depending on how you prefer to sort them. Each has a secure snap top lid. There are many sizes and styles to choose from. I found the best selection of boxes to be at outdoor stores like Bass Pro Shop and Academy Sports. If you only have a small collection you could purchase just the small utility boxes.

An added benefit of having them stored and sorted seems to be that the kiddos play more with them once they can see what pieces they need more readily.

Anyhow, that works for me. What storage works for you?

Head on over to Shannon at Rocks In My Dryer for more great tips!

WFMW- Over the door organizer ideas...

I am always scouring magazines, books and other media sources for inexpensive (read cheap) ideas for streamlining our life. As a result I came across an idea to use over the door shoe pockets as an organizer for small items.

One is hooked on the back of my pantry door and it holds mostly medicines, dosage cups, tape, Swiffer refills and occasional art supplies. I like the high pockets because not only can I see what is in there but also the little buggers cannot reach it.

The other pocket in on the door out to the garage. I use it for things I might want to grab on the way out the door--seasonal items like umbrellas, hats, and mittens. BestBug, my friend, uses hers inside the coat closet for hats and outdoor items. You could use it for toiletry items in a bathroom closet, toys in a kid's room, art supplies or as a general catch-all for things needing a home.

I originally purchased one at the Container Store but the second one I purchased at Walmart or Target and I am perfectly happy with it.

Got any favorite organizing tricks of your own?

Head on over to Shannon for other great tips and ideas at Rocks in my Dryer.

Works-For-Me-Wednesday-- Hot Wheels storage

Ticklebug is now 6 and is accumulating quite a few Hotwheels. Needless to say they aren't so "hot" when they are scattered on the floor in the middle of the room.


My solution is a plastic toolbox that he can store, organize and tote around if he so chooses. Because of the deep base he can also fit the car carrier in.









Talk about a good deal for $5 or $10! I got this in December at Home Depot but I can't find it on their website. This is a similar one. I would go for plastic rather than metal for the noise factor. Tool boxes come in all sizes so you could find a size that fits your collection.



If you need to keep him busy longer, turn it into a project of decorating it with stickers, paint or Sharpies-- depending of course on your level of sanity that day.

What storage works for you?

Head on over to Shannon at Rocks In My Dryer for more great tips!

Hellooooo out there!!!

Obviously, it has been a while since I have posted. I could give you a list of reasons (excuses)...and I will.

10. 3 birthdays in one month
9. Spring Break
8. Easter
7. camping overnight
6. pneumonia (Doodlebug)
5. messy house
4. researching education options
3. more education...
2. looking for a cleaning lady

And the NUMBER ONE reason is... I didn't feel like it.

Any how... I'll gear up for WFMW tomorrow...

Texas Snow... from earlier this month...

Please forgive the positioning of the photos. I can't get it right to save my life. UGH!

T

Randomness...

Some trees have leaves... Our tree has sandals, ribbon, princess shoes, buckets, baskets and teapots.

We just purchased a new red oak for our back yard last week. I guess the little buggers thought it looked a little bare.





Some Christmas trees have angels and stars... Our tree has an alligator.

Every year at Christmas we top our tree with whatever puppet we have handy. It started off as a joke 10 years ago and has now become a humorous tradition.

Awesome Giveaways! Act Quick!

Mod*Mom is giving away 75 things for Valentine's day. Things you didn't even know existed but now you can't live without!

Go check it out!

Works-For-Me-Wednesday-- Doctor and Mom quotes...

What works for me this week is my pediatrician. I have been blessed to find a doctor that I like and respect. He takes my concerns seriously and listens well. He has given me some great quotes and rules of thumb over the years.

Top Five Quotes from my Pediatrician

1. "Give them Tylenol or Advil, I believe you if you say they have a temperature."
   



2. "If the kiddo starts getting you up at night after usually sleeping through, call me the next day."


3. "How are you doing, Mom?"
   



4. "I unfortunately don't have a magic potion that will fix this one, it is a virus." It makes it easier to fork out your copay rather than hearing "It's just a virus" in a condescending tone.



5. "If the child is in pajamas, they are sick, if Mom is in her pajamas,the child is really sick."

Ten things I say at the pediatrician's office

1. "How much was the bill? "


2. "Does that mean the front office staff got a raise?"


3. "Come on, act sick. How come you are acting puny at home but running around like a Tasmanian Devil now? "


4. "I would like my name inscribed on a plate for the door to Exam room 4."


5. "Do you have a frequent buyer punch card?"


6. "Was today buy one, get one free?"


7. "_______ gets to pick a sticker first, because they are sick."


8. "Don't spin me so fast on the stool, I'm getting sick."


9. "Don't sit on the floor, it's dirty."


10. "Yes, the doctor should be here any minute."

What great tips does your pediatrician give you?

Head on over to Don't Try this at Home for more great tips!

Works-For-Me-Wednesday-- Internet filter

I rarely actually purchase items online but I do spend a lot of time using the internet to research of various topics which can often bring up undesirable websites and/or images. All it takes is a typo and you'll run across something objectionable. To combat that issue we have installed a filter from Hedgebuilders. We have been with this company for several years. We've gone through loading it to new computers, multiple computers and upgrading without major issues.

My favorite part is that the guy that wrote the software is also the support person. He knows it inside and out and is quick to respond to issues and walk you through them. How cool is that?

It is reasonably priced and it does a really good job blocking sites. You can control which type of sites are blocked. It cannot be turned off unless you have Hedgebuilders do it. It also has an email accountability option for free.

They are offering a free TWO WEEK trial. The protection and peace of mind we get from this filter is immeasurable.

From Hedgebuilders:

Top 10 Reasons to Make Your Internet Safe withA+ Internet Filtering for Christians

10. With A+ you can keep your current e-mail addresses.

9. A+ uses S4F, one the highest rated filters in the Industry.

8. A+ is unapologetically designed with Christians in mind.

7. A+ is a Not-For-Profit organization focused on providing protection, not making money.

6. A+ provides special discounts for pastors, ministries, and missionaries. (Click on "Pastors and Missionaries" link on Homepage)

5. A+ offers DOUBLE PROTECTION by going a step further and word filtering search engines.

4. A+ does all the work, once it is installed you don't have to fool with software upgrades or ratings systems.

3. You can download A+ right off the web and be protected in only a few minutes.

2. A+ is very inexpensive to use. Try it two weeks for FREE!

1. A+ works anywhere in the world that the Internet is available.

Head on over to Rocks In My Dryer for more great tips!

And the Winner is...

Angela at http://demama.blogspot.com/ the Random Integer Generator chose you to win the Webkinz Pug!

Congratulations!


Thank you to everyone who participated!

Works-For-Me-Wednesday-- Mirror, Mirror on the Wall...

I don't know about you but I do some of my best thinking under the blow dryer in the morning. As a result, there is always something I want to write down but I don't have any paper nearby. What I do have is 3 giant mirrors and a dry erase marker. Put them together and you have a wonderful place to write reminders, Scripture, love notes, phone messages, your to-do list or the next day's events. I even have a list of items on the mirror that were donated when I cleaned the closet because I didn't have any paper. That is one list I haven't lost yet!

It is difficult to miss a note when it is blocking your view as you put on makeup or brush your hair. It is even more difficult to lose the mirror and wonder where you put it. : )

I write notes on the kid's mirror as well, and they draw pictures. My sister Auntiebug uses the mirror backsplash in the kitchen to write last doses of medications or reminders. It also works on windows, glass shower doors, and possibly white appliances. It wipes off with a tissue and any residue left comes off with window cleaner- no big deal.

That's it for me, head over to Rocks In My Dryer for MORE great tips!