Cowboy Nathan and the "ghost"?

Nathan's preschool class had a field trip today to Rockin' R Ranch in Gilbert. He loved sporting his "real cowboy hat" from Papa John while panning for gold, roping, taking a hayride, playing in a teepee, and much more.
I had to laugh...during the 'cowboy show' of music, the "ghost rider" rode by the window twice on horseback. Some kids were in total awe and others, a little frightened. Nathan's friend said reassuringly, "Don't worry mom, it's not a real ghost," then Owen yelled back, "It's the Holy Ghost guys!" Gotta love it!

Owen's a Working Man!

No need to get dressed for work, our little Owen only had to wear the essentials...a diaper! For 16 days, he tested out 4 diapers per day, and then mommy had to record the data and return the used diapers and data sheets to the market research company that hired the duo. It was a dirty job...but someone had to do it. Here he proudly displays his first paycheck after completion of the study.

America's Generosity Continues

Today was the "cookie booth" kickoff and our troop hosted 4. Placed on top of the table of cookies, we posted a sign asking for donations for the soldiers in Iraq and customer's generosity continued. In one weekend alone, approximately $242 dollars was graciously tossed into our container. Two people even handed us $20 dollar bills without purchasing any cookies for themselves. Americans do support and thank the men and women fighting to keep our freedom alive. God bless America.

Cancer Free!

Jon's dad Dick went back to his doctor's yesterday, a two in a half month follow up, from his surgery to remove the cancer. This was a crucial appointment to see if any cancer had come back. Great news...it didn't. Dick Kempiak is cancer free and we couldn't be happier. We love you papa!

Got Milk?

Ever wonder what nearly 4,000 boxes of Girl Scout cookies would look like in one spot? Come on over! This morning after 2 large semi trucks and countless troops galore, our first year Girl Scout Brownie troop 228 of 18 beautiful gals got to pick up our cookies and sort them in my garage. Now the fun begins...distribution and money collection...YIKES!

With dedication like a mother bear in protecting her cubs, Baylee had a goal in selling and nothing was going to stop her. In fact, she reached her goal in one day, so as the days increased and she continued to hit the pavement, so did her goals (and to top it off, she's still trying to sell). She is so very proud of her perseverance and so are we. Our once "timid" girl has come out of her shell while approaching strangers to say, "Would you like to buy some Girl Scout Cookies?" And with her charm, she's sold nearly 600 boxes! Amazing!

Baylee's mission continues..she's trying to get donations for cases of GS cookies to send over to U.S. Military in Iraq. So anyone with a heart for soldiers, we've got an idea for you. And for those who know soldiers...let them know cookies are on the way!

Media and Beauty

This is a powerful clip that reminds me as a mom how I need to be teaching my children what real beauty is and where it comes from. “I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.”-Psalm 139:14.God made us all in beautiful, unique ways and He should be praised! It frustrates me to think that the "world" is trying to make "cookie cutters" out of God's creation, including my very own children! Thank you Samantha for showing me this. Take a look! http://www.campaignforrealbeauty.com/home.asp

“Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who
fears the LORD is to be praised.” -Proverbs 31:30

Videos That Make Me Laugh

Okay, this may seem strange...but when I need a good laugh, I go visit youtube.com.
I don't spend endless time there; just visit a few of the same video clips over and over again. I've put a few at the bottom of my blog. If you decide to watch them, make sure you stop my music first.

The first one, "Evolution of Dance" is a crack up! I always laugh when watching this 6 minute bundle of fun! I can see it over and over again.

The second may seem really strange to many. You can tell I'm a teen of the 80's and WAS a huge Michael Jackson fan before he got all strange (notice the word WAS).It's 1,500+ male inmates in a prison in the Philippines doing the same rendition of Thriller as the video in the 80's. Even the "girl" in pink is a man! They've done others...but this is the best. And sadly I can say that way back when, I knew every dance step to this video/song. Wow, I can't believe I revealed that. Anyway, check it out...Shannon, this one's for YOU! (Any chance Sherriff Joe would do this here?)

And finally, Man Cold is for those girl friends that tend to get annoyed when our darling, sweet husbands are sick...this one is for you. Jon doesn't "get it" but I'm not sure if any guy would!

6 Random Things About Jon (that you may have never known)

#1 Binge eating late at night (before bed) is a regular occurrence.

#2 I'm a coffee snob...Folgers, YUCK! In fact, I grind my coffee beans fresh before every delicious pot.

#3 Frequently I am caught by my wife and kids making faces in the mirror at myself. Do I get embarrassed and stop, NO WAY!

#4 As a child all the way through eighth grade, I used to be incredibly shy. I'm serious!

#5 I tend to procrastinate on things.

#6 I'll get back to you on this one (get it?).

Now I am tagging Aaron Bower and Jerry Berger. It's your turn guys to post your 6 random things about you. Go for it!

Nathan is Growing Up!

Yesterday I registered my sweet boy, Nathan, for kindergarten. I can't believe it! Where is the time going? As we walked hand in hand into Edu-Prize's doors my eyes filled with tears but with his warm smile and total enthuiasm for the upcoming school experience, my emotions quickly changed. Nathan proudly signed his "student agreement" and boldly took it over to the Registrar patiently waiting. The only upcoming concern he had..."Where are the kindergarten bathrooms?" :)
Wow...in 5 months, I'll be walking him into those same doors but having to "leave him behind" (now that's the days the tears won't be able to be stopped). Nathan is growing up!